ACLU Files Suit Over Welfare Recipient Drug Tests
September 8, 2011
A new Florida law requiring applicants to pass drug tests before getting temporary cash assistance from the government amounts to unconstitutional suspicionless searches, the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday after filing a suit in federal court to shut the program down.
ACLU representatives, lawyers and a 35-year-old college student who refused to take the test said the new state requirement stigmatizes low-income recipients. The suit was filed late Tuesday in the federal district court in Orlando.
“The new law assumes that everyone who needs a little help has a drug problem,” said Luis Lebron, a University of Central Florida accounting undergraduate who is the lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit. “It’s wrong and unfair. It judges a whole group of people on their temporary economic situation.”
As of July 1, new applicants for temporary government assistance through the program known as TANF, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, were required to pay for a drug test. If the test comes back negative, the fee is repaid by the state. A positive test bars the applicant from receiving benefits for a year.
The ACLU lawsuit seeks to nullify the law. The group, which includes the Miami-based Florida Justice Institute, also filed a motion to stop the testing of recipients until the court rules on the constitutionality of the law.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Lebron is a single, custodial father who is scheduled to graduate in December. He was denied benefits when he refused to take the test, which costs between $25 and $45. Eight counties have yet to establish certified test sites.
Backers of the measure, including Gov. Rick Scott, say private businesses have been requiring such tests for years and government should be no different. A survey released Wednesday by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association, a trade group for testing companies, found 57 percent of employers conduct drug tests on all job candidates.
“It’s important we make sure taxpayer money isn’t going to help pay for someone’s drug habit, but that the money is going to help the children for whom it was intended,” Scott spokesman Lane Wright said Wednesday in an email. “That’s what this law does.”
Wright said the federal government has allowed states to test for drugs, a sign that the courts will back Florida’s plan.
Critics argue that recipients are being singled out based on a myth that poor people are more likely to use illegal drugs. They point out that other government programs such as student loans, food stamps and business grants do not require recipients to be screened for drug use.
So far, state says only 2 percent of recipients have tested positive for illegal drugs, a failure rate that is below that of the general population. A 2009 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 8.7 percent of Americans age 12 and older reported using illicit drugs.
“It’s an ugly public policy based on stereotypes and talking points,” said Howard Simon, ACLU Florida, executive director. “We’re not the only state to be trading in these ugly stereotypes and talking points, but we are the first state to enact the legislation.”
The U.S. Supreme Court in a 1997 decision threw out a Georgia law requiring candidates for state office to certify they had passed a drug test. In 2000, a federal court in Michigan threw out that state’s attempt to require all welfare recipients to be tested.
“Things that may be appropriate in the private sector are impermissible when done by government,” Simon said.
By The News Service of Florida
Charges Dropped Against Man For ‘Stealing’ Century Church
September 8, 2011
Charges have been dropped against the Pensacola man accused of “stealing” a Century church earlier this year.
John D. Young, now 73, was arrested in May for grand theft for allegedly signing a Century church property over to a Flomaton woman when he was not authorized to do so.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, Young signed the property over to Taryn Wright with a quit-claim deed on the small, 1,500 square foot church located at 401 Hecker Road in Century. Officials said at the time the church was reported “stolen” that Young had no authority to sign the paperwork.
According to Escambia County Property Appraiser records, the church property is valued at $14,253.
Pictured above: A church property on Hecker Road in Century that was reported “stolen” earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Fuel Costs Dropping, Rates Still Headed Up
September 8, 2011
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours, but that savings will be offset by increased base rates.
Florida’s big utilities were required to file proposals last week with state regulators about their fuel costs for 2012.
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours.
Spokeswoman Sandy Sims said in an email that coal prices are projected to drop because of the end of contracts that can be replaced at lower costs. Also, she indicated the company will rely more heavily on cheaper natural gas for power generation in 2012.
But while Gulf Power customers will see lower fuel costs, the company also is seeking PSC approval of a significant increase in base rates. The PSC has approved an interim base-rate proposal that will increase 1,000-kilowatt hour bills this month from $122.67 to $127.16, and Gulf Power is seeking a further permanent hike that would take effect next year.
Gulf Power contends that it needs to increase base rates, at least in part, because of the costs of adding power lines and other types of infrastructure.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Northview Drops Volleyball Games To Jay
September 8, 2011
Both the varsity and junior varsity Northview Chiefs came up short against Jay in volleyball action.
Varsity
Jay defeated Northview in a five game match, 14-25, 25-9, 25-22, 21-25, 15-17.
Misty Doran — Aces-8, Kills-9, Block-2, Digs-4, Assists-1
Lily Townson — Aces-2, Assists-7
Morgan Payne — Aces-1, Kills-7, Assist-5, Blocks-1, Digs-1
Payton Hadley — Kills-2, Assists-6, Blocks-1
Junior Varsity
The Jay JV defeated Northview’s JV, 25-18, 17-25, 13-15.
Danielle Steadham — Kills-3, Assists-1
Kyndall Hall – Aces-4, Kills-1, Blocks-1
Tiffani Pritchett — Aces–5, Kills-2
Rebecca Grim — Aces-1, Kills-1
Upcoming: Northview will host Baker Thursday — junior varsity at 5 p.m.; varsity at 6 p.m. Jay’s varsity will be in action Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at T.R. Miller.
Deputies: Man Tries To Lure Kids Away From Bus Stops
September 7, 2011
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office looking for information about a man that has attempted to lure children away from bus stops twice within the past two weeks.
On both occasions, the male has stopped and asked directions. He then drives around the block, stops again, and attempts to lure the child into the vehicle, according to deputies. During one of the incidents the male claimed to have a gun but never displayed one.
These incidents have occurred in the general area of Ensley and Ferry Pass, according to Sgt. Mike Ward, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
The male is described as Hispanic, with thinning hair or balding, possibly a mustache and tattoo on his left forearm. The vehicle is described as a small, white four-door car.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case, or sees any suspicious activity that may be related to this type of incident, to immediately call the Sheriff’s Office (850) 436-9620.
Free Computer Classes Offered At Century Branch Library
September 7, 2011
Free computer classes will be offered on Saturdays at the Century Branch Library.
Classes include:
- September 10 – Email I
- September 17 – Creating a Resume
- September 24 – Email II
- October 1 – Job Searching Craigslist.
All classes will be held from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Space is limited. For more information, call the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.
County Won’t Fund More Paid Firefighters For Cantonment; Volunteer Response Inadequate
September 7, 2011
Even though volunteers are unable to adequately answer emergency calls, the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue won’t be staffed with 24/7 paid firefighter crews due to a lack of funding.
“”We can no longer provide the proper minimum fire response,” Cantonment VFD District Chief Jeffery Bingle said recently, asking the county for paid firefighters to answer calls from his station. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue is currently staffed from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m Monday-Friday by a paid firefighter crew. Outside of those hours and all weekend, calls should be answered by volunteers.
According to Michael Weaver, director of Escambia County Public Safety, the total cost to provide 24 hour paid firefighter coverage for Cantonment would be an estimated $709,219 per year.
“While I understand that staffing this station with fulltime staff may be desirable it is not affordable at this time. Our County Commissioners continue to struggle to maintain a balanced budget with increased demands and decreasing funding,” Weaver wrote in an email to Escambia County Fire Chief Daniel Spillman.
The only way to provide the paid firefighters would be an additional increase in the property tax MSBU rate. The MSBU is already going up $5 per year for the next two years to cover the salaries of paid fire personnel assigned to Ensley, the busiest station in the area. The current increase will generate about $596,000 per year, according to Weaver.
“You will need to meet with your staff, including appropriate volunteer personnel, to plan the best personnel deployment and staffing levels within the funding provided. I expect all of my divisions to meet their budgetary goals. I am available to assist you in this effort,” Weaver wrote in his email to the fire chief.
Bingle said the Cantonment VFD has between 15 to 18 volunteers on the roster, but only five or six of those are very active. Many of those work or go to school outside of Cantonment, leaving an inadequate response to emergency calls. And Bingle said he has become less active in the department due to an increase in responsibilities as the fire chief and emergency services team leader at his employer, Ascend Performance Materials.
In the meantime, Bingle said the Cantonment volunteers are continuing to respond to calls. Neighboring stations, including Ensley and Molino, are also being dispatched to assist with most calls in the Cantonment district outside of the 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. time frame currently covered by a paid crew.
Pictured: Volunteers from Cantonment and other departments responded to a wreck near the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department on May 22, 2011. Pictured top inset: The Cantonment fire district. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Eagles Fall To Excel Panthers
September 7, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School Golden Eagles fell to the Excel Panthers Tuesday night, 8-0.
Austin Whitehead had several sacks and a fumble recovery for the Eagles, while Blake Green had a fumble recovery. Zachary Holland also had sack for loss for EWMS on the road in Excel. Gavin Grant had several completed passes, while Isaiah Dunn, Desmone Knight and Jacob Dunsford were among the yardage leaders for the Eagles.
Ernest Ward (0-2) will have next week off before hosting Uriah on September 20 in Walnut Hill.
Pictured: Action Ernest Ward Middle School loses to Excel Tuesday night in Excel. Submitted photos by Wayne Holland for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Groundbreaking Held For Sheriff’s Visitation, Training Facility
September 7, 2011
A groundbreaking was held Wednesday for a new Escambia County Sheriff’s Video Visitation and and Training facility near the Escambia County Jail.
A.E. New, Jr. Inc. was awarded the $3,919,200 project to convert an existing 31,000 square foot building on Leonard Street into the new facility.
The facility will provide 60 stations for remotely visiting inmates housed in detention areas via audio and video equipment. Inmates’ visitors will use the video equipment rather than going to the jail where visits are currently separated by glass.
The building will house the Sheriff’s Office force on force, defensive tactics, and simulator training areas, a vehicle detailing area, a media center, training and meeting rooms, and offices.
The facility is expected to open in 2012.
Competency Hearing Set For Molino Pharmacy ‘Underwear Bandit’ Suspect
September 7, 2011
A competency hearing has been set for a Molino man accused of robbing a local pharmacy last year while wearing underwear on his head. Joseph Daniel Flowers, now 57, will appear in court October 27 to learn if he is mentally competent to stand trial.
Flowers is facing multiple charges for the September 20, 2010, robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy, including robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm in a pharmacy, aggravated battery and wearing a mask while committing a felony. Multiple drug possession charges were later filed against Flowers in connection with the case.
Flowers allegedly robbed the pharmacy while wearing a bathrobe, slippers, yellow kitchen gloves and underwear on his head. He has remained in the Escambia County Jail after a November 2010 arrest for failing to appear in court.
For a photo gallery from the robbery scene and Flower’s home, click here.
The getaway car driver in the robbery, 24-year old Krystal Lynn Collins, was found guilty of armed robbery with a firearm and a half dozen felony drug charges. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Pictured top: Joseph Daniel Flowers is detained by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy last year. Pictured inset: Deputies investigate the September 20, 2010, robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.