Lawmakers Could Send Message: Don’t Feed The Bears
February 11, 2015
Florida lawmakers might increase penalties for people repeatedly caught feeding bears and alligators.
Yet, individuals caught the first time illegally slipping food to certain types of wildlife not in captivity — bears and gators, along with foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and bald eagles — would only get non-criminal tickets, under a proposal starting to move in the House.
The proposal comes as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission considers rules to allow limited hunting of bears, which are attracted to populated areas by unsecured trash.
The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Tuesday agreed to support a bill (PCB ANRS 15-02) that would revamp penalties, including making it a felony for people caught feeding bears and alligators a fourth time.
Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, said the current penalty structure, which imposes a second-degree misdemeanor on first-time violators illegally feeding wildlife, is “really hurting our ability to educate these individuals.”
The proposal is backed by the state agency, which expects a brief uptick in tickets to first-time offenders if the measure becomes law.
Wildlife officials are now “generally hesitant to issue a criminal citation to a first time offender,” according to a House staff analysis of the proposal.
The belief from the Fish and Wildlife agency is that by removing the stricter penalty for first-time offenders, there will be less chance those people will repeat as they learn the rules.
“Once issued a civil penalty, first time offenders should better understand the serious nature of violating the feeding rules,” the analysis said. “Therefore, these individuals will be less likely to incur criminal violations for future violations.”
A second-degree misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Under the proposal backed by Sullivan, first-time violators, regardless of the wildlife illegally fed, would receive a “noncriminal infraction” carrying a $100 fine.
The second-degree misdemeanor charge would kick in for people caught a second time.
Those caught feeding bears and gators a third time would receive a first-degree misdemeanor, while additional violations involving foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and bald eagles would remain a second-degree offense.
Rep. Katie Edwards, a Plantation Democrat who is an advocate for sentencing reform, asked Sullivan to revisit the penalties related to possible jail time for people feeding wildlife.
“Encouraging jail time is a bit excessive,” Edwards said. “There are other ways to better deter those folks than jail time.”
A third-degree felony charge involving feeding bears and alligator on fourth and subsequent convictions could carry a fine of up to $5,000 and the chance to spend up to five years in jail.
Currently, a fourth offense of illegally feeding wildlife within a 10-year period is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a minimum fine of $750, the chance for up to a year in jail and a three-year suspension of any recreational license.
Last Wednesday, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed its staff to move forward with plans to address dangerous interactions between humans and black bears.
That includes proposing a draft rule in April that would allow hunting of bears, possibly as soon as this fall.
Thomas Eason, a division director with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, told reporters Thursday that bears are attracted to suburban neighborhoods because of easy access to food.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: A black bear at the Wild Oak Farms Apartments in Cantonment in 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Hazardous Materials Awareness Week Begins Sunday
February 11, 2015
The District 1 Local Emergency Planning Committee, the West Florida Regional Planning Council and local governments are observing Hazardous Materials Awareness Week, February 15-21. This year’s focus is on sheltering in place for chemical emergencies. For information on sheltering facts, visit www.wfrpc.org/programs/shelter-place.
The agencies recognize the importance of protecting communities from both accidental and deliberate releases of hazardous materials, and carry out state and federal duties to publicly promote statewide hazardous materials safety.
“The safe use of hazardous materials is essential to citizens, business, industry, and local governments to maintain economic stability and the public health,” said Kathy Ahlen, regional planner and staff to emergency planning and the LEPC at WFRPC.
District 1 LEPC encompasses Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Bay counties.The LEPC prepares the regional hazardous materials emergency plan, which identifies facilities that use, produce and/or store hazardous substances in northwest Florida. WFRPC maintains public records on hazardous materials and chemicals in the community in compliance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). For more information, call , 800-226-8914, ext. 210.
Free Computer Classes Begin Thursday At Century Branch Library
February 11, 2015
Two free computer classes are scheduled for February at the Century Branch Library:
Introduction to the Internet – Thursday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Participants will learn the basics of exploring the internet, navigation, browsers and internet safety.
Facebook Basics – Thursday, February 26, 6 p.m.
This workshop is designed for beginners who would like to learn how to create a Facebook profile, add and remove friends, upload photos, share posts and more.
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard, at (850) 256-6217.
Nellie Luke McKay
February 11, 2015
Nellie Luke McKay, 84, of Atmore, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015, in Atmore. She was born on February 6, 1931, to the late Jim and Allein Jackson Luke in Neshoba County, MS. She was a retired educator with 36 years of service with the Escambia County, Alabama and Florida, school systems. She was a charter member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore. She loved her family, church, and socializing and playing games with the church ladies on Thursdays.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne McKay and brothers Thomas Luke, Delane Luke, and James Luke, and sisters Willie J. Gray and Sybil Lundy.
She is survived by her daughters Barbara (John) Ryland, Sharon (George) McGhee, Carol (Steve) Killam, and Kim McKay, her brother Royce (Rose Marie) Luke, her grandchildren Nicole Killam, Chase (Sydney) McGhee, Kellie McGhee, and Hunter McKay, and her wonderful caregivers Beverly, Kanesha, Whitney, Judy, Janice, B.J. and Nell.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, 2015 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Atmore with Reverend Arnold Hendrix officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers are John Ryland, George McGhee, Steve Killam, Chase McGhee, Hunter McKay, and Mike McKay. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
John E. Rutherford
February 11, 2015
John E. Rutherford, 70 of Atmore, passed away Monday, February 9, 2015, in Century. He worked in construction most of his life. He was born in Texas on August 27, 1935. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, and he never met a stranger and always had a line to tell.
He is survived by family and friends.
A special thanks to Alvoid Boutwell and all the staff and friends at Century Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Services were held Wednesday February 11, 2015, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Sis Jean Coleman officiating.
Interment was held in McCullough Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Al.
Jerri Lynne Sandy
February 11, 2015
Jerri Lynne Sandy, age 55, of Molino, passed away suddenly on February 9, 2015. She will be missed by her family and many surrogate children. Jerri was known for her cooking and her generous spirit.
She is survived by her loving husband, John; her cherished son T.J.; her caring step-daughters, Carrie (Mike) Johnson of Valdosta, Georgia, and Kelly (Kyle) Coon of Crestview; mother, Annette Mernik; brother, Bud (Stella) Brown; sisters, Becky (Bob) Huber and Sharon Brown, all of Holt, Florida.
Jerri was preceded in death by her father, Clayton Brown.
A funeral service will be held at Faith Chapel North on Friday, February 13, 2015, at 2 p.m. with public visitation one hour prior to the service.
A private cremation will follow the service.
Cortez G. Lewis
February 11, 2015
Cortez G. Lewis, age 78, passed from Earth to Heaven on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Cortez was a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida. He retired from American Cyanamid after 30 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Cortez was a friend to all he met and was a very kind and humble man.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Pennie Ruth, and his brother Roy Colmer.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edna; daughter, Tonya (Tim) Boutwell; sons, Greg (Laura) Lewis, Bill (Tracey) Lewis, and Joe (Chrissy) Lewis; grandchildren, Bradley Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Cori Lewis, Jesse Lewis, Kandice Lewis, Tiffany Lewis, Schea Lewis, Jozey Lewis, Cody Lewis, and Dusty Lewis; and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerrell Lewis, Lamar Lewis, and Larry Lewis; sister, Imogene Reeder; brother-in-law, Rufus (Marilyn) Faulk; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Lewis and Mary Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Jay Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Cori Lewis officiating.
Active pallbearers were Bradley Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Jesse Lewis, Cody Lewis, Dusty Lewis, and Matt Dixon.
Honorary pallbearers were Gary Robertson, A.G. Chavers, Jimmy Morris, and Leon Carnley.
Cordelia Pacetti
February 11, 2015
Cordelia Pacetti, 78 of Pensacola, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015.
Cordelia was born on March 30, 1936, in Chumuckla to the late Henry and Bessie Hopkins. She married our loving father, the late Lawrence J. Pacetti in 1952 and they were married for 37 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; and her brother, W. J. Hopkins.
Cordelia is survived by her children, Anita (Bill) Redmond, Carl J. (Janice) Pacetti, Lois Fairley, Tiny Pacetti and Christy (Don) Lewis; 12 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a loving and devoted best friend of 47 years, Margie Cottingham.
A special and loving appreciation to our sister, Lois, for caring and devoting her life to the care of momma. The family is forever grateful for the unconditional love placed upon our mother. She will be forever in our hearts.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Bill Flannigan officiating.
Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Scotty Willard, Johnny Perkins, Stacy Perkins, Lee Willard, Lonnie Perkins, Donnie Lewis, Billy Redmond and Richard Lange.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Heart Association in the honor of Cordelia Pacetti.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Fletcher Hinote
February 11, 2015
Fletcher Hinote, 92, passed away February 7, 2015, in Cantonment. Fletcher was a US Army veteran of WWII where he served in North Africa and Naples, Italy. During his remarkable military career, he was awarded the Purple Heart and also the Silver Star for his valiant service. For 41 years he was employed by L&N Railroad. At age 80 he ran errands for the ‘Senior Citizens’ of his community. He always planted a garden. Fletcher never met a stranger and he had many friends throughout his life. For over 32 years he was a faithful and dedicated member of Scenic Hills Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry and Annie Mae Hinote; four brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Marian Mixon Hinote; his children, Janet Thornhill, Andy (Lynn) Hinote, Robin (Barbara) Hinote, Paul Hinote and Becky (Eddie) Rhodes; 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Minister Kyle Rye officiating.
Burial was in Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
The family has entrusted Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with all arrangements.
Narcotics Search Warrants Net Three Arrests In Century
February 10, 2015
Three people were arrested after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and a SWAT team executed two search warrants in Century.
One search warrant was served in the 7000 block of Hadley Lane. Deputies reported finding Henry Brown of Century inside the residence along with 75 grams marijuana, a hydrocodone pill, 6.6 grams of cocaine, about six grams of crack cocaine, 8.7 grams of oxycodone pills, two grams of alprazolam, 10.4 grams of methadone and a digital scale with cocaine residue. Deputies also seized about $1,080 in cash from Brown’s front pocket.
Brown was charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $26,000 bond.
Officers reported finding 47-year old James Lewis Carnley of Cantonment in a detached shed in the backyard of the Hadley Road home with several hypodermic needles on the floor around him that he said he used to inject cocaine. He was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Carnley remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $12,000.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and a SWAT team executed a second search warrant on West Pond Street where they reported finding 28-year old Brian Keith Sanders inside the residence along with over 100 Lortab pills, small bags of marijuana, crack cocaine ad various drug paraphernalia. Inside Sanders’ Monte Carlo outside the residence, deputies reported finding a digital scale with cocaine residue and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. The pistol and vehicle were seized.
Sanders was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (hydrocodone), possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sanders was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $29,500 bond.