Florida Crime Victims Measure To Go On November Ballot
April 17, 2018
With the measure drawing support from state leaders and law-enforcement officials, Florida voters in November will decide whether to approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would spell out a series of rights of crime victims.
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission on Monday voted 34-3 to approve the measure (Proposal 6001), which largely focuses on a victims’ rights initiative known as “Marsy’s Law.”
The proposal, which will need support from 60 percent of voters in November, would seek to ensure the rights of victims to receive information and provide input during criminal cases. Also, for example, it would ensure victims have the right to talk with prosecutors about issues such as plea agreements, restitution and sentencing.
Commission member Tim Cerio, a Tallahassee attorney who sponsored the proposal, said Marsy’s Law is about “making sure victims have a right to be engaged in the process.”
Among other things, the proposal also would establish a right for the safety of victims and their family members to be considered when bail is set in criminal cases.
Before approving the proposal, the commission rejected a series of changes sought by member Hank Coxe, a Jacksonville defense attorney. One of the changes, for instance, sought to add wording that would have said victims are entitled to the rights “to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.”
But with Cerio and others opposed, Coxe’s proposed changes were rejected. Coxe, former Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, and Orlando attorney Rich Newsome voted against the overall proposal.
The Constitution Revision Commission approved the measure as it began taking final votes on a dozen proposals for the November ballot. The 37-member commission, which meets every 20 years, has the unique power to place issues on the ballot. Proposals need support of 22 members of the commission to advance.
Several of the proposed constitutional amendments bundle more than one issue. The measure including Marsy’s Law also would change a mandatory retirement age for state judges. If approved by voters, the age would go from 70 to 75.
The measure also includes a proposed change that would affect legal cases involving the interpretation of state laws or rules. The proposal would direct judges to not “defer to an administrative agency’s interpretation” of the laws or rules in the cases.
The commission Monday had a lengthy debate about whether the measure including Marsy’s Law and other proposed constitutional amendments should be “unbundled” — which would effectively require each issue to be voted on separately.
Commission member Roberto Martinez, a Coral Gables lawyer, argued the commission was bundling unrelated issues and that voters should be given clear choices on approving proposed constitutional amendments.
“Do they (the three issues in Proposal 6001) all deal with the courts? They do,” Martinez said. “But are they really related? They are not.”
But Brecht Heuchan, chairman of the commission’s Style and Drafting Committee, which bundled issues, said it was “absurd” to think voters would get confused. He and other commissioners defended the process, in part arguing that they were following precedents from when the commission put measures on the ballot in 1978 and 1998.
“The whole process is being attacked,” Heuchan said.
Commissioners rejected an attempt by Martinez to send the measure including Marsy’s Law back to the Style and Drafting Committee to be unbundled.
The Marsy’s Law proposal has drawn support in recent months from state leaders such as Gov. Rick Scott and many sheriffs and prosecutors. It also has the backing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who serves on the Constitution Revision Commission.
The proposal is part of a broader national movement stemming from the 1983 death of a California woman, Marsy Nicholas, who was stalked and killed by an ex-boyfriend.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Blue Wahoos Take Opener Over The Braves 8-3
April 17, 2018
The Blue Wahoos broke out their bats in the series opener with the Mississippi Braves pounding out eight extra-base hits in an 8-3 win. The victory snapped the Wahoos three game skid.
Gabriel Guerrero paced the offense with a four-hit game including three doubles. Gavin LaValley kick started the offense with a three-run homer in the first inning. It was one of two hits he had on the night. The Blue Wahoos plated four runs in the frame to open the game. It would be the first of two four-run innings on the night.
All of the first inning damage came against Braves number four prospect Kyle Wright (L, 0-2). It was his only inning of the game, which lead to his second loss of the season.
The second rally came in the eighth. Aristides Aquino led off the frame with a double and he scored a batter later on a Guerrero double. The Wahoos loaded the bases before Taylor Sparks singled home two more. Nick Longhi plated the final run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.
The pitching also excelled for the Wahoos. Daniel Wright (W, 2-1) earned the win after going six strong innings. He allowed just one earned run (two total) with a walk and five strikeouts. Kevin Shackelford continued his rehab assignment with a scoreless inning and Carlos Navas finished the final two innings allowing just a late run in the ninth.
Scott Schebler doubled in his first at bat of the night, and finished the game 1-for-3 in his first game with the Blue Wahoos during his rehab assignment.
The Blue Wahoos and the M-Braves will continue the series Tuesday night. Keury Mella (1-0, 0.82) will start for the Blue Wahoos against RHP Touki Toussaint (0-1, 5.87) of the Braves.
Pensacola Police Seek Suspect In Robbery And Shooting
April 17, 2018
The Pensacola Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted on robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm charges.
Zachary Shabaz Peterson Jr. has an active warrant with the Pensacola Police Departmen for a robbery and shooting on April 15 in the 1000 block of N. ‘J’ Street
Police said he may still be armed.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or call the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.
Grants Up $500 Available For CRA Neighborhood Improvement Projects
April 17, 2018
The Escambia County Neighborhood & Human Services Department is accepting applications for the spring cycle of the Neighborhood Renewal Initiative Mini Grant Program, funded through the county’s Community Development Block Grant Program. Applications are due Friday, June 29.
Neighborhood organizations located within the boundaries of one of the county’s Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA) are eligible to apply for up to $500 for projects that promote community and volunteer-based redevelopment efforts in a targeted neighborhood. Past applicants have completed neighborhood beautification projects, neighborhood signs and house numbering projects.
There are currently nine redevelopment districts in Escambia County — Atwood, Barrancas, Brownsville, Cantonment, Englewood, Ensley, Oakfield, Palafox and Warrington.
Applications can be submitted to the Neighborhood & Human Services Department at cra@myescambia.com, dropped off or mailed to 221 Palafox Place, Suite 305, Attn: Lily Blackburn. Click here for an application.
To determine if a property is located within a CRA District, click here and search the address from the drop down menu at the top of the screen. For more information, contact Lily Blackburn with the Community Redevelopment Agency at (850) 595-3585 or cra@myescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Debra Sue Joiner
April 17, 2018
Mrs. Debra Sue Joiner, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mrs. Joiner was a native of Bay Minette, AL and had resided in Stockton, AL for the past 24 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and was of the Holiness Faith. She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Rufus Joiner; son, Claude Bennett Odom; and brother, Billy Hall.
She is survived by one son, Elzie Joiner of Stockton, AL; two daughters, Debra Michelle (Joseph) Odom of Flomaton, AL and Debbie Juanita (Michael) White of Bay Minette, AL; two brothers, Bubba Hall of Rabun, AL and Willie James Hall of Atmore, AL; seven sisters, Sherry Bryars of Rabun, AL, Wanda Hall of Bay Minette, AL, Mary Ann Waters of Stockton, AL, Tammy Jean Blount of Dothan, AL, Brenda Stewart of Semmes, AL, Linda Taylor of Whitehouse Fork, AL and Matilda Donald of Whitehouse Fork, AL; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Dean Holiness Church with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial was at the Dean Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Henry Hadley, Cameron White, Dalton White, Elzie Joiner, John Taylor and Joseph Rayborn.
Honorary pallbearers were Jonathan Frank Taylor, Samuel Taylor, John Victor, Curt Smith, Ryan Wilson and Robert Hooks.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Donald Ray Harrison
April 17, 2018
Mr. Donald Ray Harrison, age 65, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at his home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Harrison was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. He was a member of the Church of Living God.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Barbara E. Harrison; parents, Elzie and Luverne Harrison; grandmother, Ida Rutherford; brother, Harold Harrison; and four sisters, Alice Ruth Harrison, Verna Mae Harris, Dorothy Milstead and Sarah O’Leary.
He is survived by his three brothers, Earl Harrison of Atmore, AL, Robert Wayne Harrison of Atmore, AL and David Michael Harrison of Brewton, AL; three sisters, Helen Jones of McCullough, AL, Kaye Robinson of Atmore, AL and Faye Odom of Perdido, AL; sister-in-law and caregiver, Joyce Evans of Atmore, AL; special great niece, Riana Evans and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Moyeville Cemetery with Rev. Mike Hutto officiating.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Freddie Lambeth, Joey Emmons, B.J. Emmons, Cody Emmons, Henry “Junior” Lambeth and Ronald Mosley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Jones, Helen Jones, Earl Harrison, Robert Harrison, David Harrison, Kenny Robinson and Eddie Odom.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Meet The Three Finalists For Escambia County Fire Chief
April 16, 2018
Interviews are set to be held this week with the three finalists for the Escambia County fire chief job.
The county expects to being the top three candidates to Escambia County on Thursday to tour the Emergency Operations Center and public safety building, and some local Escambia County Fire Rescue stations, followed by a meet and greet with staff, volunteer firefighters and full-time firefighters. The selection committee will conduct in-person interviews with the top three candidates Friday morning.
The finalists for Escambia County fire chiefs are, in alphabetical order:
Stephen F. Cox, South Bend, IN
Stephen Cox is a U.S. Army veteran with 25 years experience in fire services.
Cox has been with the South Bend Fire Deportment since 1993. He began as a firefighter/paramedic and promoted to lieutenant and captain before becoming assistant chief of EMS in 2007. The department provides service from 11 fire stations with an annual operational budget of approximately $33 million. the full-time staff consists of 257 sworn firefighters and eight civilian support staff.
He was promoted to fire chief in 2012. He served as as an Army combat medic for over five years, including deployment to Seoul, South Korea, and during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University in South Bend and has completed courses from the National Fire Academy.
Russell Clark Nail, Melbourne, FL
Russell Nail has 26 years experience in fire services, including over nine years at the command level. He has led departments with up to 17 fire stations, over 500 personnel and up to a $100 million budget.
Nail has worked as fire chief-emergency manager for the City of Palm Bay Fire Rescue Department in Florida since July 2017, and previously served as battalion chief in administration. In 2004, has was a lieutenant of field operations and training for the City of Orlando Fire Department and worked his way through the ranks as a district chief, assistant fire chief and deputy fire chief. He began his fire service as a volunteer for the Brevard County Fire Department .
He holds a bachelor of science degree in fire and emergency services from the University of Florida and associates degrees in general studies and fire science technology from Brevard Community College.
Paul Randall Smith, Mobile, AL
Paul Smith has 35 years experience in EMS, 31 years in the fire service, 22 years in disaster response and just over a year in law enforcement.
Smith is currently deputy chief of operations for the Mobile Fire Department, responsible for third shift including 130 personnel, 20 stations, 25 engines and ladder trucks and 11 ambulances. He has served the Mobile Fire Department as deputy chief and interim fire chief. He spent just over a year as a police cadet with the Mobile Police Department.
He has worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Hume Services National Disaster Medical System since August 1995.
Smith holds a masters degree in emergency management and a bachelors of science in emergency services administration.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Local Elementary Students Shine At Sunshine Math Competition
April 16, 2018
Hundreds of Escambia County elementary school students took part in the annual Sunshine Math Competition this past weekend at Washington High School.
Winners were:
3rd Grade Team
- Molino Park elementary School’s Team 1
- McArthur Elementary School’s Team 1
- McArthur Elementary School’s Team 2
3rd Grade Individual
- Ethan White, Pine Meadow Elementary School
- Jordan Foster, A.K. Suter Elementary School
- Presley Johnson, Bratt Elementary School
4th Grade Team
- Lipscomb Elementary School
- McArthur Elementary School
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School
4th Grade Individual
- Parker Mims, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary School
- Peyton Brummet, N.B. Cook Elementary School
- Ray Duong, N.B.Cook Elementary School
5th Grade Team
- Hellen Caro Elementary School’s Team 2
- Cordova Park Elementary School’s Team 1
- Scenic Heights Elementary School’s Team 1
5th Grade Individual
- Aiden Ripley, Scenic Heights Elementary School
- Brody Hills, Pensacola Beach Elementary School
- Benjamin Fulkerson, Blue Angels Elementary School
Additional North Escambia winners are pictured below, scroll down.
3rd grade, second place McArthur Elementary School’s Team 1.
3rd grade, third place, McArthur Elementary School’s Team 2.
3rd grade, first place individual Ethan White, Pine Meadow Elementary School.
3rd place individual, Presley Johnson, Bratt Elementary School
4th grade, first place Lipscomb Elementary
4th grade, second place McArthur Elementary
4th grade, first place individual Parker Mims, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary School
Photos courtesy Kim Stefansson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
April 16, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of April 16-20:
Monday, April 16
Public Safety Coordinating Council – 12 p.m., M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 Government St.
Tuesday, April 17
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
BCC Agenda Review – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission Board of Directors – 2 p.m., 418 W. Garden St.
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
Wednesday, April 18
Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District – 8 a.m., 151 Highway 97, Molino
Board of Adjustment – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Escambia County Disability Awareness Committee – 3 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Friday, April 20
Selection Committee Fire Chief Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Expect Daily Lane Restrictions On Highway 29 In Century
April 16, 2018
Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in Century the next few days.
Crews will perform pavement testing daily until Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
This is in addition to northbound, outside lane closures between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily as crews work to install a natural gas pipleline.
For a complete list of this week’s traffic problems on state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, click here.