Eight People Involved In Highway 29 Crash; Three Injured
November 6, 2016
Eight people were involved in a three vehicle accident late Saturday afternoon on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Three of the eight people were transported to area hospitals, while five refused medical treatment at the scene. The accident happened on Highway 29 south of Tate Road, near St. Monica’s Episcopal Church.
The conditions of those injured and other details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol as they continue their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Light At The End Of The Election Tunnel
November 6, 2016
Four months ago, nearly six out of 10 Americans were already feeling exhausted by election coverage, according to the Pew Research Center.
Voters were worn out long before Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump earned the nominations of their respective parties, and before stories of Russian email hacking and accusations of groping subsumed deeper topics, like the candidates’ actual stands on issues such as the economy.
But if Floridians were weary in June or July, they might be near comatose now, as the White House wannabes and their surrogates storm the state in the lead-up to Tuesday’s election.
With the presidential race in the crucial swing state too close to call, it’s no surprise that both sides are storming the peninsula in an attempt to ensure that there’s a clear winner when the results are tallied Tuesday night.
According to German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, boredom and pain are the two enemies of human happiness. Even casual observers of this year’s political season may believe that Floridians, along with the rest of the country, have had ample servings of both.
SUN, SUN, SUN, HERE IT COMES
Even the Florida Supreme Court, which typically could provide a welcome distraction from election hijinks, got stuck in the fray this week.
Opponents of a controversial solar-energy ballot initiative asked the justices on Wednesday to again review and strike down the proposed constitutional amendment largely bankrolled by utility companies.
But in terse, single-line statements Friday, the court dismissed as “moot” requests by the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and the group Floridians for Solar Choice to reconsider the court’s approval of ballot language for the initiative known as Amendment 1.
Expressing disappointment with the rulings, the initiative’s critics maintained their view that Amendment 1 is “deceptive,” while saying they will focus on keeping the proposal from reaching the 60 percent voter approval needed for passage.
“We wanted to give the court an opportunity to clean up the mess they have made by approving this amendment for the ballot,” Stephen Smith, a member of Floridians for Solar Choice and executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said in a statement. “Now it’s game on: We have a solar uprising happening in the Sunshine State. We ask everyone to vote no on 1 and we look forward to Tuesday when we will kill this once and for all.”
Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric Co. and Gulf Power have spent a combined $20.2 million in support of the amendment, which would enshrine in the Florida Constitution existing rules about the use of solar energy by private property owners. The proposal also includes a more-contentious provision, which states that people who haven’t installed solar on their property “are not required to subsidize the costs of backup power and electric grid access to those who do.”
Proponents say the second provision offers consumer protections for people who don’t install solar panels. But opponents argue it could result in “discriminatory charges” against rooftop solar users and limit the desire of people to go solar.
The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and Floridians for Solar Choice, which have long contended that Amendment 1 is deceptive, based their requests to the Supreme Court this week on an audio tape that included comments by Sal Nuzzo, vice president of policy at the James Madison Institute. On the tape, first reported by the Miami Herald, Nuzzo described how to use a “little bit of political jiu-jitsu” in promoting solar to win support for desired changes in policy.
Sarah Bascom, a spokeswoman for Consumers for Smart Solar, the group spearheading the initiative, said there were no surprises in the court dismissing the “frivolous” requests Friday.
“This was nothing more than a political stunt to deter voters’ attention in the final days of the election,” Bascom said in a statement.
GAMBLING PROPOSAL A ROLL OF THE DICE?
The justices on Wednesday also heard arguments about a proposed constitutional amendment that could severely limit the expansion of gambling in Florida by giving voters, instead of state lawmakers or counties, control over casino-style games.
Proponents hope to get the “Voter Control of Gambling in Florida” proposal on the 2018 ballot, but the Supreme Court first has to decide whether the ballot summary is clear and whether the measure adheres to the “single subject” requirement of citizens’ initiatives.
Much of Wednesday’s arguments focused on whether voters would know that, by endorsing the proposal, they would be taking away control of casino-type gambling decisions from the Legislature and county officials.
Lawyer Adam Schachter, who represents Voters in Charge, the committee behind the proposed amendment, pointed out that the state high court is poised to decide whether Gretna Racing, a tiny pari-mutuel in rural Gadsden County, can have slot machines. That ruling is expected to have a wide-ranging impact: Voters in five other counties — Brevard, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach and Washington — have also approved slots at local tracks or jai alai frontons.
The Gretna case — centered on whether gambling operators can add slots if county voters give the go-ahead, even without the express permission of the Legislature — exemplifies the need for the proposed constitutional change, Schachter argued.
“There is a lack of clarity on this,” Schachter told the justices. “This amendment … would provide the needed clarity.”
But attorney Marc Dunbar, who represents a non-profit organization opposed to the initiative and who owns a small share of the Gretna facility, warned that the constitutional change, if approved, would lead to “a ridiculous amount of litigation” over its interpretation.
Dunbar said the proposal is misleading because voters might not know that the measure could have a chilling effect, using as an example arcade games such as “claw” machines, which were caught up in a law aimed at shutting down internet cafes.
“Will (arcades) be frozen forevermore for any new product because they operate under a slot machine exemption?” Dunbar asked. “Will they have to go to a statewide initiative because they want a new arcade game?”
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Florida Supreme Court refused to remove from the ballot a controversial solar-energy initiative backed by utility companies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Let’s calm down here.” — Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente, speaking to attorney Marc Dunbar as he argued against a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving voters control over casino gambling.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
UWF Suffers At The Hands Of North Alabama, 51-3
November 6, 2016
The seventh-ranked North Alabama football team scored the first 20 points and cruised past UWF for a 51-3 win at Braly Municipal Stadium Saturday, clinching the team’s fourth-consecutive Gulf South Conference regular-season title in the process.
UNA (7-1, 6-0) scored on the first play from scrimmage – a 63-yard pass from Jacob Tucker to Dre Hall – and defended UWF better than any team had done all season before compiling 528 yards to just 172 for the Argonauts.
“North Alabama is the number seven team in the country and they are starting 15 seniors, and they look like a playoff team,” UWF head coach Pete Shinnick said. “We were not able to match that and that’s really the end of it. Our guys were playing hard and they were working hard. I liked our preparation and liked where we were but North Alabama was just better than us today. All credit to them.”
UWF (5-5, 3-4) was unable to get its offense going beyond its lone scoring drive where it capped an eight play, 84-yard effort with a Austin Peffers 20-yard field goal. The Argos finished with 119 yards rushing and quarterback Kaleb Nobles was just 11-for-26 for 53 yards passing, while being sacked four times.
Daviante Sayles, who rushed 10 times for 76 yards, had the game’s longest play, breaking off a 58-yard scamper that put the team inside the UNA 10-yard line before Peffers’ kick late in the first quarter. Chris Schwarz carried the ball a career-high 17 times for 61 yards for a 3.6 yards per rush average.
But the Lions got big plays when they needed them and showed why they are ranked in the top 10 and appear ready to make a long run out of Super Region 2 in the NCAA Playoffs. On the kickoff following the UWF field goal, Jaylan Jackson returned it 89 yards for a touchdown. UNA converted six of its first eight third-down opportunities, including scoring runs of 41 and 21 yards to take a 48-3 lead into the locker room.
Tucker ended the game with 176 yards through the air and 52 yards on the ground, with a passing touchdowns and a pair of rushing touchdowns.
UWF will conclude its inaugural season next Saturday against West Georgia (6-4, 3-4). Kickoff at Blue Wahoos Stadium is set for noon.
Woman Charged In Early Morning Murder Outside Atmore
November 5, 2016
One person is dead and another jailed after an early morning murder in the Booneville community north of Atmore.
At 1:53 a.m. Saturday, the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance on Adabell Road to find 46-year old Eric Leon Rolin dead from a single gunshot wound. He had been shot by 47-year old Kimberly Hardy Rolin, according to Chief Deputy Mike Lambert.
The couple had a history of domestic violence, Lambert said, and had been arguing before the shooting.
Kimberly Rolin has been charged with an open count of murder and is being held without bond in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton awaiting a bond hearing on Monday.
The investigation into the murder is active and ongoing, Lambert said.
Atmore Man Claims $233K Prize For Lottery Ticket Sold In North Escambia
November 5, 2016
An Atmore man has claimed a $233,372.65 prize for a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold last weekend at a Davisville store.
William H. Parker purchased the ticket at the Korner Kwik Stop at 10481 Highway 97. The ticket was the only winning ticket sold for last Saturday night’s drawing.
The 358 tickets matching four numbers won $95.50 each. Another 12,024 tickets matching three numbers are worth $8.50 each, and 107,923 tickets holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
The Saturday, October 29 winning numbers were 07-11-18-20-22.
The winning ticket last Friday night’s drawing was sold at the Winn Dixie in Cantonment. Click here for details. That winner has not yet stepped forward to claim their prize.
Today Is Final Day Of Early Voting; Over 50K Early Vote So Far
November 5, 2016
Today is the final day of early voting in Escambia County, where 50,055 people had already early voted as of Friday.
With over 35,000 votes also cast by mail, a total of 85,609 Escambia County voters had cast their ballots. A majority of those voters — 43,214 of them — are Republican, followed by 29,549 Democrats and 12,763 others.
Voters can choose any one of seven sites to vote early from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. today in Escambia County:
Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North
Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Genealogy Branch Library. 5740 N. 9th Avenue
Main Library, 239 N. Spring Street
Bellview-Saufley, 916 W Michigan Avenue
Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second FloorOn Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to be sure to know where to vote on Election Day by checking their Voter Information Card, sample ballot, the precinct finder at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting us by phone or e-mail prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Vote-by-mail participants may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
Pictured: Early voting at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Sunny Saturday
November 5, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Veterans Day: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Time Change: Fall Back, Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries
November 5, 2016
Don’t forget to “fall back” and set your clocks back one hour night before heading off to bed Saturday night as daylight savings time comes to an end.
Escambia Fire Rescue is also reminding residents that it’s time to make another potentially lifesaving change — replace the batteries in your smoke alarm.
“Most home fire fatalities occur overnight when most families are sleeping,” according to Escambia Fire Rescue. “Changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and performing other maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk and a working smoke alarm can give the extra seconds needed to get out safely.”
In addition to checking smoke alarms, residents should plan “two ways out” and practice escape routes with the entire family. Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.
Each year more than 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. The majority of these deaths are a result of unattended cooking. It is strongly recommended that someone always be present when cooking on top of the stove and that smoke alarms be located properly and in working order. Test the smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least every six months.
For more information about fire safety, Escambia County Fire Rescue at 475-5530 or visit www.myescambia.com. For information about obtaining a home smoke alarm call 850-595-HERO (4376).
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years For Child Molestation
November 5, 2016
A 27-year old Escambia County man has been sentenced to three decades in prison for molestation.
Kelvin Osborne, entered a plea Friday to lewd or lascivious molestation. Escambia County Circuit Judge Scott Duncan sentenced Osborne to 30 years in state prison. After his release from prison, Osborne will be on lifetime sexual offender probation. Osborne was also designated a sexual predator and will be required to register as a sexual predator and comply with all statutory requirements for the remainder of his life.
The investigation revealed an ongoing pattern of sexual abuse by Osborne on a young child. Osborne was arrested on April 25, 2016.
Hundreds Enjoy Annual Molino Park Elementary Fall Carnival (With Gallery)
November 5, 2016
Hundreds attended the annual Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival Friday evening at the school. The event featured games, food, entertainment and lots of great family fun.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
