Robinson: Pensacola Should Find Way To Keep Cross
June 28, 2017
by Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson
Do we practice what we preach? We hold ourselves as Americans out to acknowledge that we are open and tolerant and founded on principals of freedom. We drape ourselves in the Bill of Rights to protect the things we want but do we truly protect those things we don’t like.
Recently, Pensacola has found itself at the center of a national debate related to a cross which has stood for more than 60 years in Bayview Park. While the arguments have focused on who is right, they should have been focused what kind of community do we want to create?
The very beginning of European settlements in what is now known as the United States is centered on religious freedom and tolerance, just look at the Pilgrims, Rhode Island, Maryland and Pennsylvania. However, in each of those settlements, it would have totally been expected that symbols could and would have been displayed.
While I firmly and steadfastly support the religious freedom and the prohibition of a national religion in our Bill of Rights, a cross is not the establishment of a religion. It is a symbol related to a religion. There are symbols to religion and other principals throughout our public buildings and parks in Pensacola, much less than places like Washington DC that is totally created on symbols.
Supposedly we now have to remove a symbol because one person was offended. This is a misapplication of the law. No symbol is universally liked. Let’s take the most popular symbol in NW Florida, the Blue Angels on the Escambia County seal. While I know the Blues are love here, I know in less than 3 hours, I could find 4 people who are offended by that symbol, the same number who filed suit against the cross.
This brings us to the real question, how tolerant are we and what is the community we want to create?
While Christianity is a majority now, its history has not always been that way. At times, Christian symbols have had to vary to prevent its believers from persecution. Yes, the US judiciary now has joined some of the best autocratic Caesars, like Nero, Caligula and Diocletian, who have disallowed Christian symbols.
My point is no symbol, religious, national, ethnic or cultural, is universally liked, but they are all important to the people that are represented by them. No one says anyone has to like a symbol. The only thing that should be embraced for us to create the unique and great country our founders
envisioned is that we should tolerate the symbols of others. We are a better community when we do that and we are more likely to find unity in respect than in division.
We have real problems in Pensacola and the United States. Removing symbols that mean something to people in our community does nothing to help us find solutions or unity. Instead it creates division and distrust that makes solutions harder to find. Whether business or politics, I have never had a problem working with anyone who is represented by a different symbol than me. However, if someone can not respect the symbols that represent me, then that severs our ability to move forward together in relationship.
I don’t need you to think the way I do or to come from the same background or believe the same things as me for us to be friends and work together. All I need is for you to respect me and tolerate my symbols as I will do for you. That is what lies at the heart of the Bill of Rights, respect, and that is what has been lost in Washington DC and in our judicial rulings.
If we truly believe in tolerance and diversity, then the cross should stay. Otherwise, are we really as open and tolerant and supportive of freedom as we say? I support the cross staying and I hope Pensacola will find a way to ensure it does for we are better when we respect than when we remove.
Florida Democrats On Offensive Over Health Care Fight
June 28, 2017
Even as the U.S. Senate delayed a planned procedural vote Tuesday on a controversial Republican plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, the proposal was roiling Florida’s political landscape ahead of the 2018 elections.
Democrats running for the Senate and in the state’s governor’s race hammered away at the GOP, suggesting that they saw a chance to go on the offensive over an issue that has dogged them for years. Republicans running in the marquee contests, meanwhile, seemed to be doing everything they could to take a definitive stand on the legislation.
At the heart of the controversy is a bill that, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, would lead to 22 million fewer Americans having health insurance in 2026 than would be the case under current law.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., unveiled the bill last week as part of the GOP’s longstanding promise to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. McConnell and other GOP leaders had hoped to advance the bill with a key vote Wednesday, but pulled the plug after it became clear the move would fail.
By then, Democrats were already blasting away at Republican candidates in Florida over the measure, underscoring changes in Medicaid spending and the reductions in tax credits for some low-income workers. The attacks suggested Democrats now see Obamacare, which had generally hurt the party since 2010 but has recently increased in popularity, as a net positive.
Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, a Democrat who’s running for governor, labeled the Republican bill “heartless” as she delivered more than 4,000 petitions against “Trumpcare,” named for President Donald Trump, to the Florida Capitol office of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
Graham also blasted term-limited Republican Gov. Rick Scott for not agreeing to Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, and expressed hope that the GOP bill wouldn’t pass.
“But if that does happen, then we’re going to need an even better governor here in Florida,” she said. “The one we’ve had … should not be able to sleep at night.”
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, one of Graham’s opponents for the Democratic nomination, called for an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would recognize health care as “a fundamental right of all Floridians.”
“There is a public trust for the government to care for its citizens, and our state can no longer be ambiguous about that moral obligation,” Gillum said in a statement issued by his campaign. “When healthcare is under attack in Washington, we’re going to lean into the challenge of healthcare in the Sunshine State and live our values.”
Highlighting the potential differences that exist even within the party, Graham was equivocal Tuesday when asked whether she would support such an amendment, stressing her support for a public option in the state.
“I think health care is a right,” she said. “But I want to make sure the way we go about it is doable.”
Winter Park businessman Chris King, the third declared Democratic candidate for governor, didn’t comment publicly on the bill Tuesday, but has in the past criticized a previous version passed by the House and attacked Scott and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam for not taking a stance on the bill.
Putnam is the only major, declared Republican candidate for governor in 2018. A spokeswoman said Tuesday that Putnam’s campaign had no comment about his position on the bill.
American Bridge, a Democratic campaign organization, said Monday that Putnam was “complicit” in the federal legislation.
“If Adam Putnam wants to be governor, he should come out and propose a plan of his own instead of hiding behind this disaster of a bill that gives tax breaks to the wealthiest few at the expense of Floridians’ health,” said Lizzy Price, a spokeswoman for the group.
Scott spent Tuesday in Washington, D.C., lobbying federal officials on the legislation while dancing around questions about his position during television appearances.
“I think it’s very important to repeal and replace Obamacare,” Scott told business channel CNBC when asked whether he would vote for the bill. “I’m up here as a governor. I don’t have a vote. I’m up here as a governor trying to make sure the bill is good for Florida families. I know the bill is a work in progress.”
That didn’t stop U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat likely to face a re-election challenge from Scott next year, from trying to tie his would-be opponent to the bill.
“Rick Scott is supporting and urging Republican senators to vote for a bill that makes huge cuts to Medicaid, takes coverage away from 22 million people and allows insurance companies to hike rates for older Americans,” Nelson said in a statement issued by his office. “If he really cared about the people of Florida, he’d be doing the exact opposite of what he’s doing now.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Flomaton Adds New Lifesaving Equipment To Every Fire Truck
June 28, 2017
Artie Bell of Flomaton had the chance Tuesday to meet the first responders that saved his life, along with the new equipment they used.
Recently, Bell suffered a massive heart attack. He had no pulse and was not breathing on his own . The odds were very much against him, according to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton. But the Flomaton Fire Department recently placed a defibrillator on each truck, and that increases those odds.
The first responders feel the defibrillator made all the difference and will ultimately save many lives in the Flomaton area.
“I have a second chance. People don’t think about things happening to us until sometimes it’s too late,” Bell Tuesday morning after meeting the first responders at the Flomaton fire station.
I know they got equipment that helped them do what they needed to do,” he said. “I really give the glory to God.”
Pictured: Artie Bell (center, holding defibrillator bag) stopped by the Flomaton Fire Department Tuesday to thank them for saving his life. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Charged With Shooting Of ‘Associate’ On Rawson Lane
June 28, 2017
Four people have been charged with the shooting death of their “associate” early Sunday morning in Escambia County.
Juston Ladonte Donson, 22, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head. He was one of the people that shot into a residence in the 6100 block of Rawson Lane early Sunday and was hit by what investigators called “friendly fire”.
Donson was found by neighbors wearing a ski mask and with an obvious gunshot wound in the front yard of a home on Rawson Lane about 6:16 a.m. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office determined that the shooting actually occurred about 4:45 a.m.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death — Trevon Demarcus Lewis, 16; Dywane William Woodrow, 20; Tre’Shaun Rydell Ulmer, 19; Demetric Jamartia Milhouse, 23.
“Here’s the twist on this particular story,” Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said, “While Mr. Donson was a victim of these individuals, Mr. Donson was also a party to the arrival at that address on Rawson Lane. He was actually a part of this group…Mr. Donson was the victim of friendly fire.”
“He was an unintended victim,” Morgan added.
The shooting was retaliatory and drug-related, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Amber Bernard said. There had been a previous altercation between an individual that was inside the house and one of the suspects.
Each of the four people involved in the shooting have been charged with principal to murder since the Donson’s death came during the commission of a felony.
Tate Aggies Attend Southeastern Line Camp
June 28, 2017
The Tate High School linemen took part in the Southeastern Line Camp this week to develop their offensive and defensive skills. The Tate Aggies will open play on August 18 at Pine Forest and August 25 at home against Pensacola High School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ex-Employee Sentenced For Stealing From Cantonment Business
June 27, 2017
The former employee of a Cantonment business has been sentenced for stealing equipment and then pawning it.
Michael Anthony Patterson, 44, was sentenced to 48 months probation for felony providing false owner information on pawned items, and grand theft. He was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution to the victim.
Patterson was arrested for stealing two Honda generators valued at $2,000 from that garage of A-1 Small Engines on Highway 29 while he was employed at the business. He then pawned both generators for $310 total at a Pensacola pawn shop, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. The business owner was able to pay the $310 and recover the generators after they were identified by serial numbers and unique markings.
He is also charged with stealing and pawning additional items, including plasma cutters and welding equipment. A-1 was able to buy back most of the items at pawn, except for one plasma cutter.
Summer Reading Program Events This Week At Your Library
June 27, 2017
Here’s a look at Summer Reading programs this week at your local branch library:
Summer STEAM: Different Ways of Flying
- Tuesday, June 27, 2 p.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Thursday, June 29, 2 p.m. – Westside Branch Library
Don’t have wings? Not lighter than air? No worries; there are lots of ways to fly. Come make paper airplanes that don’t come down (as long as the power is on…), balloons that are solar powered (kind of), and other wonky ways of using science, technology, engineering arts and math to wing it.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Instrument Petting Zoo
- Tuesday, June 27, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library (Held at Big Lagoon State Park)
- Wednesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 28 , 3 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 29, 3 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Animals aren’t the only things that can make sounds. Come see, hear and touch different musical instruments. Don’t worry, they won’t bite.
Tate Aggie Cheerleaders Earn Top Awards At Camp
June 27, 2017
The Tate High School Cheerleaders attended the the UCA Camp held June 23-26 at Florida State University.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Awards:
Each individual team was awarded Spirit Sticks throughout the weekend and all teams earned multiple Superior ribbons during evaluations.
The Team Program won:
Overall Game Day Traditions
Top Banana Award for team Spirit
3 Pin-it Forward Winners
5 All- American Cheerleader Winners
Freshman:
Overall GameDay Champion Freshman Division
Overall Extreme Routine Champion Freshman Divison
JV:
Award for earning Superior evaluations all weekend
Award for Most Improved
Varsity:
Overall Champion Game Day Elite Co-ed
2nd Place for Extreme Routine Elite Co-ed
“I am so proud of the efforts, strength and resiliency of each athlete in this program. Tate High School has always held a special place in my heart and it’s exciting to be part of such a great program. We have some amazing athletes and I’m so excited to show the Aggie Nation what we have learned this weekend at UCA Camp,” Head Coach Morgan White said. White serves as the varsity coach, while Karen Potter is freshman coach and Annie Wiggens is junior varsity coach.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gov. Scott Applauds New Pensacola Bay Bridge Construction
June 27, 2017
Monday, Gov. Rick Scott celebrated the kick off of construction on the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, the largest transportation infrastructure project in Northwest Florida history.
The State of Florida is investing $398.5 million in the new bridge. The new bridge is expected to be completed in 2019 and will temporarily transition four lanes of traffic onto the structure. This will allow for demolition of the existing bridge and completion of the second and final bridge in 2020.
“I was proud to join
Northwest Florida leaders and community members to celebrate the kick off of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge project today. This investment will help increase safety and efficiency for the many families and visitors that travel through this beautiful community each day and will also help support the creation of thousands of jobs. Thanks to our
commitment to making record transportation investments, critical projects like the Pensacola Bay Bridge replacement will help ensure Florida’s transportation infrastructure remains a national leader for generations to come,” Scott said.
The new bridge will consist of two parallel structures, each with three 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot multi-use path for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists.
The project’s design-build contractor, Skanska USA Civil Southeast, Inc., estimates they will directly employ more than 500 workers to construct the new bridge. Additionally, estimates from the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development indicate the project will help create and sustain approximately 4,200 jobs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, along with an additional 600 jobs throughout Florida.
“I thank Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and local officials for making this vital investment for Northwest Florida families and businesses. Governor Scott’s policies have led an economic revival across the state. We are at a nearly 10-year-low in unemployment and we are seeing 1,000 people move to the state each day. That’s why our transportation improvements, like the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, are critical to meeting the challenges of growth,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew said.
Pictured above and below: Gov. Rick Scott marks the construction kick off of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge in Pensacola late Monday morning. Pictured bottom: A computer generated image of the new bridge. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Signs Economic Development And School Funding Bills
June 27, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott signed 29 bills late Monday, including measures boosting spending on education, tourism marketing and economic development.
By signing the bills, and vetoing five more, Scott essentially closed the books on this year’s regular and special legislative sessions.
The bills Scott approved included perhaps one of the hardest-fought wins of his time as governor: a measure (HB 1A) that provided $76 million for the tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida; established an $85 million fund to pay for infrastructure improvements and job training to help draw businesses; and set aside $50 million in repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike along Lake Okeechobee.
That legislation was approved in this month’s special session, after the House refused to approve direct business incentives that Scott prefers and gave him far less for Visit Florida than he had requested during the regular session, which ended in May.
“With this legislation, we can promote public infrastructure projects and job training projects to continue to grow jobs for families in every community of our state,” Scott said in a statement issued by his office. “We know that for Florida to be competitive in domestic and international markets, we need as many tools as possible to attract growing businesses to our state.”
Scott also signed another bill from the special session (HB 3A) boosting per-student spending in the state’s main formula for funding public education by $100. The budget for public schools had originally only increased spending by $24 a student, leading to charges from critics that it was too stingy and prompting a rare veto by Scott.
The governor hailed the increase Monday.
“Our students are the future of our state and I’m incredibly proud to sign legislation today to ensure they have every opportunity for success,” he said.
During the special session, some Democrats had complained that the increase wouldn’t offset what they said would be the negative impact of HB 7069, a controversial and wide-ranging education bill Scott approved shortly after the special session as part of a rumored deal with House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes.
“It’s an increase — but at what cost?” asked Rep. Cynthia Stafford, a Miami Democrat who pointed out that funding for education is still short of pre-recession levels when inflation is factored in. “The state has recovered, but education funding has not.”
Scott also signed several other education bills Monday, including a measure (HB 15) expanding eligibility for a program that helps pay for educational services for students with disabilities and boosting the size of voucher-like tax credit scholarships that help parents pay for private school tuition.
In addition, the governor approved HB 989, which overhauls the state’s policy on instructional materials to allow any county resident — not just parents — to challenge materials used at schools.
In all, Scott signed 230 of the bills lawmakers approved during this year’s regular legislative session, while vetoing 11. He signed all four bills that passed during the special session.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida