Tate High Students Create Lip Dub Video
March 13, 2015
Students at Tate High School have created a lip dub video, directed by Sarah Baxter and Megan Edgar. The video was produced for the Escambia County School District Lip Dub Film Festival, which was won by Escambia High School.
If you don’t see the video above, it is because YouTube videos are being blocked by your home, work or school firewall.
House Panel Backs Abortion Waiting Period
March 13, 2015
A House panel Thursday plunged into the legislative session’s first abortion debate, approving a measure that would require a 24-hour waiting period before women could terminate pregnancies.
The battle lines were familiar: Republicans and abortion opponents on one side, Democrats and abortion-rights supporters on the other.
In the end, the GOP-dominated Health Quality Subcommittee voted 9-4 to approve the measure (HB 633), filed by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora. Under the bill, a woman seeking an abortion would be required to meet with a physician to get information and then wait at least 24 hours before the procedure could be performed.
Sullivan said the bill would empower “women to make an informed decision versus an unexpected, rushed and pressured one.”
“It gives them the opportunity to have that face-to-face with their doctor 24 hours in advance, to be able to think through that just like any other procedure as common practice,” Sullivan said.
But opponents argued that a 24-hour waiting period is not medically necessary and that such a delay could be hardship on women who live in areas without abortion clinics. Rep. Kristin Jacobs, D-Coconut Creek, said state law does not require similar waiting periods for other procedures, including vasectomies.
“A mandatory delay is not something that should be imposed on a woman, because there are lots and lots of procedures, as we know, that happen every day with doctors and there is not a single instance in Florida law or in this country where someone is required to wait, other than having an abortion,” Jacobs said.
Republican lawmakers in recent years have incrementally increased restrictions on abortions, such as approving a law that requires women to have ultrasounds before they can undergo the procedures.
Sullivan’s bill would need to clear two more committees before it can go to the full House, while an identical bill (SB 724), filed by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, has not received its first committee hearing in the Senate. Also this session, lawmakers could consider bills (SB 920 and HB 147) that would require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals if they perform abortions in Florida.
During Thursday’s debate, groups such as Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union lined up with Democrats in opposing the waiting-period bill, while groups such the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Family Policy Council joined Republicans in supporting it.
“The delay you are considering is not medically necessary and could in fact interfere with a woman’s health, ” said Michelle Richardson, a lobbyist for the ACLU of Florida. “Only a woman and her doctor should make decisions about what is best for her in her unique situation. Requiring two trips to a facility, regardless of a woman’s circumstances, and an override of a medical professional’s judgment places politicians between a woman and her health-care provider.”
But Rep. Julio Gonzalez, a Venice Republican who is an orthopedic surgeon, said the waiting period is medically necessary and pointed to data that he said indicates some women suffer post-traumatic stress disorder after undergoing abortions.
“I do not see this as anything else other than an attempt to protect women from a rushed decision that they may regret for the rest of their lives,” Gonzalez said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Senior Out $1 Million; Bill Seeks To Stop Predatory ‘Cockroaches’
March 13, 2015
Now 93, Ernestine Franks has lived in Escambia County all of her life. She and her late husband, Charles, both worked at the Pensacola Naval Air Station — she was in cost accounting and he was a metalsmith. They saved their money and invested it wisely and put their children through the best schools to ensure they would get the best education. Ernestine and Charles’ life was devoted to their boys and always went the extra mile for them.
Douglas said he and his two brothers agreed to a guardian for Ernestine in 2011 because they lived out of town and her health was becoming more of a concern.
But that guardianship has cost his mother $1,000 per day since June 2012.
“It is over $1 million that my mom has spent,” her son Douglas Franks said. “We’re trying to bring awareness so people know what’s going on and how this is a lucrative cottage industry.”
Franks spoke in favor of a measure Thursday in Tallahassee as a Senate panel on Thursday unanimously approved a bill aimed at protecting Florida seniors from predatory “professional guardians,” described by one lawmaker as “cockroaches.”
The bill (SB 1226), filed by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, would expand the Statewide Public Guardianship Office at the Department of Elder Affairs, with an eye to tightening oversight of people who assume control of a senior citizens’ finances.
A recent series by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune found that while Florida has an efficient system of identifying and caring for fragile elders, “tapping their assets is a growth business.” In 2003, there were 23 registered professional guardians on Florida. Today, the number has grown to more than 440.
“Those little cracks in the law are allowing cockroaches to crawl through and take advantage of people who are elderly,” Detert told the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee. “Let’s face it. The elderly are today’s invisible people, who are not given much credence when they complain.”
The bill would charge the Department of Elder Affairs with certifying, overseeing and —- if necessary — investigating and disciplining professional guardians who abuse their trust. It would also create a registry of professional guardians in each judicial circuit.
Currently, Detert said, the Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for public guardians, who are assigned to indigent seniors, but there is little to stop unscrupulous “professional guardians” from charging exorbitant rates for services they provide and running through their wards’ assets.
“When you are turning somebody’s entire life over to a guardian, they have access to every asset that you have, and your own family is blocked from participating,” Detert said.
Detert said the courts are so overwhelmed with foreclosures and other backlogged cases that they aren’t able to investigate guardianship expenditures that are unreasonably large.
Her proposal comes as several other lawmakers also are offering measures aimed at curbing abusive guardianships.
by Margine Menzel The News Service of Florida with contribution by NorthEscambia.com
Couple Wanted For Sexual Battery On Juveniles Arrested In Colorado
March 13, 2015
After two weeks on the run the suspects wanted in a child sexual abuse case have been arrested.
Douglas Albert Manning, 47, and Leah Giannotti Manning, 40, were taken into custody Thursday in the Indian Springs Campground in Florence, Colorado, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. They were wanted on outstanding Escambia County warrants for sexual battery and child neglect. They are being held at the Fremont County Detention Center in Florence, Colorado, awaiting extradition to Escambia County.
“Many thanks to our media partners and followers on social media for working with us to locate these fugitives,” Sheriff David Morgan said in a statement released on Facebook.
Two Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies were previously arrested in connection with the case.
Senior Deputy Mark Gene Smith was arrested and charged with felony sexual assault and misdemeanor battery. Deputy Walter Michael Thomas, Jr., was arrested and charged with felony sexual assault. Thomas was released from the Escambia County jail on a $150,000 bond, while Smith remains behind bars with bond set at $170,000. Both have been placed on administrative leave without pay by the Sheriff’s Office.
Leah Manning was previously employed in the Escambia County Jail as a nurse.
From June to October of last year, both deputies had sexual relation with juveniles under the age of 18, according to arrest reports. The Mannings were “swingers’, according to authorities, with multiple partners. Investigator are still combing through over 100,000 images and videos found on the Mannings’ computer.
Pictured: Douglas and Leah Manning are taken into custody in Colorado. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NHS Students Win In Century Sawmill Poster Contest
March 13, 2015
The Century Lions Club and Northview High School students partnered to create two winning posters to promote the Century Sawmill Pageant. Sophomore Hadley Woodfin (right) won first place, and senior McKenzie Nasser won second place. Also pictured is their digital design teacher, Christa Mizrahi.
The 24th Annual Sawmill Pageant will be held on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Carver/Century Auditorium. There are 91 young ladies registered for the event. All proceeds benefit Tri-County children who may need assistance in purchasing glasses.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NHS JV Baseball Over WFHS; Jay Softball Downs NHS, Tate Over Milton
March 13, 2015
Northview 4, West Florida 2 (JV)
The Junior Varsity Northview Chiefs defeated West Florida High School 4-2 Thursday in Pensacola. The Chiefs are back in action, weather permitting, today at Freeport. The JV plays at 4:00 followed by the varsity district game at 6:30.
SOFTBALL
Tate 6, Milton 0
Tate 11, Milton 2 (JV)
The Tate Lady Aggies topped Milton 6-0 Thursday. Savannah Rowell was on the mound for seven for Tate, striking out eight while allowing two hits. Lauren Brennon was 2-3 at the plate with a doulbe and RBI. Casey McCrackin was 3-4 with an RBI; Rachel Wright was 2-3; Ashley Barnett was 1-2 and Zaria Anderson was 1-1 for Tate.
The Lady Aggies will travel to Niceville on Friday, JV at 4:00 and varsity at 6:00.
Jay 12, Northview 2
The Jay Royals beat the Northview Chiefs 12-2 Thursday in Jay. Dana Blackmon pitched six for the Royals, allowing two runs and seven hits while striking out five. Michaela Stewart was 3-3 with two runs, two RBI’s, a double and a home run. Also for Jay:: Kolby Bray 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 3B; Harley Tagert 2-3, 1R, 2 RBI; Destiny Herring 2-4, 1 RBI; Avarie Jackson 2-2, 2 R.
Jay (8-3, 4-1) will host Baker at 6 p.m. Friday. Northview is set to host Holmes County with the varsity game at 6:00, following a 4 p.m. JV game.
Pictured: Northview’s JV defeats West Florida High School Thursday afternoon in Pensacola. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House Panel Approves Guns In Schools
March 12, 2015
A measure that would allow school employees and volunteers to carry guns on campus was approved by a House panel Wednesday as lawmakers continue to discuss the meeting place between firearms and education.
The legislation (HB 19) received the backing of the House K-12 Subcommittee on a bipartisan, 10-1 vote. But one lawmaker who supported the bill voiced concern about the measure.
Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, school superintendents could allow designated people to carry weapons on campus. Those people could be current or former law enforcement officers or current or former members of the military. They would have to pass background checks, take school-safety courses and have concealed-weapons licenses.
Republicans highlighted the fact that the ultimate choice on allowing weapons at schools would lie with local officials. Supporters contend that allowing designated people to carry guns on campus could improve school safety.
“It’s completely up to the district and the superintendent whether they want to do it and how they want to implement it in working with their local law enforcement agencies,” Steube said.
“What is a solution in Miami-Dade may not be a solution in Nassau County, and vice versa,” said Rep. Janet Adkins, a Fernandina Beach Republican who chairs the subcommittee.
But Rep. Joe Geller of Aventura, the top Democrat on the committee, said he believed the state should trust law-enforcement agencies to handle school safety.
“I don’t think an ‘American Sniper’ approach is the way to protect our kids,” said Geller, the lone vote against the bill.
At least one Democrat who supported the measure was also reluctant. Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, said he worried that some volunteers who aren’t law-enforcement officers “may not have the temperament, the self-control or the discipline to properly deal with situations” that come up at schools.
Bills to allow guns in public schools have been boosted in the House following the 2012 school massacre in Newtown, Conn., where more than two dozen people died. In 2013, a similar bill passed two committees but failed to get a vote on the floor; last year, legislation resembling Steube’s was approved by the full House.
But the Senate has been more hesitant about the idea. A similar measure never got a hearing 2013 and passed just one of its four committees last year. The Senate companion to Steube’s bill (SB 180) hasn’t been scheduled for a hearing this year.
Meanwhile, proposals that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses have been moving on both sides of the Capitol.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Town Of Century, Health And Hope Clinic Receive Power Of Service Awards
March 12, 2015
Gulf Power recognized four community service organizations — two of which serve the North Escambia area — at its fourth annual Power of Service awards ceremony for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The organizations honored during a reception at the Pace Community Center included the Health and Hope Clinic, with a location in Century; the Town of Century’s GED Scholarship Fund, Men in Action and Santa Rosa Bridges. The recipients received an award and a $2,500 grant from Gulf Power at the ceremony.
Gulf Power started the Power of Service awards in 2012 as a way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and recognizes organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of others.
“When selecting Power of Service recipients we look for organizations that may fly under the radar screen and aren’t as well-known as many others in the community,” said Gulf Power President and CEO Stan Connally. “The recipients this year provide services that are specifically tailored to the needs of our communities, and we want to not only recognize and celebrate this, but help them further enhance their programs.”
The 2015 Power of Service Award recipients were:
Town of Century/GED Scholarship Fund
Thirty-five percent of Century residents do not have their high school diploma or equivalent education. Because of this, Mayor Freddie W. McCall is working to raise funds for a GED Scholarship Fund. Mayor McCall’s goal is to increase the number of Century residents who have a high school equivalent education to ensure its residents are prepared to be an active part of the workforce.
The fund was established through a generous donation from Quint Studer in recognition of Buck Showalter’s successful baseball career and his early upbringing in Century.
Health and Hope Clinic
Health and Hope Clinic was established by the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association to help meet the needs of the uninsured and medically underserved in Escambia County.
With two locations serving Pensacola and Century, Health and Hope Clinic is an entirely volunteer- and donor-driven clinic and relies on the generosity of contributors and volunteers to accomplish their mission of “providing health and hope to the hurting.” The clinic has been one of the only health care providers available to the community since the Century location opened in 2011. With the Pensacola clinic opening in 2003, the two locations have provided more than $15 million in healthcare services and 18,000 patient/provider visits.
Health and Hope Clinic offers a wide variety of services to those in need, including primary medical care, dental services, preventative care, specialty care, prescription assistance, full laboratory services and more.
Santa Rosa Bridges
The mission of Santa Rosa Bridges is to enhance lives in Santa Rosa County by building bridges to prosperity. Established in 2012, the non-profit organization is comprised of citizens representing K-12 public education, post-secondary education, health care, faith-based groups, business, government, criminal justice and service providers.
Men In Action
Men In Action is a non-profit organization providing mentoring and enrichment programs for middle and high school youth in Santa Rosa County and surrounding areas. Their mission is to improve the academic achievement, self-esteem, social competence and avoidance of high-risk behavior in at-risk youth.
Pictured top: Town of Century Mayor Freddie McCall (center) accepts the Power of Service award from Gary Sammons (left), Gulf Power district general manager and Tiffany Bates, district representative to Congressman Jeff Miller. Pictured below: Jessica Simpson (center), executive director of the Health and Hope Clinic, accepts a Power of Service Award. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Killed In Escambia County
March 12, 2015
Escambia County has recorded another pedestrian fatality.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 57-year old James Glenn Braddock of Pensacola was attempting to cross New Warrington Road when he stepped into the northbound lane, directly into the path of a Volvo driven by 24-year Matthew Charles Murray of Easton, PA.
Murray was unable to avoid a collision and struck Braddock with the right front of his vehicle, the FHP said. Braddock was transported to Baptist Hospital by Escambia County EMS where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
No charges have been filed in the crash.
No Injuries In Deputy Involved Crash
March 12, 2015
There were no injuries in a traffic crash involving an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy Wednesday afternoon.
The accident happened about 4:55 p.m. on Pine Forest Road south of Highway 297A. The Florida Highway Patrol said Deputy Caleb Odom, 29, was in marked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chevrolet Tahoe traveling north in the center turn lane on Pine Forest Road as 45-year old Michelle Andrews exited the Publix shopping center in a 2000 Dodge Neon. Northbound traffic on Pine Forest Road was backed up due to a red traffic signal. As Andrews made a left turn in front of the stopped traffic, the left front of the Tahoe collided with the left front of the Neon.
Any charges in the crash are pending, according to the FHP.