Supreme Courts Digs Into Health Care Mandate
March 28, 2012
A divided U.S. Supreme Court quizzed attorneys Tuesday about the most-controversial part of the 2010 federal health overhaul — a requirement that almost all Americans have health coverage in 2014. It’s a case that was first heard in Escambia County as Judge Roger Vinson of Federal District Court in Pensacola ruled against the mandate.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is widely viewed as a swing vote, asked questions that indicated skepticism about Obama administration arguments that the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution allows the requirement.
“I understand that we must presume laws are constitutional, but, even so, when you are changing the relation of the individual to the government in this … unique way, do you not have a heavy burden of justification to show authorization under the Constitution?” Kennedy asked U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli.
Conservative justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia hammered Verrilli about the limits of federal power, offering hypothetical questions about such things as requiring people to have burial insurance.
“You can get burial insurance. You can get health insurance,” Alito said, according to a transcript of the two-hour hearing. “Most people are going to need health care. Almost everybody. Everybody is going to be buried or cremated at some point. What’s the difference?”
But justices such as Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared to side with an administration argument that the Commerce Clause allows the coverage requirement because the costs of treating the uninsured get shifted to other people — ultimately leading to higher premiums for the people with insurance.
“Those (uninsured) people are in commerce,” Kagan said. “They are making decisions that are affecting the price that everybody pays for this service.”
The arguments about the so-called “individual mandate” came on the second day of the Supreme Court’s landmark hearings in a Florida-led challenge to the federal health overhaul, known commonly as the Affordable Care Act. The hearings will end Wednesday with arguments about the constitutionality of part of the act that would expand Medicaid.
By The News Service of Florida
New Playground Installed At Hurricane Park
March 28, 2012
A new playground has been installed at Hurricane Park in Flomaton. The park is located on Highway 31 across from Flomaton High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida PSC Approves Lifeline Phone Changes
March 28, 2012
Prompted by the federal government, the Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved changes in the Lifeline subsidized phone service for low-income residents.
The changes include reducing the amount of monthly credits that enrollees can receive from $13.50 to $12.75. Also, the changes include elimination of a process in which people can sign a document certifying that they are eligible for the program.
The Federal Communications Commission earlier this year required changes in Lifeline programs across the country, saying the changes are needed to “reform and modernize” the program.
In part, the changes reflect a shift from land-line to mobile phones and an effort to expand broadband communications.
Lifeline is financed through what is known as the Universal Service Fund, which is a charge on telephone customers’ bills.
The federal government will reduce the amount of credits that it provides for Lifeline customers in Florida from $10 to $9.25. A state share will remain at $3.50.
Also, the elimination of the self-certification process is part of a FCC push to reduce fraud. PSC officials say Florida has been successful in limiting fraud and has developed a computerized system with the Department of Children and Families in which phone companies can verify eligibility. PSC member
Lisa Edgar, however, expressed concerns Tuesday about the changes after the state has made efforts in recent years to increase enrollment. The PSC’s staff said it will look for ways to make sure enrollment is as easy as possible.
By The News Service of Florida
Prep Baseball, Softball: Tate, Northview, Jay, Flomaton, ACS, Escambia Academy
March 28, 2012
Tate 16 — Pensacola 0
Tuesday night was another big win for the Tate Aggies as they improved to 13-1 on the season with a 16-0 shutout of the Pensacola High Tigers
Cody Palmer pitched a complete game, shortened by the 10-run rule, to notch his fifth victory with no defeats for the year. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out four. Palmer also helped his own cause offensively going 2-4 with an RBI. Also for Tate: Maverick Chapman was 2-3 with 2 RBI. Mac Seibert 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI. Austin Quina 1-1, 2B, RBI. Matt Rickard 1-1, RBI.
The Aggies will head to Santa Rosa County Thursday as they look for win number 14 against Milton in a 7 p.m. district game.
Tate 11 — Pensacola 1 (JV)
In junior varsity play, the Tate Aggies beat the Pensacola High Tigers 11-1 Tuesday.
Tate 2 — West Florida 1 (Freshmen)
In freshman baseball action, the Tate Aggies defeated West Florida High School Tuesday, 2-1.
Northview 3 — Jay 2
The Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals in extra innings Tuesday night, 3-2. The Chiefs will travel to Central on Thursday, taking the field at 6:30. The Royals will host Walton at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Northview 8 — Jay 8 (JV) — tie
The junior varsity game Tuesday between the Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals ended in an 8-8 tie. The JV Chiefs will be on the road at Central at 4:00 Thursday. The JV Royals will next be in action Monday, April 2 as they host the Baker Gators.
Flomaton 7 — T.R. Miller 5
The Flomaton Hurricanes beat the T.R. Miller Tigers 7-5 Tuesday night. Joseph Parker got the win for the Hurricanes and Darby Black took the loss for the Tigers. Zack Watson closed the game and got the save. Flomaton is on a 13 game winning streak and is now 14-3. The Hurricanes next games are at Mobile Christian Friday, with the JV at 4:00 and varsity at 6:00.
For Flomaton: Andrew Cash 1-4 1B 1 run SB; Hunter Bonds 1-3 1B RBI 1 run SB; James Dean 1-3 1B 2 runs; Zack Watson 1-2 2 runs; Jacob Newton 1-3 2B RBI SB; Trey Weeks 1-3 2B 3RBI 1 run; Tyler Dove 1-4 RBI; Tyler Harris 1-2 2B SB; Joseph Parker SB. Pitching for Flomaton: Joseph Parker 3IP 2K 2ER 3 hits allowed; Hunter Bonds 2IP 2K 2ER 2 hits allowed ND Zack Watson 2IP 4K 1W S.
Escambia Academy 18 — Atmore Christian School 0
Escambia Academy defeated Atmore Christian School 18-0 Tuesday in Canoe. The two teams will meet again 6 p.m. at Escambia Academy. (Pictured top)
SOFTBALL
Jay 2 — Northview 0
The Jay Lady Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 2-0 in varsity softball action Tuesday evening in Jay. The Lady Chiefs will be action again Thursday at 5 p.m. on the road at West Florida High School. The Lady Royals will travel to W.S. Neal Thursday at 6:00.
Northview 10 — Jay 2 (JV)
In junior varsity action, the Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Lady Royals 10-2 in Jay. The junior varsity Lady Chiefs will next play April 9 in Pensacola against Washington High. The JV Lady Royals will travel to W.S. Neal Thursday at 4:00.
Navarre 6 — Tate 5
In varsity softball play, Navarre got past the Tate Lady Aggies 6-5 Tuesday.
Pictured top: Escambia Academy beat Atmore Christian 18-0 Tuesday in Canoe. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Begin Free Practice Shows
March 28, 2012
The Blue Angels performed before a crowd of thousands Tuesday morning at Pensacola Naval Air Station during their first public practice of the year.
The Blue Angels conduct regular practice demonstrations at 8:30 a.m. on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Following most Wednesday shows, the team signs autographs and meets fans inside the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Museum entrance and the Blue Angels practice shows are free. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy traffic.
For a complete practice Blue Angels show schedule, click here.
Pictured top: The Blue Angels perform. Pictured inset: Blue Angels pilots make eye contact during a maneuver. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Departments Battle 30 Acre Wildfire (With Photo Gallery)
March 28, 2012
Fire departments from across the area battled a 30 acre wildfire north of Flomaton for most of the afternoon Tuesday.
The fire off Upper Creek Road reportedly threatened a small number of homes, but fire crews worked to protect the structures. There was no damage reported to any of the homes in the area.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth volunteer fire departments from Alabama along with the Century and McDavid stations of Escambia (Fla.) Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. The Alabama Forest Commission also responded to the fire with bulldozers to contain the blaze.
Pictured: Fire fighters worked for hours to contain a brush fire north of Flomaton Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Amy Lambeth, click to enlarge.
Property Taxes Deliquent April 1
March 28, 2012
Real estate and tangible personal property taxes become delinquent on Sunday.
After the Saturday, March 31 deadline, a penalty of 3 percent for real estate and 1½ percent for tangible taxes will be assessed. Over $32.5 million (approximately 13%) of the Escambia County tax roll remains unpaid, according to Tax Collector Janet Holley.
Since the deadline falls during the weekend when the offices are closed, offices will still accept payments without penalty Monday, April 2 for in person payments only.
In addition, payments will be accepted without penalty if:
- mailed with a postmark by March 31
- left in any 24-hour drop boxes available at all offices by midnight March 31
- made on the tax collector web site by midnight March 31
- made on the after-hours automated telephone line (800) 601‑1055 by midnight March 31
Drive thru service and 24-hour drop boxes are available at all locations.
You may check the status of your taxes and pay online at www.escambiataxcollector.com. For more information, contact the tax collector’s office at (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252.
All tax collector offices will be closed April 6 in observance of Good Friday.
Fire Dept Rescues Swimmers Trapped On Sandbar
March 27, 2012
Two swimmers that were reported to be trapped on a sandbar near Molino Tuesday afternoon are fine.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched after two female swimmers reported that they were trapped on a sandbar on the west side of the Perdido River. They reported that they were unable to swim back to the shore due to increasing currents in the river.
Firefighters located the women at on a sandbar across from Fillingim Landing off Jack’s Branch Road near Molino. They were able to get the women back to shore without incident. There were no injuries reported.
Pictured: A sandbar at Fillingim Landing near Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Former Flomaton Police Chief Says He’s Not Guilty
March 27, 2012
The former Flomaton, Ala., police chief says he is not guilty of kidnapping for allegedly making an unauthorized arrest across the state line in Century.
Geoffrey Ashley McGraw, 30, waived an arraignment hearing scheduled for this Thursday and filed a plea of not guilty through his attorney, Earnest Ray White, in Escambia County (Fla.) Circuit Court.
McGraw was arrested earlier this month on a third degree felony charge of kidnapping/false imprisonment. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
McGraw’s arrest stemmed from a joint operation by the Florida 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FDLE obtained the warrant for McGraw’s arrest for an August 14, 2011, incident in which Ronald Adam Barrow was arrested by McGraw at a home on Old Flomaton Road in Century — 0.177 miles from the Alabama state line. McGraw, without jurisdiction, allegedly took Barrow into custody in Florida on an outstanding Escambia County (Ala.) failure to appear warrant in misdemeanor case. Barrow was then transported back across the state line into Alabama.
McGraw was placed on leave by the Flomaton Town Council on February 27 and subsequently fired on March 12.
NRA: Nothing Wrong With Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law
March 27, 2012
National Rifle Association lead lobbyist Marion Hammer – one of the architects of the stand-your-ground law now figuring prominently in debates over the Trayvon Martin shooting death in Sanford, Florida – says she won’t be baited into arguing the merits of the law while the case is still being investigated.
In the wake of last week’s growing outcry over the fact that the acknowledged shooter, George Zimmerman, has not been charged, Gov. Rick Scott Thursday tapped an outside prosecutor to investigate the death and a task force to review the 2005 law.
Scott, too, says further action should await the results of the investigation.
And in any case, Hammer said Monday, “the law should not be on trial. The law did not do anything wrong.”
Members of the black legislative caucus have called for a review.
“I have seen the media predict that nothing will change,” Hammer said, “and that’s probably because the media understands that there’s nothing wrong with the law.”
The bill’s sponsors, Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, and former Sen. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, say the law was never intended to cover pursuit – as may have been the case in Martin’s death – but rather the defense of one’s home, the so-called Castle Doctrine.
“It is difficult to give an opinion when you don’t know the facts of the case,” said Hammer. “But based on what I have read in the media, the Castle Doctrine does not apply in this case.” New facts emerged over the weekend, however, that may make the so-called stand-your-ground law applicable.
Zimmerman’s lawyer said it was Martin who attacked Zimmerman, broke his nose and was banging Zimmerman’s head into the ground when he fired in self-defense.
The lawyer, Craig Sonner, told ABC News that he will argue self defense and the stand-your-ground law will likely apply.
By The News Service of Florida