Flood Warning For Escambia River
February 4, 2016
A flood warning for the Escambia River at Century has been extended until Sunday morning.
The river is expected to rise above flood stage of 17 feet Friday evening and continue to rise near 17.1 feet by early Saturday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Sunday morning. At 17 feet, considerable flooding of lowlands will occur.
Pictured: The Escambia River floods the road approaching Fischer’s Landing. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cooler Weather Returns
February 4, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 49.
Nurseries Seek To Block Pot Production
February 4, 2016
In the latest twist in a nearly two-year struggle to offer limited types of medical-marijuana in Florida, three nurseries filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to at least temporarily block competitors from starting to produce the cannabis.
The lawsuit, filed in Leon County circuit court, stems from a November decision by the Florida Department of Health to award highly prized licenses to five “dispensing organizations” in different regions of the state. The dispensing organizations would grow, process and distribute non-euphoric types of marijuana approved by the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.
But the selection of the dispensing organizations drew a series of legal challenges in the state Division of Administrative Hearings. Amid the pending challenges, the Department of Health and the chosen dispensing organizations told lawmakers last month they planned to move forward with starting production.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday by San Felasco Nurseries Inc., 3 Boys Farm Company and McCrory’s Sunny Hill Nursery, LLC, seeks an injunction to prevent the process from moving forward until the administrative challenges are resolved. Along with the Department of Health, the lawsuit names as defendants Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, LLC, which was awarded a license in the Northeast part of the state; Alpha Foliage, Inc., which was awarded a license in Southwest Florida; and Knox Nursery, LLC, which was awarded a license in Central Florida.
The plaintiffs contend that Chestnut Hill, Alpha Foliage and Knox Nursery should not be able to operate as dispensing organizations while the administrative challenges remain unresolved. Also the lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the department from moving forward with the process.
“To allow the prospective awardees to proceed with the cultivation and dispensing of a controlled substance prior to the resolution of the pending administrative challenges would defeat the intent and purpose of the APA (the Administrative Procedures Act, which governs administrative challenges) and potentially deny plaintiffs their administrative and due process rights,” the lawsuit said. “Moreover, organizations whose qualifications have not been finally determined, and whose representations on applications have in some instances been challenged, will be allowed to begin growing and dispensing a controlled substance, even though subsequent proceedings may lead to a determination they do not meet qualifications and they are not eligible for or entitled to serving as dispensing organizations.”
Lawmakers approved the limited types of marijuana in 2014 after high-profile lobbying by parents of children with severe forms of epilepsy. The approved substances, which are low in euphoria-causing THC, are different than other types of marijuana that get users high.
Lawmakers in recent months have grown increasingly frustrated with delays in getting the substances to patients who qualify. The process was delayed by other legal challenges before the licenses were awarded.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday came less than a week after Chestnut Hill filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court asking a judge to allow the process to move forward during the administrative challenges. In a prepared statement issued when the lawsuit was filed, Chestnut Hill attorney John Lockwood said it was seeking a declaration that would “eliminate the doubt and uncertainty that has been created by the losing applicants.”
“Chestnut Hill has done their due diligence and has aptly won the approval to cultivate and dispense medical marijuana in Northeast Florida,” Lockwood said. “There is no precedent or legal reason to stop this process from moving forward, and Chestnut Hill is more than ready and able to deliver this medicine in a timely manner and in accordance with the award.”
In a news release Tuesday, Jim McKee, an attorney for San Felasco Nurseries, said the new lawsuit would not prevent patients from getting the low-THC marijuana because Costa Farms, which was selected for a license in the Southeast region, does not face any pending challenges.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Four Tate Seniors Sign With Same Kansas College
February 4, 2016
Four Tate High School seniors signed their letters of intent Wednesday for full scholarships at the same Kansas school. Monty Brown, Dee Thompson, Alonte Thompson, Alondo Thompkins all signed with Independence Community College in Independence, KS. The ICC Pirates are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. Photos by Tina Decoux for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House Backs Gun Bills, But ‘Trouble’ Is Ahead In Senate
February 4, 2016
After more than three hours of debate — with most Republicans in favor and nearly all Democrats opposed — the House approved a pair of controversial gun-related measures Wednesday that may never reach the Senate floor.
The House spent more than 80 minutes arguing the merits of a proposal (HB 4001) that would allow the more than 1.4 million Floridians with concealed-weapons licenses to pack heat while on state college and university campuses.
The measure passed 80-37 with Tallahassee Democrat Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, who co-sponsored the bill, joining all but two Republicans — Reps. Ray Pilon of Sarasota and Bill Hager of Delray Beach — in support. Two Democrats who were initially recorded as supporting the bill later changed their votes to oppose it.
Another 100 minutes was spent on a separate proposal (HB 163) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly display their sidearms in public, something banned in Florida since the concealed-weapons law was established in 1987
“We have no constitutional basis to infringe upon the rights of a Floridian to openly carry,” said Rep Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach who sponsored the open-carry measure, which was approved 80-38. “We are for more rights for everyone. We are for more freedom for everyone. We are for more liberty for everyone.”
The proposal would require people who openly carry to maintain the guns in holsters, cases or bags. The bill would also acknowledge that private employers can display written notices stating that possession of firearms on their property is prohibited.
Rehwinkel Vasilinda again joined the GOP majority in support of the bill. Republicans Keith Perry of Gainesville and Chris Latvala of Clearwater voted against open-carry.
Opponent Ed Narain, a Tampa Democrat who recalled at age 12 having a gun put in his face while being robbed of bus money, said lawmakers shouldn’t let fear drive decision-making.
“We don’t need to resolve every dispute we have with a bullet, we’re better than that,” Narain said. “We can defend our communities without giving a gun to every Rambo or John Wayne to openly carry in public.”
An amendment added Tuesday to the open-carry bill also would let lawmakers with concealed-carry licenses hang on to their guns during legislative meetings and on the House and Senate floor. State law prohibits people from carrying guns during legislative committee meetings.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, said the proposal to allow lawmakers to carry guns during legislative meetings could lessen the chances of the overall open-carry bill succeeding in the Senate.
“Just a guess of mine, without talking to anyone in the Senate, this bill is already hostile to begin with over there, and now add to the fact that they can carry guns in the Senate chamber, I hoping that that turns out to be poison pill,” Moskowitz sad.
Before the House voted on the bills, Senate President Andy Gardiner reiterated his belief that both the open-carry and campus-carry measures “are in trouble.” Neither has made it through the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Miami Republican Miguel Diaz de la Portilla.
“They’re in Judiciary, and I allow the chairs to make the decisions on what bills they want to hear,” Gardiner said. “Sen. Diaz de la Portilla has already decided not to hear the campus-carry bill. It was his decision. And now I think he has some concerns about open-carry.”
The Senate version of open-carry (SB 300) may be heard by the Judiciary Committee next week.
Diaz de la Portilla has said he’s open to considering amendments that could draw opposition from Second Amendment groups. That includes proposals by the Florida Sheriffs Association related to inadvertent or accidental displays of firearms. The sheriffs’ proposals wouldn’t allow open-carry and have been opposed by gun-rights groups.
The Florida Police Chiefs Association and some county sheriffs support have shown support for open-carry,
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said after Wednesday’s meeting the House doesn’t advance bills based upon what the Senate may or may not do.
“Our job is to focus on the priorities of the House, and this House has shown in history to be conservative on gun issues and very supportive of Second Amendment rights,” Crisafulli said. “We feel that we passed a couple of good bills to send over to the Senate, and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, said while discussing the campus-carry issue that there hasn’t been an increase in accidental discharges of guns or the “wild, wild west” scenarios that opponents have forecast, even as the number of people with concealed-weapons licenses has grown in Florida.
“This fear-mongering of allowing a mature adult to make an adult decision has to stop,” Smith said.
Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, said allowing concealed-weapons license holders, who must be at least 21 years old, to have guns on campus would allow women to defend themselves from assaults.
But Democrats pointed to the stress of college life, which also includes widespread use of alcohol. They argued lawmakers should instead increase funding for training of campus security and for mental-health services.
“We continue to inject more and more guns into our society,” said Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg. “This is a recipe for disaster.”
Rep. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat who passionately implored members to not “let this bullet leave this chamber,” worried that the bills will make it tough for police to differentiate good guys from bad guys, and that shootings on campuses will become “commonplace.”
“Will we become numb to guns on campus and fights that break out and lives that are taken?” Rouson said. “That’s what I fear.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Jay’s Mishoe Signs With Millsaps College
February 4, 2016
Jay High School’s Victor Mishoe signed a football letter of intent Wednesday with Millsaps College in Jackson, MS – a NCAA Division III school Pictured: (L-R, seated) Evelyn Jordan, Victor Mishoe, Christy Cassady, Jack Floyd, (back, L-R) Track Coach Madison Whitfield, Athletic Director Lance Youngblood and Head Football Coach Kent Smith. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Way we Worked: Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Coming To Molino
February 3, 2016
“The Way we Worked”, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, is coming to the Molino Museum next month.
The Way We Worked, adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives and Records Administration, explores how work has become a central element in American culture. It traces the many changes that have affected the workforce and work environments over the past 150 years, including the growth of manufacturing and increasing use of technology. The exhibition draws from the Archives’ rich collections, including historical photographs, archival accounts of workers, film, audio and interactives, to tell the compelling story of how work impacts our individual lives and the historical and cultural fabric of our communities.
The exhibit will be open in the museum inside the Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A will be open Monday-Saturday from March 19 until April 30.
Plans are being made for a grand opening celebration with music, clogging, programs, additional exhibits and more. Additional details will be published on NorthEscambia.com as the grand opening date approaches.
Time To Use The Heat Again
February 3, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 49.
Health Emergency Declared: Zika Case Confirmed In Santa Rosa County
February 3, 2016
A case of the Zika has been confirmed in Santa Rosa County, bringing the total number of travel-related cases to nine that have been reported in Florida. Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott declared a public health emergency in Santa Rosa County due to the Zika virus.
Six of the cases are new this week. Travel-related cases are defined as disease believed to be contracted outside of the state.
Zika fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus similar to those that cause dengue and West Nile virus infection. It has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean since 2015.
“Today I am directing Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in the four counties that have individuals with the Zika virus. Although Florida’s current nine Zika cases were travel-related, we have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus in our state. Our Department of Health will continue to be in constant communication with all county health offices, hospitals and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best,” Scott said Wednesday.
Scott’s order directs the Surgeon General to immediately notify the Commissioner of Agriculture of this threat to public health and outlines that statute authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to issue a mosquito declaration in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa counties. The executive order also says that special attention for mosquito sprays shall be paid to residential areas, as CDC guidance indicates that backpack mosquito spray measures may be most effective.
While the CDC has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring imported disease. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong were briefed by the CDC on the status of Zika virus.
“Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.”
More Information on CDC precautions and DOH monitoring of Zika:
- According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.
- Florida’s public health laboratory has a developed capacity to test for infections. The department works closely with health care providers in the state to offer testing to individuals that meet CDC testing criteria.
- DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.
- DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.
Zika fever is acquired through the bite of an infected mosquito, including the same mosquitoes that can transmit dengue and chikungunya. Perinatal and sexual transmission have also been reported.
Federal, State Agencies Raid Pharmacies In Jay, Pace, Pensacola
February 3, 2016
State and federal agencies raided three pharmacies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Tuesday morning — one in Jay, one in Pace and one in Pensacola.
A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed that the FBI was assisting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other agencies in a raid at the Jay Pharmacy in the Jay Medical Complex, next to the local hospital. Armed agents could be seen entering and exiting the building into the early afternoon Tuesday.
Agents from the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were among those on scene in Jay.
A similar raid was conducted at the office of two Jay doctors that share office space in the complex back in 2011. Neither doctor was directly accused of any crime and were both cleared of any possible wrongdoing. Dr. David Smith told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday morning that he was unaware of what was taking place at Jay Pharmacy. He said that he and his physician son have no ownership interest in the pharmacy.
A second federal and state raid occurred Tueesday morning at the Burklow Pharmacy on Woodbine Road in Pace. Federal and state authorities raided the business shortly after it opened Tuesday morning.
Investigators from the FBI as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement moved into Physician Specialty Pharmacy in Pensacola Tuesday morning. They could be seen hauling out boxes from the businesses and loading them into trucks and trailers.
Authorities have not released any further detail on any of the raids.
Pictured: Agents outside the Jay Pharmacy Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
