State Attorney Eddins: Prosecutors Leaving Due To Low Pay
December 7, 2012
Representatives of state attorneys and public defenders began making a renewed case Thursday for increasing salaries, saying low pay causes many attorneys to leave for private law firms after only a few years.
Bill Eddins, state attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida (which includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties) and president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, told a Senate panel that high turnover is reducing the number of experienced prosecutors.
“There are cases in Florida we are losing because of inexperience,” Eddins told the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee.
Eddins and Hillsborough County Public Defender Julianne Holt said new attorneys make about $40,000, while also often having hefty law-school debts. Holt said attorneys typically are making about $50,000 when they start handling felony cases, compared to the $75,000 to $90,000 they can receive in the private sector if they have three years of experience and trials on their resumes.
The comments came as the subcommittee heard initial budget requests from agencies involved in the criminal-justice system.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Championship History Tonight; Chiefs Practice In UF’s Swamp
December 7, 2012
Tonight is the biggest night in high school football history at Northview, as the Chiefs take on top ranked Trenton in the Class 1A state football championship game.
It’s no big surprise that the Chiefs reached the title game in Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. The Chiefs were favorites from the beginning of the season, going on to destroy 1A opponents at home and on the road.
Trenton is undefeated, while the Chiefs did suffer three losses during the regular season as they played above their size class against 4A Marianna, 5A Gulf Breeze and 5A West Florida, all of which made the state playoff series.
“We’ve made it to the game we wanted to get to, and now we might as well go win the thing,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said of the championship game in Orlando.
Win or lose — the 2012 Chiefs will be the team that everyone talks about in the future, the team by which future players are measured. It’s the first ever trip to the state finals for any Northview team. Digging deeper back into history, the two schools that were combined to create Northview both had one shot at the state title. The Century Blackcats fell short of a title by just one point back in 1986, and the Ernest Ward High School Eagles won the state championship back in 1979.
The Chiefs hit the road for Orlando Wednesday, spending the night in Gainesville. They thought they were going to spend their afternoon practicing at Gainesville High School, but Wheatley had arranged a really big surprise.
The Chiefs spent their afternoon practice in The Swamp — Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — at the University of Florida. It was part motivation and part shock and awe — getting accustomed to playing in a massive stadium to reduce the potential intimidation factor of the 70,229 seat Citrus Bowl.
Hundreds of Northview fans will be in the huge Citrus Bowl by kickoff time. Hundreds and hundreds more will be back home in little places like Molino, Walnut Hill and Century watching a video stream and following live updates from NorthEscambia.com as the Boys from Bratt show Orlando what it means to be a Chief.
It all comes down to tonight at 7:00 Eastern/6:00 Central with the opening kickoff of the FHSAA Class 1A state championship game. Somebody goes home as the second best in state, and somebody is crowned champion. It’s a moment the Chiefs are prepared to face.
“It’s an exciting time; I think our kids are excited and ready for this,” Wheatley said. “They are prepared for this; they know that this is their moment.”
Before kickoff tonight, NorthEscambia.com will provide access to a live video stream of the game in story posted on our front page and our Facebook page. NorthEscambia.com will also be providing live updates from the sidelines of the Citrus Bowl with photos and scores on our Facebook page. Click here to “Like” our Facebook page and follow the updates.
Pictured: The Northview High School Chiefs practice in “The Swamp” on Florida Field in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida Thursday afternoon. Exclusive photos by Wesley Rodriguez/UF Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
In The Family: Chiefs QB’s Dad Was On ‘79 State Champ Team
December 7, 2012
“When I walk up to the field on Friday nights and smell the grass, I remember,” Byron Vaughan said. “Then I feel proud that’s my son out there. I never was the athlete he is.”
Byron remembers that long trip 33 years ago to Booster Stadium in Ocala, where Coach Steve McCord’s EWHS Eagles beat Benjamin High 13-6. Ernest Ward and Century High were later combined to create Northview.
During the ‘79 season, Byron played linebacker, nose guard and split end. “Nose guard? I was just a small 130 pound guy. I remember thinking this is crazy,” he said.
Due to his job, Byron was unable to speak the 2012 Chiefs in person during practice Wednesday. But he said he wanted to offer them some insight. “Listen guys, I’ve been here just before the state game. If you stay focused, you can bring it back. I wanted to talk to them about how emotional it can be every day knowing that you could be the next state champions. I’ve thought a lot about it.”
By Friday night, Byron and Kevin Vaughan could become the only, or least one of the very few, fathers and sons to have played on state championship teams for the same or combined schools.
“He’s very humble about it,” Byron said about his son. “He’s all about the team. He’s not big headed. Looks out for everybody on the team and takes care of business. It’s not about him, it’s a team effort. He’s everything I wanted to be.”
Byron will there in the Citrus Bowl cheering on the Chiefs Friday night. “I know I’ll be proud of the whole bunch. Win or lose, it’s going to be emotional.”
There are two other state final records on the books in the histories of Ernest Ward and Century high schools:
The 1979 Ernest Ward-Benjamin game still holds the state record for the fewest two-team turnovers during a state final. Both teams were turnover free. And in 1986, then Coach Joe Cardwell led his Century Blackcats into the state Class A finals against Glades Day at home in Century before a crowd of 1,723 fans. The Blackcats fell short 8-7.
Pictured top: Bryon Vaughan, a member of the Ernest Ward 1979 state championship team, and his son, Northview quarterback Kevin Vaughan. Pictured inset: The younger Vaughan in action for the Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunshine Hill Road Bridge Reopens
December 7, 2012
Repairs to Sunshine Hill Road Bridge have been completed and the bridge reopened to traffic at 8 a.m. Friday.
There will be a posted 19 ton weight restriction on the bridge. The Sunshine Hill Road bridge is currently scheduled to be replaced with a new structure with construction beginning in February 2013.
The bridge was closed for repairs back on November 20.
$6.7 Million, 8.4 Mile Project Begins On Nine Mile Road
December 7, 2012
Construction work is now underway on Nine Mile Road.
Crews from Panhandle Grading and Paving began working on drainage improvements this week. The 8.4-mile project extends from west of Pine Cone Drive to the Escambia River Bridge and includes resurfacing the roadway, minor drainage and sidewalk improvements, signal improvements, bridge joint repair, guardrail safety upgrades and placement of new signs and pavement markings.
Motorists can expect lane restrictions. To reduce congestion and minimize traffic delays, there will be no lane closures allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The $6.7 million transportation improvement project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2013. Drivers should pay attention and use caution, especially at night, when driving through the work zone, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
By The Numbers: Inside The Northview Chiefs
December 7, 2012
The Northview Chiefs will face the Trenton High School Tigers in the Class 1A state football championship game Friday in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Today, NorthEscambia.com is taking an in depth look by the numbers inside the Northview Chiefs. For an earlier look at the Trenton Tigers, click here.
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Mascot: Chiefs
School Colors: Garnet and Gold
HEAD COACH SID WHEATLEY
Head Coach: Sid Wheatley, 43
College Alma Mater: University of Southern Mississippi, 1995
High School Alma Mater, McLaurin High, Florence, MS, 1986
Varsity Record at Northview: 33-12
Seasons At Northview: 8
Overall Career Record: 46-20
Seasons At All Schools: 16
ASSISTANT COACHES
Ty Wise – OC
Derek Marshman – DL
Mandell Smith – WR
John Madison – DB
Nakita Myles – RB
Gary Mattes – K
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TEAM ROSTER
Northview will dress out up to 40 players Friday night.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LaMikal Kyles – RB
Kevin Vaughan – QB
Neiko Robinson – DB (Penn State commit)
Neino Robinson – DB (five punt returns for TD)
Stetson Nash – DT
Blake McCall – OL
LaDerious Franklin – OL
Logan Weber – OL
Corry Baggett – LB
FINAL REGULAR SEASON STATS
Points Scored: 420, Opponents 183
Rushing Attempts: 304
Net Yards Rushing: 2408, Opponents 1528
Net Yards Passing: 1598, Opponents 1145
Passes: 101 of 105 attempted
Total Offensive Plays: 453
Total Offensive Yards: 4006, Opponents 2673
Number of Punts: 16, Opponents 37
Total Punt Returns: 15 for 456 yards
Total Kickoff Returns: 14 for 329 yards
Interceptions Made: 18, Opponents 6
Fumble Returns: 7
Quarterback Sacks Made: 16
Quarterback Sacks Allowed: 6
Total Scoring: 420, Opponents 189
TEAM CAPTAINS
Logan Weber, Blake McCall, LaMikal Kyles, Kevin Vaughan
MANAGERS, STATS, TRAINERS
Team Managers: Zach Holland, Azeen Grissett, Kendrell Elliott, Jacob Johnson, Danny Slay
Statistician: Bodie Tullis
Trainer: Jordain Cook
OFFENSIVE STARTERS
X 1 Neino Robinson 5’11 160 JR
LT 73 LaDerious Franklin 6’1 240 SR
LG 57 Tyler Roley 5’10 195 SR
C 56 Logan Weber 5’10 200 SR
RG 53 Justin Halteman 5’11 215 SR
RT 78 Blake McCall 6’2 280 SR
Y 22 Cameron Newsome 6’2 175 SO
QB 12 Kevin Vaughn 6’1 170 SR
HB 6 Brannon Freeman 5’10 165 JR
FB 2 LaMikal Kyles 6’0 180 SR
Z 10 Neino Robinson 6’0 170 SR
DEFENSIVE STARTERS
LE 29 Chad Smith 5’10 170 SR
LT 71 Stetson Nash 6’1 230 SR
RT 56 Logan Weber 5’10 200 SR
RE 3 Jaran Myles 5’11 170 SO
N 32 LaQuan Thomas 5’9 235 JR
LB 26 Dalton Daniel 5’11 175 JR
LB 38 Corry Baggett 5’10 195 SR
DB 1 Neino Robinson 5’11 160 JR
DB 4 LaMikal Banks 5’10 170 SR
S 6 Brannon Freeman 5’10 165 JR
S 10 Neiko Robinson 6’0 170 SR
SPECIALISTS
Kickoffs: LiMikal Kyles
PAT Kicker: Kevin Vaughn
Short-Distance FG Kicker: Kevin Vaughn
Long-Distance FG Kicker: Kevin Vaughn
Long Snapper: Logan Weber
Holder: Brannon Freeman
Punter: Brannon Freeman
Escambia County: Chiefs Are #1
December 7, 2012
The Escambia County Road Department is wishing the Northview Chiefs good luck in Friday night’s state playoffs in a big way. A lighted highway sign in front of the school is flashing “Chiefs Are #1″ and “Good Luck Chiefs”.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Hwy 97 Crash
December 7, 2012
There were no injuries in a two vehicle crash Thursday evening on Highway 97 in Davisville. The driver of a southbound pickup truck apparently rear-ended a SUV also in the southbound lane. The accident occurred about 5 p.m. near Highway 97 and Pine Barren Church Road.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Suspects Shot By Police In Pensacola
December 6, 2012
Two burglary suspects were shot and are hospitalized after they tried to run over Pensacola Police officers Thursday afternoon.
The incident was reported around 12:44 p.m. in the 600 block of Whitney Drive.
Pensacola Police Officers were on patrol and noticed two suspicious males at the front door of a house in the 600 block of Whitney Drive. Police Chief Chip Simmons said officers got out to investigate and told the men to stop, but the suspects ignored officers, got into a vehicle and sped toward the officers.
Officers then fired at the vehicle. The men fled the area in the vehicle, which was found abandoned a short time later at Fox Road and Woodbine Drive. Simmons said the vehicle had been reported as stolen to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspects were captured a couple blocks away with the assistance of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Both of the suspects suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to area hospitals, Simmons said.
An investigation continues into the incident. In addition, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an investigation on the officer involved shootings, which is standard
procedure. It is not known how long that will take, Simmons said.
Simmons said officers were patrolling the area Thursday afternoon in response to a rash of recent residential burglaries. Since Novemeber 27, there have been 21 reported residential burglaries within city limits, nine of which occurred within the area of Bayou Boulevard and 12th Avenue.
Pictured top and inset: Pensacola Police opened fire into the back of this vehicle after two burglary suspects tried to run over officers Thursday afternoon. Bullet holes can be seen in the body of the vehicle just above the tag. Pictured below: The incident originated here on Whitney Drive. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lawyer Says Nativity Was Illegal; Century Declares Nativity Scene Surplus
December 6, 2012
The Town of Century has declared their nativity scene as surplus property and will sell it to the highest bidder, months after an attorney for a Wisconsin group that represents agnostics and atheists sent letters to the town claiming that a nativity display on public property is illegal.
A nativity scene had been displayed in front of the Century Town Hall for several years. It was displayed for a just a few days during the 2011 Christmas season, but was removed because it was basically falling apart due to age.
In a July 17, 2012, NorthEscambia.com story about the Century Town Council’s wish to purchase new Christmas decorations, Century Town Council President Ann Brooks was quoted as saying “I believe we all want a manger scene”. Three days later, as a result of that story, Andrew Seidel, a staff attorney for the Freedom from Religion Foundation, fired off a letter and fax to Brooks objecting to a nativity scene on public property.
“We can assure you that not all Century residents want a manger scene,” Seidel wrote. “A local resident brought this news story to our attention in hopes that we would halt an imminent First Amendment violation.”
Seidel claimed that a display consisting solely of a nativity scene, “depicting the mythical birth of the Christian god [sic]“, endorses a single religion and is thus illegal according to the Supreme Court.
“There are ample private and church grounds were religious displays may be freely placed,” Seidel wrote. “Once the council enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship.”
Following their July meeting, the Century Council moved forward in purchasing wreaths to adorn utility poles along Highway 29, but a nativity scene was never purchased. The town also, for some number of months, did not respond to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s letters and faxes.
Matt Dannheisser, the town’s attorney, advised the town that they could allow private entities to erect holiday displays the town hall in exercise of their First Amendment freedom of speech rights. Alternatively, Dannheisser said the town should include “traditional holiday symbols” such a Menorah and Christmas tree with a “secular message” such as “Peace of Earth, Goodwill Towards Men”.
A town official said selling the nativity scene as surplus property to the highest bidder really was not a response to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s assertions, but was due solely to the aging condition of the manger scene set making it unsuitable for public display.
Pictured: Some of the Town of Century’s Christmas decorations on display at the Nadine McCaw Park on Highway 29. The aging decorations were donated by Pensacola several years ago. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.