Hazy Outlook For Medical Marijuana Legislation In Florida
February 11, 2015
Proposals by two Republican lawmakers to legalize medical marijuana have a slim chance of passing this legislative session, based on the comments of a Senate committee chairman who helps control the fate of that chamber’s measure.
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, created a buzz on Tuesday when he filed a bill that would expand Florida’s limited medical marijuana law, approved last year but yet to be implemented.
Steube’s proposal (HB 683) would allow doctors to order medical marijuana for patients with certain conditions but would not allow the pot to be smoked, a concession to the Florida Sheriffs Association, which came out in opposition to a similar bill (SB 528) released two weeks ago by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg.
Both proposals would allow doctors to order medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with certain conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and Crohn’s disease. But, unlike the Senate plan, Steube’s bill would not give doctors the leeway to order the pot for symptoms such as chronic pain or nausea.
Brandes said he would be willing to consider scaling back his proposal to align with Steube’s non-smokable version. Florida voters in November narrowly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized medical marijuana, including the smokable form.
“I think it (Steube’s proposal) is a great first step. I’m excited that we’re going to have this discussion in the Legislature and not a take-it-or-leave-it offer in the Constitution,” Brandes said.
Even Steube’s narrower version, however, may be on life support before getting an initial hearing in either chamber.
Lawmakers last year legalized cannabis that is low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and high in cannabadiol, or CBD, for patients who suffer from severe spasms or cancer. Under the law, Department of Health officials were supposed to have selected five entities to grow, process and distribute the low-THC substance by Jan. 1.
But, because of a legal challenge, the regulations setting up the framework for the state’s new pot industry are months away from going into effect, and patients may not be able to purchase the product until the fall.
Brandes’ proposal is slated to be considered first by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. But Chairman Rob Bradley, who sponsored last year’s marijuana measure (SB 1030), isn’t a fan of the broader bills now on tap.
“I’m of the school of thought that we need to allow this issue to naturally unfold by making sure that we crawl before we walk and walk before we run,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, told The News Service of Florida on Tuesday. “I want to see 1030 (last year’s measure) get implemented. And then let’s see what works and what doesn’t with regard to the bill that we’ve already passed.”
Bradley said he is especially leery of expanding Florida’s current law because of problems caused by legalization of medical marijuana in states such as Colorado and California.
“It’s much more difficult to scale back than it is to know what works, make sure you get that down and then ease into a system,” he said.
Some lawmakers, however, want the Legislature to pass a bill to thwart a second attempt at a constitutional amendment.
Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan, who spent at least $3 million getting Amendment 2 on the ballot last year, is gearing up to put a similar proposal on the 2016 ballot. Some Republicans fear the medical marijuana initiative would be much more likely to pass in a presidential election, when Democrats — who might be more likely to support the effort — show up in higher numbers than in mid-term elections like last year’s. Amendment 2, which would have legalized medical marijuana, received 58 percent of the vote in November, just shy of the 60 percent required for passage.
“I certainly think that the Legislature should be the ones who address this issue. I’m optimistic that we can negotiate between the House and the Senate and maybe at least allow the members to fully vet the issue and hear from all the stakeholders and kind of go from there,” Steube, R-Sarasota, told The News Service of Florida on Tuesday.
But Bradley, who controls whether the bill will be heard, remained unconvinced that the Legislature should act now.
“While I’m certainly aware of what’s going on with the John Morgan efforts and the constitutional amendments, I don’t think that should dictate our timetables. What should dictate our timetables is what is in the best interest of the people of the state of Florida,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Breaks Ground On Perdido River Boat Ramp
February 11, 2015
Tuesday, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Escambia County officials attended the groundbreaking for the Perdido River Boat Ramp. The new boat ramp is the final project to be completed for Phase I of the state of Florida’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) early restoration projects.
All Phase I projects are located in Escambia County and include boat ramp restorations at Galvez Landing and Navy Point, the brand new Mahogany Mill Boat Ramp and Park, and an 8.1 mile dune restoration project on Pensacola Beach.
“The department is excited to wrap up Phase I of the NRDA projects,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “We look forward to continuing to work with local communities on the other phases of early restoration projects to ensure that damaged resources are restored and recreational opportunities are enhanced.”
In April 2011, BP agreed to provide $1 billion to the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees for early restoration projects. Each trustee, including the state of Florida, is able to access $100 million for early restoration projects that meet the criteria described in the framework agreement. Florida’s $100 million is allocated to Phases I, II, and III of early restoration, but there are also federal dollars available.
“We are happy to be breaking ground on the Perdido River Boat Ramp project and celebrating the finalization of the first phase of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment early restoration funds for Escambia County,” said Escambia County Commissioner Wilson Robertson. “This will be one of the finest boat ramps to access Perdido River and will be a huge benefit to District 1 and Escambia County.”
The Perdido River boat ramp was designed by Pensacola-based Hatch Mott MacDonald and will cost approximately $1.2 million for actual construction, $2.3 million total with land acquisition costs.
Roads, Inc. of Northwest Florida, a Cantonment-based company, will construct the boat ramp. The boat ramp is expected to be completed by fall of 2015 and will be located on the north side of Old Highway 90 on the Perdido River.
Lawmakers Could Send Message: Don’t Feed The Bears
February 11, 2015
Florida lawmakers might increase penalties for people repeatedly caught feeding bears and alligators.
Yet, individuals caught the first time illegally slipping food to certain types of wildlife not in captivity — bears and gators, along with foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and bald eagles — would only get non-criminal tickets, under a proposal starting to move in the House.
The proposal comes as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission considers rules to allow limited hunting of bears, which are attracted to populated areas by unsecured trash.
The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Tuesday agreed to support a bill (PCB ANRS 15-02) that would revamp penalties, including making it a felony for people caught feeding bears and alligators a fourth time.
Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, said the current penalty structure, which imposes a second-degree misdemeanor on first-time violators illegally feeding wildlife, is “really hurting our ability to educate these individuals.”
The proposal is backed by the state agency, which expects a brief uptick in tickets to first-time offenders if the measure becomes law.
Wildlife officials are now “generally hesitant to issue a criminal citation to a first time offender,” according to a House staff analysis of the proposal.
The belief from the Fish and Wildlife agency is that by removing the stricter penalty for first-time offenders, there will be less chance those people will repeat as they learn the rules.
“Once issued a civil penalty, first time offenders should better understand the serious nature of violating the feeding rules,” the analysis said. “Therefore, these individuals will be less likely to incur criminal violations for future violations.”
A second-degree misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Under the proposal backed by Sullivan, first-time violators, regardless of the wildlife illegally fed, would receive a “noncriminal infraction” carrying a $100 fine.
The second-degree misdemeanor charge would kick in for people caught a second time.
Those caught feeding bears and gators a third time would receive a first-degree misdemeanor, while additional violations involving foxes, raccoons, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and bald eagles would remain a second-degree offense.
Rep. Katie Edwards, a Plantation Democrat who is an advocate for sentencing reform, asked Sullivan to revisit the penalties related to possible jail time for people feeding wildlife.
“Encouraging jail time is a bit excessive,” Edwards said. “There are other ways to better deter those folks than jail time.”
A third-degree felony charge involving feeding bears and alligator on fourth and subsequent convictions could carry a fine of up to $5,000 and the chance to spend up to five years in jail.
Currently, a fourth offense of illegally feeding wildlife within a 10-year period is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a minimum fine of $750, the chance for up to a year in jail and a three-year suspension of any recreational license.
Last Wednesday, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed its staff to move forward with plans to address dangerous interactions between humans and black bears.
That includes proposing a draft rule in April that would allow hunting of bears, possibly as soon as this fall.
Thomas Eason, a division director with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, told reporters Thursday that bears are attracted to suburban neighborhoods because of easy access to food.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: A black bear at the Wild Oak Farms Apartments in Cantonment in 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Hazardous Materials Awareness Week Begins Sunday
February 11, 2015
The District 1 Local Emergency Planning Committee, the West Florida Regional Planning Council and local governments are observing Hazardous Materials Awareness Week, February 15-21. This year’s focus is on sheltering in place for chemical emergencies. For information on sheltering facts, visit www.wfrpc.org/programs/shelter-place.
The agencies recognize the importance of protecting communities from both accidental and deliberate releases of hazardous materials, and carry out state and federal duties to publicly promote statewide hazardous materials safety.
“The safe use of hazardous materials is essential to citizens, business, industry, and local governments to maintain economic stability and the public health,” said Kathy Ahlen, regional planner and staff to emergency planning and the LEPC at WFRPC.
District 1 LEPC encompasses Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Bay counties.The LEPC prepares the regional hazardous materials emergency plan, which identifies facilities that use, produce and/or store hazardous substances in northwest Florida. WFRPC maintains public records on hazardous materials and chemicals in the community in compliance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). For more information, call , 800-226-8914, ext. 210.
Free Computer Classes Begin Thursday At Century Branch Library
February 11, 2015
Two free computer classes are scheduled for February at the Century Branch Library:
Introduction to the Internet – Thursday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Participants will learn the basics of exploring the internet, navigation, browsers and internet safety.
Facebook Basics – Thursday, February 26, 6 p.m.
This workshop is designed for beginners who would like to learn how to create a Facebook profile, add and remove friends, upload photos, share posts and more.
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard, at (850) 256-6217.
Narcotics Search Warrants Net Three Arrests In Century
February 10, 2015
Three people were arrested after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and a SWAT team executed two search warrants in Century.
One search warrant was served in the 7000 block of Hadley Lane. Deputies reported finding Henry Brown of Century inside the residence along with 75 grams marijuana, a hydrocodone pill, 6.6 grams of cocaine, about six grams of crack cocaine, 8.7 grams of oxycodone pills, two grams of alprazolam, 10.4 grams of methadone and a digital scale with cocaine residue. Deputies also seized about $1,080 in cash from Brown’s front pocket.
Brown was charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $26,000 bond.
Officers reported finding 47-year old James Lewis Carnley of Cantonment in a detached shed in the backyard of the Hadley Road home with several hypodermic needles on the floor around him that he said he used to inject cocaine. He was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Carnley remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $12,000.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and a SWAT team executed a second search warrant on West Pond Street where they reported finding 28-year old Brian Keith Sanders inside the residence along with over 100 Lortab pills, small bags of marijuana, crack cocaine ad various drug paraphernalia. Inside Sanders’ Monte Carlo outside the residence, deputies reported finding a digital scale with cocaine residue and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. The pistol and vehicle were seized.
Sanders was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (hydrocodone), possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sanders was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $29,500 bond.
Atmore Man Killed In Fiery Crash Near State Line
February 10, 2015
An Atmore man has been identified as the victim in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning that claimed one life.
The accident happened just inside Alabama near the Alabama/Florida on Highway 90 about 2:30 a.m. According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers, Cameron Joseph Turner, 24, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.
His 2015 Mazda left the roadway, struck a signpost and a tree, and overturned into a wooded area. Turner, who was not wearing a seat belt, was reportedly ejected. The vehicle caught fire after the crash.
State troopers are continuing their investigation. The Beulah Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue and the Seminole (AL) Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the crash.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
RadioShack Bankruptcy: Century Losing Franchise; Three Escambia Stores Likely Closing
February 10, 2015
Electronics retailer RadioShack has announced that it is filing bankruptcy and will close 1,500 to 2,400 stores. Three Pensacola RadioShack stores are on the potential closure list, and Century will lose its franchise location.
S & K Communications has operated a RadioShack franchise on North Century Boulevard for about 12 years, according to Shelby Spears, one of the store’s owners. The RadioShack franchise and branding will be gone as after February 28, but it will otherwise be business almost as usual for the underlying S & K Communications company.
“We will no longer have RadioShack,” Spears said. “We will however carry much of same products that we have all along from other vendors. We are still ‘here’.”
Three Pensacola RadioShack locations are are set for possible store closures, according to a list released by the company. Those stores are located at 8936 Pensacola Boulevard in Ensley, 7000 North Davis Highway and the store inside Cordova Mall.
Pictured: S & K Communications in Century will continue to operate without their RadioShack franchise after February 28. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Paving Operations Continue On Highway 4 In Santa Rosa County
February 10, 2015
Westbound traffic on Highway 4 between County Road 87A (Market Road) and the Cold Water Creek Bridge in north Santa Rosa County will continue to encounter alternating daytime lane closures Tuesday through Friday of this week from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews perform construction activities along the roadway. Flagmen will be on site to safely direct traffic through the work zone.
All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit and pay attention to traffic flaggers when driving through work zones, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Lipscomb Elementary Holds Gallery Night
February 10, 2015
The hallways of Lipscomb Elementary School were converted into Escambia County’s newest art gallery for a very special night of the arts Monday.
Each student contributed work inspired by lessons about art from different time periods to art inspired by studying well-known masterpieces. Visitors found a variety of art styles from interpretations of Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” to attempts to recreate VanGogh’s “Starry Night.” Also, there was art inspired by history and flights of fancy, like fire breathing flying dragons.
Also during the Lipscomb Gallery Night, the Ransom Middle School Jazz Band and Opera Society held special performances. Local artists also joined in the night’s events to demonstrate their techniques.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
