Three Juveniles Steal School Bus, Take It On 35 Mile Joyride
January 28, 2016
Three juveniles were arrested Wednesday night after they stole a full-sized school bus and drove it around Pensacola for almost three hours.
Brian Wilson, 11; Tyvon Sinclair, 11, and Catrina Montgomery, 14, all of Pensacola have been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Detective Christopher Forehand said the incident began around 7:30 p.m. when the juveniles found the door open and key in the ignition of a school bus parked at Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy, 1408 E. Blount St.
Forehand said Wilson started the bus and then drove it off the school grounds. The juveniles drove the bus around Pensacola – including on Interstate 110 – before a man called police to report it for being driven recklessly. The man said he was following the bus and that the driver was running over curbs and repeatedly driving in the opposing lane.
Two Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies stopped the bus around 10:15 p.m. in the 700 block of South Navy Blvd. near the front entrance to the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Wilson was driving the bus at the time. Forehand said the investigation determined all three juveniles drove the vehicle during a 35-mile trip around Pensacola.
All three juveniles were transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice after they were arrested.
Train Blocks Numerous Cantonment Crossings
January 28, 2016
A stopped CSX train in Cantonment blocked numerous crossings this morning along Highway 95, including Countri Lane and Woodbury, for hours.
Officials say that according to CSX the train was “incapacitated”. The train was moved south, unblocking all crossings in the Cantonment area by 12:45 p.m.
Residents trapped in their neighborhoods said that the train was there since about 7 a.m. While the crossings were blocked, Escambia Fire Rescue was unable to get a fire truck to a reported medical emergency on Woodbury; however, the call turned out to be a false alarm.
Senate Unveils Boost In Educaton Spending
January 28, 2016
Senate budget writers are considering a larger education spending increase than Gov. Rick Scott sought, though lawmakers are still considering how to offset an increase in local property taxes that helps pay for the historic number.
The initial proposal from the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee would boost funding for the main public-school spending formula by almost $650.6 million in the year beginning July 1, more than the $507.3 million increase that Scott has touted as record-breaking.
The Senate amount would allow the state to spend $7,249.23 a student, against the $7,220.59 figure Scott has proposed. Either number would break the previous record for public-school spending on a per-pupil basis, set nine years earlier, before the financial crisis wrecked the state’s budget.
But Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who chairs the education budget panel, cautioned against reading too much into the number. Gaetz has raised questions about the spending increase’s reliance on rising local property taxes, which are part of the state funding formula.
“This is an area right here … where you may very well see some changes in our approach to it and in the numbers, depending upon our ongoing work and analysis,” Gaetz said.
Tax rates would remain flat under Scott’s plan and the Senate’s proposal, but so far the funding includes the increase in revenues from rising property values. Some lawmakers argue that the distinction doesn’t mean much to homeowners who will end up paying more regardless.
Gaetz’s committee has discussed three approaches to equaling out the increase in state and local funding. One option would be to boost state spending along with local funding, another would be to increase state funding to offset local tax dollars, and a third would be to simply lower local property taxes.
“We’re looking for a way to achieve increased funding for our K-12 schools without creating a property tax increase that is disproportionate,” Gaetz told reporters after the meeting.
The proposal released Tuesday would fall well short of completely evening out state and local spending on education, but more resembles that approach than the other two.
The plan would also increase spending on after-school or mentor programs by $10 million, to $30 million, while putting funding for those activities into a competitive grant system.
The Senate spending outline would provide less than Scott does in performance funding for state universities — $475 million, compared to $500 million from the governor — and the same $60 million for performance funding at state colleges. Gaetz is also floating spending $25 million to overhaul the funding formula for state colleges.
The subcommittee is hoping to firm up the numbers before meeting Thursday and sending its final recommendations to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Deputies Bust Cantonment Man Red Handed During Armed Robbery
January 28, 2016
A Cantonment man was caught red-handed by deputies after he allegedly held an employee hostage at knife-point as he tried to rob a coffee shop on Perdido Key.
James Maitland Jones, 45, was charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery using deadly weapon, kidnapping and two counts of petit theft. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Jones allegedly entered the businesses and held a large knife to a clerk’s neck, forcing her to empty all of the cash from the register and her purse. He then used a rope to tie-up the clerk, continually threatening to kill her if she screamed. He then began to ramble at the clerk, telling her not to smoke crack because crack had made him commit the robbery, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
As the robbery was taking place, the clerk at an adjoining business, Perdido Pack and Ship, heard the commotion and saw the clerk being held with a knife to her neck. The shipping store called 911, and deputies were on scene within two minutes.
Deputies entered the coffee shop and ordered Jones to drop the knife. He was detained without further incident.
“I was in constant fear of him killing me and I was terrified for my life,” the coffee shop clerk told deputies.
Jones was on felony state probation for armed burglary, having been released from prison last May. He has an extensive criminal history, according to Florida Department of Corrections records, having served time in Florida on two dozen felony charges, including multiple counts of burglary, grand theft and weapons charges from Escambia County.
Volunteers Needed For West Florida Library Board Of Governance
January 28, 2016
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering to fill vacancies on the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance.
The duties of the Board include establishing policy and overseeing the management of Escambia County library services and to make recommendations to the BCC regarding the annual budget according to the purposes and authority set forth in resolutions, interlocal agreements and other agreements, as well as state and federal laws. These duties also include establishing an annual plan of service and the long-range strategic planning of library services.
West Florida Public Libraries provides service to all of Escambia County, with the Board typically meeting on the fourth Monday of the month from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Tuesday, February 9. Resumes should be submitted to Todd J. Humble, Director, West Florida Public Libraries, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 or by email to tjhumble@mywfpl.com.
Molino Park Students Dress As 100-Year Olds
January 28, 2016
Molino Park Elementary School students celebrated the 100th day of the school year Wednesday by dressing up like 100-year olds.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Becoming Warmer, 70’s For The Weekend
January 28, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Monday Night: Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Tuesday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Florida House Backs High Profile ‘Fracking’ Oil Drilling Bill
January 28, 2016
After an intense debate spread over two days, the Florida House on Wednesday approved a bill that would revamp regulation of the controversial oil and gas drilling process known as “fracking.”
The bill, in part, would bar local governments from imposing moratoriums on fracking, while requiring the state Department of Environmental Protection to undertake a wide-ranging study that would include looking at potential risks and economic benefits of the process.
The bill (HB 191) dealing with oil and gas drilling spurred heavy debate Tuesday and Wednesday and passed in a 73-45 vote that was nearly along party lines. Republicans Halsey Beshears of Monticello, Chris Latvala of Clearwater, Mike Miller of Winter Park, Holly Raschein of Key Largo, Greg Steube of Sarasota, Jay Trumbull of Panama City and Charles Van Zant of Keystone Heights crossed party lines to vote against the measure.
Supporters of the bill point, in part, to efforts to gain energy independence. Also, they say oil and natural-gas drilling has taken place in parts of Northwest Florida and Southwest Florida for decades.
Rep. Cary Pigman, an Avon Park Republican who has helped sponsor the bill, said the measure includes safeguards, such as the Department of Environmental Protection study. After conducting the study, the department would develop proposed fracking rules, which would have to be ratified by the Legislature.
“Wishing for a zero-risk process or some absolute safety is not possible,” Pigman, a physician, said. “I acknowledge that oil and natural-gas production is an untidy process. So is all of mining, so is farming, so is industry, yet our society needs energy, we need food and we need the finished products made from natural resources.”
But Democrats railed against the bill, with Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, saying it would put out a “welcome mat” for fracking. The process, more formally known as hydraulic fracturing, has spurred controversy across the country, with critics arguing it can lead to problems such as contamination of water supplies and earthquakes.
“Why would we even want to consider a bill that is going to potentially poison our drinking water? What we’re doing is we’re injecting toxic fluids in the ground,” Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton said. “What’s wrong with us here? I mean, something’s going on. And you know what’s going on, this fracking bill is really called the anything for money bill.”
Democrats also pointed to numerous local governments that have voted to prohibit fracking in their communities. Rep. Kristin Jacobs, D-Coconut Creek, read a list of counties scattered throughout the state.
“Our county scientists in Broward as well as Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County and beyond have looked at this issue and have determined that fracking is not a good thing, it is not a good thing for our state,” Jacobs said.
Rep. Ray Rodrigues, an Estero Republican who has sponsored the bill, said he recognizes that the proposal is in a “center of a storm of controversy.” But he pointed to historical examples such as Florida allowing electricity in homes, clearing the way for automobiles and being home to the space industry.
“If you look at our history, challenges and controversies have always confronted this chamber, and the choices have always been the same — are we going to react with fear, are we going to react with pessimism or are we going to be cynical? Or are we going to react with courage, are we going to react with optimism, and are we going to seek the ideal?’ Rodrigues said.
A similar Senate bill (SB 318), sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, has been approved by two committees and awaits a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Pictured above: Quantum Resources in Jay. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Lawmakers Give Nod To Fantasy Sports Industry
January 28, 2016
While officials in some other states try to shut down the games, Florida legislators are speedily moving measures that would shield the daily fantasy sports industry from the state’s gambling laws.
House and Senate committees Wednesday approved proposals that would create regulatory oversight for the fast-growing industry, which is the subject of a federal probe and lawsuits in Florida.
Echoing industry representatives, sponsors of the Florida measures insist that the contests are games of skill, not chance, which are outlawed under most state gambling laws.
“… I don’t concede that this is gaming,” Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, told the Senate Regulated Industries Committee before the panel signed off on his measure (SB 832) by an 8-4 vote.
Negron, who will take over as Senate president after the November elections, said his proposal is aimed at making sure that people who participate in office pools — or who play the online games — don’t get into trouble.
“I don’t want there to be ambiguity about what citizens are engaging in,” he said.
Negron’s proposal, which would create an “Office of Amusements” to oversee the games, would “make sure we’re not exposing someone who is engaged in fantasy sports contests to breaking the law.”
The measure would require fantasy contest operators to pay $500,000 for licenses and would give the Office of Amusements the authority to investigate, monitor, audit and license their activities. The bill, in part, also would bar employees of fantasy sports businesses from playing the games. The fantasy sports companies would also have to put up $1 million surety bonds to cover negligence or fraud.
But committee Chairman Rob Bradley said he wasn’t convinced the games don’t equate to gambling. Attorneys general in states such as New York, Texas and Illinois have said they believe the industry involves gambling.
In fantasy sports, players draft rosters of actual athletes, with the winners of fantasy games determined by the statistics of the athletes. Many games, like office pools, last all season. The questions about illegal gambling do not focus on those games. Instead the questions focus on online daily fantasy games offered by sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
“No one in the world is interested in criminalizing” the old-fashioned office pool, Bradley said.
“Where I think the question changes is when you get into these daily sports where things are happening quickly. And I think, that to me begins to look more and more like what we consider to be traditional sports betting. … It’s like, what’s your definition of obscenity,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, told reporters after the meeting. “You kind of know it when you see it.”
The daily fantasy sports industry dumped thousands of dollars into legislative leaders’ political campaigns prior to the start of the 2016 session.
The House Finance and Tax Committee approved a similar measure (HB 707) that would give the Department of Business and Professional Regulation the authority to regulate the industry.
Committee Chairman Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican who sponsored the measure, said he believes the daily fantasy sports games are games of skill and not games of chance.
Asked why the industry doesn’t involve gambling, Gaetz, who acknowledged spending $20 on a fantasy football pool while in high school, replied “in my mind it is not.”
Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, said he supported the bill due to the projected number of people playing fantasy sports in Florida.
“The free market has demonstrated the support for this activity,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Northview, Jay Girls Qualify For 1A State Weightlifting Meet
January 28, 2016
Five Northview and Jay high school girls placed at the Region 1A Weightlifting Meet held recently at Choctaw High School.
From Northview: Audriene Odom placed second, Myisha Syria placed fifth and Breanna Campbell placed fifth in her division. Laurie Purdy also competed. Odom qualified for the 1A state meet to be held Friday, February 5 in Kissimmee.
From Jay High School: Michaela Stewart from Jay High School place first at the regional meet, while Haylee Waston placed third. Both advance to the state finals on February 5.
Pictured top: (L-R) Myisha Syria, Audriene Odom and Breanna Campbell from Northview. Pictured below: The Region 1A weightlifting meet at Choctaw High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
