Federal Judge Denies NRA Intervention In Doctor Gun Question Law
July 15, 2011
A federal judge has rejected the National Rifle Association’s attempt to formally intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s new “docs v. glocks” law.
U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke issued an order turning down the NRA, which lobbied to pass the law during the spring legislative session. Cooke said state lawyers could adequately defend the law without the NRA intervening.
“The NRA seeks to defend the constitutionality of the Firearms Owner’s Privacy Law,’’ Cooke wrote, using the name that lawmakers attached to the measure. “The State Defendants, as representatives of the State of Florida, have the same objective. The NRA has not presented any evidence to suggest that the State Defendants may not adequately represent its interests.’’
The controversial law is aimed at restricting doctors from asking patients about gun ownership. A group of doctors filed the lawsuit, because they charge the law violates their First Amendment rights.
Cooke held a hearing Wednesday on the doctors’ request for an injunction against the law.
By The News Service of Florida
Casey Anthony Fallout: Details On Juror Silence Bill
July 15, 2011
More details emerged Thursday about a proposed bill to prevent jurors from making money off the cases they hear. The bill is prompted by the high-profile Casey Anthony murder trial.
Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, said he wants to create a “cooling off” period of 270 days after a juror’s dismissal. During that period, members of jury cannot profit from disclosing information about their experience.
The bill would make violations a felony punishable by fines of up to $10,000. Another bill Randolph wants to suggest involves jury privacy. He wants to keep the names of jurors private, unless the juror wants to come forward.
“The purpose of this legislation is to preserve the integrity of the jury process,” Randolph said in a statement. “It balances the First Amendment freedom of speech with the sixth amendment guarantee to a fair trial.”
Photos: St. Monica’s Vacation Bible School
July 15, 2011
Son Harvest Country Fair Vacation Bible School ended Friday at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment. During the week, the children enjoyed a variety of activities, crafts, dressed as scarecrows and even learned about bees and pollination from Roy Smith of R&J Apiaries.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above and below: VBS at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Molino. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge..
Do you have new or photos you would like to share from your church? Email news@northescambia.com
Lightning Sparks Fire That Destroys Large Storage Shed In Bratt
July 14, 2011
A fire believed to be sparked by lightning destroyed a large storage shed in Bratt this evening.
The 20 x 30 foot shed was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived in the 5700 block of Dortch Road just after 6 p.m. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby home. The fire was reported to be out about 7:05 p.m.
There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Century, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze.
Pictured: Fire destroyed a 600 square foot storage shed on Dortch Road in Bratt Thursday evening. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man In Custody In Connection With Brewton Shooting
July 14, 2011
An Atmore man is now in custody, charged with a shooting earlier this week in Brewton.
Ricki Tolbert, age 18, has been charged with first degree assault in connection with shooting an 18-year old Brewton resident at a party at the Brewton Masonic Lodge. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Pictured: Shooting suspect Ricki Tolbert of Atmore. Photo provided the Brewton Police Department, click to enlarge.
Strong Winds Cause Minor Damage At Two Flomaton Businesses
July 14, 2011
Strong winds caused minor damage in Flomaton Thursday afternoon at two businesses at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31.
A roll up door was blown in at Rowland’s Tires, and two large pieces of sheet metal were ripped from the side of the building. At a nearby McDonald’s, a portion of a sign was blown away.
There were no injuries reported.
Pictured top: Contractors work to finish repairs at Rowland’s Tire in Flomaton after sheet metal were blown off the building Thursday afternoon. Pictured left: A portion of the “Golden Arches” was missing after the store. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Male Charged As Adult In Sexual Assault Of Young Boy
July 14, 2011
A 17-year old Century male has been charged as an adult for the alleged sexual assault of another male under 12.
Michael Alexander Dubose of West Highway 4, is charged with two felony counts of sexual battery on victim under 12. He remains in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim told investigators at the Gulf Coast Kids House that Dubose had sexual relations with him over a one year period at two different units at Century Woods Apartments, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Plan Includes $51 Million For North Escambia Roads And Bridge Projects
July 14, 2011
A five-year transportation improvement plan for NorthHighway Escambia includes five new bridges, a major resurfacing project, widened shoulders and a safety study— over $51 million in projects.
The most significant project is the $8,476,181 maintenance resurfacing of Highway 29 from north of Pine Barren Road to the Alabama line during the next fiscal year, followed by a more permanent resurfacing of the roadway in 2015-2016 for $25,058,597.
The 2011 Florida Department of Transportation Rural Work Program report for Escambia County identifies the projects to be completed, estimated costs and funding sources. The report is much like a wish list — inclusion in does not guarantee that a project will be funded.
Totaling $51,418,956, the North Escambia area projects included in the five-year plan include:
- Highway 29 — Maintenance resurfacing from north of Pine Barren Road through Century to the Alabama state line (15.5 miles) in 2011-2012. Total cost: $8,476,181.
- Highway 29 — Resurfacing from north of Pine Barren Road through Century to the Alabama state line in 2015-2016. Total cost: $25,058,597.
- Highway 97 — Bridge replacement over Little Pine Barren Creek (near Wiggins Lake Road) by 2014-2015. Total cost: $3,202,283.
- CR 99 South — Safety study on South Highway 99 from Barrineau Park Road north to Highway 97 during 2013-2014. Total cost: $302,500.
- Brickyard Road — Bridge replacement over unnamed branch by 2013-2014. Total cost: $2,501,428.
- Fannie Road — Bridge replacement northeast of Century by 2013-2014. Total cost: $3,167,912.
- CR 97A — Bridge replacement west of Bay Springs over western fork of Boggy Creek, 2012-2013. Total cost: $4,217,728.
- South Pineville Road — Bridge replacement over Brushy Creek by 2013-2014. Total Cost: $2,966,259.
- Crabtree Church Road — Pave shoulders from Sunshine Hill Road to Highway 97 by 2014-2015. Total cost: $1,527,068.
The plan was presented to the Century Town Council Monday night and will be presented on Thursday to the Escambia County Commission. A final report is due to the Florida Department of Transportation by September 1.
Pictured top: The Little Pine Barren Creek Bridge on Highway 97 (near Wiggins Lake Road) is tentatively set for replacement in fiscal year 2014-2015. Pictured inset: The bridge was constructed in 1941. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Town Hall Meetings: Sen. Evers In Jay; Rep. Broxson In Century
July 14, 2011
The North Escambia area’s state senator and representative are both holding town hall meetings in the coming days.
Senator Greg Evers will hold a town hall meeting Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Jay Community Center, 5259 Booker Lane.
Evers plans to provide information on recent legislative changes, and discuss key issues facing Northwest Florida communities and the state going into the 2012 Legislative Session.
Representative Doug Broxson will hold a town hall meeting next Tuesday in Century.
Representative Broxson plans to listen to the specific concerns of constituents in the area and hear their priorities for the next legislative session. The meeting will take place at the Century Chamber of Commerce, 7811 North Century Boulevard, beginning at 1:30.
Search Continues For Suspect In Century Double Shooting
July 14, 2011
The investigation is continuing into a Century double shooting a month ago that injured a 31-year old woman and her 16-year old boyfriend. So far, there have been no arrests in the case.
The shooting happened about 8:30 p.m. June 11, in the 7500 block of Jefferson Avenue in Century. Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies were told by a 31-year-old female victim that she and her 16-year-old boyfriend were shot as they were sitting in a vehicle in front of a residence.
The victims said that another vehicle, possibly a dark colored Hyundai, pulled in behind them and blocked them in. One of the occupants then exited the suspect vehicle and began shooting, injuring both the male and female.
The suspect was described as a black male of medium height with a thin build and wearing a red ball cap.
The victims left the area and drove to the 9500 block of Ivey Street to call 911. The male victim was transported by private vehicle to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The female victim was transported by ambulance after being questioned by deputies. Her injuries were also non-life threatening.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.