New Prison Plan Will Bolster Inmate Mental Health Services Statewide
July 6, 2017
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced a plan to implement major mental health care reforms across Florida’s prisons.
Between 2010 and 2016, while the total inmate population has decreased, the Florida DOC experienced a 51 percent increase in the percentage of all mentally ill inmates with the most severe and persistent mental disorders.
“Since my appointment I have worked with the Governor and the Legislature to make meaningful improvements to our state’s correctional institutions – with a specific focus on the mental health population in our custody. With this support we have achieved significant mental health accomplishments, and I was proud to have Governor Scott sign into law this year a pay raise for correctional officers who earn the American Correctional Association Correctional Behavioral Health Certification. Ensuring these inmates are given appropriate clinical services is critical to the safe operation of our institutions,” Secretary Julie Jones said.
“We have seen a significant increase of mentally ill inmates in our custody. As we look toward the future of our Department, we must continue to focus on providing the treatment and services integral to the rehabilitation of those with behavioral health needs. I want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership and support of mental health initiatives as FDC works to become a national leader in correctional mental health. FDC looks forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature to implement data-driven reforms that ensure a return on investment for Florida taxpayers, improve outcomes for those in our custody and create a system of care that works.”
The DOC will establish protective housing and augmented treatment units at the Wakulla C.I. Annex.
Correctional officers working in mental health units who obtain the Correctional Behavioral Health Certification will receive a raise. The raise training will enhance the officers’ skill sets in dealing with a difficult inmate population and improve the safety of staff and inmate interactions.
Shirley Claudell Wiley Pugh
July 6, 2017
Our greatest hero, Shirley Claudell Wiley Pugh went home to be with her Heavenly Father on July 2, 2017. Shirley was born on December 25, 1957. She is preceded in death by her parents Arnette Wiley and Inez Wiley Granger and stepfather Donald Granger. Also, her brother Rev. Steven A. Wiley and sister Sheila Wiley.
She is survived by her daughters Lisa (James) Brooks and Brittany (Jonathon) Guerette, siblings Paul (Laura) Wiley, Claude (Glenda) Wiley, Sherry (Jim) Hinote, and two “adoptive” daughters Mary Jane Ivey and Courtney Wilson. Also, her very best and lifelong friend Kathy Avent.
Shirley retired from International Paper many years ago and spent her retirement being a wonderful grandmother to her two “hearts” Lane and Leslee. They were her world and she made sure every moment together was spent creating a lifetime of memories. In addition, she enjoyed traveling to the Great Smokey Mountains as often as she could. The cabins and scenery always brought her such peace and clarity. Shirley was an amazing, loving and passionate woman. You could always find her willing to open her home and heart up to anyone in need. She loved hard and lived life selflessly helping others.
Shirley leaves a remarkable legacy and will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Until we meet again, farewell our hero. Please continue to look after us all and know that you will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Farm Hill United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Covenant Care.
Many thanks to all the nurses, social workers and staff at Covenant Care for taking such phenomenal care of our loved one. We could not have asked for more dedicated and loving staff to care for our loved one in her final months.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Wahoos Fall 6-4 To Biloxi
July 6, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos third baseman Nick Senzel smacked a two-out single to left field that scored left fielder Tyler Goeddel with the go ahead run in the eighth inning Wednesday at MGM Park.
But that 4-3 lead was short lived as the Biloxi Shuckers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth on back-to-back homers by right fielder Michael Choice and left fielder Clint Coulter that helped their ballclub rally for a, 6-4, victory over Pensacola.
The game featured the start of Rookie Davis, who is coming back from an injury. Davis pitched for the Blue Wahoos last season. For the Reds, Davis was 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA in five starts with Cincinnati this year.
Davis is returning from a back injury he suffered pitching for Triple-A Louisville Bats, where he was 0-0 in two starts with a 4.00 ERA.
On Wednesday, Davis pitched 4.2 innings and gave up four runs to Biloxi on six hits a walk and four strikeouts. He was replaced after getting the first two outs of the fifth inning but then allowed an infield single to Biloxi center fielder Johnny Davis, followed by an RBI double by second baseman Blake Allemand that tied the game, 3-3. Pensacola right-hander Davis then walked catcher Jacob Nottingham and was lifted for Blue Wahoos reliever Alex Powers after throwing 66 pitches.
In the second inning, Davis gave up a two-run homer to right field to first baseman Dustin DeMuth that put the Shuckers ahead, 2-0. DeMuth also doubled and led Biloxi by going 3-4 in the game.
Pensacola, though, went ahead, 3-2, in the fourth inning when second baseman Shed Long hit a two-out, three-run homer to right field that also scored Senzel and first baseman Gavin LaValley. Long’s first Double-A home run came off Biloxi reliever Josh Uhen. For the High-A Daytona Tortugas, Long had 13 homers in 247 at bats.
Biloxi reliever Matt Ramsey entered the game in the ninth and gave up a double to Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino but got out got out of the inning for his 20th save of the year, which leads the Southern League.
Pensacola dropped to 6-7 in the second half and 46-37 overall. Biloxi improved to 7-6 and 43-39 overall.
Showers And Thunderstorms Return To The Forecast
July 5, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Second Fireworks Accident Critically Injures Flomaton Teen
July 5, 2017
A second fireworks accident near Flomaton has left a teenage victim with critical injuries.
Tuesday night, a firework exploded as it was being lit by a 17-year old male. He suffered a traumatic injury to his hand, including the loss of fingers, according to authorities.
The teen was transported by private vehicle to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton before being transferred by medical helicopter to the regional burn center at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. Further information on his condition was not available.
Tuesday night’s incident occurred at a home on Lasala Lane off Wolf Log Road, about a mile from where a similar incident critically injured a 40-year old man Monday night.
The 40-year old male was attempting to light an unknown type of firework when it exploded in his hand. The man reportedly lost most, if not all, of his fingers and suffered severe damage to the rest of hand during the accident at a private residence. The man, whose name has not been released, was transported by ambulance to the Flomaton Fire Station and then flown by air ambulance helicopter to the regional burn center at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. [Read previous story...]
Stock photo.
Fourth Of July Wreck Claims Life Of Atmore Man
July 5, 2017
A single vehicle crash claimed the life of an Atmore man Tuesday afternoon.
Robert Glenn Thrower, 55, was killed when the 19996 Chevrolet Blazer he was driving ran off the road, struck an embankment and overturned, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Thrower, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened about 2 p.m. on Highway 29 at the 22.80 mile marker in the Dixie Community, east of Brewton.
Thrower was the tribal historic preservation officer for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Thompson Road Closes Today For Paving
July 5, 2017
Thompson Road between Crary Road and North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) is now closed to through traffic for drainage upgrades and paving.
Traffic will be detoured along Highway 29 to Byrneville Road and Crary Road.
The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect for the duration of the construction, which is expected to last through fall 2017. Every effort will be made to expedite construction efforts to reopen the road on or before November 9, 2017. If other lane or roadway closures are necessary, another notice will be issued.
Escambia County’s Proposed Budget Now Online
July 5, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners’ proposed $455.6 million budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 is now available online on the Budget Information and Related Documents page. Outside funding requests and a budget calendar are also included under the “Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget Documents” heading.
Budget workshops will take place this month in the board chambers, located on the first floor of the Escambia County Central Office Complex at 221 Palafox Place. Workshops are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, July 11 at 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 12 at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, July 13 following the regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole Meeting (as needed)
The workshops offer the commissioners an opportunity to discuss the proposed budget with other constitutional officers and county staff. The commission is slated to adopt a final budget on Tuesday, Sept. 26 following a two-part public hearing process. Escambia County’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.
Photo Gallery: Atmore Fireworks
July 5, 2017
Crowds from across the area celebrated the Fourth of July Thursday with a fireworks show at the Wind Creek Hotel in Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Meeting Schedule
July 5, 2017
Here is the schedule of Escambia County Commission meetings for this week:
Wednesday, July 5
Sick Leave Pool Committee, 2nd Floor, Human Resources Training Room 8201, 11 a.m.
Development Review Committee, Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, 1 p.m. Agenda
Thursday, July 6
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review Session, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 9 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Public Forum, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4:30 p.m.
BCC Regular Meeting, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 5:30 p.m. Agenda
