Florida Looks At Texas Prisons For Advice
January 25, 2011
Florida lawmakers turned to Texas on Monday for ideas on how to keep prisoners locked up at a time when the state faces a $3.6 billion budget deficit and cuts, including in the public safety budget, appear likely.
The scenario portrayed by the corrections officers’ union when then-candidate Rick Scott started talking about slashing $1 billion from the prisons budget doesn’t appear likely. The ad by the Florida Police Benevolent Association called Scott’s plans “law enforcement’s worst nightmare, and featured one released prisoner saying, “Let’s Get to Work.”
It’s not just the governor’s office that says that’s just not likely to play out.
“Politically, you’re not going to open the door and let them out,” Texas state Rep. Jerry Madden, R-Plano, told a panel of lawmakers who help write the Senate criminal justice budget and consider new measures related to law and order.
Senate Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Greg Evers held the first of several scheduled meetings to take ideas on how the justice system could be reformed to reduce costs.
Their first guest, though was not a public safety official from the Sunshine State, but Madden, the chair of the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Corrections who received national recognition for his work in reducing prison costs.
“You could do things that were smart and, by the way, didn’t cost as much,” Madden said.
Cutting down on the number of repeat offenders taking up beds is one obvious answer, he said. During his two hour presentation to lawmakers, Madden pressed the importance of spending money on treatment programs for inmates who, if treated for addiction, could be reintroduced to society and have safe, productive futures. The money was better spent on these people who could be rehabilitated, whom he referred to as “swingers,” because they could go either way, instead of inmates who are incredibly violent.
“Spend your money on the swingers,” Madden said.
Fasano has already told members of his committee to expect a difficult session that will likely involve some cuts to the criminal justice system.
Scott has given some hints, saying that waste and efficiency are big targets, for example.
The Senate also already has a bit of a plan that involves expanded use of drug courts, faith-based prison units and electronic monitoring of prisoners kept in the commuity, all suggested as possibilities in a recent study by legislative analysts. Other possibilities that have been mentioned include lessening drug penalties, and trying to divert more would-be prisoners to mental health treatment.
The problem, some lawmakers said, is that the state needs the savings now, not a few years down the road. The state’s justice system has taken a hit over the past several years, particularly in the court system.
Dockets are overcrowded and cases that once took one to three months, now take more like six to nine months.
In some criminal cases, public attorneys are handling more than the suggested caseload by American Bar Association, drawing questions about the adequacy of representation.
Evers said he thought Madden’s presentation gave lawmakers a great place to start the discussion on reform, but wouldn’t speculate on the efficacy of any one particular plan going forward, simply saying that the Senate would look at a “lot of these” and that it should not be seen as backing away from punishing criminals.
“I don’t that we’re actually going in a different direction,” he said. “I just think that our pocketbook can’t afford just locking everybody up.”
Future committee meetings will include presentations from the Department of Corrections and vendors for private prisons. His committee will also tour a prison, he said.
Pictured: A guard tower rises above Century Correctional Institution. Pictured bottom inset: Razor wire lines a fence at Century Correctional Institute. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Story By Kathleen Haughney
The News Service Florida
New Molino Dental Clinic Opens
January 25, 2011
A new dental clinic is now open in Molino offering services five days a week.
Pro Med Healthcare Services opened the clinic at the Escambia County Health Department’s Molino location. The clinic serves both pediatric and adult patients who are Florida Medicaid-eligible.
New patients are now being accepted and may make an appointment by calling (850) 587-2544. The clinic is located at 3470 Highway 29.
Hours of operation for the clinic are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 25, 2011
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 25 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2011.
Today we introduce you to the first few contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Caitlyn Brianne Brown
Caitlyn is the 18-year old daughter of Ronnie and Angela Brown. As a freshman, she was a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for three years and currently serves as the editor. She has also been a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of the Interact club for one year, and a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where she has served as vice president both years. Caitlyn was selected as the sophomore class parliamentarian and the junior class secretary. She was voted “Best Dressed” by the senior class and was also first runner up to Miss NHS 2010. Since her freshman year, Caitlyn has been a lifeguard for the Atmore City Pool and has also taught swimming lessons. During her years with the Tribal Beat band, she has attended numerous majorette camps and competitions.
Her hobbies include twirling, reading, cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and having “girl days” with her mom.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to obtain a degree in telecommunications and become a sportscaster. While she is in attendance there, Caitlyn plans on becoming a “Crimsonette.”
Miss Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 16-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for two years and was selected as a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the softball team for three years, the golf team for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Interact club for one year. She was voted sophomore class president and was chosen to represent her peers on the homecoming court her freshman and sophomore years. Lauren was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four-way test essay contest. Lauren received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award and was one of the top ten contestants in Miss NHS 2010. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist church, where she participates in the youth group. She is also a member of Team David, which is a youth leadership group within her church. She volunteers her time with the Century Relay for Life team and also teaches cheerleading skills to young girls.
Her hobbies include dancing, playing flag football, taking pictures, watching sports, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a Florida Junior College with a Bright Futures Scholarship and then transfer to Auburn University. She hopes to pursue a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 17-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. Last year, Charleigh was a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, a member of the Art club for one year, and a member of the Interact club for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court. In the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. She was also one of the top ten contestants in the 2010 Miss NHS pageant. In her community, Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. This year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore, Alabama.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, playing softball and golf, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and pursue a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Hayley Renee Simpson
Hayley is the 18-year old daughter of Toney and Renee Simpson. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and was selected as co-captain her junior year. This year, Hayley serves as captain. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years, a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where as a junior, she served as historian, and a member of the varsity softball team for four years. Hayley has been selected the past two years to represent her peers on the homecoming court. She was voted junior and senior class parliamentarian and is a member of First City gymnastics. Hayley is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist church and participates in the youth group and choir. She has volunteered her time with Relay for Life for the past three years.
Her hobbies include reading, singing, cooking, listening to music, and twirling the baton.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University. While pursuing her degree to become an anesthesiologist, she hopes to be a “Tigerette.”
Miss Dimond Brooke Tullis
Brooke is the 17-year old daughter of Bodie and Emily Tullis. As a freshman, Brooke was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court and was on the junior varsity cheerleading team, where she served as co-captain of the squad. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Best All Around Award. She was also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. Brooke has been the treasurer of her class for four years and has also been a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for four years. She was also a member of the Drug Awareness Team and held the office of secretary. This year, Brooke was selected by her classmates to represent them on the homecoming court and was crowned 2010 Homecoming Queen. She was also voted “Cutest” by the Senior Class. She is a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and was 1st runner up in the 2008-2009 Poarch Creek Junior Princess contest. Brooke attends Bratt First Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group. She works as a waitress at Wrangler’s Steak House.
Her hobbies include beading, gymnastics, swimming, cheering, babysitting, and spending time with friends and family.
Her future plans are to attend Faulkner State College for two years and then transfer to the University of Alabama.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 16-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. As a freshman, she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team and was also a member of the NHS competition team that placed eighth in the nation. This year, she is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, the weightlifting team, and the golf team. Ariel has been a member of the track team for two years and a member of the softball team for two years. Last year, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court and was voted freshman class maid. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, swimming, playing softball, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Troy University where she hopes to cheer, while pursuing a degree to become a pediatric nurse.
Miss Tabitha Renea Steege
Tabitha is the 18-year old daughter of Gerald and Sudie Steege. She has been a member of the Tribal Beat marching band for four years, where she acts as section leader. She has been on the Northview Television production staff for one year, a member of the softball team for one year, the Interact club for one year, and a member of the Science club for one year. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore, where she participates in the C.H.A.O.S. youth group choir, the drama team, and A.W.A.N.A. Tabitha has also volunteered her time with Bible School.
Her hobbies include playing the piano and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and become a dental hygienist. She also hopes to one day start a family.
Miss Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 15-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for two years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice-president of the freshman class. Ashley has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She was also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. This year she is on the varsity cheerleading team and was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court, where she was chosen sophomore class maid. She has been a member of the track team for one year, the Science club for one year, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for one year. In her community, she is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H club.
Her hobbies include cheering, swimming, tennis, showing steers, and taking family vacations.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree to become a dentist.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Andrew Jackson’ To Appear In Barrineau Park
January 25, 2011
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States and the military governor of pre-admission Florida, will make a special appearance at the Barrineau Park Community Center on Wednesday.
Jackson will be portrayed by Stan Schneider, who has presented a variety of historic figures in period costume. Schneider has entertained a variety of audiences in the past with his portrayals of a Civil War soldier, World War II soldier and other historic figures. The focus of the presentations is centered on how the local area was affected by the actions of these individuals.
Andrew Jackson, as portrayed by Stan Schneider, will appear at the Barrineau Park Community Center on Wednesday, January 26 at 11 a.m. The free event is sponsored by the Barrineau Park Historical Society. For more information, call (850) 587-5389.
Pictured above: Previous appearances by Stan Schneider as a Civil War soldier (left) and a World War II soldier (right). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
January 25, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School Students of the Month for January have been named. They are Jacob Weaver, Gavin Grant and Cara Thompson.
Pictured: EWMS Students of the Month for January are Jacob Weaver (left), Gavin Grant and Cara Thompson. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Arrested In Maryland For Local Homicide
January 24, 2011
An Escambia County man has been arrested in Prince Georges County, Maryland, on an arrest warrant in connection with a homicide that occurred on December 14 of last year in Escambia County.
Cameron Tyler Cherry, 18, was arrested for homicide in connection with the the death of Robert Witherspoon, 24, of Pensacola.
Residents reported gunfire at the intersection of Mary Lane and Paula Avenue around 4:42 p.m. on December 14. When deputies arrived, they found Witherspoon had been shot while sitting in a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. Medics pronounced the him dead at the scene.
Cherry was arrested Friday night in Prince George’s County.
““He has waived extradition and we should have him in our jail before the end of the week, said Escambia County Sheriff’s spokesperson, Deputy Chris Welborn.
Although Cherry is in custody, the investigation into Witherspoon’s death is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office is not releasing any other information concerning the case at this time.
Pictured: Murder suspect Cameron Tyler Cherry.
Argument Over ‘Beer Pong’ Leads To Shooting Near Tate High
January 24, 2011
Deputies are investigating a weekend shooting near Tate High School that began with a game of beer pong.
The victim, identified as Brian Keith Cantwell, 20, of Cantonment, was at a residence in the 1300 block of Tate Road when an argument with the suspect led to the shooting around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
During the argument, the suspect, 21-year-old Zachary Steven Wilson, of Pensacola, displayed a handgun and shot Cantwell in the face, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to West Florida Hospital with non-life threatening injuries where he was treated and released.
“They were at a house party betting on a game of beer pong when the argument broke out”, said Sheriff’s spokesperson Chris Welborn.
Deputies were unable to locate Wilson but have applied for an arrest warrant for aggravated battery, Welborn said.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Wilson is asked to call the Sheriff’s office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Prison Time For McDavid Man For Sexual Battery Of Runaway, 14
January 24, 2011
A 19-year old McDavid man has been convicted of sexual battery of a 14-year old girl.
Nathan Arron Mack, of Railroad Street, McDavid, was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 18 months probation. Once released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender, be forbidden to have unsupervised contact with any minor and enter a sex offender counseling program.
In July, 2010, the victim’s stepfather told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that the 14-year old, who had been reported as a runaway, was at Mack’s residence on Railroad Street. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found Mack and the teen girl.
According to the Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Mack admitted to having sexual relations multiple times with the 14-year old. He admitted that he had picked up the Pensacola girl at the Winn Dixie on Nine Mile Road because he knew the victim’s mother would not allow the two to be together. The young girl corroborated Mack’s story, according to the report.
According to Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court records, the court found that the 14-year old was a willing participant in the incidents.
When deputies contacted the victim’s mother in July, she advised that she wanted to pursue criminal charges against Mack. The mother stated that she had retrieved her daughter from Mack at the McDavid Mini Mart the week prior and had forbidden him from having any contact with her daughter.
Ask Us: How Do You Anonymously Report A Crime To The Escambia Sheriff’s Office?
January 24, 2011
How do you anonymously report a suspected crime to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office? That’s a question a NorthEscambia.com reader asked us recently.
We posed the question to Melissa Aiken Rawson, public affairs coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office. The complete question and her answer are below.
Do you have a question you would like NorthEscambia.com to answer? Email it news@northescambia.com
Q. I support Sheriff Morgan’s initiative to improve community based intel of criminal activity, however, there seems to be no mechanism to report (or perhaps it’s well hidden) the presence of drug activity, or even the presence of a crack house or meth lab without filing a criminal complaint and then identifying yourself to the criminals for future retribution. I am puzzled by the lack of a simple avenue to report possible crimes within our own community. Am I missing something here? I’ve looked at the ESCO website and there seems no way to work this issue out there.
A. I will work on making something more prominent, but we receive numerous complaints daily through our website’s contact us page reporting the presence of criminal activity. Although it asks for an email address, the form submits without one (however if you do not include one- you will not receive an email back stating we received your complaint)
People who want to provide tips about criminal activity can always call Crimestoppers to report such crimes and remain anonymous. Last night was the first night of the Desk to Road program here at the Sheriff’s Office and groups of officers were out following up on Crimestoppers tips and serving warrants, so I can assure you that these tips are taken very seriously and are utilized. Another way that people can report crimes is by contacting dispatch at 850-436-9620. If the caller wants to remain anonymous, they can request so and the dispatcher will omit a complainant’s name and inform the officer that the caller wanted “no contact”. This prevents the officers from coming to your house and identifying you as the person who called in the complaint.
What the public doesn’t realize is that we can’t simply do a search warrant and make arrests based on anonymous complaints. In the case of Narcotics Operations, these cases could take months of surveillance and undercover operations to bring about enough for a search warrant or arrest warrant. We want the community to get involved and report these types of crimes, but they also need to understand that these complaints are not just getting filed away and it could take months before any results are seen.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Melissa Aiken Rawson
Public Affairs Coordinator
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
100% Chance Of Rain Overnight And Tuesday
January 24, 2011
There is a 100 percent chance of rain overnight and Tuesday along the Gulf Coast.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Rain. Low around 42. East wind between 5 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Tuesday: Rain. High near 58. North wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind around 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58. West wind around 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52.