via CMT : News : OFFSTAGE: Kellie Pickler Knows How to Nail the Cha-Cha.

via CMT : News : Josh Turner Replaces Billy Currington at NASCAR Concert.

• 1993, Johnny Cash begins four days of recording in producer Rick Rubin’s living room in Los Angeles, backed only by his own guitar. It marks the start of work on his “American Recordings” album

• 1975, Pop singer B.J. Thomas finds his way to the top of the Billboard country chart with one of country music’s longest song title: “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song”

• 1952, Guitarist Pat Flynn is born in Los Angeles, California. He joins the progressive New Grass Revival in 1981, eventually becoming a studio musician and playing on hits by Lee Ann Womack, Kathy Mattea, George Strait and Conway Twitty, among others

via CMT : Country Music News : This Day in Country Music.

Brahman baseball Coach Jeff Blackstone resigned his job after the season but still had high praise for his team at the awards banquet this week. The team went (5-20) this year and missed out on the post season for the fourth consecutive year.

Blackstone said he was proud of the fact the team did not quit this year. Blackstone said offense was the main problem this year as the team struggled to score runs.  At times the pitching was strong and the defense was steady.

He said 16 of the 25 games they played were against teams that qualified for the state regional. The Brahmans have three players head to Indian River State College to play baseball, Alex Estremera, Tyler Barber and Dalton Murray. Murray, Estremera and Jack Radebaugh were named to play in the Treasure Coast All Star Classic on June 4^th at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie.

Jeff Blackstone on baseball season, departure

Corwin

Two Okeechobee residents were charged with trafficking in oxycodone after an alleged undercover drug deal.

47 year old Tony Corwin and 52 year old Bonnie Villarreal allegedly agreed to purchase 1 hundred and 20 oxycodone pills for 18 dollar apiece from an undercover officer. Each suspect was held on 100 thousand dollars bond.

Plans to renovate and reopen the Palmdale Store in Glades County had hit a snag in county building and zoning regulations. A group of Palmdale residents appealed to Glades County Commissioners to approve plans presented by Larry Taylor and his wife, who own the building on US 27. Jean Martinez says the store would be a great asset to the community. Taylor says he appreciates the support of residents but he has gotten no cooperation from the county. Glades county commissioners appeared supportive of the project.

Larry Taylor on Palmdale store

Terry Maroney, others support Palmdale store

Villarreal

A 26 year old Lehigh Acres man in serious condition at Lee Memorial after a single vehicle accident on route 731 in Glades County.  Joseph Navarro apparently lost control on a curve and the Ford pickup flipped over, ejecting the driver.

Press Release for Lehigh Man

On the arrest list 46 year old Reese Bert of Okeechobee was charged with 7 felonies related to allegations of sexual abuse and molestation of a child under 12 in Glades County.

SFWMD Wet Season Outlook

Sports Cast for May 17th:

Brahman baseball Coach Jeff Blackstone resigned his job after the season but still had high praise for his team at the awards banquet this week. The team went (5-20) this year and missed out on the post season for the fourth consecutive year.

Blackstone said he was proud of the fact the team did not quit this year. Blackstone said offense was the main problem this year as the team struggled to score runs.  At times the pitching was strong and the defense was steady.

He said 16 of the 25 games they played were against teams that qualified for the state regional. The Brahmans have three players head to Indian River State College to play baseball, Alex Estremera, Tyler Barber and Dalton Murray. Murray, Estremera and Jack Radebaugh were named to play in the Treasure Coast All Star Classic on June 4^th at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie.

Jeff Blackstone on baseball season, departure

FWC, partners rescue injured Florida panther kitten

News Release

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Media contact: Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners rescued an approximately 9-month-old female Florida panther in the Golden Gate Estates area of Collier County on Monday.

The FWC received a call about a panther kitten dragging its rear leg. A homeowner noticed the injured panther earlier that morning as he was leaving for work. When he returned home and saw the panther a second time, he notified law enforcement.

FWC panther biologists and law-enforcement officers, deputies with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and staff from the Golden Gate Animal Clinic responded to the area where the panther was last seen. They located the panther in thick brush and sedated it.

After an on-scene assessment of the panther’s condition, FWC biologists transported the panther to the Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida. Veterinarians at the hospital determined that the panther had a compound fracture in her rear right leg, rib fractures and bruising around the lung, all of which were likely caused by a vehicle collision. That evening they performed surgery, using a steel plate to mend the bone together.

With the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the panther was taken to the White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, where she will receive care until she has fully healed from her injuries and is ready for release.

“We are pleased with what appears to be a successful surgery with no complications,” said Darrell Land, FWC panther team leader. “Thanks to the help of our partners, this panther has a very good chance of returning to the wild. With only 100 to 160 adults and subadults remaining in south Florida, every panther plays an important role in the population.”

Florida residents can support conservation efforts like the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned panthers by purchasing a panther license plate. Fees from license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.

To report dead or injured panthers, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone.

For more information on Florida panthers go to FloridaPantherNet.org.

Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 42 To Boards and Commissions throughout the State

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced 42 reappointments to boards and commissions throughout the state. 

Governor Scott said, “I am happy to reappoint 42 individuals in important positions all across the state in our collective effort to make Florida the number one place in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to their continued service to Florida families.”

Agency Heads

Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Dr. Armstrong has done a terrific job leading the Florida Department of Health over the last year. Under his leadership, the Department has become more efficient for Florida taxpayers, and focused on its mission to keep Florida families healthy. I look forward to Dr. Armstrong continuing his work at the Department of Health.”

Michael D. Crews, Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Secretary Michael Crews has worked in corrections for nearly 30 years, and has utilized that experience to keep Florida a safe state to live and visit. Secretary Crews leads a team of hard working professionals who have shown proven results, with recidivism dropping to 27.6 percent in Florida. I am happy to reappoint him to a second term.”

Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s economic success has continued under Jesse’s leadership at the Department of Economic Opportunity, our state’s chief economic agency.  Jesse has worked to create an environment where Florida’s private sector can create jobs and opportunities for Florida families. Our efforts have worked. Our state’s unemployment rate continues to drop and we have created over 320,000 private-sector jobs in 2 years. It’s my pleasure to reappoint Jesse to lead the Department of Economic Opportunity.”

Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel

Alvaro Hernandez, of Ocala, is the Florida market practice leader for Humana. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2014.

Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Tammy R. McKenzie, of Crawfordville, is the owner of Progressive Pediatric Therapy and Developmental Center. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2016.

Heidi Roeck-Simmons, of Tallahassee, is the vice president of operations at Health Connections Rehab Services. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2015.

James F. Spafford, of Loxahatchee, is the group regional director of operations with DaVita Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2014.

Carol M. Watson, of Bunnell, is a certified occupational therapy assistant at Florida Hospital Oceanside. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2015.

Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Christina L. Pettie, of Gainesville, is a physical therapist and clinical coordinator at Shands Rehab Center at Magnolia Parke. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 31, 2016.

Board of Trustees, Florida A&M University

Glenton Gilzean, of St. Petersburg, is vice president of Step Up For Students. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 6, 2018.

Board of Trustees, Florida Polytechnic University

Mark R. Bostick, of Lake Wales, is the president of Comcar Industries. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015.

Joseph L. Caruncho, of Miami, is the CEO of Preferred Care Partners. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2014.

Robert H. Gidel, of Windemere, is a managing partner of Liberty Capital. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2017.

Scott J. Hammack, of Naples, is the chief executive officer of Prolexic Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015.

Kevin M. Hyman, of Winter Haven, is the executive vice president of operations for Bright House Networks. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015.

Robert W. Stork, of Vero Beach, is the CEO of Communications International Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2014.

Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Elvie O. Posey, of Okeechobee, is a retired dairy farm owner. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 1, 2013.

Andy Tuck, of Sebring, is a Highlands County School Board member. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending October 1, 2015.

Florida Building Commission

Elizabeth A. Meyer, of Jacksonville, is the manager of disabled services and ADA coordinator for the City of Jacksonville. She is appointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending February 7, 2017.

Florida Commission on Community Service

Carol Graham, of Port St. Lucie, is a clinical manager for Mederi Caretenders. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending February 2, 2014.

Maritza Rovira-Forino, of Tampa, is a community volunteer. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending February 2, 2014.

Mayor Sarah E. Seevers, of Destin, is mayor of Destin and owner of Life’s A Beach Publications. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending September 14, 2014.

Florida Inland Navigation District

John C. Blow, of St. Augustine, is a real estate property manager for Great Oaks Properties. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017.

Tyler Chappell, of Pompano Beach, is the vice president of The Chappell Group Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017

Donald J. Cuozzo, is a planning consultant with Cuozzo Design Group Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017.

Paul U. Dritenbas, of Vero Beach, is an architect with Edlund Dritenbas Binkley Architects. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017.

Charles C. Isiminger, of North Palm Beach, is an engineer at Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2015.

Susanne D. McCabe, of Port Orange, is a lawyer and partner at Bonus McCabe PLLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017.

Jonathan S. Netts, of Palm Coast, is the captain of Orion Towing & Salvage. He is reappointed for a term starting May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2015.

Lynn Williams, of Fernandina, is the former vice president and general manager of Ingersoll Machine. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending January 9, 2017. 

Florida Prepaid College Board

Robert C. Champion, of Ponte Vedra Beach, is a wealth management advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2014.

Patrick T. Hogan, of Bradenton, is the managing shareholder of Hogan Legal Services. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015.

Florida Real Estate Commission

Darla A. Furst, of Sarasota, is the managing broker at Michael Saunders & Company Realtors. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending

October 31, 2016.

Florida State Boxing Commission

Marco A. Lopez, of Miami, is the vice president of Cambridge Security Systems. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending September 30, 2016.

Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District

Mitchel A. Hutchcraft, of Ft. Myers, is the vice president of King Ranch. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending March 1, 2017.

Kevin P. Powers, of Indiantown, is a partner at Indiantown Realty. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending March 1, 2017.

Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Carlos Beruff, is a Developer with Medallion Home Gulf Coast. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending March 1, 2017.

Governing Board of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Virginia M. Sanchez, of Old Town, is the president of Sanchez Farms LLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending March 1, 2017.

Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission

Joseph D. Finnegan, of Tallahassee, is a pastor of All Saints Catholic Community. He is  reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015.

State Board of Education

Ada G. Armas, of Coral Gables, is a physician with MCCI Medical Group. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending December 31, 2016.

John A. Colon, of University Park, is a senior vice president and investment officer with Wells Fargo Advisors. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.

John R. Padget, of Key West, is a private investor. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending December 31, 2016.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

When the Senate takes no action or fails to confirm an appointee during the regular session immediately following the effective date of the appointment, the appointee can be reappointed within 45 days after the conclusion of session. They must then be confirmed by the Senate during the next regular session in order to continue in the appointed position. Those not confirmed in the second legislative session of their appointment may not be reappointed for one year thereafter.

Floridians safer today than any time in the last 42 years

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report.  The report shows Florida’s crime rate dropped 6.5 percent compared to 2011.  The total number of crimes fell 5.7 percent from last year which translates into 43,536 fewer crimes in 2012.  The number of violent crimes was down 4.3 percent or 4,218 fewer crimes reported. The complete 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.

Governor Scott said, “It is because of the hard work of Florida’s law enforcement community that we can celebrate today’s great news about Florida’s crime rate. Having a low crime rate is important to my goal of creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families, and making our state the best state in the nation to live, work or raise a family.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “The decrease in crime in our state is a direct reflection of the outstanding job our law enforcement officers and prosecutors do to make Florida a safe home to its residents and guests. With this steady decline in our crime rate for the forty-second consecutive year, I am hopeful that we will see across-the-board declines, specifically in the number of reported domestic violence homicides and sex-related crimes.”

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey said, “While Florida’s population continues to increase, the number of crimes continues to fall. This report is good news for Florida families, businesses and visitors. I commend our law enforcement professionals in their efforts to keep us safe.”

Highlands County Sheriff and Florida Sheriff’s Association President Susan Benton said, “The results of the 2012 Uniform Crime Report are testimony to the dedication and courage of each and every Florida Sheriff, deputy sheriff and law enforcement officer in the state. We are making a difference day by day and through such joint initiatives as the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, whose recent five-week operation focused on protecting our youth from the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.”

The Florida Police Chiefs Association President, Chief Dennis Jones of Tallahassee Police Department, stated, “These numbers demonstrate the quality of law enforcement officers we have in our state.  As law enforcement agencies and its officers are required to do more with less, I am proud of the dedication they have demonstrated in keeping our citizens and communities safe.”

President of the Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, State Attorney Bill Eddins, said, “The Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association is pleased that the number of crimes committed in the State of Florida has continued to decline. It is especially important to note the number of violent crimes has dropped more than four percent as compared to 2011.  We believe that this is due in part to the dedication and hard work of prosecutors and law enforcement officers throughout Florida.  We appreciate both the Governor and Legislature for providing us the tools necessary to continue to protect the citizens of our State.”

Non–violent crime decreased 5.9 percent or a reduction of 39,318 reported crimes compared to 2011.  The value of stolen property decreased by 9.1 percent while the value of property recovered increased 2.7 percent.  Total arrests increased 0.8 percent from 2011.

Overall domestic violence fell 3.3 percent.  While there were 3,635 fewer victims of domestic violence in 2012, cohabitants continue to be the largest group of victims in this category, with spouses remaining the second largest group.

Crimes committed by firearms continue to drop in 2012, down 2.0 percent with 489 fewer crimes committed with guns in 2012.

The report also contains information on officers killed felonious.  Two law enforcement officers and one correctional officer died from criminal causes while on duty during 2012.  In addition, two law enforcement officers died accidentally during the course of duty.

FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

via CMT : News : OFFSTAGE: A 420-Pound Trace Adkins?.

• 1989, “Reba McEntire’s Greatest Hits” becomes the singer’s first platinum album

• 1979, Waylon Jennings’ “Greatest Hits” goes gold

• 1969, Merle Haggard records “Workin’ Man Blues” at the Capitol tower in Hollywood

• 1964, Buck Owens nets a #1 single in Billboard with “My Heart Skips A Beat”

via CMT : Country Music News : This Day in Country Music.