Local News

The Florida Department has released the following questions and answers on swine flu.

Is there swine flu in Florida?

At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Florida. (4.28.09)

What is Florida doing to protect me from swine flu?

We have epidemiologist or “disease detectives” at the County Health Departments and in Tallahassee. There is a detailed plan in place to respond to influenza outbreaks. Florida has a strong system to identify potential influenza cases.

Gadsden County School Board members unanimously voted to implement the general fund recommendations as presented by Superintendent Reginald James during last week’s board meeting.

The list did not include any school closings, as had been previously discussed during board workshops.

The recommendations were, along with the amount of savings to the general fund:

• Eliminate 20 positions to maximize class size and cut costs (savings of $800,000)

• Remove behavior specialist positions from general fund (savings of $283,000)

"If people don't slow down, they are going to pay, really pay," said Officer Tara Bryant of the Quincy Police Department.

Bryant said the new fines were the result of legislative initiatives that have trickled down to the county level.

Here is the new fee schedule:

• Move Over Act (failure to change move over when approaching an emergency vehicle) $116 or $146.

• Moving Infraction/Child Restraint: $147

• Non-moving (no seatbelt): $96

Speeding Violations:

• 1 to 9 miles over the limit: $112

Andy Gay said he was humbled by the confidence his fellow Quincy city commissioners placed in him by nominating and unanimously electing him mayor of Quincy for a second term. But, he announced before accepting the post, he had no intention of running for mayor again.

"We faced difficult challenges last year. We started by firing a city manager and hiring a city manager. The city is healing its financial wounds and we're getting our energy provider (Progress Energy) paid on time," Gay said.