Fire Destroys Abandoned Home In Cantonment
November 14, 2016
Fire ripped though an abandoned home in Cantonment Monday evening.
The home in the 1400 block of Highway 297A was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived. The fire was declared under control 13 minutes later. Neighbors said the log and stone home had been abandoned for about a year; it was being demolished to make way for a new subdivision.
There were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
For additional photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Molino Rollover Crash
November 14, 2016
There were no injuries in a single vehicle crash Sunday night near Molino.
The accident was reported just before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 95A and Barrineau Park Road. A 25-year old female driver lost control, left the roadway and flipped her car over into several trees. She denied serious injury at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Update: Driver Stuck On Railroad Tracks Charged With DUI
November 14, 2016
(This is an update to a previous story published November 4.)
A driver that became stuck on railroad tracks in Cantonment earlier this month has been charged DUI.
According to a recently released report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Jeffery Thomas McKamey, age 58 of Cantonment, had a breath alcohol level of .23, nearly three times the legal limit.
On November 3, McKamey missed turn and became stuck on the tracks near Woodbury Circle. He told the responding state trooper that he had six or seven beers prior to the accident. The trooper was unable to complete a field sobriety test because he was unable to stand without nearly falling over.
McKamey was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond. He’s due back in court in early December.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Pot Amendment’s Passage Creats Green Rush
November 14, 2016
Florida voters’ overwhelming approval of a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana for a broad swath of patients may have spurred a green rush into the state by investors eager to cash in on what will soon be the nation’s second-largest pot market.
More than 71 percent of voters approved Amendment 2, “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions,” on Tuesday.
The size of Florida’s new market is sparking an influx of interest from investors and operators seeking to get in on the ground floor of the state’s pot industry, which had already started because of legislation allowing more-limited medical marijuana.
“I’ve gotten 13 calls over the last two days from people who want to know how to get into the business or where the opportunities are,” lobbyist Jeff Sharkey said. “It’s a remarkable spike in interest that obviously is a result of the passage of Amendment 2. It’s been rather dramatic.”
This year was the second time Florida voters weighed in on the pot measure. A similar proposal narrowly failed to capture the 60 percent approval required for passage in 2014.
As a result of a law passed this year, full-strength pot is already being grown and distributed legally in Florida, but its use is limited to patients who are terminally ill.
The success of the constitutional amendment raises questions about the future of Florida’s industry and sets the stage for more legal battles over opportunities to gain entree to one of the country’s most lucrative markets in a multibillion-dollar industry.
“Without a doubt, the passage of Amendment 2 has created an incredibly large market for medical marijuana that interests from outside the state that don’t already have a license are going to be interested in participating in,” said Jon Costello, a lobbyist who has represented firms seeking a foothold in Florida’s pot industry. “The question now becomes what entities outside Florida are going to come and start participating politically to try and open the market.”
Lawmakers will have to deal with the expansion of pot during the legislative session that begins in March, setting up what could be an industry food fight because the amendment appears to be in conflict with several provisions in Florida’s existing laws regarding the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Currently, six “dispensing organizations” have licenses to grow, process and distribute marijuana and cannabis-related products. Representatives of the dispensing organizations met with state Office of Compassionate Use Executive Director Christian Bax to discuss the impact of Tuesday’s election on their industry.
Bax told them that the status quo would continue, at least for now, according to several executives who attended the meeting.
Fewer than 700 patients were registered to receive the current marijuana products as of last week, according to state health officials, who estimated at least 500,000 patients would be eligible for the treatment under the constitutional amendment approved Tuesday.
“I anticipate that there’s going to be a robust discussion about the number of licenses that are necessary to meet the demand of the marketplace. That’s certainly an issue that we need to study and address, if necessary,” Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, told The News Service of Florida.
Bradley was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s existing laws that authorized non-euphoric marijuana for a limited number of patients and full-strength marijuana for terminally ill patients.
In 2014, the Legislature authorized the low-THC treatment in part to thwart that year’s proposed constitutional amendment that ultimately did not pass. Proponents tweaked the 2014 proposal to address concerns and brought it back to voters this year.
Orlando attorney John Morgan, who helped bankroll both initiatives, said Tuesday’s 71 percent approval was the largest margin for any marijuana-related measure in the country.
Morgan said he expects lawmakers to quickly address the measure during the 2017 session, given the mandate handed down by voters.
That would be a contrast to the rollout of non-euphoric medical marijuana in Florida, first authorized by lawmakers in 2014 but which only made its way to patients this year because of challenges to rules governing the industry and contests over the entities who were awarded licenses.
“What’s going to push this faster this time, when it gets to Tallahassee, is the money that’s waiting at the door to get this stuff grown and marketed. That’s going to be different,” Morgan, who — with his law firm — spent more than $6.5 million on making medical marijuana legal — told reporters.
Anticipating that Amendment 2 would pass, the GOP-dominated Legislature this spring expanded the law to allow full-strength pot for terminally ill patients. Under the new law, the already-approved dispensing organizations are allowed to grow the full-strength cannabis.
The 2016 law also requires the Department of Health to award three more licenses when more than 250,000 patients have registered for the treatment.
It is unknown how long it will take for that many patients to sign up for the treatment, but proponents of Amendment 2 believe that the estimated 500,000 patients who would be eligible will require even more licenses than that anticipated by the state law.
The constitutional amendment provides for “reasonable access” to the marijuana treatment by patients, which would almost certainly require more than nine providers in a state as large as Florida, according to Ben Pollara, who managed the Amendment 2 campaign.
“There are numerous points, both big picture and technical, where there are clear and present conflicts between the current statute and the amendment. If nothing else, those things need to be worked out,” Pollara said in a telephone interview.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Building Services Director Mayo Retires With 38 Years On The Job
November 14, 2016
Escambia County Building Services Director Donald Mayo has retired. after more than 38 years of service with the county, leaving a strong legacy and impact on Escambia County’s inspection and code enforcement programs.
When Mayo joined Escambia County in 1973 as an Electrical Inspector, there was no Fire Safety Inspections Program, Code Enforcement Division or Neighborhood Improvement Division – all of which were established by Mayo during his tenure.
Mayo initially retired as Building Official/Director of Escambia County Building Inspections Department in September 2008, returning as Building Services Director in July 2013. His wife, Sue, retired in October 2016 as a Senior Accountant in the Corrections Department after 18 years, bringing their combined service with Escambia County to more than 56 years.
“It’s a family,” Mayo said when asked what he enjoyed about his time with the county. “You know, county employees are kind of unique in themselves, or any governmental entity. We just enjoyed serving.”
In 1991, Mayo became the first person in the state of Florida and one of only 19 in the world to achieve Chief Code Analyst certification in building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical disciplines, earning the recognition as a Code Enforcement and Administrative Professional by the Southern Building Code Congress International.
But more than the certifications and recognitions during his career, Mayo said he enjoyed getting to help people achieve their goals related to property and home ownership.
“There’s two things: Family is number one for most people, and their property and property rights is their number two,” Mayo said. “And I believe in both of them very strongly, so I loved assisting people in getting through the requirements in order to build their home.”
Mayo said he plans to stay busy in retirement, whether it’s going on an RV trip or running a half marathon with his wife, fishing in their pond or visiting their six children and 10 grandchildren. Mayo will also continue teaching an electrical apprenticeship at George Stone Technical Center, where he has taught since 1983.
County Administrator Jack Brown expressed his appreciation for Mayo’s 38 years of dedicated service to the county and congratulated him on his retirement.
“Donald Mayo has been a true asset to Escambia County and a driving force in advancing the Building Services Division,” Brown said. “We hate to see him go, but we wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors.”
Bonus Pics: Tate Defeats Gulf Breeze
November 14, 2016
The Tate Aggies beat Gulf Breeze 42-38 in the final seconds of the Region 1-6A Quarterfinals Friday night in Gulf Breeze.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a game action summary, click here.
The Tate Aggies (9-2) will host the Navarre Raiders Friday night in round two of the playoffs.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
November 14, 2016
The following students (pictured above) were named Students of the Month for November at Bratt Elementary School.
- Brooklynne Fountain
- Kyle Lowery
- Autumn Heist
- Jerrilynn Barlow
- Rainey Nelson
- Aaron Gregson
- Breah Shelly
- Kaylee Wilson
- Jordan Peters
- Christian Roberts
- Amara Campbell
- Jacobi Dougall
- Presley Johnson
- Ora Bryan
- Allison Flowers
- Daequan Banks
- Claire Amerson
- Jared Hudson
- Laura Laborde
- Payton Daw
- Sophia Bailey
- Leah Hetrick
- Sarah Bailey
- Berklee Hall
The students pictured below, Jared Hudson and Presley Johnson, were chosen to represent Bratt Elementary School as Escambia County Students of the Month for November.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Pics: Northview Falls In Round One Of Playoffs
November 14, 2016
The Northview Chiefs were knocked out of the first round of the 1A playoffs on the road Friday night by the Graceville Tigers 43-14.
For a bonus photo gallery, click here.
For a game action summary, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Amerson, click to enlarge.
Area Remains In Drought, No Relief In Sight
November 13, 2016
A few showers last week may have settled the dust, but it was not nearly enough remain to alleviate our current dought.
Most of the area is in a “moderate drought”, according to a recently released U.S. Drought Monitor. A small area along the Alabama state line in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is in a “severe drought”. And unfortunately there’s no relief in sight. The latest National Weather Service forecast does not include any rain during the next seven days.
Graphic for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
November 13, 2016
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending November 3 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Area officers along with the SOG Team worked a security detail providing dignitary protection at a Donald Trump political rally in Pensacola. The rally was held adjacent to the Blue Wahoo’s Stadium which is a waterfront facility. The officers were tasked with waterborne security and to provide a contingency plan for an emergency extraction.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Clark, Hutchinson and Lewis were on patrol when they observed a light-colored pickup parked in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The officers stopped and approached the vehicle and noticed the windows were down. There was also a deer stand in the bed and pieces of corn scattered throughout. While they were waiting by the vehicle, a male subject walked out of the WMA carrying a backpack that appeared empty. Officer Hutchinson asked the man if he could look in the backpack and he consented. There were small pieces of corn in the bag. When asked what he was doing, he stated he was just looking around. The subject was read Miranda and asked if he was placing bait. He stated he only put a little out to see what kind of deer were in the area. He also had a camera placed to view wildlife taking the bait. The subject was cited for placing bait in a WMA.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.