Senate Bill Targets Florida Prison Safety
January 28, 2015
With Florida’s corrections system under scrutiny because of inmate deaths and alleged misconduct, a Senate committee next week will take up a wide-ranging bill aimed at improving prison safety and addressing issues such as the use of force by guards.
The 29-page bill is slated to go Monday to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, which heard testimony last week from newly appointed Corrections Secretary Julie Jones. During that testimony, Jones pointed to problems including understaffed prisons and a lack of training for guards who deal with mentally ill inmates.
One of the prominent themes of the bill (SPB 7020) is trying to increase the focus on safety in prisons. Current law emphasizes the role of the Department of Corrections in maintaining the security of prisons, but the bill would put into law a similar focus on ensuring the safety of employees and prisoners.
In part, it would require periodic inspections and audits to look for safety problems in prisons. As an example, audits of prison buildings would be required to “include the identification of blind spots or areas where staff or inmates may be isolated and the deployment of video monitoring systems and other monitoring technologies in such areas.”
A series of events during the past year has led to investigations and widespread questions about the prison system. Much of that scrutiny started after the Miami Herald reported last summer about the death of mentally ill inmate Darren Rainey at Dade Correctional Institution. Rainey died after guards allegedly forced him to shower in scalding water as punishment.
The scrutiny also has included probes of inmate deaths by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a whistleblower lawsuit by a group of corrections investigators.
The Senate bill would try to address several of the key issues that have emerged. For instance, when correctional officers are being taught about the use of force, they would be required to receive specialized training “for effectively managing in non-forceful ways mentally ill inmates who may exhibit erratic behavior.”
Also, guards who have been written up twice for incidents involving inappropriate use of force would not be able to work closely with inmates who are mentally ill or on psychotropic medications.
The bill also would address a frequently cited issue about prison staff being afraid of retribution from co-workers if they report wrongdoing.
One part of the bill would allow staff members to make anonymous and confidential reports to the Department of Corrections’ inspector general if they witness abuse or neglect of inmates but fear retribution.
In addition, the bill would require the department to establish a policy to protect inmates and employees from retaliation for reporting physical or sexual abuse or for cooperating with investigations.
The policy, in part, would have to include “multiple protection measures, such as housing changes or transfers for inmate victims or abusers, removal of alleged abusive employees or alleged abusive inmates from contact with victims, and services for employees who fear retaliation for reporting abuse or for cooperating with investigations.”
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Century Offers Cash Prize For New Slogan
January 28, 2015
The Town of Century is looking for a new slogan, and they are a holding a contest with a small cash prize to find one.
The town is accepting new slogan ideas through February 13, with the town council to consider a winner at their regular meeting on February 16. Century Mayor Freddie McCall is personally contributing a $50 prize for the winner.
The town council has previously voted to eventually remove “Welcome to Century” signs that welcome visitors into Century from the north and south on Highway 29. The signs, dedicated two years ago, were built by Century Correctional Institution and feature a giant saw blade with the town’s most recent slogan “The Dawn of a New Century.”
“Our image needs to change,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said recently, noting that the town’s sawmill has been closed for over 50 years. “We are not a sawmill town anymore.” He said the signs would be donated to the local Alger Sullivan Historical Society for use in their museum.
To submit a slogan idea for the Town of Century, click here for an entry form.
The change is coming after a recommendation from Brice Harris of the University of West Florida’s Haas Center, author of the town’s new strategic plan.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Tate High Chaparrals To Present Winter Guard Show Preview Thursday
January 28, 2015
The Tate High School Chaparrals will hold a winter guard friends and family “True Colors” show preview Thursday at 8 p.m. in the school’s new gym. Their winter guard season begins Saturday in Fairhope. Chaparrals members are Katie Dupre, Celina Dyess, Breanna Langley, Megan Leonard, Katy Luebke, Jo Jo O’Steen, Michaela Overbey, Madison Philley, Brenn Repine, Kelsey Strength, Virginia Vaughn and Savannah VonStein.
Pictured: The Tate High School Chaparrals ready for winter guard competition. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Coast Guard Display Opens At Naval Aviation Museum
January 28, 2015
The Coast Guard Aviation display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola was refreshed and rededicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday. The Coast Guard aviation section has new displays of older Coast Guard aircraft spanning the nearly 100 years of Coast Guard aviation.
Pictured top: Rear Adm. Jake Korn, commander, 7th Coast Guard District (center), cutters the ribbon for the refreshed Coast Guard Aviation display at the National Aviation Museum Tuesday. Pictured inset: Korn stands with Jeff Drew, one of the last living Coast Guard World War II veterans. Vice Commandant John Currier, retired (left), Frank Leamy, Jr., Capt. George Krietemeyer, retired and Rear Adm. Jake Korn stand in from of a restored Douglas RD Dolphin fixed-wing aircraft after a dedication ceremony of the Coast Guard aviation section at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Write A Letter For An Absolutely Incredible Kid
January 28, 2015
Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, Camp Fire’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day will honor our nation’s youth by asking adults to write simple letters of encouragement and inspiration to the incredible kids in their lives and community. It is a simple, meaningful way to let youth know how much they are appreciated. Lives are changed by this simple act of love and kindness.
“We know about Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Women’s History Month. We celebrate adults on special days, but why not youth?” said La-Vonne Haven, executive director of Camp Fire Gulf Wind Inc. “We ask every adult to join us. Take five minutes and write a letter to a child, tell them they matter, that they always will. If a youth hears it enough and believes it, he or she will be more prepared to face the complicated issues confronting them every day.”
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day was developed by Camp Fire, a national youth organization and will be celebrated across America. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday in March. This year, Camp Fire Gulf Wind, will celebrate on Thursday, March 19, 2015.
“The students were so excited to receive the special letters and shared them with friends,” said Coach Julie Madison-Tompkins, teacher at Warrington Middle School. “It meant so much to see the smiles on the student’s faces.”
Anyone can participate—parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, coaches, executives, etc… The goal is for every kid in America to receive a letter. Just imagine the impact of encouraging letters in lunch boxes, left on pillows, tucked into backpacks and placed on desks.
To participate, visit http://www.campfirekids.com/ to get the Absolutely Incredible Kid Day letterhead and wonderful ideas to write an encouraging letter to a child, or call (850) 476-1760 to have the letterhead mailed to you. Letters received by March 12, 2015, will be delivered to K-6th grade students in our local schools.
Bye Bye $2; Local Gas Prices On The Increase
January 28, 2015
Gas prices were up on Tuesday in the NorthEscambia.com, leaving behind the sub-$2 mark seen last week. Pictured: Gas was $2.07 at this Cantonment gas station Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Study To Determine If A Hotel Or Motel Would Be Feasible In Century
January 27, 2015
Would it be economically feasible to open a hotel or motel in Century? Town leaders want to find out.
The town’s recently developed economic development plan from the University of West Florida’s Haas Center identified a lodging business might be need for Century to capitalize on visitors that pass through the town on a daily basis.
The Town Council voted Monday night to spend $12,500 in recently awarded state economic development grant funds to conduct a feasibility study for a lodging business. If the feasibility study determines a hotel or motel in Century would be a good idea, the town hopes to use the study to lure a lodging business to town.
For travelers on a north-south route along I-65 to Pensacola along Highway 29 through Century, the nearest hotels or motels are near I-10 in Pensacola an in Evergreen, AL.
Pictured: Gas stations on Highway 29 already capitalize on a steady stream of traffic through Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Capital Felony Sexual Battery On A Child
January 27, 2015
A Cantonment man has been charged with capital felony sexual battery on a 7-year old child.
George Gilbert Heady, age 56 of Griggs Street, is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
He stands accused of abusing the young victim multiple times in a variety of ways involving inappropriate physical contact, according to an arrest report. The victim told investigators that Heady promised to take her shopping if she would not tell anyone.
Heady decline to comment to deputies when arrested, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He is due to make his first appearance in court in February for an arraignment hearing.
Burge Sentenced To 15 Years For Molino Murder
January 27, 2015
Debra Burge was sentenced Monday to 15 years for her role in the 2013 murder of Harvey Ray Smith in Molino.
The body of Smith, age 43 of Pace, was found stuffed into a trunk behind a Motel 6 on Davis Highway on the morning of May 4, 2013. after he was stabbed to death at Burge’s home in the 3900 block of Highway 97 in Molino. Smith had been reported missing in Santa Rosa County. Family members located his vehicle at the motel and then discovered the body.
Burge and Zachary Greer conspired to rob Smith. Burge allegedly lured Smith, her acquaintance, to her home. She told deputies she went inside while Smith and Greer remained outside. When she later exited the home, she found Smith on the ground of the Molino home bleeding.
Greer was sentenced to life in prison last Friday on a charge of first degree murder. Burge pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second degree murder.
Pictured top: Debra Burge learned her fate in Escambia County Circuit Court Monday. Photo courtesy Ray Turner, WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flash Mob: Students Read Like Crazy At Molino Park (With Gallery, Video)
January 27, 2015
It’s Literacy Week at elementary schools across Escambia County, and students at Molino Park Elementary kicked off the week first thing Monday morning with a flash mob. Books in hand, students took part the song “Read Like Crazy” (a parody of the song “Call Me Maybe”). The students worked on the song and choreography for the past couple of weeks.
Photos by Lana Clayton, Kristi Price and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
