Mobile BayBears Sweep Pensacola Blue Wahoos
June 3, 2015
Mobile BayBears second baseman Brandon Drury flared a single to center field for a, 2-1, walk-off victory over its rival Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
The BayBears took the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader from Pensacola, too, holding on for a, 6-5, win at Hank Aaron Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos last played on Friday, May 29 — five days ago — after three consecutive rain outs. Those included the final two games on the road against the Mississippi Braves and Monday’s game against Mobile.
Pensacola appeared a little rusty, especially closer Kyle McMyne who gave up his first earned run since May 5 to earn the loss, 1-1. McMyne, who earned the Southern League’s BC Relief Pitcher of the Month for May, had gone 11.2 innings without an earned run and converted five of five saves, while his ERA plummeted from 1.46 to 0.76.
But with a, 1-1, tie on the line in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, Drury drove in a bases loaded, one out single for the game winner in the seventh inning. Southern League doubleheaders last just seven innings.
Mobile had tied the game in the sixth when first baseman Rudy Flores singled to left to score right fielder Zach Borenstein, who walked and stole second base.
In the top of the fourth inning Pensacola went up, 1-0, with two out when right fielder Kyle Waldrop doubled on a line drive to center field and then scored on a single by third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean.
In the first game, Pensacola scored five runs in the sixth inning but failed to overcome Mobile, losing, 6-5.
Mobile went ahead, 6-0, in the third inning when second baseman Gerson Montilla hit a grand slam to left center field, his seventh homer of the season.
In the sixth, Waldrop tripled to right to score first baseman Ray Chang, who singled to lead off the inning. Waldrop would cross the plate on a wild pitch by Mobile pitcher Aaron Blair to cut the lead, 6-2.
The Blue Wahoos then loaded the bases on walks to Mejias-Brean and catcher Cam Maron and a pinch single by Marquez Smith. Ryan Wright then had a pinch hit sacrifice fly to right field to score Mejias-Brean, which brought Pensacola within, 6-3. Left fielder Jesse Winker then smashed a two-out, bases loaded single to center that scored Smith and Maron and the Blue Wahoos trailed by one, 6-5. Pensacola went down in order in the top of the seventh to end the first game.
Florida Safe Phone Zones Announced
June 3, 2015
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced a a public-private partnership with GEICO Insurance unveiled a statewide safety campaign to tackle the problem of distracted driving on Florida’s roads. As part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phone for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps, Florida has designated 64 Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Turnpike Service Plazas throughout the state as “Safe Phone Zones,” more than any other state.
The new highway signs sponsored by GEICO can be seen along the highways leading to those FDOT facilities. Additional signage within the facilities reminds motorists to take this opportunity to use their cell phones in a safe location.
“Motorist safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing distracted driving on our roads,” said FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, Brian Blanchard. “By calling our Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Service Plazas ‘Safe Phone Zones,’ we are saying they are much more than just Rest Stops – they are Safe Stops.”
Pictured: “Safe Phone Zones” are announced. Pictured below: Safe Phone Zone rest stops in northern Florida begin to the west at the Florida Welcome Center in Escambia County. Photos and image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Vetoes Bills On Convenience Stores, Citizens Insurance
June 3, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed bills Tuesday that were intended to increase convenience-store security and to give policyholders more options as the state seeks to move them out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Scott said one measure (HB 755) would force convenience stores to add “potentially costly security.” The second bill (HB 1087), he said, “undermines progress” in shifting policies into the private insurance market from the state-backed Citizens.
Lawmakers approved both bills without opposition during this spring’s regular legislative session.
Scott expressed concern in a letter to Secretary of State Ken Detzner about the state adding “overbroad, state-mandated” regulations by requiring a variety of security measures at convenience stores.
“Mandating compliance with the security standards in the bill would place a significant new financial burden on these small businesses, which is unnecessary,” Scott wrote. “I believe family owned small businesses, working with their landlords, can better decide the appropriate security infrastructure for their businesses.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Stone, R-Ocala, would have required convenience stores to have security camera systems, drop safes for restricted access to cash receipts, policies to limit cash after 11 p.m. and height markers at the doors.
Any convenience store where a murder, robbery, sexual battery, or aggravated assault occurred would have been required to have two employees on the clock when open between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The bill would also have required all employees at such locations to receive robbery-deterrence and safety training within 60 days of being hired.
In a separate letter to Detzner, Scott expressed concerns about a provision in the Citizens-backed bill (HB 1087) that would have allowed policyholders to choose to get no more than one “takeout” offer every six months.
“This provision is inherently unfair to Citizens policyholders in that it limits policyholders’ private market options, which means they may miss an opportunity to move to a better property insurance alternative,” Scott said in the letter.
Scott’s second issue with the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michael Bileca, R-Miami, was a provision that would have allowed policyholders to return to Citizens after being insured by private carriers.
“This perpetuates reliance on Citizens, which increases the potential for burdensome assessments on Florida families,” Scott wrote.
The legislation also would have allowed consumers to retain eligibility for Citizens insurance through its clearinghouse if private insurers increase initial premiums by more than 10 percent within 36 months after policyholders are moved out of Citizens.
Work to reduce the size of Citizens has shrunk the number of policies from 1.5 million in 2012 to 591,883 policies as of April 30.
“We supported the bill in its final form and will continue to work with its sponsors and other stakeholders,” Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said in an email after veto.
The bill also sought to require that Citizens customers be told when one or more private insurers expressed interest in assuming their policies. Also, a policy couldn’t have been removed from Citizens unless the policyholder received information that could be used to compare takeout offers.
The vetoes came as Scott signed 17 other bills into law, including a measure (HB 779) that will require tenants to receive 30 days notice before they can be evicted from a foreclosed homes and a bill (HB 239) that will impose a maximum fine of $10,000 or the amount of the purse, whichever is greater, if prohibited medications are found in a racing horse or greyhound.
Lady Astros 18U Team Take Second In Weekend Tourney
June 3, 2015
The Molino Lady Astros 18U softball team took the runner-up spot in their first softball tournament of the summer last weekend.
On Saturday, the Lady Astros won one and lost won, before winning five straight games on Sunday for a chance to play for the tournament championship. Casey McCrackin, Hannah Brake, Ashley Allen and Kaley Workman each hit a home run.
In the final and championship game Sunday, the Lady Astros lost 2-1 for a second place finish.
“It was a great weekend for the team,” Coach Donnie Nicholson said. “Our pitching, offense and defense were great.”
Pictured: (front, L-R) Kaley Workman, Emily Loring, Savannah Colley, Breana Rogers, (back) Coach Donnie Nicholson, Shelby Willet, Dana Blackmon, Casey Mccrackin, Briana Morgan, Hannah Brake, Gracie Kilcrease , Ashley Allen and and Coach Pat Thomason. Not pictured are Tori Perkins, Laureen Brennan and Samantha Burks. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
More Details Released: Teacher Arrested In Newpoint Cheating Scandal
June 2, 2015
State Attorney Bill Eddins and Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas announced Monday that Christopher David Fowler has been arrested on four misdemeanor charges for violating Florida’s Test Administration and Security Law. Each charge constitutes a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
The charges resulted from a joint investigation by investigators from the Office of the State Attorney and the Escambia County School District regarding Newpoint School Pensacola. Fowler was a teacher at the school and it is alleged that he illegally assisted students during an end of course assessment test. Fowler is scheduled to be arraigned on June 22.
According to the arrest warrant application, a twelfth grade student said that during her Algebra I end of course assessment, Fowler would either whisper answers to students or use their mouse to point out the correct answer on the computer screen. In addition, the student stated that during the Geometry EOC, Fowler provided both equations and answers to her during the test. During her U.S. History EOC, the student stated Fowler provided answers to her during the test. According to the student, when she indicated she was confused with a question, Fowler would state to her “B..(Be) good or B (Be) quiet” or “I can C (see) why you are confused” as a way to provide answers to her.
In one incident, Fowler was not the test administrator, but he came into the room to provide information, the report alleges.
One student stated that during his Algebra I EOC, Fowler provided answers to him. According to the student, Fowler would either give him a hand signal or simply give him the answer to questions that he was struggling to answer. In addition, the student also remembered Fowler stating the class (being tested) could not say anything about him helping or he (Fowler) could go to jail. The student also stated that during his Geometry EOC, Fowler would sit next to students and give answers. In addition, the student stated during his U.S. History EOC, Fowler used his personal cellular telephone to look up and provide answers to the entire group of students taking the test.
Based upon the aforementioned information, the Department of Education conducted a review of the EOC’s administered at Newpoint Pensacola. Consequently, the review identified multiple anomalies which can be correlated by an examinee’s answer string being extremely similar with that of another. This indicates answer copying, test coaching, proxy test taking, or some other form of collusion, the arrest warrant application states.
One April 16, Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas announced a site visit to evaluate the operations and performance of Newpoint. Later that day, Fowler resigned from his teaching position.
Fowler was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
The investigation regarding other allegations concerning Newpoint School is continuing at this time, according to Eddins. Newpoint is a charter school, and Thomas has recommended their charter be terminated.
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Info In Possible Attempted Child Abduction
June 2, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to identify a man that may have been involved in a possible attempted child abduction.
On Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned parent after the driver of a maroon and gray Dodge Caravan called her six-year old over to the van as if to lure him in. When the driver saw the mother, he quickly left the area.
The vehicle was possibly a 2004 model Dodge Caravan, had no license plate and was driven by a bald, heavyset man in his 40’s, the Sheriff’s Office said. The incident occurred in the Bimini Court area, near South Blue Angel Parkway.
Anyone with any information should contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the driver of a similar van in a possible attempted child abduction. This is not the actual vehicle. Photo provided by the ECSO for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Home
June 2, 2015
A fire reportedly sparked by a candle destroyed a single story brick home in Cantonment Tuesday morning.
The fire was reported about 11 a.m. in the 1200 block of Neal Road, with the resident reported that the fire started with a candle in the living room. The fire was declared under control about 11:45 a.m.
The first firefighters on scene reported that the fire was through the roof and had spread throughout the house. All occupants escaped without injuries.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Cantonment, Ensley, Beulah, Molino, McDavid, Brent and Osceola stations of Escambia Rescue responded to the blaze, along with Escambia County EMS.
Pictured: Fire destroyed the interior of this Neal Road home Tuesday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Street Paving Project Underway
June 2, 2015
Work should be complete in the next two weeks, weather permitting, to resurface and patch a dozen streets around Century.
The total cost will be $153,122.69 to contractor Roads, Inc. The project was not be bid; the council piggybacked on an existing Escambia County contract with Roads.
The following streets will be resurfaced or patched as noted:
- Jefferson Avenue – Resurface from curve at Mincey Lane to railroad tracks – $11,467.50
- Jefferson Avenue – Patch near Carver Community Center – $696
- Robert Road — Patch – $319
- Tedder Road – Patch near fire station $1,517
- Pond Street – Resurface from Century Business Center to bridge near sewer plant – $32,817.90
- Pinewood Avenue – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street – $17,701.65
- Mayo Street – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street – $25,437
- Mayo Lane – Resurface from Mayor Street to Jefferson Avenue – $16,367
- Kelly Field Road – Pave gravel road beside railroad tracks – $6,090
- Kelly Field R0ad – Overlay section between ball field and cemetery – $6,595.65
- Kelly Field Road – Resurface from Hecker Road to ballpark gate - $8,201
- Lodge Drive – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street $12,690.70
- Wood Street – Resurface from Lodge Drive to Bradley – $4,746.85
- Hecker Road -Parch near Alger Road – $725
- Renfroe Street – Resurface from Hwy 29 to Ivey Street – $5,650.35
The contract also includes mobilization fee of $2,100.
Special Session: ‘More Realistic’ Tax Cuts Expected
June 2, 2015
Floridians could still get a reduction in their cable-TV and cell-phone bills as part of a new House tax-cut package, but the overall plan likely will fall short of the tax cuts sought by Gov. Rick Scott.
Also, Scott’s call to permanently lift the sales tax on the purchase of college textbooks may be altered, as the House is repackaging a tax-cut package (HB 7141) from the regular legislative session to help develop a budget that lawmakers say will include higher health-care costs.
A $400 million-plus tax cut plan is scheduled to be presented to the House Finance & Tax Committee on Tuesday, the second day of a special legislative session. The proposal is expected to reach the House floor Thursday, said House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island.
During the regular session, the House proposed lopping $690 million in taxes and fees, with a reduction in the communications-services tax on cable-TV and cell-phone bills anticipated to account for $470.9 million of that amount.
The initial tax-cut package was larger than a $673 million plan Scott requested and touted in television ads.
However, as the House and the Senate use the special legislative session to negotiate a budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, a leaner House tax-cut approach is likely.
The changes are expected to shave overall savings from the communications-services tax to a little more than $200 million, said House Finance & Tax Chairman Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach.
“That was the largest portion of the House’s initial proposed tax cut, so it felt the impact most significantly when we had to adjust our budget to accommodate more health-care spending,” Gaetz said.
The Senate for the special session is considering four bills that include features of the House tax-cut package, including a cut in the communications-services tax (SB 4-A).
The initial Senate proposal maintains the higher communications-services tax savings sought by Scott. But the author of the bill, Senate Finance and Tax Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, said Monday that while she had not seen the House proposal or spoken recently with Gaetz, the lowered numbers appear to be “more realistic” in the current budget situation.
“As much as I would like it to be higher, if it’s adjusted somehow I’m sure we would support that,” Hukill said.
The governor’s office didn’t bemoan the potential reduction in the tax cuts.
“We applaud the House’s efforts to cut taxes, and we are reviewing it,” Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz said in an email Monday.
As part of the tax cuts, the House and Senate continue to look at reducing a sales tax on commercial real-estate leases, and Gaetz said the House may be able to make the cut deeper than initially planned.
Meanwhile, Scott’s call to eliminate the sales tax on college textbooks, a move he says would help families with higher-education affordability, may have to be tempered for now.
The House is looking to implement the textbook tax break for several days in August and again in January, the start of the fall and spring semesters.
The failure of the Legislature to craft a budget during the regular session may also have an impact on two sales-tax holidays that the House had proposed.
A sales-tax holiday on back-to-school items might be moved to the middle of August, from the start of the month, which actually would put the discounts on computers, clothes and school items closer to the school year.
And the tax package may go without a sales-tax holiday on weapons, ammo, fishing gear and camping tents for July 4. The House had proposed that holiday in its original package.
“Just the timing of getting that holiday operational presents some feasibility problems, so that’s likely one that won’t make it over the finish line,” Gaetz said.
The House package is expected to maintain an elimination of taxes on gun-club memberships.
House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, called it “good news” when asked about the potential removal of the July 4 sales-tax holiday.
“So there are some benefits of a special session and unconstitutionally departing,” Pafford said. “It’s going to be interesting how it all lines up.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Whataburger Cuts Breakfast Hours Citing ‘National Egg Shortage’
June 2, 2015
Whataburger restaurants have cut breakfast hours due to what the company said is national egg shortage caused by an avian flu outbreak.
As of Monday, all Whataburger restaurants have limited breakfast hours, with all restaurants serving breakfast only from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends while supplies last. Previously, breakfast was available from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.
“We don’t know why other restaurants haven’t been affected by this shortage yet, but it sure has affected us. Our primary egg supplier was one of the hardest hit by this shortage. The change back to our regular breakfast menu and hours will happen gradually as we replenish our supply; we will be sure to keep you informed,” the company said in a press release.
“We’re working closely with our egg suppliers to do everything in our power to replenish the egg supply at all of our restaurants as soon as possible,” the restaurant’s statement read. “It’s important to know this is a supply issue and is not a health safety issue.”
Pictured top: The Whataburger restaurant in Century. Pictured below: A sign on the front door of the Century Whataburger explains the chain’s new breakfast hours. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
