Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Few Fireworks On The Week Of The Fourth
July 6, 2014
Independence Day and the accompanying fireworks shows weren’t technically supposed to get underway until Friday, but state government seemed to be on holiday for most of the week.
Democrats got the party out of the way early with their annual fundraising soiree Saturday, though they ditched the red (for obvious reasons) and white in their newly renamed Leadership Blue Gala. Gov. Rick Scott toured the state to thank veterans, an appropriate run-up to the holiday and a potential political boon to his re-election campaign.
The capital city itself was largely quiet, with the highest profile event being the swearing-in ceremony for new Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, the first Cuban-American to hold that position.
PAINT THE TOWN BLUE
If there’s a reason Florida can go from voting for Barack Obama in 2008 to Scott in 2010 and then back to Obama in 2012 — aside from political schizophrenia — it’s turnout. In presidential election years, just about everyone who is politically involved votes. In midterm years, the electorate tends to be older, whiter and more conservative.
Democrats are hoping to somehow turn that formula around this year, or at least lessen the swing, as they work to get former Gov. Charlie Crist his old job back and protect the gains in Congress and the Legislature that they made two years ago. That was also a theme when former President Bill Clinton spoke at the party’s fundraising dinner Saturday night in Broward County.
“We have to be creative in how we reach people and how we get them to the polls,” Clinton told a crowd of more than 1,500 supporters who paid up to $250 to hear the former president speak. “If we’re going to preserve democracy, real democracy, we’ve got to show up.”
Displaying his encyclopedic knowledge of politics, Clinton illustrated his point by saying that Democrat Alex Sink should have won a special election earlier this year to replace the late U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young in a Pinellas County congressional district. Sink was defeated by Young’s onetime aide David Jolly.
“Alex Sink won the independent votes by almost twice the margin President Obama did. But the registered Democrats did not turn out,” Clinton said, noting that Democratic Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe won his election because black voter turnout matched that in the general election.
“If they can do it, you can do it,” Clinton said.
The Clinton event raised $1.1 million — topping previous earnings for the annual “Leadership Blue Gala” fundraiser, formerly called the “Jefferson-Jackson Dinner” — and nearly 1,600 supporters were expected to attend the event at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, another historic high, according to Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant.
As far as the larger goal — defeating Scott — Tant promised that 2014 would feature “the largest field plan that the Florida Democratic Party has ever seen.” And U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who also serves as the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said the DNC has created a “vast and sophisticated voter file” called “Project Ivy” that it is sharing with state parties to help in turning out voters.
Republicans didn’t seem scared, but perhaps that was because they were having too much fun trying to cause mischief. They hammered Crist for failing to release the tax returns of his wife, Carole. A plane towing a banner reading “www.CharliesTaxReturns.com #WhatsCristHiding,” paid for by the Republican Party of Florida, flew overhead prior to Crist’s arrival.
RPOF Chairwoman Leslie Dougher met briefly with reporters to blast Crist for the tax returns and for his absence earlier in the day.
“What are you scared of?” Dougher said. “The more you hide something, the more people want to see it.”
Crist, flocked by supporters upon his entrance to the hotel, dismissed the demands.
AWARDS AND VOTES
Meanwhile, Scott was touring the state to hand out the “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” to hundreds of former service members, including a stop in Escambia County. Scott, a Navy vet himself, created the award in March.
“The courage and sacrifice these veterans displayed while serving our country has contributed to the freedoms and opportunities Florida families benefit from everyday,” Scott said in a prepared statement following one of the ceremonies.
But the governor’s outreach also has a political component as he prepares for a bruising and close fight with Crist. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that an average of 1.6 million veterans lived in Florida from 2008 to 2012, the most recent figures available. That accounts for about 10.8 percent of state civilians age 18 or older in 2012.
“They tend to be older, and they also tend to be high-turnout voters and conservative,” said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida.
In addition to this week’s ceremonies, Scott showed up for other events the week before wearing a “Navy” cap. And on Tuesday, Scott’s campaign released a web video with a veteran talking about the state’s “vet-friendly” environment and why he’s supporting the governor.
Lawmakers helped Scott with his pitch this spring by approving the “Florida GI Bill,” which expands university tuition waivers provided to veterans, pays for military and guard base improvements and aims to increase employment opportunities for veterans while trying to convince more of them to move to the state.
But Democrats still said Scott hasn’t done enough — highlighting the governor’s failure, for example, to get the Legislature to approve Medicaid expansion.
“Florida’s veterans deserve better,” said Joshua Karp, a spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party. “If Scott really cared about Florida’s veterans, he would have accepted federal funding to expand access to health care for over 40,000 veterans who currently lack it.”
CHIEF JUSTICE HAS IMPACT
Away from all the squabbling between Democrats and Republicans, the Florida Supreme Court held a more dignified ceremony to swear in Labarga as the court’s first Cuban-American chief justice. And in at least one case, Labarga’s impact was quickly apparent.
Labarga, 61, whose family immigrated to the United States after the Cuban revolution, became the state’s 56th chief justice and the fifth from Palm Beach County.
He replaced outgoing Chief Justice Ricky Polston, 58. Polston remains on the court, though he has applied to be the next president at Florida State University.
But Labarga’s impact was seen in something else that happened this week, something mentioned by Justice Barbara Pariente during the swearing-in ceremony.
Pariente noted that when the court ruled in March that undocumented immigrants cannot be admitted to The Florida Bar, Labarga “reluctantly” agreed with the majority but offered his own strongly worded opinion that called on the Legislature to change state law to allow so-called “Dreamers” to become attorneys.
“The Legislature heard your words and passed legislation that allowed this applicant to be admitted to the Florida Bar,” Pariente said, referring to an immigrant who was the subject of the court case.
The day after Labarga’s swearing-in, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners recommended the court admit Jose Manuel Godinez-Samperio, of Largo, to The Florida Bar.
A law-school graduate who became an undocumented immigrant as a child when his parents overstayed their visas in the United States, Godinez-Samperio moved a key step closer to becoming a Florida attorney with the recommendation.
“I’ve been waiting for over three years and the dream had seemed so far away,” Godinez-Samperio told The News Service of Florida on Tuesday. “Now that it’s happening, now that it’s becoming reality, it’s unspeakable.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Jorge Labarga is sworn in as the state’s first Cuban-American chief justice.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am a voice for the people in the district, not a vote for any particular person to become Senate president.”—Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, about her race against former Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale. Bogdanoff is a supporter of Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, who is fighting with Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, to lead the chamber after the 2016 elections.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Atmore Man Killed In Wreck
July 6, 2014
An Atmore man was killed in a single vehicle accident in Monroe County, Ala., early Saturday morning.
According to Alabama State Troopers, 33-year old William Eric Harrelson of Atmore lost control of his 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer on Butler Street about 12:15 a.m. Saturday. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree and burst into flames.
Harrelson was not wearing a seat belt, according to troopers.
Further information has not yet been released as Alabama State Troopers continue their investigation.
4th Weekend Recipe: Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
July 6, 2014
Looking to spend some time with the kids in the kitchen? Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats are a fun, easy and patriotic way to celebrate.
The recipe is not only easy, but it also lots of fun. It’s terrific for a “just-because” snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help – from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there’s something everyone can do.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 ounces, about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal OR 6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red-, white- and blue-colored sprinkles
Preparation
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
- Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
- Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.
Serves
Servings 18
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Comeback Falls Short As BayBears Best Wahoos 6-4 In Mobile
July 6, 2014
The Mobile BayBears were able to take advantage of three Blue Wahoos errors over the first three innings on their way to a 6-4 win over Pensacola on Saturday night in Mobile. Despite taking the loss, Wahoos starter Jon Moscot (L, 4-8) went the distance shutting out the BayBears over his final five innings and he retired the final eight batters he faced.
The BayBears did all of their damage over the first three innings. They scored four runs in the third which was capped off by a two-run home run from Mark Thomas.
Pensacola was held hitless through five innings before Brodie Greene delivered the Blue Wahoos first hit, a leadoff single in the sixth inning. Kyle Waldrop got the Wahoos on the scoreboard with a two-run home run in the seventh inning, his first home run since joining the Blue Wahoos at the all-star break. Seth Mejias-Brean doubled home two more in the eighth to cut the deficit to 6-4. His double knocked the BayBears starter, Bradin Hagens (W, 7-3), from the game and closed out the scoring.
The Blue Wahoos put the tying run on base in the ninth but couldn’t score against Mobile reliever Seth Simmons (S, 1). Hagens earned the win with 7.1 innings allowing 4 R/ER on seven hits with four strikeouts. Moscot finished the game after getting charged with 6 R/4 ER in 8.0 innings allowing just one walk with three strikeouts.
Waldrop paced the Wahoos offensively with a pair of hits, both extra-base hits. He hit a double in the ninth after his seventh inning home run. Ryan Wright also had a pair of hits, both singles.
Pensacola will try to get back on track Sunday with RHP Tim Adleman (2-3, 3.48) getting the start for the Blue Wahoos against the Diamondbacks top rated prospect RHP Archie Bradley (0-0, 1.23). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile.
by Tommy Thrall
And The Rockets’ Red Glare (With Jay, Atmore Fireworks Galleries)
July 5, 2014
Thousands of North Escambia residents celebrated the Fourth of July at an area fireworks show, including shows in Jay and Atmore.
The Town of Jay and the Jay Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Fourth of July Friday night with a fireworks show. Earlier in the day, arts and crafts vendors were on hand at the Bray-Hendricks City Park, along with plenty of food and entertainment. The day started with the Celebrate Freedom 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Fun Run.
Crowds from across the area celebrated the Fourth of July Friday with a fireworks show in Atmore.
For a reader submitted photo gallery from Jay, click here.
For a photo gallery by Ditto Gorme from Atmore, click here.
Pictured top and inset: Fireworks Friday night in Jay. NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos, click to enlarge. Pictured below: Fireworks in Atmore. Photo by Ditto Gorme for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fireworks Accident Sends One From Molino To Hospital
July 5, 2014
One person was transported to the hospital from Molino following a Fourth of July fireworks accident.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to the Tom Thumb at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino just before 6:30 p.m. A male, about 24-years old, had been driven to the convenience store after a firecracker reportedly exploded in his hand.
He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. It was not immediately known where the accident occurred.
4th Weekend Recipes: Patriotic Pops, Ice Cream Sandwiches
July 5, 2014
The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks – a real star-studded holiday celebration.
Patriotic Pops cut into star shapes definitely say “Happy Fourth of July.” Decorated in red, white and blue icing, red licorice and colored candies, these easy-to-make crispy rice treats are a favorite for both youngsters and the grown-ups. The kids can lend a hand to help decorate by placing the candy pieces on the stars.
Add a taste of nostalgia for the child in all of us with Ice Cream Sandwiches – everybody loves ‘em. Homemade brownies and buttery vanilla cookies, sandwiched with the ice cream flavor of your choice are a cut above ice cream truck offerings. Give them the flair of the Fourth by rolling the edges in patriotic sprinkles and sugars. Or, dip part of the sandwich into melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
(Scroll down to see both recipes.)
Patriotic Pops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 24 8-inch Cookie Treat Sticks
- Red, Blue and White Cookie Icing
- Red and blue candy-coated chocolates
- Red licorice
Preparation
- Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.
- In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50% power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)
- Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least 1 hour.
Serves
Makes about 2 dozen pops
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Cookies
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract or ground cinnamon (optional)
Preparation
- Brownies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with chocolate chips. Whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture; stir until just combined. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Vanilla Cookies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla and, if desired, other extract or cinnamon; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix until blended. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- To Assemble: 1 quart ice cream, any flavor
- Assorted Patriotic Mix Sprinkles and Red and Blue Sugars
- White Candy Melts, melted (optional)
- Scoop about 1/4 cup ice cream onto smooth side of half of the brownies. Top with remaining brownies, pressing gently. If desired, roll edge of sandwiches in sprinkles or sugars. Wrap and freeze immediately.
- Or, dip a portion of the sandwich in melted candy melts; add sprinkles and sugars. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
Serves
Makes about 12 ice cream sandwiches
Fire Causes Minor Damage To Molino Mobile Home
July 5, 2014
A laundry area fire caused minor damage inside a mobile home in Molino Friday afternoon. The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. in the 6000 block of Highway 95A, across from Highland Baptist Church. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. There were no injuries reported. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Century Seniors Celebrate The Fourth
July 5, 2014
The residents of the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center celebrated the Fourth of July with an old fashioned picnic Friday.
Kids from the nearby Campfire USA Century Learning Center brought cards and handmade bracelets for some of the residents, and residents shared watermelon with the kids. The facility residents, in addition to the traditional picnic items, enjoyed 15 watermelons donated by Charlotte Lowry.
Pictured: Fourth of July picnic fun at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center Friday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop Bay To Bay Series Opener 6-2 To The BayBears
July 5, 2014
The Mobile BayBears bested the Pensacola the Blue Wahoos 6-2 Friday night. The BayBears scored five runs over the first two innings against Blue Wahoos starter Daniel Corcino to cruise to victory in the opener of the second installment of the Bay-to-Bay Series.
Mobile used six hits, three walks and one Blue Wahoos error to plate three runs in the first and second innings. Pensacola was held to just four hits in the game, but one was a two-run home run from Travis Mattair in the seventh inning. It was his first home run since June 5 at Montgomery.
The Blue Wahoos bullpen was strong again working a combined 1.2 scoreless innings. The only base runners that James Walczak and Fabien Williamson allowed were a pair of walks. Blue Wahoos relievers have now worked 17 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to Tuesday, July 1.
Corcino (L, 7-7) settled down after the second. He was finished after 5.1 inning having allowed 6 R/4 ER on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts. BayBears starter Eric Brooks (W, 1-0) baffled Blue Wahoos hitters for 5.0 innings. He earned the win after allowing just two hits with five strikeouts.
The series continues on Saturday with RHP Jon Moscot (4-7, 3.08) set to start for the Blue Wahoos against BayBears RHP Archie Bradley (0-0, 1.23). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. from Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile.
by Tommy Thrall