Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray
October 8, 2011
Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray, 91, of Jay, passed away, Thursday, October 6th, 2011, at his home after an extended illness.
J.D. was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1919, in Jay, to H.H. “Hub” and Alice Bray. He grew up on the family farm with his brothers, Charlie (Birdie), C.H. “Chab” (Margie), Burley, Raymond; and his sisters, Beatrice (Earlie) Hall, Mattie (Leonard) Mattox, Myrtle Bray and Maudie (Burley) Lashley. J.D. helped on the family farm and attended Jay School where he enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball.
J. D. enlisted in the U.S.Army in 1938 and was sent to the Panama Canal after basic training. At the onset of WWII, J.D., found himself in Europe fighting Hitler’s Army. He was in the infantry and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where many lives were lost. J.D. attained the rank of sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1945.
J.D. returned home and got a job with the EREC as a lineman. In his spare time he played on the town baseball and basketball team. He also acquired some land and farmed a short time.
In 1952 he married Theda Warrick Bray in Pascagoula, MS.
They bought and operated a local service station and later he went to work with the Santa Rosa County Road Department where he retired in 1988. J.D. also developed a taste for politics and served as a Jay City Councilman in 1954-56. He was elected as Mayor and served for 44 years. The “mayor” oversaw the town and watched it thrive. The little town got many paved roads, a city sewer system, a new city hall and a community center. The town acquired two parks one of which is named Bray-Hendricks Park in his honor.
J.D. was a lifetime member of the American Legion and past commander of Edeker-DuBose Post 121 in Jay. J.D. was also a 32nd degree Freemason and a member of Red Rock Masonic Lodge #96 in Munson.
J. D. loved to garden and planted much more than his family needed. He delighted in giving vegetables to his friends and neighbors. J.D. also enjoyed watching Florida State football games and was a true Seminole. Mostly, J.D. enjoyed his daily rides to town and the peanut cooperative where he could visit with friends.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Theda; three children; Debbie (Michael) Gilley of Vienna, Austria, Cheryl Bray of Allentown, FL, Stewart (Maria) Bray of Middleburg, FL; grandson, S.J .Bray; granddaughter, Meghan Gilley; great-granddaughter, Tristan Bray; and his sister, Myrtle Bray of Century.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Pastor Earle Greene officiating. Burial will follow at Jay Cemetery with Masonic and military services. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m.at Jay Funeral Home, 3853 Highway 4.
The family requests donations are made to Covenant Hospice in lieu of flowers.
The family wishes to thank all who supported us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kelley, Dr. David Smith, Jay Hospital, Jay Fire Department, Senior Home Health, Covenant Hospice (Traci, Cathy and Al), and Diane Freeman Support Services (Christie).
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Elderly Woman Injured In Bratt Traffic Crash
October 7, 2011
An elderly female was injured in a single vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Bratt.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 82-year old Margaret Mauldin of Century lost control while southbound on North Highway 99 just north of West Highway 4 about 4:40 p.m. The FHP said she suffered from a unspecified medical condition and ran off the roadway, traveling a short distance in a ditch before striking large rocks at a driveway with her 2003 Lincoln Town Car. She was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Air Unit Responsible For Smell Of Smoke At Ernest Ward Middle
October 7, 2011
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to Ernest Ward Middle School Friday morning after school officials reported a strong smell of smoke in the gym. Firefighters and school maintenance personnel determined that the smell originated with a burned belt in an air handling unit. There were no injuries. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Central High Makes History In Cross Country Meet
October 7, 2011
Central High School set a school record Thursday during a cross country meet at Baker as Beth Smith became the first girl to win a meet in school history with the girls team picking up their first-ever win.
Smith was followed by Kennedy Fuller in third and Erica Waters in fourth as Central defeated Baker, Laurel Hill, Paxton, Walton County and Rocky Bayou.
The Central boys placed second, with top school finisher Kyle Fuller coming in fourth.
County Hopeful For $500,000 Grant To Furnish Molino Library
October 7, 2011
Escambia County is ranked number two for a half million dollar state grant for books and furnishings for the new Molino Branch Library, but there’s a chance that might not be good news.
The county has applied for the grant for several years and has been ranked in the top three for the cash before, but the Florida Legislature has not appropriated any funding for the state library construction grants.
Escambia County will provide a $512,000 match from existing Local Option Sales Tax funds for furniture, fixtures, equipment, computers and books if the $500,000 grant materializes during the next fiscal year.
“It is subject to funding by the legislature. The resubmission was encouraged by State Division of Libraries who believes the legislature may provide some funding this year,” Escambia County Administrator Randy Oliver said Thursday. “This is a great opportunity to make a valuable resource better.”
In the event the state does not come through with the half million dollar grant, Oliver said the county has identified some existing furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Molino Branch Library.
Ten projects have been ranked for $4,997,000 in public library construction grant applications, if the legislature provides funding for fiscal year 2012-2013. A $500,000 request from Gilchrist County is ranked number one, followed by the $500,000 for the Molino Branch Library at number two.
A $2.95 million project was recently awarded to Birkshire Johnstone, LLC to renovate the old Molino School into a community center, museum and library, and to construct a new building to house offices for the tax collector and property appraiser.
Pictured top: A conceptual drawing of the Molino School after renovation. This end of the old Molino School will be converted into a library. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Over 1,000 Registered To Vote In Next Week’s Century Election
October 7, 2011
Century’s general election for mayor and two council seats is next Tuesday, with just over 1,000 people registered to vote.
According to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford, there are 1,026 qualified voters in for Century’s town elections — down slightly from 1,082 registered voters for a 2010 primary for three council seats.
Demographics for Century’s registered voters are as follows:
- 425 white, 570 black, 5 Hispanic, 26 other
- 611 female, 415 male, 1 unspecified
- 285 are 18-35, 440 are 36-65, 301 are 66 or older
During the 2010 Century primary election, there was a 29.6 percent turnout with 318 votes cast.
Photos: Volleyball Digs Pink
October 7, 2011
The Northview Lady Chiefs and the Flomaton Hurricanes took part in a Dig Pink volleyball match Thursday evening to raise breast cancer awareness.
In varsity action, Northview fell to Flomaton 15-25, 27-25, 12-25, 20-25. JuniorMisty Doran had seven kills, one assist, two blocks and a dig for the Lady Chiefs as sophomore Lily Townson added one ace, three assists and a dig. Morgan Payne had two aces and a two kills, while Shelly Mothershed posted two aces, one kill and four assists. NHS is 4-14 overall, 3-3 in the district.
In junior varsity action, Northview defeated Flomaton 9-25, 25-12, 15-12. Rebecca Grim recorded one ace and two kills, and Hannah Fiellin contributed six aces and two assists. Tiffani Pritchett had six aces, one kill and four assists, and Kyndall Hall had four aces and three kills. The JV Lady Chiefs are 8-7 overall, 3-1 in the district.
Northview will travel to Baker on Tuesday, October 13. The JV takes to the court at 5 p.m. and the varsity plays at 6 p.m.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Dig Pink volleyball action Thursday night as Northview hosted Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Clues In Cantonment Murder Cold Case
October 7, 2011
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help to solve a cold case murder at a Cantonment gas station 31 years ago.
On the afternoon on October 4, 1980, a a 24-year-old white male identified as Kenneth Wayne Wheeler was found dead at the Cantonment Elco Service Station on Highway 29. Wheeler was employed at the gas and convenience store as the station operator. He lived in the Cantonment community.
An investigation determined that Wheeler was the victim of murder.
This case has not yet been solved, and the person or persons involved in the death of Wheeler is not known. Anyone who has any information at all regarding what might have happened to Wheeler, anyone who was familiar with Wheeler during the time frame leading up to October 4, 1980, is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Charges Pending After State Officer Collides With Motorcycle In Molino
October 7, 2011
(Updated 10:45 a.m.) Charges are pending after a state law enforcement officer collided with a motorcycle on Highway 29 at Highway 97 Thursday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol says officer Randolph Johnson, age 59 of Milton, was traveling north on Highway 29 about 4:35 p.m. when he attempted to make a U-turn to travel back south on Highway 29 when he failed to see a 2010 Harley driven by 43-year old Brian Cumpton of Molino. The right front bumper of the cruiser struck the left rear of the motorcycle, causing Crumpton to be ejected from the motorcycle.
Crumpton was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with minor injuries; Johnson was not injured.
Charges are pending in the accident, according to a FHP report.
Pictured: The state law enforcement officer driver of this cruiser (above) collided with a motorcycle (below) in Molino Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Court: State Can Approve Gambling
October 7, 2011
In a ruling likely to raise the stakes in the discussion over expansion of gambling in Florida, the 1st District Court of Appeal on Thursday said state lawmakers hold the cards when it comes to decisions about new venues.
In a closely watched opinion, a three judge panel of the court unanimously ruled that a 2004 constitutional amendment allowing Miami-Dade and Broward county voters to approve slot machines didn’t preclude lawmakers from later further expanding the scope of gambling around the state.
The opinion was a victory for Miami-Dade County’s historic Hialeah Park, which wasn’t allowed to add slots after passage of the amendment, because it wasn’t offering live racing at the time. Hialeah later began holding quarter horse races and lawmakers passed a law last year to add Hialeah to the list of venues allowed to offer slot gambling under the 2004 constitutional amendment.
But two competitors in the county, Miami Jai-Alai and Calder Casino and Race Course , challenged the law, seeking to prevent the amendment from applying to the Hialeah facility. The court on Thursday upheld that 2010 law.
Though likely to be appealed, the ruling may also open the door for a list of companies that want to expand gambling options in several other places in a cash-strapped state where new gaming tax revenue might be welcome – though backers of gaming say they’re still focused on the two South Florida counties.
The seven-page ruling made it clear that state lawmakers are within their authority to expand gambling where they see fit, beyond the seven venues originally approved by Broward and Miami-Dade voters following the 2004 change to the constitution.
“This ruling puts the authority to regulate gaming squarely in the lap of the Legislature,” said Marc Dunbar, a Tallahassee attorney who represents a number of gambling interests and teaches gaming law at Florida State University.
“(The constitution) provides no indication that Florida voters intended to forever prohibit the Legislature from exercising its authority to expand slot machine gaming beyond those facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties meeting the specified criteria,” Judge Marguerite Davis wrote. “Nor is there any indication that Florida voters intended to grant the seven entities who met the criteria a constitutionally-protected monopoly over slot machine gaming in the state.”
While voters may not have thought so, it clearly was a selling point for lawmakers back when the initiative was put on the ballot. Some conservative lawmakers in other parts of the state went along with it because they believed that the language of the amendment would isolate new gaming in the two southern counties.
Thursday’s ruling was applauded by supporters of several proposals to allow new gaming in the state.
“It helps,” said Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, the House sponsor of a yet-to-be-filed bill in the Legislature that he says will allow “destination resorts” that include gambling. “It is one less obstacle for us to hop over. It sends a very declarative judicial message.”
Fresen’s proposal, which will also be sponsored by Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, is a second attempt at permitting destination resorts that include casinos after a similar effort failed last year.
While the bill hasn’t been filed, details began to emerge Thursday, such as a plan to allow three permits for casinos in just Broward and Miami-Dade counties and the inclusion of a strict regulatory gaming commission. Last year’s bill had additional venues located in other parts of the state. Backers say this year that’s not the intent.
The bill will also include a new gaming commission, modeled after similar groups in Nevada and New Jersey, intended to bring stricter regulation of gaming in Florida, Fresen said. The bill will also likely become a vehicle to eliminate the Internet cafes that offer sweepstakes gaming throughout Florida, he said.
With a session next year that will be dominated by redistricting and another budget shortfall, observers say it’s unlikely there will be more than one gaming bill passed. Fresen agrees and said the destination resorts bill may become the vehicle for anything gaming-related.
“We are going to look at all the gaming that is occurring in Florida and see what is working, what isn’t working and what should or should not be here,” Fresen said.
The destination resorts bill will likely be one of the hardest fought issues of the upcoming legislative session, with several powerful groups either staunchly opposed to gambling expansions, or interested in carving out their own piece of the pie from the bill.
Fresen said he’ll push to keep the destination portion limited to South Florida.
“This bill is going to have every single belt and suspender on it to make sure it is limited only to Miami-Dade and Broward,” Fresen said. “We have every attorney imaginable looking at it to make sure it is not some Trojan horse for any county to be able to do it.”
But already there’s an indication of interest outside the two counties. The Naples Daily News reported on Thursday that brochures and petitions are circulating in Lee County in southwest Florida where a developer is testing the waters for a possible move to allow gambling there.
In addition to dog and horse tracks, the Seminole Tribe – which has a 20-year agreement with Florida to pay the state in exchange for the exclusive rights to offer certain casino games – and groups that criticize gambling expansions on moral grounds also have a stake in the bill.
“You’re going to see an up or down vote on the Senate floor on this,” said Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. “We are a gambling state.”
By Michael Peltier and Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida