Beautiful Blue Jacket Baby Contest (With Photo Gallery)
April 24, 2016
The first Blue Jacket Jamboree beautiful baby contest was held Saturday morning during the Blue Jacket Jamboree in Molino.
Winners were: first place Lilly Miller (pictured top), second place Summer Bell (pictured below), and third place Asher DeStafney (pictured bottom)>
For a photo gallery with all of the contestants, click here.
For a story about the Blue Jacket Jamboreee, click here.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree was sponsored in party by NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Beulah Road Crash
April 24, 2016
There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle crash Saturday morning on Beulah Road. Everyone involved in the accident refused medical treatment at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released further details on the crash. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Youth Livestock Show Held (With Photo Gallery)
April 24, 2016
The Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization (GCA & NRYO) Spring Livestock Show was held Saturday in Molino. It was the second youth livestock show and sale at the new 4-H facility on South Highway 99 just south of Molino Road.
FFA and 4-H youth ages 8-18 exhibited rabbits, poultry, swine and cattle followed by a live auction.
The GCA & NYRO is a support organization of 4-H and FFA. The organization gives the youth of Escambia County and surrounding counties of Florida and Alabama the opportunity to show off skills they have learned from their 4-H and FFA animal sciences projects. Local 4-H youth worked diligently on their projects this year before competing in the event.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup
April 24, 2016
Ever since the departure of the Pork Chop Gang — a cadre of North Florida lawmakers who ruled state government through the middle part of the 20th Century — the northern reaches of the state have sometimes seemed like second-tier parts of Florida.
As South Florida and Central Florida boomed, the Panhandle and Big Bend largely stalled out. Parts of the region are in a different time zone, and at times the region as a whole feels like it’s in a different time. The rest of Florida is bustling with migrants from the Northeast and the Midwest, but North Florida is still very Southern.
But much of the political action this week, especially when it came to the fight for congressional seats, seemed to spring from the Panhandle and the Big Bend. There will now be contested primaries in each of the three seats that touch on the area, and one sitting congresswoman found herself without a place to land in a game of musical chairs.
Outside of the purely political realm, an unexpectedly heated contest was shaping up in the struggle over the state’s next insurance commissioner. The dynamic driving that fight, though, seemed to be less about the candidates and more about a showdown between Gov. Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.
Meanwhile, the state found itself on a multi-front fight over new restrictions on abortion approved by the Legislature over the past two years.
YOU SAY YOU WANT A LEADER
It’s not unusual for someone to start publicly weighing a run for governor two years ahead of time. What’s slightly unusual is stepping down from an elected office to start that consideration — but Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Graham is not facing the usual set of circumstances.
Monday’s decision by a three-judge federal court panel to let the state’s newest set of congressional districts stand left Graham without any good options. The ruling seemed to cement the new shape of Graham’s 2nd Congressional District, which went from a swing seat with a history of sometimes electing moderate Democrats to a Republican stronghold.
Graham’s only other alternative to remain in Congress might have been to jump into the neighboring 5th Congressional District. There, Graham — who is white — would have faced two African-American Democrats, including fellow Congresswoman Corrine Brown, in a district aimed at giving African-American voters a chance to elect their preferred candidate.
Instead, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham said she would consider following in her father’s footsteps by shooting for the Governor’s Mansion.
“Unfortunately, the politicians, lobbyists and courts in Tallahassee have been at work, too, redrawing and dividing up North Florida and the district I represent, turning what was an example of what was a fair district into two partisan districts,” Graham said in a video announcing the move.
Four Republicans already have lined up to run for Graham’s seat.
Brown announced she would run in her reshaped district, where former state Sen. Al Lawson of Tallahassee has launched a primary challenge. But, as of Friday, Brown was still pondering an appeal of the federal court ruling, which rejected her arguments that the new district would not ensure African Americans have a chance to elect their favored candidate.
The reorientation of the district — ordered by the Florida Supreme Court last year in a landmark ruling on congressional gerrymandering — makes the seat run from Jacksonville in the east to Gadsden County in the west. Under the old plan, Brown’s district ran from Jacksonville to Orlando, forming a power base that she has represented for more than two decades.
“I have a lot of unfinished business to address in Washington, and I look forward to providing a strong voice in Congress for the citizens in the new 5th Congressional District,” Brown said in a prepared statement days after the court decision. “As I always have, I will fight to bring the federal dollars that the citizens of the 5th District send to Washington back to Florida.”
Meanwhile, another high-profile battle took shape on the west side of the Panhandle when state Sen. Greg Evers announced he would jump into what could be a crowded primary race for the 1st Congressional District in a GOP-friendly seat.
“Many of the residents of the Panhandle have asked me to run because we need someone that will uphold the Panhandle values in D.C.,” Evers, R-Baker, told The News Service of Florida in a telephone interview. “As a lifelong resident of the Panhandle, I’m ready to carry our message to D.C., just as (outgoing Republican Congressman) Jeff Miller did.”
But Evers could face an uphill battle against state Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach. Gaetz is the son of state Sen. Don Gaetz, who is also a former Okaloosa County schools superintendent. The younger Gaetz has already raised more than $350,000, including putting more than $100,000 of his own money into the race.
BUT YOU CAN’T SEEM TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND
Hurricane season begins June 1. At this rate, the state might be lucky to have a new insurance commissioner by then.
Throughout the week, Scott and Atwater continued to tussle over who should head up the office, which oversees (among other things) the all-important property insurance market for a peninsula jutting into an active hurricane zone. The two men must make a joint recommendation for the job to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who along with Atwater make up the Florida Cabinet.
Scott last month rejected Atwater’s proposal to offer the job to state Rep. Bill Hager, a Delray Beach Republican and former Iowa insurance commissioner. Scott backed Jeffrey Bragg, who served as executive director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Terrorism Risk Insurance Program from 2003 to 2014.
Publicly, both Scott and Atwater stood by their man. But both also appeared to be looking for other choices.
Atwater on Thursday added Belinda Miller, the chief of staff at the Office of Insurance Regulation, and Raymond “Ray” Blacklidge, who was general counsel for American Traditions Insurance Company in Pinellas Park, to a list of candidates to be interviewed Tuesday.
As late as Wednesday, the governor’s office still called Bragg the “best candidate” for the job.
“Gov. Scott continues to believe that Jeffrey Bragg is the best candidate for the position and looks forward to further discussion on this by the Florida Cabinet,” Scott’s spokeswoman Lauren Schenone said in an email. “His 40 years of experience in the public and private sector, including at the Federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, make him an ideal candidate to serve Floridians.”
By Friday, though, Scott was conducting brief telephone interviews with David Altmaier and Richard Robleto, both deputy commissioners with the Office of Insurance Regulation; Carla D’Andre, the founder of an independent insurance company in Miami; and Chlora Lindley-Myers, a deputy commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
D’Andre and Lindley-Myers were both interviewed by Atwater earlier this week but failed to make his short list, released on Thursday.
Asked why the governor conducted the interviews and if Scott would put forth additional names, Schenone replied in an email Friday afternoon that “the Governor interviewed four candidates today and we will keep you updated.”
ROADBLOCKS ON ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
Efforts to restrict abortion rights have passed at a relatively brisk pace over the last several years, as an increasingly conservative Legislature sends measure after measure cracking down on the process to Scott, who generally signs them.
Two of the latest laws dealing with abortion, though, ran into roadblocks this week.
A divided Florida Supreme Court temporarily blocked a state requirement, contained in a 2015 law, that women wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion.
On a 5-2 vote, justices granted a stay of a lower court’s order allowing the 2015 law to take effect. The Supreme Court said it would keep the stay in place while it decides whether to review the decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal.
“We are pleased that the Florida Supreme Court has agreed with the trial court that Florida women should not suffer this burden while there is an ongoing challenge to this unconstitutional law,” said Nancy Abudu, the legal director of the ACLU of Florida. “Forcing women seeking an abortion to make multiple visits that are medically unnecessary especially burdens poor and working women and is potentially dangerous.”
Unsurprisingly, supporters of the law were less pleased. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli laced into the court, which has emerged as one of the last obstacles to conservative policy in a state where Republicans control the Legislature, the Cabinet and the governor’s office.
“In my opinion, this has been one of the most activist and overreaching State Supreme Courts in recent memory,” said Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island. ” … It appears that several of our Justices seem to believe it is their job to invalidate any action of the legislature, regardless of the law and constitution. I do hope that our next appointees will have a better understanding and appreciation for the true role of our Courts.”
Also this week, a key federal health agency on Tuesday notified Florida and other states that they may not ban Medicaid funding for family-planning services at clinics that also offer elective abortions.
That likely blocks a controversial provision of a new Florida abortion law (HB 1411) signed by Scott last month.
Vikki Wachino, director of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, issued a document Tuesday to state Medicaid directors, stating that a ban such as the one approved by Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature would violate federal law.
“Providing the full range of women’s health services neither disqualifies a provider from participating in the Medicaid program, nor is the provision of such services inconsistent with the best interests of the beneficiary, and shall not be grounds for a state’s action against a provider in the Medicaid program,” Wachino wrote.
House sponsor Colleen Burton told The News Service of Florida earlier this month that she and Senate sponsor Kelli Stargel had known when their bill passed that AHCA would have to apply to the federal government for what is known as a Medicaid “waiver” to implement the portion of the bill dealing with the funding ban.
Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz would not confirm that the administration was considering such a waiver, noting that the bill doesn’t take effect until July 1.
STORY OF THE WEEK: A three-judge federal panel upheld the state’s new congressional districts, dealing a blow to Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown and forcing fellow Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Graham to give up her seat to consider a bid for governor.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m the neophyte in this process. I learn every day. It’s sort of like Alzheimer’s. So I’ve got a new and exciting day every day.”—Businessman and U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Beruff, on the GOP primary race.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
One Injured In Highway 97 Crash In Walnut Hill
April 24, 2016
One person was transported to an area hospital following a two-vehicle crash in Walnut Hill Saturday.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 97 and Arthur Brown Road, under the caution light near Ernest Ward Middle School.
Details on the crash have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat Jackson 10-4
April 24, 2016
Anthony DeSclafani, who was scheduled to be the opening day starter for the Cincinnati Reds, instead got his first start Saturday at the Major League club’s Double-A affiliate the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
DeSclafani left the game after throwing 61 pitches in four innings in his first rehab assignment from a mild strain of his oblique that he suffered in Spring Training. He was trailing, 3-0, on two home runs crushed by Jackson Generals right fielder Tyler O’Niell.
However, Pensacola ended its five-game skid and 21.1 scoreless innings to steamroll Jackson, 10-4, in front of a sellout crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. It was the Blue Wahoo’s fourth sellout in seven home games this season.
Making his first start in Pensacola wasn’t how DeSclafani planned his second season in the big leagues, after becoming the first Reds’ rookie to lead the team in wins (9), starts (31), innings pitched (184.2) and strike outs (151) since Art Fowler in 1954.
“Whether you’re a rookie or not, no one wants to start on the disabled list,” DeSclafani said. “I’m competitive, so not being out there is not fun.”
DeSclafani left two hanging curveballs over the plate and O’Neill blasted both of them out of Blue Wahoos Stadium into the Community Maritime Park. O’Neill’s two-run home run in the first inning cleared Hill-Kelly Hill and walkway in right center field. His second splashed into the Pensacola Bay over the left field wall.
DeSclafani allowed four hits, one walk, struck out five and gave up three earned runs in his four innings of work. His fastball reached 95 mph on the scoreboard radar gun and he also worked on his off-speed pitches. In the first inning, DeSclafani walked Jackson lead-off batter Guillermo Heredia on four straight pitches, and then on three straight pitches he struck out the next batter, second baseman Tim Lopes.
“I felt great,” said DeSclafani, who said his next rehab assignment is at Low-A Dayton. “I was working on all my pitches. I hope Dayton goes well and then I will meet the (Cincinnati) team wherever they’re at.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he thought DeSclafani looked better on the mound the longer he pitched.
“This is the first time he’s pitched a game,” Kelly pointed out. “He got stronger as he went along.”
DeSclafani said he’s happy with Cincinnati giving all its young talent an opportunity to play for them as they rebuild its team. He was one of nine rookie starters in 2015 and part of the Major League record of 64 consecutive starts by rookie pitchers.
“What a great opportunity this is for all the young players,” DeSclafani said. “The vibe this year has been awesome with all the young guys. A lot of young guys are here (in Pensacola) to start their career and prove they belong in the big leagues. The Reds are giving them that opportunity and it’s great.”
He continued, “I was given that opportunity last year and I’m here again in year two, hopefully, to build on last year and try to establish my career.”
DeSclafani, who played in the Southern League in 2013 and 2014 for the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate Jacksonville Suns, said he had some fond memories of the Southern League flood his mind during his drive down Pensacola Beach to get a closer look at its world-renowned white sandy beaches.
“I do have flashbacks,” he said. “I faced Jon Moscot in his debut. He got a hit and he hasn’t let me live it down. It was fun being part of that team and the Southern League.”
After hitting .167 against Biloxi and getting shutout, 1-0, in back-to-back games, Pensacola’s bats came to life Saturday.
The team scored nine runs on nine hits in the sixth and seventh innings, sending 20 batters to the plate.
Pensacola shortstop Alex Blandino, who entered the game hitting .103, led the way with a single and two doubles in five at bats and drove in a run. He raised his average to .176.
“It felt great to get those hits and help our team win tonight,” Blandino said. “It’s been tough. Hopefully, we’ll be aggressive and keep rolling, not just me, but our whole lineup.”
Kelly said it was just a matter of time for the team to start hitting. It’s average is .209 on the season.
“We had to break out eventually,” he said. “We couldn’t keep throwing zeros up there.”
Pensacola improved to 10-7 and remains in second place in the Southern League South Division. Jackson’s five-game winning streak ended and fell to 11-5 but is still in first place in the North Division.
No Injuries In Molino Three Vehicle Hit And Run Crash
April 24, 2016
There were no injuries in a three vehicle crash Sunday morning in Molino.
The accident was reported about 10:40 a.m. on Highway 29 near Chance Road. Witnesses said the pictured red pickup truck struck a late model green SUV that fled the scene. The red pickup was then rear-ended by another pickup truck.
The wreck remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Federal, State Agencies Execute Search Warrant In State Line Shooting Death
April 23, 2016
Federal and state agents joined the Flomaton Police Department in executing a search warrant Friday afternoon at a home on the Alabama-Florida state line where a man died from a gunshot wound Tuesday.
For now, authorities are not saying who they think fired the fatal shot that killed 18-year old Kenneth Harris, Jr. of Flomaton. The death is still being classified as “suspicious” rather than a murder, according to Police Chief Bryan Davis.
“We are executing a search warrant this afternoon to gather evidence and determine exactly what happened here,” Davis said.
NorthEscambia.com was the only media present as agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Flomaton Police Department executed the search warrant at a home on Lender Street, an area directly on the Alabama-Florida state line off Alley 5 in Century.
The exact location of the state line on Lender Street is hard to determine; it appears in slightly different locations on different maps. But after the Tuesday incident, authorities reached the conclusion that the home is in Alabama based upon property tax records.
About 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Flomaton Police Department received a 911 call that a person had been shot. Officers from the Flomaton Police Department and the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office responded, with the the Flomaton Police Department taking the lead role in the investigation.
For more exclusive photos, click here.
Pictured top: A Flomaton Police officer (right) and a FBI agent removed evidence from a home on Lender Street in Flomaton Friday afternoon. Pictured inset: An FBI agent removes additional evidence. Pictured below: A U.S. Marshal watches over the scene where a search warrant was executed Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
75 Felony Convictions Later, Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison
April 23, 2016
An Escambia County man with over 75 felony convictions is headed to prison for life.
Tommy Allen Kroll was sentenced by Circuit Judge Thomas Dannheisser to life in state prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years as a prison releasee reoffender. Kroll was convicted by an Escambia County Jury of burglary of an occupied dwelling and grand theft. Kroll will not be eligible for parole and must spend the rest of his life in prison.
On July 20, 2014, Kroll entered a Pensacola residence while the homeowner and family were sleeping and stole jewelry and electronics, leaving behind latex gloves with his DNA. In the course of the burglary, a resident was awakened and personally confronted Kroll, who immediately fled. Evidence of a similar burglary committed five days later was also presented at trial showing Kroll broke into another Pensacola residence with sleeping occupants, stealing electronics. Kroll was also personally challenged by this resident, and he left behind chewing gum with saliva, from which his identifying DNA was obtained.
Kroll received a life sentence due, in part, to his extensive criminal history consisting of more than 75 felony convictions. A significant portion of these convictions were residential burglaries and related charges.
Sunny And Warm Weekend
April 23, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.