Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Nearing The Halfway Mark
March 29, 2015
The House and Senate committees charged with crafting budget plans have finished their first drafts. Differences between the two chambers on some of the major policy issues are starting to emerge.
And Capitol insiders are beginning to speculate that a special session could be in the cards.
In others words, all the usual signs that the midpoint of the session is at hand are on display in Tallahassee. And as usual, there are almost as many questions as answers.
Will the budget include money to defray the medical costs of low-income Floridians, either through a form of Medicaid expansion or something else? Just how far will lawmakers really go in reining in the testing and accountability system that has been the hallmark of the state’s education reform efforts for 15 years? And is this the year that advocates of a gambling deal hit the jackpot, or will they once again go bust?
The past week helped set up some of the battles. The next month will be about resolving them. Unless, of course, the chattering classes finally have it right and lawmakers will need a few extra weeks to hammer out their differences.
WHAT’S A FEW BILLION AMONG FRIENDS?
There’s always a gap of some sort between the House and Senate budgets. Usually, one of the chambers floats the idea of removing a program from the state ledger, or adding something to the spending plan, or cutting this tax or that expense.
This year, though, the difference is a bit larger than usual. With the Senate Appropriations Committee passing an $80.4 billion for the budget year that begins July 1 and the House Appropriations Committee checking in with a $76.2 billion outline, the gap between the two is more than $4 billion.
That means legislative leaders will likely have to reach some sort of agreement before negotiations about the budget details can begin. And the biggest source of friction comes in health care.
The Senate would include $2.8 billion for a plan to use Medicaid expansion money from the federal Affordable Health Care Act, better known as Obamacare, to help lower-income Floridians purchase private insurance. The upper chamber also would use nearly $2.2 billion from a potential extension of the Low Income Pool, or LIP, program, which funnels additional money to hospitals and other health providers that serve large numbers of poor and uninsured patients.
That program is set to expire June 30 unless the state can reach an agreement with the federal government.
In the case of expanding health coverage with Medicaid money, the Senate has tried before to get the House to go along with a similar plan, only to get soundly rejected. And the House is also hesitant to put LIP money in the budget, given that the LIP program is scheduled to not exist when the budget takes effect. But something’s got to give, Senate leaders say.
“Whether or not the House wants to embrace either of those two proposals remains to be seen, but we’re going to have to have some solution,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon.
As reluctant as they are to talk about Medicaid expansion and LIP funding, though, House leaders are eager to discuss taxes. The chamber rolled out a $690 million package of tax relief that slashes levies or offers holidays for a range of items, including cell phone bills, pay TV, gun-club memberships, college textbooks and book fair purchases.
“The average Floridian pays about $1,800 bucks a year in state taxes. That is the lowest in the country, but we can do even better and we will,” said House Finance & Tax Chairman Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach.
But Lee said tax-cut measures may not advance for a couple of weeks due to the talks with the federal government.
“And we’re not going to get into conference (negotiations with the House) unless we get some remedy, in all likelihood anyway, on the health-care funding problems that we have,” Lee said.
INHERITED VICE
The sins — or at least the sinful ideas — of past legislative sessions are coming back to pester lawmakers in 2015. One of the thorniest issues is gambling. On one hand, the House is vetting a soup-to-nuts gaming measure that might end up going nowhere fast; on the other, the Senate is pursuing negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida focused on the state’s existing deal with the tribe.
House Regulatory Affairs Chairman Jose Felix Diaz’s comments at the introduction of a four-hour workshop Thursday on gambling might have foreshadowed the future of a sweeping proposal released by House Majority Leader Dana Young the day before the legislative session began earlier this month.
“Welcome to the most anticipated non-event of the year,” Diaz, R-Miami, quipped to a packed meeting room.
Young’s plan (HB 1233) would allow a maximum of two Las Vegas-style casinos to open in Miami-Dade or Broward counties and would effectively do away with a 20-year revenue-sharing agreement, called a compact, with the tribe. A portion of the deal with the Seminoles giving the tribe exclusive rights to operate banked card games such as blackjack is set to expire on July 31 unless the Legislature reauthorizes it or signs a new agreement.
Meanwhile, Senate Regulated Industries Rob Bradley told The News Service of Florida that his talks with the Seminoles have intensified over the past week.
“We are negotiating right now with the Seminole Tribe. Those are ongoing negotiations. Whether they will be fruitful or not remains to be seen,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said.
Under the current agreement, the Seminoles agreed to pay the state a minimum of $1 billion over five years in exchange for exclusive rights to banked card games at five of its seven facilities throughout the state. The tribe’s payments to the state have thus far exceeded the minimum and are expected to increase under a complicated revenue-sharing formula inked in 2010.
Meanwhile, Bradley’s committee has also tackled a state law that allows a limited form of medical marijuana. Facing another legal challenge to the state’s attempt to craft a framework for the pharmacological pot industry, the committee moved forward with a measure that would jump-start the process.
Bradley, who was instrumental in passing a law last year that legalized non-euphoric cannabis for patients with cancer or chronic muscle spasms, is pushing a new plan that would expand the types of patients who would be eligible for the treatment. The plan also includes specifics about how the Florida Department of Health would choose nurseries that can grow, process and distribute the substance.
The Department of Health has tried twice to craft rules for the industry. But a lawyer representing a 4-year-old girl with inoperable brain cancer filed a legal challenge to the revised proposal two weeks ago, creating more delays in getting the law implemented. A judge has set an April 14 hearing in the case. Also, two other challenges were filed this week.
Last year’s law was “a promise to families across Florida that had children suffering from as many as 100 seizures a week that we would give them the relief they were asking for,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said. “A year has passed and unfortunately we have yet to be able to fulfill this promise that we made to those families, even though we wrote a law that said a system would be in place to deliver the substance by Jan. 1. The purpose of this bill is simple. To deliver on the promise we made last year.”
TEST OF WILLS
Lawmakers are also considering, as usual, an array of measures dealing with education. Perhaps the highest-profile legislation related to schools is a plan to roll back the number of standardized tests that public-school students take each year, and the Senate Appropriations Committee took perhaps the biggest step in that direction yet.
Under the newest version of a Senate measure (SB 616), Florida third-graders would not have to pass the Florida Standards Assessment to be promoted to fourth grade this year until the tests for that grade and others are found to be valid by an independent examination.
In exchange, the proposal would require school districts to identify students who scored in the bottom 20 percent on the test and come up with strategies to help those students.
“You can promote them, if you want to promote them, but you need to demonstrate why you’re promoting them,” said Senate Education PreK-12 Committee Chairman John Legg, a Lutz Republican sponsoring the overall bill.
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, didn’t seem eager to join.
“Social promotions, to us in the House, are not something that we’re interested in,” he said.
The House, having already passed its version of the testing bill, moved on this week to other education measures. It approved a proposal that could funnel local tax dollars to charter-school construction (HB 7037), a bill (HB 665) relaxing penalties for school districts that don’t comply with the state’s class-size limits and a measure (HB 7043) that would make it easier for school districts to approve student dress codes and establish financial bonuses for districts that do so.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved the chambers’ respective budget proposals for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I would say to our friends in the House, who have their own views about this matter — views that I respect — that ‘no’ is not a health-care policy. ‘No’ is not a solution for 800,000 people.”—Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, on the House’s reluctance to take up a Senate plan to help low-income Floridians purchase health insurance.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Navy Helicopter Mishap Off Nine Mile Road
March 28, 2015
A Navy helicopter suffered a “mishap” at a practice field on Nine Mile Road just before 7 p.m. Friday. There were no serious injuries reported.
A Training Air Wing FIVE helicopter had a training mishap at around 6:45 p.m. Friday, according to a press release, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field’s Navy Outlying Landing Field Site 8.
Initial reports from the scene indicate that the helicopter rolled on its right side while landing and the two officers, one instructor pilot and one student, exited the helicopter on their own accord. The pilots were evaluated by NAS Whiting Field EMS personnel and were transported to a local hospital for a routine evaluation.
A witness described the crash an extremely hard landing, after which the helicopter rolled over on its side. Damage to the aircraft was described as “heavy”.
The field is located on Nine Mile Road near Bell Ridge Drive, just west of the Navy Federal complex. Military helicopters frequently use the field to practice landings.
Multiple Escambia Fire Rescue stations, Navy Fire, Escambia County EMS and a Navy crash response crew responded to the site.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Hosts District Special Olympics (With Photo Gallery)
March 28, 2015
The 19th Annual Escambia County School District’s Special Olympics Spring Games were held Friday at Tate High School with over 500 student athletes. Over 600 Tate student volunteers assisted as “buddies” and event workers.
The event began with Special Olympic athletes running with the Special Olympics Torch around the track. There will was also an Olympic Village with plenty of fun and games, and even a petting zoo, for the athletes to enjoy after they completed their track and field events.
Athletes received the traditional gold, silver and bronze medals for top finishes, plus a participation medal for all athletes.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Hit A Home Run With Knock Out Roses
March 28, 2015
by UF/IFAS Extension
Landscape shrub roses will not make you great cut flowers, but they will give your landscape an abundance of rose flowers for the majority of the year. They practically bloom non-stop during the growing season, from March to November in Northwest Florida. Also, they are much less prone to blackspot disease than the traditional hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora roses.
The Knock Out family of roses was started by rose breeder Bill Radler when he crossed seedlings of ‘Carefree Beauty’ with ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to create the original Knock Out rose. The family now includes varieties that range from blush to vibrant red and even yellow.
In general, Knock Out roses are drought tolerant, self cleaning, and resistant to black spot and powdery mildew. Since they require little maintenance, they are ideal for gardeners who enjoy roses but who aren’t interested in the upkeep required to grow hybrid tea roses. The only drawback of Knock Out roses is that they don’t have a strong fragrance. According to the Conrad Pyle website, the only true fragrant Knock Out is the yellow ‘Sunny’ cultivar.
Like all roses, Knock Out roses need to be planted where they will receive at least six to eight hours of sun each day. It also helps to have a site with good air movement and well-drained soil that falls between pH 6.0 and pH 6.5.
Knock Out roses generally grow three to five feet tall and equally as wide, but some sources say they can reach eight feet tall if not pruned, so be sure to space them appropriately.
After planting, water them regularly until they get established. Apply a three-inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, pulling the mulch back from the stem of the plants. Be sure to avoid overhead watering which can increase the chance of fungal leaf spots. They prefer a deep watering every once in a while rather than frequent light waterings.
Knock Out roses are referred to as self-cleaning meaning that the spent blooms will fall off on their own. They will re-bloom every five to six weeks regardless of your deadheading practices. Deadheading is the removal of faded blooms. Most gardeners have found, however, that occasionally deadheading will create and maintain a tidier, more attractive plant.
For more information on rose pests and diseases, refer to the University of Florida/IFAS online publication at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep371 or contact your local Extension Office.
Santa Rosa Death Investigated As Homicide
March 28, 2015
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death has a homicide.
Stephen Richmond Rice, Jr., 43, was found deceased in his Persimmon Hollow Road home after deputies responded for a welfare check. Deputies said it was evident that Rice had been dead in the home for an undetermined period of time.
The Sheriff’s said foul play is suspected.
The cause of death is not yet known as investigators await the outcome of an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP.
Area Unemployment Rate Falls
March 28, 2015
The latest job numbers released Friday show the unemployment level decreasing in the North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in January to 5.9 percent in December. There were 8,125 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 6.8 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment decreased, from 5.1 to 4.8 percent from January to February. Santa Rosa County had a total of 3,530 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 5.3 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment decreased from 7.6 percent in January to 7.0 percent in February. That represented 974 people unemployed in the county during the month. One year ago, the unemployment rate in Escambia County, Alabama, was 9.4 percent.
Florida’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from January to February, with Gov. Rick Scott continuing his focus on private-sector job creation. The state’s jobless rate for February stood at 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent a month earlier, the state Department of Economic Opportunity announced Friday. Out of a workforce of 9.7 million, the monthly mark represented an estimated 548,000 jobless Floridians, a decrease of 6,000 from January, according to the state agency. The largest month-to-month gains were found in the fields of education, health care, food and drink services, administrative and support services, and state and local government. Increases were also recorded in construction, real estate, and transportation.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 5.8 percent in February, was down from January’s rate of 6.0 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.2 percent
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Northview Tops Central; NHS Over Neal; Tate Beats Monroe; Tate Over Pines
March 28, 2015
Northview 13, Central 6
Northview 6, W.S. Neal 1 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs beat Central Friday night 13-6. Thomas Moore had a home run for the Chiefs, along with three RBI’s as he went 2-5 at the plate for the Chiefs.Quentin Sampson was 2-5 with a RBI; Brian Cantrell 2-5; Brett Weeks 2-5 with a RBI; Roman Manning was 2-4 with two RBIs; and Aaron McDonals was 1-5 with a RBI. McDonald pitched the win for the Chiefs allowing five hits and five runs, two errors and three strike outs. The varsity Chiefs will travel to PCA on March 31; the JV will travel to Tate on April 2.
Tate 7, Monroe 0
Trace Penton pitched the win as the Tate Aggies beat Monroe 7-0. Sawyer Smith was 2-2 with a run and RBI; Mark Miller was 2-4; Stephen Harris was 1-2 with two runs; Hunter Worley was 1-3 with a run and double; and Josh Kea was 1-1 wih two runs, two RBIs and two SB.
Kississimee Klassic
Tate 2, Pembroke Pines 1
Pictured: Northview versus Central. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Deputies Name Suspect In Century Double Shooting
March 27, 2015
Two people are recovering after being shot Thursday night in Century, and the Escambia Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in locating a suspect
Deputies are searching for 28-year old Brian Keith Sanders (pictured, but deputies said his head is now shaved). He is wanted on charges of aggravated battery, deadly missiles, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and criminal mischief. Deputies said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Jay Hospital emergency room Thursday night alerting them that two gunshot victims had arrived in a private vehicle seeking treatment. The gunshot victims advised that they were shot on Jefferson Avenue in Century.
Both victims were shot in the shoulder or upper-arm area, and they were treated and released .
They were apparently shot while in a vehicle that was discovered on Mayes Street at Jefferson Avenue. It appeared that the driver’s window of the Chevrolet Impala had been shot out.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Sanders is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Further details were not released.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’ Planned For Saturday
March 27, 2015
Saturday is “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in the city of Atmore, and organizers are encouraging Vietnam veterans from across the area and the public to attend a special ceremony.
The event will be held this Saturday, March 28 at 4 p.m. at Heritage Park at the corner of Main and West Craig streets in Atmore. It is hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7016. Vietnam veterans from the entire area, both from Alabama and Florida, are encouraged to attend.
For more information, call (251) 294-2356, (251) 363-0000, or (251) 359-1768.
Pictured: The 2014 “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Struck And Killed By Train In Cantonment
March 27, 2015
A Tate High School student was struck and killed by a train Thursday afternoon in Cantonment. She has been identified as 15-year old Katelyn White.
The accident happened about 4:15 p.m. on the CSX tracks north of 10 Mile Road, roughly between Tara Dawn Circle and the end of Gateway Lane. White was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the incident was a “tragic accident”.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.