FDLE: More Than 13,000 Rape Kits Untested Statewide
January 5, 2016
More than 13,000 rape kits that could include evidence from sexual assaults are untested statewide, according to a report released Monday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The report — based on a survey conducted from mid-August to mid-December — shows that 13,435 untested rape kits are waiting in the evidence rooms of 279 law-enforcement agencies. That’s in addition to about 3,500 rape kits that come to FDLE each year.
Rape kits contain DNA evidence collected during investigations of sexual assaults. Testing the evidence could help law enforcement agencies solve crimes and prevent future attacks — but as the report notes, Florida does not have a law requiring the kits to be submitted for testing. The decision to submit rape kits rests with local law-enforcement agencies.
That could change in the upcoming legislative session.
A bill (HB 179) filed by Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, would establish time limits for local agencies to submit rape kits to FDLE for testing. The measure has passed one House panel and faces two more. A similar measure by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, faces three committees during the session, which starts Jan. 12.
“There is no doubt in my mind that people who commit this crime commit it again and again and again,” Adkins said. “And they won’t stop until they’re caught.”
The report comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi in September called on lawmakers to increase funding for crime labs to address the testing backlog. In its report, FDLE recommended that the state spend at least $8 million over a three-year period to do so.
“I would hope $8 million would be a very small price to pay to resolve even one unsolved rape,” Bondi said Monday.
Of the untested rape kits, 6,661 fall within FDLE’s jurisdiction. Another 6,774 are the responsibility of Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, which operate their own labs.
Meg Baldwin, director of Tallahassee’s Refuge House, which helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assaults, said the numbers come “as a shock but not a surprise.” She also praised the state for doing the assessment.
“We’re one of the few states I know of that have done that,” she said. “And FDLE also reports that the response and cooperation from all the local law enforcement agencies was very positive.”
The report found that kits were not tested for several reasons, including victims declining to proceed with investigations, state attorney’s offices declining to prosecute and suspects pleading guilty.
Also, some victims do not wish to file police reports. In those situations, kits may be held by local law enforcement or by rape-crisis centers for periods of time in case victims change their minds. Kits are forwarded to laboratories for testing only if reports are filed and victims have consented to testing.
The backlogs are a national problem, Bondi noted.
“If you look nationally, some big cities alone have as many untested kits as we do in Florida,” she said.
According to FDLE, New York City in 2000 began to test its entire backlog — 17,000 rape kits — resulting in more than 2,000 DNA matches and 200 cold-case prosecutions. In Michigan, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office identified 188 potential serial rapists and obtained 15 convictions. In Houston, the testing of 6,663 rape kits resulted in 850 matches in the federal DNA database.
In its report, FDLE offered several “business plans” for addressing the backlog, costing from $8 million to $32 million. That included possibly outsourcing the testing of the kits, buying additional equipment to conduct tests faster and hiring more crime-lab analysts.
“I’m sure the Legislature will respond affirmatively to the price tag and also the call to action generally,” Baldwin said.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
One Injured In Muscogee Road Wreck
January 5, 2016
One person was injured in a two vehicle accident Monday night on Muscogee Road near Jacks Branch Road. Further details not released as the Florida Highway Patrol continues their investigation. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge
Longtime Century Town Clerk Dorothy Sims Passes Away
January 4, 2016
Dorothy Sims, longtime clerk of the Town of Century, passed away Sunday night. She was 69.
Sims went to work for the Town of Century in 1981 and was promoted to town clerk in 2000. She retired from the town clerk position in 2010.
“I enjoyed working with Miss Dorothy. She did a superb job as town clerk. We will all miss her,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said Monday morning.
“I considered her not only a clerk but also a friend of mine, and I am saddened by her passing,” former Mayor Benny Barnes said.
She is survived by her mother, Mildred Croley; her husband of 47 years Billy Sims, four sons, one daughter and a host of other relative and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 6 at 2 p.m. at the Petty Eastside Chapel in Atmore.
For the complete obituary and service information, click here.
Century’s Mayor Looking Foward To What 2016 Will Bring
January 4, 2016
The year 2015 was kinder than most to Century, and Mayor Freddie McCall is looking forward to what 2016 may bring.
During 2015, Century moved into the implementation stage of a marketing and economic development plan developed by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center. $1.1 million in mostly grant money went into an almost completed North Century Drainage project to improve flooding problems just south of the state line along Highway 29, and a $163,000 grant funding new water lines and fire hydrants in the Fannie and Campbell road areas.
“We also spent $176,000 to pave several streets; that was something the people can be proud about,” McCall said. The town also received a $50,000 grant to construct a children’s splash pad, expected to open by summer of 2016 at Showalter Park.
Century also received a lot of attention from the $25,000 Century Business Challenge, funded by Pensacola businessman Quint Studer, that awarded cash for the startup for a daycare and eventually a special needs school in Century.
And, notably, very few businesses went out of business in Century in 2015, and a handful of new establishments opened.
“All in all, it was a great year,” the mayor said. “And now we are excited what the economic development plan and 2016 will bring.”
As Century moves into 2016, the groundwork laid last year will continue on implementation of the marketing and economic development plan. A beautification effort will begin, and plans are underway for several community events and festivals to bring the people of Century together.
“I’m looking forward to working to make sure 2016 pans out to be a good year in Century, McCall said.
Pictured: Century Mayor Freddie McCall. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida’s Oldest Bar – Odom’s In Century – Is Now Closed
January 4, 2016
A Century bar that claims to be the oldest bar in Florida is now closed.
Odom’s Bar in Century closed at midnight Sunday, according to their Facebook page, after 10 years under current owners Ron and Donna Tullis, one of just four sets of owners since the bar opened. Their package store business will continue to be open.
Located just a few feet from the state line on Highway 29, Odom’s Bar claimed to be Florida’s oldest bar having opened in 1932. It was moved about 100 feet from where it was founded to its current location.
According to their website, “The ‘Old Timers’ can recount those days when Century had over thirteen bars in town. It’s reported that the military placed Century ‘off limits’ to base personnel. In those days the shore patrol would put you in the brig for minor offenses.”
(Editor’s note: There are other bars in Florida claiming to be older than Odom’s in Century. Frankly, we could not find any “official” record.)
ECUA To Flush Water Lines In Ensley Area
January 4, 2016
The ECUA will conduct unidirectional flushing of water mains in the Ensley area, near the ECUA well located at the intersection of North Palafox Street and 10 Mile Road.
Flushing will begin Tuesday and will continue daily for about two weeks between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Residents and businesses located in the Ensley area may anticipate some fluctuations in water pressure and temporary discoloration of the water is possible as a result of turbulence in the water mains created by the flushing.
These effects should be minimal, with absolutely no ill effects to customers’ health and no long-term adverse impacts on the system, according to ECUA.
As a precaution, customers may wish to store some water ahead of time for drinking and cooking purposes. ECUA crews will remain in the area each day, flushing lines if necessary to clear up affected areas.
If customers are still experiencing discoloration in their water two hours after flushing crews have left the area, they are asked to call ECUA at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Learn To Use Your iPad Or Other Tablet At The Molino Library
January 4, 2016
Need to learn how to use that new iPad or other tablet?
The Molino Branch Library will offer a class on iPads and tablets on Tuesday, January 12 from 6-7:30 p.m.
This workshop will help participants feel comfortable with the basic functions of a tablet. Participants that own an iPad or other tablet should bring it to the workshop.
For more information, contact the Molino Branch Library at (850) 435-1760. The Molino Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Complex/
When Is 1st Period? Not When You Think At Ernest Ward Middle
January 4, 2016
Answer quick…when is first period at school? At the beginning on the day, you say? Not beginning Tuesday at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Beginning Tuesday, students will attend their classes in the following order: 6, 7, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2.
School officials say it’s a way to alter the school day and keep it fresh for students.
For more information, call the school at (850) 327-4283.
2015 In Photos: October And November
January 4, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at October and November.
The Tate High School Showband of the South announced that they headed to Hawaii in December 2016 to take part in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band. They will join bands from around the United States and Japan in a concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
First graders at Molino Park Elementary School completed pumpkin book report projects. The students read a great book, wrote a book report and decorated a pumpkin (with mom and dad’s help) as a book character..
Pine Forest defeated Tate 47-28 in the District 1-6A championship game.
The Northview Chiefs and the Baker Gators battled it out in Bratt for the District 1-1A championship, with Baker coming out on top 35-21.
Participants in the Escambia County Farm Tour visited several locations in October, including the pictured West Florida Gin.
The Tate High School Showband of the South earned straight superiors at the District 1 High School Marching MPA performances in October.
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA in Louisville, KY. Northview’s FFA received the Two Star Chapter award during the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on West Bogia Road in McDavid celebrated 125 years during the church’s annual homecoming services.
Students at Molino Park Elementary School went back to the 50’s to celebrate the 50th day of the school year in late October.
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center recently held their seventh annual Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The community gathered in Molino to remember Marine Cpl. J.R. Spears who was killed by a single gunshot wound in Iraq 10 years ago.
CrossFaith Church in Molino held their annual “Ride to Remember” motorcycle ride to benefit local Alzheimer’s victims and their families.
Cantonment residents took part in a Homecoming Fall Festival at Carver Park.
A giant generator turbine passed through North Escambia in October.
The Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook staff was honored with a Gold Medal from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
A benefit piano concert at Highland Baptist Church raised $1,300 for the the music program at Molino Park Elementary School.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Men’s Pumpkin Patch was open once again at the corner of Highway 29 and Neal Road.
Over 1,375 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 84 projects at nonprofit agencies and schools, including volunteers at Bratt Elementary School.
The Northview Chiefs earned a 1A playoff berth with a 7-0 win over the Jay Royals.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue presented a fire safety program at Bratt Elementary School. The students also had a chance to sit in a fire truck and ask questions about equipment.
Hundreds of pumpkins arrived at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Nine Mile Road.
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles ended a perfect season with a win over Escambia County Middle School of Atmore.
Volleyball season continued for Tate and Northview.
Savannah Roux was named Northview High School homecoming queen.
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade rolled through Bratt in October.
The Jay Royals held their annual Homecoming Parade.
An official grand opening ceremony was held for the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
Tate High School graduate Matthew Bailey appeared during ” on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. He didn’t bring home the million, but did win $20,000. Bailey is a 2013 honors graduate from Tate High School.
The Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsored a student led worship event “Fields of Faith” in the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Molino Park Elementary School held a “Community Helpers Day”.
Two Northview High School cheerleaders tumble across the field.
The Northview High School Dance Team performs.
October was time for the annual Jay Peanut Festival.
The iconic Fran’s Country Grill in Molino closed for good in October after a farewell and retirement party. The restaurantwas sold to nearby competitor Jimmy’s Grill and reopened under that name.
The Tate Aggies earned a district win over Washington.
The Health and Hope Clinic in Century closed due to a lack of funding, leaving the medically needy in the Century area with little, or perhaps no, access to health care.
Numerous pedestrian related improvements were underway over a 15-mile stretch of Highway 29 in North Escambia, most of them in Century.
A November sunset on Escambia Bay.
Pensacola’s iconic Graffiti Bridge was painted in support of the Tate High School Aggies early one November Saturday morning, following Tate’s 21-20 win over Niceville to claim the 6A Regional 1 championship.
About 160 volunteers spent their Thanksgiving working to feed the less fortunate at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Turkey, dressing, gravy — all the fixings and dessert were served to about 1,000 people in need.
Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a Thanksgiving feast for children and their parents.
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser.
About 200 students from schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jayto harvest collards and bag sweet potatoes that fed hundreds of needy families for Thanksgiving.
The Tate High School Aggies continued their march toward state with a 31-7 win over the Pine Forest Eagles in the Region 1-6A semifinals.
A driver was was taken into custody for driving with a suspended license, and he will be cited for improper passing following an accident at Ernest Ward Middle
These Ransom Middle School academic teams competed recently in Tallahassee, with one team walking away qualified to move on to the national level.
Fire ripped through the garage of a home in the Pine Forest Estates subdivision off Pine Forest Road in Cantonment.
One person was injured when their vehicle was struck by a train in Atmore.
An arts, crafts and car show was held at Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill held a program to honor veterans.
Seventh grade students at Ransom Middle school had a real-world lesson on voting, using real-world voting equipment, and voting on their choice for the next president.
Escambia County Teacher of the Year, Anna Barry of Northview High School, flew with the Blue Angels.
Many students at Jim Allen Elementary School spent their Saturdays in a mentoring program with students from the Center for Information Dominance Unit (CIDU) Corry Station.
Heavy downpours did not stop a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino.
A fiery halftime performance at Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weight Watchers Class In Molino
January 4, 2016
The Molino Weight Watchers class will meet again this year at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. Weight Watchers is a program which provides a healthy method to loose and maintain your goal weight.
Classes are held on Mondays, with weigh-in from 6 until 6:30 p.m. and the class is from 6:30 until 7 p.m.
For more information, contact class leader Sandra Greenwell at (850) 587-2489.