Clerks Ready To Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses, Including In Century And Pensacola
January 3, 2015
After a year of legal wrangling, same-sex couples should be able to get married anywhere in the state Tuesday, making Florida one of three-dozen states where gay marriage is possible.
That includes Escambia County, where Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Pam Childers announced Friday that here office office will being issuing the licenses at 8 a.m. Tuesday at her offices in Century and Pensacola.
And Childers said her office will continue to perform wedding ceremonies for a standard $30 fee in addition to the license fee.
Reversing previous advice, lawyers for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers said Friday that a clarification issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle means that county clerks should issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples or run the risk of being sued.
“He provided the direction that they wanted and provided the judicial authority for them to issue same-gender marriage licenses,” Greenberg Traurig lawyer Fred Baggett, the clerks association’s general counsel, said. “We are advising them it’s in their best interest to accept the authority that Judge Hinkle has given them and to begin issuing licenses.”
Baggett also said he was unaware of any of the state’s 67 clerks who would decline to issue licenses. Kenneth Kent, executive director of the association, issued a statement that said Hinkle’s order Thursday had provided the “guidance” clerks wanted on the issue.
And while clerks are being advised to issue licenses, some have declared they will no longer perform weddings as they seek to avoid marrying same-sex couples. Clerks in Santa County along with Duval, Baker, Clay and Okaloosa and counties have said they have or will discontinue wedding ceremonies.
Florida requires a three-day waiting period if either applicant is a Florida resident. The waiting period can be waived with completion of a pre-marital preparation course by an approved provider. If both applicants are out-of-state residents, then no waiting period is required.
Escambia Man Gets Life For 2013 Murder
January 3, 2015
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison for the shooting death of another man on Pensacola Beach.
An Escambia County Circuit Judge found Damarcus Rayon Jenkins guilty of second degree murder for the death of Michael Harris. In June of 2013, he shot and killed Michael Harris during an argument in the Casino Beach parking lot.
Prosecutors said Jenkins pulled out a revolver as the argument escalated and shot Harris three times.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 3, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending December 31 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he checked a man and woman fishing. As he inquired about their success, he observed the woman go to the car and place something into her shirt. When he asked about the contents of the car, the subjects admitted that there was marijuana in the car. The woman handed over a bag of cannabis and was issued a notice to appear for possession of not more than 20 grams of cannabis.
Officer Livesay was working night hunting this week due to the high number of complaints from local landowners. From a concealed location, Officer Livesay observed an occupant of a vehicle shine a light into a nearby farm field. This area is known for a large deer population. Officer Livesay stopped the vehicle, identified two occupants and discovered they had a loaded rifle between them in the front seat. Officer Livesay seized the gun and light and issued both individuals a notice to appear citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson and Lieutenant Hahr were patrolling near the Escambia River WMA when they observed a car parked near a hunting club gate. When they pulled up to the car, they realized that a woman had hidden from them as they went by. They stopped to investigate and were told by the woman that she had just stopped to text her son. Drug paraphernalia was observed in the console, a glass pipe with a piece of crack cocaine ready for smoking was discovered on the floorboard. More crack and paraphernalia was found under the seat. The woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
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.
Florida House To Get Taste Of Budget In Return To Capitol
January 3, 2015
House members will hold three days of committee meetings when they return to Tallahassee the week of January 5, including getting briefed on budget issues
The Appropriations Committee will meet January 7 and receive a presentation by economist Amy Baker on the state’s long-range financial outlook, which helps provide a backdrop for budget decisions.
Meanwhile, appropriations subcommittees will hold a series of meetings and receive presentations about the “base” budgets in their areas of focus, such as health and human services and education.
House panels will meet January 6 to January 8, though a handful of representatives also will take part January 5 in a Joint Legislative Auditing Committee meeting. The House and Senate also are expected to hold committee meetings the week of January 20 as they prepare for the annual session, which starts in March.
Rain Through Sunday, Turning Colder
January 3, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Saturday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible in the afternoon. Cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Saturday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Steady temperature around 67. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- Sunday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind around 10 mph.
- Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 10 mph.
- Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
- Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.
- Thursday Sunny, with a high near 44.
- Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.
- Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
Taxwatch: Florida Bowl Games A Big Win For Florida’s Economy
January 3, 2015
College football playoffs and postseason games were expected to bring additional revenue to state and local economies, according to the latest Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute. Florida was host to eight of the 38 college football postseason games, which is more than any other state.
“For 80 uninterrupted years, Florida has welcomed fans across the nation to the Sunshine State for postseason bowl games, including Championship Games,” said Dominic M. Calabro. “Bowl games give Florida an incredible opportunity to show off our vibrant communities and impeccable attractions and resources.”
Bowl games benefit Florida’s economy best when they host out-of-state teams, since fans travel to stay in Florida hotels and are encouraged to spend time at Florida’s theme parks, beaches and other attractions. In this year’s postseason bowl games, Florida hosted 15 out-of-state schools and their fans. The only Florida school to participate in a Sunshine State bowl game was the University of Central Florida.
Benefits of postseason bowl games include additional tax revenue, more money circulating through local and regional economies, and national exposure for host cities. Florida industries expected to benefit most from Florida’s bowl games are accommodations and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; and retail trade.
“Florida residents should be excited to welcome this year’s out-of-state postseason bowl game fans,” added Calabro. “When fans come to watch their teams play, they also pay, which enables Florida taxpayers to continue experiencing low tax rates.”
2014 In Photos: August
January 3, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
The annual back to school Prayer Walk was held at Molino Park Elementary School. Students and adults from Highland Baptist Church prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming school year.
Work began in August on a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
A Farm Share food distribution for the needy was held in Century.
Two people were arrested after a 56-mile police chase from Santa Rosa County to just outside Atmore.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee’s annual Back to School Bash was. The event included free school supplies and a hot lunch at Carver Park.
The driver of a SUV was not injured when she slammed into a cow on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill.
A free “Day of Hope” provided free school supplies, food and an encouraging word in Molino.
A new Walmart officially opened in Atmore.
Georgia Pacific announced an investment of more than $375 million into an energy improvement project at the company’s mill in Brewton, AL.
A “topping out” was held at the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
A community “glow run” at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free school supplies were available in Century for 300 children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
After a summer of hard work, the Tate High School Showband of the South held a Preview Night at Pete Gindl Stadium for parents and friends.
CrossFaith Church in Molino presented “cardboard testimonies” at a Highway 29 intersection in Cantonment.
Ernest Ward Middle School took on the Jay Royals.
The Northview High School dance team performs.
The Northview Chiefs held a scrimmage game.
The Jay Royals lost to Flomaton.
The Tate Aggies beat West Florida.
A late August sunset.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
William Haynes (Bill) Gandy, Sr.
January 3, 2015
William Haynes (Bill) Gandy, Sr., age 70 of Century, went home to be with his Lord on January 2, 2015, after a brief battle with kidney cancer.
Bill was born in Century on June 15, 1944, to John Lytle Gandy and Louise Gaskey Gandy and was the younger of two sons. After graduating from Century High School in 1962, lettering in all four sports, Bill attended University of Arkansas at Monticello on a football and baseball scholarship, being inducted into the Wall of Fame and serving as captain of the football team in 1965. While at UAM, Bill earned AIC Linebacker and played on the championship baseball team in 1963 and championship football teams in 1963-65 and started 39 straight varsity college games. He is a proud UAM Alumnus and later served as a recruiter for the college. Bill earned his teaching degree in physical education and started coaching at Milton High School in Santa Rosa County. Bill continued his athletic adventures by playing in the World Series in the 1966 Slow Pitch Softball Division, baseball with the Southern Alabama Baseball League, basketball with the Phillips 66 Southern Regional Champions and with The Sportsman. He was also an avid ping pong player and racketball player, participating in numerous tournaments.
He later earned his master of science degree from Troy State University. He stayed in the coaching and teaching profession for 42 years before retiring, working at Atmore (where he coached an undefeated football team in 1966) and Robertsdale (undefeated year in 1970), Jay, Century (head football coach and athletic director), Tate and Gulf Breeze. He was athletic director in Baldwin County and Robertsdale High School. He also coached many Little League baseball teams and had several undefeated years. Fortunately for his children and grandchildren, all of his athletic experience and expertise paved the way for his coaching and volunteering in their athletic adventures as well. He served as a private investigator for many years, and he spoke on the coaching speaking circuit and served as a Jay Royals Football Radio announcer and a Northview Chiefs Football Cannon and Fireworks expert with his son-in-law.
Bill was active in his Poplar Dell Baptist Church family for several years, especially in the Brotherhood organization and assisting with BBQs and fish cook-outs. He was an honorary chapter member of FFA, an active member of Century Historical Society, Century Lion’s Club, Northview, Jay and Flomaton High School Quarterback Clubs, Santa Rosa County Juvenile Justice Council, National Teachers Association, Florida Educators Association, American Federation of Teachers, and the Santa Rosa Professional Educators. Some of his professional achievements centered around being president and CEO of the SRPE for 11 years (where he helped start the SRPE Members’ Senior Scholarship Award), FEA Leadership Award, Who’s Who in America, Pride of Union Award, The Gold Award , and National and State Convention delegate. He founded many scholarships for local cancer, accident or catastrophe victims. Bill founded the Solon Lee Gandy Scholarship, a scholarship in memory of his son, given to a Flomaton and/or Jay High Senior, and the Gandy Family Scholarship at Poplar Dell Church. He was instrumental in the naming of the Gandyville Community to honor his grandfather, John Oxford Gandy and in the naming of Gandy Lane and Gandyville Road. He is known throughout the communities as being the one to go to to assist high school athletes in obtaining athletic scholarships from colleges and in helping young people who are seeking jobs.
Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to tell stories to his children and grandchildren’s friends while gathered around a bon fire, especially the one he is so famous for: “The Three-Toothed Lady.” Bill enjoyed riding his motorcycle across the country and around his community. He started the family hunting club, Gandy’s Hunting Club in Old Texas, Alabama. He lived a full life and was loved immensely. His favorite response to many of life’s situations: “Trust God in All Things,” and “Stop and hear that lonesome whippoorwill.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. and Louise Gandy of Gandyville; and his son, Solon Lee Gandy.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Smith Gandy; brother, John (Faye) Gandy of Flomaton;son, Haynes Gandy (Suzanne) of Chumuckla; daughter, Vicki Baggett (Garry) of Bratt; daughter-in-law, Tara Gandy of Pensacola; his children’s mother, Brenda Godwin of Jay; step-son, Brandon Carroll (Davina) of Jay; step-daughter, Stephanie Hudson (Brad) of Century; grandchildren, Jace, Sawyer, Madison and Garrett Gandy of Chumuckla; Corry and Lexxi Baggett of Bratt; Natalie and Luke Gandy of Pensacola; step-grandchildren, Carly and Christa Sanders, Cadee and Cathleen Carroll of Jay; and Savannah and Preston Hudson of Century; step-aunt, Addie Williams of North Carolina. He also leaves behind a special niece, Belinda Black (E.J.) of Flomaton; nephews, cousins, and two very special lifelong friends, Floyd Adams of Atmore and Bill Bryan of Mississippi.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 7, at 2 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church with Revs. Mitch Herring, Fred Funches and Robert Gandy officiating. Guest speakers will be Rhonda Chavers, Robert Hudson, and Floyd Adams. Burial will be in the Poplar Dell Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Jace Gandy, Sawyer Gandy, Corry Baggett, Mike Gandy, Tracy Gandy and E.J. Black.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Century Lions Club,members of the Adult Sunday School Class of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, and Beta Sigma Phi Society and their husbands.
A special thank you to the doctors and staff at the Woodlands Cancer Center, West Florida Cancer Center and Covenant Hospice of Pensacola, and a special thank you to Debbie Hayes of the Jay Medical Center.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Petty Eastside Chapel has been trusted with all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poplar Dell Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Gandy Family Scholarship Fund.
Danette Purvis Morris
January 3, 2015
Danette Purvis Morris, age 64, of Flomaton, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2015.
She was a valued member of Century United Methodist Church and a graduate of Century High School Class of 1968. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She served as a registered nurse for more than 20 years.
Danette is survived by her husband, Martin T. “Buddy”; her daughter, Candy (Blake) Mitchell of Headland, AL; her son, Brad (Jill); six cherished grandchildren; and her sister, Susan (Jimmy) Johnson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Sarah Purvis.
The family will receive friends, Monday, January 5, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Century United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Century United Methodist Church with Rev. Janet Lee officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Danette’s memory to the church.
Motorcyclist Collides With Log Truck
January 2, 2015
An Alabama man was seriously injured early Friday morning when he drove he motorcycle in the back of a log truck in Cantonment.
Ladon Cauley, age 48 of Opp, was traveling south on his Suzuki motorcycle on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road and failed to see the log truck in front of him. He collided with logs overhanging from truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cauley was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The log truck driver was unaware that a crash had occurred and continued south on Highway 29, the FHP said. There were no charges filed in the crash.