Scott Use Veto Just Once In 2014, Braking Speed Limit Increase
June 26, 2014
Gov. Scott signed the last bill left over from the spring legislative session on Wednesday, leaving unscathed an almost historically high amount of the legislation approved this year.
In addition to the line-item vetoes he issued to strike items from the nearly $77 billion budget, Scott vetoed precisely one bill of the 255 approved by the Legislature, or 0.4 percent of the measures that passed. That is the lowest since at least 1986, according to state records.
It’s also a low-water mark for Scott, who nixed 10-12 bills in each of his first three years.
The lone bill to fall victim to Scott’s pen this year was a measure (SB 392) that would have allowed the Florida Department of Transportation to raise highway speed limits by 5 mph, including going from 70 mph to 75 mph on some roads.
Scott axed that legislation after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper gave an impassioned speech against the proposal during the funeral service for a fellow trooper, with the governor in attendance.
“I strongly respect the opinion of state and local law enforcement officers who have contacted me to warn about the possible serious negative consequences should this bill become law,” Scott wrote in the veto message for that measure.
As in other years, much of the legislation that passed this spring was relatively uncontroversial. The bill Scott signed Wednesday (HB 561), which deals with appointing attorneys for children with disabilities, passed both the House and the Senate unanimously.
But governors generally have problems with a handful of bills, some of which are minor and escape public notice, at least until a veto.
Republicans, who dominate both the House and Senate, interpreted the lack of vetoes from Scott as a seal of approval for their efforts this spring.
“We took on a great number of bold ideas, but we did so in a way that involved others,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel. “I think the cooperation between the House, Senate and Governor Scott, more bipartisan votes and very few vetoes are indicative that the approach worked.”
Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, used the apparent lack of disagreement between the Legislature and Scott to take a shot at former Gov. Charlie Crist, a onetime Republican now running to reclaim his old office as a Democrat. Even when Crist shared their party, GOP lawmakers would sometimes fume about Crist vetoing bills that they believed he would sign.
“Unlike Charlie Crist who would say one thing and then flip flop his positions when it came to legislative issues, Governor Scott is honest, clear and consistent in working with legislators on bills,” Gaetz said in an e-mail. “That prevented what happened too often during the Crist administration — false starts, mixed messages, politically-motivated vetoes and broken faith.”
Others see political factors at play. Some of the more contentious issues that could have been taken on in 2014 were either delayed, such as a possible expansion of gambling, or imploded during the election-year session, like attempts to overhaul the pension system for public workers.
With Scott’s approval numbers already low, critics say, Republicans tried to avoid issues that might cause infighting and instead project unity.
“It has just been incredible theater,” said incoming House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. “It’s been a wonderful production this year.”
The idea, Pafford said, was to repair whatever damage Scott might have done to his standing before he faces voters in November.
“They’re gambling that the people of Florida will forget three years of the most hideous, dangerous, reckless governance this state has probably seen since Reconstruction,” he said.
by Brandon Larrabee
he News Service of Florida
Florida Increases Age Requirement For Car Seats
June 25, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Tuesday raising the car seat age requirement in Florida
The car seat law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, requires children up to 5 years old to be placed in car seats or booster seats when riding in a vehicle. Currently, only children 3 years old and younger are required to ride in the restraining devices.
“With this initiative, we are working to ensure our children travel safely and remain protected on the road,” Scott said. “We will continue to do all we can to keep every Floridian safe, so they can enjoy everything our great state has to offer with their loved ones.”
Kevin Bakewell, vice president of AAA Auto Club South, issued a statement with measured praise for the bill, though his organization recommends children use at least a booster seat until they are 4-foot-9 — a height they usually reached when they are 8 to 12 years old.
“While this law does not cover all children who need to be safely restrained, it is a step in the right direction,” Bakewell said. “On matters of public safety, Florida’s parents look to state law for solid guidance. That’s why this law is so important.”
by The News Service of Florida
County Considers $3.6 Million Radio System Upgrade, Including North Escambia Enhancements
June 25, 2014
The Escambia County Commission is set to consider about $3.6 million in improvements to the county’s radio system, including upgrades specifically designed to improve coverage in portions of the North Escambia area.
In late 2011, Escambia County switched the county’s radio system for agencies such as the sheriff, fire and EMS to a digital “P25″ system from Motorola at a cost of $12.5 million. The switch was necessitated due to a FCC mandate under which the system in place at the time was considered outdated.
Since that time, three areas of the county were identified where the new radio system provides poor or spotty coverage making the use of a handheld radios difficult if not impossible, according to Mike Weaver, Escambia County Public Safety Bureau Chief.
The problem reception areas were identified as being north of Century where mutual aid assistance is provided by Escambia County (FL) agencies into Escambia County, AL., an area in the center of the county north of Molino, and Scenic Highway from north of I-10 to south of the airport. Improvements will be made to existing radio equipment on water tower in Century, at an existing 300 foot tower at Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino and on an existing 300 foot tower in the Scenic Heights area.
“Right now, there are instances in these areas where poor coverage could result in a delayed or missed response (from first responders),” Weaver said. “These upgrades will solve that.”
Another major aspect of the $3.6 million upgrade will include replacement of the county’s microwave loop — the radio backbone that connects each tower site to other towers. The existing microwave system was installed in 1997 (not part of the 2011 $12.5 million upgrade). Replacement and repair parts have not been manufactured since 2009.
“Due to the critical nature of this equipment, it is imperative to replace this system before parts become unavailable and a possible catastrophic failure occurs that cripples Public Safety communications,” according to the county.
The radio upgrades will be funded with previously budgeted LOST (local options sales tax) funds. All or part of the system is currently used by public safety, the sheriff’s office, fire, EMS, emergency management, code enforcement, animal control, school board, ECAT and the road prison.
Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Thursday At Century, Molino Libraries
June 25, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program continues Thursday at library branches in Molino and Century.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
The program will be held Thursday afternoon at the Century Branch Library from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. and at the Molino Branch Library from 6-7 p.m.
Baptist LifeFlight Sold
June 25, 2014
Air Methods Corporation announced Tuesday that it has acquired the four bases of Baptist LifeFlight, owned by Baptist Healthcare of Pensacola. The change was effective immediately, with no change to service.
The four bases are located in Pensacola, near Mobile, Greenville, Ala., and Hattiesburg, Miss. each with an EC130 aircraft already owned and operated by Air Methods. Prior to the acquisition, Air Methods staffed each location with five employees, including four pilots and one mechanic per base. As part of the acquisition, 43 clinical Baptist employees joined the Air Methods team. In addition, Air Methods acquired substantially all of Baptist LifeFlight’s assets, including the program name, branding and medical equipment.
“Air Methods is honored that Baptist Hospital has chosen to allow us to continue the proud history and tradition of this high quality service to the community. As BHC’s partner in providing high quality aviation services to the region, we now will have the opportunity to serve the Gulf Coast region through all facets of our air medical skill sets. We are proud that most of the clinical and management professionals from Baptist LifeFlight have joined Air Methods as we move forward in this new service model,” said Mike Allen, Air Methods’ president of Domestic Air Medical Services.
Baptist LifeFlight was the third hospital-based aeromedical helicopter program in the United States. The program will continue to fly adult and pediatric critically-ill and injured patients to Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart hospitals in Pensacola, Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, University of South Alabama in Mobile and Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss.
The Air Medical Services Division of Air Methods is the largest provider of air medical transport services in the United States.
Pictured top: A patient is wheeled to an awaiting LifeFlight helicopter in Molino. Pictured inset: An accident victim is loaded in a Pensacola-based LifeFlight helicopter in the parking lot of the Dollar General in Century. Pictured below: First responders from across the area learn about the LifeFlight helicopters during a training session held at the Walnut Hill Fire Station. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Police Ask For Help In Solving Rash Of Recent Burglaries
June 25, 2014
The Atmore Police Department is investigating several recent residential burglaries and is asking the public for help in solving the cases.
Most of the burglaries have occurred in the areas of Old Bratt Road, Davis Drive, McRae Street and Tatum Avenue. In most of the cases, the burglars have hit vacant homes or homes currently on the market for sale. Officers said some have forcefully entered the homes, usually through a backdoor that is not easily seen from the road. Once inside the homes, thieves have made off with items like washing machines, dryers, televisions, jewelery and cash.
The Atmore Police Department is asking residents to report suspicious activity or information on these burglaries by calling (251) 368-9141.
Report Cards Mailed
June 25, 2014
Weeks after the school year ended, Escambia County parents will soon have report cards for middle and high school students in their hands.
Report cards were scheduled to be mailed Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Escambia County School District said.
The report cards were delayed waiting on End of Course (EOC) grades in select subjects. Those scores were released June 16, but report cards were held for district staff to convert the scores and double check them for accuracy before they were released, according to Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.
Northview Quarterback Club Hosting Softball Tourament
June 25, 2014
The Northview High School Quarterback Club will host a softball tournament August 2 at Showalter Park in Century from 8 a.m. until. The cost is $150 per team. Proceeds will go to support the Northview Chiefs football program.
Lookouts Outslug Wahoos
June 25, 2014
The Chattanooga Lookouts jumped out to a seven run lead through the first three innings, and the Wahoos couldn’t catch up. Pensacola rallied multiple times and came as close as a run, but the Lookouts prevailed 14-10 in the series opener at AT&T Field.
Yorman Rodriguez set the tone offensively for Pensacola with a 3-for-4 game including a grand slam and five RBI but it wasn’t enough. His blast capped a five-run fourth inning which helped Pensacola make an 8-1 deficit, 8-6. But, as they did all game, Chattanooga responded to keep the Wahoos at arm’s length.
Four Blue Wahoos pitchers combined to allow the 14 Lookouts runs, and all were earned. Daniel Corcino (L, 7-6) started it, and he was charged with 8 R/ER on just four hits with four walks over 3.0 innings. He took the loss, his sixth of the year.
The ball was carrying well all night for both teams. They combined to hit five home runs in the game. Two of the Lookouts blasts were three-run shots and one was a two-run homer. For the Wahoos Rodriguez had the grand slam and Seth Mejias-Brean launched a solo shot, his first with the Wahoos.
Chattanooga’s starter Nick Struck struggled on the mound as well. He was charged with 6 R/ER on eight hits over 4.0 innings in a no-decision. Juan Noriega (W, 4-4) earned the win with two innings in relief, despite allowing a pair of runs.
Pensacola will look to get even in the series on Wednesday. The Blue Wahoos will send RHP Jon Moscot (4-6, 2.82) to the mound against Lookouts RHP Matt Shelton (2-1, 3.67). First pitch is set for 10:15 a.m. (CT) from AT&T Field in Chattanooga.
by Tommy Thrall
Report: Consumer Confidence Hits Post Recession High In Florida
June 25, 2014
The state’s consumer confidence hit a post-recession high in June, according to a University of Florida report. On a scale that ranges from two to 150, confidence among Floridians sits at 82, four points higher than in May, according to numbers released Tuesday by UF’s Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
The increase, bolstered by rising optimism from young Floridians and those in low-income households, was surprising, said Chris McCarty, director of the center.
“While the Florida economy is certainly stabilizing, it is not exhibiting trends that would indicate great potential for growth, at least through this year,” McCarty said in a release.
Some of the optimism, according to McCarty, may be due to a drop in gas prices and the state’s improved unemployment mark, which was aided by new leisure and hospitality jobs.
“Those are the kinds that will be filled by people who live in lower income households,” McCarty said in the release.
by The News Service of Florida