Scott, Wife Disclose Details On Personal Finances
July 30, 2018
Rick Scott, the wealthiest governor in Florida history, filed a financial disclosure Friday as part of his campaign for the U.S. Senate that revealed new details on his elaborate finances, including hundreds of investments controlled by his wife.
Last month, Scott, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, filed his annual state disclosure that showed a December 2017 net worth of $232 million. But the details were scant, including the shielded investments in a $215 million blind trust, which rose by more than $80 million from the previous year and produced $120 million in income.
Scott said he had placed his finances in a blind trust, which is allowed under state law, to distance any of his decisions as governor from personal investments. Details of the blind trust do not have to be reported under state law.
“When Gov. Scott was elected, he put all of his assets in a blind trust, which is managed by an independent third party to shield his investments from his direct control and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest,” Scott’s campaign said in a statement. “As such, the governor has no control of what is bought or sold in the blind trust.”
But the lack of details changed Friday when Scott filed a new disclosure under federal law as a Senate candidate. It required much more detail, including information about all the assets held in the blind trust, as well as the assets held by the governor’s wife, Ann Scott.
Scott’s campaign said his wife’s assets were not previously reported because it was not required under state law.
“First Lady Ann Scott is not an elected official,” the campaign said. “The full investments are being released today to comply with all rules and requirements for running for federal office.”
The federal disclosure records show details of more than 550 items included in three trust funds and a family partnership controlled by Ann Scott.
The records showed investments in companies such as tech giants Alphabet — Google’s parent — and Microsoft Corp., each of which generated up to $2 million in dividends or capital gains last year. Rick Scott’s trust also earned up to the same amount after selling off his Microsoft shares, the records show.
Ann Scott also has investments in at least 10 hedge funds, including Hong Kong-based Overlook Partners, which earned her up to $1 million last year, according to the report.
The federal disclosure showed Scott and his wife own more than $350,000 in stock of NextEra Energy Partners, which is an arm of Juno Beach-based NextEra Energy. Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest electric utility, also is part of NextEra Energy. Scott appoints all the members of the state Public Service Commission, which decides rate cases and other issues for utilities.
An issue addressed Friday by Scott’s campaign was the $825 million sale in 2017 to a Japanese company of a Michigan-based plastics-components firm in which the Scott family had a major ownership interest. Scott’s state disclosure provided no details on that transaction.
Scott’s campaign said the governor, under the blind trust arrangement, was “not aware of the sale and had no role in the sale.” The campaign also said a Scott economic mission to Japan in 2013 played no role in the sale.
“The blind trust is managed by an independent financial professional who decides what assets are bought, sold or changed,” Scott’s campaign said. “The rules of the blind trust prevent any specific assets or the value of those assets within the trust from being disclosed to the governor, and those requirements have always been followed.”
Scott’s state financial disclosures and the use of the blind trust are part of a lawsuit s pending at the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee. A lawyer and Democratic fundraiser filed the lawsuit, arguing Scott needs to disclose more of his assets. Scott’s lawyers have argued that the governor is complying with all state disclosure laws.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Come Up Short, Fall 5-3
July 30, 2018
The Biloxi Shuckers topped the Wahoos 4-3 Sunday night at Blue Wahoos stadium, handing Vladimir Gutierrez (L, 8-9) his first loss since June 1. The Wahoos have now dropped three straight games for the first time in the second half and are at risk of losing their first series since May.
The Wahoos struggled to plate runs in the ballgame. They had a chance to break through in the seventh inning. Brad Kuntz walked the bases loaded with one out before giving way to Jon Olczak. He coaxed a double play ball out of the first guy he faced, Mitch Nay to end the threat. Pensacola chipped away in the bottom of the eighth inning. Jose Siri singled and then stole second which led to a pair of throwing errors that allowed him to score to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Pensacola attempted another late-game rally against Biloxi in the ninth inning. Olczack walked Aquino and Gonzalez before Chris Okey came through with a one-out RBI single to shrink the deficit to 4-3. Olzack gave way to Danny Reynolds (S, 2) who got pinch-hitter Narciso Crook to line into an unassisted double play at second base to end the game.
Gutierrez pitched 4.2 innings, his shortest outing since going 2.1 innings on June 1. The Cincinnati prospect surrendered three runs on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Offensively the Wahoos were held to just four hits in the game. The second time in three games, Pensacola has had four hits or fewer.
The Wahoos will hope to bounce back Monday night. RHP Tony Santillan (3-0, 3.28) will get the start for the Wahoos, and the Shuckers have yet to name a starter.
Winning $223K Lottery Ticket Sold In Walnut Hill
July 29, 2018
Someone is almost a quarter million dollars richer this morning after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Walnut Hill.
The ticket sold at the Grey Goose, 11330 Highway 97, was the only winning ticket sold for Saturday night’s drawing and is worth $223,639.27. The ticket was a Quick Pick.
The 324 tickets matching four numbers won $111 each. Another 10,171 tickets matching three numbers are worth $9.50 each, and 99,458 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Saturday’s Fantasy 5 winning numbers were 07-12-18-25-34.
No Injuries In Cantonment Single Vehicle Crash
July 29, 2018
There were no injuries in a single vehicle crash Saturday evening in Cantonment. The wreck occurred about 7 p.m. on Highway 297A near Kingsfield Road.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not yet been released.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
About Time: Mowing Crews Tackle The Highway 29 Jungle
July 29, 2018
Anyone that has driven Highway 29 in the past few weeks has noticed that the weeds were, in many places, higher than most cars in the median and alongside the roadway and creating hazards for drivers.
Crews were out mowing Saturday. We’re told they will, weather permitting, finish the job this week and also mow the right of way on Highway 97.
The Florida Department of Transportation contacts right of way mowing on Highway 29 and Highway 97 to a company called BroadSpectrum. Withing the town limits of Century, BroadSpectrum subcontracts the mowing and trimming out to the Town of Century.
Pictured top: Weeds in the median of Highway 29 near Century Saturday morning. Pictured below: Mowing completed along Highway 29 near Molino Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Suspects Arrested For Helping Hit And Run Suspect Wallace Evade Capture
July 29, 2018
Two men accused of helping fatal hit and run suspect Markquise Wallace avoid capture turned themselves in.
Darius Brown was arrested Saturday afternoon, also on a charge of accessory after the fact. He was also released on a $50,000 bond. Pensacola Police said Brown helped Wallace hide the Dodge Challenger Wallace was driving when hit hit three pedestrians.
Ricardo Mars turned himself into police Friday night on a charge of accessory after the fact and was released on a $50,000 bond. The State Attorney’s Office said Mars also helped hide the car.
Three people were crossing Cervantes Street near M Street when they were hit by a Dodge Charger driven at a high rate of speed by Wallace, according to Pensacola Police. Neariaah Ikerria Williams, age 8 months, and a family friend, 28-year-old Nephateria Monique Williams, died. The child’s mother, 27-year-old Quineka Tyon Baldwin, was injured.
If you know where police can find either of these men, call the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1901 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
U.S. Marshals captured Wallace Tuesday in Philadelphia [previous story...].
New Website Will Help Florida Businesses Prepare For Natural Disasters
July 29, 2018
FloridaWest EDA is joining with the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Visit Pensacola, The Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce, Century Chamber of Commerce and the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce to help Escambia County businesses better prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently launched a new website, FloridaDisaster.biz, which has important information and resources. Businesses are encouraged to register at FloridaDisaster.biz before a storm arrives. Registration is free, and the site provides great resources for businesses before, during and after a storm or disaster. Businesses will have access to a Business Disaster Toolkit, road closure info, resource listings, Business Damage Assessment applications, and information on aid such as Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans and SBA Disaster Loans.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Businesses that take the time to prepare today can open their doors faster after a disaster. Using the resources at FloridaDisaster.biz, and through connections with local economic development organizations, business owners can make their communities more resilient and better prepared to weather any storm.”
Scott Luth, CEO of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance said, “Getting businesses up and running, and employees back to work, after a disaster is critical to our community. The Business Damage Assessment Survey is a valuable tool that will aid in that process.”
Master Gardener Volunteer Program Open House And Information Session
July 29, 2018
The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension is hosting a Master Gardener Volunteer open house and information session Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road. The agenda includes an overview of the program and a tour of the projects at the Extension Office, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Come learn about training sessions, volunteer activities and the role of Master Gardeners in the community. Applications will also be available for the 2018-19 fall/winter Master Gardener training program.
The Master Gardener Program provides gardeners with intensive education in home horticultural principles. Participants who complete the program are certified as Master Gardeners by the Florida Extension Service. Once certified, the Master Gardener can provide volunteer leadership and service to their community in gardening activities. Working with the UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension, they will have the opportunity to participate in organized volunteer activities, answer gardening questions, conduct plant clinics, promote Florida friendly landscaping, and learn about local plants and practices.
For more information, contact Beth Bolles at (850) 475-5230 or bbolles@ufl.edu.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup
July 29, 2018
A year ago, Florida’s political types expected to be talking about Jack Latvala this summer in the context of the Republican gubernatorial primary.
But Latvala’s bid for Florida’s most-powerful office has long ago been left in tatters, after he resigned from the Florida Senate following an investigation into allegations he sexually harassed women, including aides and lobbyists.
Yet Latvala was once again in the middle of the news this week as a Leon County prosecutor announced he would not seek criminal charges against the Clearwater Republican. The prosecutor said there was insufficient evidence to prove allegations that the former senator might have traded legislative favors for sex.
But the Latvala scandal is little more than sideshow to the real drama building in a huge political year in Florida, where voters will get to pick a new governor, three Cabinet members and decide the fate of a long-term U.S. senator.
The Aug. 28 primary looms. Absentee ballots went out to voters this week. Registration books for voting in the primary will close on Monday. And with the knowledge that the majority of votes are likely to be cast before Aug. 28, the election season is closer than many realize.
That electoral drama will only heighten in the coming week with the appearance in Florida of the one office-holder who seems to dominate every political discussion: President Donald Trump.
‘NO FURTHER ACTION’
The Latvala saga moved closer to becoming a salacious footnote in Florida’s legislative history with a prosecutor’s announcement that there was insufficient evidence to move forward on criminal charges against the former senator.
Jack Campbell, state attorney in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, said Thursday there was not enough “evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Latvala was unlawfully compensated or rewarded for his official behavior as a Florida senator.”
“Since criminal charges are not warranted, this office will take no further action on the matter,” Campbell wrote in a brief summation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which reached the same conclusion after investigating a possible quid pro quo.
Thursday’s announcement closed months of investigations into Latvala, a veteran lawmaker who decided to resign from the Senate in December following the release of a report by Senate Special Master Ronald Swanson, a retired judge. The probe was sparked by allegations that Latvala, who was serving as the powerful Senate budget chief, had sexually harassed Rachel Perrin Rogers, a Senate aide.
Latvala has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing but admitted he had an extramarital affair with former lobbyist Laura McLeod, whose testimony prompted Swanson to recommend a criminal probe into whether Latvala had broken state laws by promising legislative favors in exchange for sex.
“Basically, what we’ve had here with FDLE and the state attorney is we’ve had professional law enforcement people who aren’t tainted by Senate politics, who have looked at something and made a good judgment on it. They’ve done their job, and I commend them for doing their job,” Latvala told The News Service of Florida on Thursday. “It took a little longer for FDLE to get that report done than I would have liked, but I think they saw through a lot of this stuff.”
The state law enforcement agency launched its investigation sometime in December, according to a report released by Campbell’s office Thursday.
Swanson found probable cause to support allegations that Latvala had repeatedly groped Perrin Rogers and engaged in a pattern of making unwelcome remarks about women’s bodies. Perrin Rogers set off the inquiry into Latvala, who denied her allegations, by filing a complaint with the Senate Rules Committee.
The FDLE report was focused on the testimony of McLeod, who quit lobbying and went to work as an aide to Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, in September. McLeod stepped down in April.
In interviews with investigators and Swanson, McLeod indicated Latvala never explicitly promised legislation in exchange for sex.
But, she said “it seemed that it was expected” and that sex “will be part of the equation.”
McLeod said Latvala behaved as though it was something “he felt entitled to.”
“I tolerated it because it was part of my job,” McLeod said.
THE PRESIDENT COMETH
President Donald Trump is headed to Tampa on Tuesday for a political rally that will highlight his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary for governor.
Polls this week again demonstrated the maverick president’s ability to disrupt the political landscape.
Florida Atlantic University and Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy released surveys showing DeSantis, a three-term congressman from Northeast Florida, surging ahead of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who has a huge campaign financing advantage and a much higher profile as a two-term member of the Florida Cabinet.
Gov. Rick Scott, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, is carefully maneuvering around Trump’s appearance. Scott announced this week he would not attend the political rally at the state fairgrounds. But he will join the president earlier in the day for an education-related event in the Tampa Bay area.
Kevin Wagner, an FAU political-science professor, said Trump’s support could be a double-edged sword in Florida’s elections, noting state voters overall give him a negative approval rating.
“While the president can help Congressman DeSantis in the primary, Mr. Trump’s underwater approval ratings may be a drag in the general election,” Wagner said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Leon County state attorney announced Thursday that he would not pursue criminal charges against former state Sen. Jack Latvala.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This is another sentencing that is a timeless sentence. Every time I talk to somebody about I cannot vote, it feels like I’m still incarcerated. It feels like I’m still doing part of the sentence,” — Yraida Guanipa, a Miami resident who served time on drug-related charges, as the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in a case challenging Florida’s system for restoring voting rights for felons who have served their sentences.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Northview Ninth Grade, New Student Orientation Set For Thursday
July 29, 2018
Ninth grade and new student orientation will be Thursday, August 2.
Here are the details submitted by the school:
All incoming 9th grade and new students in grades 10, 11, and 12 should report to the Theater before 1 P.M., on Thursday, August 2, 2018. In the theater, students will have a short introduction and welcome program. Immediately afterwards, the students will be divided into groups for a brief tour of the Northview campus. Schedules will be given to students the first day of school during homeroom. Students with a signed chromebook contract will be issued a chromebook to take home after school begins. Students without a signed contract will not be issued a chromebook but will check one out daily from the media center before first period begins. The entire process should take approximately 90 minutes, so parents are asked to be prompt in picking up their students at the breezeway after the conclusion of this activity. We look forward to seeing you and your child at orientation.
School offices will be closed August 2 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
File photo.