A Fallen Angel Returns
June 8, 2016
The remains of a fallen Blue Angel were flown back to Pensacola Tuesday aboard Fat Albert with a Blue Angel jet escort.
Fat Albert, flying under the call sign “Blue Angel 6″, and Lead Solo Lt. Ryan Chamberlain flew over downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key as thousands paid tribute to Capt. Jeff Kuss, who was killed in the crash of his Blue Angel jet in Smyra, TN.
A public candlelight vigil will be held for Kuss this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Pensacola. The public is invited to gather with candles and American flags to pay tribute to the fallen pilot. Six minutes of silence will be observed as Kuss was the pilot of plane number six.
Kuss’ body is expected to be transported to his hometown of Durango, CO, for burial.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Just prior to Tuesday’s flyover, Blue Angels Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi released the following statement:
Good afternoon to all of the Blue Angels friends and supporters in Pensacola, Florida.
Presently, our number six pilot, the Opposing Solo, Capt. Jeff Kuss, is returning to Pensacola aboard Fat Albert, where he will be reunited with his family, friends, teammates, and the Pensacola community. Jeff absolutely loved our Sunday evening arrivals. Flying in over downtown, “smokin’ the beach” from Pensacola to Perdido, and then the hitting the Delta Pitch Up Break at sunset into Naval Air Station Pensacola. The smile I would see radiating under that gold visor was truly spectacular. It emanated the pride, passion, and pure joy that he felt representing the Navy and Marine Corps, flying Blue Angel 6.
Tonight, I hope you will join the team in saluting him as he flies that special route home to Pensacola again. He is flying in Fat Albert – callsign “Blue Angel 6”, and escorted by the Lead Solo, in Blue Angel 5.
As Jeff’s family and the Blue Angels have navigated this immensely difficult time, a constant gift has been the unwavering support from our hometown of Pensacola, and from all across this great nation.
This great city, and also this great nation has lost a Blue Angel. We are all grieving this tremendous loss, and inspired by the life he lived so incredibly well.
Our number one priority now is to assist the Kuss family in honoring Jeff and returning him to Durango, Colorado, where he will be surrounded by his beautiful family. We thank you for your continuous support, and will honor Jeff with you at the Candlelight Vigil.
When you see the Solos overhead tonight, please send him your thoughts, prayers, and a Semper Fi. ~Boss
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme and Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Chamber To Fight Worker’s Compensation Coverate Rate Increase
June 8, 2016
The Greater Pensacola Chamber announced Tuesday that it will fight the spike in workers’ compensation rates that will take place this summer. As a result of a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling, workers’ compensation rates in Florida are scheduled to rise by 17.1 percent on August 1.
“We surveyed our Chamber membership and found that our local business community is adamantly opposed to this workers’ compensation rate hike,” stated Greater Pensacola Chamber Board Chairman Gary Bembry. “We also heard loud and clear that our membership wants the Chamber to join the fight in finding a solution to this onerous rate increase.”
Eighty-seven percent of respondents to the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s membership survey said this rise in workers’ compensation rates will have a negative impact on their business, and 97 percent of survey respondents want the Chamber to engage in fighting this increase.
The Greater Pensacola Chamber will partner with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and other pro-business groups to find a legislative solution to this increase.
Committee’s Plans For Former Century High School Brick Memorial Almost Complete
June 8, 2016
A committee working to decide how to preserve bricks from the former Century High School in a monument has almost finalized their plans.
They anticipate that engraved bricks will be sold at $50 each to be placed around a 1936 monument and flagpole salvaged from the former school, which was demolished due to tornado damage. In total, about 3,000 bricks were saved from the school building for the project.
The committee is exploring the possibility of constructing the monument at, or very near, the actual site of the former Century High School on Hecker Road. Other sites that were considered included the Alger-Sullivan Historical Park, the Nadine McCaw Park and Showalter Park.
It is expected that the bricks will be on sale before the end of June. Complete purchase details will be published on NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured top: Mayor Freddie McCall, center, addresses the “Brick and Monument Committee” Tuesday evening in Century. Pictured below: A sample engraving on an actual brick from the former Century High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ohio Youth Groups Helps With Century Tornado Cleanup
June 8, 2016
Almost two dozen youth from the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, OH, spent their Tuesday hard at work cleaning up tornado damage in Century.
Century was hit by an EF-3 tornado on February 15.
The youth and their leaders were on their way to Orange Beach, stopping for the day of service in Century.
“We are hopeful that what we are doing will be a blessing for the people of Century,” one of the volunteers said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Council Schedules Workshops, Moves July 4 Meeting
June 8, 2016
The Century Town Council has scheduled several public workshops and has rescheduled their July 4 meeting.
The regular first Monday of the month July 4 Century Town Council meeting has been rescheduled for July 11 at 7 p.m.
The council will hold a public meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m.
And the town council has scheduled budget workshops at 4 p.m. on every Thursday in July and the first Thursday in August.
All meetings are open to the public will be held in the council chamber at the Century Town Hall.
Justices Look At Semantics, ‘Common Sense’ In Slots Fight
June 8, 2016
In a case that could have broad implications for the state’s gambling footprint, a tiny horse track operated by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore on Tuesday tried to convince Florida Supreme Court justices that it should have slot machines, even without the express approval of the Legislature.
Marc Dunbar, a lawyer and part-owner of Gretna Racing in Gadsden County, relied on a semantic analysis to try to persuade the justices that a 2009 state law gave the track permission to let voters decide whether slots should be allowed at the pari-mutuel.
The Supreme Court’s ruling will likely affect gambling operations in Gadsden and at least five other counties — Brevard, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach and Washington — where voters have also approved referendums authorizing slots at local pari-mutuels.
The Gretna case hinges on the parsing of a 2009 law establishing eligibility for slot machines at pari-mutuels. The 2009 law, which went into effect the following year, was an expansion of a 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment that authorized slot machines at seven existing horse and dog tracks and jai-alai frontons in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The 2009 change allowed a Hialeah track, which wasn’t operating at the time the amendment was approved, to also operate the lucrative slots. The law in question consists of three clauses, including one that deals with “any licensed pari-mutuel facility in any other county,” outside of Broward and Miami-Dade.
Dunbar insisted that the “third clause” gave permission to counties to hold referendums to allow slots at local pari-mutuels.
“It’s very clear,” Dunbar said. “The Legislature knows the words it uses, and uses them intentionally.”
But Deputy Solicitor General Jonathan Williams, representing the state, argued that lawmakers had no intention of such a massive expansion of gambling when they crafted the statute.
“The Legislature did not intend to legalize slot machines statewide” when it changed the law, Williams argued. The 2009 law allows counties outside Miami-Dade and Broward to legalize slot machines only if the Legislature or a constitutional amendment gives them permission, he said.
But several of the justices were troubled by both explanations of what lawmakers — historically averse to expanding gambling — meant when they crafted the statute.
Dunbar’s interpretation would amount to “a huge turn for the Legislature,” Justice Barbara Pariente said.
“Which is to basically say in 65 other counties, you just have to have a referendum, and you’re fine,” she said. “This would have been a very, very significant expansion of slot machines … and there is nary a mention in the legislative record of this kind of change.”
At the same time, Pariente, along with Justice R. Fred Lewis, seemed perplexed by the state’s suggestion that the lawmakers’ language did not authorize counties to do anything.
“If it’s creating this false sense that other counties can do this, why would it be in there?” Pariente said. “It just seems bizarre that that would be what the Legislature intended.”
Lewis appeared to dismiss the parsing of the statute.
“We can get all wrapped up in all the words and phrases and need an English professor to tell us what these things mean,” Lewis said.
“If we said that it’s an eligible facility, but you can’t get a license, this whole thing makes no sense. Don’t we have to make some common sense with this whole thing that we’re faced with?” Lewis asked.
But the Supreme Court “is the place where words are interpreted,” Dunbar said.
“That’s where policy arguments are made,” he said, pointing toward the Capitol building across the street from the Supreme Court.
Tuesday’s arguments came after the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned itself in October and ruled in a 2-1 decision that the Northwest Florida racetrack cannot have slot machines without the authorization of the Legislature, despite county voters’ approval.
The majority in the October ruling sided with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, which sought a rehearing after a 2-1 ruling last spring in favor of Gretna Racing.
In both decisions, the appellate judges asked the Florida Supreme Court to weigh in on the issue of whether pari-mutuels can have slot machines if local voters approve, or if the games require the express say-so of the Legislature.
“The Legislature obviously was only dealing with Dade and Broward. That’s what they were dealing with. Nobody was standing up and having a debate about 65 other counties. If that had happened, I know a couple of my colleagues’ heads would have exploded,” Dan Gelber, a state senator at the time the law passed, told reporters after the hearing.
Gelber, a lawyer, represents former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, who filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, arguing that Florida’s Constitution requires a statewide vote for slots outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The Gretna facility, owned by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore and a handful of investors, has been in the spotlight since its inception. Florida officials granted the track the country’s first pari-mutuel license for rodeo-style barrel racing, but a court later decided that gambling regulators erred when they awarded the license.
Gambling regulators in 2014 denied a slots license for the track, built to accommodate slot machines and which also operates a cardroom.
A Supreme Court decision in favor of Gretna would not only affect pari-mutuels in other counties, but could shrink state coffers.
Under a 20-year agreement finalized in 2010 between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state, the tribe has exclusive rights to operate slot machines outside of pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The state reaps about $120 million a year from the revenue-sharing agreement.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Jail Demolition Delayed Pending Settlement
June 8, 2016
The demolition of the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility has been delayed pending litigation and a potential settlement related to the April 30, 2014, natural gas explosion at the facility. The delay comes at the recommendation of the county’s liability carriers, the liability carriers for AE New Jr. Inc. and Caldwell Associates Architects Inc., along with other subcontractors and suppliers who performed the renovation of the basement of the CBD, which housed laundry and kitchen facilities.
The liability carriers, subcontractors and suppliers are proposing a global settlement of all claims with plaintiff inmates who have filed suit and those inmates and correctional personnel who have potential claims for injuries sustained from the gas explosion. Until the settlement becomes final, the CBD cannot be demolished, as parties involved in the pending litigation and those considering litigation must have the opportunity to access the facility to inspect, test and photograph should settlement negotiations terminate or come to an impasse, according to a statement released Tuesday by Escambia County.
It is hoped that a settlement will be reached in the coming months, as all parties are working hard toward that goal, the county said.
Pictured: The Central Booking and Detention Center was damaged beyond repair during a natural gas explosion following flooding on April 30. 2014. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Travel Related Zika Case Reported In Escambia County
June 8, 2016
The Florida Department of Health reported a travel-related case of the Zika virus in Escambia County, and a Declaration of Public Health Emergency was updated to include Escambia County.
The Escambia County case was one of five new travel related cases announced Tuesday, along with cases in Hillsborough, Osceloa, Palm Beach and Seminole counties. A case was previous reported in Santa Rosa County in February.
All Zika cases reported in Florida have been associated with travel. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida.
There have been 171 total cases reported in Florida, 33 of which were pregnant women.
The department urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.
Wahoos Remain In First Despite Loss
June 8, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continue to struggle on the road going 15-17. Granted they are playing the Jackson Generals, who sit atop the Southern League North Division.
Jackson took a 2-1 lead in the five-game series matching first place teams by scoring four runs in the first two innings to win, 4-1, Tuesday at The Ballpark at Jackson.
Pensacola dropped to 33-24 but Biloxi lost, too, 6-3, to the Montgomery Biscuits to keep the Blue Wahoos a game ahead in the South Division. Jackson, the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, now owns the best record in the Southern League at 38-20.
The Generals jumped on Pensacola right-hander Sal Romano with two runs in the first and two more in the second to go ahead, 4-0.
Romano worked five innings giving up four earned runs on 11 hits and three walks and struck out two. He fell to 1-6 with a 4.90 ERA. Romano was in trouble in every inning except the fourth when he retired the side in order.
Pensacola relievers Evan Mitchell and Kyle McMyne pitched the three scoreless innings, allowing one hit, two walks and striking out three.
Jackson scored when center field Guillermo Heredia walked, went to second on a passed ball by Pensacola catcher Kyle Skipworth and then scored when shortstop Benji Gonzalez doubled in Heredia for a 1-0 lead. A second run came in when DH Leon Landry singled to left field to score Gonzalez to put the Generals up, 2-0, after the first inning.
The Generals’ Heredia drove a line drive to center that scored catcher Steve Baron in the second inning. Then Jackson right fielder Tyler O’Neill, the May Player of the Month who had a hit in 24 of 28 games, hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored third baseman Brock Hebert.
Jackson’s O’Neill is 1-9 with one run, a walk, an RBI and a strikeout this series.
In the sixth inning, Pensacola finally broke through for a run when left fielder Phillip Ervin doubled in first baseman Brandon Dixon to pull the Blue Wahoos within, 4-1.
Ervin led Pensacola at the plate Tuesday going 3-4 with two doubles and RBI. He’s now hitting .246 on the season.
Dixon earned the Southern League Player of the Week honors but in the two games since is 0-6 with four strikeouts and one RBI. During his six game hitting streak he was 15-24 (.625) with eight homers and 19 RBIs. He got to 10 homers faster than any other Blue Wahoo players in history by reaching that mark in 45 games, 147 at-bats and 162 plate appearances.
Mayor, Two Council Seats Up For Election In Century
June 7, 2016
Two Century council seats and the mayor’s office will be up for grabs in this year’s municipal election in Century.
The town has set qualifying dates for Council Seat 1, currently held by Ann Brooks; Council Seat 2, currently held by Annie Savage; and mayor, currently held by Freddie McCall. Qualifying will be open from noon on Monday, June 20 until noon on Friday, June 24.
Interested candidates can qualify at the Supervisor of Elections Office in Pensacola during the week. In additional, a staff member from the Supervisor of Elections Office will be at the Century Town Hall on Wednesday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to receive qualifying forms.
Council members must be residents of the town, while the town charter requires that the mayor have resided in the town for at least six months.
Primary elections for any municipal office with three or more candidate s will be held August 30. Runoffs and the general election for races where there are only two candidates will be held on November 8.
Pictured: Current Century Mayor Freddie McCall was sworn in during January 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photo.