Escambia Area Unemployment Rate Declines
September 18, 2016
Governor Rick Scott said Friday that the Escambia County area added 900 new private-sector jobs over the year in August. The area’s unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, declining by 0.5 percentage point in the last year. Florida businesses created 22,600 private-sector jobs across the state during August 2016, bringing the total number of jobs created since December 2010 to 1,191,900 jobs.
Governor Scott said, “Job creators in the Pensacola area continue to create opportunities for families, which is great news. We will continue to cut taxes and burdensome regulations to ensure we help businesses in Pensacola continue to grow.”
The industry with the largest job gains in the Pensacola area over the year was professional and business services with 600 new jobs. The Pensacola area had 4,815 job openings in August, which included 1,261 openings for high-skill, high-wage, STEM occupations.
Florida’s statewide unemployment rate remained low at 4.7 percent, the lowest rate since November 2007. For the 53rd consecutive month, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.4 percent is also exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.9 percent. More than 33,058 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Escarosa and the state’s other 24 regional workforce boards.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: UWF President, Fight Club
September 18, 2016
Signs weren’t the only things causing fights in Florida politics this week. In fact, at times it looked like just about everyone was either battling someone else or getting ready to.
There was, of course, the shove not heard round the political world, when silent video emerged of state Rep. Keith Perry striking another man in a dispute over a political sign. And there were struggles over the presidential post at the University of West Florida, where a new leader was selected amid charges of political interference.
All the scuffling drew attention away from what might have been the most substantive developments of the week: a Legislature readying for a fight over state spending, and a governor preparing to name his first (and perhaps only, depending on how one reads a vague provision in the state Constitution) appointment to the Florida Supreme Court. There might not be a fight over that appointment — there’s no confirmation process in Florida — but whomever Scott picks will be the referee for plenty of battles in the future.
MADAME PRESIDENT
The board at the University of West Florida was voting to name its new president. And the person who got elected was not the one many of those following the process had expected.
For good or for ill — many academics would say the latter — state lawmakers have a pretty good track record of getting high-profile college and university jobs when they want them. So, many assumed that state Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who served as Senate president from 2012 to 2014, had the inside track on the position when he applied.
Instead, Provost Martha Saunders will take over at UWF on Jan. 1. She beat Gaetz on a 9-4 vote.
“I’m thrilled and honored beyond belief,” said Saunders, who returned to UWF as a provost in 2013 after serving at the school for 18 years in an earlier stint. “It has been a long and arduous process, but UWF is worth it.”
Her win came as a top trustee cited “interference” from Tallahassee in the decision — but not in an attempt to get Gaetz into the president’s chair.
Lewis Bear, chairman of the trustees, decried “character assassination” aimed at Gaetz, as critics tried to tie the senator to an ongoing investigation of a hospice company that Gaetz helped found but later sold his interest in. Bear said Gaetz had no part in the inquiry.
“I think we have spread bad rumors about somebody who has done a great job for our state,” Bear said.
Jackie Schutz, communications director for Gov. Rick Scott, said the governor “frequently talks with trustees on key issues at our universities.”
“He is thankful for their service to the state and the many hours they volunteer to make our higher education system more affordable and accountable,” Schutz said. “Gov. Scott appreciates all of the candidates who put their names forward to serve as president of UWF and looks forward to working with president-elect Martha Saunders as she meets with the Board of Governors to outline her vision for UWF’s future.”
BUDGET TROUBLE AHEAD?
Meanwhile, lawmakers were bracing to tackle the looming possiblity of a budget shortfall in future years, a scenario that is likely to spark fiscal clashes during next year’s legislative session.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a panel of House and Senate members charged with supervising spending while the Legislature is out of session, approved a long-range financial outlook for the state Monday.
In the coming budget year, which begins July 1, the outlook projects a surplus of just $7.5 million — a tiny sliver of the state spending plan, which is now roughly $82 billion. The following year, a budget gap of $1.3 billion could open up, followed by $1.8 billion the year after that.
Republicans, who have run the state budget process for two decades, quickly zeroed in on a culprit: The state is being wasteful with the money that it has.
“It is 100 percent because of spending. Nothing else,” said incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who has been budget chief for two years.
Corcoran dismissed suggestions that the $784.9 million in tax cuts and tax holidays that lawmakers have approved over the last three years helped to create the situation the Legislature now faces. Instead, he suggested that reducing state government’s current spending will be the focus.
Democrats saw things differently. Rep. Janet Cruz, who is set to lead the House Democrats next year, issued a statement calling for lawmakers to take a look at those tax cuts before slicing spending.
“Actions have consequences,” Cruz, D-Tampa, said. “The last two years in particular, and for many years before, the majority has made decisions that are costing us now and into the future. Tax breaks that for the most part benefit big business interests mean we won’t have the flexibility to put the people of Florida first.”
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry announcing that he will retire in December was far from unexpected. The Constitution requires that justices retire when they turn 70, though they can fulfill the remainder of their terms, depending on when their birthdays fall. Perry is already 72.
But the announcement by Perry, a Columbia Law School graduate appointed by former Gov. Charlie Crist to the state’s high court in 2009, highlighted the choice that Gov. Rick Scott will make, and the stakes. Perry is part of a 5-2 majority that often rules against the governor and the Legislature and has emerged as one of the last resistance points to GOP rule.
“After over 16 years of proudly serving the citizens of the state of Florida, first as a circuit judge and currently as a justice of the Florida Supreme Court, I am constitutionally mandated to retire at the end of my current term,” Perry wrote in a letter announcing his Dec. 30 retirement. The letter was delivered Friday to Scott and released to the public Monday.
Scott’s anticipated appointment of a third conservative to the bench, joining justices Charles Canady and Ricky Polston, “may very well change the way the court has been ruling on cases,” former Justice Gerald Kogan said in a telephone interview Monday.
Scott, who regularly appoints judges to lower courts, told reporters Monday that he takes the role seriously.
“Think about it, every individual, every business wants to make sure when they go through the court system, it’s going to be a fair system. It shouldn’t matter what judge you get,” Scott said. “What I try to do is find people that will uphold the law. And so it’s a responsibility I have and I take very seriously.”
Scott said he is looking for two characteristics in a candidate.
“If you talk to any judges that I’ve appointed, that I’ve interviewed, I generally care about two things. Are they going to be humble in the process, and are they going to uphold the law. That’s what I care about. I want people that want to uphold our existing laws,” he said. “I get to sign or veto bills. I don’t pass laws. I expect our court system to uphold the laws of our state.”
Born in North Carolina, Perry — who said he decided to become a lawyer the night civil-rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated — became Seminole County’s first black judge after being appointed by Bush. After graduating from Columbia Law School, Perry returned to the South and went to work for Georgia Indigent Legal Services.
“The betterment of mankind was always my objective in life,” Perry told the Florida Bar Journal earlier this year.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry formally announced his retirement, paving the way for Gov. Rick Scott to name a replacement.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “All I know is I had spit all over my face. My reaction was an open hand to where that spit was coming from.”—State Rep. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, on a videotaped confrontation with another man over a political sign. A state attorney from a different judicial circuit will decide whether move forward with a case against Perry.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Molino Man Critically Injured In Vehicle Crash
September 17, 2016
A Molino man was critically injured in a single vehicle crash near Molino early Saturday morning.
The accident was reported about 1:10 a.m. on Highway 95A near Chipper Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said 26-year old Raymond O. Mastrangelo lost control of his 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, left the roadway and slammed into a utility pole. Mastrangelo was transported by ambulance as a “trauma alert” to an area hospital.
Mastrangelo was wearing his seat belt, and the crash was not alcohol related, according to the FHP.
The accident is under further investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Two Minor Injuries In Two Pickup Truck Wreck Near Molino
September 17, 2016
There were two minor injuries in a late Friday night accident involving two pickup trucks near Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 26-year old Robert Shaffer of Molino was northbound on Highway 95A approaching Barrineau Park Road in a 1996 GMC Sierra about 10:45 p.m. Shaffer lost control and his pickup rotated into the southbound lane where it collided with a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado driven by 34-year old Daniel R. Williams of Cantonment.
Both drivers suffered minor injuries. Both were wearing their seat belts, and the crash was not alcohol related.
Shaffer was cited by the FHP for failure to maintain his lane.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Stabbed Holman Prison Corrections Officer Dies From Injuries
September 17, 2016
Alabama Department of Corrections officials have reported the death of a corrections officer who was assaulted and stabbed by an inmate at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore on September 1.
Corrections Officer Kenneth Bettis, 44, of Monroeville succumbed to his injuries at 5:35 p.m. on Friday at the University of South Alabama Hospital in Mobile. Family members were by Bettis’ side at the time of his death.
“On behalf of the Alabama Department of Corrections, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Bettis’ family during this tragic loss. Officer Bettis was known among his colleagues as a firm, but fair corrections officer, and was highly respected for his work ethic and dedicated service to his profession,” said Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn.
Dunn said the Department of Corrections will prosecute the offender responsible for the officer’s death to the fullest extent of the law.
Cleveland Cunningham was charged with attempted murder after he assaulted and stabbed the officer on September 1. Prison officials report Cunningham stabbed Bettis in retaliation for being denied an extra tray of food in the facility’s dining hall during the noon meal.
Cunningham is serving a 20-year sentence on a 2013 first-degree robbery conviction out of Baldwin County.
The charges against Cunningham (pictured left) will be upgraded to murder.
Bettis had served as a corrections officer at Holman since 2009. In addition, the officer was a military veteran and had served on active duty in Iraq with the Alabama Army National Guard. Bettis’ military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Kenneth Bettis during this very difficult time,” Governor Bentley said. “Officer Bettis was a dedicated civil servant taking on the difficult role of corrections officer. I want to thank Officer Bettis and his family for his years of service to the people of Alabama, through his work at Holman Correctional Facility and his time serving in the Alabama Army National Guard.”
Bettis is survived by his wife and three children.
Members of ADOC’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team and chaplains are assisting the family and providing counseling support to the correctional staff at Holman.
Tate Aggies Ruin Homecoming For PHS, 45-21
September 17, 2016
The Tate High School Aggies ruined homecoming for the Pensacola School Tigers Friday night, 45-21.
The Aggies were first on the board with 8:59 to go in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead on a 1o-yard pass from Jake Henry to Rodriquez Smith, followed by a 4-yard touchdown run from Corey Moorer after an interception. Early the second, Henry added a 94-yard run to put the Aggies up 21-0.
By halftime, the Aggies held a 38-7 lead over the PHS.
With 6:07 go to in the third, the Aggies were up 45-7 and the clock was running. With just over 20 seconds to go in the third, PHS managed a TD, 45-14, and the Tigers scored again with just 43 seconds in the game, 45-21.
Henry finished the night with 224 yards in the air and 166 yards rushing.
The Tate High School Aggies (4-0) will travel to Niceville next Friday night.
For a photo gallery of raw, unedited photos from the game, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Cruise Past Chipley 41-6 (With Photo Gallery)
September 17, 2016
The Northview Chiefs cruised to 41-6 win over Chipley Friday night in Bratt.
Quarterback Luke Ward led the Chiefs with just under 500 yards on the night — 253 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, and 216 yards with two TD’s in the air.
For a game photo gallery, click here.
With 10:24 on the clock in the first, Northview’s Neikel Robinson had 70-yard interception return that, coupled with a good point after kick from Seth Killam, gave the Chiefs a 7-0 lead early. Robinson added 137 yards for Northview on six catches before the night was over.
“We started fast, which was key for us,” Northview Head Coach Derek Marshman said. “We had not started fast all season before tonight. It has been an ongoing process, knowing we had to start fast. Finally tonight we got a good first half together and we were able to control the ball for all four quarters.”
The Chiefs scored again with 3:00 in the first on a TD-pass from Ward to Josh Smith, and with less than a minute in the first on a QB-keeper from Ward to end the first up 21-0.
A Rayvon Bush TD for Northview and the lone touchdown of the night for Chipley made it 28-6 at the half.
The Chiefs opened the third with another quarterback keeper from Ward, 34-6. And Ward was in for another with 7:56 to go in the ballgame to make it 41-6 and set a running clock into motion.
Next Friday night, the Chiefs begin a three-week road series of nearly 1,000 miles to Van Cleave, MS, followed by Maplesville, AL, and Liberty County, FL.
For a game photo gallery, click here. (A bonus gallery with the band will be posted Sunday or Monday).
Pictured top: Northview’s Neikel Robinson gains yards for the Chiefs Friday night against Chipley. Pictured inset: Robinson goes up for a pass. Pictured below: Northview’s Luke Ward (#1) on a keeper. Pictured bottom: A Chipley Bulldog can’t get past Northview’s defense, including Greg Pressley (#5) and Tim Bush (#7). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Football Night Football Finals
September 17, 2016
Here’s a look at Friday night’s high school football FINAL scores.
FLORIDA
- Northview 41, Chipley 6
- Tate 45, PHS 21
- West Gadsden 32, Jay 7
- West Florida 35 Mosley 14
- Gulf Breeze 21, Pine Forest 7
- Catholic 28, Milton 7
- Pace 35, Washington 15
- Jesuit 34, Escambia 13
- Niceville 42, Bassfield 7
- Navarre 34, Choctaw 21
- Baker 35, Walton 24
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy 56, Jackson Academy 19
- Andalusia 54, Escambia County (Atmore) 0
- Cottage Hill 27, Flomaton 21
- Mobile Christian 27, T.R. Miller 19
- W.S. Neal 54, Calhoun 0
Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
September 17, 2016
by Santa Rosa Extension
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Dreams Come True: Honorary Tate Aggie Markus Baxley To Play Football (With Video)
September 16, 2016
Dreams really do come true in high school football. Just ask Tate High School senior Markus Baxley, who has cerebral palsy.
Baxley has spent four years “on” the Tate Aggies team as an honorary member, but he’s never scored a touchdown, made a tackle or even played a single down. But he embodies that Aggie spirit, and has always provided the support his team needs. Now his team has stepped up to make his dream of playing a reality.
Friday night, October 7, 2016 will be one of the biggest nights of his life. Markus will get to play one play, the play of a lifetime, as the Aggies host the Pace Patriots.
Markus received the news during class Friday at Tate and was presented his official helmet.
“It’s always been my dream to play with people that I have known for a long time,” he said. “And now I get to live my dream for one play. It’s going to be a night that I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”
Markus will also earn his letter in football by taking part in the single play.
Not bad for a young man that doctors said would never walk and never talk.
After a team prayer last Friday night, Markus led his Aggie team across the field and on to a 41-6 homecoming victory, and last Saturday night he attended the homecoming dance with freshman cheerleader Hailey Morphis..
Video of Markus learning that he will play is below (if you do not see the video, it is because your home, work or school firewall is blocking YouTube videos). NorthEscambia.com video and photos by Kristi Barbour and Jennifer Repine.