Firefighters Battle Sunday Brush Fires
March 7, 2016
Firefighters battled a couple of brush fires Sunday in the North Escambia area.
The first was reported about 11:45 a.m. on Pinoak Lane off Highway 29 south of Molino. The second was reported about 4:15 p.m. on Christian Home Drive, just off Pine Barren Road in the Christian Home community.
Both fires were extinguished by Escambia Fire Rescue with damage to other structures and no injuries.
Pictured: A midday brush fire on Pinoak Lane near Molino Sunday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House, Senate Close In On Budget Deal
March 7, 2016
House and Senate budget chiefs drew closer Sunday to a final agreement on the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1, striking deals on a slew of local projects and throwing an elbow at the leader of the state’s prisons agency for an aggressive lobbying campaign.
Heading into Sunday evening, the only major outstanding issue between the two sides was the lion’s share of the education budget, which moved to high-level talks after earlier negotiations broke down. Lawmakers have to agree on the roughly $80 billion overall spending plan by Tuesday for the legislative session to end on Friday, as scheduled.
The largest agreement Sunday between House Appropriations Chairman Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, could be read as a direct challenge to Gov. Rick Scott. The two sides agreed to spend more than $713.5 million on education construction projects, with an unspecified share of the funding coming from bonds.
Scott has strongly opposed bonding in the past, but Corcoran defended the move because of the current rates the state could get on issuing debt to fund needed construction projects at public schools, colleges and universities.
“Any time you have rates that are this low, you’re getting money for much cheaper. … It’s a good opportunity, a good time to do it. And we’re doing it very prudently,” Corcoran said.
Lawmakers agreed to $150 million for public school maintenance, split evenly between traditional public schools and charter schools.
Other big-ticket items on the education list included $20 million to pay for the state share of a downtown Orlando campus for the University of Central Florida. That project — approved by the university system’s Board of Governors last week — is a top priority of Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando.
Overall, UCF would receive almost $42.3 million in construction funding under the House-Senate agreement, more than any other university in the 12-school system.
The projects approved on Sunday also showed the influence of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island. Eastern Florida State College, in Crisafulli’s home county of Brevard, received $24.5 million in construction projects, more than all but one other state college.
And $60 million worth of water projects also agreed to Sunday funded several initiatives in Brevard County, including a $1.2 million drainage project at Merritt Island High School, the second-largest item on the list.
Earlier Sunday, Corcoran and Lee finished up negotiations on pay raises and other administrative areas of the budget. They agreed to salary increases for state firefighters, Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime-lab analysts and on-duty members of the National Guard.
Struck from the budget was a House proposal to spend $7 million to replace radio equipment for law enforcement, an item that has become ensnared in a dispute over procurement for the radios.
Corcoran and Lee also pushed back against the Florida Department of Corrections, which has aggressively lobbied to get 734 additional positions that the agency says are needed to make the state’s prisons more secure.
The new jobs are part of an effort by the department to have corrections officers work eight-hour shifts instead of 12-hour shifts. The department has been reeling from a series of reports about issues such as contraband smuggling and abuse of inmates.
On Saturday, the day after Corcoran and Lee had agreed to a criminal justice budget without the additional positions, Corrections Secretary Julie Jones issued a statement asking lawmakers to reconsider.
“We strongly believe that our request for 734 additional (positions) is an operational imperative that will increase both safety and security in our institutions,” she said. “Since the implementation of 12-hour shifts the department has observed significant increases in several areas that have contributed to increased risk within our facilities.”
On Sunday, Lee and Corcoran hit back, with Lee underscoring the troubles that have roiled the department since before Jones took over.
“What they haven’t told you is that they have 1,500 vacant positions and the reason they’re not able to hire is because of the cultural problems they have in the system, not because they don’t have enough positions authorized under statute. … We’re happy to help them over time try to get where they need to get, but they need to get their house in order,” he said.
The department says it has maintained those open positions to pay for overtime expenses that would drop if it had more officers.
Corcoran also said Jones needs to work with lawmakers to find some way to downsize the prison population — though lawmakers have in past years approved tough-on-crime bills that have extended sentences. The department also pushed for legislation (HB 1149), which lawmakers have sent to Scott, that would allow judges to come up with punishments besides jail time for some probation violations.
The agency issued a terse statement on Sunday in relation to Lee and Corcoran’s criticism.
“The department has clearly communicated the priorities in our legislative budget request,” it said. “We remain hopeful that our critical needs will be addressed by the Legislature this session.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
March 7, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
U.S. 29, Escambia County – Intermittent and alternating lane closures within the town of Century and from Champion Drive north continue.
I-10 Widening, Escambia County – Alternating lane closures between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17) from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, March 7, as crews perform paving and storm repairs. The speed limit on I-10 between Davis Highway and Scenic Highway is reduced to 60 mph.
S.R. 289 (9th Avenue), Escambia County – Crews continue paving operations between the intersection of Bayou Boulevard and Creighton Road and at Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750). Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists will also encounter intermittent and alternating daytime lane closures between Fairfield Drive and Cervantes Street as crews adjust manholes and valves.
Interstate 10 (I-10) over Eleven Mile Creek Bridge, Escambia County – East and westbound traffic reduced to one lane at the bridge as crews perform construction activities.
U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) at the intersection of Scenic Highway Circle, Escambia County – Emergency repair work continues. New stormwater pipe will be installed beneath Scenic Highway. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control as construction vehicles enter and exit the work area.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
I-10 Widening, Santa Rosa County – Alternating lane closures between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 6 through Thursday, March 10 as crews perform construction activities. In addition, the southbound travel lanes on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange will be closed during this time. One lane of traffic will be open in each direction in the northbound lanes. The closures will allow crews to perform pile driving operations. The speed limit on I-10, between the Escambia Bay Bridge and Avalon Boulevard, is reduced to 60 mph.
U.S. 90 Milton, Santa Rosa County- Alternating lane closures near the Marquis Bayou Bridge, use caution while traveling through the construction zone.
U.S. 98, Santa Rosa County- Alternating lane closures from the Gulf Breeze Zoo to the Okaloosa County line 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform striping operations.
U.S. 98, Santa Rosa County- Alternating lane closures between Central Parkway and the Gulf Breeze Zoo from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews mill and pave crossovers and side streets. This work is anticipated to take place through Thursday, March 10.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
4-H Members Learn From Local Leaders
March 7, 2016
The Escambia County 4-H Leadership Club meets monthly to learn from local leaders and study leadership principles. Recently, the youth invited local leaders that included Commissioner Steven Barry, Chief Deputy Eric Haines and Judge Michael Allen. Each official gave a brief overview of their background and their leadership philosophy. Youth were able to ask questions in a panel discussion format and spend time getting to know local leaders.
4-H is a positive youth development program of the University of Florida, IFAS Extension. New members are welcome to join us on the second Tuesday of each month at the Langley Bell 4-H Center at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment. For more information contact Pam Allen at pha@ufl.edu.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
United Way Donations Available To Tornado Victims
March 7, 2016
Escambia County and Gulf Coast citizens worked together to help generate resources for neighbors impacted by the EF3 tornadoes that devastated the area in February.
In order to distribute new in-kind goods donated by our community, the United Way “Store” will open Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1301 West Government Street. Names and addresses of assessed victims will be used to grant residents free access to the following items:
- Vouchers for clothing that can be selected at one of four Goodwill locations in Northwest Florida
- Vouchers for nonperishable food items and cases of water to be picked up at Manna Food Pantries.
- Towing vouchers for those with damaged vehicles
- 100 restaurant gift cards in $25 denominations donated by Jackson Hewitt
- 15 Whataburger gift cards in $100 increments donated by Whataburger
- 21 varying gift cards (grocery, retail outlets, home repair box stores) with values form $10 to $50
- Over 4,500 new toiletry items from feminine products to soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
- Over 500 new paper and plastic goods including paper towels, toilet paper, plastic flatware, etc.
- Over 200 new cleaning supplies such as detergent, disinfectant wipes, trash bags, etc.
- Over 500 baby items such as diapers, baby wipes, washcloths, blankets, etc.
- Over 600 beverages including water, soda, juice, etc.
- Over 200 other new items including pillows, sheets, etc.
In addition to thousands of in-kind donations, local citizens have generously donated or pledged over $309,000 to support recovery. The first round of a special grant application process has concluded, and United Way of Escambia County Board Members awarded eight local nonprofits funding to help affected citizens in Escambia County. Funding Awards are as follows:
- The American Red Cross Award= $22,857 to provide individual financial assistance given after the award date to families affected by Century and Pensacola.
- Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) Award=$28,571 to purchase supplies and materials that will be used by volunteer laborers helping homeowners recover.
- Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida Award= $24,000 for direct assistance for the client, payable to vendors in the form of payments for past due mortgage, past due rent, first month’s rent, rental deposits, home repairs, hotel/motel, utility services, prescription, food, and counseling services. 30% of the award or $7,200 is to fund part of the cost required to cover additional case management support of survivors.
- Escambia County Healthy Start Award= $586 is for capacity required in the form of additional staffing needed to disburse in-kind goods (baby supplies) that United Way will provide to Healthy Start for client’s who have assessed damage.
- Legal Services of North Florida Award= $5,000 for capacity required in the form of legal support being rendered to county residents who need help resolve financial and housing stability issues caused by the tornados.
- The Salvation Army Award= $928
- Funding Awarded is for the extended hours needed to feed and shelter residents affected by the tornadoes.
- United Ministries Award= $9,857 to provide financial assistance with rent, repairs, mortgages and utilities payable directly to the vendor.
- 211 Northwest Florida Award= $19,286 to provide financial assistance in the form of rental deposits, first month’s rent, utility deposits and insurance deductibles payable directly to the vendor.
The total amount disbursed during the first round is $111,085.71.
The eight local nonprofit organizations selected provide direct aid to the families who were impacted by the North Escambia and Pensacola area tornadoes. Each organization that receives funding will sign a contract stating that they acknowledge their willingness to provide weekly and quarterly reports on how the funds are used.
The application process is split into three separate rounds. United Way hopes to make close to $100,000 of collected funding available for each round. The first round of applications closed March 1 at 5 p.m. The second round applications close on March 6 at 5 p.m., and the deadline for the third round applications is to be determined. Funding not disbursed during these three rounds, or donations that are collected after the third round concludes, will be open for a fourth application at a later time. United Way will announce that date once it is set and will keep the community informed of where and how their donations support local families who most need assistance.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Over 2700 Vote Early So Far In Escambia County
March 7, 2016
Another 550 people cast their ballots on Sunday, bringing the total weekend early voting total to 2,752 in Escambia County, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office. About 600 of those early votes were cast on one of two North Escambia locations for the March 15 Presidential Primary.
Early voting will continue be available this week at seven locations:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 N. 9th Avenue
- Main Library, 239 N. Spring Street
- 5 Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor,
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Early voting will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday, March 12. Early voters cast paper ballots through digital scanners, and may choose any one of the seven sites.
Another option for voters is to cast an absentee ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.com, or by email at absentee@escambiavotes.com, phone at (850) 595-3900, mail, or fax to (850) 595-3914. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address, and must be received no later than Wednesday, March 9. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day and may not be returned to a polling location. Absentee voters may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
The third option for voters is to cast a ballot at their precinct on Election Day, March 15. Polls will be open from 7a.m. until 7 p.m. An AutoMARK ballot marking device is also available at each polling place and early voting site to assist persons with disabilities.
Florida is a closed primary state. Only registered Republicans and Democrats are eligible for this election. All eligible voters in Escambia County will be mailed a sample ballot. In addition, voters can verify their registration status, view their sample ballot and find their polling place by visiting EscambiaVotes.com. Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID with them to the polls, and are encouraged to visit EscambiaVotes.com for complete voting information or contact the Elections Office by phone or e-mail with any questions.
Church Providing Disaster Relief Supplies, Food This Week
March 7, 2016
The Century Church of Christ at 430 East Highway 4 is providing disaster relief for tornado victims this week.
Distribution times Monday 1-4 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday 4-7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. Additional times for later in the week will be announced.
If you know anyone in need please call (850) 256-2588 or stop by during distribution hours. Items on hand include food boxes, infant boxes, personal hygiene boxes (anything needed in a bathroom), cleaning buckets, and more. The church has also received a trailer of frozen meals. Future support is planned as the needs of the families change.
Pictured: Disaster relief efforts at the Century Church of Christ. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Named To Fortune 100 Best Places to Work List
March 7, 2016
Navy Federal Credit Union has again been named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 2016. The credit union, serving the armed forces and their families, is ranked #44 on this elite list.
“Navy Federal is a great place to work. Our team members are terrific and everyone strives to make our work environment the best possible,” said Cutler Dawson, President/CEO of Navy Federal. “It’s simple – take good care of our employees and they take good care of our members.”
“With more than 4,700 team members located at our Pensacola campus, our talented workforce continues to reaffirm our reasons for growing to 10,000 employees in this area,” Debbie Calder, EVP, Greater Pensacola Operations, said.
In recognizing the credit union, FORTUNE noted 95 percent of Navy Federal employees said they felt proud to tell others where they worked. “At Navy Federal, the strength and resilience of our corporate culture positively influences the work we do each day and contributes to the ability of our employees to make differences in our members’ lives. That’s something of which we are all very proud,” Dawson said.
This is the sixth year the credit union has been recognized, having first earned a spot in 2008, and its fifth consecutive year. Navy Federal remains the only credit union to have ever appeared on the list.
Pictured: Navy Federal’s location on Nine Mile Road in Beulah. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Senate Signs Off On Alimony Overhaul
March 6, 2016
The Florida Senate approved an alimony overhaul that would establish formulas for alimony payments and includes a controversial provision dealing with how much time children should spend with their divorced parents.
The proposal, approved in a 24-14 vote Friday, is a compromise with the House, which originally objected to the inclusion of the child time-sharing provision. The measure now goes to the House.
The time-sharing issue was at the center of a bitter dispute between two prominent Republican lawmakers — Senate budget chief Tom Lee and House Rules Chairman Ritch Workman — that caused a similar bill to die last year. Lee wanted child time-sharing included in the bill, while Workman opposed it.
A compromise between Lee and Workman, reached late in this year’s session, did away with a proposed presumption that children spend their time equally between both parents. Instead, judges would “begin with the premise that a minor child should spend approximately equal amounts of time with each parent.”
Critics of the measure complained that there was little substantive change between the “presumption” and “premise” that children split their time between parents.
Workman has worked for years with alimony-reform advocates and the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section to revamp what all sides called Florida’s outdated alimony statutes.
The Family Law Section endorsed the alimony changes, but objected to the time-sharing provision, a position Lee’s new language hasn’t changed.
At Lee’s request Friday, the Senate amended the time-sharing provision to apply only to divorces or child custody cases filed after Oct. 1. Lee said that would address a concern about retroactivity expressed by Gov. Rick Scott in vetoing an alimony measure three years ago.
But Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner argued that the alimony portion of this year’s bill (SB 668) was still retroactive because the new guidelines would apply to people seeking modifications to their payments.
Under the proposal, the duration of alimony payments would be based on the number of years of marriage, while the amount of the payments would rely on a couple’s gross income — the higher earner’s salary minus the earnings of the spouse seeking alimony.
Joyner said the changes would “substantially reduce” payments to women, who make up 96 percent of alimony recipients.
“The reason for the change is not rationality. It is to reward the privileged,” Joyner, D-Tampa, said. “I think this is a travesty. It’s a disgrace and a shame that we would do this to those who have given their all for so many years to their families.”
But Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Lakeland Republican who sponsored the measure, said that she wanted to provide predictability for couples, who in the past have used the process of divorce to punish each other.
“Going through a divorce is heart-wrenching for all the parties,” said Stargel, who said she has been married since she was 17 years old and has never been divorced. “The parents get so angry and so mad at each other. … The children are the ones that suffer.”
The proposal is designed to provide clarity and remove some of the emotion that plays out during litigation, she said.
“This was supposed to be empowering to people who are going through a divorce,” Stargel said.
The House could vote on the legislation early next week. The annual legislative session ends next Friday.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Enjoy A ‘Night Of Nature’ Friday At The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center
March 6, 2016
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center’s annual “Night of Nature” will be next Friday night from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. It will be a fun filled night for the entire family. Visitors can meet owls with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, peer through telescopes into the beautiful night sky with the Escambia Amateur Astronomy Association, visit with some of the reptiles that reside at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, and take a naturalist led hike through the woods while learning about creatures of the night.
There will be hot dogs, chips, baked goods, and water available for a small donation.
The Center’s wish List for donated items to help them care for their wildlife inhabitants includes fresh fruit and vegetables, wild bird seed, black oil sunflower seeds for birds, and suet. The staff and their volunteers would also appreciate Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, bleach and gift cards from the big box department stores, pet stores or hardware store. The Roy Hyatt Environmental Cente is located at 1300 Tobias Road in Cantonment For more information, call (850) 937-2117.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.