Florida DOC Fires Another 32 Workers For Misconduct
September 20, 2014
In what has become a frequent exercise, Department of Corrections Secretary Mike Crews on Friday fired 32 workers accused of breaking the law, including three prison guards involved in the gassing death of an inmate at a Panhandle prison four years ago.
All of the workers fired were on administrative leave pending a review launched earlier this summer. The housecleaning is part of the secretary’s attempt to salvage the reputation of the beleaguered agency in the wake of reports of widespread abuse and corruption, whistleblower complaints and federal investigations surrounding prisoner deaths.
Among the axed workers are Rollin Austin, Randall Johnson and Kevin Hampton, three former prison guards at Franklin Correctional Institution where inmate Randall Jordan-Aparo died after allegedly being repeatedly gassed by guards and then left to die.
Dismissal letters from Crews to the workers say they are being let go because they “participated in a force incident that resulted in the death of an inmate.” None of the fired workers has been arrested or charged with any crimes.
Four Department of Corrections investigators say they’ve been retaliated against for exposing a cover-up about Jordan-Aparo’s September 2010 death. The investigators claim that Gov. Rick Scott’s chief inspector general Melinda Miguel — who refused to grant them whistleblower protection — was aware of the cover-up for at least three years. The DOC investigators, who found that Jordan-Aparo was too ill to warrant being treated as a threat, are themselves now the subjects of internal reviews.
According to a whistleblower lawsuit, Austin gave the order to gas Jordan-Aparo, who died five hours later after being gassed twice more and being left to die. The 27-year-old, coated in yellow residue from the noxious chemicals, was found dead in solitary confinement with a Bible beside his head. Jordan-Aparo was serving an 18-month sentence for fraud and drug charges.
Also fired Friday were nine Charlotte Correctional Institution guards involved in the April 11 death of inmate Matthew Walker, who was allegedly beaten to death while handcuffed. Walker’s death — and that of another inmate who died at the Punta Gorda facility a month later — are among more than 80 inmate deaths now being probed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Fifteen prison guards at Union Correctional Institution, all under investigation for use-of-force incidents against prisoners over the past two years, were also pink-slipped Friday. Another guard at the Raiford prison was also fired for unspecified reasons.
Crews’ review also resulted in three employees being sent back to work, including the assistant warden at the Raiford prison, Nan Jeffcoat, who has been on leave with pay since the death of an inmate two years ago.
Crews has been on a housecleaning mission in the wake of Miami Herald reports earlier this year about Darren Rainey, a mentally ill inmate at Dade Correctional Institution who died after guards allegedly forced him to shower in scalding hot water as punishment two years ago..
“I have made it clear that there is zero tolerance for corruption or abuse at the Department of Corrections, and we continue to root out any-and-all bad actors who do not live up to our expectations. Our standards are high and we will accept nothing less to ensure the safety of our staff and those in our custody, as well as Florida families,” Crews said.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Unemployment Outlook Improves Slightly In Local Area
September 20, 2014
The latest job numbers released Friday show the unemployment level decreasing in the North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment dropped slightly from 6.8 percent in July to 6.6 percent in August. There were 9,390 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 7.2 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment also decreased, from 6.3 to 6.2 percent from July to August. Santa Rosa County had a total of 4,704 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 6.6 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment decreased from 9.4 percent in July to 8.8 percent in August. That represented 1,232 people unemployed in the county during the month. One year ago, the unemployment rate in Escambia County, Alabama, was 8.5 percent
Florida’s unemployment rate, which a year ago was at 7.1 percent and just below the national mark of 7.2 percent, has been mostly flat this year, wavering between 6.2 percent and 6.3 percent. Across Florida, the lowest unemployment rates continued to come from the Florida Keys and parts of the Panhandle.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 6.9 percent in August, was down from July’s rate of 7.0 percent nd was above the year-ago rate of 6.5 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Friday Night High School Football Finals
September 20, 2014
Here is a look at final high school football scores from across the area Friday night –
FLORIDA
- Tate 52, West Gadsden 3
- West Florida 39, Mosley 15
- Escambia 41, Pine Forest 12
- Navarre 21, Crestview 0 (final, called early due to weather)
- Milton 31, Pensacola High 21
- Pace 35, Washington 19
- Catholic 35, Bay 14
- Niceville 42, Choctaw 20
- Navarre 21, Crestview 0
- Rocky Bayou 35, Oak Hill 8
- OPEN: Northview, Jay, Gulf Breeze
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 37, Southern Choctaw 34
- T.R. Miller 43, Hillcrest 20
- UMS-Wright 38, W.S. Neal 16
- Jackson 49, Atmore 0
- OPEN: Escambia Academy
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 20, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending September 18.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Lieutenant Berryman and Officers Miller and Cushing went on patrol in the FINCAT (Offshore Patrol Vessel). Covering more than 140 nautical miles, the crew inspected several recreational, charter and commercial vessels. One spear fisherman was issued a Federal citation for being in possession of a greater amberjack during the closed season.
Officers Miller and Cushing worked the Pensacola Fishing Bridge late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Officer Miller issued a citation to an individual for oversized redfish. Upon the initial contact, the individual stated that they only had catfish. An inspection of the cooler, on top of which he was cutting bait, revealed several catfish and one oversized redfish. The subject said the fish was given to him hours ago, but the fish were still moving.
A few moments later, they conducted a fisheries inspection of another group of fishermen. The fishermen initially denied having any fish and quickly revealed the contents of their drink cooler, which had only drinks. When asked if there was any fish in the cooler covered by a blanket in the back of their pickup, the fishermen declared “no.” One of the individuals opened and closed the cooler quickly and continued to deny having any fish. When he realized the officers would look all the way in the cooler, he admitted that he had an illegal fish. Officer Cushing issued him a citation for an oversized redfish.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Tate Blasts West Gadsden For Homecoming Win (With Gallery)
September 20, 2014
It was a very happy homecoming Friday night for the Tate High School Aggies as they easily beat the Panthers of West Gadsden.
Seven first half touchdowns were one after another for the Aggies as they earned a 52-3 victory.
One their first offensive possession, junior Reginald Payne scored on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Aggies quarterback Sawyer Smith. After the Panthers were forced to punt, Josh Kea returned the pigskin for another TD. Toss in a field goal and 5-yard touchdown pass to Corey Moorer from Smith, and Tate was up 24-0 by the end of the first quarter.
After a Kea punt return, sophomore quarterback Jake Henry ended Tate’s drive with a 1-yard TD run for a 31-0 advantage.
Tate scored again with an 18-yard touchdown run from Jesse Fernandez and a 1-yard TD from LaDarius Thomas to move ahead 45-0.
A Panther fumble was recovered by Tate’s Trace Penton who broke a dozen or so tackles for another score, 52-0. West Gadsden managed a 45-yard field goal at the end of the half, 52-3.
The running-clock second half was scoreless.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Photos by Jennifer Repine and Kristi Price for NorthEscambia.com)
Next Friday night, the Aggies (4-1) will be at Pine Forest (2-3) with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
HOMECOMING QUEEN
Tate’s 2014 Homecoming Queen was Carissa Carroll (pictured). First runner-up was Sarah Baxter, and second runner up was Madison Metcalf.
Friends Of The Library Plan Book Sale For Next Weekend
September 20, 2014
Friends of West Florida Public Library, a non-profit support organization of the West Florida Public Library, will hold its Big Fall Book Sale and Silent Auction September 26, 27 and 28 at the downtown Main Library at 239 N. Spring Street. Thousands of hardcover, paperback, and collectible books will be available for purchase, plus a variety of DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and other items. Proceeds are used to fund programs and enhancements at WFPL branches.
Friday, September 26 is preview day of the book sale. From 4-8 p.m., Friends of WFPL members get exclusive early access to the book sale. Non-members can pay $5 admission to take part in preview day. Memberships can be purchased at the door.
On Saturday, September 27, the book sale will be open from 9-5 p.m. with free admission and reduced prices for all shoppers.
Sunday, September 28 is the final day of the Book Sale, with free admission and the popular $5 Bag Sale from noon to 3pm.
Book Sale items include thousands of generous donations from the public and some library books retired from circulation, many of them now out-of-print. Novels and mysteries are sorted by author or into genres like Science Fiction and Westerns. Other book categories include arts and entertainment, children’s, cookbooks, history, holidays, home and hobbies, literature, foreign language, military, modern living, nature and gardening, religion, science, sports, technical, and travel. Most prices range from $0.50 for paperbacks to $2 for hardcover. There are also recorded books, magazines, and other media for sale.
The Collector’s Corner will feature an assortment of signed books, pre-1950s books, books by local and Florida authors, and other special books that are great for gifts. These items are priced as marked and must be checked out separately, so shoppers paying by check should bring two of them.
Payment by cash or check is preferred. Credit cards are accepted for sales of $20 or more. All profits are used to support the West Florida Public Library branches and programs.
Florida Tax Holiday Continues For Energy Saving Appliances
September 20, 2014
State officials are promoting the potential for long-term savings on utility bills as they tout sales-tax breaks this weekend for shoppers who buy energy-saving and water-conserving appliances.
The discount period is the third sales-tax “holiday” offered by Florida lawmakers as part of an election-year package of tax cuts.
Through Sunday, sales taxes won’t be collected on the first $1,500 of the purchase price of certain Environmental Protection Agency-designated Energy Star and WaterSense products, including new refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans and even light bulbs.
“You don’t have to spend a lot to save, but every little bit you save on your taxes this weekend will also save on your electric and water bill in the future,” said Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spokeswoman Erin Gillespie. “People that buy the appliances can save anywhere from $1 to $100, but more than that, you’ll save on your electric bill every month that you have that appliance or product in your house.”
The discount period isn’t anticipated to drive as many shoppers to the stores as the more popular back-to-school tax “holiday,” which was held in August, or even a tax-free period in June on certain hurricane supplies.
Many of the discount items this weekend are considered bigger-ticket items purchased more out of necessity than on a whim — refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, swimming pool pumps, water heaters, weather-based irrigation controllers and high-efficiency toilets.
But not everything on the exemption list is a costly purchase, as Energy Star and WaterSense-approved products include light bulbs, air purifiers, ceiling fans, shower heads and bathroom sink faucets.
State economists, sitting as the Revenue Estimating Conference, have projected that the overall savings for shoppers this weekend could dent the revenue of state and local governments between $890,000 and $2.67 million.
By comparison, the same economists projected the “holiday” period for back-to-school items reduced state revenue by $32.3 million and local revenue to the tune of $7.3 million.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who pitched the energy-savings tax discount nearly a year ago as part of his 2014 legislative agenda, put the consumer savings around $900,000. But he also sees the products as helping the state long-term.
“The sales-tax holiday will not only put money back in the pocket of hard-working Floridians, it will also help conserve water and energy for our future generations,” Putnam said in a prepared statement.
The Tallahassee-based Florida Retail Federation is looking at closer to the $2 million number, expecting the sales-tax discount to be popular for shoppers who have been looking to replace aging appliances.
“This is a great opportunity for Floridians to upgrade those appliances and make those purchases that they’ve been waiting to make,” said Samantha Stratton, a federation spokeswoman. “Previously, the economic downturn sort of inhibited those purchases. And now that consumers are feeling more confident, they’re ready to go out and make these purchases that will last them longer.”
Female Jogger Attacked In Attempted Rape After Woman Carjacked From Gas Station, Assaulted
September 19, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a carjacking and aggravated assault suspect after a Thursday morning incident in Cantonment. And deputies now say the suspect may be responsible for an incident a short time later in which a female jogger was attacked.
At approximately 8:15, a carjacking was reported at a gas station at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road. The victim had pumped gasoline and entered the store when an unknown black male suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and concealed himself in the backseat. The victim did not see the suspect and drove away from the store, according to information released Thursday afternoon by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect confronted the victim once the vehicle was moving. He told her that he had a knife and to keep driving or he would “stick” her. She drove around randomly and eventually drove to a neighbor’s residence. Once there she honked the car’s horn in distress to get someone’s attention. The suspect struck her and pushed her from the vehicle.
He left in the car, heading back towards Highway 29. The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Shortly afterward, the vehicle was located on Pine Street.
NEW INFORMATION
New information released Friday morning the Sheriff’s Office says that about 8:35 a.m. deputies received a call about the attempted sexual battery of a female jogger on Rocky Avenue.
The victim reported that as she was jogging when an unknown black male suspect grabbed her from behind and dragged her into a wooded lot. Once there he struck her in the face and attempted to remove her clothing but the victim fought back and was able to escape. The suspect fled deeper into the wood lot while the victim contacted authorities. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released.
Due to the time and location of the incident, description of the suspect and the vehicle found at the location, investigators believe this incident may be connected to the carjacking.
In both cases, the suspect was described as a black male with short hair, a mustache and dark clothes. The Sheriff’s Office said investigators are actively working the case at this time and more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone having information on this incident is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Scott Picks Patronis, Brown For PSC; Skips Escambia’s Murzin
September 19, 2014
Looking to a political ally to fill the job, Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday named state Rep. Jimmy Patronis to a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission.
Scott also reappointed Commissioner Julie Brown to a four-year term on the panel that regulates utilities. Both appointments take effect in January, when the current terms of Brown and outgoing Commissioner Eduardo Balbis expire.
Scott chose Patronis and Brown from a list of seven finalists that also included former state Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola.
Patronis, 42, a Panama City Republican, is scheduled to leave the House in November because of term limits. Patronis, vice president of the family-run Captain Anderson’s Restaurant, was an early political supporter of Scott in 2010 and most recently has served as chairman of the House Economic Affairs Committee.
“Representative Patronis has faithfully served Florida families during his years of service in the Florida House of Representatives,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “I am confident that Jimmy will make an excellent addition to the Public Service Commission as he continues to put Florida families first.”
Brown, 39, an attorney from Tampa, has served on the Public Service Commission since January 2011. Balbis declined to seek another term.
by The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Dave Murzin.
Girlfriend’s Facebook Selfie Helps Land Cantonment Burglar Behind Bars
September 19, 2014
A Flomaton man has been busted in connection with a Cantonment burglary after his girlfriend posted a “selfie” Facebook photo showing stolen goods in the background, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Colby Wayne Satterwhite, 22, was charged with armed burglary of a residence, grand theft and criminal mischief.
Residents of a home in the 300 block of Jacks Branch Road reported that their home had been burglarized sometime during a two day period in which they were gone. They returned home to find a exterior door pushed open, and missing items including $200 in cash, a large collection of collectable coins, a camera, a Mossberg shotgun in a tan case and ammunition. The total estimated value of missing items was $15,060.
Acting on a tip, the burglary victim checked the Facebook page of Satterwhite’s girlfriend and spotted what she believed to be her shotgun case in the background of one of the girlfriend’s “selfie” photographs.
There’s no word from the Sheriff’s Office if the stolen items were recovered.