Escambia Man Charged With Stabbing
April 10, 2014
An Escambia County man was been arrested in connection with a Tuesday night stabbing.
Jason Ray Poggensee, stabbed the victim multiple times in the area of North T and Gonzales streets. Witnesses told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that Poggensee stabbed the victim during an altercation about 10:30 p.m.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital with wounds that did not appear to be life threatening.
Poggensee was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and having a weapon while engaged in a criminal offense. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $20,000.
Chiefs Dominate Crusaders
April 10, 2014
The Northview Lady Chiefs dominated Catholic Thursday in Pensacola, with the Chiefs beating the Crusaders 13-0.
The Lady Chiefs are scheduled to end their regular season Friday as they host Escambia Academy, with the JV playing at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida House Speaker: ‘Lights Are Out’ On Gambling
April 10, 2014
House Speaker Will Weatherford put a lid on any gambling legislation this session, including a proposal backed by the Senate’s first family that would require tracks to report greyhound injuries and deaths.
“I would say at this point the lights are out,” Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told The News Service of Florida on Wednesday afternoon.
Weatherford’s comments came a day after a Senate committee set in motion a measure that would add Florida to all other states but Alabama that require greyhound tracks to report dog injury and deaths. The proposal has the blessing of Senate President Don Gaetz, his wife Vicky and son, Rep. Matt Gaetz. The Senate “first family” was present for most of the Senate Gaming Committee’s debate Tuesday, which also included a proposal that would allow greyhound tracks to do away with dog racing altogether.
But even the injury reporting appears to be a non-starter this late in the session, Weatherford said.
“I know that bill’s been filed in the House. I don’t think that bill’s been heard in its first committee. So usually when you get into week six, week seven in session, if the bill hasn’t been heard in committee it’s unlikely … I would just say overall that gaming reform, gaming expansion, I think the lights have gone out on that issue at this point,” Weatherford said.
Through a spokeswoman, the Senate president said he had no comment Wednesday afternoon.
Last week, Senate Gaming Committee Chairman Garrett Richter announced on the Senate floor that he was giving up on a sweeping gambling overhaul that would have authorized two Las Vegas-style casinos in South Florida, one each in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Instead, Richter, R-Naples, allowed his committee to take up the greyhound measure (SB 742).
Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, withdrew amendments that would have allowed the tracks to stop racing greyhounds, after it became clear she lacked the votes for approval. The amendments included a variety of other components that critics said would have expanded gambling. Sachs said later Tuesday she still plans to modify the bill to allow the tracks to do away with dog racing altogether.
Weatherford said several weeks ago that “lights are dimming” on a gambling package, even after the Legislature paid $400,000 for a study on the issue and after the Senate held a series of workshops around the state to take public input.
A variety of groups — including out-of-state gambling operators and the Florida Panthers hockey organization — have intensified their demands for Florida to approve Las Vegas-style casinos this session after lawmakers rejected the idea two years ago. At the same time, the state’s pari-mutuels, Disney World and its affiliates and the Seminole Tribe have balked at the proposal. Gambling-related groups on both sides of the issue have contributed over $4.6 million to lawmakers, candidates and political parties since the 2012 elections. Disney and its associated enterprises have contributed more than $2.2 million during the same time period.
Many of the casino-seeking groups had viewed this legislative session as their best shot for passage of any measure opening the door to “destination resorts,” with promises of jobs and revenue for the state. After this November’s elections, Sen. Andy Gardiner, an Orlando Republican and outspoken gambling opponent who even objects to the state Lottery, is slated to take over as Senate president.
But early in March, Weatherford drew an almost insurmountable line in the sand regarding gambling. The speaker linked any gambling measure with a constitutional amendment he wanted the Legislature to place on the November ballot that would give voters a say in any future gambling expansion.
And, even more problematic, Weatherford insisted that Gov. Rick Scott wrap up negotiations with the Seminoles regarding a portion of a gambling deal with the tribe set to expire in mid-2015. While Scott is in talks with the Seminoles, the governor has not given Weatherford or other legislative leaders a timeline for when the deal, which also requires federal approval, would be sealed.
Weatherford said he had not spoken directly to Scott about the compact.
“We understand he’s worked very hard to try to come to an agreement with the tribe. But he may want and need more time to negotiate,” he said.
Whatever agreement Scott and the Seminoles reach requires the Legislature’s approval. Barring an unlikely special session on the issue, the so-called gambling compact will likely not be authorized until lawmakers meet again next spring — after the November election in which Scott is trying to retain his seat and Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, who as GOP governor signed the 2010 deal with the tribe, is angling to return to the governor’s mansion.
Scott is negotiating the portion of the compact that gives the Seminoles the “exclusive” rights to banked card games, including blackjack, at five of its seven facilities in exchange for $1 billion over five years.
While the death of the overall gambling issue may provide lawmakers — and especially Scott — a breath of relief this year, the Legislature will almost certainly be enmeshed in the thorny issue again next session.
“By the nature of the expiration of the existing compact, with the portion of the banked card games, I definitely think it sets up an environment where gaming will be debated quite heavily,” Weatherford said.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Meth Arrest At Escambia Motel
April 10, 2014
One person was arrested after a methamphetamine operation was uncovered Wednesday at an Escambia County motel.
About 10:30 a.m., Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the American Best Motel at 7200 Plantation Road in response to an anonymous tip about possible narcotics activities.
Once inside the motel room deputies noticed material that is used in the manufacture of methamphetamines and called for the ECSO Narcotics Unit to take over the investigation.
Brett Randall Wilt, 38, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a listed chemical and production of methamphetamine. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $46,000.
Stars Take Series Opener From Wahoos 5-4
April 10, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos jumped out to an early 3-0 lead Wednesday night in Huntsville, but it wasn’t enough as the Stars rallied to take the series opener 5-4 at Joe Davis Stadium. Wahoos pitching added to their league-leading strikeout totals with 11 K’s between four pitchers.
The Stars broke a 4-4 tie with a solo home run by Nick Ramirez (1) in the seventh inning. Huntsville plated its other four runs on a pair of two-out hits. The first from starting pitcher Brooks Hall in the second inning, a shallow pop up that dropped in short left field. Brewers No. 3 prospect Mitch Haniger provided the second with a two-run double in the fifth.
Donald Lutz led the way offensively for the Wahoos with a 3-for-5 game including an RBI and a run scored. Bryan Anderson chipped in with his first home run of the season, a solo shot leading off the second inning.
Blue Wahoos starter Carlos Contreras was charged with 2R/ER over 4.0 innings despite allowing just two hits with six strikeouts. Fabian Williamson (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up the go-ahead home run in the seventh. Kevin Shackelford (1-0) earned the win for Huntsville after working 1.0 scoreless inning out of the bullpen. David Goforth picked up his third save of the season with 2.0 shut-out innings to close it out. The Blue Wahoos had the tying and go-ahead runs on in the ninth but couldn’t score.
The series continues on Thursday when the Blue Wahoos send RHP Daniel Corcino (0-1, 1.50) to the mound against RHP Drew Gagnon (0-0, 3.60). First pitch is slated for 6:30 from Joe Davis Stadium.
by Tommy Thrall
Plan Would Move West Florida High, Rezone Ransom, Build Three New Schools
April 9, 2014
The Escambia County School District has an ambitious $80 million plan in the works that would move West Florida High School, build a new middle school and construct two elementary schools — all in the next three years.
The plan is contingent upon voters reaffirming the half-cent sales tax.
Under the plan, students from Woodham Middle School would be moved to a newly constructed campus somewhere on the northwest side of Pensacola. With zoning changes,the new school would also be used to relieve overcrowding at Ransom Middle School. The current Woodham Middle facility would be renovated and house West Florida High School, providing the school with improved athletic facilities including a stadium and field house. Brown Barge Middle School students would be relocated to the current West Florida High campus.
Overcrowding at Helen Caro and Blue Angels elementary schools would be alleviated by constructing a new elementary school in southwestern Escambia County, and new elementary school would be constructed to eliminate overcrowding at Pine Meadow and Beulah elementary schools.
The proposals are still in the planning stages and must receive final approval from the Escambia County School Board.
Pictured: A slide from a school district PowerPoint presentation, click to enlarge.
Stolen Town Of Century Truck Recovered In Key West
April 9, 2014
A pickup truck belonging to the Town of Century that was stolen a couple of weeks ago has been located — over 800 miles away in Key West.
The 2008 Ford F150 extended cab pickup was discovered stolen from the Century town shop on Alger Road on March 23. Authorities said the truck was undamaged. There’s no word yet on how the town will get the truck back to Century or how much the transport will cost.
A chainsaw, pressure washer, blowers and other items were also stolen during the burglary.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Chiefs Celebrate Senior Night Win Over Baker; Moore Hits Grand Slam
April 9, 2014
The Northview Chiefs celebrated Senior Night Tuesday with an 8-5 win over the Baker Gators. The Chiefs were led by Thomas Moore with grand slam.
Seniors honored were: Jody Bonner, Kevin Barrow, Brannon Freeman, RJ Pritchett and Daulton Tullis.
The junior varsity Chiefs also beat Baker, 8-3.
Pictured top and inset: The Northview Chiefs celebrate a Thomas Moore grand slam Tuesday night. Pictured below: Northview Chief seniors. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Above: Senior Jody Bonner.
Above: Senior Kevin Barrow.
Above: Senior Brannon Freeman.
Above: Senior RJ Pritchett.
Above: Senior Daulton Tullis.
Molino Park Elementary Students Read To Success
April 9, 2014
Molino Park Elementary School students recently took part in the “Read to Success” program where they could earn a Six Flags Over Georgia ticket for reading six hours and keeping a reading log.
Students in participating grades reaching the goal were:
Kindergarten
- Kailyn Wiggins
- Kamryn Gibbs
- Dominic Picheo
- Tyler Wilson
- Jessica Santos
- Garrett Crabtree
- Ayden Silcox
- Desi Fryman
- Destiny Spencer
- Layton Woodward
- Shiloh Prince
- Wyatt Pawless
- Mary Oliver
- Chet Knable
- Riana Hillard
- John Hatch
- Shay Crosby
- Ayden Crabtree
- Ryann Burson
- Destiny Abrams
2nd Grade
- Jarrett Bodiford
- Moses Delarosa
- Matthew Dix
- Makayla Golson
- Nicholas Lutterman
- Flora Mumaw
- Addison Pawless
- Brodie Rhodes
- DeQuan Shabazz
- Domanique Turner
- Lilly Hatch
- Riley Crites
- Kendall Alvare
3rd Grade
- Karson Brown
- Shelby Lashley
- Adian Vaughn
- Aaron Adams
- Raven Brigman
- Ethan Collier
- Brycee Woodward
5th Grade
- Damion Payne
- Shadonavon Young
- Cody Pigeon
- Keaton Edmonson
- Hannah Brousseau
- Ashley Ragsdale
- Tristian Griffin
- Zachary Stanton
- Brook Thomas
- Kellie Parsons
- Connor McQuaid
- Branden Massie
Pictured top: Some of the kindergarten students at Molino Park Elementary School that reached thei “Read to Success” program goal. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click toe enlarge.
Lawmakers Back Allowing Concealed Guns During Evacuations
April 9, 2014
Senators continued moving forward Tuesday with a National Rifle Association-backed measure that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses during evacuations ordered by the governor.
But before voting 8-1 to support the bill (SB 296), the Senate Community Affairs Committee removed language that would have allowed people to pocket guns during evacuations ordered by local officials.
Senate Minority Leader Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, who cast the lone vote against the overall measure, said he was “terrified” that a local official could create an untrained militia.
Currently, people can bring guns with them when following evacuation orders, but the firearms must be securely encased and not in their physical possession.
The bill by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, would create an exemption to state law by allowing people who have not qualified for concealed-weapons licenses to keep their guns with them when ordered to relocate after a state of emergency is declared.
Brandes said he intends to work with his colleagues to get language regarding local officials back into the bill before the measure goes before the Rules Committee.
Similar language remains in the House version (HB 209), which could be heard by the House as early as Wednesday.
Both proposals are opposed by the Florida Sheriffs Association, which has requested set times on where and for how long individuals could carry their guns without licenses once an evacuation order is issued.
NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer argued against imposing a set time period.
“Once you get too specific you work against the average citizen who has no way of knowing exactly what the law says; law enforcement on the other hand, they do,” Hammer said. “We’re trying to protect people here, not do something that is more convenient for law enforcement.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida