Century Correctional Institution Inmate Assaults Officer
May 11, 2017
Monday, an inmate assaulted a correctional officer at Century Correctional Institution, according to information recently released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Cesar Figueroa-Donnol assaulted the officer at approximately 12:40 a.m. Figueroa-Donnol head-butted the officer, according to the FDOC. Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
Figueroa-Donnol will receive a disciplinary report for the assault. The FDOC did not release any information about the correctional officer’s condition or need for outside medical care.
Figueroa-Donnol was sentenced in November 2015 to 17 years in prison on Orange County charges that included burglary and drug trafficking.
Putnam Returns To Roots To Start Governor’s Race
May 11, 2017
Standing in front of a huge Florida flag covering the stately pillars of a century-old county courthouse with orange crates on the steps, Republican Adam Putnam on Wednesday used a combination of small-town nostalgia, conservative politics and a deep knowledge of his home state to launch his gubernatorial campaign.
“I can’t imagine a better place to announce I’m running for governor of the state of Florida,” Putnam said, with his former high-school principal and the Bartow High School “Yellow Jacket” band nearby and surrounded by family members and friends who grew up with him in the Polk County town of less than 20,000 people.
“We have to put Florida first so that we are more than a prize for a life well-lived someplace else,” Putnam said. “We can make Florida the launch pad for the American dream.”
Putnam, the state’s agriculture commissioner and a fifth-generation Floridian, enters the 2018 race as the leading candidate to replace Gov. Rick Scott, who will leave office because of term limits and is expected to run for the U.S. Senate.
Putnam, 42, brings a wealth of political experience to the campaign. Beginning as a 22-year-old, he served in the Florida House and then moved to Congress, where he spent a decade and rose to the third-highest Republican leadership post in the U.S. House. He was elected to the state Cabinet in 2010 and will finish his second term as agriculture commissioner next year.
Robert Beattie, a 60-year-old Republican who worked nearly three decades in the phosphate industry as a welder, said he likes Putnam’s experience.
“I appreciate that big time,” said Beattie. “His experience, his breadth and knowledge of what’s going on in Florida.”
In his 16-minute speech, Putnam, dressed casually in a long-sleeved blue-checked shirt and khaki pants, emphasized his small-town roots, growing up in a citrus and cattle business that his family founded. He recalled the freezes of the 1980s that devastated the crops.
“I learned at an early age about riding groves late at night, checking pumps and checking temperatures and assessing the damage the next morning and moving forward,” he said.
He talked about raising his prized horned Hereford bull, named “Georgia Boy,” for a 4-H Club project in a pen that once existed a few blocks from the courthouse.
“Hard work. Responsibility. Perseverance. These are common values,” Putnam said. “But in our society today, they are all too rare.”
How well Putnam’s agrarian roots resonate with Florida’s urban voters remains to be seen. But talking to reporters after his speech, Putnam drew connections between Florida’s diverse regions.
“As you know, Palm Beach is one of our top ag-producing counties in the state, and so is Miami-Dade. It’s not us against them,” Putnam said. “We have an opportunity to diversify our economy and build on our pillars of agriculture, tourism and construction and create new opportunities so that young people who grow up in a town like Bartow don’t have to leave to find good work.”
Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said Putnam hit the right themes in his announcement speech.
“His message is right in line with where Florida and the nation needs to be,” Stargel said. “We need to get back to the basics of who we are. We are about family, personal responsibility and less government. That’s his message, and it’s the right message.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reinforced Putnam’s conservative credentials, calling him “honest and ethical” and praising him for making it easier to apply for concealed-weapons licenses.
“Because of Adam, today it is easier than ever to protect and defend your family and loved ones,” Judd said.
Putnam said he would “protect” the Second Amendment rights of Floridians. “In Florida, we take those seriously,” he said.
Putnam also said law enforcement officers and military veterans would be “recognized and honored” in his administration. Echoing a Scott policy, Putnam said he would make Florida the nation’s “friendliest” state for military members and veterans.
With $7.7 million on hand in his “Florida Grown” political committee through March 31, Putnam already has a significant financial advantage in the race. But he could still face Republican challengers, including House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who said he is looking at the governor’s race but will not make a decision until after the 2018 legislative session.
Putnam said he is prepared for a potential challenge.
“I’m a Bartow-raised farmer, and I am a conservative,” Putnam said. “Anyone who wants to run for governor is more than welcome to pack a lunch and come on.”
On Thursday, Putnam will begin a 10-day bus tour that will take him across the state from Miami to Pensacola, ending May 20 in Suwannee County.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
West Florida’s Zabelle Signs With Coastal Alabama
May 11, 2017
West Florida High School senior Nicholas Zabelle signed a baseball scholarship Wednesday with Coastal Alabama Community College, Brewton Campus. Zabelle started out playing t-ball and little league baseball at both the Molino and Cantonment ballparks. He has lived in Molino with his parents since he was 5-years old.
Pictured: (L-R, front) Dawn Zabelle, Nicholas Zabelle, John Zabelle (back) WFHS Head Coach and Athletic Director Marc Conti, Principal Shenna Payne and Coastal Alabama Head Baseball coah Darrell Blevins. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO Honors Fallen Officers
May 11, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Fallen Officer Memorial Thursday to honor those that have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NWE Spring Clinic Saturday For Football, Cheerleading
May 11, 2017
The 2017 Northwest Escambia Spring Clinic Kick Off will be this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
NWE is kicking off 2017 registration with a cheer clinic and a punt, pass and kick competition.
The punt, pass and kick competition will be for boys and girls, $5 to participate. The greatest total yards from each age group will win a trophy. In Cheerleading ($15), cheerleaders will learn a new cheer, jumps and different stunts.
Registration will be held for both football players and cheerleaders for the upcoming 2017 season.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt is located at 4570 Highway 4, just west of Northview High School. For more information, call Greg Gibson at (251) 234-4716 or Tonya Lloyd at (251) 363-1885.
Inspirational Student Hero Awards Presented
May 11, 2017
Cox Communications recently its annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards at the University of West Florida Conference Center.
Cox recognized 46 students from Escambia County who have overcome extreme challenges in life to serve as an inspiration to their teachers, administrators and fellow students.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school. During the event, Cox presented the students with an engraved medal and certificates of honor.
This year’s award recipients were:
Bellview Elementary — Dwight Norris
Bellview Middle — Micha Wright
Beulah Elementary — Donnell Snowden
Blue Angels Elementary — Gavin Nielson
Bratt Elementary — Ryleigh Barnes
Brentwood Elementary — Ayriana Parker
Brown Barge Middle — Lindsey Wilbur
Byrneville Elementary — Leif Waters
Cordova Park Elementary — Mason Hausfeld
Ensley Elementary — Shamira Young
Ernest Ward Middle — David Lamb
Escambia Charter — Nira James
Escambia High — Arianna Moore
Ferry Pass Elementary — Jordan Luckie
Ferry Pass Middle — Zack Causey
Global Learning Academy — Kaleb Hart
Hellen Caro Elementary — Meadow Edgar
Holm Elementary — D’Maya Lewis
Jim Allen Elementary — Gage Brooks
Jim Bailey Middle — Daichi Greene
Lincoln Park Elementary — Rashan Bolar
Lipscomb Elementary — Emma Markham
Longleaf Elementary — Sariya Lewis
McArthur Elementary — Tyquan Montgomery
Molino Park Elementary — Ella Kizer
Montclair Elementary — Nicholai Gragg
Myrtle Grove Elementary — Dayton Gregory
N.B. Cook Elementary — Ge’Khiya Brown
Navy Point Elementary — Brianna Fogleman
Northview High — Daysha Kite
O.J. Semms Elementary — Chloe Jones
Oakcrest Elementary — Angel Spears
Pensacola High — Joseph Gort
Pine Forest High — Brooke Kaderly
Pine Meadow Elementary — Caleb Greene
Pleasant Grove Elementary — Sarah Pittman
Ransom Middle — Dawson Guy
Sherwood Elementary — Ethan Powell
Tate High — Zach Fontenot
Warrington Elementary — Zachary Pavkovich
Warrington Middle — Jania Ward
Weis Elementary — Jeremiah Danzot
West Florida High — Belinda Senabre
West Pensacola — Colin Gallagher
Woodham Middle — Kendal Kicklighter
Workman Middle — Bryson Brown
Blandino Walk-Off Homer Win In Wahoos Win
May 11, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Luis Castillo earned a career-high 10 strikeouts and Alex Blandino hit a walk-off home run to lead their team to a, 2-1, victory over the Birmingham Barons.
For both Blandino and Castillo, their performances Wednesday were sweet redemption. Castillo was chased after 1.2 innings in his last start and Blandino has been mired in a season-long slump, hitting .195.
But Castillo gave the Blue Wahoos seven strong innings, allowing one run on five hits and walking none. Blandino blasted a solo homer, his first of the season, over the fence in left center.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said it was the type of game both players needed.
“(Castillo) had a super slider,” Kelly said. “The best I’ve seen all year.”
He said he thought that Blandino was due for a breakout game. Although, the Pensacola second baseman is now hitting .200 on the season he does have 18 walks this season for an on-base percentage of .419.
“He started slow,” Kelly said. “But last four or five days he has been swinging much better and getting his walks. He just hasn’t gotten his base hits.”
For the Blue Wahoos it was their second walk-off this season, after setting a record 12 last season. Blandino said he is staying positive at the plate with just 81 at bats so far in 26 games.
“The Wahoo Way lives on,” said an excited Blandino after the game. “I’m being aggressive early in the counts and staying with my approach. That’s the key to success over the long haul.”
Pensacola left fielder Tyler Goeddel crushed a lead-off home run to left field to put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 1-0, in the first inning.
In the second inning, Goeddel showed off his arm as well fielding a hit by Birmingham left fielder Courtney Hawkins and gunning down right fielder Mason Robbins at home plate.
But the Blue Wahoos would be shutout by Birmingham starter Jordan Guerrero over the next four innings and by relievers Robinson Leyer and Aaron Bummer over the next three innings. Guerrero was trying to earn his first victory of the season but left with a 1-1 tie after working five innings, allowing five hits, walking three and striking out seven.
“Guerrero has a really good change up and mixes up his delivery,” Kelly said. “He had us off balance.”
Meanwhile, Castillo overcame his last start against the Chattanooga Lookouts when he gave up five runs and lasted 1.2 innings. He threw 38 pitches in the second inning in the cold, dreary weather.
But in Pensacola, the 24-year-old Dominican pitched like the 17th best prospect in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization. Although he has not won a game since April 13, he is 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA.
Pensacola now leads the five-game series against the Barons, 2-1, and improved to 17-16 to tie Mississippi Braves for first place in the South Division.
“It was good to pull out a close game, we ‘ve had a lot of close losses,” Blandino said. “Hopefully, we’ll win the series and keep moving forward.”
Century, County And Habitat Celebrate New Home For Tornado Victim
May 10, 2017
Life changed in an instant for Eddie Hammond on February 15, 2016, as an EF-3 tornado ripped through Century — and ripped through his home, leaving it in ruins.
Hammond, who was losing his eyesight, would retire a month later from his job of 33 years with the Town of Century. He did not know what his future would hold. Until he became involved with the SHIP, State Housing Initiatives Partnership, Program through Escambia County and Habitat For Humanity.
“Fifteen months ago, I didn’t know where I was going. There way no way…I can’t afford to get anything. I just thank God for what they have done,” Hammond said Tuesday at a ribbon cutting for his new home, the first in the town of Century completed under the SHIP Program.
“I’ll sure be glad to get into it. I’ve been gone from home for 15 months. It’s time to be back in my own house,” Hammond said. Without the program, Hammond said he would still be living with his parents.
“I’d be living in that house right yonder with my parents. It’s the only place I’d have to go,” he said.
“I’m certainly very happy for Mr. Hammond and his family, but I’m also excited for the residents of Century. I have promised our partners in Century, including Mayor Hawkins, and the Town Council that Escambia County will continue to work with them to help in every way possible,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “Also, I want to personally thank Habitat for Humanity, BRACE, and Legal Services of North Florida for their tireless support, not only in this project, but over the entire 15 months since the devastating storms last spring.”
“If you are going to talk a game, you’ve got to walk your talk,” Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said the county’s cooperation on the project. “And Escambia County has been walking the walk with us, and we are thankful for that.”
Escambia County has completed three replacement houses under SHIP with Habitat/Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation Inc., with seven more in progress. Additionally, four more homes are being completed through funding provided through the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. Habitat was able to leverage SHIP dollars with Community Contribution Tax Credit Funding and volunteer labor to complete the housing units.
After the tornado, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners entered into an agreement with Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation Inc. to provide up to $50,000 in SHIP disaster funding per property to help fund replacement housing for eligible homeowners.
Additionally, NFCHDC partnered with the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority to provide replacement housing for tornado survivors who could not qualify under the SHIP program.
This project is a significant collaboration between Escambia County, the town of Century, Legal Services of North Florida, the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority, the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies, NFCHDC, World Renew, United Way, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and many other volunteer organizations. These agencies have collectively provided financing, facilitated applicant intake, served as the case managers, worked on legal issues to help owners gain a clear title and provide construction oversight and labor.
Pictured top: Eddie Hammond receives the keys to his new home. Pictured bottom inset: Mayor Henry Hawkins. Pictured below: Hammond cuts the ribbon his new home, the first in the town of Century completed under the SHIP Program through Escambia County and Habitat for Humanity. Pictured bottom: Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry addresses a crowd at the ribbon cutting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Facing Charges For Drugs And Stolen Gun
May 10, 2017
A Cantonment man is facing multiple charges after deputies allegedly caught him in a vehicle with a stolen firearm and drugs.
Shane Thomas Black, 23,was charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, grand theft of a firearm, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also cited for driving with a suspended license.
Escambia County deputies reported stopping Black on Dolphin Road, just off Tate Road, in the Cantonment area. According to an arrest report, Black had a .45 caliber pistol readily accessible and in his immediate control on the passenger seat of his vehicle while he was in he driver’s seat. He reportedly admitted to deputies that he stole the weapon.
Deputies also reported Black had less than 20 grams of marijuana in his possession and a glass smoking pipe and metal spoon with a white, powdery residue.
Thomas remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday with bond set at $13,000.
Critics Call For Veto Of Massive Education Bill
May 10, 2017
After lawmakers ignored their calls to vote down a sprawling education bill, opponents of the wide-ranging measure have turned to Gov. Rick Scott as their last hope to stop the proposal from becoming law.
It is not clear when the bill (HB 7069), which covers everything from charter schools and teacher bonuses to school uniforms and sunscreen, will hit Scott’s desk. It could be weeks before the Legislature decides to forward the budget-related bill to the governor.
But within hours of its passage Monday night through the Senate by the narrowest possible margin, 20-18, opponents were already beginning to urge Scott to use his veto pen on the measure.
In addition to complaints about individual policy issues in the bill, critics have seized on the fact that the measure — which includes pieces of roughly a dozen separate bills considered during the legislative session — emerged from budget negotiations Friday afternoon.
“Where’s the government transparency that the leadership promised this session?” Florida Education Association President Joanne McCall asked in a statement issued by the union demanding a veto. “Floridians expect a fair process, not backroom deal-making.”
In a sign that the bill has taken on added political significance, former Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Graham — who’s running for governor — also issued a statement calling on Scott to nix the bill, along with the state budget approved before lawmakers ended the session Monday.
“As governor, I will veto any budget or policy that shortchanges our schools in favor of the education industry,” Graham said. “I’ll cancel the Legislature’s summer vacation and demand they start over from scratch. We no longer have time for rhetoric or games.”
Many of the social media accounts that railed against the bill as it moved through the Legislature on Monday pushed for a veto. Some organizations were slower to state the next step.
Sen. Bill Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat who also serves as CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, said Monday night it was too early to say what position his group would take.
“I know the superintendents throughout Florida are very concerned tonight about the budget that we just passed, and rightfully so,” Montford said.
But around the same time, some school superintendents — including Duval County’s Nikolai Vitti — were calling for a veto.
“Why will Governor Scott veto..because he understands that politically beating up K-12 education does not work for FL,” Vitti tweeted.
In some ways, the bill could prove to be an inviting target for Scott. It was pushed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who sparred with the governor throughout the session over economic-development incentives and tourism marketing.
But there are also politically popular parts of the bill that could make it difficult for Scott to veto, particularly as he weighs a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2018.
The most notable parts of the legislation were a proposal known as “schools of hope,” which would encourage charter schools to locate near academically struggling public schools, and an expansion of the “Best and Brightest” teacher bonus program.
It also moves to limit standardized testing of students in an attempt to answer widespread complaints about the practice and would allow districts to ignore a convoluted and controversial state formula based on those tests when doing teacher evaluations.
Even some lawmakers who reluctantly pushed for the education bill to be approved as a way to appease Corcoran and end the legislative session suggested, not necessarily unfavorably, that a veto from Scott was a real possibility.
“In this case, in my opinion, and my personal choice, is going to be to let him do that — that we’ll do what we agreed to do and pass a conference package of all the bills that we have in conference, and then we’ll pass it down and let him do his job,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.
Corcoran, perhaps unsurprisingly, said Scott should accept all of the budget-related bills that passed the Legislature.
“If I were governor, I wouldn’t veto any of them, no,” said Corcoran, considering a run for Scott’s office in 2018. “They’re not good policy, they’re great policy.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida