Senate Panel To Take Up ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law
January 18, 2017
The Senate Judiciary Committee next week is expected to take up a proposal that would shift the legal burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases — but the panel is not slated to consider a controversial measure that would expand the ability of people to carry guns in public.
The Judiciary Committee’s agenda for a meeting next Tuesday includes the “stand your ground” bill (SB 128), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island.
The bill stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that said defendants have the burden of proof to show they should be shielded from prosecution under the “stand your ground” law. In “stand your ground” cases, pretrial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants should be immune from prosecution.
The bill — and an identical proposal in the House (HB 245) — would shift that burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors. But the Judiciary Committee’s agenda does not include a gun bill that has drawn wider debate.
That bill (SB 140), filed by Judiciary Chairman Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry handguns in public and also would allow them to be armed on college and university campuses.
Under the bill, they also could carry guns at airport passenger terminals; in elementary and secondary schools; and at legislative and local government meetings.
The committee had been scheduled to consider Steube’s bill Jan. 10, but the meeting was canceled.
by The News Service of Florida
Stead Pre-Files For Century Council Seat
January 18, 2017
The first candidate has pre-filed for an upcoming special election in Century to fill two council seats.
Kevin L Stead pre-filed Tuesday for Century Town Council, Seat 2, a non partisan office.
Stead currently hold the seat on a temporary basis, appointed as the temporary replacement for Annie Savage, who passed away in late October. The election will fill the seat until the end of Savage’s term in January 2021.
The Century election is set for February 14 and/or February 28, depending on the number of candidates that qualify. The official qualifying period is January 23 and January 24.
Ten NHS Weightlifters Advance To Girls’ Regionals
January 18, 2017
Ten members of the Northview High School Girls Weightlifting team recently advanced to today’s regional meet…the largest number of Lady Chiefs headed to weightlifting regional in recent memory. Those qualifying fo regional competition include:
- Audriene Odom
- Crystal Douglas
- Myisha Syria
- Lexxi Broadhead
- Peighton Dortch
- Catie Clayton
- Mallory Gibson
- Daysha Kite
- Aubree Love
- Rayeshawanna Davidson
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Injured In Highway 95A Two Vehicle Crash
January 18, 2017
One person was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries after a two vehicle accident on Highway 95A near Tate School Road just before 8:00 Wednesday morning. The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Involved In Fatal Crash
January 17, 2017
A Cantonment man was involved in fatal crash early Sunday morning in Escambia County, according to information released Tuesday morning by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP said 45-year old Todd Adam Doten of Cantonment was southbound on Pace Boulevard at Bobe Street in a 2014 Mack semi truck when the driver of a 1980 Chevrolet C1500 failed to stop for a stop sign. Ray Jose Willis, age 39 of Pensacola, pulled directly into the path of the semi at 4:10 a.m., troopers said. Willis and his passenger, David Matthew Russ, 36 of Pensacola, were both not wearing seat belts and were both ejected from their vehicle.
Willis died a short time later at Baptist Hospital; Russ was listed in critical condition. Doten received only minor injuries.
Any charges in the crash are pending the outcome of a traffic homicide investigation, according to FHP.
Cantonment Celebrates With Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade (With Gallery)
January 17, 2017
Hundreds of residents of Cantonment celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday with a parade in the area around Carver Park.
Hundreds gathered to enjoy the parade, plus catch candy, beads and other items.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Celebrates Legacy Of Martin Luther King, Jr. (With Gallery)
January 17, 2017
Dozens turned out in Century Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association held their annual motorcade, ending with a program and celebration at the Ag Building. Songs, essays and speeches honored King’s memory, looked forward to the future and honored local community leaders that have passed away.
Essay contest winners were: Zipporah Harris, first place; Jalexis Robinson, second place; and Tobijah Crenshaw and Markavia Johnson, third place.
Guest speaker Pastor Booker T. Bivens of the New Life Christian Center in Flomaton addressed the group before a community lunch.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: A musical selection from members of the Pilgrim Lodge Mass Choir. Pictured inset: Essay contest winner Zipporah Harris reads her essay to the crowd. Pictured below: A MLK Day motorcade passes on Pond Street in Century Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Volunteer Needed For West Florida Library Board Of Governance
January 17, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
The duties of the board include establishing policy and overseeing the management of Escambia County library services and making recommendations to the BCC regarding the annual budget according to the purposes and authority set forth in resolutions, interlocal agreements and other agreements, as well as state and federal laws. These duties also include establishing an annual plan of service and the long-range strategic planning of library services.
West Florida Public Libraries provides service to all of Escambia County, with the board typically meeting on the fourth Monday of the month from 4-6:30 p.m.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Friday, January 20. Resumes should be submitted to Todd J. Humble, Director, West Florida Public Libraries, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, FL, 32502 or by email to tjhumble@mywfpl.com.
Resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
Firefighters Save Building From Growing RV Fire
January 17, 2017
Firefighters were able to prevent the spread of a recreational vehicle fire to a nearby building and other vehicles Monday evening in Cantonment. The fire was reported about 5:25 p.m. in the 1600 block of Muscogee Road. Pictured above and immediately below: An unidentified man attempts to prevent the spread of an RV fire using a garden hose. Pictured bottom: The Cantonment Station of Escambia Rescue quickly extinguished the fire. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Old Chemstrand Wreck
January 17, 2017
There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle wreck Monday at the intersection of Old Chemstrand Road and Highway 95A. One person was taken to the hospital for minor injuries by private vehicle. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
