Escambia Man Sentenced For Burglaries
September 13, 2016
Monday, an Escambia County man was sentenced to prison for two burglaries.
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that Jeremy Brandon Stinson was sentenced by Circuit Judge Paul Rasmussen as a habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender to 25 years in state prison. Stinson will serve 15 years of the 25 year sentence day for day.
Stinson was convicted last month by an Escambia County jury of two counts of burglary of a dwelling, petit theft and criminal mischief. On June 18, 2015, Stinson burglarized two neighboring residences in Escambia County.
Jeremy Brandon Stinson was previously incarcerated in Alabama for burglary and was released on May 14, 2015. His prior criminal history includes multiple burglaries, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug possession.
Battle Lines Set Amid Tighter Budget State Budget Forecast
September 13, 2016
With a budget shortfall looming in future years, lawmakers began setting the stage Monday for a fight over state spending during the 2017 legislative session.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a panel of House and Senate members charged with supervising spending while the Legislature is out of session, approved a long-range financial outlook for the state Monday.
In the coming budget year, which begins July 1, the outlook projects a surplus of just $7.5 million — a tiny sliver of the state spending plan, which is now roughly $82 billion. The following year, a budget gap of $1.3 billion could open up, followed by $1.8 billion the year after that.
Republicans, who have run the state budget process for two decades, quickly zeroed in on a culprit: The state is being wasteful with the money that it has.
“It is 100 percent because of spending. Nothing else,” said incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who has been budget chief for two years.
Corcoran dismissed suggestions that the $784.9 million in tax cuts and tax holidays that lawmakers have approved over the last three years helped to create the situation the Legislature now faces. Instead, he suggested that reducing state government’s current spending will be the focus.
He specifically highlighted spending on incentives for businesses — something that the House has opposed — and said that in the coming session, the Legislature would likely discuss doing away with Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development agency.
“I think that we’ve got to move away from spending money on the 1 percent and start spending money on essential services for the people that need it most,” Corcoran said. “Spending money in economic development is a bad idea.”
At the same time, there are already proposals that would pour more money into some areas of the state budget. Incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has pushed an additional $1 billion for higher education, as well as a plan to use bonds and federal money to boost Everglades restoration.
Corcoran said those ideas were not off the table but would have to be offset with cuts elsewhere.
Democrats, meanwhile, suggested that tax cuts were to blame. Rep. Janet Cruz, who is set to lead the House Democrats next year, issued a statement calling for lawmakers to take a look at those tax cuts before slicing spending.
“Actions have consequences,” Cruz, D-Tampa, said. “The last two years in particular, and for many years before, the majority has made decisions that are costing us now and into the future. Tax breaks that for the most part benefit big business interests mean we won’t have the flexibility to put the people of Florida first.”
The dueling positions suggested a possible return to the budget fights the played out in the Capitol after the financial downturn in 2008. Republicans leaned heavily on spending cuts while Democrats called for measures that would increase revenue. The GOP at the time agreed to increase tobacco taxes and motor-vehicle registration fees, which have since been rolled back, but avoided broad-based tax increases.
There are conclusions in the new long-range financial outlook that could change the potential shortfalls, in some cases dramatically. For example, the outlook assumes some increases in spending on areas like education and health care, projecting those areas to be handled the same as they have been in recent budget years.
The report includes a three-year average of tax cuts and projects similar decisions in the coming session.
It accounts for lawmakers setting aside $1 billion each year to deal with unexpected changes in the economy or additional needs that could crop up. No major changes are expected to that policy because lowering the state’s reserves substantially could make it more expensive to issue bonds to pay for construction needs.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, noted that state economists will produce two more forecasts of revenues before the Legislature sits down to write the budget next spring. He also said other events, including potential approval of a new gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, could ease the shortfall.
“You could have a gaming compact. You could have some good things that happen,” Lee said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Jane Coreene Tillery Melvin Gulsby
September 13, 2016
Jane Coreene Tillery Melvin Gulsby, 74 of Seminole, AL, passed away on September 10, 2016, in Pensacola, FL to go be with the Lord. She was born on July 10, 1942, to the late William (Bill) and Enda (Winky) Sirmon Tillery in Garland, Alabama. She worked many years with Vanity Fair Mills in Atmore. She also served two years in the National Guard Armory. She lived in many places including Bratt, FL, Atmore, AL, Gretna, LA, the Netherlands, Europe, United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi, Dubai, then resided in Seminole, AL.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Merel Gulsby; parents; and sister, Jean Tillery.
She is survived by her six children, Randy (Sherry) Melvin of Stockton, AL, Rodney Melvin of Seminole, AL, Kathy Melvin Fayard of Gulf Shores, AL, Dewayne (Brenda) Gulsby of Franklinton, LA, Samuel (Ann) Gulsby of Northport, AL and Darryl Keith (Mary) Gulsby of Franklinton, LA; three brothers and two sisters, David (Judy) Tillery of Atmore, AL, Lamar “Buddy” (Elsia) Tillery of Magnolia Springs, AL, Frederick Tillery of Stockton, AL, Debbie (Van) Woods of Atmore, AL and Pam (Jeff) Rehorn of Fairhope, AL; 10 grandchildren, Latasha Jackson, Jessica Long, Kaylee Fayard, Cody Fayard, Kevin Gulsby, Dakota Gulsby, Michael Gulsby, Crystal Wilbur, Salena Koehn and James Curtis Gulsby; 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Skaggs officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Randy Melvin, Rodney Melvin, Lamar Tillery, David Tillery, Cody Fayard and Robin Jackson.
Honorary pallbearers were Rudolph Gulsby and Fredrick Tillery.
A special thanks to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola, Florida.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Nadean Musgrove Etheridge
September 13, 2016
Nadean Musgrove Etheridge passed away peacefully at home September 9, 2016. She was born October 10, 1942, in Pensacola, Florida to the late Cecil and Elvena Musgrove. Nadean married Robert W. Etheridge on December 30, 1960, and had two children, Robert W. Etheridge II and Philip Jeffrey Etheridge.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sister, Mary (Jerry) Skates; and brother, Grady Musgrove.
She is survived by her sons, Robert and Jeff (Janet) Etheridge; grandson, John (Jennifer) Etheridge; the great-grandsons she adored, John Raymond and Jagger Etheridge; sisters-in-law, Robbie Musgrove and Shirley (Fred) Cornett; and brother-in-law, Harry (Veronica) Etheridge; cousins, nieces and nephews; beloved donkey, Jack and bassett hound, Chip.
Pallbearers were Robert Etheridge II, Jeff Etheridge, John Etheridge, Mike Hudson, Glenn Thrower, and Tim Baruth.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 9301 Gulf Beach Highway.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Deborah D. Byrd
September 13, 2016
Deborah D. Byrd, age 56, passed away peacefully in her home on September 8, 2016, surrounded by her close family and friends. Deborah as the light of her family and will be deeply missed. Heaven has gained a truly remarkable angel.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ray Byrd; three children, Michael, Vicky, and Steven Byrd; and daughter in-law, Tara Byrd; mother, Francis Broadway; stepfather, Curtis Broadway; brother, Matt Fick; and beloved sister and best friend, Beth Gates; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Shawn, Brianna, Serenity, Logan, Josh, and Lilith; and 20 nieces and nephews.
To our dearest daughter, wife, sister and mother, you will forever be in the hearts of all of your family and friends, never to be forgotten. God may have you in his keeping, but we will always have you in our hearts.
A small gathering to celebrate Deborah’s life was held on September 11, 2016, at Grace Open Bible Church for family and friends.
James Lloyd Norton
September 13, 2016
James Lloyd Norton, 78 of Atmore, AL, passed away Monday, September 12, 2016, in Atmore. He was in construction as a pipe fitter. He was born on August 5, 1938, in Lottie, AL to the late Jessie Lloyd and Ethel Luverne Smith Norton. He served in the United States Marine Corps, during Vietnam. He was a 32nd Mason and a Shriner and a member of Presley Street Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by a son, Dale Wayne Brown.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy M. Norton of Atmore, AL; two sons, Shane (Sharon) Norton of Palm Springs, CA and Bryant (Jody) Norton of Woodville, WA; four daughters, Lucinda (Brad) Johnson of Utah, Pam (David) Hildebrand of Monticello, Arkansas; Karen (Clifton) Blackburn of Atmore; and Terry Kirby of Atmore; one sister, Iris (Don) Smith of Gulf Breeze, FL; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mickey Parker, Lonnie Turberville, Clifton Blackburn, Buddy Hall, Thomas Wayne Hall and J.C. Moye.
Family will receive friends, Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Cody Lee Johns
September 13, 2016
Cody Lee Johns, 19, born and raised in Canoe, Alabama, died Monday, September 5, 2016. He was a 2016 graduate of Flomaton High School. He was a loving son, brother and grandson. He never met a stranger; he was loved by everyone and was known as the friendly giant.
He is preceded in death by his granddaddy, Wayne L. Hadley; great-grandparents, Clark and Essie Lee Davison; great-granddaddy, John W. Johns; great-grandmother, Evelyn Daw; great-grandfather, Marshall Davis; great-grandparents, Lonnie and Virginia Hadley; and friends, Jonathan Wilson and Jason Tolbert.
He is survived by his parents, Eric Lee and Virginia Johns of Canoe, AL; one brother, Zachery Hadley of Canoe, AL; one sister, April (Jason) Macks of Canoe, AL; one niece, Paisley Bethea of Canoe, AL; girlfriend, Hana Franklin of Brewton, AL; grandparents, Chester Lee and Margaret Johns of Canoe, AL and Sandra Lee Hadley of Hendersonville, NC; great-grandparent, Cora Lee Martin of Brundidge, AL; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 10, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. George Armentor officiating.
Pallbearers were Blake Young, Jordan Tolbert, Corey Busbee, Zachary McGhee, Jacob Bailey and Jared Morris.
Honorary pallbearers were Zachery Hadley, Kalanea Fore, Michelle Carnley, Cheyenne Hammond, Christopher Holden, Luke Hadley, Jacob Gibbs, Christopher Martin, Daniel (Tex) Harold, Connor Hadley and friends.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Kimberly Dykes
September 13, 2016
Mrs. Kimberly Dykes born on March 19, 1961, to George W. Ivey, Jr. and Bobbie Jean Ivey, passed away on September 8, 2016.
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Paul Dykes; daughter, Molly (Matt) Dykes; precious granddaughter, Peyton Dykes; sister, Shannon (Robbie) Foster; loving niece, Malarie Foster; mother-in-law, Mildred Dykes; sister-in-law, Jan Foley; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George W. Ivey, Jr. and Bobbie Jean Ivey; father-in-law, Buddy Dykes; brother-in-law, Tim Foley; maternal grandparents, Will and Norine Dunsford; and paternal grandparents, George W. Ivey, Sr. and Leona Ivey.
Kimberly was a devoted member of Brownsdale Baptist Church. Kim, as most everyone knew her, lived in Jay her whole life. She worked for the Escambia County School Board as a data clerk for many years, before medically retiring. Kim loved her whole family more than anything and especially enjoyed watching her niece, Malarie, play ball and her granddaughter, Peyton, cheer and dance.
Funeral services were held Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Brownsdale Baptist Church with Brothers Jeff Leake and Bobby Carnley officiating.
Burial was at the Cora Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Ryan Lowry, Jacob Lowry, Tyler Odom, Jow Nix, Sean Dunsford, and Scooter Dunsford.
Honorary pallbearers were Jason Shell, Logan Shell, Chris Chambless, Brandon Chambless, Sam Cleaver, Mike Foley, and Nicky Cofield.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Marie H. Phillips
September 13, 2016
Marie H. Phillips, 82 of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016, in Pensacola, FL. She was homemaker and was also a License Practical Nurse. She was born in Wardville, FL on January 10, 1934, to the late Fermore F. and Minnie Ola Barclay Hubbird. She was a member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
Survivors are her husband, Lindy Phillips of Walnut Hill, FL; four sons, Michael (Cathy) Phillips of Atmore, AL, Barry (Deborah) Phillips of Barrineau Park, FL, Dale (Perla) Phillips and Tim Phillips both of Pensacola; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, September 12, 2016, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Boyd and Bro. Ted Bridges officiating.
Interment will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Construction Begins On Highway 29 Widening Project
September 12, 2016
Construction activities will begin on Highway 29 from I-10 to one-half mile north of Nine Mile Road and near the Highway 29 overpass this week as crews begin mobilizing equipment and installing construction signs.
Improvements include widening Highway 29 from four to six lanes, replacing the existing twin bridges over Nine Mile Road with a single bridge, adding roadway lighting, sidewalks, bike lanes, improving signalization and performing drainage upgrades. The project is slated for completion summer 2020.
Other construction activities will include installing erosion control, as well as clearing and trees and shrubs around the stormwater retention ponds, which should not affect traffic. Various utility companies will also be performing utility relocations throughout the project area.
Motorists will encounter lane closures near the Highway 29 overpass as workers prepare the area for the bridge replacement Sunday, September 18. Lane closures will only be permitted between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Construction activities are weather dependent and might be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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