1/1/09

Optimist-Outlook
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones - December 23rd, 2008
"New Sheriff Has Criminals On The Run!"

Last week, Tommy Grainger, Club Programs Director, asked Lou Roberts, the new Sheriff of Jackson County, to speak before the members of Marianna’s Optimist club about his transition from Chief of Police to his new Sheriff’s position.
Taking the podium, Roberts immediately expressed his appreciation for the confidence the voters placed in his many years as a senior law enforcement officer. Also, he was extremely pleased to have inherited such a fine staff of very capable professional law enforcement officers, and support personnel. The most rewarding, however, is the continued, strong support by the citizens and civic clubs, and others. For example, Roberts pointed out that the others are the various police departments and sheriff departments in and around Jackson County.
Using a recent case to make his point, he touched on the subject of the recent armed robbery and stabbing death of local victim, Windell Peterson. In this case that began on December 8th; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) was able to quickly apprehend five suspects connected with the robbery and murder. Roberts claimed evidence left at the scene identified that at least two suspects where involved in the robbery and stabbing incident. However, with the cooperation and assistance from other local and out-of-state agencies who worked around the clock in the case, three other suspects were identified, enabling the JCSO to quickly apprehend all five individuals believed to be responsible.
Other agencies involved included the Marianna Police Department, Cottondale Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission canine unit, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Apalachee and Jackson Correctional Institutions’ K-9 teams, the 14th Judicial State Attorney’s Office, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama. Also, public tips provided significant help in the case.
Sheriff Roberts admitted that it would be an impossible task for him to run the entire office by himself, and feels extremely fortunate to have Major Donnie Branch as his assistant. He, also, expressed how delighted he was that all personnel on staff during Sheriff McDaniels’ regime remained onboard, with one exception, and that was Captain Cloud who retired. Sheriff Roberts concluded with the following statement, "With our staff of highly trained and motivated officers and support personnel, we have the criminals on the run."

Optimist-Outlook-12/25/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones - December 16th, 2008
"Sometimes it’s Not Just Semantics!"

A distinct pleasure and major highlight of the evening at Marianna Optimist Club’s Annual Christmas Party, recently held at the Wesley Center, Marianna’s First United Methodist Church, was when the club president made the presentation of a commission check to the City Manager, Jim Dean, and City Parks and Recreation Department Director, Clay Wells, for proceeds earned thru the sale of concessions at Optimist Park.
The check, not only helps defray a small amount of the expenses necessary to operate the park, it represents the high degree of cooperation between the City Officials, including the City Mayor, City and County Commissioners, as well as, the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and all Marianna Civic Clubs. It is this spirit of cooperation and concerted effort on behalf of the City and County Officials coupled with the Marianna Optimist Club’s vision for a first class recreational facility for the enjoyment of the local youth and residents that has made the Marianna Optimist Park the reality it is today.
The MERE Project, as it was called, prior to its completion in April of 1987, was dedicated to the youth of Jackson County by the then Governor of Florida, Robert "Bob" Martinez and was renamed "Optimist Park". Since that date many young athletes have passed thru the gates of this exceptional sporting facility with its well appointed ball fields, on their way to adulthood. Today, many of those young athletes are themselves parents who bring their children to Optimist Park to enjoy. It’s hoped that this trend will continue far into the future. Our club is proud the park carries our name.

Optimist-Outlook: 12/18/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones December 9th, 2008
"He Only Wants Good Things To Happen!"
Speaking before members of the Marianna Optimist Club, Mr. Lee Miller, Jackson County’s newly elected Schools Superintendent, stated that he appreciated the confidence expressed by his election. He said, "I only want good things to happen in our schools, and I believe in my staff at the School Board, as well as the district superintendents and their staffs of highly motivated and capable personnel." He has every confidence that every school in the county will become class "A" schools within the state.
There exists a few challenges for the County Schools System, but has confidence in the high caliber of teachers, students, and parents who are more than able to meet those challenges. He wants to forge the educational community into a well oiled machine, able to produce the best schools, and students in the state, and the entire United States.
His initial step in that direction will be to improve communication between his office and the district offices, as well as, throughout the entire school system. He plans to have monthly district meetings, and visit each school on a regular basis. He is here to give his full support in the areas that require his attention, and work just as hard as the rest of the team to meet the challenges that face this county’s educational needs in today’s economy, as well as, in the foreseeable future.
Not only is Mr. Miller fired-up to meet the challenges at hand, he has the experience necessary to lead the team in a positive direction. He will not be satisfied with anything less than everyone’s best effort. However, he doesn’t expect anyone to work any harder than himself. If that spirit prevails, Jackson County will become the best in the state.
Mr. Miller knows what the job entails; he has been there, done that. Immediately upon graduation from Florida State in 1975, he became a high school level Math teacher. Then was appointed to Deputy District Superintendant, and on to Assistant Principal. Prior to election, he served as Principal of Golson Elementary where 950 very active Kindergarten students, thru the second grade, became acclimated to the public school system. However, running for public office has, more than anything, put things into proper focus for him. He understands the importance the roll of educator has in the lives of students and their hopes for the future. The public has placed their trust in his hands, and the educators who will fulfill that dream of a better future for our children.

Optimist Outlook- Dec. 11, 2008

"Do You Have $200? Do You Have A Job?"
By Don Jones
If so, you may be qualified to own a brand new 1200 square foot, 2 bath, and brick veneer home. This may sound like a TV Commercial for a used car, but it’s true. If you earn less than the median income standards for your family size, and have need for a home due to current substandard living conditions, you may qualify for a brand new, Jackson County Habitat For Humanity (JCHFH), 1200 square foot, brick home for only $200 dollars down, and $200 dollars per month plus tax, and insurance, with a 0% interest, twenty year mortgage.
As a matter of fact, there is an empty, one-year old, 1200 square foot brick home in Green Wood, Florida, just waiting for someone who meets the above standards. You could be that family that meets the above standards, and be able to immediately move into the home that is just setting there empty.
All you have to do is submit your application to Jackson County’s Habitat for Humanities, put in five-hundred hours of sweat equity, meet the maximum earning standards, have the $200 dollars for the first month, plus tax and insurance, and be able to show that you are a good financial risk. If accepted, you’ll live in the house of your family’s dreams, and have the opportunity to own your own home. Also, because the home’s purchase price is only around $66,000 dollars, far below market value, you will inherit close to $30,000 dollars in equity upon acceptance.
Historically, JCHFH began its work in Jackson County in the year 1989. To date, after twenty years, they have built forty-two homes for deserving families throughout the area. Their total equity in homes is now over one million dollars, as the prescribed twenty-year, home mortgages have begun to mature.
Leslie Fuqua assumed the responsibilities as Executive Director of JCHFH in April of this year, replacing the previous Executive Director, Ralph Harrison, who remains with the program and continues to provide his valuable time and experience. Also, David Melvin, of Melvin Engineering, serves as President of the Board. According to David Melvin, the organization is always in need of both skilled and knowledgeable workers and supervisors. So, please, if you are a skilled, or a qualified home builder, or contractor, and would like to volunteer some of your time, you are needed. Also, anyone in need of a home and meet the above requirements, contact Leslie Fuqua, Executive Director, P.O. Box 6114, Marianna, Florida 32447, or phone 850 482 2187.

Optimist Outlook- Dec. 4, 2008

As many know, both Judge Woody Hatcher, and son, Chuck Hatcher, have dedicated their lives to serve the citizens in Jackson County. Woody Hatcher has served a distinguished career as a Jackson County Judge, and is currently the longest sitting judge in the State of Florida.
Also, doing a fantastic job for the Citizens of Jackson County is Judge Hatcher’s son, Chuck Hatcher. Serving as Jackson County’s Director of Parks, and Reclamation Program, for the past two years, Chuck may not yet be as famous as his father, Woody Hatcher, but he and his staff of hard workers have already made a big improvement in the county’s parks and recreation areas.
With significant improvements in the facility and operations of the Blue Springs Recreational Area, Citizens Lodge Park, and numerous other county park facilities within Jackson County, Chuck Hatcher’s reputation for getting things accomplished is spreading.
When asked how he managed to get so much accomplished in such a short period of time, Chuck said, "Before accepting the position as Director of County Parks and Reclamation Program, I warned the County Commissioners that I had just one strong character asset, and just one deficit; they are both the same, I like to get things done!"
It is obvious that the County Commissioners didn’t consider this character flaw to be a disqualifying factor. Since taking on the responsibilities for County Parks and Reclamation Program, Chuck Hatcher’s name is quickly becoming a household name in regards to the significant progress being made at all major recreational sites throughout Jackson County.
During his presentation to the Marianna Optimist Club, Chuck presented an overview of what has been accomplished as well as work in process and items which are in the planning stages.

Optimist-Outlook 11/20/08

By Don Jones
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
"Bottled Spring Water, It Was Only A Matter of Time"

TJ East is the Plant Manager of the newly opened Spring Water Bottling Plant, located in the previously vacated, Russell’s Warehouse, and Distribution Center Building, at Marianna’s Airport Industrial Park, as seen below. He and his family hail from a small community of less than five hundred residence known as Earlington, Kentucky. TJ and his Wife now reside in Marianna and have two boys aged seventeen and twenty-two.
As many know, ecology is a very important consideration when it comes to conserving the areas resources. The owners, Mr. Jamie and Sandy Godd who are farmers from a small town near Toronto, Canada and, therefore, also understand the importance of conservation. They are sole owners of the Marianna plant, as well as four water bottling plants in Canada, and two other plants in the United States. As sole owners, the company is not controlled by shareholders, who normally just look for a big return on their investment, not ecology. Additionally, another little known fact is that it takes 8 Gallons of water to produce just one can of Coke a Cola but only takes an equal parts of spring water to make an equal amount of bottled spring water. Keep in mind that spring water is Mother Nature’s original thirst quencher, not Coke.
With assistance from Melvin Engineering, the owners are working closely with the County Board of Commissioners, and State Environmental Protection Agency, to create safety, and conservation guidelines to follow; there are none at this time. They also would like to pay a fee to Jackson County, rather than pay a private property owner, as they are doing in Bay County, now. Currently, the Ice River Springs, bottling plant has twelve employees, however, when fully staffed; they will employ approximately 100 employees. The average wages for these employees is estimated at $32,000.00 per year.

Optimist-Outlook- 11/13/08

"It’s Really Going To Happen, A New Health Building!"
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones

Over the past four, to five years, William Long, Director of Jackson County’s Public Health Department, has worked tirelessly with Florida State Representative Dist. 7, Marti Coley, and other legislative members who serve on the States’ Economical Development Committee to procure funding for adequate Health Service Department Facilities for Jackson County.
According to Director Long, the need for a new facility has been well established and documented. Also, several times during the past few years, State funds were approved for construction of Jackson County’s new Health Department Facility. Each time, however, the funds were withdrawn for one reason, or another. Also, again, this year, with Representative Coley’s assistance, House Bill 501 passed, awarding Jackson County’s Health Department the necessary $10,792,300 required to construct the approved, 40,000 SF Health Department Building.
Confirming long heard rumors, Director Long, admitted that the approximate twelve acres of property, of which the current, storm battered, Sikes Building rests on, is the designated site for the new facility. By using the property previously occupied by the Sykes building, the Health Department will inherit approximately 1.5 million dollars worth of property improvements already incorporated in the landscaping, such as the paved, four hundred-ten car parking lot, and required EPA storm water retention ponds.
Construction of the newly approved Public Health Dept Building will begin January 1, 2009, and the remains of the old Sykes building will be removed by Building Contractor, Peter Brown and Associates prior to that date. Additionally, Carlos and Walls, out of Pensacola, will serve as the leading architectural firm for the project.
Currently, as most residents know, the County Health Department Services are scattered all over the place. For example, Dental Service is located on Fourth Street, while other health service providers are in separate and inadequate buildings located elsewhere. Director, Long, exclaimed that, "It will be like being set free, when we move out of our current facility into the new one." "Every time it rains, we have to cover-up our computers with plastic trash bags because of the number of leaks in the roof."
The 40,000 SF structure is of a, "Central Spine," type construction, as Director Long calls it. That means that all service providers are located off the central hallway, making it much easier to access their services. Although, Jackson County Health Department currently employs over ninety health care providers, and other support personnel, it is anticipated that this figure will grow as the new facility allows. Construction of the new facility is estimated to take six months to complete.

Optimist-Outlook-10/30/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones
"The Success of our mission can be seen in the success of our community’s youth, and in the faces of those who care." Although Marianna Optimist Club traces its existence back to the spring of 1966, optimism has been around since that first day our ancestors witnessed a neighbor in need of help, and then did something positive to help that neighbor. Among the most significant needs in any community is helping youth achieve happy, healthy, and well adjusted lives, and a successful future within that community.
Generally speakinging, Optimists are not to be motivated by any potential reward for their selfless acts of kindness. However, there is tremendous satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment when the fruits of one’s labor produce success and happiness in the life of another. That feeling is never greater than to see that happiness, or that success fulfilled in the lives of the community’s youth. This feeling was never felt stronger that it was by the Optimist at last week’s breakfast meeting when Krista Tuta, (photo) came before the Optimist members and thanked them for the Optimist Jr. Junior Golf Program and the part it played in her successful bid for the recent, Marianna High School, Girls Golf Team’s Regional Golf Competition. Without the Marianna Optimist Club’s Jr. Golf Program facilitated by Dr. Plinio Tuta, her father, and members such as Don Jones, Dr. Tarek Gad, each Wednesday at Indian Springs Golf Course, it would not have been possible for her to win a place for her team at the regional Girl’s High School play-offs.
Also, similarly, letters of gratitude for the Optimist Youth Sports Programs were opened and read from Leven Berry, and his grandfather, Johnny Howard, as well as, Janie Barnes, on behalf of her son, Samuel Barnes. Mrs. Barnes was particularly grateful for Dr. Tuta’s extra effort to provide golf clubs for her son, Samuel, who is left handed. She, also, pointed out that her son, Samuel, has been without a father figure in his life since his father passed away shortly after their family moved to Marianna in 1999, making the time her son spent with Dr. Tuta at the golf course very special. Following this, new member, Bishop Jordan J. Williams was welcomed into the club, and pinned by his sponsor, Bob Pforte. Prior to closing, Tommy Grainger gave a very interesting presentation on, "The History of The American Automobile."

Optimist-Outlook 10/24/08

By Don Jones
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
"New Broom Sweeps Clean," as Marianna’s New Main Street Redevelopment Director, Ms. Charlotte Brunner Takes the Reins.
Although Ms. Brunner only recenAtly assumed the Directorship of one of the City’s most important Advisory Boards, Main Street, she is no stranger to the many needs and short comings of Marianna, one of the South’s most charming and historic; although, yet unpolished jewels. Brunner has been a member of that board for the past ten years, and has seen many improvements and restoration of the city’s charming buildings and historical downtown area during that time. Although, ten years may seem like a long period of time for the few tangible rewards realized within the past ten years, one must think back, as few as, ten years ago to recall the path of destruction the city found herself. Much of the city’s historical buildings were in deteriorated, and in some cases even dilapidated and unsightly condition. The city was headed for the same fate of many charming and historical cities of the south; it was headed for the wrecker’s ball, and modernization. Many of the historical buildings were becoming low rent harbingers of Tattoo Parlors, and Pawn Shops. Fortunately, the city woke-up before it was too late and fought back against the trend of self destruction by forming the Main Street Reconstruction Board, and appointing someone with vision to direct that reconstruction that has been so important to the city’s survival with her charm and history in tact.
Ms. Brunner is very motivated and has the experience and training to pick-up the gauntlet from her predecessor, and charge ahead to victory in the fight against the city’s enemy. That enemy is time, and lack of concern by her citizens. It will take everyone’s effort to accomplish complete restoration of Marianna’s historic buildings, and homes, while bringing the city up to meet the standards of a modern, and vibrant city of the future. Currently, there are a few major projects under construction, such as, the recently, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, (FRDAP) funded Performing Arts Park going in on Madison Street and Lafayette.
There are many projects that should be put to paper, and additional grants written to provide the necessary funding in order to bring them to reality. That means that Ms. Brunner needs volunteers to put the plans on paper, and volunteers to write the grants, and volunteers to make recommendations to the board, and volunteers to work on the board. As motivated and experienced as Ms. Brunner is, she cannot do it alone. Won’t you help?

Optimist-Outlook 10/9/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones
Below, Center, guest speaker, Officer Morris, Florida Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Officer, spoke before a larger than usual assembly of Optimist Members at last Tuesday’s Breakfast Meeting. Officer Morris thought it important to update members of the Optimist Club concerning major regulation and rule changes for this season which are listed here:
· Attention Florida and Georgia seniors (65 or older): Since 1988, Florida and Georgia have had a reciprocal agreement that honors exemptions for hunting license fees when seniors from one state hunt in the other state. Effective July 1, 2008, this reciprocal agreement will be discontinued, and you will be required to purchase a nonresident hunting license when Florida residents hunt in Georgia or when Georgia residents hunt in Florida. Visit MyFWC.com for further information on this issue. · The Spring Turkey Season in Holmes County has been extended from three to 16 days with the hunting season running from March 21 – April 5, 2009 (see page 19).
· Six new public hunting areas have been established in the Central Hunting Zone: Belmore WMA, Four Creeks WMA, Hatchet Creek WMA, Log Landing WMA and Thomas Creek WMA and Hilochee Osprey Unit WMA. See Wildlife Management Area summaries on pages 26-33 for hunting opportunities on these areas.
· Rules regarding use of permanent duck blinds are subject to change for the 2008-2009 hunting season. Duck hunters should check MyFWC.com for changes prior to the 2008-2009 duck hunting season. There are many other changes not listed here. Hunters are responsible for learning requirements and regulations pertaining to the types of hunting they pursue. If the individual has questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional office. The Northwest Regional Office is located at: 3911 Highway 2321Panama City, FL 32409-1658 (850) 265-3676 FLORIDA HUNTING SEASONS 2008-2009 Archery: Oct. 18 - Nov. 16, 2008; Deer-Dog Training: Oct. 25 - Nov. 13, 2008; Crossbow: Dec. 1-7, 2008; Muzzle loading gun: Nov. 21-23, 2008 Feb. 19 - March 1, 2009; General gun: Nov. 27-30, 2008 Dec. 13, 2008 - Feb. 18, 2009 Antlerless deer: Dec. 20-26, 2008; Fall turkey* Nov. 27-30, 2008 Dec. 13, 2008 - Jan. 18, 2009; Quail and gray squirrel: Nov. 8, 2008 - March 1, 2009 Bobcat & Otter Dec. 1, 2008 - March 1, 2009; Spring turkey** March 21 - April 26, 2009; Wild hog, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote, nutria, skunk and beaver may be taken year-round. * Except for Holmes County, where there is no fall harvest of turkeys allowed. ** Spring Turkey Season is limited to Mar. 21 – Apr. 5, 2009 in Holmes County. http://www.mariannaoptimistclub.org

Optimist-Outlook 9/25/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By: Don Jones
Below, Center, guest speaker, Officer Morris, Florida Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Officer, spoke before a larger than usual assembly of Optimist Members at last Tuesday’s Breakfast Meeting. Officer Morris thought it important to update members of the Optimist Club concerning major regulation and rule changes for this season which are listed here:
· Attention Florida and Georgia seniors (65 or older): Since 1988, Florida and Georgia have had a reciprocal agreement that honors exemptions for hunting license fees when seniors from one state hunt in the other state. Effective July 1, 2008, this reciprocal agreement will be discontinued, and you will be required to purchase a nonresident hunting license when Florida residents hunt in Georgia or when Georgia residents hunt in Florida.
Visit MyFWC.com for further information on this issue.
· The Spring Turkey Season in Holmes County has been extended from three to 16 days with the hunting season running from March 21 – April 5, 2009 (see page 19). · Six new public hunting areas have been established in the Central Hunting Zone: Belmore WMA, Four Creeks WMA, Hatchet Creek WMA, Log Landing WMA and Thomas Creek WMA and Hilochee Osprey Unit WMA. See Wildlife Management Area summaries on pages 26-33 for hunting opportunities on these areas.
· Rules regarding use of permanent duck blinds are subject to change for the 2008-2009 hunting season. Duck hunters should check MyFWC.com for changes prior to the 2008-2009 duck hunting season. There are many other changes not listed here. Hunters are responsible for learning requirements and regulations pertaining to the types of hunting they pursue. If the individual has questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional office. The Northwest Regional Office is located at: 3911 Highway 2321Panama City, FL 32409-1658 (850) 265-3676 FLORIDA HUNTING SEASONS 2008-2009 Archery: Oct. 18 - Nov. 16, 2008; Deer-Dog Training: Oct. 25 - Nov. 13, 2008; Crossbow: Dec. 1-7, 2008; Muzzle loading gun: Nov. 21-23, 2008 Feb. 19 - March 1, 2009; General gun: Nov. 27-30, 2008 Dec. 13, 2008 - Feb. 18, 2009 Antlerless deer: Dec. 20-26, 2008; Fall turkey* Nov. 27-30, 2008 Dec. 13, 2008 - Jan. 18, 2009; Quail and gray squirrel: Nov. 8, 2008 - March 1, 2009 Bobcat & Otter Dec. 1, 2008 - March 1, 2009; Spring turkey** March 21 - April 26, 2009; Wild hog, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote, nutria, skunk and beaver may be taken year-round. * Except for Holmes County, where there is no fall harvest of turkeys allowed. ** Spring Turkey Season is limited to Mar. 21 – Apr. 5, 2009 in Holmes County.

Optimist-Outlook 9/11/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, Marianna Optimist Club had as their program speaker, Mr. Bill Stanton, Managing Director, Jackson County Development Council. Mr. Stanton last spoke beforeA the Optimist in February 2008, at which time he mentioned the proposed, implementation of a Four Lane, Toll Road from Dothan to Highway 98 through Jackson County with a Connection to Interstate 10.
Briefly, Stanton also mentioned that a large employer was considering possibly locating in Florida with Jackson County as a potential site. Expanding on that proposition, he revealed today that this new potential employer will need approximately seventy acres of industrial property on which to construct their manufacturing plant and would employ approximately eleven-hundred highly paid workers in the production of Solar Panels.
Additionally, for undisclosed reasons, they required electrical energy in the range of 500 Million Megawatts, and wanted it available from two sources, simultaneously.
Fortunately, Jackson County has been busy doing its homework over the past ten years, and has the prerequisite site, as well as, the two sources for the large amount of required energy available. In addition to a large pool of highly intelligent and skilled workers, every large manufacturing concern must also have the means to get their products to market. Again, Jackson County has those resources at hand; the, Bay Line Rail System runs North and South, and the SXS Rail System runs East and West.
Also, Jackson County has a major Highway and an Interstate running thru it, Highway 231 runs North and South, and I-10 runs East and West, as well as, the Panama City Seaport is located only fifty miles to the south. Although, Stanton puts Jackson County’s chances at getting the contract for this large manufacturing company at a low one in ten, the county has five potential sites available, whereas, all others only have one. Mr. Stanton claims that the Tow Road issue will be a virtual, "Hot Potato," for Jackson County’s upcoming, new electorate after January 2009. However, it is one well worth everyone’s consideration for the future of commercial growth in the Tri-State area.
Although, Stanton brought with him several proposed routs for the very controversial thoroughfare, he wisely thought it best to perhaps defer any proposals for this item until after that January 2009 date. http://www.mariannaoptimistclub.org