Confederate Flag Removed From City And County Displays
June 25, 2015
Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward has ordered the removal of the Confederate flag from all city displays. Escambia County is also removing the flag from county properties.
In a released statement, Hayward said,
“Today, I directed City staff to remove the Confederate Flag from display at all City of Pensacola facilities and to fly in its place the flag of the State of Florida.
“While the Confederate Flag undeniably represents a part of Pensacola’s history, to many it is a painful symbol of racial hatred and intolerance. I proudly celebrate our great city’s rich history, but I do not believe that we are defined by our history alone. We will always be the City of Five Flags — but now is the time for us to turn our focus to our city’s bright future.”
Escambia County is also removing Confederate flags from displays, notably the Pensacola Bay Center. In March, the county approved an ordinance to “mirror” what the city does with flag displays.
40 Percent Chance Of Rain This Afternoon
June 25, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Fiery Crash: Driver Hits Pumps At Highway 29 Gas Station
June 25, 2015
One person was hospitalized after their pickup slammed into gas pumps at the Raceway station on Highway 29 in Ensley Thursday morning.
About 6:50 a.m., the pickup driver, 32-year old Jessie L. Thomas of Pensacola, suffered a “medical event” according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He crossed from the southbound lanes of Highway 29 into the northbound lanes, striking a Mazda Miata drive by Sidney Hargis, 36. Thomas then continued into the parking lot of the gas station off Highway 29 and lost control before hitting and sheering-off one set of pumps and hit another set, sparking a roaring blaze. Thomas was rescued from the truck by bystanders.
Thomas was transported to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries. Hargis was not injured.
Thomas was cited by the FHP for having no insurance.
Do you have additional photos of this crash? Email them to news@northescambia.com
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gives Final Approval For Black Bear Hunting
June 25, 2015
October 24 will start a really bad few days to be a black bear in Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday voted 4-1, over the pleas of angry and frustrated critics, to approve rule changes that will allow an unlimited number of hunters to participate in the first hunt of black bears in the state in more than two decades.
About 300 bears are expected to be killed in four parts of the state where hunting will be allowed over two to seven days, starting on Oct. 24.
Commissioners said the hunt is a step in managing the growing bear population in Florida.
“Our responsibility lies in taking care of what we have here in Florida, to perpetuate for our next generations,” said Commissioner Richard Hanas.
“I don’t think that doing things like concentrating on garbage control and education and outreach, and all those types of efforts, and hunting are mutually exclusive,” added Commissioner Aliesa “Liesa” Priddy, who made a point to note she was not pressured into her decision. “I think we need to do both of those.”
Commissioner Ron Bergeron cast the lone vote against reviving the hunt this year.
Bergeron, noting he is an avid hunter, questioned the size of the proposed hunt as a sustainable figure for the bear population and said he would like staff members to gather more data about the number of bears, which were removed from the state’s threatened list in 2012, in two parts of the state where the hunt will proceed.
“I’m not supportive of hunting the way it’s presented,” Bergeron said. “You have to look at the interest of the bear.”
Chairman Richard Corbett said the commission will make additional changes to the rules if the hunt is found to be “overdone.”
With emotions running high from proponents and opponents, about 70 speakers addressed the commission before the vote at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Most of the speakers opposed the measure, including one wearing a bear outfit, with many of the critics resigned that their comments wouldn’t change the outcome for what they view as a “trophy hunt.”
“We do not see this hunt resolving the human-bear conflict issues at this time,” said Maria Bolton-Joubert, programs chair for Sierra Club of Central Florida. “We see this as impacting the bear population further.”
Bolton-Jorbert, as with a number of other speakers, noted that Florida’s increased human population is expanding into wildlife habitat and that the state should further implement non-lethal rules, such as bear-proofing trash containers, prohibiting people from feeding wild bears and cracking down on the illegal harvesting of saw palmetto berries, which is a staple of a bear’s diet.
Katherine McGill, a founding member of the National Urban Wildlife Coalition, said the state should wait a year, when updated bear counts will be available, and see if rules designed to reduce human-bear conflict and nuisance animals can take hold.
“We need to stop killing our wildlife for being wildlife, for getting into trash, for getting into bird feeders, for just being seen walking through the backyard,” McGill said.
In addition to ongoing outreach efforts by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to reduce human-bear conflicts through non-hunting measures, such as public education and trash control, Florida lawmakers approved a new law this year (HB 7021) that increased penalties for people charged a fourth time with feeding bears and alligators not in captivity. The charge would be a third-degree felony.
Currently, a fourth offense of illegally feeding wildlife within a 10-year period is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Among those supporting the return of the bear hunt include the National Rifle Association, Unified Sportsmen of Florida and a number of regional hunting groups.
Newton Cook, a member of the Future of Hunting in Florida board of directors, called the proposed effort to maintain the bear population “good science.”
“Too many people have lost their relationship to the natural world,” Cook said. “A bear and all wildlife live in very cruel, bloody harsh conditions in the wild. If you’re a hunter you see it. You see the deer that has been pulled down and partially eaten by coyotes, or a panther, or maybe a bear, sometimes still alive, but just the guts eaten out of it. It’s not pretty out there. But we get these Bambi mentalities and you have a problem.”
Robert “Bob” Andrew, president of the Southwest Florida Outdoorsman Association in Punta Gorda, added that the bear population needs to be regulated for the good of the bears.
“I’d rather see them harvested than starve to death,” Andrew said.
Some speakers viewed the hunt as a step in expanding hunting to other animals that the state has protected.
Carole Baskin, the founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue, expressed concern that reopening the bear hunting season will “embolden” the state to allow the Florida panthers to be hunted.
On Tuesday, the commission was presented with a proposal to alter conservation efforts for endangered Florida panthers.
The panther population-control plan, which Priddy said keeps panthers on the endangered species list, is expected to return before the commission in September.
At that time, the state is also expected to have updated numbers on the bear population in Florida so that the harvest numbers will be revised, said Diane Eggeman, director of the commission’s Division of Hunting and Game Management.
Black bears were placed on the state’s threatened list in 1974, when there were between 300 and 500 across Florida. At the time, hunting black bears was limited to three counties. In 1994, the hunting season was closed statewide.
Florida now has an estimated 3,150 black bears in four regions — the eastern Panhandle, Northeast Florida, east-central Florida and South Florida — where the hunts would be conducted. The numbers are based on 2002 estimates for the eastern Panhandle and South Florida, and a 2014 count in the Northeast Florida and east-central Florida regions.
The hunt will be halted in each region — the FWC intends to communicate daily with hunters via text and email — once the quota for the area is reached, Eggeman said.
The timing of the hunt is set for when bears are typically more active, said Eggeman. It also comes at a time when most cubs are more mature and able to survive on their own, she said.
The cost to get a bear hunting permit will be $100 for Floridians and $300 for non-Floridians. Once the permits are made available, they can be acquired up until the day before the hunt begins.
Each hunter would be limited to one bear, and the kill would have to be registered and tagged within 12 hours.
The bears hunted must weigh at least 100 pounds.
Also, hunters would be prohibited from killing bears within 100 yards of active game-feeding stations. Hunters would also be prohibited from using dogs to hunt bear, but can have leashed canines trail shot bears.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Adopt A Pet With Reduced Fees
June 25, 2015
The Escambia County Animal Shelter will host a public animal adoption event, “Clear the Kennels,” on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 200 West Fairfield Drive.
The purpose of this event is to alleviate overcrowding and help these great animals find forever homes. Manager’s special pricing will be offered both days.
Manager’s Special Adoption fees:
- Dogs (over three years of age): $35
- Dogs (under three years of age): $55
- Cats (over three years of age): $20
- Cats (under three years of age): $30
The adoption fee includes spay or neuter, vaccinations and microchip.
The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information call (850) 595-3075 or email animalshelter@myescambia.com
Molino Library To Hold Teen Summer Reading Event Tonight
June 25, 2015
Teens age 12-17 are invited to escape the ordinary during a special Summer Reading Club Program tonight at the Molino Branch Library.
Teens can battle boredom with maniacal laughter playing this interactive mash-up inspired by Box of Lies and Silent Library. The event takes place from 6-7:30 in he Molino Branch Library auditorium at the Molino Community Complex at 6450-A Highway 95. For more information, call (850) 435-1760.
Escambia Man Gets Life Sentence For Attempted Murder
June 25, 2015
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison for a 2014 attempted murder and assault.
Hector Adolfo Demontalvo was sentenced by Circuit Judge Linda Nobles to life in state prison with a minimum mandatory sentence of 33 years to be served day for day. Demontalvo pled no contest on March 30, 2015 to the charges of attempted murder with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, and armed burglary with a firearm.
On September 4, 2014, Escambia County deputies responded to 211 Donald Drive. At the scene, they found Zachary Brown inside the residence suffering from multiple wounds. Witnesses stated that Brown was shot, stabbed, kicked and struck by a skateboard causing serious bodily injuries. Witnesses identified Demontalvo as the perpetrator and stated that he had fled the residence. Those witnesses also stated that Demontalvo accused Brown of “wearing a wire” just prior to his attack. The deputies found the knife and gun used in the attack at 211 Donald Drive.
Within minutes of arriving, the deputies were called to 216 Henry Street in Pensacola where they found the Demontalvo. They discovered at Demontalvo had broken into that house and attempted to kidnap a resident while armed with a second gun.
Jay Lindsey Named Tate Head Football Coach
June 25, 2015
Jay Lindsey has been named head football coach at Tate High School.
Lindsey was named interim coach in late March.
Lindsey was offensive coordinator for the Aggies last season and led the team through the spring. He has nine years coaching experience, including his time at Tate and years at Pace High school.
Lindsey’s appointment follows the resignation of Ronnie Douglas, who stepped down to spend more time on his business ventures.
Billy “Bill” Floyd Fitzpatrick
June 25, 2015
Billy “Bill” Floyd Fitzpatrick, 83, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends. He is preceded in death by Carolyn “Faye” (Brown) Fitzpatrick, his first wife of 55 years; and sisters, Allene Harris and Ruthy Cooke.
He is survived by his loving wife of five years, Betty Jo (Castleberry) (Hyatt) Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by his eldest daughter, Barbara Faye Holt, (Gary) and their children, Samantha, Joanna and Miranda; his son, David William Fitzpatrick, Sr., (Diane) and their children, Erika Burkett, (Anthony), Kristina, Carolyn and David, Jr.; his youngest daughter, Laura “Beth” Davis, (Thomas) and their children, Laura Kiker, (Hunter) and Andrew; and three great-grandchildren, Lila Faith Kiker, Millee Grayce and Gabriel Anthony Burkett. He is also survived by Betty’s children, Claudia Simmons, (Tommy) and their children, Kent and Neil; Charlotte Peacock, (Lloyd) and their children, Cassie and Beau; Lynn Dieterich, (Russ) Lynn‘s daughter, Tasha Thaxton; Catherine Stevens and her daughter, Hannah Jo; and Joel Hyatt.
Bill was born in Lorena, Texas on February 6, 1932, to Della “Laura” Lee (Grier) and Floyd Arnold Fitzpatrick. He studied accounting and finance at Baylor University. At 19 years old, he joined the Navy flight training program in Pensacola, where he met his first wife, Faye, on a blind date. They were married on March 25, 1955. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelors of Arts degree from the Florida State University’s School of Business. He began his accounting career at Chemstrand/Monsanto. Then he worked for Pierre Brown, P.A. where he studied and passed the C.P.A. exam. Brown, Fitzpatrick and Brown, C.P.A., P.A. was formed and he worked there about 10 years. Bill then worked as the comptroller at Instrument Control Service, Inc. for a short time. In 1979, he started Bill F. Fitzpatrick, C.P.A., P.A. and retired in 1999.
Bill was blessed to be born into a loving Christian family and continued his Christian faith throughout his life. He also accomplished the art of being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Being a believer in Christ as his Savior from an early age, he was an active worker in the churches he attended throughout his life. Bill was known to all as an honest, kind, patient, generous and compassionate gentleman. His outward faith in God was highly visible to everyone that knew him.
Family was also very important to Bill and he considered himself blessed to have all his children living close by. He enjoyed participating in all his children’s and grandchildren’s activities such as camping, church softball, bowling and fishing. He had a blast watching his family grow up right in front of him. His children gave him nine grandchildren that he referred to as his “sweet little lumps of love.” His only wish was to grow old gracefully and enjoy every minute of it with his family.
In 2010, he was joined in marriage to Betty Jo Hyatt whom he loved dearly and enjoyed spending his last five years with her.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Burkett, Andrew Davis, David Fitzpatrick, Jr., Hunter Kiker, Greg English and Gordon Gunn.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Caring and Sharing Sunday School Class of St. Luke United Methodist Church and the Cantonment Rotary Club.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015, at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Nine Mile Road.
Bill’s interment will be at Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cantonment.
Services will be directed by Reverend Larry Anderson and assisted by Reverend Johnny Webb and Reverend Rual Morris.
In lieu of flowers Bill requested that memorials be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Judge Considers Challenge To Abortion Waiting Period
June 25, 2015
Only days before a new Florida law would start requiring 24-hour waits before women can have abortions, a Leon County circuit judge is considering whether to place a hold on the law while a constitutional challenge goes forward.
The law (HB 633), which passed in April, is slated to go into effect July 1. The day after Gov. Rick Scott signed the law, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a constitutional challenge and sought an emergency injunction.
On Wednesday, Chief Circuit Judge Charles Francis heard arguments from the ACLU and the Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office and then said he’d issue a ruling quickly on whether to grant an injunction.
Both sides are expected to appeal an adverse ruling.
The new law adds to the information that physicians performing abortions must provide to women to obtain their consent. Under the law, the information must be provided in person to women at least 24 hours before the procedures are performed — requiring women to make two trips to abortion clinics.
Supporters of the law contend it will give women more time to reflect on their decisions. Opponents contend it will place obstacles before women seeking abortions, especially women who are victims of violence and women who are low-income and live in rural areas.
In a one-hour hearing Wednesday, ACLU attorney Renee Paradis pointed to Florida’s “explicit” constitutional right to privacy as the basis for challenging HB 633.
“Florida is one of only five states with this kind of strong privacy protection in the Constitution,” she said. “None of those five have a waiting period. The only one that tried to have a waiting period was struck down by the courts in Montana.”
But Blaine Winship, special counsel to the attorney general, said the state has a vested interest in its residents’ well-being.
“The state wields the police power to protect the health and safety of the people,” he said.
Winship also contended that nothing in the new law removes a woman’s right to get an abortion.
“The question of whether there is a 24-hour wait for her to contemplate the full impact and ramifications of her decision is obviously what we’ve been talking about today,” he said. “It’s what the Legislature aimed to try to protect.”
Lawmakers included in the law exceptions to the 24-hour wait for victims of rape, incest, domestic violence and human trafficking. To qualify, however, those victims must produce police reports, restraining orders, medical records or other documentation — and Paradis said most victims do not seek those.
The Republican-led Legislature rejected Democrats’ attempts to allow women to consult with doctors online or to have nurses explain the procedure on the first visit.
“This is all just about informed consent,” Winship said. “The Legislature took great care in building in a number of exemptions.”
But Paradis said the second-trip requirement threatens a woman’s privacy by increasing the risk that other people — from loved ones to employers and co-workers — will learn that she is having an abortion.
The two sides also sparred over the strength of Florida’s constitutional right to privacy. Winship pointed to a 2006 Florida Supreme ruling that upheld the informed-consent provision in a 1997 law, the “Women’s Right to Know” Act, which required doctors to explain the medical risks of abortion and to obtain consent from women seeking them.
Paradis, however, noted that the language in a landmark 1989 case had provided Floridians with stronger privacy protections than most states.
“The state may think it knows better, but that doesn’t matter,” Paradis said. “It matters what the woman decides.”
Francis said he would not rule Wednesday, but soon thereafter.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida