Robinson Nets 32 As Northview Beats Miller
December 17, 2013
The Northview Chiefs beat T.R. Miller Monday night 66-55 in Brewton.
Scoring for the Chiefs were Neino Robinson 32, Eric Williams 11, Tony Mcaroy 9, Nick Lambert 5, Cameron Newsome 5, Jeffery Taylor 2, and Dalton Tullis 2.
The Chiefs will host Baker Tuesday, with the varsity girls playing at 5:00 and the varsity boys taking the court at 6:30. It will be the last home games of the calendar year for the Chiefs.
Florida Could Reach 1 Million Gun Background Checks
December 17, 2013
The gift of a gun may be high on many Floridians’ holiday shopping lists.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says it is on target to conduct nearly 1 million background checks this year on private firearm purchases. The projection comes as the department is reporting a record number of reviews conducted over the Thanksgiving weekend that typically kicks off the year-end holiday shopping season.
“We have definitely seen an increase in the number of background checks over the past several years,” FDLE spokeswoman Samantha Andrews said Monday. “You can see November and December are relatively larger” for sales.
Andrews declined to speculate on the reason for the increase and said the checks are only conducted on the individuals making purchases.
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer said that in addition to buying firearms as gifts, guns sales have grown due to the improved economy and an effort by merchants to move stock by offering enticing holiday sales.
“I think it’s a combination of people wanting to take advantage of sales as well as the gift giving,” Hammer said. “The retailers I talked to … they feel the economy may be starting to recover, or people are relaxing a little more, and are starting to turn loose some of the money they were reluctant to spend. And it’s that time of year.”
The FDLE recorded approximately 823,000 checks on firearms purchases as of Dec. 15, of which about 40,000 were from December. Last December, the department recorded more than 110,000 checks.
The 2013 number already surpasses the 797,000 background checks conducted in 2012. There were roughly 610,000 checks conducted in 2011.
Each check includes criminal history and mental-health database reviews.
Times can fluctuate depending upon demand, but the agency aims for a 4 minute turn-around when a check is conducted by a dealer over the phone, Andrews said.
The check can also be done online.
Fewer than 6 percent of the checks result in a sale being denied, Andrews said.
There were nearly 13,500 checks conducted the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, up from 13,200 during the same period a year earlier.
Because of the growing number of background checks, the FDLE has requested 18 new employees during the next budget year to help complete the requests in the firearms purchase program, while another 18 employees already doing the quick checks under an “other personal services” temporary designation could be shifted into full-time positions.
The requests are part of a $19 million increase proposed to the FDLE’s $269 million budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
During an appearance last week before the state Cabinet, FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey pointed to the Thanksgiving weekend as an example of a spike in sales that taxes staff time.
“In order to do this, we had to bring in people from other parts of the departments to make it work,” Bailey told Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet.
Bailey added that even though there was a brief glitch when the internal system for Wal-Mart went down, the checks were done relatively quickly.
The increased number of checks comes at the same time as Florida has a record number of concealed-weapon or firearm licenses issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The consumer services department reported that as of Nov. 30, there were 1,195,645 concealed weapon or firearm licenses issued in Florida. The state went over the 1 million mark a year ago, becoming the first state in the nation to surpass that figure.
Hammer said because of the increasing population, and a growing awareness of the state’s concealed-carry laws, guns sales will continue to grow.
“People are more aware of the need to protect themselves and their families,” Hammer said.
The checks typically also increase around Valentine’s Day and in the spring as federal tax refunds are mailed out, Andrews said.
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Girls Weightlifting: Northview Over Pensacola High
December 17, 2013
The Northview Girls Weightlifting team defeated Pensacola High School in a recent meet held at Northview.
Attending Northview and Pensacola High
Placement: 1st Northview 45 Points & Pensacola High 44 points
Northview’s Weight class point winners with combined scores
101
1st – Jadlyn Agerton (NHS)-160
2nd – Lindsey Gafford (NHS)-135
3rd –Rosaly Tambini (PHS)-120
110
1st – Mariah Albritton (NHS)-160
2nd – Tiffani Pritchett (NHS)-150
119
1st –Mallory Peterson (PHS)-155
2nd-Kaylie Hudson (NHS)-150
3rd –Moriah McGahan (NHS)-140
129
1st- Bryanna Lewis (PHS)-195
2nd-Courtney Weaver (NHS)-180
3rd –Iesha Robbins (PHS)-180
139
1st- Shaquaria McLemore (PHS)-215
2nd-Jachristala Gill (PHS)-195
3rd –Zacarra Davis (NHS)-185
154
1st- Ivory Crocker (PHS)-230
2nd-Alexis Madison (PHS)-210
3rd –Madalyn Coon (NHS)-200
169
1st –De’Chele Mallory (PHS)-255
2nd-Olivia Neal (NHS)-230
3rd –Morgan Packer (NHS)-200
183
1st –J’Hara Wiggins (PHS)-250
2nd-Haylee Weaver (NHS)-190
3rd –Addie Lee (NHS)-185
199
1st – McKenzie Nassar (NHS)-225
2nd – Nolasha McNealy (PHS)-175
3rd –Brianna Weaden (PHS)-85
Unlimited
1st – Breanna Campbell (NHS)-290
2nd – Da’ Tranell McIntyre (PHS)-240
3rd –Madison McGhee (NHS)-210
Pictured: Northview Girls’ Weightlifting takes on Pensacola High School. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Letter To The Editor: Grover Robinson On I-10, Scenic Highway Work
December 17, 2013
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Last Friday, the State of Florida and its contractor began commencement on improvements for Interstate 10 between Escambia Bay Bridge and Davis Highway. One of the most noticeable parts of that improvement was the removal of trees from Scenic Highway.
I, like many Escambia County residents, was shocked. While our staff had met with the State and the State had met with the Scenic Highway Foundation, I was unaware of the exact plans and was upset by what I saw.
After seeing the loss of the old growth oaks, I immediately sought to better educate myself with the plans, talking with both State and County employees to determine what work was being done and how the impact to our environment could be mitigated. As I spoke with staff at both the Escambia County and at the State-level, I understood that the agencies involved had to make difficult decisions to in order to diminish potential storm water issues. The regrettable choices were to either remove the trees to create two retention ponds or to relocate eight families on either side of Interstate 10 in order to place ponds on the former home sites. While I certainly appreciate the beauty and environmental history of the old growth oaks along the exit, I do not believe that tearing down homes and trees that others had planted at their homesteads was a viable option.
Since it appears that the actions taken were necessary for progress, Escambia County has offered to assist the State with new landscaping. Escambia County is making an offer to the State of Florida and its contractor to augment the replanting of trees once the ponds are built to see if better species can be planted, as well as more mature specimens. While this certainly will not erase the drastic change that occurred or the loss of the beautiful canopy at that exit, I hope it will make for an easier transition for as we move forward.
I do appreciate the State and its willingness to continue to improve traffic in Escambia County, and I also appreciate their willingness to work with us in as a team to evaluate enhancements Escambia made.
I ask patience of all residents who either live or drive Scenic Highway. Our progress may be slow, but I believe the finished product will be something that is both better for the driver and for our environment and ecology. While I – along with many of you – will deeply feel the loss of the majestic oaks, I am working diligently with the State to ensure that we put forward as best recovery as possible.
Sincerely,
Grover C. Robinson, IV
Escambia County Commissioner
District 4
Victim’s Name Released In Sunday Shooting
December 16, 2013
A Sunday evening shooting in Escambia County is under investigation.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year old Karl John Krause sustained an apparent gunshot wound during the course of an alleged robbery in the 1200 block of Desmonde Drive, off Massachusetts Avenue. He was reportedly shot in the cheek as he drove through the neighborhood. The suspects were described only as several black males.
Krause was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Escambia Graduation Rates Climb, Fall Short Of State Average
December 16, 2013
The federal high school graduation rate in Escambia County is up, but the district still lags behind the state average and neighboring counties.
Escambia County’s 2012-2013 graduation rates was up to 64.2 percent from 62.1 for the 2011-2012 school year. By comparison, the 2012-2013 graduation rate was 78.9 percent in Santa Rosa County and 82.7 percent in Okaloosa County.
Florida’s high school graduation rate increased by 1.1 percentage points over the last year and has increased significantly during the past ten years. The rate rose from 59.2 percent in 2003-04 to 75.6 percent in 2012-13.
The federal high school graduation rate includes standard four-year diplomas but excludes regular and adult GEDs and special diplomas.
The highest individual high school graduation rates in Escambia County were West Florida, Tate, Washington and Northview high schools, while Escambia Virtual Academy, Pensacola High, Pine Forest and Escambia high schools rounded out the bottom half.
Escambia County 2012-2013 School Graduation Rates Compared from 2011-2013
- West Florida High School — 90.9% down from 91.9%
- Tate High School — 77.1% up from 73.4%
- Washington High School — 76.4% up from 71.1%
- Northview High School — 70.8% up from 67.4%
- Escambia Virtual Academy — 65% up from 42.7%
- Pensacola High School — 62.3% own from 62.4%
- Pine Forest High School — 60.0% up from 55.3%
- Escambia High School — 55.1%, down from 61.6%
Pictured top: Northview High School Valedictorian Jazzlyn Franklin delivers her address to the NHS Class of 2013 at the school. Pictured below: The Tate High School class of 2013 graduates at the Pensacola Bay Center. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission Meetings To Resume In January
December 16, 2013
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will not meet again until next year. A BOCC Committee of the Whole workshop meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, December 12 was canceled.
Meetings will resume Thursday, January 2, 2014, with the Agenda Review beginning at 9 a.m., public forum at 4:30 p.m. and the regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. All meetings will take place in the Board Chambers at 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola.
Public Defenders Back Revised ‘Warning Shot’ Bill
December 16, 2013
The Florida Public Defender Association has decided to back a measure (HB 89) that would grant immunity to people who show or fire guns in self-defense — the so-called “warning-shot” bill by Rep. Neil Combee, a Polk City Republican.
Last month, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed HB 89 overwhelmingly as a committee substitute, now called the Threatened Use of Force Act. It faces two more House committees. The Senate companion, by Senate Criminal Justice Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker, faces three committees.
An earlier version of the bill died during the 2013 legislative session, but the proposal is back for a second try during the upcoming 2014 session — with some key changes that backers hope will propel it to passage this time.
Changes include getting the public defenders, who didn’t back the first bill, on board.
“We see, routinely, clients that we believe shouldn’t be prosecuted because they did act in lawful self-defense,” said Stacy Scott, the Gainesville-based public defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit. “We’re fighting those cases in court every day.”
Combee sponsored the 2013 bill after hearing about Marissa Alexander, a Jacksonville woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the 10-20-Life sentencing law for firing a gun into a wall during a fight with her husband. Combee said her sentence was an example of the “negative unintended consequences” of 10-20-Life, which requires mandatory-minimum prison terms for gun-related crimes.
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.
“The public defenders are, in general, in favor of having judges have discretion about sentencing as opposed to mandatory punishments,” Scott said. “And so we felt like, with the amendments that were made to House Bill 89 in its current version, that there was some really important legislative-intent language that talked about 10-20-Life and encouraged prosecutors to not seek those kinds of punishments on people who threaten to use force in self-defense.”
Combee’s first bill would have amended 10-20-Life, but the sentencing law proved too formidable. Many criminal justice professionals credit 10-20-Life with lowering the crime rate, and Combee’s measure drew opposition from a number of prosecutors and law enforcement officers, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, now president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, and State Attorney Angela Corey of the 4th Judicial Circuit, who sought Alexander’s 20-year sentence.
That’s why the new iteration of Combee’s bill seeks to amend the “stand your ground” self-defense law, not 10-20-Life. It would permit people who are being attacked and fear for their lives to display guns, threaten to use the weapons or fire warning shots under the same circumstances by which they could legally shoot to kill.
Corey opposes House Bill 89 as too dangerous, saying prosecutors have the discretion they need.
And State Attorney Bill Cervone of the 8th Judicial Circuit said many prosecutors already take a dim view of changes to Florida’s self-defense laws since 2005, when “stand your ground” was passed.
“Collectively, I think we are greatly concerned about scenarios where there could be a miscarriage of justice,” he said. “We’re more concerned about guilty people who hide behind (’stand your ground’). The defense bar has equal concerns about the other side of the coin. ….I guess our position is that modifying or tweaking the concept is unnecessary in terms of what we already had in place.”
The sheriffs have not yet taken a position on the new bill. But National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer, who has worked with Combee on the measure since last year, said the public defenders’ backing could be important.
“They are in a unique position of knowing exactly how often law-abiding people who have exercised self-defense are being prosecuted — and, in fact, persecuted in some cases,” Hammer said. “If state attorneys are not aware that some of their prosecutors are doing it, we hope they will become aware. We need a sea change in attitude in how victims are being treated.”
County Renews Contract With Atmore Ambulance For Walnut Hill, Bratt
December 16, 2013
The Escambia County Commission has renewed a contract with Atmore Ambulance to provide emergency medical services for the portion of North Escambia in the 327 phone exchange.
Atmore Ambulance has been providing ambulance service for the Walnut Hill, Bratt, Davisville and surrounding communities in the 327 telephone exchange since 1978. The county’s current contract with Atmore Ambulance was due to expire on January 20, 2014.
In January 2010, the Escambia County Commission awarded a contract to Atmore Ambulance for an initial period of 36 months, that was renewable for two additional 12 month periods for a total of 60 months. Escambia County (FL) pays Atmore Ambulance $7,384.47 a month.
Under the terms of the contract, Atmore Ambulance directly bills patients for services rendered at an amount not greater than that billed by Escambia County EMS, which provides ambulance service for the rest of the county.
A similar agreement is in place between Escambia County (FL) EMS and the Escambia County (AL) Healthcare Authority for Escambia EMS to provide ambulance service in the Flomaton area. Escambia County (AL) pays Escambia County (FL) $7,873.39 a month for the ambulance service
Renewal of the agreement was recommended by Mike Weaver, Escambia County’s public safety director.
Man Facing Two Counts Of Attempted Murder
December 16, 2013
An Escambia County man is facing attempted murder charges after being arrested in connection with a December 10 shooting incident.
Cameron Michael Irby, 19, was charged by Pensacola Police with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Police say Irby is responsible for two shootings about 10:45 p.m. on December 10 in a parking lot of 711 Underwood Avenue, not far from Pensacola State College.
One victim told investigators that he was walking through the apartment complex when he was randomly shot. A second male said he was shot in the buttocks. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The shootings remain under investigation, and police said more arrests are possible. Investigators believe the shootings were drug related.