Jeb Bush: ‘My Hope Is I’ll Be A Candidate’
June 3, 2015
Receiving a returning hero’s welcome, Jeb Bush wowed a crowd of more than 400 businesspeople Tuesday as the former Florida governor capped off a day of speeches from declared and potential GOP presidential candidates at an invitation-only economic summit hosted by Gov. Rick Scott.
Bush received two standing ovations and the warmest welcome of the six candidates — all current or former Republican governors — who showed up in person to make their pitches in a precursor to the coming months in the Sunshine State, a coveted electoral prize.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., kicked off the event in a video appearance Tuesday morning. Rubio — one of the few announced candidates — canceled an appearance at the event so he could remain in Washington for a critical vote on a measure dealing with national security.
Bush, who has not officially entered the race, repeatedly said that he is “not a candidate” but delivered what by all accounts was a stump speech Tuesday afternoon before telling reporters that it he is “nearing the end of the journey” about making a decision regarding entering the race.
“There’s a lot of support for a more-hopeful, optimistic message. So hopefully I’ll make my decision relatively soon. My expectation, my hope is I’ll be a candidate. I really do,” Bush said.
Bush said he “won’t be the last guy in” and is “pretty excited about the prospect” of running for president. He also joked about what is expected to be a crowded GOP field.
“It’s a rambunctious deal. We’ve got 75 people running,” Bush said. “There’s going to be some elbows and knees under the boards. This isn’t tiddlywinks we’re playing.”
Bush boasted of his achievements during his eight years as governor, ending in 2007, relating how he raised the graduation rate, lowered unemployment and raised the median income level, while shrinking state government.
He also used the “Florida story” as a lesson for the nation.
“We’re the kind of state that’s dynamic and aspirational and the kind of dreams that we have might be bigger than other places,” Bush said. “The net result is by believing in limited government, by having a passion for reform and having a resiliency that is the envy of the rest of the country, Florida’s done really well.”
Bush called his tenure as the state’s chief executive “a stark contrast” to the current situation in the nation’s capital.
“I was called a lot of things when I was governor, but I was called ‘Veto Corleone.’ This is the one I love the most,” Bush said. “We reduced the size of government by creating discipline.”
And he was unapologetic about the “Bush” name, which is viewed by some as a liability in a country that has already seen two Bush presidencies.
“I’ll use my brother, my sister, every relative, every person I can,” Bush told FOX News personality Neil Cavuto during a taping at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center, where Scott’s summit was held.
Bush echoed themes expressed by the other GOP governors — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry — who spoke earlier in the day.
The governors almost universally bashed President Barack Obama, gave little if any attention to Democrat Hillary Clinton, and struck a federalist note by pledging to cede more power to states.
Bush compared his story of “leadership” and “accomplishment” with that of Obama.
“People can say we had a president that really didn’t have a lot of experience. He promised us a lot of stuff. He didn’t fulfill our promises and maybe we ought to go with something that’s a little more proven. So part of it will be the Florida story,” Bush said. “And part of it will be to offer ideas that really matter for people so that they know that any campaign is about the future. And part of it is about who has the leadership skills to make it so.”
In his video message, Rubio hit on the generational divide that has become a cornerstone of his campaign narrative.
“Our outdated leaders continue to cling to outdated ideas,” the 44-year-old said, calling for a “new generation of leaders.”
Bush, a onetime mentor of Rubio, gave a sarcastic rejoinder when asked if Rubio was referring to the former governor.
“It’s kind of hard to imagine that my good friend Marco would be critical of his good friend Jeb,” Bush, 62, said.
The warm reception given to Bush “was an indication of how much people trust him,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President Carol Dover.
“He’s got a proven record. He’s not one that just stands up at the podium to hear himself talk. What he says, he implements. Everything he ran on, he kept his promises and his values. He stayed true to his core beliefs,” Dover said. “I just think it’s a shame that anybody in our country would immediately judge him based on his name. I think he needs to be judged based on his substance and his policies and who he is. How he left our state after eight years, which is why he got a standing ovation. We want him back. He governs fair. He was a great, great governor for Florida, and he would make a fantastic president.”
Scott personally selected the invitees to the event, co-hosted by his “Let’s Get to Work” political committee and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Some of Tallahassee’s most influential lobbyists and longtime Scott supporters, including Billy Rubin and Brian Ballard, were among the movers-and-shakers in attendance at what Scott called the “Economic Growth Summit.”
The summit, a brainchild of Scott, was assembled without the participation of the Republican Party of Florida, which typically sponsors a presidential candidate forum closer to Florida’s presidential primary election. Florida’s primary will take place next March.
Scott, who introduced the speakers, predicted that one of the participants at his summit would be the next president and that Florida should be used as a model.
“Our strategy of less taxes, less regulation, streamlined permitting is working,” Scott said. “So the next president has got to do what we’ve done if we’re going to get this economy going. … In Florida we’re in the business of growing opportunity. We’re not in the business of growing government.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
West Florida High Class Of 2015 Graduates
June 3, 2015
The West Florida High School Class of 2015 graduated Tuesday afternoon at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“Today, our dreams become goals,” said West Florida High Salutatorian Amy Elizabeth Murph of Bratt (pictured). “Our goals become stepping stones. Our stepping stones become reality. Today, we choose to leave the past behind and look to the greatness that lies ahead. Today, we take on the world.”
“We have no definite control over the paths that our lives take; we do not know what will happen when we walk out of these doors,” said Valedictorian Raleigh Elizabeth Nesbitt. “All aspects of our lives are not pre-ordained. What we do have control over, however, are our minds and our decision making capabilities. As the doors of high school close behind us today, countless doors of opportunity stand open and waiting for their thresholds to be crossed.
West Florida High School honor’s graduates were:
Summa Cum Laude Graduates (4.0 an higher)
Allen, Dutch Gerrit
Ames, Tyler Scott
Anderson, Delaney Nash
Bain, Austin L
Barajas, Ignacio Rae
Bell, Hannah Grace
Bjorensen, Samantha L
Bonanno, Christopher Ramon
Boucher, Mariah Veronica
Brown, Lauren Elaine
Burridge, Makenzie Leigh
Butler, Jamie Marie
Cobb, Ashley Rose
Crowley, Ashley Lauren
Cutaio, Alexandria Dominique
Davidson, Breeann Denise
Davila, Addie Leah
Davis, Nakeria Marissa
Donaghy, Randall Hunter
Ellenberger, Abigail Janiece
Estrada, Antonio Zane-Kai
Evans, Jasmine Keionna
Gould, Christian Jamal
Gray, Maeliah
Hagan, Kaylee Marie
Hagen, Lauren Kristene
Hampton, Rebecca Carlene
Humphreys, Reagan Lea
Izonritei, Melissa Jeanne
Jackson, Kyle Jeffery
Johnson, Michael Arnett
Keyes, Austin K
Le, PhucSang
Linam, Benjamin Matthew
Mathis, Britney Ann
McCormick, Devin Kelby
McGraw, Seth Christian
Milstead, Dakota B
Murcko, Garrett Ashton
Murph, Amy Elizabeth
Nesbitt, Raleigh Elizabeth
Nguyen, Hydee Thien An
Nguyen, Luan D
O’Brien, Colin Campbell
Orf, Christopher J
Peppers, Morgan Ann
Pyle, Samuel Coleman
Schubeck, Brianna Michelle
Shin, David Dong
Simbulan, Marffee
Skinner, William Scott
Small, Michael Allen
Smylie, Constance I’man
Sortino, Jordan Mackenzie
Stolsig, Dane Theodore
Strohl, Isabelle Quinn
Thompson, Henry Aaron
Tran, Kaitlyn Thuy
Tran, Quan Minh
Trimble, Jasmyne Simone
Turner, Kaitlyn Ashley
Venable, Josephine Noel
Waters, Caitlyn Renae
Webb, David Joseph
Wise, Tamara Lynn
Magna Cum Laude Graduates (3.85-3.99)
Ballard, Brandon C
Fuller, Jacklyn Noelle
Harris, Gabrielle R
Healy, Ethan James
Hodge, Semegne Marie
Maund, Madeline Susannah
McCombs, Branson Reid
Sanders, Bradley Wayne
Stroehl, Cameron Tyler
Cum Laude Graduates (3.5-3.84)
Anderson, Erica Lin
Anglin, Jeremiah Devonte
Barker, Samuel David
Bergosh, Nicholas Cole
Blount, Robert James
Bryant, Megan Lee
Chadwell, Jacob Allen
Cole, Paige Victoria
Day, Alicia Erin
Dombek, Katarina Michelle
Doty, Gavin Andrew
Elliott, Lewis Truman
Farrell, Alyssa A
Grant, Devan Lee
Hardy, Destiny Heather
Henderson, D’Asia Jakiyah
Inghram, Victoria Lynn
Jackson, Jewel Hope
Johnson, Sommer Eliese
Loring, Emily Elaine
Manning, Christopher Daniel
Miller, Kayla Nicole
Mroz, Haley Alexis
Nicholson, Austin Lamar
Norrell, Daniel John
Ortiz, Rafael Shaquile
Pellegrino, Morgan Ashley
Richardson, Makya M
Rogers, Breana Nicole
Stroman, Rozetta Genemae
Suggs, Danielle Samone
Szafran, Alexander Charles
Mobile BayBears Sweep Pensacola Blue Wahoos
June 3, 2015
Mobile BayBears second baseman Brandon Drury flared a single to center field for a, 2-1, walk-off victory over its rival Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
The BayBears took the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader from Pensacola, too, holding on for a, 6-5, win at Hank Aaron Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos last played on Friday, May 29 — five days ago — after three consecutive rain outs. Those included the final two games on the road against the Mississippi Braves and Monday’s game against Mobile.
Pensacola appeared a little rusty, especially closer Kyle McMyne who gave up his first earned run since May 5 to earn the loss, 1-1. McMyne, who earned the Southern League’s BC Relief Pitcher of the Month for May, had gone 11.2 innings without an earned run and converted five of five saves, while his ERA plummeted from 1.46 to 0.76.
But with a, 1-1, tie on the line in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, Drury drove in a bases loaded, one out single for the game winner in the seventh inning. Southern League doubleheaders last just seven innings.
Mobile had tied the game in the sixth when first baseman Rudy Flores singled to left to score right fielder Zach Borenstein, who walked and stole second base.
In the top of the fourth inning Pensacola went up, 1-0, with two out when right fielder Kyle Waldrop doubled on a line drive to center field and then scored on a single by third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean.
In the first game, Pensacola scored five runs in the sixth inning but failed to overcome Mobile, losing, 6-5.
Mobile went ahead, 6-0, in the third inning when second baseman Gerson Montilla hit a grand slam to left center field, his seventh homer of the season.
In the sixth, Waldrop tripled to right to score first baseman Ray Chang, who singled to lead off the inning. Waldrop would cross the plate on a wild pitch by Mobile pitcher Aaron Blair to cut the lead, 6-2.
The Blue Wahoos then loaded the bases on walks to Mejias-Brean and catcher Cam Maron and a pinch single by Marquez Smith. Ryan Wright then had a pinch hit sacrifice fly to right field to score Mejias-Brean, which brought Pensacola within, 6-3. Left fielder Jesse Winker then smashed a two-out, bases loaded single to center that scored Smith and Maron and the Blue Wahoos trailed by one, 6-5. Pensacola went down in order in the top of the seventh to end the first game.
Florida Safe Phone Zones Announced
June 3, 2015
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced a a public-private partnership with GEICO Insurance unveiled a statewide safety campaign to tackle the problem of distracted driving on Florida’s roads. As part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phone for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps, Florida has designated 64 Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Turnpike Service Plazas throughout the state as “Safe Phone Zones,” more than any other state.
The new highway signs sponsored by GEICO can be seen along the highways leading to those FDOT facilities. Additional signage within the facilities reminds motorists to take this opportunity to use their cell phones in a safe location.
“Motorist safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing distracted driving on our roads,” said FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, Brian Blanchard. “By calling our Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Service Plazas ‘Safe Phone Zones,’ we are saying they are much more than just Rest Stops – they are Safe Stops.”
Pictured: “Safe Phone Zones” are announced. Pictured below: Safe Phone Zone rest stops in northern Florida begin to the west at the Florida Welcome Center in Escambia County. Photos and image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Vetoes Bills On Convenience Stores, Citizens Insurance
June 3, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed bills Tuesday that were intended to increase convenience-store security and to give policyholders more options as the state seeks to move them out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Scott said one measure (HB 755) would force convenience stores to add “potentially costly security.” The second bill (HB 1087), he said, “undermines progress” in shifting policies into the private insurance market from the state-backed Citizens.
Lawmakers approved both bills without opposition during this spring’s regular legislative session.
Scott expressed concern in a letter to Secretary of State Ken Detzner about the state adding “overbroad, state-mandated” regulations by requiring a variety of security measures at convenience stores.
“Mandating compliance with the security standards in the bill would place a significant new financial burden on these small businesses, which is unnecessary,” Scott wrote. “I believe family owned small businesses, working with their landlords, can better decide the appropriate security infrastructure for their businesses.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Stone, R-Ocala, would have required convenience stores to have security camera systems, drop safes for restricted access to cash receipts, policies to limit cash after 11 p.m. and height markers at the doors.
Any convenience store where a murder, robbery, sexual battery, or aggravated assault occurred would have been required to have two employees on the clock when open between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The bill would also have required all employees at such locations to receive robbery-deterrence and safety training within 60 days of being hired.
In a separate letter to Detzner, Scott expressed concerns about a provision in the Citizens-backed bill (HB 1087) that would have allowed policyholders to choose to get no more than one “takeout” offer every six months.
“This provision is inherently unfair to Citizens policyholders in that it limits policyholders’ private market options, which means they may miss an opportunity to move to a better property insurance alternative,” Scott said in the letter.
Scott’s second issue with the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michael Bileca, R-Miami, was a provision that would have allowed policyholders to return to Citizens after being insured by private carriers.
“This perpetuates reliance on Citizens, which increases the potential for burdensome assessments on Florida families,” Scott wrote.
The legislation also would have allowed consumers to retain eligibility for Citizens insurance through its clearinghouse if private insurers increase initial premiums by more than 10 percent within 36 months after policyholders are moved out of Citizens.
Work to reduce the size of Citizens has shrunk the number of policies from 1.5 million in 2012 to 591,883 policies as of April 30.
“We supported the bill in its final form and will continue to work with its sponsors and other stakeholders,” Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said in an email after veto.
The bill also sought to require that Citizens customers be told when one or more private insurers expressed interest in assuming their policies. Also, a policy couldn’t have been removed from Citizens unless the policyholder received information that could be used to compare takeout offers.
The vetoes came as Scott signed 17 other bills into law, including a measure (HB 779) that will require tenants to receive 30 days notice before they can be evicted from a foreclosed homes and a bill (HB 239) that will impose a maximum fine of $10,000 or the amount of the purse, whichever is greater, if prohibited medications are found in a racing horse or greyhound.
Lady Astros 18U Team Take Second In Weekend Tourney
June 3, 2015
The Molino Lady Astros 18U softball team took the runner-up spot in their first softball tournament of the summer last weekend.
On Saturday, the Lady Astros won one and lost won, before winning five straight games on Sunday for a chance to play for the tournament championship. Casey McCrackin, Hannah Brake, Ashley Allen and Kaley Workman each hit a home run.
In the final and championship game Sunday, the Lady Astros lost 2-1 for a second place finish.
“It was a great weekend for the team,” Coach Donnie Nicholson said. “Our pitching, offense and defense were great.”
Pictured: (front, L-R) Kaley Workman, Emily Loring, Savannah Colley, Breana Rogers, (back) Coach Donnie Nicholson, Shelby Willet, Dana Blackmon, Casey Mccrackin, Briana Morgan, Hannah Brake, Gracie Kilcrease , Ashley Allen and and Coach Pat Thomason. Not pictured are Tori Perkins, Laureen Brennan and Samantha Burks. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
More Details Released: Teacher Arrested In Newpoint Cheating Scandal
June 2, 2015
State Attorney Bill Eddins and Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas announced Monday that Christopher David Fowler has been arrested on four misdemeanor charges for violating Florida’s Test Administration and Security Law. Each charge constitutes a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
The charges resulted from a joint investigation by investigators from the Office of the State Attorney and the Escambia County School District regarding Newpoint School Pensacola. Fowler was a teacher at the school and it is alleged that he illegally assisted students during an end of course assessment test. Fowler is scheduled to be arraigned on June 22.
According to the arrest warrant application, a twelfth grade student said that during her Algebra I end of course assessment, Fowler would either whisper answers to students or use their mouse to point out the correct answer on the computer screen. In addition, the student stated that during the Geometry EOC, Fowler provided both equations and answers to her during the test. During her U.S. History EOC, the student stated Fowler provided answers to her during the test. According to the student, when she indicated she was confused with a question, Fowler would state to her “B..(Be) good or B (Be) quiet” or “I can C (see) why you are confused” as a way to provide answers to her.
In one incident, Fowler was not the test administrator, but he came into the room to provide information, the report alleges.
One student stated that during his Algebra I EOC, Fowler provided answers to him. According to the student, Fowler would either give him a hand signal or simply give him the answer to questions that he was struggling to answer. In addition, the student also remembered Fowler stating the class (being tested) could not say anything about him helping or he (Fowler) could go to jail. The student also stated that during his Geometry EOC, Fowler would sit next to students and give answers. In addition, the student stated during his U.S. History EOC, Fowler used his personal cellular telephone to look up and provide answers to the entire group of students taking the test.
Based upon the aforementioned information, the Department of Education conducted a review of the EOC’s administered at Newpoint Pensacola. Consequently, the review identified multiple anomalies which can be correlated by an examinee’s answer string being extremely similar with that of another. This indicates answer copying, test coaching, proxy test taking, or some other form of collusion, the arrest warrant application states.
One April 16, Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas announced a site visit to evaluate the operations and performance of Newpoint. Later that day, Fowler resigned from his teaching position.
Fowler was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
The investigation regarding other allegations concerning Newpoint School is continuing at this time, according to Eddins. Newpoint is a charter school, and Thomas has recommended their charter be terminated.
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Info In Possible Attempted Child Abduction
June 2, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to identify a man that may have been involved in a possible attempted child abduction.
On Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned parent after the driver of a maroon and gray Dodge Caravan called her six-year old over to the van as if to lure him in. When the driver saw the mother, he quickly left the area.
The vehicle was possibly a 2004 model Dodge Caravan, had no license plate and was driven by a bald, heavyset man in his 40’s, the Sheriff’s Office said. The incident occurred in the Bimini Court area, near South Blue Angel Parkway.
Anyone with any information should contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the driver of a similar van in a possible attempted child abduction. This is not the actual vehicle. Photo provided by the ECSO for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Home
June 2, 2015
A fire reportedly sparked by a candle destroyed a single story brick home in Cantonment Tuesday morning.
The fire was reported about 11 a.m. in the 1200 block of Neal Road, with the resident reported that the fire started with a candle in the living room. The fire was declared under control about 11:45 a.m.
The first firefighters on scene reported that the fire was through the roof and had spread throughout the house. All occupants escaped without injuries.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Cantonment, Ensley, Beulah, Molino, McDavid, Brent and Osceola stations of Escambia Rescue responded to the blaze, along with Escambia County EMS.
Pictured: Fire destroyed the interior of this Neal Road home Tuesday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Street Paving Project Underway
June 2, 2015
Work should be complete in the next two weeks, weather permitting, to resurface and patch a dozen streets around Century.
The total cost will be $153,122.69 to contractor Roads, Inc. The project was not be bid; the council piggybacked on an existing Escambia County contract with Roads.
The following streets will be resurfaced or patched as noted:
- Jefferson Avenue – Resurface from curve at Mincey Lane to railroad tracks – $11,467.50
- Jefferson Avenue – Patch near Carver Community Center – $696
- Robert Road — Patch – $319
- Tedder Road – Patch near fire station $1,517
- Pond Street – Resurface from Century Business Center to bridge near sewer plant – $32,817.90
- Pinewood Avenue – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street – $17,701.65
- Mayo Street – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street – $25,437
- Mayo Lane – Resurface from Mayor Street to Jefferson Avenue – $16,367
- Kelly Field Road – Pave gravel road beside railroad tracks – $6,090
- Kelly Field R0ad – Overlay section between ball field and cemetery – $6,595.65
- Kelly Field Road – Resurface from Hecker Road to ballpark gate - $8,201
- Lodge Drive – Resurface from Hecker to Front Street $12,690.70
- Wood Street – Resurface from Lodge Drive to Bradley – $4,746.85
- Hecker Road -Parch near Alger Road – $725
- Renfroe Street – Resurface from Hwy 29 to Ivey Street – $5,650.35
The contract also includes mobilization fee of $2,100.