2013 In Photos: April
January 1, 2014
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2013. Today, we are featuring photos from April.
The Northview Chiefs received their football state championship rings in April.
The Tate High School Showband of the South marches in the 2013 Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas.
Tate High School teachers and volunteers took on the U.S. Marines — and won — during a game of tug of war.
Atmore held their annual Relay for Life.
Local residents remembered the Boston Marathon bombing victims.
A group of locals running the Boston Marathon were not injured.
A powered paraglider trike and the sunset as seen along Highway 97 near Nokomis Road in Davisville.
Arial Holland slides into home for the Northview Chiefs.
In April, the Navy canceled the rest of the season for the Blue Angels.
The 20th Annual Spring Livestock Show was held at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Nine Mile Road after the sale of the property to Navy Federal.
A flag football tourney was held to benefit the Northwest Escambia sports program.
Century council member Annie Savage renewed her wedding vows with husband Lloyd.
A high speed chase came to an end near Pine Forest High School.
Atmore firefighters use a ladder truck to access an apartment fire.
The Molino Branch Library opened in April.
Florida Minimum Wage Increased
January 1, 2014
Florida workers who earn the state minimum wage saw a slight increase in their paychecks on Wednesday.
An automatic increase of 14 cents an hour went effect on January 1, raising the lowest pay rate in the state to $7.93, up from $7.79. The boost to the minimum wage is below the average increase of around 25 cents an hour since Florida started setting its own minimum wage in 2005.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25.
New Laws: Elections, Sex Trafficking, Natural Gas, Foster Care
January 1, 2014
Bills that crack down on human sex trafficking, address problems from the 2012 election, allow foster care children to remain in the program until 21, and provide an incentive for companies to expand their fleet of natural gas vehicles become law Wednesday.
While the bulk of the nearly 200 new laws approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott from the 2013 session hit the books in July and October, a few more kick in with the New Year.
Accompanying the handful of new laws is a slight increase in the paycheck for Florida’s minimum-wage earners.
The automatic increase of 14 cents an hour, recalculated by law each year based on the federal Consumer Price Index, raises the minimum pay rate in the state to $7.93, up from $7.79. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.
Here are highlights of bills taking effect Jan. 1:
Elections
HB 7013: The law — quietly signed by Scott before heading to Chile for a trade mission in May — is aimed at cleaning up voting problems that plagued parts of the state during the November 2012 elections.
The law allows up to 14 days for early voting, though local supervisors could remain at the current eight days, and allows for more flexibility with early voting sites. It would limit the length of some ballot summaries for constitutional amendments.
And it would dissolve a committee that sets the date of the presidential primary and instead requires that vote be held on the first Tuesday that complies with party rules. Both Republican and Democratic delegations to national conventions have lost members over the last several years as Florida vied for earlier primary dates.
Elections reform vaulted to the top of legislative priorities after the November 2012 problems, which included some Florida voters not casting ballots until after television networks had projected President Barack Obama the winner nationwide. It also took days before Obama was declared the winner in Florida.
Sex trafficking
HB 1325 and HB 1327: The measures establish a legal process for human-trafficking victims to get their criminal records expunged — typically for prostitution charges.
The new laws only apply to crimes committed while the victims were being forced, threatened or coerced.
The measures ran through the Legislature as companions to a bill (HB 7005) that prevents the operation of massage establishments between midnight and 5 a.m. That bill — which has exceptions for businesses such as health facilities and hotels that might offer massage services — became law Oct. 1.
Natural gas
HB 579: This measure exempts natural gas from the state fuel tax for five years, provides an incentive for companies to expand their fleet of natural gas vehicles and, starting in 2019, establishes a fuel-tax structure for natural gas that is similar to that for diesel fuel.
“This legislation will pave the way for the increased use of natural gas; spurring economic growth, reducing our dependency on foreign oil, and providing a cleaner burning source of fuel,” Sen. Wilton Simpson, the Trilby Republican who sponsored the bill, declared in April.
The Natural Gas Fuel Fleet Vehicle Rebate Program offers rebates of up to 50 percent of the costs of converting certain vehicles to natural gas-powered vehicles. An applicant would be eligible to receive a maximum rebate of $25,000 per vehicle, up to a total of $250,000 per fiscal year.
The bill also requires any person selling natural gas fuel at retail in Florida to obtain a license from the Department of Revenue.
The Revenue Estimating Conference estimated that by 2019 the law will cut $100,000 from the state’s general revenue, $300,000 from state trust funds, and $200,000 from local governments.
Courts
HB 7017: Repeals fixed terms of court, which are an old concept left over from the days when circuit judges or Supreme Court justices went to the town where their court was meeting for a specified term.
Limited liability companies
SB 1300: A voluminous 224-page package that is intended to modernize the rules for limited liability companies and keep Florida competitive with other states in efforts to retain businesses and jobs.
Foster care
SB 1036: This law gives young adults the option to stay in foster care until age 21. Those in the foster care system would be allowed to remain in the program past the age of 18 if they are completing high school, postsecondary or vocational educations, participating in job-training programs, working at least 80 hours per month or are unable to participate due to disabilities.
The bill analysis concluded that it wouldn’t cost more to allow children to stay in the system until 21 because youths who age out of foster care often end up homeless, jobless or in jail.
Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly
January 1, 2014
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year. The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2012 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.
Provide food
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.
Supply water
Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Leave snags
Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.
Manage pets
If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.
Reduce insecticide use
Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area
Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.
Increase vertical layering
Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.
By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.
For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Three Northview High Cheerleaders In London’s New Year’s Day Parade
December 31, 2013
Three Northview High School cheerleaders are in London today, preparing to march in London’s New Year’s Day Parade on January 1.
Madison Arrington, Katelynne Calloway and Hannah Gibson have been in London since last week enjoying seven days in London as part of the National Cheerleaders Association All-American group that will march in the parade.
“It is such a privilege to be selected as NCA All-American Cheerleader. I am very excited to be able to go to London and participate in the New Year’s Day Parade and all the other activities they have planned for us. I am very grateful for the wonderful cheerleading coaches I have had over the years that made it possible for me to achieve this honor and represent NHS and our community,” Calloway said.
According to organizers, London’s New Year’s Day Parade attracts a worldwide TV audience approaching 300 million, sees almost 700,000 on the streets of London and has about 10,000 performers.
“I am excited about being selected as NCA All-American Cheerleader. It is a great honor and exciting opportunity to represent my school and community in the London New Year’s Day Parade,” Gibson said.
And Arrington said she is equally excited about the London performance. “I looked forward to traveling to London as an All-American cheerleader in the New Year’s Day parade. I consider this a great honor to have been chosen to represent my school and community at such an amazing event. I am so thankful to all the people in my life who have helped make this possible. This is the trip of a lifetime!”
During the past several days, the Northview cheerleaders have toured the city,visiting several well known landmarks. The girls were given the opportunity to go on the London trip after being selected as All-American cheerleaders during an NCA cheer camp over the summer.
The London New Year’s Day Parade begins at noon London time, 6 a.m. local North Escambia time.
Pictured top: Northview cheerleaders (L-R) Madison Arrington, Katelynne Calloway and Hannah Gibson in London. Pictured inset: The girls at Northview prior to the trip. Pictured below: The All-American cheerleaders with their parent-chaperones in London. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lock Your Car: Multiple Vehicle Burglaries Reported In Beulah
December 31, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to lock their vehicle doors after several car burglaries were reported Monday morning in the Beulah area.
“There were several cars opened and rummaged through in the area of Fort Deposit Drive and Bridlewood Road,” Sena Madison, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said. “(There was) very little taken, but it’s always good to remind people at any time to lock their doors and not leave valuables in their vehicles.”
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Manhunt For Suspect After Driver Clips FHP Trooper
December 31, 2013
A suspect reportedly clipped a Florida Highway Patrol trooper as he fled a traffic stop Monday night near Pensacola Christian College, leading to a manhunt in the area.
The trooper had stopped a Mitsubishi Eclipse on Brent Lane. The driver sped off, clipping the trooper, who was not injured. A short distance away, the suspect flattened a couple of tires when he collided with a curb on East Brent Lane, a small side street that runs parallel to Brent Lane. The man fled the vehicle on foot, leading troopers and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office on a manhunt that involved a K-9.
There was no word or any arrests or further suspect information from law enforcement as of late Monday night.
Evers Files Warning Shot Bill
December 31, 2013
A second measure that would grant immunity to people who show guns or fire warning shots in self-defense has been filed in the Senate, and it will get a hearing next week.
Sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, the “Threatened Use of Force” bill will come up Jan. 8 in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, which Evers chairs. It’s identical to a proposal (HB 89) by Rep. Neil Combee, R-Polk City, that would amend the “stand your ground” self-defense law. And it’s closely related to a bill (SB 438) filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, called the “Defense of Life, Home, or Property” bill, which says, in part, that it is the “intent of the Legislature that a person be immunized from prosecution if he or she acts in such a manner as to protect life, home, or property from an imminent or actual unlawful activity.”
Combee’s bill passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in November as a committee substitute, which is now being reviewed.
A similar measure by Combee failed to advance during the 2013 legislative session. The prior attempt sought to amend the state’s 10-20-Life sentencing law. Under the 10-20-Life law, possessing a gun while committing certain crimes is punishable by at least 10 years in prison, discharging a gun while committing those crimes is punishable by at least 20 years in prison, and hurting or killing someone during those crimes is punishable by 25 years to life in prison.
Now, with Combee’s bill seeking to amend the “stand your ground” law instead of 10-20-Life, it has gained the support of the Florida Public Defender Association.
by The News Service of Florida
2013 In Photos: March
December 31, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2013. Today, we are featuring photos from March.
LifeFlight prepares to transport a Century stabbing victim.
The Northwest Florida Water Management District intended to burn about 338 acres within the Perdido River Water Management Area.
The Florida Special Olympics Torch Run began in Century during March.
Sodbuster radish grows in a field near Highway 97 and Highway 29 in Molino.
The Escambia County Equestrian Center was dedicated as the “James C. Robinson Escambia County Equestrian Center”.
The Bigfoot monster truck visited Alto Products in Atmore.
A track meet at Northview High School.
The Chiefs beat Jay 2-1 during a March game.
Firefighters responded to the smell of smoke in the Molino Fire Station.
Marty “Margaret” White of WXBM with Confederate Railroad at Beulahfest.
Greg Litton, former major league player for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox. tossed the first pitch of the year for the Cantonment baseball program.
March also brought Opening Day for NWE in Walnut Hill.
Food for America from the Northview High FFA introduced over 1,100 local students to agriculture.
Two time Super Bowl champ Anthony Pleasant addresses the Northview Chiefs during their annual football banquet.
Volunteer firefighters underwent hands 0n LifeFlight training in Walnut Hill.
Northview beat Jay in softball.
Firefighters battle a garage fire in Cantonment.
A 53-year old Century driver hit the local post office.
Hundreds of people attended the annual Blue Jacket Jamboree sponsored by the Northview FFA Alumni.
A woman survived after flipping her vehicle of a bridge near Atmore into a creek below.
The track and field portion of the Escambia County Specials Olympics was held at Tate High School.
The Tate Lady Aggies went 3-14 in the North Florida Classic in Tallahassee.
Century Correctional Institution Officer Tony deGraaf (in hat) and Assistant Warden Robert Flores read to a kindergarten class at Jay Elementary School as part of Read Across America Day.
The Blue Angels practiced for their upcoming season in March, unsure of their future due to budget cuts.
A dance group performs during the annual talent show at Northview High School.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team conducted a training exercise with an Escambia County school bus.
A wildfire destroyed a house in Byrneville.
This bridge on Highway 164 between Walnut Hill and McDavid was closed for repairs.
Nine tons of free food was distributed in Century.
The Poarch Creek Indians donated to four Escambia County, FL, schools.
Pictured top inset: Melinda Wall McGhee’s mother Ouida and her sister, Lisa Wooten, sit quietly behind pictures of McGhee during a press conference marking the 10th anniversary of her disappearance.
2013’s Most Irritating: ‘Do Not Call’ Violations
December 31, 2013
Gripes about violations of the state’s “Do Not Call” list easily dominated the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ top complaints for 2013.
The state agency reported Monday that 18,862, or nearly 40 percent, of the 47,226 complaints lodged between Jan. 1 and Dec. 20 involved telemarketers and other telephone sales operators dialing numbers on the “Do Not Call” list.
In second place were 3,626 complaints about telemarketers in general.
The complete list:
- Do Not Call – 18,862
- Telemarketing – 3,626
- Fuel – 2,708
- Communications – 2,339
- Landlord/Tenant – 1,719
- Real Estate Broker/Salesperson – 1,572
- Cable – 1,483
- Credit/Banking – 1,482
- Motor Vehicle Sales/Accessories – 1,466
- Travel/Vacation Plans – 1436
Complaints about violators of Do Not Call has topped the list for four consecutive years. The increase in complaints is consistent with the increase in subscribers to the Florida Do Not Call List.
For complaints filed against businesses regulated by the department, trained staff work to resolve the dispute through mediation and evaluate the business for compliance with statutory provisions. As a result of the department’s efforts, more than $3,477,000 was recovered on behalf of Florida consumers this year.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The consumer assistance center is staffed with trained analysts who are able to file complaints on behalf of the consumer, respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
The department’s consumer assistance center answered nearly 200,000 calls and more than 7,300 emails in 2013. In addition, the consumer assistance center analysts responded to nearly 7,000 online chats through the department’s online chat option available at www.freshfromflorida.com.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).