Justices Weigh Challenge To Open Carry Ban
June 10, 2016
Law-abiding Floridians should be allowed to openly carry firearms in public, a gun-rights groups argued Wednesday to the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of a man arrested four years ago while strolling with a visibly holstered weapon in Fort Pierce.
Florida Carry attorney Eric Friday said the state’s nearly 30-year-old concealed-weapons law violates the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment, which he said requires people to be allowed to openly carry guns. Lawmakers this year considered a proposal to allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms, but the bill did not pass.
“Quite frankly, the Legislature at this point has deprived citizens of the substantive right to bear arms,” Friday said as some justices appeared skeptical of his argument.
Justices Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince questioned how the current state law allowing citizens to receive concealed-weapons licenses to carry firearms suppresses gun ownership.
“This isn’t a ban,” Pariente said. “It’s just a ban on the method of carrying that the Legislature has determined protects public safety more than people walking around like they’re in the wild west. ”
But Justice Charles Canady asked if public safety is served better by allowing concealed weapons but not open-carry.
Assistant Attorney General Heidi Betterndorf, representing the state, replied that concealed-carry is a “policy decision” of the Legislature, a response that Canady didn’t find adequate.
“The fact that it’s a policy decision that has an impact on the Second Amendment right is not the end of the discussion,” Canady said. “There has got to be some kind of a justification for it.”
Florida Carry is representing Dale Norman, who was arrested in February 2012 for openly carrying a gun in a holster.
Norman, then 24, had recently received a concealed-weapons license, something that 1.57 million people now possess, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Norman challenged the constitutionality of the law, but was unsuccessful in lower courts. A trial judge imposed a $300 fine and court costs on Norman.
Norman appealed to the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach, which in February 2015 agreed with the trial court that the state law “does not improperly infringe on Florida’s constitutional guarantee, nor does it infringe on the ‘the central component’ of the Second Amendment — the right of self-defense.”
Friday, the Florida Carry attorney, tried to make a comparison that regulating firearms is akin to imposing rules against journalism, which would violate the First Amendment.
“This court would never stand for the idea of a training class, a fee and a 90- or maybe even a 180-day wait in order for a person to get a license to get a camera to be a photojournalist,” Friday said.
Chief Justice Jorge Labarga was quick to dismiss the comparison.
“I don’t think journalists’ cameras kill people,” Labarga said.
The court case is one part of an effort by Florida Carry and other gun-rights groups to allow Floridians to openly carry handguns, which is allowed in some measure by 45 other states.
The Florida House, in an 80-38 vote, supported an open-carry bill this year with a provision attached that would have allowed state lawmakers to carry sidearms into legislative meetings. However, the proposal was blocked in a Senate committee.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Raising County Fire Tax $25 Per Year To Staff South-End Stations
June 10, 2016
The Escambia County Commission has given preliminary approval to a $25 fire tax increase to finishing staffing south end fire stations with paid firefighters .
The commission voted 4-1 Thursday, with Steven Barry against, to add the $25, increasing the fire tax for the average homeowner from $100 to $125 beginning with the next fiscal year.
The proceeds from the extra $25 per year municipal services benefit unit assessment (MSBU) will fund 24/7 paid firefighters at the Myrtle Grove, Innerarity Point and Bellview, plus fund $150,000 in volunteer firefighter stipend increases.
Between October 1, 2015, and March 29, 2016, the Bellview Station volunteers failed to respond to 10.82 percent of calls. Innerarity Point volunteers missed 44.79 percent of calls, according to Public Safety Director Mike Weaver, necessitating the paid staffers. The Myrtle Grove Station was staffed out of reserves in January after a series of no-responses.
The volunteer Molino fire station missed 14.35 percent, or 30 of 209 calls; Beulah volunteers did not respond to 2.55 percent, or 58 of 536 calls; and Century volunteers missed 5.03 percent, or eight of 159 calls. Volunteers in Walnut Hill had a 100 percent response rate to 112 calls, while the all-volunteer McDavid Station missed zero of 23 calls. There are no plans for additional paid staff at any North Escambia station (Cantonment is paid staff 24/7 and the Century Station has paid staff 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday-Friday).
Commissioner Steven Barry voted against supporting the $25 MSBU increase because no District 5 station will receive additional benefits.
“I make a concerted effort to recognize that while I, and all my colleagues on the BCC, are elected by geographical districts, we each also serve all the county residents,” Barry said. “However, in an instance were an additional tax is being levied on all county taxpayers, but there will not be an operational benefit to the District 5 property owners and residents, I cannot, and will not support an increase.”
Last year, Escambia County increase the fire MSBU by $15 to fund full-time staff at Ferry Pass and West Pensacola.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate Band Holding Indoor Yard Sale Saturday
June 10, 2016
The Tate High School Showband of the South will hold an indoor multi-family yard sale in the school’s Fryman Gym this Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon.
All proceeds will benefit the band’s upcoming trip to Hawaii. The Tate Showband is raising funds to perform in Hawaii in a mass band to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2016.
File photo.
‘This Is Our Home And We Are Your Team’ – Candlelight Vigil Says Goodbye To Fallen Blue Angel (With Gallery)
June 10, 2016
Lt. Matt Suyderhoud, who flies in the Number 2 jet for Blue Angels, fought back tears Thursday night as Pensacola gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember Capt. Jeff Kuss.
“While it is right and just to mourn the loss of our comrade, it is also right to celebrate his life and legacy, a legacy that lives on in his wife and two children,” Suyderhoud said. “And certainly in our hearts as we garner strength from his memory to rise from the ashes of this tragedy.”
“In losing Jeff, we gain a guardian angel, a wing man, a wing man that will always be there. And we gain an ever strengthening bond between this community and our team,” he said, supported by the crowd as be became overwhelmed with emotion. “That inspiration and that bond will be foundation for our future.”
“The time to mourn is now, but when that time is over, when that time is right, we will be back in the skies of this great nation. We will fly like warriors. We will not be scared, because we’ll have Jeff on one wing, and we have this city on the other. But before we do that, before we get in the skies again, we will be in the skies of Pensacola because this is our home and we are your team. God Bless Jeff. God Bless Pensacola. God Bless America,” said Suyderhoud.
Thousands gathered at the Veterans Memorial downtown to honor Kuss, who died June 2 when his Number 6 Blue Angel jet crashed in Smyrna, TN. He was 32-years old, married with two young children.
The crowd lit candles and stood in silence for six minutes to honor Kuss. Many cried as bagpipers played the Navy and Marine fights songs, and a bugler played Taps.
Kuss will be buried Saturday during a private ceremony is his hometown of Durango, CO.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEScambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
United Way Announces Campaign Results, Presents Awards And Funding
June 10, 2016
United Way of Escambia County President and CEO started a Thursday night finale celebration of workplace campaign and community investment results saying, “While some of our community indicators in health, education and financial stability have improved over the last year, there is more work to be done and we are humbled that partners remain unified in the approach to solving our complex community problems.”
She went on to stress the value of collaboration that would be enhanced by the $2,265,294 in cash that United Way announced as the amount invested in community partnerships.
Partners were thanked for their dedication to solving challenges that start with educational gaps that lead to financial stability and health concerns. Krieger stated, “While 15.3% is an improvement over past indexes for those 46,000 neighbors and friends who live in poverty, meeting basic needs is a challenge. Eviction, foreclosure and homelessness are one health emergency or natural disaster away for households where 20 percent of our children are impoverished. “We must remain committed to working together to improve health challenges that leave us unfavorably ranked as 59th among Florida’s 67 counties.”
There were many reasons to celebrate Thursday night as some of the 259 workplace campaigns that helped raise $2,058,845 got to see 47 local agency program partners receive investments of $1 million.
When asked about this year’s 52 percent increase in investments generated by over 3,600 volunteers and partners, John Floyd, Gulf Power Manager of Energy and Efficiency and United Way Board Chair of Community Investment said, “The 66 donors who served on community investment volunteer panels this year spent almost 1,500 hours evaluating the 47 funding applications and allocating the community investment funds to achieve the best return on investment. These volunteers believe in the process and enjoy helping these many great programs make a difference in our community.”
United Way’s support begins with community investment awards, but the giving grows from there. After adding $1,265,294 to Community Investment Awards, United Way was able to target outcomes that improve community success. Details on funding are as follows:
Thursday night’s awards were invested as follows:
As part of the celebration, United Way of Escambia County thanked the workplace campaigns, community donors and partners who made this year’s investments possible. This year’s top ten campaigns raised $163,000 more than last year; an 8 percent increase and annual support from Gulf Power Company ($321,222), Publix Supermarkets ($299,160) and Ascend Performance Materials ($197,699) was celebrated in recognition of their status as the top three workplaces.
Oliver Sumlin, Board Chair of the Workplace Campaign added, “Prior to my involvement in the campaign, I had no idea so many local businesses and organizations were so generous in their giving. It says a lot about our community.”
Special recognition was given to the following individuals and organizations:
WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR AWARD
1-50 Employees
Virginia College
51-100 Employees
CSL Plasma
101-199 Employees
Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
200+ Employees
Navy Federal Credit Union
SCHOOL SPIRIT OF GIVING AWARDS
Elementary
CA Weis
Middle
Ransom Middle School
High
Northview High School
Department/Center
Exceptional Student Education
BUSINESS RECOGNITION BY COMPANY SIZE
1-99 Employees
Central Credit Union of Florida
100-399 Employees
Publix-Perdido #1296
400+ Employees
Escambia County School District
First Baptist Church Of Cantonment Youth Serve At Waterfront Rescue Mission
June 10, 2016
Youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment recently served lunch to the guests at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Academy Signs Lease, Starts Construction
June 10, 2016
Century Academy announced Thursday that a lease has been signed and the construction project is starting to renovate a current school building for their new private, non-profit K-12 school in Century. The school will open in time for the upcoming 2016-17 school year.
The school will specialize in teaching children diagnosed with Autism and other related learning disabilities. The lease was recently signed for their school now located in the old Carver Elementary School building on Hecker Road.
“We are very excited to begin the renovation process to open the doors for the 2016-2017 school year beginning in August. The community is very ready for us to provide these educational opportunities for the children in Century and we have already been registering new students to fill several classes,” says Barbara Barber, director of Century Academy.
The registration and application process must be completed as early as possible in order to process and determine eligibility for available scholarships designated for Florida students with learning disabilities for the August term.
At the present time there are two types of scholarships available, the John McKay scholarship and the Gardiner scholarship. These scholarships generally cover the cost of tuition for a student attending a private school. The John McKay scholarship has a June 30 deadline.
Barber will meet with prospective parents to actively register students on Saturdays in Century by appointment only. Parents can call (850) 437-5560 Monday through Thursday to schedule an appointment.
Century Academy is a subsidiary of East Hill Academy.
Ag Producers Attend AL/FL Scouting School In Walnut Hill
June 10, 2016
The Alabama/Florida Scouting School, sponsored by IFAS Extension and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, was held Thursday at the Walnut Hill Community Center. Agricultural producers were able to learn about cotton and soybean insect pests, scouting for soybean diseases, field scouting techniques, scout safety and worker protection. In-field training was also provided.
Pictured left: Dr. Ron Smith of Auburn University talks about stink bugs in cotton during the Walnut Hill Scout School Thursday. Pictured above: Dr. Edward Sikora, Auburn professor and Extension plant pathologist, warns about soybean rust. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat Jackson In 14 Innings
June 10, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won a critical game against the Jackson Generals scoring five runs with two outs to pull out a, 10-5, victory in 14 innings Thursday at The Ballpark at Jackson.
The win in the 4-hour, 56-minute game moved Pensacola into sole possession of first place in the Southern League South Division with a record of 34-25. The Biloxi Shuckers lost, 17-2, to the Montgomery Biscuits earlier Thursday night to fall one game back of Pensacola at 33-26.
Pensacola returns home Friday to play its final 10 games at home to close out the first half of the Southern League season.
Jackson, which won the series, 3-2, had struck out seven in a row until inning 14 when Pensacola left fielder Tony Renda clobbered a one-out standup double high off the left field wall. The Generals’ six pitchers struck out 18 Blue Wahoos in the game.
Blue Wahoos right fielder Sebastian Elizalde followed by stroking a double to left field that appeared to score Renda, who beat the throw and seemed to slide over home plate. But Jackson catcher Steve Baron, who dropped the ball picked it up and tagged Renda, who was called out. Elizalde went to third on the throw home from the General’s Ian Miller.
However, with two outs Pensacola scored five runs. The first run came in when second baseman Brandon Dixon, who had struck out four times Thursday came up next and slapped a sharp grounder to third that was bobbled by Jackson’s Patrick Brady, allowing Elizalde to score the go-ahead run, 6-5. Dixon beat the throw to first for an infield single.
Pensacola first baseman Donald Lutz then hit a sharp ground ball to right field that second baseman Tim Lopes fielded a few steps on the grass in right field and threw it away, allowing both Dixon and pinch hitter Amir Garrett to score, making it an 8-5 Pensacola lead.
Pensacola center fielder Phillip Ervin, who had walked, moved to second and he scored on a passed ball by Baron to put the Blue Wahoos up 9-5.
Blue Wahoos third baseman Eric Jagielo then singled for the third time Thursday to right field to score Lutz, who reached second on the passed ball and went to third on a throwing error by Baron, for a 10-5 Pensacola lead.
Pensacola, which sent 10 batters to the plate, scored the five runs in the 14th inning on five hits, two walks and two Jackson errors.
Pensacola’s Renda hit two doubles in the game to lead the Southern League with 22 this season. He went 3-7 with an RBI and is batting .324.
After Pensacola first baseman Kyle Parker hit a two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning to tie Jackson, 5-5, the Blue Wahoos bullpen took over and threw 11 scoreless innings.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Nick Travieso lasted just three innings giving up five runs, four earned on seven hits and three walks and struck out one.
But the Pensacola bullpen stopped the bleeding after that beginning with reliever El’Hajj Muhammad, who worked 2.2 scoreless innings and gave up two hits and two walks and struck out three. Kyle McMyne followed and threw 2.1 scoreless innings and gave up three hits.
Pensacola reliever Kevin Shackelford entered the game in the ninth and threw 10 pitches and struck out Jackson right fielder Tyler O’Neill, second baseman Tim Lopes and retired DH Leon Landry on a fly out. Shackelford pitched 3.0 innings allowing three hits, one walk and striking out three. He got O’Neill out a second time with a runner on second base on a shallow fly ball to Ervin in center in the 11th inning.
Pensacola’s Alejandro Chacin entered in inning 12 and threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. He got the win, improving to 3-0, this season. Barrett Astin pitched the last inning and gave up two hits but no runs.
Dixon, who had singled in the seventh inning to end an 0-12 slump and drive in a run, went 2-7 and scored twice.
Jackson did have chances to win the game in extra innings. Generals shortstop Benji Gonzalez doubled off the right field wall with one out in the 13th inning. He had also doubled to lead off the 11th inning and has 17 doubles for Jackson this year. Both times Gonzalez was stranded on base.
Jackson scored first getting three runs in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. First, center fielder Guillermo Heredia singled to center scoring Miller to put the Generals ahead, 1-0. Then, O’Neill hit a one-out, two-run homer to put Jackson on top, 3-0.
Man Gets Five Years For Burglarizing Vehicles At Molino Park Elementary, Other Locations
June 9, 2016
A man that burglarized several vehicles in the parking lot of Molino Park Elementary School and other locations in the North Escambia area is headed to prison.
Brett Derel McDonald was found guilty on multiple counts of armed burglary of a vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, grand theft and petit theft. He was sentenced by Judge Joel Boles to five years in state prison.
On November 16, 2015, a parent who had just walked her child into Molino Park Elementary School noticed McDonald in the school parking lot pulling on vehicle door handles before entering a Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle owner told deputies that nothing was taken. The parent called the school and watched as McDonald went to more vehicles in the parking lot before being confronted by the school principal. The principal told deputies she knew McDonald because has a child in the school, and that he left the campus in a dark colored Mustang.
About 2 p.m. the same day, deputies responded to a vehicle burglary on Calderwood Court where the owner reported multiple items stolen, including a designer purse and wallet, paper work, credit cards and other items totaling about $285 in value.
About half an hour later., deputies responded to another vehicle burglary in the 9000 block of Fowler Avenue. The owner reported that sometime during the past day, someone stole three firearms from his vehicle along with a box of ammunition.
And later that same day, a vehicle owner reported that a radar detector was taken from her Dodge Charger while it was parked during the school day at Molino Park Elementary.
The weapons, ammunition, wallet, purse, radar detector and other items were recovered when McDonald was taken into custody at his home in the 400 block of 9½ Mile Road. None of the stolen firearms were taken from vehicles the Molino Park campus, according to the Sheriff’s Office.