Judge Blocks Proposed Ban On Greyhound Racing
August 2, 2018
A circuit judge on Wednesday knocked a greyhound-racing ban off the November ballot, calling the proposed constitutional amendment misleading and “outright trickeration.”
“Contrary to the words presented for consideration by the voters, the amendment would not end dog racing, nor would it eliminate wagering on dog racing,” Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers wrote in her order.
“In short, proposed Amendment 13 is misleading and inaccurate and incomplete, while adding up to a ‘hide the ball,’ ‘fly a false flag’ and outright ‘trickeration,’ ” she wrote.
Supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment quickly said they will appeal the ruling.
The amendment was one of eight ballot measures placed on the Nov. 6 general-election ballot by the state Constitution Revision Commission, which meets every 20 years and has the unique authority to present proposed constitutional changes directly to voters.
The proposal sought to ban commercial greyhound racing in the state after Dec. 31, 2020. It was sponsored by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, a member of the constitutional panel.
But Gievers said the ballot title and summary for the amendment were “clearly and conclusively defective.”
Gievers said the ballot information failed to inform voters that the actual amendment language would establish the “humane treatment of animals” as a “fundamental value” in the Constitution. She also said the language failed to describe the amendment’s impact on existing constitutional provisions that allowed slot machines at dog tracks in Broward and Miami-Dade counties contingent on live racing at the facilities.
“If the CRC (Constitution Revision Commission) wanted Florida voters to be able to rethink the relationship between live animal racing and the operation of slot machines, or to be able to adopt as a constitutional fundamental value the humane treatment of animals, the CRC could have included the appropriate language in the ballot and summary,” the judge wrote.
Gievers’ order also supported an argument raised by the Florida Greyhound Association, a group that represents dog owners, breeders and trainers, that the amendment would not actually ban dog-race wagering since it would allow betting at Florida tracks on races broadcast from outside the state.
Supporters of Amendment 13 quickly organized a conference call with reporters, saying they intend to appeal Gievers’ ruling and that they might try to get an expedited hearing from the Florida Supreme Court.
“We want the people to finally make a judgment on this cruel activity, and that’s why we are confident that this misguided judgment will not stand,” Christine Dorchak, president and general counsel of Grey2K USA, said.
Dorchak called the judge’s ruling “defective.”
Gievers’ finding that the amendment does not inform voters that dog racing would continue outside of Florida is “completely nonsensical,” Dorchak said.
“Clearly voters of Florida can only vote on what happens in their own state,” she said.
She also rejected the judge’s contention that the ballot title and summary “hides the ball” regarding the full language of the proposal.
Supporters of the amendment also pointed out that Gievers’ rulings in other high-profile cases have frequently been overturned.
“I don’t think anyone’s here to throw stones, but this is really a nearly 30-page diatribe. It’s not the kind of ruling we would expect to see from a court in Florida,” Dorchak said.
Dorchak also said the language put on the ballot by the Constitution Revision Commission “was written to be clear and neutral.”
“The judge is saying that’s not good enough, we had to add more language that I think probably would confuse voters,” she said.
Wednesday’s legal blow came on the heels of an announcement last week that the Doris Day Animal League was donating $1.5 million to the campaign to end dog racing in Florida.
“We’re confident we will succeed in November and get this passed for the dogs,” said Kate MacFall, co-chairwoman of the Committee to Protect Dogs, a group backing Amendment 13.
The proposed dog-racing ban was one of 13 state constitutional amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot. Eight of the amendments were advanced by the Constitution Revision Commission, with four of those measures, including the racing ban, being contested in court.
To be enacted, each amendment must win support from at least 60 percent of the voters.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
New Fitness Center Opens, Brings Davisville Commercial Space Back To Life
August 2, 2018
A grand opening ribbon cutting was held Wednesday for a new fitness center in Davisville, bringing a long-empty commercial space back to life.
Owners Cyndi Keenan and Brandon Overstreet, a certified personal trainer, opened State-Line Fitness on Highway 97 just south of the Alabama-Florida state line. The building was vacant for several years after Keenan closed a daycare.
“State-Line Fitness is not filled with machines for people to workout alone. We offer classes and personal instruction by our certified personal trainer,” Keenan said. The center offers high intensity training and boot camp classes.
For more information, call (850) 327-4799.
Pictured: The grand opening of State-Line Fitness in Davisville on Wednesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mable W. Eicher
August 2, 2018
Mable W. Eicher, 82 of Atmore, AL, passed away July 30, 2018, in Bay Minette, AL. She was born in Bratt, FL, to the late Walter and Lillie Mae Faircloth West on December 7, 1935. She worked at B.C. Moore’s in Atmore for many years and later retired. She was a member of New Home United Pentecostal Church. Her parents, one infant son, and her son Michael Gohagan precede her in death.
She is survived by her son, Anthony (Rita) Hall of Poarch, AL; daughter, Belinda Kay (Joe) Wooten of Bratt, FL; and one sister, Walter Mae Paul of Bay Minette, AL; special nephew, Eddie “Peanut” Priest; five grandchildren, Chad, Brad, Shane, Dustin and Breanna; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 3, 2018, at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Breceda and Bro. Rowdy Boyte officiating.
Burial will follow in Bratt-Godwin Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Brad Wooten, Dustin Hall, Cade Wooten, Daylon Wooten, Kelton Wooten and Trey McGhee.
Honorary pallbearers will be Casey Lane Wooten, Heath Fillmore, Ardis Rolin, Russell Braswell, Shannon Priest, Jerry Hawkins, and Jerry Mason.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 2, 2018, from 6 -8 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tate Orientation, Schedule Pick Up
August 2, 2018
Here’s back to school information you need to know from Tate High School:
Wednesday, August 8 – FRESHMEN & NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Fryman Gymnasium at 9:00am
This is a more formal, assembly-style orientation for our newest Aggies and their families. You will meet our administrators, deans, 9th grade guidance counselor, club sponsors, and coaches. Kona Ice and the Aggie Stable (sells Tate merchandise) will be present as well. At the assembly’s conclusion, alphabetical tables will be set up for 9th graders and new students to obtain schedules. Students are then welcome to walk the campus to become more comfortable locating classes. Tate Leadership students will be located throughout the campus to assist.
At 11:00am, any unclaimed schedules will be moved back to Tate’s Administration Office.
Wednesday, August 8 – RETURNING STUDENT SCHEDULE PICK-UP
Returning 10th-12th Grade Students can pick up a printed schedule in the cafeteria from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Students may also access online schedules using the Focus Student Portal at this time.
Families are encouraged to visit www.tateaggies.org for Bus Transportation and other important back to school information!
One Injured In I-10 Crash
August 1, 2018
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash Wednesday on I-10 near I-110. The crash involved a truck pulling a trailer that collided with a guardrail. The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Photos by Kristi Barbour and courtesy FDOT for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Attempted Homicide After Cantonment Stabbing
August 1, 2018
A man has been charged with stabbing another man in Cantonment late Tuesday night.
The victim was stabbed on Madrid Road in Cantonment and somehow ended up at a gas station on Nine Mile Road at I-10 where Escambia County EMS responded and transported him to a local hospital. His condition was not available.
Larry Dre’sean Bryant, 37, was charged with attempted homicide and robbery with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $200,000.
When deputies arrived at the Nine Mile Road gas station, they found the victim with multiple stab wounds, including one to his neck. His girlfriend told deputies the stabbing happened at her sister’s house in the 200 block off Madrid Road in Cantonment. She said Bryant arrived at the residence to collect clothing he had left there, and her boyfriend was sitting on a couch.
The woman told deputies that Bryant randomly attacked and stabbed her boyfriend multiple times, according to an arrest report. The woman said she tried to stop Bryant with a metal meat tenderizer, but that did not work. He grabbed her phone and wallet and fled the area.
Bryant was the passenger in a vehicle Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies stopped at Highway 29 and Pinestead Road.
A search warrant was later executed at the home on Madrid Road where a large amount of blood was located in the living room, along with a meat tenderizer, the report states.
Byrneville Elementary Discusses Moving To New Location, Construction Options
August 1, 2018
The Byrneville Elementary School Board of Directors continued their discussion on new school buildings Thursday and even discussed moving the school to a new location within the community.
The board was to meet with a representative of an area bank to discuss financing options, but the bank representative was a no-show.
A final needs assessment by Sam Marshall Architects was presented the board, outlining the construction process, needs and estimated cost of about $7.7 million.
Board members also addressed the idea that property could be purchased in Byrneville to construct an entirely new facility, but that option received a negative reaction.
The school is looking to construct a new building with 10 classrooms, a 1,000 square foot multipurpose room and associated spaces, and a new cafetorium with a serving kitchen. The kitchen will have floor space to be expanded for cooking, but right now meals for the students are cooked at Bratt Elementary School and trucked in each day.
The project cost estimate also includes upgrades to the existing main school building, which was constructed in 1941, to include fire sprinklers and central air conditioning and converting the existing cafeteria into a library space that will include a closed circuit television studio. Additionally, furnishings and associated constructions costs are in the $7.7 million.
There has no been no final decision to to actually build the facility. The board must secure financing and complete other planning processes including a final design.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flash Flood Watch In Effect Through Thursday
August 1, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Rep. Bradley Byrne Touts Bipartisan Workforce Development Bill At Local Town Hall
August 1, 2018
President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan workforce development bill Tuesday that enables federal workforce development program to send $1.2 billion to states with fewer federal restrictions. And in Atmore, Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) praised the effort.
The legislation reenables the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to provide career and technical training to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the economy of today and tomorrow.
“Every day, we are lifting our forgotten Americans off the sidelines, out of the margins, and back into the workforce,” Trump said.
“It’s money to send out to the school and the state so they have money for instructors, for equipment and the supplies, so that we can teach young people and sometimes no so young people the skills that they need to take these jobs “ Byrne said during a town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon in Atmore, one of the first stops in his district-wide “Better Off Now” town hall tour.
“Here’s what true about the American economy today and will be getting truer over time. The jobs that we are creating are requiring every higher levels of education and skills. A lot of what we used to think about skilled work out there is much different that it used to be. We are going to have to have levels of skills education and training for people in order to give them what they need to participate in the economy. If we don’t do that, we are going to slow down our economy. Not having enough workers will slow down the economy.
“By doing that, we lift them out of poverty forever, and their live are intrinsically better….But unfortunately in America we have this mindset where we can’t lift people out of poverty; we are just going to keep paying them money. Well if I gave you the educational skills you need to get a job, you don’t need the government. You don’t want the the government. You have a good job that pays good wages. We should be all about that in America. That should be our main focus,” Byrne said.
A number of major companies attended the bill signing in Washington and pledged to offer millions of new education and job-training opportunities for American workers.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Begins Friday; Laptops, Electronics Not Included
August 1, 2018
With Florida’s back-to-school sales tax “holiday” starting Friday, some retailers may face an enthusiasm dip as laptops and other electronics are not on the discount menu.
But as giant retailers such as Walmart and Target offer their own wide-ranging discounts, state economists and industry lobbyists don’t foresee much difference from past years as parents and other shoppers are still expected to rush out for a weekend of savings on clothes, footwear and school supplies.
“Without technology, I think some of those retailers may not push it as hard. But we still expect it to be popular,” said James Miller of the Florida Retail Federation. “It’s always one of the biggest things we hear about from our members and from the consumers.”
The three-day tax holiday, which will run from Friday through Sunday, will allow shoppers to avoid paying state and local sales taxes on most clothes and footwear costing $60 or less and school supplies that cost $15 or less.
However, this will be the second time in six years that electronics are not in the offering.
Early proposals this year in the Legislature would have offered a 10-day holiday, as requested by Gov. Rick Scott, with taxes lifted on the first $1,000 of the cost of personal computers and related accessories.
But as lawmakers shifted budget priorities after the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, a broad package (HB 7087) of tax and fee reductions was scaled down from a high of $618 million to a final amount of $171 million. And a proposal to extend the tax discount to computers was cut.
An estimate from state economists doesn’t indicate the exclusion of computers from the tax holiday will alter the plans of families getting ready for the August start of the school year.
The holiday this year is projected to save shoppers $32.7 million, reducing state revenue by $26 million and local-government revenue by $6.7 million.
In 2017, when laptops were on the discount list, the overall savings stood at $33.4 million.
Miller said retailers will push for electronics to be included in any back-to-school discount period considered during the 2019 legislative session.
Lawmakers vote annually on the holiday, which has almost come to be an anticipated shopping period.
The state has offered the school tax holiday 16 times since 1998. The discount period went away a decade ago during the recession. Since being revived in 2010, it has been held annually. Other than in 2015, when the discount period was extended to 10 days, the holiday has lasted for three days.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida