Nine Mile Road Ramp To I-10 Set To Be Closed
March 17, 2019
The Nine Mile Road eastbound ramp to Interstate 10 (I-10) eastbound will be restricted to one access ramp location beginning the week of March 25. The western access ramp will be closed and drivers will enter to I-10 eastbound via the second, eastern most on-ramp at this location. The temporary closure is expected to be in place for several weeks as crews complete ramp reconstruction work.
All construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Ultimatum Sent – And Heard
March 17, 2019
Less than two weeks into his first legislative session as Florida’s chief executive, Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking a well-deserved victory lap after strong-arming lawmakers into hoisting the white flag on pot.
The Republican governor gave the Legislature an ultimatum shortly after he took office in January: Get rid of the state prohibition against smokable medical marijuana, or I’ll do it without you.
If lawmakers didn’t act by March 15, DeSantis threatened to drop the state’s appeal of a court decision that said the smoking ban violated a voter-approved constitutional amendment broadly legalizing medical marijuana.
GOP legislative leaders, who included the smoking ban in a 2017 law aimed at carrying out the amendment, grudgingly surrendered to the 40-year-old governor this week, sparking a shout-out from DeSantis.
“The Florida Legislature has taken a significant step this week to uphold the will of the voters and support the patients who will gain relief as a result of this legislation. President Bill Galvano, Speaker José Oliva, Senator Jeff Brandes and Representative Ray Rodrigues have done a tremendous job, working hard to ensure the voices of Floridians are heard. I commend them for their diligence on this issue,” DeSantis said in a statement Thursday.
Rodrigues, R-Estero, and Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, shepherded the legislation, which received overwhelming support from both chambers despite insistence by Galvano and Oliva that the smoking ban was — and remains — legit.
So why did lawmakers cave on the issue? The Republican leaders didn’t want the courts to have the last word in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the smoking ban, according to Oliva.
The lawsuit “was more about the Legislature’s prerogative and the Legislature’s being able to pass laws to regulate things like medicine in the state,” Oliva told reporters after the House signed off on the bill Wednesday.
While Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, Oliva would have preferred to wait for the 1st District Court of Appeal, which is more conservative than Gievers, to opine.
“I would have been interested to hear what would have come of that appeal. We might still. But I think that, again, the most important thing was that the elected lawmakers of the state would have an opportunity to legislate how this would be governed in this state,” he said.
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
The House passed the repeal of the smoking ban (SB 182) in a 101-11 vote, sending the bill to the governor two days before the DeSantis-imposed March 15 deadline. The Senate passed the bill last week.
DeSantis has until Wednesday to act on the measure or let it become law without his signature.
Despite DeSantis’ insistence that the ban be repealed, Rodrigues, who was also instrumental in crafting the 2017 law that carried out the constitutional amendment, noted that “many of us feel like we got it right” the first time.
“I’m not going to have all of your votes today, and I understand that, and I respect that. My encouragement to you is to vote your conscience, but what I would say is this: This bill is important because if we do not pass this bill, then the guardrails that we could place around smokable medical marijuana will not exist,” Rodrigues said before the House vote.
While eliminating the ban, the bill includes some restrictions — or guardrails, to borrow Rodrigues’ description — on smokable marijuana. It would allow patients to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for smoking every 35 days, ban smoking of medical marijuana in public places and allow terminally ill children to smoke the treatment, but only if they have a second opinion from a pediatrician.
Oliva, a Miami Lakes Republican who has made a fortune in the cigar business, had balked at doing away with the marijuana-smoking ban. Supporters of the ban argued, in part, that smoking is hazardous to people’s health.
But after DeSantis delivered the ultimatum, the House made a series of concessions to reach an accord with the Senate, which historically has taken a less-restrictive approach toward medical marijuana.
Under the compromise passed by both chambers, dispensaries can sell any form of smokable marijuana, and patients can buy devices to smoke cannabis at retail outlets, such as head shops.
The bill also requires the state university system’s Board of Governors to designate a university to house a “Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research” and steers $1.5 million each year to fund the research, which would be based on data submitted by doctors.
Oliva, who voted in favor of the bill, told reporters he continues to have concerns about what he called “a difficult subject.”
“I don’t know, and we don’t have the data — hopefully we will in the coming years — to show if there truly are benefits to consuming this medicine in this fashion. I personally don’t believe that there probably is. And there might be some detrimental effects as a result of that, which is why I had reservations then, and I still have them now,” he said.
VOUCHER PLANS GAIN STEAM
Vouchers have long been a controversial issue in the Legislature, with supporters saying private-school scholarships offer needed choices to families and opponents saying they strip money from traditional public schools.
But on Thursday, the House began moving forward with a dramatic expansion of school vouchers, including allowing middle-class families to apply for state-funded scholarships to send children to private schools.
The GOP-controlled House and Senate and the Republican governor all want to expand voucher-type programs and point to a waiting list of about 14,000 students in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program, which serves low-income children.
The House Education Committee on Thursday approved a bill (HB 7075) that would create a new voucher program, known as the “Family Empowerment Scholarship” program, which would be open to many middle-class families.
If approved, the program would be available to families whose incomes are up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level during the 2019-2020 school year — a calculation that equates to $77,250 for a family of four. The threshold would gradually increase, with a family of four making $96,572 eligible for the vouchers in the 2022-2023 school year.
Rep. James Bush, a Miami Democrat who supports school choice, said he is worried the House is moving away from the goal of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program, which was to help low-income children attend private schools.
“My only concern is keeping the original intent of helping low-income children,” Bush said.
The Senate version (SB 7070), meanwhile, would create a program that would provide vouchers to families up to 260 percent of the federal poverty level — the equivalent of $66,950 for a family of four.
Senate Education Chairman Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, and Senate Education Appropriations Chairwoman Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said they think that’s a better approach.
“In the real world, depending on where you live, if you look at a family of four and say they make $96,000, it sounds like a lot. But sometimes it is deceiving,” Diaz told The News Service of Florida.
Diaz, however, was careful about calling people at the House’s household income threshold a middle-class family.
“We all know the truth,” Diaz said. “They are working class, obviously.”
But the Florida Democratic Party blasted the proposed voucher expansion, in part raising questions about whether it would be constitutional to use tax dollars for the new program. The state Supreme Court in 2006 struck down a voucher program backed by former Gov. Jeb Bush.
“House Republicans are abusing the legislative process to rush this bill through because they know it would never hold up under sustained scrutiny,” Democratic Party spokesman Kevin Donohoe said in a prepared statement.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Ceding to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a proposal to do away with the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It’s about damn time.” — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat and former medical marijuana lobbyist, on the Legislature’s proposed repeal of the smoking prohibition.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Woman Gets 10 Years For Stealing From Her Employer
March 16, 2019
An Escambia County woman was sentenced to 10 years in state prion Friday for stealing over $64,000 from her employer over a two year period.
Linda Lee Hanford, 51, was sentenced for violating probation and organized fraud for diverting the money from internet sales to her personal account.
Handford was hired to run an internet site selling electric golf cart accessories by Lender Services, owned by automotive dealer Eddie Mercer. As a contract employee, she was paid $13.50 per hour to take orders, pass the orders to a vendor for delivery to customers and transfer the customer’s payment into a Lender Services bank account.
She would sell products at or below cost and keep the entire cost of the product for herself, diverting money to a personal account.
At the time Hanford was hired by Lender Services she remained on probation for a local felony theft conviction in 2005 from local marine supply business Ian Conrad Bergan. In 2006, she was ordered to have “no job receiving funds or paying out funds”.
Once Hanford was contacted by a Sheriff’s Office investigator and her probation officer, she sent several rambling text messages to Mercer, begging his forgiveness, blaming her actions on jealousy and depression and stating she was undergoing treatment for a “severe compulsive disorder”.
Strike Out Cancer Softball Raises $25K: WFHS Tops Tate, Tate’s Lundquist Throws Perfect JV Game
March 16, 2019
West Florida 2, Tate 0
Tate 15, West Florida 0 (JV)
The real winner Friday night on Tate High School’s softball field was cancer research during the Aggies’ annual Strike Out Cancer game. At last word the game had raised about $25,000.
In varsity action, West Florida topped Tate 2-0. Avery Beauchanie, Amber Decoux and Shelby McClean had hits for the Lady Aggies. Beauchanie took the loss for Lady Aggies, surrendering two runs on five hits over six innings and striking out four.
In junior varsity play, Courtney Lundquist threw a perfect game Friday as the Tate Aggies beat West Florida 15-0 in four innings. She recorded seven strikeouts.
Lundquist and Courtney Adams had three hits for Tate, while Christina Mason, Ella Little and Alyssa Rowell had two hits. Kennedy Turner, Brianna Folmar, Aaliyah Jordon and Taylor Green each added a hit.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Woman Convicted Of Murder, Gets Life For Sitting On Child
March 16, 2019
An Escambia County woman was sentenced to life in prison Friday for killing her 9-year old cousin by sitting on her.
Veronica Green Posey received the life sentence immediately after being convicted. Dericka Lindsay died after Posey sat on her while administering punishment. Posey weighed over 300 pounds at the time.
Posey was called by Lindsay’s adoptive parents, Grace and James Smith, to help discipline her back in October 2017.
Authorities say Posey told deputies and paramedics responding to a 911 call from the family’s home in Pensacola that she sat on Lindsay because the girl had been out of control. Deputies said the girl told Posey and her adoptive parents during the punishment that she couldn’t breathe.
James Smith is serving a 10 year sentence in state prison for his role in the death. Grace Smith suffer from mental and physical illnesses that have prevented her from going to trial, but she will be tried upon recovery.
Two A Row: Northview Beats Freeport; Pine Forest Tops Escambia
March 16, 2019
Northview 2, Freeport 1
Make that two district wins in a row over Freeport for Northview, as the Chiefs beat the Bulldogs Friday night 2-1 in Freeport. The Chiefs were coming off win over Freeport Thursday night in Bratt.
Seth Killam , Ben Wilson, Jacob Bryant , Taylor Wilson, and Nick Venable each had a hit for the Chiefs. Tanner Levis earned the win on the mound, lasting for seven innings and allowing nine hits, one run, no walkings and striking out three.
Pine Forest 4, Escambia 0
Jason Roberts tossed a complete game shutout Friday night as the Pine Forest Eagles beat the Escambia Gators 4-0. He allowed three hits and zero runs while striking out seven in seven innings.
John Pinette led Pine Forest Eagles Varsity with three hits in four at bats. The Eagles did not have a single error in the field.
File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Whooping Cough Case Confirmed In Escambia County
March 16, 2019
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) has been notified that an adolescent resident of Escambia County has been diagnosed with pertussis.
Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a vaccine-preventable illness, but can be highly contagious to non-vaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals. The disease is easily passed among individuals in close contact with one another.
Pertussis can be especially dangerous to newborn infants who are too young to get vaccinated. This illness is also serious for people with weakened immune systems and for older adults.
“Pertussis easily spreads within families and in other settings where there are close contacts among individuals, such as households, schools, and group child care situations,” said FDOH-Escambia’s director, Dr. John Lanza. “In this situation the young person had been vaccinated against pertussis. On rare occasions, a fully-vaccinated person can present with symptoms.”
Individuals, particularly children and adolescents, in Escambia County, Florida who have not been vaccinated or who are experiencing a persistent cough should contact their primary health care professional for assessment.
Escambia Commission To Interview Finalists For County Administrator Next Month
March 16, 2019
The Escambia County Commission will begin the process of choosing a new county administrator next month from a pool of 120 or more applicants.
The application period closes on March 27. At least 75 applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be reviewed by the Florida Association of County Managers, and the commission will receive a list of finalists by their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 11.
Commissioners plan to hold a special meeting to interview finalists on April 29.
Jack Brown retired from the administrator’s job after over four years to take care of his wife and her health issues. Assistant administrator Amy Lovoy is serving as interim administrator until the position is filled.
File photo.
Woman Seriously Injured In Highway 97 Rollover Crash
March 15, 2019
An adult female was seriously injured in a rollover crash late Friday afternoon on Highway 97 in Davisville.
The woman was southbound on Highway 97 one third of mile north of Nokomis Road about 5:30 p.m.. Her Toyota Camry left the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned multiple times. The vehicle was apparently airborne for nearly 100 feet and came to rest upside down in a yard, briefly trapping the woman inside. She was extricated in a matter of minutes by firefighters.
Th woman was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to a Pensacola hospital.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Fire Department and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDOT Plans Highway 29, Molino Road Traffic Signal; Eight Miles Of Highway 29 Resurfacing
March 15, 2019
Bids will be opened later this month for a Florida Department of Transportation project to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 29 and Molino Road, resurface eight miles of Highway 29 and improve several other intersections from Molino to Cantonment.
The improvements include:
- A new traffic signal will be added at Highway 29 and Molino Road, along with a new northbound and southbound turn lanes on Highway 29 and turn lanes in both directions on Molino Road. The median crossover at the Dollar General Store will be closed.
- At Barrineau Park Road, new northbound and southbound turn lanes will be added on Highway 29.
- New Highway 29 northbound and southbound turn lanes will be added into the Florida Division of Forestry (fire tower)
- A new southbound right turn lane will be added at Booth Lake Road.
- At Quintette Road, new turn lanes will be added on Highway 29 in both directions. There will not be a traffic signal installed.
- At the Highway 29 and Muscogee/Becks Lake Road, the turning radius will be improved on all four corners and the signal will be reconstructed.
- The railroad crossing signals on Highway 29 just south of Muscogee Road will be replaced.
In addition, Highway 29 will be resurfaced from just south of Muscogee Road in Cantonment to Highway 97 in Molino, and there will driveway improvements and other safety enhancements.
Bids on the estimated $11.4 million project will be opened March 27. It is expected that construction will begin this summer with completion in the fall of 2020, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.