County Administrator Jack Brown Offered Three Year Contract
December 22, 2014
When Jack Brown started work as Escambia County administrator last June, he had accepted a one year contract and moved from Perry, FL, where he was serving as Taylor County Administrator.
And now, about halfway through that first year, the Escambia County Commission has voted to offer Brown a three year contract plus to one year extensions. His annual salary will be $170,000. The salary amount was based upon similar positions in the state.
County Commissioner Steven Barry was placed in charge of working out details like severance pay, and return to the commission in January with a complete contract for approval.
FCA Plus Beta Equals Sounds Of The Season
December 22, 2014
Members of the Northview High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and the Northview Beta Club recently stopped by the Century Town Hall and spreed good cheer with Christmas carols. Pictured with the FCA and Beta members are (to the right) sponsors Alison Robinson, Natalie Nall and Century staffers Angela Suggs and Erin Weekes. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Budget Surplus Grows To Near $1 Billion
December 22, 2014
The surplus for next year’s state budget is nearing $1 billion, giving lawmakers more room to bankroll their priorities as well as Gov. Rick Scott’s call for additional tax cuts and record per-student school funding.
At a meeting Monday, state economists added $622 million to the total available for Scott to use when he proposes his spending plan for the coming budget year, which begins July 1. That would be in addition to the approximately $336 million surplus that had been projected earlier.
The new numbers come with some caveats. Since the earlier projections, there are increased spending needs in some areas of the budget, though projected spending in other areas has been reduced. And economists will meet to predict whether a few other areas of the budget might demand more or less money in the future.
Scott, who won re-election in November based in part on the strength of the state’s economic recovery, wasted no time pushing for the extra money to be devoted to his priorities.
“Because we are creating an environment where our private sector can succeed, our economy is growing which makes it possible for us to invest in areas important to Florida families,” Scott said. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to continue to cut taxes by $1 billion over the next two years and increase K-12 per pupil funding to the highest level in our state’s history this coming year.”
During his campaign, Scott pledged to increase spending on public schools to $7,176 a student — about a $50 increase over the previous high-water mark, which happened in the 2007-08 budget year. Critics like the campaign of former Gov. Charlie Crist, Scott’s rival in November, said the proposal wasn’t as generous for schools when inflation was factored in.
Legislative leaders were more measured than Scott about spending the extra money.
“While it appears we will once again see a budget surplus in the upcoming fiscal year, it is important we don’t forget the principles that brought us here,” House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said in a statement issued by his office. “We will continue our commitment to fiscal responsibility with every dollar as we prioritize funding initiatives and seek ways to continue tax relief for Florida’s families.”
Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, called the forecast “great news” but was also careful.
“There is no shortage of ideas for how this slight increase in available general revenue could be spent,” he said. “While today’s news gives my Senate colleagues and I reason to approach the 2015-16 fiscal year with cautious optimism, our challenge is to remain vigilant and responsibly plan for Florida’s future.”
The increased estimates were in the state’s general revenue, which plays a key role in funding education, health care and prisons. That revenue is made up of sources such as sales taxes.
Economists said some of the growth in sales taxes — a vital revenue source for the state — was helped by lower gas prices, which would allow consumers to use their money elsewhere.
“Our belief is that most people will view that not as a permanent change but as a temporary change, like a windfall, and that they would spend it in taxable sales purchases,” said Amy Baker, the Legislature’s chief economist. “So they might spend a little bit more on Christmas, they might feel more comfortable making some other one-time purchases.”
Baker said the economists believe that gas prices will continue to be lower in future years than originally predicted, though they might tick up slightly from the current prices. She also said the conference Monday agreed to throttle back slightly on the growth of the housing market in some future years, but that stronger-than-expected growth in recent months would essentially make up for the difference.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
100-Acre Burn Planned For Ransom Middle Property
December 21, 2014
The Florida Forest Service, in conjunction with Ransom Middle School and the Escambia County School Board, is planning a 100-acre prescribed burn in the coming weeks. After a recent wildfire caused smoke issues near the Cantonment school, the plan is to conduct a burn on county-owned property in order to reduce the risk of future wildfires, eliminate potential smoke issues and allow the school board to better utilize the field adjacent to the school.
“We’ve had two fires there in the past year,” said Adam Parden, the FFS’s Forest Area supervisor for Escambia County. “This will help eliminate future fires and let the school be able to put their field back in working order.”
The field is overgrown with weeds and grass and Forest Service crews already have established fire breaks around the perimeter. With school out of session for the holidays and rain forecast for the weekend, the next two weeks provide an ideal window for this operation. Given the light fuel load of the area, the burn should only take a few hours and smoke is not expected to linger in the area afterward.
The operation is part of the Forest Service’s wildfire mitigation program and will help protect more than $30 million in structures including Ransom Middle School’s facilities.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Santa Trades Sleigh For Fire Truck (With Photo Gallery)
December 21, 2014
Santa traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visit many boys and girls in neighborhoods across North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com was along for the ride as Santa rode along with the McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, visiting with dozens of children, listening carefully to those last minute wish lists. Along the way, Santa stopped off to see a Christian Home community woman who is battling cancer; she had a special gift of cookies for Santa and the firemen.
For a photo gallery from the McDavid/Christian Home area, click here.
Pictured: Santa Claus rode along with the McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue Saturday morning as he visited the McDavid and Christian Home communities. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 70 People Evacuated Due To Explosives Scare Near Atmore
December 21, 2014
Over 70 people were evacuated from a mobile home park near Atmore Saturday afternoon due to an explosives scare as a bomb squad responded to diffuse the situation.
Deputies were called to the Big Oak Tailer Park on Jacks Springs Road, between the Poarch and McCullough communities, after a man arrived with a pickup carrying old “military grade devices”, according to Escambia County (AL) Chief Deputy Mike Lambert. The devices includes hand grenades and mortars that were found in an old wooden barn at nearby location before being transported to the mobile home park.
Responding deputies photographed the devices and called for the evacuation and a bomb squad.
Two bomb squads from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (formerly the Alabama State Troopers) were called to the scene to evaluate the explosives. The devices were moved to a gravel pit owned by the Poarch Creek Indians and destroyed, Lambert said, as a precaution.
Jacks Springs Road was closed from Poarch Road to 3 Mile Road for several hours.
A command post was set up nearby. Responders were on scene from the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, the Poarch Creek Police Department, Poarch Creek Fire Department, McCullough Fire Department, Atmore Ambulance and ALEA.
Pictured: Law enforcement and emergency personnel at a command post near mobile home park outside Atmore late Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
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Bill Would Shield Taxpayer Email Addresses
December 21, 2014
Warning of identify theft and other crimes, a Florida lawmaker has filed a proposal that would prevent the release of taxpayers’ email addresses held by tax collectors. The proposal, filed this week by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, will be considered during the 2015 legislative session, which starts in March.
The proposal would create a public-records exemption for email addresses that are used in the course of communications between taxpayers and tax collectors.
“In order to conduct business electronically with a tax collector, the taxpayer must report his or her personal email address,” the bill said. “Under current law, email addresses are public records available to anyone for any purpose. However, such addresses are unique to the individual and, when combined with other personal identifying information, can be used for identity theft, taxpayer scams, and other invasive contacts. The public availability of personal email addresses invites and exacerbates thriving and well-documented criminal activities and puts taxpayers at increased risk of harm.”
by The News Service of Florida
Byrneville Tree Farm Recognized
December 21, 2014
Paina Farms in the Byrneville area was recently recognized for high quality land management. Farm owner Don Bush received both a Forest Stewardship certification and a Tree Farm certification.
The original farm acreage has been in the family for more than 50 years and this was not the first time management on this property was recognized. Bush’s parents received a conservation award in 1980.
After hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, much of the timber on the property had to be salvaged and replanted. In his efforts to restore the property to a healthy and productive forest, Bush has participated in several assistance programs through the Florida Forest Service and the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service. He also has kept a schedule of prescribed burning in areas of longleaf pine and treats invasive species such as cogongrass. During hunting season, he has guided hunts on the property.
Certified landowners are honored with a sign displaying their status. Both programs have newsletters, tours and workshops for their landowners. The Stewardship program assists landowners in acquiring a management plan with a timeline for practices that can be followed to attain certification. The Tree Farm program is now also third party certified, allowing wood from these properties to be sold as “green” wood. Both programs are designed to promote sustainable land management, incorporating all components of the forest.
For more information on certification under either program, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin at (850) 587-5123 or email cathy.hardin@freshfromflorida.com.
Weekend Gardening: Creative Gift Ideas For Your Favorite Gardener
December 21, 2014
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
Still don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.
Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.
Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.
Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.
In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.
Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.
Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.
A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.
Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.
Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.
For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.
Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Changes Pondered In Funding For Disabled Services In Florida
December 21, 2014
Complying with a court ruling, the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities on Thursday held a hearing about a mathematical formula that helps determine how much money is spent on services for developmentally disabled Floridians.
The 1st District Court of Appeal in July found that the agency did not properly carry out a law that created what are known as “iBudgets.” The law was designed to provide set amounts of money to people with developmental disabilities, depending on their needs, and then give them flexibility in how the money is spent on services.
The court found that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities improperly used the formula, or algorithm, to make decisions that led to lower funding for some people.
Now the agency is increasing the money available for services for about 14,000 people in the iBudget program.
“We really do want this to be an open dialogue,” agency Deputy Director for Programs Denise Arnold told about 100 advocates, service providers, support coordinators and family members at the hearing. “We will make it better.”
The formula is intended to provide an equitable distribution of available resources among people who are in the program. It’s based on an evaluation process that includes the age and living situation of the person being served, along with an assessment called a QSI that scores his or her ability to perform functions such as maintaining hygiene.
Once the individual budget is determined, the client and caregivers can choose how to spend the money on services and providers.
The purpose of the hearing was to adjust the formula to better reflect the degree of care that people in the iBudget program require.
“The test for getting more services is pretty stiff,” said Nancy Wright, an attorney representing The Arc of Florida, an advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities. “If you took that literally, to its extreme, that would mean if you kept somebody safe sitting in a room watching TV all day … maybe you don’t need more than that. But all of us know that if you’re going to look at mental health and quality of life, you’ve got to look at more than that.”
Speakers said the formula should be altered to include more frequent assessments of people’s needs, because cognitive and physical abilities tend to deteriorate in middle age.
“I think (age) 50 is a critical cut-off point,” said Janice Phillips, chairwoman of the Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida.
Other speakers said factors such as where a person lives and the quality of his or her support coordinator affected how far the money would stretch for services.
“Some support coordinators cared more, did a better job of advocating for their clients, and some didn’t even take the time to see if (the assessment) was accurate or if their client needed additional advocacy,” said Julie McNabb, chief executive officer of Horizons of Okaloosa County, a service provider. “This is supposed to be a scientific process … but as soon as you put the people into it, the science kind of goes out the window.”
McNabb also said it’s probably a conflict of interest to have the Agency for Persons with Disabilities administering the QSI assessment “and also controlling the pocketbook.”
Mark Barry, executive director of The Arc Nature Coast, urged the agency to make the iBudget process more transparent.
“That’s a big part of where and how we got off track,” he said.
The cost of complying with the appellate court ruling could be as much as $120 million, but Arnold said the implications for her agency’s budget were “unknown at this point.”
“We’re trying to look at how we implemented the algorithm in the past and take some improvements and suggestions from the stakeholders to see if we can run something that matches more individuals’ needs,” she said after the hearing. “We’re trying to approach this from individual needs right now, not what the cost is of things necessarily right now.”
The agency is expected to turn to the Legislature for help with the issue next year, which could involve additional funding or changes in state law.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida