Parkland Panel Examines Florida Mental Health Challenges
July 13, 2018
A school-safety commission examining the mass shooting at a Parkland high school heard testimony Thursday about Florida’s fractured and overwhelmed mental health system.
As part of a three-day hearing in Broward County, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission turned its focus to the role the mental health system may have played in the Feb. 14 tragedy that left 14 students and three staff members dead.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who leads the panel, said the commission and the public need to better understand how the system works and to “clear up the myths about it.”
Some have suggested that the shootings may have been prevented if Nikolas Cruz, the former Stoneman Douglas student who has been charged in the slayings, had been committed to a mental health facility.
Prior to the incident, Cruz was picked up and sent for an examination under the state’s Baker Act, which under certain circumstances allows for mentally ill individuals to be committed for treatment. But Cruz was released after it was determined he did not meet the criteria for an involuntary commitment.
Gualtieri said he was not surprised.
“So many people think the Baker Act is the magic wand. The Baker Act cures and fixes all,” Gualtieri said. “The Baker Act is a temporary custody status for assessment. Rarely does the Baker Act result in any treatment.”
Additionally, Gualtieri said there is often little follow-up after an individual like Cruz comes into contact with the system and then is released, calling it “the greatest void” in the state’s mental health network.
Gualtieri’s comments were bolstered by testimony from Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Steve Leifman, who has been working for years with the Florida Supreme Court and the state Legislature to improve Florida’s mental health system.
Of the approximately 200,000 Floridians who were brought in for a Baker Act examination last year, just over 1,700 ended up in mental health facility, the judge said.
“It’s a fraction,” he said.
Leifman blamed part of the problem on outdated criteria in the 1971 law, suggesting it should be broadened to adapt to ongoing developments in the science of mental health.
Leifman also said the overall mental health system remains underfunded, citing data that shows Florida per-capita spending ranks 49th or lower among the states. He said that means roughly one-fifth of residents who need treatment get it, while 80 percent are untreated.
Leifman also agreed that intensive follow-ups for individuals who undergo Baker Act examinations often do not occur. He contrasted it with his dog, who was treated for a minor infection on a Saturday and then got a follow-up call from the veterinarian’s office on the following Monday.
“We’re treating our dogs better than we’re treating our fellow citizens in our state,” Leifman said.
Another theme in the testimony and discussion on Thursday was that many individuals like Cruz are identified as having mental or behavioral problems but there is often little communication between entities like schools, community mental health programs, the juvenile justice system, law enforcement agencies or health-care programs like Medicaid.
“That’s the cornerstone of what we’re trying to do here because after the fact everybody knew he (Cruz) was going to do it sometime. But none of the dots ever got connected in advance,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a commission member.
“How do we create a process or a system where we can get all of this individual data together and break down silos and make sure they get services and then we are able to follow their ebbs and flows in the process?” Judd asked.
Max Schachter, a commission member whose 14-year-old son, Alex, was among the 14 slain students, called the gaps in the state’s mental health system “horrible.”
“That’s a concern of mine that we could have more of these attacks if we don’t address these issues. It’s very disconcerting to hear that all of these agencies don’t talk. There’s all these silos of information. It’s never going to get fixed if we are not communicating,” he told reporters during an afternoon break.
Ute Gazioch, director of mental health and substance abuse for the Department of Children and Families, said ideally individuals should be receiving treatment before they reach the point where they are being sent to a crisis-stabilization unit under the Baker Act.
“The more we can do early on working with families and children, the quicker we can intervene, I would hope we wouldn’t have that many (Baker Act) contacts,” she said.
She also said individuals who are released after a Baker Act examination should be given a “discharge” plan, saying it may be something that needs to be re-emphasized.
Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll, whose agency oversees the community mental health system and who also serves on the commission, said that, while the state cannot force people to accept treatment, mental health workers can “aggressively and pro-actively” engage individuals and try to convince them that further treatment is in their interest.
Delivering treatment to children as early as possible is the best strategy, he said, although parents sometimes shun the recommendations because they don’t want to “stigmatize” their children.
With the statewide school system receiving more funding for mental health services, Carroll also said it will be important for the schools to coordinate with community mental health providers, noting that students spend more time in their homes and communities than in school.
The commission is working on a series of recommendations in the wake of the February mass shooting that will be presented to state officials by Jan. 1 in advance of the 2019 legislative session.
by The News Service of Florida
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Wahoos Take Series Opener Over The M-Braves
July 13, 2018
Vladimir Gutierrez got some late run support in back of another excellent start in the Blue Wahoos series-opening win, 6-1, over the Mississippi Braves Thursday night at Trustmark Park.
Gutierrez allowed just one unearned run over seven strong innings to earn his fifth win in his last six starts. He walked three M-Braves and they scattered five hits against him, but he pitched out of trouble most of the night with the help of a season-best nine strikeouts. The lone run he allowed scored on an error in the second inning, it was an answer to the unearned run the Blue Wahoos scored in the top of the inning.
With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Aristides Aquino threw out Tyler Marlette trying to score from second base on a two-out single. That seemed to wake up the Wahoos. In the top of the seventh, Taylor Sparks belted a three-run home run to put Pensacola in front 4-1. The next inning, Gavin LaValley launched a two-run home run to make it a 6-1 ballgame.
Sparks paced the offense with Pensacola’s only multi-hit game going 2-for-4 with three RBI. Luis Gonzalez quietly had a nice night at the plate. He reached base in all four plate appearances with three walks and a single.
Pensacola will look to make it two straight Friday night behind Reds #4 prospect Tony Santillan (1-0, 1.50) who makes his second double-A start facing Braves #12 prospect Bryse Wilson (2-5, 4.18).
Central Water Works Lifts Boil Water Notice
July 13, 2018
Central Water Works has lifted a precautionary boil water notice.
The boil water notice was issued Tuesday afternoon after a water main leak caused over 400 customers to lose water. Full pressure water service was restored midday Wednesday.
Results of all independent bacteriological samples have returned as clear.
Boil water notices are issued as part of standard protocol following any loss of water.
Corrections Officer Charged With Pointing Gun At Stepson
July 12, 2018
A corrections officer been arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at his stepson.
David Andrew Leggett, 37, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a third degree felony.
The child told deputies that during an argument with his mother, Leggett pulled a pistol and pointed at him and his mother, according to an arrest report. The child then fled the residence and waited for Escambia County Sheriff’s Office precinct in Century.
In an interview with deputies, the child’s mother denied that Leggett displayed a weapon or pointed it at his stepson. Deputies noted in their report that the mother was “very evasive” in answering their questions. Leggett’s statements to deputies were redacted from the arrest report.
The State Attorney’s Office confirmed Leggett was employed as a state corrections officer at the time of his arrest.
Editor’s note: The suspect’s mugshot was not available. Under Florida law, the mugshot of a law enforcement officer is not public record.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Attacking A Man And His Boat, Jailer
July 12, 2018
A Cantonment woman arrested for attacking a man and his boat has been charged with attacking a corrections officer at the jail.
Pamela Annette Roberts, 58, was charged with battery and criminal mischief. She grabbed a wooden pole and attacked a man’s six foot by three foot yellow plastic boat in his backyard, according to arrest report. The victim said as he approached Roberts, she tried to hit his house before kicking him multiple times. The attack resulting in a baseball size hole in the bottom of the boat.
Roberts was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Escambia County Jail where the corrections officer noted that she was intoxicated and had urinated on herself.
During the booking process, she allegedly attacked a female corrections officer, wrapping her hands around her neck, kicking her and hitting her with a fist multiple times, the report states. The office suffered minor injuries.
Roberts admitted to drinking alcohol while taking medication, according to the arrested report.
Roberts was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer.
New Byrneville Elementary Buildings Will Cost About $7.7 Million
July 12, 2018
New building construction at Byrneville Elementary School will cost an estimated $7.7 million, the school’s board of directors learned Wednesday.
Architect Mike Marshall of the firm Sam Marshall Architects presented the charter school’s board with a sneak peak of a needs assessment outlining the construction process and costs.
The school is looking to construct a new building with 10 classrooms, a 1,000 square foot multipurpose room and associated spaces, and a new cafetorium with a serving kitchen. The kitchen will have floor space to be expanded for cooking, but right now meals for the students are cooked at Bratt Elementary School and trucked in each day.
The project cost estimate also includes upgrades to the existing main school building to include fire sprinklers and central air conditioning and converting the existing cafeteria into a library space that will include a closed circuit television studio. Additionally, furnishings and associated constructions costs are $7.7 million.
There has no been no final decision to to actually build the facility. The board must secure financing and complete other planning processes including a final design.
The largest building on the current Byrneville campus was built in 1941 and contains five classrooms, plus offices and a cafeteria. Several classrooms and the school library are located in old wooden portable buildings.
Pictured: Byrneville Elementary School Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan (seated left) and board members Brandy Carter and Jeremy Hawsey listen to a needs assessment from architect Mike Marshall Wednesday afternoon at the school. Pictured: The largest building on the current Byrneville campus was build in 1941. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Architect Mike Marshall addresses t
Blue Angels Weekend: Everything You Need To Know
July 12, 2018
The Blue Angels are ready to take to the skies for the Pensacola Beach Air Show. Remember, no kites or drones are allowed to fly during the show. Be sure to follow these tips from Escambia County for a safe, fun weekend in the sun.
Traffic
- Leave early. Traffic will be heavy, and parking is limited on Pensacola Beach.
- Leave your car in Pensacola and take ride on a new ferry to the show! Special pricing is available July 13 and 14 with departure times to and from the downtown Pensacola dock to Quietwater Beach and Ft. Pickens, starting at 7 a.m. Click here for more details.
- If parking is full in the core areas, take advantage of the free Pensacola Beach trolleys offered by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. East and west parking lots will be serviced by trolleys and will take beach goers to and from Casino Beach. Service to the east parking lot will run on Saturday only. For a map of trolley stops and a live trolley tracker, click here.
- Remember that access into and exiting the Casino Beach parking lot along Via De Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road has been modified. The parking lot now functions in a circular configuration, with one way in and one way out. The only entrance into the parking lot is along Via De Luna Drive next to Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant and across the street from Flounder’s Chowder House. The only exit from the parking lot is along Fort Pickens Road near the public restrooms/Public Safety Building. To see the specific entry and exit routes along with additional traffic tips, click here.
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicycles sharing the roads. Florida law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians on a crosswalk. Remember to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance.
Water Safety
- Be sure to wear and reapply sunscreen often and drink plenty of water. Remember that alcohol, sun and swimming do not mix.
- Swim in lifeguarded areas, and be sure to follow all lifeguard instructions. Swimmers will not be allowed in the Gulf during the airshow.
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Watch our lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
- Know how to escape from a rip current. Watch our rip current video and learn how to break the grip of the rip, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
Beach Rules
- Remember to “leave no trace” and keep Pensacola Beach sea turtle-friendly. Properly dispose of trash, fill in any holes in the sand and remove belongings from the beach at the end of the day. This includes not leaving any personal property unattended on the sandy gulf beach from sunset until sunrise like umbrellas, tents, beach toys and chairs. To view the Leave No Trace ordinance, click here.
- Follow all Pensacola Beach rules, including:
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
- The west side of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is an alcohol free zone.
- Open containers are not allowed off the boardwalk or outside any establishment.
- Open flames or grills are not allowed on the beach except in the publicly provided park facilities.
- Walking on the dunes and sea oats is not permitted.
- Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on the any of the beaches except in designated dog parks. To view complete rules and boundaries for Pensacola Beach dog parks, click here.
Unclaimed Prize Winning Lottery Ticket Sold On Chemstrand Road Is Now Worthless
July 12, 2018
A Fantasy 5 top prize-winning ticket worth $68,629.86 sold on Chemstand Road is now absolutely worthless. The 180-day deadline to claim the top prize expired at midnight Tuesday.
The winning Fantasy 5 numbers for the January 11, 2018, drawing were: 02 – 13 – 19 – 27 – 28
The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at 6 Brothers, located at 8702 Chemstrand Road.
BayBears Shut Down Wahoos Comeback To Take Series Finale, 3-2
July 12, 2018
The Wahoos were unable to tie their franchise record of seven straight series wins as they fell to the BayBears, 3-2, Wednesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Seth Varner (L, 4-1) was charged with his first loss as a starter for the Wahoos. He started off with three shutout innings, but a Jack Kruger two-run shot to left field that scored Jahmai Jones gave the BayBears a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning. In the top of the sixth, Jose Rojas singled home Kruger to increase Mobile’s lead to 3-1. Varner pitched 6.1 innings and walked a career-high four with five strikeouts.
Joe Gatto (W, 3-3) had a strong outing for the BayBears. The Angels prospect pitched six innings and allowed two walks and struck out four. Shed Long smashed an RBI double off the wall to give the Wahoos an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. That was the only damage Pensacola did against the Mobile starter.
The Wahoos mounted a late-game comeback against Mobile closer Matt Custred (S, 5) but came up short. Pensacola loaded the bases with one out before Chris Okey singled home Narciso Crook. Taylor Sparks tried to score from second but was thrown out by left-fielder Zach Gibbons for the second out. Custred struck out TJ Friedl to end the game and secure the split in the series.
The Wahoos head to Mississippi on Thursday night where they will play the Braves on a five-game road stint. Right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez (6-8, 4.67) will get the start for the Wahoos.
Six Train Cars Derail In Escambia County, AL (With Photo Gallery)
July 11, 2018
Six cars of a CSX freight train derailed Wednesday alongside Highway 31 in Wawbeek east of Atmore, AL.
Four hopper cars containing plastic pellets and two containing large rolls of paper derailed. Three cars completely left the tracks and overturned, including one that stopped just short of entering a travel lane of Highway 31. There were no injuries.
The train was eastbound toward Flomaton and was over two miles long, officials said. The cars that derailed were just over a mile from the front of the train.
Highway 31 was closed from Canoe, AL, to Sardis Church Road. The roadway was reopened Thursday afternoon.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
