The Blues Are Back! (With Friday Photo Gallery)
July 12, 2014
The Blue Angels were back in the skies over Pensacola Beach Friday in a full dress rehearsal in front of tens of thousands of people for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday.
Pictured: The Blue Angels dress rehearsal Friday afternoon over Pensacola Beach. Photos by Raja Atallah for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Looking For Answers
July 12, 2014
Everyone in Tallahassee seemed to be looking for solutions this week.
After Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis threw out two of the state’s congressional districts, lawyers and politicos were left trying to find out what the ruling meant and how to repair the damage.
Meanwhile, the state’s prison system was looking for a fix to a spate of bad stories about suspicious deaths of prisoners in the agency’s custody. By the end of the week, the head of one prison had been suspended and the secretary of the Department of Corrections was promising to do more if necessary.
Even the question of how to grow marijuana was getting stuck in the regulatory thicket, as the Department of Health and the nascent pot industry argued over the regulations that will guide the farming of a version of the plant meant to help with some health problems.
BATTLE LINES REDRAWN?
Candidates are already out on the trail and making their cases for re-election. But at least some of them might face a new group of voters — if not this November, then in two years. In a highly anticipated ruling, or at least a ruling closely watched in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., a Leon County judge struck down a map of the state’s congressional districts drawn by the Legislature in 2012.
The decision marked the first time a judge had considered whether the state’s congressional map was valid under the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts constitutional amendments, approved by voters in 2010. The answer, according to Lewis, was that a district held by Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown and one represented by Republican Congressman Daniel Webster fell short.
According to Lewis, lawmakers and the staff members charged with the once-a-decade redistricting process tried to shield the map drawers from political influence, even as Republican political consultants tried to find a way to manipulate the process.
“That being said, the circumstantial evidence introduced at trial convinces me that the political operatives managed to find other avenues, other ways to infiltrate and influence the Legislature, to obtain the necessary cooperation and collaboration to ensure that their plan was realized, at least in part,” Lewis wrote. “They managed to taint the redistricting process and the resulting map with improper partisan intent. There is just too much circumstantial evidence of it, too many coincidences, for me to conclude otherwise.”
Those most directly affected by the ruling were grappling with the fallout. Twice, Brown lashed out at Lewis, saying that her district needed to retain its largely African-American population base.
“Overturning the current District 5 map ignores the essential redistricting principle of maintaining communities of interest or minority access districts,” she said. “Certainly, minority communities do not live in compact, cookie-cutter like neighborhoods, and excessive adherence to district ‘compactness,’ while ignoring the maintenance of minority access districts, fragments minority communities across the state.”
While he declared unconstitutional the map that was approved by the Legislature, Lewis did not specifically say what would need to be done to fix it. He could redraw the lines himself or order lawmakers to do it.
Brown is considered relatively safe no matter what happens to the lines. But Webster and GOP Congressman John Mica could see Democratic-leaning voters shifted into their Central Florida districts — giving Democrats some of the gains they wanted when they pushed the Fair Districts amendments four years ago.
“It’s not like a four- or five-seat change in the process,” said Steve Schale, a Democratic political strategist. “But you take two seats that were out of play, and you put them in play, that’s going to have an impact.”
CORRECTIONS UNDER FIRE
While Lewis was ruling on the future of the state’s political system, the past of one state agency could soon be headed to the court system as well. And the issues there were matters of life and death.
The Florida Department of Corrections continued to take fire this week over the deaths of prisoners, with the agency’s secretary placing Dade Correctional Institution Warden Jerry Cummings on administrative leave.
Secretary Mike Crews took the action during a visit to the Florida City prison, where an inmate died in 2012 under questionable circumstances. Miami-Dade police are already investigating the death of Darren Rainey, an inmate who died after guards allegedly forced him to shower in scalding hot water as punishment.
“I am troubled by the allegations surrounding Dade Correctional Institution and feel a change at the facility is necessary for restoring accountability across the department,” Crews said in a release Thursday. “This morning I also met with correctional officers in the facility and underscored that the integrity of the department will not be compromised by any bad actions.”
DOC has been under fire for weeks following media reports, largely those in The Miami Herald, about the suspicious deaths of inmates.
Crews’ trip came after four investigators for the department filed a lawsuit against the agency, saying they were essentially punished for calling attention to an inaccurate report about an inmate’s death.
The suit, filed this week, also names as defendants Gov. Rick Scott’s Office of the Inspector General, Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel and an assistant, and two high-ranking officials at the Department of Corrections.
It alleges that the four employees bringing the claim — Aubrey Land, David Clark, Doug Glisson and John Ulm — have faced retaliation for raising questions about the investigation into the death of an inmate. The punishment includes two of the four facing their own internal-affairs investigation.
“The plaintiffs have alleged that as a result of the exercise of their rights under the First Amendment, they have been subject to ongoing retaliation in the form of false and unwarranted internal affairs complaints which, in all likelihood, will continue unless injunctive relief is granted by this court,” the suit says.
BUZZ KILLS
Of all the groups that seem least likely to get upset over the actions of state government, those involved with the marijuana industry would seem to top the list. After all, the leafy green substance is supposed to help people relax, right?
Instead, regulators heard an earful early this week from growers, lawyers and lobbyists seeking to rake in some green from Florida’s new pot industry during a standing-room-only, rule-making workshop.
At the top of the complaint list: concerns about a proposed lottery system to award five organizations the chance to grow, manufacture and dispense a type of medical marijuana approved by Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature this spring.
But complaints touched on other issues such as the number of dispensaries. Department of Health General Counsel Jennifer Tschetter said the agency’s preliminary plan was to limit the number of dispensaries to five as outlined in the law and to bar dispensaries from shipping or transporting the final product.
The state needs “way more than five” dispensaries, and the nursery locations are “very inconvenient for the patient populations,” said Kerry Herndon, owner of Apopka-based Kerry’s Nursery.
Florida’s new law makes legal in Florida certain strains of marijuana that are low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and high in cannabadiol, or CBD. The law specifically limits the composition of the seeds, plants and final product, usually an oil or paste, to no more than .8 percent THC and at least 10 percent CBD.
The combination is purported to eliminate or dramatically reduce life-threatening seizures in children with severe epilepsy. The law also allows patients who suffer from severe muscle spasms or cancer to be put on a “compassionate use registry” for the low-THC product as long as their doctors approve.
DOH planned to use a lottery to select single dispensing organizations in regions where more than one application was submitted, but lobbyists and growers complained that the state would be putting epileptic children and other patients at risk by failing to ensure that the most capable organizations would be responsible for crafting the substance they ingest.
“This process … seems to reward the promise to perform better than the ability to perform,” said lobbyist Louis Rotundo, who represents the Florida Medical Cannabis Association.
Department spokesman Nathan Dunn told reporters after the meeting that the agency would consider revising the rule to do away with the lottery and that the agency has fast-tracked regulations regarding the law, signed by Scott last month.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis strikes down the state’s new congressional districts as unconstitutional, potentially throwing the state’s political future into turmoil.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Very quietly.”— Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, when asked how marijuana plants will get into the state to help establish a type of medical marijuana approved by the Legislature this spring.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Earn Second Straight Win Over Montgomery
July 12, 2014
Pensacolians had plenty to cheer about Friday. The Blue Angels returned to the skies over Pensacola Beach and the Blue Wahoos won their second straight game in thrilling fashion.
Pitching and defense helped the Wahoos hold on to a 3-1 win against the Montgomery Biscuits Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Starter Jon Moscot threw six strong innings, giving up just one run while striking out six and then four pitchers from the Wahoos bullpen shutout the Biscuits over the final three innings. They did it by getting inning-ending double plays in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.
Coming into the game Wahoos’ relievers had a 2-2 record and 1.93 ERA in July. That despite the loss of Carlos Conteras to the Cincinnati Reds, and Fabio Castillo and Fabian Williamson were promoted Friday to Triple-A Louisville, following Elvin Ramirez who joined the Bats June 30.
Moscot said everyone is grateful for the relievers stepping up. Shane Dyer earned his second straight save for a team-leading ninth this season.
“I’m happy with them, (Manager) Delino (DeShields) is happy with them, I think the whole team is,” said Moscot, who now has struck out 87 batters on the year. “We got some arms here, so it should be exciting.”
DeShields said part of ensuring the bullpen closes out close games, is the new way they’re being handled. However, he pointed out Wahoos pitchers combined for seven walks against Montgomery.
“I would have to say they are on a shorter leash,” he said. “Early in the season, we left them in there to see if they could finish the inning. Now, we just go to the next guy.”
The Wahoos improved to 24-10 when they score first and 11-1 when they do it at home. They are now 9-13 in the second half of the season and 40-52 overall.
The Wahoos jumped out front in the first inning when leadoff hitter Josh Fellhauer singled and then stole second base. He was knocked in by Ross Perez who ripped a line drive to right field.
In the second inning, the Wahoos got all the runs they would need when first baseman Travis Mattair, on an 0-2 count, hit a deep fly ball over the left field fence for his eighth home run of the season, which extended his on-base streak to 10 games.
The third game of the five-game series with Tampa Bay Rays Double-A affiliate the Montgomery Biscuits gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. RHP Tim Adleman (2-3, 3.26) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Biscuits LHP Albert Grayson Garvin (0-4, 4.32).
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured: Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Montgomery Biscuits 3-1 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Friday. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Watermelons For Sale
July 12, 2014
It’s watermelon season, with roadside vendors in Walnut Hill selling fresh melons by the dozens on Friday. Local farmer James Earl Hall’s melons are for sale on Highway 97 at Pine Forest Road (just south of Highway 4) for $6 each. Friday, they were being sold with the help of Maddox Hall, Dawson Brown and Alex Davis (pictured). NorthEscambia.com photos by BethanyReynolds, click to enlarge.
Police: Over 2,800 Child Porn Files On Escambia Man’s Computer
July 11, 2014
Child pornography charges were filed on an Escambia County man Thursday after an investigation determined he downloaded child pornography from the internet.
Ronald G. Pickering Jr., 25, of 9885 North Loop Road, was charged with 10 counts each of possession of obscene material and obscene communication. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Pensacola Police Detective Chris Wilkinson began the investigation June 17 after identifying Pickering’s computer as being used to download sexually explicit pictures and movies of children from the internet.
Agents with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes agents with the Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Crestview Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Department of Homeland Security initiated a search warrant at Pickering’s this morning.
Wilkinson determined at least 2,809 child pornography files were downloaded onto Pickering’s computer. Additional forensic examination will continue on Pickering’s computer, according to police.
Man Faces Up To 10 Years For Series Of Century Business Burglaries
July 11, 2014
A man charged with series of business burglaries in Century has entered a plea to the charges against him and now faces up to a decade in prison.
Jason Allen Bodiford, 35, entered a no contest plea to multiple charges, included burglary, larceny, criminal mischief property damage and illegal use of a credit card. Bodiford, who told officials he is homeless, remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $43,750 as he awaits sentencing next month before Judge Ross Goodman. Bodiford faces a maximum of 10 years in state prison.
He reportedly admitted to investigators that he burglarized Century Marine, Rhonda’s Hair Salon, the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant and the Century Flower Shop. Business owners reported that Bodiford had visited their places of business prior to the burglaries asking for money.
He also allegedly burglarized a car on Hecker Road in Century and stole a credit card that was later used to purchase food at Burger King in Century.
Bodiford was originally arrested December 30 at a motel in Atmore and booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton on a failure to appear charge on traffic tickets in Alabama. He was extradited to Florida to face the burglary related charges.
200 New Jobs Announced
July 11, 2014
A new manufacturing facility will be built at the city-owned Port of Pensacola, creating up to 200 new jobs, according to an announcement Thursday by Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.
Offshore Inland, a leader in topside and riding crew repair services, is joining forces with DeepFlex, the world’s only manufacturer of unbonded non-metallic pipe for deepwater applications, to establish a new manufacturing and qualification testing facility at the Port of Pensacola. The facility is expected to be fully operational second half of 2015, producing up to 62 miles of the specialized pipe per year.
A lease agreement approved by the city council in March and executed in May between the city and port customer Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services (OIMO) paved the way for the project.
The OIMO/DeepFlex complex will be comprised of a heavily-renovated existing port warehouse plus new buildings and infrastructure built on up to 31⁄2 acres of undeveloped port land. It will be capable of producing DeepFlex’s complete flexible pipe product range.
The pipe produced at the facility will leave the port as cargo either by truck, rail, barge, cargo ship or direct load to subsea pipe-laying vessels docked at the port.
Florida Executes Child Killer
July 11, 2014
Eddie Wayne Davis, convicted in the 1994 murder of an 11-year-old Polk County girl, was put to death Thursday at Florida State Prison near Starke. He was pronounced dead at 6:43 p.m. by the Department of Corrections.
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a last minute appeal Thursday, three days after the Florida Supreme Court also rejected an appeal.
Davis, 45, argued, in part, that he suffered from a medical condition that could make the state’s lethal-injection process unconstitutional in his case. But the Florida Supreme Court rejected that argument.
Davis was convicted of kidnapping 11-year-old Kimberly Waters, sexually assaulting and strangling her and leaving her body in a dumpster.
Davis is the 19th person executed by Florida since Gov. Rick Scott took office, surpassing the 18 executions that occurred under former Gov. Lawton Chiles, who served two terms between 1991 and 1998. There were 21 executions during the two terms of former Gov. Jeb Bush, 11 in the first and 10 in the second. Five Death Row inmates were executed during former Gov. Charlie Crist’s single term.
by The News Service of Florida
Judge Strikes Down Congressional Map
July 11, 2014
In a highly anticipated ruling, a Leon County judge struck down a map of the state’s congressional districts drawn by the Legislature in 2012, potentially throwing the political future of the state into turmoil.
But the ruling, issued by Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, is virtually certain to be appealed and end up before the Florida Supreme Court, meaning that this year’s elections will likely proceed normally.
Legislative leaders were reviewing the ruling late Thursday, according to their offices. But a lawyer for voting-rights groups challenging the map said it was “very satisfying” to see Lewis’ opinion and said his side was ready for an appeal.
“We’re very optimistic that the Supreme Court will uphold the ruling,” attorney David King said.
The order, issued late Thursday, is the first to address the state’s congressional map under the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts constitutional amendments, approved by voters in 2010. The Supreme Court already invalidated the Legislature’s first draft of a state Senate plan, which was then redrawn before the 2012 elections.
Lewis’ ruling specifically takes aim at the districts represented by Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Republican Congressman Daniel Webster. Brown’s district, which winds its way from Jacksonville to Orlando, has been criticized for years as one of the worst examples of gerrymandering in the nation.
It isn’t clear when lawmakers might have to redraw the districts, especially given the likelihood of an appeal. Lewis’ ruling doesn’t set a deadline, and candidates have already qualified for the 2014 elections under the boundaries approved by the Legislature.
But if the lines are redrawn after appeals play out, any changes to the Webster and Brown districts are likely to ripple through the rest of the map, given that all congressional districts have to have equal populations. Moving voters into or out of the two districts thrown out by Lewis would have a domino effect on surrounding seats.
According to Lewis, lawmakers and the staff members charged with the once-a-decade redistricting process tried to shield the map drawers from political influence, even as Republican political consultants tried to find a way to manipulate the process.
“That being said, the circumstantial evidence introduced at trial convinces me that the political operatives managed to find other avenues, other ways to infiltrate and influence the Legislature, to obtain the necessary cooperation and collaboration to ensure that their plan was realized, at least in part,” Lewis wrote. “They managed to taint the redistricting process and the resulting map with improper partisan intent. There is just too much circumstantial evidence of it, too many coincidences, for me to conclude otherwise.”
Lewis also found fault with explanations offered by the Legislature for some of the damning evidence at the trial. For example, one key email featured Kirk Pepper, an aide to then-House Speaker Dean Cannon, asking a political consultant whether some unstated issues with Webster’s Orlando-area district related to “performance or geography.”
The state had argued that Pepper was being sarcastic.
“Mr. Pepper testified that, though it may seem that they were discussing political performance, his reply to his friend was actually a signal reminding him that they should not discuss such things. Perhaps, but that is a very unusual and illogical interpretation,” Lewis wrote.
Much of the district-specific testimony at the trial focused on Brown’s seat, which was originally created in the 1990s to provide African-Americans with the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. Legislative leaders and staff members argued at trial that increasing the district’s black voting-age population, or BVAP, to more than 50 percent would shield it from a challenge under the federal Voting Rights Act.
But voting-rights organizations opposed to the map, like the League of Women Voters, countered that the district was really meant to carve out enclaves of Democratic-leaning voters and make surrounding districts more friendly to the GOP. Lewis largely agreed.
“I also find that the decision to increase the district to majority BVAP, which was accomplished in large part by creating the finger-like appendage jutting into District 7 and Seminole County, was done with the intent of benefiting the Republican Party,” he wrote.
As for Webster’s district, Lewis rejected an argument from the state that lawmakers included an “appendage” of white voters in the plan as part of their efforts to create a Central Florida district where Latinos could influence the outcome of elections.
“There was no evidence to suggest that a Hispanic majority district could be created in Central Florida. Defendants cannot justify deviation from a … constitutional requirement because of a desire to create a Hispanic influence district,” Lewis wrote.
by The News Service of Florida
Vickrey Graduates From Military Working Dog Handler Course
July 11, 2014
Hunter Vickrey of Molino has graduated from the Military Working Dog Handler Course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He will now report to his first duty station in Virginia at Fort Myer, which borders Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
When Vickrey graduated earlier this year from basic training/military police AIT school at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he was one of just two of 150 soldiers in the group selected to receive a K-9 and K-9 training.