A Leon County judge this week determined the summary of property tax cut ballot measure passed by the Legislature is filled with political rhetoric and misleading.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response was essentially to say ‘fine, we won’t appeal’ and Attorney General James Uthmeier, who he appointed to the job, is already on the rewrite.
In a technical win for a trio of groups that challenged Amendment 3 on the November ballot, Leon Circuit Court David Frank on Monday ordered the title and ballot summary to be redrafted.
“Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination,” Frank wrote in his 18-page ruling. “The present ballot language would deprive the voters of the opportunity to make a meaningful decision.”
Amendment 3 calls for the non-school homestead exemption to be increased from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and raises it to $250,000 in 2028. Another provision reduces the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent.
In his ruling, Frank detailed specific changes that should be made to the ballot summary.
For example, after stating “this amendment benefits Florida taxpayers by:” the ballot summary uses the phrases “exempting homestead properties from taxation,” “ensuring funding for core services,” “protecting small businesses” and “ensuring fairness for Florida residents.”
Those opposed to the measure argued that if approved by 60 percent of voters in November cities and counties could lose up to $12 billion annually. They also said tax burdens will be shifted to renters and businesses, which isn’t reflected in the ballot language that is under the amendment’s title of “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes.”
DeSantis said Thursday that Uthmeier, his former chief of staff, was already working on the new language.
“I’ve actually seen some of the draft. It’s a great draft. It is going to be very good. (It will) be very clear for voters what’s on there,” DeSantis said during an education event in Lehigh Acres.
DeSantis added that he and Uthmeier didn’t “necessarily agree” with the ruling, but that the revision will be more than acceptable.
“It’s fine. It’s going to be a very good summary, very straightforward,” DeSantis continued. “People are going to know they’re going to get tax relief. You’re going to get an increased homestead exemption if you’re for it. So that’s going to happen.”
Florida’s law banning children from drag shows was deemed constitutional by a federal appeals court, overruling an earlier decision that found it violated the First Amendment.
A ruling was a victory for Gov. DeSantis, who pushed for the measure in 2023, passing through the Republican-controlled Legislature.
“This shouldn’t even be controversial, yet our law protecting kids required us to fend off lawsuits and win a case before a divided appellate court,” DeSantis posted on X.
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals initially knocked the law down, but DeSantis appealed, asking for the full court to review the decision.
In an 8-5 ruling, the court found Hamburger Mary’s, an Orlando-area restaurant that frequently features drag performances and brought the lawsuit, “failed to establish a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.”
The law defines “adult live performance” as a live show that “depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or specific sexual activities,” as defined under state law, as well as “lewd conduct” or the “lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.”
Hamburger Mary’s argued the law was too broad and infringed on its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, but the majority of the court disagreed.
“The Supreme Court of Florida’s definition of ‘lewd’ eliminates any overbreadth, and the use of the phrase ‘age of the child present’ does not render the Act unconstitutionally vague. Accordingly, we vacate the district court’s preliminary injunction in its entirety,” wrote Judge Andrew Brasher.
Brasher was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2020.
In response to the ruling, Qommittee, a national group formed in 2024 to support drag performers facing censorship and threats, updated its guide for Florida.
“Florida’s anti-drag law is in effect but drag is NOT banned in Florida. Even if your show is legal (and most are), you could be wrongfully targeted,” the guide states. “Don’t stop performing, but protect yourself.”
THE COST OF COLLEGE SPORTS
The state university system’s Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics agreed Tuesday that Congress must pass an anti-trust exemption for the NCAA to establish a salary cap, along with transfer and eligibility regulations on student athletic programs.
Barring that, the Florida Legislature needs to get involved, with members of the task force backing seven of 19 proposals intended to address the evolving world of college athletics.
Measures that found support Tuesday included the need to expand state law that provides legal protections for universities regarding student-athlete name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, regulations on agents, financial literacy training and advisors for student-athletes, and for the state to seek multi-state agreements on student pay, eligibility, and caps on student-athlete agent compensation.
“What we’re seeing in intercollegiate athletics today is not really a free market,” said state university system Board of Trustees Chairman Alan Levine. “A free market is where you have a buyer and a seller and the government is not setting prices. But you got states like Louisiana that are passing taxes and using public dollars to basically subsidize their athletic programs, and you have other states, like Florida, that are loathe to do that.”
Among the proposals not put up for a recommendation on Tuesday were measures to allow schools to increase fees on tickets, concessions, and sports betting, along with apparel and other branding deals.
“My goal would be not to raise taxes in any form to pay for college athletics,” said Task Force Chairman Ken Jones during the meeting at the University of Central Florida.
The state was ordered to rewrite the title and summary of a property tax cut ballot measure championed by DeSantis and passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature because they were misleading and filled with political rhetoric, a Leon County judge ruled.
“This amendment, frankly, was not ready for prime time. I think that’s what the court found. I think that’s what, as voters read more and more about what this amendment does, that’s what they are going to find.” — former state Senator Jeff Brandes, a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Amendment 3.
written by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
A domestic disturbance call on Old Fannie Road near Flomaton recently led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of drugs and firearms
Flomaton Police Department officers responded to a residence following reports of a male subject threatening a family member and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and learned the suspect, Travis Salter, was hiding inside. Authorities also confirmed Salter had active warrants through the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting deputies and officers conducted a sweep of the home, discovering Travis Salter hiding in a concealed space accessible through a downstairs bathroom. He was taken into custody without incident.
Following the arrest, police secured a search warrant for the residence, ultimately seizing suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms.
Two individuals face charges in connection with the incident. Travis Salter is charged with second-degree bail jumping, possession of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol. Larry Salter is charged with obstructing government operations, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol.
The Flomaton Police Department credited the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Pictured: Larry Salter (left) , Travis Salter (right).
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos needed just three runs to earn their third-straight victory over the Montgomery Biscuits, defeating them 3-0 on Saturday night.
Though not quite as dramatic as Friday’s night’s 13-11 win in extra innings, strong pitching and hits into the gap earned the Blue Wahoos (59-48, 23-15) their seventh shutout of the season and their first over Montgomery. With the victory, Pensacola tied the Biscuits (54-53, 19-19) 10-10 in the season series and took a 3-2 edge over the visiting side in the homestand.
Connor Caskenette, coming off of a four-hit outing on Friday night, kept the ball rolling with an RBI single to score Adrian Santana in the first inning for the early lead. Their second run came a few innings later in the fourth, as Friday’s walk-off hero Jay Beshears sent Ethan O’Donnell flying home from first base with a double into the right-center gap.
Jacob Kisting (W, 1-0) made his Double-A debut on Saturday, putting on a show for the packed ballpark. He delivered 5.0 scoreless innings in his first start with Pensacola, striking out an impressive eight batters while relenting four hits. He struck out four consecutive batters from the first into the second inning.
The Blue Wahoos picked up their third run later in the eighth thanks to none other than Caskenette, who punched an RBI single into left to score Brandon Compton from third base. The knock was Caskenette’s 10th in the last four contests, and he extended his hit streak to a career-best eight games.
Jack Sellinger (H, 5) and Holt Jones (S, 4) combined for an electric closeout from the mound, combining to allow only four hits from the Biscuits while striking out four through the remaining four innings.
Pensacola scored their three runs on six hits, drawing four walks. Five different Blue Wahoos earned a hit, with Caskenette leading the way with a 2-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday.
written by Maddy Branning
Early voting opens today for the August 18 primary election.
Early voting will be available from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily through August 15 at 10 locations in Escambia County:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street, Pensacola
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W De Soto Street, Pensacola
Polls will be open on election day, Tuesday, November 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office hosted a ceremony on Friday to observe Purple Heart Day and recognize local service members who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington in 1782, is the nation’s oldest military decoration.
Although U.S. Senator Ashley Moody was unable to attend in person as planned, she joined via Zoom to open the ceremony and express gratitude to Sheriff Chip Simmons for hosting on her behalf. During the event, Senator Moody introduced a congressional resolution recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day and entered the achievements of four Floridian Purple Heart recipients into the Congressional Record.
Reflecting on the gathering, Sheriff Simmons shared, “This may be the greatest collection of heroes in one room that we’ve ever had at the Sheriff’s Office.”
Senator Moody emphasized the solemn significance of the award in her statement: “On Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation’s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal, it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn—it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It’s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots’ sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record.”
John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, added, “Concerned Veterans for America is proud to support this effort to honor the brave men and women who defended our nation and our liberty at great personal sacrifice. The Purple Heart is one of our nation’s highest honors, representing extraordinary courage and selfless service in the face of profound hardship. Designating a day to recognize those who have borne the cost of protecting our homeland is the least we can do for them.”
The four veterans distinguished with Congressional Record entries were honored as follows:
- U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Crawford & U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Dustin Tuller: Both served together with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On December 23, 2003, during a combat mission in Baghdad, both were critically wounded. Despite his own severe injuries, Sergeant Crawford instructed medics to “save him [Tuller] first” upon seeing Staff Sergeant Tuller’s condition. Both men survived, continued lives of service, and maintain a close friendship over two decades later.
- U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Peter McKanna: Served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam and volunteered for a second tour. On Christmas Day 1970, while leading Marines on a mission, Sergeant McKanna stepped on an explosive device that resulted in the loss of part of his left leg and took the lives of three fellow Marines. Following a civilian career, he has remained dedicated to serving veterans.
- U.S. Navy Commander (Ret.) Douglas Doughty: Served in Vietnam, where he was wounded by enemy shrapnel to his shoulder and lower body during intense fighting in April 1969. After returning home, Commander Doughty pursued a career in medicine while continuing his service in the Navy Reserve, later answering the call to return to duty during Operation Desert Storm.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
A Century man is facing a criminal charge after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash in a school zone earlier this year while driving under the influence.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol warrant affidavit, Brian Christopher Flowers was driving a 2009 Saturn Aura southbound on Mobile Highway on January 9, 2026, when he sideswiped a 2023 Lincoln Aviator in the school zone at Bellview Middle School. State troopers reported that after causing an estimated $8,000 in damage, Brian Christopher Flowers aggressively fled the scene.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle swerving shortly after and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies reported finding Brian Christopher Flowers sluggish, dazed, and oblivious to his surroundings, with droopy, red-tinted eyes and a bloody mouth.
Due to his condition, paramedics transported Brian Christopher Flowers to Baptist Hospital, where he consented to a voluntary blood draw. Florida Department of Law Enforcement toxicology results later revealed the presence of active, psychoactive THC in his system. Investigators confirmed Brian Christopher Flowers did not possess a valid medical marijuana card or prescription.
Following the investigation, law enforcement charged Brian Christopher Flowers with misdemeanor DUI causing property damage and cited him for failing to maintain a single lane. The arrest warrant was recently served, and Flowers are released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned next week.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
Friday was orientation for most elementary schools in Escambia County.
For a look at orientation day at Bratt and Lipscomb elementary schools, click here.
The first day of school for students in Escambia County is Wednesday, August 12.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, the City of Pensacola, and the Emerald Coast Regional Council are seeking valuable input from the public about access to housing by conducting a Fair Housing Survey, which will help identify barriers and improve housing programs throughout the community.
The survey is available online now through Friday, Oct. 16, and all members of the public are encouraged to provide their feedback.
The survey asks about your opinions and experiences renting or purchasing a home, and it should take less than five minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and responses will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. The survey results will help guide fair housing planning and initiatives in Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and the City of Pensacola.
Paper copies of the survey will be available at the following locations during normal business hours:
- Escambia County and the City of Pensacola
- City of Pensacola Housing Office, 420 W. Chase St., Pensacola
- E.S. Cobb Resource Center: 601 E. Mallory St., Pensacola
- Woodland Heights Resource Center: 111 Berkley Drive, Pensacola
- Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Library, 3300 W. De Soto St., Pensacola
- Century Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
- Santa Rosa County
- Milton Library: 5541 Alabama St., Milton
- Pace Library: 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd., Pace
- Navarre Library: 8484 James M. Harvell Road, Navarre
- Gulf Breeze Library: 1060 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze
- Jay Library, 5259 Booker Lane, Jay
- Santa Rosa County Housing Department, 6051 Old Bagdad Highway, Suite 201, Milton
File image.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
Next week, travel lanes on I-10 eastbound will be shifted north near the Highway 29 interchange (Exit 10). This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
Additionally, intermittent inside lane closures may occur on I-10 eastbound, between mile markers 8 and 11, Monday, August. 10 through Thursday, August. 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
This work is part of a $236 million construction project designed to improve safety and capacity for the 62,000 drivers who travel the I-10 at U.S. 29 interchange daily. The project is scheduled for completion in 2030.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
A three-run walk-off bomb by Jay Beshears put the exclamation point on a 13-11 victory in 10 innings for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos over the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday night.
Down 11-10 in the bottom of the 10th inning, it was Beshears who put the nail in the coffin with his second home run of the game and 10th of the year. It was his first multi-homer game of his professional career and Pensacola’s first walk-off home run since the 2023 season, and Beshears is now the third Blue Wahoo to crank two home runs in a single game in this week’s series against the Biscuits.
The Blue Wahoos (58-48, 22-15) proved that not even an eight-run sixth inning for the Biscuits (54-52, 19-18) was too tall a task to overcome. Down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth, Cristian Hernández snapped a daunting hitless streak and breathed new life into the offense with a 411-foot home run to dead center field, tying the game at 10-10.
Brandon Compton, known for his tendency to hit balls out of the park, didn’t need to power one over the fence to score some runs this time. In the third inning, he’d bury a two-RBI triple into the corner of right field and hustled home on an overthrow to third to complete the three-run play.
The win evens the series at 2-2, though Montgomery still holds a 10-9 edge in games this season. The Biscuits stole 10 bases in the loss, tying a Southern League record set on July 21, 1972 between the Savannah Braves and Jacksonville Suns and managed once more in 1992 between the Orlando SunRays and Carolina Mudcats.
A gritty matchup from the start, the Biscuits earned an early pair of runs on some well-struck balls in the second. An RBI triple from Ryan Spikes was lost in the sun, followed immediately by a hard-hit RBI double into the left field corner from Kamren James.
Pensacola found their footing just as easily in the bottom of the frame. A Connor Caskenette double to the warning track did just the job, scoring Compton and O’Donnell to knot it at 2-2. Compton would circle the bases on his little league homer to extend the edge to 5-2 in the third, and Beshears powered his ninth home run in the fourth to bring it to 6-2.
Six unanswered runs would prove no feat for Montgomery to overcome as the visiting side went on to score eight runs in the top of the sixth. Seven hits – including a three-run homer by Xavier Isaac – coupled with two walks proved devastating for Pensacola relievers Christian Macleod and Colby Martin, as a four-run lead quickly turned into a four-run deficit, 10-6.
The Blue Wahoos got one back in the bottom of the inning as Caskenette singled and worked his way around the basepaths, scoring on a wild pitch by Montgomery’s Andrew Lindsey. The comeback kept rolling as Pensacola added two more with an Adrian Santana single in the eighth.
Hernández proved the hero, homering in the ninth to tie the game at 10-10 before Beshears took Montgomery’s Tommy McCollum (L, 3-9) deep over the left field wall in the 10th inning.
Gabe Bierman (W, 4-2) earned the win, retiring the potent bats of the Biscuits in order in the ninth and holding them to a single run in the 10th inning before the Blue Wahoos offense finished the job.
Pensacola scored their 13 runs on 12 hits, drawing five walks. Caskenette led the offense with a 4-for-5 outing at the plate, his first four-hit game of his professional career. Brendan Jones and Beshears each went 2-for-5.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday.
written by Maddy Branning
« Previous Page — Next Page »
