Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Orlando – You Just Can’t Imagine This Happening
June 18, 2016
Terrorism hit home this week.
Floridians woke up Sunday morning to the unthinkable. On Saturday night, young people crowded into an Orlando club for music, dancing and the simple joys of being with friends. Hours later, 49 clubgoers were dead and dozens more were wounded.
Mayor Buddy Dyer described Sunday as “probably the most difficult day in the history of Orlando.” For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians, it carried the extra weight of knowing that a gay club had been targeted.
Orlando police were hailed as heroes for going into the Pulse nightclub and ultimately killing the shooter, who claimed to support the Islamic State terrorist group. State, federal and local officials also converged during the week to lend support to the family members of victims.
Florida, however, won’t ever be the same. Omar Mateen was a virtual nobody from St. Lucie County. But he was able to carry out the worst mass shooting in U.S. history — and make Floridians feel vulnerable.
‘GRIEF … BEYOND DESCRIPTION’
Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Sens Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio quickly joined authorities Sunday in Orlando to try to sort out what had happened and to help oversee assistance for the reeling community.
“Clearly, this is an act of terrorism. You just can’t imagine this happening in any community,” Scott said. “My heart goes out to every family member that’s been impacted. … This state is going to be defined as a state of generosity, a state of love. We are a resilient state. We love people in our state and we are going to continue to do that.”
Rubio, R-Fla., said Sunday that the attack “could happen anywhere in the world.”
“Unfortunately, today was Orlando’s turn,” he said. “We know that there’s hate in the world. We know that some of it is inspired by warped ideology. … I hope they see today they won’t terrorize America. They won’t terrorize Floridians. We stand with all Americans … irrespective of their sexual orientation.”
While Rubio raised the issue of sexual orientation, some gay activists said in the days after the attack that they thought the LGBT community was being ignored.
“I think it’s pretty much gone viral that our political leaders not only in Florida but throughout the country need to say the words that this was an attack on our gay community,” said Christian Ulvert, a Florida Democratic political consultant who is gay. “You have to say those words.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Sunday, Obama called the massacre “an act of terror and an act of hate” that was “especially heartbreaking for all of our friends … who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”
On Thursday, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Orlando to comfort the family members of victims and survivors.
“Their grief is beyond description,” Obama said after he and Biden spent two hours at the Amway Center, meeting privately with people who lost loved ones in the attack. “These families could be our families. In fact, they are our family. … And today the vice president and I told them, on behalf of the American people, that our hearts are broken, too.”
GUN DEBATES RENEWED
Debates about gun rights and gun control never go away. But after a tragedy like the Orlando killings, the debates get ratcheted up.
Mateen, a security guard, passed all of the legally required background checks for his weapons.
“He held a ‘D’ license, as well as a ‘G’ license, which means that he is a security guard and a security guard who is permitted to carry a firearm,” state Agriculture Commission Adam Putnam, whose agency oversees weapon permits in Florida, told reporters on Monday.
“All of the information related to his application to receive those licenses was in order,” Putnam added. “He was fingerprinted. He successfully completed the application, had a criminal background check. There is nothing in that record that would have disqualified this individual, who was a U.S. citizen, who had a clean criminal record, who underwent a background check and mental-health screening.”
That doesn’t mean, however, the debates will go away. Democratic lawmakers held a news conference Wednesday in Orlando and called for a special legislative session to address gun-control measures.
“I don’t think there is anyone here who opposes a person’s right to defend themselves,” Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, said. “But what do you need for self-defense? Do you need a bazooka? Do you need a flame thrower? Do you need a rocket launcher? Do you need an assault-style weapon? It is those kinds of things we want to examine in the special session.”
Republican legislative leaders, however, said they didn’t see a need for a special session. Marion Hammer, the longtime Tallahassee lobbyist for the National Rifle Association and the Unified Sportsmen of Florida, said in an email that the special session request by “these ultraliberal, gun hating Democrats” is “political grandstanding.”
“They are attempting to exploit a tragedy for political gain,” Hammer said in the email.
Meanwhile, GOP political consultant Rick Wilson gave a bottom-line analysis of why the terrorist attack will not spur the Republican-dominated Legislature to pass gun-control measures.
“Democrats say this is all about gun control, and Republicans say this is all about Muslims. Now, the important thing to remember is that our society has largely made up its mind on guns. A tragedy like this, just speaking in cold political terms, doesn’t move the needle,” he said. “If people look at this as a competition between security versus gun control, security wins every time.”
POLITICAL FALLOUT
Quickly after the shootings, elected officials and political candidates started flooding social media and inboxes with messages about issues such as gun control and cracking down on terrorists.
But with the November elections less than five months away, the political ramifications of the shootings remained somewhat murky this week.
Wilson, for example, suggested that the attack might have little impact on the elections.
“As horrifying as this is, as terrible as this is, human grief has sort of a span of time where it affects people,” he said. “It doesn’t diminish the horror of this thing to note that, as a country, we have a short attention span. We always have.”
But others said anger and grief about the massacre won’t go away before the Aug. 30 primary elections or the November elections. Some said the mass murder certainly won’t fade away for LGBT people or Hispanics, who made up many of the victims at the club.
“It’s going to be a wake-up call,” said Carlos Guillermo Smith, a state House candidate who is governmental affairs director for the advocacy group Equality Florida.
Probably the most tangible political result this week was that Rubio, in light of the tragedy, indicated he might be reconsidering his decision not to seek re-election.
“Obviously, I take very seriously everything that’s going on — not just Orlando, but in our country,” Rubio told reporters, according to The Hill, a Washington-based publication. “I enjoy my service here a lot. So I’ll go home later this week, and I’ll have some time with my family, and then if there’s been a change in our status I’ll be sure to let everyone know.”
But Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a longtime Rubio friend who has been running for the Senate seat, said he would step aside if Rubio wants to get into the race.
“As friends for 20 years, this race is so much bigger than the two of us, and, as you have heard me say on the trail, this race isn’t about an individual, this race is about Florida and the future of our country,” Lopez-Cantera said in an email to supporters Wednesday. “I am still in this race and nothing has changed. However, if Marco decides to enter this race, I will not be filing the paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Florida reels from the Orlando massacre.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This is probably the most difficult day in the history of Orlando. We need to support each other. We need to love each other. And we will not be defined by a hateful shooter. We will be defined by how we support and love each other.” — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Sunday.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Washed Out
June 18, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Mobile BayBears game was suspended and is scheduled to be completed at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The second game will begin 30 minutes after and will be seven innings.
The score was tied, 2-2, in the top of the fifth inning when an ominous dark cloud settled over Blue Wahoos Stadium and the rain started.
The Blue Wahoos scored two runs in the second inning to take the lead for the first time in the early innings in 11 ball games since June 8.
Pensacola second baseman Brandon Dixon singled on a sharp grounder past the shortstop and stole second base. Blue Wahoos shortstop Zach Vincej then hit a line drive to right field to score Dixon to put Pensacola ahead, 1-0. Vincej then scored when left fielder Tony Renda smacked a line drive to right field to put the Blue Wahoos up, 2-0.
However, in the top of the fifth inning, Mobile catcher Ronnie Freeman and shortstop Ildemaro Vargas scored to tie the game, 2-2, on a rocket hit by center fielder Evan Marzilli back up the middle.
Pensacola starting pitcher Sal Romano was hurrying to finish the fifth inning to make the game official and give the Blue Wahoos the victory. He was one pitch away from doing just that with a 3-2 count on Mobile’s Marzilli. But Marzilli ripped the ball to center to tie it.
Pensacola is 38-29 and temporarily tied with the Biloxi Shuckers, who defeated the Jacksonville Suns, 4-1, Friday.
Cantonment Man Arrested On Drug, Weapons Charges After Search Warrant
June 17, 2016
A Cantonment man is facing multiple drug and weapons charges after local and federal authorities executed a search warrant at a home in Cantonment earlier this week.
Billy David Clakley III, 27, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, distribute or manufacture; possession of cocaine with the intent to sell distribute or manufacture; possession of of marijuana with intent to sell, distribute or manufacture; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Response Team and ATF executed a search warrant at in the 100 block of Vaughn Avenue. They reported finding a long list of illicit items, including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine hidden in the false compartment of a drink can, Clonazapam, a cut rifle barrel with a .38 caliber round, marijuana, a Reminton .22 caliber bolt-action rifle, .22 caliber ammunition, and a variety of drug paraphernalia. The items were reportedly found in a bedroom of the home belonging to Clakley.
Clakley was previously convicted of felony marijuana possession in 2006, carry a concealed weapon and improper exhibition of a weapon in 2008, and possession of a controlled substance in 2013.
Thursday Morning, he remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $35,500.
Commission Gives Go Ahead To Fire Tax Increase To Staff South-End Stations
June 17, 2016
The Escambia County Commission has given official approval to a $25 fire tax increase to finishing staffing south end fire stations with paid firefighters .
The commission voted 4-1 Thursday night, with Steven Barry against, to add the $25, increasing the fire tax for the average homeowner from $100 to $125 beginning with the next fiscal year.
The proceeds from the extra $25 per year municipal services benefit unit assessment (MSBU) will fund 24/7 paid firefighters at the Myrtle Grove, Innerarity Point and Bellview stations, plus fund $150,000 in volunteer firefighter stipend increases.
The tax is not be final until the county’s budget process for the next fiscal year is complete.
Commissioner Steven Barry voted against supporting the $25 MSBU increase because no District 5 station will receive additional benefits.
Last year, Escambia County increase the fire MSBU by $15 to fund full-time staff at Ferry Pass and West Pensacola.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Man Gets Life For 2014 Murder
June 17, 2016
Tony Stroud, Jr., was convicted by an Escambia County jury of first degree premeditated murder for the death of Tyler Evans. Following the verdict, Circuit Judge Frank Bell sentenced Stroud to life in state prison without the possibility of parole.
On August 20, 2014, Evans’ body was found to be dumped at the rear of an undeveloped neighborhood off of Gulf Beach Highway. The cause of death was determined to be a single gunshot wound to the head. The investigation revealed that
the crime occurred on August 19, 2014, at an apartment on Stonebrook Drive, as confirmed by DNS evidence.
ECUA Helps Prepare 4-H Students For Mock Legislative Session
June 17, 2016
Escambia County 4-H students are scheduled to take part in a mock legislative program at the state capitol late this month. In preparation for that week, Larry Walker, ECUA District 5 board member, hosted the students Thursday in the ECUA board room to allow the students to practice their legislative skills in a governmental chamber environment.
The training prepared the students for the upcoming 4-H Legislature and gain an understanding of board proceedings similar to legislative committees that happen in organizations in all forms of government and private corporate enterprise.
The local students have participated in an intensive five-part training program, which was directed by 4-H agents and adult volunteers, who contributed their knowledge of parliamentary procedure, research, debating, the art of persuasion, and formal presentation in committee and chamber sessions.
This year’s 4-H Legislature is set for Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 1.
The civic education event allows students to write bills, act as lobbyists, pass the bills through various committees and debate the potential laws on the Capitol House and/or Senate Floor as acting representatives and senators. This exercise provides the 4-H’ers an opportunity to debate issues and experience the legislative process first-hand. This year, 14 students will represent the Escambia County 4-H Program.
Pictured: Escambia County 4-H mock legislative students practice their skills in the ECUA board room Thursday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
.
One Trapped In UWF Campus Crash
June 17, 2016
One person was critically injured in a single vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon on the University of West Florida campus.
The driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck lost control and wrapped the vehicle around a tree. Reports from the scene indicated that the driver was trapped between the frame of the truck and the tree, requiring extensive extrication efforts that lasted over one hour.
Further details regarding the accident on Campus Drive near the UWF ballfields have not been released.
The Ensley, Brent, Ferry Pass and Cantonment Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Pace Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and UWF Police responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA ‘Fresh From Florida’ Program Named Second Best In State
June 17, 2016
The Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was named the second best program in the state during the FFA state convention Thursday in Orlando.
Formerly known the Food for America program, the Fresh from Florida Advocacy Program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in agricultural literacy and awareness projects on the local level. The annual program, conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave hundreds of students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. The students even had the opportunity to make their own butter and enjoy it on crackers.
In addition to their second place state awards in 2015 and 2016, the Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program was previously honored as the best in Florida for three consecutive years.
Pictured top: Members of the Northview High School FFA with the second place award in the Fresh from Florida Advocacy Program. Pictured inset: Northview’s Halee Weaver accepts the award on stage during the annual FFA State Convention in Orlando Thursday. Pictured below: File photos from March 2016 event at Northview High School. NorthEscambia photos, click to enlarge.
Obama Comforts Survivors Of Orlando Massacre
June 17, 2016
President Barack Obama spent Thursday afternoon in Orlando, comforting the family members of victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub massacre.
“Their grief is beyond description,” Obama said after he and Vice President Joe Biden spent two hours at the Amway Center, meeting privately with people who lost loved ones in Sunday’s attack. “These families could be our families. In fact, they are our family. … And today the vice president and I told them, on behalf of the American people, that our hearts are broken, too.”
Obama arrived in Orlando at 12:45 pm, accompanied on Air Force One by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla. Biden had arrived shortly before on Air Force Two with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. They were greeted on the tarmac by Gov. Rick Scott, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs before traveling in a motorcade to the Amway Center.
After meeting with the families, Obama and Biden went to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where they placed bouquets of 49 white roses — one for each of the people who died in the attack — at a makeshift memorial there.
After several moments of silence, Obama moved to a podium and spoke to reporters, praising the first responders and medical personnel who responded to the attack. The shooter, St. Lucie County resident Omar Mateen, was killed by police.
Obama quoted one of the doctors as saying, “After the worst of humanity reared its evil head, the best of humanity came roaring back.”
The president called for unity across party lines “to stop killers who want to terrorize us.” He vowed to be “relentless” against terrorist groups like ISIL and al-Qaida.
“We are going to destroy them,” he said. “We are going to disrupt their networks and their financing and the flow of fighters in and out of war theaters. We’re going to disrupt their propaganda that poisons so many minds around the world.”
However, he noted, the last two terrorist attacks in the United States, in Orlando and San Bernardino, were “homegrown.”
“It’s going to take more than just our military, more than just our intelligence teams,” he said. “If you have lone wolf attacks like this, hatched in the minds of disturbed persons, we’re going to have to take different kinds of steps to prevent these kinds of things from happening.”
He noted that the Pulse attack was done by “a single killer with a powerful assault rifle,” saying that while the motives may have been different than in other mass shootings in Newtown, Conn., or Aurora, Colo., “the instruments of death are similar.”
The president said he was pleased that the U.S. Senate had agreed to consider gun control measures. .
“Today, once again, as has been true too many times before, I held and hugged grieving family members and parents, and they asked, ‘Why does this keep happening?’ ” he said. “And they pleaded that we do more to stop the carnage. They don’t care about the politics — and neither do I.”
Those who defend easy access to assault weapons, he said, “should meet these families and explain why that makes sense.”
Jay-Fidelis All-Stars Win 8U District Tournament
June 17, 2016
The Jay-Fidelis Rookie League All-Star Team recently won the AL District 7 Cal Ripken 8U District Tournament at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore. The team will represent the district at the 2016 Alabama 8U Cal Ripken State Tournament in Athens, AL, from June 24-28.
The team is accepting donations to offset travel and tournament expenses. Click here to donate.
Pictured: (front, L-R) Carson Baxley, Nicholas Baxley, Nathan Strickling, Brady Godwin, Rowdy Fretwell, Judson Marcantel, Cooper Willis, Mason Mathis, Mason Jordan, Ethan Pipkin, Jacob Knowles, Clay Norris, Ryan Wells, and Reece Partrick, (back) Stewart Baxley, Assistant Coach; Brandon Godwin, Head Coach; Brent Jordan, Assistant Coach; Brandon Pipkin, Assistant Coach. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.