Teen Sexting Bill Passes Senate Committee
April 5, 2011
A bill easing the penalties for “sexting” unanimously passed the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Monday, leaving it with just one stop to go.
The bill (SB 888) aims to create softer penalties for minors caught sexting — sending sexually explicit messages or photographs electronically.
Under current law, a minor caught transmitting sexual photos of another minor faces a felony conviction and registration as a sex offender. Under the bill, minors would face small fines and would not have to register as a sex offender, though the penalties escalate with repeat offenders.
The penalties would increase slightly faster under an amendment approved by the committee, but minors would still be guilty of no more than a third-degree felony. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget Committee before heading to the floor.
Johnnie Henry Burkett
April 5, 2011
Mr. Johnnie Henry Burkett, 83, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Pensacola.
Mr. Burkett was a native of Repton, AL, a former longtime resident of Gonzalez and a resident of Byrneville for the past six years. He was a retired employee from St. Regis Paper Company after 38 years of service, a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII and an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He attended Christian Home Freewill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Burkett; a sibling; a daughter, Amanda Carroll Reese; and a grandson, Shannon Steudlein.
He is survived by his wife, Willie Mae Childress of Byrneville; a daughter, Wanda Steudlein of Pensacola; a stepson, Michael and Nichole Childress of Byrneville; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; his cat, Bobbie; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Chris Hawkins officiating.
Burial will follow at Christian Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Jimmy Allen
April 5, 2011
Jimmy Allen, 74, of Pensacola, died Thursday, March 31, 2011.
Mr. Allen was born October 11, 1936, in McDavid to Henry Allen and Louise Kendall Allen. He worked in construction most of his life and was an avid gardener who loved working with his flowers. Mr. Allen attended Hickory Hammock Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and three brothers.
Survivors include his sisters and brothers, Edna Bell of Flomaton, Hazel Gibbs of Pensacola, John Allen of Bonifay, Bobby Allen of Bonifay, Billy Allen of Tennessee, Barbara Raughton of Pensacola, Larry Allen of Pensacola, Linda Baker of Pensacola and Sherry Kutch of North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 05, 2011, at National Cremation and Burial Society in Milton.
Interment will follow at Memory Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. National Cremation and Burial Society, 5641 Highway 90 West, is in charge of arrangements.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Escambia (FL), Escambia (AL), Santa Rosa
April 4, 2011
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Escambia County in northwest Florida…
this includes the city of Pensacola…
Okaloosa County in northwest Florida…
this includes the cities of…Fort Walton Beach…Destin…
Crestview…
Santa Rosa County in northwest Florida…
this includes the city of Navarre…
southern Covington County in south central Alabama…
southeastern Escambia County in south central Alabama…
this includes the city of Brewton…
southern Baldwin County in southwest Alabama…
* until 1045 PM CDT
* at 940 PM CDT…National Weather Service meteorologists detected a
line of severe thunderstorms. These storms were located along a
line extending from Wahl to Gasque…or along a line extending from
11 miles southwest of Brewton to 17 miles east of Dauphin Island…
and moving east at 55 mph.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
This is a dangerous storm. If you are in its path…prepare
immediately for damaging winds…destructive hail…and deadly cloud
to ground lightning. People outside should move to a shelter…
preferably inside a strong building but away from windows.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 am CDT Tuesday morning
for southwestern Alabama and northwest Florida and southeast
Mississippi.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Escambia, Alabama
April 4, 2011
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for
…western Escambia County in south central Alabama…
* until 930 PM CDT
* at 826 PM CDT…National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing quarter size
hail…and destructive winds in excess of 70 mph. These storms
were located along a line extending from 20 miles west of
Selmont to 14 miles south of Bay St. Louis…and moving east at 55
mph.
This includes Interstate 10 in Alabama between mile markers 1 and 45.
This includes Interstate 65 between mile markers 1 and 81.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
Doppler radar has indicated some weak rotation within these storms.
While not immediately likely…a tornado may still develop. If a
tornado is spotted…act quickly and move to a place of safety in a
sturdy structure…such as a basement or small interior room.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 am CDT Tuesday morning
for southwestern Alabama and northwest Florida and southeast
Mississippi.
Tornado Watch; Much Colder By Tuesday Night
April 4, 2011
A tornado watch remains in effect for Santa Rosa County until 1 a.m. but has been canceled for Escambia counties in Alabama and Florida.
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms in the late evening and early morning. Lows around 50. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind between 10 and 15 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
No Injuries In Walnut Hill School Bus Accident
April 4, 2011
There were no injuries in a minor school bus accident Monday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, school bus driver Clois Ladue, 63, was southbound on South Highway 99 near Tungoil Road about 1:05 p.m. when bus’ side mirror made contact with the side mirror of a northbound Freightliner driven by Kevin Merchant, 34, of Atmore. Both vehicles suffered only minor damage.
There was one student on the bus of the crash. There were no injuries to anyone involved.
No charges were filed against either driver.
Century Set To Consider Community Center Rental, Security Rules Again
April 4, 2011
The Century Town Council will try again tonight to approve new rental policies for the town’s community centers in response to several recent violent events.
After a double shooting during a “teen party” at their Habitat building, the council about a month ago to “get tough” with new rules to curb violence and policy abuses at their community centers.
The town’s community center rental agreements were rewritten by the town attorney with the new policies set for final approval on March 21, but the council delayed any action over concern that some non-profit groups could be hit with a $350 rental fee.
Mayor Freddie McCall returned to council Monday March 21 with a recommended policy that was developed with input from the town’s attorney, Matt Dannheisser.
The attorney, according to the mayor, recommended that the council require security provided by off duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies at community center functions at $25 per hour. McCall recommended charging for a six hour minimum for deputies, possible refunding any time over four hours not used.
With a $100 rental fee, a $100 deposit and a $150 fee for the deputies, the total cost out of pocket for an individual or group to rent the town’s Habitat Building or Ag Building would increase to $350.
At their last March meeting, the council table action on any new community center rental and security policy, opting to return to the town attorney for an opinion. Council members wanted to know from the attorney if they can forgo the security requirement for non-profit groups
The latest agreement will be presented to the council tonight during their 7:00 meeting at Century Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Until a policy is approved, the council has issued a moratorium on renting the buildings — only the mayor can override the moratorium.
Pictured: The Century Habitat Building. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
McDavid Postmaster Pleads Not Guilty
April 4, 2011
The McDavid postmaster arrested last month on attempted sexual battery and false imprisonment charges has pleaded not guilty.
James Bruce Lee, 51, entered the plea through his attorney in Escambia County Circuit court. His case has been set for a jury trial in early June as he remains free from jail on $6,000 bond.
The charges stemmed from a January 15 incident that allegedly took place inside the McDavid Post Office. A female mail carrier alleged that Lee attempted to sexually assault her inside the Main Street building.
Lee provided a sworn written statement and interview to postal investigators, however his statements were not released by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Lee, who has served as McDavid postmaster since January, 2005, remains on administrative leave as he awaits trial.
No School Today In Santa Rosa; Escambia Kids Must Wait
April 4, 2011
There is no school today in Santa Rosa County due to a teacher planning day. Santa Rosa students will be back in class on Tuesday, with their next holiday April 22 for Good Friday.
For Escambia County students, the next day out of school is Good Friday, April 22, with Spring Break the following week.