FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 3, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending December 31 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he checked a man and woman fishing. As he inquired about their success, he observed the woman go to the car and place something into her shirt. When he asked about the contents of the car, the subjects admitted that there was marijuana in the car. The woman handed over a bag of cannabis and was issued a notice to appear for possession of not more than 20 grams of cannabis.
Officer Livesay was working night hunting this week due to the high number of complaints from local landowners. From a concealed location, Officer Livesay observed an occupant of a vehicle shine a light into a nearby farm field. This area is known for a large deer population. Officer Livesay stopped the vehicle, identified two occupants and discovered they had a loaded rifle between them in the front seat. Officer Livesay seized the gun and light and issued both individuals a notice to appear citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson and Lieutenant Hahr were patrolling near the Escambia River WMA when they observed a car parked near a hunting club gate. When they pulled up to the car, they realized that a woman had hidden from them as they went by. They stopped to investigate and were told by the woman that she had just stopped to text her son. Drug paraphernalia was observed in the console, a glass pipe with a piece of crack cocaine ready for smoking was discovered on the floorboard. More crack and paraphernalia was found under the seat. The woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
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.
Florida House To Get Taste Of Budget In Return To Capitol
January 3, 2015
House members will hold three days of committee meetings when they return to Tallahassee the week of January 5, including getting briefed on budget issues
The Appropriations Committee will meet January 7 and receive a presentation by economist Amy Baker on the state’s long-range financial outlook, which helps provide a backdrop for budget decisions.
Meanwhile, appropriations subcommittees will hold a series of meetings and receive presentations about the “base” budgets in their areas of focus, such as health and human services and education.
House panels will meet January 6 to January 8, though a handful of representatives also will take part January 5 in a Joint Legislative Auditing Committee meeting. The House and Senate also are expected to hold committee meetings the week of January 20 as they prepare for the annual session, which starts in March.
Taxwatch: Florida Bowl Games A Big Win For Florida’s Economy
January 3, 2015
College football playoffs and postseason games were expected to bring additional revenue to state and local economies, according to the latest Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute. Florida was host to eight of the 38 college football postseason games, which is more than any other state.
“For 80 uninterrupted years, Florida has welcomed fans across the nation to the Sunshine State for postseason bowl games, including Championship Games,” said Dominic M. Calabro. “Bowl games give Florida an incredible opportunity to show off our vibrant communities and impeccable attractions and resources.”
Bowl games benefit Florida’s economy best when they host out-of-state teams, since fans travel to stay in Florida hotels and are encouraged to spend time at Florida’s theme parks, beaches and other attractions. In this year’s postseason bowl games, Florida hosted 15 out-of-state schools and their fans. The only Florida school to participate in a Sunshine State bowl game was the University of Central Florida.
Benefits of postseason bowl games include additional tax revenue, more money circulating through local and regional economies, and national exposure for host cities. Florida industries expected to benefit most from Florida’s bowl games are accommodations and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; and retail trade.
“Florida residents should be excited to welcome this year’s out-of-state postseason bowl game fans,” added Calabro. “When fans come to watch their teams play, they also pay, which enables Florida taxpayers to continue experiencing low tax rates.”
2014 In Photos: August
January 3, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
The annual back to school Prayer Walk was held at Molino Park Elementary School. Students and adults from Highland Baptist Church prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming school year.
Work began in August on a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
A Farm Share food distribution for the needy was held in Century.
Two people were arrested after a 56-mile police chase from Santa Rosa County to just outside Atmore.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee’s annual Back to School Bash was. The event included free school supplies and a hot lunch at Carver Park.
The driver of a SUV was not injured when she slammed into a cow on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill.
A free “Day of Hope” provided free school supplies, food and an encouraging word in Molino.
A new Walmart officially opened in Atmore.
Georgia Pacific announced an investment of more than $375 million into an energy improvement project at the company’s mill in Brewton, AL.
A “topping out” was held at the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
A community “glow run” at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free school supplies were available in Century for 300 children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
After a summer of hard work, the Tate High School Showband of the South held a Preview Night at Pete Gindl Stadium for parents and friends.
CrossFaith Church in Molino presented “cardboard testimonies” at a Highway 29 intersection in Cantonment.
Ernest Ward Middle School took on the Jay Royals.
The Northview High School dance team performs.
The Northview Chiefs held a scrimmage game.
The Jay Royals lost to Flomaton.
The Tate Aggies beat West Florida.
A late August sunset.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Motorcyclist Collides With Log Truck
January 2, 2015
An Alabama man was seriously injured early Friday morning when he drove he motorcycle in the back of a log truck in Cantonment.
Ladon Cauley, age 48 of Opp, was traveling south on his Suzuki motorcycle on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road and failed to see the log truck in front of him. He collided with logs overhanging from truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cauley was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The log truck driver was unaware that a crash had occurred and continued south on Highway 29, the FHP said. There were no charges filed in the crash.
Cantonment Stabbing Under Investigation
January 2, 2015
An altercation Thursday night in Cantonment ended with one man stabbed in the abdomen and another with less serious injuries.
A 37-year old man suffering from a stab wound was transported to an area hospital by ambulance as a “trauma alert” following the incident at a mobile home in the 300 block of Crowndale Road shortly before 10 p.m. Another man in his 50’s was reportedly hit in the head with a pipe but refused medical treatment.
Details concerning the incident have not yet been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: Fire and EMS units arrive at a mobile home on Crowndale Road where one person was stabbed Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Escambia Shooting
January 2, 2015
[Updated] One person has been charged in connection with an early Thursday morning shooting in Escambia County.
A woman was reportedly shot in the chest and transported to an area hospital.
Michael Jerome Gratton, a 31-year old listed as being a transient, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm, firing a weapon in public and attempted first degree murder. The woman’s condition and further details concerning the shooting and arrest have not been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
He’s also charged with a shooting that injured two men last May.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at just over $1 million.
Judge Clears Way For Same Sex Marriages
January 2, 2015
Pointing to his earlier “explicit ruling that Florida’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional,” a federal judge Thursday issued an order that likely clears the way for gay marriages to start across the state.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle’s order came amid a legal debate about the scope of his August ruling, which struck down a gay-marriage ban approved by Florida voters in 2008. A stay on the August ruling expires at the end of the day Monday, allowing same-sex marriages to start Tuesday.
The legal debate during the past two weeks centered on whether Hinkle’s original ruling, which involved a preliminary injunction against the ban, applied only to issuing a marriage license to two Washington County men who are plaintiffs in the case — or whether it required court clerks across the state to start issuing licenses.
In his order Thursday, Hinkle wrote that his broad ruling about the unconstitutionality of the ban requires the Washington County clerk to issue licenses to other same-sex couples.
“The preliminary injunction now in effect … does not require the clerk to issue licenses to other applicants. But as set out in the order that announced issuance of the preliminary injunction, the Constitution requires the clerk to issue such licenses,” Hinkle wrote. “As in any other instance involving parties not now before the court, the clerk’s obligation to follow the law arises from sources other than the preliminary injunction.”
Hinkle made clear that other clerks can also issue marriage licenses to gay couples —- and warned that clerks who don’t issue licenses face the possibility of getting brought into the case.
“Reasonable people can debate whether the ruling in this case was correct and who it binds,” Hinkle wrote. “There should be no debate, however, on the question whether a clerk of court may follow the ruling, even for marriage-license applicants who are not parties to this case. And a clerk who chooses not to follow the ruling should take note: the governing statutes and rules of procedure allow individuals to intervene as plaintiffs in pending actions, allow certification of plaintiff and defendant classes, allow issuance of successive preliminary injunctions, and allow successful plaintiffs to recover costs and attorney’s fees.”
The four-page ruling drew different interpretations after being released on New Year’s Day.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose office has defended the ban, issued a statement that said Hinkle’s ruling does not require clerks to issue licenses to same-sex couples other than the plaintiffs in the case — but that it allows clerks to do so. As a result, Bondi said she would not seek to block clerks from issuing licenses.
“This office has sought to minimize confusion and uncertainty, and we are glad the court has provided additional guidance,” Bondi said. “My office will not stand in the way as clerks of court determine how to proceed.”
Equality Florida, a group that has helped lead the fight against the ban, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said Hinkle’s order should lead to clerks throughout the state issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“Today’s ruling confirms that all Florida officials, including county clerks, must comply with the federal Constitution and must therefore treat same-sex couples equally under the law by issuing marriage licenses to qualified same-sex couples and by treating their marriages equally in all respects,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
But John Stemberger, president of Florida Family Action, Inc., which spearheaded efforts to pass the gay-marriage ban, said on Twitter that Hinkle’s order is “being widely misinterpreted” and does not have such a broad effect.
“Judge Hinkle has no jurisdiction outside the Northern District of Florida to bind any clerk outside of North Florida,” Stemberger, who is an attorney, tweeted. “Clerks outside of North Florida are required to obey current law (banning same-sex marriage) & are still subject to all the penalties for violating it.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida issued a statement saying, in part, it is prepared to go to court on behalf of any gay couples who do not receive marriage licenses.
“We expect all clerks to respect the ruling,” said Daniel Tilley, an attorney for the ACLU, which has played a key role in challenging the ban. “But if not, we are committed to ensuring marriage equality in all 67 counties in Florida and we would like to hear from any couples that are wrongfully denied a license after the stay expires.”
The legal debate about the scope of Hinkle’s August ruling came after the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers issued a memo in December that said the ruling only applied to issuing a marriage license to the Washington County men who are named plaintiffs in the case. The memo also warned clerks that they could face prosecution if they issued marriage licenses to other gay couples.
The ACLU and other supporters of same-sex marriage vehemently disputed the conclusions in the memo. Ultimately, an attorney for Lora Bell, the Washington County clerk, asked Hinkle for clarification — leading to Thursday’s order.
2014 In Photos: July
January 2, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from July.
The Blue Angels were back for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show.
A stolen car was torched in a Century ballpark.
Nothing says July like a fresh Walnut Hill watermelon.
Northview High School graduate Casey B. Wilcoxon was among a group of soldiers deployed from Fort Bragg to Afghanistan.
Fourth fireworks at Showalter Park in Century.
Firefighters battled a barn and hay fire for hours in Molino.
Scenic Highway reopened in July after being washed away during the April floods.
A rainbow frames the Cantonment Fire Rescue Station.
Gov. Rick Scott visited Escambia County to talk about jobs.
The employees at Cantonment Pharmacy gathered one last time before the business was sold to Winn Dixie.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt held a very special “Freedom Sunday” and burned the mortgage on their family life center.
The 2014-2015 Ernest Ward Middle School Cheerleaders attended a three-day Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at the school.
A shelf cloud moves over Pensacola Beach.
The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders attended a two-night stunt camp at Florida State University.
The Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department held a joint training with the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
The old Ransom Middle School on Muscogee Road was demolished to make way for a school bus compound.
Afternoon storms roll across Corley Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Florida Lawmakers Look At 5-Year Plan For Land, Water, Money
January 2, 2015
Florida lawmakers might lay out future water and land preservation efforts in a 5-year plan updated annually, similar to how transportation projects are prioritized.
The proposal will go before lawmakers during committee weeks leading up to the 2015 legislative session, which starts in March.
Since voters approved the “Florida Water and Land Legacy” constitutional amendment in November, lawmakers have heard from a growing number of interests about how the money — by some estimates $10 billion over 20 years — should be carved up.
Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, told reporters this month he supports creating a 5-year plan for the long-term water and land conservation projects.
“It allows local communities to plan,” he said. “It gives you some flexibility that if there is some land that needs to be acquired, you could do it in a partnership. Because everybody knows what that 5-year plan is.”
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican who has joined Gardiner in saying that water conservation and protection will be a priority during the next two legislative sessions, was more ambivalent when asked about a 5-year plan.
“The idea of a multi-year financial plan, similar to the Department of Transportation’s 5-year work program, is something that we have spoken of for some time now and is not a new concept,” Crisafulli said last week. “I believe it is an approach that we will vet through the committee process as we approach the upcoming session.”
The voter-approved constitutional amendment requires 33 percent of the revenue from a tax on real-estate transactions to go to land and water projects for the next two decades.
Supporters of the amendment say it will generate about $10 billion over 20 years, while the state appears to project higher numbers. A state analysis estimates the total would be $648 million during the fiscal year starting in July 2015 and eventually would grow to $1.268 billion by the 20th year.
Since the amendment was approved, concerns have been expressed about issues such as how lawmakers will define land-preservation or water-conservation projects, how the state will determine which of its “impaired” water bodies is most critical and how to approach the reduction of stormwater runoff and agriculture fertilizer use.
Eric Draper, state director of Audubon Florida, backed the idea of a 5-year plan.
“Instead of everybody in Florida hiring a lobbyist in Tallahassee and competing for money from the Legislature, you have a list of criteria and on an annual basis fund the most important things,” Draper said.
The concept of the constitutional amendment was spawned as funding diminished for the Florida Forever program.
Florida Forever, which uses bonds backed with revenue from the documentary-stamp real-estate taxes, authorizes lawmakers to spend up to $300 million a year for preservation. But as the economy went sour during the recent recession, so do did funding for Florida Forever.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida