Government Shutdown Slow To Affect State Agencies
October 3, 2013
For now, Florida’s state agencies appear to be avoiding the worst of the partial shutdown that has caused a good deal of the federal government to grind to a halt.
Of course, the state budget passed months ago by lawmakers won’t change because of the disagreement between congressional Republicans, who want to tie continuing funding for the federal government to changes in the national health-care law, and President Barack Obama, who rejects that connection.
But that state spending plan draws more than 35 percent of its funding from federal sources, some of which could be imperiled if the shutdown drags on. For now, though, state agencies appear to be situated to ride out a short closing.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott didn’t directly respond to a question about whether his office has a list of state programs that could be affected by a shutdown, but said the state is keeping an eye on the situation.
“We are working closely with our agencies to monitor any potential state impact,” spokeswoman Jackie Schutz wrote in an email.
Some state services aren’t affected at all. Secretary of State Ken Detzner used reports that federal historic sites and parks were closing to point out that Florida’s remain open.
“While politicians in Washington, D.C., sort out the budget crisis, the Florida Department of State employees continue to offer quality customer care to the public at our facilities,” he said in a statement issued by his office.
Other agencies are having to watch Washington.
For example, the Department of Children and Families has been told by federal authorities that nutrition programs, like food stamps, will be funded until the end of the month, department spokeswoman Alexis Lambert said. And Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which helps provide cash for low-income Floridians, won’t be affected.
“If funding lapses, we are committed to doing all we can to work with the states, the District of Columbia (DC), territories, and tribes to ensure that vulnerable families and children have access to needed benefits and services during this period,” wrote former Florida official George Sheldon, an acting assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in a letter to state officials.
Other programs also largely appear safe, according to a report from Federal Funds Information for States, a Washington, D.C.-based group. Medicaid, some transportation spending and some education programs will keep money flowing to the state.
But some transportation projects could lack the needed checks for environmental or legal impacts, and state or local governments won’t get reimbursed for work on some projects, the report says. Some Head Start programs will likely be forced to shutter themselves until a deal is struck.
And the effects could grow worse as time passes. The U.S. Department of Education warned in its contingency plan for a shutdown, dated Sept. 27, that funding could become more scarce if the showdown in Washington continues.
“A protracted delay in department obligations and payments beyond one week would severely curtail the cash flow to school districts, colleges and universities, and vocational rehabilitation agencies that depend on the department’s funds to support their services,” the plan said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Carters Named Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family
October 3, 2013
The Matt Carter Family has been named the 2013 Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family.
Matt has been married for eight years to Dawn, and they have two girls — six-year old Emily and almost-two Jayden. They work together on their farm on Byrneville Road to being the freshest, highest quality vegetables direct to local consumers at their Matt’s Produce stand and weekly at the Palafox Market in Pensacola.
Matt grew up working alongside his father, Lance Carter at Crary Dairy. As a youth, he was a member of the Northview FFA chapter and was chapter president. He is still very active in supporting agriculture as a member of the EscaRosa Young Farmers and Ranchers.
For a number of years, he worked off the farm at the West Frazier Sawmill. But when it closed in 2008, he saw the opportunity to open his own farming operation. He saw the interest for local produce steadily increasing and knew that he wanted to be a part helping to supply homegrown vegetables to Escambia County resident. His business started small with tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini which he sold at the farmstand on Byrneville Road, but quickly joined the Palafox Market to sell his product.
Over the past five years, the Carters have expanded their operation both in acreage and product variety. Throughout the year, Matt and Dawn produce peppers, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, onions, zucchini, turnips, mustards, collards, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and butter beans. Future plans included a certified kitchen at the product stand so they can sell value added items straight to the consumer.
Sgt. Shedrick Johnson Awarded Purple Heart
October 3, 2013
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shedrick Johnson was awarded the department’s Police Purple Heart .
“Sergeant Johnson’s actions exemplify his courage, bravery, personal sacrifice and high standards which are the expectations placed on all officers of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and reflect law enforcement’s uncommon personal commitment,” Sheriff David Morgan said.
In March, Johnson responded to a house in the 8800 block of Burning Tree Road in the Scenic Hills area off Nine Mile Road in an attempt to locate a robbery suspect, later identified as Jonathan Brett Chappell, 24.
Chappell had robbed an individual at gunpoint at the Tom Thumb on Pensacola Boulevard near W Street earlier in the evening and retreated to the Scenic Hills home where his acquaintance, Finkelstein, awaited.
According to both the victim and the suspect, the robbery occurred after the two had met to make a drug deal. As deputies approached the house Finkelstein came out of the garage.Johnson identified himself as law enforcement and instructed him to show his hands. At that time Finkelstein raised a handgun and shots were fired. In the exchange of gunfire, Johnson was wounded in the leg and retreated across the street.
Finkelstein was located a short distance away and arrested by Pensacola Police officer. Shortly afterwards, Chappell exited the garage and was arrested. He was charged with armed robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Want To Run For A Public Office?
October 3, 2013
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford will conduct a workshop on Wednesday, October 9 for anyone interested in running for office.
Candidates,campaign staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend. As a result of the election law changes by the legislature in 2013, there are several new provisions in Florida statutes relating to candidates and campaign finance.
The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on October 9 in the County Commission Chambers on the first floor at 221 Palafox Street.
Attendees should register with the elections office by email at qualify@escambiavotes.com, by phone at (850) 595-3908 or by mail at PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591. Include your name, the campaign you are affiliated with (if any), how many in your party will be in attendance and your e-mail address. This event is open to the public. For more information contact the Candidate Qualifying Department at (850) 595-3908.
Northview, West Florida JV Game Rescheduled
October 3, 2013
A junior varsity football game that was scheduled for Thursday night between Northview and West Florida high schools has been rescheduled.
The JV Northview Chiefs will now host the West Florida Jaguars on Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Bratt.
Pictured: The junior varsity Northview Chiefs hosted the Escambia Gators on September 26. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Man Sentenced To Prison For 2012 Shooting
October 3, 2013
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison in connection with a 2012 shooting.
Charles DeAnthony Moutrie, 31, was convicted by an Escambia County Jury of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault. Circuit Judge Scott Duncan immediately sentenced Moutrie to 10 years state prison, three of which must be served as a mandatory minimum under 10-20-Life. The sentence will run consecutive with a 10 year state prison sentence Moutrie is currently serving after being convicted of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine in April 2013.
The charges stemmed from the shooting off of Pinnacle Drive on August 29, 2012. Moutrie pulled a 9mm handgun on his girlfriend during a domestic dispute. There were 14 shell casings found in the roadway within a block from her apartment. Moutrie has numerous prior felony convictions.
State Law Enforcement Searches Pace Pharmacy
October 3, 2013
A Pace Pharmacy was searched by state law enforcement agencies Wednesday amid allegations of financial fraud.
The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched financial records of the Burklow Pharmacy on Woodbine Road. Officers arrived at the pharmacy about 9 a.m. and remained into the afternoon. The home of the owner, Steven Burklow, was also reportedly searched.
The allegations reportedly center around improper billing. Any information gathered will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
Pictured: Yellow tape prevents access to the Burklow Pharmacy in Pace Wednesday as state authorities conducted a search. Photo by Rodayne Hart, WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Rear-Ends ECAT Bus
October 2, 2013
There were no serious injuries when a Pensacola woman rear-ended an ECAT bus Wednesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 40-year old Angie B. Coleman hit the back of the transit bus on West Fairfield Drive near Hollywood Avenue. The FHP said Coleman “failed to maintain awareness” of traffic when she hit the bus.
There were 17 passengers on the bus. Six complained of minor injuries, with three of those transported to area hospitals.
Coleman was cited with careless driving.
SUV Barely Misses Church After Traffic Crash, Two Injured
October 2, 2013
Two people were injured in accident at Old Palafox and 10 Mile Road late Wednesday morning in which one vehicle barely missed hitting a church building.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not yet released exactly how the crash happened, but one SUV came to rest on the highway, while another traveled between buildings at the Pinehaven Baptist Church before hitting an outdoor air conditioning unit.
Firefighters were forced to use the Jaws of Life to free the passengers of the SUV that nearly hit the building in the crash just before noon.
The Cantonment and Ensley stations of of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the accident.
Further details have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Family Looks For Answers After Dog Shot And Killed
October 2, 2013
A Cantonment family has spent over a month looking for answers as to why someone would shoot and kill their dog in their neighborhood.
“On the morning of August 22, my wife and I were notified by Escambia County Animal Control of a horrendous and cruel crime that had been committed against our beloved dog, Maxx,” Ken Williams of the 1500 block of Muscogee Road said. “Maxx was shot five times in his back. He did not die instantly. He suffered as he bled to death.”
According to an Escambia County Animal Control report, it appeared that Maxx had been shot and killed on a porch belonging to Williams’ neighbor. Photos show the dog dead on the porch in pool of blood, but the photos are too graphic for this story.
The wife of the person that reported the dead dog to Animal Control told officers that she did not know anything about the shooting, and officers were unable to locate any witnesses to the shooting.
Maxx, an American bulldog/lab mix, was shot five times in the back, according to the Animal Control report. He had been contained in the Williams’ yard, but had apparently escaped during the night.
Anyone with information on the dog’s shooting death is asked to call Escambia County Animal Control Officer Nowlin at (850) 554-0964 or the Escambia County Animal Control office at (850) 595-0097.
” Maxx was a sweet, gentle dog that wouldn’t hurt a fly. Please help us bring justice for Maxx,” Williams said.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.