Kids Scramble For 50,000 Easter Eggs
March 27, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hosted “Egga-Wahooza” Saturday. The free Easter egg hunt had 50,000 eggs and was divided in age categories for children from age to fifth graders. There was also an egg hunt for special needs children. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Despite Rain, Kids Enjoy Cantonment Egg Hunt
March 27, 2016
Saturday’s rain did not stop the children at Pine Forest Assembly of God in Cantonment from having a great time. The kids were able to enjoy and indoor egg hunt with prizes and loads of candy. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Bill Signing Season
March 27, 2016
It may have been a quiet, post-session week in the Capitol, but the rest of the state wasn’t exactly slumbering at the start of spring.
State wildlife officials announced that Florida black bears, which were prolific enough to be hunted last year, continue to have a “robust” population. But no word yet on a 2016 hunt.
It wouldn’t be Florida without a fix of redistricting-related news involving the courts.
A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the request for legal fees from a coalition of voting-rights organizations in their mostly otherwise-successful battle over congressional districts.
Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s fight against her redrawn District 5, stretched across Northeast Florida to Tallahassee, went before a federal three-judge panel in Tallahassee on Friday.
And Gov. Rick Scott drew a few headlines Thursday by pushing Florida as a travel destination while he criticized President Barack Obama for not abandoning an international trip in order to address Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Scott made the biggest news this week, however, in ink — the kind he used to sign more than 100 bills into law.
HERE COME THE NEW LAWS
Other than a single local bill involving a regional utility in Gainesville — where Scott objected to the prospect that authority board members could be paid up to $18,000 a year — Scott gave his blessing this week to 111 proposals sent his way by legislators.
The measures range from the serious to the sublime, including a controversial plan (HB 1411) that bars public funding for organizations associated with abortion clinics, a bill (HB 307) that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to full-strength marijuana, and a proposal (HB 4009) authorizing the sale of a maritime device known as a “slungshot.”
Most of the bills were signed without comment from the governor, but Scott did chime in on a measure (SB 636), backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, intended to speed up testing of law enforcement “rape kits.”
He also commented on a proposal (HB 427) that will provide a discount of about 12 percent on vessel-registration fees for boaters that have purchased emergency locator devices.
The boater-safety issue was crafted in response to the disappearance of two 14-year-olds from Tequesta, who went missing in July after steering a 19-foot boat out of the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean.
“We have made it a priority to make Florida the safest state in the nation, especially for those sailing and enjoying our beautiful waters,” Scott said in a press release on Friday.
Among the bills Scott signed Thursday is a measure, backed by Democrats, requiring law enforcement agencies to set standards if they intend to use police body cameras.
Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, a sponsor of the bill, said the procedures could help protect police officers and citizens.
The bill garnered additional attention after musician Corey Jones was fatally shot last year by a plainclothes Palm Beach Gardens officer who did not have a body camera.
“This bill is one that really hit home for me after the death of Corey Jones, and hopefully now that it has been signed by the governor, we can hear less about lives lost and more about the unity between law enforcement and the community,” Jones said in a press release.
Scott has so far signed 177 of the 245 general and local bills that have been sent to his desk. The legislature approved 272 bills in the regular session.
MORE BUSH-TRUMP SMACK TALK
Jeb Bush, whose exit last month from the Republican presidential contest came much quicker than the former Florida governor expected, on Wednesday announced he was backing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the whittled-down race.
And, true to form, GOP front-runner Donald Trump couldn’t contain himself on social media in reaction to the news.
Bush, widely seen as the establishment favorite when he officially entered the contest back in June, issued a statement that described Cruz as “a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests.”
But Bush also pointedly raised the concern of many GOP leaders that part-time Palm Beacher Trump would turn off general-election voters and keep Republicans from taking the White House.
“For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies,” Bush said.
Trump, a master at using social media to wallop his adversaries, fired back the same day on Twitter.
“Low energy Jeb Bush just endorsed a man he truly hates, Lyin’ Ted Cruz,” Trump tweeted, using one of his nicknames for Cruz. “Honestly, I can’t blame Jeb in that I drove him into oblivion!”
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
The search for the state’s appointed insurance commissioner is down to a former federal official with experience in insurance issues related to terrorism and flooding — and who has been backed Scott — and a state representative who was once Iowa’s insurance commissioner.
On Thursday, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater agreed to go with the two finalists — State Rep. Bill Hager, R-Delray Beach, and Jeffrey Bragg — that made the cut from 55 applicants.
Scott and Atwater must jointly recommend the next commissioner before the Cabinet, meeting Tuesday, votes to fill the position, advertised as paying up to $200,000 a year.
Hager, 69, who was once Iowa’s appointed insurance commissioner, was backed by Bondi.
Bragg, a 67-year-old Palm Harbor resident, was executive director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Terrorism Risk Insurance Program from 2003 to 2014. Before that, Bragg spent a little under two years as a senior vice president at Zurich Risk Management in New Jersey. In 1981, Bragg was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he oversaw the National Flood Insurance Program and worked with Congress to terminate the federal riot reinsurance program.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Scott signed 111 bills into law.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am clean. Goodness. Clean. Yes.” — Congresswoman Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat under investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics and the Department of Justice, responding to reporters’ questions about the probes.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
FEMA Denies Individual Tornado Recovery Assistance
March 26, 2016
FEMA has denied the state’s request to make individual assistance available to victims of the EF-3 tornadoes that hit Escambia County last month.
That means individuals impacted by the February 15 Century tornado or the February 23 Ferry Pass tornado will not be able to receive federal disaster assistance like low interest loans, grants or temporary housing assistance.
“It has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “We have determined that supplemental federal assistance is not necessary.”
Earlier this month, FEMA also denied public assistance that would have assisted local governments with recovery.
FEMA has determined that the damage did not meet the severity needed to receive federal assistance. The state has the ability appeal the denial within 30 days.
Scott Approves Medical Marijuana For Terminally Ill
March 26, 2016
With Floridians poised to vote this fall on broad legalization of medical marijuana, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to marijuana as they try to ease suffering.
The bill, which lawmakers approved this month, was one of 68 measures that Scott signed into law Friday. He also vetoed one bill dealing with a utility in Alachua County.
Scott did not issue a comment on the medical-marijuana bill (HB 307), but House sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, went on Twitter to say the governor showed “heart & compassion” by signing the measure.
The bill expands a 2015 law known as the “Right to Try Act” to include medical marijuana. That law allows terminally ill patients to have access to experimental drugs that have not been approved for general use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Along with making marijuana available to dying patients, the bill also seeks to address long-running problems in carrying out a 2014 cannabis law that was primarily billed as a way to help children with severe forms of epilepsy. That law was supposed to make available forms of cannabis that do not get users high — but administrative issues and legal challenges have prevented patients from getting access to the substances.
The 2014 law and the newly signed bill are far narrower than the legalization proposal that will go on the November ballot. That proposed constitutional amendment, spearheaded by prominent Orlando attorney John Morgan, would allow patients with a wide variety of medical conditions to use full-strength marijuana if they get physician approval. Examples of those conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
A similar ballot initiative in 2014 fell short of the required 60 percent voter approval for proposed constitutional amendments.
The 68 bills signed into law Friday were part of 111 measures that Scott approved this week, as he continues plowing through legislation passed during the session that ended March 11.
The most-controversial bill signed Friday was a measure (HB 1411) that will place additional restrictions on abortion clinics and seek to prevent public money from going to groups such as Planned Parenthood. While public money cannot be used for elective abortions, it has been able to go toward other health services provided by Planned Parenthood. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Collen Burton and Sen. Kelli Stargel, both Lakeland Republicans.
Other bills signed Friday that dealt with health-care issues included a measure (HB 1061) aimed at helping nurses practice across state lines. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park, and Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, would lead to Florida entering into what is known as a “nurse licensure compact” with more than two dozen other states.
Florida nurses would be able to receive multi-state licenses to practice in other states that are part of the compact. Similarly, nurses from the other states would be able to practice in Florida.
Also, Scott signed a bill (SB 586), sponsored by Stargel and Burton, that would require hospitals to notify doctors at least 120 days before closing obstetrical units or halting obstetrical services. Supporters of the measure argued, at least in part, that obstetrical-unit closures can affect pregnant women who are nearly ready to give birth.
The Alachua County utility bill (HB 1355) was the only measure Scott vetoed during the week. In a veto message, Scott said the bill would create an authority to manage and operate city-owned Gainesville Regional Utilities. But he objected to part of the bill that would provide compensation to appointed board members of the authority.
“Across Florida, hundreds of appointees serve on boards with critical governance and regulatory responsibilities for which the appointees are not compensated,” the veto message said. “The success of similar utility authorities that do not compensate board members demonstrates that qualified individuals will answer the call to serve the public, without consideration of a taxpayer supported payment.”
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Short Manhunt, Two Charged After Tossing Contraband Over Century Prison Fence
March 26, 2016
Two people were arrested after manhunt that began after they allegedly tried to throw contraband over the fence at Century Correctional Institution Friday morning.
Andre Cornelius Holmes, age 37,and Christopher Michael Odom, 19, were booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of smuggling contraband, according to jail records.
The duo fled the scene and on foot and were tracked westward by a prison K-9 team. They were taken into custody less than a mile west of the prison a short time later.
Exact details on the incident, including the type of contraband, were not available Friday. Both men remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $2,500.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Scott Signs Bill Tightening Restrictions On Abortion Clinics
March 26, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott on Friday approved a sweeping measure that will tighten restrictions on Florida abortion clinics to the point that some say they will be forced to close.
Spokeswomen for Planned Parenthood, which will lose funding under the bill (HB 1411), called the measure “dangerous” and “cruel.”
But supporters, including Pam Olsen of the International House of Prayer, hailed the new law.
“It’s good news on Good Friday,” said Olsen, who is frequently involved in issues at the Capitol.
The bill, which passed largely along party lines, restricts state agencies, local governments and Medicaid managed-care plans from contracting with organizations that own, operate or are affiliated with clinics that perform elective abortions.
That restriction, said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, means low-income Floridians could lose access to the organization’s health-care and family-planning services. Planned Parenthood said it has more than 67,000 patients in Florida annually.
“As a result of this bill, thousands of people across Florida may no longer be able to access essential reproductive health care, such as cancer screenings, birth control, and well-woman exams,” Richards said in a statement. “This cruel bill is designed to rip health care away from those most at risk.”
Senate sponsor Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said on the Senate floor that the bill would likely close six of Florida’s 65 abortion clinics.
Among its provisions, the measure will require clinics that perform first-trimester abortions to have patient-transfer agreements with nearby hospitals, or for clinic doctors to have admitting privileges nearby. Clinics that perform second-trimester abortions would have to meet both conditions.
Opponents contend those provisions are medically unnecessary, but supporters say they will protect women’s health and safety.
“Abortionists will finally be held to the same standard as all other physicians who perform invasive procedures in a non-hospital setting by the requirement to have admitting privileges or a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital,” Ingrid Delgado of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement. “It is incomprehensible that opponents suggest the bill makes women less safe.”
Additionally, the bill changes the definition of a first trimester to the period from fertilization through the end of the 11th week of pregnancy. That’s a different definition than the state has used in the past, but it’s consistent with an administrative action last year by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which alleged that five clinics — including three Planned Parenthood facilities — performed second-trimester abortions without the proper licenses. Clinics have filed challenges, contending that the state changed the definition of a first trimester without notice.
Also, the new law will require the state to inspect at least 50 percent of abortion-clinic records each year. It also bans the sale and donation of fetal remains from abortions and increases the penalties for the improper disposal of fetal remains.
Opponents have said the bill was partly aimed at punishing Planned Parenthood, which has been the target of a national controversy since last year, when videos surfaced alleging that the organization was profiting from the sale of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood strongly denied the allegations, and a Texas grand jury that looked at the issues cleared the organization of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, in Florida, Planned Parenthood deployed a six-figure ad buy to urge Scott to veto the bill and delivered 12,000 petitions to that effect to the governor’s office — without success.
“I thought all along he would sign it,” Olsen said. “He’s signed every pro-life bill that’s come across his desk.”
Planned Parenthood and its allies are vowing to fight the new law, but were not ready Friday to say whether they will go to court to try to get it struck down on constitutional grounds.
“We’re evaluating all of our options and will do everything in our power to protect access to care,” Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, wrote in an email.
But House sponsor Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, has said an amendment approved by the Senate before the final votes was aimed at making sure the measure meets constitutional tests.
Abortion-related laws have repeatedly drawn legal challenges over the years, including a case now pending at the Florida Supreme Court about a 2015 law that requires 24-hour waiting periods before women can have abortions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a Texas law that includes a number of provisions that Florida has adopted.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Major Work Begins Monday On I-10, Highway 29 Interchange
March 26, 2016
Construction will begin Monday on a $8.5 million project to improve the I-10 at Highway 29 interchange at Exit 10A and 10B in Escambia County.
The work will include:
* Removing Exit 10A (I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 South).
* Constructing a new exit ramp adjacent to the current Exit 10B – New Exit: 10.
* Installing a traffic signal on U.S. 29 for I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 South traffic.
* Widening the bridge on I-10 eastbound to eliminate an immediate left-hand merge from U.S. 29 South.
During the construction drivers will encounter periodic nighttime lane closures on I-10 and Highway 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. In addition, there may be temporary ramp closures, lane shifts and traffic pacing operations. The project is slated for completion in spring 2017.
Northview Drops Friday Game 7-0 To South Walton
March 26, 2016
The Northview chiefs lost to South Walton 7-0 Friday in Bratt.
South Walton took a 2-0 lead in the second, added a couple in the third and sealed the shutout with three more runs in the seventh.
Quentin Sampson went 2-3 at the plate for Northview.
Northview’s varsity will travel to Pensacola Christian Academy for a 3:45 p.m. game on Tuesday before hosting Hopkinsville, KY, on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Atmore Officials: Florida Road Design Is Causing Alabama Flooding
March 25, 2016
Alabama officials believe a road in Florida is creating a dam that is causes flooding problems in Atmore.
A National League of Cities representative for the city of Atmore recently lobbied Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby in Washington for a solution and money for an engineering study into the flooding issues. Atmore officials say the problem lies with Greenland Road about a half of a mile south of the state line in Florida.
The drainage system that becomes Pine Barren Creek begins near the back of Atmore Community Hospital and flows south toward the McRae Apartments, crosses McRae Street east of the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church. flows back southwest past the Briar Lake Subdivision, crosses into Florida behind the Davisville Piggly Wiggly and continues south to Greenland Road.
The design of Greenland Road, according to Atmore officials, creates a dam that backs water up into their city during periods of heavy rain. About 20 years ago, nearly 60 homes in Atmore flooded as a result.
Escambia County (FL) Public Works Director Wes Moreno said the problem lies with the Pine Barren Creek Bridge on Greenland Road, about a third of a mile east of Highway 97. He said the “bridge” is actually a series of large drainage pipes under the road, rather than an “open” bridge. Heavy rain won’t flow through the pipes fast enough, especially if any debris backs up and begins to block a drainage pipe.
The solution, he said, would appear to be replacement of the pipe system with an ordinary bridge.
Moreno said Escambia County will contact the Florida Department of Transportation to see if the Greenland Road bridge problem might be prioritized under the FDOT’s work plan that dictates future bridge replacements. The total length of the bridge, which was constructed in 1955, is 32.2 feet. It is not currently prioritized as being structurally deficient or in need of replacement by FDOT.
Pictured: Water backs up and flows under Greenland Road in Escambia County, FL, on Thursday afternoon following heavy downpours. The bridge, according to Atmore officials, causes water to back up into Alabama where it causes flooding problems. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
