Evers Files Senate Bill That Would Allow Guns On College Campuses
December 12, 2014
Sen Greg Evers R-Baker proposed a measure Thursday that would allow people to carry concealed weapons on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Evers represents Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and portion of northern Okaloosa County.
The proposal filed by Evers in identical to the bill filed in the House by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota.
It comes after an incident last month at Florida State University in which a gunman shot three people at the campus library before he was killed by police. The bills will be considered during the 2015 legislative session.
Steube said he already planned to sponsor the measure before a shooting incident last month at Florida State University — but that the attack, which left three people injured and the gunman dead, helps to make his point.
“I think it (the attack) brings it closer to home for people who think these events don’t occur in Florida, or that law enforcement can prevent them from happening,” Steube said.
He said that although Tallahassee and university police officers reached Florida State’s Strozier Library less than five minutes after the shooting, more people could have died in that time.
In the wake of last month’s shooting, a group called Students for Concealed Carry at FSU called for Thrasher to reconsider his stance on allowing guns on campus. The group also said Nathan Scott, a Strozier Library staffer who was shot in the leg, was one of its members. Erek Culbreath, the group’s president, argued that Scott and another man, a U.S. Army Infantry combat veteran who “had a clear shot at the shooter,” had the training and skills necessary to end the shooting but were powerless to do so under current law.
“We have seen that the current “Gun-Free Zone” policies have done nothing to curb violence, both in our state and nationwide,” Culbreath wrote in a Nov. 24 news release. “As criminals don’t abide by these policies, they only serve to prevent victims from having the ability to defend themselves and their peers.”
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer said Steube’s bill didn’t originate with the NRA, but she supports it on the grounds that law-abiding citizens who are licensed to carry concealed weapons shouldn’t be prevented from carrying firearms in places where they may be in danger.
“The Constitution gives you the right of self-defense,” Hammer said. “Those rights are being usurped, and people are not getting the opportunity they are guaranteed.”
But House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, said the answer to gun violence isn’t more guns. He also said he’d be more inclined to support the cost of additional security rather than allowing more guns at state universities and colleges.
Escambia Man Gets 20 Years For Shooting Into Three Homes
December 12, 2014
An Escambia County man is headed to prison under the 10-20-Life law for shooting into three homes two years ago.
Jeffrey Shoemo was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years after being convicted by an Escambia County jury of three counts of shooting at, into or within a building, one count discharging a firearm from a vehicle, one count of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharge, two counts of improper exhibition of a firearm and three counts of criminal mischief.
On December 11, 2012, the defendant drove from his home in Texas to Escambia County and shot his firearm at three residences of his family members. The defendant raised the insanity defense but it was rejected by the jury.
Ernest Ward Middle Splits Basketball Games With Pollard-McCall
December 12, 2014
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles split games with the Pollard-Mcall Junior High School Wolves Thursday night in Pollard to end their season.
The Ernest Ward boys defeated Pollard-McCall 45-34, while the Wolves downed the Eagles girls 26-18.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Chamber Holds Christmas Open House Event
December 12, 2014
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Thursday afternoon. Chamber members, prospective members and area residents had the opportunity to network and learn more about what the Century Chamber offers, all while enjoying light refreshments.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Wins Again; Jay Drops Game At Freeport; Northview Beat Baker
December 12, 2014
Tate 69, Milton 53
The Tate High School Aggies beat Milton Thursday night 69-53 at Milton. Zachary Phalen led the Aggies with 24 points, while Jack Henry added 10. Justin Baker, Reggie Payne and Daniel Cafarella contributed nine each. Also scoring for the Aggies were Cortez Jackson and Quintin McGhee with three, and Michael Roberts with two.
With the win, the Aggies improved to 7-1, while Milton fell to 0-9.
The Aggies will host Crestview Friday night, with the JV playing at 5:30 and the varsity tip off set for 7 p.m.
Northview 59, Baker 51
Northview 35, Baker 12 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs beat the Baker Gators Thursday night in Bratt. The Chiefs varsity team downed Baker 59-51, and the junior varsity Chiefs beat Baker 35-12. Northview will host T.R. Miller on Monday.
Freeport 53, Jay 39
The Jay Royals lost Thursday on the road at Freeport, 53-39. For the Royals Eric Trevino scored 15, Thomas Fischer had 10, Taylor Kelly contributed eight, Victor Mishoe six, Justice Garcia two, and Austin Sapp one.
The Jay Royals varsity will be at Northview on Monday at 7 p.m.
Three Dead Due To Improperly Used Propane Heater
December 11, 2014
Three people are dead due apparently due to an improperly used propane heater at a Pensacola home Thursday morning.
Police were dispatched to 1217 North Sixth Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. after 29-year Jimmy Sunday was awakened by fumes inside the house and called for help.
A propane tank with a portable heater affixed to the top (similar to the pictured example) was being used inside to heat the house, said Pensacola Police Department Sgt. Kevin Christman.
The victims were identified as 52-year old Bridget Sunday; her boyfriend, 54-year Clarence Nettles; and her grandson, four-year old Tony D. Taylor, Jr.
Jaylen Sunday, age nine, was also inside the house and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he remained in critical condition. Bridget Sunday was was the mother of Jaylen Sunday and Jimmie Sunday.
“We are saddened to report this tragedy and even more saddened that families would suffer this unthinkable tragedy 14 days before Christmas,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “Any deaths are tragic, but especially those that could be avoided.”
Autopsies have been done but the reports are not yet available and could take several weeks or more to complete. Christman also said the autopsies did not indicate any signs
of foul play.
Nativity Scene Removed From Jay Town Hall After Lawyer Claims It’s Illegal
December 11, 2014
For the first time in nearly 40 years, there’s no longer a Nativity scene on display this Christmas at the Jay City Hall after an attorney for a Wisconsin group that represents agnostics and atheists sent a letter to the town claiming that a nativity display on public property is illegal.
“It is our understanding that the town of Jay owns and erects a nativity in front of Jay City Hall. We understand that the nativity is the lone holiday display,”Andrew Seidel, a staff attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, wrote in a letter to Jay Mayor Kurvin Qualls last week.
“It is unlawful for the town to maintain, erect, or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for, and endorsing one religion. The Supreme Court has ruled it is impermissible to place a nativity scene as the sole focus of a display on government property,” Seidel’s letter continued. He said his letter was in response to a complaint his foundation received from a Jay resident.
“Putting up a nativity scene, especially at Jay City Hall, tells nonbelievers and non-Christians that they are outsiders in their community, that they are excluded…Once the town enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship,” Siedel wrote.
According to Jay Clerk Linda Carden, the town’s attorney advised against fighting the group in court due to legal costs that could easily top $100,000. Instead, Carden said, the town council declared the Nativity scene as surplus property.
The Nativity was then acquired by the Santa Rosa County Ministerial Association, which has now placed it on display at the corner of Commerce Street and Highway 4 — at the Jay’s main stoplight.
“More people probably will see it there,” Carden said.
(Scroll down for remainder of article below photo)
In 2012, the Freedom From Religion Foundation targeted a Nativity display at the Century Town Hall, with Seidel writing a letter that claimed a display consisting solely of a Nativity scene, “depicting the mythical birth of the Christian god [sic]“, endorses a single religion and is thus illegal according to the Supreme Court.
“There are ample private and church grounds were religious displays may be freely placed,” Seidel wrote in 2012 to the Town of Century. “Once the council enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship.”
Century declared their Nativity scene as surplus property, selling it to the highest bidder. The sale was not a response to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s assertions, but was due solely to the aging condition of the manger scene set making it unsuitable for public display, town officials said at the time.
Century’s Nativity display was purchased by the Faith Bible Baptist Church. It was erected and lit by church volunteers in front of an abandoned building directly across Highway 29 from the Century Town Hall. The use of the property was donated by owner Don Grant of Century Marine. Electricity for the display was donated by the neighboring Abundant Life Assembly of God, while Tabernacle Baptist Church donated the wiring necessary to light the display.
Pictured top: A photo showing a Nativity display at the Jay Town Hall sent by an unnamed Jay resident to the Freedom From Religion Foundation prompting the group’s complaint. Pictured top inset and middle photo: The Nativity scene was acquired by a ministerial association and moved (Photos by Michele Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com). Pictured bottom inset: A Nativity display now across the highway from the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Additional Details Released About $25,000 Century Business Challenge
December 11, 2014
A few additional details were released Wednesday on the upcoming $25,000 Century Business Challenge from Quint and Rishy Studer in which a winning business plan developer will be provided the cash and guidance needed to open their doors.
According to information from Debbie Nickles, Century town planner:
The Century Business Challenge will be open to any applicant wishing to start a new business in the Town of Century. Business relocations and expansions will be considered, but only for compelling need-based reasons.
The winner of the Century Business Challenge will receive a package of incentives to assist with the planning, location, and operational hurdles that often keep entrepreneurial plans from ever being realized.
The package will include:
- A three year lease of approximately 800 square feet of commercial space at substantially discounted rates;
- Up to $25,000 in build-out and startup capital funds to be used for equipment, building upgrades, or furniture; and
- Ongoing business mentorship by some of the best, brightest and most successful business leaders in our area.
Applicants will first need to submit an application, followed by a business plan that is based on the Challenge timeline and resources. Following the submission of the business plans, a Challenge panel of business experts will judge each business plan, and the top-scoring business plans will proceed to Round Two, which is a more intensive, elevator-pitch style interview with the Challenge panel. The Challenge panel will determine the winning business plan, and the winning company will immediately begin the process of working to start, relocate, or expand a business in Century.
Further details and applications have not yet been released. For an earlier story, click here.
Pictured top: Mollye Barrows announces the upcoming Century Business Challenge Monday night at a Century town council meeting as Brice Harris of the Haas Center for Business Research & Economic Development at the University of West Florida listens. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Sees Surge In Holiday Gun Shopping
December 11, 2014
Florida gun dealers saw a sharp increase in sales as shoppers flooded stores the day after Thanksgiving.
With 8,300 background checks conducted Nov. 28, the traditional start of the holiday shopping period, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement recorded the third-busiest day ever for gun sales in the state, FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said.
The Nov. 28 purchases trailed only the sales for two days in December 2012, which came after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., Bailey said.
“We did roughly 23,000 sales Thanksgiving week,” Bailey said Tuesday after addressing the Florida Cabinet. “On a normal week, we do about 14,000 background investigations on those sales.”
The boost in sales followed the Nov 24 announcement that a grand jury would not indict Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown, a decision that touched off widespread protests. Also the increase came after Florida State University graduate Myron May opened fire Nov. 20 in the lobby of the school’s Strozier Library, wounding three people before being fatally shot by police.
Bailey called the spurt in sales a product of the traditionally busy shopping day.
“I can tell you Newtown had a dramatic increase,” Bailey said. “It’s too early for me to say if Ferguson has had an increase or not.”
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer deferred comment when asked about the reasons for the boost in sales.
“The American people strongly believe in their God given right to self defense and know that they are responsible for their own safety and security,” Hammer said in an email.
Mark Folmar, owner of Folmar’s Gun and Pawn in Tallahassee, said Wednesday that he hasn’t heard any of his customers say they were buying guns due to Ferguson or the Florida State University shooting.
Folmar added that his customers typically buy guns at the holiday season and at the start of hunting season.
“The majority of our gun sales are to people who already own guns,” Folmar said. “They are the biggest market because they like them. The person who owns three is just as likely to buy a fourth as the person who is going to buy a first one.”
About 3 percent of people applying for gun purchases in Florida are initially denied while at the retailer, Bailey said. However, many of those individuals are eventually able to purchase weapons after providing additional information, he said.
Bailey’s comments came as the Washington, D.C.-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence released a report that said background checks on gun purchases have blocked 2.4 million sales to dangerous people since the inception of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
“Brady background checks save lives. Brady estimates that they have blocked some 358 purchases every day to dangerous people,” Brian Malte, Senior national policy director of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said in a release. “Unfortunately, in the majority of states, criminals and other people not allowed to own or buy guns legally are still able to avoid background checks by making purchases online or at gun shows.”
Bailey said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been able to cut the time to conduct background checks.
The on-hold time was about 10 minutes in the days after Sandy Hook. For the Nov. 28 sales, the background check time was down to about 1 minute due to legislatively approved staffing increases and the introduction of an online system for retailers to file applications, Bailey said.
As of Nov. 30, there were 1.337 million concealed-weapon or firearm licenses issued in Florida, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The state went over the 1 million mark in December 2012, becoming the first state in the nation to surpass that figure.
by Jim Turner and Tom Urban, The News Service of Florida
Garbage Rates Rising In Century
December 11, 2014
Century residents will soon see a slight increase on their garbage bills.
The rate for residential service will increase 34 cents, from $16.11 to $16.45 per month for household waste. The town is passing along a 2.6 percent rate increase from Allied Waste, the town’s service provider. Under their contract with Century, Allied is allowed to periodically adjust rates based upon increases in the Consumer Price Index.
With the hike, the residential garbage rate in Century will have increased $1.40 per month since 2011.