House Passes Budget On Broadly Bipartisan Vote
April 13, 2013
The House overwhelmingly approved a $74.4 billion budget for the coming fiscal year on Friday, setting up negotiations with the Senate that could be eased by the brightest state revenue picture in years.
The broadly bipartisan, 99-17 House vote was an anomaly after years of bitter fighting about how to cut budgets in a drearier economic climate. Just days after staking out a party-wide position against the spending plan — a position that was later lifted — 25 Democrats broke with their party leadership to support the measure.
One Republican, Rep. John Tobia of Melbourne Beach, voted against the budget.
For House leaders, it was a chance to join their Senate counterparts in crowing about a united chamber as they head into talks about the final blueprint for the budget year that begins July 1.
“It does show that the chairman and the Republican majority did work hard to try to make this budget one that was bipartisan, and we’re very proud of that,” House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said after Friday’s session as he stood next to Appropriations Chairman Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland.
House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, shrugged off the defections of more than half of his membership.
“When you have the highest budget you’ve had in the past six or seven years, that means there’s money to go around to our core constituents, as well as maybe projects that they think are important for the state of Florida,” Thurston said.
Republicans laid the groundwork for the bipartisan vote on Thursday, when they released an alternative to the optional Medicaid expansion contained in the federal Affordable Care Act. Democrats have generally dismissed the House GOP plan as inadequate, especially when compared to proposals by Gov. Rick Scott and the Senate, but said getting the House to reveal any plan was enough of a victory to drop a caucus position against the budget.
Thurston said House Republicans should not doubt his party’s resolve on pushing for a broader health-care plan.
“Simply because some people voted for the budget doesn’t mean that there’s any less of a united front when it comes to providing health care for the most-needy Floridians,” he said.
The focus will now swing to a series of meetings over the final three weeks of the annual session, as House and Senate negotiators will have to hammer out an agreement on a budget. Republican leaders anticipate being able to start those discussions as soon as next week, meaning that the final amounts for each portion of the budget would be set in the next few days.
“I don’t see a whole lot of stumbling blocks,” Weatherford said. “I think that we’re very close. If you look at the House and Senate budgets, it’s about as close as they’ve been in quite some time.”
There are some disagreements. For example, the Senate would set aside $480 million for increases in teacher pay, one of the big-ticket items in the spending plan and a top priority of Gov. Rick Scott; the House would add $676 million in education funding with a strong suggestion that it be used for teacher pay raises. Both chambers have their own formula for changing how hospitals are paid for care under Medicaid.
And neither side has decided how to spend all of the money set aside for tax cuts, including whether to eliminate the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, another one of Scott’s goals for this year. The governor used his weekly radio address to prod lawmakers on the proposal again.
“We need to level the playing field to compete for manufacturing jobs,” Scott said. “For Florida families to succeed, we must build up our manufacturing jobs in Florida.”
By The News Service of Florida
NHS Beats Baker, Earns No. 2 Seed In District Tourney
April 13, 2013
The Northview Chiefs shut out Baker 6-0 Friday night.
With the win, the Chiefs, at 8-2 in the district, secured the No. 2 seed at the district tournament beginning April 22 at Baker.
For the Chiefs, Kevin Vaughan threw seven innings, allow four hits, with striking out 18 with no walks. He was 2-4 at the plat with an RBI. Chad Smith was 2-4, with two runs; Chasen Freeman went 3-4 with a run and a double; Brannon Freeman was 1 -4, with a run and triple; Winston Riley went 1-3, with a run and one RBI; Daulton Tullis was 1-3 with a run; and David Burkett went 1- with two RBI and a double.
The Chiefs will round out their regular season with a couple of non-district games next week, hosting Escambia Academy on Monday and Flomaton on Tuesday. First pitch is 6 p.m. for both games.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
‘Operation Dry Spring’ Yields Arrests, Drug Seizures
April 13, 2013
The Florida Sheriffs Task Force, in conjunction with the Florida Sheriffs Association, has concluded a five week operation aimed at protecting youth in Florida. Operation Dry Spring focused on preventing underage youth from purchasing and using alcohol, tobacco and various forms of synthetic and illegal drugs. The operation, conducted from March 4 through April 7, resulted in 5,016 arrests across 37 counties.
The operation targeted underage youth in possession of alcohol, tobacco or synthetic drugs as well as businesses selling these substances to underage youth.
In Escambia County, 9,300 grams of synthetic narcotics were seized. Ten people under the age of 21 were arrested for alcohol possession, one person was arrested for synthetic drug sales and about 170 grams of marijuana were seized.
Operation Dry Spring was a remarkable success getting dangerous drugs off the streets, with 18,588 grams of various illegal narcotics seized by Sheriffs’ offices,” said Polk County Sheriff and Task Force Chair Grady Judd. “FSA is proud of the great work of the Florida Sheriffs Task Force to make this state safer for our youth.”
NHS Graphics Arts Students Design Winning Posters
April 13, 2013
Graphic Arts Academy students at Northview High School participated in a recent Century Sawmill Pageant Poster contest.
Winners were as follows (click on a student’s name to view their poster design):
- Steven Gregory, first place;
- Kasie Braun, second place;
- Alisha Grice, third place; and
- Kassey Redmond, honorable mention.
Gregory was awarded $25 for his winning entry.
Pictured top: First place winner Steven Gregory with Northview Graphic Arts Academy Instructor Donna Smith. Pictured below: The first and second place winning posters. (To view each winner’s poster, click their name above). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Plant Your Own Butterfly Garden
April 13, 2013
Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at in your landscape; they serve as important pollinators of your fruiting plants. Attracting them to your garden and incorporating some features to get them to stay and reproduce involves a little planning ahead of time for optimum results.
Choose a location that provides some protection from wind. Trees and shrubs that provide wind protection also serve as a safe harbor from rain and predators. The garden should be mostly sunny with some part sun areas. Ensure that any new plantings have access to a convenient irrigation source so they can be successfully established and maintained in good health.
Now you’ll need to choose the plants. Adults feed on the nectar of many flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals and, fortunately, there are usually many choices that will meet your site requirements and your taste preferences. In order to keep the butterflies in your garden, certain plants need to be available to serve as host plants for their young. Determine which species of butterfly is common in your area and that you want to attract. Most species have very few plants on which the caterpillars can feed so those host plants need to be chosen wisely. Determine whether any of the plants you already have are host plants and they can be integrated into your butterfly garden. For example, cassia is a host plant for the Cloudless Sulphur and citrus is a host plant for the Giant Swallowtail.
In choosing your nectar plants, select those that are native or Florida-Friendly as they are lower maintenance, giving you less trouble in the long run. Choose plants that have flowers in a variety of color, size, and shape. Different butterflies like to feed at different elevations, so choose trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals of varying heights. In order to have nectar available throughout the time when the butterflies occur, include plants that bloom at different times of the year. And include some plants that bloom all the time, like pentas or moss verbena.
Larger plants should be placed in the background with smaller plants layered in the foreground. When you plant smaller annuals and perennials, place them in masses to better attract the butterflies. Consider placing host plants in an area that is in close proximity to the nectar plants, but in an area of your garden that is not a focal point. Host plants can get quite ragged looking from hungry caterpillars!
Good maintenance practices will enhance the health of your garden. Regular fertilization and irrigation if needed will help keep your plants in bloom and healthy – healthy plants are less susceptible to disease and pests. Avoid pesticides as they may harm the very creatures you are trying to attract. Never use a Bt or systemic pesticide. If you must, target a pest with lower risk oils or soaps and then only treat the affected plants. Lastly, be aware of beneficial insects that will help you achieve satisfactory control of a pest.
Now that your plants are placed there are several things to do to make your butterfly garden complete. Add a spot where water can puddle on the ground for the adult butterflies to drink. They require minerals from the soil that get dissolved in the water. Also add a rock or log in a sunny spot where butterflies can rest and sun themselves. And consider placing a comfortable place for you to sit and enjoy the beauty of your garden and its inhabitants.
Mary Derrick is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension
Pictured top: A buckeye butterfly. Photo courtesy David Davidson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tim Tebow Named ‘Great Floridian’
April 13, 2013
His professional football career remains up in the air, but Tim Tebow was named a “Great Floridian” Friday by Gov. Rick Scott. The former Florida Gator quarterback is one of only 66 people since 1981 to get the award.
The “Great Floridian” designation is given in recognition of the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida.
“It is an honor to present one of our first of 2013 ‘Great Floridian’ awards to football legend and Florida native Tim Tebow. Tim is a great role model for young athletes, and throughout his career, he has proven to be a true competitor and humanitarian. Tim is not just an athlete, he is a true example of someone who lives to serve others. It is my distinct honor to recognize football legend, proud University of Florida Gator and humanitarian Tim Tebow with the ‘Great Floridian’ Award,” Scott said.
Tim Tebow said, “I am so honored to be selected by Governor Scott for the Great Floridian award. It has always been wonderful to call Florida home.”
Two “great Floridians” are chosen each year by the secretary of state from a list of nominees. Scott presented Tebow with the award at an event at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tebow was a backup quarterback this past year for the New York Jets, and they’re looking for a taker on a trade deal.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scoot named Tim Tebow a ‘Great Floridian” Friday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Looking For Missing, Endangered Juvenile
April 12, 2013
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing, endangered juvenile.
Daniele Corinne Demory, 15, was reported missing from her home on Dalisa Road in Milton on April 6. She was last seen entering a vehicle. The vehicle was 4-door blue sedan with a young male driver. Concern for her safety exists because she suffers from mental health issues and requires daily medication for her condition, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Daniele was last wearing a black short sleeve shirt with blue writing. She wore short blue cutoff jean shorts and black converse tennis shoes. Daniele’s hair is blond in the front and the rest is black. She is 5’6, 125 pounds with blue eyes. Daniele goes by the name “Dani” and frequently wears multiple bracelets on her left wrist. Her favorite place to frequent is Oops Alley in Pace.
If anyone has information regarding Daniele Demory, they are urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers at (85) 437-STOP.
Dozens More Charges Filed Against Burglary Trio
April 12, 2013
A trio arrested in early March in Escambia County in connection with 37 burglaries is now jailed in Santa Rosa County on dozens of additional charges.
Charles Dylan Williams, age 19 of Walnut Hill, Richard Kevin Craig, age 21 of Bratt and Kevin Randall Bell, age 26 of Pensacola, were arrested on 52 outstanding warrants in Santa Rosa County. Each was each charged with multiple counts of burglary and larceny. Williams and Craig were also charged with fraudulent use of a credit card.
The Santa Rosa County cases center around vehicle burglaries that begin January 28 in the Woodbine Springs and Autumn Run North subdivisions in Pace. Victims advised their cars were ransacked and items were stolen.
“Investigators were able to put the pieces of the puzzle together which lead them not only to the arrest of the three suspects, but also the recovery of the stolen items,” Deputy Rich Aloy, spokesman for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, said recently.
The trio was transferred to Santa Rosa County after facing charges in Escambia County.
In Escambia County, a rash of burglaries were reported January 25 from Beulah to Cantonment, including the theft of credit cards and a set of car keys. The suspects later returned to attempt to steal the vehicle. Deputies said they abandoned the vehicle when spotted, but a witness was able to give a good description of the trio.
Evidence against the men include surveillance video of the suspects and the vehicle as they used stolen credit cards at a Red Box video machine. Based on this information, investigators were able to locate the vehicle at a home in the 9000 block of Bridlewood Road.
During a search of the vehicle and home, the suspects confessed to multiple burglaries, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said. According to the suspects they had been using the stolen credit cards for gas, fast food and “Magic” gaming cards at Walmart.
As of early Friday morning all three men remained in the Santa Rosa County County Jail. Bond was set at $212,000 for Craig, $196,000 for Bell and $213,000 for Williams.
Cantonment Man Headed To Prison After Arson Conviction
April 12, 2013
This week, a Cantonment man was convicted of arson and sentenced to state prison for setting a Christmas Eve fire and leading deputies on a manhunt.
Donnie Ivory Padgett, 65, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for arson and criminal mischief. He will get credit for 106 days served in the county jail, and he will be required to pay restitution at an amount that is to be determined.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the 500 block of Robinson Street on Christmas Eve last year where they found a widow air conditioner burning on the ground below the bedroom of a trailer.
The victim told deputies he had been arguing with Padgett. He said Padgett left the home, and a short time later he could smell smoke and kerosene. The victim said he found his bedroom window smoldering and the A/C unit on fire. Padgett, the victim said, then fled into a wooded area.
A K-9 unit was called to scene to search for Padgett. During the resulting manhunt, Padgett was found lying on his stomach in a nearby wooded area and taken into custody without incident.
While being transported to jail, Padgett told an Escambia deputy that he was going to kill the fire victim with a 9mm pistol or cut his head off, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
One In Custody In Oakwood Terrace Shooting
April 12, 2013
A man wanted in connection with a shooting Thursday morning at the Oakwood Terrace apartment complex in Escambia County has surrendered to deputies.
Christopher Wayne Pressley turned himself in after being featured in media reports. Thursday night, the Sheriff’s Office said charges were pending against Pressley, including attempted murder and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
Emergency dispatchers received 911 calls about 10:30 Thursday morning reporting shots fired at the apartment complex on Truman Avenue. Deputies received information while en-route that a large crowd had gathered outside of the apartments and one victim was also on the ground outside. The Florida Highway Patrol responded to help secure the scene and assist with crowd control.
The 24-year old male victim was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment. His condition was not released.