Bondi Not Challenging Marijuana Amendment
November 12, 2015
Though continuing to express concerns about a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize medical marijuana, Attorney General Pam Bondi is not challenging the wording of the ballot initiative.
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments December 8 before deciding whether to approve the initiative’s wording, a key step as supporters seek to get the issue on the November 2016 ballot. Bondi fought a similar 2014 initiative at the Supreme Court, but justices allowed the measure to go before voters. Ultimately, the 2014 initiative failed to pass. P
eople United for Medical Marijuana, a political committee backing the legalization effort, tweaked the proposed 2016 ballot language to address concerns raised about the 2014 measure.
In a statement released by her office Monday, Bondi pointed to the 2014 ruling by the Supreme Court and indicated she would not challenge the revised initiative.
“Voters reviewed the language and at the polls made their decision that the (2014) amendment was bad for Florida,” Bondi said. “Based on the court’s decision in 2014, I have not filed a legal challenge to the current amendment, but my concerns with it are the same.”
If the Supreme Court approves the wording, supporters of the amendment will need to submit 683,149 valid petition signatures to get on next year’s ballot. They had submitted 346,804 as of Monday evening, according to the state Division of Elections website.
by The News Service of Florida
Molino 16U Lady Jaguars End Near Perfect Fall Season
November 12, 2015
The Molino 16U Lady Jaguars finished their fall season at 11-1. After losing their first game of the season, the team won 11 straight, coming from behind for the win in their last five games. Team members were Abigayil Mascaro, Jillian Gullahorn, Kaylee Bush, Ivy New, Kaylynn Swartzendriver, Jasmine Crabtree, Kristen Warlick, Alyssa Mcquaid, Lauren Metzler and Meredith Morgan. Coaches were Donnie Nicholson and Anthony Swartzendriver. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Identities Released Of Two Shot And Killed At Palafox Gas Station
November 11, 2015
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
Previous story:
Two people were shot and killed at a Raceway gas station on North Palafox near Brentwood Elementary School this afternoon. And a short time later, one person was found dead at a movie theater just over two miles away.
Gas Station Shooting
About 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, two males were found dead inside a vehicle at the Raceway gas station at Palafox Street and Mason Lane. They have been identified as Antrone Marquis Moore and Antonio Bullard, both 26-years old.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing a black male fleeing the scene. The male was wearing a black hoodie with purple sleeves and the number 23 on the back.
Both victims have extensive criminal histories, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Movie Theater Death
The Escambia County Sheriffs Office is working a death investigation at the Carmike Cinemas on W Street. A man was found dead at the theater just after 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The investigation revealed no obvious signs of foul play and investigators are not searching for any suspects. The victim’s identity will be released pending notification of next of kin. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: Two people were shot and killed at this afternoon at this Raceway on Palafox Street near Brentwood Elementary School. Pictured bottom: Deputies on the scene after a body was found at the Carmike Cinema on W Street. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Brother Indicted In Family Triple Murder
November 11, 2015
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Tuesday that an Escambia County Grand Jury has indicted Donald Wayne Hartung for three counts of first degree premeditated murder in the death of his mother and two half-brothers, Voncile Smith, John Smith, and Richard Smith.
All three bodies were found on July 31 in their home on Deerfield Drive. All three were beaten with a claw hammer and their throats slit, and Richard Smith was also shot in the head.
Eddins previously stated that his office intends to seek the death penalty in the case.
At a press conference shortly after the murders, Morgan said witchcraft may have been involved in the killings. After Hartung’s arrest in late October, Morgan said that witchcraft was still “in play”, but it would be up to prosecutors to determine the motive.
House And Senate Consider Medical Marijuana Bills
November 11, 2015
House and Senate Senate panels next Tuesday will consider proposals that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain medical marijuana to help cope with pain, according to legislative calendars.
The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee is slated to take up a bill (HB 307), sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, and Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, during a Tuesday morning meeting. Hours later, the Senate Health Policy Committee is scheduled to consider a similar proposal (SB 460), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island.
The bills piggyback on a law passed earlier this year that allows terminally ill patients to gain access to experimental drugs that have not been approved for general use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That law, dubbed the “Right to Try Act,” is limited to patients who have terminal conditions and requires that they get approvals from two physicians.
Lawmakers are considering extending the law to allow the use of medical marijuana. Both bills are filed for the 2016 legislative session that starts in January.
They also come as a political committee known as People United for Medical Marijuana seeks to get a broader medical-marijuana initiative on the November 2016 ballot.
by The News Service of Florida
Town Of Century Honors Local Veterans
November 11, 2015
The Town of Century honored veterans on Tuesday with a special program.
The program included guests Rep. Mike Hill, the Byrneville Elementary School Chorus and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Honors Veterans
November 11, 2015
Northview High School honored veterans Tuesday with their annual Veterans Day program.
The guest speaker was Captain Carl Mock, United States Navy, retired. Captain Mock served 38 years before retiring in June 2005. During his 38 years of service he rose through the ranks from E-1 to O-6. His final active duty tour was as Commanding Officer, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, NAS Pensacola .
Photos courtesy Northview Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Fleeing From Deputies, Weapons Offenses
November 10, 2015
A Century man is facing numerous felony charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies in Pensacola.
Christopher Torrey, Jr., 23, was charged with fleeing and eluding police, carrying a concealed firearm, grand theft of a firearm, resisting arrest and knowingly driving with a suspended or revoked license. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning without bond due to a violation of probation charge.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted a traffic stop on Torrey’s vehicle on Pace Boulevard due to illegal tint and an expired tag. The deputy, with lights and siren activated, followed Torrey for a short distance as Torrey failed to stop and increased his speed to an estimated 70-80 mph. The deputy did not give chase; instead deputies circulated the area looking for Torrey.
Torrey was located by deputies a short time later at the Morrie Court Apartments and taken into custody.
He was also issued traffic citations for illegal window tint and not wearing seat belt and a verbal warning for an expired registration.
Student Athletes Honored At FCA Banquet
November 10, 2015
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes “Go the Distance” Awards were presented Monday night at a banquet hosted by the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were honored for their participation in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball.
Honored were:
Northview
Hannah Ging, Volleyball
Bethany Reynolds, Cross Country
Brandon Korinchak, Cross County
Tate
Shelby French, Swimming
Kelly Kennedy, Swimming
Kaylee Jackson, Golf
Earnest Morgan, Golf
Hope Tourney, Volleyball
Emma Shows, Cross Country
Kerry Avant, Cross Country
West Florida High
Alexis Tinker, Swimming
Jason Ogle, Swimming
Elizabeth Wright, Golf
Chase O’Conner, Golf
Miranda Taylor, Volleyball
MacKenzie Desposito, Cross Country
Von Little John, Cross Country
Jay High
RayAnne Free, Cross Country
Austin Gonzales, Cross Country
Pine Forest
Rachel Rudd, Golf
Daniel Taylor-Limerick, Golf
Alexis Lucas, Volleyball
East Hill
Kaylie Dickson, Volleyball
Ella Griffith, Cross Country
John Mobley, Cross Country
Pensacola High
Brittany Daigle, Golf
Jack Myslack, Golf
Ariel Noethlich, Volleyball
Carla Dias, Cross Country
Will Langhorne, Cross Country
Escambia High
Daniel Kelso, Golf
Laurie McCoy, Golf
Kallie Lewis, Volleyball
Washington High
Jenna Luth, Swimming
Pensacola Catholic
Caroline Sears, Swimming
Ryan Dockery, Swimming
Abigail Herrmann, Golf
AJ Panyko, Golf
Kiley Brady, Volleyball
Carson Montana, Cross Country
Grant Kemp, Cross Country
University of West Florida
Karisa Kostecki, Swimming
Autumn Day, Volleyball
Gulf Breeze High
Ally Post, Swimming
Carl Lehman, Swimming
Olivia Hepworth, Volleyball
Madison Thompson, Cross Country
Josh Thompson, Cross Country
Milton High
Amber Gilley, Swimming
Chase McLean, Swimming
Chloe Dawson, Golf
Beau Martin, Golf
Mallory Bramel, Volleyball
Becky Ward, Cross Country
David Brammer, Cross Country
Navarre High
Jordan Gilliard, Swimming
Patrick Keele, Swimming
Laurel Emerson, Golf
Pace High
Trevor Easley, Golf
Gillian Rabold, Cross Country
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Fellowship of Christian Athletes “Go the Distance” award winners in cross country and volleyball. Pictured below: Winners from golf and swimming. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pine Forest High Evacuated Due To Gas Leak
November 10, 2015
Students at Pine Forest High School were evacuated briefly Monday afternoon due a gas leak.
The students waited outside while manteniance employees and the fire department search for the source of the leak.
The leak was reportedly traced to a pilot light that had gone out. The problem was repaired and students were allowed to return to class.