Florida School Voucher Program Set To Expand
January 4, 2011
Florida’s corporate school voucher program could expand by $35 million next year, which would be enough to send 6,000 additional children on the waiting list to private schools throughout the state.
“There are huge opportunities for students who are waiting in line right now to participate in that,” said Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, who sponsored legislation last year that allows the voucher program to expand continually without legislative approval.
Florida’s Tax Credit Scholarship program, which uses donations from companies that get a tax credit in return, pays for the private school education of more than 33,000 low income students. For years, the program was capped at $118 million – and the state rarely got that in donations – but last year, lawmakers approved an expansion of the program that will allow it to continually offer more vouchers.
Under the new law, the cap was expanded to $140 million. If donations reached 90 percent of the limit, then the cap could expand again by 25 percent. The measure also provided additional tax credits for the program, adding oil and gas severance taxes, beverage taxes on alcohol and other types of business taxes to those against which businesses can get credits for contributing to a scholarship.
Last month, scholarship administrators were told that the $140 million cap had been reached, meaning the scholarship cap could expand to $175 million. Jon East, policy and public affairs director for school choice group Step Up For Students, said it’s been a “very encouraging year” for the program, which has been able to put about 6,000 more students into private schools.
There are also about 6,000 more on the waiting list who could potentially attend private school if the donations surpass the $140 million mark, East said.
“There is some kind of explosion of demand,” he said.
Students who qualify get a flat stipend that they can use at a number of private schools approved by the state. The new law, which went into effect July 1, allows the flat rate to ultimately reach 80 percent of the state’s per pupil funding level, which is $6,843 for the current fiscal year.
Incoming Gov. Rick Scott has largely been supportive of school choice, appearing at a rally organized by Step Up For Students, but has also signaled his intent to eliminate the corporate income tax over time. He has said he hopes to be able to find a new incentive to get companies to put money into the voucher program.
“It’s one of those things that we’ve got to work with the governor on that and make sure we’re all still on the page,” Weatherford said.
The Florida Education Association, the statewide lobbying wing for individual district teachers’ unions, campaigned against the expansion of the voucher program and has said it has concerns that voucher expansion proposals would take attention away from public schools, which are attended by the majority of school-age children in the state
A spokesman for the FEA said to his knowledge there has not been any discussion of an attempt to scale back the program.
One proposal being championed by Scott transition adviser Patricia Levesque, who heads former Gov. Jeb Bush’s education foundation, is an education savings account that would give any Florida student public dollars to pay for private or virtual school, tutoring or a college prepaid plan.
An outline of potential legislation has been formulated and was included in briefing papers the Scott team released late last month. However, no bill has been filed so far.
By Kathleen Haughney
The News Service Florida
1165th Military Police Company Deploys For Afghanistan
January 4, 2011
Monday was an emotional day as family members of the 1165th Military Police Company said farewell to their soldiers as they headed to war in Afghanistan, the second deployment for the group in five years.
“You’ve given your service member to us. Your sacrifice is appreciated and is not forgotten. You are our heroes also,” Brigadier General Charles Gailes told the soldiers during a deployment ceremony held in Fairhope.
“I order you to return safely,” Lt. Col. James McLong told the unit during official orders.
After the ceremony, the soldiers — based in Fairhope and Brewton — were given 20 minutes say their goodbyes to family members. Afterwards, their convey of buses left with a Patriot Guard escort along the flag-lined streets of Fairhope on their way for about a month of training in H attiesburg, Mississippi before deploying to Camp Eggars in Kabul Afghanistan to provide security. Camp Eggers is near the Presidential Palace and the U.S. Embassy.
The members of the 1165th are expected to be in Afghanistan for 12 to 18 months.
Pictured above and below: Deployment ceremony for the 1165th Military Police Company held Monday afternoon in Fairhope. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three New Members For Century Council
January 4, 2011
Three members of the Century Town Council were sworn in Monday night, and the council elected leaders for the next term.
Political newcomer and 10-year Century resident Jacke Johnston was sworn in to Seat 3 after defeating incumbent Henry Hawkins. Gary Riley, who ran for re-election with no opposition, was sworn in to Seat 4, and funeral home owner Sandra McMurray Jackson took the oath of office for Seat 5, which was previously held by Sharon Scott who did not seek re-election.
Each of the three new members will serve a four year term.
The council elected Ann Brooks as council president, and Gary Riley was elected vice president.
Pictured top: Century Town Council members (L-R) Jacke Johnson, Gary Riley and Sandra McMurray Jackson take the oath office Monday night. Pictured below: A council group photo with Mayor Freddie McCall (seated) and (L-R) Ann Brooks, Jacke Johnston, Sandra McMurray Jackson and Gary Riley. Not pictured: Council Member Nadine McCaw. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2010 Persons Of The Year: Sonny And Catharine Jeter
January 4, 2011
NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week. Click here for previous recipients.
Sonny and Catharine Jeter have been named two of our North Escambia Persons of the Year for 2010.
The following was submitted with their nomination:
In nominating a “Person of the Year”, you could nominate a variety of individuals who have made a significant impact on the area. But how often does a “team” emerge that has had such a lasting and positive impact on the region? Sonny and Catharine Jeter, are two such people.
Both were born and raised in this community, they were high school sweethearts from rival towns — Sonny from Century, Catharine from Flomaton — who have been married over 51 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Over the years, they have volunteered their time and efforts to Century’s various church and community activities. Whether it was Catharine’s warm smile or Sonny’s sly wit, this husband and wife team has made life in Century and Flomaton more enjoyable and their individual impact they have both had on the community has been obvious.
Catharine graduated from Flomaton High School where she was head majorette, but she showed an early love for North Escambia, as she married Sonny Jeter of Century upon graduating high school and the two rapidly became a huge part of Century.
Soon, she began working for South Central Bell as a telephone operator where she remained for over 18 years until the company relocated to Pensacola. Catharine found her niche however, when she began working as a career manager with the Private Industry Council and Pensacola Junior College, contracted through Job Services of Florida.
This job kept her running between Century and Pensacola, providing job opportunities for many of North Escambia’s citizens. She eventually retired from that job but quickly returned back to the work force working for Workforce Escarosa’s office located in Century, again serving the citizens of Northwest Florida as a resource advisor helping citizens find jobs.
Catharine has always been devoted to her family and extremely active in her community and church. She serves as president of the Sue Jackson Chapter and also serves as president and secretary of the Pilgrim Sunday School Class in her church.
Catharine has been dedicated to improving the economic development in North Escambia as demonstrated through her active involvement for over 20 years serving on the board of directors of both the Century and Flomaton chambers of commerce. She is an active member of Century’s Alger-Sullivan Historical Society as well as being one of the forces in developing the Flomaton Historical Railroad Museum and the Flomaton Welcome Center where she serves as a charter member.
Every year, she participates in the annual Christmas parade and happily distributes toys and candy from a Christmas float. For over 50 years, she has volunteered her time and efforts to help coordinate the Annual Thanksgiving luncheon for the elderly citizens of both Century and Flomaton, at the Flomaton United Methodist Church, in which she assists in food preparation and serving dinner to these citizens.
While you may see Catharine’s warm, friendly smile throughout the community, Sonny’s efforts are silently given to help others within his community. Most people are unaware about Sonny’s contributions and you would never hear him speaking of the numerous times he has helped families in need at Christmas (and other times throughout the year) taking them shopping for new clothes or just contributing so they can have something under the tree on Christmas morning. He has helped many others in a variety of other ways as well. Over the years, there have been many people who have taken advantage of his compassion but he continues to help those in need.
Sonny graduated from Century High School and after briefly attending Southeastern Mississippi College and Pensacola Junior College, he began working for the Container Corporation in Brewton, Alabama. Sonny is well-known in the community for his generosity and willingness to help others in need. He coached Little League Baseball for many years, was a member of the Lions Club, served on the Century Town Council, is a member of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, and serves as chairperson on the Pastoral Committee within his church.
Sonny also served as temporary Mayor of Century for a two week period when the Mayor unexpectedly passed away. This selfless act was critical in maintaining stability in the community until a special election could be held. After 38 years, Sonny retired from Container Corporation due to four blocked arteries resulting in open-heart bypass surgery.
He has continued to serve the Escambia community as he has hosted the University of West Florida’s Sigma Chi Fraternity annual Leadership Development retreat on his farm for the past three years.
This is a two day event in which the leaders of tomorrow engage in an intensive program consisting of team building, community service, risk management, and self evaluation. Not only does Sonny donate the land for the event or provide materials if needed, but he donates each year’s Sunday morning breakfast for over 50 young men in attendance each year.
Both Sonny and Catharine are known for their fun personalities, knack for never meeting a stranger, and willingness to help others. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year with over 300 family and friends attending. This ‘team’ clearly has a lifetime of selfless achievements and continues to contribute to the community.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dollar General Continues To Grow
January 4, 2011
Dollar General plans to open hundreds of new stores and create 6,000 new jobs in the coming year.
During 2009-2011, the discount retailer will have created more than 15,000 new jobs — including 10 jobs at a new 12,480 square foot store that opened in Molino last August.
The discount retailer announced Monday that it plans to open 625 new stores this year, creating the new employment opportunities. The new stores and jobs will be spread among Dollar General’s existing 35-state operating area as well as three new states: Connecticut, Nevada and New Hampshire.
Additionally, the company plans to remodel or relocate 550 existing stores.
In the North Escambia area, Dollar General operates stores in Molino, Century, Cantonment, Flomaton, Jay,and Atmore. Company officials have not said if any of the new or remodeled stores will be located in the local area.
Pictured above: The new Dollar General Store in Molino just before an August opening. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Final Touches: Work Begins To Wrap Up Resurfacing Project On Hwy 97
January 4, 2011
Contractors are almost finished with a $5.7 million project to resurface 22 miles of Highway 97 from Highway 95 in Molino to the Alabama state line. The project, which began in April, 2010, also included constructing new guardrails and making minor drainage improvements. Monday, a final coat of reflective striping was being added to the highway markings.
Pictured: A final coat of reflective paint is added to a white line on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill Monday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys RV
January 3, 2011
Fire destroyed a recreational vehicle in Walnut Hill Monday night.
The fire was reported on dirt lane near the intersection of Garrett Road and Pine Forest Road just about 6 p.m. The RV was completely destroyed when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
There were no injuries reported.
Scott’s Inaugural Eve Event Salutes Military
January 3, 2011
Governor-elect Rick Scott’s inaugural eve events turned country at an afternoon military appreciation event Monday a few blocks from the state Capitol.
The anthems of the nation’s military branches were sung by Fort Pierce’s Avenue D Boys Choir to open the show, which also featured performances by John Michael Montgomery, Rockie Lynne, Pensacola’s Aaron Tippin – performing the Gulf War era hit, ‘You’ve Got to Stand for Something’ – and, of course, Lee Greenwood, who capped the event with – what else – a rendition of “Proud to Be American,” with Scott and incoming Lieutenant Gov. Jennifer Carrroll standing by him.
About 1,000 people attended, including many service members and their families, along with many military retirees. Also in the crowd was retired Col. Bud Day, the former Air Force officer and Vietnam POW who frequently steps into Florida politics.
Scott’s inaugural committee has raised $3.5 million for the events surrounding his swearing-in. A portion of the contributions – so far just over $100,000 – has gone to the “wounded warriors” program which helps injured veterans and their families.
State Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who doubles as the Florida Republican Party chairman and was awarded the Bronze Star, said the military could expect Scott, who served in the Navy, to stand by them.
“I know we’re going to have a governor who believes in a strong military, and in the men and women who serve in the military,” Thrasher said.
Carroll, who like Scott served in the Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander, said “she outranks him. Until tomorrow.”
Scott said he thought it was important to include the military on an inaugural eve.
“We honor and respect the tradition of our great country,” Scott told the crowd.
Scott Inaugural Events Get Underway This Morning
January 3, 2011
Gov.-elect Rick Scott started two days of inaugural events Monday at the Governor’s Mansion where he’ll reside the next four years, and where his family photos are already displayed.
Scott doesn’t officially take office until he takes the oath on Tuesday, but he got a sense of what it will be like, having spent the night there, and riding to his first inaugural celebration event, a “Salute to Women in Leadership” breakfast in a motorcade after greeting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agents assigned to him.
Scott, who campaigned on a theme of “Let’s Get to Work,” appeared eager to start – getting going in the early morning hours with a walk with his yellow lab Reagan on the Mansion grounds.
Reagan didn’t make a public appearance Monday morning. But Scott was seen leaving the mansion at 8:24 a.m., for the breakfast, which drew about 300 invitees.
At the breakfast, Scott noted that he and his wife Ann – scheduled to be honored at an event just for her later – are the parents of two daughters.
“I hope they feel there is no limit to their lives,” Scott said.
He also recalled the challenges facing women, remembering his law school days in the late 1970s when women had to fight legally for opportunities and advancements.
“No woman who has come up in the past 50 years as a female has had an easy job,” Scott said, before sliding into his economic theme.
“This is the beginning. We’re going to turn this state around,” Scott said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, black or white…anything is possible. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure everybody in this state has that opportunity.”
There are two days of events surrounding Scott’s inauguration on Tuesday. The former health care executive, who has never held elected office, defeated Democrat Alex Sink in the closest governor’s race in modern times in November.
Morning temperatures in Tallahassee on Monday hovered around 35 degrees, recalling other recent inauguration days.
“It’s not as cold as it was for Jeb Bush’s first inaugural,” horse-track lobbyist Wilbur Brewton recalled. “My feet were frozen at that.”
Former Gov. Bob Martinez said his 1987 inaugural still was chillier. But he was ready to offer some advice for the new guy.
“They’ve put together a good team,” Martinez said of Scott and Lieutenant Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll. “It’s not complete. But they should be able to work with the Legislature.”
Martinez also noted the $3.5 billion budget shortfall. “Money is always a huge challenge,” he said.
Among those spotted coming in for the nosh: former Florida Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter, ex-Florida Republican Party Chair Carole Jean Jordan, GOP fundraiser and BellSouth lobbyist Mike Hightower, state GOP vice-chair Deborah Coxe-Roush, Scott lawyer and lobbyist John French (on crutches nursing a torn quadricep), House budget chair Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, and former Florida Secretary of State Sandra Mortham.
Incoming Cabinet members, Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi and Agriculture Commissioner-elect Adam Putnam also were there. Bondi was given a video introduction and handed the microphone for the women’s event.
She recalled campaigning and having teen-aged girls surrounding her.
“Young girls would come up to me, 14, 15, and 16 and say ‘I want to go to law school because of you. I want to be attorney general because of you,’” Bondi said, although she added, “it’s not all about me.”
“I tell you there is no glass ceiling,” she said. “Because of people who have come before.”
The breakfast’s featured speaker was Fox News host Greta Van Susteren. She derided Washington as home to the “Hatfields and McCoys” because of its partisan divide.
“You can either mimic Washington with this ridiculous gridlock we’ve had, or you can do better,” Van Susteren told the crowd.
Florida’s 12 percent unemployment rate — “that’s bad. That’s horrible.” But she said if bipartisan work can bring the jobless rate down a couple points — to say, 10 percent, that’s success.
“People aren’t looking for miracles, they’re looking for progress,” she said. “If you can bring it down, you can own that one.”
Van Susteren touted bipartisanship to the almost exclusively Republican gathering.
“It’s a team sport,” Van Susteren said of governing. “You can either be on the team, or off the team. Sometimes you have to compromise.”
Carroll was also honored and she also took up the theme of empowerment for women.
“I know I will be making a way for other women to one day walk in my shoes,” Carroll said.
“It is because of a forward thinking man, a political outsider…who is secure in who he is, that I stand before you today,” Carroll said.
Photo by Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update By John Kennedy
The News Service Florida
Boyfriend Charged In Murder Of Atmore Woman Shot In Her Bedroom
January 3, 2011
Atmore Police are investigating the murder of a 44-year old woman shot to death by her boyfriend.
Cedric Floyd, 28, of Atmore, is accused of shooting Tina Roshell Jones, 43, inside her 5th Avenue residence. Jones called 911 at 12:46 Sunday morning to report that Floyd was breaking into her home. Two minutes later, Atmore Police officers arrived and found Jones lying in the floor of the home with what appeared to be several gunshot wounds, according to Atmore Police. She was transported to Atmore Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
“Witnesses at the scene said they were asleep, but were waken by Floyd demanding keys to a vehicle. After several moments, Floyd fled the scene on foot,” said Jason Dean, Atmore Police chief..
“While officers were at the residence, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Cedric Jerome Floyd, 28 years of age, the boyfriend of Jones, stating he wanted to turn himself in. Deputies responded to Freemanville Drive where Floyd met officers. Floyd was then taken into custody,” said Dean.
Police said Floyd made forcible entry into the home through a Jones’ bedroom window in the rear of the home.
Floyd is being held without bond on a charge of capital murder in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.