Scott Vetoes Florida Alimony Overhaul
May 2, 2013
Confronted with a highly charged issue that affects families across the state, Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have overhauled the state’s alimony laws.
In a veto letter, Scott pointed to the possibility that the bill could retroactively affect alimony arrangements.
“The retroactive adjustment of alimony could result in unfair, unanticipated results,” the letter said. “Current Florida law already provides for the adjustment of alimony under the proper circumstances. The law also ensures that spouses who have sacrificed their careers to raise a family do not suffer financial catastrophe upon divorce, and that the lower earning spouse and stay-at-home parent will not be financially punished. Floridians have relied on this system post-divorce and planned their lives accordingly.”
The bill (SB 718) would have eliminated the concept of permanent alimony and also carried numerous other potential implications for people whose marriages end in divorce.
Among other things, it would have created new alimony legal standards based on the lengths of marriages. For example, when marriages end in 11 years or less, there would have been what is known as a “rebuttable presumption” against awarding alimony. In contrast, a marriage that ends after 20 years would create a presumption that alimony would be awarded.
During committee meetings, the proposed changes drew often-emotional testimony from people on both sides of the issue. The bill’s supporters told of getting saddled with exorbitant alimony payments. Critics, meanwhile, said the changes would particularly hurt women who stayed at home to raise families and then saw their marriages end.
Scott’s office released the veto letter to the news media shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday. Earlier, House sponsor Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, sent a message on Twitter that said Scott had decided to veto the measure.
The Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, which lobbied against the bill, issued a statement calling Scott’s decision “courageous.”
“Senate Bill 718 would have left many women with diminished means, depriving them of their vested contractual rights that their ex-spouses agreed to,” Carin Porras, chairwoman of the Family Law Section, said in the statement. “The legislation would have also discouraged parents from staying at home to raise their children by creating a serious risk that if they stayed home and later got divorced, the chances of receiving support would be very slim.”
In the letter, Scott commended Workman and Senate sponsor Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, for their efforts. But he also pointed to the sensitive nature of the issue, saying “numerous Floridians have forcefully expressed their views on the topic.”
“Many Florida families have been impacted by the difficulty of marital issues, both concerning children and starting over,” the letter said. “As a husband, father and grandfather, I understand the vital importance of family. In weighing the issues associated with this bill, however, I have concluded that I cannot support this legislation because it applies retroactively and thus tampers with the settled economic expectations of many Floridians who have experienced divorce.”
By The News Service of Florida
Sheriff Requests $95 Million Budget, Up $18.8 Million
May 1, 2013
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan has submitted his 2013-2014 budget to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners — a $95 million budget that is about $18.8 million more than last year.
The $95,057,838 budget is split into three areas:
Law Enforcement: $50,773,658
Detention: $40,251,178
Court Security: $4,033,002
The $18,864,552 increase over last year, without any staffing level changes, includes:
Decrease in salaries — $37,872
Decrease in FICA taxes — $10,547
Increase in retirement contributions — $1,234,854 (due to state rate increases)
Increase in health and life insurance — $703,558
Increase in workman’s comp – $15,283
Additionally, the increase includes:
Hiring 83 detention deputies and 12 detention assistants – $6,324,157
Increase starting detention deputy pay (2%) to Road Prison deputy pay – $658,409
Morgan cites a Jail Staffing Study that calls for the increase in detention deputies and assistants. Morgan’s request states that in Monday conversation with a Department of Justice attorney, a DOJ investigation into the jail is focusing on Jail Staffing Study in preparing their final report.
And, finally, Morgan’s budget increase includes:
Paying ESCO employees holidays like BOCC employees - $3,952,930
Paying ESCO employees overtime like BOCC employees - $4,340,002
Morgan’s request to the BOCC notes that there is no request for 44 additional deputies to meet the state average number of officers per 1,000 deputies. That would cost, the sheriff wrote, another $4,285,190.
The next fiscal year will mark seven years since ECSO employees have received a three-percent pay increase, Morgan noted.
Two-Year Old Inside Home As Meth Lab Is Busted
May 1, 2013
The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force and the Flomaton Police Department have arrested four people after busting an alleged meth lab near Flomaton.
Task force agents Brandon Burkett and Adam Johnson along with Flomaton Police responded to a tip about a meth lab at 3487 Old Atmore Road, just northwest of Tulip Street and the Alabama/Florida line.
After arriving at the residence, agents made contact with 23-year old resident Cassandra Smith and smelled what they believed to be a strong chemical odor coming from inside the residence. Agents determined that there was a two-year old child inside the home with an active meth lab.
Agents immediately removed the child from the residence for safety reasons and secured the scene while a search warrant was obtained. After obtaining the search warrant Agent Scott Walden, who is certified in dismantling and handling meth labs, was called to the scene to properly secure the hazardous materials that were discovered in side the residence.
Task Force agents said the items discovered inside the residence were consistent with those routinely used in the illegal manufacturing of crystal methamphetamines.
Smith, 22-year old Joseph “JoJo” Bell of Atmore Road, 26-year old Mark Faulk of Fowler Lane, and 26-year old Steven Bell of Old Atmore Road were each charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance synthetic (spice), unlawful possession controlled substance (meth), unlawful manufacturing controlled substance I, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, and chemically endangering the welfare of a child.
All were booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton with bond set at $100,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, only Smith had been released on bond.
The Department of Human Resources responded to the scene and took custody of the child.
Molino Park Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
May 1, 2013
The following students were named to the third nine weeks honor roll at Molino Park Elementary School:
All A’s
5th Grade
Braden Boutwell
Micah Calhoun
Benjamin Cantrell
Lacie Carter
Dean Hatcher
Jacob Hawkins
Alexia Schlobohm
Brianna White
4th Grade
Nathan Danforth
Jaden Fryman
Trey Franklin
Leia Grantham
Ariel Ward
Caden Woodward
3rd Grade
Lakynn Bodiford
Reagan Daniels
Jaden Lewis
2nd Grade
Aaron Adams
Ethan Collier
Noah Edmonson
Alyssa Jackson
Cameron Partrick
Ethan Rea
Brycelyn Woodward
1st Grade
Riley Crites
Kylie Grantham
Lilly Hatch
Bobbie Sue Jarrell
Austin Manning
Leila Mason
Anna McKee
Chloe Ragsdale
Joseph Settle
All S’s
Kindergarten
Trae Ardeneaux
Austin Batz
Camden Beaty
Andrew Chavers
Nehemiah Delarosa
Alyssa Enfinger
Kambie Faircloth
Jericha Finlay
Nolan Goetter
Aiden Harris
Liam Hatcher
Aubre Jordan
Kristopher Kelley
Andrew Manning
Nehemiah Marfil
Savannah McCullough
Emma NIgam
Noel Pugh
Douglas Ragsdale
Caleb Rea
Naoki Rogers
Rylee Rogers
Richard Shaw
James Sheffield
Logan Shoffner
Brooklyn Summerlin
Darcus Turner
Keeley Wiggins
Brooke Wilson
Jacob Wood
Abbigail Woods
All A’s and B’s
5th Grade
Emily Boutwell
Jayda Crabtree
Courtney Devore
Caleb Eddins
Jordan Godwin
Cody Gresh
Jamiesha Gross
John Gulledge
McKinzi Kent
Troya Massey
Kayla McKillion
Darion McShan
Byron Mcvay
Ronnie Plenkers
John Perkins
Bailey Seibert
Kamren Simpkins
Logan Wise
4th Grade
Larry Allie
Teagan Andress
Tayler Bridges
Harley Crumley
Parker Hassebrock
Bryce Korinchak
Justin Miller
Jeremiah Morris
Savannah Nall
Lainey Pace
Kellie Parsons
Scott Skidmore
Clayton Smith
Natalie St. Cyr
Benjamin Ward
Madelyn Zylstra
3rd Grade
Divine Abrams
Aden Fennell
Kaleb Kelly
Clay Kittrell
Isabella Lane
Kileigh Lundy
Melody Patterson
McKayla Ramsey
Brystal Rhodes
Sarah Sconiers
McKenzie Sims
Bryant Walters
2nd Grade
Landry Bellard
Micaela Bolton
Karson Brown
Fred Carnley
Levi Carnley
Riley Crosby
Bailey Danielson
Kameron Enfinger
Ashlin Flowers
Austin Floyd
Nicklas Fowler
Jace Fryman
Caleb Hassebrock
Zachary Jones
David Kersh
O’Nykah Kidd
Kacy Knable
Waylon Langford
Shelby Lashley
Cooper Martinez
Miah Massey
Summer McCullers
Austin McCullers
Chase Pugh
Briana Ragan
Wyat Ramsey
Alex Roloph
Asa Schlobohm
Ty Smith
Elijah Suratos
Adian Vaughn
Gage Wilson
1st Grade
Darius Abrams
Jade Allen
Kendall Alvare
Robert Bodiford
Jarrett Bodiford
Kyler Boutwell
Kelsey Boykin
Nathan Caston
Niko Champagne
Mathew Dix
Susan English
Amber Irby
Sylvia Jarrell
Evin Pedicord
Colton Taylor
Lavon Taylor
Trinity Scroggins
Brier Thompson
Domanique Turner
Dylan Wood
Brooklyn Zylstra
Solari Named Winner In FFA Essay Contest
May 1, 2013
The Florida FFA Association has announced the top 10 winners of the “What FFA Means To Me” Alumni Essay Contest.
The second place in the state went to Courtney Solari of the Northview High School FFA.
Solari and the other winners from across the state will be recognized during the 85th Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando on Friday, June 14.
Softball Tourney To Benefit Wreck Victim Mark Shipps, Jr.
May 1, 2013
The Junior Classic Softball Tournament will be held beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10 and continuing Saturday, May 11 at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill, with proceeds benefiting wreck victim Mark Allen Shipps, Jr. and his family.
It will be based on USSSA slow pitch softball rules, with three females on the field per team at all ties. There will be a two loss elimination in effect. Registration is $150 per team.
The event will also include food, music and more. Volunteers are needed in any form — from playing on a team, to umpiring and more. Boston butts are also available for $25. For more information or to register, contact Bradley Lowery at (850) 232-3205 or BJL0005@auburn.edu.
Food and drink donations area also needed (burgers, hot dogs, sodas, water, sports drinks, etc).
A benefit account has been established at United Bank in Atmore for Mark Shipps, Jr. The account information is: Mark Shipps Jr. Benefit Account, account #151892711, P.O. Box 8, Atmore, AL 36504. Checks should be made out to “Mark Shipps Jr. Benefit Account”.
For an earlier story with more information about Shipps’ accident, click here.
Hunt For Suspect Continues After Atmore Armed Robbery
May 1, 2013
A manhunt was underway late Tuesday afternoon and early Tuesday in Atmore for a robbery suspect.
A property owner reported was doing construction work at his rental property on Fourth Avenue when he was robbed of his wallet and phone at gunpoint in by a while male. The suspect was described as a white male, about 5-foot, 10-inches and 175 pounds wearing pants that had a black and white camouflage pattern, and a hoodie or cap.
The Atmore Police Department established a perimeter around the area and called a K-9 team from the Alabama Department of Corrections. Horner Street and several other streets in the area were closed for the search.
A suspect was taken into custody about 7:30 p.m. near Fourth Avenue and Horner Street, and roads were re-opened about 7:40 p.m. Later in the evening, the man taken into custody was released without being charged after police were unable to find evidence linking him to the crime.
Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141.
$1.5 Million Replacement Of Highway 97A Bridge Begins Next Week
May 1, 2013
The Florida Department of Transportation will begin replacement of a bridge on Highway 97A over Boggy Creek in the Bay Springs community the week of May 6. Crews are setting up work zone signage this week.
Weather permitting the $1.5 million project should take about eight months to complete. During construction, an on-site diversion will be built for local residents to continue to have access to the area.
The 121 foot bridge was constructed in 1969 and is supported on wooden timbers. The bridge is rated as “structurally deficient” and has a current weight limit of 15 tons. The bridge is located about one mile west of South Highway 99.
The speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph through the work zone. FDOT is advising motorists to use caution when traveling through the work area and to be aware that speeding violations will be doubled when workers are present.
Jay Beats Central To Advance In Regional Tournament
May 1, 2013
The Jay Lady Royals are moving on the regional finals Friday night after a win Tuesday night.
Jay beat Central 16-6 in six innings. Chassity McCranie pitched four for the Royals, striking out five. Oliva Wright was 4-4 with a double, triple, a home run and five RBIs. Wright recently signed to play college ball at Wallace State. Ashlyn Geck was 1-5 with an RBI; Michaela Stewart was 1-4; Sydney Lowery was 3-5; Brittany Gillman was 2-3 and Taylor Moore was 3-4.
Jay will host the Chipley Tigers at 7 p.m. Friday.
Pictured: The Jay Lady Royals celebrate a win over Central Tuesday night to advance in the regional softball tournament. Photo by Diann Tagert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Shed
April 30, 2013
[Updated] Several fire stations responded to a shed fire in Cantonment early Tuesday evening, sending black smoke into the sky that was visible for miles.
The fire was reported about 6:15 in the 400 block of Well Line Road, near the corner of Lakeview Avenue. The shed, about 400 square feet in size, was completely destroyed in the fire.
The blaze is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated “The first fire units on scene reported the shed was behind a locked gate and a citizen would not allow firefighters on the property.” While that was the report from the first fire units on scene, the fire unit’s report was based upon incomplete information. Fire officials confirmed Wednesday morning that they were allowed access to the property.
Pictured top: Black smoke from a fire Tuesday evening on Well Line Road was visible from the Cantonment Ballpark. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.