Hot Week With Showers And Thunderstorms Forecast
July 21, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Tuesday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight.
- Friday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Sunday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Tax Collector Offices Collecting Food Drive Donations For Manna
July 21, 2014
A food drive is currently underway at Escambia County Tax Collector offices, including Molino, downtown and Marcus Pointe.
The employees of Janet Holley, Escambia County Tax Collector, are supporting Manna Food Pantries by sponsoring a food drive to help them restock their pantry from the April flood. Their goal is to collect 2,000 pounds of food to help Manna meet the needs of the hungry in our area.
Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at any of the three convenient tax collector locations Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through August 6. Manna Food Pantries welcomes any food donations, but their most needed items are peanut butter, canned fruit, canned tuna and chicken, and canned dinners.
Escambia Count Tax Collector offices are located at:
- Molino – 6440 Hwy. 95-A North, Ste. A
- Marcus Pointe – 6451 North “W” Street
- Downtown – 213 Palafox Place
Florida Supreme Court Ponders New Juvenile Sentencing Law
July 21, 2014
The Florida Supreme Court has asked attorneys how a new state law might affect cases dealing with inmates who were sentenced to long prison terms for committing murders or other major crimes when they were juveniles.
The new law went into effect July 1 and was designed to carry out two landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings based on the idea that juveniles are different from adults and function at different stages of brain development. As a result, the U.S. Supreme Court held, juvenile sentencing guidelines must offer young offenders the chance to have their cases reviewed after serving a certain number of years.
Now the question is whether the state law or the U.S. Supreme Court rulings are retroactive to sentences imposed on juveniles in the past.
Last month the Florida Supreme Court asked attorneys in cases that might be affected by the new sentencing guidelines to submit briefs on the issue.That included cases from Bay and Duval counties, where juveniles were sentenced to 70 years or more. The attorney general’s office also is expected to weigh in.
One of the U.S. Supreme Court rulings, in a 2010 case known as Graham v. Florida, banned life sentences without a “meaningful opportunity” for release for juveniles convicted of non-homicide crimes. The other ruling, in a 2012 case known as Miller v. Alabama, banned mandatory life sentences for juveniles convicted of murder. Juveniles can still face life sentences in such cases, but judges must weigh criteria such as the offenders’ maturity and the nature of the crimes before imposing that sentence.
That’s why the Florida Legislature this spring passed HB 7035, calling for judicial hearings and sentencing standards that vary depending on the nature of the crimes. Under the law, a juvenile convicted of a murder classified as a capital felony could be sentenced to life in prison after a hearing to determine whether such a sentence is appropriate. If a judge finds that a life sentence is not appropriate, the juvenile would be sentenced to at least 35 years. Also, juveniles convicted in such cases would be entitled to reviews after 25 years.
But while the new law tries to bring Florida into compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings, it doesn’t mention retroactivity. Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, the law’s Senate sponsor, said it was not intended to address that issue.
“We were simply looking at a statutory scheme that was clearly unconstitutional,” the Fleming Island Republican said. “We were looking at two United States Supreme Court decisions that set forth certain parameters, and we developed a sentencing framework that complied with those two decisions. As far as how that applied individually to individual defendants, we’ll leave that to the court system.”
In the years between the U.S. Supreme Court rulings and the new law taking effect, juvenile sentencing cases have landed at the Florida Supreme Court.
As an example, one of the pending cases concerns Rebecca Falcon, who is serving a life sentence for a murder she committed in Bay County in the course of a botched robbery in 1997, when she was 15 years old. Another, from Duval County, involves Shimeeka Gridine, who was sentenced to 70 years in prison for crimes — attempted first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery — committed during an attempt to rob a gas station in 2009, when Gridine was 14 years old.
“We believe that (the) Miller (ruling) itself is retroactive,” said Tania Galloni, managing attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Florida office. She said Falcon and Gridine should be entitled to re-sentencing hearings.
Falcon’s attorneys are seeking to have her mandatory sentence — life without parole — vacated under the Miller ruling, arguing that as a new rule of constitutional law, it is retroactive for the courts.
“I’m not arguing that the new (state) law should be applied retroactively,” said Karen M. Gottlieb, an attorney for Falcon. “I’m arguing that the court has an inherent power and obligation to enforce constitutional rules of law that are retroactive. … That’s an important distinction.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said the Florida Supreme Court faces a balancing act. On one hand, the justices must comply with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings; on the other, he said, juveniles who commit serious felonies are a threat to public safety.
“The U.S. Supreme Court has already clearly said you can’t give them what amounts to a life sentence,” Judd said. “But we’re dealing with an extremely small percentage of people who are extremely violent, and the overwhelming majority of them would be again when set free upon society.”
But Galloni of the Southern Poverty Law Center said juveniles who commit crimes are still capable of changing the course of their lives.
“I think everyone involved in policymaking should be basing their decisions not on emotion or visceral reaction but on the science, on the facts,” she said. “And we know from the science of brain development that children are going to change.”
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Still Time To Register For Northview QB Club Softball Tournament
July 21, 2014
The Northview High School Quarterback Club will host a double elimination coed softball tournament August 2 at Showalter Park in Century from 8 a.m. until. The cost is $150 per team. Proceeds will go to support the Northview Chiefs football program.
Suns Take Finale Over Wahoos
July 21, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (10-20, 41-59) dropped the series finale, 5-2, to the Jacksonville Suns (18-11, 54-45) at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Wahoos fell to 1-7 over their last eight games.
The Wahoos jumped out to an early lead when starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen singled home his battery mate Ross Perez in the second inning. The Wahoos put together little more offensively, despite receiving three hit days from both Perez and center fielder Yorman Rodriguez.
In his first start since July 1, Lorenzen was able to work through the first three innings of the game unscathed, but the Suns put three runs on the board to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Catcher Austin Barnes homered for the second straight day to open up the inning and tie the score at one. Following the solo home run, Joe Benson doubled down the third base line and later scored on Brady Shoemaker’s double into left field. That gave the Suns a lead they would never relinquish. Shoemaker later came home to score on a Wilfredo Gimenez groundout.
The Suns tacked on another run in the fifth thanks to Barnes’ second homer of the game and they put the game away in the bottom of the eighth when Alfredo Lopez scored Alex Burg on an RBI single to right field. The Wahoos fought back in the top of the ninth with Ryan Wright scoring on an error, but Perez left a man in scoring position when he grounded out to end the game.
Lorenzen took the loss for the Wahoos, allowing 4 R/ER on eight hits while striking out two batters. RHP Drew Hayes pitched well in relief of Lorenzen, allowing just one hit over 2.1 innings of work.
RHP Jose Urena earned the win for the Suns; he allowed 1 R/ER over 5.2 innings of work. Urena struck out five, walked three and gave up seven hits. RHP Matt Ramsey earned the save for the Suns.
Pensacola returns to Bayfront Park for a five-game set with the Mobile BayBears on Monday. The Wahoos will send Gulf Breeze native Ben Lively (0-3, 4.38) to the mound for game one of the series. RHP Bradin Hagens (8-4, 3.95) is set to start for the BayBears.
by Joey Truncale
Today Is Deadline To Apply For FEMA Flood Assistance
July 21, 2014
For individuals impacted by the storm and flooding from April 28-May 6, the deadline to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans is today.
Individuals impacted in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance that may include money to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses.
Those who had damage from the storms and flooding from April 28 to May 6 can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or using a smartphone at m.fema.gov/ until midnight Monday. Survivors may also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585 until 10 p.m. Monday. Recovery specialists remain available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CDT) daily.
People living in the designated counties should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
Monday is also the deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans. These loans are the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery. The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Person Of Interest In Santa Rosa Double Murder Now Suspect In Third Murder
July 21, 2014
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE. Thompson has been arrested.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide and has named a person of interest that is now the prime suspect a third murder Monday that left a former sheriff’s deputy dead.
Deputies say they responded to a 911 call for a medical emergency just about 8:50 a.m. Sunday in the 6200 block of Goliath Road in Milton.
Deputies entered the residence and located two individuals who were deceased, according to Deputy Rich Aloy, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies established there were indications of foul play. Based on those findings, detectives are currently working the investigation as a double homicide, Aloy said.
The victims have been identified as 60-year old Steven Tyrone Zackowski and 59-year old Debra Lynn Zackowski – husband and wife.
Detectives are looking for 41-year old Derrick Ray Thompson (pictured) on burglary/grand theft and fraud charges. Thompson is being sought out for questioning as a person of interest in the double homicide. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE. Thompson has been arrested.
He was last seen driving a silver 2012 Ford F-150 extended cab with an Auburn pate on the front and Florida tag K53-1UD. Bay County businessman Alan Johnson was found shot to death inside the truck Monday afternoon in Panama City. Johnson is a former Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Police are now looking for Johnson’s truck, which Thompson may now be driving. The license plate of the silver Toyota Tacoma is VY015.
Anyone with information related to the investigation or the whereabouts of Thompson is asked to contact Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP or their local law enforcement agency.
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE. Thompson has been arrested.
Donna Lee Zick
July 21, 2014
Donna Lee Zick, 64, of Pensacola, passed away at Joyce Goldenberg Hospice of Pensacola on Saturday, July 12, 2014, after a two year battle with cancer. She was born in New York, NY< on June 23, 1950, to the late Anthony and Blanche Petrovich.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Bill; her daughters, Rachel Fowler (Chuck) and Adrienne Zick (Megan); grandson, Logan Fowler; her brother, Tony Petrovich (Sandy); step-brother, Robert Eppic (Barbara); half-brother, Stephen Petrovich.
She devoted 23 years as a civil service accountant but wanted to finish 25 years which was her goal. Donna was a avid quilter who loved to attend quilt shows and visit quilt shops. No matter where she was she would seek out quilts shops. Donna always had to feel the material no matter where she went. It was as she said, “it’s a quilter’s thing”.
She loved to make quilts up until her mobility prevented her from sewing but she continued to make her hexes! Thank you to the men and women of Joyce Goldenberg Hospice of Pensacola. Without them, Donna’s passing would have been impossible. A special thanks to Susan Phillippi for being there when I needed her friendship, support and love.
A viewing will be held for Donna at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, FL on the 21st of July from 5-8 p.m. Donations may be made in Donna’s name to: Joyce Goldenberg Hospice of Pensacola, 10075 Hillview Road, Pensacola, FL 32514.
Family requests no flowers or plants.
Escambia Jury Slams RJ Reynolds With $23.6 Billion Verdict
July 20, 2014
An Escambia County Jury has returned a $23.6 billion punitive damage verdict against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
The jury also awarded Cynthia Robinson an additional $16.8 million in compensatory damages. She filed suit against the tobacco giant in 2009 on behalf of Michael Johnson, Sr., her late husband and longtime smoker who died from lung cancer in 1996 at age 36 after smoked Kool brand cigarettes for years.
The trial took about four weeks to complete, with jury returning the damages about 10:00 Friday night after 18 hours of deliberations.
R.J. Reynolds plans to appeal.
“The damages awarded in this case are grossly excessive and impermissible under state and constitutional law,” J. Jeffery Raborn, vice president and assistant general counsel for R. J. Reynolds, said Saturday in a statement. “This verdict goes far beyond the realm of reasonableness and fairness and is completely inconsistent with the evidence presented. We plan to file post-trial motions with the trial court promptly and are confident that the court will follow the law and not allow this runaway verdict to stand.”
Highway 97 Collapse Repairs Complete
July 20, 2014
Repairs to a collapsed shoulder on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill are complete.
Back on May 15, the shoulder of Highway 97 about a mile south of Ernest Ward Middle School collapsed in an existing 50-foot deep gully after a drainage pipe separated and undermined the shoulder. About a month later, the situation worsened, with part of the paved shoulder falling into the hole, prompting temporary repairs by the Florida Department of Transportation. Crews used sandbags to shore up the shoulder on temporary basis back on June 13.
Permanent repairs were completed by Scott Bridge, Inc., for a total of $102,577. Since the damage occurred after the flooding event that led to a presidential disaster declaration for Escambia County, repair costs for Highway 97 will not be reimbursed by FEMA.
Pictured top and inset: Repairs complete to Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. Pictured below: A washed out pipe caused the road shoulder to collapse into an existing gully. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
