Lawmaker Unhappy Escambia, Other Counties Withholding Juvenile Detention Costs
February 16, 2015
Florida’s long-running conflict between the state and counties, including Escambia, over how to share juvenile-detention costs is flaring again — and a powerful lawmaker is unhappy about what is happening.
With tens of millions of dollars hanging in the balance, an administrative law judge is expected to rule in the dispute next month. And after the failure of a legislative compromise last year, some counties are withholding their share of the costs from the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, was critical this week when he learned that 17 of the 35 counties who are subject to bills are remitting either partial payments or none at all. Other counties do not have to pay because of their financial conditions.
“If the counties are going to be unreasonable, and we come to the conclusion they’re shortchanging the state $65 million, believe me, I can find $65 million in the budget going to counties that aren’t cooperating … and we’ll just make reductions where we need to make reductions,” Negron warned.
Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christy Daly told the panel that six counties — Charlotte, Escambia, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota and Volusia — are not paying any juvenile-detention costs this year. As a result, she said, the department faces a $15.7 million shortfall and wants legislative approval for a loan to cover it.
“This is ridiculous that you’re borrowing,” Negron said during a meeting Tuesday of his subcommittee. “It’s like running bake sales to fund an essential function of government. … In fairness, the counties in the past have probably been billed for things they shouldn’t have had to pay, but we need to get our accounting house in order (and) come up with a system where you’re not relying on intermittent payments from our local government partners.”
The conflict centers on the department’s handling of a 2004 law that requires the counties to pay the “pre-disposition” costs associated with juveniles waiting for their cases to be resolved in court. The state pays the cost of detaining juveniles “post-disposition” — that is, after their cases have been decided — but the two sides have long disagreed on how to define those terms.
So far, the courts have backed the counties. In 2013, the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld an administrative law judge’s ruling that the department had shifted a larger share of the costs to the counties than the law required. Until that ruling, the counties had been obliged to pay 75 percent of all juvenile-detention costs, while the department said the Legislature intended for counties to pay 89 percent.
Last year, in the wake of the 1st DCA ruling, lawmakers took up a bill that would have created a 50-50 split between the state and the counties. But it died on the last day of the legislative session, when the counties insisted on being reimbursed $140 million for past overcharges. At that point, Gov. Rick Scott’s office and the Department of Juvenile Justice decided to use a formula by which the counties would pay 57 percent of detention costs, while the state would pay 43 percent.
That’s the formula Daly used when she told Negron’s committee that DJJ had billed the counties $51.7 million for their share of detention costs for this fiscal year.
Counties say the latest formula doesn’t take into account the appeals-court and administrative-law judge rulings. That — and the department’s latest attempt at rule-making in the dispute — led the Florida Association of Counties and a number of individual counties to return to the Division of Administrative Hearings for relief.
“There are some counties that have said, ‘We’re not seeing any recourse in the Legislature, DJJ isn’t acting on the judge’s ruling (but) just changing the rules yet again, and so they’ve taken the position that these dollars need to come back home,” said Florida Association of Counties spokeswoman Cragin Mosteller. “We certainly understand their frustration, but want to work with the Legislature moving forward to create a deal that works for everybody, most importantly the taxpayers and the juveniles we’re serving.”
Negron agreed, and asked Sen. Rob Bradley, who previously chaired the justice appropriations panel, to craft a compromise.
“People of good faith can disagree as to what that percentage should be, but every county understands that they have an obligation to pay for a portion of juvenile detention,” Bradley, R-Fleming Island, told The News Service of Florida. “So when a county takes the position that they’re going to pay zero, that to me is not reflective of good-faith actions.”
by The News Service of Florida
Escambia’s Bergosh To Head New Statewide School Board Member Association
February 16, 2015
Jeff Bergosh, a member of the Escambia County School Board, will head a new statewide association of school board members.
The Florida Coalition of School Board Members was formed due to frustration with the a lawsuit brought by the Florida teachers union, the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) and others regarding Florida’s Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
The Coalition’s concerns include:
- Lack of a cost-effective, student-focused member association that provides relevant professional development and counsel for Florida school board members.
- Concern over litigation to eradicate the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
- Waning influence of school boards on education issues at the State Capitol.
Founding members of the coalition include Bergosh, coalition president, Escambia County School Board; Shawn Frost, Indian River County School Board; Bridget Ziegler, Sarasota County School Board; and Erika Donalds, Collier County School Board.
Photobomb: Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Newest K-9 Zurki
February 16, 2015
These are the newest members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team — Deputy Doug Burgett and K-9 Zurki.
Burgett and Zurki recently completed a 480-hour, Florida Department of Law Enforcement approved K-9 training course. The course consisted of searches, apprehensions and obedience. In order to complete the course, each deputy was required to demonstrate proficiency in these areas along with passing a final examination.
Burgett transferred to the K-9 team after being the patrol unit after being selected for the position last year.
Photo courtesy SRSO for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lady Aggies Improve To 5-0 With Win Over Tally Lincoln
February 16, 2015
The Tate High School Lady Aggies improved to 5-0 Saturday as they traveled to Niceville Saturday to take on Tallahasee Lincoln. The Aggies won 11-1 on a 10-run rule decision.
Tate was led by pitcher Tori Perkins, who pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts, Casey McCrackin (3-3, HR), Rachel Wright (2-3, walk off HR), Lauren Brennan (2-3) and Izzy Werdann (2-3).
The Tate Lady Aggies will travel to West Florida to take on their cross-town rival Jaguars at 6:30 Friday night.
One Injured In Highway 29 Rollover Accident
February 16, 2015
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover crash on Highway 29 near Power Line Boulevard in Cantonment Sunday night. The vehicle came to rest upright, partially blocking the roadway. The female driver suffered an ankle injury and refused medical treatment from first responders, opting instead to go to the hospital in a private vehicle following the 7 p.m. crash. Reader submitted photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Beats Washington
February 16, 2015
The Tate Aggies shut out Washington 7-0 in their season opener Fri night. Tate scored four runs, led by third baseman Hunter Worley, who slammed a single and double to drive in three runs. Junior Sawyer Smith had a single and a triple for the other RBI.
Branden Fryman and Mark Miller each hit .500 to help Tate’s efforts. Junior pitcher Trace Penton took the win for Tate, with Jessie Gunter and Sawyer Smith making appearances on the mound.
Washington had three hits.
“Tate baseball has a rich tradition in Escambia County, and we look forward to the 2015 season in our newly renovated facility carrying on that proud legacy. We invite the community to come see what’s going on at the new field and to support our players, school, and community,” said Tate Head Coach Greg Blackmon.
Tate’s next games are February 18 at Escambia High and at home on February 19 against the West Florida Jaguars, both starting at 6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity games begin at 4:00 on both dates.
Pictured: Senior third baseman Hunter Worley led the Tate Aggies to a 4-0 victory over Washington in their season opener Friday night. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wildfire Consumes Over 500 Acres
February 15, 2015
Firefighters from Alabama and Florida battled a massive wildfire Saturday about eight miles north of Flomaton, AL. By dark, the fire had consumed over 500 acres and continued to burn.
Several structures were threatened by the fire, but none were damaged thanks to the efforts of first responders, officials said.
Firefighters from multiple departments in Alabama were aided by firefighters from Century, McDavid and Jay into the night. Late Saturday night, the Alabama Division of Forestry was still on the scene working with bulldozers to containthe wildfire.
There were no injuries reported.
Pictured: A massive wildfire consumed about 500 acres near Flomaton, AL, Saturday, with the fire continuing to burn into Saturday night. Photos by Flomaton Fire Department, Jay Fire Department, April McCullough, Robert Egee and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sweethearts Take On Chief Challenge 5K (With Photo Gallery)
February 15, 2015
Over 70 runners — many of them couples starting off their Valentine’s Day — took part in the annual Chief Challenge 5K Run/Walk Saturday morning at Northview High School in Bratt.
The top overall male runner was Aaron Dees (pictured left) with a time of 19:25, and the top overall female was Cora Long with a time of 22:26.
The Fast Couple Award went to Carita and Tim Battles (top left couple) with a time of 26:55. The Cutest Couple Award was presented to Madalyn Coon and Logan Weber (top right couple).
For more photos, click here. The Chief Challenge was sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Complete results were as follows:
Male Elementary School
- Emett Battles 27:35
- Gage Eicher 29:42
- Jack Weber 30:45
Male High School
- Aaron Dees 19:25
- Josh Borelli 23:46
- Dustin Bethea 28:16
- Adrian Long 28:16
- Triston Long 30:4
Adult Male To Age 29
- Durrell Martin 30:01
- Colton Sims 33:13
- Dakota Walker 34:10
- Paul Gilley 36:59
- Randall Massey 39:47
- David Landis 40:20
Adult Male 30-39
- Ross Parham 21:29
- James Busch 24:42
- Jason Weber 30:46
- Kenneth White 39:44
Adult Male 40-55
- Dusty Adams 21:02
- Doug Darby 22:56
- Tim Battles 26:56
- Conrad Weber 30:15
- Steve Gibson 30:23
- James Hare 41:01
Adult Male 56+
- Karl Robinson 21:33
- Alan Ash 25:12
- Bert Rice 25:14
- Hugh Long 34:04
- Billy Holk 38:01
- William Thortis 53:00
Female Elementary School
- Katelyn Harrison 28:49
- Kayla Yoder 40:45
Female Middle School
- Hannah McGahan 36:22
Female High School
- Moriah McGahan 29:46
- Maddison Weber 30:00
- Dana Hursh 40:20
Female Adult to Age 29
- Cora Long 22:26
- Daleshia Lemon 31:45
- Shelby Thomas 31:52
- Susie Watson 33:12
- Lauren Nall 36:50
- Brooke Shaughessy 39:46
Female Adult Age 30-39
- Lacey Lee 25:07
- Carita Battles 26:55
- Janice Yoder 27:30
- Kristy Gibson 30:23
- Courtney Hull 32:00
- Angie Gilley 36:59
Female Age 40-55
- Michelle Peebles 29:45
- Amy Knight 30:03
- Robyn Borelli 32:44
- Alison Robins 34:07
- Elaine Holk 38:02
- Melissa Ward 37:59
Female 56+
- Debra Parker 26:56
- Emily Pollard 51:36
- Carolyn Thortis 53:00
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Strikes Horse
February 15, 2015
A driver was not injured Saturday night when his vehicle struck a horse in Beulah.
The accident happened on Frank Reeder Road near Jay Road. The horse was critically injured and had to be put down, according to witnesses.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released.
Senate Panel To Consider Key Gun Bills
February 15, 2015
A Senate committee is slated to take up controversial bills that deal with guns on college campuses and people carrying firearms during mandatory emergency evacuations.
The bills Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, and by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, are scheduled to be heard February 16 by the Criminal Justice Committee, according to a meeting notice. Evers is the chairman of the committee.
Evers’ bill would allow people with concealed-firearms licenses to carry guns at colleges and universities. The issue has received added attention after a shooting incident in November at Florida State University that left three people wounded and the gunman killed by police. Brandes’ bill meanwhile, would allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without licenses during times of mandatory emergency evacuations. Brandes proposed a similar bill last year, but it failed to pass after heavy debate.
by The News Service of Florida