Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: And They’re Off
March 10, 2019
The days run away like wild horses over the hills.
Perhaps it’s more than a tad misogynistic to invoke poet Charles Bukowski on International Women’s Day to capture the essence of this week’s kickoff of the 2019 legislative session.
But for many Capitol insiders, by Friday morning, the flowers and pageantry of Tuesday’s opening-day ceremonies already were forgotten and the 60-day countdown to the session’s conclusion had commenced.
Apart from the pomp and circumstance, opening day also set the stage for Gov. Ron DeSantis to make his debut State of the State speech to the House and Senate, as well as to the citizens of Florida.
First Lady Casey DeSantis, a former television news-show host, looked on from the fifth-floor gallery as her hubbie made his remarks from the podium in the House chamber.
In a departure from her predecessors, the First Lady has played a major role in the DeSantis administration since the governor was sworn into office in January.
And DeSantis took note of his other half’s contribution during his 34-minute talk on Tuesday.
“She has been by my side as we have toured the state and has also blazed her own trail on issues like education, disaster relief and freedom for the people of Venezuela. She has worked so hard and I think one thing is clear: the state of Florida has a great First Lady,” he said, as his wife patted the area near her heart. “I’m convinced this whole governor thing for me is just a way for the people of Florida to have Casey as their First Lady.”
Legislative leaders largely congratulated the governor on his premiere legislative oratory, in which he repeatedly used the word “bold” to describe his agenda and to urge lawmakers to follow his lead.
But DeSantis drew some pushback from Senate President Bill Galvano, who repeated what he’s said before: Don’t expect the Senate to be a “rubber stamp” for the governor.
BE BOLD
DeSantis focused heavily on now-familiar priorities such as the environment and education during Tuesday’s time at the podium.
The governor touted issues that he has discussed during appearances across the state since taking office Jan. 8. They included efforts to improve water quality, expand school choice and prevent so-called sanctuary cities.
“Let’s fight the good fight, let’s finish the race, let’s keep the faith so that when Floridians look back on the fruits of this session, they will see it as one of our state’s finest hours,” he said in the address, the traditional start to the legislative session.
Some of DeSantis’ actions, such as an initiative to improve water quality, have generally received bipartisan support. That initiative came after parts of Southeast Florida and Southwest Florida were plagued by red tide and toxic algae last year. DeSantis quickly focused on the environmental efforts during the State of the State.
“Florida is blessed with some of the nation’s finest natural resources,” he said. “We’re the fishing and boating capital of the United States. Our beaches bring millions of tourists to our state each and every year. The state’s unique natural environment is central to our economy, our quality of life and our identity as Floridians. I’m proud to have taken swift and bold action to protect our natural resources and improve Florida’s water quality.”
DeSantis also used part of his speech to tout his decision to suspend Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, who was harshly criticized for how his office handled the deadly mass shooting last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. DeSantis replaced Israel with Gregory Tony, but Israel has appealed his suspension to the Senate, which has the power to reinstate or remove elected officials, and is fighting the ouster in court.
DeSantis noted that Israel’s suspension will come before the Senate soon.
“Why any senator would want to thumb his nose at the Parkland families and to eject Sheriff Tony, who is doing a great job and has made history as the first African-American sheriff in Broward history, is beyond me,” the governor said.
But Galvano, who appointed former Rep. Dudley Goodlette as a special master to oversee Israel’s appeal and to make recommendations, wasn’t comfortable with the governor’s comment about the Israel case.
“Look, he has every right to suspend him and has his reasons for doing so. But the Senate also has a role, and we’re going to do it right. We’re going to have due process and we’re going to vet through the suspension and we’ll make a decision,” Galvano said, adding he’s asked senators “not to prejudge” Israel’s case. “I’ve said this before. We’re not just going to be a rubber stamp for the governor.”
PUT IT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT
The Senate might not give DeSantis an automatic seal of approval on every issue, but the upper chamber bowed to the governor two days after the session began, overwhelmingly approving a measure that would allow patients to smoke medical marijuana if doctors deem it the proper treatment. The House is expected to take up the bill (SB 182) on Wednesday.
Under the proposal, patients could buy up to 2.5 ounces of medical pot during a 35-day period and would be able to possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis at any given time. Smoking of medical cannabis — which would have to be purchased from state-authorized operators — would be banned in public places. And patients under age 18 would be allowed to smoke the treatment only if they are terminally ill and have a second opinion from a board-certified pediatrician.
The quick legislative action comes in response to an ultimatum delivered by DeSantis days after he moved into the governor’s mansion. DeSantis gave the Legislature until March 15 to address the smoking ban. If they don’t act, DeSantis threatened to drop the state’s appeal of a court decision that found the prohibition violates a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana.
The smoking ban was included in a 2017 law aimed at carrying out the amendment, approved by more than 71 percent of voters in 2016.
Several Republican lawmakers, however, bristled at the idea of legalizing smokable pot. Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said that doing away with the ban defies common sense because of the well-known negative health effects of smoking.
But Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican who has been instrumental in passage of the state’s medical marijuana laws, argued the legislation erects “reasonable guiderails” that would be lacking if the governor drops the court appeal.
“It’s time to move this discussion from Tallahassee to doctors’ offices around the state of Florida,” he said.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF RELIEF
Northwest Florida lawmakers Thursday promoted a $315 million proposal that would make loans available to local governments still reeling from Hurricane Michael and would set up a task force to determine additional state assistance for the storm-battered region.
The wide-ranging Senate bill (SB 1610) came after numerous other proposals have been filed in the House and Senate to provide relief following the deadly Oct. 10 storm that left a path of devastation after making landfall in Mexico Beach and roaring north into Georgia.
Sen. Bill Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat who represents some of the hardest-hit areas, said the intent is to make sure the region is “not forgotten.” So far, about $1.2 billion has been spent by the state to help with cleanup efforts, and local communities have burned through their budgets.
“The people of North Florida are self-sufficient, they’re independent, but there comes a time when government, rightfully so, should step in and help those who work hard,” Montford said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Florida’s 60-day legislative session kicked off Tuesday, with the usual flowers, pageantry and speeches.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Make sure when you make your decisions with your patients that you do so in their health, in their best interest, and not turn this into some kind of joke.” — Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, speaking about a move to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana if their doctors deem the treatment is necessary.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Driver Injured In Jacks Branch Road Crash
March 10, 2019
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in Cantonment.
The vehicle left Jacks Branch Road near River Annex Road and struck a fence. It traveled along and destroyed about 200 feet before coming to rest.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered serious.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Six: ESCO Looking For Walnut Hill Woman Convicted Of Animal Abuse
March 9, 2019
A Walnut Hill woman is wanted for violating her probation in an animal cruelty case.
Amber Danielle Creighton was convicted in October 2017 of eight counts of animal cruelty and seven counts of violating Florida’s animal cruelty contagious disease law. She was sentenced to 12 moths probation and ordered not to own or care for any animals. There is now an outstanding warrant for her arrest for violating probation.
According to arrest report, animal control officers found seven adult dogs and seven puppies at her residence in the 3900 block of Highway 97 in May 2017. Records show dogs had open wounds and were suffering from scabies and “Dermanex” (sic -possible spelling error in arrest report for demodex), a highly contagious and infectious disease. Prior to being charged, Creighton had been cited multiple times and warned by Escambia County Animal Control.
Creighton is the newest member of the “Century Six” – a fugitive list from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that focuses on North Escambia area residents with outstanding warrants. She was added to the list after previous Century Six member Amber Nicole Victor was arrested on two counts of failure to appear. Victor, 29, is jailed without bond.
UWF Students Propose Solutions To Secure, Safeguard Voter Information
March 9, 2019
University of West Florida students are taking steps to create awareness and solutions for registered voter impersonation and misrepresentation, and their proposed solutions are receiving statewide recognition.
Through a sponsorship from the UWF College of Business’s Center for Entrepreneurship, junior mechanical engineering major, Samantha Brown, and senior computer science major, Christian Um Kaman recently participated in the 2019 Future of Florida Summit, where this year’s topic was Technology and Public Policy.
Brown was Tate High School’s 2017 valedictorian.
Students from 20 universities and colleges gathered at the University of Florida to draft a public policy pilot project that utilizes advances in technology and can be implemented in both state and local government election processes.
Brown, Um Kaman and eight students from several other Florida-based universities were placed on a team that worked together to create and present a Voter Identification Privacy Rights proposal. Brown, who believed she might have been susceptible to voter impersonation in last year’s midterm election, proposed the idea during a breakout session.
“Last year, I planned to participate in the midterm election, but I was unable to receive a ballot because my address was listed incorrectly online,” Brown said. “I later learned that in order to update your address you only had to provide a name and birthday.”
Over the course of the two-day competition, the team created a presentation for a panel of judges comprised of policy experts from around the state.
“During our presentation we showed the judges how easy it is to use a Google search and access a person’s address,” Brown said. “We used Sen. Marco Rubio as an example and showed his address and all of his information.”
The team’s proposal suggested making changes to a Florida Statute by preventing other citizens or third-party entities from accessing voter information and protecting anonymity by requiring more extensive authentication to access individuals’ personal voter record.
The proposal earned third place out of ten teams, which came with the reward of judges from the competition making plans to pair the team with voter data experts and other voter-focused organizations to discuss a way to make their proposal a reality.
“After attending this summit, I am excited to enact positive change in my state,” Brown said. “As students, we are are able to turn negative experiences into areas of opportunity that strengthen the election process.”
The UWF Center for Entrepreneurship also sponsored UWF students Carsen Wilber and Jessie Brown who participated in the competition on a different team. UWF student entrepreneur in residence Basil Kuloba was on the organizing committee for the summit.
Brown was recently featured on NorthEscambia as she competed on the television show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Learn About Ag During ‘Fresh From Florida’ Event (With Gallery)
March 9, 2019
Hundreds of elementary school students learned about agriculture first hand Friday morning during the Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program in Bratt.
The program gave students a chance to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter, get up close to farm animals and farm equipment and learn more about how food gets from the farm to their table.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Northview Fresh From Florida program has been named the best in the state multiple times by the Florida FFA, and the chapter has been recognized nationally for their efforts.’
As the even started, Northview dedicated the Glenn Key Livestock Handling Facility. Key, who passed away in 2013, taught agriculture at Ernest Ward High School for 27 years. He established numerous scholarships and education funds for agriculture students. Friday’s program was dedicated in his honor.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tough Night For Tate; Good Night For Northview
March 9, 2019
Friday night was tough for the Tate Aggies, but good for the Northview Chiefs.
BASEBALL
Pine Forest 9, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies dropped a Friday night road game to Pine Forest 9-3.
The Aggies took a 1-0 lead in the second before the Eagles pulled away for in the third with three runs and added four in the fourth.
Darrien McDowell gave up three runs on four hits in three innings while striking out three. Sam Shackle, Cole Fryman, and Jace Dunsford pitched relief.
Mason Land, Hunter McLean and McDowell had hits for the Aggies, while Michael Potts had Tate’s lone RBI.
For a Tate photo gallery, click here
(scroll down for more scores)
Northview 6, Excel 3
Northview 2, Excel 0 (JV)
For a Northview photo gallery, click here.
SOFTBALL
Niceville 6, Tate 0
Tate 17, Niceville 0 (JV)
The Niceville Eagles defeated the Tate Aggies Friday night in Niceville. In seven innings Niceville held the Aggies to just one hit from Ryleigh Cawby.
Burks took the loss for the Aggies. In three innings, she allowed three runs and four hits while walking one and striking out two.
Northview 9, Central 0
Northview beat Central Friday night at Central. Kailyn Watson had two homers for the Chiefs, and hit a foul that busted the front windshield of the team bus.
Tate photos by Crystal Tolbert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Lifters Take Second In Baker Meet
March 9, 2019
The Northview boys weightlifting team took home 2nd place Friday afternoon at the 4th annual Baker Gator Invitational.
The Chiefs fell to the host Gators, while beating West Florida, Jay, Pensacola Catholic and Rocky Bayou. The Chiefs finished with a team total of 54 points, while 3rd place West Florida only scored 23.
Individually, the Chiefs were led by junior Jacob Hawkins in the 219-lb. class, who finished first.
Also placing for the Chiefs were:
119-lb. class: Gary Clayton – 3rd
129-lb. class: Ashton Ray – 4th
139-lb. class: Logan Bryan – 3rd; Tyler Ray – 6th
154-lb. class: Jarius Moorer – 2nd
169-lb. class: Daniel Merit – 2nd
183-lb. class: Aunterio Minor – 3rd; Rayvon Bush – 5th
199-lb. class: William Swearengin – 3rd; Ah’zavion Gregory – 5th
219-lb. class: Jacob Hawkins – 1st; Lance McLaughlin – 4th
238-lb. class: Jojo Parker – 3rd; Trevor Scott; 4th
HVY-lb. class: Cameron Findley – 4th
The Chiefs return to action next week in the district weightlifting meet at Baker.
Senators Roll Out Hurricane Relief Plan
March 9, 2019
Northwest Florida lawmakers have promoted a $315 million proposal that would make loans available to local governments still reeling from Hurricane Michael and would set up a task force to determine additional state assistance for the storm-battered region.
The wide-ranging Senate bill (SB 1610) comes after numerous other proposals have been filed in the House and Senate to provide relief following the deadly Oct. 10 storm that left a path of devastation after making landfall in Mexico Beach and roaring north into Georgia.
Sen. Bill Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat who represents some of the hardest-hit areas, said the intent is to make sure the region is “not forgotten.” So far, about $1.2 billion has been spent by the state to help with cleanup efforts, and local communities have burned through their budgets.
“The people of North Florida are self-sufficient, they’re independent, but there comes a time when government, rightfully so, should step in and help those who work hard,” Montford said.
Rep. Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican who has filed about 70 bills seeking more than $600 million for the region’s recovery, said the Senate bill is a “starting point” for a relief package, with state aid able to be provided faster than federal assistance. Still, with the legislative session in the third day of its scheduled 60-day session, he said lawmakers have time to get it right.
“This is something that we’re going to want to take a lot of time on, and focus a lot of effort, and make sure we have as much community involvement and input as we possibly can,” Trumbull said.
Neither Montford nor Trumbull could put an overall price tag on the storm.
“FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) doesn’t know that number yet,” Trumbull said. “Panama City is a prime example on debris removal. They’re not sure exactly what it’s going to cost. They have an idea that it’s about $75-ish million, but it could be $80 (million.) It could be less than that. … A lot of people haven’t sent in bills yet.”
House members from the Panhandle have filed nearly $1 billion in requests for the storm.
“It’s hard to put a number on what we’ve got,” Montford said. “But what we do know is there is commitment from all of Florida, from the Senate anyway, a total commitment to do what is necessary from a budget standpoint.”
On Tuesday, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee backed a separate proposal (SB 376) by Montford that would allocate $50 million a year for storm recovery efforts from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. That trust funds handles money from a 2014 constitutional amendment that designated a portion of revenue from a real estate documentary-stamp tax to go to land and water projects.
The Senate proposal would set aside $300 million for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to set up the Public Facilities Hurricane Restoration Cash Flow Loan Program for eligible counties, cities and school boards.
Noting that Bay County has lost 5,000 of its 28,000 students, a goal of the proposal is to make sure school districts see “minimal” impacts, said Montford, who also is chief executive of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
Montford is sponsoring the bill with Sen. George Gainer, R-Panama City, and Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze. Gainer said Senate leaders are behind the effort.
“We’ve been assured that if we can come up with a good pathway for recovery, that it’s going to happen,” Gainer said.
“We never had another storm where it took every other house, where it took 90 percent of the pine trees,” Gainer said. “We’ve seen 300-year-old trees from the bottom up. We go to work, we go home, and we’re reminded every day of how terrible the storm has been.”
Another part of the Senate proposal would set aside $15 million for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help provide loans to the timber industry, which accounted for about $1.3 billion of the $1.5 billion in agricultural damages from the storm.
The bill also would establish a Hurricane Housing Recovery Program for local governments, similar to the state Housing Initiatives Partnership Program. Also, it would establish a task force under the direction of the Division of Emergency Management that would have until Dec. 15 to determine what additional relief is required for the region.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Earthquakes In Our Area? We Take A Look At Local Quake History
March 8, 2019
Following a magnitude 2.7 earthquake about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday near Jay, NorthEscambia.com is taking a deeper look at earthquakes in the area over the past three decades.
There have been six earthquakes reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and in Escambia County, Alabama, since 1990, and all of them were within 10 miles of the state line.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the North Escambia area sits on the Bahamas Seismic Zone (the BSZ). Several earthquakes have occurred along this zone in recent years, but most are too weak to be felt by residents. While not a likelihood, the USGS says another significant earthquake could happen in the area at any time.
The last recorded earthquake in Florida was a 5.9 in the Gulf of Mexico felt across much of Florida in September 2006.
At 3:35 a.m. on October 24, 1997, a significant earthquake startled a large number of people in Escambia County, Ala., and Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. The quake, which measured 4.9 on the Richter scale, was centered near the Little Rock community in Escambia County, Ala., and was felt as far away as Eglin AFB, and Gulfport, Miss. It was the strongest earthquake in the southeast in 30 years. No significant damage was reported.
Four days later, on October 28, 1997, a magnitude 3.0 quake happened a few miles away. There was also a magnitude3.1 earthquake north of Bratt on May 3, 1997.
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies earthquake intensities. Here is how the October 24, 1997, earthquake measured up across the area, using intensity level descriptions from the Federal Emergency Management agency:
- (VII) Epicenter / Little Rock, Ala.
- People have difficulty standing. Drivers feel their cars shaking. Some furniture breaks. Loose bricks fall from buildings. Damage is slight to moderate in well-built buildings; considerable in poorly built buildings
- (VI) Brewton, Canoe and Lambeth
- Everyone feels movement. People have trouble walking. Objects fall from shelves. Pictures fall off walls. Furniture moves. Plaster in walls might crack. Trees and bushes shake. Damage is slight in poorly built buildings. No structural damage.
- (V) Atmore, Flomaton, Frisco City and Century
- Almost everyone feels movement. Sleeping people are awakened. Doors swing open or close. Dishes are broken. Pictures on the wall move. Small objects move or are turned over. Trees might shake. Liquids might spill out of open containers
- (IV) McDavid, Molino and Walnut Hill
- Most people indoors feel movement. Hanging objects swing. Dishes, windows, and doors rattle. The earthquake feels like a heavy truck hitting the walls. A few people outdoors may feel movement. Parked cars rock.
Pictured below: The U.S. Geological Survey installed a seismic monitoring station just north of Brewton following the 1997 earthquake.
Felony Child Abuse Charge Dropped As Unfounded Against Cantonment Woman
March 8, 2019
A felony child abuse charge against a Cantonment woman has been dropped.
The State Attorney’s Office dropped the charge against Marshall Gage Gilley after the Florida Department of Children and Families found the case was unfounded. The SAO said further investigation into the facts and circumstances of the incident failed to find sufficient evidence to charge a crime.
The child told deputies that Gilley slammed on brakes several times in an attempt to make him hit his head on the dash and head-butted him, but DCF’s findings did not support the claim.