Open Gaetz Day, Town Hall With The Congressman Set For Jan. 22
January 7, 2018
Mark your calendars…Congressman Matt Gaetz will hold an “Open Gaetz Day” and a town hall meeting on January 22.
The Town Hall will be held from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on January 22 at Navy Federal Credit Union at 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive. The Congressman will be available to take questions and hear from constituents. His staff will also be available to assist any constituents who may be experiencing an issue with a federal agency.
The town hall will follow a day of events in Cantonment and Ensley beginning with a 9 a.m. visit to Tate High School. Gaetz will hold Mobile Office Hours from 10:30 until 1:00 at PenAir Federal Credit Union on Nine Mile Road — call (850) 479-1183 to schedule an appointment with Gaetz.
Gaetz will tour Ascend Performance Materials at 1:15 p.m., visit Home Depot in Nine Mile Road at 2:30 p.m., and visit with community residents door to door in Cantonment and Ensley from 3:30 until 5:45 p.m. before attending the town hall meeting.
Suspect Confesses To Burglaries In Perdido, Nokomis
January 7, 2018
A Bay Minette man has been arrested for multiple burglaries from Bay Minette to Perdido to Nokomis, AL.
Lewis Lamar Clayton Jr. of Bay Minette was booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center on five counts of burglary third degree. He was being held without bond.
The Baldwin County Sheriffs Office said the burlgaries involved forced entry into residences and garages. On January 2, game camera photographs were recovered from a victim’s residence off Highway 31 in Bay Minette showing a tall slender built white male suspect. Later in the day, Bay Minette Police officers observed a white male matching the description of the burglary suspect and performed a traffic stop on the suspect, later identified as Clayton. At the time of the traffic stop, he was wearing the same clothing as in the game camera photos.
Deputies said Clayton confessed to five reported burglaries, two unreported burglaries, and a burglary in Nokomis (Escambia County, AL). He confessed to knocking on the doors of residences to ensure that no one was home before breaking in. He primarily stole guns, TV’s and Christmas presents from under Christmas trees.
Clayton provided information regarding the locations of the stolen property from all of the offences. Sheriff’s investigators traveled to several residential and commercial locations and recovered 13 firearms, multiple items of lawn equipment, power tools and one television. Attempts to identify additional victims will be made and could result in additional charges.
If anyone has additional information about Clayton, contact Corporal Rob Lindell of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 972-8589 option 2.
Berry Named Escambia Employee Of The Month For January
January 7, 2018
Thressa “Terri” Berry, a project coordinator in the Escambia County Public Works Department Engineering Division, has been selected as Escambia County’s January Employee of the Month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ten Issues To Watch In Florida’s 2018 Legislative Session
January 7, 2018
Florida lawmakers will start the 2018 legislative session Tuesday, with Gov. Rick Scott giving his annual State of the State address.
During the subsequent two months, the House and Senate will negotiate a state budget and consider hundreds of bills. Here are 10 big issues to watch as the session moves forward:
BUDGET: Scott has proposed an $87.4 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The proposal includes politically popular ideas such as boosting education funding and providing tax cuts. But the proposal is only a starting point for lawmakers, who are expected to face a tight budget. A September analysis estimated a slim $52 million surplus for the coming year — and that did not account for the state’s costs from Hurricane Irma.
ENVIRONMENT: Eyeing money from a 2014 constitutional amendment about land and water conservation, lawmakers will consider a series of proposals that could shield property from development and restore waterways. For example, Senate budget chief Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has proposed spending $100 million a year on the Florida Forever program and wants to set aside $50 million a year for the restoration of the St. Johns River, its tributaries and the Keystone Heights lake region in North Florida.
HEALTH CARE: House Republican leaders likely will renew a push to ease health-care regulations, an effort they say would help increase access to care and lower costs. Examples include eliminating the “certificate of need” approval process for hospital building projects and ending a restriction on patients staying overnight at ambulatory surgical centers. Such proposals, however, have died in recent years in the Senate amid opposition from parts of the hospital industry.
HIGHER EDUCATION: Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has made a top priority of revamping the higher-education system and will continue seeking changes during his final term. Senators are expected to quickly approve a bill that would make permanent an expansion of Bright Futures scholarships and take steps to further bolster need-based aid. Negron also wants changes such as holding universities to a four-year graduation standard in performance funding.
HURRICANE IRMA: When Hurricane Irma smashed into Florida on Sept. 10, it reset priorities for the 2018 legislative session. Lawmakers are considering dozens of ideas for responding to Irma and preparing for future storms. For instance, they are looking at possibly providing financial help to the agriculture industry, which took at least a $2.5 billion hit in Irma. They also will grapple with Scott’s push to require long-term care facilities to have generators and fuel to keep buildings cool when electricity goes out.
INSURANCE: Insurance lobbyists will try to persuade lawmakers to revamp laws dealing with a controversial practice known as “assignment of benefits,” which the industry blames for increased property-insurance costs. The practice involves policyholders signing over benefits to contractors, who then pursue payment from insurers — often leading to disputes and lawsuits. Lawmakers also will consider renewed proposals to eliminate the state’s no-fault auto insurance system.
K-12 EDUCATION: House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, has made clear he wants to continue expanding school-choice programs, which draw opposition from Democrats and many public-school officials. The House has started moving forward with a bill that would offer voucher-like scholarships to students who are bullied in public schools. Meanwhile, the House and Senate face a key budget disagreement on the use of increased property-tax revenues in funding public schools.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC: With overdoses skyrocketing and families being torn apart, lawmakers will look for ways to address the state’s opioid epidemic. Scott wants to spend $53 million to address the issue, with much of the money going to substance-abuse treatment. Scott and lawmakers also could place limits on initial opioid prescriptions that doctors write for patients. The idea is to prevent patients from getting hooked on prescription painkillers and then moving onto potentially deadly street drugs.
TAX CUTS: Since taking office in 2011, Scott has made cutting taxes a hallmark of his administration. As he enters his final legislative session, Scott has proposed $180 million in tax and fee cuts. The proposal, however, does not include major changes in the tax system. Instead, it includes a 10-day sales tax “holiday” for back-to-school shoppers and reductions in motorist-related fees, including fees for obtaining and renewing driver’s licenses.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING: Lawmakers in recent years have repeatedly rejected efforts to toughen the state’s ban on texting while driving. But the issue has a better chance of passing during the 2018 session after Corcoran announced that he supports making texting while driving a “primary” offense. Currently, it is a “secondary” offense, meaning motorists can only be cited if they are pulled over for other reasons. But if it is a primary offense, police would be able to stop motorists for texting behind the wheel.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Knight Graduates From Basic Military Training
January 7, 2018
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Eric M. Knight graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Knight is the son of Sharon Knight and Larry Knight Jr. of Cantonment.
He is a 2017 graduate of Pensacola High School.
‘Deteriorating Financial Conditions’ – Century To Discuss Audit Findings In Workshop Meeting
January 6, 2018
The Century Town Council has scheduled a workshop to discuss findings of their fiscal year 2015-2016 audit. The workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9.
The audit uncovered numerous financial problems in Century during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Those findings included deteriorating financial conditions that could result in a future “financial emergency”, $3.83 million in transferred special revenue funds that must be repaid to another fund, over $1.4 million in expenditures in violation of state statutes, over $5,000 in a bank account that did not appear on the books and other deficiencies.
According to the audit obtained by NorthEscambia.com:
- The town’s overall financial condition demonstrates signs of deterioration which, if not corrected, could result in a future financial emergency. The town’s general fund borrowed $285,248 from its special revenue fund to cover general operations of the town during the year under audit. As of September 30, 2016, the general fund owes the special revenue fund approximately $3.83 million. The revenues in the special revenue fund are restricted for specific purposes, and therefore, these funds will have to be repaid or it will be considered an inappropriate use of the restricted revenues.
- The town reported 2016 fiscal year expenditures in excess of budgeted amounts of $1,424,694 for the general fund, which is in violation of Section 166.241(3), Florida Statutes. Budget-to-actual comparison schedules were not provided to town council on a regular basis during the fiscal year under audit.
- A bank account for utility payment receipts was not recorded or reconciled in the town’s accounting software and was not recorded in the general ledger. However, the account held a year-end balance of $5,078.
- Capital outlay was not properly recorded and the capitalization threshold policy of $500 was not properly followed during the year under audit. Audit adjustments were necessary to correct capital asset account balances in all funds. In addition, capital assets purchases are not consistently identified and therefore these items are not properly tagged and inventoried. This inconsistent recording and tracking of capital assets causes asset balances to be misstated and allows for possible misappropriation of assets.
- Several general ledger accounts were not reconciled to detail supporting ledgers in a timely manner, and audit adjustments from the 2015 fiscal year audit were not posted until June 2017. Town management adjusted several general ledger accounts, resulting in $163,386 recorded in miscellaneous expenditures in the general fund.
- Bank reconciliations were prepared each month, however these reconciliations did not properly reconcile to the general ledger, and lacked adequate and timely review. The review of the September 30, 2016 bank reconciliations, and posting of necessary adjustments for proper reconciliation to the general ledger records was not completed until August 2017.
- The town does not have a formal written travel policy. The mayor is receiving a travel stipend of $590 per month. The auditors recommend town management establish a formal travel policy that is compliant with Florida Statute 112.061.
- The town did not follow Florida statutes regarding the required submission of financial reports for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.
According to the 58-page audit, the town is in agreement with the findings and will put a corrective action in place to address the issues.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
UWF Raises $64.4 Million, Exceeding Campaign Goal
January 6, 2018
The University of West Florida is celebrating the success of the 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign, which raised more than $64.4 million by almost 20,000 donors, including 55 planned gifts and nearly $18 million in scholarships.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity of the community we serve, the alumni we have graduated and the friends we have made over the years,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “Their belief and willingness to contribute to the work we do has created a spirited community of learners launching the next generation of big thinkers who will change the world.”
The campaign’s priorities for areas of giving in alignment with the University’s future vision were outlined as follows: health sciences; science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM; business, economic development and valued partnerships; historic preservation, education and tourism; scholarships; and athletics.
In addition to surpassing its historic fundraising goal of $50 million, the campaign featured some of the largest gifts in the University’s history, including more than $5 million from Dr. Usha and Mahadeb Kundu to name the College of Health and another $5 million from Harold E. “Hal” Marcus to name the College of Science and Engineering.
Other notable gifts included $3.1 million from an anonymous donor to establish an endowment for need-based scholarships that will assist deserving students in their pursuit of the American Dream, and $1 million from Dr. Bob Kimball, UWF marketing and economics professor, to create the Bill and Ellie Kimball Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Award in memory of his parents.
The University raised more than $48 million of the campaign’s total during its quiet phase, which launched in 2011.
Escambia County Waives Permit, Inspection Fees for Freeze-Related Pipe Damage
January 6, 2018
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has temporarily waived permitting and inspection fees for damages to plumbing piping related to the recent hard freezes in the area.
Fees will be waived for 14 days beginning Thursday, Jan. 4 and ending at close of business Thursday, Jan. 18. The waiver is not retroactive, and refunds will not be issued for fees incurred prior to Jan. 4.
Please note that this waiver only applies to permit and inspection fees. Permits are still required as usual.
The waived fees were proposed by the Escambia County Building Services Department and the Building Services Inspection Fund Advisory Board in an effort to lessen the hardship or cost to the consumer for freeze-related pipe damages. Once the consumer obtains a plumbing contractor to make the appropriate repairs, they will obtain the permitting with the waived fees reflected.
For more information, please contact Building Services at 850-595-3550 or buildinginspections@myescambia.com.
Pete Shinnick Named D2 National Coach of the Year
January 6, 2018
University of West Florida head football coach Pete Shinnick was named the D2Football.com National Coach of the Year, while standouts Marvin Conley and John Williamson were recognized as part of the organization’s All-America Team.
Shinnick led the Argonauts to an 11-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in their second season of competition. UWF went 5-3 in the ultra-competitive Gulf South Conference to finish tied for second. The Argonauts won a school record six-consecutive games which included five against nationally ranked teams en route to the title game appearance.
The Argos had the nation’s 20th-ranked defense and were in the top 20 in sacks, turnovers gained, interceptions, fumbles recovered, fourth down defense and defensive touchdowns. Much of that was due to first-year defensive coordinator Darian Dulin’s group, including Conley and Williamson.
Conley was one of the top defensive backs in the country, finishing with a team-high 104 tackles, four interceptions, six pass break ups, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. The junior from Tampa had at least five tackles in 11 of 15 games this season, in addition to a pair of interception returns for a touchdown.
Williamson had 70 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He established a new Gulf South Conference single-season record for sacks as well. The junior from Stockton, Alabama had at least one sack in each of the last seven games with 12 total over that time frame.
Both players were voted onto the honorable mention list after earning second team All-America accolades last month from the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association.
Man Wanted For Burglaries in Escambia County And Bay Minette
January 6, 2018
Authorities are searching for an Escambia County man wanted on burglary charges in two states.
Stevie Lamar Williams is a suspect in numerous residential burglaries at homes and churches in the Bay Minette area. The Bay Minette Police Department has active burglary warrants for Williams’ arrest as does Escambia County, FL.
Williams’ last known address in Bay Minette was a residence located on Moran Street, but Bay Minette Police said Williams is from the Pensacola area and maybe hiding from law enforcement with Florida relatives. Anyone with information related to Williams whereabouts is asked call the Bay Minette Police Department at (251) 580-2559 or their local law enforcement agency.