Share Your Facebook, Twitter Passwords With Your Employer?
February 18, 2014
Big business brother is balking at a proposal that would ban employers from peeking into workers’ private social-media accounts.
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee approved a proposal (SB 198) on Monday that would prohibit most employers from asking a worker or job applicant for his or her username, password or other means to access private social-media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter.
Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said he sponsored the measure because, under current state law, someone can be denied employment if they refuse to turn over their secret passwords.
“It’s a matter of where we draw the line and I’ve chosen to draw it at you can’t ask for somebody’s password,” said Clemens.
The measure doesn’t prevent an employer from accessing and viewing publicly available information on an employee’s social media account, and an amendment approved Monday exempts business-related accounts from the restrictions.
Similar measures are in place in 16 states, including New Jersey, California, Illinois, Colorado, and Utah.
Clemens said business groups have lobbied fiercely against his plan.
Samantha Padgett, general counsel for the Florida Retail Federation, told the committee the legislature needs to consider if the private messages by employees are conducted on company time or company equipment.
“This is something the employer could be liable for,” Padgett said.
A business also could be liable for the actions of employees if they haven’t done a proper background screening in the hiring process, she said.
“I can’t raise for you a case where this has occurred. I don’t know of one, but it doesn’t seem outside the realm of possibility that an employer could be held for negligent hiring for failing to look into every aspect of the employee they’ve hired,” Padgett said.
The measure also includes a provision that would allow a worker to sue a boss that violated the proposed law, which Padgett threatened would result in more lawsuits against business-owners.
And Associated Industries of Florida lobbyist Brewster Bevis told the committee the proposal is creating “heartburn” for his business members because it could limit internal investigations into any employee’s behavior such as sexual harassment.
But committee Chairwoman Nancy Detert, R-Venice, noted that businesses are already allowed to conduct background checks, pull fingerprints, check credit reports, and do independent Google checks on the individuals being hired. And, Detert argued, businesses already have rules in place for misuse of company equipment.
“We’ve spent a lot of time worried about too much government intervention and cleaning up those rules, now we’ve got too much business in our business as far as I’m concerned,” she said.
“All of our kids and grand kids have been warned that using social media, everything is out there in cyberspace and people can check on it,” she continued. “But if you do your privacy codes right on your Facebook page, that should be like your family dining room table and only for invited guests get to be there, not your employer judging your behavior.”
Clemens’s proposal, which received a 7-2 vote Monday, must still get liked by three more committees before reaching the Senate floor. A House companion (HB 527) has not yet been scheduled for any hearings.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Tax Offices Might Process Gun License Applications
February 18, 2014
Gun owners would be able to apply for concealed weapons licenses at their local tax collector’s offices under a National Rifle Association-backed measure approved unanimously by the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday.
Florida has more than a million concealed weapons licenses and the number is growing. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has eight regional field offices where gun owners can apply for the permits in person, but demand is so high that the wait at some locales is six months for an appointment.
“It’s a convenience for the citizens of the state of Florida to be able to come into their own county in buildings that their taxes helped pay for. Whether it’s paying their taxes or getting a driver’s license, it’s a courtesy to the taxpayers,” said Indian River County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan.
Under the proposal, tax collectors would be able to charge an extra $22 on top of the $70 fee for new applications and an additional $12 for renewals, which cost $60. The county officials already process photos, fingerprints and other things associated with the concealed carry applications. The costs don’t include $42 for background checks, which will still be handled by the agriculture department.
Making it easier for gun owners to get concealed weapons licenses, which require some training, could make Floridians safer, said NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer.
“They become a little more conscious of the responsibility of gun ownership,” Hammer, who estimates that there are 8 million gun owners in Florida, said. “I think it can’t hurt.”
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offices in Fort Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Doral, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach are two-hour drives for some gun owners, many of whom prefer to hand over their paperwork in person because of past delays processing the applications by mail.
Clerks at the regional offices can also ensure that applications contain all of the items necessary to be processed, another time-saver. Applications now take about 35 days to process once received by the department, according to spokesman Aaron Keller. Several years ago, the department had a backlog of up to six months to get the applications processed, which by law are required to be completed within 90 days.
Start-up costs for the program would be about $800,000, including 11 new workers, to get the operation up-and-running in 30 counties, according to Keller. The money would come from a trust fund made up of the concealed weapons license fees, which now has a balance of about $26 million. The department would enter into agreements with the tax collectors, who would not be required to participate.
“It’s just kind of a natural thing for us to go into, after doing drivers licenses. We’re a very secure facility. Our clerks are deputized,” Jordan said.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Storm Team Home After Week In Icy Georgia
February 18, 2014
Icy roads and downed power poles and lines were a few of the hazards Gulf Power Company’s storm team encountered as they helped Georgia Power restore power to customers following last week’s winter storm.
The 82-person crew was released from storm duty late Sunday afternoon and returned to Northwest Florida late Sunday night.
“They all worked safely and gave hope to customers who had lost power,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power Corporate Communications manager. “Our crews continue to hone their skills working winter storms this year and we were glad to help Georgia Power’s customers get their power back on.”
The crews left February 10, donned snow chains, and worked in Jonesboro, Ga., just south of Atlanta most of the week. Over the weekend, they went east to Waynesboro, Ga., to help complete restoration. Georgia Power restored power to more than 700,000 customers.
It was the third time this winter Gulf Power crews were called on to restore power. In December, a team went to the Dallas area. And in late January, Gulf Power had to deal with its own winter storm.
“When the power’s out, there’s no better sight on your street than a bucket truck rolling up,” Rogers said. “The experience gained from being deployed to assist in these storms helps our crews be the best they can be right here at home.”
Pictured: Gulf Power storm teams work in northern Georgia. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Honors Winning Football Team, Cheerleaders
February 18, 2014
The state champion Northview Chiefs honored their football players and cheerleaders during their annual banquet Monday night.
For a bonus photo gallery, click here.
The following football players and cheerleaders were awarded:
FOOTBALL
- Academic Award - Austin Cunningham
- Chief Award – Tristan Portwood, Andrew Edwards
- Leadership Award – Nathan Shipps, Dalton Daniel
- Most Improved Award - Keondre Lett, Nick Lambert
- Head Hunter Award - Emmanuel Etheridge
- Mr. Intensity Award – Tristen Creamer
- Mr. Versatile Award – Cameron Newsome, Tydre Bradley
- Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Baccari Ramar, Danny Slay
- Outstanding Defensive Lineman – La’Quan Thomas
- Outstanding Back - LaDarius Thomas
- All-Purpose Back – Brannon Freeman
- Most Valuable Defensive Player – Jeffrey Taylor, Hunter Sherouse
- Most Valuable Offensive Player – Neino Robinson, Daulton Tullis
- Senior Award – Nathan Shipps, Dalton Daniel, Tristen Creamer, Baccari Ramar, Danny Slay, La’Quan Thomas, Brannon Freeman, Jeffrey Taylor, Neino Robinson, Daulton Tullis, Andrew Edwards, holden Moore, Tony Haynie.
- Subway All-Star Team members – Jeffrey Taylor, La’Quan Thomas, Neino Robinson, Daulton Tullis and Brannon Freeman.
- All-State team – 1st Team – Neino Robinson; 2nd Team – Brannon Freeman, La’Quan Thomas; honorable mention, Daulton Tullis, Jeffrey Taylor
- All-Area – 1st Team – Neino Robinson
- All-Panhandle Elite – 1st Team – Neino Robinson; honorable mention, Daulton Tullis, La’Quan Thomas, Jeffrey Taylor and Hunter Sherouse.
JV CHEERLEADERS
- Most Improved - Mallarie Rigby
- Most Spirited – Mallory Gibson, Peighton Dortch
- Most Dedicated – Dariane Guy
VARSITY CHEERLEADERS
- Most Versatile – Mariah Albritton
- Perseverance Award – Chloe Leonard
- Squad Strength – Hannah Gibson
- Spirit Award - Madison Arrington
- Best All Around - Katelynn Calloway
Pictured top: (L-R) Most Valuable Defensive Players Hunter Sherouse and Jeffrey Taylor; Most Valuable Offensive Players Daulton Tullis and Neino Robinson. Pictured below: Cheerleaders Mariah Albritton, Chloe Leonard, Ali Martin, Olivia Neal, Courtney Weaver, Anna Fischer and Katelynn Calloway. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Connie Renee Hardy
February 18, 2014
Connie Renee Hardy, 38, of Walnut Hill passed away Saturday, February 15, 2014, at a local hospital.
She was the daughter of James and Patricia Houk.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family of Connie Hardy.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Pace Patriots Down Northview Varsity; JV Chiefs Win
February 18, 2014
The Northview Lady Chiefs split games with the Pace Patriots Monday in Bratt.
Pace defeated the varsity Chiefs 6-2, while the JV Chiefs beat Pace 7-3 in an afternoon game.
A Northview at Chipley match-up scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled due to field conditions at Chipley. The varsity and junior varsity Chiefs will host Baker Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Athletes Compete In Winter Olympics
February 18, 2014
As the Winter Olympics continue in Russia, Florida sports fans will see what seems like a most unlikely sight: Fellow Floridians in Sochi, Russia, as part of the U.S. Olympic Team. That’s Floridians … in the Winter Olympics.
The Florida High School Athletic Association is encouraging residents from Pensacola to Key West to pull for the state’s athletes, several of whom competed at the high school level for FHSAA member schools.
“We’re used to seeing Floridians compete in a wide range of summer sports, from swimming and diving to track and field, but you don’t usually associate the Sunshine State with events like bobsledding and speedskating,” noted Dr. Roger Dearing, FHSAA executive director. “Whether the sports are common in our state or not, we can all take pride in the incredible accomplishments of these Florida athletes.”
Floridians on the 230-member U.S. Olympic Team in Sochi include three speedskaters who attended FHSAA member schools, as well as a member of the bobsled team who attended the University of Miami. In addition, the head coach of the U.S. men’s bobsled team now calls the Sunshine State home.
Florida has a rich tradition of sending champion athletes to compete in the Olympics, but it’s more typically the Summer Games. Two years ago, FHSAA saluted 29 Olympians who attended FHSAA member schools before earning spots in the London games. Several of Florida’s current Winter Olympians grew up competing in non-winter sports whose skills translated to winter sports
“These outstanding athletes highlight the value of athletic competition for young boys and girls. This is the same value we try to instill in every high school student-athlete competing at FHSAA member schools. You never know where it might lead you – even to a place in the Winter Olympics,” said Dearing.
Floridians participating in Sochi as members of the U.S. Olympic Team include:
- Eddy Alvarez, 24, of Miami, a speedskater who played baseball at Christopher Columbus High School
- Brittany Bowe, 25, of Ocala, a speedskater who played girls basketball at Trinity Catholic
- Joey Mantia, 28, of Ocala, a speedskater who was a world record holder in inline speed skating and attended Ocala Vanguard High School
- Lauryn Williams, 30, a former University of Miami track star who is a member of the two-woman bobsled team
- Brian Shimer, of Naples, head coach of the U.S. men’s bobsled team
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Killed In Highway 4 Wreck In Santa Rosa County
February 17, 2014
A Santa Rosa County man died in a single vehicle accident Sunday night in Berrydale.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 36-year old Marcel Edward Gauthier of Pace was traveling east on Highway 4 near Reeder Road about 10:20 p.m. when for unknown reasons he drifted across the highway and into a ditch. His 2006 Chevrolet Silverado struck a cement culvert and rolled several times.
Gauthier was later pronounced deceased at Jay Hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. Gauthier was not wearing a seat belt, according to the FHP.
Man Turns To Facebook, $1,000 Reward To Solve Local Burglary
February 17, 2014
A North Escambia man is turning to a reward and Facebook in hopes of catching whoever burglarized his mother’s home in Cantonment on Valentine’s Day.
“My mom is safe, and that is the most important thing to us,” Craig Morgan said on his newly created “Cantonment Fl. Break ins” Facebook page after the burglary on Filly Road. By Sunday night, the page had over 460 likes.
“My hope with this page is to make a stand against these cowards who are breaking in to all our homes in our community,” he said. “Never accept being a victim. It’s what they want you to do. Just accept. Not me. I will never rest until these cowards are brought to justice.”
The burglary occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. last Friday, with the thieves forcing their way into the home, ransacking a bedroom and stealing jewelry belonging to his mother, as well as jewelry and other items from his father. Morgan’s dad, who retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in 1989, passed away three years ago.
On his Facebook page, Morgan has reached out to the community to identify several vehicles unusual to the neighborhood caught on video in front of the home on the day of the burglary. So far, all but one has been identified.
He intends for the Facebook page to be a place for others in the Cantonment area to share information about the burglaries in the Cantonment area — a virtual neighborhood watch of sorts.
Morgan is also offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the burglary. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: A ransacked bedroom at a home on Filly Road in Cantonment following a burglary last Friday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fog Overnight, Low 52
February 17, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 10 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph.
- Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
- Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.