Florida Democrats Looks For Answers And A Leader
November 15, 2016
After losing the state’s presidential and U.S. Senate races and failing to make major gains in the Legislature, Florida Democrats are groping for a way forward as the 2018 elections loom with battles for governor and all three state Cabinet seats.
The immediate issue is who will lead the Florida Democratic Party and its 4.87 million voters, with the announcement Friday that Allison Tant, who has chaired the party since 2013, is stepping down in January.
Tant, a former Tallahassee lobbyist who was known for her ability to raise money for Democrats, led the party through two difficult election cycles as Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton lost last week in the state and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist lost in 2014 to Republican incumbent Rick Scott.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who could face a challenge from Scott in 2018, defended Tant’s leadership Monday.
Nelson, who is the only Democrat holding a statewide office in Florida, called her “a strong and dedicated leader.”
“I hope the energy she brought to our party will stay with us for years to come,” Nelson said in a statement.
With the stinging election defeat less than week old, several names have emerged as potential Tant successors including former state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach; Alan Clendenin, a state party vice chair and Hillsborough County state committeeman; Annette Taddeo, a former Miami-Dade County chair and a 2014 candidate for lieutenant governor; Dwight Bullard, who lost a re-election bid last week for his Miami-Dade Senate seat; and Susannah Randolph, a former aide to U.S. Rep Alan Grayson and a longtime Orange County party activist.
“I think we will hear more names. I don’t think you’ve heard all the names you’re going to hear,” said former state Sen. Steve Geller, who was just elected to the Broward County Commission.
As for the election outcome, Geller said: “When you’re on the losing side, the question is always the same.”
“Did you lose because you didn’t go enough to the center under the theory that the majority of voters are in the center or did you lose because you didn’t go enough to the extreme (and energize the base)?” he said.
In Clinton’s case, Geller said the Democrats relied too heavily on the Obama “coalition,” which was weaker without the incumbent president on the ticket, and the Democrats were hurt by outside factors, including the FBI reopening an investigation of Clinton-related emails shortly before the election.
Geller said it was too early to speculate on how this year’s defeats, including U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy’s loss in the U.S. Senate race, will impact the 2018 elections, including the race for governor, a post the Democrats have not won since 1994.
“This week, people are still in shock,” Geller said.
The Florida Democrats will regroup in county-level elections next month, where the 67 party organizations will select county chairs, vice chairs and state committeewomen and committeemen.
Out of that group of local Democratic leaders, the state party will meet sometime in January to select Tant’s replacement, who would serve as the state chair for the next four years, including the 2018 elections as well as the 2020 presidential race.
Clendenin, who was narrowly defeated by Tant in the last party leadership election in 2013, said he is seriously considering running for the party chair again, but has not made a final decision.
“It’s a long road we’re facing,” said Clendenin, who lost a bid for a seat on the Hillsborough County School Board this fall. “And I think everybody in this party is doing some soul searching right now.”
If he runs, Clendenin said he would emphasize the theme he used in his previous leadership bids that the Democrats have to refocus their organization on a “grassroots” approach rather than “top-down driven” effort.
He said that was one of the lessons of this year’s elections, where the Democrats managed to turn out large numbers of voters in major urban areas but were overwhelmed in other areas of the state.
“You can’t possibly get enough votes out of our heavily Democratic areas if we completely ignore two-thirds of the state,” Clendenin said.
Although he was longtime Clinton supporter, Clendenin said he favored the shared approach of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump who both had “a bottom-driven movement that percolated up from social media and then was implemented into a grassroots movement that was real and in the field.”
With many names circulating as possible party chairs, Clendenin questioned whether some of the candidates will be eligible since they must first be elected as a county precinct committeeman or committeewoman to be eligible for a county leadership post and then the state chair.
Clendenin said it was possible for some of those candidates to maneuver their way into eligibility, but it would likely draw more controversy after the clash between the Sanders campaign and the national Democratic Party in this year’s presidential primary.
“I don’t think they’re going to be able to withstand that type of scrutiny this time around,” he said.
Bullard, who was defeated in his re-election bid last week by state Rep. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, said he is interested in the party leadership position.
Bullard said he would emphasize “a recommitment to our grassroots political ideology, putting everyday working families before special interests.”
“People want to know there is a party out there working for them and that it represents their voices,” Bullard said, pointing to issues like protecting Social Security, raising the minimum wage and protecting individual rights “regardless of sexual orientation.”
Bullard said Trump was more successful with voters based on a campaign strategy of “fear.”
“I would say the antithesis of that would be an atmosphere of positivity,” Bullard said, saying the party needs a message that appeals across the racial and economic spectrums.
“They all want better health care, a better education…a positive economic outlook,” he said.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
CrossFaith Church Motorcycle Ride Benefits Alzheimer’s Services
November 15, 2016
CrossFaith Church in Molino held their annual “Ride to Remember” last Saturday to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and raise funds for The Retreat, the Council on Aging’s adult day health care center. Riders also made stops by Homestead Village of Pensacola and the Summer Vista Assisted Living Community. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lady Chiefs Drop Season Opener To Escambia Academy
November 15, 2016
The Northview Lady Chiefs lost their season opener at home Monday night to the Cougars of Escambia Academy 44-26.
The Catholic Lady Crusaders are up next for the Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Pensacola, followed by a road trip to Freeport on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Neighborhood Watch, Fire Safety Info Offered
November 15, 2016
The Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attended Monday night’s meeting of the Bell Ridge Forest Homeowners Association. The Sheriff’s Office discussed the benefits of a neighborhood watch program, while the fire department presented information on home fire safety.
For more information on Escambia Fire Rescue fire safety programs, call Lt. David Coulter at (850) 471-6525. For more information on the neighborhood watch program from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, call David Craig at (850) 436-9281.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ever’man Grocery, Cafe Coming To Nine Mile Road
November 15, 2016
A new grocery story and cafe are coming to Nine Mile Road.
Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe has closed on property located at 1000 East Nine Mile Road for a new grocery store, cafe and educational center.
“Our members have been asking for another location on the north side of town for a number of years. We believe in the power of community, the collective energy of individuals coming together to be more environmentally conscious and to live healthier lives. Ever’man is proud to be an honorable cooperative citizen and strong community partner,” said Ever’man board president Dave DeBlander.
Ever’man current operate a location on West Garden Street in downtown Pensacola. Ever’man has been a local staple for more than 40 years, gradually expanding its offerings to include a wealth of wholesome options, including artisanal breads, sustainable meat, dairy and seafood, organic wines and craft beers, and a full line of vitamins, herbal remedies and personal care products.
“Everyone at Ever’man is excited to expand our cooperative and our mission into a part of our community that is experiencing amazing growth,” said General Manager William Rolfs. “We are excited and committed to become a closer part of that community, not only as a trusted source for organic, sustainable foods at a reasonable price, but also as a gathering place for people who want to share ideas and experience healthy living in fun, engaging ways.”
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Abandoned Home In Cantonment
November 14, 2016
Fire ripped though an abandoned home in Cantonment Monday evening.
The home in the 1400 block of Highway 297A was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived. The fire was declared under control 13 minutes later. Neighbors said the log and stone home had been abandoned for about a year; it was being demolished to make way for a new subdivision.
There were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
For additional photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Molino Rollover Crash
November 14, 2016
There were no injuries in a single vehicle crash Sunday night near Molino.
The accident was reported just before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 95A and Barrineau Park Road. A 25-year old female driver lost control, left the roadway and flipped her car over into several trees. She denied serious injury at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Update: Driver Stuck On Railroad Tracks Charged With DUI
November 14, 2016
(This is an update to a previous story published November 4.)
A driver that became stuck on railroad tracks in Cantonment earlier this month has been charged DUI.
According to a recently released report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Jeffery Thomas McKamey, age 58 of Cantonment, had a breath alcohol level of .23, nearly three times the legal limit.
On November 3, McKamey missed turn and became stuck on the tracks near Woodbury Circle. He told the responding state trooper that he had six or seven beers prior to the accident. The trooper was unable to complete a field sobriety test because he was unable to stand without nearly falling over.
McKamey was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond. He’s due back in court in early December.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Pot Amendment’s Passage Creats Green Rush
November 14, 2016
Florida voters’ overwhelming approval of a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana for a broad swath of patients may have spurred a green rush into the state by investors eager to cash in on what will soon be the nation’s second-largest pot market.
More than 71 percent of voters approved Amendment 2, “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions,” on Tuesday.
The size of Florida’s new market is sparking an influx of interest from investors and operators seeking to get in on the ground floor of the state’s pot industry, which had already started because of legislation allowing more-limited medical marijuana.
“I’ve gotten 13 calls over the last two days from people who want to know how to get into the business or where the opportunities are,” lobbyist Jeff Sharkey said. “It’s a remarkable spike in interest that obviously is a result of the passage of Amendment 2. It’s been rather dramatic.”
This year was the second time Florida voters weighed in on the pot measure. A similar proposal narrowly failed to capture the 60 percent approval required for passage in 2014.
As a result of a law passed this year, full-strength pot is already being grown and distributed legally in Florida, but its use is limited to patients who are terminally ill.
The success of the constitutional amendment raises questions about the future of Florida’s industry and sets the stage for more legal battles over opportunities to gain entree to one of the country’s most lucrative markets in a multibillion-dollar industry.
“Without a doubt, the passage of Amendment 2 has created an incredibly large market for medical marijuana that interests from outside the state that don’t already have a license are going to be interested in participating in,” said Jon Costello, a lobbyist who has represented firms seeking a foothold in Florida’s pot industry. “The question now becomes what entities outside Florida are going to come and start participating politically to try and open the market.”
Lawmakers will have to deal with the expansion of pot during the legislative session that begins in March, setting up what could be an industry food fight because the amendment appears to be in conflict with several provisions in Florida’s existing laws regarding the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Currently, six “dispensing organizations” have licenses to grow, process and distribute marijuana and cannabis-related products. Representatives of the dispensing organizations met with state Office of Compassionate Use Executive Director Christian Bax to discuss the impact of Tuesday’s election on their industry.
Bax told them that the status quo would continue, at least for now, according to several executives who attended the meeting.
Fewer than 700 patients were registered to receive the current marijuana products as of last week, according to state health officials, who estimated at least 500,000 patients would be eligible for the treatment under the constitutional amendment approved Tuesday.
“I anticipate that there’s going to be a robust discussion about the number of licenses that are necessary to meet the demand of the marketplace. That’s certainly an issue that we need to study and address, if necessary,” Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, told The News Service of Florida.
Bradley was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s existing laws that authorized non-euphoric marijuana for a limited number of patients and full-strength marijuana for terminally ill patients.
In 2014, the Legislature authorized the low-THC treatment in part to thwart that year’s proposed constitutional amendment that ultimately did not pass. Proponents tweaked the 2014 proposal to address concerns and brought it back to voters this year.
Orlando attorney John Morgan, who helped bankroll both initiatives, said Tuesday’s 71 percent approval was the largest margin for any marijuana-related measure in the country.
Morgan said he expects lawmakers to quickly address the measure during the 2017 session, given the mandate handed down by voters.
That would be a contrast to the rollout of non-euphoric medical marijuana in Florida, first authorized by lawmakers in 2014 but which only made its way to patients this year because of challenges to rules governing the industry and contests over the entities who were awarded licenses.
“What’s going to push this faster this time, when it gets to Tallahassee, is the money that’s waiting at the door to get this stuff grown and marketed. That’s going to be different,” Morgan, who — with his law firm — spent more than $6.5 million on making medical marijuana legal — told reporters.
Anticipating that Amendment 2 would pass, the GOP-dominated Legislature this spring expanded the law to allow full-strength pot for terminally ill patients. Under the new law, the already-approved dispensing organizations are allowed to grow the full-strength cannabis.
The 2016 law also requires the Department of Health to award three more licenses when more than 250,000 patients have registered for the treatment.
It is unknown how long it will take for that many patients to sign up for the treatment, but proponents of Amendment 2 believe that the estimated 500,000 patients who would be eligible will require even more licenses than that anticipated by the state law.
The constitutional amendment provides for “reasonable access” to the marijuana treatment by patients, which would almost certainly require more than nine providers in a state as large as Florida, according to Ben Pollara, who managed the Amendment 2 campaign.
“There are numerous points, both big picture and technical, where there are clear and present conflicts between the current statute and the amendment. If nothing else, those things need to be worked out,” Pollara said in a telephone interview.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Building Services Director Mayo Retires With 38 Years On The Job
November 14, 2016
Escambia County Building Services Director Donald Mayo has retired. after more than 38 years of service with the county, leaving a strong legacy and impact on Escambia County’s inspection and code enforcement programs.
When Mayo joined Escambia County in 1973 as an Electrical Inspector, there was no Fire Safety Inspections Program, Code Enforcement Division or Neighborhood Improvement Division – all of which were established by Mayo during his tenure.
Mayo initially retired as Building Official/Director of Escambia County Building Inspections Department in September 2008, returning as Building Services Director in July 2013. His wife, Sue, retired in October 2016 as a Senior Accountant in the Corrections Department after 18 years, bringing their combined service with Escambia County to more than 56 years.
“It’s a family,” Mayo said when asked what he enjoyed about his time with the county. “You know, county employees are kind of unique in themselves, or any governmental entity. We just enjoyed serving.”
In 1991, Mayo became the first person in the state of Florida and one of only 19 in the world to achieve Chief Code Analyst certification in building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical disciplines, earning the recognition as a Code Enforcement and Administrative Professional by the Southern Building Code Congress International.
But more than the certifications and recognitions during his career, Mayo said he enjoyed getting to help people achieve their goals related to property and home ownership.
“There’s two things: Family is number one for most people, and their property and property rights is their number two,” Mayo said. “And I believe in both of them very strongly, so I loved assisting people in getting through the requirements in order to build their home.”
Mayo said he plans to stay busy in retirement, whether it’s going on an RV trip or running a half marathon with his wife, fishing in their pond or visiting their six children and 10 grandchildren. Mayo will also continue teaching an electrical apprenticeship at George Stone Technical Center, where he has taught since 1983.
County Administrator Jack Brown expressed his appreciation for Mayo’s 38 years of dedicated service to the county and congratulated him on his retirement.
“Donald Mayo has been a true asset to Escambia County and a driving force in advancing the Building Services Division,” Brown said. “We hate to see him go, but we wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors.”