Rain Chances Diminish
April 4, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 50. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
- Friday: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 70. North wind around 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Breezy.
- Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Breezy.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Breezy.
Man Charged With Firing Rifle At Couple Picking Up Cans Along Hwy 164
April 4, 2013
A Century man has been charged with opening fire with a rifle near an older couple alongside a highway in the Christian Home community in late January.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators said a husband and wife were picking up cans from the shoulder of the road on January 29 when a vehicle stopped and Akino Jama Jackson exited armed with a semi automatic rifle.
He confronted the couple, reportedly demanding that they return his property — drugs that were allegedly tossed at the location from a passing vehicle earlier in the day. Jackson then fired the rifle “into the ground several times in the vicinity of the victims” before fleeing in the vehicle, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. No one was struck by the gunfire, and there were no injuries.
The couple then drove about six miles to their home before calling for help. Deputies recovered multiple shell casings alongside Highway 164, consistent with the couple’s story. Jackson was positively identified by one of the victims.
Jackson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, firing a weapon in public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Pictured: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigator January 29 at the scene of a shots fired incident along Highway 164 near Pine Barren Road. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
DUI Manslaughter Charge Filed In Connection With Death Of Century Man
April 4, 2013
A Milton man has been charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a January accident that killed a Century resident.
Charles Terry Griffis, 50, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 9:20 p.m. crash January 9 on Highway 87 about seven miles north of Milton. Griffis was a passenger in a car driven by 47-year old William Samuel Stapleton, Jr., of Milton.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Stapleton was northbound on Highway 87 when he lost control and struck a tree. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in serious condition.
The FHP said Wednesday that they have completed their traffic homicide investigation, charging Stapleton with DUI manslaughter, driving while license suspended causing death and failure to use due care. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $20,000.
Amber Alert Issed For Two Florida Children
April 4, 2013
Florida and Alabama have issued an Amber Alert for two boys who where kidnapped by their parents from their grandmother’s home in Tampa
The Amber Alert has been issued for Cole Hakken, a white male, 4-years old, 3 feet 9 inches tall, 44 pounds, brown hair, with brown eyes and Chase Hakken, a white male, 2-years old, 3 feet tall, 33 pounds, brown hair, with brown eyes.
The children may be in the company of Joshua Hakken, a white male, 35 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 175 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes and Sharyn Hakken, a white female, 34 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 150 pounds, brown hair and hazel eyes. They may be traveling in a 2006, black GMC Sierra, FL tag number U95KT.
Both suspects are anti-government and have attempted a previous abduction at gun point in Louisiana, according to police. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of these children contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department at (813) 247-8200 or dial 911.
Single St. Luke Church Road Property Rezoned, Neighbors Want More Zoning Changes
April 4, 2013
The Escambia County Commission has approved rezoning 1.91 acres on St. Luke Church Road near Century. The zoning was changed from VAG 2, which allows one dwelling unit per five acres, to V-2 which allows for for two dwelling units per acre.
The surrounding properties on St. Luke Church Road were already zoned V-2.
The property, located northeast of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, is owned by Van G. Hibberts of Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze.
During an Escambia County Planning Board meeting, Elbert L. Dixon of Backwoods Road said he was not against the rezoning, but he wanted to see zoning changes in the entire area.
“We as a community out there we have been down trying to get our area rezoned,” Dixon, a member of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, said. “I have a problem with zoning just one particular area, but we as a whole, as a neighborhood out there, we’ve got members from the church and we’ve got neighbors that’s been there a lifetime and on each side of that road you’ve got one side — on the left side you can only put trailers on. On the right side you can only put houses on.
“We have a lot of land out there laying out and we have been trying to get it rezoned and everything. So this is my purpose down here to see what is 10 our next option. If you can adjoin a fellow that’s going to build wherever he wants to build, I figure that we should have the same right,” Dixon continued.
Dixon was informed that he and his neighbors can apply to the zoning board to have their properties rezoned.
Special Election Set For Ford’s House District 2 Seat
April 4, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday scheduled a May 14 special primary election and a June 11 special general election to replace Rep. Clay Ford, a Gulf Breeze Republican who died last month after a battle with cancer.
The elections will be in House District 2, which includes Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key and the remainder of the southern area of Escambia County.
For the May 14 primary election, registration books will close April 15, and early voting for the seat will be held Saturday, May 4 through Saturday, May 11.
Pictured top: This graphic shows House District 2.
Navy Federal Announces 1,500 New Jobs
April 4, 2013
Navy Federal Credit Union announced Wednesday it will expand its corporate operations in Beulah, bringing new building construction and 1,500 new jobs to the region. Construction is planned to start in late 2013, including buildings on the 240 acre former Langley Bell 4-H Center property purchased last year by Navy Federal for $3.6 million.
“Providing the best possible service to our members is our first priority. Our Pensacola expansion is key to supporting the credit union’s strong growth and an important way for us to continue delivering outstanding service,” said Cutler Dawson, president and CEO of the credit union. “We’re proud to be a part of the economic growth for the area.”
Navy Federal’s next phase of growth in Beulah involves the construction of two new buildings, totaling 342,300 square feet at its Greater Pensacola Operations campus. Upon completion, 1,500 corporate and operational jobs will be created. Capital investments for the expansion will exceed $200 million, and also include constructing a central energy plant, auditorium, parking structure and recreation area.
“This is an historic day for Pensacola families. Today’s news that Navy Federal will create 1,500 jobs for families is a huge win for the Sunshine State, and builds on the 640 jobs that were announced last year, said Rick Scott, Governor of Florida. “With our efforts to cut taxes, pay down debt and keep the cost of living low, Florida’s job climate is improving each and every day. With more than 290,000 private-sector jobs created in the past two years, we’re creating a Florida that’s the number one place in the world to find a job and run a successful business, providing families with more opportunities to pursue the American Dream.”
Navy Federal is a growth story in Pensacola, beginning in 2003 with 60 employees. In 2012, Navy Federal added 640 jobs, bringing its current total in the region to over 2,800 employees. The credit union has invested over $225 million in Pensacola and has seven branches along the Florida Panhandle.
“Over the past 10 years, Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola has brought 2,800 jobs and invested more than $225 million in their current campus,” said U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, Florida District 1. “Our friends at Navy Federal have proven to be good corporate neighbors and have shown their commitment to our community. We appreciate them choosing Pensacola and we look forward to having them in our neighborhood for many years to come.”
Navy Federal’s over 10,000 full and part-time employees worldwide are offered a robust benefits package, including competitive salaries, incentive programs, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, and retirement plans with an employer match.
“Navy Federal Credit Union has been an important part of our community for many years,” said Sen. Greg Evers. “Their choice to expand business in Pensacola is a testament to the hardworking people of Northwest Florida.”
In January 2013, FORTUNE Magazine named Navy Federal on its list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” This marked Navy Federal’s third appearance on the list, having first been recognized in 2008 and again in 2012.
Pictured top: Navy Federal’s current campus and future expansion onto the 240 acre Langley Bell 4-H Center purchased last year.Pictured inset: Gov. Rick Scott at Wednesday’s Navy Federal announcement. Pictured below: Expansion plan including two buildings and a parking garage. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Texting And Driving Ban On The Open Road To Full House Vote
April 4, 2013
In a room full of people texting updates to and otherwise using electronic devices, a long sought measure to ban such behavior while driving was given a green light to the House floor on Wednesday.
The measure (HB 13) was approved with just one “no” vote in the House Economic Affairs Committee, it’s last preliminary hearing before heading to the full House.
“It’s the beginning of the change that is necessary in our culture that people learning a new activity, whether it be driving or whether it be texting, that certain activities are appropriate and certain activities are inappropriate, and texting is inappropriate while behind the wheel of an automobile,” said Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, the sponsor of the House legislation.
Legislators have struggled to advance the proposal in past sessions, particularly in the House, where concerns have aired over imposing new rules that infringe on personal liberties.
Committee Chairman Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, who voted against the bill, said he wanted to remain consistent in resisting measures perceived as expanding government intrusion. He has previously opposed allowing stepped up enforcement of seat belt requirements, and the use of red light cameras.
“Where do you cross the line of digging in your bag and getting a French fry and driving?” Patronis asked.
The bill would make texting while driving a secondary offense, meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for something else before they could get a secondary ticket for texting.
The fine would be $30 plus court costs, which could be as much as $129. A second ticket within five years would be marked as a “moving violation” against one’s license and come with a $60 ticket, before court costs are added that could run up to $179.
Holder, claiming that polls indicate that up to 95 percent of Floridians support the ban, said police may track records to determine if an individual was texting while driving, but he would expect that to occur typically only when there had been a crash or during a death investigation.
“One of the most important parts of this bill is to empower parents and drivers ed teachers to be able to tell their children and students that texting while driving is illegal in the state of Florida,” Holder said. Florida is in the minority, most states have at least some restrictions on texting while behind the wheel.
The bill has exceptions, such as allowing the use of “talk-to-text” technology, reporting emergencies, and allowing texting while a vehicle is stopped, such as at a red light.
The bill had been previously unanimously approved by the Transportation & Highway Safety and Civil Justice subcommittees.
The Senate version (SB 52) has also cleared two committees and awaits a hearing before the Judiciary Committee.
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Gaetz Looks For ‘Melded’ Health Plan
April 4, 2013
Senate President Don Gaetz on Wednesday praised House Speaker Will Weatherford for “putting a stake in the ground” on Medicaid expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act and said the two chambers are trying to agree on an alternative plan to help vulnerable Floridians.
“I think by the end of the session, we’ll have some sort of a melded plan,” Gaetz, R-Niceville, said during an interview on the television show, “Florida Face to Face.”
Gaetz’s comments came as senators consider two, widely different approaches to trying to provide health services to low-income people.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has proposed a plan — dubbed the Healthy Florida program — that would rely heavily on federal money to help low-income people buy private health insurance. Negron describes the approach as offering “premium assistance” to people who, otherwise, could be eligible for the Medicaid expansion.
Meanwhile, Senate Health Policy Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, this week introduced a plan — dubbed the Health Choice Plus program — that would use state money to help people below 100 percent of the federal poverty level pay for health services. Bean’s proposal would be more limited than Negron’s plan and would not tap into federal funding.
While Weatherford and his lieutenants have not offered a proposal, Gaetz said an idea is floating around the House that is at least somewhat similar to the Bean plan. Weatherford and other House Republican leaders have repeatedly said they do not want to rely on federal funding, contending that Florida taxpayers ultimately might get stuck with paying unexpected costs.
“What we’re interested in in the Florida House is creating a sustainable plan — a plan that addresses the true safety-net needs of the state of Florida and at the same time is sustainable by the state,” Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said Tuesday.
During the television interview Wednesday, Gaetz also seemed to suggest moving toward a targeted program.
“I think that probably the sweet spot is somewhere near premium assistance for certain groups of people that are the most vulnerable,” Gaetz said. “That’s where I hope we’ll get to.”
If lawmakers do not expand Medicaid or pursue something like Negron’s plan, they would forgo tens of billions of dollars in federal money over the next decade. Democrats criticized that possibility Wednesday as the House Appropriations Committee approved a proposed 2013-14 budget, which did not include Medicaid-expansion money.
“It will affect the poorest of Floridians who will not have health-care insurance, individuals that I represent and that many of us represent,” House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, said.
But Gaetz said Weatherford should get credit for “putting a stake in the ground, saying, ‘We’re not going to do this all Washington’s way.’ ”
Gaetz also echoed Weatherford’s skepticism of assurances that the federal government would pay the vast majority of the Medicaid expansion costs, comparing people in Washington to the “Hatfields and McCoys” who can’t pass a federal budget.
The Senate president said it is a matter of finding “common ground where we can be fair to Florida taxpayers” but also said he thinks lawmakers need to take action.
“I don’t feel it would be right to leave Tallahassee and do nothing about uninsured in Florida,” Gaetz said. “But at the same point, I agree with Speaker Weatherford that we can’t rely on the federal government to do for us what they can’t even do for themselves, and that is predictable funding.”
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Tate’s Tanner ‘Robo’ Roberson Signs With Huntingdon College
April 4, 2013
Tate High School senior Tanner “ROBO” Roberson has signed to play football with Huntingdon College in Montgomery.
Roberson played football all four years at Tate High School as a tight end. He was chosen as this year’s Tate High’s Football Scholar Athlete.
In addition to his performance on the football field, Tanner was the leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was the 2013 Challenger Award recipient. He also was selected for inclusion in Tate’s 2012 – 2013 Hall of Fame.
Pictured: Tate High School senior Tanner “ROBO” Roberson signs to play football with Huntingdon College in Montgomery surrounded by family (above) and teammates (below). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
