School Grading System Changes Approved By Florida House
May 1, 2014
Despite protests from Democrats, the House on Wednesday gave final approval to a school-accountability proposal (SB 1642) that includes changes to the state’s school-grading system.
The measure would do away with the penalties schools could currently receive for the grades assigned in the 2014-15 school year. That move is in part an effort to make up for the state switching from the FCAT to another exam.
But Democrats argued, in part, that the bill doesn’t give enough time for schools to adjust to the new test and other changes.
“What’s the rush?” asked Rep. Mark Danish, a Tampa Democrat who is a teacher. “Let’s get this right.”
But Republicans said the process of changing the accountability system started with a summit in August and continued for months. House Education Chairwoman Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, said children adapt to changes.
“They only fail when you keep telling them they’re going to fail,” she said. House members voted 76-42 to approve the bill along almost straight party lines.
Voting for the bill were four Democrats — Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Rep. Ricardo Rangel of Kissimmee, Rep. Linda Stewart of Orlando and Rep. Dwayne Taylor of Daytona Beach. Voting against it was one Republican — Rep. Tom Goodson of Titusville. The bill, which was earlier approved by the Senate, is headed to Gov. Rick Scott.
by The News Service of Florida
House Gives Green Light To Higher Speed Limits In Sunshine State
May 1, 2014
After a sometimes-emotional debate, a divided Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a proposal that could lead to 75 mph speed limits on some highways.
The House voted 58-56 to pass the bill (SB 392), which was backed by the Senate last week. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott.
Opponents said increasing speed limits would lead to more deadly crashes, with Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, telling the House that speed played a role in an accident that killed one of his daughters.
“You just never want to get that call,” Slosberg said. “A lot of us have kids and grandkids and you never want to get that call, your daughter died in a car crash.”
The bill would allow maximum speed limits of 75 mph on limited-access highways, up from the current 70 mph. It also would allow speed limits of 70 mph on other four-lane, divided highways outside urban areas, up from the current 65 mph.
But the measure’s supporters said the ultimate decisions about whether to raise speed limits would be left up to the Florida Department of Transportation. The agency would decide the safest speeds for highways, they said.
“I’m voting for this bill because we’re not changing the speed limit,” Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said.
The close vote was highly unusual in the House and did not follow party lines. Slosberg attempted a procedural move a few hours later to bring the bill back for reconsideration, but that was defeated in a voice vote.
Florida’s maximum speed limit has been 70 mph since 1996. Rep. Matt Caldwell, a Lehigh Acres Republican who is the House sponsor of this year’s proposal, said some roads are designed to handle vehicles at higher speeds than 70 mph.
But Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, told House members he has been a funeral director for 43 years and was an ambulance attendant early in his career. He said he couldn’t vote for a measure that he is afraid could cost a life.
“I’m Dennis Baxley, I’m a speeder and I can’t vote for this bill,” he said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Martial Arts Holds Black Belt Event
May 1, 2014
Escambia Martial Arts in Cantonment recently held their first black belt event.
Devan Chea, Dylan Lambert, Glendine Jones, John Thomas were promoted to 1st Dan in the art of Kyuki-do. Ryan Corbitt advanced to 2nd Dan inf Kyuki-do, andMichael Jones was promoted to 3rd Dan.
Kyuki-do is a mixed martial art of defense that combines the elements of different arts that makes up a complete system.
Pictured are: (front, L-R) Master Rick Bjorkquist, Devan Chea, Grand Master Ok Hyung Kim, Dylan Lambert, Master Jeff Kim, (second row) Master Holden, Ryan Corbitt, Michael Jones, Glendine Jones and John Thomas. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gov. Scott Meets With Escambia Officials, Tours Flooding
April 30, 2014
Florida Gov. Rick Scott met with governmental leaders at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center in Pensacola Wednesday morning. After the meeting, the governor was to tour flooded areas around Escambia County. Scott has promised that he provide the state resources needed to help the area. Pictured below: Scott, Interim Escambia County Administrator Larry Newsom and Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward during a briefing at the Escambia EOC. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Massive Flood Hits Escambia County; One Drowns, Millions In Damage (With Photo Gallery)
April 30, 2014
Historic flooding and storms hit Escambia County from a portion of Cantonment south Tuesday night, claiming the life of at least one person, leaving dozens of people trapped by rising water, plunging tens of thousands into the dark, and doing millions of dollars worth of damage.
An Pensacola woman drowned when she drove into high water on Highway 29 in Cantonment, becoming the first confirmed fatality from the storms. [Read more...]
Likely hundreds of people were trapped in vehicle submerged across the area or in their homes as flood waters began to rise. In the Bristol Park subdivision off County Road 97 and Highway 297A, dozens of residents were forced into their attics as water became chest-high or deeper. Firefighters from across the county worked for hours to rescue those residents, forced to use chainsaws to cut through roofs. An estimated 80 to 100 people were rescued from the subdivision.
Over 17,000 Gulf Power customers in Escambia County were without power early Wednesday morning, with the utility saying it could be Wednesday evening or later before some were restored. [Read more...]
Damages to homes, businesses and public infrastructure such as roads and bridges reach well into the millions. An estimated dollar figure won’t be known for several day. Rep. Clay Ingram said early Wednesday morning that he had spoken to Gov. Rick Scott, with the governor promising do all he can do to help the Panhandle recover from the storm.
For more reader submitted photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com will update this story and the rest of our site with the latest information throughout the day.
Pictured top: Rain fell so rapidly Tuesday night that the I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge flooded. Pictured below: Flooding at McDonald’s on Highway 29 in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Follow NorthEscambia.com Flooding And Road Updates On Facebook, Twitter
April 30, 2014
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Rain Reschedules Softball Playoff Games
April 30, 2014
Severe weather forced the postponement of three area softball playoff games.
The Region 1-7A game between the Tate Aggies and Navarre Raiders has been moved to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The West Florida versus Tallahassee’s Florida High Regiona 1-4A game has been postponed until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The Jay Lady Royals regional semifinal playoff game against South Walton has been moved to Thursday, 2 p.m. at Jay.
Santa Rosa Road Closures, Latest Flooding Information
April 30, 2014
· According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Santa Rosa County received an estimated 17 inches of rain in the last 30 hours.
· Do not remove road barricades on closed roads or bridges. Even after the water has receded, public works crews must complete safety inspections.
Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies only. The Citizen Information Line is open for
your questions at (850) 983-INFO or 4636.
Rivers
- A flash flood warning has been issued for Big Coldwater Creek. The river is at minor flood stage of 10 feet and is expected to crest at 11 feet.
- Residents living in the lower portion of Pond Creek should monitor the water levels in their area, including water levels on the roads leading to their home. Remember conditions can change very quickly and impassable roads may prevent any necessary evacuations.
- The Blackwater and Yellow Rivers are not currently forecast to reach flood stage.
Damage Assessments
- Damage estimates for the county are not yet available. County staff are continuing to assess damages and make repairs as possible.
- Residents with flood damage can report damage online including submitting photos at http://santarosa.fl.gov/EmergencyNEW/WebDamage.cfm or by calling (850) 983-5360.
- If you have already begun repairs, be sure to take photos of the damage and keep all receipts for any repairs you make. Make sure the date is clearly visible on all receipts.
Santa Rosa County Actions
· There were 94 emergency 9-1-1 calls from 8:30 p.m. April 29 to 8:30 a.m. April 30.
· Sand bags are being given out from the county road & bridge department located at 6075 Old Bagdad Hwy in Milton.
· The Florida National Guard is sending four high wheeled vehicles to help assist with rescues in flooded areas.
- Dangerous road conditions can be reported to the Santa Rosa County Road and Bridge Department at (850) 626-0191.
- County staff will begin to assess damages and make repairs as soon as it is light and safe to do so.
- The declaration of local state of emergency was signed at 10 p.m., April 29. A declaration will allow the county to implement protective actions if needed.
· The Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center is currently at a level 2 activation, or partial activation with essential personnel.
Office Closures
· All county offices will be closed Wednesday, April 30. Essential employees are to report to work.
· Courts in Santa Rosa County will be closed Wednesday, April 30. First appearances are scheduled for 1pm today at the Santa Rosa County Jail. Judge Goodman’s trial will resume at 9am on Thursday, May 1st. Jurors should plan to report at 9am. Individuals who have hearings not included in the aforementioned may contact their attorney or the Clerk of Court for rescheduling information.
· Santa Rosa County Health Department will be closed Wednesday, April 30.
· Santa Rosa Sheriff non-essential personnel are not expected to work Wednesday, April 30. Law enforcement officers are to report to duty.
· NAS Whiting Field will resume operations May 1
· Allied Waste / Republic Services will not be running today. All customers will be serviced one day later than scheduled. In the City of Breeze, yard waste will be collected on Saturday and we will run as scheduled Thursday and Friday.
Shelter Openings
- Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom Street in Milton
- Community Life Center, 4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze
- Those needing transportation to the shelter can call (850) 983-INFO or 4626.
Schools
- The Santa Rosa County School District has canceled school for Wednesday, April 30 due to unsafe road conditions.
- Due to severe weather conditions, all Pensacola State College campuses and centers will be closed Wednesday, April 30. This includes all classes, events, and campus activities.
- Due to severe weather conditions, all University of West Florida campuses will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30. This includes all classes, events, campus activities and online courses.
Additional information regarding events and classes will be released as soon as it is available.
Closed Roads & Bridges
The following major roads are open with hazards:
• U.S. Hwy. 90 from Chumuckla Hwy to East Milton
· Road block at Avalon Blvd.
Road and bridge closures:
· S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) just south of U.S. Hwy. 90
· U.S. Hwy. 98 intermittently. Closed intersections include:
• Ortega Street in Navarre
• Panhandle Trail in Navarre
• SR-87 in Navarre
· The west end of East Bay Boulevard near Cedar Street in Navarre. The detour for those east of Cedar is Bergren Road.
· Deaton Bridge on Deaton Bridge Road
· Thousand Oaks in Pace
· Fronterra Street
· Broad Street, between Berry Hill Road and Madison Street in Milton. The detour is Conecuh Street.
· Venetian Way in the Gulf Breeze area is close at 2640 between Gondolier Blvd and Coronado Dr.
· Da Lisa Road is closed from Woodville Road to Audiss Road
· Richardson Street in Milton
· Holley Club Road in Navarre
· Sherwood Dive at Codell Street in Holley By The Sea is closed due to damage. The detour will be around the block.
Significant road flooding is being reported in the areas of:
· Woodbine Road and U.S. Hwy. 90
· Avalon Blvd. north of Commerce Road and U.S. Hwy. 90
· County-wide road flooding on smaller streets continues, and in some areas will take some time to recede. Standing water creates a serious road hazard including road damage that may not be visible. Additionally, the wake from passing cars can cause the homes on the street greater flooding. Please use care/find alternative routes to flooded road ways.
· Multiple stranded vehicles have been reported on these road ways with no injuries. Please avoid these areas and/or stay off the roads if possible. According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other thunderstorm or hurricane related hazard. Many of these casualties are a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to navigate flooded roads. When coming to a flooded roadway to “Turn around… don’t drown!”
Storm Injuries/Rescues
- One person was transported and released from Gulf Breeze Hospital after getting caught in the water from the flooding.
- Six campers stranded at the KOA Campgrounds, 8700 Gulf Pines Drive in Milton. They are being transported to the Milton Community Center Shelter.
- Residents on Ranchette Square, Larker Woods, Green Brier and Gueseman in south Santa Rosa were rescued via Zodiacs by Midway Fire District.
Damage
- Numerous houses reporting flooding county-wide, no estimates are available at this time
- House fire in the 3900 block of Wiley Penton in Pace
- House fire on 7200 Bayshore Drive in Waterview Estates
Septic Tanks
- Water drainage and sewer pumping systems have been overwhelmed. Whether you are on septic tank or sewer system, please avoid flushing toilets until the situation improves.
- If your septic tank has been flooded, it is likely that your toilets will not flush. Flushing may cause the untreated sewage to back-up into your home.
- It is safest to wait until the water recedes before trying to flush toilets.
- Depending on the amount of flooding or damage to your system, you may need to have a professional repair or servicing once the water recedes and the ground is less saturated.
Woman Drowns On Flooded Highway 29 In Cantonment
April 30, 2014
A 67-year old Pensacola woman drowned in flood waters on Highway 29 in Cantonment Tuesday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Betty Faye Word was traveling headed southbound on Highway 29 and entered water across the roadway. Her 2005 Mercedes CLK330 then entered the western shoulder of the roadway and became submerged in deeper. Word was unable to exit her vehicle, according to the FHP, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Numerous other vehicles became stranded along Highway 29 in high water.
Pictured top: A submerged vehicle at the Cantonment Burger King on Highway 29. Pictured below: This photo was taken by the occupants of a vehicle in the Highway 29 flood waters looking back toward Burger King. Pictured bottom: Photo taken during Tuesday night a lightning strike looking from the Cantonment Winn Dixie parking lot at both the north and southbound lanes of Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
House Looks To Guns To Protect Schools
April 29, 2014
In a debate that showed sharp divisions about how best to protect children and teachers, the Florida House on Monday approved a bill that could lead to some public-school employees or volunteers carrying guns on campus.
House members voted 71-44 to approve the bill (HB 753), which would allow school districts to decide whether to designate people who could carry concealed weapons on schools grounds. Those people would have to be trained and have military or law-enforcement backgrounds.
Rep. Dennis Baxley, an Ocala Republican who has long backed such proposals, said gun-free schools have become a “sterile target” that can be attacked by deranged people. The debate Monday included references to mass shootings at places such as a Newton, Conn., elementary school and at Fort Hood in Texas.
“Gun free zones are the most dangerous places in America,” said Rep. Neil Combee, a Polk City Republican and supporter of the bill. “We all know that. Whether it’s Fort Hood or the school shootings, most of the mass killings these days occur in these gun free zones.”
But critics said the state should instead spend money to put trained law-enforcement officers, known as school resource officers, on campuses throughout the state. At one point, Rep. Dwayne Taylor, D-Daytona Beach, raised the specter of the bill leading to someone like “Barney Fife” — the bumbling character in the old “Andy Griffith” television show — having a gun on school grounds.
“We don’t need amateurs bringing guns to the fight,” Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, said.
The vote was along almost straight party lines, with Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, crossing to join Republicans in supporting the measure.
It remains questionable, however, whether the Senate will pass the bill. The Senate’s version (SB 968) was approved by one committee last month but did not get heard in three other committees.
The House bill, sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, would allow school superintendents, with the approval of their school boards, to designate people who could carry guns on school grounds. The designees could be honorably discharged veterans, active-duty members of the military or current or retired law-enforcement officers. They also would need to have concealed-weapons licenses and complete a school-safety program created by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
Steube and other supporters said the bill could particularly help protect schools in rural areas. For example, Steube said police respond within six to 11 minutes to schools in suburban areas of Sarasota and Manatee counties but that the response times are longer in rural areas.
But Rep. Mark Danish, a Tampa Democrat and teacher, said people who tote guns on school grounds should be professionals.
“If we need this, which I think we might, then let’s spend the money,” Danish said.
by Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida