Security Breach Affects About 14,000 Sacred Heart Patients
March 17, 2015
Sacred Heart Health Systems is reporting a security breach at one of its third-party vendors has resulted in the possible exposure of health and personal information of about 14,000 patients.
Monday, the hospital said that on February 2, they were by a third-party billing vendor that one of its employee’s email login information had been compromised as the result of an email phishing attack. The hacking attack was detected by the billing vendor on December 3 and the employee’s username and password were shut down the same day.
Upon notice of the incident, Sacred Heart, in cooperation with the billing vendor, immediately launched a thorough investigation into the matter. Sacred Heart engaged computer forensics experts who were able to conduct an analysis of what information was included in the affected email account. After careful review, Sacred Heart was able to determine that the billing vendor’s employee email account contained personal information for approximately 14,000 individuals.
The personal health information in the email account included patient names, date of service, date of birth, diagnosis and procedure, billing account numbers, total charges, and physician name. Approximately 40 individuals’ social security numbers were also compromised. The hackers did not gain access to individual medical records or billing records.
Sacred Heart has sent letters to those potentially affected by the data breach. Identity monitoring and protection services are being offered free of charge for those whose social security number has been affected by the incident. Affected individuals may call 1-877-244-8984, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST with questions.
Communications Tax Cut Moves Forward In Senate
March 17, 2015
Lawmakers continued to charge forward Monday with Gov. Rick Scott’s ambitious proposal to cut taxes on cable-television and cell-phone services knowing the final savings may be smaller.
The Senate Finance and Tax Committee became the second panel to give unanimous support to a proposal (SB 110), sponsored by Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, that would cut the communications-services tax, applied to cell-phone bills and cable and satellite television, by 3.6 percentage points.
Scott’s office has said the cut would save an average Florida family about $43 a year if the cut remains as large as proposed.
Hukill remained optimistic the cut could be included in any final tax-reduction plan that lawmakers approve this year.
“It is my hope that this will be at least a very, very strong part of any tax package we come up with in the House and Senate,” Hukill said.
However, a number of factors could reduce such savings for taxpayers.
A $2 billion hole could be punched in the state budget if no agreement is reached in ongoing negotiations between state and federal officials over funding for the Low Income Pool program, which helps pay for health care for low-income and uninsured patients.
The so-called LIP program is set to expire June 30.
Also, Hukill’s proposal is expected to get thrown into a mix of tax cuts that will be negotiated between the House and Senate. That mix could include a sales-tax holiday on back-to-school items, as well as a reduction in taxes on real-estate leases and an increase in the deductions on corporate-income taxes.
Last year, a reduction in the communications-services tax failed to make Scott’s election-year push for $500 million in cuts, which were highlighted by a reduction in vehicle-registration fees.
On Monday, the Finance and Tax Committee also gave unanimous support to a measure (SB 398) by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that would expand the state’s sales-tax exemption on farm equipment.
Stargel’s proposal, expected to eventually reduce state and local revenue by $13.4 million a year, would remove the sales tax on equipment used to store raw products, irrigation equipment, stakes used by farmers to support plants, and aquaculture species that are raised for commercial purposes.
In all, Scott has proposed tax cuts that would total $673 million, with the reduction in the communications-services tax by far the largest.
The cut would lower the communications-services tax on cell-phone and cable TV from 6.65 percent to 3.05 percent and the tax rate on direct-to home satellite services from 10.8 percent to 7.2 percent. State economists estimate the cuts would eventually reduce state revenue by $470.9 million a year.
The proposal is widely supported by the cell phone and cable industry, drawing Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, to call the measure a “great consumer bill.”
“We have given a lot of tax breaks, but this goes to the consumers,” Abruzzo said.
The overall savings would be a little smaller in the first year, as the Revenue Estimating Conference determined the bill would reduce general revenue by $431.3 in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
MADD Recognizes Local Deputies
March 17, 2015
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Northwest Florida Affiliate recently recognized four deputies from Escambia County and three from Santa Rosa County as “top producers” for 2014. Pictured top: Escambia County deputies honored were (L-R) Chad Roop, Samuel Shelley, Harold Pool and John Zabelle with his K-9 Ivan. Pictured below: Santa Rosa deputies recognized were R. Dahl, N. Jordan and D. Walls. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Blues Are Back
March 17, 2015
The boys are back in town….the Blue Angels are back home in Pensacola after being gone for three months. The Blue Angels 2015 Pensacola Beach Air Show is set for July 11. Pictured above: Captain Tom Frosch calls “Smoke on” as the Blues fly over Pensacola Beach. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Students Represent Czech Republic At Model UN Conference
March 17, 2015
Four Northview High School students recently took part in the 36th annual Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference in Orlando.
The high school conference was modeled after real debate and United Nations actions and programs.
Northview students Madison Weber, Hadley Woodfin, Carly Ward, and Moriah McGahan , under the leadership of teacher Anna Barry, represented the assigned country of the Czech Republic. They learned about the government, history, current problems and other important subjects within the Czech Republic.
Students were provided with topics to debate with representatives of other countries to formulate a resolution paper to solve the problem in a way beneficial to their represented country. There were a total of 21 countries represented by 242 delegates at the conference.
Northview’s Model UN team participated in several committees — NATO, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Te team was recognized as an honorable delegation.
Last year, Northview became the first Escambia County public school to participate in a Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference.
Pictured top: Northview Model UN participants (L-R) Madison Weber, Hadley Woodfin, Carly Ward, and Moriah McGahan. Pictured below: The team is recognized as an honorable delegation in Orlando. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Results, Schedule: Aggie Classic
March 17, 2015
Monday was the first round of the 20 team, 40 game Aggie Classic.
Monday’s Results:
- Tate Aggies 9, Shawnee, OK 2
- Goodpasture, TN 4, Escambia 2
- Washington 3, Brentwood HS, TN 1
- Davidson Academy, TN 6, West Florida 1 (15 innings)
- Claremore, OK 7, Milton 3
- Pryor, OK vs. Knoxville Catholic, TN 9, Pryor, OK 7
- Second Baptist, TX 14, Washington, OK 4
- Gulf Breeze, 7, Skiatook, OK 5
- Union, OK 3, Christ Presbyterian, TN 2
- Tulsa, OK 3, Christ Presbyterian 2
- Edmond North, OK 6, Brentwood Academy, TN 1
Tuesday and Wednesday Games By Location:
Tate High School
- Tuesday, March 17 — Pryor, OK vs. Christ Presbyterian, TN — 4:00
- Tuesday, March 17 — Tate, FL vs. Skiatook, OK — 7:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Claremore, OK vs. Second Baptist, TX — 4:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Tate, FL vs. Union, OK — 7:00
West Florida High School
- Tuesday, March 17 — Washington, OK vs. Milton, FL — 4:00
- Tuesday, March 17 — West Florida, FL vs. Goodpasture, TN — 7:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Brentwood, TN vs. Shawnee, OK — 4:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — West Florida, FL vs. Edmond North, OK — 7:00
Escambia High School
- Tuesday, March 17 — Union, OK vs. Knoxville Catholic, TN — 4:00
- Tuesday, March 17 — Escambia, FL vs. Edmond North, OK — 7:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Skiatook, OK vs. Christ Presbyterian, TN — 4:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Escambia, FL vs. Brentwood Academy, TN — 7:00
Gulf Breeze High School
- Tuesday, March 17 — Davidson Academy, TN vs. Second Baptist, TX — 4:00
- Tuesday, March 17 — Gulf Breeze, FL vs. Brentwood, TN — 7:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Washington OK, vs. Goodpasture, TN — 4:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Gulf Breeze, FL vs. Knoxville Catholic, TN — 7:00
Washington High School
- Tuesday, March 17 — Brentwood Academy, TN vs. Claremore, OK — 4:00
- Tuesday, March 17 — Washington, FL vs. Shawnee, OK — 7:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Davidson Academy, TN vs. Milton, FL — 4:00
- Wednesday, March 18 — Washington, FL vs. Pryor, OK — 7:00
FWC To Hold Black Bear Management Plan Webinars
March 17, 2015
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting two webinars to discuss proposed changes to the black bear management program. Proposed amendments to the bear feeding and conservation rules as well as rule changes required to have a bear hunt in the fall of 2015 will be discussed.
The webinars will be held March 23 and March 26, each beginning at 7 p.m. CDT. Those interested in viewing the webinar must register for either session.
“These webinars will give the FWC a chance to reach out to more members of the public than with traditional public meetings,” said David Telesco, bear management coordinator. “The public will have the opportunity to learn more about our bear management program, offer up their comments and ask questions.”
To register for the March 23 webinar, go to: click here. For the March 26 webinar, go to: click here. Participants should register for just one session.
Northview Lifters Qualify For Regionals
March 17, 2015
Six Northview weightlifters qualified for the regional meet Monday during a district meet against Jay, West Florida and Catholic at Jay.
The following Northview lifters place in the top 3 at the district meet to qualify for the April 1 regional meet at Arnold High School in Panama City:
- 119-lb. class: Greg Pressley, 3rd place
- 129-lb. class: Everette Garvey, 1st place; Brandon Wilson, 2nd place
- 169-lb class: Jaylen Parker, 2nd place
- 183-lb class: Justin Kite, 3rd place
- 238-lb class: Ronald Harris, 3rd place
Pictured: Northview’s Everette Garvey. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Killed In Milton Wreck After Fleeing Burglary
March 16, 2015
An Escambia County man was killed and another seriously injured in an early morning crash in Milton after they fled a burglary, authorities said.
Passenger Brian Lynn Brown, 27, was pronounced deceased following the 1:11 a.m. crash. He was a passenger in a 2000 Chevrolet C1500 pickup drive by 23-year old Morgan Romero.
Romero was traveling south on Tanglewood Drive when the pickup left the roadway at the intersection of Rolling Greens Drive. The pickup traveled through a vacant lot before hitting a large tree behind a residence in the 5700 block of Tiger Woods Drive. Romero was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office had responded to a disturbance on Anderson Lane just before the crash. They found that two suspects had threatened a man after entering his RV. The victim pointed out a pickup that was speeding from the scene with the alleged suspects inside. Deputies lost sight of the pickup, but found it crashed into a tree a short time later with Brown deceased.
Both occupants were wearing their seat belts. Any charges in the crash are pending, the FHP said.
Poarch Creek Tribal Chair: No Plans For Pot In Nokomis, We Really Want Scott To Talk Gaming
March 16, 2015
The Poarch Creek Indians believe they have the right to grow marijuana on their one acre in North Escambia, but that’s not really their plan, according to Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair. What they really want is to sit down with Gov. Rick Scott and negotiate a gaming compact that would allow casino gambling on the on Nokomis Road acre, just a few miles off Highway 97.
Bryan explains, in her own words:
by Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan
Home for me has always been Poarch, Ala. — 10 miles from the Florida state line. I know when I pass the highway marker that I am leaving one state and entering another, but it is a separation that means little to those of us who grew up with family spread out on both sides of that boundary.
Certainly, it would be impossible to explain where Alabama ends and Florida begins to my ancestors. They were Poarch Creek Indians with a distinct culture and values. Neither they, nor the place they called home, were ever defined by lines drawn on a map.
Today, our Poarch Creek Tribe is federally recognized with trust lands in our ancestral homelands of Alabama and North Florida. It is our land in Nokomis that has been the focus of our efforts to negotiate a gaming compact with the state of Florida. But, recent roadblocks in those negotiations, a lack of understanding of our status as a federally recognized tribe and sensationalized media headlines indicate a need to reiterate our legal rights pertaining to the property, as well as how we plan to use it.
So, let me be clear. We are a federally recognized Indian tribe and we have been consistent in wanting to build a gaming business in Florida. In exchange for entering into a compact with the state, we have committed to sharing revenue and honoring existing compacts.
During a recent media interview that focused on our rights as a federally recognized tribe, the reporter asked whether we believe we legally could grow marijuana on our land. We have been advised that the answer to that question is “yes” because we are a federally recognized tribe, the same legal status that entitles us to negotiate a gaming compact with Florida.
Let me clarify, though: While it appears that we are legally entitled to do so, we have no plans to grow marijuana on our land.
We do have plans to replicate in Florida what we have done in Alabama — create jobs and economic security, add to the tax base and fiscal strength of our state, and be good and charitable neighbors.
In Alabama, our Tribe and our businesses have created more than 3,500 direct jobs and another 3,000 indirect. Last year, we spent more than $200 million on goods and services, paid more than $51 million in wages, and generated in excess of $100 million in taxes.
If he would meet with us, Gov. Rick Scott would learn that we are a deeply caring and religious people. We have given more than $7 million in charitable donations because we believe that to whom much is given, much is expected.
We are a community of Poarch Creek Indians who care deeply about each other and our neighbors. We are hopeful that the state of Florida will recognize our rights, sit down with us, and negotiate a compact. We stand ready to be good partners and good neighbors for Florida.
Pictured above and below: A “warehouse” under construction on an acre of land owned by the Poarch Creek Indians in the North Escambia community of Nokomis. Pictured bottom inset: The large metal building overshadows a neighboring home. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Story reprinted with permission from FloridaPolitics.com.
