Compromise Saves Restoration Deadman’S Island Project to Move Forward
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A W A R D ● W I N N I N G jmillers.com Consign 934-6200 Gulf Breeze ● Pensacola ● Destin Today! 50¢ YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER July 31, 2008 Questions 5 With Coaches Compromise saves restoration Deadman’s Island project to move forward Nathan and Cynthia Cope, who Department of Administrative BY SCOTT PAGE argued that the project would Hearings and DEP that the page Gulf Breeze News Baseball coach [email protected] have negative impact on their objection has been withdrawn.” Randy Renfroe waterfront property and possi- The city presented the Copes 1C1C The dispute over the bly impede their boating access with a proposal July 11 and, Deadman’s Island Restoration to Pensacola Bay. after some minor changes, an Project is over. The project is still in the agreement suiting all sides was PAGE 1D The administrative hearing intent-to-permit stage. The DEP signed July 22. On July 23, the has been avoided, and the City permit seems imminent. agreement was sent to Tom of Gulf Breeze is ready to move “We’re just waiting on the Brady, the Copes’ attorney, who forward with construction. All paperwork from DEP,” said then formally withdrew the ■ It’s time that is needed is a permit from Heather Reed, project manager. complaint from Tallahassee on to get yo’self the Department of “The Copes’ objection was July 24. bushwacked! Environmental Protection. the only impediment to getting “There are a few legal techni- ■ Bubba’s Ray Palmer/Special to Gulf Breeze News After weeks of quarreling, the permit,” City Manager Buz calities that are different,” Eddy Beach Continued erosion threatened to cause irreparable damage the city reached an agreement Eddy said. “Now their attorney said. “But it is essentially the to Deadman’s Island, but city residents agree to restoration. with Highpoint Drive residents must notify the state See ISLAND, Page 2A6 WWeatherEEKEND Police sharpen tactical skills State drops THURSDAY 7/31 Scattered Storms prosecution high 87O low 77O of Demeter FRIDAY 8/01 Scattered Storms allegation high 89O O low 77 BY JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News [email protected] SATURDAY 8/02 The State Attorney’s Office in Isolated Storms Shalimar announced Monday it will not high 91O prosecute the alleged indecent exposure low 77O charge against Midway Fire Chief Stephen Demeter. In a document dated July 25 and SUNDAY 8/03 signed by Ginger B. Madden, Assistant Isolated Storms State Attorney in the First Judicial high 90O Circuit, notice was given that, upon fur- O ther investigation, the state concluded low 76 there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. Demeter, 45, surrendered to authori- ties and was arrested July 1 after a INSIDE masseuse accused the Chief of exposing himself and performing a vigorous act of Classifieds 3D See CHIEF, Page 2A6 Joe Culpepper/Gulf Breeze News Community 3-5A Gulf Breeze Police Department Sgt. Sherry Armstrong (top right) fires a paint-pellet revolver at fellow Crossword 3B officer Steph Neff, who was portraying an armed perpetrator during a simulated traffic stop July 22. The Editorial 6A staged incident was part of a training exercise designed to allow police officers to sharpen their skills. Entertainment 2B The exercise was held the same day an Okaloosa County deputy died in the line of duty. Story, Page 4A Proposed Island News 1D Lifestyles 1B school budget Obituaries 7A Politics 3A Sheriff’s challengers want DUI checks cuts 4-percent Santa Rosa County 4B Seniors 7A ■ Stricter alcohol, drug candidate for Sheriff in the Aug. 26 law enforcement position. He was Sports 1-6C primary. “We don’t do that anymore. responding to a moderator’s question BY PAM BRANNON enforcement would make Gulf Breeze News Talk of the Town 1B “Of course, funding is an issue. But about education, prevention and county roadways safer [email protected] “Mailing Statement is we need to take our streets back from enforcement of alcohol and drug laws. the aggressive drivers and DUI offend- Santa Rosa County roadways are The Santa Rosa County School BY JOE CULPEPPER on Editorial Page” ers.” among the most dangerous in the District will have to keep its spending Gulf Breeze News Randle made his comments July 22 region. In the past year alone, within $278 million for the 2008-09 FOUR SECTIONS [email protected] during a candidate forum presented by school year - a four-percent cut from last VOL. 7, NO. 31 See SHERIFF, Page 2A6 the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of year’s $299 million budget. JULY 31, 2008 Robert Randle remembers a time not too long ago when sobriety check- Commerce and sponsored by Gulf Related stories on 3A Parents, teachers and any other inter- Breeze News at the Community Life ested citizens will have a chance to hear points were common practice among ■ Commission candidates differ and review the budget during the School law enforcement agencies in Santa Center of Gulf Breeze United on courthouse dilemma Board’s first public hearing tonight at Rosa County. Methodist Church. ■ School Superintendent hopefuls “About two years ago, we’d have Randle, Assistant Chief of the Gulf back arts, phys-ed and FCAT 6:30 p.m. A second and final public hear- DUI checkpoints, usually every quar- Breeze Police Department, is one of ■ Navarre has two candidate ing will be Sept. 11. ter, and all the departments around five men challenging two-term incum- forums slated for next week See BUDGET, Page 8A6 here took part in that,” said Randle, a bent Wendell Hall for the county’s top ■ List of candidates home! Legacy your Hicks qualifies for First Tee Open captures ■ Gulf Breeze High Breeze High School sopho- demonstrate on the Golf Channel. crown sophomore will play more, earned a coveted comprehen- Eighteen girls and 52 berth after finishing third in sion of the life boys were chosen at sepa- Maggie Swinford in national TV pro-am a demanding 36-hole quali- skills and rate qualifying locations. (right) and Moe fying tournament and core lessons “Sarah was quite Bass celebrate BY JOE CULPEPPER Call 932-8986 today Call 932-8986 today excelling during a stressful learned shocked,” said First Tee Gulf Breeze News Gulf Breeze- five-day interview process through the spokesperson Chris Seeley. based Southern [email protected] at Wentworth by the Sea First Tee pro- Hicks “She played very well in her Enjoy your community paper community your Enjoy Legacy’s 5-1 mailed directly to mailed directly Sarah Hicks of Gulf Country Club in Rye, N.H. gram. qualifier, but that was just a triumph over Hicks shot rounds of 77- Hicks will represent the portion of the process. She Clarksville, Breeze is one of 18 girls 75 for a 12-over-par 152 First Tee of Northwest was outstanding in all Tenn.,to win the worldwide who qualified USGF 16-U last week to play in the Aug. total to finish three shots Florida in the First Tee Open aspects.” behind medalist A.J. Newell at Pebble Beach, Calif., an Hicks submitted an essay World Series. Joe Culpepper/ 29-31 Wal-Mart First Tee Story, 1C Gulf Breeze News Open. of Tampa. Hicks also took official Champions Tour about challenges in her life Hicks, 15, a rising Gulf written tests and had to event that will be televised See HICKS, Page 2A6 GULF BREEZE NEWS (850) 932-8986 www.gulfbreezenews.com 2A July 31, 2008 GULF BREEZE NEWS CHIEF: State couldn’t prove allegation beyond doubt Continued from page 1A The earliest Demeter could The arraignment has come and Demeter attended a portion self-gratification during a June be reinstated to duty as Chief gone, and Steve has not been of the July 8 Midway Fire 21 massage session in Destin. would be Aug. 12 during the charged.” District Board of Thursday, July 31 1 p.m., 6051 Old next meeting of the Midway A licensed massage therapist Commissioners meeting wear- Bagdad Highway, Demeter was released on a City of Gulf Breeze Fire District Commission, accused Demeter of acting inap- ing civilian clothes and accom- Milton $1,000 bond. His attorney, Gene Executive Committee 5:30 which must vote on the matter. propriately, exposing himself and panied by Mitchell. The attor- Santa Rosa Mitchell of Pensacola, entered a p.m., Council Chambers, written not-guilty plea on Commission Chairman committing a lewd personal sex ney told commissioners his County Marine Gulf Breeze City Hall, 1070 Advisory Demeter’s behalf July 22 during Jacque Gorris on Monday act during a scheduled one-hour client was fully cooperating Shoreline Drive, Gulf Committee 5 p.m., the Chief’s scheduled arraign- reserved comment, only to say, massage session on June 21. with the investigation and want- Breeze “We have an obligation to the Demeter told Okaloosa ed his Constitutional right to a County ment hearing. Santa Rosa County Administrative “I have always claimed that I Chief and the District to do County Sheriff’s investigators speedy trial honored. School District Budget exactly what we said a month that the masseuse mistook his Then came Thursday’s turn Center, 6495 was falsely accused of inappro- Public Hearing 6:30 p.m., Caroline Street, ago that we were going to do — attempt to scratch an itch as a of events during which Mitchell priate conduct and feel some District headquarters, 5086 Milton sense of vindication with the that is, to wait until the next sexual act. was notified that the case would Canal Street, Milton State’s election not to file any Commission meeting to make a The investigation revealed not be prosecuted further.