Work Continues On Nine Mile Road
August 10, 2013
Construction work is continuing on Nine Mile Road from the Fox Run Subdivision to the Escambia River Bridge. Crews are currently constructing median curbs and making gutter modifications.
Motorists can expect paving operations on the east and westbound lanes and side road turnouts as crews continue to lay the final layer of asphalt between Highway 29 and Chisholm Road. Drainage work and sod placement continues throughout the project west to Highway 29. Lane closures will be in effect 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded by the Florida Department of Transportation to watch for traffic flaggers, pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, and to use caution when driving in work zones.
Pictured: Nine Mile Road at Pine Forest Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Government Weekly Roundup
August 10, 2013
State officials — and protesters camped out on the first floor of the Capitol trying to get their attention — are making sure that the normally sluggish Tallahassee summer isn’t, at least for reporters.
Florida universities Chancellor Frank Brogan and state Rep. Mike Fasano are bidding bye-bye to Tallahassee, adding to the list of job openings in the capital.
The man with the million-dollar smile, Brogan, announced he’s headed to Pennsylvania, and he’s taking almost that much cash, thanks to state taxpayers, with him. His departure comes less than a week after Education Commissioner Tony Bennett abruptly resigned, leaving the state’s top two schools spots vacant.
And Gov. Rick Scott sent perennial pot-stirrer Fasano packing to Pasco, where he’s now the county tax collector. More than a few Republicans, along with utility and insurance-industry lobbyists, likely did private happy dances over the switch, although publicly many of those elected officials he poked heaped praise on the populist.
The sit-in outside Scott’s office rolled into its third week, with rapper Talib Kweli joining the slumber party Thursday.
Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting gave the demonstrators a larger, if unwilling, audience, to hear their complaints. Scott and the Cabinet didn’t address any of the Dream Defenders’ concerns, but they did sign off on a year-long excavation for human remains at a closed Panhandle reform school.
BRO-GONE
After four years as the state’s top university official, Brogan will head up the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education starting Oct. 1. Brogan’s five-year contract with the Florida Board of Governors would have expired in in September 2014, and his participation in the state’s deferred retirement system, or DROP, was set to run out in August 2015.
“I really felt as though I would be looking for opportunities over the final year,” Brogan told reporters during a conference call Wednesday. “But I didn’t know one would appear so quickly.”
Brogan’s getting a nearly $30,000 haircut with his new $327,500 salary in the Keystone State. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to what he’ll be taking with him. Brogan will receive a $622,109.45 lump sum payout when he officially separates from the state next month. And he’ll rake in more than $16,000 a month — $192,000 a year — in other state pension benefits.
Brogan started as a schoolteacher in Stuart and served as Martin County schools superintendent before winning election as the state education commissioner in 1994. Four years later, he ran alongside Gov. Jeb Bush as lieutenant governor, a job he held through the next election. He left the first floor of the Capitol in 2002 to become president of Florida Atlantic University. Brogan stayed at the Boca Raton school until the BOG hired him as chancellor in 2009.
Capitol insiders may best remember Brogan for his role in the press skits as Jeb Bush’s court jester. On a Segway.
No word yet on who Brogan’s successor will be, but we know it won’t be Senate President Don Gaetz. The Panama City News-Herald reported that Gaetz, a former Okaloosa County schools superintendent, told a local Rotary Club he didn’t want that job or the education commissioner spot.
FASANO IN THE REAR VIEW
Mike Fasano’s up-and-down career as a state lawmaker has presumably come to an end, at least for now. First elected to the Legislature in 1994, the New Port Richey Republican spent eight years in the House followed by a decade in the Senate before returning to the House last year. Scott tapped Fasano, 55, as Pasco County property appraiser to replace Mike Olson, a Democrat who died in June.
Fasano, a one-time hard-core conservative and ardent supporter of Charlie Crist, became a thorn-in-the-side to the GOP in both chambers, frequently defying leadership and openly criticizing his Republican colleagues — including Scott — on pocketbook issues including property insurance and utility rates.
“#Best #Appointment #Ever,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, tweeted after Tuesday’s announcement.
Last year, Fasano incurred the wrath of then-Senate President Mike Haridopolos for helping to kill a massive prison privatization proposal. Haridopolos stripped him of a powerful post as chairman of the criminal justice budget committee, but Fasano didn’t back away from his anti-privatization crusade.
Siding with Democrats this year, Fasano publicly chastised House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, for failing to go along with an expansion of the Medicaid program.
Fasano also pointed the finger at Scott for failing to convince lawmakers to expand Medicaid and clashed with the governor over Scott’s initial opposition to a prescription-drug monitoring program and the state’s failure to fund it.
“Here’s what you like about Sen. Fasano,” Scott said Tuesday when reporters asked him about the appointment. “He’s passionate. He cares about our state and he cares about his constituents. He’s going to be very customer-oriented.”
Fasano, who for years ended every conversation with “God bless,” frequently targeted insurers, especially the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp., for high premiums and inadequate coverage, including problems with sinkhole coverage in his district.
Fasano’s recent discord with GOP leaders was a shift from his early career when the party loyalist helped Gov. Jeb Bush push through the elimination of the intangibles tax.
“It’s been almost 20 years and the Florida Legislature has changed,” Fasano said Tuesday. “Or Mike Fasano has changed, or maybe it’s a combination of the two.”
Fasano’s at-times harsh criticism was also in conflict with the aura he generated inside his softly-lit Capitol offices, where the strains of classical music constantly played in the background.
CABINET APPROVES DOZIER EXCAVATIONS
Scott and the Florida Cabinet put an end to a dispute over the excavation of the remains of boys who died at a former Panhandle reform school, signing off on a year-long dig at the shuttered Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.
Attorney General Pam Bondi led the charge to allow University of South Florida researchers to dig for reportedly unaccounted-for bodies of boys who died between 1900 and 1952 at the school after Secretary of State Ken Detzner refused the researchers’ request for a permit, saying he lacked the authority to approve it.
“We’re not exactly sure what happened there, but we know it wasn’t good,” Bondi said. “We have to look at our history…We have to go back, we know there are unmarked graves currently on that property that deserve a proper burial. It’s the right thing to do.”
As a handful of former residents of the school looked on Tuesday, Scott and the Cabinet OK’d a land-use agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection. Some local officials had urged Scott to deny USF’s request to continue the excavation, saying the publicity would be bad for local tourism.
Robert Strayley, 66, was among the people who attended the Cabinet meeting. He said he was sent to the school after running away repeatedly from his Tampa home, and recalled the beatings he and other youngsters received during his 10-month stay that started in 1963.
“This is a historic moment for Florida because they reached into a past for Florida that was so dark that nobody wants to talk about it,” he said.
Lawmakers included $190,000 in this year’s state budget to cover the cost of the research, determine the causes of death, identify remains, locate potential family members and cover the costs for re-interment.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Florida Chancellor Frank Brogan leaves his position for a similar spot in Pennsylvania after four years as head of the state university system.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Good luck Rep. Fasano! I’m going to mail you a ‘Let’s get to work’ bumper sticker.” — Tweet by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, after learning that Rep. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, would be leaving the Florida House because Gov. Rick Scott appointed him as Pasco County tax collector.
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Win Third Straight
August 10, 2013
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored in each of their first three at-bats, leading from wire-to-wire in a 5-2 victory over the Jacksonville Suns in front of a capacity crowd of 5,038 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Friday night. The win gave Pensacola its third straight series victory and pushed the Wahoos to within two games of the first place Suns.
Mike Costanzo led the charge for Pensacola, starting things off with a one-out triple in the first and scoring on a sacrifice fly from Yorman Rodriguez. In the second inning, the Wahoos got a two-run double from starting pitcher Tim Crabbe with two outs to make it 3-0.
Crabbe surrendered a run in the top of the third on a two-out double from Mark Canha, but his offense backed him again with a run in the last of the third on a bases-loaded, two-out infield single from Tucker Barnhart that scored Costanzo to make it 4-1.
Again the Suns battled back with a run in the top of the fourth on a RBI single from Michael Main, but Crabbe limited the damage to the single tally. The right-hander got help from all over the diamond, with Barnhart cutting down a runner at the plate in the second when Austin Barnes tried to score on a ball that squirted a couple feet to his right being the highlight. Overall, Crabbe (6-8) lasted five innings for Pensacola, allowing two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts.
The 4-2 scored stood until the last of the seventh inning when Costanzo dropped a single into shallow center, scoring Corey Wimberly to make it 5-2. Costanzo went 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Pensacola’s bullpen was once again outstanding, limiting the Suns to just two base hits over four innings of relief. Chris Manno extended his scoreless innings streak to 16, dating back to June 30. Parker Frazier struck out three over two frames, and Loek Van Mil slammed the door with a dominant ninth that featured two strikeouts. For Van Mil, it was his eighth save of the season, and first since July 3.
With the series win under their belt, the Wahoos now look to extend their winning streak to a season-long four games on Saturday night. Josh Smith (9-8, 3.77) gets the ball for Pensacola against Jacksonville’s Justin Nicolino (2-2, 6.05).
Two Reportedly Flee Burning Vehicle Alongside Highway 29
August 9, 2013
Two people reportedly fled the scene of a vehicle fire this afternoon on Highway 29 near Molino.
The Buick Century burned alongside Highway 29 near Barth road about 12:20 p.m. Witnesses said two people jumped out of the burning Buick and fled with another driver in an unknown type vehicle.
The incident is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Further details were not available.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Cantonment Crash
August 9, 2013
One person was injured in a two vehicle accident this morning in Cantonment.
The accident happened just after 11:00 on Highway 29 in front of the Grocery Advantage. The injured driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Teen Killed In ATV Crash, 10-Year Old Critically Injured
August 9, 2013
A teenager was killed and a 10-year old was critically injured in an ATV accident near Jay Thursday evening.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 17-year old Cheyenne Taylor Glenn of Jay was southbound on Oil Plant Road, about two miles north of Highway 4 when she failed to negotiate an uphill right curve and lost control of her 1999 Yamaha four-wheeler. The vehicle traveled up an embankment, striking several small trees. The four-wheeler then struck a large limb that had fallen and was just off the ground. The limb broke, causing it to strike Glenn and her passenger, Jadynn Dannelley of Jay.
The impact with the limb forced both occupants off the seat of the four-wheeler. Glenn was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash at 5:23 p.m. Dannelley, 10, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she was listed in critical condition early Friday mornig.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured top: A cross was erected late Thursday night on Oil Plant Road near Jay in memory of 17-year old Cheyenne Taylor Glenn who died in an ATV accident. Pictured inset: Cheyenne Taylor Glenn. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Groundbreaking Held For New Ernest Ward Middle School (With Photo Gallery)
August 9, 2013
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday moning for a new $17 million rebuild of Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
“It is a great investment in this community,” said Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross. “It’s also something that is long overdue.”
The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945 to replace a campus ravaged by fire in 1943. That old school had been constructed to replace an Ernest Ward School that first opened in a log cabin in 1896.
Ernest Ward graduate Billy Ward, who later served as a longtime probate judge in Escambia County, looked fondly Thursday at the plans for new EWMS campus as he remembered his days at what was then Ernest Ward School.
“It sure is nice,” Ward said, “I bet it will have all the buttons and extras that you can think of putting into a new building.”
Ward remembers the day in 1943 that smoke billowed toward the sky from what was then the campus of Ernest Ward on Arthur Brown Road, near the site of the modern day grain elevator. “I rode my bicycle as hard as I could to get over there and see what happened,” he said. “It just burnt to the ground.”
Classes for the remainder of 1943 and 1944 were held in the school gym, located across Arthur Brown Road and untouched by the fire.
“They divided the gym up and we finished school there,” Ward explained, “before they open the new school here (on Highway 97) in 1945. It was nice back then.”
The new Ernest Ward Middle School, expected to open in 18 to 24 months, will be more than just nice. It will be an ultra modern learning facility, according to Principal Nancy Perry.
“It’s truly an exciting day,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Thursday morning. “We are grateful for everyone that’s worked so hard to make this day happen.”
Escambia County voters played a big part in making the $17 million facility a reality, thanks to the voter-approved half cent sales tax. Escambia is one of 16 of Florida’s 67 counties where voters have approved the half cent sales tax, which can be used for construction projects.
“We offer our thanks to the county voters,” School Board Chairman Jeff Bergosh said. “We just cant beat that drum enough…You can’t put a price tag on having those funds available and not having to do a bond issue for this project.”
“The half cent sales tax is the secret to this,” District 5 School Board member Bill Slayton said. “The state has all but stopped funding new schools.”
The new two-story Ernest Ward school building will be constructed as students remain on campus in the current facility. The new school will be constructed between the current building and the football stadium. Once the new building is complete, the current building will be torn down, and portables and modular buildings currently on the campus will be removed.
For a photo gallery from Thursday’s Ernest Ward Middle School groundbreaking, click here.
Pictured: A groundbreaking was held for a new $17 million Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday morning in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Past Due Customer Threatens To Blow Up Gulf Power
August 9, 2013
A woman is charged with threatening to blow up a Gulf Power building after learning her power was going to be disconnected for non-payment.
Natasha Eillen White, 31, was charged with threatening to discharged a destructive device, a second degree felony. She was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Investigators said White contacted Gulf Power to discuss a bill that was two months overdue and learned that her power was going to be disconnected. During the conversation, she made a threat to “blow up” a Gulf Power building, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators were able to trace the call and identify White as the suspect.
Pensacola’s Wu Now League Of Cities President
August 9, 2013
Pensacola City Council President P.C. Wu has moved up to president of the Florida League of Cities after the organization’s former leader, Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Marono, was suspended from office this week because of federal corruption charges.
Ryan Banfill, a spokesman for the league, said its executive committee took action Wednesday to elevate Wu, who had served as first vice president. Banfill said Wu was already preparing to take the top job next week, as Marono’s term was set to expire.
“There was already a period of transition going on anyway,” Banfill said.
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday issued executive orders suspending Marono and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi after federal authorities charged them with conspiracy to commit extortion in a fraudulent grant scheme.
NOAA Cuts Back Hurricane Forecast; Above Average Season Still Expected
August 9, 2013
Weather forecasters have cut back the number of storms forecast for this hurricane season, but they still expect this to be an active season.
NOAA issued its updated Atlantic hurricane season outlook Thursday saying the season is shaping up to be above normal with the possibility that it could be very active. The season has already produced four named storms, with the peak of the season – mid-August through October – yet to come.
“Our confidence for an above-normal season is still high because the predicted atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are favorable for storm development have materialized,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. “Also, two of the four named storms to-date formed in the deep tropical Atlantic, which historically is an indicator of an active season.”
The conditions in place now are similar to those that have produced many active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995, and include above-average Atlantic sea surface temperatures and a stronger rainy season in West Africa, which produces wind patterns that help turn storm systems there into tropical storms and hurricanes.
The updated outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season. Across the Atlantic Basin for the entire season – June 1 to November 30 – NOAA’s updated seasonal outlook (which includes the activity to date of tropical storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, and Dorian) projects a 70 percent chance for each of the following ranges:
- 13 to 19 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including
- 6 to 9 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which
- 3 to 5 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)
These ranges are above the 30-year seasonal averages of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
The updated outlook is similar to the pre-season outlook issued in May, but with a reduced expectation for extreme levels of activity. Motivating this change is a decreased likelihood that La Niña will develop and bring its reduced wind shear that further strengthens the hurricane season. Other factors are the lack of hurricanes through July, more variability in the wind patterns across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and slightly lower hurricane season model predictions. In May, the outlook called for 13-20 named storms, 7-11 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes.
“The peak of the hurricane season is almost upon us and it’s important to remain prepared for hurricanes through November,” said Joe Nimmich, FEMA Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery. “Make sure to review your family emergency plan, check that your emergency kit is stocked and consider insurance options.”