Trump Goes All In With Desantis At Tampa Rally
August 1, 2018
In a boisterous political rally held in Florida’s largest media market, President Donald Trump on Tuesday thrust his outsized persona into the middle of Florida’s governor’s race, with a full-throated endorsement of U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.
Less than a month before the Aug. 28 gubernatorial primary, Trump opened his speech by telling a raucous crowd of more than 10,000 people packed into the cavernous Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds that DeSantis was a “good friend” and a “tough, brilliant cookie.”
“He’s going to be your next governor, Ron DeSantis,” Trump said.
DeSantis, a three-term congressman who grew up in nearby Dunedin and represents parts of Northeast Florida, said it was “a true honor to be standing here endorsed by the president of the United States.”
“I appreciate your support. But I appreciate more the leadership you are showing,” DeSantis said, citing Trump’s record on the economy, Israel and U.S. Supreme Court appointments.
DeSantis said Florida “is going in the right direction” but can continue to improve on “economic opportunities,” and “we can fight illegal immigration.”
His last statement drew a loud cheer and chants of “build that wall.” DeSantis said he would support imposing an electronic-verification system to make sure Florida workers have legal immigration status. He also said he would “stop sanctuary cities,” although there are none in Florida.
Trump’s support, which he has also given in tweets, has tilted the Republican primary for governor in favor of DeSantis over Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Independent polls have shown momentum among GOP voters for DeSantis in recent weeks, after Putnam, a former congressman and two-term member of the Florida Cabinet, had a solid lead in earlier polls.
Putnam, who was celebrating his 44th birthday Tuesday at a political event highlighting veterans in The Villages retirement community, said he supports Trump and his agenda.
“But this is about being Florida’s governor. This is about leading a $1 trillion economy in the third largest state, and to do that you need to know Florida,” Putnam said. “I know Florida better than any of the other candidates running. I’m confident that there’s an awful lot of Trump-Putnam voters out there who want a governor who actually understands the challenges facing them and puts them first.”
The venue Tuesday was important because the Tampa Bay media market can potentially reach a quarter of the state’s voters and has the largest concentration of Republican voters, said Susan MacManus, a longtime political-science professor at the University of South Florida.
“It’s clear now that DeSantis is playing offense and Putnam is playing defense. We’ll have to see. Putnam probably still has a lot of loyalists who see polls that suggest he could be better against any of the Democratic nominees,” MacManus said.
Several times during Trump’s speech he made sure to mention his support for DeSantis, who has been a frequent guest on the Fox News network and is an ardent defender of the president.
“He’s going to be an incredible governor,” Trump said.
Trump also said he doesn’t “do these endorsements easily,” but then cited his recent endorsement of Brian Kemp, a hard-line conservative who went on to a landslide victory in a Georgia Republican primary for governor.
Incoming Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Miami Lakes Republican who was one of the opening speakers at the Tampa rally, said he supported the president’s decision, noting the differing political agendas of the Republican and Democratic parties.
“At a time we’re engaging in this debate, the sidelines is no place for a leader,” said Oliva, who was one of the first major Tallahassee leaders to endorse DeSantis.
The rally also included an appearance by DeSantis’ wife, Casey DeSantis, who is now featured in a light-hearted Trump-centric commercial for the campaign, along with the couple’s two small children.
“Ron is a conservative warrior. He is a fighter. Like our president, when he makes a promise, he keeps his promise,” she told the crowd.
Linda Kubilius, who attend the rally as part of “Trump Train” of Clearwater women who support the president, said she had already made up her mind to support DeSantis based on his performance in a Fox News debate in late June.
“We saw the debate, and it was DeSantis for me,” the Clearwater Beach resident said, saying Putnam did not “have the answers I wanted to hear.”
She said one of her top concerns for the next governor was dealing with the outbreak of toxic algae that has hit coastal communities in southeast and southwest Florida, after the release of polluted water from Lake Okeechobee.
DeSantis and Putnam meet in the second and final televised debate of the primary campaign Aug. 8 in Jacksonville.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Major Injuries In Major Looking Cantonment Wreck
July 31, 2018
Two people walked away with no major injuries after a major looking wreck in Cantonment Tuesday afternoon.
The accident happened just before 5:00 on Highway 29 at Morris Avenue and involved a Dodge Ram and a Buick Regal.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Cantonment Station also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Mail Burns As Rural Mail Carrier’s Vehicle Destroyed By Fire
July 31, 2018
A rural mail carrier’s vehicle – and much of the mail they were delivering – burned near McDavid Monday.
The Kia Rio was fully involved in fire when firefighters arrived on scene on West Bogia Road about a mile west of Highway 29. The mail carrier escaped the vehicle without injury. But most of the mail inside was destroyed or heavily damaged.
Officials from the U.S. Postal Service collected the damaged mail from the vehicle.
“The Post Office will deliver the mail that is still deliverable and will send letters to the customers on the route informing them of the fire,” Postal Inspector Adel Valdes said.
Residents can also call (850) 256-5141.
The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Help Elderly Cantonment Marine Corp Veteran In Need
July 31, 2018
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cleaned up the yard of an elderly Cantonment resident after recognizing that he was in need.
Deputies completed a welfare check on the 87-year old man near Tate High School after neighbors had noticed a change in his home since he lost his wife to cancer.
“Someone was concerned about the resident of this house. When we got here, we saw immediately how it was overgrown,” Deputy Jake Bandurski said.
“After talking to him, we realized there was a little more to it. He was a 24-year Marine Corp veteran,” he said. “About five years ago, he lost his wife to cancer. Ever since then, his house really hasn’t been the same. His neighbors had noticed that ever since his wife passed away, he really hasn’t had the willingness to take care of himself, or his house, or his yard.”
Deputies from the Ensley and Warrington precincts used their own lawn equipment and tools to get his yard back into shape.
“Every one of them showed up today just very willing, every one open to helping out someone that was wasn’t physically able or mentally able to help themselves,” he said.
“Pretty much what ever people could bring…riding mowers, hand tools, pressure washers….whatever people could bring, they did bring. Even if they didn’t have any tools and all they could bring is their hands and a pair of gloves, they are out here helping out.”
“If you see someone in your community…that looks like something hasn’t been right, if their yard is overgrown, just try and talk to them. These are your neighbors. Everyone has a story,” Bandurski said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
High School Football Teams Open Practice
July 31, 2018
High school football practices got underway in Florida Monday. The practices are non-contact for the first five days. Pictured: The Northview Chiefs on the first day of practice Monday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Hwy 297A, Kingsfield Crash
July 31, 2018
Six people involved in a two vehicle crash Monday night in Cantonment were not injured.
The accident happened about 9:13 p.m. at Highway 297A and West Kingsfield Road.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Stop Skids With 6-3 Win Over The Shuckers
July 31, 2018
Tony Santillan (W, 4-0) struck out a season-high 11 over 5.2 shut-out innings, and the Wahoos rattled off 13 hits in their 6-3 win over the Shuckers Shuckers, Monday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Despite allowing baserunners in each of the first four innings, he held the Shuckers to three hits and racked up seven strikeouts as he entered the fifth. That is where he got his first 1-2-3 inning and finished off the frame by striking out Troy Stokes Jr. and Keston Hiura for his eighth and ninth of the game. After his 97th and final pitch, Santillan exited the game with 11 strikeouts and walked off the mound to a standing ovation. He retired the final six batters he faced, five on strikeouts.
The Wahoos struck quickly against Jon Perrin (L, 0-2) who was making a spot start for the Shuckers after Kodi Medeiros was traded to the White Sox last week. In the first inning, Aristides Aquino singled to right to score Jose Siri, giving the Wahoos a quick 1-0 lead. The Wahoos didn’t waste any time extending their lead adding four runs in the bottom of the second. Jose Siri and TJ Friedl both had RBI singles, pushing the lead to 3-0. Siri scored on a throwing error after swiping his third stolen base of the game. Taylor Featherston continued his hot start with the Wahoos with an RBI single in the inning to make it 5-0. Featherston and Siri led the way offensively for the Wahoos, combining for six hits and three runs driven in. Siri scored three runs of his own to go along with his three stolen bases.
The Wahoos will look to even up the series on Tuesday. RHP Daniel Wright (6-6, 3.70) will take the mound for the Wahoos against Shuckers starter, LHP Cameron Roegner (0-0, 0.00).
Future Gulf Power Owner Completes Gas Company Purchase
July 31, 2018
NextEra Energy, Inc., said Monday it has completed the purchase of Florida City Gas as part of a multibillion-dollar package announced in May that includes NextEra buying Gulf Power Company.
Florida City Gas has about 110,000 commercial and residential natural-gas customers in Miami-Dade, Brevard, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, according to NextEra, which is also the parent company of Florida Power & Light.
The deal announced in May, totaling $6.475 billion, includes NexEra buying Florida City Gas, Gulf Power and interests in two power plants from the Atlanta-based Southern Company. The Gulf Power purchase is expected to close during the first half of 2019, NextEra said in May. Gulf Power is the largest electric utility in Northwest Florida.
by The News Service of Florida
Atmore, Other South Alabama Airports Receive Grants
July 31, 2018
The airport in Atmore and seven others in Southwest Alabama were awarded federal Department of Transportation grants.
The Atmore Municipal Airport was awarded $72,000 to construct a fuel farm and update their Airport Master Plan Study.
“Having a well-maintained and quality airport is critical in terms of economic development and helping bring new jobs to our region,” Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) said. “These grants will be put to good use to help improve our infrastructure in Southwest Alabama.”
In addition to Atmore, other grants awarded were:
- The Bay Minette Municipal Airport was awarded $45,000 to update their Airport Master Plan Study, and $55,000 to remove obstructions.
- The Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores was awarded $150,000 for runway safety improvements.
- The Monroe County Aeroplex was awarded $506,105 to rehabilitate the runway.
- The Jeremiah Denton airport on Dauphin Island was awarded $149,400 to rehabilitate the runway.
- The Foley Municipal Airport was awarded $259,149 to construct a taxiway.
- The Mobile Regional Airport was awarded $1.1 million to improve airport drainage, acquire friction measuring equipment, and update airport mast.
- The Brewton Municipal Airport was awarded $300,000 to rehabilitate runway lighting.
Suspect On The Run In Jay
July 31, 2018
One person was taken into custody during a manhunt Monday evening in Jay as a second suspect remained on the run at last report just before 8 p.m.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office sad the two were in a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
The suspect still on the run was described as a black male, thin-build and wearing a red shirt by Sgt. Rich Aloy, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. He said the suspect is about 24-years old.
A witness told NorthEscambia.com that she saw three deputies pulling over an older white SUV near the tractor dealership on Highway 4 near Smith Tractor Company. She said the SUV then fled south.
Further details have not been released.
Photos by Jennifer Ashworth for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.