Courts Side With Smokers’ Families In Tobacco Cases
June 14, 2013
Two of Florida’s top courts Thursday ruled against the tobacco industry in cases involving the deaths of smokers, including an appeals court upholding a $20 million punitive-damages judgment against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
The punitive-damages case, decided by the 1st District Court of Appeal, stemmed from the 1995 death of Frank Townsend, an Ocala man who smoked the company’s cigarettes and developed lung cancer. Townsend’s widow, Lyantie, filed a lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds — one of thousands of tobacco-related cases bouncing through the state’s court system.
Thursday’s ruling was the second time the Tallahassee-based appeals court has ruled on the amount of punitive damages that could be awarded to Townsend’s widow. Last year, judges said a $40.8 million punitive-damages award was excessive and ordered that the case be sent back to an Alachua County court, where it was originally heard, to determine a lower amount.
A circuit judge set the amount at $20 million, which prompted R.J. Reynolds to appeal again on a number of grounds, including whether it was entitled to a new trial on the damages and whether the $20 million was excessive. But the appeals court rejected those arguments.
The jury in the case also awarded $10.8 million in separate damages to compensate Townsend’s widow for such issues as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. That total was reduced to $5.5 million because it was determined that Frank Townsend was 49 percent at fault for his death and R.J. Reynolds was 51 percent at fault.
The Townsend case is part of a barrage of lawsuits against tobacco companies stemming from a 2006 Florida Supreme Court decision. That decision determined such lawsuits have to be heard individually instead of as a class action, but it also established critical findings about the health dangers of smoking and misrepresentation by cigarette makers — findings that have bolstered the cases, known in the legal world as “Engle progeny” cases.
Meanwhile Thursday, the state Supreme Court sided in a Miami-Dade County case with Karen Capone, the widow of Frank Capone, a longtime smoker who died in July 2006 after filing a personal-injury lawsuit against cigarette maker Philip Morris USA.
The dispute focused on whether Karen Capone should be able to amend the case and pursue a wrongful-death claim. Philip Morris contended that the case needed to be dismissed and that a new wrongful-death lawsuit would have to be filed.
But justices, in a 5-2 decision, sided with Capone.
“When an injured plaintiff in a personal injury action dies, it is both necessary and proper for the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to be named a party in the pending action so that a survival damages claim, a wrongful death claim, or both, may continue to be pursued,” Justice R. Fred Lewis wrote in the majority opinion.
Lewis was joined by justices Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince, Jorge Labarga and James E.C. Perry. Chief Justice Ricky Polston and Justice Charles Canady dissented.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Health Officials: Know The Signs Of Heat Stress
June 14, 2013
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County reminds residents that it is important to know the signs of heat stress as temperatures rise and people spend more time in the summer heat.
Heat stress is a general term to describe heat-related illnesses that can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heat stress can develop into heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. Persons most prone to heat stress are infants, elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of heat stress vary, but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness (may be the only sign of heat exhaustion in an infant)
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Cool, moist skin
- Fast, weak pulse rate
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
If you suspect significant heat stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Prevent sun burn by wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF, or greater. Sun burn damages the skin’s ability to dissipate heat.
For specific medical questions contact your physician, or dial 911 for emergency care.
Escambia’s Patty Hightower Elected President Of Florida School Board Association
June 14, 2013
Patty Hightower, District 4 Escambia County School Board member, was installed Thursday as President of the Florida School Boards Association at its annual meeting in Tampa. Mrs. Hightower has served on the Escambia County School Board since 2004. She is also a past President of the Florida PTA.
The Florida School Boards Association is the voice of its member school boards working closely with governmental, educational and community agencies to improve education in Florida. The board provides training for both newly elected as well as experienced school board members including certification of school board members and school boards.
“We are fortunate to have a new president who possesses Patty Hightower’s intellect and understanding of the educational issues in Florida,” said Wayne Blanton, the Florida School Boards Association’s executive director. “Because of her involvement in and efforts to improve education in Florida for over 40 years, she knows the issues and knows the people who are involved in the decision making concerning educational policy in Florida, and, equally importantly, they know Patty.”
Prior to her election to the presidency, Hightower has chaired the Florida School Boards Association’s Bylaws Committee and Finance Committee, served on the Legislative Committee, the Florida Learning First Alliance, and the Federal Relations Committee. She has also held the offices of treasurer, vice-president, and president-elect of the organization.
Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas said the Florida Association of District School Superintendents often works with the Florida School Boards Association in advancing and improving education in Florida.
“I’m very proud of Patty’s selection as president. I enjoy working with her as a member of our school board. She is an effective advocate for the improvement of education, not only in our school system but throughout the state and nation,” Thomas said.
NJROTC Training: Cadets Take Part In Adopt A Highway Program
June 14, 2013
NJROTC cadets at Northview High School are taking part in an introduction to ROTC training this week. As part of that training, they participated in Florida’s Adopt-A-Highway program, working to removing litter and beautify West Highway 4 near the school.
Pictured above and below: Northview High School NJROTC cadets work in the Adopt-A-Highway program as part of their introductory training. Pictured below: Eight new Northview NJROTC cadets are identified by their burgundy shirts. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rep. Clay Ingram Holds Office Hours In Century
June 14, 2013
State Rep. Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola) held “office hours” in Century Thursday afternoon to meet with constituents about state government, including issues that may have with state agencies or programs. Anyone that missed the office hours can call Ingram’s district office in Pensacola at (850) 494-7330 for assistance. Pictured: Ingram (right) talks with Edna Earle Barnes of Century. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gospel Projects 2013 Tee Ball World Series Results
June 14, 2013
Here are the scores from the Gospel Projects 2013 Tee Ball World Series Thursday night in Milton:
- Tri-County American 22, Perdido 21
- Brent 40, Cantonment 19
- GP World 37, Molino 16
- Pace 29, Bellview 18
- Tri-County Nationals 27, East Milton 15
- NEP Gold 30, Navarre 8
- NEP Blue 23, Milton 10
- Myrtle Grove 28, GP American 13
Play continues Friday, Saturday, and Monday with the world series championship game on Tuesday.
Have photos you’d like to share from your favorite team? Email news@northescambia.com
Pictured: The Tri-County Nationals beat East Milton 27-15 Thursday in the Gospel Projects World Series. Submitted photos by Stephanie Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mobile Opens Series With 5-2 Win Over Pensacola
June 14, 2013
Nick Evans launched two home runs, including a tie-breaking shot in the ninth inning to lift the Mobile BayBears to a series-opening win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, 5-2, on Thursday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 5,038, the 12th sellout of the season.
The BayBears, riding a string of late-inning victories, continued their come-from-behind prowess on Thursday. Entering the eighth trailing 2-1, Mobile posted the final four runs of the contest for the victory. In the eighth, Keon Broxton singled and Mike Freeman double to put runners at second and third with nobody out before Nick Ahmed drove home Broxton with a sac fly to tie the game. Wilkin De La Rosa come on to get the final two outs of the inning while stranding the go-ahead run at third.
In the ninth, the BayBears again put the first two runners on via a single and an error. Ahmed stepped to the dish having already smoked a solo homer in the fourth inning, and jolted his second homer of the game, a three-run shot on a 3-0 pitch to give Mobile its three-run lead.
Kevin Munson came on in the ninth to pick up his 11th save of the season by retiring the Wahoos in the ninth. With the win, Mobile held its half-game lead over Mississippi who also won on Thursday night.
The late rally spoiled what was a solid start from Tim Crabbe. The right-hander tossed a season-high 7.1 innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out four. Crabbe had retired 20 of the last 21 and 10 straight entering the eighth inning before being pulled after the Freeman double.
Pensacola tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 2-1 lead. In the fifth, Ray Chang blasted a solo shot, his second home run since returning from Triple-A. An inning later, Tucker Barnhart extended his hitting streak to eight games with a two-out single to score Ryan LaMarre.
The two teams continue the five-game series on Friday night with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch. Ryan Dennick (3-6, 3.18) gets the start for Pensacola against Mobile’s Bo Schultz (1-0, 0.00).
story by Kevin Burke
Local Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
June 13, 2013
The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Thomas Jr., 31, of Pensacola, died June 10, in Helmand, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Kleber Kaserne, Germany.
More details will be posted as they become available.
Escaped Inmate Busted Within 10 Minutes
June 13, 2013
An inmate that escaped from the Escambia County Jail didn’t manage to get very far during his 10 minutes of freedom this morning.
Just after 8:00, inmate worker Michael Eugene Washington, 41, walked away from the Escambia County Jail on “L” Street. He was seen walking down Fairfield Drive and then observed by officers walking toward Pace Boulevard. He climbed onto the roof of a building in the 2800 block of North Pace Boulevard.
The building was surrounded and Washington was taken into custody within 10 minutes of his escape.
A ladder truck from Escambia County Fire Rescue was used to assist in removing Washington from the roof.
Two North Escambia Church Burglaries Under Investigation (Updated)
June 13, 2013
[Updated] Two church burglaries discovered Wednesday are under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A burglary was reported Wednesday morning just before 8:00 at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Highway 29 at Thompson Road in Bluff Springs. A powered mixer, two Peavey speakers and a wireless microphone system were stolen (pictured below).
“It is sad that someone would rob a church,” said Pastor Jimmy Wood “My prayer is that whoever did this will return what they have stolen and surrender their life to the Lord.”
Wednesday afternoon, members of the Antioch Springs of Life Church at the corner of North Pineville Road and Jakes Road in Nokomis discovered that their house of worship had been burglarized. Someone stole an air conditioner, speakers, sound equipment, dishes and a few other miscellaneous items, according to church members.
An Antioch Springs member said this was the third burglary at their church in recent years. They believe the latest burglary happened between 6:00 Tuesday night and 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.
There was no immediate indication that the two burglaries were related. Anyone with information on either crime is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: The Antioch Springs of Life Church on Pineville Road in Nokomis. Pictured below: A powered mixer and speakers stolen from the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Highway 29 in Bluff Springs. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
