Override List Reduced, Septic Tank Inspection Bill Still Set For Possible Delay
November 16, 2010
The list of vetoed bills lined up for overrides during this week’s special session shrunk by two Monday, with legislative leaders dropping a controversial prescription drug measure and a reorganization of the state’s Department of Management Services.
Lawmakers are ready to delay the start of a septic tank inspection program contained in a clean springs bill (SB 550) that has been hailed by environmentalists, but is drawing heat from residents who fear the program’s January start will eventually prove costly. Panhandle lawmakers have pushed to delay the program’s start until July, while they also pledge to repeal the legislation in the interim next spring.
But incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said he received pushback from some lawmakers about the drug legislation (HB 5603) and also from Republican Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who opposes the measure (HB 5611) revamping DMS oversight.
Lawmakers plan a one-day special session Tuesday afternoon to override seven bills and a $9.7 million budget provision vetoed by outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist, an independent whose political stock has plummeted in the Republican-ruled Legislature.
Lawmakers last overrode a governor’s veto in 1997, when more than two-thirds of the Legislature reversed late Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles’ veto of an abortion bill and another involving evidence in civil cases.
“We want to make sure tomorrow goes as smoothly as possible and we wanted to pick bills that we thought were in unison with everyone, Democrats and Republicans, alike,” Haridopolos said about the lineup of bills set for action.
House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said the two measures scrapped had sparked enough controversy that it was clear they were no longer part of the “universe” of easy-to-override bills. Scott asked lawmakers to drop the DMS override, saying he had his own plans for that agency, which has drawn heat for its oversight and spending.
“He campaigned on the issue of reform and reorganizing government and, frankly, I think he’s entitled to that opportunity,” Cannon said.
The legislation would have taken sole oversight of the troubled DMS away from the new chief executive – placing it under the governor and the state’s three independently elected Cabinet officers.
Haridopolos spoke with reporters moments after he removed the door separating the Senate President’s office from an inner Senate Office Building hallway accessible to senators. Removing the door was a symbol, Haridopolos said, of his leadership approach – one of openness and transparency.
But in an admission that may belie this spirit, Haridopolos said that he and Scott discussed delaying action on the DMS bill in a private suite at Saturday night’s Florida State University football game. The meeting was not noticed by either man’s office, but state law does not require such gatherings to be public.
“You’re going to see, I hope, the governor and Legislature as much as possible in concert,” Haridopolos said. “When the governor-elect expressed concerns about our veto override, he was given every consideration.”
Haridopolos added, “I think the folks in Florida who voted overwhelmingly for our party…want us to work together as much as possible, and do it in a transparent and open way.”
While the DMS bill raised Scott’s hackles, prospects of lawmakers overriding Crist’s veto of the prescription drug bill drove a wedge between major Republican Party donors, with business groups and health organizations renewing the fight they had during the spring session.
Crist’s veto was supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), a Democratic ally, but also by the Florida Medical Association and Florida Orthopedic Society – reliable Republican supporters.
Also supporting Crist’s veto was Automated Healthcare Solutions, a Miramar company headed by a pair of doctors, Paul Zimmerman and Gerald Glass, who later gave more than $1 million to political spending committees headed by Haridopolos and Cannon.
The company provides software that helps doctors dispense and manage patient prescriptions, a profitable sidelight for many doctors.
The legislation vetoed by Crist would have imposed new restrictions on doctors’ “repackaging” and distributing prescriptions to workers’ compensation patients, lowering costs to the state and private companies, but also threatening Automated Healthcare’s services.
Associated Industries of Florida, which pushed for the legislation along with losing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink, said it could have saved private companies $34 million in workers’ compensation costs.
The FMA and Orthopedic Society revived the tug-of-war Monday with a letter to Cannon and Haridopolos, warning the legislation remained, “just as flawed, and that injured workers may be adversely affected and the ability of physicians to dispense medications may be significantly limited.”
Cannon said the dispute scuttled the override attempt planned for Tuesday.
“In the lobby corps there has emerged this debate and discussion and controversy….if there’s that much debate and disagreement, that’s the type of thing that should be run through the entire committee process and should come back in regular session,” Cannon said.
Bills still set for override are HB 545, HB 569, HB 981, SB 1516, HB 1565, SB 1842 and HB 1385. Included among them is one (HB 981) that would allow those buying farmland to retain existing agricultural property tax exemptions, while tripling a one-cent citrus box fee to raise $3 million for industry research – a fee hike anti-tax lawmakers defend, saying it is supported by growers.
Another measure would restore a $9.7 million budget item vetoed by Crist for Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville, which would serve an additional 18,000 uninsured Floridians and make the state eligible for another $12 million in Medicaid matching money.
While Haridopolos and Cannon said they intended to only deal with legislation that had drawn a consensus, several of Tuesday’s measures have sparked controversy.
A leading environmental group, Audubon of Florida, has urged legislative leaders to leave alone Crist’s veto of a measure (HB 1565) giving lawmakers more control over a wide range of agency rules. The legislation is designed to block state agencies from imposing rules that could blunt business competitiveness or slow economic growth.
Lawmakers also are ready to restore some spending provisions that may clash with Scott’s campaign themes of cutting state spending.
Along with the Shands’ funding, lawmakers are looking to draw $31.3 million in federal stimulus money to pay energy rebates owed thousands of Floridians who installed qualified air-conditioning systems or made solar energy improvements.
During the campaign, Scott railed against the Obama administration over federal stimulus spending, which he called wasteful and contributing to the nation’s mounting debt.
By John Kennedy
The News Service Florida
Special Weather Statement
November 15, 2010
A line of strong thunderstorms will affect southern Escambia and
central Baldwin counties in southwest Alabama…northern Escambia and
northwestern Santa Rosa counties in northwest Florida…through 145
PM CST…
At 1238 PM CST…National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
line of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles
northwest of Flomaton to 13 miles northwest of Molino to Loxley…and
moving east at 30 mph.
These strong thunderstorms will be near…
Flomaton around 1250 PM CST…
Century around 1255 PM CST…
Pollard around 100 PM CST…
Jay around 105 PM CST…
East Brewton…Jay…Riverview around 110 PM CST…
Dixonville around 115 PM CST…
This includes Interstate 10 in Alabama between mile markers 35 and
54.
The primary threats from these storms are wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph.
Winds this strong could blow off tree limbs and also blow around
small unsecured objects. Isolated…brief…tornadoes are possible.
Seek shelter until these storms have passed.
Tornado Warning Canceled
November 15, 2010
A tornado warning in effect for North Escambia and the Atmore areas has been canceled.
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a radar indicates that rotation within the storm has diminished significantly. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds will continue with this
storm as it moves across northern Escambia County Florida and southern Escambia County Alabama.
More Rain Tonight, Some Storms Possible
November 15, 2010
More showers and thunderstorms are possible into this evening.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 74. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 39.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Elementary Students To Take Part in Recycle Day At Landfill
November 15, 2010
Over 150 students from Jim Allen Elementary in Cantonment and A.K. Suter Elementary School will take part in America Recycles Day today at the Perdido Landfill.
Activities will include tours of the landfill and recycling center, Gulf Power Gas-to-Energy facility and riverwalk. A hayride, various games and a visit by Pinelope will also entertain the students. Teachers and students will also be given educational materials that highlight environmental issues.
The event is co-sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition and International Paper.
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.”
Yard And Christmas Sales To Benefit Area Groups
November 13, 2010
Four North Escambia area community groups will hold Christmas or yard sales today.
Home For The Holidays
Home For The Holidays — November 13, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Cantonment. Christmas decorations, crafts, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, wood crafts, monogrammed gifts, specialty cards, hot apple cider, sweets, treats and more. Bring your list and do your Christmas shopping.
Relay For Life Christmas Sale
Relay for Life Christmas Sale, Saturday, November 13, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, New and used Christmas decorations, new gift items, stocking stuffers and much more. Highway 97, Molino.
Jay Relay Yard Sale
The Jay Medical Relay for Life team yard sale, Saturday, November 13, 7 a.m. until in the parking lot of Bank of America in Jay. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
PER Yard Sale
Panhandle Equine Rescue annual yard sale, Saturday, November 13, 8 a.m. 3099 East Chipper Road, Cantonment. All proceeds for horse care. Items include furniture, clothing, antiques, collectibles and more. Rescue horses available for adoption. More info(850) 393-9793.
Coming Sunday: Ernest Ward Middle Honors Veterans
November 13, 2010
Coming up on Sunday, NorthEscambia.com will take you to the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School. Make sure you join us Sunday morning for a photo gallery and details.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Playoff Bound Next Week, Face WFHS Tonight
November 12, 2010
The Northview Chiefs have secured the runner-up spot in District 1-A. Freeport, the only team to beat the Chiefs (8-1, 7-1) this year, took District championship.
In the first round of the playoffs next week, Northview will travel to Blountstown (8-1, 5-0).
Tonight’s it’s Senior Night for the Chiefs as senior football players, cheerleaders and band members are honored. Senior Night festivities will begin at 5:45 before the Chiefs host West Florida High School at 7 p.m. in Bratt.
Pictured: La’Mikal Kyles (#17) gains yardage for the Chiefs last Friday night against Vernon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Today Is Last Day To Order Smoked Butts, Turkeys
November 12, 2010
Today is the final day to place an order in the Northview High School FFA Alumni Smoked Turkey and Boston Butt Sale, just in time for Thanksgiving. And, the Northview FFA’s Fruit Sale is also underway.
Turkeys And Boston Butts
In the annual fund raiser, you can choose either a seven to nine pound smoked Boston butt or a 10-12 pound smoked turkey for $25 each.
Boston butts will be available for pickup on Thursday or Friday, November 18-19, and the smoked turkeys will be available for pickup on Monday or Tuesday, November 22-23.
Proceeds from the sale will go to benefit the Northview High School FFA Scholarship Fund. The sale is sponsored by Archie’s Catering Smokehouse in Molino. For a printable order form that you can mail to the school with your payment, click here. Orders must be placed by Friday, November 12.
Fruit Sale
The NHS FFA is selling citrus in attractive 2/5 or 4/5 bushel boxes perfect for gift wrapping. The Florida citrus is from RiverBrite in Vero Beach.
Orders must be made by Wednesday, December 1. The delivery date is Tuesday, December 14.
For an order form click here. Order forms and payment can be returned to Northview by mail (the address is on the order form), or dropped off at the school office. Fruits available include red apples, grapefruit, navel oranges, tangelos and Hamlin oranges. Mixed trio half bushels are also available.
For more information, call (850) 327-6681, ext. 248.