Escambia County High Seniors Graduate With Over $1 Million In Scholarships
May 30, 2015
The Escambia County High School Class of 2015 graduated Friday evening in Atmore. Class members collectively earned over $1 million in scholarships. Submitted photos by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Court Backs Slot Machines At Poarch Creek Racetrack
May 30, 2015
In what could be a game changer in Florida’s gambling arena, an appeals court Friday ordered state regulators to allow slot machines at a Gadsden County racetrack operated by the Poarch Creek Indians.
The 2-1 decision issued by the 1st District Court of Appeal could have statewide implications in counties where voters have approved allowing slot machines at local pari-mutuels.
Gambling regulators at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation rejected Gretna Racing’s request for slot machines late in 2013, relying in part on an opinion issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose office represented the agency in the lawsuit.
Gadsden County voters in 2012 overwhelmingly approved a referendum authorizing slots at the track, which also made history after receiving the country’s first pari-mutuel license for rodeo-style barrel racing. A court later ruled that state regulators had issued that permit in error.
Voters in five other counties — Brevard, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach and Washington — have given a thumbs-up to slots at local horse or dog tracks. Only the tracks in Gadsden and Palm Beach counties, however, have applied for slot-machine licenses thus far. Palm Beach Kennel Club’s application for a slots machine license was also denied.
The Gretna slots case hinged on a semantic analysis of a 2009 law establishing eligibility for slot machines at pari-mutuels. The 2009 law, which went into effect the following year, was an expansion of a 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment that authorized slot machines at seven existing horse and dog tracks and jai-alai frontons in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The 2009 change allowed a Hialeah track, which wasn’t operating at the time the amendment was approved, to also operate the lucrative slots. The statute in question consists of three clauses, including one that deals with counties outside of Broward and Miami-Dade.
Echoing Bondi’s opinion, which was not legally binding, state regulators argued that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation denied the racetrack a license because it “is not authorized to issue a slot machine license to a pari-mutuel facility in a county which … holds a countywide referendum to approve such machines, absent a statutory or constitutional provision enacted after July 1, 2010, authorizing such a referendum.”
But two of the appellate judges agreed with lawyers for the Gretna horsetrack, who argued that the statute does not contain the word “enacted.”
The judges also rejected the state’s argument that counties outside of Miami-Dade and Broward would have to get authorization from the Legislature or a constitutional change in order to be able to have slot machines.
That was already the case before the 2009 law, Judge Robert T. Benton wrote in the 22-page majority opinion, which was joined by Judge Nikki Ann Clark.
“There was no need or purpose in enacting a statutory provision to state the obvious,” Benton wrote.
But in a 28-page dissent, Judge Scott Makar argued that lawmakers can create statutes that will have an impact on future activities.
“Nothing prohibits legislation that has a contingency that makes a statute effective only upon some triggering event. … And nothing prohibits the Legislature from enacting a statute that operates as a restraint on society with a stated understanding about how that restraint might be eliminated in the future,” Makar wrote. “Not all statutes are blossoms; some are only seeds.”
State regulators and Bondi’s office said they were reviewing the opinion. Marc Dunbar, an attorney who represents Gretna and is also a part-owner of the facility, was unavailable for comment. Gadsden County is a largely rural county west of Tallahassee.
The highly-anticipated opinion sent ripples throughout Florida’s gambling community Friday afternoon.
The ruling, if it stands, could have implications on a $1 billion deal the state has with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Under the agreement, the tribe can stop its payments to the state if pari-mutuels outside of Broward and Miami-Dade counties start operating slots.
The decision comes as lawmakers are negotiating another part of the deal, called a “compact,” that gives the Seminoles exclusive rights to operate banked card games such as blackjack at most of its facilities. The card portion of the compact expires in July unless the Legislature reauthorizes it or strikes a new pact.
Legislative leaders and the tribe failed to reach an agreement on a new deal before the regular legislative session ended in May, and the issue is not expected to be addressed during a special session on the budget that begins Monday.
Palm Beach Kennel Club lobbyist Brian Ballard hailed Friday’s ruling.
“This absolutely strengthens our hand with regard to the upcoming negotiations on the gaming bill, vis a vis the compact. It’s exactly what we were told we were getting five years ago by the Senate. The court agrees with that. So we’re optimistic,” Ballard said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Joyce C. Little
May 30, 2015
Joyce C. Little, 74, of Jay, died May 30, 2015 at her home due to the effects of cancer.
Mrs. Little was born July 23,1940 in Pensacola, Fla., to Crawford and Alice Myers-Carnley of Jay. Mrs. Little, who was raised in the Ebenezer community, graduated from Jay High School in 1958. During high school, Mrs. Little began working as a bookkeeper at Griffin Tractor Company in Jay and then moved on to Monsanto in Pensacola, where she worked for two years before starting a family. Later in life she would go on to work in several Bible bookstores and eventually retired as the secretary of Jay First Baptist Church in 2000. During all this time, Mrs. Little served faithfully as a pastor’s wife in three Southern Baptist churches located in Louisiana and Florida. Her joy came from working with children in each church teaching them God’s word and directing children choirs, sometimes traveling to other churches with them to perform musicals. Mrs. Little was a member of Cora Baptist Church, in Jay, where she spent many years teaching children’s Sunday school classes, VBS and leading in children’s choir. She was also a member of the adult choir and the Women on Missions group.
Mrs. Little loved many things in life – her husband, children, grandchildren and her brothers and sisters being her heart. She loved cooking for her family and friends and spent countless hours in the kitchen teaching each of her grandchildren to cook. The only thing she loved more was being in the outdoors, working in her yard planting and transplanting flowers and plants of all kind. She was independent and active every day of her life touching so many people in the process by sharing God’s love.
Mrs. Little is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, the Rev. Thomas Little, Jr., of Jay; two sons, Gilbert (Deb) Little of Ft. Worth, Texas and Jeffrey Little of Pensacola; one daughter, Janet Little Cooper of Jay; four brothers, Earl (Edna) Carnley of Pensacola, Ray (Anne) Carnley of Milton, Jimmy (Karen) Carnley of Pace and Ricky (Shelly) Carnley of DeFuniak Springs; two sisters, Dorothy (Joe) Botts of Milton and Linda (Randy) Tarleton of Lakeland, Fla.; two brothers-in-law, Charles Walsingham of Milton and Skip Warren of Milton; two sisters-in-law, Frances G. Carnley of Lakeland and Betty (Lamar) White of Atmore; three grandchildren, Meredith Little of Ft. Worth, Texas, Austin Cooper and Bryant Cooper, both of Jay; and many nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Little was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Thomas and Susie Nelson Little of Jay; granddaughter, Reagan Reid Little; one brother, the Rev. Jack Carnley of Lakeland; and two sisters, Bonnie C. Walsingham of Milton and Judy C. Warren of Pace.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2015, from 3-5 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church in Jay. Funeral services will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the Rev. LaDon Hall and the Rev. Delbert Redditt officiating.
The deacons of Cora Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to thank Dr. C. David Smith of Jay who discovered Mrs. Little’s cancer three years ago and referred her to doctors, Stephen Theis and David Fiveash at UAB and the use of the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge while she received treatment in Birmingham. A special thank you is extended to Sharon Murell of Century, for her devotion, sacrifice, compassion and love shown to Mrs. Little as her caretaker and to Summer Stuckey with Hospice, for taking excellent care of Mrs. Little in the nursing home and then again at home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham at 1104 Ireland Way, Birmingham, AL 35205.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Braves Win Pitchers’ Duel Over Blue Wahoos
May 30, 2015
Friday night’s contest in Mississippi ended with a score of 1-0 as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-27) lost a pitching battle to the Mississippi Braves (26-21).
Wahoos starter Robert Stephenson pitched 7.0 scoreless innings with ten strikeouts while allowing only three hits and one walk in what was undoubtedly his best performance of the season. He was unable to earn the victory due another great effort from his counterpart, Jake Brigham (4-2). Brigham went 8.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits, striking out five and walking no one.
Wahoos reliever Kevin Shackelford (0-3) earned the loss as he gave up the only run of the game in the bottom of the eighth. Braves reliever Tyler Jones earned his third save of the season, as he was able to get out of a jam in the top of the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos were led at the plate by shortstop Juan Perez, who went 3-3 with a triple to extend his hit streak to six games. Perez had three of the team’s five hits, with the others coming from Beau Amaral and Jesse Winker, both on singles in the ninth inning.
The first threat of a run came in the bottom of the fourth as Kevin Ahrens drew a two-out walk and Corban Joseph singled, reaching second on the throw. Stephenson, however, was able to get out of the jam with a strikeout of Rio Ruiz on a breaking pitch.
The Blue Wahoos posed a real threat to break the tie in the eight when Perez tripled with one out. Cam Maron was then called out on strikes, and pinch-hitter Ray Chang was robbed of an RBI when the third baseman Ruiz made a great stab on a hard-hit ball to end the frame.
Matt Lipka began the bottom of the eighth with an infield single and then moved to third on a single from Eric Garcia. Lipka would score on a fielder’s choice after contact from Mallex Smith to break the tie, as the throw from the infield was not in time.
Pensacola threatened to tie or potentially take the lead in the top half of the ninth as Beau Amaral led off the inning with a single to left field. After a Ryan Wright sacrifice bunt, Winker flared one into shallow left field to put runners at the corners with one out. Unfortunately for the Wahoos, a double play ended the game on the next at-bat.
Man Charged In Century Drive-by Shooting
May 29, 2015
A Century man was arrested Thursday night in connection with a drive-by shooting earlier this month in Century.
Jermain Lavelle Smith, 29, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, firing into a dwelling, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, criminal mischief with property damage and resiting arrest with violence. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $1,355,000.
A resident of Archie Street called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office on May 18 to report that they had found bullet holes in their home. One bullet hole through a front window was easily visible from the street as deputies and a crime scene technician conducted their investigation.
There were no injuries reported.
Pictured top: A bullet hole through the window of an Archie Street home in Century. Pictured below: The May 18 investigation into a reported drive-by shooting in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Unpaid Property Taxes Due Today
May 29, 2015
All 2014 unpaid real estate taxes must be paid today to avoid a tax certificate being issued, which is a first lien against the property. Over 11,000 accounts totaling $10 million remain unpaid at last report from Tax Collector Janet Holley.
Payments must be received and processed by close of business on Friday, May 29:
- in person at one of three branch offices;
- online at www.escambiataxcollector.com; or
- through the phone service center (850) 438-6500 ext. 3252.
Late payments will be returned for additional fees.
Drive thru service and drop boxes are available at all locations:
- Downtown, 213 Palafox Place
- Molino, 6440 Highway 95A, Suite A
- Marcus Pointe, 6451 North W Street
Taxpayers may check the status of their taxes online at www.escambiataxcollector.com or call (850) 438-6500 ext. 3252 for more information.
Fire Damages Cantonment Apartment
May 29, 2015
There were no major injuries reported in an apartment fire Thursday night in Cantonment. The kitchen fire was reported about 8:30 p.m. at the Grantwood Apartments in the 1700 block of Batson Lane. The fire was mostly out when the first fire units arrived on scene, and was contained to one apartment. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Two Now Charged With Jay Burglaries
May 29, 2015
Two people have now been charged with a multiple business burglary spree in Jay.
During the overnight hours of May 20, several businesses including the Farmer’s Country Market, Exprezit and Jack’s Vapor Store were burglarized. Two individuals were observed on store surveillance breaking into the businesses and taking items.
Witnesses reported seeing merchandise from the stores in a nearby wooded area and reported it to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Joshua Ryder Gay, 18, and Jonathan Richard Hill, 25, are accused of stealing over $3,000 worth of merchandise while causing over $5,000 in property damage during the break-ins. They are both charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief with property damage. Their bonds were set at $81,250 each.
Tate High Names Top Graduates, Presents Senior Awards
May 29, 2015
Tate High School has named their top graduates and presented senior awards Thursday night for the Class of 2015.
Hannah Erin Philips was named valedictorian with a final GPA of 5.075. This year, she was president of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta secretary, and the Science Honor Society treasurer. She is an active member of the Marcus Pointe Baptist youth group and has participated in several missionary trips. Hannah is a National Merit Finalist and has received a full ride scholarship to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She plans to major in biomedical science and will pursue a career in dentistry.
Sarah Ashley Colburn was name salutatorian with a final GPA of 4.9765. She was the Rho Kappa president, National Science Honor Society president, the National Honor Society secretary, and the Mu Alpha Theta treasurer. She is a four year varsity tennis player, and was the district runner up her junior year. She also is a four-year volunteer at Scenic Heights Elementary. She will attend the University of Florida and study chemical engineering.
Notable awards presented to the Tate High Class of 2015 Thursday night included:
Scholarships Awarded
- Fortis Institute
- Pensacola State College
- University of West Florida
- Troy University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama
National Merit Finalist – Hannah Philips
National Merit Commended Scholar – Paxton Metcalf
Community Scholarships
- Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis, & Overholtz Champions of Justice $1000 Scholarhsip – Jenna Loomis
- First United Methodist Church of Pensacola Scholarship – Chad Ratliff
- Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union Scholarship – Steven Jennings
- Pensacola Civitan Club Citizenship Scholarship – Arah Hans Majors & Ethan Millet
- Poarch Band of Creek Indians Scholarship (Full tuition) – Sayra Mauldin
- Take Stock in Children Program Scholarship – Alex Richards & Hangnga Suon
- John E. Frenkel, Sr. Educational $1,000 Grant – Tristan Fromm & Carissa Carroll
Local Donors & Memorial Scholarships
- GRIT $1,000 Scholarship Sponsored by Jeff & Tammy Barnhill – James Wright
- The Bob Hemme Scholarship Sponsored by the PSRA – Jennifer Clyde
- The Michele W. Hill Foundation Scholarship – Jacob Howard
- Chris Williams $1000 History Memorial Scholarship – Emily Washler
- The Dillon Roberson Aggie Hero Award $500 Sponsored by Cantonment Grocery Advantage – Carissa Carroll
- The Michael D. Varner Memorial Science Scholarship $1000 – Jamie Hendren
The Top Ten Percent of the Tate High School Class of 2015 is as follows:
- Hannah Erin Philips – Valedictorian
- Sarah Ashley Colburn – Salutatorian
- Emily Rose Washler
- Chandler Weathers Cotton
- Taylor Arden Ertel
- Kayla Jaymes Dixon
- Hannah Bethany Hargett
- Brandon Lee Launstein
- Jamie Leigh Hendren
- Casey Ann McCrackin
- Paxton Murray Metcalf
- Marissa Sue Jackson
- Jacob Colin Howard
- Natalie Lauren Wright
- Alexis Kay Dixon
- Sarah Elizabeth Baxter
- Elizabeth Joan Werdann
- Emily Ann McAfee
- Taylor McKenzie Wynn
- Jonathan David Compton
- James Mercado Craft
- Gaylyn April Workman
- Elyse Kelalani Locke
- Jacob E. Richards
- Myranda Sue Kervin
- Justin Thomas Baker
- Valerie Louise Kennedy
- Steffany Louise Brown
- Julie Ann Menah
- Lauren Taylor Brennan
- Carolyn Maria Pearce
- Jenna Naveen Loomis
- Shakira Luqua Phillips
- Kristin Lea Wheeler
- Sarah Marie Rowzee
- Kathryn Lorraine Howard
- Sarah Marie Howard
- Marie Nicole McElveen
- Asia Rae McLeod
- Relashia Sharde’ Nicholson
- Nicholas Andrew Krostag
- Victoria Lynn VanScyoc
Jay Doctors Cleared Four Years After Federal, State Investigation Began
May 29, 2015
Two Jay doctors say they have been cleared of any wrongdoing, four years after their medical practice became the focus of a federal and state investigation and they were forced to surrender their licenses to prescribe narcotics.
Back in July 2011, the FBI, federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Law Enforcement raided the Jay Medical Clinic Thursday as Florida Highway Patrol troopers stood guard outside the complex, which is located next to Jay Hospital. Federal and state agents seized patient records from Dr. C. David Smith and his son Dr. J. S. Michael Smith.
Now, Dr. David Smith says they have been cleared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also said the pair will soon be able to get back their licenses to prescribe narcotics from the DEA.
Pictured top: Federal and state agents were conducting a search at the Jay Medical Center during July 2011. Pictured top inset: A Florida Department of Law Enforcement officer questions a patient outside the complex. ictured below: Florida State Trooper Todd St. Clair turns away a Jay Medical Center patient during the 2011 raid. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.