Sink, Scott Battle Battle Over Ethics, Economy In Last Debate
October 26, 2010
Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott traded blistering shots Monday for an hour over each other’s ethics, the economy, taxes and immigration in the last of two statewide television debates in a governor’s race polls show remains a toss-up a week before Election Day.
Almost as soon as CNN host John King introduced the candidates, the pair opened fire – with Scott warning that Sink’s plans for public employees, education and other issues would force a $12.5 billion boost in state spending. Sink pushed back, denying Scott’s charge and saying her opponent could not be trusted to run state government.
The sniping proved personal – as well as political – and ranged across a battered landscape spanning each contender’s business background, their investments, the health of the state’s pension fund, and newspaper endorsements, which Sink pointed out she’s outdueled Scott,16-0.
“You’ve spent a lifetime reinventing the truth,” Sink told Scott.
Scott: “You don’t care about seniors. Is that the deal?”
Sink ridiculed Scott as “a corporate raider.” Scott re-echoed his accusation that Sink, the state’s chief financial officer, is a “failed fiscal watchdog.”
Along the way Sink and Scott also stumbled: With both getting a question about the state’s $7.25 hourly minimum wage wrong. Scott confidently said the rate was $7.55 per-hour, and Sink chimed in, “Yeah, he’s right.” But he was wrong.
While the debate at Tampa’s University of South Florida covered mostly familiar ground, the candidates divided sharply on prospects of bringing a Nebraska-style abortion law to Florida – with Scott saying he would back such legislation, which effectively bans most abortions over 20 weeks of pregnancy, with Sink opposed.
Scott also renewed his support for cracking down on illegal immigration, backing legislation similar to that in Arizona that would empower local law enforcement to enforce federal laws – a position Sink resists.
The poll-tracking website Real Clear Politics gives Scott an average 1.6 percent edge in surveys taken the past week – an advantage still within the margin-of-error in most polls. The same site shows President Obama drawing slightly higher disapproval ratings, compared to the percentage of Americans who approve of his job performance, providing Scott with a steady line of attack against Sink.
“My opponent is an Obama liberal,” Scott said, rejecting Sink’s claim that he would eliminate the state’s development oversight agency, the Department of Community Affairs. “She thinks people in Tallahassee should tell people exactly what they ought to do.”
But in distancing herself from Obama on the administration’s handling of the Gulf oil spill, federal spending policies and the health care overhaul, Sink said Scott was trying to cover up his lack of understanding of state government and – even Florida.
“He doesn’t know a thing about me. He also doesn’t know much about Florida,” Sink said of her opponent, a first-time candidate who moved to the state from Connecticut seven years ago. “He hasn’t been here long enough to know much about Florida. But what’s important is character and integrity.”
She also accused Scott of trying to reduce the race to “nine or 10 soundbites.”
The two candidates showed little warmth toward each other. Sink grew visibly tight-lipped at times during the freewheeling exchanges with Scott, while he rolled his eyes and sought to dismiss her attempts to distance herself from the state’s $2.5 billion budget shortfall, loss of 800,000 jobs over the past four years, and pension fund declines amid the recession.
At debate’s end, Sink also got reined-in by King, the host, when she tried to expand on the newspaper endorsements she’d received. “You can run a campaign ad about that,” King broke in. “We don’t have time.”
Sink, though, also tried to put her role as the state’s elected chief financial officer in perspective – pointing out that as a Democrat, she’s outgunned by ruling Republicans on most policy issues.
“Let me clarify who has been in charge in Tallahassee,” Sink said. “It’s been one party, Rick Scott’s party. It’s been Tallahassee insiders who are now supporting his campaign for governor. So, it’s been the governor and a Republican-controlled Legislature in charge.”
Scott, who has shunned editorial boards, touted his endorsements from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, saying the governor’s race is about which candidate can best create jobs.
Scott, a former health care executive whose net worth is $218 million, put another $3.6 million of his own money into his campaign last week – bringing his total investment to $60 million – by far the bulk of his spending. Sink has collected $15.4 million in donor cash and in-kind support from the Florida Democratic Party, and has $1.8 million cash left on-hand heading into the freewheeling campaign’s final week.
But Scott’s business background has also given Sink plenty of ammunition. Scott’s former company, hospital chain Columbia/HCA, paid a record $1.7 billion in fines and settlements to resolve Medicaid and Medicare fraud charges three years after he left the company.
He also invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 75 times during a deposition taken ten years ago involving the company, and has refused to make public a deposition he gave six days before entering the governor’s race in a lawsuit involving a health-clinic company he owns.
Under questioning from moderator King, Scott declined to shed any more light Monday.
“All this comes up because my opponent doesn’t have a plan, she’s never created a job in her life, never put up her own money, put her money at risk, ” Scott said. “To change the debate, she just attacks.”
The debate themes have already played out it an avalanche of television advertising likely only to accelerate in the campaign’s closing days. Scott will barnstorm the state by bus and jet beginning Tuesday in a drive carrying him through Election Day, while Sink plans a similar homestretch push.
Asked about any regrets, neither candidate probed deeply.
“I don’t think about the past so much,” Sink said.
Responded Scott, “I would’ve had more kids. I love my daughters,” said the candidate, who has two adult daughters.
By The News Service Florida
NWE Gets Wins Over Navarre
October 26, 2010
Two out of three Northwest Escambia teams were winners this past weekend in Navarre.
The NWE Mini-Mites shut out the Navarre Raiders 19-0; the Raiders downed NWE in Mite action 12-7; and NWE Midgets beat the Raiders 19-7.
NWE will end their regular season next Saturday on the road against Brent. The schedule for NWE and the Cantonment Cowboys at Brenet, is as follows:
- Mighty-Mites 8:00 Cantonment vs. Brent
- Mini-Mites 9:30 NW Escambia vs. Brent White
- Mini-Mites 11:00 Cantonment vs. Brent Blue
- Mites 12:30 NW Escambia vs. Brent White
- Mites 2:00 Cantonment vs. Brent Blue
- Midgets 3:30 NW Escambia vs. Brent White
- Midgets 5:00 Cantonment vs. Brent Blue
Updated Monday Night Forecast: Maybe Some More Rain
October 25, 2010
Here is your updated North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 76. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 46. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Fannie Kate Reed
October 25, 2010
Fannie Kate Reed, age 84, of Cantonment, FL, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2010.
She was born to Richard and Fannie Harrison on July 1, 1926 in Palmetto, GA and moved to Philadelphia, PA in 1940. A graduate of West Philadelphia High School and employee of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for 23 years, she relocated to Cantonment, FL in 1992 and joined Greater Mount Pleasant AME Church. In the late 1990s she moved membership to Bethel AME Church in Pensacola, FL.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Reed, and two sons, Richard and Herbert, Jr.
Survivors include one son, Eugene (Jacqueline) Reed of Cantonment, FL; three grandchildren, Antoinette Reed, Atlanta, GA, Eugene Reed, Jr., Oceanside, CA, Levette Humprey, Collingdale, PA; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruby Toliver, Washington, D.C., Margaret Holmes and Mary Harrison, Atlanta, GA; one brother, John (Birdie Kate) Harrison, Atlanta, GA.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 11:30 am at Bethel AME Church with Dr. Carlton Taylor, pastor of Allen Chapel AME, officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Public viewing will be from 12 pm to 9 pm at Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 26, 2010.
Special thanks to Dr. George Antonious, Dr. Fernandn Kafie, the staff at West Florida DA-VITA and the Joyce Goldenberg Covenant Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Ministry of Bethel AME Church.
Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
‘Karen’s Light’ Now Active On Hwy. 29
October 25, 2010
A new traffic signal was activated Tuesday at a Highway 29 intersection that claimed the life of a Molino woman, and for one Walnut Hill woman, it will be a bittersweet moment.
Karen R. Broxson, 23,of Molino died following a two vehicle accident at Highway 29 and 9 1/2 Mile Road in July of 2009. Since that time, two other people have been killed in accidents at the intersection, including Eloise Hall, 76, of Pensacola.
Broxson’s aunt, Felicia Amerson of Walnut Hill, went on a crusade for a traffic signal at the busy intersection to prevent more deaths.
“If there had been a light at that intersection, my niece would still be here with us,” Amerson said. “I hope having the light there will save another from going through what we have experienced.”
Amerson, along with friends and family members, worked to gather over 1,500 signatures on a petition that was presented to the Florida Department of Transportation. The FDOT conducted a study and determined that the traffic signal was needed.
“This light is Karen’s Light may it shine as bright as her beautiful smile,” Amerson said.
Broxson’s accident happened when a Toyota Rav 4 driven by Katherine L. Hosack, 50, of Cantonment pulled from a stop on 9 1/2 Mile Road into the path of her southbound Chevrolet Blazer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Boxson’s Blazer was spun around several times by the force of the impact and overturned in the southbound lanes. The FHP says Broxson was ejected in the crash; she was not wearing a seat belt. Broxson was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where she died a few hours later. Hosack was charged with failure to yield and fined $500.
Pictured top: This July 2009 accident claimed the life of Karen Broxson at the intersection of Highway 29 and 9 1/2 Mile Road (courtesy WEAR TV 3). Pictured insets: Karen Broxson and the sign erected in her honor at the intersection (submitted photos). Pictured below: The traffic light is installed at the intersection. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Move That Bus! Extreme Home Makeover Reveal
October 25, 2010
With superstar Mariah Carey, the Tate Showband of the South, a Christmas parade and thousands screaming “Move That Bus!”, Finis Gaston saw his new “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” home for the first time Sunday afternoon.
Crowds waited for hours as bands and cheerleaders and TV production crews practiced in front of the new 3,600 square foot house, which was completely decked out with Christmas decorations. The Extreme Makeover episode filmed Sunday in Pensacola will air as a Christmas special on December 12.
For more photos from the “Big Reveal”, click here.
Then the excitement erupted as a white van drove up to the home on Rainbow Avenue, and out stepped Mariah Carey — a pop legend with more number one songs to her name than Michael Jackson.
But the crowning moment was the one we’ve all seen played out on TV so many times — a limousine drove up behind the Extreme Makeover bus. On cue, the crowd yelled those famous words — “Move That Bus!”. And then Finis Gaston, along with the nieces and nephews in his care, stepped into their new home.
The design of what they saw — four bedrooms, three baths and a nursery — will remain a secret until the show airs in December.
For more photos from the “Big Reveal”, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Nearly 7,000 Escambia Early Votes Cast In Past Week
October 25, 2010
Early voting in Escambia County has been busy, with nearly 7,000 people casting their ballots in Escambia County.
During the four hours of early voting on Sunday, 634 people cast their ballots at the four Escambia County voting locations. A total of 6,916 ballots were cast during the first of two early voting weeks, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford. Sunday’s turnout was a bit heavier than Saturday when 588 votes were cast, but the busiest day so far was last Friday when 1,206 voted early.
There are four early voting locations in Escambia County:.
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place 2nd Floor
- Supervisor of Elections Annex, 292 Muscogee Road, Cantonment
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- West Florida Genealogy Library (former Tryon Branch Library), 5740 North 9th Avenue
Early voting will be offered Monday, October 25th through Saturday, October 30th from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Early voters will cast paper ballots through digital scanners, and may choose any one of the four sites.
There are two early voting locations for Santa Rosa County residents:
- Elections Office (behind McDonalds on U.S. 90, Milton), 6495 Caroline St., Suite F
- South Service Center (one block east of the zoo on U.S. 98), 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze.
Early voting in Santa Rosa County will held from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. through October 30.
Another option for voters is to cast an absentee ballot, which can be obtained by contacting the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections by mail, phone (850-595-3900), e-mail (absentee@escambiavotes.com), fax (850-595-3914), or by using the online form at EscambiaVotes.com. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and the address where the ballot should be mailed, and must be received no later than Wednesday, October 27. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 2. Absentee voters may now follow the status of their ballot by clicking “Track My Ballot” on EscambiaVotes.com.
To obtain an absentee ballot in Santa Rosa County, contact the supervisor of elections by mail, phone (850-983-1900), e-mail (bodenstein@santarosa.fl.gov), fax (850-983-1829), or by using the online form at www.santa rosa.fl.gov/elections.
No School Today In Escambia, Santa Rosa; Sports Will Go On
October 25, 2010
There’s no school today for students in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. However it is a teacher planning day, and there are two big Northview High School sporting events planned for this afternoon.
Teachers will spend their day in training and preparing grades for report cards.
The Northview Lady Chiefs will travel to Freeport for the district volleyball tournament, and the Northview JV football team will head up the road to Atmore to take on the Blue Devils of Escambia County at 6 p.m.
EA Lady Cougars Finish Season At No. 2 In State
October 25, 2010
The Lady Cougars of Escambia Academy finished second in the state Saturday in AISA Class A volleyball, while the Cougars’ JV team is celebrating a season that ended with 16 straight wins.
The Lady Cougars defeated Edgewood Academy in semi-finals. In the state finals, Clarke Prep defeated EA 25-19, 25-20, 26-28, 25-16 for the Class A crown at Montgomery’s Faulkner University.
In the recent regional tournament, the Cougars were seventh seed, but easily knocked off second seed Marengo Academy and third seed Lowndes Academy.
“To go in as the last seed and to come away being one of only four teams left in the state is an unbelievable feat and a great job by the entire squad,” Coach Chad Weaver said of his Lady Cougars, who had previously won just one regional game during the regular season. “The varsity ladies were beaten up all year by the teams in our region, and then they stepped up their play in the regional tournament.”
“It would have been so easy to throw in the towel after the disappointing season we had, but you overcame and became the team we all knew you could be,” Weaver said. He said the state championship series was an opportunity of a lifetime for seniors Amber Huskey, Taylor Helton, Samantha Lee and Tory Rodriegus, as well of the rest of the squad.
With Weaver as the head coach, the EA Lady Cougars are also led by Assistant Coach Tammy Garrett and are “assisted” by Ronnie Huskey.
The JV Escambia Academy volleyball team at Escambia County also had a very noteworthy season. After losing their first match, the JV team went on a 16-game winning streak to finish the season at 16-1.
Pictured top: The Escambia Academy Lady Cougars (front, L-R) Niki Bryan, Lacie Flowers, Shelley Mothershed, Shyla Godwin, Maud Meacham, Brooke McGhee, (back, L-R) Coach Chad Weaver, Breann Rolin, Raven Weaver, Samantha Lee, Peyton Snider, Amber Huskey, Taylor Helton, Allie Brooks, Tori Rodriguez and Coach Tammy Garrett. Pictured inset: Tori Rodriguez and Amber Huskey. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
District 5’s White To Be Named Commission Chair
October 25, 2010
The next chairman of the Escambia County Commission will be Kevin White.
White, the District 5 commissioner that represents North Escambia, will be installed as the new commission chair at the final BOCC meeting in November. White currently serves as vice chairman of the commission.
When White moves up to commission chairman, District 1 Commissioner Wilson Robertson will become the new vice chairman of the Escambia County Commission.
Every November, any newly elected commissioners are installed and a board reorganization takes place.