20 Years Overdue For Inspection: Are The Bridges In Century Safe?
February 12, 2017
NorthEscambia.com has learned that town-maintained bridges in Century have not been inspected in years… at least one since 1995…about 22 years ago.
State law mandates that most bridges be inspected at least every two years.
Bridges are then classified as being safe, or as “functionally obsolete” or “structurally deficient”.
“Functionally obsolete” means that the bridge design is outdated. For example, narrow shoulders, narrow lanes, or older traffic barriers can induce the functionally obsolete classification. Functionally obsolete bridges are scheduled for replacement or rehabilitation as budgets permit.
“Structurally deficient” bridges are recommended for repair, or scheduled for replacement; meanwhile, they are posted as necessary for load, or closed.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins says the town is working to hire a bridge inspection company or seven town-maintained bridges.
Pictured: A culvert aNorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Bright Futures, Block Tuition Changes Backed
February 12, 2017
With debates over block tuition at state universities and graduating state college students more quickly, a Senate panel backed a bill that would expand Bright Futures scholarships, impose stricter graduation standards and increase financial aid for first-generation students.
The bill (SB 2) is part of Senate President Joe Negron’s higher-education initiative. It cleared the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee in a 5-1 vote, with opposition from Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth.
Clemens unsuccessfully tried to amend the bill, including with a proposal to let the 12 state universities review the financial impact of block tuition before mandating its use in the fall of 2018.
A move to block tuition would require undergraduates to pay a flat tuition rate per semester, rather than be billed on the current credit-hour basis. The bill would require block tuition but leave it up to the universities to develop the specific plans.
Clemens said he was concerned that if the proposal results in universities only charging for what now represents 12 credit hours per semester but students take 15 or more credit hours, it would lead to a substantial revenue loss for the schools. He said he has been told it could be $30 million or more for some universities.
“That’s a big concern. That’s not a small hit,” Clemens said. “There is a real impact to the revenue loss here that we are not taking into account.”
His amendment was defeated in a voice vote after drawing opposition from Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who chairs the subcommittee and is sponsoring the bill.
Galvano said the Senate was waiting to see block tuition plans from the universities, which have had the block-tuition option for a number of years but have failed to advance a plan. He also said if a plan reduced tuition, which would be a savings for students, the financial loss for the schools could be offset by other funding.
“I think we all can anticipate a very robust education budget at the university level,” Galvano said. “Let’s see what the (university block tuition) plans are. Let’s see how it works.”
Other provisions in the bill would hold universities to a new performance standard based on a four-year graduation rate, rather than the six-year measure now used.
At the 28 state colleges, the performance standards would be measured on a two-year basis for students seeking associate degrees and a four-year standard for students seeking baccalaureate degrees.
College presidents and students have raised objections to that provision, arguing that many of the system’s 800,000 students are “non-traditional,” with 65 percent of fall 2015 enrollment being part-time students and 58 percent minority students.
Nadia Esha, student government president at Florida State College at Jacksonville, said students on her campus are “strongly opposed” to the legislation.
She said the 60 percent of the school’s students who are part time “cannot attend or complete their (baccalaureate) degree in four years.”
“These are hard-working, non-traditional students that seek flexibility that only colleges like FSCJ can provide,” Esha said.
Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, offered an amendment to ease that college standard, seeking to allow students to earn associate degrees within three years and baccalaureate degrees within five. But it was defeated.
Galvano, who was once a part-time state college student in Manatee County, said the performance standard would be aimed at “full-time” students, rather than the part-time college students.
Another provision in the bill would expand Bright Futures merit scholarships for the top students, known as “academic scholars,” to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees, while also providing $300 a semester for books. The top Bright Futures scholarship now only covers about half the tuition and fees at state universities.
Joe Glover, a provost at the University of Florida, said UF supports the bill, including the Bright Futures expansion as well as a commitment to double the state funding match for a program that supports “first generation” students attending state universities or colleges.
Glover said UF had 1,159 first-generation students enrolled this academic year.
But the problem has been there are more students eligible for the need-based financial aid than available funding. In the 2015-2016 academic year, the first-generation aid program supported 8,200 students. Another 13,700 were eligible but received no funding according to the state Department of Education.
The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on also passed a bill (SB 4) that would create funding pools to help universities attract top-quality faculty and recognize high-achieving graduate and professional programs, including law and medical schools.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Elvis Was In The Building: Barrineau Park Historical Society Holds Sock Hop
February 12, 2017
The Barrineau Park Historical Society held an Oldies Sock Hop Friday night with an evening of old time dancing, fun and fellowship. Pictured top and below: Elvis (aka Alberto Frank) made a surprise appearance at the sock hop, even winning the twist contest. Pictured inset: Barrineau Park Historical Society President Craig Exner looking dapper for the sock hop. Pictured bottom. Hula hoop contest winners. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Search And Rescue Trains With New Drones
February 12, 2017
Escambia Search and Rescue volunteers spent much of their Saturday learning how to property operate two new state of the art drones.
The Maxsur Seeker drones are a designed for search and rescue operations, including a dual thermal and color camera. They have about a mile flight range, with the operator able to watch live flight video on a monitor.
Saturday morning, ESAR volunteers were in the classroom learning how to fly the drones, and Saturday afternoon they were out at Lake Stone in Century for hands-on flight time.
The drones were purchased by ESAR as part of a “Sea, Air and Land Capabilities Improvement Initiative” grant funded for $108,200 by local women’s philanthropy group Impact 100 last October.
The complete package included the drones, a Boston Whaler capable of operation in the Gulf, 12 Project Lifesaver systems and more.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
February 12, 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:
- Fairfield Drive (State Road (S.R.) 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to North Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292)- Traffic on Fairfield Drive will encounter lane restrictions, a shift, and temporary detour from 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 to 6:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 12 as crews perform paving operations. The westbound inside, left lane will be closed just east of Ruby Avenue and traffic shifted to the outside lane. New Warrington Road Spur under the Fairfield Drive overpass, will be temporarily closed and traffic detoured to Mobile Highway, south to the on ramp leading back to New Warrington Road. Drivers traveling eastbound on Fairfield Drive will encounter a lane shift just west of the overpass over the New Warrington Road Spur. Traffic will be transitioned to the westbound travel lanes to bypass the overpass, transitioning back to the eastbound lanes at Ruby Avenue. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit and to watch for construction vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the roadway. In addition, intermittent and alternating lane closures continue between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- The following lane and ramp will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb 12 through Wednesday, Feb. 15 to allow crews to place concrete for new gutters:
- I-10 eastbound, left, inside lane near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B).
- U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp. Traffic will be detoured south to make a U-turn at Diamond Dairy Road to access I-10 eastbound.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State line to the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge) – Lane closures will be in effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 through Friday, Feb. 17 as crews perform paving operations between the Alabama State line and the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge). Drivers can expect delays.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Routine Bridge Inspection over Theo Baars Bridge- Eastbound lane closure in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
- U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance from Ramp from New Warrington to South Pinewood Lane- The westbound, inside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 to 3 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 from the ramp from New Warrington to just west of the Bayou Chico Bridge as crews seal cracks in the asphalt.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance from the Alabama State Line to U.S. 29 (Exit 10) - Intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Wednesday, Feb. 15 as crews remove and replace the raised pavement markers along the roadway.
- I-10 Widening from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Alternating lane closures on I-10 between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (U.S. 90/Exit 17) from 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 to 6:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16 as crews perform striping operations. Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway south of the I-10 ramps from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. the week of February 13 to allow crews to install a drainage pipe beneath the roadway. One lane will remain open at all times.
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating southbound lane closures near the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. continue as crews perform drainage work. Also, alternating north and southbound U.S. 29 and east and westbound Nine Mile Road lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. near the U.S. 29/Nine Mile Road overpass continue to accommodate for the bridge construction operations.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R.297) to U.S. 29- A new detour configuration has been implemented on Nine Mile Road between Stefani and Waring roads as crews construct a box culvert under Nine Mile Road. Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations. Drivers are reminded to use extra caution when traveling through the detour as large vehicles enter and exit the roadway from side streets. The speed limit throughout the construction zone has been reduced to 35 MPH.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Widening from County Road 184 to north of the Yellow River Bridge- Intermittent lane closures between Hickory Hammock Road and the Yellow River Bridge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 13 as crew perform paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Feb.16 as crews perform paving operations. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure.
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.
Tate Aggies Play In 30 Inning Game
February 12, 2017
The Tate High School Aggies kicked off the baseball season with a 30-inning game for the junior varsity and varsity players on Saturday at Tate High School. The varsity Aggies will take part in a preseason classic on Thursday in Pace. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge..
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Let’s Get Ready To Rumble
February 12, 2017
At another time, it might not be unusual for the governor to accuse the House speaker of being more concerned about politics than jobs. It would be notable, though not altogether shocking, for the speaker to respond like Clint Eastwood to talk of the Senate suing the House.
But the 2017 legislative session hasn’t even started, and temperatures are already running hot at the Capitol. Gov. Rick Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran are locked in an MMA-style brawl over business incentives. The Senate appeared to be backing away from the brink of suing the other chamber over budget rules — but the House might not want a detente.
All that was before a Friday curveball: state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said he would step aside after the session.
And the days until the March 7 start of the 60-day session continue to tick down. Another month of bad blood could make the two months that follow even harder to bring to a successful and peaceful end.
PERSONAL BUSINESS
Scott and Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, have been sniping about economic incentives for months, if not longer. Scott believes that the added enticements help bring business and jobs to the Sunshine State. Corcoran thinks they infringe on the free market and amount to little more than corporate welfare.
The clash had been mostly civil if a bit heated. But on Tuesday, Scott decided to let loose.
“We’re seeing people that just want to run for higher office,” Scott said. “They’re not concerned about what happens to other people. They just think it’s a nice soundbite.”
Asked directly if he was accusing Corcoran, who may run for governor in 2018, of trying to advance his political career, Scott said: “It’s pretty clear if you don’t care about people’s jobs, you must be caring about something else. … The only thing this could be is politics.”
In response, Corcoran called Scott “a good man and a friend,” then proceeded to take a few shots at that good man and friend.
“However, we were elected to do what is right and clean up government, put an end to the waste of taxpayer money and end the culture of corruption,” Corcoran said in a statement.
He also pointed out, a bit cheekily, that the House has never questioned Scott’s motives on issues like Enterprise Florida or Visit Florida — the main incentive programs at the heart of the battle — or the governor’s temporary and half-hearted support of “Obamacare expansion.” Scott in 2013 supported Medicaid expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act. The House staunchly opposed an expansion, which was never approved.
If Scott was trying to get the House to immediately back down in the incentives fight, it didn’t work. The next day, the Careers & Competition Subcommittee voted 10-5 to support a 172-page proposal (PCB CCS 17-01) that would eliminate the public-private Enterprise Florida and tourism marketer Visit Florida, along with a lengthy list of tax-credit and grant programs designed to attract companies to relocate and build in the state.
The likelihood of the entire proposal getting into law is not high. Even supporters said they expect the bill to undergo changes if the agencies are able to quickly show they can be more transparent and focus more on small counties and small businesses.
“I do think that some of the things are going to be zeroed out, but I think at the end of the day not everything gets zeroed out,” subcommittee Chairman Halsey Beshears, R-Monticello, said after voting for the proposal. “The bigger guys are going to take care of themselves. That doesn’t mean throw them under the bus. It just means we need to focus those dollars where we can get the best bang for our buck.”
But Scott was not backing down, and either the governor or someone on his behalf took to live-tweeting the subcommittee meeting. After the vote, Scott tweeted, “Politicians in @MyFLHouse turned their back on jobs today by supporting job killing legislation.”
That followed a pre-meeting tweet: “A job creates hope, a job creates opportunity for your family. LETS FIGHT FOR JOBS TODAY.” The capital letters were by the governor.
The Senate still seems to have the governor’s back. But the Senate had its own problems with the House.
ATWATER GOES TO FAU AFTER ALL
Three years ago, state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater tried unsuccessfully to win the presidency at Florida Atlantic University. The defeat was something of a surprise; state officials had almost come to regard university positions as akin to a birthright, and boards of trustees were often quick to oblige.
But Atwater will head to FAU anyway after the upcoming legislative session — as a vice president at the Boca Raton school instead of the head man.
“While I would have preferred to embrace this opportunity at a later date, the timing of crucial university initiatives warranted an accelerated transition,” the North Palm Beach Republican said in a statement.
That opens up a position on the state Cabinet that will have to be filled by Scott until voters choose a CFO in 2018.
In a statement praising Atwater, the governor said he would begin the process of making an appointment.
“I got to know CFO Jeff Atwater well in 2010 on the campaign trail, and like me, he has been laser-focused on keeping the cost of living low for all Floridians,” Scott said in his statement. “I am proud that the state has paid down over $7.6 billion in debt since 2011 and CFO Atwater has aggressively helped us achieve that goal. He has fought to reduce burdensome regulations that hinder job growth, protect families from financial fraud and has traveled the state to return more than $1 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners.”
While moving from managing the finances of the state to managing the finances of FAU might not seem like a promotion, Atwater could be in line for a sizable raise. His statewide post pays $128,972 a year. At FAU, he will replace Dorothy Russell, who retired in January after a decade at the university and who was paid nearly $250,000 last year.
Adding intrigue to the selection: Scott’s decision about an appointment could play a critical role in the 2018 contest for the Cabinet seat, giving the new incumbent an advantage, and could help the governor burnish his credentials with either a voting bloc or contributors ahead of his own expected U.S. Senate campaign in 2018.
Among the names being ground up by the Tallahassee rumor mill: Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, former state Rep. Tom Grady and state Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Tom Lee of Thonotosassa, Lizbeth Benacquisto of Fort Myers and Jack Latvala of Clearwater.
RULES OF THE ROAD
If Corcoran intended to shake up the legislative session with a House rule requiring that any new local project included in the budget must first be submitted to the House as an individual bill — mission accomplished.
Lobbyists and those who receive state money have been worried about the implications of the policy. And members of the Senate have bristled as the House insists it won’t yield on the rule even during negotiations with the Senate over the spending plan for the year beginning July 1.
This week, the Senate tried a new tack: a proposed joint rule that would limit budget negotiators to including only projects that had been approved by at least one of the two chambers, or requiring specific information and public testimony before adding new goodies shortly before a final vote on the budget.
Senate leaders appeared to already be envisioning a round of “Kumbaya” with the House after their newest idea was unveiled in the Senate Rules Committee.
“I don’t think we’d be going through this exercise if we weren’t optimistic that between the chambers we could identify the snares, bevel some edges and get it done,” said Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who is set to become president of the Senate after the 2018 elections.
But Corcoran wasn’t exactly tuning up for a song and sounded more like he was channeling Eastwood’s legendary “Make my day” challenge. In a statement issued by his office, Corcoran said the prospect of Senate legal action had come up. He also suggested the House wasn’t intimidated.
“They threatened to sue us if we put that language in our House rules,” Corcoran said. “We’re still waiting. If they want to sue the House for fighting on behalf of the people for unprecedented levels of transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny of pork barrel spending, I’ll pay their filing fee.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced Friday that he will leave his job at the end of the legislative session to take an executive position at Florida Atlantic University.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “There’s a plan afoot to impose new fees on paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. Really?! What’s next? A tube tax on Ichetucknee? A surfboard tax in Cocoa? This has gone too far.”—Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, in a blast email following consideration of fees on certain types of vessels by an advisory committee for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boating Advisory Council. FWC officials have distanced themselves from the idea.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Elton Gilmore Retires From Public Service – Again
February 11, 2017
Elton Gilmore of McDavid has retired from public service — again.
Gilmore was recently honored by the Escambia County Commission as he retired after seven years as the Emergency Management Operations Officer in the Public Safety Department. He began his employment with Escambia EMA in 2010 and was immediately assigned to the Deepwater Horizon incident as the branch liaison coordinating response efforts. He worked during multiple storm activations and other local disasters affecting the citizens of Escambia County.
He previously worked at the Florida Division of Forestry.
In June of 1977, Gilmore was hired as a forest ranger at the Molino Tower at the same rate of pay he had made as the assistant manager of an IGA grocery store — $5.50 an hour. He was promoted to Senior Forest Ranger in January 1986 and was promoted to Forest Area Supervisor in February 1997. He spent a total of 32 years in Forestry fire control before retiring in 2010.
Gilmore also helped organize the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department, serving as captain, assistant chief, and chief.
Pictured top: Elton Gilmore (center) is honored with a proclamation from the Escambia County Commission presented by Public Safety Director Mike Weaver (left) as his wife Mary looks on. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Live Art With A Message Presented At Jim Allen, Molino Park, Ernest Ward
February 11, 2017
Be an awesome school, using words that build people up..that was the message that artist and inspirational speaker Tim Bertram presented Friday morning at Jim Allen Elementary School as he combined his message with a live painting of Honest Abe Lincoln.
Later at Molino Park Elementary School, Bertram created another live painting while teaching the students about the power of words and delivering an anti-bulling message.
And Friday afternoon, Bertram created live Einstein painting before the 500 students at Ernest Ward Middle School while talking about potential.
Each school was able to keep their completed painting as a reminder of the positive message.
For a photo gallery from all three schools, click here.
Bertram will take his inspirational message to a higher level this weekend at Highland Baptist Church in Molino as he communicates the truth found in the Scripture wile challenging the audience to go deeper in their relationship with Christ.
He will be guest speaker at Wild Game Dinner and Fish Fry at 5:00 (doors open at 4:30) at Highland. The meal is free with a suggested donation of $5 at the door. The meal will include a variety of venison dishes (spaghetti, back strap, sausage), fried fish, baked beans, fried fish, baked beans, cole slaw, dessert, coffee, tea and water.
Bertram will also be guest speaker during a Men’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. Sunday and during the morning service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Highland Baptist, 6240 Highway 95A North in Molino. For more information, call (850) 587-5174.
For a photo gallery from all three schools, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
February 11, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending February 2 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
No report was received this week from Escambia County.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson received information about a subject who harvested three antlerless deer in one day during the antlerless deer season, two over the limit. During an interview, the subject said that he, his father, and his son each shot one deer. After interviewing the other subjects and another witness, it was confirmed that the subject shot and killed all three deer himself. The subject then admitted to taking all three deer. Officer Hutchinson obtained a warrant charging the man with taking over the bag limit of antlerless deer.
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling an area after dark where he received several complaints of illegal hunting activity. While working the area, he observed a vehicle driving through the middle of a large field while both the driver and passenger shined the area. When the vehicle was stopped, a loaded hunting rifle was discovered. The man and woman admitted to looking for deer. The driver did not a have a valid driver’s license. Both were charged with night hunting and the driver was also charged with driving with a suspended license.
Officer Hutchinson saw a vehicle slowly traveling along the road with a spotlight being shined from the vehicle into the field in front of his house. The vehicle was stopped and two juveniles informed him that they were looking for a big buck. A loaded shotgun was lying in between the two front seats. Officer Hutchinson made contact with their parents and, after the parents’ arrival, the juveniles were charged with night hunting and released into the custody of their parents.
Officer Mullins attended Bagdad Elementary School to talk with students who were studying conservation and resource management. Officer Mullins explained the FWC’s role in conservation and protection of natural resources. After an explanation of laws, regulations, and why they are important, Officer Mullins answered the students’ questions regarding what is and is not allowed and why.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.