From NewsChannel 7 ..... The National Weather Service at 10:45 PM Tuesday has issued a Tornado Watch for Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia and a portion of Northwest Florida...... Counties included in Florida are Bay County including Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven .... Gulf County including Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka ..... Washington County including Chipley and Vernon ....Calhoun County, including Blountstown and Altha ..... Holmes County, including Bonifay .... Jackson County, including Marianna, Sneads, Graceville ....and Walton County including Santa Rosa Beach, Defuniak Springs and Paxton...... The possibility of Tornadoes, Hail, Dangerous Lightning, Damaging Winds and heavy rain is possible in the area until 6:00 AM Wednesday morning. Stay tuned to NewsChannel 7, WJHG for complete weather updates
Current Conditions
Online Poll
Is increasing the state's cigarette tax an acceptable way for you to help offset Florida's budget shortfall?

Yes
No


Stay Up to Date with WJHG.com














Boot Camps Abolished in Florida Save Email Print
Posted: 3:37 PM May 31, 2006
Last Updated: 3:37 PM May 31, 2006
Reporter: Mike Vasilinda

A | A | A

Legislation that abolishes boot camps and replaces them with academies that rely more on education and after care, and are limited in their use of force, became the law of Florida Wednesday.

The law is named after 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson, the Panama City boy who suffocated to death after drill instructors stuck ammonia tablets up his nose.

The family of the 14-year-old youth arrived for a private meeting at the governor’s office looking somber. A few minutes later they emerged with Jeb Bush, who publicly expressed sympathy for their loss.

Then, with the stroke of the governor’s pen, boot camps were abolished and replaced with STAR academies. Martin's family, while thankful, still wants arrests.

The family was reluctant to talk, but were sure that Martin would still be alive if the new law had been in effect when he went to the Bay County Boot Camp last January.

Jeb Bush continues to say he is frustrated by the pace of the investigation. His office is checking on its status every other day, which is a promise he made to the family.

More Stories
Election Winners Swearing In

Martin Lee Anderson Anniversary

Bank Robbery, High Speed Chase Takes Deputies Across County

Traffic Crash Turns into Drug Bust

Tax Increase Gaining Momentum

List of Bonifay Police Chief Applicants

Food stamps

New Sheriff in Town

Be a Citizen Journalist