Local Children Of Fallen Service Members Board The Snowball Express (Photo Gallery)
December 13, 2015
For a special group of military families, Saturday was not an ordinary day. Nearly 1,700 children and spouses of fallen U.S. military members headed out on an all-expense-paid journey to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, for the 10th annual Snowball Express.
Before departing from Pensacola, 56 family members enjoyed decorations, refreshments and an entertaining send-off at the USO and Gate 9. The aircraft received a water-cannon salute upon departure.
While many look forward to the holiday season with excitement and anticipation of times with family and friends, the holidays can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one — especially the families of our fallen military.
Snowball Express is a nonprofit organization with the goal of “Serving the Children of Our Fallen Military Heroes.” Snowball Express is bringing hope and new happy memories to the children of military heroes who have died while on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
As the official airline of Snowball Express, American Airlines provided the majority of the air travel, and all flight crews and hundreds of employee volunteers are donating their time to participate in this special program. Ten chartered American aircraft departed from numerous cities — including Pensacola — to pick up Snowball families.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Frances Marquis Named ESAR Volunteer Of The Year
December 13, 2015
Frances Gerianna Marquis of Molino was named the Escambia Search and Rescue Volunteer of the Year Saturday during the group’s annual Christmas party. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Gambling, Guns And A Little Bit Of Quiet
December 13, 2015
The temperatures might be slow to drop to a wintry chill in Tallahassee, but the flow of news from state government is already falling to holiday levels as the calendar moves deeper into December.
It didn’t help, perhaps, that much of the political oxygen this week was sucked up by the national news cyclone that is Donald Trump. The real-estate-tycoon-turned-presidential-candidate’s call to temporarily ban Muslims from immigrating to or visiting the United States ginned up a wave of outrage and controversy that made everything else pale by comparison.
But there were also real reasons why the news cycle slowed down this week. Lawmakers who have spent too much of 2015 in the Capitol had largely returned home for the last time before January. The legal fight over Florida’s state Senate districts took a week off. And most of the “news” generated by Gov. Rick Scott’s office concerned legislators, local officials or economic development figures who had endorsed his overhaul of Enterprise Florida.
There were a few tidbits of news, though, and one legitimate story. Scott’s office announced Monday evening that he had inked a long-awaited gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, a deal that could allow the state to rake in $3.1 billion over seven years. Also, a key group of law-enforcement officials endorsed a version of legislation allowing Floridians to openly carry guns in public, potentially breaking the logjam on one of the more controversial issues for next year’s legislation session.
Another holiday staple, though, went by the boards, as the three-ring circus comprised of holiday displays at the Capitol looked like it wouldn’t perform in Tallahassee this year.
CASHING IN ON SEMINOLE GAMING
It wasn’t exactly a surprise that the governor and the Seminoles reached a deal on gaming. An agreement over card games had expired, and rumors had been floating around the Capitol that a deal was close. Settle-up day was coming, but the terms of the pact started to at least give some picture of the future of gambling in Florida.
Under the agreement, the Seminoles would pay the state $3.1 billion over seven years in exchange for adding craps and roulette to its current casino operations.
The deal is believed to be the largest tribal revenue-sharing agreement in the country, and is triple the current $1 billion the Seminoles have paid to the state over the past five years for the exclusive rights to operate “banked” card games, including blackjack.
Under the deal, the tribe would be allowed to have blackjack, craps and roulette at all of its existing seven facilities, but would give up its monopoly on blackjack and would cede its stronghold on slots.
Under an agreement reached in 2010, slot machines anywhere but at the existing pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties or on other tribal lands would invalidate the compact and lose the state big bucks. Giving blackjack or other banked table games to the Broward and Miami-Dade racinos would reduce the tribe’s payments to the state, and the racinos have not offered the games.
The new deal would allow the Miami-Dade and Broward racinos to add blackjack. And the agreement would allow up to 750 slot machines and 750 “instant racing” machines — which appear like slots but operate differently — to be phased in over three years at the Palm Beach Kennel Club and at a new facility in Miami.
“With a $3 billion guarantee along with a cap on the tribe’s gaming, it is my hope that this compact can be the foundation of a stable and predictable gaming environment for the state of Florida,” Scott said in letter Monday night to House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner. The “cap” refers to a limit on the number of slot machines the tribe could have at its casinos.
But it was already looking like sending the deal to lawmakers could be a roll of the dice. The agreement received a tepid response from some legislative leaders, virtually guaranteeing that the proposal could require major changes to win enough support for passage.
Crisafulli on Tuesday said legislative approval, required for the pact to take effect, would be a “heavy lift.” Gardiner told reporters “there are no guarantees” that lawmakers will sign off on the deal. And those weren’t even the harshest assessments being handed out the day after.
“I suspect that this compact is DOA,” said Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater. “Because there are so many issues in it that different people are going to find problems with.”
Key issues that could bog down passage of the compact — which would also allow lottery tickets to be sold at gas pumps — include allowing the Palm Beach County dog track to add slots, considered a snub to five other counties where voters have given slots a thumbs-up.
HOLSTERING OBJECTIONS TO OPEN CARRY
Even with the lobbying muscle of the National Rifle Association — one of the most successful groups in the Capitol — there’s no certainty that a proposal allowing people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms will pass next year. But a major roadblock was removed Thursday, when the Florida Police Chiefs Association said its board of directors had voted to back the controversial measure — with a caveat.
The association’s board signaled its support as long as changes designed to protect law-enforcement officers are included.
“The police chiefs understand that momentum is building,” association spokeswoman Sandi Poreda said. “And because of their concerns for police officers’ safety, they wanted to go ahead and reach out to the bill sponsors and work on these amendments, which they believe will better protect officers.”
If the measure passes, 1.45 million Floridians with concealed-weapons permits would be able to openly carry guns. Opponents — including a number of Florida sheriffs — warn that people who openly display guns could get hurt as a result, either by criminals or law enforcement.
By a vote of 15-7, the police chiefs association’s board of directors — who represent law-enforcement agencies in different districts of the state — agreed to support the open-carry bill when the amendments are adopted.
In a “Red Alert” email Wednesday to association members, Executive Director Amy Mercer cautioned that the police chiefs’ group “reserves the right to oppose the bill in the future, particularly if our amendments are changed or removed or if other amendments are added that are found not to be in the best interest of the FPCA and our members.”
The amendments, in part, would ensure that people who threateningly brandish guns aren’t protected by the law and would require a holster for purposes of openly carrying a firearm.
A QUIETER HOLIDAY AT THE CAPITOL
Last year, noisy clashes over who could and couldn’t mark the holidays with displays on the first floor of the Capitol led to a smorgasbord of symbols, both religious and irreverent. But don’t expect a repeat this year.
A Nativity scene put up by a Christian group won’t make an appearance. Neither will a more-subversive display by the New York-based Satanic Temple.
But a menorah has already been displayed. And, this being Florida, an element of the bizarre could still be on tap: an irreverent disco ball-topped, multi-colored gay pride festivus pole — built of beer cans.
Pam Olsen, president of the Florida Prayer Network, announced that her group’s decision not to set up a Nativity scene is an attempt to bring some needed civility to the country struggling with issues such as mass shootings and growing racial tensions.
“America is in desperate need of God’s help! We need to love God, love one another again, have hope and peace in our hearts, to act kindly and be civil to one another — this is the message of the Nativity!” Olsen said in an open letter late last week. “After much prayer, I truly want the message of Christ, The Son of God, born in a manger so long ago in Bethlehem, to be heard very clearly at this difficult time, instead of the dissension in the Capitol rotunda — this is not the year for that kind of debate in our rotunda.”
The Satanic Temple said its decision to stay away from the Capitol this year could change if any other group asks to put a Christian display.
But an application was submitted and approved for a festivus pole display by Chaz Stevens, a political blogger from Deerfield Beach.
“Our Gay Pride Festivus Pole is a jubilant, may I say happy and gay, celebration of (the Supreme Court of the United States) recent ruling regarding same sex marriage,” said Stevens, who describes himself as a white heterosexual ally of the gay community. “Also, at the same time, we’re raising awareness to the problem of young LGBTQ men and women who are bullied and harassed.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Rick Scott signed a gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe, but the agreement was already drawing criticisms from lawmakers who must approve it.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I was freaking out. To have gotten this far and not be able to get it because you miss a deadline, that would have been huge. I’m ready for a glass of wine.”— Jorge Chamizo, a lobbyist for Lake Mary-based Knox Nursery, after the business’ owner used a helicopter and landed at a golf course to squeak in minutes before a 5 p.m. deadline Wednesday to prove he had nailed down a requisite $5 million bond for being one of the state’s purveyors of non-euphoric medical marijuana.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Wreaths Across America Honors Veterans
December 13, 2015
More than 3,500 wreaths were placed on graves at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS Pensacola on Saturday.
The wreaths were placed as part of the national event “Wreaths Across America”, a tradition that began over 20 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington.
Pictured above and bottom: Wreaths placed at Barrancas National Cemetary in Pensacola Saturday morning. Pictured below: The Young Marines Of Pensacola also placed a wreath on the grave of Lcpl. Travis M. Nelson of Bratt at an Atmore Cemetery. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Hit By Semi Truck On Highway 29
December 12, 2015
A pedestrian was struck by a semi-truck Saturday night on Highway 29 in Bluff Springs.
The pedestrian was in or near Highway 29 at Bluff Springs Road when he was struck by the northbound semi about 6:20 p.m. The adult male was airlifted by LifeGuard helicopter to a Pensacola hospital with serious injuries that were not believed to be immediately life threatening.
The driver of the semi truck, who took evasive action in an attempt to avoid the pedestrian in the dark highway, was not injured.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol as they continue their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Home Invasion Suspect Shot And Killed In Northern Santa Rosa County
December 12, 2015
A home invasion suspect was shot and killed at a home in northern Santa Rosa County Saturday morning.
Gary Savoy Phillips, 38, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The shooting was reported just after 7 a.m. on Phillips Lane off Highway 4 east of Berrydale. A 911 caller reportedly told authorities that someone had been shot and killed at the home.
sDriver Slams Into Guardrail, Tree In Walnut Hill Crash
December 12, 2015
There was no word of any injuries in an early Saturday morning wreck outside Walnut Hill.
The driver of Ford Explorer lost control on Arthur Brown Road west of Pine Forest Road and struck a guardrail. After destroying several feet of guardrail, the vehicle overturned down an embankment and struck a tree.
The accident was discovered and reported about 6:30 a.m., but occurred an unknown amount of time earlier in the morning. The driver was reportedly not seriously injured and picked up from the accident site by a private party prior to the arrival of first responders.
The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol; further details have not been released.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance also responded to the call.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Purse Snatcher Busted After High Speed Chase
December 12, 2015
An Atmore purse snatcher is behind bars after a high speed chase, thanks to the efforts of both police and two Walnut Hill men.
A man — later identified as Joel Andrew White of Shelby, Ala. — allegedly grabbed a purse from a female in the parking lot of the Ramey’s grocery store on Lindberg Avenue in Atmore. He ran toward his getaway car, with the victim giving chase on foot and attempting to retrieve the purse. White sped away, throwing the victim to the ground causing injuries to her head, side and arms. White then fled down South Presley Street and crossed into Florida on Highway 97
Witnesses at the scene followed White several miles into Florida, but lost sight of his Toyota due to him driving recklessly at a high rate of speed. Several minutes later, the witnesses spotted White again – this time headed back into Alabama. Atmore Police spotted the vehicle and gave chase, but called off the pursuit due to public safety concerns.
White was then spotted westbound on Highway 31, traveling at a high rate of speed. The witnesses lost sight of the vehicle, but later found it parked at a residence off West Road in Atmore.
Atmore Police responded to the residence and immediately set up a perimeter. Officers observed White flee the residence on foot and gave chase. After a short foot pursuit, White was arrested without incident.
White was charged with third degree robbery, second degree theft of property and third degree assault. The vehicle he was driving was found to be stolen out of Shelby County, Ala.
Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks offered his thanks to Austin Eicher and Jake McCall of Walnut Hill for their assistance in the capture of White.
One Injured In Highway 29, Barrineau Park Road Crash
December 12, 2015
One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash about 5:45 Friday night at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 196. Their injuries were not considered life threatening. Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
SWAT, Narcotics Teams Arrest Man On Drug And Weapons Charges
December 12, 2015
An Escambia County man was arrested on weapons and drug charges after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Special Investigations/Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at a home in the Montclair neighborhood.
The search of 46-year old Jimmy Gilliams’ Cheyenne Circle residence produced quantities of cocaine, prescription pills, heroin and marijuana.Two firearms were recovered, one of which was identified as having been stolen.
Gilliams was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, grand theft of a firearm, larceny, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of heroin with intent to sell and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
At the time of his arrest Gilliams was out on bond for previous narcotics and weapons related charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $70,000.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
