Florida Supreme Court Digs Into Education Amendment
September 6, 2018
With school choice a hot-button issue in Florida, the state Supreme Court on Wednesday plunged into a debate about whether voters should cast ballots in November on a proposed constitutional amendment that could help lead to more charter schools.
Justices peppered attorneys on both sides of the issue with questions about whether the proposal, placed on the ballot by the state Constitution Revision Commission, would be misleading to voters. The League of Women Voters of Florida has challenged the proposal, contending it should be blocked from moving forward.
Ron Meyer, an attorney for the League of Women Voters, said people would be “fooled” by the ballot title and summary — the part of the proposal voters would see when they go to the polls.
“Our problem is that the voter presenting at the voting booth is not being told what’s happening here, is not being given an explanatory purpose,” Meyer said.
But state Deputy Solicitor General Daniel Bell disputed that the ballot title and summary would be misleading to voters.
“The only question before this court today is whether the ballot language at issue accurately and clearly discloses the chief purpose of the amendment … and we would submit that it does,” Bell said.
The state appealed after Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled last month that the proposed constitutional amendment should be knocked off the ballot. In part pointing to the failure to use the term “charter schools,” Cooper wrote that the proposal “fails to inform voters of the chief purpose and effect of this proposal.”
The Supreme Court quickly took up the issue as elections officials prepare to start sending out general-election ballots to voters this month. With justices away from Tallahassee because of an educational seminar for judges, the court took the unusual step Wednesday of hearing arguments in a courtroom in West Palm Beach.
The 37-member Constitution Revision Commission meets every 20 years and has unique powers to place proposed constitutional changes on the ballot. But the education amendment comes amid heavy debate in the state about expansion of charter schools and voucher-like programs that supporters say give students more educational choices
The proposed amendment, which would appear on the ballot as Amendment 8, would impose eight-year term limits on school board members and would require the promotion of “civic literacy” in public schools.
But a third provision that drew the legal challenge from the League of Women Voters of Florida would allow the state to “operate, control and supervise public schools not established by the school board.”
County school boards and charter-school operators have repeatedly battled in recent years about whether new charter schools should be allowed. While the proposed constitutional wording does not specifically mention charter schools, it could open the door to the state allowing charter schools outside of the control of local school boards. Charter schools are public schools but are typically operated by private entities.
The Supreme Court, as is customary, did not indicate Wednesday how it would rule. But justices Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince asked questions that appeared clearly skeptical of the state’s arguments.
“My problem with this, and it was I think what the circuit court zeroed in on, is whether the ballot title and summary establishes the … true meaning of the amendment,” Pariente said. “It is pretty clear from looking at the briefs that the true purpose was to take away responsibilities from the school boards and transfer it to either the Legislature, the state, to a private commission.”
Justices are only supposed to determine whether the ballot title and summary would provide an accurate description of the proposed constitutional amendment to voters. They are not supposed to weigh the underlying merits of the amendment.
Chief Justice Charles Canady and Justice Alan Lawson took issue with the League of Women Voters’ arguments, with Canady suggesting that the group is opposed to the merits of the amendment — not the ballot title and summary.
“I understand you’ve got a problem with the proposal. I accept that, and I understand the policy reasons that people would have a problem with the proposal. … But that’s not a reason to keep the people of Florida from having an opportunity to vote on this,” Canady said to Meyer at one point.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
William Thomas Crooke
September 6, 2018
William Thomas Crooke, 77, of Pensacola, Florida was called home by Our Lord on September 1, 2018. He was born to William H. Crooke and Lillian I. Kersey on July 6, 1941. William was a truck driver for many years to provide for his wife and five children, and did so with great pride. He was our hero and the most wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend anybody could be so lucky to have. He was a very patient and a saint of man. He was a very wholesome Christian man who loved the Lord. He had a great love of fishing and always had to have his coffee, cookies and banana pudding. He always loved spending time with his family. He was a very simple man that never expected anything in return. He was a man of success that lived well, laughed often and loved much; who gained respect of everyone and the love of his children; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation for anyone or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. He is now reunited with his first love, and we now have two angels in heaven looking over us, our father/grandfather and mother/grandmother, Carol Crooke. He was a member of Farmhill Baptist Church in Cantonment, Fl.
He is preceded in death by parents, William H. Crooke and Lillian I. Kersey; the first love of his life and mother of his children, Carol A. Crooke; stepmothers, Audrey Crooke and Bertha Kramek, grandfather and grandmother Adams.
William leaves behind to cherish his memory by his loving wife, Lola Crooke; sons, Timothy (Dawn) Crooke, John Crooke, and David Crooke; daughters, Katherine (Michael) Littlefield and Sarah Crooke; granddaughters, Jazmine Bodiford, Maria and Victoria Crooke; grandsons, Joseph and Adam Crooke; five step-children; numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces/nephews and other family and friends that he loved so dearly.
Funeral Services were held Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Faith Chapel North followed by a graveside service at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Pine Forest Road.
The family is very grateful that Pastor Darrell Black officiated the services.
A Special Thanks to West Florida Hospital and Select Speciality Hospital for the loving care that they provided for our Father.
Pallbearers were Jamie Hobbs, Adam Crooke, Joseph Crooke, Michael Littlefield, John Cole, and Bro. Drannon Vines.
He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He truly made an impact on our life.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
James Robert Daniels, Sr.
September 6, 2018
James Robert (“Jim”) Daniels, Sr. went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2018, at the age of 76 due to complications following heart valve surgery. Jim was a retired project manager from Monsanto’s Pensacola Plant and a long-time resident of the Pensacola area.
Jim is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Jim (Mary) Daniels, Jr., Tammy (Robert) Hicks, Shelly (Billy) Perkins, and Jamie (Danny) Broxson; his brother, Sal (Sadie) Genovese; his sister, Francis Genovese; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Jim was born in Houston, TX on January 18, 1942, to George and Dorothy Daniels. Shortly thereafter, he moved to New Orleans, LA where he grew up and spent his formative years. In 1959, he married Connie Davenport, his high school sweetheart, and soon started a family. He joined Monsanto in 1972 at their world headquarters in St. Louis, MO. Jim relocated to the Pensacola Plant in 1976, where he served as a senior project manager until his retirement in 1997.
Jim was an avid golfer and a huge sports fan. He was fun-loving and enjoyed all things New Orleans and Louisiana, including good food, good music, Saints football, and especially his beloved LSU Tigers. His “swaddling clothes” were in fact purple and gold. Jim loved spending time with his family and was often the life of the party at family gatherings. Jim loved to sing and was an active member of the choir at Gonzalez United Methodist Church. His gregarious and loving presence will be sorely missed by his friends and family.
Jim’s celebration of life will be on Saturday, September 8, 2018, in the sanctuary of Gonzalez United Methodist Church in Cantonment, FL. Friends are invited to the visitation from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
A service of remembrance will begin at 1 p.m., with interment immediately following in the GUMC cemetery.
The Rev. Michael Ramsey and the Rev. Riley Richardson will officiate the service.
Pallbearers are Joe Genovese, Casey Genovese, Matthew Perkins, Jacob Hicks, Nathan Hicks, and Daniel Perkins.
Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Daniels and Cameron Broxson.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North has been entrusted with arrangements.
Maxine A. Perkins
September 6, 2018
Maxine A. Perkins, 87, of Molino, Florida, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018. She was born May 19, 1931, in Cottondale, Alabama. She was the beloved daughter of the late Eddie Mack Booth and Lillie Mae Allen.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, James R. Perkins; parents, Eddie Mack Booth and Lillie Mae Allen; step-father, Carter Herbert; sisters, Mary Alice Fulgham, Mae Francis Hart, Doris Nell Herbert-Stephens; brothers, James Booth, Marvin Booth, and Henry Herbert.
Mrs. Perkins started her career as a waitress, where she met the love of her life in May of 1949. First time she met him he said “I’m going to marry you”, she said “You’re crazy”. Then on July 4, 1949, they were married at Corry Station Chapel in Pensacola, Florida. Now a Navy wife, she began her world travels raising five children and strongly supporting her sailor. While stationed in San Diego, California she worked as a waitress at the Del Coronado where she served aristocrats, movie stars, and politicians; to name just a few, Ronald Reagan, Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis, and Elvis. Her husband was then selected to be a member of Seal Team 1 on January 1, 1962 (Plank Owner). As a mother of five and a wife of a Navy Seal she packed her family and moved overseas. Once the tour was complete the entire family returned stateside. Upon retirement the family moved to a farm in Titusville, PA. Now a farmer’s wife she began canning, hunting, and fishing. Then her cherished journey began as a grandmother, “Granny”. Years later the family moved again to their final destination, Pensacola, Florida, where the story first began. Mrs. Perkins lived the rest of her life at the same home in Molino, Florida. Now known as “Granny’s House”.
Mrs. Perkins is survived by her daughters, Belinda Christie, Cynthia Perkins, and Oneita Yuhasz; sons, Jimmy (Missy) Perkins, and Bobby (Julie) Perkins; grandchildren, Karen (Scott) Spencer (LeMire), Tammy Mayo (Sosnowski), Lisa McGee (Perkins), J.R. (Rachel) LeMire, Joe (Amanda) Sosnowski, Jason (Hanah) Perkins, Joshua Perkins, Russell McAnally, Tony (Jennifer) Yuhasz, Megan Yuhasz; 19 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Molino, Florida. Rosary to start at 9:30 a.m.
Burial will follow in church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joe Sosnowski, Russell McAnally, Tyler Storandt, Malcom Mayo, Scott Spencer, and Lamar Flowers.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Henry Raymond Robbins
September 6, 2018
Mr. Henry Raymond “Pop” Robbins, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, in Century, Florida.
Mr. Robbins was a native and lifelong resident of McDavid, FL. He was a brick mason by trade, avid fisherman and loved his family. He was of the Baptist faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Stella Robbins; one son, Ricky Robbins; wife, Margaret Louise Nicholas; two brothers, James R. Robbins and Pellar Robbins; and his dog, Debo.
He is survived by his two sons, Barry (Apryl) Nicholas of McDavid, FL and Clayton (Tammy Moe) Simmons of McDavid, FL; one sister, Carolyn Robbins (Donald) Jordan of Flomaton, AL; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Rick MaHarrey officiating.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 10 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Tropical Storm Damage Closes Pensacola Beach Pier
September 5, 2018
Damage from Tropical Storm Gordon has temporarily closed the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.
Waves damaged railings on the pier.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Rescued After Flood Waters Isolate Cantonment Neighborhood (With Gallery)
September 5, 2018
Several Escambia County agencies rescued two residents of a Cantonment neighborhood cut off by rising flood waters Wednesday afternoon, including a resident that suffered a medical emergency.
Crews from Escambia Fire Rescue, the ECFR Special Operations team, Escambia EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office took part in the operation on Ashbury Lane off Highway 297A. There were 14 homes isolated by water across Ashbury Lane.
For a photo gallery, click here.
ECFR Special Ops launched an inflatable raft, and the Sheriff’s Office used their high water rescue vehicle to cross into the neighborhood. The flood waters were estimated to be six-feet deep.
Escambia County Chief Deputy Chip Simmons and Maj. Andrew Hobbs responded with the high water vehicle.
“We responded when our high water vehicle was requested,” Hobbs said. “We took the high water vehicle across and transported two people back over.
The vehicle was also used to transport medication back to another resident isolated by the flood waters.
Officials went door to door offering assistance, but only one other resident decided to leave the neighborhood.
Gulf Power also assisted because a ground-level pad transformer was under the water crossing the road.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Courtesy and NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Flood Warning Extended
September 5, 2018
The flood warning for Escambia County in Florida, western Santa Rosa County and Escambia County in Alabama has been extended until 7:45 p.m.
Pictured above: Flooding on Mobile Highway at Eight Mile Creek, courtesy Melinda Knight-Davis. Pictured below: Flooding on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Weather Related Road Closures
September 5, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation reports the following road closures:
Escambia County
- Bridge on U.S. 90 over 8 Mile Creek is closed due to flooding.
- All ramps at the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass are now open.
TS Gordon: Thomas Discusses Decision To Open Escambia Schools Wednesday
September 5, 2018
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Wednesday morning that the decision to open schools today was based upon the best information available at the time.
“I did not expect what we had this morning when I got up,” he told NorthEscambia.com. “You make a decision on the best information you have.”
And Thomas said that information relayed Tuesday afternoon by weather experts and emergency managers called for Tropical Storm Gordon to move faster, drop much less rain and have fewer wind impacts than actually materialized during the early morning hours.
“It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback,” he said. “I would have canceled (for Wednesday) if I had known. This one did not play out like any of them expected.”
“We use the best information we have. In 10 years years looking back, this is the one time I wish I had back. I’m not blaming anybody at the end of the day….I regret it. I’m sick we exposed students and staff to it.”
He said once the decision was made Tuesday to open schools on Wednesday, it is hard to turn back and make a last minute cancellation because many bus drivers and the school day process are already “getting in gear’ at 4:00 to 4:30 a.m.
Attendance was down significantly at school across the county, he said, adding that all absences on Wednesday will be excused.
“Parents that kept their students at home did what they thought they should have; they made the right call,” he said.
All schools had electric power Wednesday morning, and any indoor after-school activities or sports will continue at the discretion of school leaders.
Thomas said schools were closed on Tuesday because the best forecast information for Monday called for 40-45 mph winds in Escambia County – a huge issue for a high profile vehicle like a school bus. But the forecast for this morning did not.
“We have almost zero wind this morning, and we go to school in light and moderate rain, but I’m not downplaying what we had during the early morning.”
Thomas said he did not anticipate an early release Wednesday because that creates problems for parents and childcare.
“Now that they are in school, they are safer where they are,” Thomas said. “When we have one of these storms in the middle of the night, in the future, we will take the next day off and burn it.”
File photo.