Free Beans And Rice Giveaway Saturday In Cantonment
January 27, 2017
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church, will be distributing free rice and dried beans and other non-perishables on Saturday from 9 until 11 a.m. at the church located at 699 South Hwy 95-A in Cantonment. Recipients are also invited to enjoy a free sausage biscuit and coffee. For more information, call the church office at (850) 937-0001.
Escambia Fire Rescue Sharpens Extrication Techniques
January 27, 2017
Escambia Fire Rescue members recently sharpened their extrication techniques with the help of Butler Auto Recycling. Butler provided the vehicles for the training, staging them in various wrecked scenarios. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP Explosion: Crews Continue To Scrub Neighborhoods
January 27, 2017
The cleanup continued Thursday in neighborhoods impacted by the Sunday night explosion at International Paper in Cantonment.
For the fourth day, IP representatives and cleanup crews were in the Woodbury neighborhood — including Woodbury Lane, Woodbury Drive and Woodbury Circle. Remediation teams, made up of more than 100 individuals, are dispersed throughout the surrounding area and remediation efforts are in full operation. The cleanup efforts are expected to take several weeks to complete.
At individual homes, teams are cleaning roofs, gutters, windows and exterior surfaces along with driveways, yards and other exposed surfaces.
When the teams clean black liquor and other material expelled during the incident from household roofs, they use low-pressure, high volume water before capturing the runoff to keep it out of the soil.
IP teams are continuing to visit with residents to answer questions and get signatures on a required access agreement to allow private property cleanup. Anyone needing additional information should contact the Joint Information Center at (850) 968-4208. Since Monday, over 170 calls have been processed.
Environmental monitoring and sampling is being conducted and will continue until cleanup is complete.
According to Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health Senior Toxicologist Dr. Paul Nony, who is onsite as part of the remediation team, the material released as a result of the explosion has no way to get into the drinking water system, and any overnight rain was prevented from accessing storm drains.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Former Century Hospital Property On The Auction Block
January 26, 2017
The former hospital building in Century is now on the auction block.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, owner of the building, is asking for a minimum bid of $13,500 for the 1.69 acre property and 24,000 square foot building at 7600 Mayo Street.
Dr. Christian Bachman, who was at the time the last doctor in Century, vacated the building at some point following the February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado that damaged the building and surrounding neighborhood.
“We mutually agreed to terminate the lease and have a termination agreement with Dr. Bachman,” Jason Mahon, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said.
Mahon said there were no provisions to allow Century, Escambia County or other governmental entity to acquire the property, except to submit the highest bid. Bids on the property are due by 2 p.m. EST on February 16.
Bachman’s 50 Year Lease
In a letter dated August 26, 2015, Century Health Care Access (CHCA) and Dr. Bachman, president of CHCA and physician for Mayo Street Medical, were ordered to vacate the facility by September 30, 2015, by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The eviction date passed, with Bachman and his medical practice receiving much media attention that began with a NorthEscambia.com story. As a result, Bachman said, DEP shifted their position, which at first seemed like a positive breakthrough. But with time, he said he realized it appeared the DEP simply changed their strategy to making “impossible demands”.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office also demanded changes that the doctor said were impracticable to impossible. Demands included repairs to large areas of ceilings that were patched by DEP or their contractors in the 1990’s to install a new fire sprinkler system. He said it was not possible to obtain the permits for the work in a short time period, much less make the costly repairs.
Bachman refused to budge, continuing to operate his medical practice, seeing patients regardless of their ability to pay and even making house calls.
On Friday afternoon, February 12, 2016, law enforcement officers served Bachman a cease and desist order that demanded that no member of the public be allowed inside the building due to fire code violations.
A Stormy End
Bachman said the cease and desist order from the State Fire Marshal’s Office was served on him about 3:45 to 4:00 on that Friday afternoon, with a 72-hour provision to comply. Almost exactly to the minute 72 hours later, the most powerful tornado to hit Escambia County in 45 years roared through Century with winds over 150 mph, and wiped out numerous homes in Century around Bachman’s office. The hospital building suffered damage, but the structure survived intact.
Bachman told NorthEscambia.com at the time that he found great irony in the fact that the building was deemed unsafe, but it was the very place many Century residents ran to for shelter during and after the EF-3 tornado.
When Gov. Rick Scott toured the tornado damage in Century in late Feburary 2016, it presented Bachman with a sudden and unexpected opportunity to discuss his battles with state government face to face with the state’s top elected official.
As Scott walked along Mayo and Church streets, toward the old Century Hospital, he had been briefed on the facility and Bachman’s plight. As Scott and his entourage continued to walk down Church Street, just outside the boarded-up windows of Bachman’s research lab, Bachman grabbed the chance to plead his case and hand over a support petition.
Pictured above and below: The former Century Hospital on Mayo Street as seen Wednesday, January 25. Pictured above inset: Dr. Christian Bachman pleads his case with Gov. Rick Scott on the street outside the former Century Hospital.
Senate Starts Moving On Florida Gambling Overhaul
January 26, 2017
With little discussion and virtually no debate, a Senate panel unanimously signed off Wednesday on a sweeping gambling plan proposed by one of the chamber’s most powerful members.
But while Sen. Bill Galvano’s proposal is on a speedy Senate track, the House is expected to take a much more conservative approach to a redesign of the state’s gambling footprint.
Galvano’s legislation would broadly expand the presence of slots in Florida, by allowing the machines at pari-mutuels in eight counties — Brevard, Duval, Gadsden, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Washington — where voters have approved them. Galvano, who is slated to become Senate president after the 2018 elections, is also proposing another slot-machine license each in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The bill (SB 
would also allow jai alai operators, greyhound tracks and all but thoroughbred horse track operators to do away with live racing or games while still keeping more lucrative gambling activities like cardrooms or slots, a process known as “decoupling.”
The measure, if passed, would only go into effect if lawmakers also approve a new gambling agreement, called a “compact,” with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Galvano told the Senate Regulated Industries Committee during an explanation of the 112-page bill Wednesday.
Lawmakers are again considering broad gambling legislation as House and Senate leaders work with Gov. Rick Scott’s administration to hash out a new compact with the tribe.
The negotiations come after a portion of a 20-year compact expired in 2015. That portion gave the tribe the exclusive rights to operate “banked” card games such as blackjack.
Despite the expiration, a federal judge ruled in November that the Seminoles could continue to offer blackjack because the state had breached the agreement by permitting controversial “designated player” games at pari-mutuel cardrooms. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that the designated player games violate a state law prohibiting games in which players bet against the house.
Galvano’s soup-to-nuts proposal, which would legalize the designated player games, would also resolve litigation awaiting a decision from the Florida Supreme Court. The lawsuit, filed by Gretna Racing, is focused on whether gambling operators can add slots if county voters give the go-ahead, even without the express permission of the Legislature.
Galvano told the Senate committee Wednesday that his plan would inject certainty “in a dubious marketplace” by “creating funding opportunities,” spurring economic development and resolving litigation.
The Senate plan would also establish regulations for the fantasy sports industry, requiring an initial $500,000 licensure fee and an annual $100,000 renewal fee for major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. Questions have been raised in other states about whether fantasy sports are a form of illegal gambling.
“This bill, if it were to pass unchanged and I cannot in good faith tell you that unless we’re playing fantasy amusement, but the gross impact on our annual budget would be $450 million, the net impact would be $375 (million),” Galvano told the committee. “It’s a significant dollar amount, but again it is a comprehensive approach to move us forward on the journey with the tribe … and (gaming) interests.”
The bill addresses “gaming and all of its components comprehensively” and “has been designed purposely so that the interest of each is ultimately dependent on the interests of others,” he said.
“We have a very comprehensive bill here. I believe it is a solid vehicle to move forward. But this type of legislation is very unique. Unlike most legislation where you have a back and forth with your counterparts and you’re seeking the approval of your governor, we have injected into this a sovereign (Seminole) nation,” he said, referring to the gambling deal as a game of “three-dimensional chess.”
Industry insiders have referred to Galvano’s bill as a “Christmas tree” for pari-mutuel operators, but he rejected the notion that his plan is an industry wish list.
“These are not issues that we just came up with,” Galvano, R-Bradenton, told reporters after the meeting. “These are all issues that were pursued and discussed in committees. They are a reality for the tribe and the House to contend with if we are going to get resolution.”
Unlike the Senate bill, the House could focus on shrinking the state’s gambling operations.
“The House bill will be a conservative approach to gaming that will put contraction front and center. But the details are still being worked out,” House Commerce Committee Chairman Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
Galvano — who, as a House member, was instrumental in crafting the 20-year compact with the Seminoles — and Diaz are the Legislature’s chief negotiators with the tribe and the governor’s office after lawmakers failed to give the requisite approval last year to a deal struck by Scott.
“The compact that was executed last year is no longer the starting place for either chamber,” Diaz said.
Instead, both the House and Senate are crafting bills that lay out parameters for “how the compact should look,” he explained.
“We’re now spending time fleshing out the details of the two proposals to see if we can get to a realistic, passable bill,” Diaz said.
Galvano said the tribe is aware of his bill, and he expects to receive input from the Seminoles — who have paid the state more than $120 million even after the banked card games portion of the compact expired — soon.
“We all want to get something done,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Teams Needed For Cade Allen Benefit Softball Tournament
January 26, 2017
A two-day Cade’s Benefit Softball Tournament will be held February 3-4 at the Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino.
There will be 12 teams maximum, with at least 10 people on each team. Teams must have three females on the field with at least four females on the team.
$15 per person with funds due to Friday, January 27 to Amy Holland in Northview High School’s front office. For more information, Call Amanda Pritchett at (850) 418-2502.
Northview student Cade Allen had surgery in Orlando during Christmas break and suffered severe complications that have kept him unconscious and in ICU.
Molino Park Students Dress As 100-Year Olds
January 26, 2017
Molino Park Elementary School students celebrated the 100th day of the school year this week by dressing up like 100-year olds.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 97 Two Vehicle Crash
January 26, 2017
There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 97 at at Pilgrim Trail. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released details on the 4:#0 p.m. accident. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate High Wrestling Places At Gator Brawl
January 26, 2017
Tate High School’s wrestling team recently traveled to Wewahitchka High School for the Gator Brawl. Nine Aggies placed in the top ten, while six received medals.
Jacob Cochran — 1st, 106 pounds
Lee Pedicord — 12th, 106 pounds
Noah Kryfka — 3rd, 113 pounds
Alex Porter — 1st, 120 pounds
Matthew Blalock — 3rd, 126 pounds
Derek Cannon — 9th, 126 pounds
Alex Ludgate — 8th, 132 pounds
Kendall Townley — 1st, 138 pounds
Juan Alvarez — 3rd, 152 pounds
Alex Young — 10th, 170 pounds
The Tate Aggies placed fifth overall, with five wrestlers not able to attend.
Pictured: (Front, L-R) Coach Reggie Allen, Matthew Blalock, Kendall Townley, Juan Alvarez, Jacob Cochran, Derek Cannon, (back) Noah Kryfka, Lee Pedicord, Alex Porter, Alex Young and Alex Ludgate. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP Explosion: Goal Is To Reopen Mill, Get Employees Back To Work
January 25, 2017
The International Paper mill in Cantonment sat idle Tuesday afternoon, an unfamiliar sight to locals with no steam rising from the plant. There is no production underway, with most of its hundreds of employees not at work. But Mill Manager Bretton Dejong said Tuesday that the company plans to put employees back to work as soon as possible.
“The company is committed to reestablishing operations at this facility,” Dejong said. “Exactly how long that will take is yet to be determined. We have staff coming from all over the company…experts that can help us step through this process safely and get our folks back to work where they need to be.”
“Our immediate goal is to get folks back to work, recognizing the work may be a little different than where they were before we started this incident,” he said. “We have a lot of needs as you can imagine tying to get the facility back into some semblance of cleanup, remediation on site, following up with the processes we need to put in place to reestablish safe operation.”
“With the expertise of our team members here, we couldn’t hire anyone better to help us do that. they know the place,” the mill manager continued. “They are going to be the ones to help us get our feet back under us.”
Dejong did not provide any timetable for bringing employees back to work or returning the mill to operation.
International Paper has set up a hotline for residents. Individuals with questions or concerns pertaining to Sunday night’s incident can contact the information hotline at (850) 968-4208. The number is available 24 hours a day until further notice.
Pictured top: The International Paper mill in Cantonment sits idle Tuesday afternoon, following a Sunday night explosion (below). NorthEcambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
