Evers Applauds Scott For Prison Reform Order After Legislation Stalls
May 9, 2015
After lawmakers failed to agree on prison reforms this session, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday issued an executive order incorporating some of the provisions in House and Senate bills, including those involving use of force and chemical agents by guards.
Senate Criminal Justice Chairman Greg Evers, who made a series of unannounced visits to several state prisons this year, praised Scott for issuing the order.
“This is very pleasing. It just goes to show that our governor is really paying attention to what goes on in the Legislature,” Evers, who represents the North Escambia area, said.
Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones has already begun to implement some of the items included in Scott’s four-page executive order, which she said emphasizes the importance of the reforms.
“There’s so much skepticism as to whether were going to follow up on things and whether we’ll really do it. It was just to make the point that this is important. I want to implement all of the good stuff the Legislature tried to accomplish this past session. The best way to nail it home was to codify it and make it official. That’s the only reason that we did the executive order,” Jones told The News Service of Florida.
The reforms come amid increased scrutiny of Florida’s prisons in the wake of reports of inmate deaths at the hands of abusive prison guards, cover-ups involving inmate deaths and allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers.
Mirroring a component of a bill unanimously approved by the Senate, Scott’s order requires the department to track use-of-force incidents. Guards or officers who use force on inmates will also have to create “independent” reports of the incidents, sworn under oath, and file them within one day.
Jones said she is already asking prisons to start compiling use-of-force reports.
“Then everything is going into one major spreadsheet in Tallahassee, and that way I can look at officers as they move between facilities to keep track of any and all of their activity. So it’s happening on two different fronts,” she said Friday.
And, as in the Senate proposal (SB 7020), Scott’s order requires each prison to keep track of the use of chemical agents as well as the disposal of expired, used or damaged canisters of gas.
Tracking use-of-force incidents as well as the chemical agents themselves are among the most significant items included in the reforms, Jones said.
“The mere fact that we have eyes on the use of force issues. … We’re going to go ahead and create the extra accountability at the regional level that the House wanted, and we’re doing a deep dive on the chemical agents. That whole audit and that wholesale review of the chemical agents, you’ve heard stories. I’ve heard stories. I think that’s a big piece,” she said.
Like the House plan, Scott’s executive order adds a fourth administrative region to the Department of Corrections and requires regional directors to make at least two surprise visits each quarter to prisons within their areas. The directors will also have to review “statistics and trends” related to use of force, employee discipline, inmate grievances and inmate abuse four times a year.
Scott’s order also requires Jones to “ensure that the department establishes a policy to protect from retaliation those employees who report wrongdoing,” an undertaking Jones and her predecessor, Mike Crews, have struggled to implement in an agency where guards have repeatedly complained about retribution from supervisors or colleagues after exposing abuse or corruption.
The governor’s executive action also requires the agency to investigate and evaluate “the usefulness and dependability of existing safety and security technology,” including new video-monitoring systems, and to contract with safety and security consultants as needed.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 9, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending May 7 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis, with assistance from Officer Ramos, had another busy weekend in the Blackwater State Forest. In addition to several citations issued for possession of alcoholic beverages in posted areas and driving on closed roads, they charged four subjects with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. Another charge for possession of hash oil is pending.
Officer Jones was on patrol on East Bay where he observed a fisherman in a kayak catch a redfish and put it on his stringer. When the fisherman left the fishing site, Officer Jones stopped him for a routine inspection. The fisherman was found to be in possession of three redfish with the bag limit being two fish per day. The man was charged with the violation.
FWC officers aboard the vessel FINCAT patrolled the Gulf of Mexico in both state and federal waters. During these patrols, several state and federal violations were discovered on several different vessels. Warnings were given for no state fishing license and possession of gray triggerfish during the closed season. Federal citations were issued to persons on different vessels in federal waters for being in possession of red snapper, gray triggerfish, gag grouper and failure to land greater amberjack in whole condition.
No report from Escambia County was submitted.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Northview Heads To State After First Ever Regional Win
May 9, 2015
The Northview Chiefs are headed to the Class 1A state baseball championship tournament for the first time ever after an 8-4 win over Bozeman Friday night in Panama City.
The Chiefs (19-2) will face Blountstown (21-8) Wednesday in the state semifinal round at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Blountstown beat Central Friday night 3-1.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Over TN
May 9, 2015
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their first back-to-back games of the season with a, 3-0, victory over the Tennessee Smokies in front of a sellout crowd of 5,038 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The winning run was actually knocked in by starting pitcher Josh Smith—an .086 hitter in his sixth year in the minor leagues. It was his first Double-A RBI when he singled in center fielder Beau Amaral from third in the third inning. Amaral tripled, singled, stole a base and scored two runs in the game.
Smith threw five scoreless innings, retiring the first 11 batters before allowing a sharp single up the middle to Tennessee right fielder Bijan Rademacher. Smith allowed two hits and struck out five to earn the victory and improve to 3-1 on the season with a 2.16 ERA.
“When I was here before I didn’t do much extra work in the cage,” Smith said. “But in the big leagues, I noticed the guys would go hit 3, 4, 5 times a week. I don’t want to come out in the fourth, fifth or sixth innings. I want to be able to help the team any way I can.”
Pensacola Manager Pat Kelly said the Blue Wahoos fans deserved to see an entertaining baseball game Friday night.
“That’s a great crowd that comes and supports us every night,” Kelly said. “It was nice to give them a good game to watch. We want them to keep coming back.”
First baseman Ray Chang had one single in his three plate appearances and scored the other run for the Blue Wahoos. The hit extended his hitting streak to six games. He’s hitting .500 (8-16) and scored four runs total in those games.
Chang credited hitting coach Alex Pelaez and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin for helping tweak his swing this week, giving him more power. He tripled off the glove of Tennessee right fielder Bijan Rademacher’s glove but the three-bagger was ruled an error, instead of a hit.
Larkin is in Pensacola in his new role as the Reds roving minor league infield instructor.
“I’ve been working real hard with Al and Barry on my swing,” Chang said. “To be honest with you we had a team meeting before (Thursday’s) game and he was not bashing on us, just making comments on what he saw. He talked about his approach to the game and what he sees in our styles.”
Kelly said he would like to keep Larkin around to continue helping the Blue Wahoos, who entered Friday’s game with the Smokies batting a Southern League worst .224 batting average.
“He’s been outstanding working with the hitters and doing stuff with the infielders,” Kelly said. “He’s had a great impact on the players. I wish we could keep him all year.”
Escambia Wants More Volunteer Firefighters Rather Than Raising Taxes, Using Reserve Funds
May 8, 2015
Escambia County is making changes related to volunteer firefighters, hoping to streamline the process of recruiting more volunteers rather than raising taxes or dipping into financial reserves to hire a large number of career firefighters.
The Escambia County Commission has approved the use of reserve funds to hire nine firefighters and three lieutenants to staff the Ferry Pass Fire Station. Thursday, they discussed the possibility of using reserve funds or raising taxes to continue those positions next year, and possibly staff the West Pensacola station with paid firefighters.
The commission decided late Thursday night to continue their discussions before raising taxes or dipping into reserves. Regardless, they want to see the volunteer ranks bolstered.
County Administrator Jack Brown is in the process of implementing several fire services changes related to volunteers.
Potential volunteers will be able to fill out and submit an simplified application at their local fire station or online. They will then interview with a district chief at their local state. A background check will be conducted, and the applicant will take a physical agility test that will not have to be passed on the first. Upon the completion of the background check, the applicant will be scheduled for a medical physical. The goal is to complete the steps in 30 days, rather than the months it can currently take.
A significant portion of training classes will be moved online, allowing volunteer recruits to complete modules on their schedule rather than attending required classes. Firefighter One training classes and modules will be designed to have a break during the schedule to allow for family time so it’s not five straight months of classes. If an individual misses a reasonable amount of time due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, the department will work with them to try to make up the material.
Volunteers without Firefighter One certification may support the overall operation as long are within the “safe zone” and are only performing duties they have been “trained commensurate to duty” — meaning they must have document training in the special task or a combination of skills to accomplish the assigned task.
Stipends paid to volunteers will remain in place, based upon events rather than hours. Volunteers, due to IRS regulations, are no longer to spend time at their station on a “duty crew” for credit toward their stipend, but the credit can be made up by special details.
The county also plans to hire a volunteer coordinator, a position that was already budgeted. The volunteer coordinator will be recommended by the Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, approved by the county administrator and will receive a stipend. The volunteer coordinator will provide input, concerns and issues from volunteers. The volunteers, through the volunteer coordinator, will present a draft recruitment plan to the county administrator and commanding officers.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
School For Learning Disabled May Expand To Century
May 8, 2015
There could be a new school in Century’s future, and area residents had the opportunity to learn more about it during a free lunch on Saturday.
East Hill Academy operates schools for children with learning disabilities in Pensacola and Milton. They have entered the Century Business Challenge, which will provide $25,000 in startup cash and a location, in hope of opening a similar academy in Century to serve the North Escambia area.
East Hill Academy is a private non-profit organization providing educational services to children (grades 1-12) with Autism and other related disorders. The school seeks to help students succeed when otherwise their learning disabilities make it impractical to place them in a regular school setting. East Hill currently serves about 60 students.
“The teaching philosophy of EHA is based on the belief that education should be designed to encourage each student’s unique potential and character. The learning experience should be structured, supportive and participatory. The school environment should be a dynamic and nurturing place of learning, where respect is a part of the educational process,” according to the school’s website.
The meeting concerning the possible “Century Academy School” was held Saturday.
Pictured: East Hill Academy on Garden Street in Pensacola. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
More Residential Policies Moving Away From Citizens Insurance
May 8, 2015
Another 30,050 policies have been approved to move to the private insurance industry from the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The state Office of Insurance Regulation on Thursday announced a round of private-insurer “takeouts” going to two companies — Heritage Property & Casualty and Southern Oak.
Heritage, which has grown to the state’s fourth-largest insurance company, is in line to receive up to 20,000 personal residential policies and 50 commercial residential policies. Southern Oak can pick up 10,000 personal residential policies.
The “takeouts” are scheduled to occur July 14 for the 50 commercial residential policies and July 21 for the personal residential lines.
Based upon prior takeouts, not all the targeted policies will change hands. Policyholders are allowed to reject takeout offers. Of the 632,286 policies that have been approved this year for “takeout,” 110,529 have moved from Citizens to private insurers.
Citizens reported that it had 595,671 policies as of Feb. 28, a vast decline from a high of 1.5 million policies in 2012.
by The News Service of Florida
Tate Aggies Win Class 7A State Championship
May 8, 2015
The Tate High School Lady Aggies beat Sarasota 8-1 Thursday afternoon in Vero Beach to claim the FHSAA Class 7A state championship.
Tori Perkins slammed an infield homer in the top of the seventh to help seal the win, brining home Casey McCrakin and Rachel Wright.
Perkins pitched the win for the Aggies, allowing five hits, one run and striking out five. Tate hitters were Casey McCrackin 2-3, BB, 3R; Rachel Wright 2-4, 2R; Tori Perkins 3-4, 6 RBI, R; Lauren Brennan 2-4, R, RBI; Hayden Lindsay 1-2; Samantha Burks R, 2 BB.
Pictured: The Class 7A state champion Tate Aggies. Photos by Mike Brennan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lawmakers Could Hold Off On Gambling Bill
May 8, 2015
With a high-stakes gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe set to expire in July, lawmakers may not have to hold a special session to keep it from falling apart, according to a prominent senator who was instrumental in crafting the agreement, called a compact, five years ago.
Any deal between the state and the tribe requires the Legislature’s authorization, but it’s possible that Gov. Rick Scott could sign a new agreement and lawmakers could ratify it as late as January when they return for the 2016 regular session, Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano said.
A provision in the 2010 compact that gives the Seminoles exclusive rights to operate banked card games, such as blackjack, at five of its seven casinos expires July 31 unless the state renews it or inks a new plan.
The compact also gives the tribe 90 days after the expiration date to shut down the card games, but the Seminoles have raised questions about whether they are required to stop the lucrative games in the absence of a new agreement.
It was believed that the Legislature, which failed to endorse a new compact with the tribe after negotiations stalled during the regular session that ended last week, would have to authorize a new deal before the 90-day period runs out for the agreement to be in effect. But Galvano believes otherwise.
“(Scott) could modify the existing agreement to expand the banked card games unilaterally, subject to ratification by the Legislature,” Galvano, R-Bradenton, told The News Service of Florida.
The 90-day provision was included when the original compact was crafted in anticipation of the failure to reach a new agreement before the expiration date, Galvano said.
The Seminoles rejected an effort by Senate Regulated Industries Chairman Rob Bradley to extend the current compact for another year to give both sides more time to work out their differences.
House Majority Leader Dana Young, who is coordinating with Bradley in discussions with the tribe, said she was unaware of whether a compact could go into effect without the Legislature’s approval.
“I haven’t gotten into the weeds on that issue because I’ve just been involved in having conversations with representatives of the tribe. I’ve been looking at the substantive aspects of what could be included in a new compact,” Young, R-Tampa, said. Galvano is more focused on “procedural issues,” Young said.
None of the three lawmakers expect the compact to be part of a special session on the budget scheduled to begin June 1.
“It would be nice if we could say we could do it. I would say it’s not realistic, but stranger things have happened,” Young said.
After the regular session’s abrupt end last week, Seminole leaders sent a letter to Scott, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner requesting negotiations on the compact although the tribe had been engaged in informal talks with Bradley and Young off-and-on this spring.
“I consider the letter to be a non-event,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said recently.
Like the original compact, whatever agreement is struck between the tribe and the state will almost certainly include, at a minimum, elements dealing with pari-mutuel facilities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Any changes to pari-mutuel laws — such as tax rates or additional games for South Florida “racinos” that have slot machines — would be dealt with in a separate gambling bill, as they were in 2010, Galvano said.
“History has shown us that you’re going to have to address other aspects of the industry beyond the compact between the state and the Seminole tribe in order to even modify the relationship with the tribe,” he said.
Passage of any effort to renew or expand the tribe’s card games — which reaped the state about $132 million last year — by the historically gambling-averse House could hinge on support from Democrats, many of whom represent South Florida districts that include pari-mutuel facilities.
From a negotiating standpoint, the state could gain the upper hand by allowing the compact to run out.
“It’s easy to say let it expire and let’s renegotiate a new deal. But that means at some point in time it has to happen. And all people keep doing is moving the goal post. Now we’re hearing the goalpost is really January. It’s not July. It’s not October. It’s now January. The goal line continues to be moved,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Coral Springs lawyer who is the House Democrats’ point man on gambling. “At some point in time it’s going to be apparent to everybody that we’re either going to have to do something or that there is no will in the Legislature to do it.”
Striking a balance between the tribe and the pari-mutuels that can get the Legislature’s stamp of approval is a “three-dimensional game of chess,” Galvano said.
“There has to be things of interest to other industry participants in order to get everyone’s buy-in. That doesn’t meant that everyone gets what they want completely. They didn’t the last time. But it is an opportunity to look at the industry as a whole,” he said. “I call it ‘the Mary Poppins rule.’ Sometimes it takes a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down.”
Letting the clock run out on the card portion of the compact could help both sides reach consensus, Bradley said.
“There’s nothing like a deadline to motivate people to action,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Atmore Marks National Day Of Prayer
May 8, 2015
Atmore marked the National Day of Prayer Thursday with several events, drawing the faithful and pastors from Alabama and Florida. A prayer walk was held at Atmore City Hall, followed by prayer at the Veterans Memorial. A community prayer service was held Thursday afternoon in the Cornell Torrence Gym at Escambia County High School.
For an earlier story about the National Day of Prayer service in Molino, click here.
Pictured top and below: National Day of Prayer services at Escambia County High School and Atmore’s Veterans Memorial. Pictured inset: Walnut Hill Baptist Church Pastor Ted Bridges. Photos by Marcella Wilson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
