Scott Continues Push For Law Officer Pay Raises
December 6, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott urged legislators Monday to back his proposed 5 percent pay raises for state law enforcement officers in the 2017-18 budget — and hinted the plan could grow to include corrections officers.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Scott, whose $11.7 million proposal would boost the salaries of some 4,000 officers such as state troopers, Capitol police and wildlife law-enforcement officers.
Scott continued trying to build support for the raises during an appearance in Tampa, after rolling out the initiative last week in Orlando. The governor in early 2017 will release a full budget proposal, which will serve as a starting point as lawmakers draw up a final spending plan for the fiscal year that starts in July.
Citing a 45-year low in Florida’s crime rate and a rash of recent police killings nationally, Scott said a raise for sworn law enforcement officers —- whose last raise came in 2014, when all state workers received increases — was overdue.
Scott said state police deserve to be rewarded for their “life-saving work,” while Florida Highway Patrol Col. Gene Spaulding said “some glimmer of hope” for raises was necessary to adequately recruit and retain officers.
But the proposed eight-figure allocation could put him at odds with some legislative budget writers, who say there might not be enough money to fund it.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, laid out an austere vision for next year’s budget in comments during the Legislature’s organization session last month.
Corcoran said he forecasts the state will begin budget talks “somewhere between a half-billion to a billion dollars in the hole” compared to previous projections, which indicated a meager $7.5 million surplus.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, is more bullish on the issue of state law-enforcement raises, however.
Latvala affirmed his support for Scott’s plan via social media last week, tweeting “I commend the Gov for his proposal. These men & women keep our state safe. They’ve only had 2 pay raises in 9 yrs.”
Scott did not specifically address the recent budget projections but said he thinks robust tax revenues and population growth in recent years make the raises viable.
Scott also refused to rule out granting Florida Department of Corrections officers a similar raise, which could put the governor’s proposal even further apart from the budget designs of House leaders.
“They’re hard workers, correctional officers. State workers work really hard,” said Scott, adding he would consider further proposed raises as he rolls out additional aspects of his budget plan in coming weeks.
During the 2013 round of state worker raises, law enforcement was singled out for an additional $10.3 million in pay hikes — 3 percent for all officers, with an additional 2 percent for those with more than five years of experience.
Scott tied his new pay-raise pitch to the deadly mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June, as well as a series of severe storms this year in which officers faced danger.
“Right now, for whatever reason, it’s risky to put on a uniform right now,” said Scott.
by Ryan Ray, The News Service of Florida
Second Red Bulb Placed On Fire Safety Wreath
December 5, 2016
A second red bulb will be placed on the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety wreath to represent a residential fire in 5300 block of North Blue Angel Parkway on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 8:37 p.m. reporting a mobile home fire with entrapment of two residents. A bystander pulled the two people from the home, and they were transported to local hospitals. The fire was called under control at 9:04 p.m. with the home considered a total loss. Escambia County Fire Rescue found no evidence of a smoke detector in the home. The Florida State Fire Marshal is investigating.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is a collaborative initiative with the city of Pensacola to promote fire safety during the month of December.
During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, with wreaths also placed outside Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance.
Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.
Jay Pediatrician Moving Medical Practice To Century
December 5, 2016
Jay pediatrician Dr. Marian Stewart is moving her practice to Century next month.
Stewart has practiced pediatric medicine as part of the Jay Medical Clinic for the past 18 years. She will close her Jay practice on January 12, 2017, and will join Escambia Community Clinics January 16 at their new ECC Century Pediatrics location at 511 Church Street.
“Please know that my commitment to your health care is as strong as ever and I will continue to provide you with excellent patient care at my new practice location. I wish you and your family good health and thank you for your continued support,” Stewart said.
“We are very excited to have Dr. Stewart join Escambia Community Clinics as a pediatric provider, and know that she has been a valued pediatrician in the communities in which she serves for many years. We are looking forward to adding pediatric medical services to our ECC Century Pediatrics location,” Ann Papadelias, chief of community engagement for Escambia Community Clinics, said.
Escambia Community Clinics has operated a dental program in Century since mid-October, caring for over 150 children during their first six weeks of operation.
Escambia Community Clinics is a not for profit community health center established in January 1997. Ten years later, Escambia Community Clinics, Inc. was designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). ECC provides services throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties and surrounding areas designated by HRSA as medically underserved populations and health professional shortage areas.
Stewart’s current patients that have questions about their medical records can call (850) 675-4546 ext. 121 until January 12. For information on Escambia Community Clinics service and appointments, call (850) 981-9433.
Century Council Meeting Rescheduled
December 5, 2016
Tonight’s regular meeting of the Century Town Council has been rescheduled for Monday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
The council normally meets on the first and third Monday of each month, but traditionally meets just once — on the first Monday — in December. But at their last meeting, the council voted to move that meeting to December 19.
A Community Development Block Grant public hearing will be held prior to the council meeting at 6:15 p.m. on December 19, following by a housing assistance workshop at 6:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Senate, House Bills Would Ban Florida Fracking
December 5, 2016
After a fierce legislative debate early this year about fracking, a freshman senator filed a proposal Friday that would bar the use of the controversial oil and gas drilling technique in Florida.
Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, filed the proposal (SB 98) a little more than a week after Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, filed a similar measure (HB 35) in the House. Farmer’s bill is dubbed the “Stop Fracking Act.”
The bills will be considered during the 2017 legislative session, which starts in March. Fracking bills spurred a major battle during the 2016 session, with the issue ultimately dying in the Senate. While supporters said the 2016 bills would have created a needed regulatory framework, environmental groups contended the measures were aimed at opening the door to fracking.
Historic Marker Dedicated At Escambia County Training School Site
December 5, 2016
An official historic marker was dedicated Friday in Atmore marking the location of the former Escambia County Training School on Martin Luther King Avenue.
The site’s history dates back to 1920 when a wooden building was constructed as the Atmore Colored School, which operated until 1925. In 1926, a new wood and brick building was erected with assistance from a school fund and the community, and the school was renamed the Escambia County Training School. Current buildings on the site date from 1959, 1980 and 1981.
The school offered instruction in academic and industrial education, and the students were also active in many extracurricular activities. The Escambia County Training School’s girls’ basketball team won the state championship in 1950-1951. The boys’ football team went undefeated and was regional champions in 1965 and 1968.
The first principal of the school was Robert L. Bradley. Woodrow McCorvey, Sr. was principal when the high school was closed in 1970 due to integration.
The campus became the Escambia County Middle School for the next 30 years when a new middle school was built on North Main Street.
The Escambia County Training School site is the only location with a historic marker in the city limits of Atmore listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
For more photos from the dedication ceremony, click here.
Pictured: A historic marker was dedicated Friday at the site of the former Escambia County Training School on Martin Luther King Avenue in Atmore. Pictured inset: Louise (Lois) Montgomery was presented a certificate of recognition from Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. She played on the Escambia County Training School’s 1950-1951 state championship basketball team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa Claus To Visit Molino Branch Library Tuesday Night
December 5, 2016
Santa Claus will be in Molino Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a special Pajama Story Time with Santa at the Molino Branch Library. Children invited to wear their comfy, cozy pajamas, brink a blanket and join the library staff for a stories, milk and cookies along with a very special visit from Santa Claus. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
Pictured: Santa Claus visited the Century Branch Library last week. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
December 5, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities next week:
Escambia County:
· Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement (U.S. 98)- The westbound outside and right turn lanes of U.S. 98 (Gregory Street), from the bridge to just east of 17th Avenue, in Pensacola will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8. The closures will allow crews to perform soil borings and locate utilities. In addition, the westbound outside lane of U.S. 98, from 17th Avenue to just west of 17th Avenue in Pensacola, will be closed during this time for the same work.
· U.S. 29 (State Road (S.R.) 95) Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to 9 Mile Road- Alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. continue through the week of Sunday, Dec. 11 near the U.S. 29/9 Mile Road overpass as crews continue to work on barrier wall installation and preparation for the bridge construction. Also during this time, alternating closures are expected for north and southbound lanes on U.S. 29 just north of the I-10 Interchange as crews perform milling operations.
· 9 Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest to U.S. 29- Intermittent lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue from 9 Mile Road to Powell Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. as crews lay additional asphalt for an upcoming traffic shift. Once paving is complete, traffic will be shifted eastward onto the temporary asphalt as crews begin drainage improvements on the west side of Untreiner Avenue.
· Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway to North Pace Boulevard- Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
· East Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) Utility Work at 16th Street in Pensacola- Eastbound outside, right lane will be closed at 16th Street from 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 15 to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 as crews perform underground utility work and roadway repairs.
· I-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- East and westbound lane closures near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 to 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 as crews perform pipe repairs.
Santa Rosa County:
· S.R. 87 Parade from Caroline Street to Dogwood Drive- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) will be closed to traffic between Caroline Street (U.S. 90) and Dogwood Drive in Milton from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 for parade festivities. Traffic will be detoured. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
· Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement (U.S. 98) – The westbound outside lane of U.S. 98 between Wayside Park and the bridge in Gulf Breeze will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8. The closures will allow crews to perform soil borings and locate utilities.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec.8 as crews mill and pave. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure
· U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Inspection over White River- Westbound lane closure, 1.4 miles east of the Santa Rosa /Escambia County line, from 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 to 5 a.m. Dec. 6 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
· I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River- Westbound lane closure, four miles west of S.R. 87 (Exit 31), from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
· U.S. 90 Soil Sample Removal from Bell Lane to Avalon Boulevard- Intermittent east and westbound turn lane restrictions between Bell Lane and Avalon Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8 and Monday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 15 as crews core samples of the roadway from the medians.
· S.R. 87 Widening from two miles south of the Yellow River to Hickory Hammock Road (County Road 184)- Intermittent lane closures near the north and south ends of the Yellow River Bridge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Dec. 5 as crews prepare to shift traffic to the west for widening work.
· I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River- Eastbound lane closure, four miles west of S.R. 87 (Exit 31) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 5, 2016
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for November. They are Addison Everette (left) and D’Shayla James. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lightning Strike Damages Homes; Sparks Pole Fire; Thousands Lose Power
December 4, 2016
A lightning strike caused damage at two homes on Chippewa Way Sunday morning and sparked a utility pole fire in Molino as thousands lost power in North Escambia.
Lightning apparently struck a home in the 11000 block of Chippewa Way just before 9:30 a.m. causing minor damage. The next door neighbor’s home also suffered damage to electronic items such as televisions.
There were no injuries reported.
Lightning also believed to be responsible for a transformer and utility pole fire on Molino road near the fire station about 10:15 Sunday morning. Gulf Power reported just four customers left without power as a result. About 10:45 Sunday morning, over 2,000 Gulf Power customers lost power in the Molino, Barth and Quintette areas due to another lightning strike.
Sunday afternoon, about 250 Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers lost power between two outages in Bratt and Nokomis for up to about three hours.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
