Townsend, Anderson Graduate From Basic Training
March 16, 2014
Air Force Airman Eric F. Townsend graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Townsend is the son of Racheemba Battles of Durante Place, Durham, N.C., and Earl Townsend of Baker Street, Pensacola, Fla. He is a 2011 graduate of West Florida High School of Advanced Technology in Pensacola.
Army Pvt. Dillon D. Anderson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, GA.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Anderson is the son of Dawn and Jonathan Kelley of Perch Street, Atmore.
He is a 2012 graduate of Escambia Academy, Atmore.
Students Learn About Ag During Fresh From Florida Event
March 15, 2014
Formerly known as the “Food For America program”, the event gave students the chance to learn about agriculture first hand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more to learn how food gets from the farm to their tables. Students were even able to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter.
The Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program has been honored as the No. 1 program in the state multiple times and the chapter was recently name one of the best in the United State by the National FFA Organization..
Pictured top: Students get up close with a horse during Friday’s Fresh from Florida event at Northview High School. Pictured inset: A young lady enjoys butter she made by hand with the help of Northview FFA stduents. Pictured below: A variety of exhibits at the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Hit By School Bus Monday Has Passed Away
March 15, 2014
A motorcyclist has passed away from injuries he received when he hit a school bus that pulled into his path Monday afternoon.
School bus driver Brenda Gentry Matchett, 66, attempted to pull from the stop sign on 46th Avenue onto Lillian Highway. She failed to see motorcyclist Larry Dakota Austin, 22, and pulled the school bus into the path of his 1998 Honda motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Austin attempted to stop before hitting the bus but was unable to do so, according to the FHP. He slid under the bus, colliding with the right rear tires before sliding out into Lillian Highway, troopers said.
Austin was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in critical condition. He passed away from his injuries Friday morning.
Charges in the accident are pending investigation, the FHP said.
Memorial Services Scheduled For Askew
March 15, 2014
Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew, who died last Thursday at age 85, will be remembered in a series of services next week in Tallahassee and in his hometown of Pensacola.
Askew’s body will lie in state in a flag-draped casket at Florida’s Historic Capitol from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Cabinet, Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricky Polston, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford are among the dignitaries scheduled to honor the late governor, one of the state’s most influential politicians in modern history.
On Wednesday, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.
On Thursday, Askew will lie in repose from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT at his former home church, First Presbyterian Church Pensacola, 33 East Gregory Street, where his casket will be accompanied by an honor guard and escort provided by Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. Askew will be buried with full military honors Friday at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola. The graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. CT and is open to the public.
Askew is survived by his wife Donna Lou; a son, Kevin and a daughter, Angela White; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
by The News Service of Florida
Hundreds Of EREC Customers Without Power Early Saturday
March 15, 2014
Hundreds of Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers were without power for a while early Saturday in a planned outage.
Power was cut about midnight for customers served by the company’s Bratt substation — from Bratt, to Byrneville and parts of McDavid to Highway 29 just outside Century. The outage was necessary for the company to upgrade high voltage lines that service the power substation.
Northview Bites The Bulldogs
March 15, 2014
The Northview Chiefs took two from Freeport Friday in Bratt. In varsity action, Northview beat Freeport 11-1, and the junior varsity Chiefs beat the Bulldogs 13-6.
The junior varsity Chiefs will travel to Pensacola High for a 2 p.m. game next Tuesday, and the varsity will take on PHS at 4:00.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Clay Ingram: Session Week 2 Was Productive, Four Bills Pass Comittee Stops
March 15, 2014
submitted by Rep. Clay Ingram
Week 2 of Session is in the books and it was a productive one. Four of the bills I am sponsoring were heard and passed in committee this week.
HB 697 passed the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. This bill would add new mixes of synthetic drugs to the Schedule 1 list of controlled substances in Florida. I am proud to work with Attorney General Pam Bondi as we continue the fight to keep the drugs away from our children.
HB 633 passed the Regulatory Affairs Committee and is now ready to be heard on the House floor. HB 633 streamlines the licensing process for insurance agents and protects consumers by keeping those accused of criminal activity from preying on our citizens.
Two Trust Fund bills I am sponsoring passed the Appropriations Committee and are now ready to be heard by the entire House.
On Tuesday we honored our heroes during Military Appreciation Day in the House of Representatives. It is always awe-inspiring to be a part of this special day where we honor those who protect our freedom.
On Thursday we had the thrill of having former Governor Jeb Bush speak to House Republican Caucus. Jeb is one of my political heroes and he always provides us sound advice as we debate the important issues facing our state.
I also had the privilege of speaking to 4th grade students from Pine Meadow Elementary School, students from the PACE Center for Girls and a leadership group from Pensacola State College. As a former teacher, I always enjoy interacting with students of all ages.
I’m glad to be home for the weekend and look forward to Week 3!
Slight Risk For Severe Storms Beginning Sunday Morning
March 15, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight A slight chance of showers before 7pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7pm and 1am, then showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 59. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- Sunday Showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 75. South wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Sunday Night Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 55. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Monday Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
- Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75.
- Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44.
- Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Commissioners Defer Vote On Hiring Administrator
March 15, 2014
The Escambia County Commission has once again delayed the process of choosing a county administrator…voting Friday to put their final decision off for two weeks.
Commissioners interviewed five candidates for about three hours on Thursday before commissioner Wilson Robertson motioned to hire Interim County Administrator Larry Newsom. That failed 2-3 with Commissioner Gene Valentino and Robertson voting yes.
The push to hire Newsom continued during a Friday meeting, with tempers rising. As Valentino pushed for Newsom, he fired off “…will you tell him to shut up”, asking Commission Chairman Luman May to quiet fellow Commissioner Grover Robinson.
Robinson, May and Steven Barry have pushed to hire from the list of five finalists created by a search firm hired by the commission.
The commission on Friday voted to defer a vote on the selection of a new County Administrator until the next regularly scheduled board meeting, which will be held on Thursday, April 3, 5:30 p.m.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: History Intrudes On Legislative Session
March 15, 2014
Despite all the action underway during the legislative session over the last week, the Capitol seemed like a place stuck in past decades.
The death of former Gov. Reubin Askew, one of the most important figures in Florida history, triggered nostalgia for the days when the teetotaling chief executive worked to safeguard the environment, repair scandal-tarnished courts and open government business to the public.
Askew’s passed away on the same day that the Florida Supreme Court threw out a medical malpractice law approved by the Legislature 11 years ago — and subject to controversy ever since. Both events came a couple of days after former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who first ran for statewide office in 2006, once again stood before voters, this time in a special congressional election that was instead won by Republican lobbyist David Jolly.
And while the Legislature spent the week on present and future concerns, GOP lawmakers devoted much of their time to discussing one of the party’s golden oldie issues: Tax cuts.
The legislative session isn’t history yet — not even close — but the week was a reminder that even once it has ended, its effects can be felt for years.
‘ONE OF THE GREAT LEADERS’
With the exception of the late Gov. LeRoy Collins, Askew is seen as perhaps the most influential politician in Florida history.
The prim, almost prudish Democrat was first elected in 1970, defeating incumbent Republican Claude Kirk, the first GOP governor in the modern era.
Askew won again in 1974, becoming the first governor in Florida history to be elected to successive four-year terms. (Many, though not all, earlier governors were barred from running for more than one term, or could only run for two-year terms, depending on the Constitution at the time.)
Florida was in the midst of a population and development boom when Askew took over as chief executive. The state was still grappling with racial tensions prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court decision that put an end to school segregation. The devoutly religious Askew, born in Muskogee, Okla., was on the opposite side of many other Southern politicians, as well as many of his Pensacola constituents, in his call for racial reconciliation.
Askew clashed with conservatives over a “straw poll” opposing school busing, offering his own proposal asking voters if they wanted to keep schools integrated. Neither was binding, and both were approved.
The governor led a drive to reform the state’s judicial system after two state Supreme Court justices were forced out of office. He successfully pushed for a constitutional amendment requiring public officials to disclose information about their financial affairs and forcing government records into “the sunshine.” On the environment, Askew backed legislation creating water management districts and requiring local comprehensive planning.
“He was a visionary. He saw issues, whether they were in areas of racial fairness or educational opportunities or environmental protection, in a generational perspective, not just what’s going to be the best position for the next election. He led by his personal example and by the wisdom of his ideas and the strength of his passions,” said former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, a Democrat who also served as governor.
Jeb Bush, Florida’s first Republican governor elected to successive four-year terms, also praised Askew in a statement.
“Florida has lost one of the great leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our state during a time of substantial growth and change,” Bush said. “He led on contentious issues, fought for equality and did what he believed was in the best interests of Florida families. Governor Askew always put principle before politics, and I was fortunate to know him, seek counsel from him and learn from his years of service.”
‘DISAPPOINTING, AS USUAL’ RULING ON MED MAL LAW
After more than a decade of legislative and legal battles, the Florida Supreme Court had the final say on a 2003 law limiting damages in medical-malpractice lawsuits. It was unconstitutional, the justices said in a 5-2 ruling.
The court sided with the family of a Panhandle woman who died of complications after giving birth. In doing so, justices also sided indirectly with plaintiffs’ lawyers who have fiercely opposed limits on so-called “non-economic damages.” Physicians and insurance companies, who have made a priority of reining in medical-malpractice lawsuits, came out the losers.
“At the present time, the cap on non-economic damages serves no purpose other than to arbitrarily punish the most grievously injured or their surviving family members,” Justice R. Fred Lewis wrote.
The two most conservative justices dissented.
“This court has previously recognized the existence of a medical malpractice insurance crisis as a legitimate state interest,” Chief Justice Ricky Polston wrote. “Further, it is undisputed that increasing the quality, availability, and affordability of health care for Floridians is a legitimate state interest. And the Legislature’s policy choice of enacting a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases is rationally related to these state interests.”
The ruling stemmed from the February 2006 death of 20-year-old Michelle McCall, who gave birth to a son at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center but died days later because of complications from severe bleeding.
Republicans, who have often warred with the trial bar over the years and pushed the caps through the Legislature in 2003, were predictably upset by Thursday’s decision.
“Disappointing, as usual, from them,” Senate Rules Chairman John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, said when asked about the justices’ ruling. “But we’ll see what we have to do to address it.”
It wasn’t clear whether or how lawmakers would attempt to overturn the court’s decision through legislation during the current session. But no one was ruling it out yet.
JOLLY IS JOLLY AS SINK SINKS
While much of the state’s political and business establishment had been focused on the legislative session underway in Tallahassee, the national media and a handful of big-money groups were zeroing in on another corner of the state: Pinellas County, where Sink was attempting a comeback and Jolly was looking to move from K Street to the U.S. Capitol.
In the end, Jolly won the contentious and expensive special election on Tuesday to replace his former boss, the late Republican Congressman C.W. Bill Young. The swingy district, which Young and President Barack Obama both won in 2008 and 2012, was monitored by strategists and analysts looking for tea leaves about the November elections that will decide who controls Congress during Obama’s last two years in office.
As usual, the winning side portrayed the victory as a signal about what would happen almost eight months from now.
“Tonight, one of Nancy Pelosi’s most prized candidates was ultimately brought down because of her unwavering support for ObamaCare, and that should be a loud warning for other Democrats running coast to coast,” U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a press release after the vote.
Also following the script, Democrats tried to play down the idea that the defeat was, in fact, a defeat.
“Tonight, Republicans fell short of their normal margin in this district because the agenda they are offering voters has a singular focus — that a majority of voters oppose — repealing the Affordable Care Act that would return us to the same old broken health care system,” Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from Broward County, said in a release.
MO MONEY, MO TAX CUTS
At a Wednesday meeting in an obscure corner of the Knott Building, state economists huddled and predicted that the state would take in about $150 million more over the next 16 months than current estimates called for. It didn’t take long for House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, to decide where the money would go.
“Obviously, a lot of it’s going to be spent on tax cuts,” he told reporters.
Lawmakers had already set a goal of $500 million in reductions in taxes and fees, following a benchmark set by Gov. Rick Scott last year. That overall number isn’t likely to change even with the new revenue figures, but it does give lawmakers more wiggle room.
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously amended a proposal (SB 156) by Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, to reduce the vehicle registration fees. Under the revised proposal, motorists would potentially save between $20 and $25 per vehicle registration, depending on the size of the vehicle.
The reduction would collectively save motorists about $309 million during the upcoming 2014-15 budget year, with the new rates going into effect Sept. 1, and about $395 million the following fiscal year, when they would be in effect for the full 12 months starting July 1.
A similar House proposal (PCB 14-04) was unanimously backed Thursday by the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee, even as Democrats complained the reduction was more about getting Scott re-elected than fiscal policy.
“There is a great line in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ that I like. ‘Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.’ I feel like we need to take the curtain down,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs.
Other tax bills were also moving. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday unanimously supported a measure (SB 792) by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, that would lift sales taxes on clothes, school supplies and electronics for three days at the start of August.
And the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee approved a plan by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam (SB 1076) to cut in half the sales tax that businesses pay for electricity and funnel about half of it to an education facilities program.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Former Gov. Reubin Askew, one of the most important figures in state history, died at the age of 85.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m waiting on the day when somebody gets indicted on the Thursday before the election, and they get elected because everybody’s already voted and they can’t get their ballot back.”–Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, on the dangers of voting by mail.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida