Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Session Clock Ticks Amid Latvala Probe
November 12, 2017
With the 2018 legislative session now less than two months away, the Florida Capitol has an odd vibe.
House and Senate committees met this week and will be back for more starting Monday. But at times, it almost feels like people are going through the motions.
Leaders are teeing up priorities for quick votes after the session starts in January. Committees are studying issues such as the opioid epidemic and the state’s response to Hurricane Irma. And lawmakers and lobbyists are eyeing what is expected to be a tight budget.
But much of the chatter in the Capitol isn’t about policy. It’s about the sexual harassment probe in the Senate that this week led to the removal of Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala from his perch as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
The most-immediate question focuses on how the Latvala investigation will play out. But speculation also continues about whether other lawmakers will face similar allegations.
`VERY CHALLENGING TIME’
Latvala has long been considered one of the Capitol’s cagiest, if sometimes difficult, figures. He served in the Senate from 1994 to 2002, left because of term limits, and then returned in 2010. Faced with term limits again next year, he has launched a campaign for governor.
But Latvala’s political hopes, not to mention his reputation, were put in jeopardy last Friday when Politico Florida published a story that said six unidentified women accused Latvala of groping them or making unwelcome comments about their bodies.
Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, launched an investigation that will be handled by Lewis Jackson, a national employment law firm. It remains unclear how long that probe will take — and what it will find. But at least in the short term, the allegations spurred Negron to remove Latvala as appropriations chairman and replace him with Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island.
In announcing the hiring of the Lewis Jackson firm, Negron said the “Senate has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual assault, or misconduct of any kind.”
Since the allegations emerged, some lawmakers and other critics have called for Latvala to leave the Senate.
But in a lengthy interview Thursday with The News Service of Florida, Latvala maintained that he’s never groped the unidentified women — or others — and accused political enemies of masterminding the allegations. He also has hired Steve Andrews, a Tallahassee attorney who’s no stranger to scorched-earth politics.
Latvala did not dispute some of the allegations in the Politico story, which included accusations that he had made remarks to women about their bodies.
“Do I let my mouth overload my good sense every now and then and maybe say, `You’re looking good today? You’ve lost weight? You’re looking hot today?’ Yeah. But I haven’t touched anybody against their will,” he said.
The normally gruff senator paused when asked during the interview about the impact of the allegations and the ensuing scrutiny.
“I don’t want to use the word I want to use because you can’t print it. But it’s a very challenging time. Very challenging time. You really find out who your friends are at times like this,” he said.
SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES
House and Senate committees are slowly taking up bills in advance of the 2018 session, which starts Jan. 9.
But it’s not hard to spot the priorities of Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes. In part, that’s because those issues look a lot like priorities from the 2017 session.
House committees this week, for example, moved forward with ethics legislation and a bill targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” — both priorities of Corcoran during the 2017 session. The sanctuary cities bill (HB 9) passed its only committee and is poised for a House floor vote in January.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, would require state and local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and would bar sanctuary policies. It drew quick praise from Corcoran after getting approval from the House Judiciary Committee.
“Sanctuary cities are a direct assault on the rule of law,” Corcoran said in a prepared statement. “Any elected official that puts his or her hand on the Bible and swears to uphold the law and still supports sanctuary cities should be removed from office.”
But the proposal has drawn fierce opposition from immigrant-advocacy groups — and didn’t get through the Senate during the 2017 session. Critics argue, in part, that the bill would lead to racial profiling by authorities.
“Are we going to create a hostile environment with racial profiling against the black and brown people?” asked Rep. John Cortes, D-Kissimmee.
Negron, meanwhile, has made clear that one of his top priorities for the session is a bill that would make a series of changes in the university system, including expanding Bright Futures scholarships. Similar changes were part of a broad higher-education bill that Gov. Rick Scott vetoed after the 2017 session.
The Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee this week approved the new version (SB 4) after little discussion.
“Florida has some of the brightest students in the nation,” Negron said after the panel’s vote. “Senate Bill 4 sends a strong message that if students work hard to earn the privilege to attend one of our great state colleges or universities, financial insecurities will not stand in the way of their dream of pursuing a higher education.”
SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES, PART TWO
Like legislative leaders, Scott is going back to a familiar playbook for the 2018 session.
For Scott this week, that meant proposing nearly $180 million in tax and fee cuts.
Scott has made a priority throughout his two terms of cutting taxes. He also is widely expected to run for U.S. Senate in 2018 and almost certainly would like to campaign on a fresh round of tax cuts.
The proposed package includes a 10-day back-to-school sales tax “holiday” on clothes and school supplies and three week-long disaster preparedness tax “holidays” in May, June and July. It also includes rolling back fees on driver’s licenses.
In announcing the proposal, Scott pointed to improvements in the state’s economy since he was first elected in 2010.
“Cutting taxes works, and the rest of the nation needs to follow Florida’s lead,” he said.
If the past is an indicator, lawmakers will approve an election-year tax package, though it might differ from Scott’s proposal. Lawmakers are grappling with a tight budget that became more stretched after Hurricane Irma hit the state in September.
Bradley, the new Senate appropriations chairman, said lawmakers will look carefully at Scott’s proposal.
“We also need to make sure that what we consider to be the basic needs, fundamental needs of the state government are financed appropriately,” Bradley said. He added, “We’ve always been supportive of tax cuts. Whether the number ends up at $180 (million) or something less, that remains to be seen.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Senate moved forward with an investigation of sexual harassment allegations against Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, who was removed from his post as appropriations chairman.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It’s very difficult when you see a baby in the NICU, screaming and crying because they didn’t have a choice to be born addicted. It’s just very difficult to hear that high-pitched scream and to know that we’re doing everything we can and to also know that this is not the end. …There are years of trauma that come behind this.” — Faye Johnson, CEO of the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition, testifying at the House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee about babies whose mothers are addicted to opioids.
by Jim Saunders. News Service senior writer Dara Kam and staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.
Blue Angels Wow Hometown Crowd (With Gallery)
November 11, 2017
The Blue Angels wowed a hometown crowd of thousands Friday onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola during the first day of their Homecoming Air Show.
Tentatively scheduled for both days will be extraordinary aerobatics by performers such as the Vertigo Air Shows Jet Glider, the world’s only jet-launched sail plane, flown by Bob Carlton; an A-4 Skyhawk flown by Paul Wood; the Mig-17 piloted by Randy Ball; the Super Stearman flown by Greg Shelton with Wing Walker Ashley Shelton; and John Klatt will fly the Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco. The Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team will jump in to the show and Chris Darnell will drive the 300+ mile per hour Shockwave Jet Truck plus many more acts.
Along with incredible flying demonstrations, dozens of military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays will include a variety of aircraft ranging from the present-day, state-of- the-art fighters to aircraft from the 1930s..
For more photos from Friday’s show, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell/Jays and Jets Photography, click to enlarge.
A Few Clouds For Veterans Day
November 11, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Veterans Day: Increasing clouds, with a high near 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 46. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Today: Ray’s Chapel Fall Festival, Arts And Crafts Festival At Pine Forest UMC
November 11, 2017
Pine Forest UMC 28th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Pine Forest United Methodist Church will host their 28th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival and Car Show on Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard in Pensacola. The event will feature over 160 arts, crafts and other vendors, food, children’s activities, live music, and door prizes. Free admission. Free parking. Proceeds benefit community ministries. For more information, visit www.pineforestumc.org.
Ray’s Chapel Fall Festival
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, November 11 from 10 a.m. until noon. Free fun for the entire family. Entertainment by the Crazy Tie Guy, food, games and a hayride. There will also be a chili cook-off ($5 entry fee) and a dessert auction at noon. Ray’s Chapel is located at 170 West Bogia Road in McDavid.
Escambia Academy Heads To State Championship Game (With Gallery)
November 11, 2017
Escambia Academy beat Macon-East Academy 50-13 Friday night to advance for the second consecutive year to the AISA’s AA Championship.
EA quarterback Jabe Daw had 101-yards in the air, threw a touchdown to MJ Jones and had a 6-yard rushing touchdown. Louis Turner had rushing touchdowns of 45 and 25 yards, while Fred Flavors added a score when he returned an interception 36 yards.
On just two attempts, Patrick McGhee had 70-yards for the Cougars for two touchdowns.
The Escambia Academy Cougars (11-1) will take on Autauga Academy (12-0) in the state championship game next Friday afternoon at 3:30 at Troy University.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
West Florida Beats Rikards To Advance To Round Two (With Gallery)
November 11, 2017
In the past six years, the West Florida Jaguars have lost during the first two rounds of the playoffs, with five of those losses coming against teams from Tallahassee. For the past two seasons, it was Rickards that beat them, including a narrow 33-30 win last year.
But this year, the tables were turned in the first round as the West Florida Jaguars beat Tallahassee Rikards 42-19 on the Jag’s home turf at Woodham Middle School.
Early in the game 16 Abrams put the Jaguars on the board from 31-yards out for a 7-0 lead. With a blocked punt, Rickards recovered the ball inside the 10-yard line. Consecutive Rickard’s field goals cut West Florida’s lead to 7-6.
Trevor Jordan to KO Burrell 17 14-6. Rickards answered with an interception returned for a touchdown, 14-12.
Bryant Johnecheck added a Jags touchdown to make it 21-12 headed into the half.
In the second half, Rikards added seven, cutting their deficit to 21-19.
In a 21-point fourth quarter, West Florida scored with a short run from senior Malik Jenkins to make it 28-19; a touchdown from senior Johnecheck, 35-19; and junior Keyshawn Swanson picked off a Rickards pass and brought it all the way home to expand West Florida’s lead to 42-19.
Wakulla will be at West Florida Friday night in round two of the 5A playoff series.
Photos by Bailey Seibert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Health And Rehab Honors Veterans
November 11, 2017
Veterans were honored Friday during a ceremony at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center. CHRC and Covenant Care honored the veterans with a ceremony, cake and ice. The Northview High School NJROTC Color Guard presented the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Residents honored were:
- Samuel Davis -six years, Alabama National Guard.
- Allen (Ray) McCullough – United States Army 1969-74
- Billy Parker – United States Navy, four years, served on the U.S. Oriskany.
- Louis Odom – United States Army, four years, Drafted in 1949, served in the Korean Conflict.
- Johnny Tolbert – United States Army, 18 years. Recieved an honorable discharge after being wounded.
Pictured top: (seated L-R) Billy Parker, Louis Odom and Johnny Tolbert. Pictured below: Samuel Davis and Allen (Ray) McCullough. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Yellow Jackets Sting Tate In Round One (With Photo Gallery)
November 11, 2017
The Tate Aggies’ playoff hopes were dashed Friday night with a 49-14 loss on the road to the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets in the Region 1-6A quarterfinal.
The Yellow Jackets contained the Aggies on the ground, allowing the Aggies just 99 yards rushing at Foots Brumley Stadium in St. Augustine. The Yellow Jackets’ top-ranked receiver Dexter Brown ran for 235 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
Tate scored on a 3-yard run by junior quarterback Hunter Riggan and a fourth quarter 17-yard run by senior Ladarryl Paige.
The Tate Aggies finished their season at 6-4.
The No. 1 seed Yellow Jackets (10-0) will host Navarre (-1) in the regional semifinals next Friday night.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Playoff Finals
November 11, 2017
Here are Friday night playoff final scores from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA — Quarterfinals
Region 1- Class 6A
St. Augustine 49, Tate 14
Crestview 38, Gulf Breeze 35
Escambia 28, Pine Forest 0
Navarre 49, Niceville 47
Region 1-5A
West Florida 42 Rickards 19
Region 1-1A
Baker 42, Jay 6
Chipley 30 Holmes County 29 OT
ALABAMA
AISA 2A Semifinals
Escambia Academy 50, Macon East 13
Pictured: Escambia Academy at Macon East. NorthEscambia.com photo by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
Florida State Parks Offering Free Admission For Veterans Day
November 11, 2017
Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida State Parks will be offering free admission for all families and visitors on Veterans Day, November 11th, to honor all who have served and are currently serving in our U.S. military. Florida State Parks offer year-round discounts on Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the U.S. military who have fallen in combat.
Governor Scott said, “As a Navy veteran myself, I am proud to honor our veterans by offering free entry to the best state park system in the nation. Our award-winning state parks offer countless of opportunities for families and friends to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. This Veterans Day, I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to visit a state park and to recognize our military heroes for their selfless sacrifices.”
DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “It is an honor to offer free entry to Florida’s outstanding state parks for all visitors as a sign of appreciation for our veterans. Florida State Parks are home to some of the most special places in the country, and we invite everyone to come out and enjoy these prized natural resources.”
Pictured: Big Lagoon State Park in Escambia County. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.