Escambia Votes To Hire Jack Brown As County Administrator
April 10, 2014
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday to hire Taylor County Administrator Jack Brown as the new Escambia County administrator. The county has been without an administrator for about 18 months.
On a motion by Commissioner Grover Robinson, the commission voted to hire Brown 5-0.
The commission offered Brown the job with a one year contact with three month severance clause. Negotiations with Brown will begin immediately; he still has to formally accept the job.
Commissioner Wilson Robertson made an unsuccessful motion to drop all the candidates for administrator prior to the vote to hire Brown. Robertson had continued to support the hiring of Interim Administrator Larry Newsom as the permanent administrator.
After retirement from the Army in 1996, Brown served Taylor County as the director of human resources, county coordinator and county manager. In January 2001 he was hired as the general manager of RDS Manufacturing Company, a position he held for 18 months prior to being recruited as a faculty member at Florida State University.
While at FSU, he was elected as a Taylor County County commissioner . In the summer of 2006 he announced that he would not seek a second term. In January 2007, he resigned from FSU and returned to serve Taylor County as the county administrator.
Three Charged With Multiple Counts Of Animal Cruelty
April 10, 2014
Three people have been arrested on multiple animal cruelty charges after an investigation in Cantonment.
Casey Tyler Ahl, 19, Frances Rebecca Ahl, 72, and Randolph Hewell Rigby, 43, are facing multiple counts that include causing the cruel death, pain and suffering of animals, and unlawful confinement of animals. The charges against the trio were brought directly by the State Attorney’s Office. Authorities said warrants are outstanding on two additional people in the case.
Multiple horses, donkeys and goats were seized from the 400 block of Crowndale Court, while several other animals were found dead on the property.
Escambia County Animal Control officers began their investigation last December. A 17-page document released Wednesday by the State Attorney’s office details the investigation and provides numerous graphic examples of abuse investigators said they found.
Officers reported finding one horse that was dead and apparently stuck in a fence. Several horses were so malnourished that their bones were protruding, while other had hair loss and marks consistent with a condition called rain rot fungus. Many of the animals had numerous sores and wounds, according to the report. Most were malnourished, and one horse had resorted to eating feces. There was little food available for the animals.
Animal Control also located eight poodles, a doberman and five cats on the property.
One of the malnourished horses, a black Tennessee Walker named Ebony, was taken to Panhandle Equine Rescue for rehabilitation. When officers found Ebony on the property, her bones were showing, her stomach was distended and distended, and she suffered from rain rot.
Over the next several weeks, PER and volunteers worked to save Ebony. She was the subject of several NorthEscambia.com articles as PER and volunteers kept watch over her and raised funds for a sling to help her to her feet. Now, she’s able to walk and run on her own and has gained several pounds.
Thursday morning, Casey Ahl remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $16,000. Frances Ahl was released from jail on a $16,000 bond, and Randolph Rigby was free on a $21,000 bond. They are due to make their first court appearance May 1. In the meantime, they have been ordered, if released on bond, to not possess any animals.
Pictured above: Escambia County Animal Control, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Cantonment Station and volunteers use a makeshift sling to lift Ebony, a horse seized from Crowndale Court in Cantonment.. Pictured below: Ebony, was unable to get on her feet in her stall about a week after she was seized. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Convicted Of Indecent Exposure To Nursing Home Residents
April 10, 2014
A Century man has been convicted of exposing himself in front of nursing home residents in Century.
Daryl Lamar Brown, 46, was found guilty by an Escambia County jury of three felony counts of indecent exposure – lewd and lascivious conduct in the presence of an elderly disabled adult and one felony count indecent exposure in public.
Authorities said Brown would approach the windows at Century Care Center and expose himself to residents inside.
Brown is set for sentencing later this month before Judge Ross Goodman.
Gaetz: No Budget Talks During Holiday Break
April 10, 2014
With lawmakers expected to take next week off for the Passover and Easter holidays, budget talks between the House and Senate will begin after lawmakers come back to Tallahassee, Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said Wednesday.
“During the week off we don’t want to have conferences going on,” Gaetz said after speaking at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s International Days event at Florida State University. “Every representative and every senator ought to have the opportunity to keep an eye on things they’re interested in. And they can’t do that back home.”
Gaetz said the conference schedule for the appropriations committees should be available by the end of next week.
The House has approved a $75.3 billion spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1. The Senate has countered with a $74.9 billion proposal. Both packages exceed the $74.2 billion budget proposed by Gov. Rick Scott.
The session ends May 2, but the budget has to be finalized by April 29 because of a required 72-hour review period.
by The News Service of Florida
Bratt Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
April 10, 2014
The following students were named to the third nine weeks honor roll at Bratt Elementary School:
All A’s
- Rabekah Abbot
- Raegan Abbott
- Anna Adams
- Erich Amerson
- Sarah Bailey
- Haydn Baker
- John Bashore
- Olivia Boatwright
- Luke Bridges
- Emilee Cabral
- Kadence Calvert
- Jakyra Carter
- Abby Coker
- Shelby Cotita
- Sophie Cotita
- Colton Criswell
- Callie Davis
- Ariana Dionne
- Savannah Doremus
- Carsyn Dortch
- Jacee Dortch
- Tyteanna Dubose
- Scotty Elliot
- Aaliyah Fountain
- Amber Gilman
- Jamison Gilman
- Emma Gilmore
- Maggie Godwin
- Shelby Godwin
- Ava Gurganus
- Zane Gurganus
- Tucker Hall
- Leah Hetrick
- Sarah Hetrick
- Mary Catherine Hughes
- Hanna Hughes
- April Johnson
- Hunter Johnson
- Allyson Jones
- Derek Kinley
- Laura Laborde
- Aden Lashley
- Kaitlin Lloyd
- Kennedy Long
- Kayla McCall
- Adannaya Mondaca
- Alyssa Moya
- Mary Paige Nassar
- Taviana Parker
- Bentley Van Pelt
- Madison Peterson
- Colby Pugh
- Ally Richardson
- Bryan Romeros
- Kaylee Sawyer
- Maggie Scott
- McKenna Simmons
- Jacob Spence
- Mia Starns
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Shelby Ward
- Raycer Watson
- Autumn Williams
- Clay Wilson
All A’s and B’s
- Drew Albrittton
- Luke Amerson
- Maggie Amerson
- Sara Amerson
- Ethan Bingham
- Riley Blackwell
- Lakyn Bodiford
- Tanner Boone
- L.J. Bradley
- Allie Brantley
- Abbie Buford
- Macie Buford
- Conner Byrne
- Anyis Cabral
- Ashlynn Cabral
- Kayla Campbell
- Tyler Cloud
- Noah Condrey
- Andrianna Cooper
- Cassie Davis
- Kylie Davis
- Franki Daw
- Payton Daw
- Ryan Dove
- Mayson Edwards
- Gage Eicher
- Lexi Evans
- Noah Faulkner
- Jamyla Feagin
- Jacob Findley
- Daelyn Fine
- Zykuria Fountain
- Gabby Franklin
- Johnathan Garrett
- Makayla Garrett
- Jonathan Gibbs
- Caitlyn Gibson
- David Gilley
- JP Gilman
- Gracie Godwin
- Berklee Hall
- Bryce Hall
- Abbie Hardy
- Kohle Harigel
- Nicholas Hatfield
- Kara Hawkins
- Joshlynn Helton
- Martina Howard
- Jikeir Hudson
- Cole Hughes
- Gracie James
- Markavia Johnson
- Crista Kinley
- Justin Kinley
- Trent Knighten
- Anna Lee
- James Loftis
- Jessica Loftis
- Houston Lowry
- Kaleigh Macks
- Kaya Mason
- Braeden McGhee
- Angel Merchant
- Bailie Merchant
- Michael Merchant
- Elianna morales
- Kai Morton
- Alexis Moya
- Abigail Nelson
- Travis Nelson
- Jaylon North
- Blaize Parrish
- Libby Pugh
- Dallon Rackard
- Kenna Redmond
- Shelby Rice
- Paige Ross
- Angel Schoonover
- Adrianne Shanks
- Madelin Sheedy
- Carter Sigafoose
- Arquavian Smith
- Vivyan Smith
- Zakyla Smith
- Anna Spence
- Devon Spencer
- Alyssa Stabler
- Emily Stilwell
- Jonathon Stilwell
- Cody Thomas
- Ja’Mya Thomas
- Corbin Turberville
- Leila Turberville
- Brayden Victor
- Halona Walker
- John Ward
- Summer Waters
- Chris Weber
- Addie White
- Jordan Wilson
- Lane Wilson
- Raylee Wooten
- Leonte Wright
Regional Roudup: Free Waste Disposal This Saturday
April 10, 2014
A Regional Roundup will be held at the former Carver Middle School, 400 East Pond Street in Century, this Saturday.
Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste (HHW), shoes and up to four tires per vehicle, free of charge.
Businesses and residents can dispose of all types of clean, dry, recyclable electronics including computers, monitors and terminals, keyboards, mice, printers, TVs, copiers, gaming systems, remotes, fax machines, VCRs, stereo systems, cell phones and telephones. Electronics that have been partially recycled will not be accepted. Businesses, with large amounts of electronics, should call the Department of Solid Waste Management to make an appointment to dispose of these items at the Perdido Landfill. Appliances, including fans and air conditioners, are not accepted.
HHW items can cause injury if handled improperly. These items will usually have a warning or cautionary statement on their labels, such as flammable, corrosive, poison or toxic and include items such as swimming pool chemicals, cleaners, drain openers, paint and paint products, fuels, gases, lawn and garden chemicals, aerosol cans and automotive repair and maintenance products.
Shoes are also collected for the Soles4Souls program. Donated shoes should be bound together with a rubber band.
For more information about Regional Roundup events, proper disposal of waste or to make an appointment for a business electronics drop-off, contact the Escambia County Department of Solid Waste Management, 850-937-2160.
West Florida Takes Boys And Girls 2A-1 Track Championship; Northview Places
April 10, 2014
The West Florida High School boys and girls track teams are now six-time defending 2A-1 champions after wins Wednesday in Santa Rosa Beach. The Northview girls team finished at number seven in the district, while the Northview boys finished at sixth place.
BOYS
Northview’s Cameron Newsome was number two in the district in the boys varsity high jump at 6-feet, 4-inches, a couple of inches shy of first place. Northview’s Martavious Odom placed eighth in the event at 5-feet, 6-inches.
Newsome also placed fifth in the boys varsity triple jump at 39-feet, 2.25 inches. The Chiefs’ TyDre Brandley was eighth overall in the triple jump at 38-feet, 1.75 inches.
Newsome, Everette Garvey, Dezmine Moorer and Holden Moore finished second in the boys 4×100 meter relay with a time of 45.78 seconds, just off first place at 45.67 seconds from Walton High School.
Moorer was second overall, back 0.04 seconds in the boys 100 meter dash with a time of 11.25 seconds and fourth in the boys 200 meter with a time of 24.23. Moore took third in the 100 meter with a time of 11.47.
Tristen Creamer was fifth in the boys 300 meter hurdles with a time of 47.58.
GIRLS
Northview’s Elayzha Bates took first in the varsity girls discus throw with a final of 84-feet, 5-inches. Bates also took fourth in the girls shot put at 30-feet even.
The Chiefs’ Zacarra Davis placed sixth in the girls triple jump varsity at 31-feet, 1.25 inches.
Northview’s girls 4×100 relay team — Autumn Albritton, Angelique, Johna Carter and Davis took seventh overall with a time of 57.56.
The Chiefs’ girls 4×400 meter varsity relay team — Hannah Gibson, Bethany Reynolds, Morgan Ward and Bates — took sixth place overall with a time of 5:24.40. Also for Northview, Ward, Morgan Myrick, Reynolds and Tamara Green were eight in the girls 4×800 replay.
Pictured top: Northview’s Cameron Newsome. Pictured inset: Northview’s Elayzha Bates in the discus throw. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Stabbing
April 10, 2014
An Escambia County man was been arrested in connection with a Tuesday night stabbing.
Jason Ray Poggensee, stabbed the victim multiple times in the area of North T and Gonzales streets. Witnesses told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that Poggensee stabbed the victim during an altercation about 10:30 p.m.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital with wounds that did not appear to be life threatening.
Poggensee was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and having a weapon while engaged in a criminal offense. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $20,000.
Chiefs Dominate Crusaders
April 10, 2014
The Northview Lady Chiefs dominated Catholic Thursday in Pensacola, with the Chiefs beating the Crusaders 13-0.
The Lady Chiefs are scheduled to end their regular season Friday as they host Escambia Academy, with the JV playing at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida House Speaker: ‘Lights Are Out’ On Gambling
April 10, 2014
House Speaker Will Weatherford put a lid on any gambling legislation this session, including a proposal backed by the Senate’s first family that would require tracks to report greyhound injuries and deaths.
“I would say at this point the lights are out,” Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told The News Service of Florida on Wednesday afternoon.
Weatherford’s comments came a day after a Senate committee set in motion a measure that would add Florida to all other states but Alabama that require greyhound tracks to report dog injury and deaths. The proposal has the blessing of Senate President Don Gaetz, his wife Vicky and son, Rep. Matt Gaetz. The Senate “first family” was present for most of the Senate Gaming Committee’s debate Tuesday, which also included a proposal that would allow greyhound tracks to do away with dog racing altogether.
But even the injury reporting appears to be a non-starter this late in the session, Weatherford said.
“I know that bill’s been filed in the House. I don’t think that bill’s been heard in its first committee. So usually when you get into week six, week seven in session, if the bill hasn’t been heard in committee it’s unlikely … I would just say overall that gaming reform, gaming expansion, I think the lights have gone out on that issue at this point,” Weatherford said.
Through a spokeswoman, the Senate president said he had no comment Wednesday afternoon.
Last week, Senate Gaming Committee Chairman Garrett Richter announced on the Senate floor that he was giving up on a sweeping gambling overhaul that would have authorized two Las Vegas-style casinos in South Florida, one each in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Instead, Richter, R-Naples, allowed his committee to take up the greyhound measure (SB 742).
Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, withdrew amendments that would have allowed the tracks to stop racing greyhounds, after it became clear she lacked the votes for approval. The amendments included a variety of other components that critics said would have expanded gambling. Sachs said later Tuesday she still plans to modify the bill to allow the tracks to do away with dog racing altogether.
Weatherford said several weeks ago that “lights are dimming” on a gambling package, even after the Legislature paid $400,000 for a study on the issue and after the Senate held a series of workshops around the state to take public input.
A variety of groups — including out-of-state gambling operators and the Florida Panthers hockey organization — have intensified their demands for Florida to approve Las Vegas-style casinos this session after lawmakers rejected the idea two years ago. At the same time, the state’s pari-mutuels, Disney World and its affiliates and the Seminole Tribe have balked at the proposal. Gambling-related groups on both sides of the issue have contributed over $4.6 million to lawmakers, candidates and political parties since the 2012 elections. Disney and its associated enterprises have contributed more than $2.2 million during the same time period.
Many of the casino-seeking groups had viewed this legislative session as their best shot for passage of any measure opening the door to “destination resorts,” with promises of jobs and revenue for the state. After this November’s elections, Sen. Andy Gardiner, an Orlando Republican and outspoken gambling opponent who even objects to the state Lottery, is slated to take over as Senate president.
But early in March, Weatherford drew an almost insurmountable line in the sand regarding gambling. The speaker linked any gambling measure with a constitutional amendment he wanted the Legislature to place on the November ballot that would give voters a say in any future gambling expansion.
And, even more problematic, Weatherford insisted that Gov. Rick Scott wrap up negotiations with the Seminoles regarding a portion of a gambling deal with the tribe set to expire in mid-2015. While Scott is in talks with the Seminoles, the governor has not given Weatherford or other legislative leaders a timeline for when the deal, which also requires federal approval, would be sealed.
Weatherford said he had not spoken directly to Scott about the compact.
“We understand he’s worked very hard to try to come to an agreement with the tribe. But he may want and need more time to negotiate,” he said.
Whatever agreement Scott and the Seminoles reach requires the Legislature’s approval. Barring an unlikely special session on the issue, the so-called gambling compact will likely not be authorized until lawmakers meet again next spring — after the November election in which Scott is trying to retain his seat and Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, who as GOP governor signed the 2010 deal with the tribe, is angling to return to the governor’s mansion.
Scott is negotiating the portion of the compact that gives the Seminoles the “exclusive” rights to banked card games, including blackjack, at five of its seven facilities in exchange for $1 billion over five years.
While the death of the overall gambling issue may provide lawmakers — and especially Scott — a breath of relief this year, the Legislature will almost certainly be enmeshed in the thorny issue again next session.
“By the nature of the expiration of the existing compact, with the portion of the banked card games, I definitely think it sets up an environment where gaming will be debated quite heavily,” Weatherford said.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida