State To Appeal Welfare Recipient Drug Testing Court Order
November 4, 2011
The state filed a brief on Thursday with a federal court saying it will appeal a decision temporarily setting aside a controversial law requiring drug tests for welfare recipients in the latest phase of several legal battles over Gov. Rick Scott and the GOP-dominated Legislature’s policies.
“This policy is intended to help Florida families and is an effective way to ensure that welfare dollars are used for the benefit of children and to help Floridians get back to work and off public assistance,” Scott said in a statement after the filing. “I have no doubt that the law is constitutional, and that it is supported by the great weight of judicial authority.”
But the move outraged opponents of the law, who said the injunction granted by the U.S. District Court Judge Mary Scriven clearly showed that the law crossed the U.S. Constitution’s ban on unreasonable searches. Rep. Cynthia Stafford, who has filed a bill to overturn the policy, said the tests were “mean-spirited, wasteful and unconstitutional” in a statement lambasting the decision to appeal the case.
“What Governor Scott continues to forget is that being poor is not a crime, and the state should not attempt to treat poor Floridians as though they are criminal suspects,” said Stafford, D-Miami.
But supporters of the law, including a think tank that Scriven singled out for what she regarded as flawed research buttressing the state’s claims, hailed the decision.
“Our tax dollars should not be used to fund illegal drug addiction that traps children in unsafe homes,” said Tarren Bragdon, a Scott ally and president and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability.
The decision in the case of Luis Lebron, a 35-year-old Orlando resident who applied for benefits in July but refused to take a drug test, fueled what has become an increasingly testy relationship between Scott and the Legislature on one side and state and federal courts on the other.
Since Scott took office in January, lawsuits have also been filed challenging his decisions or laws he signed dealing with high-speed rail, rulemaking by executive branch agencies, prison privatization, pension reform and a proposed constitutional amendment allowing state funds to flow to religious social services, as well as a policy requiring state workers to be tested for drugs.
Courts have ruled against Scott on the privatization plan and the rulemaking case. Scott suspended the drug tests for state employees in the face of that lawsuit, and a state judge hearing the case on the pension overhaul also sounded skeptical of the state’s arguments at a hearing last month. The governor won a suit challenging his ability to essentially cancel a high-speed rail project.
In recent days, Scott has sounded exasperated with the continued legal wrangling over the policies.
“I thought there were three branches of government,” the governor complained to reporters Wednesday. “I thought the legislative branch was supposed to pass the laws and the governor either sign them or not. I didn’t anticipate the judiciary would be making policy decisions, so it’s very disappointing.”
By Brandon Larrabee
The News Service of Florida
Twin Brothers Sentenced For Dog Fighting
November 4, 2011
Twin brothers facing dog fighting charges in Escambia County (Ala.) have been sentenced to prison on dog fighting convictions in Autauga County.
According to Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, Terrell and Terrance McNeil, both age 29, were sentenced to 26 months in prison to be followed by three years probation. In addition, each brother was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay court costs.
The McNeil brothers were arrested on September 24, 2008, with 33 pit bulls at their residence in Prattville. Both were indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of felony dog fighting.
Terrance McNeil has a prior conviction for dog fighting in Escambia County, and each brother has dog fighting charges pending in Escambia County.
“This crime involves a deliberate cruelty and terrible abuse of animals that is deeply disturbing and that must not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am pleased that this case sends a message that in Alabama, the crime of dog fighting will be taken seriously and punished sternly.”
Terrance McNeil pleaded guilty to felony dog fighting charges that stemmed from a 2008 incident in Atmore. An anonymous tip led investigators with the Atmore Police Department and the Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) to North Sunset Drive where they found a makeshift dog fighting arena. According to investigators, they found several vehicles parked outside a trail that led into a thickly wooded area, ending at a “plywood pit” surrounded by floodlights powered by a portable generator. They also located an assortment of alleged dog fighting paraphernalia.
Pictured top: An alleged dog fighting arena discovered in a wooded area off North Sunset Drive in Atmore in June, 2008. Pictured below: One of the dogs allegedly involved in the incident. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Investigation Continues Into Fire That Claimed 3 Children
November 3, 2011
Friends and family gathered outside the burned out shell of home on 1st Street in Atmore Thursday, remembering three children killed in a house fire, as investigators poured over the scene for evidence.
“I’m really sad right now,” Anthony Coley, grandfather of the three children, said. “I really don’t know what to do. I lost all my grand kids.”
He identified the children as 3-year old Aniyia Abner, 3-year old Takia Abner and 22-month old Michael Coleman. He said the children belonged to two different mothers, 18-year old twins Akeivia Abner and Jekeevia Abner.
“I really miss them all,” Coley said.
Just a few feet away, investigators from the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office and the Atmore Department worked to determine the exact cause the Wednesday night blaze. As first reported Wednesday night by NorthEscambia.com, initial reports said that an oven door was open inside the home at the time of the fire, perhaps indicating that it was being used as a heat source.
For more photos from Thursday morning’s investigation at the home, click here.
Photographs taken Thursday morning (see top of page) clearly show the oven door inside the kitchen of the home propped partially open. But it was not immediately known if that was the cause of the fire; the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue their investigation and make a final determination.
Reports indicated that the two young mothers were at another location several blocks from the home at the time of the fire. Authorities said that, depending on the outcome of the Fire Marshal’s investigation, the two mothers could be charged in connection with the death of their children.
For an earlier story about the fire, including photos from the aftermath of the fire Wednesday night, click here.
For more photos from Thursday morning’s investigation at the home, click here.
Pictured top: This photo shows the oven door propped open inside the kitchen of a home were three children died in a house fire Wednesday night. Pictured inset: Family and friends prayed in the street in front of the home with Anthony Coley, grandfather of the three children. Pictured bottom inset: A makeshift memorial outside the home. Pictured below: The remains of a 1st Street home in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Three Young Children Left Home Alone Killed In Fire (Updated With Names)
November 3, 2011
Three young children left home alone died when fire ripped through an Atmore residence Wednesday night.
Anthony Coley, grandfather of all three children, identified them as 3-year old Aniyia Abner, 3-year old Takia Abner and 22-month old Michael Coleman. He said the children belonged to two different mothers, 18-year old twins Akeivia Abner and Jekeevia Abner.
For an updated to this story, click here.
Alabama State Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Talley and members of the Atmore Fire Department were on scene throughout the morning carefully working to pinpoint the origin of the fire.
Reports indicated that the two young mothers were at another location several blocks from the home at the time of the fire.
The small wood frame home on 1st Street between Carver Avenue and Martin Luther King Avenue was fully engulfed when the Atmore Fire Department arrived on scene just after 8 p.m. Wednesday. First responders quickly pulled the three children from fire, but they were unable to save them.
Initial reports said that an oven door was open inside the home at the time of the fire, perhaps indicating that it was being used as a heat source. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue their investigation and make a final determination on the cause of the fire.
Authorities said that, depending on the outcome of the Fire Marshal’s investigation, the two mothers could be charged in connection with the death of their children.
Further information has not yet been released.
For more photos from the aftermath of the fire, click here.
Pictured: Three young children died in this house fire Wednesday night in Atmore. Pictured inset: A child’s toy sits outside the residence. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Trial Delayed For Northview Student Accused In Sister’s Murder
November 3, 2011
Trial was set to begin next week for a former Northview High School student accused in the August fatal shooting her adoptive sister, but Wednesday a judged postponed the teen’s date with a jury until January.
Elena Janelle Rendell, 17, remains in the Escambia Jail with bond set at $300,000 for the shooting death of 14-year old Christina Marie Sneary, a former Molino resident. She is charged as an adult with manslaughter by a firearm.
At the request of the State Attorney’s Office, Judge Nickolas Geeker on Wednesday set Rendell’s jury trial to begin January 3, 2012.
The two girls had recently moved with their mother from Sunset View Lane in Molino to the 7600 block of Kipling Street in the Ferry Pass community.
Rendell told deputies that she began to argue with Sneary over a cell phone. During the argument, Rendell ran into her parent’s bedroom and retrieved her father’s 9 mm handgun from the top of a television shelf that stood about 12-feet high. Rendell then pointed the handgun at her 14-year old sister and fired a single gunshot into the right side of Sneary’s neck. Sneary died a short time later at Sacred Heart Hospital.
For more details about the shooting, click here for an earlier story.
Greg Evers: Let Floridians Buy Ethanol-Free Gas
November 3, 2011
Florida senators Wednesday moved toward eliminating a 2008 law that requires gasoline to include ethanol, amid concerns that the biofuel causes problems in boats, lawn mowers and old cars.
The Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee voted 10-1 to approve SB 238, which would repeal the so-called “Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act.”
But it’s unclear how much of a difference the repeal would make when Floridians pull up to the pump. That is because federal law also includes ethanol requirements, though it doesn’t set specific standards for Florida.
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Bill sponsor Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, said repealing the state law would allow retailers to offer fuel without ethanol — if they can get it from suppliers.
“You’ve got to buy it before you sell it,” Evers said.
But Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, a Democrat from Tallahassee who appeared before the Senate committee to argue against the bill, said ethanol is a way to help move away from reliance on oil.
“We need to diversify our energy mix,” Rehwinkel Vasilinda said. “Florida has gone in the right direction with this.”
The U.S. ethanol industry is dominated by producers who use corn grown in places such as Iowa. But Florida has taken steps in recent years to encourage development of ethanol, at least in part as a way to provide new markets for farmers.
Jerry Paul, a former House member who lobbies for Southeast Renewable Fuels LLC, said the firm is developing ethanol production that would use sweet sorghum grown in Florida.
The 2008 law requires gasoline to include 9 or 10 percent ethanol. Critics, however, say ethanol can damage motors used in such things as boats, lawn mowers and weed trimmers.
Also, some speakers at Wednesday’s committee meeting said it can cause problems in old cars and motorcycles. They argued that motorists should have the freedom to buy gasoline without ethanol.
Lawmakers asked repeated questions about how repealing the 2008 law would dovetail with federal ethanol requirements. In the end, only Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, voted against the repeal.
David Mica, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Council, said the federal law requires the industry to supply gradually increasing amounts of biofuels nationally. He said Florida is such a large market that the industry could not meet its requirements without selling ethanol-blended gasoline in the state.
With the federal requirements in place, Evers said repealing the state law would not hurt companies that produce ethanol in Florida.
The state law already includes some exemptions from the ethanol requirements, such as for gasoline used in aircraft and boats. But Evers said repealing the law would increase the ability of retailers to sell gasoline without ethanol and allow “supply and demand” to play a bigger role.
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Salvation Army Red Kettle Program Ready To Begin
November 3, 2011
The 2011 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign kicked off Wednesday morning outside Cordova Mall.
“The Salvation Army is a great organization that truly makes a difference in our community,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward as he helped kick off the campaign. “The Red Kettle Campaign is a hallmark of the holiday season that provides The Salvation Army with the means to provide its invaluable services throughout the year.”
The 45 red kettles in Escambia County won’t officially be out until November 12, but the Salvation Army held the kick off event Wednesday to highlight the need for volunteers to staff them.
The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s most prominent fundraiser. Held each year during the holiday season, the campaign enables The Salvation Army to provide food, toys, and clothing to people in need.
Pictured: The Red Kettle Campaign kickoff Wednesday at Cordova Mall in Pensacola. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases First Nine Weeks Honor Roll
November 3, 2011
The following students were named to the first nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Barberree
All Satisfactory:
- Adrianna Atallah
- Wyatt Everly
- Nolin Godwin
- Hank Grant
- Jakyia Newton
- Reygan Steadham
- Tyler Riggs
- Dalton Wolfe
Kindergarten: Mrs. Rogers
All Satisfactory:
- Ethan Bingham
- Alexa Castro
- Riley Dawson
- Caitlyn Dortch
- Madalyn Grimes
- Bobbie-Sue Jarrel
- Meredith Johnston
First Grade: Mrs. Dawson
All A’s:
- Leah Anderson
- Kayla Johnson
- Emily Levins
- Kaden Odom
- Aubrey Stuckey
A’s and B’s:
- Josh Diamond
- Aloysia Dortch
- Audrey Goetter
- Chase Hampton
- Johnnie Howell
- Aleigh Thornton
First Grade: Mrs. Thornton
A’s and B’s:
- Hunter Barnes
- C.J. Bell
- Drake Allen Driskell
- Briana Dunsford
- Emily Lambeth
- Jessica Loftis
- Grace Long
- D.J. Pugh
Second Grade: Mrs. Weaver
All A’s:
- Shelby Cotita
- Torka Mills
- Dillon Spears
A’s and B’s:
- Hunter Borelli
- Tessa Flowers
- Kaitlyn Gafford
- Jace Gifford
- Taylor Levins
- James Loftis
- Lillie McCall
- Harley Walker
Third Grade: Mrs. Dunsford
All A’s:
- Sopia Cotita
- Maille Kilcrease
- Ty Rolin
A’s and B’s:
- Travon Brown
- Logan Bryan
- Alyssa Goldenpenny
- Heather Knowles
- Abigail Levins
- De’Janique Lowery
- Tyler Merchant
- Cash Wilson
Fourth Grade: Mrs. Gilmore
All A’s:
- Alex Glidewell
- Cloe Smith
A’s and B’s:
- Skyler Busbee
- Savannah Steadham
- Samantha Walston
- Olivia Watson
- Hannah Merchant
Fourth grade: Mrs. Sellers
All A’s:
- Ian Gifford
- Nicky Trump
A’s and B’s:
- Alexis Lee
- Kelli Merchant
- Lea Nall
Fifth grade: Mrs. Johnston
All A’s:
- Austin Adams
- Rebecca Diamond
- Paige Killam
- Seth Killam
- Tanner Levins
- Alex McMinn
- Courtney Payne
- Destiny Payne
A’s and B’s:
- Jacob Borelli
- Matthew Caine
- Patton Goetter
- Colby Graham
- Gracie Johnson
- Keyana Macks
- Sarah Nelson
- Hunter Moseley
- Peyton Newsome
- Faith Watters
Escambia Drive-by Shooting Leaves Three Injured
November 2, 2011
Three men were shot in a drive-by shooting Wednesday night near a store West Pensacola before driving to a crowded shopping center.
The three were shot about 7:35 p.m. at the corner of Cerny and Muldoon roads at the Fast Link Groceries store. Two other people in the vehicle were not injured as gunfire shattered the car’s windows.
Two 19-year old victims were shot in the hand, while a male about 19-years old was hit in the head.
The victims drove their Pontiac a couple of miles away to the parking lot of Planet Fitness near Publix on Mobile Highway. All three were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by ambulance where they were treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening.
There have been no arrests in the case. As of last report, no suspects have been identified. Further details, including the names of the victims, have not yet been made available.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: Three men shot in a drive-by shooting drove themselves to this Publix store on Mobile Highway Wednesday night. Pictured inset: Two men in the vehicle were no injured. Pictured below: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office crime scene processes the vehicle. Photos courtesy WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Anything For A Buck: 75 Arrested On Weapons, Drug Charges
November 2, 2011
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday afternoon that 75 Escambia and Santa Rosa residents have been charged with firearm, drug distribution and related offenses as the result of the undercover investigation “Operation Anything for a Buck”.
There were 22 federal indictments unsealed Wednesday in federal court, charging 22 separate defendants with federal firearm violations. In addition, 53 other defendants were charged by state authorities on violations related to state illegal firearm possession, drug distribution, and dealing in stolen property. The federal and state charges follow an eight-month undercover investigation.
In February 2011, the United States Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department initiated “Operation Anything for a Buck” when they opened a secondhand thrift store in Brownsville. Word spread that the store would buy anything as undercover ATF agents and Escambia County investigators posed as individuals interested in purchasing firearms, illegal drugs and stolen property.
“The residents of Escambia County and communities across the state can feel a little safer today thanks to the tireless efforts of the brave law enforcement officers and agents who took part in this effort,” said U.S. Attorney Pamela C. Marsh. “We know from experience that gun violence goes hand-in-hand with gangs and drugs. Our law enforcement officers worked incredibly hard, in the heat of a Florida summer, to take these guns and drugs out of our community. They deserve all the credit for this successful joint effort. I assure you we will not stop here and together we will continue to do what it takes to rid our streets of criminal activity.”
During the operation, undercover agents and investigators purchased 270 firearms, including handguns, rifles, assault rifles and sawed-off shotguns, and more than 2,600 rounds of ammunition. In over 100 individual drug deals, they also obtained illegal drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, hydrocodone, xanax, and oxycodone.
For information on claiming stolen property that you believe may belong to you, click here.
“This undercover operation was very successful because of the excellent cooperation that occurred between all the agencies,” said State Attorney William “Bill” Eddins. The tremendous allocation of manpower and resources necessary to conduct such an operation would not have been possible without assignment of personnel from the various agencies. Our office has assigned Special Prosecutors to handle these cases who have worked closely with the various agencies during this operation. Each defendant arrested as a result of this investigation will be vigorously prosecuted.”
“This is the kind of creative and collaborative law enforcement initiative that has a direct impact on local communities,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “We commend the agencies involved for their proactive work to take firearms out of the hands of dangerous felons.”
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have been a partner with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and other local and federal agencies during the recent ‘Operation Anything for a Buck’,” said Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. “It has been, to say the least, a phenomenal success. The citizens of Escambia County can be proud of the collective efforts of all the men and women involved. It has been my distinct honor to have been a part of making our community a safer place to work, worship and play.”
Following numerous arrests Wednesday morning, initial appearances for many of the federally indicted defendants will be held in United States District Court in Pensacola on Thursday.
A list of those arrested is below.
Federal Defendants Charged:
- Lavonta Omar Beasley, 19, Pensacola
- Jesse Leon Chesser, 47, Pensacola
- James Collins, Jr., 23, Pensacola
- Maurice Finklea, 30, Pensacola
- Erick Anthony Fluker, 24, Pensacola
- Jacobi Franciscus Foster, 28, Pensacola
- Corval Markuess Franklin, 23, Pensacola
- Ferronta Lavon Jackson, 27, Pensacola
- Roderick Delano Jones, 33, Pensacola
- Anthony Lewis Jr., 22, Pensacola
- Robert Charles Moeckel, 28, Pensacola
- Jeremy Lee Norris, 23, Pace
- Warren Phillips, 22, Pensacola
- Eudolph Tyra Porter, 28, Pensacola
- Orlance Jonathan Sangster, 20, Pensacola
- Glenn Edward Williams, 49, Pensacola
State Defendants Charged:
- Lavonta Omar Beasley, 19, Pensacola
- Dureco Konne Brown, 22, Pensacola
- Curry Chestnut, III, 20, Pensacola
- James Collins, Jr., 23, Pensacola
- Vontricia Sherial Dale, 25, Pensacola
- Tonjas Dixon, 19, Pensacola
- Jamal Ladariur Dortch, Jr., 21, Pensacola
- Richard Dumas, Jr., 21, Pensacola
- Deondre Raynard Fluker, 20, Pensacola
- Eric Anthony Fluker, 24, Pensacola
- Brandon Keith Fore, 33, Pace
- Jacobi Franciscus Foster, 28, Pensacola
- Stephen Lawrence Grimsley, 23, Pensacola
- Muriel Shundell Holland, 40, Pensacola
- Dell C. Howard, 32, Pensacola
- Ferronta Lavon Jackson, 27, Pensacola
- Myron Demetrius James, 35, Pensacola
- Cedric Corrsell Jones, 24, Pensacola
- Roderick Delano Jones, 32, Pensacola
- Peter Ricky Kemp, 20, Pensacola
- Anthony Lewis, Jr., 22, Pensacola
- Kazadius Taheen McQueen, 21, Pensacola
- Quandriguez Duvonta Mosley, 18, Pensacola
- Jacobia Ladraina Newberry, 20, Pensacola
- Steven Joseph Owens, 36, Pensacola
- Warren Phillips, 22, Pensacola
- Michael Everett Plant, Jr., 36, Pace
- Maurice Lamont Rembert, 36, Pensacola
- Orlance Jonathan Sangster, 20, Pensacola
- Dustin Michael Scheibe, 31, Pace
- Kevin Allen Sealey, 41, Pensacola
- Kyle Allen Sealey, 20, Pensacola
- Daniel Demetris Sigmen, 23, Pensacola
- Jeffery Lovell Stanton, 42, Pensacola
- Dominique Roger Warren, 22, Pensacola
- Darrel Williams, 45, Pensacola
- Darrell Williams, Jr., 20, Pensacola
- Glenn Edward Williams, 49, Pensacola
Pictured: “Operation Anything for a Buck” is announced Wednesday afternoon during a joint press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.