Close Call: Range Rover Vs. 18-Wheeler
April 24, 2014
It was an extremely close call for a driver just outside Flomaton Thursday morning.
Exact details on how the accident happened have not yet been released, but the driver’s side of a Range Rover came to rest under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. There were only minor injuries in the accident at Fannie Road and Highway 31.
The accident remains under investigation.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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No Injuries In Highway 29 Rollover Accident
April 24, 2014
There were no injuries reported in a single vehicle rollover accident about 6:30 Thursday morning on Highway 29 near Quintette Road. The pickup truck involved came to rest on its side in the median of Highway 29. Photo byRamona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Down In Escambia, Across Florida
April 24, 2014
New data released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows overall crime down in Escambia County and Florida’s crime rate at the lowest point in decades.
Florida’s crime rate dropped 4.7 percent in 2013 compared to 2012, putting Florida at a 43-year crime low. In Escambia County, overall crime was down 6.1 percent during the year.
Murders were up from 22 in 2012 to 26 in 2013, and motor vehicle thefts also increased in Escambia County, according to the FDLE data. All other major crime categories — forcible rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries and larcenies — saw a decrease from 2012 to 2013.
The Escambia County data includes crimes investigated not only the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but also the Pensacola Police Department, University of West Florida Police, Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies.
Across Florida, the total number of crimes fell 3.8 percent from last year which translates into 27,380 fewer crimes in 2013. The number of violent crimes was also down 2.4 percent.Murder is down 3.9 percent, forcible sex offenses and robbery each declined 2.8 percent and aggravated assault is down 2.1 percent.
“Today we have more good news for families. Even while Florida’s population grows, the total number of crimes continues to drop, which is a testament to our brave men and women who serve in our communities each and every day. Florida is now at a 43-year crime low. Our lower crime rate means that not only are our families and communities safer, but Florida is in a better position to create more opportunities for Floridians. This drop in crime shows everyone that Florida really is the best place to raise a family,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
P.C. Wu: Keep Florida Government In The Sunshine
April 24, 2014
by P.C. Wu
When it comes to having an open-and-transparent government that is accountable to the people, Florida truly leads the nation. Since the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was enacted in 1967, Florida has served as a model for other states.
In a world where technological advancements have introduced even more material into the public record, we continue to be on the cutting edge of reforms.
As president of the Florida League of Cities — an organization that serves as a united voice for Florida’s municipal governments — I understand that all levels of government are accountable to the people. That’s why I was pleased to learn that improving government accountability and efficiency was part of the 2014 joint legislative agenda established by Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
They understand that now is the time to pass legislation ensuring that government in the sunshine continues to be at the forefront of people’s minds, now and in the future.
During the 60-day legislative session, scheduled to end May 2, the Florida League of Cities has been actively engaged with Florida legislators, legislative staff, and other open-record experts and advocates — including the First Amendment Foundation, Tallahassee — to further improve Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Florida’s municipalities are committed to serving their citizens with dedication and transparency.
Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.
These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.
As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.
Right now, it can be difficult for the average citizen to navigate through the complexities of the Public Records Law, and there are even some who use minor technicalities to exploit loopholes in the law by filing costly lawsuits before a public entity has an opportunity to respond to the request or provide the requested records.
These shortsighted actions hinder local governments’ ability to provide important services and they put an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
I believe that now is the time to act and remedy these oversights so that governments can get back to their primary role of serving the people. Proposed language to amend SB 1648 and HB 1151, supported by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation, does just that.
As a member of the Pensacola City Council for almost a decade, I have seen firsthand the added layer of transparency and accountability that the Public Records Law provides, and I am wholeheartedly in support of keeping government in the hands — and before the eyes — of the people.
The language proposed by the Florida League of Cities and the First Amendment Foundation would require training of all employees who deal with public-record requests, would make it easier to request public records, would limit fees that agencies can charge for public records, and would put an end to spurious and abusive lawsuits.
I am confident our lawmakers will enact legislation that simplifies these issues and creates an atmosphere of trust among Floridians. We’ve had a proven track record in this area, and I look forward to seeing it continue and develop.
As this year’s legislative session enters its final weeks, I want to reiterate the importance of an open-and-transparent government in our state and urge lawmakers to address these issues.
by P.C. Wu, member of the Pensacola City Council and president of the Florida League of Cities
West Florida Downs Godby To Advance To 1-4A Semifinals
April 24, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars beat Tallahassee Godby Wednesday in Region 1-4A regional quarterfinal playoff action.
Korina Rosario pitched the win in five innings for the Lady Jags allowing just two hits while striking out nine. At the plate, Rosario went 3-4 with a double, triple, three runs and three RBIs. Kristin Gunter was 3-4 for West Florida with three RBIs and a run. Emily Loring was 2-3 with two runs, and Nachelle Watson was 1-3 with a double and three runs.
West Florida (24-1) will host Tallahassee’s Florida High School next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the regional semifinals.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Florida Executes Double Murderer
April 24, 2014
Robert E. Hendrix, convicted in the 1990 murders of a Lake County couple, was executed by lethal injection Wednesday at Florida State Prison near Starke. Hendrix, 47, was pronounced dead at 6:21 p.m., according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
The execution is the 16th since Gov. Rick Scott took office in January 2011. Hendrix shot and stabbed Elmer Scott Jr. and Michelle Scott, according to a death warrant.
The governor’s office said Hendrix murdered the couple in an attempt to prevent the husband from testifying against him in an unrelated armed-burglary case. Elmer Scott was Hendrix’s cousin.
West Florida Library Board Of Governance Seeks Appointee
April 24, 2014
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking to identify individuals who have a passion for libraries and the ability to effectively advocate for them to serve on the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
This position will serve the remaining term of a vacant seat. The term expires February 20, 2016.
The Board of Governance (BOG) is composed of five members – three appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, one appointed by the Pensacola City Council and one appointed by the Pensacola Mayor. The BOG shall establish policy and oversee management of the West Florida Public Library (WFPL) and make recommendations to the BOCC regarding the annual budget. The mission of the BOG is to advise and assist the WFPL with its programs, activities and operational issues as defined in the strategic plan and annual plan. Members of the BOG serve without compensation.
To be eligible for the BOG you:
- Must be an elector of Escambia County;
- Cannot be a paid employee of the WFPL;
- Cannot be the spouse, partner, child, parent, or sibling of any paid employee of the WFPL;
- You must complete, sign and submit the attached questionnaire with a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae.
Questionnaires must be returned to the Human Resources Office at 221 Palafox Place, Suite 200, Pensacola, by April 30, 2014. Eligible applicants will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for selection.
Questions may be addressed to Tom Turner, Escambia County Human Resources Director, at (850) 595-1637 or by email at TGTurner@myescambia.com.
Five Uninjured In Highway 29 Crash; One Driver Hurt After Wreck
April 24, 2014
Five people were uninjured in a traffic crash Wednesday night on Highway 29 near McDavid, while one person was transported to the hospital with an injury he received after the wreck.
Authorities said the driver of a Honda Accord was northbound on Highway 29 south of McDavid when he collided with a northbound Kia Sorrento with five passengers. The Honda left the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned into a wooded area. The Kia came to rest in the median.
The Honda driver reportedly suffered only minor cuts in the crash, but reported twisted his ankle while walking to check on the occupants of the Kia, all of which were uninjured.
The 22-year old Honda driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
Pictured: Five people in this Kia were uninjured in a two vehicle crash south of McDavid on Highway 29 Wednesday night. Pictured below: The second vehicle in the crash, a Honda Accord, came to rest in wooded area. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Disaster Program Signups Underway For Livestock Producers
April 24, 2014
Signups are underway in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for three Farm Service Agency (FSA) Disaster Assistance programs: the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Livestock Indemnity Program (UP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).
LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on publicly managed land. An eligible livestock producer must own, cash lease, or be a contract grower of eligible livestock during the 60 calendar days before the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as D2, D3, or D4.
UP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather. Eligible livestock includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, poultry, sheep, swine, horses, and other livestock as determined by the Secretary.
ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
For more information, contact the Escambia/Santa Rosa Farm Service Agency at 6277 Dogwood Drive in Milton, or call (850) 623-2441 Ext. 2, or toll free (800) 243-9912 Option 05.
Flomaton Teacher Accused Of Robbing Two Elderly Women Resigns
April 24, 2014
The Alabama teacher arrested in March in an alleged purse snatching incident has resigned.
The Escambia County (AL) School Board voted during a special meeting Tuesday to accept the April 21 resignation of Clemente Renard Brooks, Sr., a fifth grade teacher at Flomaton Elementary School.
Brooks, 52, was charged by the Poarch Creek Tribal Police with third degree robbery and first degree theft of property. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
Butch Lee, assistant chief of the Poarch Creek Tribal Police, said after the March 20 arrest that Wind Creek Security reported a purse snatching in the casino parking lot about 9:30 p.m. on the previous day. Two elderly females reported they were leaving the casino when they were approach from behind by a black male in the parking lot. The suspect allegedly grabbed a purse from one of the elderly women and then wrestled with the second victim but was unable to take her purse away from her. The suspect then fled on foot.
Lee said the victims were able to identify the suspect and video surveillance from the casino led to Brooks’ arrest.
Brooks surrendered himself to Poarch Creek Tribal Police on Wednesday. Lee said the victim’s purse was recovered but was missing $400.
Brooks is als former Flomaton Town Council member. He made an unsuccessful bid for Flomaton mayor in 2012, losing by 20 votes to incumbent Dewey Bondurant.