Century Correctional Officer Assaulted By Inmate Serving Life
June 24, 2018
A correctional officer was recently assaulted at Century Correctional Institution earlier this month, according to information just released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Ryan McCullough was subdued followed the assault. The officer suffered a minor injury to his arm.
Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries. Inmate McCullough will receive a disciplinary report for this assault, account to the Department of Corerctions.
McCullough was serving a life sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Finger Pointing In Full Force
June 24, 2018
First came the haunting image of a wailing toddler in a pink jacket, followed by harrowing photos of children inside chain-link cages huddled on the floor beneath Mylar blankets. And then came even more heart-wrenching audio of sobbing children pleading for their mamas and papís.
The focus on undocumented immigrant children being separated from their parents or guardians at the country’s southern border exploded this week, prompting some of the most hawkish conservatives to chide President Donald Trump and his administration for a practice Democrats and immigrants’ advocates condemned even more loudly.
By midweek, Trump, under pressure from Republican leaders anxious about the impact on the fall elections, reversed course on the policy his administration denied was even a policy. But even after the president issued an executive order, questions continued to swirl, such as how — or if — children and parents held in detention centers thousands of miles apart would be reunited.
And, as so often is the case in national dramas, Florida was a major player: Two Democratic lawmakers were denied access to a Homestead facility that houses dozens of undocumented children who were whisked away from their families out west.
Week’s end brought no sign that the angry rhetoric would dissipate anytime soon, with the finger pointing in full force and the president throwing fuel on the fire.
“We must maintain a Strong Southern Border. We cannot allow our Country to be overrun by illegal immigrants as the Democrats tell their phony stories of sadness and grief, hoping it will help them in the elections. Obama and others had the same pictures, and did nothing about it,” Trump tweeted Friday morning.
Trump’s message to his 53 million Twitter followers was a stark contrast to a message posted two days earlier by Pope Francis.
“A person’s dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity #WithRefugees,” the pope (@Pontifex) tweeted.
Two hours before the president posted his viral message Friday morning, Pope Francis offered some disparate advice: “Love for others needs to become the constant factor of our lives.”
BORDER BACKLASH
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who are battling for the Republican nomination for governor, have spent months trying to hitch themselves to Trump’s coattails.
But like outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott, Putnam and DeSantis adopted softer stances this week on the immigration policy.
“It’s important that we enforce our laws in a humane way and families should be kept together. With secure borders, you would have less of this issue. Washington needs to work with President Trump to find a solution,” Putnam said in a statement issued by his campaign Tuesday.
DeSantis, who’s carved out a reputation as an immigration hawk and has nailed down Trump’s endorsement, told supporters in Bradenton that he would “keep the family together and repatriate them back as a family unit.”
Scott, who is trying to oust veteran U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and who is an ally of Trump, also distanced himself from the policy — saying he does “not favor separating families” — while at the same time mirroring the president’s finger-pointing at Congress for the situation.
“What the country is witnessing right now is the byproduct of the many years of bipartisan inaction and failure from our federal government,’’ Scott said in a statement distributed by his Senate campaign.
But while four other governors — including Republicans from Maryland and Massachusetts — are refusing to lend aid to the federal border defense, Scott does not plan to recall three Florida National Guard troops dispatched to support the effort.
Tuesday evening, Scott sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, seeking information about the children housed at the Homestead facility.
“I have been very clear that I absolutely do not agree with the practice of separating children from their families. This practice needs to stop now,” wrote Scott, whose hardline immigration stance was a cornerstone of his 2010 campaign for governor.
The opposition from Scott, Putnam and DeSantis came amid competitive campaigns in a state with a fast-growing number of Hispanics, a voting bloc Republicans and Democrats consider critical to November victories.
Nelson on Tuesday captured national attention after he and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., were barred from entering the privately run federal detention facility in Homestead. Nelson said that, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, 94 of the approximately 1,000 children housed in the facility were taken from their families at the border.
The Democrats accused Trump and his administration of a cover-up.
“They are obviously hiding something,” an irate Nelson told reporters. “This is absolutely ridiculous. I am ashamed of this administration, that they are doing this.”
Nelson plans to visit the facility Saturday.
THE LINE FORMS HERE
In the past, the end of qualifying week created a mad scramble at the state Division of Elections office. But that has abated significantly since the advent of electronic filing.
Nevertheless, with this year’s qualifying period ending at noon Friday, the office still provided a showcase for candidates who wanted to grab the limelight, such as five Democratic gubernatorial wannabes.
Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and Orlando-area entrepreneur Chris King all filed their forms in person during the past week, as did Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, a late entry into the race.
But, on the other side of the aisle, Putnam and DeSantis took a stealthier approach, submitting the documents without fanfare.
The biggest surprise of the week in statewide races came when Rep. Jay Fant, R-Jacksonville, dropped his bid for attorney general and announced he would apply to become Florida’s top financial regulator.
Fant had been vying with two other Republicans, former Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Ashley Moody and Rep. Frank White of Pensacola, and two Democrats, state Rep. Sean Shaw of Tampa and Hillsborough County lawyer Ryan Torrens, to replace term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi. But Fant, who raised relatively little campaign cash in recent months, said in a prepared statement he instead wants to become commissioner of the state Office of Financial Regulation.
The post “is the position most in line with my experience in banking, law and policymaking and I will seek that appointment,” Fant said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: President Donald Trump reversed his administration’s policy of separating undocumented immigrant children from their families at the southern U.S. border, a policy that quickly became a political flashpoint in Florida. Dozens of the children are being housed at a facility in Homestead.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It depends on how it plays out, but it’s certainly not a great general-election issue, for sure.” — Brian Ballard, a Republican lobbyist and fundraiser who has close ties to President Donald Trump and Gov. Rick Scott, referring to the family separation issue.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Got Milk? It’s Still National Dairy Month
June 24, 2018
“Milk Does a Body Good” is not just an advertising slogan. It’s a way to get people to drink the dairy product, because it offers so many nutrients, says a University of Florida expert
As we celebrate June as National Dairy Month, UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts tout the benefits of dairy in the daily diet.
Milk and other dairy foods are loaded with calcium and vitamin D as well as protein and other essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, B12, and riboflavin, said Nan Jensen, a family and consumer sciences agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
“These nutrients help keep us healthy,” Jensen said. “Calcium builds and maintains strong bones and teeth and helps reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Phosphorous and vitamin D partner with calcium to keep bones strong as well.”
Dairy products provide these additional benefits, according to Jensen:
- Calcium combined with potassium and magnesium play an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure.
- Milk nutrients can help maintain weight. Studies should that people who consume calcium and dairy products weigh less or have less body fat than those who don’t.
- Cultured dairy products like kefir and yogurt provide “friendly bacteria” that help promote a healthy gut.
- Dairy nutrients provide a source of protein to build and maintain lean muscle.
Those who can’t tolerate dairy or don’t like it can choose from an array of non-dairy choices, including soy, almond, rice, hemp and oat milk, Jensen said. She suggests consumers read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label to compare these and other non-dairy alternatives.
Molino Preschool Students Receive Letter From Donald Trump
June 24, 2018
A Molino preschool class recently sent their artwork and a letter to President Donald Trump to wish him a happy Presidents Day. And to their surprise, the Tinker II Childcare students e received a letter back from Trump on Friday.
“Thank you for taking the time to write me. I always enjoy hearing from young Americans like you. As your President, I want you to know that I am listening and will always work hard for you. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for many years to come, and we will create a better future for you and your family,” the letter stated.
“I encourage you to do your best in school each day, never stop learning, and look for ways to make positive changes in your community. With best wishes, Donald Trump.”
Pictured below are students (L-R)Gannon Lepley, Breylin Few, Brantley Driver, Taylor Stokes and Josie Brasch. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission Recognizes Historic Little League Team
June 24, 2018
The Escambia County Commission recently recognized the 1955 Pensacola Jaycees Baseball Team for their peaceful and heroic contribution to the civil rights movement. The group of 12-year-old boys and their families risked social, physical and economic repercussions for playing the first game of integrated Little League baseball in the south against the all-white team the Orlando Kiwanis. Shortstop Admiral LeRoy, second baseman Rev. Freddie Augustine and family representatives of Clyde Charley, Richard Morris and Phillip Stewart attended the commission meeting.
The Pensacola Jaycees became the Northwest Florida regional champions not just for their skill, but because the all-white teams in the area refused to play the Jaycees. By local teams forfeiting the regional games, the Pensacola Jaycees advanced to the state championship in Orlando. While the Orlando Kiwanis beat the Jaycees 5-0, the game when down in history for breaking barriers. The all-black team is the subject of a new documentary film, “Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story.”
Commissioner Robinson wrote the proclamations and Commissioner May made the presentations. Both commissioners attended a screening of the film held at Pensacola State College sponsored by the African-American Heritage Society and the Pensacola State College Black History/Multicultural Committee.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Power Past Generals 11-4
June 24, 2018
The Blue Wahoos launched four home runs on Saturday night in an 11-4 win over the Jackson Generals at the Ballpark at Jackson. Taylor Sparks led the charge with two of them, including an inside-the-park homer to the left-center field wall in the fifth inning.
Gavin LaValley got the Wahoos going with his sixth homer of the season leading off the second inning. In the third, Shed Long singled home TJ Friedl to make it 2-0. In the fifth, Sparks drove a pitch off the wall in left-center field that caromed past the center fielder Daniel Robertson, and Sparks circled the bases for his first of two home runs on the night.
Jackson rallied to take the lead with a four-run bottom of the fifth. Robertson delivered the big blow, a three-run shot to give Jackson a 4-3 advantage. Pensacola followed with more big hits to reclaim the lead. In the seventh, Taylor Sparks belted his second home run of the game, this time over the fence with a man on, to put the Blue Wahoos up for good.
Jose Siri hit his first home run as a Blue Wahoo with a man on in the seventh inning, and Pensacola blew the game open with four runs in the ninth inning. Friedl delivered the knock-out punch with a bases-clearing double and later scored on a sac fly from Luis Gonzalez.
Seth Varner (W, 4-0) retired the first eight batters he faced on the mound before surrendering a two-out double to Generals starter Bo Takahashi (L, 0-2). Varner was charged with four runs (two earned) over six innings. He allowed just five hits with one walk and one strikeout in the win. Takahashi suffered the loss after giving up five runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out 10 Wahoos without issuing a walk.
The two teams continue the series Sunday night with RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (3-8, 5.63) starting for the Blue Wahoos opposite RHP Taylor Widener (4-3, 2.53).
One Century Council Member Unopposed, Five Running For Two Other Seats
June 23, 2018
An incumbent Century Town Council member earned another term Friday, as five other candidates will face off on the ballot for two other seats.
No one qualified to run against Seat 5 holder Sandra McMurray-Jackson, returning her to office for a third four-year term that begins in January.
“I thank God for giving me another opportunity,” she said. “I am going to roll up my sleeves and get out there and be active meeting with the citizens and hearing their concerns. Anything that can be done within norm, we will do all we can to make Century a better place to give our children and grandchildren something to look forward to.”
For Seat 3, incumbent Ben Boutwell will face challenger Amanuel Onell Dubose on the general election ballot on November 6.
For Seat 4, Mary Bourgeois, John Brian Johnston and James Edward Smith, Jr. qualified for the seat currently held Gary Riley. They will be on the August 28 primary ballot with a runoff in November if no candidate receives one vote more than 50 percent.
Riley tearfully announced in May that he would not seek re-election to the seat he has held for 20 years.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Gets Five Years In ‘Heart-Wrenching’ Child Abuse Case
June 23, 2018
A Cantonment woman has been sentenced to five years in state prison for her part in the abuse of three children.
Rachel Linton was sentenced Friday in Escambia County; the five year sentence was the maximum allowed by law. Her husband, Jeffrey Scott Linton, was sentenced last year to 35 years in state prison for aggravated child abuse and multiple counts of child neglect.
Sheriff David Morgan called the case “heart-wrenching” and one of the worst he has ever seen.
The investigation began after the Department of Children and Families received an anonymous tip. That led to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office opening an investigation and executing a search warrant at the couple’s Cantonment home.
The allegations against the Lintons span the period August 2015 to May 23, 2016.
Nine children were removed from the home when the couple was arrested.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The remainder of this story details some of the severe physical child abuse allegations in this case. There are details that some readers will find disturbing.
The couple’s arrest reports indicated that one of the victims suffered a broken leg and then a broken arm caused by one of the siblings, and that Rachel Linton did not feed or bathe the children or take them to medical appointments. Two of the victims were born prematurely and are developmentally delayed.
DCF received a tip that Rachel Linton was planning to flee the area and has a history of fleeing when she is under investigation.
DCF received a report that two victims had injuries to their faces and heads, and Rachel Linton took the victims to West Florida Hospital where a trauma survey found that one victim had two broken arms and a broken leg and all three victims were malnourished.
The report says Rachel Linton frequently hit the victims’ heads on the walls and that Jeffrey Linton also abused them. Rachel Linton threatened the children with further punishment if they provided any information to DCF about the ongoing abuse in the home. Both allegedly told the children to blame their injuries on the other children in the home.
One child allegedly suffered a broken arm as the result of Jeffrey Linton twisting an arm. DCF discovered the children had multiple bruises on their faces, back and arms, and that the children had knots on the back and tops of their heads. They suffered a variety of other injuries, including an abscess on the bottom of a foot, scarring and scabbing of lips, scarring of a nose, lacerations to their ears and bruising to their genital areas.
A witness alleged that Jeffrey Linton would hold the victims upside down by their feet and hit their heads on the floor as punishment and that he would hit them with a paddle “2-3 feet long” and throw them and slam their heads against a wall, and he would allegedly hit them with a fly swatter.
The witness said the paddle was broken from use, and that she would hear the children cry and scream in pain.
Few Surprises As State Candidates Qualify To Run
June 23, 2018
Florida’s 2018 state elections are set, with seven major candidates running for governor, three contested state Cabinet seats and fifteen state Senate incumbents facing opposition as the qualifying period closed Friday.
At the top of the list is the campaign to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who is running against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
Chris King, a Democrat and Orlando-area businessman, was the last major gubernatorial candidate to file, submitting his paperwork shortly before the five-day qualifying period for state and local offices ended at noon Friday.
King entered a crowded Democratic field that includes former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham of Tallahassee, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, Palm Beach investor Jeff Greene and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.
“I still very much believe that I have a pathway to win this race, but I recognize that it’s daunting,” King said. “Democrats haven’t won since I was a freshman in high school. I would argue that it’s because we have not cast a vision that excites people and that lifts people up.”
Heading into the Aug. 28 Republican primary for governor are Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis of Palm Coast.
A third elected official won’t be on the ballot but will be involved in the GOP primary, a point that was underscored Friday morning when President Donald Trump tweeted an endorsement of DeSantis.
“Congressman Ron DeSantis, a top student at Yale and Harvard Law School, is running for Governor of the Great State of Florida. Ron is strong on Borders, tough on Crime & big on Cutting Taxes – Loves our Military & our Vets. He will be a Great Governor & has my full Endorsement!” the president tweeted.
DeSantis said he was “honored” by the thumbs-up from Trump.
“He has thrown his support behind me, because he knows I’ll fight to keep Florida the best state in the nation when I’m your governor!” DeSantis told his Twitter followers.
Trump’s endorsement comes after a new Fox News poll of likely Republican primary voters showed Putnam leading DeSantis by a 32-17 percent margin, with 39 percent undecided.
In other statewide races, 14 candidates — not including write-in candidates — qualified for the three Cabinet seats.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who was appointed to his post by Scott, will face former state Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, in November.
Republican candidates seeking to replace term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi include Ashley Moody of Tampa and state Rep. Frank White of Pensacola, while two Tampa Democrats — state Rep. Sean Shaw and Ryan Torrens — will face off in the August primary.
In the race for state agriculture commissioner, qualified Republican candidates include state Sen. Denise Grimsley of Zolfo Springs, former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven and state Rep. Matt Caldwell of North Fort Myers. On the Democratic side are Nikki Fried of Fort Lauderdale, Jeffrey Porter of Cooper City and Roy Walker of Fort Lauderdale.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger The News Service of Florida
Photos: Vegetation Fire In Walnut Hill
June 23, 2018
Firefighters from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue extinguished a small vegetation fire Friday afternoon on Highway 97 just north of Pine Forest Road. There was no property damage reported. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
