Scott Proposes $180 Million In Tax, Fee Cuts
November 7, 2017
Driver’s license fees would be cut and a series of sales-tax “holidays” would be offered as part of nearly $180 million package proposed Monday by Gov. Rick Scott as part of his final budget recommendations.
The proposed fee and tax cuts come as the Legislature faces a tight budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
At a series of campaign-style events across the state Monday, Scott proposed reversing portions of fee increases imposed on motorists in 2009 after the recession hit. He also proposed a 10-day back-to-school sales tax “holiday” on clothes and school supplies and three week-long disaster preparedness tax “holidays” in May, June and July.
“Over the past seven years, we have worked relentlessly to turn around Florida’s economy, and the results are clear,” Scott, who is barred from seeking a third term next year, said in a prepared statement.
With the annual legislative session starting in January, lawmakers face a tight budget. The state was expected to have a modest budget surplus, but costs related to Hurricane Irma have altered those projections.
Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who will take over as Senate president after the 2018 elections, has recently acknowledged that the state could face $1 billion-plus shortfalls in the coming years.
Under the package released Monday, Scott’s proposed sales tax “holidays” would account for $88 million of the tax savings.
The governor’s office estimates the motorists’ savings at $91 million during the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Under Scott’s proposal, renewal fees for regular driver’s licenses would go from $48 to $20, while fees for first-time licenses would fall from $48 to $27.
Also, Scott is proposing to reduce a fee on commercial driver’s licenses from $75 to $67, while providing an 18 percent reduction on traffic-citation fees for motorists who attend a basic driver- improvement school.
Lawmakers approved increased fees for motorists as part of a much-wider effort in 2009 to balance the state’s budget after the recession slashed revenues.
This is not the first time Scott has targeted the 2009 increases, which were passed under then-Gov. Charlie Crist. In 2014, vehicle-registration fees were rolled back on average $25 a year.
Scott, who plans to release a proposed state budget in the coming weeks, also reiterated Monday his backing of a potential constitutional amendment that would be make it harder to raise taxes by requiring a “super-majority” two-thirds vote by the House and Senate for future tax or fee increases.
Sen. Jack Latvala, who was removed Monday as Senate budget chief amid an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, questioned the potential constitutional amendment last week.
Latvala said House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Scott have enough appointees on the Constitution Revision Commission, which is considering a similar proposal, to put the issue before voters in the 2018 general election without the proposal going through the Legislature.
“Why is it necessary to have a legislative fight over an amendment to limit tax increases in the future, unless it’s to get some press or get some recognition for the legislators involved?” Latvala asked.
Scott is expected to run for the U.S. Senate in 2018, while Corcoran is expected to join the embattled Latvala in a run for governor.
Throughout his years in office, Scott has made a top priority of cutting taxes.
In January, ahead of the 2017 session, Scott called for $618 million in tax cuts, asking for reductions in a tax on commercial leases, sales-tax “holidays” for consumers and a modest reduction in the state’s corporate-income tax.
Five months later, he proclaimed victory in signing a two-year package worth nearly $180 million — $91.6 million in the current year — mostly through the elimination of the so-called “tampon tax” and through tax holidays for back-to-school shoppers and Floridians preparing for hurricane season.
In 2015, lawmakers approved a tax cut package that totaled $428.9 million, topped by a reduction in the communications-services tax on cell-phone and cable-TV bills.
A year later, lawmakers handed Scott a tax-cut package of $129 million for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The focus on the package that year was the elimination of a sales tax on manufacturing equipment.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Man Injured After Driving Into The Path Of A Train
November 7, 2017
A man was injured Monday when his vehicle was hit by a train in Cantonment.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 79-year old Herbert Turner was driving a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder on El Camino Driver when he crossed at a railroad crossing directly in the path of a southbound CSX train. The train’s front collided with the rear of the vehicle, spinning it counter clockwise and onto Old Novak Road.
Turner was transported by Escambia County EMS to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries. Any charges against Turner are pending the outcome of FHP’s investigation.
James McDaniel Named Byrneville Teacher Of The Year
November 7, 2017
Coach James McDaniel has been name Byrneville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. He teaches physical education. James McDaniel is pictured with his wife Brennis McDaniel. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Sports Association Thanks Council For Support
November 7, 2017
Monday night, Century Sports Association President Amanuel Dubose thanked the Century Town Council and Mayor Henry Hawkins for their support during their fall season. Dubose and sports association secretary Alicia Harris presented the town with an appreciation award.
Pictured: Century Mayor Henry Hawkins, Century Sports Association President Amanuel Dubose and sports association secretary Alicia Harris. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: NHS Cheerleaders, NJROTC, Band
November 7, 2017
For a bonus gallery from last Friday night’s Northview game, including cheerleaders, NROTC, band and more, click here.
For a football action story and photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Person Injured In Molino House Fire
November 6, 2017
One person was treated for smoke inhalation after a house fire in Molino this afternoon.
The fire in the wood frame Road in the 5000 block of Molino Road near Highway 99 was believed to have started in the kitchen area.
The resident of the home suffered smoke inhalation and was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital.
Firefighters were able to save most of the structure from fire damage.
NorthEscambia.com photos click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice Rescinded For South Pineville, O.C. Phillips Area
November 6, 2017
UPDATE: The following water notice was rescinded the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 6.
A precautionary boil water notice is in effect for the residents of South Pineville Road from O.C. Phillips Road traveling South, and including, Ryals Lane, and O.C. Phillips Road from 6850 O.C. Phillips Road traveling West to the South Pineville Road intersection.
Escambia County Renews Lease With Healthy Start In Century
November 6, 2017
The Escambia County Commission has renewed a lease with the Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition on a county owned building in Century.
The commission first approved a lease agreement in November 2014 with Healthy Start for the 1500 square-foot building at 511 Church Street. The $1 per year lease included an option for two additional two year terms.
From the building, Women, Infant and Children’s (WIC) program has 178 participants at the Century clinic.
“We have been serving about 180-200 clients in Century since we started providing services. Without this site, the majority of our Century clients would not be participating in our program,” Theresa Chmiel, executive director of Healthy Start said in an email.
Since opening Century Pediatrics one year ago, the clinic has provided 489 dental visits and 2,695 pediatric visits. Of those, nearly 67 percent were Medicaid participants.
“The need was absolutely there when you see those kind of numbers,” Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said. “We are a certainly producing a better outcome.”
The building had sat empty for a number of years before Healthy Start began their lease.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Football Playoff Games Announced
November 6, 2017
The Florida High School Athletic Association announced post season football playoff matchups on Sunday.
Quarterfinal games will be played Friday night as follows:
Region 1- Class 6A
No. 1 St. Augustine (9-0, 3-0 District 4-6A) hosts No. 8 Tate (6-3, 2-1 1-6A), 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Crestview (7-0, 3-0 3-6A) hosts No. 7 Gulf Breeze (7-2, 2-1 2-6A), 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 Escambia (7-2, 3-0 1-6A) hosts No. 6 Pine Forest (4-5, 1-2 1-6A), 7:30 p .m.
No. 4 Navarre (8-1, 3-0 2-6A) hosts No. 5 Niceville (6-3, 2-1 3-6A), 7:30 p.m.
Region 1-5A
No. 1 West Florida (9-1, 4-0 1-5A) hosts Tallahassee Rickards (5-4, 0-2 2-5A), 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Tallahassee Godby (9-1, 2-0 2-5A) hosts No. 7 Ponte Vedra (8-3, 4-1 4-5A), 6:30 p.m.
No. 3 Trinity Christian Academy ( 7-3, 4-1 4-5A) hosts No. 6 Bolles (8-2, 4-1 4-5A), 6:30 p.m.
No. 4 Ribault (8-2, 4-0 3-5A) hosts No. 4 Wakulla (8-2, 1-1 2-5A), 6:30 p.m.
Region 1-1A
No. 1 Baker (10-0) hosts No. 4 Jay (6-4), 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 Holmes County (7-3) hosts No. 3 Chipley (7-3), 7:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
November 6, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
· Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.)10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road- Eight Mile Creek Road, south of Nine Mile Road, will be reduced to one lane from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 as crews install drainage pipe. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
· Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct.31 through Thursday, Nov. 2 as crews perform construction activities:
· Alternating lane closures east and westbound I-10 and north and southbound U.S. 29.
· Intermittent closure of the U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp and the U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound ramp. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
· Intermittent closure of the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south ramp (Exit 10A). Traffic will be detoured to Exit 10B.
· Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 north ramp (Exit 10B).
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge-This week drivers will continue to encounter alternating east and westbound lane closures between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17) and on Scenic Highway near the I-10 interchange from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities. In addition, I-10 eastbound will be intermittently reduced to two lanes during the day as crews perform paving work.
· U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as follows:
· Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: The nightly eastbound traffic shift onto the westbound inside travel lane continue as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck.
· U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may experience alternating lane closures as crews perform drainage operations.
· S.R. 742 (Creighton Road) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway– Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Davis Highway and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. continue as crews perform milling and paving operations, curb replacement, sidewalk repairs, and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Alternating lane closures continue Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations.
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures on Bayfront Parkway between 14th Avenue and the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. this week through Saturday, Nov. 4 as crews work on drainage improvements. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, westbound lane restrictions will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
· S.R. 292 (Pace Boulevard) Driveway Construction- Northbound traffic on Pace Boulevard can expect lane closures at Jordan Street from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 as crews perform activities associated with driveway construction.
· I-10 at W Nine Mile Road Utility Work Pacing Operations- Utility crews will perform work on the Navy Federal Reconductor project over I-10 at Nine Mile Road Thursday, Nov 2. Motorists may encounter minor delays from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 as law enforcement assist with two 15-minute traffic pacing operations.
Santa Rosa County
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) – Widening efforts on I-10 and reconstruction of the Avalon Boulevard overpass continues. Alternating I-10 lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, Nov. 3. Drivers can also expect lane restrictions on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange.
· S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB Boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary will remain restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide through completion of the project in late 2018.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.