Escambia Man Claims Half Million Dollar Scratch-Off Prize
October 16, 2013
An Escambia County man claimed a half million dollar scratch-off game prize from the Florida Lottery Tuesday in Tallahassee. Robin Canady, 57, purchased his winning $500,000 Gold Rush Tripler ticket from Happy Nick’s at 2499 North Palafox Street. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Executes Convicted Killer
October 16, 2013
Convicted murderer William Frederick Happ was put to death Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison near Starke.
Happ, 51, was convicted in the May 24, 1986, murder of Angela Crowley in Crystal River. Crowley, 21, was abducted while making a call from a pay phone in a parking lot and was taken by Happ to the Cross Florida Barge Canal, where she was beaten, sexually battered and strangled to death with her own clothes. By the time he was arrested for the murder, Happ had begun serving a prison sentence in California for an unrelated armed robbery and kidnapping.
The execution marked the first in which the Department of Corrections used midazolam hydrochloride instead of pentobarbital sodium as part of the triple-drug cocktail used in executions. The drug, the first of three injections, renders the inmate unconscious.
States, including Florida, have struggled to maintain stockpiles of pentobarbital sodium because Denmark-based manufacturer Lundbeck refuses to sell it directly to corrections agencies for use in executions and has ordered its distributors to also stop supplying the drug for lethal-injection purposes.
Supporters, Opponents Of Common Core Clash At Hearing
October 16, 2013
Supporters and opponents of the controversial “Common Core” education standards clashed Tuesday in Tampa during the opening stop in a three-day round of public hearings across the state.
Those speaking at the hearing were closely divided among supporters and opponents of the standards, despite conservative and tea-party activists’ concerns that Common Core represents a vast federal overreach into local education. About four dozen states have adopted the standards, which were created in a state-led initiative but have been promoted by federal officials and education reform advocates.
The hearings were part of Gov. Rick Scott’s plan for dealing with the politically volatile issue. Scott has already begun distancing the state from a consortium developing tests for Common Core, and has suggested the hearing could come up with ways to amend the academic benchmarks.
The meeting featured an at-time raucous audience, with those on both sides of the issue loudly applauding those who agreed with them.
Several teachers showed up at the meeting to defend Common Core from criticism that the standards are academically less rigorous than the state’s current expectations of students or are politically motivated.
“Common Core is providing a more rigorous and engaging classroom environment. … Common Core is pushing the students to think beyond a textbook,” said Melissa Castro, an 18-year educator with Hillsborough County.
The teachers and coaches said students were better able to grasp the material under Common Core, and were performing better.
But opponents assailed Common Core as potentially wasteful and harmful. Some labeled the changes “education without representation.” They said the new standards were almost incoherent and difficult for some students.
Lori Baxley, who has two children, spoke emotionally about how her son, a fourth-grader who previously made straight As, was struggling with his math homework. That made her speak up, Baxley said, not any political considerations.
“The notion this issue is political baffles and frustrates me,” she said during the hearing, which was webcast across the state by The Florida Channel..
But electoral politics did occasionally intrude. Mike Weston, a parent, teacher and candidate for the school board in Hillsborough County, said money should be sent to the classroom instead of spent implementing the standards and any related tests.
“Let’s give teachers a real raise, not Governor Scott’s mysterious vanishing raise,” Weston said.
Scott’s much-touted pay raise for educators, approved by the Legislature this spring, has been bogged down in negotiations between local school districts and teachers’ unions.
Two more hearings are scheduled on the issue, with one slated Wednesday in Davie and the third set for Thursday in Tallahassee.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Burger Franchise Wins Century Chamber’s Community Pride Award
October 16, 2013
The Century Chamber of Commerce has named Whataburger as the winner of the 
October Community Pride Award. The fast food restaurant currently employes 29 people. Pictured top: Whataburger in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo. Pictured inset: Whataburger General Manager accepted the award at a recent Century Chamber board meeting. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Visit The Pumpkin Patch
October 16, 2013
Looking for a pumpkin? The Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Men’s Pumpkin Patch is open once again this year at the corner of Highway 29 and Neal Road. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available, with some priced as low as $1. The pumpkin patch is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Organizers said hundreds of pumpkins have been sold far this year; another delivery is expected by the weekend.
The church’s Third Annual Fall Festival will be held at the pumpkin patch on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be free activities for the children, local musical entertainment, food, baked goods and more. Admission is free.
Pictured: The Allen Memorial Pumpkin Patch in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Charged With Century Traffic Death Sentenced
October 15, 2013
A Brewton man that was charged with the traffic death of a woman in Century a year ago was sentenced to probation Monday.
A charge of vehicular homicide was dropped against 53-year old James A. Richburg, and he pleaded no contest Monday to a charge of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury. Judge Jan Shackelford withheld adjudication as she sentenced Richburg to four years probation.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 50-year old Sara R. Daw of Flomaton was southbound on Highway 29 at Hudson Hill Road on October 10, 2012, when she stopped for a school bus that was stopped in the northbound lanes to pick up children. Richburg was southbound in a 2008 GMC Sierra pickup on Highway 29 when he failed to stop and rear-ended Daw’s 2001 Chevrolet pickup.
Daw was transported by Escambia County EMS to Jay Hospital where she died later that morning. Richburg received only minor injuries.
Shackelford also sentenced Richburg to 100 hours of community service, 20 hours of which must be spent speaking to youth about distracted driving and speeding. If he complies with the terms of his probation, Richburg may apply to have it terminated after two years.
Pictured top and left: The driver of this white pickup, 50-year old Sara R. Daw of Flomaton died as a result of injuries received in a traffic crash the morning of October 10, 2012, in Century. Pictured below: The driver of this pickup, 53-year old James Richburg of Brewton rear-ended Daw’s pickup. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Kids Learn Fire Safety
October 15, 2013
The VPK class at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center recently visited the Century Fire Station to learn all about fire safety. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Putnam Pitches Cutting Energy Taxes For Businesses, Shoppers
October 15, 2013
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam wants an annual sales-tax holiday on energy-saving appliances similar to the back-to-school tax holiday.
And he said the sales tax on energy used by businesses needs to be trimmed, with the remaining revenue redirected for school construction and maintenance.
The two proposals were among several Putnam announced Monday for the 2014 legislative session during an appearance at the start of the two-day Florida Energy Summit in Orlando.
In addition to cutting in half the 7 percent sales tax on energy use by businesses and seeking a tax holiday on energy-saving appliances, Putnam also proposed expanding to commercial properties a residential property-tax exemption on installing renewable-energy systems and undertaking a study on Florida’s future natural gas demands.
Putnam, who in 2012 was able to get lawmakers to approve the state’s first comprehensive energy plan in five years, said the proposals are intended to reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers, identify energy infrastructure needs and support energy innovation.
“We’re in the early stages of an energy revolution with a profound potential for our nation, profound potential in workforce, profound potential in manufacturing, profound potential in export markets and reversing our dependency on hostile nations for the life blood of our nation’s economy,” Putnam said.
The proposal drew support from legislators, who also noted they are early in the budget process.
“Commissioner Putnam has proposed ideas that are bold and incentivize energy efficiency in Florida,” House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said in a release. “The Florida House is always supportive of tax cuts, and using the commissioner’s proposal, we will continue to determine what is feasible before next session.”
Putnam’s proposal comes as state economists have projected a surplus of $845.7 million for the 2014-15 budget year and as Gov. Rick Scott has requested a $500 million cut in taxes and fees.
Cutting the sales tax that private firms pay for electricity to 3.5 percent would be expected to collectively save businesses about $250 million a year. Putnam wants to use the remaining money as a revenue source for the Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) program. Currently, the money goes into the state’s general revenue.
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, while attending the summit, tweeted that Putnam has “come up with some strategic ideas,” but she also declared that “this investment in natural gas will backfire as dependence.”
“The dependence on natural gas needs no promotion,” Rehwinkel Vasilinda tweeted. “We must be focused beyond natural gas so we don’t get stuck on the same path as petrol.”
The multi-decade natural gas forecast, which currently doesn’t have an estimated cost, would be aimed at helping lawmakers and businesses make decisions about growth and hiring, Putnam said.
“The analysis will evaluate the risks associated with the state’s growing reliance on one fuel source,” Putnam explained. “The study will assess long-range infrastructure needs, above-ground storage and liquefaction, opportunities for natural gas in transportation and pricing predictions.”
The request for a long-term outlook on natural gas comes as the state Public Service Commission is expected to vote Oct.24 on a proposal, spearheaded by Florida Power & Light, that would create a two-phase, 591-mile Alabama to Indiantown natural gas pipeline.
The pipeline, which has support of the commission’s staff, would become the third major pipeline into the state.
The sales tax holiday, which could be held over several days like the back-to-school holiday on clothing and other items in early August, would apply to Energy Star appliances under $1,500.
“The tax-holiday weekend on Energy Star appliances will not only save consumers money on purchases and utility bills — it will help us conserve our precious energy and water resources,” Putnam said.
In addition to those changes that require legislative support, Putnam also intends to shift about $4 million to a new clean energy research and development matching fund from the 2006 Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grant Program.
“Many states offer matching funds for this purpose, but Florida historically has not,” Putnam said.
The money has gone unused as some of the originally proposed grant projects were never completed or a project didn’t meet pre-set goals, a spokeswoman for Putnam’s office noted.
Putnam called that “recycling.”
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
One Injured In Highway 97 Accident Blamed On Deer
October 15, 2013
One person received minor injuries in a single vehicle accident blamed on a deer Monday night in Walnut Hill.
The driver of a Lincoln Navigator was southbound on Highway 97 south of Pine Forest Road when they swerved to avoid a deer. The vehicle then collided with a pole or other unknown object alongside the roadway, damaging the vehicle’s rear axle. The vehicle spun around and the driver stopped on the shoulder of the roadway facing north.
One person in the accident suffered neck pain and was transported to Atmore Community Hospital.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the incident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
State Board Of Education Member Resigns Just Before ‘Common Core’ Talks
October 15, 2013
A State Board of Education member with ties to former Gov. Jeb Bush has resigned shortly before the panel begins following Gov. Rick Scott’s plan for how to deal with the controversial “Common Core” standards that have been adopted by about four dozen states.
In a letter dated Sunday, Sally Bradshaw said her resignation was effective immediately.
Bradshaw, whose term was scheduled to end December 31, said she was resigning because of “family obligations.” The departure is almost certain to fuel rumors of a rift between Scott and Bush on education.
Bradshaw served as chief of staff for two years for Bush, who strongly supports Common Core. Kathleen Shanahan, another former Bush chief of staff, is set to leave the board at the end of the year and sharply criticized Scott at a recent meeting.
On Monday, Scott issued a statement praising Bradshaw.
“We are grateful for Sally’s service and commitment to ensuring the highest quality in our education system,” Scott said. “She has worked hard to continue the legacy of high standards that began under the great leadership of Governor Jeb Bush.”
The board is set to meet Tuesday to discuss parts of an executive order by Scott calling on the state to reconsider some of the standards it has approved under Common Core and to begin extracting itself from a multi-state testing system meant to measure student learning under the initiative.
by The News Service of Florida