Oscar Wayne Conley
April 25, 2014
Oscar Wayne Conley passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2014, while working in Tampa.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Lewie Hubbard Conley and Susie Irene Thigpen; and brother, Henry Conley.
Pat traveled all over the United States and used his wit and personality to get along with people from all walks of life. Pat was definitely a people person who loved his friends and his Florida State Seminoles.
Pat is survived by his daughter, DeeDee (Tommy) Mitchell; son, Louie (Jessie Rae) Conley; three grandchildren, Aunika, Jackson, and Taylor; brother, Bill (Dawn) Conley; and sisters, Ellen (Dave) McGahan and Sharon (Larry) Pugh.
A memorial service was held on April 18, 2014, at Jay Funeral Home.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Autrey and Shirley Owens for all their help in putting this memorial together.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Close Call: Range Rover Vs. 18-Wheeler
April 24, 2014
It was an extremely close call for a driver just outside Flomaton Thursday morning.
Exact details on how the accident happened have not yet been released, but the driver’s side of a Range Rover came to rest under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. There were only minor injuries in the accident at Fannie Road and Highway 31.
The accident remains under investigation.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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No Injuries In Highway 29 Rollover Accident
April 24, 2014
There were no injuries reported in a single vehicle rollover accident about 6:30 Thursday morning on Highway 29 near Quintette Road. The pickup truck involved came to rest on its side in the median of Highway 29. Photo byRamona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Down In Escambia, Across Florida
April 24, 2014
New data released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows overall crime down in Escambia County and Florida’s crime rate at the lowest point in decades.
Florida’s crime rate dropped 4.7 percent in 2013 compared to 2012, putting Florida at a 43-year crime low. In Escambia County, overall crime was down 6.1 percent during the year.
Murders were up from 22 in 2012 to 26 in 2013, and motor vehicle thefts also increased in Escambia County, according to the FDLE data. All other major crime categories — forcible rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries and larcenies — saw a decrease from 2012 to 2013.
The Escambia County data includes crimes investigated not only the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but also the Pensacola Police Department, University of West Florida Police, Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies.
Across Florida, the total number of crimes fell 3.8 percent from last year which translates into 27,380 fewer crimes in 2013. The number of violent crimes was also down 2.4 percent.Murder is down 3.9 percent, forcible sex offenses and robbery each declined 2.8 percent and aggravated assault is down 2.1 percent.
“Today we have more good news for families. Even while Florida’s population grows, the total number of crimes continues to drop, which is a testament to our brave men and women who serve in our communities each and every day. Florida is now at a 43-year crime low. Our lower crime rate means that not only are our families and communities safer, but Florida is in a better position to create more opportunities for Floridians. This drop in crime shows everyone that Florida really is the best place to raise a family,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
Barrineau Park To Clean Up On Saturday
April 24, 2014
The Honeysuckle Garden Club, The Barrineau Park Historical Society, the Honeysuckle Garden Club, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club and Clean and Green will help with the annual trash pick up day Saturday in Barrineau Park.
Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Barrineau Park Community Center by 8:30 a.m. to receive their assignments. Lunch will be served back at the community center for all participants beginning at 11 a.m.
P.C. Wu: Keep Florida Government In The Sunshine
April 24, 2014
by P.C. Wu
When it comes to having an open-and-transparent government that is accountable to the people, Florida truly leads the nation. Since the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was enacted in 1967, Florida has served as a model for other states.
In a world where technological advancements have introduced even more material into the public record, we continue to be on the cutting edge of reforms.
As president of the Florida League of Cities — an organization that serves as a united voice for Florida’s municipal governments — I understand that all levels of government are accountable to the people. That’s why I was pleased to learn that improving government accountability and efficiency was part of the 2014 joint legislative agenda established by Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
They understand that now is the time to pass legislation ensuring that government in the sunshine continues to be at the forefront of people’s minds, now and in the future.
During the 60-day legislative session, scheduled to end May 2, the Florida League of Cities has been actively engaged with Florida legislators, legislative staff, and other open-record experts and advocates — including the First Amendment Foundation, Tallahassee — to further improve Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Florida’s municipalities are committed to serving their citizens with dedication and transparency.
Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.
These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.
As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.
Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.
These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.
As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.
The language proposed by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation would require training of all employees who deal with public-record requests, would make it easier to request public records, would limit fees that agencies can charge for public records, and would put an end to spurious and abusive lawsuits.
I am confident our lawmakers will enact legislation that simplifies these issues and creates an atmosphere of trust among Floridians. We’ve had a proven track record in this area, and I look forward to seeing it continue and develop.
As this year’s legislative session enters its final weeks, I want to reiterate the importance of an open-and-transparent government in our state and urge lawmakers to address these issues.
by P.C. Wu, member of the Pensacola City Council and president of the Florida League of Cities
West Florida Downs Godby To Advance To 1-4A Semifinals
April 24, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars beat Tallahassee Godby Wednesday in Region 1-4A regional quarterfinal playoff action.
Korina Rosario pitched the win in five innings for the Lady Jags allowing just two hits while striking out nine. At the plate, Rosario went 3-4 with a double, triple, three runs and three RBIs. Kristin Gunter was 3-4 for West Florida with three RBIs and a run. Emily Loring was 2-3 with two runs, and Nachelle Watson was 1-3 with a double and three runs.
West Florida (24-1) will host Tallahassee’s Florida High School next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the regional semifinals.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Florida Executes Double Murderer
April 24, 2014
Robert E. Hendrix, convicted in the 1990 murders of a Lake County couple, was executed by lethal injection Wednesday at Florida State Prison near Starke. Hendrix, 47, was pronounced dead at 6:21 p.m., according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
The execution is the 16th since Gov. Rick Scott took office in January 2011. Hendrix shot and stabbed Elmer Scott Jr. and Michelle Scott, according to a death warrant.
The governor’s office said Hendrix murdered the couple in an attempt to prevent the husband from testifying against him in an unrelated armed-burglary case. Elmer Scott was Hendrix’s cousin.
West Florida Library Board Of Governance Seeks Appointee
April 24, 2014
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking to identify individuals who have a passion for libraries and the ability to effectively advocate for them to serve on the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
This position will serve the remaining term of a vacant seat. The term expires February 20, 2016.
The Board of Governance (BOG) is composed of five members – three appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, one appointed by the Pensacola City Council and one appointed by the Pensacola Mayor. The BOG shall establish policy and oversee management of the West Florida Public Library (WFPL) and make recommendations to the BOCC regarding the annual budget. The mission of the BOG is to advise and assist the WFPL with its programs, activities and operational issues as defined in the strategic plan and annual plan. Members of the BOG serve without compensation.
To be eligible for the BOG you:
- Must be an elector of Escambia County;
- Cannot be a paid employee of the WFPL;
- Cannot be the spouse, partner, child, parent, or sibling of any paid employee of the WFPL;
- You must complete, sign and submit the attached questionnaire with a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae.
Questionnaires must be returned to the Human Resources Office at 221 Palafox Place, Suite 200, Pensacola, by April 30, 2014. Eligible applicants will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for selection.
Questions may be addressed to Tom Turner, Escambia County Human Resources Director, at (850) 595-1637 or by email at TGTurner@myescambia.com.
Five Uninjured In Highway 29 Crash; One Driver Hurt After Wreck
April 24, 2014
Five people were uninjured in a traffic crash Wednesday night on Highway 29 near McDavid, while one person was transported to the hospital with an injury he received after the wreck.
Authorities said the driver of a Honda Accord was northbound on Highway 29 south of McDavid when he collided with a northbound Kia Sorrento with five passengers. The Honda left the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned into a wooded area. The Kia came to rest in the median.
The Honda driver reportedly suffered only minor cuts in the crash, but reported twisted his ankle while walking to check on the occupants of the Kia, all of which were uninjured.
The 22-year old Honda driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
Pictured: Five people in this Kia were uninjured in a two vehicle crash south of McDavid on Highway 29 Wednesday night. Pictured below: The second vehicle in the crash, a Honda Accord, came to rest in wooded area. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
