Miss Ernest Ward Pageant Is Tonight
January 26, 2019
The 2019 Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Pageant will be held Saturday night at 6:00 in the school gym.
Contestants, pictured above, are (front, L-R) Jessica Stabler, Raegan Abbott, Carsyn Dortch, Jamison Gilman, Makayla Golson, (back) Rabekah Abbott, Emma Gilmore, McKenna Simmons, Rabecca Peebles, Dakota Giddeon and Anna Spence.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ethics Panel Finds Cause On Gillum Ethics Allegations
January 26, 2019
State ethics officials have found probable cause that former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who narrowly lost the governor’s race last year and continues to draw national political attention, violated Florida ethics laws by accepting gifts from lobbyists.
The Florida Commission on Ethics isn’t expected to announce the findings until next week. However, Gillum’s attorney, Barry Richard, and Erwin Jackson, a Tallahassee businessman who filed the complaint, said after a closed-door meeting Friday that the commission was unanimous in support of its staff’s findings and that the case is now headed to a hearing before an administrative law judge.
“The month of January is not going to be good for Andrew Gillum,” said Jackson, who hopes the commission’s findings will be followed by criminal charges against the former Democratic mayor.
“Locally, hopefully, the word is getting out, we expect our local officials to act ethically and honestly, and represent the public instead of themselves,” Jackson said.
Richard said the findings were based on Gillum receiving gifts, not that he solicited anything.
“The (commission’s) advocate says that (Gillum) was hanging out with these people who were lobbyists and had an interest,” Richard said. “But there is no evidence in this case, and there is no allegations that he ever did anything for anybody, as a quid pro quo for receiving a gift. There is no suggestion he took a payment he wasn’t entitled to, that he voted for somebody for something.”
Richard said the hearing before an administrative law judge could be held in 45 to 60 days.
Gillum did not attend Friday’s ethics commission meeting.
The ethics complaint added to questions that dogged Gillum throughout his gubernatorial campaign about possible ties to an FBI investigation of Tallahassee City Hall.
In December, former Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox and a close associate, political consultant Paige Carter-Smith, were indicted on 44 counts, including bank fraud, extortion, making false statements to federal officers and filing false tax returns.
No charges have been filed against Gillum, but Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis used the FBI investigation to slam the ethics and honesty of Gillum during the campaign. DeSantis ultimately won the race and was sworn into office Jan. 8.
DeSantis’ allegations were aided during the campaign by the release of documents related to the ethics investigation. The documents raised questions about how Gillum paid in 2016 for a pricey ticket to the hit musical “Hamilton,” a boat ride in New York City and a Costa Rica vacation.
Public officials in Florida are prohibited from accepting gifts of $100 or more from lobbyists and others that work with the government.
The attacks on Gillum reached the White House, where just over a week before the election President Donald Trump tweeted that Gillum was a “thief” who oversees one of the country’s “most corrupt cities.”
On Thursday, DeSantis downplayed Gillum’s situation.
“At the end of the day, he was a tough competitor,” DeSantis said. “I think he’s a talented guy. I don’t wish anything ill for him.”
DeSantis acknowledged he didn’t know all the facts of the ethics complaint after noting he had “opined a time or two during the campaign on some of the issues.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Andrew Gillum during a Pensacola campaign appearance last October. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Lois Lister
January 26, 2019
Lois Lister, resident of Pensacola, Florida went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at the age of 87. She was born in Santa Rosa County, FL on September 04, 1931 to the late Seth Michael Brigham and Emma Frances Jackson Brigham.
Lois worked and retired as a Draw String Operator for over 30 years with Monsanto.
She was a faithful member and a faithful choir member of Olive Baptist Church. She loved game day at church and fellowshipping with her card groups in their different homes. Lois loved her family and enjoyed arts and crafts.
She is preceded in death by her two sons, Henry “Tony” Lister and Steven Lister.
Lois is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Ralph Lodge of Cantonment, FL; and many nieces and nephews. As well as, her great friends and caregivers, Tame and Bob Ritchie, who she referred to as her adopted grandchildren; and her best friend, Smokey the Cat.
Funeral services will be held at 10AM on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Ted Traylor officiating. Burial will follow in McCurdy Cemetery, Century, FL.
Family will received friends at 9AM prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Josh Webb, David Webb, Bob Ritchie, Bud Burrell, Ed Kokocinski, and George Grover.
Rebecca Stafford
January 26, 2019
Rebecca Stafford, 54, of Pensacola, FL passed away on January 24, 2019 in Pensacola, FL.
Rebecca was born October 5, 1964 to Mary Esther May in Galveston, Texas.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved spouse of 29 years, Blaine Boyett; her mother, Mary Esther May; her son, Ian Stafford and his wife, Ive; her cherished grandchildren, Ivyona Stafford and Ian James
Stafford; her sister, Norma Orona and her husband, Leo; her brothers, Ronald R. Navarrette and his wife, Amanda and Pedro Luna; and several nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in law, Jimmy Boyett and
wife, Jone, Bridget Holland and husband, Danny and Scarlette Boyett.
A memorial service will be announced soon.
One Injured In Head-on Crash In Molino
January 25, 2019
One person was taken to an area hospital following a head-on crash on Highway 95A Friday morning.
The crash happened just north of the Molino Road intersection about 11:20 a.m. and temporarily closed Highway 95A.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, and Escambia Count EMS responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Injured When Fire Rips Though Molino Home
January 25, 2019
Two people were injured when fire destroyed their home early Friday morning in Molino. They were transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital, one as a trauma alert, according to Escambia County.
The 12:30 a.m. fire in the 3500 block of Crabtree Church Road left three people, two adults and one adolescent, without a home. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Several dogs also escaped the blaze.
Family members said the two injured individuals were released from the hospital Friday morning.
Fire crews arrived to find smoke coming from the single-story wood structure. The fire was brought under control at approximately 1:37 a.m.
No working smoke detectors were present in the home, according to Kaycee Lagarde, Escambia County spokesperson.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Molino, Cantonment, McDavid, Ensley, Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire, along with Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Donations for the family are being accepted at the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service next to Domino’s Pizza on Highway 29 at Tate Road. The adolescent female wears a size 3-4 juniors, and an adult female wears size 0-1. Shoe sizes are 7 and 8.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Council Members Receive Fines In Sunshine Law Violation Case
January 25, 2019
Two Century Town Council members charged with civil violations of the Sunshine Law entered pleas before a judge Thursday, while a court date was postponed for a third council member.
Council member Sandra McMurray Jackson entered a plea of no contest and was fined $200. Council president Ann Brooks also pleaded no contest and was fined $100. Adjudication was withheld in both cases.
Brooks received a lower fine because “she was left culpable because she was at the meeting legally before Mr. Gomez and Mrs. Jackson arrived,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said. “While she should have left immediately, she did not participate in the meeting to the extent that Mr. Gomez and Mrs. Jackson did.”
Councilman Luis Gomez, Jr. did not appear in court Thursday due to health reasons, and his hearing date was reset for late February.
The three council members “did unlawfully engage in a discussion or exchange of information with other members of the Century Town Council regarding a matter which foreseeably could come before said board or commission for action, outside of a public meeting, in violation of … Florida statues,” according to the charging documents.
Last summer, three council members attended at least some portion of a closed-door meeting with CPA Robert Hudson, Town Clerk Kim Godwin and the town’s auditors. The meeting was not advertised as a public meeting, which would forbid more than one council member from taking part under Florida’s Sunshine Laws.
The maximum allowable fine was $500 for each council member.
In the coming weeks, a grand jury will investigate “a number of issues” related to the operation of the town. Under Florida law, the nature of that investigation is will not be released until it is completed.
Pictured top: Century Council members (L-R) Luis Gomez, Jr., Ann Cofield Brooks and Sandra McMurray Jackson at a December 17, 2018, meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Double Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
January 25, 2019
A Molino double shooting suspect entered a not guilty plea during an arraignment hearing Thursday.
Justin Demarte Young, 21, is charged with two counts of attempted first degree premeditated murder. He will remain in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
He is charged with shooting Aretha Vaughn and her adult daughter Mea Vaughn about 7:50 p.m. January 1 on Barth Road in Molino.
Mea Vaughn was shot on the left side of her face, and Aretha Vaughn was shot in the back and abdomen. Investigators have not released a possible motive for the shootings.
For a photo gallery from the shooting scene, click here.
After the shooting, young fled the scene and was taken into custody about 25 miles away in the 7700 block of Kipling Street off East Olive Road.
Young had been temporarily staying with the Vaughns, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The women told deputies that he just walked in the door and started shooting at them without saying anything.
Young had allegedly moved in with the women after being kicked out of his residence after allegedly pulling a gun. According to an arrest report from that September 20 incident, he allegedly threatened to shoot woman, claiming she was the reason he lost his job. Her child younger son was reportedly in the room at the time. He is awaiting trial on two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence related in connection with the incident.
NorthEscambia.com scene photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge. Court images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cool Sunny Days, Clear And Cold Nights
January 25, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Florida Secretary Of State Resigns After Blackface Photos Emerge
January 25, 2019
Florida Secretary of State Mike Ertel abruptly resigned Thursday, after a newspaper obtained photos of the elections chief wearing blackface on Halloween more than a decade ago.
Ertel was one of the first appointments by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who named the former Seminole County supervisor of elections as secretary of state before the governor took office this month.
Photos published online by the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper Thursday showed Ertel wearing blackface and red lipstick and clad in a New Orleans Saints bandanna and a purple T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Katrina Victim,” under which he wore falsies.
According to the Democrat, the photos were taken in 2005, eight months after Ertel’s appointment as the Seminole County elections chief and two months after Hurricane Katrina’s widespread destruction in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. The Democrat shared the photos with Ertel last week and with the governor’s office Thursday morning, the story said.
Shortly before 2 p.m., Ertel, who confirmed to the Democrat that he was the man in the photos, submitted a 25-word email to Diane Moulton, director of the governor’s executive staff.
“I am submitting my resignation as Florida Secretary of State effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve you and the voters of Florida,” wrote the 49-year-old Ertel, who had appeared at a House subcommittee meeting earlier Thursday.
Ertel’s email “signature” included a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “These men ask for just the same thing, fairness, and fairness only. This, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.”
Ertel’s hasty exit from the Department of State is the first stain on DeSantis’ administration and came just 16 days after the Republican governor took office.
Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon at a news conference in Marianna, DeSantis called Ertel’s resignation “unfortunate.”
“I think he regrets that whole thing 14-15 years ago, but at the same time I want people to be able to lead and not having any of these things swirling around them,” DeSantis said at an event outside the Jackson County Emergency Operations Complex.
The governor said he felt it was best to accept Ertel’s resignation and “move on.”
“I think it’s unfortunate. I think he’s done a lot of good work, but at the same time I have got to have an administration that is going to be focused on what matters to Floridians. I don’t want to get mired into side controversies,” he said.
Last week, DeSantis named Christopher Anderson, a U.S. Army veteran who is black, as Ertel’s replacement as Seminole County elections supervisor.
Ertel’s sudden departure — and the racially charged photos — stunned the elections community, of which Ertel had been a respected member for years.
“This is a shocking development. His resignation seems like the only acceptable option,” Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards said in an email.
As Seminole’s elections supervisor, Ertel — whose personal Twitter account has been deleted — boosted voter enrollment, pushed for civic participation and was active on social media. His team earned kudos for the speed and transparency with which it handled manual recounts following the November elections.
But Florida state elections officials and their county counterparts are under intense scrutiny, at least in part because of the November passage of Amendment 4, which “automatically” restores voting rights to felons who have completed the terms of their sentences. The constitutional amendment, which excludes murderers and sex offenders, went into effect this month, and supervisors began registering felons who immediately started signing up to vote.
Looking to implement the amendment, lawmakers are grappling with questions about which crimes should be included in the “murder” exclusion and what financial penalties, such as court fines and restitution, must be satisfied for voters to be eligible.
Local elections supervisors are relying on the state Division of Elections, which is part of the Department of State, to give them guidance about how to interpret the amendment. Meanwhile, state elections officials told the Senate Criminal Justice Committee this week they need direction from the Legislature.
While many elections supervisors expressed strong support for Ertel’s appointment as secretary of state, Ion Sancho, who served as Leon County’s elections chief for nearly three decades before retiring in 2016, pointed out that Seminole is the only county that is not a member of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections.
Sancho said he was “stunned” by the 14-year-old photos of Ertel in blackface dressed as a Katrina victim, “because supposedly he’s a social media guru.”
Ertel “knows what to do,” Sancho said.
“He’s always tweeting,” he said.
But Ertel was viewed as somewhat of an outsider by other supervisors, according to Sancho.
“We’re a close-knit organization, like a family. We lean on each other for technical support. He was viewed as doing his own thing. He really sought out publicity more than most supervisors of elections do,” Sancho said.
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is among the people who were screened by DeSantis’ transition team for the secretary of state position last month, sparking social-media speculation Thursday about Corley as a possible replacement for Ertel.
In a text message Thursday, Corley said he appreciates “the kind words by those who would consider me qualified” for the post.
“However, my interest has been & continues to be laser focused on serving the citizens of Pasco County and striving to continually improve all facets of the Pasco Supervisor of Election’s Office,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida