Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Looking For A Direction
August 29, 2015
The leaders of Florida spent the week looking for directions, and maps didn’t turn out to be much help.
In the case of the state’s ongoing congressional redistricting saga, lawmakers and a Leon County judge were looking for directions from the Florida Supreme Court — and there was no map to follow, because there is no congressional map at all. There also appears to be no roadmap for how to extract the state from the increasingly intricate web of lawsuits, special sessions and political battles sparked by the anti-gerrymandering “Fair Districts” standards.
Meanwhile, Floridians were keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Erika, though in that case the directions and the map kept changing. At one point, the looming storm was going to plow into the eastern part of the state. Then, it was going to strike just a glancing blow to the east coast. And finally, it looked like it would bear down on the southwestern corner of Florida before moving northward across the state.
By the end of the week, it appeared that the threat to people from Erika was still severe, but less so than it seemed days earlier. But bears might still need an evacuation route, as a controversial hunt for the animals looked more and more ominous. At least, for bears.
WHAT NOW?
The House-Senate standoff on congressional redistricting that ended a special session aimed at resolving the issue showed no signs of dying down by the end of the week, and Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis decided he wasn’t going to try to work through the thicket himself.
Instead, Lewis told the two sides at a hearing, he would ask the Florida Supreme Court what to do about it.
“I just don’t feel that I have any authority to do anything other than to report the situation,” Lewis said.
It was, after all, the Supreme Court that struck down eight of Florida’s 27 congressional districts in July, arguing that they violated the Fair Districts amendments that voters approved in 2010. That led to a special session of the Legislature that collapsed in acrimony between the two chambers, and the unusual position Lewis found himself in.
While they couldn’t agree on the reasons for it, both the House and the Senate support Lewis choosing between competing plans from the Legislature, the voting-rights groups that initially challenged the lines or perhaps a map that Lewis himself would craft. But the voting-rights organization called for the Supreme Court to step in.
Lawyers for the League of Women Voters and Common Cause Florida said the 2016 congressional elections are coming up quickly, and the justices should go ahead and take over the case amid the squabbling.
“Faced with the Legislature’s disregard of its mandate, this court should promptly adopt a remedial plan,” the filing said.
Looking to avoid that, the Senate tried to come up with a compromise this week between its own map and the “base map” drawn by legislative aides and favored by the House.
Senate Reapportionment Chairman Bill Galvano released a new draft of congressional lines that largely abandoned the upper chamber’s earlier drive to consolidate eastern Hillsborough County into one district.
The map would put Sarasota County in one district — another goal of the Senate — by splitting it off from Manatee County, which would be pushed into a district with parts of Hillsborough County. As a result, Hillsborough would comprise a greater share of District 16 than it would under a plan supported by the House, potentially representing at least a partial victory for Sen. Tom Lee, a Brandon Republican who had pushed for the county’s eastern side to be consolidated.
But in the process, a largely rural congressional district in the center of the state currently represented by Republican Congressman Tom Rooney would be “pulled apart at the seams,” Rooney said. Meanwhile, the incumbent’s home town of Okeechobee would shift into a reliably Democratic district that stretches northward to Orange County.
“It is my hope that this map is something that my…fellow legislators, in both chambers, can support as a compromise, and that we can fulfill our obligation to adopt a congressional reapportionment plan,” wrote Galvano, R-Bradenton, in a memo to senators.
On Friday, the House essentially said thanks, but no thanks.
“It is unfortunate that the Senate did not accept the House’s concerns during the special session; if the Senate had offered an amendment like the map filed by Chairman Galvano (Thursday) afternoon, that map would have been given serious consideration,” wrote House Redistricting Chairma Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes.
Undeterred, Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, sent a letter to House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, asking for a meeting that would also include Oliva and Galvano. But there were few signs of that, and by the close of business on Friday, the Supreme Court hadn’t broken its silence.
A FAIR FIGHT?
There might be a mismatch this October in the wilds of Florida. After all, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be asked next week to set a quota of 320 bears for a controversial hunt in October.
But the possibility of a hunt, the first in the state in more than 20 years, has already attracted 1,795 hunters who have purchased permits, according to the commission.
The hunt is intended to help the state achieve a 20 percent reduction in the bear population in each region. The 20 percent figure includes the number of bears that die naturally, are hit and killed by cars and are captured and killed by wildlife officers due to conflicts.
One of the people making the decision will be relatively new to the commission. Gov. Rick Scott named the president of a Key West real-estate development company to the panel, replacing the former chairman who announced last week he is stepping down after 12 years on the board.
The appointment late Friday of Robert Spottswood by Scott came three days after Richard Corbett, whose term on the board was scheduled to expire in January 2018, submitted his resignation to Scott.
Corbett, a Tampa resident who has been on the commission since February 2003 and was named chairman in June 2013, didn’t state a reason for his decision in a letter to Scott, instead praising staff and the governor’s approach to conservation.
“I am confident you will continue this positive trend and select a candidate that will carry forward the energy and enthusiasm for Florida’s fish and wildlife resources, while being mindful of the strong relationship between the stewardship of these resources and their importance to our economy and quality of life in Florida,” wrote Corbett.
Scott expressed confidence in Spottswood, who created Spottswood Companies.
“As a sixth generation Floridian from the Keys, I know Robert cares deeply about our beautiful state and preserving Florida as the fishing capital of the world,” Scott said in the release.
This is the third time that Spottswood has received an appointment from Scott, following a seat on the governor’s Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding and a spot on the 3rd District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.
Spottswood donated $10,000 on Sept. 30, 2013, to “Let’s Get to Work,” a political organization that has played a key role backing Scott.
DODGING A BULLET?
Late this week, Floridians were eying Erika and trying to figure out where she would make landfall and how strong she would be at the time. Forecasts of the state’s first direct hit from a hurricane in a decade appeared to be dying down, with Erika more likely to be a tropical storm or a depression during her time in Florida.
Still, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday declared a state of emergency for the entire state. The executive order pointed to updated forecasts from the National Hurricane Center indicating the storm likely will “travel up the spine of Florida’s peninsula.”
The declaration has a number of effects, such as triggering arrangements in which Florida can seek assistance from other states and the federal government. Also, Scott ordered Adjutant Gen. Michael Calhoun to activate the Florida National Guard for the duration of the emergency.
The governor and other state officials urged Floridians on Thursday to begin preparing for a major storm.
“A lot of times it’s not the storm that causes the problem,” Scott said.”It’s the aftermath because as individuals we didn’t get prepared. So, each of us has to take the responsibility to get prepared.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: The House and Senate standoff over congressional redistricting spilled over into the courts after a special session on the issue collapsed last week.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The soft scent of mentholated dry mango swirls around the tongue, punctuated by the flavor of overripe peaches. Exhaling Harlequin produces a dense fog of sweet incense, with a soothing, soft and spicy sandalwood scent.”—An explanation of a product from Winter Garden-based Razbuton, which is seeking to become one of the fortunate five granted “dispensing organization” licenses to grow, process and distribute non-euphoric medicinal marijuana authorized by Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature last year. Smoking of the low-THC products is prohibited by the Florida law.
School District Calls For Inspection Of Dump Truck Co. After Bus Wreck
August 28, 2015
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas is issuing a letter to the Compliance Investigation Unit of the Florida Highway Patrol requesting a thorough safety inspection of the fleet of trucks owned and operated by G. B. Green Construction Management, LLC, the owners of the truck involved in the accident with an Escambia County school s Thursday afternoon at Pace and Jordan street. Sixteen students were injured in that crash.
“While there is complete confidence in the investigation into yesterday’s accident, I would like to request the Compliance Investigation Unit of the Florida Highway Patrol thoroughly inspect Green Construction’s entire fleet before they are allowed on our roads,” stated Thomas. “Hopefully, this company will cooperate with the state in the interest of preventing future accidents.”
Thomas contacted each Escambia County School Board member today to make them aware of the letter requesting the inspections.
Thomas has also been in communication with Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan who also supports this preventative effort.
“We are grateful that no one on the bus was seriously hurt. When our driver proceeded through the intersection she was operating in accordance with the law, but when she saw that truck headed her way and not slowing down, all she could do was try to get out of the way. The truck hit the rear left side of her bus, flipping the bus on its side and driving it into a power pole,” Thomas said. “Thanks to the bus driver’s quick reaction, as well as the design of the bus, the students and adults inside were able to safely walk away.”
“From the images of the tires we have all seen in the media, that truck should not have been on the road,” Thomas continued. “No motorist should have to worry that a truck coming up the road toward them is unsafe.”
Superintendent Thomas’ letter requests a complete and thorough investigation by the Compliance Investigation Unit, of the Florida Highway Patrol of the G.B. Green Construction Management, LLC company, its fleet of vehicles, its fleet maintenance program and practices, and it commercial motor vehicle operator hiring practices.
“The school bus was damaged but, it did its job,” added Thomas. “It protected everyone on board. The students are to be commended as well. They reacted in a calm and orderly way as they helped each other off of the bus. The district is proud of each and every one of them, their driver, the bus aide and thankful for the many people who came to their assistance.”
The school district is issuing this request to the Florida Highway Patrol with the sincere hope that the owners of this fleet of dump trucks will comply with the request, take the trucks off the road, inspect each one to ensure they are safe, and make any necessary repairs before they put any of their trucks back on the road, the district said in a news release.
Tire photos courtesy Andrew McKay, NewsRadio 1620 for NorthEscambia.com. Other photos are NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Turn Out For Free Food Giveaway (With Photo Gallery)
August 28, 2015
Tons of free food were given away to hundreds in need Friday morning in Century.
Between 12,000 and 15,000 pounds of food were distributed in cooperation with Pensacola Caring Hearts and the Bay Area Food Bankey at the Abundant Life Assembly of God Church.
The line for the began forming nearly three hours before the giveaway was set to start, church members said. When the first boxes of food were given out around 9 a.m., the line stretched out of sight and all the way around the church to the back of their property.
“It’s an amazing turnout. There are an awful lot of people here,” Joseph Berman of the Bay Area Food Bank said. “In one way, that’s good, but in another it’s really bad that there that many people here in need.”
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured: A free food giveaway Friday morning in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Century Man Sentenced For Battery On Mentally Disabled Woman
August 28, 2015
A Century man has been sentenced for placing a gun to forehead of a mentally disabled woman and threatening to kill her.
John Andrew McClain, 45, was originally charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon but was sentenced on a lesser charge of battery with prior convictions. He was sentenced to 36 months supervised probation.
The 44-year woman met deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Century Precinct to report the incident. She told deputies that she is mentally disabled, unable to read or write, and had been involved in a “dating relationship” for several years with McClain.
She told deputies that on January 2 she was riding in a vehicle with McClain when a man called her cellphone. Later that night, she said McClain pressed the barrel of a handgun against her forehead and told her that he would kill her. According to an arrest report, the victim had a small wound on her forehead, apparently from the gun barrel.
He also allegedly grabbed her and held her in a “bear hug”. Over the next few days, she said McClain continued to drive past her house to make sure that she was home, but she was so afraid that she did not immediately report the gun incident.
A few days later, she said McClain drove her to the grocery store in Century and left her there, taking her vehicle back to her residence and sabotaging it so that it would not crank. McClain later allegedly grabbed her flip-style phone and broke it in half.
When deputies arrested McClain, spontaneously said he does not own any guns and that the victim is crazy, according to an arrest report.
Ernest Ward Middle Topples Jay, 22-20
August 28, 2015
Ernest Ward Middle School opened their football season with a 22-20 win over the Jay Royals Thursday night in Walnut Hill. The EWMS Eagles will travel to T.R. Miller on September 3.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Multiple Injuries In School Bus Wreck In Pensacola; Dump Truck Ran Red Light
August 28, 2015
Multiple students were injured when a school bus loaded with students from Pensacola High School was hit by a dump truck and overturned in Pensacola Thursday afternoon.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 16 students were transported to area hospitals, two as “trauma alerts”. The FHP said bus driver Harriet Collins, 27, along with 22 students and a driver’s assistant were westbound on Jordan Street attempting to cross Pace Boulevard.
A Mack Dump truck being driven by Abraham Larry, Jr., age 33 of Pensacola, was traveling north on Pace Boulevard. The dump truck driven by Larry ran the red light at the intersection of Jordan Street on collided with the left rear side of the school bus. The collision caused the school bus to overturn and strike a utility pole, coming to final rest on its right side.
The FHP is continuing their investigation. Any charges in the crash are pending.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Extension Farm Field Day Held
August 28, 2015
An Extension Farm Filed Day was held Thursday at the University of Florida, West Florida Research & Education Center in Jay. Farmers from across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and surrounding areas learned about numerous topics, including weed control for row crops, peanuts, cotton, soybeans and even sesame. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Fans ‘Meet The Chiefs’ (With Gallery)
August 28, 2015
Northview High School’s Quarterback Club held a “Meet the Chiefs” event Thursday evening, giving fans a chance to get to know the team prior to the start of the regular season Friday night. Fans also had a chance to meet the cheerleaders and dance team. The Chiefs will travel to Crestview Friday night to take on the Bulldogs in a non-district game.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Central, Northview Split Volleyball Games
August 28, 2015
In high school volleyball Thursday evening, Central defeated the Northview Chiefs in varsity action, 19-25, 20-25, 15-25.
In junior varsity play, the Northview Chiefs beat Central, 25-19, 21-25, 15-5.
Northview will travel to W.S. Neal on Tuesday with the JV playing at 4:30 and the varsity at 5:30.
Wahoos Rally, Up 1.5 Games In South Division
August 28, 2015
All second half of the Southern League season, left fielder Jesse Winker came through with a big hit when Pensacola needed it.
Winker’s last one — a double in the right field corner in the eighth inning — was the biggest and came under the most pressure.
It not only cleared the loaded bases by driving in three runs to catapult the Blue Wahoos back into the lead, 9-8, over the Mississippi Braves, it put Pensacola 1.5 games up on the Braves in the race for the playoffs in the second half of the Southern League’s South Division.
By the end of the eighth inning, Pensacola had scored five runs and beat Mississippi, 11-8, and received a standing ovation from its 23rd sellout of 5,038 Thursday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Pensacola improved to 34-26 in the second half and remained in sole possession of first place, while Mississippi fell to 32-27.
With 10 games left in the season, this is the latest Pensacola has been in first place since July 22, 2012 in its first season.
Winker said he was looking for a fastball to hit deep and at least get a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded. Instead, he ripped a line drive to reach base all five times he came to bat. Winker was 2-2 with a double, four RBIs, three runs and walked three times. The last time he got on base five times was on June 11, 2014 for the Bakersfield Blaze.
“How sweet,” said Winker, who was drenched with water by his teammates after the game. “It was unbelievable with the playoff atmosphere, plus PK’s (manager Pat Kelly) birthday. It was real cool. It was a real fun game to be a part of.”
Winker has hit in 18 of his 23 games this month. He is hitting .367 (29-79) in August and .312 in the second half. The Cincinnati Reds top prospect currently holds the Pensacola Triple Crown, leading the team with 13 home runs, 53 RBIs and a .278 batting average.
In top of the fifth inning with Pensacola leading, 4-1, the video board flashed birthday wishes to Pensacola manager Pat Kelly, who turned 60 Thursday. One photo was him with a mustache during his minor league playing days and the other a shot from this season. He tipped his cap to the crowd and smiled.
However, Mississippi scored five runs after that in the fifth. Braves right fielder KD Kang came through with a three-run homer to left to knot the game, 4-4. Kang has reached base in 29 straight road games this year, the longest streak in the Southern League this season.
Then, the Braves second baseman Levi Hyams drove in two more runs on a line drive over the head of Pensacola center fielder Phillip Ervin to put Mississippi ahead, 6-4.
Mississippi added two more runs to go ahead, 8-4, in the seventh inning when Pensacola shortstop Alex Blandino threw wide of first base trying to turn a double play that allowed the Braves third baseman Rio Ruiz and catcher Matt Kennelly to score.
Pensacola entered the game 3-56 when trailing in the seventh inning.
“It was fantastic,” Kelly said of Pensacola’s rally in the eighth inning to win the game. “We were dead in the water. I thought, ‘Man, we are really in trouble.’”
But right fielder Juan Duran laced a low line drive single to centerfield with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh inning to bring home Blandino and Winker and pull the Blue Wahoos within, 8-6. He ended up going 2-4 with a three-run home run for five RBIs on the night.
Duran’s homer in the third inning was Pensacola’s 16th dinger in 24 games. After hitting just 25 home runs in the first half, the Blue Wahoos have clobbered 76 home runs on the season, which is third best in the Southern League.
Winker and Kelly both expressed optimism about making the playoffs with a series against the Jackson Generals in Tennessee and then its final homestand against Mobile at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
“We are all locked in on what we can do to win,” Winker said. “It’s something special to be a part of. I hope we go there (to Jackson) and take five.”
Kelly said beating Mississippi in a five-game series for the first time this season is huge.
“This puts us in a great position by winning it,” Kelly said. “It takes us to the Jackson series with some momentum. We’re going into that series in good spirits.”