Democrats Almost Don’t Care Who Takes On Rick Scott
June 16, 2013
Democrats gathering for their annual fundraising dinner at the Westin Diplomat Resort on Saturday were certain of one thing: They will defeat Republican Gov. Rick Scott in a little more than a year.
“Rick Scott will be a one-term governor,” declared Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant to the 1,300 who gathered in a ballroom for the dinner. “Come January 2015, Rick Scott will hand the keys to the Governor’s Mansion over to Democratic hands.”
But which hands will receive those keys, should Tant’s vision of the future come true, remains unclear.
Democrats have a few potential candidates to take on Scott in 2014, when the so-far unpopular governor goes back before voters. But they have a shortage of declared candidates; the only one who has currently said she’s running is former state Sen. Nan Rich, whose exclusion from the speaker’s list at Saturday’s event drew publicity. (Tant said she was going to send an in-kind contribution reporting form to Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry for calling attention to the flap — and the dinner.)
The three other candidates most often mentioned — former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, who has since switched parties; former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who came up just short of beating Scott as the party’s nominee in 2010; and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, the only remaining Democrat in statewide office — have said they haven’t made up their mind yet or, in Nelson’s case, denied any interest at all.
And so what appears to be unprecedented enthusiasm among Democrats to win in 2014, with the dinner raising a record of $850,000 in confirmed contributions, is so far pointed against Scott even with the lack of a single candidate who has cleared the field.
“What it shows you is that people are so anxious for a change they almost don’t care who the person is,” Tant said shortly before the event.
National party officials are also, so far, unconcerned.
“I think whoever the Democratic nominee is will beat Rick Scott,” said Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who doubles as chair of the Democratic National Committee. “…It’s just going to be a matter of who is going to be able to get organized and focused and build the momentum.”
The undeclared candidates are so far playing things close to the vest.
“Obviously, I’m giving it very serious consideration, and I’m looking forward to making a decision before too long,” Crist told reporters who asked about a potential run.
And while he might demur on whether he’ll take on Scott, Crist was ready when asked about the incumbent’s focus on the job losses of Crist’s term and the job gains in more recent years.
“I’m not going to take credit for the global economic meltdown, and I don’t think he should take credit for the jobs that are coming in thanks to President Obama,” Crist said.
Sink said she hasn’t ruled out taking another shot at Scott, but said one of the largest factors in her decision right now is whether she could see herself taking on the race without the late Bill McBride, her husband.
“He very much wanted me to run again,” she said. “But, you know, he’s not here to go home to every night and be my cheerleader.”
The one who has been most emphatic about his intentions is Nelson, who once again told reporters that he wasn’t looking to throw his hat in the ring.
“First of all, you’ve heard me say it 100 times, and I’ll say it again: I have no plans to run for governor. I have no intention of running for governor,” he said.
But Nelson ripped into Scott during his speech at the dinner, and has continued to draw rumors about a possible bid — something he dismissed as a result of some of the unpopular stances Scott has taken.
“That’s why people are upset,” Nelson said. “And they’re looking for someone that can take him on and win.”
Others seem more than happy to float trial balloons for Nelson. During her remarks to the dinner, Wasserman Schultz noted that Nelson had gone from a state legislator to congressman to Florida insurance commissioner to U.S. Senator.
“Now, there seems to be a pattern here,” she said. “Tallahassee, DC, Tallahassee, DC. Hmm. Just saying. Just an observation.”
There were laughs and some scattered applause.
By Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Summer Ball: Northview Splits Games With Niceville, Crestview
June 16, 2013
Northview’s summer ball series continued on Saturday in Crestview. The Chiefs A team defeated Niceville 6-4, and the B team fell to Crestview 13-0. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino All Stars Take World Series Consolation Championship
June 16, 2013
The Molino All-Stars took the consolation championship Saturday in the 2013 Gospel Projects Tee Ball World Series. On Saturday, Molino defeated Cantonment 32-13, then took the championship 33-21 over Milton. Players are Rylan Minor, Aubree Jordan, Austin Batz, Liam Hatcher,Douglas Ragsdale,Makayla Golson,Hunter Williams, Grayden Sheffield,Chloe Ragsdale and Dylan Settle. Coaches are Joey Settle, Tommy Sheffield, Brandon Minor and Joe Settle Sr. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mobile Takes Third Straight Over Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos 6-2
June 16, 2013
The Mobile BayBears pushed themselves closer to a first half Southern Division crown with a 6-2 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Coupled with a Mississippi loss, the BayBears need just one win in the next two days to clinch the crown.
The game took a back seat though in the fourth inning. With one out and the bases loaded Blue Wahoos right fielder Bryson Smith crashed into the wall while making the catch on Justin Greene’s fly ball. Smith caught his cleat in the fence and landed awkwardly while completing the catch. After a lengthy delay, Smith exited the game on a cart with an air cast on his left leg, protecting an apparent leg injury. No update on his condition was given at the time of this release.
The fourth inning was the critical frame in the game as well. Trailing 2-0, Mobile sent nine men to the plate and posted four runs with RBI’s coming from Nick Ahmed, Ender Inciarte, Greene, and Mike Freeman. The BayBears were able to take advantage of Wahoos’ starter Daniel Renken’s lack of control. Renken allowed the first four to reach in the fourth before being lifted for Wilkin De La Rosa. Renken dropped to 1-5 on the year while allowing four runs on just two hits but six walks in 3-plus frames.
Pensacola jumped out to an early advantage thanks in part to Smith. In the first inning, Smith drew a two-out walk and scored on an RBI double from Travis Mattair. In the third, Smith drove home Ryan LaMarre on a sac fly to give the Wahoos a 2-0 lead.
Mobile starter Andrew Chafin settled in after that, working out of a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning and then retiring 10 straight to finish his outing. Chafin (3-4) went seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits.
The BayBears added to their lead in the eighth inning with a two-out rally against Chris Manno. Nick Evans smacked a double to score Freeman, who reached base all five times he batted to make it 5-2 before Evans scored on an RBI single from Keon Broxton to provide the final run.
The two teams continue their series on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. from Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Shaun Ellis (1-1, 4.21) gets the call for the Wahoos against the BayBears’ Archie Bradley (5-1, 1.34).
story by Kevin Burke
Two Injured In Hwy 29, Barrineau Park Road Crash
June 15, 2013
Two people were injured in a two vehicle crash late Saturday morning in Molino.
The crash happened on Highway 29 at Barrineau Park Road about 11:35 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol said 52-year old David Newbold of Molino was northbound on Highway 29 in the left turn lane to Barrineau Park Road in a 1998 Ford Explorer. He turned into the path of a southbound 2007 Ford F150 driven by Richard Baker of Century.
The Ford Expedition overturned onto its side; both vehicles came to rest just out of the southbound Highway 29 and Barrineau Park Road intersection.
Newbold and his passenger, 69-year old Edna Newbold of Molino, were transported to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries. Baker was not injured. David Newbold was cited for violation of right of way, according to the FHP.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Slams Pickup Into Cantonment Business
June 15, 2013
A driver slammed his pickup truck into a Cantonment business early Saturday morning.
The accident happened about 12:55 a.m. on Jacks Branch Road just north of Annie Bell Drive. The driver apparently lost control of his pickup truck, ran off the roadway where the vehicle overturned onto its side and collided with Al’s Small Engine Repair at 652 Jacks Branch Road.
The pickup truck pushed into the corner of the concrete block building causing severe damage to the building and its electrical service panel. The driver was not seriously injured and refused transport to the hospital by EMS.
The wreck was called into 911 by a resident at a nearby home that heard the crash.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not yet been released. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
Pictured above and inset: A driver collided with a business in Cantonment early Saturday morning. Pictured below: One entire corner of the building was destroyed. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Make A Difference In Cantonment
June 15, 2013
The Council on Aging of West Florida and volunteers from International Paper teamed up Friday afternoon to help an elderly Cantonment resident.
About a dozen IP employees braved the afternoon heat by cleaning up the yard of 80-year old Maggie McNeal. The volunteers raked, trimmed and cleaned out McNeal’s yard.
“I just thank the Lord for all the help that’s come out here and help me,” McNeal said. “I thank the Lord for them.”
There’s often a waiting list of people like McNeal that need a helping hand in the yard from the Council on Aging, so they are always looking for more volunteers. For more information, call the Council on Aging at (850) 432-1475.
Pictured: Volunteers from International Paper joined the Council on Aging to clean up an elderly Cantonment resident’s yard Friday afternoon. Photos courtesy WEAR for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Molino Resident Gindl Called Up To Milwaukee Brewers
June 15, 2013
Former Molino resident Caleb Gindl will make his Major League Baseball debut when he is called up today to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Friday, the Brewers placed Ryan Braun on the 15-day disabled list with a thumb injury. On Saturday, the Brewers will recall right fielder Gindl from the AAA Nashville Sounds.
So far this season, Gindl is batting .274 for the Sounds, has eight homers and 38 RBI’s. He has batted .364 during his last 10 games.
Gindl, 24, was a fifth-round draft pick for the Brewers out of Pace High School in 2007.
Football, Cheerleading Registrations Continue For NWE, Jay, Cantonment, Flomaton
June 15, 2013
Youth football and cheerleading registrations are continuing for Northwest Escambia, Cantonment, Jay and Flomaton.
Northwest Escambia Football and Cheerleading
Registration for Northwest Escambia Football and Cheerleading will be held every Saturday until July 27 at Ernest Ward Middle School and at Nadine McCall Park in Century at the corner of Hecker Road and North Century Blvd.Registration is $75 for football, plus jersey and trophy. Cheerleading fee is $35, plus uniform cost. For more information, call Greg Gibson at (850) 449-3185 .
Cantonment Cowboys Football and Cheerleading
Registration for Cantonment Cowboys football and cheerleading will be held on Saturdays through July 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cantonment Football Field off Well Line Road. Cheerleaders should register by June 20th for certification purposes. Register online anytime at www.cantonmentcowboys.org/register/
Jay Junior League
The Jay Junior League will hold football and cheerleading signups every Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. through June 25, and every Saturday, June 1 – July 20 from 9 a.m. until noon at Bray-Hendricks City Park. Registration fee is $60. For more information, call (850) 529-7614 or (850) 529-9870.
Flomaton Youth Football and Cheerleading
Flomaton Youth Football and Cheerleading registration will be Saturdays until June 22 from 9-11 a.m. at Hurricane Park. The football fee is $50. One-half the cheerleading fee, $125, is due at signup for uniforms. Fund raisers will be held to help cover the remainder of the cheerleading fee. June 22 is absolutely the last day of signup for cheerleaders.
Alabama Attorney Sentenced On Drug Charge
June 15, 2013
An Escambia County (AL) attorney has been sentenced on a drug charge.
Sara “Sally” Oswald Stoddard, 66, was arrested by the Brewton Police Department in April 2012 on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and attempt to commit a controlled substance crime.
She pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession charge was sentenced to five years in prison. The sentence was suspended by Judge Bradley Byrne, and she was placed on three years probation. Her license to practice law in Alabama was previously suspended.
Stoddard was accused of trading legal services for narcotics.
According to court records, Stoddard was arrested on similar controlled substance charges in Evergreen, Ala., in 2003. Those charges were later dismissed.
Stoddard later filed suit against then-Conecuh County Sheriff Tracy Hawsey and a deputy sheriff for $500,000 in punitive damages and $4,000,000 in compensatory damages. That case case was later dismissed.