Public Safety Boss: Additional Training Won’t Be Required Of Volunteer Firefighters
January 27, 2015
Concerns that Escambia County volunteer firefighters will be required to have a higher level of training to remain in service, and that the requirement could leave some fire stations with no volunteers, simply are not true, Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver said Monday afternoon.
Escambia County volunteer firefighters are currently required to have “Firefighter I” certification, while in some instances paid, or employee, firefighters in Florida are required to have nearly 200 additional hours of training to be “Firefighter II” certified. Most Escambia County volunteer fire stations have few, if any, volunteers that are Firefighter II certified.
Volunteer firefighters in Escambia County receive a stipend for their service, ranging from $300 to $550 per month, and the IRS recently determined that they are employees and that taxes should be withheld from their checks. That “employee status” has lead many volunteers to believe that a Firefighter II certification would be required.
“In my opinion there is nothing to be concerned with. Regardless of the term ‘employee’ from the IRS, Florida statutes state that a volunteer firefighter being paid a nominal fee as defined by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) only needs a Firefighter I. Our stipend program meets the definition of nominal fee,” Weaver said.
County leaders, including the county attorney, are continuing to work to make sure that volunteer firefighters are able to continue as usual as much as possible following the IRS audit, under direction from the Escambia County Commission. In the meantime, about a few volunteers that work in regular paid position with Escambia County in fire or EMS services remain unable to volunteer due to concerns about potential tax and overtime issues.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
GOP Senator Offers Florida Medical Marijuana Plan
January 27, 2015
Less than three months after Florida voters narrowly rejected a plan to legalize medical marijuana, a Republican senator Monday filed a bill that would allow patients to get pot if they suffer from diseases such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
The proposal (SB 528), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, includes a detailed regulatory structure that would place requirements on patients, doctors, growers and retail stores. Patients could only get “medical-grade” marijuana if their physicians sign off on the need.
“Many groups have been working on this initiative for quite some time, and my goal is to work openly with all of the interested parties on this issue so that we can pass responsible legislation that provides relief to those Floridians in need,” Brandes said in a prepared statement.
Medical marijuana has been a heavily debated topic in Florida for more than a year, primarily because of a proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized the substance. That amendment received support from 57.6 percent of voters during the November election, slightly short of the 60 percent needed to pass ballot initiatives.
Backers of the constitutional amendment made clear they would continue trying to legalize medical pot, either through the Legislature or another ballot proposal in 2016. It is unclear, however, whether Brandes can gain the support of Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott to get the bill approved during the annual session that starts March 3.
“Senate Bill 528 is a very good start and we believe one that would serve as a huge step forward for Florida’s suffering patients and their families,” the group United For Care, which has led efforts to pass a constitutional amendment, said in an email to supporters Monday. “This bill proves that the massive support we received in the last election — 58% of voters — plus our quick work to bring the petition back for 2016 is getting recognized by reasonable legislators like Senator Brandes.”
The November ballot proposal drew opposition from groups such as the Florida Sheriffs Association. A spokeswoman said Monday the sheriffs association could not comment because it was still reviewing Brandes’ bill.
Under the proposal, physicians could “certify” to the Florida Department of Health that patients qualify for medical marijuana and send an order for the drug to an electronic registry. Patients who suffer from cancer, HIV, AIDS, epilepsy, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease or Parkinson’s disease would qualify if they receive certification from their doctors.
Also, patients could qualify if they have conditions that lead them to chronically suffer from symptoms such as wasting syndrome, severe and persistent pain, severe and persistent nausea, persistent seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms, according to the bill.
The proposal also provides a framework for the Department of Health to issue licenses to growers, processors and retail stores. It would require the department to issue cultivating and processing licenses by March 1, 2016, and retail licenses by July 1, 2016.
The bill, however, would take into account local communities that don’t want retail marijuana stores. It says the department could not “license any retail facilities in a county unless the board of county commissioners for that county determines by ordinance the number and location of any retail facilities that may be located within that county.”
The detailed regulation in the bill could help prevent a repeat of the uncertainty that has surrounded a far more limited medical-marijuana bill that lawmakers approved last year. That bill, signed by Scott, legalized strains of cannabis that purportedly do not get users high. Those strains are low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and high in cannabadiol, or CBD.
Backers touted last year’s bill largely as a way to help children who suffer from a severe form of epilepsy. But efforts to carry out the measure have been slowed by legal and regulatory battles.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida on Monday issued a statement thanking Brandes, along with Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, and Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, who led efforts to pass last year’s bill.
“Our compassion is why we trust and defend the decisions doctors and patients make together to ease pain and suffering,” foundation Chief Executive Officer Karen Basha Egozi said. “As the largest organization in Florida supporting those living with epilepsy, we support anything that improves their lives.”
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Public Tips Lead To Suspect’s Arrest For Attacking, Robbing Elderly Man
January 27, 2015
Thanks to tips from the public, John Lee Avery Hill, 29, is behind bars for attacking and robbing an elderly man.
Hill is charged with battery, burglary and robbery for the incident November 24 in the lobby of a hotel on Plantation Road when he allegedly asked an 81-year old man for money. After the man gave him $5, deputies say Hill followed him, jumped on him and tried to take his wallet. Hill was unsuccessful in taking the wallet, but did take an additional $2 from the victim before fleeing on foot.
Hill is being held in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $255,000.
Pictured below: A surveillance video frame grab provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that was published in a previous NorthEscambia.com story.
Video: Molino Park Elementary Reading Flash Mob
January 27, 2015
For the complete story, click here.
If you do not see the video above, it is because your home, work or school firewall is blocking YouTube videos.
Tate High Wrestling Team Brings Home Gator Brawl Medals
January 27, 2015
The Tate High School Wrestling Team recently traveled to Weewahitcka High School for the Annual Gator Brawl. The team placed third overall and brought home eight medals.
Medal winners were:
- Tanner Wood, 3rd place, 120 pound weight class
- Alex Porter, 1st place, 113 pound weight class
- Heath Hernden, 3rd place, 170 pound weight class
- Matthew Blalock, 4th place, 106 pound weight class
- Scott Houston, 4th place, 126 pound weight class
- Daniel Pigg, 4th place, 138 pound weight class
- Gavin McAnally, 4th place, 220 pound weight class
- Jacob Nelson, 3rd place, 160 pound weight class
Pictured: (bottom, L-R) Tanner Wood, Alex Porter, Matthew Blalock, Scott Houston, Jacob Nelson, (back, L-R) Coach Reggie Allen, Caleb Campbell, Nathan Gainey, Jacob Neales, Gavin McAnally, Heath Hernden, Daniel Pigg, Dale Smith and Assistant Coach Jeremy Nott. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, ckick to enlage.
Scott Visits Pensacola To Push STEM Education Funding In New Budget
January 27, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott visited the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in Pensacola Monday to highlight proposed STEM education funding in his 2015-2016 “Keep Florida Working” budget.
Scott has announced $1 million in in proposed funding to partner with high-tech companies in Florida to create a paid summer residency program for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teachers to bring new industry trends in STEM fields back to Florida’s K-12 classrooms. In addition to the summer residency program, Governor Scott’s 2015-2016 “Keep Florida Working” Budget also proposes $30 million for a new workforce training initiative focused on STEM occupations and $5 million to incentivize $10,000 STEM degrees at state colleges.
“We want Florida to be the global leader for jobs, and we must have a skilled workforce to reach that goal. By investing in science, technology, engineering and math education, we are ensuring our students are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century. Our teachers are essential to preparing our students and helping them realize better educational outcomes, and that is why it is so important that we invest in educating our teachers so they can bring innovative ideas to the classroom. We know that the workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today and we will continue to make important investments to help our students succeed in the classroom and beyond,” Scott said.
There are 16 Florida companies that have already confirmed their participation in the STEM Residency Program, including the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and Gulf Power Company.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scott discusses STEM education funding Monday morning at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in Pensacola. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Betty Sue Chandler
January 27, 2015
Mrs. Betty Sue Chandler, 77, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015, in Gardendale, Alabama.
Mrs. Chandler was a native of Elba, Alabama, former resident of Atmore (for 25 years) and a resident of Falkville, AL. She was very involved in the March of Dimes and served as a greeter at K-Mart. She attended the Presley Street Baptist Church and Atmore Baptist Temple. She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Dykes Chandler; daughter, Debbie Roberts; and grandson, Christopher Middleton.
Survivors include her two sons, Gary (Leslie) Chandler of Lumberton, NC and Randy (Joan) Chandler of Brandon, MS; two daughters, Denise Middleton of Atmore and Donna (Thomas) Roberts of Falkville, AL; brother-in-law, Joe Roberts of Collierville, TN; one sister, Linda (Cabert) Mills of Elba, AL; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Kersey, Zackary Kersey, Matthew Roberts, Jeremy Roberts, Corbin Chandler and Robert Amerson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
David W. Fortner
January 27, 2015
David W. Fortner, 84 of Pensacola, FL passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015.
He served his country in the Marine Corps and retired after 30 years of service as an Aviation Photo Electric Systems Chief. His hobbies included bowling, photography, computers, electronics, cinema and reading. David loved spending time with his family the most.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lois Fortner; and uncle, William Arthur Fortner, Jr.
David is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (David) Davenport, Sherri (Karl) Zehr and Wanda (Johnnie) Tyus; eight grandchildren, David “Buster” Davenport, Jr., Rebecca “Becky” Davenport, Meghan “Meggie” Zehr, Korey “KP” Zehr, Shelby “Cooter” Tyus, Chase “Boo Boo” Tyus, Alexis Tyus and Bridget Tyus; honorary grandson, Jim Orunmbe; and six great-grandchildren, Teven Zehr, Tatum Berry, Trinity Rhynard, Autumn Rhynard, Joey Fisher and McKinley Fisher.
Graveside services will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2015, at Barrancas National Cemetery Shelter A.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, Wounded Warriors or Toys for Tots.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Randolph Watts
January 27, 2015
Raymond Randolph Watts, 84 of Cantonment, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. Randy was born in Evergreen, AL to the late David R. and Lillian N. Watts. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked at and retired from Monsanto after 31 years. He was a member of the Masons Lodge #322, former Shriner member and a member of Olive Baptist Church, serving as an usher. He also loved to fish, watch Nascar and was an avid Alabama football fan.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hawkins Watts; his parents; brothers, Donald, Charles, and David B. Watts; and sisters, Grace Hall and Gwen Griffin.
Randy is survived by his daughters, Robin (William) DeCoux, Dnene (Keith) Johnson, Teresa (Dale) Biery and Ramona (Clay) McConell; son, Michael (Jane) Hawkins; sister, Minta Eddins; brothers, McFarlan and Lavon Watts; 10grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Stan Lewis and Pastor Mike Hawkins officiating.
Burial will follow in Pensacola Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Johnson, Justin and Ryan DeCoux, Mathew Lawrence, and Zack, Cody and Kyle Cooper.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice/Gentiva.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Eugene Alexander Maness, Jr.
January 27, 2015
Mr. Eugene Alexander Maness, Jr., age 91 of Flomaton, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mrs. Margie Maness of Flomaton; daughter, Judy Maness (Charles J.) Strait of Flomaton; and brother, Jimmy L Maness of Gulf Breeze.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015, at Flomaton Pentecostal Holiness Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Leon Stewart and Rev. Al Bethea officiating.
Interment will follow in Rock Cemetery in Flomaton.
Flomaton Funeral Home is directing.