Battle Over Required Septic Tank Inspections Rages On
November 14, 2010
The push to weaken septic tank legislation approved last spring by lawmakers is dividing the usually united Florida Senate, with a former lawmaker bristling at a rising Senate leader who has accused him of misleading the chamber about the measure.
Former Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, term-limited after 18 years in the Legislature, fired off a letter to lawmakers this week saying he was insulted by their plans to rewrite a measure he saw as the capstone of his legislative career.
When Constantine said farewell to the Florida Senate last April, fellow lawmakers framed the bill (SB 550) and presented it to him. Now Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is leading the drive to send Constantine’s crowning legislation to the scrap heap.
“When I entered into public office, I committed to do all that I could to treat people fairly and tell them the truth,” Constantine wrote in a letter to all senators this week. “In the last month of my service, there has been an unfortunate attempt to tarnish this record regarding the passage of SB 550.
“As my final action before I leave, I feel compelled to set the record straight. Whether you agree with the policy or not, it is important to understand the history on this important piece of legislation,” he continued. “The septic tank inspection program as part of SB 550 arose over the course of many months. The language was discussed at length with many interested parties and individual senators.”
But Gaetz, who along with other lawmakers in the Panhandle, have been under fire from voters concerned about the potential costs of a strict state inspection program, disputed Constantine’s account.
Gaetz on Friday called Constantine’s push back “a wonderful piece of science fiction.”
“I think Sen. Constantine failed to include in his letter conversations he had with senators, including me, in which he did not completely or thoroughly explain the impact of this amendment that he added,” said Gaetz, in line to succeed incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. “He is entitled to his opinion. He’s a former senator. God bless him, I wish him well.”
The legislation is set to take effect in January. But Gaetz wants lawmakers in next week’s special session to delay the program’s start until July, to effectively buy more time. Gaetz and Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, who is sponsoring the delay push in the House, want lawmakers to repeal the inspection program completely in next spring’s regular session.
“Our plan is we would stop the implementation now and be able to do in regular session what sadly we were unable to do last year: have a full discussion in the open on the effects of this mandate,” Gaetz said.
The wide-ranging bill is designed to protect Florida’s natural springs and waterways which are often threatened by septic tank overflow. Beginning in January, the legislation would require inspections of the state’s 2.6 million septic tanks once every five years. Opponents say the measure could cost residents $500 or more per-inspection, and they claim the new standards was quietly tucked into the springs protection bill before it went before lawmakers this spring.
Constantine vehemently denied any secrecy in the letter he sent to lawmakers.
“So to set the record straight: 1) There was no strike-all amendment. 2) Not only did I explain the septic tank inspection program on the floor, I answered questions about the program from three different senators on two separate days. 3) Never… NEVER, was there any intent to hide or cover up this program in the bill,” he wrote.
The septic tank rewrite is expected to be part of next week’s special session, slated to begin on the heels of Tuesday’s organizational session. Lawmakers have lined up for override nine bills vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist, and a budget provision he struck down.
But incoming House Rules Chairman Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, told newly elected lawmakers this week that not all measures identified by legislative leaders would come up during the special session. That gives leaders some wiggle room if – as they earlier said – want to address only measures unlikely to draw opposition.
Still, Gaetz said he had no reason to believe the septic tank inspection delay would not come up for a vote. He would not, however, speculate on how that vote would fair. At least one other incoming senator from the Panhandle, Greg Evers, R-Baker, has also called for a delay.
“I’m never confident that the votes are there on anything,” Gaetz said. “I wouldn’t predict the outcome of a resolution on Mother’s Day.” However, he quickly added, “we’re certainly hopeful.”
Featured Recipe: Cream Cheese and Chocolate Tunnel Cake
November 14, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Cream Cheese and Chocolate Tunnel Cake with the creaminess of cheesecake and the rich, traditional flavor of chocolate cake.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Photos: EWMS Honors Veterans
November 14, 2010
Veterans from all branches of service were honored Friday at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The program included several video interviews with local veterans. The interviews will be preserved in the school’s library for future generations.
A tribute to the U.S. Coast Guard included a fly-in by Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from New Orleans.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Galen Goetter Graduates From Basic Training
November 14, 2010
Air Force Airman Galen M. Goetter has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Glen and Abby Goetter of North Pine Barren Road, McDavid.
Ernest Ward Cheerleaders Take 1st At Regionals
November 14, 2010
The Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders placed first in the Junior Non Tumbling Division Saturday morning at the West Florida Regional competition held at Tate High School.
Pictured top: Members of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders are (front, L-R) Brittney Ward, Reagan Bell, Morgan Ward, Hannah Gibson, Mallory Ryan, Jadlyn Agerton, (back, L-R) Krysten Byrd, Kamryn Brock, Danielle Robertson, Kendal Cobb, Jessica McCullough, Dariane Guy and Katelyn Abbott. Pictured below: The EWMS cheerleaders perform Saturday morning at Tate High School. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barbara Ann Rolin Kimmons
November 13, 2010
Barbara Ann Rolin Kimmons, 57,of Walnut Hill died Friday November 12, 2010, in Pensacola. She was a Homemaker, born in Atmore on April 22, 1953 to the late Judge and Irene Tatum Rolin.
She is preceded in death by one brother, Glen Rolin and one sister, Mary Ruth Rolin.
Survivors are her husband, Ramond Kimmons of Walnut Hill; two brothers, Issac Rolin and wife Edna Mae of Atmore, and Jerry Rolin and wife, Nadine of Brewton; three sisters, Lorene Rolin, Alice Rolin, and Linda Rolin all of Atmore; and numerous, nephews, neces and friends.
Graveside service will be Monday, November 15, 2010. at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday evening, November 14, 2010, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmoree from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Johnson-Quimby funeral Home, Inc in charge of all arrangements.
Playoff Bound Northview Beats West Florida
November 13, 2010
Northvew beat West Florida Friday night 28-7 as the Chiefs look forward to a playoff appearance next week.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
The Chiefs (9-1) were first on the board with 2:26 to go in the first quarter with a one-yard quarterback keeper from Brandon Sheets and a good kick through the uprights from Lance Bushaw, 7-0 Chiefs.
But the West Florida Jaguars (1-9) answered with 9:08 to go in the half on a 3-yard run. Then, with 11.4 seconds to go in the half, Brandon Sheets was in again on a quarterback keeper. But an unintended referee whistle called the ball dead, reversing the score. But on the replayed down, the Chiefs performed again; this time with a one-yarder from Roderick Woods. A good kick, and the Chiefs held a 14-0 lead heading into the locker room at the half.
Late in the third quarter, the Chiefs added to their advantage with a 30-yard Dustin Yuhasz touchdown with 28 seconds on the clock. Northview padded their win with 5:31 to go in the game in Bratt with a Sheets keeper from three yards out. Another good kick from Bushaw, and the Chiefs were up 28-7.
The Northview Chiefs will be on the road next Friday night in round one of the District 1A playoff against Blountstown.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured top: Northview quarterback Brandon Sheets dives over a West Florida defender Friday night in Bratt. Pictured inset: Dustin Yuhasz gains yardage for the Northview Chiefs. Pictured bottom: The Northview cheerleaders were joined by their “mini” counterparts. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Beats Jackson, Advances To Quarterfinals
November 13, 2010
The Escambia County Blue Devils of Atmore beat No. 2 Jackson Friday night 22-21 in the second road of the Alabama 4A playoffs Friday night in Jackson.
It was the come front behind story of the year for the Blue Devils as they recovered from a 21-0 deficit for the win. Rico Stallworth was the comeback king for ECHS as he ran for a touchdown and passed for another before throwing the game-winning 2-point conversion in the fourth.
The Blue Devils will advance to the quarterfinals of the Alabama playoff next Friday night at home .
Northview Honors Class Of 2011 During Senior Night
November 13, 2010
The Class of 2011 was honored during the final Northview High School home game of the season.
For a complete photo gallery with all of the seniors, click here.
The following seniors were honored on Seniors Night Friday in Bratt:
Football: Austin Arrington, Tyler Brooks, Lance Bushaw, Jake Clayton, Jeremiah Cooler, Cole Gandy, Lonnie Gardner, Levi Gideons, Taylor Martin, Michael Moore, Kaleb Purvis, LaDarion White and Dustin Yuhasz..
Tribal Beat Band: Allie Bryan, Dixie Carnley, Naomi Cooler, Erin Fremin, Jessica Imholte, Andrea Jackson, Colton Sims and Tabitha Steege.
Majorettes: Caitlyn Brown and Hayley Simpson.
Cheerleaders: Hillary Byrd, Tori Chavers, Lauren Cloud, Laneicia Gomez, Megan Ryan and Brooke Tullis.
NJROTC: Adam Freeman, Tyler Garrett, Shaniqua Jones, Elliot Ross and Thomas Walston.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
High School Football Scores
November 13, 2010
Here are scores from North Escambia area high school football games Friday night:
Florida
It was final night of the regular season in Florida.
- West Florida at Northview (Senior Night 5:45, Kickoff 7 p.m.)
- Wewahitchka 44 Jay 0 (Jay finishes season at 0-10)
- Pensacola 41 Escambia 0
- Navarre 34 Gulf Breeze 24
- Catholic 40 Milton 37
- Blountstown 28 Baker 14
- Freeport 31 Rocky Bayou 20
Alabama
It was round two of the playoffs in Alabama.
- Escambia County (Atmore) 22 Jackson 21
- Trinity Montgomery 21 T.R. Miller 14