Black Bears Showing Robust Growth In Florida
March 28, 2016
Florida has a “robust” and growing bear population, according to the latest state estimate.
But a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission official said Thursday it remains premature to speculate about whether a bear hunt will be held this year.
The latest Florida black bear estimate puts the overall population at 4,350 adults, of which 4,220 are believed to be in five areas of the state.
“We’re having more bears born and surviving than are dying,” Thomas Eason, the commission’s director of habitat and species conservation, told reporters in a conference call. “For a large carnivore like a black bear, these are pretty substantial growth rates that we’re seeing.”
The overall number — based on surveys conducted before a two-day hunt in October in which more than 300 bears were killed — is up from the estimated 2,640 last year in those five management areas, Eason said.
Eason, noting the latest numbers show the population is “robust” and “growing,” said the agency also estimates that bears are now breeding about 2,000 cubs a year in the state.
The bear population had been as low as 300 to 500 statewide in the 1970s, when bears were put on the state list of threatened species because of a mix of hunting and humans impacting their natural habitat.
Bears were removed from the list in 2012 when a new management plan was approved.
Asked if the increased number would support a recommendation from staff to hold a hunting season later this year, Eason said the agency continues to evaluate the updated population numbers and the results of the 2015 hunt.
“There is no proposal on the table right now, so I can’t tell you what we may or may not do,” Eason said. “I can tell you our researchers, our management staff, we’re all in this because we care deeply about bears and we definitely are going to continue to take conservative approaches on all of our management.”
Last year, a planned week-long hunt was shortened to two days after 304 bears were killed, 16 short of the so-called “harvest objective.” The goal of the hunt was to slow the bear population growth, Eason said.
Conservation groups headed by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Animal Legal Defense Fund have petitioned the federal government to approve an endangered-species protection designation for Florida black bears.
Jacki Lopez, the Center for Biological Diversity’s Florida director, said that while she hadn’t been able to review the new numbers they shouldn’t affect the groups’ petition.
“I don’t see how the new numbers could change the fact that the populations are extremely fragmented and face mounting threats from human population growth which will further isolate them and make them vulnerable to mortality from roads and proximity to urban areas,” Lopez said in an email.
Eason said the hunt was just one measure used to reduce dangerous interactions between bears and humans.
In 2015, lawmakers increased penalties for people who repeatedly are found feeding bears not in captivity. Eason said “roughly” 125 to 150 people were ticketed last year under the new rule.
This year, Florida lawmakers included $500,000 to reduce human-bear conflicts in the state’s new $82 billion budget. The money is to match local dollars in purchasing bear-resistant garbage containers.
The Center for Biological Diversity estimates at least 590 bears were killed in Florida last year, when factoring in the hunt, habitat loss and road kill.
The updated numbers from the commission are based on surveys conducted last year in three of the management areas and in 2014 in two other areas.
The latest numbers from the two-year survey show an estimated 1,080 bears were in the eastern Panhandle region, which includes the northwestern Big Bend area to west of Apalachicola Bay, up 80 percent from 2002.
With 1,150 bears, the South region — Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties — saw a 64 percent growth in the same period.
The bear population has also grown 75 percent since 2002 in the western Panhandle, where 140 bears were estimated. The western Panhandle was not opened to hunting last year.
The state has placed the bear population at 620 in the North region, which goes from Jacksonville west to Hamilton and Suwannee counties, and 1,230 bears in the Central region, which includes the St. Johns River watershed to the Ocala National Forest.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
March 28, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Widening, Escambia County – Intermittent and alternating lane closures, between State Road (S.R.) 291 (Davis Highway/Exit 13) and U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, March 28 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 90 at I-110 overpass- Intermittent and alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, March 28 and continuing through Friday, April 8 as crews perform bridge painting.
- U.S. 29, Escambia County – Intermittent and alternating lane closures within the town of Century and from Champion Drive north continue.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98, Santa Rosa County – Alternating lane closures, between Central Parkway and the Gulf Breeze Zoo, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday, March 28 through Thursday, March 31 as crews mill and pave crossovers and side streets.
- I-10 Widening, Santa Rosa County – Alternating lane closures on I-10, between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, March 28 through Thursday, March 31 as crews place barrier wall. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange during this time as crews perform striping work.
- S.R. 87, Santa Rosa County – Temporary speed limit reduction from 55 mph to 45 mph from the Eglin Air Force Base boundary to Choctaw Field Road beginning Monday, March 28. The reduced speed limit is needed for roadway reconstruction efforts that will require shoulder closures along S.R. 87.
- Drivers will encounter nighttime traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Santa Rosa County through Friday, April 8 as crews perform striping and pavement marking operations.
- U.S. 90 just east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to S.R. 87 and west end of Blackwater Bridge to the east end of Blackwater Bridge.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) from U.S. 90 to north end of Clear Creek Bridge.
- S.R. 89 from U.S. 90 to S.R. 87.
- S.R. 89 from S.R. 87 to County Road 178.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled 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.
Pictured: Work on widening I-10 near Scenic Highway in Escambia County. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Easter Sunset Photos: Amazing Beauty
March 28, 2016
Easter morning may have started out cloudy and wet, but the day ended across the North Escambia area with an amazing array of colors, cloud formations and even what looked like a tornado (you’ll see that one below).
These photos were all taken over about a 30 minute period in the Walnut Hill area, mostly along Kansas Road, Pine Forest Road and Highway 97.
For more amazing Easter sunset photos from North Escambia, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Road Prison K-9 Team Tops At Southern States Competition
March 28, 2016
The K-9 tracking team from the Escambia County Road Prison recently competed in the Southern States K-9 Man Tracking Field Trial and Certification. Out of 31 teams competing, ECRP K-9 Team won first place in Single Leash and third place in Multi Leash. Also, the K-9 team placed fourth out of 19 teams in the narcotics detection category. Pictured are (L-R) Robert Oliver, Chad Sims, Matt Marmont, and Jason Chaney. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Faithful Celebrate Resurrection
March 27, 2016
Easter morning services were planned at many locations across the area Sunday morning.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Vietnam Veterans Get Long Overdue ‘Welcome Home’ (With Gallery)
March 27, 2016
It was an emotional welcome home Saturday for a small group of Vietnam veterans….a welcome home decades overdue.
The Atmore Memorial VFW Auxiliary hosted a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” ceremony at Atmore’s Heritage Park.
Yellow ribbons were tied to trees around the park for the event which included the patriotic music, food and fanfare of a welcome home ceremony most of the Vietnam veterans in attendance had never received.
The ceremony concluded with VFW Auxiliary members giving each Vietnam veteran a gift — and sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek — to thank them for their service. It was a scene reminiscent of a welcome home ceremony that has played itself out over and over for other American wars.
And tears that were decades overdue fell from the eyes of several veterans as they were finally welcomed home.
Organizers are already planned a ceremony for the last Saturday in March 2017.
For a photo gallery click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Cantonment Rollover Accident
March 27, 2016
There were no injuries in this single vehicle rollover accident Saturday on West Roberts Road near Stallion Road in Cantonment. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Kids Scramble For 50,000 Easter Eggs
March 27, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hosted “Egga-Wahooza” Saturday. The free Easter egg hunt had 50,000 eggs and was divided in age categories for children from age to fifth graders. There was also an egg hunt for special needs children. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Despite Rain, Kids Enjoy Cantonment Egg Hunt
March 27, 2016
Saturday’s rain did not stop the children at Pine Forest Assembly of God in Cantonment from having a great time. The kids were able to enjoy and indoor egg hunt with prizes and loads of candy. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Bill Signing Season
March 27, 2016
It may have been a quiet, post-session week in the Capitol, but the rest of the state wasn’t exactly slumbering at the start of spring.
State wildlife officials announced that Florida black bears, which were prolific enough to be hunted last year, continue to have a “robust” population. But no word yet on a 2016 hunt.
It wouldn’t be Florida without a fix of redistricting-related news involving the courts.
A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the request for legal fees from a coalition of voting-rights organizations in their mostly otherwise-successful battle over congressional districts.
Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s fight against her redrawn District 5, stretched across Northeast Florida to Tallahassee, went before a federal three-judge panel in Tallahassee on Friday.
And Gov. Rick Scott drew a few headlines Thursday by pushing Florida as a travel destination while he criticized President Barack Obama for not abandoning an international trip in order to address Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Scott made the biggest news this week, however, in ink — the kind he used to sign more than 100 bills into law.
HERE COME THE NEW LAWS
Other than a single local bill involving a regional utility in Gainesville — where Scott objected to the prospect that authority board members could be paid up to $18,000 a year — Scott gave his blessing this week to 111 proposals sent his way by legislators.
The measures range from the serious to the sublime, including a controversial plan (HB 1411) that bars public funding for organizations associated with abortion clinics, a bill (HB 307) that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to full-strength marijuana, and a proposal (HB 4009) authorizing the sale of a maritime device known as a “slungshot.”
Most of the bills were signed without comment from the governor, but Scott did chime in on a measure (SB 636), backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, intended to speed up testing of law enforcement “rape kits.”
He also commented on a proposal (HB 427) that will provide a discount of about 12 percent on vessel-registration fees for boaters that have purchased emergency locator devices.
The boater-safety issue was crafted in response to the disappearance of two 14-year-olds from Tequesta, who went missing in July after steering a 19-foot boat out of the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean.
“We have made it a priority to make Florida the safest state in the nation, especially for those sailing and enjoying our beautiful waters,” Scott said in a press release on Friday.
Among the bills Scott signed Thursday is a measure, backed by Democrats, requiring law enforcement agencies to set standards if they intend to use police body cameras.
Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, a sponsor of the bill, said the procedures could help protect police officers and citizens.
The bill garnered additional attention after musician Corey Jones was fatally shot last year by a plainclothes Palm Beach Gardens officer who did not have a body camera.
“This bill is one that really hit home for me after the death of Corey Jones, and hopefully now that it has been signed by the governor, we can hear less about lives lost and more about the unity between law enforcement and the community,” Jones said in a press release.
Scott has so far signed 177 of the 245 general and local bills that have been sent to his desk. The legislature approved 272 bills in the regular session.
MORE BUSH-TRUMP SMACK TALK
Jeb Bush, whose exit last month from the Republican presidential contest came much quicker than the former Florida governor expected, on Wednesday announced he was backing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the whittled-down race.
And, true to form, GOP front-runner Donald Trump couldn’t contain himself on social media in reaction to the news.
Bush, widely seen as the establishment favorite when he officially entered the contest back in June, issued a statement that described Cruz as “a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests.”
But Bush also pointedly raised the concern of many GOP leaders that part-time Palm Beacher Trump would turn off general-election voters and keep Republicans from taking the White House.
“For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies,” Bush said.
Trump, a master at using social media to wallop his adversaries, fired back the same day on Twitter.
“Low energy Jeb Bush just endorsed a man he truly hates, Lyin’ Ted Cruz,” Trump tweeted, using one of his nicknames for Cruz. “Honestly, I can’t blame Jeb in that I drove him into oblivion!”
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
The search for the state’s appointed insurance commissioner is down to a former federal official with experience in insurance issues related to terrorism and flooding — and who has been backed Scott — and a state representative who was once Iowa’s insurance commissioner.
On Thursday, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater agreed to go with the two finalists — State Rep. Bill Hager, R-Delray Beach, and Jeffrey Bragg — that made the cut from 55 applicants.
Scott and Atwater must jointly recommend the next commissioner before the Cabinet, meeting Tuesday, votes to fill the position, advertised as paying up to $200,000 a year.
Hager, 69, who was once Iowa’s appointed insurance commissioner, was backed by Bondi.
Bragg, a 67-year-old Palm Harbor resident, was executive director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Terrorism Risk Insurance Program from 2003 to 2014. Before that, Bragg spent a little under two years as a senior vice president at Zurich Risk Management in New Jersey. In 1981, Bragg was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he oversaw the National Flood Insurance Program and worked with Congress to terminate the federal riot reinsurance program.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Scott signed 111 bills into law.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am clean. Goodness. Clean. Yes.” — Congresswoman Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat under investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics and the Department of Justice, responding to reporters’ questions about the probes.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida