Florida Gov. Rick Scott Sworn In For Second Term
January 6, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott was sworn in for a second term shortly after noon Tuesday, beginning a new four years in office that in some ways brings as many questions as the first.
Scott took the oath of office on the steps of the Old Capitol during a sunny, cool day in Tallahassee. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Attorney General Pam Bondi also were sworn in to start their second terms, as was Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who took office early last year.
Scott, a former health-care executive who shocked the political establishment by getting elected in 2010 and came from behind to beat former Gov. Charlie Crist in 2014, now moves from the challenges of governing as a newcomer to the challenges of holding off lame-duck status as attention shifts to the 2016 presidential campaign and, two years later, to the race to succeed him.
In his inaugural address, excerpts of which were released Monday, Scott was expected to pitch Florida to residents of states with Democratic governors and repeat some of the small-government conservative prescriptions that got him elected in 2010, before he eased off hard-edged conservatism in his re-election bid.
“In Florida we are proving that government can do better without getting bigger,” Scott, who has seen state spending grow from a shade under $70 billion in his first budget to around $77 billion in the current year, said in one of the excerpts.
For the full text of Scott’s speech, click here.
Scott was joined for the inauguration by Texas Gov. Rick Perry and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — both potential 2016 presidential candidates — along with other dignitaries including former Florida Govs. Bob Martinez and Wayne Mixson.
The day began with a prayer breakfast at Florida A&M University that was attended by Scott and First Lady Ann Scott, their daughters, Lopez-Cantera, Atwater, Putnam, FAMU President Elmira Mangum and a number of legislators and state agency heads.
The speakers, who represented a wide array of faiths, called on Floridians to pray for Scott’s term in office.
“Our dear governor can’t do it on his own,” said keynote speaker Jim Towey, president of Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida. “He needs the help of God and the prayers and effort of each one of us. … Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Acting as host was Kirt Anderson, the pastor of Naples Community Church, which the Scotts attend. Upon taking the podium, Anderson quipped, “I thought I was going to have a fan” — a reference to Crist, whose use of a fan to keep cool during one of their debates sparked a controversy.
Scott has ditched some of the traditional inauguration festivities in Tallahassee, instead opting for a post-election tour of the state to tout the economic recovery. He held a reception Monday night at the governor’s mansion, watching a video reviewing his second campaign and delivering brief remarks in line with the themes his inaugural.
“We will be No 1 as the global hub for business,” Scott said.”And that’s our whole agenda for the next four years.”
by Brandon Larrabee and Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
One Injured In Morning Highway 97 Crash
January 6, 2015
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill Tuesday morning.
The accident happened about 5:40 a.m. on Highway 97 between Mason and Tungoil roads. The driver of a Cadillac CTS left the roadway in a curve, went airborne, landed in a ditch and ran into a wooded area.
The driver, a 20-year old female from Atmore, was transported to Atmore Community Hospital with minor injuries.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Identity Update: Century Renames Buildings, Changing Welcome Signs
January 6, 2015
Armed with a new strategic plan, the Town of Century is worked through a bit of an identity crisis, voting Monday night to rename a couple of facilities and look for a new slogan and way to welcome people to the town.
Brice Harris of the University of West Florida’s Haas Center, author of the new strategic plan, recommended the changes at a late December workshop meeting. On his recommendation, the council voted to rename the “Habitat for Opportunity Building”, a former school on Pond Street, as the “Century Business Center”. The complex was redeveloped into a possible business incubator several years ago, but has remained empty.
With a new name, individual classrooms, each with a door to the outside, will be improved into office space.
One space, Harris suggested, could be rented to the winner of the upcoming Century Business Challenge for a reduced rate of $1 per year as part of the winner’s prize that will also include $25,000 in startup cash from Quint and Rishy Studer. Details on that contest will be forthcoming in January.
Another office space would be used by an Americorp volunteer working for the town and by the Haas Center, and another office could be shared by community non-profits providing regular services such as the United Way or Northwest Florida Legal Services.
The council also voted to officially rename the “Ag Building” on West Highway 4 as the “Century Community Center”. Over the years, the building had taken on the Century Community Center name with no action by the council.
Also on Harris’ recommendation, the council voted Monday night to eventually remove “Welcome to Century” signs that welcome visitors into Century from the north and south on Highway 29. The signs, dedicated two years ago, were built by Century Correctional Institution and feature a giant saw blade with the town’s most recent slogan “The Dawn of a New Century.”
“Our image needs to change,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said, noting that the town’s sawmill has been closed for over 50 years. “We are not a sawmill town anymore.” He said the signs would be donated to the local Alger Sullivan Historical Society for use in their museum.
McCall said that the University of West Florida might assist with a new slogan for Century.
“I think the idea should come from the people of Century. It’s going to be a slogan that we are going to be using,” council member Ben Boutwell said. “I think it would be a wonderful idea if we could come up with…some type of slogan from the town.”
On the recommendation of council President Ann Brooks, the council voted to hold an informal contest on NorthEscambia.com and ask the public for new slogan and design ideas to welcome visitors to Century. McCall said he would personally donate a $50 prize for the winner. Details on the contest will be announced soon.
At the December workshop, the council also took aim at changing the town’s website, described by McCall as “poor”, but no action was taken on the website Monday night.
Pictured top and bottom: Formerly known as the “Habitat for Opportunity Building”, the Century Business Center on Pond Street is a key part of the upcoming Century Business Challenge. Pictured bottom inset and below: These sawmill-inspired “Welcome to Century” signs on Highway 29 will be replaced. Pictured top inset: Council members Ann Brooks, Sandra Jackson and Benjamin Boutwell at Monday night’s meeting. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Free Computer Classes Begin Thursday At Century Branch Library
January 6, 2015
Two free computer classes are scheduled for January at the Century Branch Library:
Basic Computer Skills I – Thursday, January 8 – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This class will introduce participants to the components of a computer along with basic keyboard and mouse skills.
Basic Computer Skills II – Thursday, January 22 – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This workshop will introduce participants to the Windows environment including navigating between different programs.
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard, at (850) 256-6217.
Scott Inaugural Address Touts Low Taxes, Limited Government
January 6, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott will use his second inaugural address Tuesday to pitch Florida as a state that is holding down taxes and limiting the size of government — while also making higher education more affordable to families.
Scott’s office Monday released excerpts of his prepared speech, which follows themes that were the focus of his first term in the governor’s office. The Republican also will vow to try to attract new residents from other states that have higher taxes.
“I have a message today to the people of New York, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania and others: Move to Florida!” one of the excerpts said. “We want you to keep more of the money you make because we understand it’s your money. We want your businesses to grow and succeed. We want to compete globally and win. Over the next four years, I will be traveling to your states personally to recruit you here.”
Scott, who defeated Democrat Charlie Crist in the November election, will be sworn in at noon Tuesday on the steps of the Old Capitol. Since emerging on the state’s political scene in 2010, Scott has stuck closely to messages of creating jobs and making Florida friendly to businesses, while also taking on issues such holding down tuition at universities and colleges.
The U.S. Census Bureau released figures last month that showed Florida surpassing New York as the third most-populous state. Scott’s speech will take note of that milestone, while also linking it to Florida’s status as a relatively low-tax state and to policies aimed at limiting government.
“In fact, this national battle against growing government so intensely affects Florida that we just recently surpassed New York as the third largest state in the nation,” one of the excerpts said. “In Florida we are proving that government can do better without getting bigger.”
During his first term, Scott oversaw efforts to shrink government such as eliminating the Department of Community Affairs and trying to reduce regulations on businesses. But in June, Scott also signed a $77 billion budget that was the largest in state history, while vetoing few projects sought by lawmakers.
The speech will present Florida as a key player in the move to limit government.
“While we are focused on growing jobs in Florida — we must realize that positions our state as a fighter in a great movement against the silent growth of government,” one of excerpts said. “Many states, like Florida, are fighting to limit the growth of government and grow opportunity instead.”
The excerpts give little indication of whether Scott will use the inaugural speech to announce new policy initiatives. But the speech will call for increasing the number of $10,000 bachelor’s degrees offered at state colleges, an initiative Scott began during his first term.
Peanut Butter Challenge Nets 1.5 Tons In Escambia, Santa Rosa
January 6, 2015
UF/IFAS Extension collected over 3,000 pounds of peanut butter for the needy during the recent “Peanut Butter Challenge” in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
There were 628 jars, or 806.5 pounds, of peanut butter collected in Escambia County, and 2,259 pounds were donated in Santa Rosa County. Local peanut farmers Rodney and Mike Helton also donated a pallet of peanut butter, as did Tri-County Peanut.
The Helton pallet at the collected peanut butter from Escambia County was distributed to local groups including the Manna Food Bank, the Salvation Army, the Ashford-Washburn Center, the Carver Community Center in Century, the First Baptist Church of Flomaton, the First Baptist Church of Bratt, Gonzalez United Methodist Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, Allen Memorial United Methodist in Cantonment, Brentwood Assembly of God, Myrtle Grove Methodist, Liberty Church North Campus and St. James Missionary.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Century Council Member Sworn In; Council President, VP Elected
January 6, 2015
The newest member of the Century Town Council was sworn in Monday night, along with two incumbents as the council picked its leaders for the next three years.
Benjamin Boutwell was elected without opposition to the Seat 3 position on the council after first-time member Jacke Johnston, a teacher at Byrneville Elementary School, did not seek reelection. Reelected members Gary Riley and Sandra McMurray Jackson also took the oath of office.
Member Ann Brooks was reelected as the council’s president, while Annie Savage was elected as council vice president. Savage was absent from Monday night’s meeting for health reasons.
Pictured top: New Century Council member Benjamin Boutwell (right) takes the oath of office administered by Town Clerk Leslie Gonzalez as Mayor Freddie McCall holds a Bible Monday night. Pictured below: The swearing in of council members Sandra McMurray Jackson and Gary Riley. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Register Online For ECSO Neighborhood Watch Academy
January 6, 2015
Applications are now being accepted for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Watch Academy to be held January 20 in the ECSO Administration Building at 1700 West Leonard Street in Pensacola.
The free training is being provided to neighborhood volunteers for new and existing Neighborhood Watch programs, or anyone interested in preventing crime. The one evening seminar begins with a complementary meal at 5 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
The program is for anyone looking to start a Neighborhood Watch, or anyone that wants to make themselves less likely to be a victim of crime. Much of the curriculum covers basic safety and security tips for the home, anonymous reporting and crime prevention through environmental design. Register online at http://bit.ly/1yslxEQ.
Senate Seeks Stability In Prison System; Evers Takes Wait And See Approach
January 6, 2015
A Florida Senate committee on Monday launched a preliminary review of the state’s beleaguered prison system, taking a first glance at how inmate deaths are being scrutinized since reports of abuse and corruption were published last year.
The Department of Corrections is grappling with investigations into inmate deaths at the hands of prison guards, lawsuits from whistleblowers who claim they faced retaliation for exposing cover-ups of inmate abuse and questions about inmate health care after the state’s privatization of health services began more than a year ago.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement took over as the lead agency to examine inmate deaths based on a “memorandum of understanding” between the department and the corrections agency in an attempt to inject more objectivity into the reviews, interim FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen told the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Monday.
Of the 104 cases the FDLE has investigated, nearly a third — 31 — have been closed, Swearingen said. The majority of the cases are non-suspicious, he said. But the workload has become so great Swearingen is asking for an additional 66 workers and $8.4 million to cover costs of investigating the inmate deaths and use-of-force incidents by local law enforcement agencies.
“I understand,” Swearingen said. “We may not get to the point where we can say we have confidence. Rest assured FDLE will be the third-party unbiased investigator until that happens.”
Committee Chairman Greg Evers said he wanted to give Swearingen and especially Jones a few weeks on the job before deciding what the Legislature needs to do — if anything — to address a laundry list of issues, including inmate deaths.
Evers, whose Panhandle district includes three prisons and several work camps, said the committee would work with Jones to develop recommendations “to change the direction” of the department after the information-gathering stage is complete.
“There has to be a change of attitude. … How do you legislate a change of attitude? The jury’s still out on how we implement it. … But I think having a secretary that has a consistency of being there for four years would definitely be a change of attitude,” Evers, R-Baker, said.
Appointed by Gov. Rick Scott last month, Jones is the fourth chief of the corrections agency since Scott took office four years ago.
When asked if he was frustrated by the turnover in the agency’s leadership, Evers scoffed and said, “To say the least.”
Bradley, who served for two years as the powerful chairman of the Senate criminal-justice budget committee, has filed a measure that would require approval from Cabinet members, as well as the governor, of such appointments. Bradley’s proposal also would create a nine-member Florida Corrections Commission to help oversee the system. Among other things, the commission would conduct inspections of prison facilities, identify problematic facilities and monitor violence involving inmates and officers.
Evers said having the prisons and prison workers in his district gives him a more-intimate knowledge of the issues facing his committee.
“I think that it actually makes (my job) easier because I have a better understanding of the mentality of the folks that are working at the prisons from dealing with them on a day-to-day basis,” Evers said. “I have a better understanding of the problems from not only the inmate side but also the Department of Corrections side.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Sneak Peek: Gov. Rick Scott’s Inaugural Address
January 5, 2015
Tomorrow, Governor Rick Scott will give his second inaugural address. Below are excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery.
While we are focused on growing jobs in Florida- we must realize that positions our state as a fighter in a great movement against the silent growth of government. Many States, like Florida, are fighting to limit the growth of government and grow opportunity instead.
…
Over the last 20 years, millions of people have escaped from states with climbing tax rates to move to states with lower taxes. Why does this matter?
For starters, estimates say individuals who escaped these high tax states have taken with them around $2 trillion in adjusted gross income.
They are voting with their feet…
They are leaving states like New York, which lost $71 billion in adjusted gross income from 1992 to 2011. And, they are leaving Illinois, which lost $31 billion in adjusted gross income over that same period. The people that left New York and Illinois had one thing in common – their number one destination was Florida.
…
In fact, this national battle against growing government so intensely affects Florida that we just recently surpassed New York as the third largest state in the nation.
In Florida we are proving that government can do better without getting bigger.
…
I have a message today to the people of New York, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania and others: MOVE TO FLORIDA! We want you to keep more of the money you make because we understand it’s your money. We want your businesses to grow and succeed. We want to compete globally and win. Over the next four years, I will be traveling to your states personally to recruit you here.
…
Keeping our costs low doesn’t end with tax cuts – it also includes lowering the cost of higher education opportunities as well. That is why we have already worked with the Legislature to stop tuition increases in our undergraduate programs. And, to make higher education even more affordable in the next four years, we will increase the number of $10,000 bachelor degrees offered at our state colleges; while also holding the line on graduate school tuition.
…
In addition to cutting taxes, we have an ambitious agenda to KEEP FLORIDA WORKING and become the global leader for job creation by the year 2020.