Changes On The Horizon For Florida’s Medical Marijuana Industry
December 10, 2018
The advent of a new administration with Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis at the helm could bring a sharp turnaround in how Florida officials approach the state’s highly regulated medical marijuana industry.
And one of the first reversals might come on the legal front.
DeSantis, a Republican who will take office on Jan. 8, is unwilling to continue some of the court battles now being waged by outgoing Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, according to Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez.
When asked where the DeSantis administration stands on the caps on medical marijuana licenses imposed by the state Legislature and whether the new governor plans to continue the appeals launched by Scott, Nuñez told The News Service of Florida Wednesday that DeSantis “has said he’s not interested in continuing that fight.”
“I think he has a different perspective than Gov. Scott. I think he wants the will of the voters to be implemented,” Nuñez, a former state representative from Miami, said.
Nuñez was referring to the 2016 constitutional amendment, approved by 71.3 percent of Florida voters, broadly legalizing medical marijuana.
A Tallahassee judge recently ruled that a 2017 law, aimed at implementing the amendment, was unconstitutional. Earlier this year, Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson ordered state health officials to begin registering new medical-marijuana operators after deciding the law, passed during a special legislative session last year, failed to properly carry out the amendment.
The circuit judge found fault with parts of the law that, among other things, capped the number of marijuana licenses and created a “vertical integration” system that requires marijuana operators to grow, and process cannabis and distribute related products. Already-licensed operators worried that the ruling could create uncertainty in the fast-growing industry — while also allowing more companies to receive licenses.
Dodson’s decision came in a challenge filed by Tampa-based Florigrown LLC, which was denied a license by the state and is owned in part by strip-club owner Joe Redner.
Scott’s administration quickly appealed the ruling, and the judge’s order regarding the new licenses is on hold.
The Florigrown case is just one of a number of marijuana-related legal challenges Scott’s administration is appealing. The most high-profile lawsuit is a challenge to the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana. The plaintiffs in the case include John Morgan, the Orlando trial lawyer who largely bankrolled the 2016 amendment, known as Amendment 2.
It was unclear immediately which legal fights the DeSantis administration might abandon after the former congressman and Nuñez take office on Jan. 8.
“The governor-elect is considering a variety of options on this matter, along with a number of other important issues, and will be discussing these further as we move forward with our transition and administration,” DeSantis transition spokesman Dave Vasquez said in an email when asked to clarify which litigation Nuñez was referring to.
But, like many others, DeSantis has expressed frustration with delays in the roll-out of the amendment. Nuñez reiterated that frustration this week.
“In our discussions, in our involvement in transition, I think he has noted that, sort of the slow pace is something that could potentially be a problem. He wants to make sure that that’s addressed. But I know publicly he has stated he is not interested in continuing the lawsuit,” she said.
One of DeSantis’ top transition advisors is U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican who was a fierce supporter of medical marijuana when he was in the state House and has continued his advocacy following his election to Congress in 2016.
DeSantis will “faithfully execute the will of the people on medical marijuana,” Gaetz said in a text Friday morning.
“As the author of Florida’s first medical marijuana laws, I’m comforted to know conditions will improve for patients under a governor fully committed to this objective. The governor-elect and I have discussed a variety of strategies. I suspect specifics will be refined in consultation with the health care advisory committee to the transition and Gov.-elect Desantis’s selections for surgeon general and general counsel,” Gaetz said.
When asked whether DeSantis plans to drop the appeal in the Florigrown case, Gaetz said the issue is “one of the specifics that I’m sure our new governor will take under advisement.”
According to Nuñez, who also said she couldn’t answer specific questions related to the licensing caps or the smoking ban, DeSantis believes most issues could be fixed by the Legislature, which begins its 2019 session on March 5.
The new administration — which, under the amendment, is responsible for implementation of the amendment and oversight of the marijuana industry — will play a major role, Nuñez indicated.
“Certainly, whoever is heading up that agency has a responsibility to implement. I think he views whoever heads up that agency, whoever is in charge of that particular area, has a responsibility to do so efficiently and effectively without sort of delaying the process, whether it’s how quickly you can get your ID cards, to ensuring that people have access,” she said.
The Office of Compassionate Use has come under harsh criticism, publicly and privately, by lawmakers, patients and would-be marijuana operators, who accuse the agency, a division of the Department of Health, of dragging its feet to craft regulations related to the marijuana industry.
At one point, patients waited for months before receiving state-issued identification cards showing they were eligible for the marijuana treatment. The approval is required for patients to purchase marijuana products.
Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried, a Democrat who was once a medical-marijuana lobbyist, called Nuñez’s comments “encouraging” and said she looks forward to speaking with DeSantis “about how we can correctly implement the Constitution as approved by 71 percent of Floridians.”
Fried, a lawyer, played a role in the crafting of the state’s marijuana laws.
“If DeSantis is serious about moving patient access forward, I welcome that wholeheartedly and would love to work with him in any way to get sick and suffering residents of our state the medicine they need,” she said in a statement.
The many investors and prospective operators seeking entry into Florida’s restricted medical marijuana industry also are likely to welcome a shift in state officials’ attitude toward pot.
“Actions speak louder than words but what they’re saying so far seems to indicate that they’re willing to move away from the obstructionist position of the Scott administration and move toward fulfilling the will of more than 71 percent of Floridians and hopefully doing the right thing to implement the amendment,” Ben Pollara, who is a plaintiff in the smoking-ban lawsuit, told the News Service. Pollara was a senior adviser to Fried’s campaign and is co-chairman of her inaugural committee.
But operators already doing business in the state, where licenses have sold for upwards of $70 million, may be more cautious.
“I believe change is coming. This is an evolving industry, and we look forward to working with the Legislature and the new administration,” said Ron Watson, a lobbyist who represents operators currently doing business in the state and others who want to gain entry.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Woman’s Body Found In Escambia River
December 9, 2018
The body of a female was found Sunday on the Escambia River.
The body was found in Santa Rosa County about a mile south of the Terrell’s Landing boat ramp off Oil Plant Road, upriver from Fischer Landing in Century.
Rich Aloy, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sherrif’s Office, said further details will be released as the investigation progresses. Her identity is not yet known.
More information will be posted when it becomes available.
Fire Chief Struck On I-10 By Vehicle Traveling In Reverse
December 9, 2018
An Escambia County Fire Rescue battalion chief’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle traveling in reverse on I-10 about 9:15 Saturday night.
The driver was traveling eastbound in reverse on I-10 westbound near Highway 29 as the fire chief approached.
The battalion chief was not injured, and the driver was not seriously injured.
The crash remained under investigation late Saturday night by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details were not yet released.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Holiday Shopping: Plan To Prevent Porch Pirates
December 9, 2018
The Christmas shopping season is in full swing, and it is the time to plan ahead to prevent package thefts by “porch pirates”. Deputies urge residents to think ahead about how their packages will be delivered before making online purchases this holiday season.
Throughout the year, law enforcement agencies receive reports of thefts of delivered items, often snagged from a mailbox or front porch. But with a higher volume of deliveries during the holiday shopping season, the potential for thefts goes up.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chip Simmons said that preventing package theft begins when the purchase is made.
“It starts with awareness whether you are shopping in the store or expect to have delivered to your home,” he said. “It’s awareness knowing where your packing is going to be and when it will be delivered.”
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your packages safe from porch pirates:
- Track your package online and arrange a specific date and time for delivery when you will be home to receive it. Many of the large carriers offer this option.
- If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace instead of your home.
- Have your packages delivered to someone who can receive them in person, like a trusted neighbor or a relative.
- Request that the shipper hold your packages at its delivery distribution center for pickup.
- If shopping with a large retailer, choose in-store pickup.
- Install a security camera on your porch, put thieves on the defense by recording their every move
- Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area
- Request a signature delivery option, if available.
- If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and law enforcement.
Suspicious activity can be reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Let The Tate Band Help With Your Gift Wrapping
December 9, 2018
The Tate Band Showband of the South will be wrapping gifts for donations at Walmart on Highway 29 in Ensley through Christmas Eve. Look for the big white tent near the entrance.
Tate Band Gift Wrap Schedule:
Friday, Dec. 14th – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15th – 8 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 16th – 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18th – 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 19th – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 20th – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22nd – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 23rd – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 24th – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pictured. Tate band moms wrapping gifts outside Walmart in Ensley on Saturday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Cheerleaders Participate In Disney Spirit Spectacular
December 9, 2018
Five area high school cheerleaders took part in the recent Varsity Spirit Spectacular at Disney World in Orlando. They were Gabrielle Kline from Northview High School and Katelyn Starosta, Carly Willis, Jaeci Cooley and Catrina Crandall from Jay High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
This Week’s Escambia County Meeting Schedule
December 9, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Monday, Dec. 10
Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization – Technical Coordinating Committee – 8:30 a.m., Pensacola City Hall, 160 Governmental Center
Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization – Citizens Advisory Committee – 10:30 a.m., Pensacola City Hall, 160 Governmental Center
Library Board of Governance – 4 p.m., 239 N. Spring St.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Special Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole – County Administrator Search Discussion – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Emergency Medical Services Specialist Interviews – 9 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. W St.
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – 5 p.m., 700 S. Palafox St., Suite 310
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor Training Room
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., 420 W. Chase St.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization – 9 a.m., 1370 Tiger Point Lane, Gulf Breeze
Internal Affairs Investigator Interviews – 1 p.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. W St.
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors – 1:30 p.m., 418 W. Garden St.
Benefits Committee – 2 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Human Resources Training Room
Escambia County Health Facilities Authority – 4 p.m., 1019 N. 12th Ave.
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board and Committee – 5 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, Dec. 13
Special BCC Meeting on PEDC – 8:59 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Friday, Dec. 14
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395 Bargaining Session – 9:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Saturday, Dec. 15
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Tryout – 1 p.m., University of West Florida Aquatic Center, 11000 University Parkway, Building 72
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: More School ‘Choices’ In Store?
December 9, 2018
Richard Corcoran has long been an outspoken critic of the Florida Education Association, the state’s major teachers’ union.
And now with Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ decision to back the former House speaker as the successor to outgoing Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, Corcoran will be in a strong position to continue his advocacy for non-traditional education reforms that have been largely opposed by the union.
Corcoran, a former Republican lawmaker from Pasco County, starkly laid out his issues with the union when he took over the House leadership in November 2016. He said the Florida Education Association’s legal challenges of laws designed to expand programs like charter schools and publicly funded vouchers to send students to private schools was “downright evil.”
“The teachers’ union is fixated on halting innovation and competition in education,” he said in his speech. “They are literally trying to destroy the lives of a hundred thousand children, most of them are minorities and all of them are poor.”
Corcoran’s expected ascension to the education commissioner’s post next month is only part of a gathering of forces that is likely to provide momentum for more education “choices” in the next few years that will include the expansion of charter schools and the use of vouchers.
Those policies are in line with what DeSantis advocated in his campaign for governor. House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, is a strong Corcoran ally and a longtime supporter of overhauling the education system.
And although the Senate has proportionately more Democrats than the House, similar education policies are supported by key Senate leaders, including Senate Education Committee Chairman Manny Diaz, R-Miami, and Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, who will oversee education spending measures.
Adding to the momentum will be a newly configured Florida Supreme Court, which is expected to be joined by three new conservative justices early next year. The new justices will cement a solid conservative majority that is much more likely to uphold laws involving charter schools and vouchers.
Fedrick Ingram, president of the Florida Education Association, warned that many of the “choice” measures would be detrimental to traditional public schools and students.
“We put students at the center of everything we do,” Ingram said. “Politicians can’t be a champion for students and at the same time be at war with educators and public schools.”
HE’S BAAAACK
The newly elected Republican governor said he will ask the state Board of Education to appoint Corcoran, who used his two years as House leader to promote the use of charter schools and publicly funded vouchers to send students to private schools. Corcoran would succeed Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, a veteran educator who will step down on Jan. 8.
“Richard is known as a no-nonsense reformer whose sole focus has been how best to support students, parents and teachers,” DeSantis said in a statement.
DeSantis, whose term begins Jan. 8, said the selection of the new commissioner to oversee a state education system — which has 2.8 million students — “is very personal” to him and his wife Casey, who are the parents of two toddlers.
“I know Richard will never stop fighting until every child in Florida has access to a world-class education,” he said.
DeSantis’ announcement to back Corcoran is in line with his campaign pledge to expand school “choice” options and to put more money directly into classrooms.
Marva Johnson, chairwoman of the seven-member Board of Education, said she looks forward to reviewing DeSantis’ recommended appointment for the next commissioner.
“He has the knowledge and experience to ensure continued success at the Department of Education and to protect Florida’s legacy as a national leader in education,” Johnson said of Corcoran.
Corcoran, a lawyer, secured the passage of two major education bills during his 2016-18 tenure as speaker.
In the 2017 session, Corcoran successfully advanced legislation to allow the creation of charter schools, known as “schools of hope,” near struggling public schools. Earlier this year, he backed a bill that created “hope scholarships,” allowing bullied students to use publicly funded vouchers to transfer to private schools. The legislation also expanded vouchers used by disabled students and students who are struggling readers.
Both laws are now being challenged in court.
LET’S KEEP WORKING
Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that he will serve out his full second term under an arrangement that will lead to a five-day delay in the Republican joining the U.S. Senate next month.
The 116th Congress, which includes the U.S. House and Senate, will start on Jan. 3. But Scott, who was first elected as governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, is scheduled to remain as governor until Jan. 8, when DeSantis’ term begins.
Scott, who narrowly beat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson last month, had the option of resigning early as governor, joining the U.S. Senate on Jan. 3 and elevating Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera to the office of governor, if only for a few days.
It would not be an unprecedented circumstance. It happened in January 1987, when Gov. Bob Graham resigned early to join the U.S. Senate, making Lt. Gov. Wayne Mixson the state’s 39th governor for a three-day period before Gov. Bob Martinez took office.
But Scott has opted to remain in office for his full term, his aides said Tuesday.
“When Gov. Scott was elected governor of Florida, he promised to fight for Florida families every single day of his term. Gov. Scott will remain governor until Jan. 8,” John Tupps, the governor’s communications director, said in a statement.
Tupps said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has agreed to hold the Senate swearing-in ceremony for Scott on the afternoon of Jan. 8, which will be the day that inauguration ceremonies will be held in Tallahassee and DeSantis will become Florida’s 46th governor.
Scott will transition to his role as the state’s junior senator, joining U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in giving Florida two Republican senators in the nation’s capital for the first time since the Reconstruction era.
SCORE ONE FOR THE BLUE TEAM
DeSantis tapped state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Broward County Democrat who serves as general counsel for a major disaster-recovery contractor in South Florida, to oversee the state’s response to natural and man-made emergencies.
In a press release announcing the appointment Thursday, DeSantis, a Republican who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, noted that Moskowitz has been called a “high octane incumbent” and “an effective Democratic voice in the Republican-dominated Legislature.”
“Florida has a long history of being a model for the nation in emergency preparedness and response, and with Jared at the helm, I am confident this legacy will continue,” said DeSantis.
Moskowitz will succeed Division of Emergency Management Director Wes Maul, who was appointed by outgoing Gov. Rick Scott last year. Maul sent a letter to staff members last week saying he intends to step down from the $141,000-a-year post in January.
Moskowitz told The News Service of Florida he is honored DeSantis chose him to head what the Democrat called “one of the most important departments” in state government.
The emergency management agency “especially of late is preparing and serving people in their time of need,” he said.
“I look forward to getting up to Tallahassee to meet with the folks in the department and immediately going to work so that we can prepare as best as we can for any emergency that may face the state,” Moskowitz said.
In what is likely to be rare praise for the Republican governor-elect’s slate of appointees, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo congratulated DeSantis on his across-the-aisle selection, calling Moskowitz “the perfect choice” for the agency.
“He has proven himself to be an effective leader in the state House and his work in disaster response makes him prepared on day one to do the job,” Rizzo said in a release. “We know Rep. Moskowitz will continue to be an effective leader that looks out for all Floridians in times of emergencies, and we are proud of his appointment!”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis backed former House Speaker Richard Corcoran as the next state education commissioner.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Many people dream of going out on top, and with the unprecedented and undeniable success the Republican Party of Florida has had over the past four years, this is my opportunity.” — State Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican, announcing he would not seek a third term as state GOP chairman.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
George Stone May Be In the Future For Virginia College’s Students
December 9, 2018
The Escambia County School District’s George Stone Technical College (GSTC) is encouraging students who were enrolled in programs at Virginia College to consider GSTC as they ask themselves, “What now?”
“We offer programs that can lead to a new career. Our students gain the skills and professional certifications needed to work in their desired field,” said GSTC Principal T.J. Rollins. “Some of our programs may be exactly what their students need to continue their life’s plan.”
Virginia College recently announced their immediate closure after a loss of a accreditation.
George Stone Technical College is operated by the Escambia County School District and offers 29 technical education and adult education programs. Their career programs prepare students for future careers in a wide range of fields, including some that are similar to what was being offered at Virginia College, such as:
Health: Emergency Medical Technician and Home Health Aide/Nursing Assistant
Information technology: Computer Systems & Information Technology (CSIT), Cybersecurity, Applied Network Support Services (CISCO), and Network Systems Administration
Business/Office Management: Accounting Operations, Administrative Office Specialist
Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer, Law Enforcement, Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Office, and Crossover from Law Enforcement Officer to Correctional Officer
“We urge Virginia College’s students to take time to consider their employment goals and to come in with their transcripts and meet with one of our counselors and one of our instructors. After working one-on-one, with our personnel they can determine which of our programs will help them continue to move forward.”
“We know some feel like this has set them back months. Again, we might be able to help with that concern as well because we have students starting the beginning of every month, so they probably will not have to wait long for the class they need to get started.” Rollins said.
Fire Destroys Century Mobile Home; First ‘Red Bulb’ In Fire Safety Campaign
December 8, 2018
Fire destroyed a mobile home early Saturday morning in Century, the first red bulb in Escambia County’s Keep The Wreath Green fire safety campaign.
The occupant of the mobile home in the 9400 block of Ivey Street were able to escape without injuries.
The fire displaced one adult who is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire, which was reported about 5:45 a.m., is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. The mobile home is located directly behind the Dollar General.
The Century, McDavid and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Jay Fire Department and the Atmore Fire Department were dispatched to the fire, along with Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
During the month-long Keep the Wreath Green campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, with wreaths were placed outside Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb is replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.
NorthEscambia.com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
