Barry Named Chairman Of Escambia County Commission
November 19, 2019
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry has been named the new chairman of the Escambia County Commission, and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender has been named vice-chairman.
Barry succeeds District 3 Commissioner Lumon May at chairman of the five-member board. He will serve for one year. The chairmanship of the Escambia County Commission changes each year on a rotating schedule.
DeSantis Proposes $91.4 Billion Budget
November 19, 2019
Gov. Ron DeSantis has released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 that he has dubbed a “Bolder, Brighter, Better Future” budget.
Savings and Tax Relief
The total recommendation for the FY 2020-2021 budget is $91.4 billion. The budget recommends $480.5 million in savings – such as administrative efficiencies and elimination of earmarks.
The budget places $5.6 billion in total reserves, including $1.4 billion of general revenue, which is more than 6 percent of the total budget and more than $200 million more than the current year budget.
The budget also includes more than $300 million in tax relief, including a $56 million 8-day Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, a 10-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and property tax relief of over $247 million.
Education
Thebudget makes historic investments in the state’s education system, including $22.9 billion for the Florida Education Finance Program (FEDP), an increase of over $1 billion.
This includes over $900 million to recruit and retain the best classroom teachers and principals in Florida. Over $600 million is included to raise the minimum salary for full-time classroom teachers to $47,500, which would provide more than 101,000 teachers with a pay raise. Additionally, $300 million is recommended for the Florida Classroom Teacher and Principal Bonus programs.
The budget invests $25 million in key workforce development initiatives: $10 million for the Pathways to Careers Opportunities Grant Program, $10 million for the Work Florida Student Success Incentive Fund at State Colleges and $5 million for the Work Florida Student Success Incentive Fund at District Postsecondary Programs.
The budget recommends an increase of funding of more than $22 million for Florida college and nearly $24 million for Florida universities, all while maintaining no increase in tuition.
Environment
The budget continues Governor DeSantis’ focus on Florida’s environment and builds on the success of last year. The budget includes more than $625 million in recurring funding for Everglades restoration and the protection of vital water resources, positioning Florida to be able to reach the Governor’s goal of investing $2.5 billion over four years.
Included in the more than $625 million investment is more than $322 million for Everglades restoration projects, $150 million for water quality improvements, $50 million for springs restoration and more than $22 million to combat the harmful effects of algal blooms and red tide.
The budget also invests $50 million in beach nourishment to address Florida’s critically eroded shorelines, nearly $9 million in coral reef protection funding, as well as $154 million to protect Florida’s prized properties and water: $100 million for the Florida Forever Program and $54 million in new funding for state parks.
Health and Human Services
The budget makes significant investments in the well-being of Floridians and protecting the most vulnerable. Over $54 million is recommended to continue fighting the opioid epidemic, and $17 million is provided in new mental health and substance abuse funding.
In an effort to increase accountability, the Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget invests over $97 million to provide funding for services to children and families through Florida’s child welfare system.
The budget provides $6.4 million in new funding to support the Office of Public and Professional Guardianship, as well as $10 million in funding to enrich the needs of seniors in Florida’s communities and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and ending abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors.
To ensure Florida’s veterans are receiving the care they deserve, the budget invests $18.2 million for the completion of the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Lucie County and the Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orange County, as well as $6.7 million for capital improvements, equipment updates and additional nursing staff for Florida’s existing state veteran nursing homes.
Transportation and Economic Development
While Florida’s economy remains strong, finding affordable housing can still be a challenge. The budget provides $387 million to fully fund Workforce and Affordable Housing Programs: $119.8 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program and $267.2 million for the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program.
As Florida’s population continues to increase, key investments must be made to handle this growth and ensure continued efficiency. The budget provides $8.8 billion for the State Transportation Work Program, including $2.8 billion for highway construction, $865.7 million in lane resurfacing and $436.2 million in scheduled repairs and replacement of bridges.
The Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes $50 million for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to provide funding for job training and public infrastructure projects that support growth and employment in Florida.
Hurricane Recovery
For the two most recent hurricanes to strike Florida, Irma and Michael, the State of Florida is projected to spend over $1.9 billion on hurricane-related expenses – $627.8 million for Hurricane Irma and $1.3 billion so far for Hurricane Michael.
The Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes $25 million through the Hurricane Michael Recovery Grant Program for the repair and replacement of critical infrastructure and to improve the capacity of emergency services.
Public Safety
Early in his term, Governor DeSantis directed Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Rick Swearingen to develop a threat assessment strategy to identify and prevent threats of mass violence. Building on this, the budget includes over $4.5 million to implement the first Statewide Behavior Threat Assessment strategy in the country.
The budget also invests more than $14.5 million to expand and enhance FDLE’s crime databases that the department uses daily to investigate crimes and apprehend criminals.
Governor DeSantis is recommending over $89.7 million and additional staffing at the Florida Department of Corrections for needed improvements, including retention bonuses and a pilot program to transition correctional officers from a 12-hour shift to an 8.5-hour shift.
Elections Security
With the 2020 elections getting closer, the Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget recommends $6.6 million for state-level election oversight activities, with a focus on cybersecurity enhancements to Florida’s election system.
Includes in this funding is $1.3 million for ten positions dedicated to cyber security who will provide local Supervisors of Elections with support and recommendations to combat cyber threats. Also included is $1.4 million for voter registration list maintenance services and voter outreach through the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 19, 2019
Volunteers from the Miracle League of Pensacola will fry your turkey for you on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, saving you the time and trouble while benefiting the charity. And there is still time to make an appointment.
Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. For a monetary donation to Miracle League, the volunteers will fry your turkey to perfection. A minimum of $20 per turkey is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola.
Call (850)516-7124 with questions or to schedule your time (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary With Assault, Resisting Officer
November 19, 2019
A Cantonment man that said he thought he was entering a friend’s house has been charged with burglary.
Mertz Billy Goodwin, 54, was charged with first degree felony burglary with battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $102,000.
The victim told deputies that he answered his front door after hearing a knock. When he opened the door, Goodwin pushed the victim back and began to step inside the residence on Pine Forest Road, according to an arrest report. The victim was able to push him back outside and lock the door. He told deputies he had never seen Goodwin before.
When deputies arrived, Goodwin was still at the residence. When a deputy told him to stand up and place his hands behind his back, Goodwin attempted to pull away. “Goodwin was then put on the ground where was taken into custody without incident,” the arrest report states.
Deputies also reported finding a glass smoking pipe in his pants pocket.
Goodwin told deputies that he thought he was at a friend’s house.
Six Area Teams In Football Playoff Action Friday
November 19, 2019
Here are the football playoff games Friday night in the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
7A Regional Final
Niceville (12-0) at Edgewater (11-1) 7:30 p.m.
6A Regional Final
Lee (9-3) at Escambia (12-0)
3A Regional Final
Florida High (10-1) at Pensacola Catholic (11-0)
ALABAMA
Class 3A Quarterfinals
T.R. Miller (8-4) at Flomaton (11-1)
The game is rematch of a regular season meeting that Flomaton won 20-12.
AISA State Championship Class AA
Autauga vs. Escambia Academy
The Escambia Academy Cougars will take on Autauga for the AISA Class AA State Championship at Troy University at 3:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos
UWF Football Receives First Round Playoff Bid
November 19, 2019
The UWF football team has received a bid to the 2019 NCAA Division II Football Playoffs as announced by the NCAA. The Argonauts will travel to Wingate for a Super Region 2 First Round game Saturday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Eastern at Irwin Belk Stadium.
Both general admission and reserved tickets are available for purchase from the Wingate Ticket Office at here. Seats are $12 for adults and $8 for children in the visiting team section behind the UWF bench.
UWF finished the regular season at 8-2 overall and was second in the Gulf South Conference at 7-1. This marks the program’s second postseason appearance in the last three years and second in the four year history of the program. The Argos won four postseason games – all on the road – on their way to the 2017 national championship game in their previous appearance.
UWF is ranked 22nd in the country and averages 400 yards of total offense and 35.3 points per game. The Argo defense has been one of the stronger units in the country, yielding just 15.1 points per game. They are among the top five in the region in scoring defense, passing yards allowed, red zone defense, punt return defense and turnover margin.
No. 4 seed Wingate is 10-1 on the year and finished second in the South Atlantic Conference at 7-1, with their only loss coming to No. 2 seeded Lenoir-Rhyne three weeks ago. The 17th-ranked Bulldogs are 5-0 at home in 2019.
The UWF-Wingate winner will face No. 1 seed Valdosta State in Valdosta, Ga. on November 30. The other two first round games feature Carson-Newman at Bowie State and Miles at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Woman That Threw Drink At Congressman Matt Gaetz Gets 15 Days
November 18, 2019
The woman accused of throwing a drink at Congressman Matt Gaetz during a June town hall meeting in Pensacola will serve 15 days in federal custody.
Amanda L. Kondrat’yev was charged with assaulting a U.S. Congressman for throwing the drink at Gaetz as he was leaving his “We Won’t Back Down” town hall event at a Pensacola restaurant. The drink hit Gaetz in the back as he was making his way to his waiting car outside the main entrance of the Brew Ha Ha Restaurant.
“”I am pleased with the court’s decision today to sentence Amanda Kondrat’yev to 15 days in jail and one year of probation,” Gaetz said. “Physical assault has no place in our political discourse, and if individuals choose to engage in such activities at our events they will be prosecuted. I am grateful law enforcement and our judicial system recognized this principle today, and I remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for my constituents at future events.”
Kondrat’yev was sentenced Monday in federal court in Pensacola. She will report to U.S. Marshals on December 2, the Monday after Thanksgiving, and begin to serve her sentence.
Kondrat’yev ran against Gaetz for his Congressional seat in 2016, along with Cris Dosev and Mark Wichern. She is also the lead plaintiff in the Bayview Cross case against the City of Pensacola.
Alabama Man Arrested For Twice The Ice Machine Burglary
November 18, 2019
Deputies say an Alabama man was caught red-handed breaking into a Twice The Ice vending machine Sunday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 43-year old Paul Wayne Hurst of Foley was arrested after the burglary of a Twice The Ice machine in the 4000 block of Barrancas Avenue about 10:40 p.m. He has been charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief with property damage and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He was released on an $8,000 bond.
It was at least the fifth Twice The Ice machine burglary in Escambia County this month. Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, said investigators are still working to determine if Hurst is connected the other four burglaries.
The Twice The Ice location in the 5500 block of Saufley Field Road was reported burglarized on November 2, followed by a location in the 13000 block of Johnson Beach Road on Perdido Key on November 9. Locations in the 12200 block of Lillian Highway and the 200 block of South Highway 29, across the from paper mill, were discovered burglarized on Thursday, November 14.
Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured: The ECSO investigates the burglary of the Twice The Ice on Highway 29 in Cantonment on November 14. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inmate On Death Row Gets Another Death Sentence For Killing Cellmate
November 18, 2019
An inmate already on Florida’s death row has received another death sentence for the first degree premeditated murder of a Santa Rosa Correctional Institute inmate.
Rocky Ali Beamon previously pled guilty to the January 2017 murder of inmate Nicholas Anderson.
Beamon and Anderson were cellmates at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. Beamon punched the victim in the face, tied his hands and feet together, and strangled him with bed sheets. Beamon also stabbed the Anderson in the neck with a homemade weapon, but the cause of death was strangulation.
At the time of the murder, Beamon was already serving a life sentence for a 2005 murder case from Hillsborough County. Earlier this year, Beamon was sentenced to death for the July 5, 2012, murder of an inmate at the Apalachee Correctional Institution in Jackson County.
The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Century Grapples With Unpermitted Sewage Sludge Deliberately Dumped In Pond
November 18, 2019
Century is grappling with with unpermitted sewage sludge deliberately dumped in a pond at the town’s wastewater treatment facility (WWTF).
The WWTF reject pond is designed to receive up to 675,000 gallons of effluent that does not meet permit requirements in order to protect surface waters.
As the town was removing floating grasses and weeds from the pond in order to resolve a deficiency listed in a September warning letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, it was discovered that biosolids were improperly dumped in the pond. According to the EPA, biosolids are treated sewer sludge.
“The diversion of biosolids to the reject pond is the result of deliberate action of prior staff,” according to Interim City Manager Buz Eddy. It is believed the action may have occurred several years ago, resulting in a pond filled with sludge about six feet deep.
Eddy estimated it will take 112 truck loads to remove the sludge at a cost of $106,400 with a possible discount due to volume.
The town will receive proposals to clean the pond for approval at a later date.
Pictured: The reject pond at the Century Wastewater Treatment Facility. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.