Florida’s New First Lady Wants To Listen, ‘Move The Ball Forward’
January 8, 2019
Saying she “wants to take a page out of Oprah’s playbook,” Florida’s next first lady, Casey DeSantis, charmed an audience of mostly Republican women Monday, the day before her husband, Ron, will be sworn in as governor of the third-largest state in the nation.
“I really look forward to listening,” Casey DeSantis, 38, told reporters after addressing an early-morning crowd in the kickoff of festivities surrounding Tuesday’s inauguration.
The mother of two young children regaled the crowd with tales of her travels throughout the state last year while campaigning for her husband.
Riding around on an electric moped in Daytona Beach during Bike Week — and winding up surrounded by Harleys — was just one of the ways she helped her husband get elected.
“I get it. I know how hard it takes. I know there’s a lot that goes into making it happen,” Casey DeSantis, a former morning-television host, said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, titled “Women Transforming Florida: A Tribute Breakfast,” at Goodwood Museum, DeSantis said she hasn’t limited her agenda as first lady to a single issue.
“I’d like to pick more than one,” she said. “I want to take a page out of Oprah’s playbook. She said what makes the best interview are people who listen. So, what I want to do is approach this with humility and say that I might not know all the answers out of the gate. I want to listen to what the people say … and then I want to be able to help in any way that I can to really move the ball forward for the people of this state.”
Much of the morning’s program was devoted to praising women, including Republican voters who helped boost Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez to victory in the 2018 elections.
“I’m inspired to pave the way and encourage young girls and women of all ages in all walks of life to follow their dreams. It’s taken a lot of work. It’s taken a lot of sacrifice,” Nuñez, 46, said. “But most importantly, it’s taken a lot of faith.”
Nuñez, a former legislator from Miami, will become the state’s highest-ranking Hispanic woman in history after taking office Tuesday.
“She is a rock star,” Casey DeSantis said.
The new governor, his wife and their two young children — 2-year-old Madison and 10-month-old Mason — intend to move into the governor’s mansion, marking the first time in a half-century since a young family has resided at 700 North Adams St.
Casey DeSantis called it an “honor and a privilege” to live in the mansion.
“The first thing I said was, we need to take all of Florida’s irreplaceable historic artifacts and move them up four feet, right? I was thinking about this beautiful early 20th-century wallpaper. Orange crayon wouldn’t look so good on that. So one of the first steps is to make sure that we baby-proof the mansion to preserve all of Florida’s history,” she told reporters. “Ron and I understand that this is the people’s house. It’s not our house. And so we want to make sure that people have the opportunity to see two young children growing up in the mansion. This is the first time that this has happened in 50 years. So it’s an honor and we look forward to really sharing the kids with everybody and sharing what I’m sure will be some hilarious stories.”
Some view Florida’s political lineup, with Casey DeSantis expected to play an important role in her husband’s administration, Nuñez, incoming Attorney General Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried, as a reflection of the 2018 elections, viewed nationally as the “year of the woman.”
DeSantis and Nuñez top the “amazing, strong, accomplished females taking leadership roles,” Melissa Stone, a Republican political consultant who was one of outgoing Gov. Rick Scott’s chief advisers, told The News Service of Florida during a break in the Monday breakfast event.
Their presence in the administration will be an inspiration for other women, Stone predicted.
“The more you have a great number of women working together, that is what is going to make a real impression on women everywhere, encourage them and inspire them to take leadership roles,” she said
Expect the female leaders to play an important part in the 2020 elections; politicians of both parties — including President Donald Trump, whose early endorsement helped boost DeSantis to a Republican primary victory — consider Florida a must-win state.
When asked how she would boost turnout among women, Casey DeSantis pointed to a focus on issues that “everyone” believes in.
Cleaning up the state’s waterways — “the lifeblood for our economy” — is at the top of her list, she said.
“It’s not only for the economy. It’s also about the flora and fauna that call some of the most beautiful areas in Florida home. It’s for the businesses. We have to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to support their interests. And then it’s also, as a mother, when you talk to people on the campaign trail and they say, ‘I would never let my kid swim in that water,’ or they say, ‘I let my child swim in that water and I wound up in the emergency room the next day,’ that’s not OK,” she said. “We’re gonna fix it. It just needs to be done because it’s the right thing.”
When asked for specifics on her plans, DeSantis smiled.
“Stay tuned. We’re gonna be busy,” she said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
One Injured In Pine Forest Road Crash
January 7, 2019
One person was injured in a two vehicle wreck late Monday afternoon on Pine Forest Road near 9 1/2 Mile Road. An adult female was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Another adult and two properly restrained minors were not injured. The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Molino Woman Killed In Fiery Head-on I-10 Crash In Mobile
January 7, 2019
A Molino woman was one of two people killed in a head-on crash on I-10 in Mobile early Monday morning.
The Mobile Police Department said 24-year-old Kaytrielle Jones died in the fiery crash about 1:30 a.m. on the I-10 Bayway. The name of the second driver has not yet been released.
Police said one vehicle was traveling the wrong way on the interstate, but they have not said which driver was traveling in the wrong direction. Both vehicles burst into flames after the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by Mobile Police.
Century Gas Department Loses $50,000 In Two Months
January 7, 2019
The Town of Century’s troubled gas department lost over $50,000 during the first two months of the current fiscal year.
Financial statements indicate the gas department lost $54,074.95 during October and November. With a $5,000 transfer into the gas fund from the town’s garbage fund, there was a net loss of $49,074.95.
The town projected a loss of just over $89,000 for the entire current fiscal year on $450,000 in income.
Last year, the council was told that the gas department could not account for 58 percent of the natural gas it purchases for sale. Over $100,000 was budgeted to purchase new gas meters and for a new “gate station” meter to measure the quantity of gas purchased to verify the amount billed by their supplier.
Town officials have assured the public that the “missing” gas is not leaking; it’s either a problem with customer meters, meter reading or a discrepancy between the amount billed by the town’s supplier and the quantity actually delivered.
The installation of the new gas meters will be completed this calendar year.
The Century Gas Department lost $165,181 during last fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.
NorthEcambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Sink To 26 Month Lows
January 7, 2019
Prices at the pump are off to their lowest start to the month of January since 2016. Gas prices in Florida dropped another 4 cents last week. The state average has now declined nearly 70 cents since October.
Florida drivers are now paying an average of $2.13 per gallon – the lowest daily average price since November 2016. Compared to last Memorial Day, when the state average peaked at around $2.92 per gallon, drivers are now saving an average of nearly $12 for a 15-gallon tank of gas.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.09, but many stations were below the $2 mark.
s should expect low gas prices to linger through January, as gasoline demand is typically the lowest of the year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although pump prices could become somewhat volatile this month, drivers will notice a significant increase in the spring, with the upward trend beginning as early as February. Putting global supply and demand fluctuations aside, gas prices often rise 30-70 cents in the spring, as gasoline demand increases, refiners conduct seasonal maintenance, and begin to switch to a more expensive-to-produce summer blend gasoline. AAA expects pump prices to peak around $2.75 this year, but there is higher potential if a hurricane threatens gulf coast refineries, or there are sizable swings in fuel supplies or the economy.”
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
January 7, 2019
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Monday, Jan. 7
Sick Leave Pool Committee -11 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Human Resources Training Room
Tuesday, Jan. 8
Planning Board-Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Planning Board-Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Santa Rosa Island Authority Selection Review Committee – 9 a.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104
Local Mitigation Strategy Group Board – 2 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – 5 p.m., 700 S. Palafox St., Suite 310
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor Training Room
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., 420 W. Chase St.
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors – 1:30 p.m., 418 W. Garden St.
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, Jan. 10
Executive Session-Police Benevolent Association – 8 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Executive Session-International Association of Firefighters – 8:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Executive Session-Amalgamated Transit Union – 8:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers (Agenda)
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Jay Woman Claims $58K Lottery Prize
January 7, 2019
A Jay woman has claimed her prize for a winning Fantasy 5 ticket sold month.
The Florida Lottery says the December 9 ticket worth $58,379.40 was sold to Deborah J. Hawthorne who purchased the ticket at the Tom Thumb on Chumuckla Highway. Other winning tickets were sold in Spring Hill and The Villages.
The winning numbers were 6-8-11-16-25
FDOT Weekly Traffic Alerts – This Week’s State Road Slowdowns
January 7, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · Crary Road Bridge Replacement - Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via County Road (C.R.) 4 and Byrneville Road.
- · Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road.
- · U.S. 98 (East Chase Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to Bayfront Parkway – There will be paving operations from North Palafox Street to Tarragona Street from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 6.
- · U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Paving operations continue from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 13.
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Monday, Jan. 7 from 11 p.m. to midnight as crews adjust and relocate overhead signs for the bridge’s wrong way detection system. In addition, bridge construction work will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 13.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur Sunday, Jan. 6 through Saturday, Jan. 12. Work requiring lane restrictions will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · I-10 from Exit 5 to Exit 17- Drivers traveling I-10 from Exit 5 (U.S. 90 Alternate) to Exit 17 (U.S. 90/Scenic Highway) will encounter alternating and intermittent, east and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 10 as crews repair lighting.
- · State Road (S.R.) 750 (Airport Boulevard) at I-110 (S.R. 8A)- There will be alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions at I-110 from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Jan. 6 as crews repair lighting.
- · I-110 (S.R. 8A) from Exit 1A to Exit 6- Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent north and southbound lane restriction from Exit 1A (Gregory Street) to Exit 6 (I-10 to Davis Highway) from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 10 as crews repair lighting.
- · S.R. 295 (West Fairfield Drive) at I-110 (S.R. 8A)- Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions at I-110 from 8 p.m. to midnight Monday, Jan. 7 as crews perform lighting repairs.
- · S.R. 296 (Brent Lane) at I-110 (S.R. 8A)- Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions at I-110 from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7 as crews perform lighting repairs.
- · S.R. 752 (East Texar Drive) at I-110 (S.R. 8A)- There will be east and westbound outside lane restrictions at I-110 from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 as crews repair lighting.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- Detroit Boulevard will be closed on the east side of the U.S. 29 intersection from 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 to 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7 as workers widen the intersection. Motorists may use Pittman Avenue and Broad Street as an alternate route.
- Northbound U.S. 29 at Nine Mile Road overpass: The following lane and road closures are scheduled from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Tuesday, Jan. 8, as crews pour the deck for the new northbound bridge.
- U.S. 29: The outside, northbound lane will be closed at the Nine Mile Road overpass to provide a safe work zone for bridge crews.
- Nine Mile Road: Eastbound Nine Mile Road traffic will be reduced to one lane, diverted to U.S. 29 South, and able to make a U-turn at West Hood Drive to return to Nine Mile Road. Westbound traffic will utilize U.S. 29 North and U-turn at West 9 1/2 Mile Road to return to Nine Mile Road. Traffic control officers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) –Traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed.
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Monday, Jan. 7 from 11 p.m. to midnight as crews adjust and relocate overhead signs for the bridge’s wrong way detection system. In addition, bridge construction work will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 13.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for Interstate 10 and Avalon Boulevard the week of Sunday, Jan. 6 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange from Sunday through Thursday.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, Sunday through Friday, as crews work to widen the roadway.
- Drivers will encounter new traffic patterns on I-10 east and westbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue through spring 2019.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
County To Acquire, Demolish House In Pinoak Lane Flooding Project
January 7, 2019
A project is underway to eliminate frequent flooding on Pinoak Lane in Cantonment.
This project consists of acquisition and demolition of a single-family residence at 1000 Pinoak Lane. The land will be returned to natural open space with deed restrictions. This project is FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project.
Pinoak Lane is a dead end residential street east off Highway 29 just south of Quintette Road.
Images for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 95A, Kingsfield Crash
January 6, 2019
One person was injured in a two vehicle wreck Sunday just before 7 p.m. at Highway 95A and East Kingsfield Road. The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
