Gulf Power To Join Ascend, IP In Funding For Escambia County Mass Notification System
November 19, 2014
Gulf Power has joined other local companies and governmental agencies in contributing to the purchase of an emergency notification system.
As NorthEscambia.com reported last month, Escambia County’s EMA has found it necessary to replace its current mass notification system that allows it to communicate with the public and other agencies and entities during emergencies. The Escambia County Commission approved the system subscription last month with funding from Escambia County Emergency Management, the Escambia County Health Department, ECUA, International Paper and Ascend Performance Materials
After the initial agreement was approved and executed, Gulf Power Company agreed to provide equal funding for the purchase of the subscription.
The agencies and companies will purchase of a new internet-based mass notification system subscription at a total cost of $67,375 for a July 1 to June 30 period. Each party will contribute equally toward the annual subscription price.
The first subscription year will be prorated for eight months from November 1 to June 30, with each party contributing $7,486.00. Next year’s annual subscription will cost each party $11,229.16.
Escambia County will utilize federal grant funds to pay for its share of the total subscription cost.
The Escambia County Commission is expected to approve Gulf Power’s participation at their upcoming meeting on Thursday.
Health Department, UWF ‘AIM’ To Reduce Escambia Infant Mortality
November 19, 2014
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County and the University of West Florida are working to reduce infant mortality in Escambia County.
Attack Infant Mortality (AIM) Escambia is a collaboration of the health department, UWF, and other community agencies dedicated to infant health. AIM Escambia’s primary objective is to reduce the rate of infant mortality in Escambia County, Florida.
An infant mortality occurs when a child dies before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate for 2011-2013 in Escambia County, Florida was 7.6 per 1,000 live births, which was above the state average.
Parental health, especially the mother’s health, affects the health of children in gestation and in infancy. AIM Escambia uses peer educators to encourage young adults to adopt lifestyle habits known to impact health in pregnancy and infancy. According to UWF Assistant Professor and AIM Escambia Program Manager, Dr. Erica Jordan, “If we truly want to save the lives of young infants, then we must begin long before they are actually conceived. Increasing healthy behaviors among young adults before they begin families will lead to healthier pregnancies and healthier infants.”
FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John Lanza agrees: “A mother’s health before pregnancy predicts later infant health. Healthier communities include healthier mothers who, in turn, have healthier infants.”
Both men and women are encouraged to become peer educators. Interested community members can learn more about volunteering at www.aimescambia.com or by visiting AIM Escambia on Facebook or Twitter.
Just Nuts: Bratt Elementary Students Learn About Peanuts, Nutrition
November 19, 2014
Students at Bratt Elementary School learned about peanuts, farming and nutrition Tuesday morning during an Escambia Count Extension program. Pictured above: Local farmer Scott Walker shares his story about growing peanuts with Bratt Elementary School third graders. Pictured below: Making homemade peanut butter. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Tate’s Jordan White Signs With Mississippi College
November 19, 2014
Jordan White, a senior at Tate High School, recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Mississippi College is a NCAA Division 2 school that competes in the Gulf South Conference. White played varsity volleyball for three years for the Aggies and was team captain her senior year. She also plays club volleyball for the West Florida Waves. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Elections Results Certified
November 19, 2014
The results of the state’s November 4 general election, which included the re-election of Gov. Rick Scott and each member of the state Cabinet, were quickly certified Tuesday by a substitute lineup of the Elections Canvassing Commission.
The commission certifying the results consisted of outgoing Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville; Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island; and Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
Normally the commission consists of Scott and two members of the Cabinet, but each selected a replacement.
“Some of the principals that were on the ballot decided it might be better, less any kind of conflict, to actually excuse themselves,” Secretary of State Ken Detzner said. “I thought it went very well.”
by The News Service of Florida
Florida House Organizes For Interesting Session
November 19, 2014
A Republican speaker who was not originally supposed to lead the chamber took over a House already down two members Tuesday, while a Democratic leader emerged from months of party infighting to try to maneuver with a diminished minority.
Ahead of the real session opening in March, 118 members of the chamber held a one-day organization session Tuesday to go through the motions of setting up how the House will work for the next two years. They elected a speaker and rejected the credentials of one would-be member.
Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, was formally named to lead the House after taking an unconventional route to the speaker’s chair. Crisafulli was tapped as speaker-in-waiting after the man who was originally scheduled to get the job, former GOP Rep. Chris Dorworth, lost a bid for re-election in 2012.
“Because of how he’s handled himself while here in Tallahassee, the position came to him,” said Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton.
In remarks to the House, Crisafulli — whose unfamiliarity was the subject of some gentle teasing at last year’s Capitol Press Skits — laid out his leadership style as one that would hear out Democratic complaints as long as they were constructive.
“I am not the Republican speaker; I’m the speaker of the Florida House,” Crisafulli said. “All members will be treated with the same dignity and respect, regardless of their party.”
Leading a party that has a two-thirds supermajority and could easily steamroll the minority Democrats if it so chooses, Crisafulli instead called for the GOP to be “humble” in its use of power.
“I absolutely welcome robust debate on the issues between the majority and the minority parties,” he said. “But I expect honesty and respectful discourse. We can all agree on so many of the issues that come before us in this chamber. So let’s not play games and score political points; let’s get it done for the constituents that elected us to represent them.”
For now, at least, Republicans hold a 80-38 edge, though that number will fluctuate in the coming months. The House on Tuesday voted to reject the results of an election involving Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa. The incumbent easily won this fall, but the election has been the subject of a court battle.
The results have been called into question because of a long-running legal dispute that centers on write-in candidate Daniel John Matthews. The 1st District Court of Appeal last month overturned a lower-court ruling that said Matthews couldn’t run for the seat.
With Tuesday’s vote, a vacancy can be declared and Gov. Rick Scott can call a special election. Crisafulli said the move by the House — which the Florida Constitution recognizes as the sole authority over its own membership — was meant to break the logjam between the courts and Secretary of State Ken Detzner.
“We felt just based on that alone that we would work to try to actually speed the process by having a special election,” he told reporters. “That actually speeds up the process versus going through a court (battle) that could go on for several weeks, months, even longer.”
Two more members of the chamber — Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart, R-Ponte Vedra Beach, and Rep. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton — will leave in the spring in an effort to win a Senate seat vacated by new Florida State University President John Thrasher. And former Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, will run against primary and general-election challengers after a paperwork snafu left his name off the November ballot.
Despite their lower numbers, Democrats seemed ready to try to make some headway on what has long been a top priority: an expansion of Medicaid eligibility that has been repeatedly rebuffed by House leadership. In brief remarks for the House, new Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, called for the chamber to reconsider the idea.
“All we want’s a free and open vote,” Pafford said. “I have no doubt that there are great Republicans in this chamber, there are great Democrats in this chamber, that could pass Medicaid. I’d love to see that up for an open vote.”
Like Crisafulli, Pafford was not originally intended to lead Democrats — but took over after the party deposed Rep. Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg after a fundraising dispute with Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant. Pafford recently fought off a challenge to his leadership after the party lost six seats in this month’s elections.
Crisafulli, who has said water issues will be his main priority in the session, didn’t rule out the idea of taking up a Medicaid expansion. But he made it clear that a change of heart wasn’t likely.
“I’ll say it now, and I’ll say it again: All options are on the table,” he said. “Obviously, we in the House Republican caucus still stand firm where we did last year and the year before, but there’s always an opportunity to have a conversation, and we’ll continue to have conversations moving forward.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Swears In New Commissioner; Barry Named New Chairman
November 18, 2014
A new Escambia County Commissioner was sworn in Tuesday morning.
Doug Underhill now holds the District 2 seat after defeating two-term commissioner Gene Valentino. And District 4 Commissioner Grover Robinson was sworn in for a second term.
Also Tuesday morning, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry was named the new chairman of the Escambia County Commission.
Pictured top: Doug Underhill is sworn in as District 2 commissioner. Pictured inset: Commissioner Lumon May passes the chairman’s gavel to District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. Pictured below: District 4 Commissioner Grover Robinson was sworn in for another term. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arrest Made In $400K Jewelry Store Burglary; Five Arrested For Other Burglaries
November 18, 2014
Pensacola Police have arrested six people in connection with four burglaries in the past week, including a $400,000 jewelry store burglary and a Cantonment man for a vehicle burglary.
On Friday, Lazaro R. Mesa, 24, of Miami was arrested by Detectives Chad Willhite and Lisa Alverson after their investigation into the October 5 burglary of Pensacola Jewelers, 7201 N. Ninth Ave. Willhite and Alverson drove to Miami last week where they interviewed and arrested Mesa. He was charged with burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief.
Mesa and another burglar broke into Pensacola Jewelers after hours and stole more than $400,000 worth of jewelry, gemstones and watches. A warrant has been issued for the second suspect.
The other recent burglary arrests were:
Demontrae Allen, 18, of Cantonment was arrested early Sunday after a Pensacola Police officer saw him burglarizing a vehicle and stealing two wallets, a gold chain and money.
He was charged with burglary, petit theft and falsely identifying himself to a law enforcement officer.
Officer Bryan Lowry was in the 300 block of South Jefferson Street around 2:40 a.m. Sunday when he saw Allen standing beside a vehicle in a parking lot. Lowry saw Allen look around as if checking to see if anyone was watching, open the front passenger door of the vehicle and reach inside. Allen initially gave police a false name when he was taken into custody. The stolen items were recovered.
Markeal Sanders, 16; Steven Gurganious, 20, and Treshawn Crocker, 16, all of Pensacola were arrested Saturday morning. Each was charged with two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of burglary, one count of grand theft, and one count of petit theft after an officer saw them burglarizing a vehicle.
Detective Danny Harnett saw the three burglars grouped around a vehicle in a parking lot in the 200 block of East Intendencia Street around 1:30 a.m. Saturday One of the males had his arm extended inside a broken passenger side window.
The suspects fled and were apprehended at the intersection of Tarragona and Garden streets. An investigation determined another vehicle near the first also had been burglarized. Among the stolen items was a handgun and ammunition. The suspects had BB guns, BBs and the stolen handgun and ammunition in their possession when arrested.
Thomas H. Cobb, 34, of Pensacola was arrested Monday and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, larceny, and resisting an officer without violence. Cobb was arrested shortly after 8 a.m. Monday after officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Datura Street on a report of a suspicious person outside the house.
The suspect ran from the house after Officer Thomas Gamache arrived at the home and saw him in the carport. Gamache chased the burglar through the backyard jumping fences and apprehended him at Euclid and Clematis streets. Among items stolen from the home were a handgun, binoculars and three bottles of Bacardi. The stolen items were recovered.
Traffic Stop Near Jay Ends With Chase, Traffic Crash, Arrest
November 18, 2014
What began as a routine traffic stop east of Jay ended with a chase, a crash and multiple felony charges Monday afternoon.
A deputy with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit attempted a traffic stop on a pickup truck about 4 p.m. on Green Rowell Road off Highway 87. The deputy made contact with the driver, later identified as Gregory A. Sweeney of Milton. During the traffic stop. Sweeney became aggressive and physically struck the deputy, the Sheriff’s Office said, before fleeing the scene in the pickup truck with the deputy in pursuit.
During the pursuit, Sweeney’s pickup struck another deputy’s vehicle, causing an unspecified amount of damage to the cruiser. The pursuit ended about 12 miles away when Sweeney’s pickup became stuck in a ditch.
Sweeney was taken into custody without further incident. He was charged with multiple felonies, including fleeing and eluding, battery on an officer, aggravated battery on an officer, possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon, resisting an officer with violence and driving with license suspended third or subsequent offense. He remained in the Santa Rosa County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $95,500.
Healthy Start Program Leases Empty Century Building
November 18, 2014
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition has leased a county-owned building in Century.
Healthy Start will pay just $1 per year for a three year lease for the property, a former post office, at 511 Church Street, adjacent to the Health and Hope Clinic. The three year lease is followed by two optional two year terms. The building has been empty for a number of years.
“We had this building, an unused resource, just sitting there, and now we’ve found a way to put it to good use for the people,” Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said.
Healthy Start will use the facility for administrative offices for its program to promote and protect the health and well being of all pregnant women and their infants in Escambia County.
Under the lease, Healthy Start will be responsible for the routine maintenance, grounds keeping expenses and all utilities.