Unemployment Rate Slips Downward
October 18, 2015
Governor Rick Scott has announced the Escambia County area again experienced positive annual job growth over the year in September 2015 with 3,600 new jobs. The metro area’s unemployment rate declined by 0.8 percentage point over the year, from 5.8 percent in September 2014 to 5.0 percent in September 2015. Florida businesses have added 941,000 private-sector jobs since December 2010.
Governor Scott said, “Pensacola created more than 3,600 new jobs over the year and the unemployment rate is down to 5 percent, which is great news. Creating a competitive business environment where job creators can succeed is helping Florida stand out from the rest of the nation in job wins.”
The industries with the largest job gains in the Escambia metro area over the year were trade, transportation, and utilities with 800 new jobs; professional and business services with 700 new jobs; education and health services with 700 new jobs, and leisure and hospitality with 700 new jobs. The Pensacola metro area had 5,289 job openings in September 2015 and 1,148 openings for high-wage, high-skill science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations.
Florida created 8,700 private-sector jobs in September 2015, and a total of 941,000 private-sector jobs since December 2010. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate for September 2015 was 5.2 percent. In September, more than 40,000 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Escarosa and the state’s other 23 regional workforce boards.
Tuesday: Ransom Middle School To Hold Literacy Night
October 18, 2015
Ransom Middle School will hold a Family Literacy Night from 5-7 p.m on Tuesday.
Students and their families are invited for a fun night of literacy activities, along with an induction ceremony for the Honor Society.
A “Mons-tober Book Fair” will be going on all and will be open Tuesday evening for the event. All proceeds benefit the Innovation Center and the Bengal 100 Book Club.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup
October 18, 2015
Technically, the past week was intended to be a sort of pause between the second and third committee weeks held in advance of the 2016 Legislative session.
But the Capitol’s sausage-making machine showed little sign of slowing down in what has been a great year for cartographers.
Overlapping with the legislative committee meetings, lawmakers on Monday will also begin the third special session of the year, this time dealing with Senate districts. The Legislature agreed to craft the new lines as part of a deal to settle a lawsuit challenging the existing districts.
The House and Senate on Wednesday released six draft maps, crafted by aides said to have been isolated from anyone that could politically influence the lines.
The latest proposals came out a day after a federal judge tossed a lawsuit, filed by GOP leaders from Walton and Pasco counties, challenging the way Florida has carried out the Senate and congressional redistricting after voters approved the anti-gerrymandering “Fair Districts” constitutional amendments in 2010.
The long-simmering acrimony over the maps also played out on the 22nd floor of the Capitol midweek when House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner addressed the media at the Associated Press’s annual legislative planning meeting.
Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott’s chief lawyer — and House and Senate leaders — are working quietly behind the scenes with the Seminole Tribe in an attempt to come up with a new gambling deal that could reap the state $3 billion over seven years.
Sometimes, appearances can say more than the words that are actually spoken.
PLAYING THEIR CARDS CLOSE TO THE VEST
Seminole casinos would get craps and roulette, a Palm Beach County dog track could have slot machines and the state could reap at least $3 billion over seven years, under a gambling deal being negotiated between state leaders and the tribe.
The agreement — still a long way from being finalized — would also allow a new gambling operation in Miami-Dade County to start up with slot machines and permit dog tracks to stop racing greyhounds while retaining lucrative card rooms.
Multiple sources close to the negotiations provided details to The News Service of Florida about the ongoing talks between the Seminoles and Scott’s office, which is working in tandem with House and Senate leaders to rewrite a 20-year agreement, called a “compact,” that authorized the tribe’s slot-machine and table-game operations. A provision of the deal, inked in 2010, gave the Seminoles exclusive rights to operate banked card games, such as blackjack, for five years in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 billion. That portion of the compact expired this summer.
Under the talks, the Seminoles would guarantee a minimum $3 billion over seven years as part of compact that would last another 20 years.
Many of the components now under discussion don’t directly affect the Seminoles but instead deal with the pari-mutuel industry and would be considered as part of a bill authorizing the agreement, which lawmakers would most likely consider during the legislative session that begins in January.
Getting the Legislature’s approval injects doubt into a complicated gambling agreement much like “putting a queen-sized sheet on a king-sized bed,” according to House Regulatory Affairs Chairman Jose Felix Diaz, a Miami-Dade County Republican.
“It’s a Rubik’s cube. I don’t think a Rubik’s cube is impossible to solve. If you give an intelligent person enough time, they’ll figure it out. But in the world of competing interests where you have so many other things taking place. … Right now we’ve been singularly focused on the compact because it’s the off-season. But we’re about to ramp up and start swallowing water out of the fire hose. So where (Senate Regulated Industries Chairman) Rob Bradley and I have been able to fully dedicate ourselves to this negotiation over the past few months, now I’m going to have to be digesting insurance bills and energy bills and business regulation bills that come before my committee. The timeline for an easy landing is winding down. With each passing day, it becomes more difficult to have a soft landing,” Diaz told The News Service on Tuesday.
THE HARMONY OF DISHARMONY
The AP’s fete gave reporters and editors a glimpse of what’s in store for the upcoming 2016 session.
Scott, Gardiner and Crisafulli all insisted that last year’s legislative meltdown — sparked by disagreements over the state budget and the Senate’s plan to use federal Medicaid expansion dollars to help low-income Floridians purchase private health insurance — is a thing of the past.
The three leaders spoke of their support for business incentives and tax cuts as well as funding water projects with voter-approved land conservation dollars.
Based on Wednesday’s comments from his GOP colleagues, Gardiner might have better luck passing a series of bills that would expand educational and economic options for Floridians with disabilities, something that went by the wayside when the House and Senate had a falling-out in April.
But the GOP troika wasn’t in unison on everything.
Scott and Gardiner outlined different approaches to how business-incentive dollars should be handled. Scott wants to continue placing money for businesses that intend to move to Florida into low-yield, commercial escrow accounts until job-creation benchmarks are reached. Gardiner says the money should be budgeted annually and allotted based upon performance measurements.
Another health-care debate, which could open up the 2015 wounds, is a certainty.
And Crisafulli said the House would look to overhaul the pension plan for public employees. Previous pension-reform efforts have caused contentious fights between the two chambers.
Further symbolizing the divide, the two legislative leaders made separate appearances — a sharp contrast to the past three years, when House and Senate leaders presented their joint agendas shoulder-to-shoulder.
Both Crisafulli and Gardiner tried to downplay the significance, however.
“I would not read much into that,” Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said. “The president and I are good friends. We’re close. We communicate. Obviously, there were differences (in the 2015 session), but the fact that we’re not doing this together today is not something that you need to read much into.”
Gardiner blamed the shorter-than-usual time between legislative sessions for the different approach. The AP event usually takes place in January in advance of the legislative session, which generally begins in March. But, because this year’s session begins in January, the gathering came early.
“When you do a joint agenda, it takes a long time, and certainly we’ve been busy over the last few months,” Gardiner, R-Orlando, told reporters after his remarks. “But I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of what the House is interested in and they know what I’m interested in, and hopefully we can get some things done.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: The battle over congressional districts continued in the courts as the Legislature released six templates for a map of state Senate districts.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I just want to keep this fight going until the last minute, and I believe the banners have added fuel to our fire.” — Longwood resident Connie de Haan, who paid for an airplane to circle the Capitol on Wednesday. The plane towed a banner imploring people opposed to the state’s upcoming bear hunt to call Gov. Scott and to email his chief of staff.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Webster Graduates From Boot Camp
October 18, 2015
PFC Tyler James Webster, 19, of Pensacola graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on recently.
PFC Webster successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD Parris Island as one of 86 recruits in Training Platoon Fox 1074. Following 10 days of leave he will report to Camp Geiger/ Camp Lejeune, NC, for two months at Infantry Training Battalion then Military Occupation Specialty School.
PFC Webster is a 2015 graduate of J.M. Tate High School, a member of St. Mathew Anglican Church, an Eagle Scout and assistant scout master with St. Luke United Methodist Church. His proud family includes his parents Alex and Lori Webster, and younger brother Aidan Webster of Pensacola, and his grandparents Talbot and Deborah Rodrigue of Pensacola, and William C. and Eileen Webster of Cantonment.
Fire Marshal Investigating After Cantonment Home Destroyed In Early AM Fire
October 17, 2015
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an early morning fire in Cantonment.
The fire was reported by a neighbor just before 1 a.m. in the 3100 block of East Chipper Road. The approximately 2,300 square foot wood frame home was about 50 percent involved in fire when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
The home was reportedly unoccupied with no electricity connected.
The fire was reported to be out about 2:15 a.m. There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze, and there were no injuries reported.
The Cantonment, Molino, McDavid and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Diane Lowery, click to enlarge.
Florida Bar Kills Controversial Out Of State Lawyer Proposal
October 17, 2015
Reacting to heated outcry from its members, the Florida Bar Board of Governors on Friday unanimously killed a proposal that would have allowed out-of-state lawyers to get licensed without taking the state Bar’s exam.
Florida Bar Kills Controversial Out Of State Lawyer ProposalBar leaders are hoping that the unanimous vote will help unite a legal community fractured over the controversial proposal, first floated by a committee that has since backed away from its recommendation that Florida adopt “admission by motion” for out-of-state lawyers, if they meet certain criteria.
About 40 other states allow some sort of admission by motion.
Also known as “reciprocity,” the issue drew fire from lawyers from small or individual practices, fearful that it would open the floodgates to competition in a state some believe already has a glut of attorneys.
Florida Bar President Ray Abadin ignited debate in June when he mentioned the proposal, the result of a two-year study, in a speech when he took over the helm of the organization. He’s been the target of personal attacks by lawyers who oppose the plan, including at least one who called for Abadin’s removal as president.
On Friday, Abadin — who was prohibited by Bar rules from voting on the issue — apologized to the Board for the consternation the proposal generated.
But, in a statement issued later Friday that echoed comments he made throughout the summer, Abadin credited the debate for getting Bar members involved.
“As lawyers, it’s our nature to analyze an issue, debate its merits and then determine the right path forward. The Florida Bar fostered a discussion among our members surrounding the issues of admission by motion/reciprocity, which is exactly what we set out to do at the beginning of this process,” he said. “Given Florida’s standing as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, we must work together to ensure legal professionals can stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape.”
This summer, Abadin issued a statement trying to quell concerns about the issue and launched a special email account to take comments from Bar members. The responses were overwhelming against the proposal.
The Bar president has maintained that he is neutral on the issue and has put a positive spin on the drama surrounding it.
“I’ve engaged the membership in a discussion. Done. Good,” Abadin told The News Service of Florida last month.
The rejection of the proposal indicates that Bar leaders heeded the concerns expressed by its members, said Jay Cohen, a member of the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors who also opposes admission by motion.
“What it really demonstrates more than anything else is that we are this very trusted and deliberative body. When we do come together, we consider all of the material, but especially what we hear from our members,” Cohen said in a telephone interview after the vote. “This should show the Florida Bar members that we continue to be that trusted body on these issues.”
But Lloyd Schwed, a Palm Beach Gardens lawyer who launched the campaign opposing the proposal, questioned the way that Bar leaders dealt with the issue.
Schwed was among those who criticized a Florida Bar survey sent last year to a fraction of the state’s lawyers in which a majority of respondents favored some form of admission by motion.
“The vote today certainly shows that the Board of Governors listened to the loud, angry protests from Florida lawyers. However, the whole way this was handled raises the issue of what was the Board of Governors doing these past two years to allow this to get this far, without even polling Florida lawyers. … How did that happen? Why did that happen?” Schwed said. “I’m very grateful to Jay Cohen and to the BOG for listening. But I hope in the future the Board of Governors will be much more careful about asking Florida lawyers for their opinions before they embark on major changes to the Bar.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Tate Aggies Head To Playoffs With Win Over Escambia (With Gallery)
October 17, 2015
The Tate High School Aggies are headed to the playoffs after a 35-14 win against Escambia Friday night.
The District 1-6A champion will be determined October 30 when Tate takes on the Pine Forest Eagles.
For the Aggies, quarterback Sawyer Smith found Jake Henry for three lengthy touchdowns of 73, 90 and 75-yards. Alondo Thompkins had two TD’s for Tate on an 80-yard pass and a 4-yard run.
For more game action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Keith Garrison, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Lend A Hand During Day Of Caring
October 17, 2015
Over 1,375 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work Friday across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 84 projects at nonprofit agencies and schools.
In the North Escambia area, volunteers from the United Way’s “Loaned Executive” program volunteered at Bratt Elementary School. The group, comprised of executives from a number of companies and agencies, cleaned a huge number of donated books, looked them up and assigned “Accelerated Reader” (A/R) points for students to each book. Most of the boxes of books were donated to the school when an area daycare closed.
At Byrneville Elementary School, volunteers from Gulf Power worked with students on reading, math and science projects, and they rearranged storage areas. Volunteers from Publix worked on various projects at Tate High School, and Ascend Performance Materials volunteers worked to clean up the nature trail behind the school.
Day of Caring volunteers provided an estimated 8,725 hours of service valued at $201,286. Additionally, donations of materials, supplies and collections for wish-list drives will combine for several thousand more when added to the effort, according to organizers.
Pictured: Day of Caring volunteers clean, sort and label donated books at Friday morning at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Earns Playoff Spot With Win Over Jay (With Gallery)
October 17, 2015
The Northview Chiefs earned a 1A playoff berth Friday night with a 7-0 win over the Jay Royals.
Now it comes down to one game against the Baker Gators October 30 at Northview to decide the District 1-1A title.
“It has been a difficult year for us,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said. “I am not used to this; I know the kids are not use to this, and our community is not use to this.”
With a season that opened against 6A teams, the Chiefs are 2-5 overall, but they are that all important 1-0 in the district after topping Jay.
“But how sweet and how great would it be….you’ve got all that you could ask for right now. Two weeks from tonight, we will be playing at home for a district championship. And if you can’t get excited about that….our record, you can throw that out the window. It’s all about district play, getting into the playoffs and just having a good shot.”
The only score of the night Friday came with 2:01 to go in the first quarter on a 15-yard run from Northview’s Gavin Grant. With a good kick from Seth Killam, the Chiefs took a 7-0 lead.
The Royals’ Victor Mishoe crossed the goal line with 1:34 to go in the fourth quarter on a five-yard quarterback keeper, but the score was called back due to a flag for a block in the back.
“For our defense to get a shutout was just tremendous,” Wheatley said, pointing out that the Royals scored 58 points last week against Cottondale.
Northview will be on the road next Friday night at Defuniak Springs to take on undefeated 4A Walton. Meanwhile, the Royals (1-7, 0-2) will travel to Rocky Bayou Christian.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EREC Customers Warned Of Potential Telephone Scam
October 17, 2015
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is warnin members about a telephone scam.
A caller impersonates an EREC employee and says the member’s power will be disconnected for nonpayment if a credit card number is not provided for immediate payment.
EREC said employees will not call a member at home to obtain any personal information or ask for money while visiting a residence. EREC employees care identification badges with their pictures, name and the EREC logo.
Members may call at (850) 675-4521 or (800) 238-3848 with any questions regarding the identity of an EREC employee or representative.
Gulf Power company has also reported a similar scam.
Gulf Power advises their customers that:
• Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
• Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
• All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.
Gulf Power customers should call the company at (800) 225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.