The Summation Weekly - December 6, 2023 by Ballinger Publishing

USPS Publication Number 16300

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This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T Vol. 23, No. 49

December 6, 2023

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1 Section, 8 Pages

Section A, Page 1

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH FRONTMAN JOHN DARNIELLE By Nicole Willis

ohn Darnielle is the founder and core member of the North Carolina-based indie-folk band, the Mountain Goats. While the band members have changed over the years, Darnielle has been the group’s frontman since he founded the band in the early 90s. In recent years, he has branched out from songwriting and begun writing novels. The Mountain Goats are about to embark on a US tour, and they will be making a stop in Pensacola to play Vinyl Music Hall on December 13. This tour will highlight the band’s latest album release, Jenny from Thebes, which was released this past October. Whether you are a seasoned Mountain Goats fan or simply enjoy the atmosphere of live folk music, this show is one you won’t want to miss. We had a chance to catch up with Darnielle to learn more about some of his latest projects and the upcoming tour before their stop in Pensacola. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at vinylmusichall.com. To keep up with the band, follow @mountaingoatsmusic on Instagram or Facebook. DTC: You just dropped a new album, Jenny from Thebes. Can you tell me a little bit about the process of creating and developing this body of work? JD: Well, it’s been a long process, and it’s got a lot of moving parts. There’s the part of the process that is the writing and the winnowing of that. Then there is conceiving of where to do it, who to do it with and who to bring along. Those are the two major aspects. I was in the middle of writing a bunch of other songs when I wrote one that happened to reference an old character, which is something that I generally don’t do—it’s not on a list of forbidden things, but it’s on a list of things you generally don’t do. I thought of what it would be like to do some more of that and it was really exciting. It was like, ‘Oh, you’re pursuing this course that you normally wouldn’t.’ Writing goes pretty fast for me once I get started, although I had a lot of other stuff going on. One part of the process for me was I was really busy, so a number of the songs were originally conceived without an instrument nearby. I was on a TV set without an instrument, shooting the show called Poker Face. I got an idea for a song so I had to tap out the rhythm on my chest and just sort of sing it out loud, and then go home and find out what key it was in. It was really fun and challenging to be doing things that way. Then eventually we met in Tulsa as a band to record the whole thing with Trina Shoemaker, Kathy Valentine, Matt Nathanson

and Alicia [Bognanno] from Bully joining us. Making any album is a really complicated journey—kind of like asking somebody to tell me about your four years in college— there’s a lot in it. DTC: As the years go by and you have now released your 22nd album, has your goal or your vision as an artist shifted over this time? JD: Oh, yes. It’s entertaining to imagine an artist whose vision doesn’t shift at all—like, they have a single thing that they plan on doing and that’s all they do. That’s probably not an artist who you keep up with over time. Eventually, you say ‘Well, I’ve seen what you can do.’ But, I do have a lot of respect for it. I listen to a lot of death metal, and there are some old-school death metal bands that you know what you’re getting when you get, for example, Cannibal Corpse, one of the biggest, most successful death metal bands of all time. They do change a little over time, but you know exactly what you’re getting when they announce a new record. So there’s some charm to that, but I’m not that way. I’m very restless. I really want to be doing new things. Music that is entertaining enough to divert you while I’m telling you a story—that’s the basic format, but within that, the nature of the stories change, the nature of the instrumentation changes and the vibe shifts. DTC: Can you tell me a little bit about the tour that you’re about to embark on? JD: This tour starts on December 1 in Greensboro, here in North

Carolina, and then we get to Pensacola 11 days later. This is part of the album tour. I’m reasonably certain that we’re coming out as a five-piece with a violinist who is great. There’s a lot of freedom in having more people on stage—it sort of gives everybody more room to find a spot and roam, it’s really nice. We don’t play the same setlist every night; we always vary it a little bit from town to town, just to stay engaged. DTC: Your shows attract a diverse audience that ranges in age. Why do you think that the Mountain Goats shows attract such a variety of people? JD: I don’t know. I always feel like it would be kind of presumptuous for me to comment on that. I would hope it’s because what we’re doing has a universal appeal, but that already sounds very presumptuous to say. What kind of musician would dare to say, ‘Oh, it’s because our appeal is universal?’ But I think in part, it’s because storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and stories are how we come to understand the world from a very early age. There is a Joan Didion line that I sort of live by, which is, ‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live.’ We need some sort of narrative. We don’t function well without narratives. We like stories, right? So, the Mountain Goats are kind of a storytelling exercise; that’s the sort of intellec-

tual answer. The other answer is— knock on wood, but I don’t think this is presumptuous to say—we’re a really good live band. Anybody who’s seen us knows it’s a really good time. Even if you’re not that into the stories, even if you’re not that into what I do, I have amazing musicians and we put on a really fun show and we prioritize that. I’m really grateful that people pay to get in, and I want them to leave feeling like they got more than they paid for. There is something universal with both younger and older people who go to shows—the priority is to have a good time at the show. Also, I think that the fact that you’re never quite certain of what you’re going to get is appealing. We don’t just play all the songs you want to hear, we play new stuff, we do whatever we feel like doing. I think there’s that element of the unexpected that makes it [the show] appealing. DTC: In addition to your musical endeavors, you’ve also started writing novels, most recently, 2022’s Devil House. Can you tell me about the similarities and differences between songwriting and writing for a novel? JD: There is no point of comparison really. It’s sort of like building a house, and then baking a cake, which is different from building a house. Depending on the kind

of cake, let’s say a wedding cake, you might take a long time to do either one, but building a house takes longer. Other than that, all the skill sets involved are different, but they’re not extraordinarily different. Writing a novel takes a long time. If I ever take three years to write a song, you can lock me up. But three years is sort of the minimum for a novel. Novels take a very long time; they undergo a lot of changes. Albums undergo changes too, but they come to me pretty quickly. Songs take about a day, less than that, really. In December most years, I’ll get two or three songs in a day. It’s a busy month for me. I actually was looking at the calendar and going, ‘I wonder if I’m gonna get messed up by going on tour in December.’ Usuallyw, sometime in the middle of December, I hit my stride. That’s when a fire suddenly lights under me. For one, I’ve been writing songs longer than novels, so I can do them pretty quickly. For a party trick, I could write one in front of you if I had to. I couldn’t write a novel. I can’t even really write prose when I’m not alone in a room. I can try, but with prose, you really have to focus. Songs are sort of like speech, you can do them in the middle of other stuff. ■

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COMMUNIT Y NEWS

NEW PET PANTRY AT ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE HELPS FEED PETS IN NEED If she has to choose between feeding her four dogs and two cats or feeding herself, Escambia County resident Miriam Grant will always choose her pets. “They’re my babies, and I’ll give up my food before I let them go hungry,” said Grant, who is on a fixed income each month. “They’re my life.” Thanks to a new partnership between local nonprofit Jo Jo’s Paws and Escambia County Animal Welfare, hopefully that’s a choice Grant won’t have to make in the future. Jo Jo’s Paws recently relocated their pet pantry program to the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on Fairfield Drive, providing free cat and dog food to residents in need, along with a variety of essential pet items and resources. Grant visited the pantry for the first time this month to get food and treats for her dogs and cats, after hearing about it from her friend Ann Walker. Walker also lives on a very limited disability income, so Jo Jo’s Paws has helped her several times with keeping her two dogs fed. “It’s been incredibly helpful,” Walker said. Jo Jo’s Paws Director and Founder Patti Roberts said they aim to provide judgmentfree assistance to those who need a little help ensuring their pets don’t go hungry – whether it’s due to homelessness, living on a fixed income, or just some unexpected financial difficulties. “Our main goal is to help people not have to make that choice of whether they’re going to eat or are their pets going to eat,” said Roberts, who manages the pantry with her friend Linda Signer. “Maybe their paycheck is a little tight, or maybe they just need some support or someone to talk to.” The pet pantry is open to Escambia County residents with a valid driver’s license, although Roberts said exceptions can sometimes be made depending on the circumstances and number of available donations. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said he’s excited about the partnership with Jo Jo’s Paws, which ultimately helps keep pets out of the shelter by providing much-needed resources to owners who are struggling to care for their pets. “Through this partnership, we can help provide citizens with a way to keep their animals instead of surrendering them to the shelter or having to give them away because

of difficult circumstances,” Robinson said. “This will help keep pets in their homes or with their families, which in most cases is the best place for them to be.” Jo Jo’s Paws previously operated their pantry in another location on Fairfield Drive until the building was sold, moving into Escambia County Animal Welfare about a month ago. Since April 2023, Jo Jo’s Paws has distributed more than 8,300 pounds of pet food to individuals in need, including 894 pounds of pet food distributed in just the first half of November. Escambia County Animal Welfare provides the pantry space to Jo Jo’s Paws free of charge, and Robinson said he hopes to continue growing the partnership to help as many pets as possible. Roberts agreed. “It’s been really great, and I feel that with the partnership, there’s a lot we can do,” Roberts said. “It may not happen fast, but I believe that over time, there are a lot of things we can help the community with – whether it’s low-cost vaccinations, low-cost spay/neuter, or other assistance programs.” Jo Jo’s Paws is donation-driven, so Roberts said they are always appreciative of anyone willing to donate and help them assist even more people and pets. “We want to keep pets out of the shelter and help the community – let them know there’s someone who’s there for them, empathizes with them and is there to help them through their situation,” Roberts said. “And with the county partnership, I believe we’ll be able to help a lot of people in the community.” The most-needed items for Jo Jo’s Paws are cat and dog food (wet or dry), cat and dog treats, and 1-gallon or larger resealable plastic storage bags. Jo Jo’s Paws will gladly accept any pet items, including pet jackets or clothing, pet beds, blankets, collars and leashes, and kitty litter. Donations can be dropped off at Escambia County Animal Welfare, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, during normal business hours: Monday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday). For questions about donations or assistance through Jo Jo’s Paws, please contact Jo Jo’s Paws at 850-760-7876 or jojospaws2021@ gmail.com. For more information about Escambia County Animal Welfare, please visit the county website.

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE THE FIVE P’S OF COLD WEATHER SAFETY With parts of Escambia County forecasted to experience at or below-freezing temperatures beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29, residents are encouraged to exercise caution and practice safety measures during the winter season. Remember the five P’s of cold weather safety: • Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children, elderly family members and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family. • Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the

CASINO BEACH FISHING PIER REPAIRS TO BEGIN DECEMBER 2023 Repairs to the Casino Beach Fishing Pier on Pensacola Beach are anticipated to begin in December 2023, with work estimated to be completed by May 2024. The pier will be closed for the duration of construction. The Casino Beach Fishing Pier sustained damage during Hurricane Sally, which made landfall on Sept. 16, 2020. Repairs to the pier include replacement of pier signage, lighting, water line, entrance gate, timber railing, and blow-out deck panels; repairs to timber railing and blow-out deck panels; and install-

forecast, bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter. • Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures. • Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking. • Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuelburning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Also, use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames. For more information, monitor the local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management and US National Weather Service Mobile.

ing items including viewing scopes, cameras, benches, trash cans, fishing line receptacles and a flag pole removed during the pedestrian rail replacement. The new pedestrian railing, deck panel replacement, and light installation will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines and the Florida Fish and Wildlife restrictions for turtle lighting. Escambia County’s Construction Management Division of the Engineering Department has contracted with DRMP, Inc. for construction engineering and inspection services. Southern Road & Bridge, LLC, is the primary contractor with a construction cost of $4,271,359. For more information, please contact Dmitrii Trokhin, Escambia County Project Manager, at 850-595-3419 or dstrokhin @myescambia.com.

December 6, 2023 ◆ 3

ESCAMBIA COUNTY PARTICIPATING IN BISSELL PET FOUNDATION “EMPTY THE SHELTERS” The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is excited to partner with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for the “Empty the Shelters - Holiday Hope” adoption event, Dec. 1-17. During this time, adoptions for all cats and dogs 1 year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com. “We are excited to partner with Bissell Pet Foundation for their ‘Holiday Hope’ adoption event,” said John Robinson, Director for the Department of Animal Welfare. “We have around 100 animals that would love to have a new family to celebrate with this holiday season. We hope you will come to the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, now open seven days a week, through Dec. 17, to help make these amazing dogs’ and cats’ holiday wishes come true.” “Our nation’s animal shelters need your help as they face an overcrowding crisis unlike anything we have experienced in more than a decade. The devastating increase in owner surrenders and stray intakes has left tens of thousands of deserving pets desperate to find a home,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Our ‘Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope’ event is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in your community by saving a life and creating space to give another homeless pet a chance this holiday season.” BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the

Shelters” event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. This lifesaving event began in 2016 with a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. More than 204,000 pets have found loving homes since its inception. “Empty the Shelters” is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest program, partnering with 730 animal welfare organizations in 49 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees. The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition, the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is also open on Sundays until Dec. 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit MyEscambia.com/animal-welfare. Follow the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare on Facebook for animal welfare news, adoption events and more. About BISSELL Pet Foundation: BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,800 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Homecare, Inc., where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.

RALLY FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL TWO-DAY SHOPPING SOIRÉE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND KIDS FIGHTING CANCER WHO: Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research WHAT: Two-Day Shopping Soirée WHEN: Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9 WHERE: Downtown Pensacola and surrounding areas WHY: Shopping local for a cause while supporting kids fighting cancer in our community. Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally Gulf Coast) celebrates the spirit of the season at their Two-Day Shopping Soirée on December 8 and 9. This annual event brings the community together to support area businesses and raise critical funds for childhood cancer research, giving hope to local families battling cancer. The festivities begin Friday, December 8, 10 am to 2 pm, at the Pop-Up Shopping Soirée at the Studer Community Institute Building, located at 220 West Garden Street in downtown Pensacola. This elevated shopping event is open and free to the public. Enjoy complimentary champagne, brunch bites and sweets, a live DJ and more while browsing pop-ups from the best local vendors and brick-and-mortar stores. Each partner will generously donate a percentage of sales to support Rally’s important mission. Donationbased gift wrapping is also available. Don’t be late – the first 125 guests receive a swag bag with a souvenir champagne flute and sample items from Soirée partners. The philanthropic fun continues Saturday, December 9 with the All-Day Shopping Soirée in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and surrounding areas. Local stores and restaurants will join Rally in the fight against childhood cancer by raising awareness among

patrons and contributing a percentage of the day’s sales. Shop, drink and dine at participating establishments to help Rally fund lifesaving research and support families in the Gulf Coast community. “Thanks to the participating retail and restaurant partners, along with our incredible committee who put it all together, the Shopping Soirée continues to grow and has become a much-anticipated signature event for our area each year,” said Cindi Bonner, Rally Gulf Coast Director. “There is a wonderful variety of local vendors offering something for everyone. Find incredible items for yourself and unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list!” More details and a list of participants can be found in the Two-Day Shopping Soirée Facebook event. While the pop-up event is full, area businesses may still register as an all-day shopping partner to help make a difference for kids battling cancer. About Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: Since 2005, Rally Foundation has given $29.4M to support childhood cancer research projects across the country. Rally Pensacola was born in 2015 and has since become Rally Gulf Coast, raising over $3.2M locally, developing strong community partnerships, and providing resources for pediatric oncology families along the Florida panhandle and South Alabama regions. Rally Foundation has a perfect 100 rating from Charity Navigator, and 93 cents of every dollar raised directly supports Rally’s mission. For more, visit rallyfoundation.org and follow Rally Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. #RallyOn #GOLDSTRONG

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CAPITOL NEWS

JUDGE BACKS INCREASED POT LICENSE FEE DARA KAM NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Lawmakers “of course knew the department would receive such other revenue, and TALLAHASSEE — A $1.33 million yet directed the department to establish rules license-renewal fee “carries out to the letter” by which the cost to implement” the program a legislative mandate for how much it should “was covered solely by MMTC license fees,” cost medical-marijuana companies to do Horgan’s order said. business in Florida, an administrative law Horgan concluded the rule “is not without judge decided on Wednesday. thought, illogical, or irrational. It carries out to Florida Department of Health officials late the letter the Legislature’s directive that the last year adopted a rule creating a formula for department adopt rules establishing MMTC establishing the fee. The rule boosted license- license fees sufficient to cover the cost to renewal costs for medical-marijuana opera- implement” the medical-marijuana program. tors to $1.33 million, more than 22 times the Sanctuary’s petition for an adminis$60,000 biennial fee paid since the cannabis trative hearing relied heavily on a budget program began six years ago. request the health department submitted to Sanctuary Cannabis, one of two-dozen the Legislature for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, licensed medical-marijuana operators, filed which will begin in July. an administrative challenge arguing the The request showed that the Department new fee is “wholly without logic or reason” of Health collected $14.9 million in applicabecause it does not take into account tens of tion and renewal fees for licenses and nearly millions of dollars from patients who pay $75 $65 million from patients and caregivers a year for identification cards to participate during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which ended in the program. in June. More than 854,000 patients are qualiBut, siding with state health officials fied for the program. on Wednesday, Administrative Law Judge The agency, which also gets money from William Horgan found the fee reflects the testing labs and fines, collected roughly $84 “plain language” of lawmakers’ intent. A state million that year, anticipates collecting the law says the health department must adopt same amount this year and projects receivrules “establishing a procedure for the issu- ing $114 million in 2024-2025, according to ance and biennial renewal of licenses, includ- the budget request. ing initial application and biennial renewal The agency also reported having a $16.3 fees sufficient to cover the costs of imple- million surplus during the 2022-2023 fiscal menting and administering” the medical- year and projected surpluses of nearly $4 marijuana program. million this year and $61 million in 2024-2025. The law requires the health department to Along with being able to set the renewal adopt rules setting license fees for operators fee and charge patients for identification “which alone are sufficient to cover the costs of cards, state law allows the health department implementing and administering this section” to levy fines against medical-marijuana operaof the law, Horgan wrote in a 13-page order. tors. Sanctuary attorneys argued that all of the “No other fee is mentioned in that legisla- collections are “intermingled” in a trust fund. tive directive,” he added. The law doesn’t require operators to The formula adopted by health officials “bear the brunt” of the cost of regulating the last December based the license-renewal fee industry, lawyers Will Hall and Daniel Russell on the number of operators and the cost to of the Dean Mead firm wrote in a proposed regulate the medical-marijuana program, an final order filed last week. amount that will fluctuate depending on the Interpreting the law “as requiring the number of operators. department to ignore identification card Attorneys for Sanctuary argued the rule fees and MMTC (medical marijuana treatestablishing the renewal fee was “arbitrary ment center) fines in determining a sufficient and capricious” because it failed to take into license renewal fee amount does not reasonconsideration other types of revenue, such ably comport with the totality of the statute,” as patient identification-card costs and fines they wrote. paid by operators, which are known as mediHorgan, however, rejected the argument. cal marijuana treatment centers, or MMTCs. “The fact that MMTC license renewal fees Repeatedly pointing to the law, Horgan are deposited into the same account as other disagreed. medical marijuana-related fees does not “When given the legislative directive to amount to a legislative instruction on which adopt rules establishing ‘initial (MMTC) appli- of those fees must cover the cost to implecation and biennial renewal fees sufficient to ment the statute. That instruction is found cover the costs of implementing and adminis- in” the part of the law that says the fees must tering this section,’ it is not arbitrary or capri- cover the cost of implementing the program, cious to publish” a rule “which does exactly the administrative law judge wrote. that, and nothing more or less,” he wrote.

NEW TRIAL Blackwell’s truck. Rodgers sued the city and ORDERED IN Stormant, who was later dropped as a defenCRASH LAWSUIT dant. The jury returned a verdict for Rodgers An appeals court Wednesday ordered a new trial in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit stemming from a Gainesville Regional Utilities employee crashing into a pickup truck, leaving one of the truck’s passengers a paraplegic. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal granted a motion by the city of Gainesville for a new trial, finding that a jury verdict did not properly take into account issues related to the passenger not wearing a seat belt and the driver of the pickup speeding. A circuit judge entered an $18.3 million judgment in favor of passenger Jacob T. Rodgers. The accident occurred when a Gainesville Regional Utilities SUV driven by William Stormant did not stop at a stop sign and struck a pickup driven by Hank Blackwell, Wednesday’s ruling said. Rodgers, a backseat passenger, was thrown from

STATE RECOGNITION PROPOSED FOR TRIBES Florida would give state recognition to three Native American tribes in the Panhandle, under a bill filed Wednesday by Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola. The bill (HB 675), filed for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, would recognize the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee, the Muscogee Nation of Florida and the Lower Chattahoochee Band of Yuchi Indians. Flor-

and did not find negligence by Rodgers or Blackwell, who was driving over the speed limit. But the appeals court said the “evidence of comparative fault by both Rodgers and Blackwell was clear, obvious, and indisputable.” For example, it pointed to testimony by an expert witness that “within a reasonable degree of certainty the spinal injury Rodgers sustained was caused by the effect of his ejection from the truck and that Rodgers would not have been ejected had he been wearing a seat belt.” The ruling, written by Judge Ross Bilbrey and joined by Judges Clay Roberts and M. Kimmerly Thomas, ordered that the jury at the new trial “be instructed that Stormant was negligent and the city is liable for Stormant’s actions. Testimony and evidence can be received on the actions of Stormant, Rodgers, and Blackwell to allow the jury to apportion fault appropriately.”

ida law includes rules involving the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The rules include gaming rights, special district powers, hunting, campsites, water rights and identification cards. Salzman’s proposal for the other tribes would include limits. “State recognition of an Indian tribe or band under this (proposed) section (of law) may not be construed to create any basis or authority not otherwise provided by law for an Indian tribe or band to establish or promote any form of otherwise prohibited gaming activity or to claim any interest in land or real estate,” the proposal said.

PUBLIC DEFENDER BLOCKED FROM DISPUTE An appeals court Wednesday sided with the Florida Department of Corrections and blocked the Hillsborough County public defender’s office from representing an inmate in a dispute about the state collecting restitution. A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal overturned a circuit judge’s decision to appoint the 13th Judicial Circuit public defender to represent inmate Nathaniel O’Neal, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. The dispute stemmed from the Department of Corrections seeking to collect restitution from O’Neal under a law that allows the state to recoup incarceration-related costs. The department in 2022 filed a motion to impose what is known as a civil restitution lien, according to Wednesday’s ruling. A circuit judge approved appointing the public

WATER SHORTAGE ORDER LIMITS IRRIGATION The South Florida Water Management District on Tuesday issued a “water shortage order” for parts of Lee County and placed restrictions on landscape irrigation. The district said the order was needed to protect groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, where water levels are at a record low because of a lack of rain. The order applies

December 6, 2023 ◆ 4

defender’s office, which opposed the lien on O’Neal’s inmate trust account. The public defender’s office contended such a “garnishment would make O’Neal’s punishment less bearable because he would be unable to make purchases from the canteen” and that it was in retaliation for O’Neal filing a federal civil-rights complaint against the department, Wednesday’s ruling said. But the appeals court said O’Neal was not entitled to representation by the public defender’s office because the lien issue was a civil matter. “The public defender is not authorized to represent O’Neal in this civil restitution lien proceeding because it is civil in nature and does not implicate O’Neal’s liberty interests,” the seven-page ruling by Judges Stevan Northcutt, Craig Villanti and Suzanne Labrit said. “Further, defending against the department’s efforts to obtain a civil restitution lien … does not invoke the due process concerns that justify the appointment of counsel in postconviction relief proceedings.”

to parts of Cape Coral and unincorporated Lee County. In those areas, landscape irrigation will be limited to one day a week if the water comes from private wells. “The aquifer is generally recharged by seasonal rainfall each year, and water levels increase as the region receives rain,” the district said in a news release. “The Southwest Florida region has experienced a very significant deficit in rainfall this year, water levels have continued to decline and in just the past week, the aquifer dropped 0.5 feet.” The district last week also issued a water-shortage warning for all of Lee and Collier counties.

GRAND JURY CALLS FOR IMMIGRATION MOVES JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — A statewide grand jury has issued a 146-page report that calls for taking a series of steps to try to curb illegal immigration, saying “it will be up to Florida and other states to help themselves, at least in the short term,” as problems go unsolved at the federal level. The report, posted Monday on the Florida Supreme Court website, includes calling for further attempts to crack down on businesses that hire undocumented immigrants, probing non-government organizations and collecting fees on transfers of money from Florida to other countries. “We learned that, if anything, many Floridians are (just as we were before undertaking this inquiry) almost dangerously naive and unaware of the true magnitude and malevolence of the illegal immigration industry,’ the grand jury said in the report. “What we discovered has been at varying times sobering, upsetting, depressing, and the cause of significant outrage.” The grand jury, impaneled last year at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, also issued four earlier reports, or presentments. But the report made public Monday delves into a wide range of issues, such as efforts to prevent employers from hiring undocumented immigrants. DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature this spring approved a bill (SB 1718) that included requiring businesses with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of workers. The grand jury called for eliminating the exemption for businesses with fewer than 25 employees, saying it “provides too many incentives for the unscrupulous to ‘game the system.’” The report also called for addressing issues related to licensing general contractors. It pointed to loopholes in which contractors “simply pass all liability for verification of employee eligibility to work to a third party, usually a subcontractor or labor staffing agency — there are ‘subs of subs of subs’ on some projects.” “Accordingly, we recommend that our lawmakers assess the feasibility of either requiring general contractors to ultimately be fully and directly legally responsible for ensuring their subcontractors hire only legal workers, or requiring any employee staffing agency or any person or business which provides employees to work for another, to register with the state’s Department of Labor and be bound by Florida’s new e-verify requirements,” the report said, apparently referring to the state Department

of Economic Opportunity. The state does not have a Department of Labor. The grand jury also sharply criticized some non-government agencies, or NGOs, that receive federal money to help undocumented immigrants. The report alleged that “several NGOs actively obstructed our investigation, refusing to provide subpoenaed information and refusing to answer some direct questions.” It recommended the formation of another statewide grand jury to focus on nongovernment organizations, though it did not identify organizations in the allegations. “These NGOs do not truly or exclusively operate as humanitarians,” the report said. “They do not spend federal grant money to convince alien populations not to risk a lifethreatening odyssey. Rather, they magnify the magnetic illusion of economic prosperity at the end of a migratory trek.” The report also took aim at what are known as “remittances,” or money sent by immigrants in the U.S. to other countries. It said remittances can be linked to criminal activities, such as money laundering and human smuggling. Borrowing an idea from Oklahoma, the grand jury recommended that Florida collect a fee on transactions involving money leaving the state and going to other countries. “Even discounting the opportunity to identify criminal activity and cut into cartel profits this represents, there are ample reasons to support such a fee,” the report said. “To begin with, this is a staggering amount of money which is leaving not just the economy of our state, but that of our entire country. It will never be taxed, spent, or invested into our state and its people. It is gone. Florida should recoup at least some portion of it, especially because these types of transfers are ‘ripe for criminal exploitation.’ These funds may be from legitimate income, but may also be either earned illegally or the product of criminal activity.” DeSantis last year asked the Supreme Court to approve impaneling the grand jury as he and Attorney General Ashley Moody focused heavily on immigration issues. Moody, among other things, has filed or signed onto lawsuits against the Biden administration challenging the federal border policies. Criticizing federal policies also has been part of DeSantis’ presidential campaign. The grand jury was impaneled in the 10th Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. The grand jury had been scheduled to end Nov. 1, but the Supreme Court in August approved extending its term to April 2024.

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CAPITOL NEWS

PLAINTIFFS FIRE BACK IN FELONS’ VOTING CASE JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — Arguing that state and local officials have created a “broken and arbitrary system,” plaintiffs are trying to fend off an attempt to end a lawsuit that challenges the way a 2018 constitutional amendment aimed at restoring felons’ voting rights has been carried out. Attorneys for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and four individual plaintiffs last week filed a 61-page court document opposing a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration, county clerks of court and elections supervisors to dismiss the lawsuit. The 2018 constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 4, was designed to restore voting rights for felons who have completed their sentences. But the plaintiffs allege that the way state and local officials have carried it out has violated the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act. “Plaintiffs simply want defendants to abide by their federal constitutional and statutory responsibilities to assist them (plaintiffs) in determining their eligibility to vote in a uniform and non-arbitrary way, and to stop engaging in conduct that intimidates them and others for seeking to vote in the first place,” said the document filed last week in federal court in South Florida. The case focuses heavily on part of a law that the Legislature passed in 2019 after the constitutional amendment was approved by voters. The law (SB 7066) requires felons to pay “legal financial obligations” — fees, fines and other court costs — associated with their convictions before they can be eligible to vote. Attorneys for the plaintiffs contended in the document filed last week that state and local officials “cannot, or will not, tell people with prior felony convictions how much they must pay in legal financial obligations so that they may exercise the franchise” and have taken other steps, including arresting or threatening to arrest felons who have received voter-registration cards. “(In) the five years since Amendment 4 was ratified, defendants have created and perpetuated a broken and arbitrary system, in which the actors charged with protecting plaintiffs’ federal rights disclaim responsibility, point fingers at other officials, and intimidate the very individuals Amendment 4 was intended to re-enfranchise,” the document said.

But in the motion to dismiss filed Oct. 30 and tweaked Nov. 3, attorneys for the state, clerks and elections supervisors said the plaintiffs were seeking an “unprecedented judicial takeover” of voter-registration procedures. The attorneys also wrote that the “ultimate complaint is that it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a felon has completed the financial terms of a sentence.” But they said that doesn’t mean the process is unconstitutional. “Florida’s voting restoration laws are of general application,” the motion said. “They permissively require voters — felons who are best positioned to know their sentences, perhaps in multiple cases and multiple jurisdictions — to comply with those laws through primarily their own efforts. They provide ‘more than adequate’ procedures to challenge ineligibility. Thus, as a matter of law, Florida’s SB 7066 procedures do not infringe upon plaintiffs’ constitutional rights.” The lawsuit seeks a ruling that the way Amendment 4 has been carried out violates the Voting Rights Act, violates equal-protection rights and places an unconstitutional “undue burden on the right to vote.” The lawsuit, for example, also seeks an order requiring the establishment of a statewide database “that allows individuals with prior felony convictions to determine if they have outstanding LFOs (legal financial obligations); the amount of any outstanding LFOs; the jurisdiction to which they owe any outstanding LFOs; and where payment may be made to satisfy any outstanding LFOs.” But in the motion to dismiss the case, attorneys for the state and the county officials raised a series of arguments, including contending that plaintiffs do not have legal standing and pointing to sovereign immunity. The motion said sovereign immunity limits the authority of federal courts in deciding issues related to state laws. In the response filed last week, however, lawyers for the plaintiffs disputed such arguments. For instance, in addressing sovereign-immunity issues related to the state and elections supervisors, the lawyers wrote that the case “seeks to vindicate only federal constitutional and statutory rights, alleges only federal constitutional and statutory claims, and seeks only prospective injunctive relief against the defendants obligated to protect those federal rights.”

POLICIES SHIFT FROM CITIZENS TO PRIVATE INSURERS JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — For the second month in a row, private insurers have taken more than 90,000 policies from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Seven carriers last week assumed a total of 92,886 policies as part of an effort to reduce the number of homes insured by Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort but has seen its policy count explode during the past three years amid financial problems in the private market. Citizens had 1,255,381 policies as of Friday, down from 1,344,353 a week earlier — and the lowest total since April. It reached as many as 1.412 million policies this fall. The shift of customers is part of a strategy known as “depopulation,” which involves private insurers seeking approval from state regulators to take policies from Citizens. Five insurers assumed 99,773 Citizens policies in mid-October, while additional policy takeouts are planned in December and January. “For the second straight month, Citizens is seeing heightened interest among private insurers to expand their business in Florida through Citizens’ depopulation program,” Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said in an email Tuesday. “This is an encouraging sign that the market is improving.” Regulators approve maximum numbers of policies that each insurer can assume through the rounds of depopulation. As an example, regulators said the seven insurers could take as many as 202,000 policies last week, with the companies ending up with less than half of that amount. By far, the company that assumed the most policies was Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Co., which took 53,456 policies, according to information released Tuesday by Citizens. Parent company HCI Group, Inc., said in a news release that Homeowners Choice was approved to take as many as 75,000 policies and made 72,958 offers to property owners. “Homeowners Choice has successfully completed the transition of a significant

number of policies that were previously identified by our technology as attractive policies for assumption,” Paresh Patel, HCI’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement last week. “The strong acceptance rate was the result of Homeowners Choice offering policyholders a competitively priced renewal policy and expanded coverage compared with their existing Citizens policy.” Florida Peninsula Insurance Co. took 11,862 policies, followed by Monarch National Insurance Co., which took 11,715. The others were SafePoint Insurance Co., which took 6,870 policies; Slide Insurance Co., which took 6,515; Loggerhead Reciprocal Interinsurance Exchange, which took 1,520; and Edison Insurance Co., which took 948. Many state leaders have long sought to move customers out of Citizens into the private market, at least in part because of the risk that policyholders across the state — including people who do not have Citizens policies — could be forced to help pay claims after a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes. But officials say Citizens often charges lower premiums than private insurers, reducing the incentive for customers to leave Citizens. Trying to help spur depopulation, lawmakers last year approved a change that required Citizens customers to accept offers of coverage from private insurers if the offers are within 20 percent of the cost of Citizens premiums. For example, if a homeowner received an offer of coverage from a private insurer that is 19 percent higher than the Citizens premium, the homeowner would have to accept it. If the offer was over 20 percent of the Citizens premium, the homeowner would not have to take it. Last week’s depopulation round showed wide variations among the maximum numbers of policies that insurers could take and the numbers they actually assumed. For instance, Slide was approved to take as many as 50,000 but wound up taking 6,515. Meanwhile, Edison was approved to take as many as 5,000 and wound up with 948.

MUSIC PROGRAM PROPOSED FOR SCHOOLS A Senate Republican on Tuesday filed a bill aimed at supplementing middle-school science, technology, engineering and math education with “music-based” learning materials. Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, filed the measure (SB 590) for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which will begin in January. It would create the “Musicbased Supplemental Content to Accelerate Learner Engagement and Success Pilot Program,” or mSCALES, at the state Depart-

December 6, 2023 ◆ 5

ment of Education. The bill would require that the music-based materials be used by educators who are certified to teach math. Under the proposal, schools in Alachua, Marion and Miami-Dade counties would be eligible to participate. The College of Education at the University of Florida would evaluate the program’s effectiveness and prepare a report for the education department and the Legislature. Burgess’ bill does not include a specific amount of money for the program but said school districts would receive $6 per student. Rep. Susan Valdes, D-Tampa, has filed a similar proposal (HB 537) that seeks $680,000 for the education department to carry out the program.

LAWMAKER BUDGET REQUESTS START TO PILE UP JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are championing hundreds of projects and seeking billions of dollars as they prepare for the start of the 2024 legislative session in January. Topped by $50 million requests for expanding water storage and treatment in the Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee River basins and for speeding up private passenger rail between Orlando and Tampa, House members as of Monday morning had filed just under 1,500 separate proposals that would require $3.1 billion to fund. The rail proposal (House Form 1989), filed by Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman, R-Tampa, would boost the Brightline passenger service, which recently completed a Miami-to-Orlando line and has eyed the Interstate 4 corridor for a link to Tampa. “Advancing structure improvements within the I-4 Corridor will accelerate the passenger rail connection from Tampa to the Orlando International Airport, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami,” the request form said. “Upon completion of this effort, it will provide access to nearly 16 million Florida citizens and 118 million visitors throughout the service area.” The water storage and treatment proposal (House Form 2445), filed by Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, involves a project in Glades County. “This will provide significant nutrient removal, reduce discharge to the Caloosahatchee with high nutrient levels and provide a clean source of water to supplement dry season flows to the Caloosahatchee River,” the form said. Meanwhile, senators had submitted 332 projects that call for about $675 million in funding. Among large Senate proposals is $26.2 million (Senate Form 1203) sought by Appropriations Chairman Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, to construct a research wing for the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering at the University of West Florida. “Currently UWF is leasing research space in downtown Pensacola,” Broxson’s request said. “When constructed, the building addition will allow for labs currently housed in remote off campus leased facilities to be brought back to campus.” The wing received $21.1 million in the state budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which started July 1. Lawmakers will consider the new

batches of requests as they draw up a budget for the 2024-2025 year during the upcoming session. Many of the requests will not get funded or will not receive the full amounts sought by lawmakers. Requests will continue to roll in over the next month as lawmakers hope to bring home money for their districts. Many proposals, for example, are aimed at helping local sports, historic and arts organizations and increasing funding for schools and environmental and transportation projects. Among the other big-ticket proposals already submitted: • A $43 million proposal (House Form 2447), filed by Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, to develop a riverfront plaza project in Jacksonville. • A $40.2 million proposal (House Form 1862), filed by Duggan, for a construction project at the University of North Florida. • A $40 million proposal, filed by Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, for a project on West International Speedway Boulevard in Volusia County. • A pair of $36 million proposals (Senate Form 1116 and House Form 1998), filed by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, and Rep. David Smith, R-Winter Springs, to build a new workforce training building at Seminole State College of Florida. • A $25.65 million proposal (Senate Form 1112), filed by Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, that would help Florida Atlantic University with issues such as increasing enrollment at its medical school. • A $25 million proposal (Senate Form 1186) by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, to help Tampa General Hospital with the cost of a 160-unit housing development for health-care workers. • A $20 million proposal (Senate Form 1145) by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, for land acquisition and development at SeaPort Manatee. Before the 2023 session, senators made 2,288 requests, totaling $5.63 billion, while House members made 2,333 requests that would have required $5.36 billion. More than 1,500 legislator requests made it into a $117 billion budget that lawmakers sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor vetoed $510.9 million in spending, including 309 individual lawmaker projects that totaled $324.3 million.

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December 6, 2023 ◆ 6

PUBLIC NOTICES Legals Notice to Creditors IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE COURT IN RE: ESTATE OF: MARY AETERNA TULLY, a/k/a MARY A. TULLY, Deceased.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF FRANK PAUL MISH, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2023 CP 000588 DIVISION:

Angela J. Jones Florida Bar No.: 096441 LOCKLIN, SABA, LOCKLIN & JONES, P.A. 4557 Chumuckla Highway Pace, FL 32571 (850) 995-1102 Attorney for Plaintiff dsaba@ljslawfirm.com and amanda@ljslawfirm.com 2WR12/6-12/13NTC

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Frank Paul IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN Mish, deceased, File Number November 29, AND FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Santa FLORIDA Case No.: 2023 CP 1355 Rosa County, Florida, Probate Division, the PROBATE DIVISION Division: U address of which is 4025 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583. The names and addresses of the IN RE: ESTATE OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS personal representative and the personal CARMIE ELIZABETH COFFIELD, representative’s attorney are set forth below. Deceased. The administration of the Estate of MARY AETERNA TULLY a/k/a MARY A. TULLY All creditors of the decedent and other persons deceased, whose date of death was May 30, having claims or demands against decedent’s CASE NO: 2023 CP 001657 2023, File Number 2023 CP 1355, Division U, estate, including unmatured, contingent NOTICE TO CREDITORS is pending in the Circuit Court for Escambia or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of County, Florida, Probate Division, the address this notice is served must file their claims of which is M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 The administration of the estate of CARMIE 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, Florida MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST ELIZABETH COFFIELD, deceased, File No: 32502. The names and addresses of the PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS 2023 CP 1657, is pending in the circuit Court Personal Representative and the Personal AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY for Escambia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is M.C. Blanchard Judicial Representative’s attorney are set forth below. OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. Center, 190 Governmental center, Pensacola, All creditors of the decedent and other persons, All other creditors of the decedent and other Florida 32502. The names and addresses of having claims or demands against decedent’s persons having claims or demands against the Personal Representative and the Personal estate on whom a copy of this notice has been decedent’s estate, including unmatured, Representative’s attorney are set forth below. served, must file their claims with this court contingent or unliquidated claims, must All creditors of the decedent and other persons WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 having claims, on whom a copy of this notice THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THRITY NOTICE ON THEM. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE FOREVER BARRED. OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against The date of first publication of this Notice is All other creditors of the decedent and other decedent’s estate must file their claims with November 29, 2023. persons having claims or demands against this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE decedent’s estate, including unmatured, DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF Devin Nathaniel Mish contingent or unliquidated claims, must file THIS NOTICE. 1011 Bushwood Drive their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) Cantonment, FL 32533 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING JOSEPH W.C. BOYLES, ESQUIRE THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, Attorney at Law ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR 212 W. Cervantes Street (32501) TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF P.O. Box 13464 STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE DEATH IS BARRED. Pensacola, FL 32591-3464 FOREVER BARRED. (850) 433-9225 The date of first publication of this notice FLORIDA BAR #14188 NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS November 29, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED jwcb@boylesandboyleslaw.com TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE Attorney for Personal Representative: jennifer@boylesandboyleslaw.com DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. /s/ Jennifer Lee Bushnell Jennifer Lee Bushnell, Esquire 2WR11/29-12/6NTC the date of publication of this Notice is Florida Bar No. 617555 November 29, 2023. Jennifer Lee Bushnell, P.L.L.C. 1507 W. Garden Street T. DAVID MANN Pensacola, FL 32502 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FL Bar No. 174737 850.466.2929 Phone FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, 41 N. Jefferson Street, Ste. 105 JLB@NWFLattorney.com FLORIDA P.O. Box 1191 (32591) Attorney for Petitioner CIVIL DIVISION Pensacola, Florida 32502 Telephone: (850) 435-7700 Personal Representative: SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fax: (850) 435-7705 /s/ Paula Tully Bryant a political subdivision of the State Email: davis@davidmannlaw.com PAULA TULLY BRYANT of Florida, Attorney for Personal Representative Personal Representative Plaintiff, ROBERT E. COFFIELD 2WR11/29-12/6NTC vs. 303 Payne Road Pensacola, FL 32507 ALL UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, 2WR11/29-12/6NTC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, FOR ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA A N D A L L O T H E R PA R T I E S PROBATE DIVISION CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST AND FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHEILA HARDY A/K/A SHEILA FLORIDA BRIAN DOUGLAS CLIFTON, D. HARDY A/K/A SHEILA DIANE PROBATE DIVISION Deceased. HARDY; APRIL HARDY A/K/A APRIL HARDICK; JASMINE SHAW; IN RE: File No.: 2023 CP 000482 ROBERT COOK; and LEWIS LEVARY DEWAYNE JONES, Division: “D” FUNERAL HOME, INC., a Florida Deceased. corporation; AMENDED NOTICE TO Defendants. Case No: 2023 CP 001680 CREDITORS Division: U Case No.: 2023-CA-000567 The administration of the estate of BRIAN NOTICE TO CREDITORS DOUGLAS CLIFTON, deceased, whose NOTICE OF SALE date of death was May 26, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Santa Rosa County, NOTICE IS HEREBY given by the undersigned The administration of the estate of LEVARY Florida, Probate Division, the address of that Donald C. Spencer, Clerk of the Circuit DEWAYNE JONES, deceased, whose date which is: 4025 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, Court of Santa Rosa County, Florida, will on of death was July 13, 2023, is pending Florida 32583. The names and addresses of the 9th day of January, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Circuit Court for Escambia County, the personal representative and the personal during the legal hours of sale on-line at www. Florida, Probate Division, the address of representative’s attorney are set forth below. santarosa.realforeclose.com offer for sale which is M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, All creditors of the decedent and other persons and sell at public outcry to the highest and 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL having claims or demands against decedent’s best bidder for cash the following described 32502. The names and addresses of the estate on whom a copy of this notice is required property, in Santa Rosa County, Florida, to-wit: personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 BEGIN AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE All creditors of the decedent and other persons PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 4, having claims or demands against decedent’s AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY TOWNSHIP 3 NORTH, RANGE 27 WEST, estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 GO SOUTH 86 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 48 All other creditors of the decedent and other SECONDS EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST persons having claims or demands against OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS decedent’s estate must file their claims with NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 4 AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FOR A DISTANCE OF 391.83 FEET; THENCE OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF GO SOUTH 02 DEGREES 01 MINUTES All other creditors of the decedent and other THIS NOTICE. 57 SECONDS WEST FOR A DISTANCE persons having claims or demands against OF 521.86 FEET; THENCE GO NORTH 86 ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE DEGREES 49 MINUTES 43 SECONDS WEST decedent’s estate must file their claims with TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA FOR A DISTANCE OF 391.82 FEET TO AN this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE INTERSECTION WITH THE WEST LINE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. FOREVER BARRED. OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 4; THENCE GO NORTH 02 DEGREES 01 ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED MINUTES 54 SECONDS EAST ALONG TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER FOREVER BARRED. OF SAID SECTION 4 FOR A DISTANCE OF The date of first publication of this notice is 521.85 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED November 29, 2023. THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE IS SITUATED IN A PORTION OF SECTION DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Attorney for Personal Representative: 4, TOWNSHIP 3 NORTH, RANGE 27 WEST, JOHN P. KUDER SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA AND The date of first publication of this notice is: Florida Bar No. 119443 CONTAINS 4.69 ACRES MORE OR LESS. December 6, 2023. Sellers Skievaski Kuder & Smith LLP 331 E. Romana Street Pursuant to the Final Judgment in Foreclosure Signed on this 27th day of November 2023. Pensacola, FL 32502 entered in the above styled cause. (850) 434-3111 kuder.j@pensacolalawgroup.com Any person claiming an interest in the surplus bleiler.s@pensacolalawgroup.com from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file Personal Representative: a claim within 60 days after the sale. TRAVIS H. CLIFTON 3258 Edinburgh Castle Drive Dated this the 27 day of November, 2023. Milton, FL 32583 2WR11/29-12/6NTC

Charles P. Hoskin, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 364401 EMMANUEL SHEPPARD & CONDON 30 S. Spring Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Telephone: (850) 433-6581 Facsimile: (850) 434-5856 Email: cph@esclaw.com: mcrooke@esclaw.com sbryant@esclaw.com Attorney for Curator Charles P. Hoskin, Curator 30 S. Spring Street Pensacola, FL 32502 2WR12/6-12/13NTC

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Lauren A. Merritt LAUREN A. MERRITT Lauren A. Merritt, P.A. Florida Bar Number: 1017893 111 S. De Villiers Street, Suite B Pensacola, FL 32502 Telephone: (850) 741-2999 Fax: (850) 466-0956 E-Mail: lauren@laurenmerrittlaw.com Personal Representative: /s/ Samantha J. Fincher SAMANTHA J. FINCHER 4296 West Avenida De Golf Pace, FL 32571 2WR12/6-12/13NTC

Attorney for Personal Representative /s/Kenneth R. Fountain KENNETH R. FOUNTAIN, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 48569 FOUNTAIN & BRIDGFORD, PLLC 2045 Fountain Professional Ct., Suite A Navarre, Florida 32566 Telephone: (850) 939-3535 Fax: (850) 939-3539 E-Mail: Fountain@FountainLaw.com Secondary E-Mail: AWarren@FountainLaw.com Cristy@FountainLaw.com Personal Representative LYNNETTE L. LABARGE 7583 Bay Colony Drive Naples, Florida 34108 2WR12/6-12/13NTC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF SHELBY GENE WALSH Deceased. File No. 2023-CP-623 Division: D NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Shelby Gene Walsh, deceased, whose date of death was March 30, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Santa Rosa County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 4025 Avalon Blvd., Milton, Florida 32583. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET ELOISE SMITH A/K/A ELOISE SMITH Deceased. File No.: 2023 CP 592 Division: D NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARGARET ELOISE SMITH a/k/a ELOISE SMITH, deceased, whose date of death was August 6, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Santa Rosa County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 4025 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, Florida 32583. The names and addresses of the personal representative All creditors of the decedent and other persons and the personal representative’s attorney are having claims or demands against decedent’s set forth below. estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this All creditors of the decedent and other persons court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 having claims or demands against decedent’s MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST estate on whom a copy of this notice is required PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS to be served must file their claims with this AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS All other creditors of the decedent and other AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY persons having claims or demands against OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE All other creditors of the decedent and other DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF persons having claims or demands against THIS NOTICE. decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA THIS NOTICE. STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED FOREVER BARRED. TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED The date of first publication of this notice is TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE December 6, 2023. DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Personal Representative: Daniel Matthew Walsh 6652 Delhi Drive Milton, FL 32583 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Locklin, Jr. E-mail Addresses: jlocklin@ljslawfirm.com Florida Bar No. 243167 Locklin, Saba, Locklin, & Jones PA 4557 Chumuckla Hwy Pace, Florida 32571 Telephone: (850) 995-1102 2WR12/6-12/13NTC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT LUTHER FINCHER, Deceased File No.: 2023 CP 000536 Division: D

IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES H. MITCHELL, SR., Deceased. File No. 2023 CP 1620 Division: U NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James H. Mitchell, Sr., deceased, whose date of death was September 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Escambia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola, FL 32502. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is The date of first publication of this notice is November 29, 2023. December 6, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: Kathleen K. DeMaria Attorney Florida Bar Number: 503789 DeMaria, de Kozan & White, PLLC 510 E. Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Telephone: (850) 434-2761 Fax: (850) 438-8860 E-Mail: kathy@kathleendemaria.com Secondary E-Mail: probate@kathleendemaria.com Personal Representative: Lisa K. Smith 4905 Linsey Court Sarasota, FL 34243

Attorney for Personal Representative: Jason A. Waddell Florida Bar Number: 529362 Waddell & Waddell, P.A. 4317 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504 Telephone: (850) 434-8500 Fax: (850) 434-0971 E-Mail: jaw@waddellandwaddell.com jawpara@waddellandwaddell.com Personal Representative: Edward L. Mitchell 7389 Chimney Pines Drive Pensacola, Florida 32506 2WR11/29-12/6NTC

2WR12/6-12/13NTC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY J. LOEFFELMAN The administration of the estate of ROBERT Deceased. LUTHER FINCHER, deceased, whose date of death was August 12, 2023, is pending in the File No: 2023 CP 000632 Circuit Court for Santa Rosa County, Florida, Division: PROBATE Probate Division, the address of which is 4025 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583. The names and NOTICE TO CREDITORS addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set The administration of the estate of Betty J. forth below. Loeffelman, deceased, whose date of death was September 3, 2023, is pending in the All creditors of the decedent and other persons Circuit Court for Santa Rosa County, Florida, having claims or demands against decedent’s Probate Division, the address of which is 4025 estate on whom a copy of this notice is required Avalon Blvd., Milton, Florida 32583. The names to be served must file their claims with this and addresses of the personal representative court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 and the personal representative’s attorney are MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST set forth below. PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY All creditors of the decedent and other persons OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required All other creditors of the decedent and other to be served must file their claims with this persons having claims or demands against court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 decedent’s estate must file their claims with MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY THIS NOTICE. OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS THIS NOTICE. SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE The date of first publication of this notice is FOREVER BARRED. December 6, 2023. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF FENG CHEN Deceased. File No. 2023-CP-1476 Division: U NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Feng Chen, deceased, whose date of death was May 30, 2023, and whose Social Security Number is available upon request, is pending in the Circuit Court for Escambia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Escambia County Clerk of Court, Attn: Probate, P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, Florida 32591-0333. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is The date of first publication of this notice is Wednesday, November 29, 2023. December 6, 2023.

LEGALS

THE SUMMATION Weekly

December 6, 2023 ◆ 7

PUBLIC NOTICES Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Nicholas R. Medley Nicholas R. Medley Attorney for Personal Representative FL Bar #: 107194 Medley Law Firm 222 W. Cervantes Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Telephone: (850) 607-7890 Fax: (850) 254-7872 nicholas@medleyelderlaw.com Personal Representative: Wenying Li 10767 Blacktail Loop Pensacola, FL 32526 2WR11/29-12/6NTC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF EDDIE CHARLES MORTON, Deceased. File No. 2023 CP 1562 Division: U NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Eddie Charles Morton, deceased, whose date of death was May 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Escambia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola, FL 32502. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, OR UNDER ANY OF THE NAMED DEFENDANT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION BY AND THROUGH OR UNDER OR AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANTS HEREIN: at last known address: unknown.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 29, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: Jason A. Waddell Florida Bar Number: 529362 Waddell & Waddell, P.A. 4317 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504 Telephone: (850) 434-8500 Fax: (850) 434-0971 E-Mail: jaw@waddellandwaddell.com jawpara@waddellandwaddell.com Personal Representative: Rebecca Gibbs Morton 5970 Hwy 95A North Molino, Florida 32571 2WR11/29-12/6NTC

Notice of Action IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA AVAIL 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEE, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES A N D A L L O T H E R PA R T I E S CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER LOUISE B. NOBLES (DECEASED) OR THROUGH THE ESTATE OF LOUISE B. NOBLES; ROBERT CARRESE; KAREN CARRESE; MONICA THOMAS; MARK ASHLEY NOBLES; AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF THE NAMED DEFENDANT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS THE SUJECT METTER OF THIS ACTION BY AND THROUGH OR UNDER OR AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANTS HEREIN; UNKNOWN TENANT, IF ANY, Defendant(s). CASE NO: 23000920CAMXAX NOTICE OF ACTION TO: UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEE, GRANTEES, ASIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER LOUISE B. NOBLES (DECEASED) OR THROUGH THE ESTATE OF LOUISE B. NOBLES at last known address: unknown. MONICA THOMAS at last known address: 1507 N. 77th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 325063621.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action $7,300 (Seven Thousand, Three to foreclose on real and personal property Hundred Dollars) in U.S. Currency located in Santa Rosa County, Florida: CASE NO: 2023 CA 000897 Lot 7, Block B, Summerdale, a subdivision DIVISION: A (civil) of a portion of Section 10, Township 1 North, NOTICE OF FORFEITURE Range 29 West, Santa Rosa County, Florida, PROCEEDINGS according to the plat thereof in Plat Book G, Page 59, of the Public Records of said County. TO: AMBER BETH BARRETT, AND ALL With a street address at: 4502 Spring view PERSONS OR ENTITIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, Court, Milton, Florida 32571. OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN has been filed against you. You are required DESCRIBED: to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Vivian A, Jaime, Esquire, Plaintiff’s NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Santa attorney, Ritter, Zaretsky, Lieber & Jaime, LLP, Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition Telephone: (305) 372-0933, 2800 Biscayne for forfeiture of the above-described property. Boulevard, Suite 500, Miami, Florida 33137, Primary E-mail: Vivian@rzllaw.com; WITHIN The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office seized THIRTY DAYS FROM THE FIRST DATE OF the property in Santa Rosa County, Florida on PUBLICATION, and file the original with the August 31, 2023, and is holding it. Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter. A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the If you fail to do so, a default will be entered Clerk of the Circuit Court on October 11, 2023, against you for the relief demanded in the and any person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk Complaint. of Court on or before December 26, 2023, and send a copy to the undersigned attorney. Dated: November 15, 2023 If any interested party fails to file a claim as directed herein, judgment will be entered DONALD C. SPENCER herein against you in due course. Persons CLERK OF THE COURT not legally served with process may obtain a copy of the Complaint for Forfeiture filed BY: Brenda Lambrisky herein from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Deputy Clerk Court. If no claimants appear, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office will be seeking a final 2WR11/29-12/6NOA order of forfeiture.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. FLORIDA, IN AND FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE Plaintiff, DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF vs. THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

Notice of Forfeiture

UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, C R E D I TO R S , T R U S T E E S O F AMANDA LEE VINSON, DECEASED, ADRIANNA MICHELLE CODY, AS KNOWN HEIR OF AMANDA LEE VINSON, DECEASED, CHRISTIAN DOMINIQUE WOODS AS NATURAL GUARDIAN OF KENNEDY NALANI VINSON, A MINOR, et al. Defendants. Case No. 17-2023-CA-000421 Division AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OF AMANDA LEE VINSON, DECEASED CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN

Jennifer Rogers Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office 5755 East Milton Road Milton, Florida 32583 (850) 983-1207 FL Bar #109296 2WR12/6-12/13NOF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office seized the above described property in Santa Rosa County, Florida on September 22, 2023 and is holding it.

IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: THIRTY-THREE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SIXTEEN DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($33,316.00) A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the UNITED STATES CURRENCY Clerk of the Circuit Court on October 31, 2023 and any person seeking to contest this claim CASE NO:2023 CA 002918 must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk DIVISION: E of Court on or before December 26, 2023 and send a copy to the undersigned attorney. Notice is hereby given that the Escambia If any interest party fails to file a claim as Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition for forfeiture herein directed, judgment will be entered of the above-described property. herein against you in due course. Persons not legally served with process may obtain The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized a copy of the Complaint for Forfeiture filed the property in Escambia County, Florida on herein from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of August 2, 2023, and is holding it. A Complaint Court. If no claimants appear, the Santa Rosa for Forfeiture was filed with the Clerk of the County Sheriff’s Office will be seeking a final Circuit Court on September 18, 2023, and any order of forfeiture. person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk of the Court Jennifer Rogers, Esquire on or before January 3, 2024 and send a copy Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to the undersigned attorney. 5755 East Milton Road Milton, Florida 32583 Laura D. Young, Esquire (850) 983-1207 Escambia County Sheriff’s Office FL Bar #109296 1700 West Leonard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 2WR12/6-12/13NOF (850) 436-9515 FL Bar #0099369

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CASE NO:2023 CA 003088 DIVISION: N-Civil Notice is hereby given that the Escambia Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition for forfeiture of the above-described property. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized the property in Escambia County, Florida on September 5, 2023, and is holding it. A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court on October 19, 2023, and any person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk of the Court on or before January 3, 2024, and send a copy to the undersigned attorney.

Laura D. Young, Esquire Escambia County Sheriff’s Office 1700 West Leonard Street IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: Pensacola, FL 32501 $37,546 (Thirty-Seven Thousand, (850) 436-9515 Five Hundred Forty-Six Dollars) in FL Bar #0099369 U.S. Currency 2WR12/6-12/13NOF CASE NO: 2023 CA 000893 DIVISION: A (civil)

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NOTICE OF FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS

IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: TWELVE THOUSAND TO: DAJOUR JACOUSYA DONSON, DIANE FORTY-THREE DOLLARS JOHNSON COBB, LYNDSEY RENEE AND 15/100 ($12,043.00) HENDERSON, DAJUAN OQUENDO, UNITED STATES CURRENCY DAMAUJI JACKSON, AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO CASE NO: 2023 CA 003008 HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST DIVISION: F

IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED: You are notified that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition Escambia County, Florida: for forfeiture of the above-described property. LOT 42, BLOCK 7, SANTA MONICA, A S U B D I V I S I O N O F A P O RT I O N O F The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office seized U.S. GOVERNMENT LOT 2, SECTION the property in Santa Rosa County, Florida on 10, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 31 August 22, 2023, and is holding it. WEST, ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, Clerk of the Circuit Court on October 2, 2023, PAGE 40, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF and any person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk SAID COUNTY. of Court on or before December 26, 2023, commonly known as 7000 GLENDORA ST, and send a copy to the undersigned attorney. PENSACOLA, FL 32526 has been filed against If any interested party fails to file a claim as you and you are required to serve a copy of directed herein, judgment will be entered your written defenses, if any, to it on Jennifer M. herein against you in due course. Persons Scott of Kass Shuler, P.A., plaintiff’s attorney, not legally served with process may obtain whose address is P.O. Box 800, Tampa, a copy of the Complaint for Forfeiture filed Florida 33601, (813) 229-0900, on or before herein from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of January 08, 2024 (or 30 days from the first Court. If no claimants appear, the Santa Rosa date of publication, whichever is later) and file County Sheriff’s Office will be seeking a final the original with the Clerk of this Court either order of forfeiture. before service on the Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will Jennifer Rogers, Esquire be entered against you for the relief demanded Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office 5755 East Milton Road in the Complaint. Milton, Florida 32583 (850) 983-1207 Dated: November 29, 2023. FL Bar #109296 CLERK OF THE COURT 2WR12/6-12/13NOF Honorable Pam Childers, Clerk of Circuit Court, Escambia County 190 Governmental Street Pensacola, Florida 32502 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND By: Christina L. Sande FOR Deputy Clerk SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you are a person with a disability who needs IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: any accommodation in order to participate in $1,906 (One Thousand, Nine this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost Hundred Six Dollars) in U.S. to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Currency Please contact: Court Administration, ADA Liaison, Escambia County, 190 Governmental CASE NO: 2023 CA 000954 Center, 5th Floor, Pensacola, FL 32502, Phone DIVISION: B (civil) (850) 595-4400, Fax (850) 595-0360, ADA. Escambia@flcourts1.gov, at least 7 days NOTICE OF FORFEITURE before your scheduled court appearance, or PROCEEDINGS immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is TO: ANTHONY LADELL WRIGHT, AND less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES HAVING OR impaired, call 711. CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN 2WR12/6-12/13NOA DESCRIBED: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition for forfeiture of the above-described property.

Notice is hereby given that the Escambia Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition for forfeiture of the above-described property. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized the property in Escambia County, Florida on August 22, 2023, and is holding it. A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court on October 3, 2023, and any person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk of the Court on or before January 3, 2024, and send a copy to the undersigned attorney. Laura D. Young, Esquire Escambia County Sheriff’s Office 1700 West Leonard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 436-9515 FL Bar #0099369 2WR12/6-12/13NOF

IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($3,863.00) UNITED STATES CURRENCY CASE NO:2023 CA 003274 DIVISION: E-CIVIL Notice is hereby given that the Escambia Sheriff’s Office has filed a petition for forfeiture of the above-described property. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized the property in Escambia County, Florida on October 11, 2023, and is holding it. A Complaint for Forfeiture was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court on November 21, 2023, and any person seeking to contest this claim must file a responsive pleading with the Clerk of the Court on or before January 3, 2024, and send a copy to the undersigned attorney. Laura D. Young, Esquire Escambia County Sheriff’s Office 1700 West Leonard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 436-9515 FL Bar #0099369 2WR12/6-12/13NOF

THE SUMMATION Weekly

December 6, 2023 ◆ 8

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