Annual Look Ahead: What To Expect In Florida In 2015
January 4, 2015
With Gov. Rick Scott set to be sworn in for his second term and legislative committee meetings beginning next week, the topics that will dominate discussion in the Capitol in the coming year are already starting to shape up. Here are 10 stories that could generate major headlines — or at least dominate the Tallahassee chatter — in 2015.
— WILL SCOTT GET HIS WAY?: A key question for Scott is how focused Republican legislators will be in helping deliver on his promises without the threat of Democrat Charlie Crist to focus their attention. Scott promised during his 2014 re-election campaign against Crist to slash taxes by $1 billion over the next two years and to spend the state’s budget surplus on a variety of other measures, but the Legislature still has to go along with him while advancing its own priorities. So far, House and Senate leaders are saying all the right things — but the true test will come after the legislative session begins in March.
— NEW PRESIDING OFFICERS: Every two years, the top posts in the House and Senate typically change hands — and that brings a new personal dynamic that plays heavily into which bills pass and which ones fail. The notoriously fractious relationship between former House Speaker Dean Cannon and former Senate President Mike Haridopolos in the 2011 and 2012 sessions prompted their successors, former Speaker Will Weatherford and former President Don Gaetz, to be at least publicly friendly over the past two years. But new House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican who wasn’t even tapped for the office until after the 2012 elections, is just becoming known to the Capitol crowds. How he and Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, interact could decide whether the next two sessions are successful or a struggle.
— NEGRON-LATVALA BATTLE CONTINUES: In one of the longest-running soap operas in Tallahassee, there’s still no definitive word on the outcome of a leadership fight between Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater. The two are vying to become Senate president after the 2016 elections. Even with the failure of former Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff’s comeback bid in November — a blow for Latvala’s chances — it doesn’t look likely that either man will back down until a vote is called, whenever that might be. Meanwhile, the proxy skirmishes between Negron and Latvala will provide entertainment, if nothing else, for denizens of the Capitol.
— REDISTRICTING APPEAL: The Florida Supreme Court will get its first chance to consider the state’s congressional districts when it hears oral arguments March 4 in an ongoing legal challenge to the map. Voting rights groups argue that lawmakers violated a constitutional ban on political gerrymandering in drawing district boundaries. Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis in 2014 ordered some relatively minor tweaks to a congressional map the Legislature approved in 2012, but his decision has been appealed by the voting-rights groups who want a broader overhaul of the plan.
— VOUCHER LEGAL BATTLE: Lawyers for the Florida Education Association, the state and a group of parents who benefit from the state’s de facto school-voucher program will return to court Feb. 9 for the next showdown in a high-stakes fight over the program’s future. The FEA and other groups filed a lawsuit in August claiming that the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is unconstitutional. The program, which could raise as much as $357.8 million this year, provides tax credits to companies that donate money to nonprofit entities that pay for children to go to private schools. The parents have since intervened in the case on the side of the state. A judge is scheduled to hear the state’s motion to dismiss the case in February. If it moves forward, the litigation could lead to the most important school-choice decision since a 2006 ruling from the Florida Supreme Court that held the state’s Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional. That program was a purer version of a voucher system, using public money directly to fund private education for some students.
— MEDICAID EXPANSION: The odds that the joint federal-state health program for low-income Floridians will be expanded to cover more state residents are still relatively small. But some business groups are starting a new push to get some sort of plan approved, and Gardiner hasn’t ruled it out. In a meeting with reporters, Gardiner described as “intriguing” a proposal that would accept billions of dollars available under the federal Affordable Care Act and provide coverage through private insurers. A similar plan failed to pass the House in 2013, but Crisafulli said he might consider expanding health care coverage via the private sector.
— BUSH (AND MAYBE RUBIO) RUN FOR PREZ: Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s declaration that he would “actively explore” a run for the presidency made it appear to be a near-certainty that the Republican, whose presence still looms large in state politics, will seek the GOP nomination for 2016. But the state could have a second favorite son enter the race if U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio decides he also wants to take a shot at the White House. Either way, the nation’s largest swing state could play an even more outsized role this year in choosing the next president.
— TIME FOR A DEAL ON GAMBLING?: The prospect of new state legislation on gambling has become a game of its own the last few years, with insiders placing odds in December and January only to watch things go bust in March and April. But few things focus legislators like a deadline, and there’s a looming one this year: A portion of a 2009 agreement giving the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to conduct card games at seven of its facilities dries up in July unless lawmakers and Scott renew the deal. A sweeping gambling proposal crumbled last year when proponents of allowing at least one mega-casino in South Florida put the bill on ice because they lacked the votes for Senate passage. And Gardiner, an anti-gambling legislator who frequently says he would scrap the state Lottery if he could, said recently that he doesn’t care if the table games disappear and the state loses the Seminoles’ cash. Florida stands to lose about $116 million a year if the portion of the compact giving the Seminoles exclusive rights to table games such as blackjack expires, according to an estimate from state economists.
— HIGH POINT FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Approaching the one-year anniversary of when the Legislature approved a bill that would allow a limited form of medical marijuana, there’s still no final regulation from the state that would allow sales of pharmacological pot to go forward. And a Department of Health Official told an audience in Orlando this week that the rule will require the Legislature’s blessing because costs associated with the new law are growing. Florida law requires the Legislature to ratify rules that cost in excess of $1 million over five years. Office of Compassionate Use Director Patricia Nelson said she anticipates that the combined costs for businesses to operate the cannabis industry and for the state to regulate it would exceed $1 million over five years, triggering ratification. Doctors on Jan. 1 were supposed to begin ordering strains of cannabis that are low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and high in cannabadiol, or CBD, for patients who suffer from severe spasms or cancer. Meanwhile, supporters of broader medical marijuana — who failed to get the 60 percent approval required for a constitutional amendment in November — have promised to try again, either through the Legislature or at the ballot box.
— WATER AND LAND MONEY: Much of the budget-related buzz around the Capitol since the November elections has focused on Amendment 1, also known as the “Florida Water and Land Legacy” constitutional amendment, which was approved by voters in the November elections. The measure requires the state to dedicate a portion of real-estate tax revenue — by some estimates $10 billion over 20 years — to land and water projects. Gardiner supports using a 5-year plan, similar to one that the state uses to fund transportation projects, but Crisafulli has seemed ambivalent toward the idea. Whatever the vehicle, lawmakers will now face a new constraint when crafting a spending plan.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
A New Year, A Higher Rate For Gulf Power Customers
January 3, 2015
Gulf Power customers will see an increase on their bill this month to cover fuel coats associated with electrical generation. The Florida Public Service Commission allows expenses such as power plant fuel to be passed along to consumers, but they are not allowed to earn a profit on fuel charges.
A Gulf Power residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours a month will pay $139.29, up from $132, according to the PSC.
Fuel costs are a major component of each customer’s monthly bill. The industry commonly uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity for residential customers as a benchmark, though many customers use more power than that each month.
Customers of two other major Florida utilities – Florida Power & Light and Tampa Electric – will see very minor decreases on their bills beginning this month.
Clerks Ready To Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses, Including In Century And Pensacola
January 3, 2015
After a year of legal wrangling, same-sex couples should be able to get married anywhere in the state Tuesday, making Florida one of three-dozen states where gay marriage is possible.
That includes Escambia County, where Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Pam Childers announced Friday that here office office will being issuing the licenses at 8 a.m. Tuesday at her offices in Century and Pensacola.
And Childers said her office will continue to perform wedding ceremonies for a standard $30 fee in addition to the license fee.
Reversing previous advice, lawyers for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers said Friday that a clarification issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle means that county clerks should issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples or run the risk of being sued.
“He provided the direction that they wanted and provided the judicial authority for them to issue same-gender marriage licenses,” Greenberg Traurig lawyer Fred Baggett, the clerks association’s general counsel, said. “We are advising them it’s in their best interest to accept the authority that Judge Hinkle has given them and to begin issuing licenses.”
Baggett also said he was unaware of any of the state’s 67 clerks who would decline to issue licenses. Kenneth Kent, executive director of the association, issued a statement that said Hinkle’s order Thursday had provided the “guidance” clerks wanted on the issue.
And while clerks are being advised to issue licenses, some have declared they will no longer perform weddings as they seek to avoid marrying same-sex couples. Clerks in Santa County along with Duval, Baker, Clay and Okaloosa and counties have said they have or will discontinue wedding ceremonies.
Florida requires a three-day waiting period if either applicant is a Florida resident. The waiting period can be waived with completion of a pre-marital preparation course by an approved provider. If both applicants are out-of-state residents, then no waiting period is required.
Escambia Man Gets Life For 2013 Murder
January 3, 2015
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison for the shooting death of another man on Pensacola Beach.
An Escambia County Circuit Judge found Damarcus Rayon Jenkins guilty of second degree murder for the death of Michael Harris. In June of 2013, he shot and killed Michael Harris during an argument in the Casino Beach parking lot.
Prosecutors said Jenkins pulled out a revolver as the argument escalated and shot Harris three times.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 3, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending December 31 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he checked a man and woman fishing. As he inquired about their success, he observed the woman go to the car and place something into her shirt. When he asked about the contents of the car, the subjects admitted that there was marijuana in the car. The woman handed over a bag of cannabis and was issued a notice to appear for possession of not more than 20 grams of cannabis.
Officer Livesay was working night hunting this week due to the high number of complaints from local landowners. From a concealed location, Officer Livesay observed an occupant of a vehicle shine a light into a nearby farm field. This area is known for a large deer population. Officer Livesay stopped the vehicle, identified two occupants and discovered they had a loaded rifle between them in the front seat. Officer Livesay seized the gun and light and issued both individuals a notice to appear citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson and Lieutenant Hahr were patrolling near the Escambia River WMA when they observed a car parked near a hunting club gate. When they pulled up to the car, they realized that a woman had hidden from them as they went by. They stopped to investigate and were told by the woman that she had just stopped to text her son. Drug paraphernalia was observed in the console, a glass pipe with a piece of crack cocaine ready for smoking was discovered on the floorboard. More crack and paraphernalia was found under the seat. The woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Florida House To Get Taste Of Budget In Return To Capitol
January 3, 2015
House members will hold three days of committee meetings when they return to Tallahassee the week of January 5, including getting briefed on budget issues
The Appropriations Committee will meet January 7 and receive a presentation by economist Amy Baker on the state’s long-range financial outlook, which helps provide a backdrop for budget decisions.
Meanwhile, appropriations subcommittees will hold a series of meetings and receive presentations about the “base” budgets in their areas of focus, such as health and human services and education.
House panels will meet January 6 to January 8, though a handful of representatives also will take part January 5 in a Joint Legislative Auditing Committee meeting. The House and Senate also are expected to hold committee meetings the week of January 20 as they prepare for the annual session, which starts in March.
Taxwatch: Florida Bowl Games A Big Win For Florida’s Economy
January 3, 2015
College football playoffs and postseason games were expected to bring additional revenue to state and local economies, according to the latest Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute. Florida was host to eight of the 38 college football postseason games, which is more than any other state.
“For 80 uninterrupted years, Florida has welcomed fans across the nation to the Sunshine State for postseason bowl games, including Championship Games,” said Dominic M. Calabro. “Bowl games give Florida an incredible opportunity to show off our vibrant communities and impeccable attractions and resources.”
Bowl games benefit Florida’s economy best when they host out-of-state teams, since fans travel to stay in Florida hotels and are encouraged to spend time at Florida’s theme parks, beaches and other attractions. In this year’s postseason bowl games, Florida hosted 15 out-of-state schools and their fans. The only Florida school to participate in a Sunshine State bowl game was the University of Central Florida.
Benefits of postseason bowl games include additional tax revenue, more money circulating through local and regional economies, and national exposure for host cities. Florida industries expected to benefit most from Florida’s bowl games are accommodations and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; and retail trade.
“Florida residents should be excited to welcome this year’s out-of-state postseason bowl game fans,” added Calabro. “When fans come to watch their teams play, they also pay, which enables Florida taxpayers to continue experiencing low tax rates.”
2014 In Photos: August
January 3, 2015
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
The annual back to school Prayer Walk was held at Molino Park Elementary School. Students and adults from Highland Baptist Church prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming school year.
Work began in August on a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
A Farm Share food distribution for the needy was held in Century.
Two people were arrested after a 56-mile police chase from Santa Rosa County to just outside Atmore.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee’s annual Back to School Bash was. The event included free school supplies and a hot lunch at Carver Park.
The driver of a SUV was not injured when she slammed into a cow on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill.
A free “Day of Hope” provided free school supplies, food and an encouraging word in Molino.
A new Walmart officially opened in Atmore.
Georgia Pacific announced an investment of more than $375 million into an energy improvement project at the company’s mill in Brewton, AL.
A “topping out” was held at the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
A community “glow run” at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free school supplies were available in Century for 300 children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
After a summer of hard work, the Tate High School Showband of the South held a Preview Night at Pete Gindl Stadium for parents and friends.
CrossFaith Church in Molino presented “cardboard testimonies” at a Highway 29 intersection in Cantonment.
Ernest Ward Middle School took on the Jay Royals.
The Northview High School dance team performs.
The Northview Chiefs held a scrimmage game.
The Jay Royals lost to Flomaton.
The Tate Aggies beat West Florida.
A late August sunset.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Motorcyclist Collides With Log Truck
January 2, 2015
An Alabama man was seriously injured early Friday morning when he drove he motorcycle in the back of a log truck in Cantonment.
Ladon Cauley, age 48 of Opp, was traveling south on his Suzuki motorcycle on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road and failed to see the log truck in front of him. He collided with logs overhanging from truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cauley was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The log truck driver was unaware that a crash had occurred and continued south on Highway 29, the FHP said. There were no charges filed in the crash.
Cantonment Stabbing Under Investigation
January 2, 2015
An altercation Thursday night in Cantonment ended with one man stabbed in the abdomen and another with less serious injuries.
A 37-year old man suffering from a stab wound was transported to an area hospital by ambulance as a “trauma alert” following the incident at a mobile home in the 300 block of Crowndale Road shortly before 10 p.m. Another man in his 50’s was reportedly hit in the head with a pipe but refused medical treatment.
Details concerning the incident have not yet been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: Fire and EMS units arrive at a mobile home on Crowndale Road where one person was stabbed Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.