Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Internet Cafes Unplugged
April 7, 2013
A month ago, Internet cafes were like countless other issues floating around the Capitol. They were important to some people, but hardly a top priority.
Then came raids on Internet cafes across the state, charges of racketeering and illegal gambling and — most jarring — the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll because of her past ties to the industry.
Suddenly, ridding the state of Internet cafes became a big issue. And Thursday, little more than three weeks after the investigation became public, the Senate gave final approval to a bill that likely will shutter hundreds of what critics call “storefront casinos.”
“There is nothing in this bill that is going to close legitimate businesses,” said Senate Rules Chairman John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who has helped spearhead the issue. “This is about closing down unscrupulous operators who have found loopholes in the statutes.”
The Senate voted 36-4 to pass the measure (HB 155), which came after the House earlier voted 108-7 to approve it. Gov. Rick Scott’s office has already said he will sign the bill.
Internet cafes have opened in strip malls across the state in recent years, raking in money and trying to fend off criticism that they offer computerized versions of slot machines. But until now, lawmakers could not agree on how to deal with the industry, with some seeking to ban the businesses and others pushing for regulation.
The move this year to shut down the cafes happened at relative warp speed — at least in the legislative world. And that played a part in criticism from some lawmakers, who argued that the bill was too broad and would affect arcades that are popular with seniors.
All four senators who voted against the bill — Joe Abruzzo, D-Royal Palm Beach, Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, and Jeremy Ring, D-Margate — represent Palm Beach and Broward counties, where many seniors congregate and play games at such arcades.
“The seniors, as long as they believe they (arcades) could get shut down and they’re worried about it, I can’t support it,” Ring said of the bill.
But supporters of the measure said it is designed to stop illegal gambling and that shutting down Internet cafes will be good for the state.
“For far too long, strip mall casinos have deteriorated Florida’s quality of life,” David Hart, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement emailed to reporters after the Senate vote.
BACK TO SCHOOL: While lawmakers rushed to get rid of Internet cafes, most major legislation is a harder slog. And Thursday, the House approved an education bill (HB 867) that has created deep divisions.
The proposal, which has become known as the “parent trigger” bill, would give parents more power to determine what happens with failing public schools. It has drawn fierce opposition from Democrats and groups such as the Florida Education Association, which contend it is designed to help for-profit operators of charter schools.
But the more immediately important question, at least politically, is how Republican lawmakers view the issue. A similar bill died last year in the Senate, amid opposition from some Republicans. And though the House voted 68-51 to approve this year’s version, seven members of the GOP majority crossed party lines to oppose it.
The Senate version (SB 862) cleared its first committee Monday and is expected to go to two more committees before heading to the floor. President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, indicated that changes in the makeup of the Senate and changes in the bill could lead to its passage.
“So the fact that we have 15 new senators and the fact that the bill is not the same means that I think last year’s vote is not necessarily a telltale of how the vote will come out this year,” Gaetz said.
But senators can expect fierce pressure from groups such the Florida Education Association, which released a statement after the House vote saying “every credible parent group in Florida has been outraged by this bill.”
“This doesn’t empower parents, it doesn’t provide better education for students, but will line the pockets of the charter operators,” Andy Ford, president of the statewide teachers union, said in the statement.
But the proposal has influential support from groups such as the Foundation for Florida’s Future, which is chaired by former Gov. Jeb Bush. They say it would empower parents.
Under the proposal, parents would be allowed to petition school districts to consider specific turnaround options for schools that receive “F” grades for two consecutive years. If districts reject parents’ plans in favor of other ideas, the state Board of Education would choose the plans that would be implemented.
“Let’s recognize that while failing schools abandon children, parents never do. … And so, if schools are unwilling to change, we have a moral obligation to force that change,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican and son of the Senate president.
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN (WELL, SORT OF): While lawmakers will have to resolve tough policy issues during the coming weeks, a brightening economic picture should make everybody a little happier.
Sure, the House and Senate have to resolve myriad budget details for the upcoming 2013-14 fiscal year. But a better economy means more tax dollars. And that makes it easier to pump money into popular programs such as education — and avoid painful spending cuts.
“The bottom line is, there’s nothing like having some money,” Thrasher said.
House and Senate appropriations committees Wednesday approved $74 billion budget proposals that will go to the full chambers next week. The Senate committee unanimously approved its spending plan, while the House panel split along party lines because of a disagreement about expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act.
The Medicaid expansion is sort of a budget issue — accepting federal money to expand Medicaid would show up in the budget. But the legislative debate about Medicaid expansion isn’t really about next year’s budget. It’s about Democrats wanting expansion, and Republicans blocking it.
“My main concern is not so much about what’s in the budget, it’s about what’s not in the budget,” House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, said during the appropriations committee.
House Republicans criticized Democrats for voting against a budget that, thanks to the better times, is addressing needs such as more money for education.
“We’re here to pass a budget and this, members, is a good budget,” said Rep. Matt Hudson, a Naples Republican who is chairman of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Florida Senate gave final approval to a bill aimed at permanently turning out the lights at Internet cafes.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “There’s nothing a little prosperity won’t help.” — Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, about the budget.
By The News Service of Florida
Three Arrested For Homicide In Beating, Burning Death
April 7, 2013
This is an archived story. Click here for an updated story.
Three Escambia County residents have been arrested in connection with the March 31 homicide of Melinda McCormick.
The body of a 33-year old white female, Melinda McCormick, was found shortly after 2:00 am Sunday, March 31 in a burning apartment at the Melei Apartments in the 3000 block of Mobile Highway.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released any further information about the circumstances leading up to McCormick’s death.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has planned a Monday news conference to release more details about the homicide arrests.
Late Smokies Rally Downs Wahoos In 12 Innings
April 7, 2013
The Tennessee Smokies broke up a 1-1 tie with eight runs in the top of the 12th to beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 9-1 in front of the third straight sellout to start the season at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
A pitchers duel through 11 frames, Tennessee exploded for the eight runs courtesy of five base hits, four walks (one intentional), a hit batter and two Pensacola errors. The first eight men in the inning reached before an out was recorded. Matt Szczur broke the 1-1 tie with a bases-loaded two-run single through the drawn-in infield to make it 3-1. Jae-Hoon Ha added a two-run single to make it 5-1 before a bases loaded hit by pitch against Christian Villanueva made it 6-1. Rafael Lopez, the 10th batter of the frame, drove home two more with a bases loaded double prior to Szczur tallying his second run-scoring base knock of the inning to provide the final margin.
The inning skewed what was a fantastic pitching matchup throughout the contest. Pensacola starter Tim Crabbe was brilliant over five innings, yielding just a solo homer to Rubi Silva in the fifth and a second-inning single to Villanueva. Crabbe struck out five in his first outing of 2013.
Yohan Pino, Drew Hayes, and Curtis Partch combined for five scoreless frames before the 12th. Lee Hyde (0-1) took the loss for Pensacola giving up 7 runs (6 earned) in an inning plus seven batters of work.
Frank Batista (1-0) picked up the win with two innings of scoreless relief for the Smokies. He had two of Tennessee’s 15 strikeouts as a staff.
Pensacola’s lone run of the contest came in the last of the fourth. With two outs and Ryan LaMarre on second, Steve Selsky sent a line drive into center field to score LaMarre just ahead of the throw from Silva in center. Selsky had the lone multi-hit game with a 2-for-4 performance. The Wahoos struggled on offense yet again, mustering just five singles for the second consecutive night.
The Wahoos look to even the series tomorrow at 4 p.m. behind southpaw Ryan Dennick. Tennessee will counter with righty Kyle Hendricks. It’s the first Family Sunday of the season sponsored by McDonald’s. Kids will have the chance to run the bases after the game and there will be a family toss in the outfield postgame.
Story by Kevin Burke
Pictured top: Tim Crabbe allowed one run on two hits for Pensacola in his first start of the season. Courtesy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Marshall Benton Free “PawPaw”
April 7, 2013
Marshall Benton Free “PawPaw”, passed away April 5, 2013.
He was proceded in death by his wife, Sara Free and three brothers, William, Boyd and Billy Free.
He is survived by his brother, Sonny Free; children, Sharon (David) Summerlin, Gary (Renee) Free, and Marsha (Bill) Ryland; grandchildren, Jennifer Summerlin, Chris (Tammy) Ryland, Heather (Robby) Lowery, Brian Summerlin, Cheyenne Free, Amanda Ryland and Amber (Adam) Free; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill. PawPaw was dearly loved by his family. He will be greatly missed but we are comforted to know that scripture promises “To be absent from the body is to present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8 With that, we celebrate!
Visitation will be Monday, April 8, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Cantonment, with services to follow at 6 p.m.
Identity Released Of Bicyclist Struck And Killed On Highway 29
April 6, 2013
A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle and killed this afternoon on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The accident happened about 3:50 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Highway 29 just south of Archer Road, near Johnson’s Septic Tank. The Florida Highway Patrol said 51-year old Leila K. Pouncey of Pensacola was northbound in a 2012 Ford F150. Robert G. Hemme, age 51 of Pensacola was also northbound on Highway 29 on the paved shoulder on his bicycle when he was struck by Pouncey’s pickup.
Hemme was ejected from his Schwinn bicycle; he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Charges are pending further investigation, according to theFHP.
Pictured: A bicyclist was struck and killed on Highway 29 in Cantonment Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Escambia Health Department: 14 Gastrointestinal Infection Outbreaks
April 6, 2013
Once again, the Escambia County Health Department is reporting an increased number of gastrointestinal (GI) infections. Since early March 2013, the health department has investigated (14) GI outbreaks in the community. These outbreaks have been identified in various settings including one neighborhood and its affiliated elementary school, seven other elementary schools, two childcare centers, and four assisted living/long term care/skilled nursing facilities.
For each setting, specific guidance and education, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) control measures, were implemented. These measures included:
- Keeping or sending students/staff showing symptoms of GI illness home from school or child care centers. Urging all ill persons to stay home until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Avoiding direct contact with infected persons and discarding or isolating food and personal items that have been contacted by infected persons.
- Reinforcing hygiene and environmental cleaning practices in the settings investigated.
- Monitoring the development of symptoms in teachers, classmates, and residential contacts of infected persons, as appropriate.
- Offering lab sampling of specimens collected from persons showing symptoms of GI illness.
The state lab has confirmed the presence of Norovirus in specimens from three discreet investigation settings. Additional specimens are currently pending at the state lab. The health department remains on alert for GI-related outbreaks, and follow-up with implicated facilities is ongoing at this time.
Norovirus and other GI infections can be highly contagious. They are usually spread through, person-to-person contact with an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces, or contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low to high grade fever, and headache.
“Norovirus is the most common cause of GI illness in the U.S., accounting for over 20 million cases annually. Good hygiene practices and staying home when ill play an important role in preventing the spread of Norovirus and other infectious agents that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses,” said Dr. John Lanza. Escambia Health Department director.
Most gastrointestinal infections can be prevented with proper hygiene practices, staying home when ill, the use of clean drinking water, and safe food preparation. The best way to avoid contracting or spreading these infections is to take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
- Use proper hand washing practices by rubbing soapy water on hands and under fingernails for 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- If you become ill, stay home. If your child becomes ill, keep him/her out of school or childcare until free from symptoms for 48 hours.
- If you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, do not prepare food for other people.
- Thoroughly disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with a virus after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
- Cook foods properly and wash fruits and vegetables before serving. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for preparing meats, fish, vegetables, or fruits.
Treatment for gastrointestinal illness includes drinking plenty of fluids and adequate rest. Dehydration may be a concern, especially among elderly adults and young children, so it is important to maintain proper fluid replacement. Persons showing severe symptoms, including bloody stool, vomiting that does not resolve, high fever, or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, should contact their doctor.
Photos: Northview Spring Concert
April 6, 2013
From Johnny Cash to Disney to Katy Perry, the Northview Music Department Spring Concert featured a variety of music Friday night at the school. Performances included members of the Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble and Glee from Northview.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Northview High School Music Department Spring Concert Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Investigators Seek Man In Connection With Brent Shooting
April 6, 2013
Escambia Sheriff’s investigators are seeking any information leading to the whereabouts of 29-year old Chandler Bass. He is wanted on outstanding warrants and in connection with a Thursday shooting in Brent.
Bass is a black male, approximately 5-foot 3-inches and 175 pounds. He currently has outstanding warrants for failure to appear, violation of probation for resisting an officer without violence, and violation of probation for possession of cocaine.
The Sheriff’s Office said charges are forthcoming against Bass in connection with the shooting which occurred on Thursday near the area of Cary Memorial Drive and Lenox Parkway in Brent. The victim, 23-year old Steve Luron Benjamin, Jr., was shot multiple times and is expected to recover. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from drug related activity.
Bass is known to frequent the Montclair area and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-7867.
Power Line Falls, Sparks Fire At Flomaton High
April 6, 2013
A downed power line energized a covered aluminum walkway Friday afternoon at Flomaton High School, sparking a small fire.
The 7,200 volt power line broke and dropped onto the walkway that leads to three buildings on the west side of the campus. The fire was started at the 
point the walkway connects to the high school building, starting a fire along the exterior of the building. The fire caused just minor damage and was quickly extinguished.
Firefighters from multiple Alabama and Florida departments spent the next hour carefully searching the buildings. They were looking first and foremost for any victims, amid fears that someone might have been in one of the buildings and had been shocked. The also carefully searched each building for any signs of fire, using thermal imaging cameras to search for any sign of heat from a smoldering fire.
“I don’t want to leave here and have a fire smoldering in that insulation,” Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton said as he directed firefighters to check the high school building ceilings for signs of heat.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Stanton also acknowledged that the situation would have been much worse during school hours.
“If that power line had energized the awning with kids under it,” he said,”we could have had a major problem. It could have hurt or killed a lot of kids.”
The Flomaton, Friendship, Lambeth and Pineview volunteer fire departments from Alabama; and the Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue from Florida responded to Friday afternoon’s fire.
Escambia County (FL) EMS and the Flomaton Police Department also responded.
Pictured top: Firefighters check the damage inside a building at Flomaton High School Thursday afternoon. Pictured top inset: Burn marks on the outside of the high school building. Pictured bottom inset: A broken power line sent 7,200 volts into a covered awning below. Pictured below: A firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to make sure there is no fire inside a classroom ceiling. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Highway 29, Molino Road Crash
April 6, 2013
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Molino. The crash involving a pickup and a car occurred just before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Molino Road. The pickup came to rest upside down. The accident was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details were not released. Reader submitted photo by Lynn J. Garrett, Sr. for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.