Tougher Texting While Driving Ban Moves In Florida House
January 10, 2018
With support from the House speaker, a proposal to make texting while driving a “primary” offense in Florida received unanimous support Tuesday from a House panel as the 2018 legislative session opened.
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee approved the measure (HB 33), which would allow law-enforcement officers to stop vehicles when they see motorists texting behind the wheel.
“This will prevent the actual behavior of texting behind the wheel,” said Rep. Emily Slosberg, a Boca Raton Democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa. “Because right now, it’s completely unenforceable as a secondary offense.”
Currently, motorists can only be charged with texting and driving if they are stopped for other offenses, such as speeding.
The bill, which must still go before two more panels, advanced despite concern by St. Petersburg Democrat Wengay Newton — a committee member who voted for the bill — who said the change from a secondary to primary offense could be used to racially profile African-Americans.
“I know the inference of having the safety.” Newton, who is black, said. “I get it. But at the same time, when you talk about how it affects everybody in the state … there are a lot that look like me that I want to ensure get a fair shake.”
Also, some supporters of the texting-while-driving ban would prefer lawmakers require motorists to be “hands free” from electronic devices. They also contend the House proposal could prevent law enforcement from inspecting electronic devices if drivers simply claim they were using allowed GPS rather than typing messages.
“There’s just too many loopholes in it,” said Demetrius Branca, whose 19-year-old son Anthony Branca was killed by a distracted driver just over three years ago in Tallahassee. “In my mind, distracted driving, the core of it, is no different than drunk driving. You are doing something that you know to be dangerous, and you are endangering everyone around you.”
The House bill would allow motorists to text while in stationary vehicles and would require law-enforcement officers to inform drivers they have a right to decline a search of the wireless devices. The measure also would prohibit officers from confiscating handheld devices without warrants.
The civil liberty protections were important for many lawmakers. Bills in the past to toughen texting-while-driving laws have failed to advance in the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Slosberg said after the meeting she’d prefer a “hands free” requirement and for charges to be criminal, but she said the bill had been negotiated and needs to be viewed as “a step in the right direction.”
“We’re moving the needle,” added Toledo, who noted her stepson bragged that he knew he couldn’t be pulled over for texting while driving unless he was committing a separate offense.
“That’s when I’m thinking we need harsher legislation,” Toledo said. “We need to be clear with our children that you cannot text and drive.”
The proposal got a major boost in December when House Speaker Richard Corcoran announced his support.
The Land O’ Lakes Republican said that as the father of six children, including two teens who have driver licenses, he has become convinced by statistics showing the dangers of texting while driving, particularly for younger drivers.
The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported nearly 50,000 distracted-driving crashes in 2016 in Florida, including 233 deaths.
Slosberg sought a texting-while-driving ban in the 2017 session and has spent the past several months urging support from local governments. More than 20 counties and nearly 30 cities approved resolutions in support of making texting while driving a primary offense.
For Slosberg, efforts to increase traffic safety are also personal.
On Feb. 23, 1996, Slosberg and her twin sister, Dori, got into a car with friends. The driver, 19, was speeding 90 mph in a 50 mph zone when the car struck a median and crashed into a car heading east. Emily Slosberg survived the crash with a punctured lung and several broken bones. Dori was killed along with four other teenagers.
The bill does not alter existing fines — $30 plus court costs for a first non-moving violation and $60, court costs and three points on a driver’s license on a second offense within five years of the first.
By not changing the fines, the House measure is closer in line with a Senate bill (SB 90) by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, that will go before the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
UWF’s Shinnick Named National Coach Of The Year
January 10, 2018
UWF head football coach Pete Shinnick was named the Division II National Coach of the Year, as announced by the American Football Coaches Association during the live broadcast of the American Football Coaches Awards®, presented by Amway, at the Charlotte Convention Center Tuesday.
Shinnick led the Argonauts to an 11-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in their second season of competition. UWF went 5-3 in the ultra-competitive Gulf South Conference to finish tied for second. The Argonauts won a school record six-consecutive games which included five against nationally ranked teams en route to the title game appearance.
UWF was ranked second in the final AFCA Top 25, marking its first-ever ranking after receiving votes twice during the 2017 season.
The Argos had the nation’s 20th-ranked defense and were among the top 20 in sacks, turnovers gained, interceptions, fumbles recovered, fourth down defense and defensive touchdowns.
UWF had a number of exciting events transpire in 2017. Among the highlights in the regular-season were: A goal line turnover in the final seconds to secure a win at Missouri S&T in the season opener; The team tied a school-record with 51 points in a win over Chowan; Austin Williams kicked a field goal as time expired in a wild road win over Florida Tech to claim the Coastal Classic for the second-consecutive year, Marvin Conley had a 98-yard pick-6 in the last minute to preserve a 28-14 win over Mississippi College; the Argos defeated North Alabama 30-7 on Senior Day; UWF erased a 16-0 deficit to defeat WestGeorgia 34-29 and earn a berth into the postseason, becoming the fastest startup to reach the playoffs in Division II.
The postseason run proved to be just as exciting, captivating the nation as the team knocked off one top-25 opponent after another, beginning with a dominating 31-0 win at No. 16 Wingate. A 17-14 win at No. 25 West Georgia followed before winning the Super Regional 2 championship at No. 17 West Alabama. The national semifinals saw another dominating defensive performance as the Argonauts outlasted top-ranked and undefeated Indiana (Pa.), 27-17 to advance to the title game.
The award is the first for Shinnick, who is 16-10 in two years at UWF and 129-56 in 16 seasons as a head coach.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Myles Rusty
January 10, 2018
Our firstborn, Myles Rusty, was born to us, Rusty and Stacia, on the cold wintry morning of December 31, 2017, at the Baptist Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, our beloved infant son, came into this world to two excited but terrified parents. We are thankful we had a short time to hold and love him. We were so looking forward to him being in our lives, but Jesus had a different plan and took baby Myles to heaven to be a beautiful angel.
Although we are left with broken hearts, we want to trust all to Him who knows best. We are comforted in knowing that we have the hope of seeing him again someday.
Sharing in this loss are his parents, Rusty and Stacia Kaufmann, Walnut Hill, Florida; paternal grandparents, Hank and Diane Kaufmann, Walnut Hill, Florida; maternal grandparents, Galen and Rosalie Schmidt, Walnut Hill, Florida; great grandparents, Verle and Vesta Peters, Walnut Hill, Florida; Sam and Lavaunda Schmidt, Scotia, Nebraska; Dolly Eicher, Brooksville, Mississippi.
A memorial service was held on January 5, 2018, at the Southern Harbor Mennonite Church, Davisville, Florida, with Min. Verle Peters officiating.
Stephany Marie Kizer Peterson
January 10, 2018
Stephany Marie Kizer Peterson , 51, died Sunday January 7, 2018 at her home in Perdido Key, Florida. Stephany was born at U.S Marine Corps Air Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on September 29, 1966 to the late LTCOL. James P. and Marie Kizer. After about a year, the family traveled from Hawaii to California. Over the next twelve years, as LTCOL Kizer moved to assignments in the U.S. and Vietnam, the family travelled back and forth between California, North Carolina, and Virginia. Stephany and her family often spent much of their summers in Atmore Alabama enjoying the warm days with her grandparents, extended family, and with friends. Stephany, like all Marine brats, attended several elementary and middle schools. In the summer of 1978, following LTCOL Kizer’s retirement from the Marine Corps, the family moved from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California to Atmore, Alabama.
Stephany attended Escambia County Middle School in Atmore and spent three years at Escambia County High School. She transferred to Ernest Ward High School in her senior year and graduated in 1984; after graduation she attended Auburn University. Stephany later determined that her destiny was not Auburn and instead traveled to Grapevine, Texas and began Flight Attendant Training with American Airlines. She spent nearly 5 years as a flight attendant with American Airlines living in New York and Grapevine, Texas where she married her children’s father. She and her husband moved to LaFayette, Louisiana and were blessed with the birth of her first son, Patrick Casey Byers, on December 8, 1993. The family later moved to Jupiter, Florida where she was again blessed with the birth of her second son, Bradley Joseph Byers, on December 2, 1997. In 2000, Stephany and her husband divorced, and she moved to Tequesta, Florida.
To be closer to her family, Stephany and her two boys moved to Orange Beach, Alabama in 2007. In 2011 Stephany embarked on a new chapter in her life when she and a partner opened Ya Ya’s Restaurant. Stephany, supported by her associates, served as not only the owner, but also as the cook, waitress, and chief bottle washer! In 2012, Stephany met David E. Peterson and the two dated for the next 5 years. On April 8, 2017, Stephany and David were married and moved to Perdido Key, Florida.
Stephany Peterson’s survivors include two sons, Patrick Casey Byers and Bradley Joseph Byers, her husband David Peterson, and his children John Thomas Peterson, Michael Peterson, and Ashley Peterson; her brother James P. Kizer Jr. and wife, Beth, of Navarre, Florida, her brother Steven J. Kizer and wife, Michelle, of Gulf Shores, and two nephews James Garrett Kizer and Spencer Joseph Kizer. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. January 12, 2018 from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Father Milsted officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Alan Blake Clark, Sr.
January 10, 2018
Mr. Alan Blake Clark, Sr., age 70, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Clark was a native of Penscola, FL, spent most of his life in Gulf Breeze, FL and Pensacola, FL and has resided in Booneville, AL for the past 13 years. He was of the Methodist Faith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Clark, one step-daughter, Kimberly Dawn Suggs McClain and parents, Albert & Lillian Clark.
Survivors include his son, Alan Blake (Rikki English Clark) Clark, Jr. of Booneville, AL; daughter, Angelique B. Clark of Booneville, AL and seven grandchildren, Marie Clark, Lilee Clark, Destiny Clark, Drake Ryan, Blake Ryan, Shelby McClain and Amanda McClain.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Mary Flannigan Helton
January 10, 2018
Mary Flannigan Helton, age 90, passed away Sunday, Januray 7, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family. She enjoyed a long career with Bell South, later AT&T as a Chief Operator.
She is preceded in death by her husband Loyd”Pappy” Helton, son Patrick Carroll, brothers Edward Flannigan and Loyd Flannigan.
Survivors include her daughter Cindy (Warren) Tyon, brother Jerry (Charlotte) Flannigan, grandson sPatrick, William and Hunter, great grand children Deva, Jason, Tommy, Amber, David, Estella and Hanna.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:00am at Pine Crest Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile,AL.
State of The State: Scott Pitches Proposal To Prevent Tax Hikes
January 9, 2018
In his last State of the State speech, Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday asked lawmakers to make it harder to pass future tax increases by requiring a “supermajority” vote by the Legislature.
“This is my last session to cut taxes,” Scott told House and Senate members on the opening day of the 2018 legislative session. “And we must acknowledge that, unfortunately, at some point, there will be politicians sitting in this chamber who are not as fiscally responsible as we are today.”
Scott wants lawmakers to back a constitutional amendment, which if approved by voters in the fall, would require two-thirds votes by the Legislature to pass tax increases. The Republican-led Legislature can now pass a tax increase by a majority vote, with the last increase being a $1 hike in 2009 on the tax on packs of cigarettes.
In his 35-minute speech to lawmakers, Scott discounted arguments that adopting a higher voting requirement on tax increases would hamper future state leaders in dealing with financial challenges.
“It is during times of economic downturn where this proposal is needed the most,” Scott said. “It will force leaders to contemplate living within their means rather than taking the easy way out and just sticking it to the public by raising taxes on families and job creators.”
The House is already advancing a constitutional amendment (HJR 7001) to require two-thirds votes before raising taxes or fees. The Florida Constitution Revision Commission, which has the power to place issues on the 2018 ballot, is also considering a similar measure (Proposal 72).
Facing term limits as he approaches eight years in office, Scott said more than $7 billion in cumulative tax cuts have occurred since he became governor in January 2011.
But in his final legislative agenda, Scott is backing a modest tax-cutting plan in addition to the constitutional proposal. Scott wants to expand sales-tax holidays for Floridians when they buy school and hurricane supplies, and he wants to cut some motor-vehicle fees, including reducing the renewal fee for drivers’ licenses from $48 to $20.
Coming to Tallahassee as a political novice and facing a state budget undermined by the recession, the former health-care executive called his two-term governorship his “most rewarding job.”
“There were the naysayers who told us there was no way that a businessman with no experience in politics or government could possibly be successful at helping turn Florida’s economy around,” Scott said. “Fortunately for all of us, the naysayers were wrong.”
In addition to the tax cuts, Scott used his final State of the State address to mark progress in recovering from the recession. That includes a state unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, which is below the national average.
“The results speak for themselves,” Scott said. “Working together, we’ve created an environment where our private sector has added nearly 1.5 million jobs.”
Scott acknowledged the challenge last year of Hurricane Irma, a “mammoth storm” that engulfed nearly the entire state.
“It was like a scene from a bad movie,” he said.
But Scott also said the “response and solidarity” of Floridians in dealing with the storm provided “one of the proudest moments I have had as governor.”
Scott also highlighted the state’s efforts to help residents who have fled Puerto Rico after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, saying he wanted Florida to be “the most welcoming place for people displaced by the storm.”
Lawmakers will have to deal with the financial impacts from both hurricanes as they shape the next state budget, taking into account emergency spending related to Irma and the influx of Puerto Ricans, including more than 11,000 students who have enrolled in Florida public schools.
Scott said little in his speech about his previously announced effort to increase public school funding by $200 per student in the new budget. The $770 million increase is funded largely by an increase in property tax values. But House leaders oppose such an idea, characterizing it as a tax increase.
On other high-profile issues, Scott pointed to his $53 million initiative to address the opioid crisis and his proposal to increase pay for state law enforcement officers by $30 million.
Also, with sexual harassment scandals rocking the nation and Tallahassee, including the resignation of prominent state Sen. Jack Latvala, Scott outlined steps his office has taken to help victims.
He called on lawmakers to pass legislation to protect state employees who may have witnessed harassment, encouraging them to participate in investigations.
“Things have got to change, and it starts right here in this building,” Scott said. “We all must join together and send a very strong message: Florida stands with victims.”
Scott also used his speech to provide some clues to his future, taking time to highlight Florida’s global role and to condemn the authoritarian regime of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro.
“Make no mistake, Maduro and his gang of thugs pose a problem for the entire world, especially for us here in Florida,” Scott said.
Foreign affairs could play a role if Scott, a Republican, decides to challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, later this year.
Johnny James Watson, Sr.
January 9, 2018
Johnny James Watson, Sr. was born into the union of John Lex Watson and Maggie Eddins on August 3, 1935 in Jay, Florida, just two years after the end of the Great Depression. He was born at his family’s farm house in the Pine Level community. The hands who ushered him from his mother’s womb where those of his Grandmother Hawthorne. He was blessed with loving, God fearing parents and a large family. Johnny lived in the Jay area most of his life and he loved “God’s Country” as he sometimes called it. Johnny passed away at the age of 82 at the home of his oldest daughter, Amanda, on January 5, 2018 in MiIton, Florida with his family surrounding him.
He grew up farming in the fields of Jay, Florida and Elba, Alabama with his family for many years and eventually worked a host of jobs before he was hired as an inspector for the State of Florida Department of Agriculture, where he spent 25 years before retiring in 1996. Johnny was an extraordinary musician and singer who played multiple musical instruments. He was the front man and lead singer for a number of bands. One of which was the Good Times Band, his favorite instrument was the bass guitar. He played music and sang at numerous venues throughout the local area as well as in Mobile, Alabama for time spanning over forty years.
Johnny was charismatic and charming, especially when he flashed his million dollar smile while crooning in his sultry, smooth voice. Many were said to have hearts fluttered when he sang. ohnny rarely ever said a harsh word about anyone preferring to not say anything at all even toward those who were the most deserving of harsh criticism. He was a friend to all who would let him. He was a hard worker and one who often chose to fix things himself, whether he had the aptitude for the task or not. He would often say, “I am either going to fix it or tear it up worse”, often in more colorful language.
Johnny left behind a large family and countless friends made over the years wherever he lived or worked.
Johnny was married and divorced several times and his unions brought forth seven children. He was preceded in death by his former wife, and sweetheart Janice Charlene Michael Watson who bore him five of those children.
Johnny is survived by his children, Billy Watson (Dianne), Amanda Watson, Johnny Watson, Jr. (Tammy), Chris Watson (Bonita), Mike Watson, Mark Watson (Louise) and Jonathon Watson. He had 14 grandchildren, Zackary, Canaan, Seth, Adam, Brandy, Kelly, Konner, Sydney, Racheal, Taylor, Taylia, Tylan, Mackenzie, and Landon. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Felicity, Aubrey, Emelia, Scarlett, Paisley and Jaxon.
Johnny is also survived by his adoring siblings, Annie Merle Rogers (Doug), Dennis Watson,Sr. (Patsy), Jimmy Watson (Linda), Bonnie Dole, Brenda Calhoun (Phil), and Clifton Watson. Johnny’s sister, Jean Marie Warrick and youngest brother, Doyle Dwayne Watson preceded him in death as did his loving parents, John Lex and Maggie Watson.
He leaves behind a large extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins, too numerous to name. His family, even the extended family remained a close and vital part of his life, even unto his last breath. They were all very near and dear to his heart.
A Celebration of Johnny’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a service immediately following at True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 Hwy 87, Jay, FL 32565. The pallbearers, who are family so close to him, will be John Watson, Dennis Watson, Jr., Clint Sheffield, Justin Sheffield, Jarrett Watson, and Jason Watson. Graveside service to follow, in God’s Country at Pine Level Cemetery in Jay, Florida.
Local Woman Claims $2 Million Powerball Prize; Will Share With Office Pool
January 9, 2018
A local woman has claimed a $2 million prize Powerball prize.
The Florida Lottery said 30-year old Regina Spence claimed the prize from the January 3 Powerball drawing. The winning ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers, but did not match the Powerball. Spence is formerly from Walnut Hill and now resides in Pensacola.
Spence bought the ticket as part of an office pool with 33 of her coworkers at Navy Federal Credit Union
“We were shocked and thrilled to win this prize! I’m planning to use my portion to make some repairs to my home and buy my parents a new refrigerator,” she said.
Spence purchased the winning ticket from Circle K, located at 7950 Pensacola Boulevard. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket.
Pictured: Regina Spence claimed a $2 million Powerball price. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Council Votes To Make Amends With Town Planner
January 9, 2018
The Century Town Council voted Monday night to attempt to make amends with Debbie Nickles, who resigned as town planner on December 29. Nickles worked with the town for 40 years, until calling it quits over moral and ethical issues, and concerns about the town’s credibility.
Nickles did offer to continue work on several ongoing projects. She gave no reason for her resignation in a memorandum to Mayor Henry Hawkins and town council members. But she told NorthEscambia.com in an email, “I feel that I have been placed in a moral/ethical dilemma and that the Town has lost its focus and credibility”.
“Most of us were very, very sad to see her resignation,” Council President Ann Brooks said Monday night.
Brooks said Nickles was working on numerous projects for the town, including a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), EPA Brownfields, implementing Land Development Code, a five-year schedule of improvements, housing grants and Triumph funding requests.
Brooks said the University of West Florida Haas Center would help the town complete the formation of a CRA for about $10,000, but Nickles was a comparative bargain, charging $40 per hour.
“There’s no way (without Nickles) that we could get the help we need,” she said. “She really has a heart for the town, she has been an asset.”
The council vote to attempt to lure Nickles back was 4-1, with council member Louis Gomez voting against. Nickles was not at the meeting; she will be contacted by phone for her decision.
After a brief chuckle, Gomez said, “The question I got is why did she resign anyway?”
“I don’t see why we are backing up and asking her,” he said. “You can’t let your temper get in the way of business.”
At the town’s last council meeting in December, Nickles expressed grave concerns regarding the town’s decision to bill an apartment developer $180,250 to establish water and sewer service as opposed to $63,500 based upon a 2015 verbal agreement that she and then-mayor Freddie McCall made with the Paces Foundation. The 2015 agreement was based upon then-current published rates. [Read more...]
“I feel like this is a moral, ethical thing to me. I feel like we made a commitment to them and the town should honor that commitment,” she said addressing the town council in December.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.