Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Workman Out, Brown Down
December 10, 2017
Christmas trees have been hoisted inside the House and Senate chambers, but lawmakers won’t be around to spread the holiday cheer.
They’ve scattered to the three corners of the state and burgs throughout the peninsula for a month-long break before the 2018 legislative session dawns on Jan. 9.
For many, especially those in the Senate, the hiatus couldn’t come soon enough.
The upper chamber, and indeed the Capitol, continued to be roiled by a wave of sexual harassment allegations that this week ended the career of a utility regulator before it even began.
Meanwhile, the drama surrounding accusations of sexual misconduct lodged against Sen. Jack Latvala continued to escalate.
A Senate aide who accused the Clearwater Republican of groping her on numerous occasions hired an armed security guard to accompany her in the Capitol. A defiant Latvala told reporters he’s done nothing wrong and refuses to be run out of town with his reputation in ruins.
But the Legislature did manage to get some work done amid the spectacle of an investigation and accusations of sexual misbehavior.
The Senate effectively put the kibosh on a series of gun bills, drawing the wrath of National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer. The House started sifting through more than 100 post-hurricane proposals, ranging from a “gold standard for evacuation” to the use of cruise ships to ferry folks out of the Keys. And House Speaker Richard Corcoran — who has two teenage children with driver licenses — started pushing a measure that would make texting while driving a primary offense.
Still, some insiders are griping that the focus on the Latvala investigation — and whispers about which lawmaker might be next — has made it nearly impossible to get much accomplished.
Senate President Joe Negron, however, disputed that notion during an interview Friday with The News Service of Florida.
“That’s not what I see. I’m visiting with senators constantly and talking about projects. There are bills being referenced (to committees),” the Stuart Republican said. “A lot of bills have been filed. Committee meetings are moving forward. Some bills have been voted down. Some bills have been voted up. So, I think that the people’s business is being done.”
FINISHED BEFORE HE STARTED
Even before he was sworn in, the business of being a utility regulator is done for Ritch Workman, a former state representative picked by Gov. Rick Scott for a post on the Public Service Commission.
Workman, who was scheduled to start the job next month, withdrew after Senate Rules Chairwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, said he manhandled her at a charity event last year.
Workman’s appointment to the Public Service Commission would have been subject to Senate confirmation, and Benacquisto said she wouldn’t put his appointment on her committee’s agenda because of his “abhorrent” behavior more than a year ago.
Workman, a Melbourne Republican who once moonlighted as an Uber driver in Tallahassee, “approached me from behind, pushed his body up against me and made vulgar and inappropriate gestures,” Benacquisto said in a statement, describing the incident.
Benacquisto, who has said publicly that she was raped as a teenager, said she immediately asked Workman to stop, but he continued to make the comments and gestures until others intervened.
An emotional Workman told the News Service on Monday he did not recall the incident, but that “the right thing to do is to get out of the way.”
“I have absolutely no recollection of being inappropriate with Sen. Benacquisto. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her. It breaks my heart that this has come out like this because it’s not the kind of person that I am,” he said.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT HEATS UP
The controversy swirling around Latvala has continued to intensify, with lawyers on both sides releasing text-message exchanges they believed bolstered their positions and a Democratic senator accusing the veteran lawmaker of misconduct in his response to sexual harassment accusations filed by a Senate staffer.
Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, filed a complaint against Latvala this week, accusing him of improperly taking steps to “out” the staff member who accused him of harassment. Rachel Perrin Rogers, a chief legislative district aide to Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, stepped forward and identified herself as one of Latvala’s accusers, saying the Clearwater Republican had essentially revealed her identity to the media without naming her.
Meanwhile, onetime Senate Majority Office staffer Lillian Tysinger, who made a sworn statement backing Latvala, filed a whistleblower complaint last Friday against Perrin Rogers, accusing the aide of creating a hostile work environment.
On Monday, Perrin Rogers showed up to work with an armed security guard, after Negron’s office turned down her request to be accompanied at all times by a Capitol Police or a Florida Department of Law Enforcement officer.
Breaking his silence on Monday, Simpson came out with a strong statement of support for his aide.
“Her tireless work ethic has served the people of my district and the state of Florida well. The incidents alleged in the media are disgusting. Since mid-last week there has been a smear campaign launched against Rachel. It must end immediately,” Simpson, R-Trilby, said.
Latvala, renowned for his gruff and even churlish demeanor, denied retaliating against Perrin Rogers but said he felt obligated to defend himself.
During a lengthy session with a few reporters early this week, he said “there is not really a victim” in the case because “the things that were described (in the complaint) were not done.”
And he blamed his critics of trying to force him out of office.
“The rush to judgment is among people who really don’t want the process to finish. They want me to be tried and convicted before we have the information presented. You know, I am just an old and ornery-enough guy that I am not going to let that happen,” he said.
JUDGE DELIVERS MESSAGE
Describing the fraud as “shameless,” a federal judge Monday sentenced former Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown to five years in prison for her role in a scam that involved using charitable contributions for personal expenses and events.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, came after Brown was convicted in May on 18 felony counts. Corrigan also sentenced to prison Brown’s longtime chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons, and a woman who started the purported charity, Carla Wiley.
In a 25-page sentencing order, Corrigan said the One Door for Education charity, which was originally established to help children, was “operated as a criminal enterprise” by Brown, Simmons and Wiley. He detailed how the charity raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, which forensic accountants said was siphoned off in cash withdrawals and used for such things as sky box seats at an NFL game and a luxury box at a Beyonce concert.
“These defendants systematically looted One Door funds which otherwise would have been available to help deserving children,” Corrigan said in the sentencing order. “Just think of the good that could have been done with that money if it had been used for its proper purpose.”
The sentencing was a final step in the downfall of Brown, 71, long an influential figure in Jacksonville politics and the city’s African-American community. The 12-term congresswoman, whose district stretched from Jacksonville to Orlando, was also a master of constituent services, using “Corrine Delivers” as a slogan to tout her ability to bring home projects and services.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Ritch Workman, appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the Public Service Commission, withdrew after Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto accused him of “abhorrent” behavior towards her at a charity event a year ago.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It’s like I don’t even exist here anymore. They will not return my calls. They will not return my lawyer’s calls.” — Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, on being shunned by Senate leaders in the midst of investigations into alleged sexual harassment.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Photo Gallery: More Great Snow Photos
December 9, 2017
Here are more snow photos from NorthEscambia.com and our readers.
Click here for a photo gallery.
Click here for a previous (mostly night) photo gallery.
NorthEscambia.com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Ice On Highway 29 Bridge Leads To Fatal Crash, Road Closure
December 9, 2017
Ice on a Highway 29 bridge in McDavid led to two serious crashes Saturday morning, one of which claimed the life of a woman.
The accident happened on the northbound Highway 29 bridge over Mitchell Creek, just north of the McDavid Fire Station about 7:45 a.m. The driver of a car lost control and rotated off the roadway and into the ditch and a large pine tree. A passerby in a SUV reportedly stopped to assist, when the driver of a Ford Ranger, 73-year old Mary Adams of Pensacola, lost control on the ice and crashed into the SUV.
Adams as trapped in the vehicle until being extricated by firefighters. She was later pronounced deceased on scene by Escambia County EMS.
The northbound Mitchell Creek Bridge on Highway 29 was closed after the crash, as was the Canoe Creek Bridge on Highway 29 for well over an hour until a FDOT crew could arrive and spread sand. Due to the traffic crash investigation, only one northbound lane was opened.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS, the McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the wrecks.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Snowfall Delivers Rare South Alabama, Northwest Florida Sight (With Photo Gallery)
December 9, 2017
It was a rare sight across the North Escambia area early Saturday morning with a blanket of snow across south Alabama and portion of Northwest Florida.
Snowfall totals ranged from just a dusting in southern Escambia County, FL, to 1.25 inches in Bratt, to several inches in Escambia County, AL.
For dozens of NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos from across the area, click here for a photo gallery.
To submitted additional photos, email news@northescambia.com or upload on our Facebook or tag @northescambia on Twitter. We expect to publish additional snowfall photos during the day on Saturday.
Pictured: Snow early Saturday morning in Century (top – NorthEscambia.com photo)) and (in order going down the page) Bratt, Cantonment, Molino, Century, Bratt, Poarch, Atmore and Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Trump Brings Tax Cut, Vote For Moore And Thanks Pensacola Message
December 9, 2017
President Donald Trump brought his tax cut message to Pensacola Friday night, along with a special message for Alabama residents — get out and vote for Roy Moore.
It’s was Trump’s fourth visit to Pensacola, but his first as president. And for that, he offered a special thanks.
“Hello Pensacola. What a place! Right here on the Emerald Coast in the great State of Florida where we had a tremendous victory,” Trump said.
“I’ve been here three times, I just keep coming back. When we were doing well all over Florida I said ‘was the Pensacola area included yet?’. They said ‘no’. I said ‘guess what? We just won that election.’,” he said.
Despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by the candidate, Trump encouraged Alabama residents to vote for Roy Moore for the U.S. Senate.
“The future of this country can’t afford to lose a seat,” he said. “We want jobs, jobs, jobs. So, get out and vote for Roy Moore.”
Trump also stumped for his proposed tax cut.
“I can’t think of a better Christmas present than a massive tax cut,” Trump stated.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Deputies Contribute To Toy Drive
December 9, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “A North Shift” has made their donation to the Magical Christmas Toy Drive.
“We as a shift have been blessed, we hope that some deserving kids can be blessed too” said Sgt. Heath Jackson.
Less than two weeks remain to donate to the Magical Christmas Toy Drive for needy local children. The ECSO has four drop off locations that are open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.:
- Main Office – 1700 West Leonard Street
- Precinct 1 – 43 Fort Pickens Road
- Precinct 3 – 30 North Navy Boulevard
- Precinct 4 – 97 West Hood Drive
The “A North Shift” deputies work in the Molino, Cantonment and Ensley areas on the midnight shift.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Explore Engineering Careers At ECUA Cantonment Facility
December 9, 2017
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, the Escambia County School District, and CH2M welcomed middle school students this week to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. This outreach event introduced Escambia County students to the STEM skills and principles needed to pursue engineering careers.
The ECUA/ECSD/CH2M partnership is an opportunity for the three organizations to give back to the community and get students excited about pursuing a STEM career.
ECUA Executive Director, Stephen Sorrell adds, “As a local utility, ECUA strives to contribute and partner with the community wherever possible. We’re excited to share the science and technology behind a public health need that is so basic to all, and to expose students to the possibilities that may be open to them in the STEM fields. The earlier we can engage with and encourage students to consider engineering careers, the better!”
Students from Ferry Pass Middle School visited the ECUA Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment to learn about the science and engineering behind ECUA’s ’s water reclamation process – where the collected wastewater goes and how it is treated and reused. The 3-hour program included presentations from CH2M and ECUA engineers including an interactive 3-D breakout session and a tour of the facility.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
December 9, 2017
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of December 11-15:
Monday, Dec. 11
West Florida Regional Planning Council Board Meeting – 3:30 p.m., Okaloosa County Administration Building Training Room, 1250 Eglin Pkwy., Shalimar
Marine Advisory – 5:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex,
3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Escambia County Legislative Delegation Public Hearing – 5:30 p.m., Pensacola State College Jean and Paul Performance Studio, 1000 College Boulevard
Tuesday, Dec. 12
BCC Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
Co:Lab Policy Board Meeting – 11 a.m., 418 West Garden Street, Pensacola
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Transportation Planning Organization – 9 a.m., 913 South “I” Street, Pensacola
Development Review Committee - 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Thursday, Dec. 14
BCC Agenda Review, Public Forum and Regular Meeting – 9 a.m., 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors – 2 p.m., 418 West Garden Street, Pensacola
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Senate Boss Says Florida PIP Repeal Needs To Include Medical Coverage
December 9, 2017
The Senate will consider the merits of repealing Florida’s long-standing requirement for drivers to carry personal-injury protection insurance, but Senate President Joe Negron said it’s important to ensure that any replacement coverage still provides Florida drivers access to medical coverage and funeral benefits.
“I think med pay (medical payments coverage) is an important component that we need to retain in the system,” Negron said Friday in an interview with The News Service of Florida. “It makes sure that an emergency room is compensated when someone appears for care after a motor vehicle accident.”
Moreover, Negron, R-Stuart, said it’s important to maintain a burial benefit.
“I think if a terrible, unspeakable tragedy of someone getting killed in an automobile accident, and the family is having to adjust with that permanent alteration of their reality, to have a modest payment to make sure they can afford a funeral and a burial is not too much to ask. I will not support jettisoning that.”
The Legislature in 1972 passed a requirement that drivers carry $10,000 in personal-injury protection insurance in hopes of limiting the number of lawsuits stemming from traffic accidents. It provides benefits to the policyholder, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
For health benefits, so-called PIP covers 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses. The benefit is reduced to $2,500 if a treating medical provider determines an emergency medical condition did not exist. PIP also provides policyholders 60 percent of their loss of income following accidents.
In the case of a death, PIP provides the policyholder a $5,000 death benefit.
According to the Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida is one of 10 states to require drivers to carry PIP. Senate Banking and Insurance Chairwoman Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, said one of the first bills her committee will consider when it meets in early January is a PIP repeal (SB 150), filed by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa. A House version (HB 19), filed by Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, is ready to go to the House floor after the 2018 session starts Jan. 9.
by The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Postpones Christmas Musicals Due To Weather
December 9, 2017
Due to weather, Byrneville Elementary School has postponed their annual Christmas musicals that were scheduled for Friday night.
The musicals will presented by grades K-2 on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m and grades 3-5 on Tuesday 1:00 p.m. A second performance will be held with grades 3-5 on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and grades K-2 on Wednesday at 1:00 p..m. All performances will be at Byrneville Elementary School.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
