Florida Dept. Of Corrections Cuts Programs To Fill Budget Hole
May 2, 2018
Blaming the Legislature for not fully funding the state prison system, Florida corrections officials are slashing substance-abuse services, transitional housing and re-entry programs — services and programs launched to keep inmates from returning to life behind bars — in an attempt to fill a $28 million budget hole.
The Department of Corrections announced the cost-cutting measures late Tuesday. The cuts are focused largely on doing away with or dramatically reducing substance-abuse, mental-health and re-entry programs to plug a $28 million health-care services deficit.
With an annual budget in excess of $2.4 billion and about 100,000 inmates, the corrections agency makes up one of the state’s largest spending areas. But the agency is running an overall deficit of about $79 million, after budget reductions imposed by lawmakers over the past two years and escalating health care and pharmaceutical costs.
The corrections agency has been struggling to keep up with the cost of health care for the majority of the state’s inmates, after one private vendor quit years before its contract was up and the state fired another.
Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones, in a statement announcing the cuts, said she hoped the reductions are temporary.
“In order to secure a health services contractor, fund the increased pharmaceutical budget, and adjust for reductions, we’ve unfortunately had to make some very difficult decisions. At the start of the next fiscal year, we will be reducing some of our current contracts with community providers. Additionally, we are reducing operating costs to include maintenance, repair, utilities, and working to find every possible internal solution to reduce costs in order to maximize services for inmates and offenders,” Jones said in the statement issued Tuesday.
The budget cuts came a month after corrections officials asked vendors for a “voluntary rate reduction and/or cost-saving measure” in their current contracts.
Lawmakers this spring included money in the state budget to address a number of legal challenges centered on health care in the prison system, including the treatment of inmates with hepatitis and inmates with disabilities and mental-health issues.
But according to documents distributed by the department Tuesday evening, the $437 million earmarked for inmate health care — which includes pharmaceuticals — still came up about $55 million short.
Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, told The News Service of Florida on Tuesday evening that he has repeatedly warned his colleagues they were shortchanging the prison system.
Brandes said the funding crisis has “been festering for years” and called the cuts announced Tuesday unacceptable.
“In the short term, we’re going to have to fund the shortfalls in unconventional ways. But they must be funded. Period. These are not options. You must fund them,” he said.
Especially disturbing are the cuts to substance-abuse treatment, which are coming at the peak of the state’s opioid epidemic, and re-entry programs. Both have been shown to reduce recidivism and to aid prisoners as they transition to the community, said Brandes, who has been at the forefront of a criminal-justice reform movement in Florida.
“These are the very programs that have been proven to work. You can’t have an opioid crisis and cut opioid funding. You can’t just let people out of prison without some type of transition back into society. These are the types of programs that the research shows provide the best outcomes,” he said.
Jones announced the cuts as she prepares to sign a new contract with a private vendor to provide health services to about 87,000 inmates in state-run prisons.
The privatization of prison health care has been plagued with problems for the past several years.
Jones severed ties with Pittsburgh-based Wexford Health Sources a year ago, after Corizon Health in late 2015 notified the state that it was walking away from a five-year, $1.2 billion deal three years early. The Tennessee-based company said it was losing money on its contract with the state.
Jones came under fire for signing a no-bid, $268 million contract with Centurion of Florida LLC in January 2016 to take over for Corizon. Wexford’s contract with the state was unaffected by the deal with Centurion, which eventually took over health care for the entire state-run prison system.
Jones decided to redo the health care services contracts in 2015 and issued an invitation to negotiate for select companies to submit proposals.
But, after re-issuing the invitation to negotiate, Centurion — whose contract expires in June — was the only respondent for what is expected to be a $2 billion, five-year contract with the state. According to corrections officials, the agency is finalizing negotiations with Centurion.
“First and foremost, it’s our responsibility to ensure the security of individuals in our custody and to make certain their human and constitutional rights are upheld while incarcerated. Health care is one of these constitutional responsibilities, and in my tenure, I’ve held vendors accountable for ensuring these services are provided at an adequate and appropriate level, that is in line with required standards. Like every state agency, we must make fiscally sound decisions to operate within our legislatively appropriated budget,” Jones said in the statement.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Jay And Northview Fall In District Tournament
May 2, 2018
Northview and Jay both lost Tuesday in the District 3-1A baseball semifinals.
(5) Chipley 11, (1) Jay 5
(2) Freeport 7 (3) Northview 2
Trevor Singleton pitched 4.1 inning for the Chiefs, allow two hits and two runs will striking out five. Seth Killam pitched 1.2 innings allowing three hits, five runs and striking out two.
For Northview: Tanner Levins 2-4, RBI; John Chivington 2-3, RBI; Jackson Moore 2-2, R: Seth Killam 1-4, 3B, R; Jason Fischer 2-2.
Freeport will host Chipley Thursday for the district championship.
Pictured: Northview seniors (L-R) Trevor Singleton, Braxton Edwards, Jason Fischer and John Chivington. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Names Students, Good Citizens Of The Month
May 2, 2018
Molino Park Elementary School has name April students of the month and good citizens. Students of the Month are Charina Godwin and Railyn Moore. Good Citizens of the Month are Alexis Barnes and Logan Brown. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Warm
May 2, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Kyle Cameron Harrison
May 2, 2018
Kyle Cameron Harrison went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 30, 2018. He was born on September 4, 1996 in Pensacola, FL. He was a graduate of West Florida High School c/o 2015 and played baseball and football. Kyle will forever be a part of the Jag family. Kyle had a strong relationship with Christ and was an active member of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church where he lead the 7 th grade boys. Kyle had an infectious smile and was a motivator to all who came in contact with him. Kyle had a huge heart, especially for his family. Kyle is survived by Parents, Tonya R., Kenny Sr. (Tonya M.), Siblings Katie, Kenny Jr (Meghan), Grandmothers, Marion Haro and Patricia Harrison and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Everyone is invited to Marcus Pointe Baptist Church on Friday, May 4 from 5pm-8pm for visitation in Bldg D. The funeral will be held at MPBC on Saturday, May 5 at 1:30pm in the Main Auditorium. #teamneverquit
Charles “Bud” Kimmons
May 2, 2018
Mr. Charles “Bud” Kimmons, age 85, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018 in Range, Alabama.
Mr. Kimmons was a native of Byrneville, FL where he spent most of his life and has resided in Range, AL for the past 2 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, employed with Alger Sullivan with 15 years of service and Crosby Lumber Company with 25 years of service. He was a member of the Ebenezer Assembly of God. He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and six sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Claudeen Kimmons of Range, AL; five sons, Charles (Kathy) Kimmons of Pensacola, FL, Donnie (Linda) Kimmons of Pensacola, FL, Bernie (Shelia) Kimmons of Cedar Bluff, AL, Tim Kimmons of Flomaton, AL and Doug (Melinda) Kimmons of Andalusia, AL; one daughter, Cindy (Jesse) Burch of Range, AL; twelve grandchildren, Lester, Chrissy, Mechelle, Dwain, Steven, Ashley, DaKorey, Elizabeth, Justin, Britney, Erica and Joey; forty-two great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God with Rev. Bobby Carney, Rev. Joe Gilman and Bro. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at the Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 6 to 9 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Justin Burch, Charles Kimmons, Dwain Kimmons, Doug Kimmons, Steven Kimmons and Chris Burch.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Fowler, Tommy Fowler, Lee Deese, David Jernigan, Ray Morris and Zach Carnley.
Shirley Calloway Waters
May 2, 2018
Mrs. Shirley Calloway Waters, age 63, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at her home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Waters was a native of Century, FL where she spent most of her life and has resided in Atmore, AL for the past 12 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was a retired agent with Liberty National and was of the Independent Baptist Faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lila Calloway and a son, David Waters.
She is survived by husband of 47 years, Donnie Waters of Atmore, AL; two daughters, Jennifer Waters of Pensacola, FL and Jessie (Glenn) Glidwell of Flomaton, AL; three brothers, Floyd (Jackie) Calloway of Century, FL, Alton (Red) Calloway of Flomaton, AL and Freddie (Tammy) Calloway of Century, FL; two sisters, Sharon (Barney) Jones of Century, FL and Renee (Ronnie) Marshall of Atmore, AL; nine grandchildren; one very dear friend, Regina Parsons of Jasper, AL and a number of friends, relatives and other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Glenn Johnson, Rev. Mike Harper and Rev. Durvin Spears officiating.
Burial will follow at the Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Cofield, Timbo Cofield, Bubba Hammac, Joe Brown, Kent Calloway and Blake Calloway.
Update: Crash That Killed ‘Good Samaritan’ Claims Second Victim
May 1, 2018
Update 5/1/2018: Kyle Harrison, 21, passed away Monday from injuries he received in this accident.
A good Samaritan was struck and killed Wednesday night in Escambia County after stopping to check on injuries in a previous accident. The driver of a vehicle involved in the original crash was also hit but survived.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Kyle Harrison, age 21 of Pensacola, was northbound on Highway 90 north of Eight Mile Creek Road in a Chevrolet 1500 when he failed to see and rear-ended e a 2018 Toyota Camry driven by 36-year old Chanphana Tran of Pensacola stopped in the roadway. That pushed the Camry into a 2018 Hyundai Tuscon driven b 37-year old Holley Birch of Pensacola.
Harrison exited his vehicle to check on the drivers as 34-year old Dannah Marie McCormick of Pensacola walked over to check on everyone.
An oncoming driver, 80-year old Cecelia Mroz of Huachuca City, AZ, did not see Harrison and McCormick standing in the roadway and struck both. McCormick was pronounced deceased from her injuries; Harrison was critically injured. Mroz was not injured.
Three children in Tran’s vehicle, ranging in age from a few months to seven years-old, received minor injuries. Two children, ages 10 and 12, in Birch’s vehicle were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol said any charges are pending the outcome of their investigation.
Century Man Charged With Allegedly Firing Gun At His Sister And Her Baby
May 1, 2018
A Century man is facing charges after allegedly firing a gun at his sister and her baby on Backwoods Road.
Steve Davis, Jr., 22, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill and discharging a firearm in public.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 800 block of Backwoods Road for a a shots fired called. Deputies arrived to found the victim and her baby uninjured in her vehicle at the intersection of Backwoods Road and Highway 4A. She told deputies that as she was driving down the road with her baby, her brother “shot a firearm at her”, according to an arrest report.
Deputies reported finding Davis walking on Backwoods Road without a firearm.
A witness told deputies that he saw Davis fire a pistol in the direction of the victim and her baby as she drove away. Deputies were unable to locate the firearm.
Davis was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Driver Injured In Collision With Highway 29 Guardrails
May 1, 2018
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash with guardrails near McDavid Monday evening.
The driver was northbound on Highway 29 north of Roach Road when she lost control, left the roadway and hit a guardrail in the median near Canoe Creek. Her vehicle then traveled across the northbound travel lanes and struck another guardrail on the shoulder of the road.
The female was transported by Escambia County EMS to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
