Communities Caring At Christmas Wraps Up
December 14, 2013
The Communities Caring at Christmas caravan streamed into the Gulf Power Company headquarters on Friday and collected hundreds of toys, bikes and other gifts — all donated by Gulf Power employees.
The estimated total of all the donations is more than $29,270 from Gulf Power employees — including 176 bicycles.
After collecting the gifts, the caravan, led by Sue Straughn of WEAR-TV, Sandy Sansing and Cat Country Radio, headed to the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds to sort and process the gifts to be distributed to families and children in need.
Gulf Power employees raised money throughout the year through fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, bake sales and raffles.
“We know the holiday season can be a difficult time for many, so Communities Caring at Christmas is a great way to directly help those in need,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power manager of Corporate Communications. “Every year our employees reach into their own pockets to help make sure as many children as possible have a great Christmas.”
Communities Caring at Christmas provides new toys, clothing and daily living needs for low income and abused, neglected and abandoned children living in foster care in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
This is the 18th year Gulf Power and its employees have participated in Communities Caring at Christmas.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Celebrations For Drivers, Gun Owners And The Rest Of Us
December 14, 2013
.It’s the season of giving, and Florida drivers, gun-toting college students and non-believers all got treats this week.
Gov. Rick Scott touted a $400 million reduction in vehicle registration fees as part of a proposal to cut taxes and fees by $500 million for Floridians as he seeks reelection to a second term. Legislative leaders jumped on board the registration fee rollback this week, four years after they hiked the fees to help plug a budget hole.
A divided appeals court, meanwhile, sided with gun owners who objected to the University of North Florida’s ban on guns in cars on campus, overturning a lower court ruling and possibly opening the door for a Supreme Court decision.
SCOTT: GIVE DRIVERS A (FEE) BREAK
Scott’s proposed $401 million reduction in vehicle registration fees is part of a larger $500 million tax-and-fee-cut package that’s the governor’s top priority for the 2014 legislative session.
The rollback would shrink what it costs to register a “typical automobile” by $25.05, from $71.85 to $46.80. That would bring the fees back to where they stood before the GOP-dominated Legislature hiked the fees in 2009 to close a $5 billion budget gap during the recession.
“I have one message today for every Florida family: We are going to undo the 54% tax increase you saw in 2009 to register your motor vehicles. This means around $400 million annually will be given back to Florida families. This has never been government’s money — it’s your money — and I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature to return it back to you,” Scott said in a statement after announcing his plan in Tampa.
Senate budget chief Joe Negron, R-Stuart, proposed a smaller rollback during the 2013 legislative session that would have been offset by doing away with a tax break for insurance companies. Negron’s plan died in the House.
But Scott was flanked by legislative leaders at the announcement of his plan in Tampa. And, without giving a flat-out endorsement, Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, indicated Scott would get the support of his chamber.
“We welcome the governor getting on Joe Negron’s bandwagon,” Gaetz told reporters.
Even Scott’s competitor-in-chief Charlie Crist, a Democrat who signed off on the fee increases as the (then-Republican) governor, gave Scott back-handed praise for the plan. Crist’s campaign noted that the fees have been in place longer under Scott than they were under Crist, who made a losing bid for the U.S. Senate as an independent in 2010 instead of seeking another four years in the governor’s mansion.
“When these fees were passed by Rick Scott’s colleagues and signed into law they were never meant to be permanent,” Crist said in a statement issued by his campaign. “I’m surprised it’s taken this long for Governor Scott to realize that it’s time to roll these fees back — better late than never.”
SCOTT AND CRIST CAMPAIGN (CASH) UPDATES
The scrap over vehicle fees is just a taste of what’s certain to be an ugly, year-long throw-down between Scott, hoping to keep his 700 North Adams St. address, and Crist, eager to move back in.
Crist raked in about $3 million in his first month on the campaign trail, with about two-thirds of that going to his “Charlie Crist for Florida” political committee. His backers boasted that was an astronomical amount for a non-incumbent.
But Scott’s haul eclipsed Crist’s. Scott’s “Let’s Get to Work” political committee brought in $5.87 million in November — nearly twice that of his opponent’s overall take — and brought the committee’s total contributions this year to nearly $20 million.
Scott also officially filed his campaign papers Tuesday, the same day campaign-finance reports were due. Political junkies will get more timely fixes over the next year thanks to campaign law revisions approved by the Legislature earlier this year. The new law hiked campaign contribution limits from $500 to $3,000 for statewide candidates like Scott and Crist and now require the reports to be filed monthly instead of quarterly.
LAWYERS, GUNS AND MONEY
The 1st District Court of Appeal struck a blow to university and college presidents and sided with gun rights advocates in a case against the University of North Florida filed by student Alexandria Lainez and Florida Carry, Inc. The case challenged a rule barring students from keeping guns in their cars on campus.
In a full-court decision, the judges ruled 12-3 that universities and colleges lack the authority to regulate guns. That power rests solely with the Legislature, which pre-empted local governments and state agencies from regulating firearms in a 2011 law that led to people with concealed weapons permits being allowed to bring them into the state Capitol, the court ruled.
Under state law, guns are banned on school and university properties, with an exception carved out for people who secure firearms in their cars. However, the law also says that school districts can waive that exception, meaning they can also bar guns in vehicles on school property.
“The statute clearly grants school districts the power to waive the exception — not colleges or universities,” Judge L. Clayton Roberts wrote for the majority. “UNF attempted to exercise this waiver in adopting the operative regulation; however, UNF is not a ’school district.’ ”
The ruling drew seven separate opinions from the 15-member bench. The majority opinion drew eight votes, with some of the members drafting separate, concurring opinions, while four other judges joined a different opinion agreeing with the court’s result.
In a strongly-worded dissent, Judge Philip Padovano wrote that universities have separate powers granted in the constitution.
“These opinions pursue differing legal theories but they all arrive at the same conclusion: that a state university is powerless to prohibit students from bringing firearms to school,” Padovano wrote. “This remarkable conclusion is not supported in the law, and with due respect for my colleagues, I believe that it defies common sense.”
A UNF spokeswoman said the university has not decided whether to appeal the ruling, hailed by Florida Carry.
“Post-secondary education students are no longer under threat of arrest, and at public universities and colleges, no longer under threat of academic or administrative sanctions for having lawfully stored firearms in their vehicles while attending classes,” the organization said in an analysis of the opinion on its web site.
AIRING GRIEVANCES, SHOWING STRENGTH
A South Florida blogger angered by a Nativity scene in the Capitol festooned the state building with holiday cheer of a different sort.
Chaz Stevens of Deerfield Beach erected a “Festivus” pole made of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans to protest what he called the ridiculousness of allowing a manger scene in a state building.
For those who aren’t “Seinfeld” fans — or who haven’t paid attention to the national news Stevens’s pole has made — Festivus is a non-commercial “holiday” festival “for the rest of us” in the Christmas and year-end holiday season.
Festivus, celebrated Dec. 23, comes with a ceremonial post-dinner “airing of the grievances” in which participants describe how they have been disappointed by others in the past year and engage in “feats of strength.”
While Florida’s elections have long been the butt of late-night jokes, the Festivus pole, which went up on Wednesday, is the latest bit of Sunshine State shtick making the rounds. Stevens appears to be enjoying the notoriety.
“First Colbert, and now the Daily Show? Holy crap does it get any cooler than this?” he posted on his blog, MAOS — which stands for “my acts of sedition” — “words by Chaz Stevens, genius,” and “home of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Festivus Pole.”
The Nativity scene, put up on Dec. 3 by the Florida Prayer Network, opened a floodgate of others seeking equal time in on the first floor. So far, the Department of Management Services has approved applications from two groups of atheists: the Tallahassee Atheists requested a 4-by-5-foot sign that says “Happy Holidays” and “There are many reasons for the season, celebrate the one that you choose.” The American Atheists Florida Regional Directors proposed a similar-sized poster that says “Celebrate the true meaning of Xmas!” The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation also put up a seasonal banner featuring Benjamin Franklin and the Statue of Liberty. No word yet on whether DMS will sign off on an application from the Satanic Temple of Tallahassee.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Rick Scott proposed a $401 million vehicle registration-fee reduction.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “What’s the point? There is no point. It’s ridiculous. This is the most ridiculous thing I could come up with.” Chaz Stevens, an atheist who erected a Festivus pole made of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans in the Capitol.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Santa Rosa Opens New Arena
December 14, 2013
Santa Rosa County officially cut the ribbon on a new $1.23 million arena Friday afternoon. The June Ates Arena, named after a local horse enthusiast, will provide a venue for a wide variety of community and outdoor events. The 61,500 square foot arena was paid for with District 2 recreational funds.T he June Ates Arena is located at 8690 Bobby Brown Road in East Milton.
The arena will be available for local community events and will provide a venue for a wide variety of outdoor events from equestrian activities, heavy equipment and car shows, music festivals, and livestock competitions. Additionally, the arena may be used as a staging area for personnel and supplies after a disaster.
According to Santa Rosa County District 2 Commissioner Bob Cole, the Santa Rosa County Fair Association, the Tourist Development Council and the local equestrian community were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, “Through the hard work of many volunteers over several years, we are able to make this project a reality for the residents of Santa Rosa County.” Cole continues, “From 4-H events for our children to outdoor festivals that increase tourism in the off-season, this arena will be an asset to our community.”
The arena is 300 feet by 205 feet and includes a 300 feet by 130 feet dirt arena, two 35 feet concrete pads for bleachers, enclosed judging booth and is designed to accommodate future growth.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Resident Shoots Burglary Supect
December 13, 2013
An Escambia County resident shot a burglar early Friday morning.
Just before 2 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 700 block of North 46th Avenue in reference to a shots fired disturbance. According to the resident, he discovered someone attempting to break into his garage/storage shed. The resident said he discharged his firearm at the suspect, striking him once. The suspect was later identified as Daniel Joshua Driver, 19.
As deputies responded to the area, they observed the suspect running from the residence. Deputies searched with a K-9 but could not find the suspect. Several hours later, Driver attempted to check himself into a local hospital under a fake name, claiming he was stabbed somewhere off Hollywood Avenue.
The hospital determined they had been provided false information and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Driver later confessed and was subsequently treated at the hospital, released and arrested. He was charged with burglary and petit theft. His bond was set at $1,250.
McDavid Post Office Set For Cutbacks Or Closure
December 13, 2013
The McDavid Post Office has been targeted by the U.S. Postal Service for cutbacks or possibly even closure.
Residents and businesses in the 32568 zip code were notified Thursday that the Postal Service will take future action regarding the McDavid Post Office. Possibilities include:
- Keep the office open, with window hours cut from 8 hours per day to six hours with those weekday hours realigned to match workload.
- Look at closing the office, providing only roadside mailbox delivery. Retail and delivery service would be provided through a rural carrier, with customers able to purchase most postal services from their carrier or alternative access points.
- Close the office and find a contract post office location, usually a local business. This contract location would provide post office boxes and most retail services.
- Close the office and relocate post office box service to a nearby post office.
Residents and businesses in the 32568 have received, or will receive, a mailed customer survey on the available options.
The Postal Service will hold a public meeting concerning the McDavid Post Office on January 16, 2014, at 5 p.m. at the McDavid United Methodist Church at 2 Main Street in McDavid. No decision concerning the McDavid post office will be made until after the public meeting.
“Residents are encouraged to return the survey and attend the meeting to offer their input into the future of the post office,” Stephen Seewoester, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service said Thursday afternoon.
The Walnut Hill Post Office, also in the 32568 zip code, will not immediately be impacted by any closures or changes at the McDavid Post Office, Seewoester said. The Walnut Hill Post Office is a contract location operated by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, providing retail window services and post office boxes.
“We plan to keep the Walnut Hill Post Office open and continue to serve the community,” Sabrina Owens, spokesperson for EREC, said Thursday afternoon.
The McDavid Post Office is the only local office in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties on the current closure or cutback list.
Photos, Video: Century Land To Lake Parade, Christmas Event
December 13, 2013
With a “Land to Lake” theme, the first lighted Christmas parade in several years rolled through Century Thursday night. The parade ended at Lake Stone, with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookies and an sack lunch.
For a parade video, click here.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Busted In Sexual Predator Investigation
December 13, 2013
An Escambia County man was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly showing up to meet a teen boy for sex — but that teen turned out to be an investigator.
Donald Gough Jr, 37, was charged with traveling to meet a juvenile for sex and using a two way device (email) to facilitate a felony, ending a month long investigation.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gough begin communicating on November 15 with a person he thought to be a 14-year old boy. The boy was actually a computer crimes investigator. During their conversations, Gough engaged in sexually explicit conversation and agreed to meet the boy Wednesday with the intention of having sex, deputies said.
Gough was arrested when he traveled to Nine Mile Road and Hummingbird Boulevard to meet the boy.
Gough remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
Scott Proposes Rolling Back Motor Vehicle Taxes And Fees
December 13, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott Thursday announced that around $400 million in tax and fee cuts will go directly to Florida families by rolling back motor vehicle taxes and fees to pre-2009 levels. In 2009, Floridians experienced significant increases in various taxes related to the annual registration of motor vehicles, increasing the cost of registering a typical motor vehicle by an average of 54 percent.
“I have one message today for every Florida family: We are going to undo the 54% tax increase you saw in 2009 to register your motor vehicles. This means around $400 million annually will be given back to Florida families. This has never been government’s money – it’s your money – and I look forward to working with the Florida legislature to return it back to you,” Scott said. “We want to create an opportunity economy in Florida, and letting people keep more of the money they make means families have more money to invest in their future. We want to create an economy that supports job creation for generations to come.”
As a result of the 2009 tax increases, the cost of registering a typical automobile for Floridians increased from an estimated $46.80 to $71.85 every year. Combined with increases in driver license fees and various service charges, the increases translated to state revenues of over $1 billion, which were directed primarily to the state’s general revenue fund.
Scott’s proposed tax/fee automobile roll back would offer relief to the millions of taxpayers who pay these taxes/fees on over 13 million annual registrations each year, returning automobile taxes/fees to pre-2009 levels effective September 2014. On average, families will see registration costs drop from about $71 today to $46 next September, an average decrease in costs of about $25 for Florida families.
Snowball Express Transports Families Of Fallen Military
December 13, 2013
The Blue Angels were on hand Thursday to welcome 16 local families of fallen military heroes to the Pensacola International Airport before their Snowball Express flight to Fort Worth.
The Snowball Express is a charity organization for children of America’s fallen military heroes.
Blue Angels team members signed autographs, posed for photos and spent time with the children in the Pensacola airport’s USO center before their flight to Fort Worth to join more than 1,700 other children and surviving spouses.
“Snowball Express is a great organization because it helps the children of fallen service members by surrounding them with other kids and families who are all dealing with the loss of a loved one, while showing them a fun time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney of the Blue Angels.
American Airlines provides transportation annually for families across the world to attend the Snowball Express event, where children and surviving spouses meet for a weekend of enjoyment.
Pictured: Blue Angels Flight Surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse signs an autograph for a child during the annual Snowball Express send-off event at the Pensacola Regional Airport USO Thursday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Beat Jay; Lady Royals Down Northview
December 13, 2013
BOYS — Northview 61, Jay 58
The Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals 61-58 Thursday night in varsity high school basketball at Jay.
Scoring for the Chiefs were Neino Robinson 18, Tony McAroy 17, Cameron Newsome 14, Trent Howard 6, Jeffery Taylor 3, Dalton Tullis, and Nick Lambert 1.
Scoring for Jay were: Thomas Fisher 17, Marshall Thomas 13, Victor Minchew 8, Justice Garcia 7, Taylor Kelly 7, Eric Travino 3, Tate Upton 2, and Brandon Boutwell 1.
The Northview Chiefs will host Freeport Friday. The JV Girls play at 4:00; the Varsity Girls at 5:15 and the Varsity Boys at 6:30. Jay will travel to Baker this afternoon.
GIRLS — Jay 50, Northview 31
The Jay Lady Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs Thursday night in varsity girls high school basketball at Jay.
Scoring for the Jay Royals were: Carissa Mulford 14, Hillary Hendricks 11, Destiny Herring 7, annah Prescott 4 ,Emily Dobson 4, Paige Smith 4, Jorga Agrait 2, Bayleigh Upton 1.
Scoring for the Chiefs were: Elayzha Bates 11, Lana Clayton 7, Angle Lathan 4, Danielle Steadham 4, Zacarra Davis2 , and Deasia Fountain 2.
Jay will travel to Catholic at 4:30 Friday. The Northview Chiefs will host Freeport Friday. The JV Girls play at 4:00; the Varsity Girls at 5:15 and the Varsity Boys at 6:30. Jay will travel to Baker this afternoon.