Cantonment Man Arrested After Carjacking, Attack, Multiple Wrecks
April 23, 2013
A Cantonment man was arrested after a carjacking Monday afternoon. Steven Kyle Meadows, 22, attacked a man with a chain and wrecked a stolen pickup truck three times during the incident, according to Rhonda Ray, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened shortly after noon in the area of Yarrow Circle in the River Gardens Subdivision, near the intersection of East Nine Mile Road and North Davis Highway.
Escambia Sheriff’s Dispatchers received a call from a victim who told them that as he was working on a home in the 9500 block of Yarrow Circle, a man approached him and asked him for money. When he declined to give the man money, the suspect, later identified as Meadows, left and then returned to the home where he attacked the victim with a chain. The man resfused medical treatment.
The suspect then ran to the victim’s truck and retrieved a knife, and robbed him of personal belongings before entering the home and taking several more items along with the victim’s truck keys. He then stole the victim’s truck and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, Ray said.
The Sheriff’s Office then began receiving calls of a reckless driver who had nearly hit several drivers in the area prior to wrecking in the area of Nine Mile Road and Davis Highway. Deputies arrived to find the suspect and vehicle on a dirt road in a nearby wooded area. As deputies approached the suspect vehicle, Meadows rammed a patrol cruiser and fled the scene prior to crashing into another vehicle near Nine Mile Road and Scenic Highway.
Meadows ran a red light at the intersection and collided with a 2013 Hyundai driven by 53-year old Cynthia M. Minor of Pensacola. She was transported to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries.
Meadows fled on foot and was apprehended behind a business in the 12000 block of Scenic Highway.
Meadows was charged with three counts of aggravated assault, battery, two counts aggravated battery, criminal mischief with property damage, burglary, larceny, grand theft of a vehicle, robbery with a firearm and resisting arrest with violence. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $260,500. He was also cited twice for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, running a red light, and two counts reckless driving by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Additional charges against Meadows may be pending, Ray said.
Scott Signs Landmark Education Bill
April 23, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott signed a sweeping education bill Monday, recasting requirements for high-school diplomas and laying out the standards for state universities to reach “preeminent” status.
The measure (SB 1076), weighing in at 144 pages, makes several major changes to high school and higher education.
It creates two “designations” for high school degrees, each with different requirements, with one aimed at encouraging students to work toward industry certification.
And the bill sets out standards for universities to be recognized as “preeminent universities,” with one of those schools being tapped to operate an online institute in an effort to encourage Internet-based education. It also authorizes universities to do what’s needed to offer the $10,000 degrees that Scott has touted.
The measure has been praised by business groups and educators, in part because it would free students who choose one of the designations from being required to pass some courses — such as Algebra II — that are aimed at college-bound students. Business groups also say the bill will more closely tie the education system to employers’ needs.
“Senate Bill 1076 will make sure our students are prepared for college and careers and have the skills to compete for jobs in an ever-competitive global marketplace,” Scott said during a ceremony marking the signing of the bill.
“The Career and Professional Education Act does far more than reform education, it transforms education in our state. This bill lashes education to the realities and opportunities of the economy, making it far more likely that our graduates will earn diplomas and degrees that qualify them for real jobs,” said Senate President Don Gaetz.
The proposal received overwhelming support in the Legislature, with the Senate approving it 33-7 and the House signing off unanimously.
“What this bill does is it transforms our education system — from our K-12 system and how you get a degree in Florida, and the requirements that are associated with it, to what you do and what type of university you go to and the quality of degree that you’re going to get in our universities,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel. “It is transformational.”
Officials insisted allowing two tracks toward a high school diploma wouldn’t water down Florida’s education. As if to emphasize the point, the Foundation for Florida’s Future, an education group founded by former Gov. Jeb Bush, issued a statement praising the bill.
“Governor Scott’s signature ensures that Florida students will receive more meaningful tracks to a successful future,” said Patricia Levesque, the group’s executive director. “Today, our state showed its continued leadership in student-centered education reforms.”
By The News Service of Florida
Pictured top: Gov. Rick Scott signs SB 1076, a far-reaching education bill, during a ceremony Monday. Photo by Brandon Larrabee for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Senate Advances Bill That Sunsets And Abolishes FHSAA
April 23, 2013
Proponents of the Florida High School Athletic Association are on their defensive heels as those trying to revamp how high school sports are managed in Florida are driving with the ball as the clock runs down.
The Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 on Monday in favor of a measure (SB 1164) that would overhaul the FHSAA and eventually replace it with something else yet to be designed. The Senate bill was amended Monday to match the House version of the legislation, improving chances for passage.
The amended bill places new restrictions on investigations, alters the makeup of the FHSAA board of directors by including charter school, home school and non-public school members and abolishes the organization in July 2017.
Backers of the change say the reorganization is needed, claiming the FHSAA has an arbitrary authority and that it has gone too far in investigating student eligibility.
Bill sponsor Sen. Kelli Stargel addressed criticism that the bill, in reducing oversight, invites mischief.
“This bill does not allow free agency, does not allow recruiting, it doesn’t not legislate cheating,” said Stargel, R-Lakeland.
FHSAA supporters, including many coaches, school district officials and private school administrators, claim the changes will create “chaos” as some schools become sports magnets. They say it will invite frequent transfers, and force administrators and teachers to continually readjust academic plans for students who jump campus to campus.
The committee support was the first step in the Senate for the bill.
The Senate proposal has one more committee stop and Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, said Monday he expects his Rules Committee will have time to meet again.
Meanwhile, the House is expected to discuss its proposal on Tuesday.
The House version, rushed through three committee appearances with no opposition, has backing from Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, the chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
Backers of the FHSAA say the proposal will also make it more difficult for small schools to compete in state athletic tournaments as more reliance is put on each of the 67 school districts to self-regulate their athletic programs.
“When we put a team on the field we know the other team has followed the same rules and regulations,” said Alachua County Superintendent Dan Boyd. “We don’t’ want that to change.”
Critics also say lawmakers are setting a dangerous precedent by delving into the daily operations of a non-profit organization.
“How long is it before you decide you don’t like the way other entities are operating?” asked Ron Meyer, a lawyer for the Florida Education Association.
Stargel argued that the Legislature isn’t overstepping its authority.
“They are the monopoly,” Stargel said. “We designate them as the organization that oversees our high school athletics, many of our public school funds go to the organization, so therefore I believe we have a role.”
She added that the FHSAA could continue as the overseer of state high school athletics after the sunset date if it agrees to abide by the directives of the Legislature.
“I don’t want to take over high school athletics, that’s not our role, but I want them to be accountable to the will of the Legislature and the will of the people,” she said.
Pictured top: The coin toss before the FHSAA District 1A Football Championship game last December in Orlando between Northview and Trenton. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Mental Health Gun Bill Moves Forward
April 23, 2013
Targeting people who could be “imminent” dangers to themselves or others, a Senate panel Monday approved a bill that would block firearms purchases by certain people who voluntarily admit themselves for mental-health treatment.
Sponsor Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, said the bill closes a loophole, as state law already bars firearms purchases by people who are involuntarily committed under the Baker Act. The measure is backed by the National Rifle Association and Unified Sportsmen of Florida.
“This bill stops dangerous people from being able to purchase guns,” said Marion Hammer, a lobbyist for the gun-rights groups.
The Senate Rules Committee unanimously approved the measure, which is ready to go to the Senate floor. The bill focuses on people who are found to be an “imminent danger” and face the possibility of being involuntarily committed if they do not admit themselves.
Volunteers Clean Up At Panhandle Equine Rescue
April 23, 2013
About two dozen volunteers spent part of their weekend cleaning up around the Panhandle Equine Rescue facilities in Cantonment.
The volunteers worked to clear an area in preparation for perimeter fencing at the facility. Volunteers included: Jay Birdsong, Matt Weber, Mike and Travis Wilson, Marty Luttrell, Ashley, Shannon, Madi and Kaeli Ann Josey, Ricky and Shelby Lowery, Pam Perry, Molly Edwards, Julianna Horn, Jonathon Pitts, Jim and Joyce Gill, Shana Gavlas, Nicole Eagle and Linda Lambert.
The only horse rescue in Escambia County, Panhandle Equine Rescue was recently certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Smith, Blue Wahoos Shut Out Jackson Generals 3-0
April 23, 2013
Blue Wahoos starter Josh Smith fanned a season-high seven batters over seven shutout innings tonight as Pensacola blanked the Jackson Generals 3-0 at the Ballpark in Jackson on Monday night.
The Blue Wahoos plated all three of their runs in the third inning off Jackson starter Roenis Elias. Three doubles in the inning from Danny Vicioso, Ray Chang and Brodie Greene contributed to the effort and all three came home to score. Steve Selsky’s RBI single scored Greene to cap the Wahoos third-inning rally.
Elias (L, 0-2) settled down after that, and was finished after seven innings. He allowed just the three runs on six hits. He struck out four, but was saddled with the loss.
Smith (W, 2-2) earned his second win of the season to even his record. He surrendered just two hits on the night. With his seven shutout innings, he has now worked 11 straight scoreless frames dating back to his last start on 4/16. Curtis Partch (S, 4) pitched a scoreless ninth to nail down the save after Chris Manno pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning.
Offensively, Chang and Selsky led the way with two hits each. Both of Chang’s hits were doubles, he also scored a run and had an RBI.
The two teams continue their series on Tuesday night. RHP Tim Crabbe (1-1, 4.60) will start for Pensacola against RHP Chance Ruffin (1-0, 4.24). First pitch is slated for 7:05 at the Ballpark in Jackson.
story by Kevin Burke
Clouds Today, Rain By Mid-Week
April 22, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Flomaton Wreck Leads To Manhunt In Century
April 22, 2013
One person was injured and another fled the scene after a single vehicle accident Sunday night in Flomaton.
The accident happened just after 10 p.m. on College Street, between the railroad crossing and Ringold Street. The driver of the vehicle lost control, ran off the roadway, hit a ditch and overturned. The vehicle came to rest upside down in a yard. One occupant of the vehicle, described only as a black male, reportedly fled the scene on foot towards Florida.
A female occupant of the vehicle was transported by Escambia County (Fla.) EMS to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A manhunt involving a K-9 unit from the Century Correctional Institution, the Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office and the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office followed in an area along the state line, including an area behind Odom’s Bar in Century. There was no immediate word of any arrests late Sunday night.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
Pictured: One person was injured and one person fled the scene on foot following this crash on College Street in Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
House, Senate Agree To $480 Million School Pay Raises
April 22, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott will get the $480 million he wanted for education pay raises. But barring a last-minute change of heart by legislative negotiators, he will not get an across-the-board, $2,500 increase for classroom teachers.
The House and Senate agreed to set aside the $480 million during as part of a Sunday negotiating session on the education budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The fine print guiding how the pay raises are provided still has to be worked out, but the lead negotiators for both sides said that any pay increases would be decided based on merit.
The House had been pushing for more money without as stringent a requirement that the funds go to teacher pay raises — even though lawmakers would have made it very clear that they should. Rep. Erik Fresen, the Miami Republican lead negotiations for the House, said Sunday the final language would make sure the money wound up in the right place.
“I think at the end of the day, regardless of how you look at it, it’s going to be used for teacher salary increases, and it will have a methodology that includes merit to make sure that that commitment to merit recognition stays in place,” he said.
Not only have lawmakers long championed the idea of basing the pay raises on merit, lawmakers said the fact that all instructional personnel would be included in the House and Senate raises — instead of just classroom teachers — means a $2,500 across-the-board raise wouldn’t be covered with the $480 million.
Scott has openly touted the pay raise as one of his two priorities for this year’s legislative session, the other being a sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment. The governor’s office issued a terse statement following the meeting.
“The governor has priorities. The Legislature has priorities. There’s still enough time left to determine how successful this session will be for all of us,” said Scott spokeswoman Melissa Sellers.
Scott has said repeatedly that he believes that the increase should be across the board, though he dodged a question Wednesday on whether he would sign a budget that used merit as basis for the increase.
“Well, I’m confident the House and the Senate will do the right thing,” he said. “I’ve never talked about what type of budget I will and won’t sign.”
Districts have complained, most recently at a meeting with Scott on Wednesday, that merit increases could complicate efforts to negotiate contracts with local unions in time for the school year.
But Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton and lead negotiator for his chamber, brushed those gripes aside — noting that merit pay will be required in the 2014-15 school year.
“There’s legislation that’s been enacted,” Galvano said. “It’s out there. This is not something new for the districts.”
By The News Service of Florida
Overnight Delays This Week On Nine Mile Road
April 22, 2013
Drivers can expect intermittent land restrictions on Nine Mile Road between University Parkway and the Escambia River Bridge all this week from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. for road repaving.
Construction could be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather. The Florida Department of transportation is reminding drivers to obey posted signs and use caution when traveling through the area.