Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Scott Hopes For An Early Spring
January 31, 2015
Groundhog Day might not be until Monday, but Gov. Rick Scott probably doesn’t need a rodent to tell him that his winter of discontent is going to last awhile longer.
If Scott somehow thought that one of the most difficult periods of his governorship was about to end, the Associated Press’ annual legislative planning day this week was proof that it was likely to continue.
On one hand, his three fellow Republicans on the Cabinet continued to suggest that Scott, or at least his administration, had mishandled the forced resignation of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey. Meanwhile, the pixels on Scott’s budget (posted online) were barely dry when legislative leaders started casting doubt on whether the governor’s proposed tax cut on cell-phone and television services would be as large as he wants.
But some issues have been lingering even longer than Scott’s troubles — including how the state handles medical marijuana, something that would change under a bill filed this week by a Republican lawmaker.
THE BLAME GAME
What did the governor know, and when did he know it? That was the question perhaps inadvertently added to the saga of Bailey’s firing when Attorney General Pam Bondi floated the idea that maybe Scott’s staff acted without his knowledge in the way that the FDLE commissioner was pushed out last month.
“Did I know that Jerry Bailey was going to be told he was fired and have his things packed up, his entire life as a career law-enforcement officer in a cardboard box, and be told to be out of the office before the end of the day? Absolutely not. Nor do I believe the governor knew it,” Bondi said to reporters and editors gathered at the Capitol for the Associated Press event.
Of course, even Bondi acknowledged that she didn’t have any proof to back her opinion, and it seemed to conflict with how Scott’s office has explained the events that led to Bailey’s ouster. But it was about the nicest thing that a Cabinet member said about the controversy during Wednesday’s planning session.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam described the treatment of Bailey as “shabby.”
Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater both said they had been advised in December by Scott’s staff that the governor was interested in making a change at FDLE, but expected the change to come up at a January Cabinet meeting. Instead, Scott office announced in December that Bailey had left the agency.
“I wasn’t aware that it was accelerated,” said Atwater, who declined to say he was “misled.”
Scott stuck to his guns. He acknowledged that his office asked Bailey “to step down.”
“Gerald Bailey was given the opportunity to step down, he did,” Scott said.
WHICH TAXES MAKE THE CUT?
The governor was able to avoid answering too many questions about the Cabinet issues during Wednesday’s legislative planning session because he formally unveiled his nearly $77 billion spending plan for the budget year that begins in July. But legislative leaders were already raising questions about a $470.9 million tax cut that lies at the heart of the proposal.
Overall, Scott is proposing $673 million in tax reductions, on everything from cell-phone bills to college textbooks. But the lion’s share of that money would go to relaxing the communications services tax applied to cell-phone, cable and satellite television services.
“The benefit of the CST (communications services tax cut) is that it impacts pretty much everybody in the state. … It’s going to go to everybody,” Scott said.
But House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, told the AP gathering that Scott’s plan on the communications tax was higher than what the House had in mind. And Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, said there are “plenty of ideas” about how to reduce taxes in addition to Scott’s request.
“Certainly, that will be on the table,” Gardiner said. “But there will also be quite a few others.”
There were few surprises in Scott’s budget plan, which he’s spent several weeks rolling out in piecemeal fashion. The proposal would reduce state spending by about 0.1 percent from the current budget year.
To cover the tax cuts and a record level of per-student education spending while keeping the overall budget relatively flat, Scott’s proposal calls for deep reductions in other areas. Spending on transportation would fall by almost $235.5 million, though Scott’s office said the Florida Department of Transportation’s work plan is smaller this year and fully funded. The proposal would also cut nearly $120 million from the Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration.
The plan would reduce the state’s payroll by more than 1,000 full-time positions. Scott’s office said that the “vast majority” of those jobs are expected to be unfilled by the time the budget takes effect. Most of the positions would come from the Department of Health; the agency would shed 758 full-time positions.
Some agencies would gain jobs. For example, the Department of Corrections, recently plagued by reports of suspicious inmate deaths, would add 163 full-time positions.
Lawmakers will consider Scott’s proposal as they negotiate a budget and tax cuts during the legislative session that starts March 3. In preparation for the session, House and Senate committees will receive presentations about the proposal next week.
Scott also had some apparent suggestions this week for how to spend a hefty chunk of the billions of dollars earmarked for land and water conservation efforts under a constitutional amendment approved by voters last year.
The proposal, outlined on Tuesday, would devote $5 billion to the Everglades, beginning with $300 million in the upcoming year. It would include money for building water-retention reservoirs and maintaining the upland habitat of endangered Florida panthers.
Lawmakers are working to determine how to carry out the constitutional amendment, which designates 33 percent of the revenue from a type of real-estate tax to conservation for the next 20 years.
Scott didn’t support or publicly oppose the amendment, and his office didn’t mention it in a news release Tuesday. But the Everglades proposal, if funded through the amendment, would require about a third or a quarter of the money.
OF POT AND LONG-SHOTS
The Legislature wasn’t in town this week, but that didn’t keep a handful of measures from being filed or discussed. And one was certain to draw some attention, even if its chances at passage were still up in the air.
Less than three months after Florida voters narrowly rejected a plan to legalize medical marijuana, Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, filed a bill that would allow patients to get pot if they suffer from diseases such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
The proposal (SB 528) includes a detailed regulatory structure that would place requirements on patients, doctors, growers and retail stores. Patients could only get “medical-grade” marijuana if their physicians sign off on the need.
“Many groups have been working on this initiative for quite some time, and my goal is to work openly with all of the interested parties on this issue so that we can pass responsible legislation that provides relief to those Floridians in need,” Brandes said in a prepared statement.
Medical marijuana has been a heavily debated topic in Florida for more than a year, primarily because of a proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized the substance. That amendment received support from 57.6 percent of voters during the November election, slightly short of the 60 percent needed to pass ballot initiatives.
Backers of the constitutional amendment made clear they would continue trying to legalize medical pot, either through the Legislature or another ballot proposal in 2016.
“This bill proves that the massive support we received in the last election — 58% of voters — plus our quick work to bring the petition back for 2016 is getting recognized by reasonable legislators like Senator Brandes,” the group United For Care, which has led efforts to pass a constitutional amendment, said in an email to supporters Monday.
But another long-debated health-care proposal already seems dead before this year’s session starts. Crisafulli on Wednesday said the House has “no plans” to expand Medicaid coverage to an additional 800,000 residents during the session.
“We do not plan to do anything on Medicaid expansion,” Crisafulli said during the AP planning session. “I am a never-say-never kind of guy, and certainly anything can come about that provides opportunity, but at this time we do not plan to hear Medicaid expansion.”
Democrats, who have pushed the expansion for years only to see House Republicans stymie plans supported by Senate Republicans and at least tacitly supported by Scott, tried to find the silver lining.
“We want a full debate” on Medicaid expansion, said House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. “You heard the speaker — he’s not a never-say-never guy.”
Whatever issues lawmakers address this spring will also be faced by some new members in the House and the Senate.
In elections Tuesday, Rep. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton, cruised to an easy win in a special Republican primary for a Senate seat in Northeast Florida, setting him up for a likely general election win in April. Meanwhile, Republicans Paul Renner and Cyndi Stevenson won primaries for two House seats in the region.
Hutson, R-Elkton, topped the three-man field in Senate District 6 with 52.2 percent of the vote. Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart came in second, carrying 35.1 percent of the vote, and Dennis McDonald was a distant third with almost 12.7 percent. Hutson will face Democrat David Cox in a general election scheduled for April 7.
Renner breezed to a win in the GOP primary to fill Hutson’s seat, carrying almost 70.2 percent of the vote in House District 24, which includes Flagler County as well as portions of St. Johns and Volusia counties. He’ll face Democrat Adam Morley in the special general election.
Stevenson, a St. Johns County commissioner, edged out Michael Davis in Renuart’s district. Both candidates spent more than $100,000 in the GOP primary in House District 17, which also included candidate Jack Capra. Stevenson garnered 41.6 percent of the vote to 39.2 percent for Davis; Capra had 19.2 percent. Stevenson will face Judy Stevens, a candidate running without a party affiliation, in the general election.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The controversy over the removal of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey continued for a third week, as Cabinet members continued to criticize how Bailey’s departure was handled by Gov. Rick Scott.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Hubris appears to be the organizing principle of our executive branch.” Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, on Gov. Rick Scott’s handling of the ouster of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and a possible move by the governor to bring in a top insurance official from Louisiana.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Last Minute, Healthy Super Bowl Snack Ideas
January 31, 2015
by Dorothy C. Lee, Escambia County Extension Service
Get defensive about your health. These easy-to-tackle recipes are just as tasty, but lower in fat and calories than typical game-day fare. It’s a Win-Win situation.
Skip the six-foot-long sub sandwich usually drenched in mayonnaise. Instead serve a soup and sandwich smorgasbord with a variety of low-fat cheeses, whole grain breads, fresh, low-sodium cold cuts, and lots and lots of fresh vegetables. Serve soups that are hearty and full of vegetables or grains.
Swap calorie-laden soft drinks with 100% fruit juice or vegetable juice. Prepare mock cocktails using half juice and half seltzer water for a healthy, refreshing beverage.
Set up a make-your-own sundae bar. Use low-fat, protein-rich Greek yogurt and add low-fat granola, fresh or frozen fruit like strawberries, blueberries, even dried fruit. Top off yogurt sundaes with nuts.
Replace chips with vegetable sticks or fruit, or try making your own tasty pita chips. Recipe follows and it only takes a few minutes. Serve a store-bought salsa or a homemade bean dip (see recipe) with carrots, celery, red pepper strips, and cucumbers instead of high-fat dips and salty chips.
If you are going to serve dessert, opt for fruit—fresh, frozen, or canned in its own juice, or there are sugar-free options.
These game day decisions will help you develop a winning game plan.
Garlic & Herb Pita Chips
- 4-6 whole wheat pitas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
Coat 2 large baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray
Cut pitas into 8 wedges each and separate each wedge at the fold
Place the pita wedges in an even layer on the baking sheets
Brush wedges with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt
Bake at 350°F for 6 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
May be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Pinto Bean Salsa Dip
- 1 (approximately 15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed, or 1 1⁄2 cups cooked dried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1⁄2 to 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped onion (optional)
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder or to taste (optional)
Mash beans with a fork. Mix in cheese. Stir in enough salsa until mixture is desired consistency for dipping. Add onion and seasoning as desired. Serve cold or cook, stirring, over medium heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is well-blended and hot (about 5 minutes).
Flomaton Police Seek Suspect In Early Morning Assault
January 30, 2015
The Flomaton Police Department is looking for a suspect in an assault early this morning at Flomaton Woods Apartments.
Jamie Gafford, 40, is wanted on outstanding warrants for burglary in the first degree and assault in the second degree, according to Flomaton Police Chief Brian Davis.
Police say Gafford has local connections and may be in the Century or Flomaton area. If you have any information on his whereabouts, contact the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811 or your local law enforcement agency.
More details on the assault are expected to be released later today.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Highway 29 In Ensley
January 30, 2015
A pedestrian in a wheelchair was pronounced deceased after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 29, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The accident occurred about 11:56 p.m. Thursday on Highway 29 (Pensacola Boulevard) near West Devane Street — that’s near Pensacola Pools just south of the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 58-year old Walter Gonzalez Coto was northbound on Highway 29 in a 2004 Audi when he struck a person in a wheelchair. The FHP said the 49-year old victim was not in any crosswalk or intersection at the time of the crash.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. The name of the victim and other details in the crash have not yet been released by the Florida Highway Patrol pending notification of next of kin.
No charges were filed in the crash.
Jay Man Charged With Sex Crimes After Being Caught With Student On Campus
January 30, 2015
A Jay man has been charged with multiple felony sex offenses after using allegedly using a phone app to contact a local student and sneaking onto the Jay High School campus to meet the juvenile.
Curtis Joshua Cannon, age 27 of the 13000 block of Highway 89, was charged with two counts lewd and lascivious battery on a victim age 12 to 16, lewd and lascivious molestation with a victim age 12 to 16, solicitation of a minor, and transmission of harmful material to a minor. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
The alleged relationship between the victim and Cannon came to light after they were seen kissing and hugging in the school parking lot by a teacher who told a school resource officer.
The resulting investigation revealed the pair would meet on a trail by a barn before school hours, and Cannon tried to get the teen to skip gym class and leave the campus with him. The victim told the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office investigator about multiple sexual contact incidents that occurred, with many of the incidents occurring while both were clothed.
The pair communicated through the smartphone app “Kik”, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. A search of the victim’s phone found where Cannon had allegedly sent inappropriate photos, encouraged meetings and contacts, and even discussed love and marriage using the Kik app.
According to an arrest report. Cannon told deputies that his lawyer had advised him not to speak to anyone about the allegations.
Due to Florida law, the victim’s age and gender were not released by the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office.
Cool Photos: Our NorthEscambia.com Walnut Hill Eagle
January 30, 2015
This is our “resident” NorthEscambia.com eagle, seen high in a tree outside our NorthEscambia.com office in Walnut Hill enjoying the week’s blue skies and warmer weather before flying off. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Shots Fired Disturbance: Gunfire Hits Century Home
January 30, 2015
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shots fired disturbance in the 6000 block of Jefferson Avenue Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, they discovered that an unknown suspect had fired one round into the side of a home.
During the investigation, 29-year old Cassious Lett was detained for questioning. He was arrested for marijuana possession and on an outstanding failure to appear warrant, but was not charged with the shooting incident. Lett was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $2,500.
“There was insufficient probable cause to arrest anyone on gun related charges at this time,” Sena Maddison, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, said.
There were no injuries in the incident.
Photos: Installation Of 54 Ton Beams Cause Delays On I-10
January 30, 2015
Drivers have dealt with nighttime delays this week on I-10 in Escambia County as crews positioned large beams for a new Scenic Highway overpass. The beams are about 102 feet long and weigh 57 tons each (114,000 pounds). Because of the massive size and weight of the beams, a 200 ton crane was required to lift and place them.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Anything But Perfidious: Escambia’s Best Spellers Take On The Bee
January 30, 2015
The 2015 Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee wrapped up Thursday night with the crowning of the very best student spellers in Escambia County.
At the high school level, winners were:
1st Place — James Henderson, 9th grade, Pensacola High/IB Program
2nd Place — Dawn Van Iderstine, 11th grade, West Florida Home School
3rd Place — Malik Blankenship, 10th grade, Booker T. Washington High School
Other North Escambia area students that took part in Thursday night’s round were: Morgan Myrick, 10th, Northview; McKenzie Fleming, 10th, Tate; Jessica Amerson, 11th, Northview; and Matthew Chavers, 12th, Northview.
The winning word was “perfidious”, an adjective that means deceitful and untrustworthy.
Other grade level winners were:
Middle School
1st Place – Amber Lee – Jim C. Bailey (7th grade)
2nd Place - Kneia Williams – Warrington (6th grade)
3rd Place – Justin Witter – PCA (7th grade)
5th grade
1st Place – Connor Barton – Helen Caro
2nd Place – Lauren Bisson – St. Paul
3rd Place – Colin Gold – EDS
6th Grade
1st Place – Christina Wooten – Home School
2nd Place – Kneia Williams – Warrington
3rd Place – Jeffrey Bates – Jim C. Bailey
7th Grade
1st Place – Justin Witter – PCA
2nd Place – Anna Huynh – Ransom
3rd Place – Amber Lee – Jim C. Bailey
8th Grade
1st Place – Rebecca Woodcock – GBMS
2nd Place – Andrew VanIderstine – Home School
3rd Place – Cassilyn Owens – PCA
Pictured top: Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee high school winners: (L-R first place James Henderson, 9th grade, Pensacola High/IB Program; third place Malik Blankenship, 10th grade, Booker T. Washington High School; second place Dawn Van Iderstine, 11th grade, West Florida Home School, and sponsor Sandy Sansing. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Nominated For ACM Radio Station Of The Year
January 30, 2015
Escambia County’s locally owned country radio station, Cat Country 98.7, has been nominated for Radio Station of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
Winners will be announced during the 50th Annual ACM Awards Show live from Dallas on CBS on Sunday, April 19.
“Our team is passionate about our community and country music, this is a great honor,” said station owner Dave Hoxeng.
This is the seventh time Cat Country 98.7 has been nominated for the prestigious award in the last 11 years. Cat Country was name ACM Radio Station of the Year in 2006, 2009 and 2011.