Report Points To Healthy Workers Comp Market
December 27, 2014
State regulators have released a report touting Florida’s competitive workers-compensation insurance market, though it also raised the possibility of lawmakers taking steps to reduce the system’s medical costs. The Office of Insurance Regulation provides an annual report on the workers-compensation market to legislative leaders.
The report released Tuesday said Florida has a large number of workers-compensation insurers and that none of the carriers has enough market share to drive prices.
“There are no significant barriers for the entry and exit of insurers into the Florida workers’ compensation market and based on the record of new entrants and voluntary withdrawals with no market disruptions, the Florida workers’ compensation market is competitive, well capitalized and robust,” the report said.
Rates in the workers-compensation system plummeted after lawmakers passed a wide-ranging overhaul in 2003.
The report said rates, as of January 2015, will be 58.3 percent below what they were before the 2003 changes. But it also raises the possibility that lawmakers could reduce rates further by addressing certain types of health-care costs in the system.
“Medical cost drivers, particularly in the areas of drugs, hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers … are noticeably higher in Florida than a countrywide average,” the report said. “Legislative reform in the reimbursement of these services could produce substantial savings for Florida employers.”
by The News Service of Florida
2014 In Photos: January
December 27, 2014
Today, we begin a look back at the year 2014 in photos with a look at January:
A record ice storm struck Escambia County in January, bring almost everything to a complete standstill.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held a Clean Sweep in Cottage Hill, arrested two, issuing 55 violations and removing 15 tons of trash and debris.
A redevelopment plan was approved by the Escambia County Commission for blighted areas of Cantonment.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King was honored with a program in Century, including a performance by the Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church Youth Choir.
A new four-cent tax went into effect in January in Escambia County for mass transit.
Over 100 gallons of crude oil was spilled into the Escambia River from Quantum Resource Management’s processing facility near Jay.
In Atmore, residents held their annual MLK Day Parade.
Century began a series of community meetings leading up to the creation of an economic development plan later in the year.
Escambia County cut several large oak trees in order to pave Enon School Road, sparking protest from a few area residents.
A CSX train derailed during an ice storm, with 23 cars coming off the tracks behind the McDavid Sawmill. A health alert was issued for Fletcher Creek as a massive cleanup effort began.
Retired NFL player Leigh Torrence spoke to students about healthy exercise at Tate High School.
After a community meeting at the McDavid United Methodist Church, it was announced that the McDavid Post Office would remain open, but with reduced service hours.
A grand opening was held for the new Molino Museum inside the Molino Community Center.
The annual Miss Ernest Ward Middle School pageant was held. Second Runner-up and Appearance Award winner was Ashlan Kaile Harigel, Jr. Miss EWMS and Physical Fitness Ward winner was Jerni Lee Crabtree, People’s Choice winner was Kally Lee White and First Runner-up and Miss Congeniality was Gabrielle Faith Nichole Kline.
Arbor Day was celebrated in January, with area residents receiving free trees at the Molino Community Center.
Interim County Administrator George Touart passed away. Flags at county buildings, such as the Molino offices of the Escambia County tax collector and property appraiser, were lowered to half staff in his honor.
An armed robbery at the Family Dollar store in Davisville left the clerk with minor injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lifetime Florida Sportsman’s Licenses On Sale
December 27, 2014
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida children and young adults at a greatly reduced cost for just a few more days. The license now costs up to $1,000 but through December 31, 2014, the price will be reduced to $500 for Florida residents who are 21-years-old and younger.
The lifetime license covers saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing, hunting and most associated permits.
“Our state’s natural treasures give families wonderful opportunities for both fishing and hunting from the Panhandle to the Keys. This Lifetime Sportsman’s License will provide Florida’s youth with the opportunity to spend time outdoors with their families. Fishing and hunting are time-honored traditions in our state, and I encourage all Floridians to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors,” Gov, Rick Scott said after signing the executive order that lowered the cost.
A Lifetime Sportsman’s License allows fishing and hunting in Florida for the rest of the license holder’s life, even if that person is no longer a resident of the state.
The license may be purchased at all Florida county tax collectors’ offices, online at License.MyFWC.com and by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356). Residency must be verified. For more information about a Lifetime Sportsman’s License and this limited time offer, visit http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/lifetime-licenses/.
In addition to all Escambia County Tax Collector Offices including Molino, licenses are also available at the Clerk of the Court office in the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century.
Airman Brianna White Graduates From Basic Military Training
December 27, 2014
Air Force Reserve Airman Brianna D. White graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
White is the daughter of Margaret A. White of Atmore.
She is a 2013 graduate of Escambia County High School, Atmore.
Gas Prices Continue Downward Spiral
December 26, 2014
Gas prices are continuing to fall across the Escambia and Santa Rosa county area, with one station reportedly dropping below $2 per gallon on Christmas day.
The Gas Stop at 8720 Pensacola Boulevard was at $1.99 per gallon Thursday, according to GasBuddy.com. A couple of other stations were at about $2.09, but most were still at $2.18 per gallon or higher.
In North Escambia, the Century Food Mart’s price for regular unleaded was $2.27, as was the Tom Thumb in Cantonment. The Molino Tom Thumb was at $2.29 Thursday, which was down from $2.32 on Monday.
The metro area average for Thursday was $2.29, down from $2.40 a week ago, $2.68 a month ago and $3.22 last Christmas.
Editor’s note: The Pensacola Boulevard station was at $1.99 for just a few hours on Thursday, as reported by GasBuddy.com, but the station had returned to $2.18 by Friday.
Pictured: The Tom Thumb in Molino was at $2.32 per gallon of regular unleaded on Monday, but that price had fallen to $2.29 by Thursday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDLE Agents Arrest Navy Officer For Online Solicitation Of A Minor
December 26, 2014
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Pensacola Regional Operations Center Special Agents have arrested Robert Wade Erickson, 27, on one count each of traveling to meet a minor for sex, online solicitation of a minor and illegal use of a two way communications device. Navy Ensign Erickson is stationed at Whiting Field.
Erickson began communicating with an undercover FDLE Agent online and via text messages on December 9, 2014, according t FDLE. During the communication, Erickson solicited who he believed to be a 15-year-old boy. FDLE Agents, with assistance from the Pensacola Police Department, arrested Erickson when he arrived at the predetermined location to meet the boy on Bayou Boulevard in Pensacola.
Erickson was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Santa Rosa Clerk To Stop Performing Marriages
December 26, 2014
Beginning next Thursday, January 1, the Santa Rosa Clerk’s Office will no longer perform wedding ceremonies.
The office will continue to issue marriage licenses at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Complex on Caroline Street in Milton and at the Santa Rosa County South End Service Center on Gulf Breeze Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze.
For more information, call (850) 983-1823 or (850) 983-1967.
Two Injured In Christmas Rollover Wreck In McDavid
December 26, 2014
Two people received minor injuries in a rollover accident late Christmas night in McDavid.
The accident was reported about 11 p.m. on Highway 29 at South Pine Barren Road. Two people were transported to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton by Escambia County EMS with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
Christmas Recycling Workshop For Kids Next Week At The Landfill
December 26, 2014
The Escambia County Department of Solid Waste Management will host a Christmas Recycling Workshop on Tuesday, December 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Escambia County Perdido Landfill at 13009 Beulah Road in Cantonment. The workshop is open to participants 5 to 8 years of age.
The workshop will include a tour of the landfill, arts and crafts using recycled materials and games that focus on recycling and reuse. The cost of the camp is one pair of new or gently used shoes to be donated to Soles4Souls. Participants should wear clothing that is appropriate to play in and be worn outside, and bring a brown bag lunch, snacks and a reusable water bottle.
For more information on this workshop or other events at the Escambia County Perdido Landfill, call (850) 937-2160.
Florida Tops New York On Population List
December 26, 2014
Florida has topped New York in terms of population.
The Sunshine State, averaging 803 new residents a day, is now the third most-populous state in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Tuesday.
“It is an important milestone because it reflects many years of rapid population growth in Florida,” Stan Smith, program director of the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, said in an email. “Population growth is important because it is a major driver of the state’s economic growth and has transformed many aspects of life in Florida.”
The new numbers aren’t surprising. But they help prepare state officials for a wide range of issues, from services needed for elderly residents to the stresses put on the natural environment.
More people also mean a larger congressional delegation. In 1910, New York had 43 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to Florida’s four. Both states now have 27 seats.
Gov. Rick Scott called the demographic milestone “exciting” news and pointed to his efforts to increase jobs and boost the economy in Florida.
“Florida is on the way to become the number one destination for jobs and we continue to be the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to more people and more job creators moving to Florida in the near future.”
Scott has often appeared on national cable news programs telling people to move to Florida. New York was also one of the states in which Scott wrote open letters to business owners in 2012 and 2013 touting the economic benefits of Florida.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce praised Scott and the state’s Republican leadership for the population growth.
“People have been comparing apples and oranges for a long time,” the business group said on its website. “Now they’re choosing oranges, and calling Florida home. Thanks to Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature, Florida is now the third most populous state, we’re creating jobs faster than New York, have the 5th best business tax climate compared to New York (49) and Florida has zero state income tax.”
As of July 1, there were an estimated 19,893,297 Floridians, compared to 19,746,227 people who called the Empire State home.
With the U.S. population up 2.4 million to 318.9 million, California remains atop the list of states with 38.8 million residents, followed by the 26.96 million Texans.
Between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014, Florida added 293,000 residents, while New York grew by 51,000.
Only California, with 451,321 new residents, and Texas, with 371,107 additional residents, were credited with larger single-year increases.
New York long held the number-one spot, grabbing that position from Virginia before the 1810 census. But New York got topped by California prior to the 1970 census and surpassed by Texas after the 1990 census.
Florida, which in 1900 had just over a half million residents, joined the top 10 most-populous states with the 1960 census.
Florida’s 1.5 percent increase over the past year was the fifth-fastest growth rate among the states.
The nation’s growth rate advanced at .75 percent the past year.
North Dakota, with a 2.2 percent growth rate, was the nation’s fastest growing, and the only state among the top 10 outside the South or West.
Six states had drops in population: Illinois, West Virginia, Connecticut, New Mexico, Alaska and Vermont.
Among the top 10 most-populous states, Georgia, eighth on the list, went over the 10 million resident mark with the latest figures. Meanwhile, North Carolina is now in ninth place, moving ahead of Michigan.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida