No Road Construction Lane Closures This Weekend In Florida
November 25, 2017
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office has suspended construction-related lane closures across Northwest Florida for the Thanksgiving Holiday. There will be no work on the interstate or state roads requiring lane restrictions through Sunday, Nov. 27. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect and drivers may encounter construction workers and reduced speed limits. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and online at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.
Florida Government Panel Eyes Vaping Restrictions, Patient Rights
November 25, 2017
Vaping could be banned in workplaces, and nursing-home and assisted-living facility residents could be guaranteed certain rights — including the ability to sue without limitations — as part of a series of health-care related proposals being considered by a Florida panel that has the power to place proposed constitutional amendments on the 2018 ballot.
Former state Sen. Lisa Carlton, the sponsor of the measure on vaping, said her goal is to amend the Florida Constitution to make clear that the state’s existing ban on smoking in workplaces also incorporates vaping, such as the use of electronic cigarettes.
“The goal is, if you cannot smoke there, you cannot vape there,” Carlton said, noting that electronic cigarettes weren’t available when the original ban was passed by Florida voters in 2002.
After e-cigarettes started to become available, she expected the Legislature to tackle the issue, but it didn’t.
In retrospect, Carlton said she thinks it’s better the Legislature didn’t address the issue because voters could get the opportunity to put a vaping ban in the Constitution. More than 70 percent of voters approved the original workplace smoking ban in 2002.
“It’s the perfect opportunity because it should be alongside smoking,” she said, adding, “I feel like this (vaping) has put a cloud over our clean air, and it’s time for us to recognize it and update it.”
Carlton’s proposal would amend a section of the Constitution currently titled “Workplaces without Tobacco Smoke” to read “Workplaces without Tobacco Smoke or Vapor.”
Carlton is part of the 37-member Florida Constitution Revision Commission which meets every 20 years to evaluate possible changes to the Constitution. The panel can put issues before voters without having to gather petition signatures or get proposals approved by the Legislature.
Commission members proposed 103 amendments, and the panel is expected to whittle that number in the coming months. The commission’s General Provisions Committee could take up Carlton’s proposal Tuesday.
In all, the commission is expected to consider seven health-care related proposals, including a controversial proposal about nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Commissioner Brecht Heuchan has offered a proposal that would establish a “bill of rights” for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Heuchan’s proposal, in part, would require nursing homes to carry liability insurance — which is not a requirement today — and includes a right of access to courts and legal remedies, “without limitations,” in cases involving issues such as abuse, negligence or exploitation.
Emmett Reed, executive director of the Florida Health Care Association, the state’s largest nursing-home group, issued a scathing news release attacking Heuchan for the proposed amendment. Reed accused Heuchan, who is a lobbyist for the Florida Justice Association trial-lawyers group, of ignoring “his broader obligations in order to serve the narrow interest of his clients.”
Reed called the state Constitution the “core document” that sets out the structure of Florida’s government and said that “some things simply do not belong in the Florida Constitution.” He also said that the proposal would “add nothing to the quality of life for our state’s frailest elders, nor would it solve the real issues of keeping nursing home residents safe during disasters. It would only serve the interests of greedy trial attorneys who continually attempt to cash in by suing nursing homes.”
But Heuchan fired back at the nursing home organization. In a letter he sent to The News Service of Florida, Heuchan said the Constitution is “a place where rights of the individual are protected, especially when it comes to the rights of the vulnerable.”
“I cannot count the number of times I have been told one issue or another does not belong in the Constitution,” he wrote in the letter, adding that when the argument comes from special-interest groups, it’s “code” for something else.
“What they really mean,” the letter said, is “they think they have other forums wired in their favor, (or) … they know if voters have a chance to consider the proposal, it would pass.”
Heuchan disputed the allegation that his amendment would help his clients or is a potential conflict of interest. Before filing the amendment he reviewed the rules, which make clear that he cannot file an amendment that would result in a special gain for him or a principal of his.
“What they are saying is speculative at best,” he said adding that if a lawyer successfully sues a nursing home on behalf of a resident, the attorney is paid from the damages the resident is awarded. “It’s not a gain to me personally, and it’s not a special gain to anyone I work for,” he said.
“This is just part of their campaign to discredit me personally because they don’t have a good answer to the proposal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Heuchan isn’t the only member of the Constitution Revision Commission wanting to create a patient’s bill of rights.
Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher has proposed an amendment that, if approved by voters, would require the Legislature to guarantee patients “transparency in health care.” That transparency would apply to such things as medical costs and information needed to help patients make informed decisions about treatment.
Health-care transparency has been a priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who appointed Kruppenbacher to the commission.
Kruppenbacher also has offered another health-care proposal that aligns with Scott’s priorities.
That proposal would eliminate “certificate of need” laws, which the state can use to restrict the addition of new hospitals and nursing homes. Certificates of need are licenses that Florida requires before new health care facilities can be built.
Proponents of so-called CONs argue that they help keep health-care costs lower by preventing facilities from being overbuilt. Critics, such as Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, maintain that CONs are artificial barriers to the marketplace that prevent competition and provide monopolies for companies that already have the licenses.
Scott and the House have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate certificate of need laws but have faced opposition from hospitals and nursing homes that don’t want to see the restrictions lifted.
by Christine Sexton, The News Service of Florida
WSRE Invites Viewers To Participate In Legislative Review Program
November 25, 2017
WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, is now accepting viewer questions for the upcoming broadcast of “Legislative Review: Dialogue with the Delegation” on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Questions may be submitted in advance by email to questions@wsre.org. Every question must be accompanied by the person’s name and city of residence.
The following legislators of the Northwest Florida delegation are expected to participate: Sens. Doug Broxson (District 1) and George B. Gainer (District 2); and Reps. Clay Ingram (District 1), Frank White (District 2), Jayer Williamson (District 3) and Mel Ponder (District 4). The program will be moderated by Jeff Weeks.
WSRE presents “Legislative Review” before and after each legislative session as a community service. Questions will also be accepted by phone during the live program, which will be simulcast by NewsRadio 92.3 FM & 1620 AM
Escambia Deputies Exchange Fire With Wanted Suspect
November 24, 2017
Shots were fired overnight as Escambia County deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant.
The incident started about 3:45 a.m. in the area of Louise Avenue and East Nine Mile Road when the suspect began shooting at deputies. Deputies returned fire, hitting the suspect as he fled.
The still-armed white male was found a short time later hiding behind a dumpster behind the Taco Bell at Nine Mile and Chemstrand Roads. Deputies demanded he drop his weapon several times. Reports indicate the man dropped the weapon and was taken into custody.
The suspect, who has not yet been identified, suffered a non-life threatening injury during the gunfire. No deputies were injured.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident is now under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is standard procedure in every officer-involved shooting.
Teen Airlifted To The Hospital After Thanksgiving Wreck In Walnut Hill
November 24, 2017
A driver was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after being trapped in two vehicle crash Thanksgiving afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 19-year old William Giddins of Mobile was northbound above the posted speed limit on South Highway 99 near Tungoil Road about 3:50 p.m. as Jason B. Brooks, age 64 of Pensacola, stopped his Dodge Ram pickup at the stop sign on Tungoil Road. Brooks made a right turn onto Highway 99 and then traveled a short distance to make a left turn into a driveway.
Giddins then rear-ended the pickup truck with his Nissan Versa came to rest in a nearby field. After being extricated from his vehicle, Giddins was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Baptist Hospital where he was listed in serious condition.
Brooks and his passenger, 62-year old Dovie Brooks of Pensacola, were not injured and refused medical treatment on scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that alcohol was not involved in the crash, and everyone involved was wearing a seat belt.
The Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Beans And Rice Giveaway Saturday In Cantonment
November 24, 2017
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church, will be distributing free rice and dried beans and other non-perishables on Saturday, November 25 from 9 until 11 a.m. (or while supplies last) at the church located at 699 South Hwy 95-A in Cantonment.
There are no guidelines and no paperwork required.
Sunset Over Sunn Hemp (And What Exactly Is Sunn Hemp?)
November 24, 2017
North Escambia farmers sometimes turn to fields of a yellow-flowering crop to prevent soil erosion between regular crops like corn.
It’s called Sunn Hemp (that’s Crotalaria juncea L for the scientific types).
Sunn Hemp is a semi-tropical plant that is grown as a cover crop in the southeast. It’s a legume, growing in a variety of locations and returning nitrogen to the soil. It can also be used as a biomass to produce biofuels.
Pictured above: A golden setting sun Thanksgiving evening over a field of sunn hemp in Walnut Hill. Pictured below: A closer look at the sunn hemp flowers. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
License-Free Saltwater Fishing Saturday In Florida
November 24, 2017
Governor Rick Scott has announced that Saturday, November 25th will be a license-free saltwater fishing day. This Saturday is part of eight total days offered each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that allows residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s many fishing opportunities without requiring a license.
Governor Scott said, “As Floridians gather with their loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, this license-free fishing day is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy our state’s great outdoors together. We are grateful to live in such a beautiful state with unique natural treasures that help attract record numbers of visitors, and I encourage all families to take advantage of the license-free saltwater fishing day this weekend.”
FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski said, “Whether at the table or on the water, Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time to gather with friends and family. I am thankful for the opportunity to incentivize fishing in Florida and allow anglers to show friends and family, especially youth, the joys it offers.”
Saltwater license-free fishing days allow anglers to fish for saltwater species without being required to have a saltwater recreational fishing license. All bag limits, seasons and size restrictions apply on license-free fishing days. To learn more about license-free fishing days, visit MyFWC.com/License. For fishing tips, locations and other information visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.
PCI Hosts 47th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow
November 24, 2017
The Poarch Creek Indians are celebrating their 47th annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow this weekend north of Atmore.
The event features traditional dress, dance, arts and crafts, and food.
“We are always proud of the opportunity when we have this great moment when people come from all over the southeast. Come and celebrate and learn about the Poarch Band of Creek Indians,” said Poarch Creek Indian Vice Chairman Robert McGhee. “Just learn about native cultures in general.”
Tribal Princess contest results were as follows:
Little Miss First Alternate: Mylynn Alyssa Sybil Smedley
Little Miss Princess: Yanasa Tasahce Alvarez
Elementary First Alternate: Savannah Lyn Gibson
Elementary Princess: Tehya Anevay Alvarez
Junior Princess: Audrey Hope Tucker
Senior Princess: Gabriella Treacy McGhee
Elder 2nd Alternate: Gayle Sims Malone Veasey
Elder First Alternate: Norah Lee Franklin
Elder Princess: Beatrice Presley
Best Talent Award: Tehya Anevay Rolin
Most Spirit Award: Tehya Anevay Rolin
The Pow Wow continues on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Delaney Reynolds and others, click to enlarge
BBB Black Friday Shopping Tips
November 24, 2017
Black Friday has traditionally been the biggest retail shopping day of the year.
Whether in the store or online, the Better Business Bureau serving Northwest Florida offers advice to help you with your holiday shopping:
- Budget your shopping money and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys.
- Look for the details on every sale and understand the specifics.
- Advertising can be tricky; don’t get stuck paying more for an item than you expected.
- Credit card offers from a store will offer a discount on your purchase but may also carry high interest rates.
- Keep all receipts and warranty information for each item purchased.
- Fraudulent charges are easier to fix if you pay with a credit card than a debit card.
- Return policies differ with every store. Make sure you know the conditions for returns and exchanges, including whether restocking fees are charged.
- If you purchase a gift card, look for hidden terms that can decrease its value.
- Don’t leave your wallet, credit card or purse on a counter or in an unattended shopping cart.
- Ask for a store manager if any advertised offer does not match the price listed on an item.
- Yelling at store employees and other customers won’t make the lines shorter. Anticipate crowds and take a friend along to enjoy the day.
- Credit cards provide the most protection if someone steals the credit card number or if you don’t receive an ordered item.
- You, the customer, are responsible for knowing and understanding each online retailer’s return/exchange policy.
- Beware of deals that sound too good to be true, especially extremely low priced on hard-to-get items.
- Ensure you have the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewalls installed.
- Read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.
- Make a file to keep copies of all purchase confirmation web pages and e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.
- Only shop on trustworthy sites; look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks.”
- Never wire money to pay for a transaction and when on sites like Craigslist, only shop locally.
- Delete phishing emails such as those claiming a problem with an order or account in an attempt to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information.
- Actively keep an eye on your credit card statements to detect suspicious or fraudulent activity on your accounts.
- You are your best protection! Make sure your online purchase is secure by looking for the “s” (https://) in the URL and the “lock” symbol in the lower-right corner before paying.