Watchdog Group: Florida Most ‘Corrupt’ State
June 7, 2012
Florida may be the nation’s fourth most populous state but it leads the nation in the number of federal corruption convictions, a dubious honor that could be easily remedied, a government watchdog group said Wednesday.
Based on U.S. Department of Justice data, Florida led the nation in the number of convictions between 2000 and 2010, according to data compiled by Integrity Florida, a non-profit research group founded earlier this year by former Florida Chamber spokesman Dan Krasner and former Common Cause Florida executive director Ben Wilcox.
“We’re number one for our beaches,” Krasner said. “We’re number one for our sunshine, but it’s time we dust off our government in the sunshine laws and once again become number one in the world for government in the sunshine and open government.”
The data, which includes only federally initiated cases, shows that Florida had 781 convictions for various corruption charges for the 10-year period ending in 2010. Florida was followed by California (753), Texas (741) and New York (670.)
Most of the federal corruption cases involve local officials, who by their sheer numbers represent the largest segment of public officials.
The group outlined a series of changes that could be done within existing law while also calling on state lawmakers to make some changes in state statutes to put more teeth in anti-corruption laws.
Florida law does not allow the Commission on Ethics to initiate its own investigations, a restriction groups like Common Cause and others have tried, unsuccessfully, to change for years.
Last year, the commission acted on 169 complaints that were deemed to be valid. The group said even high profile cases are out of reach unless someone files a formal complaint.
“It’s like having speeding limits but no officers on the beat to catch speeders when they break the law,” Krasner said.
The Ethics Commission plans to meet next week to map out its 2013 Legislative agenda.
Among a list of recommendations, Integrity Florida said state lawmakers should give the commission more police powers while also raising the cap on allowable fines from $10,000 to $25,000.
The commission itself has asked for such powers in the past, suggesting it be allowed to initiate cases. Two years ago the commission also asked for a higher fine limit of $100,000.
Also in 2010, a statewide grand jury slammed Florida laws for being too lax on corruption, and made a number of suggestions, most of which were never implemented. Then-Gov. Charlie Crist called for that grand jury investigation in 2009 following a string of high profile arrests of public officials and political figures. He noted at the time that he had been forced to remove 33 public officials from office in less than three years as governor because of varying instances of wrongdoing.
Integrity Florida is also calling on lawmakers to expand the scope of state ethics laws to include private vendors who benefit from their relationships with public officials. Current law, Krasner said, only addresses one side of the transaction.
Other recommendations include garnishing wages from public employees who are fined and putting financial disclosures, Commission findings and investigations on line.
By The News Service of Florida
Perdido Gators Win ‘Slide Into Summer’ 14U Tourney
June 7, 2012
The Perdido Gators travel softball team won the USFA “Slide Into Summer” Fast Pitch Girls 14U tournament last weekend, going undefeated Saturday and Sunday.
The Perdido Gators softball team is made up of players from Bratt, Molino, Milton, Pensacola, Perdido, and Gulf Breeze that attend Northview, West Florida, Tate, Escambia, Milton and Gulf Breeze high schools.
Pictured: Members of the 14U Perdido Gators are Ashley Young, Angel Lathan, Olivia Printiss, Sara Spears, Ali Cutaio, Mallory Ryan, Kota Berry, Sydney Ezelle, Kristin Gunter, Lauren Brennan, and Morgan Peppers (not pictured). Coaches are Jeff Cutaio, Greg Spears, Eddie Ryan and Tracy Ezelle. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Study: Florida Leads The Nation In Length Of Jail Sentences
June 6, 2012
The time Florida prisoners spend behind bars has grown dramatically – more than in any other state, according to a study released Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States.
The report, “Time Served: The High Cost, Low Return of Longer Prison Terms,” examined data from 35 states amounting to 89 percent of the prison releases in 2009, and found that Florida saw a 166 percent increase in the average prison sentence over the previous 20 years, costing taxpayers $1.4 billion in 2009.
Drug-related sentences rose 194 percent during the 20-year period, from an average of 0.8 years to 2.3 years. Sentences for violent crimes increased from 2.1 years to 5 years, or 137 percent – again, the highest in the study.
Florida’s perch at the top of the study was largely attributed to two factors: the 1995 “Truth in Sentencing” law requiring inmates to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, and the “10-20-Life” law establishing minimum mandatory sentences for crimes involving firearms.
A companion analysis found that some nonviolent prisoners could have been released up to two years earlier; it examined nonviolent offenders released from Florida, Maryland and Michigan in 2004, concluding that many could have served sentences between three months and two years shorter with no threat to public safety: 14 percent of all offenders released in Florida, 18 percent in Maryland, and 24 percent in Michigan.
By The News Service of Florida
10 Million Loaves Of Bread: North Escambia’s Wheat Crop
June 6, 2012
North Escambia might not be the bread basket of the country, but the local wheat crop still pumps hundreds of thousands of dollars into local economy, particularly around Walnut Hill and Bratt.
In 2008, about 500 t0 600 thousand bushels of wheat were grown per year in North Escambia . That translated to about $3.5 to $5 million into the local economy.
But 2012 wheat production was down significantly in the area.
According to James Formby, manager of Esambia Grain in Walnut Hill, there were 2,753 acres of wheat planted this year. The yield ranged from 25 to 60 bushels per acre, with an average of 45 bushels per acre . With a closing price of $5.60, the value of the 2012 crop would be about $700,000.
The 2012 harvest of about 123,885 bushels would be enough for nearly10 million loaves of bread.
Much of the wheat harvested in the area ends up at Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill, one of just a handful of grain elevators in Florida. First opened in 1965, Escambia Grain has six storage silos, each about 100 feet tall.
Editor’s note: Story updated 8:45 a.m. to reflect a mathematical correction.
Pictured top: Wheat is harvested recently in Bratt. Pictured below: Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Family Photographs Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee
June 6, 2012
[VOA] England’s Queen Elizabeth led a carriage procession through the streets of London Tuesday, the last day of Diamond Jubilee celebrations to mark her 60-year reign, and the public poured out to view the spectacle.
A Molino family living in England was there with photos for NorthEscambia.com. To view the photo gallery, click here.
In a rare speech Tuesday broadcast in Britain and the Commonwealth, the queen said the events she attended to mark her 60 years on the throne have been a “humbling experience.” She said she was touched “deeply” to see thousands of families, neighbors and friends celebrating in such a “happy atmosphere.”
She also said her husband of 64 years, Prince Philip, is very grateful to the organizers.
On Tuesday, cheering crowds lined the avenue toward Buckingham Palace for the grand finale to the celebrations.
The 86-year-old monarch and her family waved to thousands of flag-waving Londoners from the palace balcony, as Royal Air Force aircraft conducted a fly-past overhead. Prince Philip was absent after being hospitalized Monday with a bladder infection.
Earlier in the day, Queen Elizabeth attended a solemn service of thanksgiving in St. Paul’s Cathedral, joining her son and heir-to-the-throne, Prince Charles, her grandsons William and Harry, and other members of the royal family. She then led a horse-drawn carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, while military bands played and a 60-gun salute was fired.
In his thanksgiving sermon, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said Queen Elizabeth had shown “a quality of joy in the happiness of others” during her 60 years on the throne.
In Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama issued a personal tribute to the queen, saying he hopes she will continue to “reign supreme for many years to come.” In a video posted on the White House website , Mr. Obama called her a “living witness” to the enduring “special relationship” between Britain and the United States, a bond that he said remains indispensable to their two countries and the world.
Elizabeth succeeded her father, King George, after his death in 1952 and was coronated the following year.
She was crowned queen of seven Commonwealth countries — the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka.
Along with Britain, the monarch is the head of state of 16 other nations, known as realms. Her role is purely ceremonial. She is also head of the Commonwealth, an organization that rose from the British empire. Most of its 53 member countries are former colonies.
Pictured top: (L-R) Camilla, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Pictured top inset: Queen Elizabeth rides an open-air carriage through the streets of London Tuesday. Pictured bottom inset: Looking toward Buckingham Palace. Pictured below: Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry in an open-air carriage near Buckingham Palace. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Be A Star: Summer Reading Series Begins At Century Library
June 6, 2012
The Summer Reading Series for kids and teens began Tuesday afternoon at the Century Branch Library.
Kathleen Gibson, an award winning family entertainer, song writer, producer and recording artist shared her special program “Whoever You Are, Be a Star!! Dream Big!”. Children had the chance to make their own guitars, sing, color and dance.
The Summer Reading Series will continue on Tuesdays at noon at the Century Branch Library as follows:
June 12 — Magic with Dr. Gee & Daffodil the Clown. The zany performers will need the audience’s help as they perform fantastical magic acts and bring stories to life.
June 19 — Storytelling with Pat Nease. She will share some witty, wiley and wicked tales.
June 26 — Cartooning with Mike Artell. The award-winning cartoonist and illustrator will present an exciting time of cool and creepy facts about a variety of subjects. Mike gets the audience excited about reading, writing, drawing and creative thinking.
July 3 — No program.
July 10 — Drums with Mark Seymour. Explore the world of drums, drum styles and sounds.
The Century Branch Library also offers a preschool story time each Tuesday in June at 10:30 a.m. for children birth to five-years old.
For more information, call the library at (850) 256-6217.
Memorial Dedicated In Memory Of Fallen Firefighter Killed In 1962
June 6, 2012
A fallen firefighter, the grandfather of two Northview High School graduates, was memorialized Tuesday.
A new monument at Seville Square honors Pensacola Firefighter Vista Spencer Lowe, 23, who died in the line of duty while responding to a house fire on Zarragossa Street. After arriving at the scene, Lowe stepped from the rear tailboard of the firetruck on which he was riding. He tripped and fell to the ground. Unaware of Lowe’s location, the pumper’s driver began backing up the firetruck, crushing Lowe.
Lauren and Jennifer Lowe, 2010 Northview High graduates, took part in the monument’s dedication Tuesday morning, reading “The Fireman’s Prayer”. Their grandfather’s fireman boots were next to them; the boots are the only personal memento they have left from their grandfather. He was killed when their father, Mark Lowe, was just six months old.
“It gives everybody a chance to see that firefighters dedicate their lives in really big way,” Jennifer Lowe said. “My grandpa passed away trying to help people.”
Lowe’s death caused fire departments to change operating procedures, requiring that no apparatus be backed up without a department member watching and directing.
“The monument not only celebrates what he did, but how his death is contributing to the safety of firefighters these days,” Jennifer Lowe said.
Pictured top: Family members of fallen firefighter Vista Spencer Lowe with a memorial unveiled Tuesday in his honor at Seville Square. Pictured inset: Northview graduates Lauren (left) and Jennifer Lowe read “The Fireman’s Prayer” Tuesday morning as a memorial was dedicated to their grandfather. The boots he was wearing the night of his demise are seen on the left of the podium (courtesy P.C. Wu). Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Line Up To Apply For Just 20 Jobs
June 6, 2012
Hundreds of people turned out in Walnut Hill Tuesday to apply for one of just 20 jobs available coming to the small community when a new crude oil transfer stations opens.
People began lining up at the Walnut Hill Community Center as early as daybreak Tuesday as Workforce Escarosa assisted Genesis Rail Services and their partner, Rail Solutions of Florida, with the recruitment and hiring of rail car unloading operators. The positions will pay from $16 to $20 per hour with benefits.
As the doors opened at 10 a.m., estimates of as many as 800 people were in line for applications. The line, two or three people deep, snaked around the community center property and alongside Highway 97 for about about a quarter mile. Parked vehicles lined both sides of Highway 97 for about a mile, from Arthur Brown Road to Wiggins Lake Road.
Many eventually gave up after spending hours in the sweltering heat. Periodically, it was announced that those would without their driver’s license and social security card, or those with felony convictions, need not apply. That announcement, along with word of a required drug test if hired, would send dozens of people back to their vehicles at a time.
Genesis’ Senior Vice President of Business Development, Paul Davis, said the company will be creating about 30 new jobs at the Walnut Hill facility over the next couple of years.
Coming up Wednesday morning on NorthEscambia.com, we’ll meet a few of the hundreds of people that were in line and learn their stories.
Pictured top: Hundreds line up for job applications in Walnut Hill Tuesday morning (note that the line in the stop photo snakes all the way around the top of the photo along with wooded area). Pictured inset: A few of the hundreds of applicants for rail car unloading operator jobs. Pictured below: Just a small portion of hundreds of people in line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade Awards List
June 6, 2012
Award days were recently held at Molino Park Elementary School.
The following awards were presented to second, third and fourth grade students at Molino Park.
For Pre-K to first grade awards, click here for a previous story.
Fifth grade awards will be published in an upcoming story.
SECOND GRADE
A Honor Roll
- Reagan Daniels
- Aden Fennell
- Jaden Lewis
- Kileigh Lundy
- Melody Patterson
- Sarah Sconiers
A/B Honor Roll
- Divine Abrams
- Matthew Barrow
- Kay-Lee Bradley
- Devin Creamer
- Melanie Danforth
- Josiah Delarosa
- Grayson Grondin
- Jonathan Janes
- Michayla Kent
- Lindsey Kimmons
- Clay Kittrell
- Chelsi Lashley
- Madelyn McAnnally
- James Perz
- Makayla Ramsey
- Brystal Rhodes
- Micheal Roloph
- MacKenzie Sims
- Shayle Slay
- Kailyn Watson
- Trevor Wood
Perfect Attendance
- Dylan Green
- Wesley Johnson
- Nyrobi Lee
- Hannah Ratcliff
- Sarah Sconiers
Citizenship
- Divine Abrams
- Robert Baggett
- Kay-Lee Bradley
- Rachel Byers
- Brook Cook
- Louis Crabtree
- Melanie Danforth
- Reagan Daniels
- Josiah Delarosa
- Aden Fennell
- Dylan Green
- Grayson Grondin
- Jonathon Janes
- Wesley Johnson
- Michayla Kent
- Lindsey Kimmons
- Chelsi Lashley
- Jaden Lewis
- Kileigh Lundy
- Madelyn McAnnally
- Melody Patterson
- James Perz
- Makayla Ramsey
- Hannah Ratcliff
- Brystal Rhodes
- Michael Roloph
- McKenzie Rudd
- Sarah Sconiers
- MacKenzie Sims
- Shayle Slay
- Logan Thompson
- Kailyn Watson
- Jordan Wilson
- Trevor Wood
Most Improved
- Zacheriah Chavers
Outstanding Effort
- Hannah Hassebrock
- Bryson Love
- Shelby Prince
AR Award
- Chelsi Lashley
THIRD GRADE
Citizenship
- Teagan Andress
- Tayler Bridges
- Kaelin Brinker
- Kenley Brown
- Jessica Conti
- Joshua Coonrod
- Nathan Danforth
- Abeni Diggs
- Torrie Edmonson
- Jadon Fryman
- Brentley Garrett
- Hailey Harigel
- Bryce Korinchak
- Kaley Lashley
- Marianna Martinez
- Justin Miller
- Lainey Pace
- Kellie Parsons
- Ashleigh Ratcliff
- Clay Smith
- Morgan Taylor
- Ariel Ward
- Ben Ward
- Caden Woodward
Perfect Attendance
- Jessica Conti
- Harley Crumbley
- Parker Hassebrock
- Julie Ann Keith
- Connor McQuaid
- Jeremiah Morris
- Damion Payne
A Honor Roll
- Kaelin Brinker
- Joshua Coonrod
- Brentley Garrett
- Brayden Mickel
- Clay Smith
- Caden Woodward
A/B Honor Roll
- Tayler Bridges
- Jessica Conti
- Nathan Danforth
- Jadon Fryman
- Hailey Harigel
- Wesley Hart
- Parker Hassebrock
- Bryce Korinchak
- Justin Miller
- Lainey Pace
- Kellie Parsons
- Natalie St. Cyr
- Morgan Taylor
- Ariel Ward
Extra Effort Reading
- Larry Allie
- Scott Skidmore
Most Improved Reading
- Kaley Lashley
Most Improved Math
- Damion Payne
FOURTH GRADE
Perfect Attendance
- Roger Gill
- Hannah Macks
- MacKenzie McCrory
- Kayla McKillion
- Ronald Plenkers
- Logan Wise
- Raeleigh Woodfin
- Stewart Woodfin
Citizenship Awards
- Emily Boutwell
- William “Eli” Boyd
- Caleb Eddins
- Alexander Floyd
- Jordan Godwin
- John Gulledge
- Gracie Johnson
- McKinzi Kent
- Tyler Peacock
- Dellie Roberts
- Brandon Sheldt
- Sarah Woodfin
A/B Honor Roll
- Braden Boutwell
- Emily Boutwell
- Micah Calhoun
- Ben Cantrell
- Jayda Crabtree
- David Green
- Jameisha Gross
- Jacob Hawkins
- Gracie Johnson
- McKenzie McCrory
- Kayla McKillion
- Alexa Schlobohm
- Kamren Simpkins
- Brianna White
- Logan Wise
Most Improved – Math
- Dean Hatcher
- McKinzi Kent
- Dellie Roberts
- Keaton Solmonson
Most Improved – Overall
- Jaden Bellamy
- Caleb Eddins
- Kody Gresh
- Tyler Simmons
Most Improved – Reading
- Gabriel Hamm
Disney to Eliminate Junk Food Ads from Radio, TV, Web
June 6, 2012
[VOA] The Walt Disney Company will become the first U.S. media giant to ban junk food advertising on its radio and television networks, and on its Internet website.
The company announced Tuesday that starting in 2015, it will eliminate commercials for candy, salty snacks and sugary cereals. Instead, Disney programming will promote diets rich in fruits and vegetables, and limit calories, fat and sugar.
Menus at Disney theme parks will feature “Mickey Checks” — pictures of Mickey Mouse that will highlight healthy foods.
First lady Michelle Obama, who is leading a national crusade against childhood obesity, calls Disney’s new policy a “game changer” for the health of American children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 percent of children in the United States are obese — triple the rate of a generation ago — in part, because they consume too much junk-food.