Florida Senate Panel Passes Immigration Bill
April 5, 2011
Cutting off debate, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday approved a controversial, though watered down, immigration bill that backs away from requiring law enforcement agencies from becoming de facto immigration agents and gives employers more options to verify the status of new hires.
Despite a two-hour window and a room packed with potential speakers, debate on the Senate’s immigration package (SB 2040) was limited to less than 13 minutes as all but a few of more than 100 who had traveled from as far away as Homestead could only have their names read into the record as opponents of the bill.
The panel then voted 5-2 to approve an amended version of the measure that allows employers to use alternatives to the federal E-Verify system by allowing employers to accept other types of documentation to determine if an applicant or newly hired employee is residing in the country legally and eligible to work.
Another amendment added to the bill Monday also relaxed requirements for state corrections and law enforcement officials by making it optional for them to enter agreements with the Department of Homeland Security to undergo training and be authorized to enforce federal immigration laws.
“This is not an easy process,” said committee chairwoman and bill sponsor Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami. “We are still very early on in debating this bill. We’re moving forward on this because the federal government … and the president … are not.”
The Senate version differs markedly from a House proposal (HB 7089) that also requires law enforcement officers to attempt to determine the immigration status of suspects in a criminal investigation or following an arrest if there is reason to believe the defendant is in the country illegally.
The House proposal, sponsored by Rep. Will Snyder, R-Stuart, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee but has yet to move beyond that point.
“This is a Florida-specific solution to address the issue of illegal immigration in our state. Florida will step up and protect its citizens where the federal government has failed us,” Senate President Mike Haridopolos said in a statement following the vote. “With one out of eight Floridians out of work, we need to ensure businesses hire only those who are eligible to work in our state.”
The hearing came hours after scores of workers, legal immigrants, advocates and supporters spoke to reporters of their concerns over the proposed legislation.
“The power of the American dream is so great in them that they willingly do much more for much less than many of the rest of us,” said the Rev. Russell Meyer of the Florida Council of Churches.
Donatila Diego, a Homestead resident in the county legally whose partner was deported in February leaving her with the sole responsibility for their four children, who are all U.S. citizens. She and her husband were already taking care of four children left behind by her niece, who was deported in August.
“I’m here because we don’t want the Arizona style immigration law here in Florida,” Diego said through an interpreter. “The people are suffering…. It doesn’t feel like we are in the United States, it feels like are in a war.”
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Century Sets Community Center Rental Rules, Requires Security Guard
April 5, 2011
Monday night, the Town of Century has approved a new set of rules governing the rental of their community centers.
After a double shooting during a “teen party” at their Habitat building, the council voted earlier this year to “get tough” with new rules to curb violence and policy abuses at their community centers. Monday night, the council instituted their new lawyer-approved rules.
Under the rental agreement, the Habitat building and the Ag Building will rent for $350 per day — broken down into a $100 rental fee, a $100 refundable cleaning deposit and a $150 security fee. The security fee will pay for an off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy for up to six hours. Under the policy, the town could refund up to $50 of the security fee if the deputy is used less than six hours.
The council voted Monday night to exempt non-profit groups, including churches, from the security requirement and fee. The council will also waive the security requirement for groups that prior to Monday had rented one of the two community centers for a future date.
Additional, the new rules require all events at either community center to be over and the buildings and parking lots vacated prior to midnight. Keys must be returned by noon on the following business day.
Pictured top: The interior of Century’s Habitat Building, which is often rented to the public. Pictured inset: The exterior of the building. Pictured below: The Ag Building on West Highway 4. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Track Teams Win In Recent Meet
April 5, 2011
The Northview High School girls’ track team placed first in a recent meet against Alabama schools, while the NHS boys placed second.
Here are the results from the meet, with Northview’s top finishers in each event:
GIRLS
Northview 79
Blacksher 46
WS Neal 20
800 meter
Georgia Goetter, 1st, 2:53
Ashley Gunter, 2nd, 3:29
Scholeberg, 3rd, 3:32
1600 meter
Georgia Geotter, 1st, 6:21
Asheley Gunter, 2nd, 8:37
3200 meter
Charleigh McPherson, 1st, 16:49
Julia Thorpe, 2nd, 17:04
4×800
NHS, 1st, 13:45
4×400
NHS, 1st, 5:25
4×100
NHS, 2nd, 1:02
100 Hurdles
Laneicia Gomez, 1st, 18:84
100 Meter
Fiellin, 4th, 14:63
200 Meter
Ashley Mooney, 4th, 30:35
300 Hurdles
Melissa Moretz, 2nd, 58:50
400 Meter
Melissa Moretz, 1st; 1:06
High Jump
Laneicia Gomez, 1st, 4ft-5in
Mason Solchenberger, 2nd, 4ft-2in
Discus
TeAndreia Knight, 2nd, 79ft
Gibson, 4th, 64ft
Triple Jump
Laneicia Gomez Gomez, 1st, 28ft-1.5in
Fiellin, 2nd, 25ft-1in
Shot Put
Crook, 2nd, 26ft-3.5in
Knight, 4th, 25ft-7.5in
Long Jump
Mason Solchenberger, 3rd, 9ft
(Story Continues With Boys’ Results Below Photo.)
BOYS
W.S. Neal 56.5
Northview 55.5
Blacksher 42
800 Meter
Isaac McGahan, 1st, 2:36
Skyler Mack, 4th, 2:48
1600 Meter
Skyler Mack, 3rd, NHS, 6:26
3200 Meter
Isaac McGahan, 1st, 12:08
4×800
NHS, 1st, 10:40
4×400
NHS, 1st, 4:23
4×100
NHS, 2nd, 48:91
100 High Hurdles
Jeremiah Cooler, 2nd, 23:34
100 Meter
Floyd, 4th, 12:16
300 Hurdles
Floyd, 2nd, 47:24
400 Meter
Dillian Crutchfield, 2nd, 1:01
High Jump
Leonard, 2nd (tie), 5ft-4in
Cooler, 3rd, 5ft-2in
Triple Jump
Banks, 1st, 34ft-8.5in
Cooler, 2nd, 31ft-5in
Long Jump
Banks, 1st, 18ft-0.5in
Floyd, 2nd, 17ft-6in
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
April 5, 2011
The following students were named to the third weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree-Kindergarten:
- Leah Anderson
- Drake Allen Driskell
- Audrey Goetter
- Chase Hampton
- Destiny Hanks
- Johnnie Howell
- Emily Levins
- Sarah Long
- Zane Rolin
- Bryan Romeros
- Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dawson-Kindergarten:
- C.J. Bell
- Josh Diamond
- Aloysia Dortch
- Marina Franklin
- Jamarkus Jefferson
- Kayla Johnson
- Emily Lambeth
- Jessica Loftis
- Kaden Odom
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Cheyanne Thomas
- Savannah Watters
Mrs. Rogers-First Grade:
All A’s:
- Kayli Rodgers
A’s and B’s:
- Hunter Borelli
- Nevaeh Brown
- Tessa Flowers
- Jace Gifford
- Dalton Hanks
Mrs. Thornton–First Grade:
All A’s:
- Shelby Cotita
A’s and B’s:
- Taylor Levins
- Lillie McCall
- Torka Mills
- Dillon Spears
- Harley Walker
Mrs. Lambeth–Second Grade:
All A’s:
- Sophia Cotita
- Maille Kilcrease
- Abigail Levins
- Ty Rolin
A’s and B’s:
- Danielle Barrow
- Logan Bryan
- Maggie Mae Cufr
- Heather Knowles
- Tyler Merchant
- Trevor Scott
- Cash Wilson
Mrs. Dunsford–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Lea Nall
- Ian Gifford
A’s and B’s:
- Skyler Busbee
- Steven Cotita
- Alexis Lee
- Hannah Merchant
- Cloe Smith
Mrs. Weaver–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Alex Glidewell
- Nicholas Trump
A’s and B’s:
- Madicyn Bell
- Jacob Coleman
- Jake Lambeth
- Valorie Padilla
- Olivia Watson
Mrs. Gilmore–Fourth Grade:
- Seth Killam
- Tanner Levins
- Olivia Porter
A’s and B’s:
- Austin Adams
- Kris Baxter
- Patton Goetter
- Destiny Payne
- Faith Watters
Ms. Levins–Fourth Grade:
All A’s:
- Courtney Payne
A’s and B’s:
- Jacob Borelli
- Matthew Caine
- Rebecca Diamond
- Colby Graham
- Paige Killam
- Sarah Nelson
- Peyton Newsome
Mrs. Johnston–Fifth Grade:
All A’s:
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Logan Calloway
- Kayla Galvan
- Abby Hammond
- Shellie Harrelson
- Beau Henderson
- Bailee Hinote
- Alaina Rolin
- Jayda Warner
A’s and B’s:
- Jenna Black
- LeeAnne Lassiter
- Patience Newsome
- Meagan Reid
- Destiny Watson
Teen Sexting Bill Passes Senate Committee
April 5, 2011
A bill easing the penalties for “sexting” unanimously passed the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Monday, leaving it with just one stop to go.
The bill (SB 888) aims to create softer penalties for minors caught sexting — sending sexually explicit messages or photographs electronically.
Under current law, a minor caught transmitting sexual photos of another minor faces a felony conviction and registration as a sex offender. Under the bill, minors would face small fines and would not have to register as a sex offender, though the penalties escalate with repeat offenders.
The penalties would increase slightly faster under an amendment approved by the committee, but minors would still be guilty of no more than a third-degree felony. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget Committee before heading to the floor.
No Injuries In Walnut Hill School Bus Accident
April 4, 2011
There were no injuries in a minor school bus accident Monday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, school bus driver Clois Ladue, 63, was southbound on South Highway 99 near Tungoil Road about 1:05 p.m. when bus’ side mirror made contact with the side mirror of a northbound Freightliner driven by Kevin Merchant, 34, of Atmore. Both vehicles suffered only minor damage.
There was one student on the bus of the crash. There were no injuries to anyone involved.
No charges were filed against either driver.
McDavid Postmaster Pleads Not Guilty
April 4, 2011
The McDavid postmaster arrested last month on attempted sexual battery and false imprisonment charges has pleaded not guilty.
James Bruce Lee, 51, entered the plea through his attorney in Escambia County Circuit court. His case has been set for a jury trial in early June as he remains free from jail on $6,000 bond.
The charges stemmed from a January 15 incident that allegedly took place inside the McDavid Post Office. A female mail carrier alleged that Lee attempted to sexually assault her inside the Main Street building.
Lee provided a sworn written statement and interview to postal investigators, however his statements were not released by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Lee, who has served as McDavid postmaster since January, 2005, remains on administrative leave as he awaits trial.
Miller: Obama, Congress Must Work Together Before Committing To War
April 4, 2011
The situation in Libya has been evolving constantly since unrest emerged there in February, following similar uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, and other Arab states. Muammar Gaddafi—the man President Ronald Reagan called the “Mad Dog of the Middle East” for his sponsorship of terrorist activity against the United States and her allies—responded violently to opposition protests and threatened to treat protesters like “dogs” and to “show no mercy.”
When the opposition took up arms to challenge Gaddafi and his oppressive regime, President Obama was silent. When the opposition had the initiative, marching toward Tripoli, President Obama was silent. And when Gaddafi regained the initiative, beat back the opposition military forces, and threatened to slaughter his own citizens, President Obama was silent. For three weeks the President remained silent while the world waited for some sign of American leadership, some indication of America’s intentions. The President offered no such leadership and no such intentions.
Nor during those three weeks, did the President approach the Congress—as the Constitution requires—to seek approval to take our nation to war. Instead, who did the President consult? The Arab League and the United Nations.
Two weeks have now passed since President Obama initiated his war in Libya without seeking the approval of the Congress, yet serious questions about the United States’ involvement in that war remain unanswered. Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to question Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen during their testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. Unfortunately, their responses did little to assuage my concerns or those of my colleagues.
When one Member asked Secretary Gates to define “success” in Libya, he responded that the removal of Gaddafi from power is an important part of success. This perplexing response comes after repeated assertions from the administration that regime change is not an objective of the military operations in Libya. How can it be that Gaddafi’s removal from power is one part of the administration’s definition of success, when that element has been ruled out as an objective of the war? This is but one of the many contradictory policies and statements advanced by the Obama administration in defending its decision to go to war.
When asked about the composition of the Libyan opposition, Secretary Gates repeatedly stated that he has no idea of its composition, its key players, or its political objectives. He even admitted that the term “opposition” is a misnomer because there doesn’t seem to be any true structure to the disparate groups opposing Gaddafi. I don’t believe there should be any discussion of arming the opposition until our leaders can speak with confidence about the sympathies, intentions, and affiliations of those groups. As history has shown us, we must remember that the enemy of our enemy is not always our friend.
I was especially bothered by Admiral Mullen’s inability to project the length of our commitment to the NATO operations in Libya. This is perplexing, given the fact that the President and his administration have declared that our military objectives have been achieved. Perhaps it is the President’s failure to clearly articulate his near-, mid-, and long-term goals for Libya that has contributed to the confusion of his Military leaders. Until those goals are articulated, the American people will continue to bear the ever-increasing costs of this operation. As of this week, more than $550 million have been spent on this foray into Libya, and the Defense Department estimates that it will cost an additional $40 million per month to sustain our support to the NATO mission. I remain unconvinced that this is an expense we should shoulder at a time when our Nation bears the burden of a $14 trillion debt.
Finally, despite the policy failings of the administration, our men and women in uniform deserve our highest thanks for their loyalty, patriotism, and professionalism. They have executed these operations with the skill and focus we demand; however, we must remember that we already demand much from these brave warriors and their families. At a time when our service members deploy at historically high rates, the President and the Congress must work together—within the bounds of the Constitution—to ensure that our Nation commits to war only when we must.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
April 4, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for March. They are (L-R) Yhsyionia McConico,Dakota Dempsey and Ashley Davis. Submitted photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Wins ACM Radio Station Of The Year
April 4, 2011
Cat Country 98.7 received their Academy of Country Music Radio Station of the Year trophies Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Accepting the trophies from Sony recording star Sara Evans were Mary and Dave Hoxeng, owners of Cat Country 98.7. The ACM Station of the Year honor was the third for the station. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.