Lawsuit Aims To Halt Return Of Bear Hunting
August 3, 2015
Conservation groups want a judge to shoot down the return of bear hunting in Florida and to halt the pending sale of bear-hunting permits.
With permits for this fall’s hunt going on sale Monday, the Seminole County-based group Speak Up Wekiva filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court Friday challenging the constitutionality of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-approved bear hunt.
“There is no evidence to support the supposition that hunting bears in remote wildlife management areas will reduce conflicts in suburbia,” the lawsuit contends.
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Susan Smith defended the commission’s ability to approve rule changes. However, she said the agency had yet to receive a copy of the lawsuit and doesn’t discuss the merits of pending litigation.
“I can say the commission validly adopted rules allowing for a limited bear hunt based on sound reasoning and with careful consideration of the issues involved,” Smith said.
The lawsuit doesn’t ask for a judge to halt the commission from offering the permits. However, Speak Up Wekiva and groups supporting the lawsuit — the Sierra Club, the Massachusetts-based Environmental Action, the League of Women Voters of Florida and the Center for Biological Diversity — want the state agency to suspend permitting until the lawsuit is settled.
“If they do sell the permits, and the hunt is ruled unconstitutional, they’ll have to pay everyone back, and that could be very time-consuming,” said Chuck O’Neal, a Longwood resident and member of Speak Up Wekiva whose name also appears on the lawsuit.
Smith said permitting remains on schedule to begin Monday.
Supporters of bear hunting derided the lawsuit as hindering efforts to reduce human-bear conflicts.
“The FWC is a constitutional body charged with ‘managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people,’ “National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer said in an email Friday. “Political organizations that try to second guess the professionalism of the commission and the agency are interlopers who obviously put bears before the safety and lives of children.”
Opponents of the hunt have argued 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.
On Friday, those opponents pointed to ongoing efforts by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get a better count of black bears in areas where the hunt will occur and said that opposition to the hunt stood around 75 percent during the public debate on the proposal.
“We welcome today’s lawsuit challenging the wildlife commission’s unconstitutional, unnecessary, and immoral black bear hunt,” the Sierra Club’s Florida Staff Director Frank Jackalone said in a release. “The commission must suspend the hunt immediately and work with scientists to protect Florida’s black bears, not kill them.”
The lawsuit contends the rules for the hunt go against the 1998 voter-approved constitutional amendment that created the commission as an independent body “to conduct management, preservation and conservation decision-making based upon sound science.” The complaint also claims the bear hunt is not based upon sound science and won’t reduce growing conflicts between bears and humans.
“The FWC is acting against the interests of Floridians, science, and Florida black bears,” said lawsuit supporter Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director for the Center for Biological Diversity. “It is not too late for it to hit the brakes on this ill-conceived plan.”
The hunt is scheduled to begin Oct. 24 and will last from two to seven days, depending upon the number of bears killed.
The commission approved the hunt in June as a step in managing the growing bear population in Florida.
The state agency expects about 300 bears to be killed in the four regions of the state where hunting will be allowed. The state isn’t putting a limit on the number of special-use bear permits being sold, but hunters will be limited to killing a single bear during the week.
The cost for a permit is $100 for Florida residents and $300 for non-residents. The permits will be available through 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 23. People who purchased a Lifetime License prior to July 1, 1998 — when those licenses still covered bear hunting — must still obtain one of the new permits, but are exempt from the cost.
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.
The bears were taken off the list in 2012.
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 are planned. 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 quotas for the areas are reached.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Fred E. Ware
August 3, 2015
Fred E. Ware, age 75 of Jay, passed away on August 3, 2015, in Jay. He retired from American Cyanamid after 33 years of service and was a member of the Jay Church of Christ. He also enjoyed woodworking and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena Ware; former wife and mother of Deana and Anthony Ware, Kay Mixon Ware; and sisters, Florence Metcafe and Violet Baxley.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Ware; daughter, Deana (John) Pittman; son, Anthony Ware; son, Robert (Maureen) Griffin; daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Black; sisters, Lessie Adams and Wilena Getchell; brothers, Frank Ware, Carlton Ware and John (Simonne) Ware; grandchildren, Haley, Riley, and Nick Pittman; Bryan and Ashley Black and Andrew, Matt, Josh, Jill, and Angelyn; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Funeral services will begin at 6 p.m. with Mike Mefford officiating services.
Burial will be at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Creekside Senior Living Facility, Jay Hospital and staff and Dr. Kelley for their kind and compassionate care given to our loved one.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Phyllis Walker Patrick
August 3, 2015
Phyllis Walker Patrick passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s on July 30, 2015. She was born in Atmore, on November 26, 1948, and graduated from Escambia County High School in 1967. She married the love of her life James Patrick on May 27, 1966.
Phyllis and Jim’s love of travel took them many places throughout the U.S., and they were known to go on a cross country adventure at a moment’s notice. Disney World was their favorite location, and they passed their love of Disney to their children and grandchildren. Many wonderful memories were made there. Phyllis was playful, kind and generous, and very devoted to her husband and children. Her love for her grandchildren was clear and they brought her immense joy.
She is proceeded in death by her husband, James; her son, David; and her parents, Robert L Walker and Meriam Walker Bryan.
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Danforth (Kevin); brother, Stanley Walker (Kathleen); grandchildren, Emily, Nathan and Melanie Danforth; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and dear friend, Barbara Hobbs.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday August 5, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Elder Bobby Willis officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 1555 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL, 32501.
The family would like to thank The Villas of Gulf Breeze and Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving care of Phyllis.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Lillian Foster Duke
August 3, 2015
Lillian Foster Duke, 87, went home to be with her Lord on July 31, 2015. She was born on February 14, 1928, to the late Clyde and Rosa Foster in Butler County, Alabama and has been a resident of Escambia County, FL since 1947. She retired from the Escambia County School District, was a member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church for many years, and was a long-time advocate for the developmentally disabled.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Waldo; and her son, Stanley.
She is survived by her son, Steven Duke (Belinda) of Shalimar, FL; daughter, Anna Duke Johnson (Frank) of Pensacola; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with the Reverend Ron Pouliot and Reverend Brad Johnson officiating.
Interment will follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Pine Forest Road in Pensacola.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. prior to services.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staffs of Homestead Retirement Village, especially buildings C and D, and Covenant Hospice for their love and special care they gave our mother.
In lieu of flowers, Mom has requested that memorial contributions be made to ARC-Gateway, 3932 N 10th Ave, Pensacola, Florida 32503.
Wahoos Fall Late To Suns
August 3, 2015
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-16, 45-59) fell to the Jacksonville Suns (13-23, 42-63) 5-4 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Sunday evening. After the Wahoos jumped out to a 3-0 lead, the Suns tied the game 4-4 in the seventh inning and took a 5-4 lead in the eighth.
Pensacola starter Daniel Wright went 5.2 innings while allowing three runs on five hits. Reliever Kyle McMyne (1-4) earned the loss in 1.1 innings of work, as he would allow Jacksonville to take the late lead on a sacrifice fly.
Jacksonville starter Jarlin Garcia pitched 5.0 innings and allowed three early runs on six hits. The win went to Juancito Martinez (1-2), who did not allow a hit or a run through 1.2 innings of work. Kyle Barraclough earned his second save as he struck out the side in the ninth.
The Wahoos were led at the plate by Yovan Gonzalez and Juan Perez. Gonzalez went 2-4 with two doubles and a walk, while Perez went 2-3 with a double and a stolen base.
The Wahoos got off to a strong start as Zach Vincej and Jesse Winker both singled to open the first inning. Marquez Smith would bring Vincej home from third on an RBI groundout to make it 1-0 in favor of Pensacola.
Pensacola struck again in the top of the fourth to score a pair of runs in the frame. A single by Perez and a Gonzalez double would set things up for Beau Amaral, who would single to shallow center and make it 2-0. Vincej would later bring Gonzalez home on a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.
The Blue Wahoos faced danger in the bottom half of the fourth as a single and a pair of walks loaded the bases for Eudy Pina. However, Wright was able to force him to pop out, ending the threat for Jacksonville.
The Suns were able to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth as pinch-hitter Ryan Rieger would bring Zack Cox home on an RBI single, making the score 3-1.
The Wahoos would score again in the sixth, as Perez would reach home as a bad pickoff attempt resulted in a throwing error. Perez had doubled and stolen third on the previous two at-bats.
Jacksonville would lead off the bottom half with a J.T. Riddle single. Matt Juengel would then bring him home on a double to left, making it 4-2. Juengel would then come home on a sacrifice fly from Pina.
The Suns would tie the game in the seventh on an RBI single form Riddle to score David Adams. McMyne was then able to force a double play with the bases loaded to avoid further damage.
Jacksonville would take the lead for good in the eighth on a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Adams, bringing Pina home to make it 5-4 in favor of the Suns.
The Blue Wahoos are taking on the Jacksonville Suns through Thursday.
Bacteria Death Confirmed In Escambia County
August 2, 2015
State health officials have confirmed a death in Escambia County due to the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. That brings to the total deaths in Florida to 10 this year, with a total of 19 cases.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed through direct contact with seawater and can cause disease in those who eat raw shellfish, according to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County.
Symptoms of vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering. In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
Last year, 32 cases were confirmed with seven deaths across the state.
Tips to stay healthy and safe
Thoroughly cook oysters, either by frying, stewing, or roasting to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in the meat. Consuming raw oysters that have undergone a post-harvest treatment process to eliminate the bacteria can also reduce the risk of illness. Avoiding exposure of open wounds to seawater and estuarine water reduces the risk of wound infections.
For more information, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County at (850) 595-6683 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.
Low 70’s Tonight
August 2, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Molino ‘Day Of Hope’ Provides Hundreds With School Supplies And More
August 2, 2015
A free “Day of Hope” provided free school supplies, food and an encouraging word Saturday in Molino.
Hundreds of people lined up outside Victory Assembly of God Church on Highway 29 to wait for a backpack, groceries and free haircuts. Church members met with each attendee and offered prayer and words of encouragement for the upcoming school year.
Pictured top: A young man picks out that perfect backpack full of school supplies Saturday morning at Victory Assembly of God in Molino. Pictured below: A back to school haircut. Pictured below: Hundreds of people waited for free school supplies and groceries in a line that stretched around the front of the church to back. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deidra’s Gift: Free School Supplies Distributed In Century
August 2, 2015
Free school supplies were available Saturday in Century for hundreds of children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
The book bags full of supplies were distributed in memory of Dedria Robinson, who was killed in 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11.
‘We wanted to help as many children as we could in her memory,” Deidra’s mother Rita Robinson said. “It’s good to see them get the supplies they need.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Continues Investigation Into Lincoln Park Death
August 2, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation into a shooting death Tuesday night.
About 7:30 p.m., deputies responded to an armed disturbance in the 7000 block of Kershaw Street, near Lincoln Park Elementary School, where they found 46-year old Edward Vincent Harris dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators said the gunshot wounds were received during a physical altercation.
Further details have not been released.
Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.