New Law Puts Spotlight On Human Trafficking
December 29, 2015
Signs intended to raise awareness about human trafficking are expected to be prominently displayed at rest areas, airports, emergency rooms and strip clubs starting Friday, as a law passed during the 2015 legislative session goes into effect with the new year.
Another new law revises requirements for athletic trainers, while a portion of a tax-cut package also is put in place.
The new laws taking effect this week are almost the last of 232 bills that came out of the 2015 session. The bulk went into effect July 1.
The last of the 2015 bills (HB 1215) — repealing the Alachua County Boundary Adjustment Act, which is a law regarding annexations — takes effect Feb. 29.
The law (HB 369) aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking requires signs to be posted in a wide range of places, including rest areas, turnpike service plazas, weigh stations, welcome centers, airports and strip clubs.
The requirement was part of a series of proposals approved this year and signed by Gov. Rick Scott as the state tries to crack down on human trafficking for sex or forced labor. Attorney General Pam Bondi has made the issue one of her priorities.
“Raising awareness is a key component to stopping human trafficking and helping victims get the help and services they desperately need,” Whitney Ray, a spokesman for Bondi, said in an email.
The law, in part, requires the Florida Department of Transportation to display English- and Spanish-language signs that are at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches at every rest area, turnpike service plaza, weigh station, primary airport, passenger rail station and welcome center open to the public.
Evelyn Hernandez, a Department of Transportation spokeswoman, said in an email that the agency is working with airports and rail stations to determine the number of public-awareness signs needed at each facility.
“Some of these facilities have chosen to make and install their own public-awareness signs and some facilities have chosen to use the FDOT’s public-awareness signs,” Hernandez said.
The signs, which include phone and text-message numbers to report trafficking, are also required to go up in hospital emergency rooms and to be “in a conspicuous location that is clearly visible” at strip clubs, adult entertainment establishments and massage parlors.
The law doesn’t impose penalties for failure to comply with the law. However, the measure gives county commissions the ability to set noncriminal fines of up to $500 for strip clubs, adult entertainment establishments and massage parlors.
A trio of other trafficking-related measures from the 2015 session went into effect Oct. 1. They increased criminal penalties for people who solicit others to commit prostitution (HB 465) and created public-records exemptions to protect the identities of human-trafficking victims and to shield the location of safe houses for victims of sexual exploitation (HB 467 and HB 469).
Also taking effect Friday is a law dealing with regulation and licensing of athletic trainers. In part, it would remove a requirement that applicants to be licensed as trainers must be at least 21 years old.
The measure also includes other changes, such as requiring that people who apply to become athletic trainers as of July 1, 2016, undergo criminal background checks and be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators.
Also taking effect Friday is a piece of a $428.9 million tax-cut package approved in a June special session.
The bill keeps active, starting Friday, a tax credit for groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Building Homes for Heroes for certain projects within areas of former enterprise zones. Lawmakers in the 2015 session agreed not to reauthorize the enterprise zones program, but through the tax-cut package the credits will remain available through Dec. 31, 2018.
The majority of the tax cut package (HB 33-A) — highlighted by a reduction in the communications-services tax on cell-phone and cable-TV bills became active July 1.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Florida Court System Seeks To Bolster Communications
December 29, 2015
Pointing to issues such as the emergence of social media and efforts to build support for the judicial branch, the Florida Supreme Court on Monday released a multi-year plan to try to bolster communications about courts throughout the state.
The 41-page plan partly addresses nuts-and-bolts issues such as working with the news media and the public, while it also seeks to ensure a “unified statewide message” about the court system.
“The goal for communications should focus on promoting the public’s understanding of the role of the court to preserve the rule of law and its critical role in safeguarding the fundamental constitutional and legal rights of all individuals,” one section of the plan said. “Whether these communications are addressing routine court matters or special crises, it is important that courts speak with one voice delivering the same message.”
The document, developed by the Supreme Court’s Judicial Management Council, also calls for finding ways to use social media and other newer technologies in the system’s communications efforts.
“New media such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are transforming the way people seek out information and understand the world,” the plan said. “These communication tools provide opportunities for courts to promote openness and accountability, and can encourage conversation between the courts, journalists, and citizens. Most importantly, they present opportunities for courts to listen to public concerns.”
The Supreme Court operates an extensive public-information operation, posting large numbers of court documents on its website and updating reporters about high-profile cases. The court’s longtime communications chief, Craig Waters, became somewhat of a national figure in 2000, when he served as a spokesman during the legal battles surrounding the presidential recount.
But public information about appeals courts and circuit courts has been spottier, particularly as courts and other government agencies have moved from paper to digital.
The new plan lists goals and strategies to carry out through 2019.
During 2016, for example, it says one strategy is to promote and improve relations with the Legislature and government agencies to “ensure the accuracy and adequacy of their understanding and perception of the judicial branch.” That includes developing “mechanisms to inform policy makers about accomplishments of the judicial branch, the judicial branch strategic plan, and the judicial branch’s budget priorities and proposed substantive law changes approved by the Florida Supreme Court.”
But those efforts could come at a time when many Republican lawmakers are unhappy with the Supreme Court about issues such as redistricting. Also, some GOP lawmakers, including powerful incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, have called for seeking voter approval of term limits for members of the judiciary.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Stolen Vehicle Involved In Cantonment Wreck
December 28, 2015
A vehicle stolen Saturday night in from the Ensley area was recovered after it was wrecked in Cantonment Monday morning.
The owner said the Nissan Juke (pictured top) was stolen out of their yard. It was involved in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road about 9:15 a.m. Monday, and it also hit a pedestrian crossing signpost.
Witnesses said the driver of the vehicle fled on foot after the crash.
There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Photos Show Morning Tornado
December 28, 2015
There were no injuries reported as multiple tornado warnings were issued for the North Escambia area Monday morning. Here are photos of the storms from NorthEscambia.com –
Pictured above: Looking toward Molino, reader photo by Christopher Dell.
Pictured above: This photo was taken as radar showed a rotation crossing over I-10 in Beulah as the storm headed toward Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo by Ramona Preston.
Pictured above: Looking toward Molino, reader photo by Travis Hill.
Pictured above: View from Salter Road in Chumuckla, reader photo by Tanner Lunsford.
Pictured above: Gulf Power works on a downed line near the intersection of Chavers and Molino roads in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Price.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
IP To Award $75,000 In Community Grants
December 28, 2015
Interntional Paper Pensacola Mill (IP) will award $75,000 in Foundation Grants in 2016, in honor of the mill’s 75th anniversary. The foundation normally awards $50,000 per year, but the amount was increased this year due to the anniversary.
The deadline for all 2016 grant applications is Monday, January 11, 2016.
Grants are awarded by the IP Foundation in Memphis which focuses on environmental education, literacy, employee involvement, and critical community needs. Applicants must be a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, school, or qualifying government entity to apply.
For more information about the Foundation and/or to apply online, interested applicants should visit www.ipgiving.com.
For more information on the grant process, contact Janice Cooper Holmes, communications manager, at 850-968-4203 or e-mail janice.holmes@ipaper.com.
Suspect Arrested For Dollar General Robbery
December 28, 2015
A suspect has been arrested for the armed robbery of a Dollar General store Sunday afternoon.
The armed robbery was reported about 3:12 p.m. Sunday at the Dollar General on Pine Forest Road near Highway 297A, near the rear of the Publix store on Nine Mile Road at Pine Forest.
Norris Ray Harvey, age 33 of Nine and a Half Mile Road, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on an armed robbery charge. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Deputies were on the scene moments after the robbery was reported, establishing a perimeter to search for a suspect. There were no injuries reported.
Pictured top and bottom: The scene shortly after an armed robbery at the Dollar General on Pine Forest Road just north of Highway 297A. Pictured directly below: Deputies, like this one on Pine Forest Road at Trailwood Drive, quickly established a perimeter around the store. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: January
December 28, 2015
Today, we begin a look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at January:
The Pensacola Pelican Drop celebration in downtown Pensacola signaled the start of 2015.
Fire destroyed a home on Cedartown Road near Molino.
An eagle on a cold January morning outside our NorthEscambia.com office.
The Tate High School varsity cheerleaders won first place at the FHSAA regionals.
Molino Park Elementary School students “Read Like Crazy” during January.
Firefighters battled several brush and grass fires in January 2015.
Sara Calhoun was honored by the Escambia County School Board as the Florida Reading Association’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Firefighters successfully revived two cats rescued from a travel trailer fire.
Century residents gathered to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Huge crowds turned out in Atmore for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade.
Members of CrossFaith Church in Molino shared cardboard testimonies.
Gas prices in the North Escambia area finally dropped below $2 at several stations in January.
The Florida Forest Service and Escambia County Forester distributed free longleaf pine seedlings in Century and Walnut Hill in recognition of Arbor Day.
Benjamin Boutwell, the newest member of the Century Town Council, was sworn in during a January meeting.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott was sworn in for a second term.
An icy January morning, with a little help from a sprinkler system.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Man Recovering After Being Stabbed At Strip club
December 28, 2015
A man is recovering after being stabbed at an Escambia County strip club early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in a parking lot at Babe’s, 4024 North Davis Highway. Pensacola Police Detective Lisa Alverson said a suspect fled the scene after stabbing a 44-year-old man. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition.
Further details have not been released as Pensacola Police continue their investigation.
Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.
Man Killed In I-10 Wreck
December 28, 2015
A Milton man was killed in a two vehicle wreck Sunday morning on I-10.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 34-year old Maurice Kent Martin, Jr. was traveling east on I-10 at the 21 mile marker when his 2003 Ford Explorer drifted onto the shoulder. Martin over-corrected, causing the vehicle to overturn and collide with a concrete traffic barrier. The vehicle to rest on its roof in the outside lane where it struck by a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by 26-year old Jenny Emma Gresens of Pace.
Martin was transported to West Florida Hospital where he later passed away, while Gresens received minor injures.
There were no charges filed.
Bill Would Allow For Unemployment Cops To Pursue Benefit Violators
December 28, 2015
Two Central Florida lawmakers havey filed bills that seek to crack down on fraud in the unemployment system, including by allowing the state Department of Economic Opportunity to employ law-enforcement officers.
The bills (HB 1017 and SB 1216), filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, and Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, are filed for the legislative session that starts January 12.
In part, they would allow the Department of Economic Opportunities’ Division of Workforce Services to employ certified law-enforcement officers whose primary duties would be to investigate and enforce laws related to the unemployment system. The bills also would toughen penalties for people who fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits.
They would be disqualified from receiving benefits for five years after a first fraud-related incident, 10 years after a second incident and would receive a lifetime ban after a third incident, according to the bills.
by The News Service of Florida