Scott Signs Off On Vehicle Fee Cuts To ‘Right The Wrong’
April 3, 2014
During a politically charged bill-signing ceremony, Gov. Rick Scott gave final approval Wednesday to rolling back vehicle-registration fees that were increased in 2009 amid state budget woes.
Scott repeatedly noted that the unpopular fee increases were enacted under former Gov. Charlie Crist, who is seeking to unseat Scott during this November’s election.
“We’re going to right the wrong of this 2009 tax increase that Charlie Crist enacted,” Scott said.
The bill (SB 156) signed by Scott, one of his “critical” priorities for this spring’s legislative session, is expected to save Floridians between $20 and $25 per vehicle registration, with the total depending on the size of the vehicle.
Kevin Cate, a spokesman for Crist’s campaign, responded to Scott’s announcement by saying the “ridiculous press conference” exposed the current governor’s “political desperation.”
“Everyone knows that Charlie Crist signed one of the largest tax cuts (a property tax cut) in the history of Florida and was also forced to make tough decisions to prevent devastating blows to teachers, students, first responders, and our most vulnerable Floridians,” Cate said in an email.
The fee cuts will take effect Sept. 1, two months into the state’s new fiscal year. Scott said he wants motorists whose vehicle registration renewals are up before September to only pay for one year, rather than two, so that they can realize the savings in 2015.
The rollback is part of Scott’s election-year request for $500 million in cuts and fees, with the vehicle-fee reductions expected to trim state revenue by $309.1 million during the upcoming 2014-15 fiscal year and $394.6 million in later years, when the cuts will be in effect for a full 12 months.
Indian River County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan said her office is contacting people whose vehicle registrations are up before Sept. 1 to only pay for one year and has already removed the box on forms for people to mark two-year payments.
“If someone sends us a check for a two -year renewal, we’re not a small county, but we’re able to call people, we look up their phone numbers, so we get hold of them, we tell them they really shouldn’t renew for the second year,” said Jordan, a former chairwoman of the Republican Party of Florida.
The bill signing, however, was surrounded by the politics of an election year.
Some Democratic House members, who supported the bill, noted they were not invited to attend the signing ceremony in the Cabinet meeting room. The Florida Democratic Party called the event “shameless grandstanding” by Scott.
“These auto tag fees were always a temporary measure that Rick Scott should have cut as soon as possible, and Democrats have consistently supported repeal,” Democratic Party spokesman Joshua Karp said in the release. “Instead, Rick Scott waited until his election year to conduct a phony victory lap.”
The Republican-dominated Legislature approved the fee increases in 2009 as the state grappled with a budget shortfall that stemmed from the economic recession. Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who was in the House in 2009, told reporters after the bill-signing that Crist’s office gave lawmakers little choice but to approve the increases to help ward off the shortfall.
“We were given a stark choice of closing hospitals, closing schools, and placing, we talk of vulnerable Floridians, in even more jeopardy,” Gaetz said.
Other increases in 2009 included a hike in late-payment fees on driver’s license renewals, from $1 to $15. Also, the cost of an original driver’s license went from $27 to $48, first-time registrations of cars went from $100 to $225, and cigarette taxes were increased by $1 a pack.
Asked why only one of the 2009 increases was targeted for repeal, Scott responded that “there was a lot of opportunities, this was the most important one this year.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Northview Takes Double Header From Westview High Of Tennessee
April 3, 2014
The Northview Chiefs defeated Westview High of Tennessee in a double header Wednesday.
In the first game, the Chiefs won 10-0.
For Northview: Aaron McDonald 3-4, RBI; Chasen Freeman 2-3, R; Brannon Freeman 2-4, 2R, 2RBI; RJ Pritchett 2-4, R, RBI; Thomas Moore 4-4, R, RBI, 2B; Jody Bonner 1-3, RBI; Daulton Tullis 1-3, R; and Kevin Barrow 1-3; R. Brannon Freeman pitched five for the Chiefs, allowing just one hit and striking out seven.
In their second game, Northview beat Westview 3-0
For Northview: Aaaron McDonald 1-1, R; Thomas Moore RBI; RJ Pritchett R; Chasen Freeman 1R. Aaron McDonald pitched seven for the Chiefs, allow four hits, one base on balls and striking out three.
The JV Chiefs will be in action Escambia at Escambia Academy at noon. The varsity Chiefs won’t play again until April 8 when they host the Baker Gators.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Studers Enter Partnership With BLAB TV
April 3, 2014
Wednesday, BLAB TV and Studer Community Development announced a partnership which will build on the 30-year history and impact of BLAB TV and local programming.
“Brenda and I could not be more pleased,” said Fred Vigodsky, president of BLAB TV, whose wife Brenda also works at the station. “We love this area and have been looking for the right group to continue and build on what we have put our lives and souls into for the last 30 years. We are grateful to the many businesses and organizations that have utilized BLAB over the years to grow their companies, their cause and this area. We strongly believe this partnership with Quint and Rishy Studer is the perfect avenue to keep the momentum going.”
Quint Studer said he and his wife Rishy were excited that the partnership would ensure that BLAB remained locally owned and locally focused.
“Rishy and I are thrilled to be working with the talented team Fred and Brenda have built,” said Quint Studer. “We believe that BLAB offers a great opportunity for us to work with other business, media and civic organizations to promote the Pensacola area. Our goal is to work with as many groups as possible to improve the quality of life in our community. We are grateful for what the Vigodskys have built and look forward to their partnership and counsel moving forward. BLAB TV has had a tremendous positive impact in this area and we are committed to building on this legacy.”
Quint Studer said viewers would not notice any changes in BLAB’s programming for the next several months.
“Eventually people will see some changes in the programming,” said Quint Studer. “The staff at BLAB is already coming up with new shows and we want to expand on that. We are committed to working with the many talented businesses, organizations and other media outlets to make this area the very best place for people to work, live, learn and enjoy.”
Fred Vigodsky will continue to oversee operations at the station during a search for a new general manager, which will begin immediately.
“I want Fred and Brenda to remain at BLAB for as long as they want,” said Quint Studer. “Rishy and I also are going to establish a broadcast scholarship in Fred and Brenda’s name at the University of West Florida. They have put so much work into BLAB and this community over the past 30 years, and we’re establishing the scholarship as a way to honor that legacy.”
BLAB TV is available to cable subscribers, on WFBD TV 48 and on DirecTV channel 48.
Century Man Gets Prison Time For Whataburger Attack, Drugs, Fleeing From Deputies
April 2, 2014
A Century man has been sentenced to state prison on a long list of charges stemming from an attack on an individual a the Century Whataburger, fleeing from deputies and drug possession.
Travis Montes Mitchell, 28, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Ross Goodman to 67 months in prison with a three year minimum mandatory after being convicted of: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, felony battery without great bodily harm, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams, trafficking in opium or derivative, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property, three counts of driving while license suspended, resisting arrest without violence, and fleeing or eluding law enforcement in a patrol vehicle with lights and siren activated.
Mitchell attacked and injured an adult male on February 2, 2013, in the parking lot of the Century Whataburger. The victim told deputies that Mitchell then pulled a handgun and threatened to kill him. Mitchell fled the parking lot as law enforcement arrive on scene.
On February 19, deputies spotted Mitchell in his white Mustang on 57th Avenue near Jackson Street. They attempted a traffic stop due to outstanding felony warrants, but Mitchell fled at a high rate of speed, leading deputies on a chase along Lillian Highway to Border Street where he fled on foot.
Deputies surrounded the area and caught up with Mitchell after observing him jumping fences and running through residential yards. After deputies arrested Mitchell, they reported finding marijuana roaches in his pockets and bags of marijuana in his vehicle.
Mitchell was also charged with multiple drug counts after a traffic stop in Century in March 2013. He was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for speeding by Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies on Jefferson Avenue in Century. Deputies reporting finding crack cocaine in his pants pocket.
In a backpack and other items belonging to Mitchell, deputies reported finding more crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, pills containing hydrocodone , methamphetamines, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program To Accept Applications
April 2, 2014
The Community Action Program Committee will offer Florida residents the opportunity to request assistance with their gas or electric bills later this month in Century.
The CAPC will hold a Pre-Screening on Wednesday April 16 at 8 a.m. and Certification for Services on Thursday April 17 at 9 a.m.at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4. Applicants are required to attend the per-screening meeting on April 16 before application packets are received on April 17.
Anyone requesting assistance must be on time to receive services. For additional questions contact the CAPC office at (850) 438-4021.
Tate Tennis Team Takes Runner-up In District, Headed To Regionals
April 2, 2014
The Tate Aggies finished as runner-ups in District 1-3A Tuesday, giving them a chance to move on to the regional tournament on Tuesday April 8 against either Niceville or Leon. It will be the first time in 20 years that a Tate tennis team has advanced to regionals. Pictured: (L-R) Sandy Bonucchi, Carlie Del Gallo, Coach David Bonucchi, Cami Kennedy and Sarah Colburn. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Landlord Discovers Meth Lab
April 2, 2014
An Escambia County man was arrested after his landlord discovered a meth lab in his rental home while investigating a water leak.
Joshua James Selph, 29, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a listed chemical and producing methamphetamine.
Narcotics investigators said they located evidence of meth manufacturing on the premises of the rental home in the 600 block of North 77th Avenue. The meth lab was neutralized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response Team.
Selph remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday with bond set at $45,500.
Court: Voter Purge Violated Federal Law
April 2, 2014
A voter purge by Secretary of State Ken Detzner in 2012 violated the law, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday in the most recent episode of a heated legal battle over the program and its possible successor.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments from Detzner that the effort to remove suspected non-citizens from the voting rolls did not violate a federal law barring wide-ranging efforts to cleanse those rolls within 90 days of an election. In the 2-1 ruling, justices also said they took a case that would otherwise be moot because of the possibility that the state will attempt another purge in the future.
“The fact that the provision now before us applies to ‘any program’ strongly suggests that Congress intended the 90 Day Provision to encompass programs of any kind, including a program like Secretary Detzner’s to remove non-citizens,” Circuit Judge Beverly Martin wrote for the court.
The ruling was a limited victory for a coalition of immigrant advocacy groups and voters who said they faced the possibility of being wrongly removed from the rolls. While the state would be justified in attempting to prevent non-citizens from voting, a sweeping effort like Detzner’s — pushed by Gov. Rick Scott — couldn’t be done so close to an election under the National Voter Registration Act, the judges said.
Detzner’s efforts to scrub the rolls in 2012 were subject to a series of legal and political challenges, beginning when he decided to use driver’s license data to ferret out non-citizens. He later reached an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security giving the state access to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database.
That effort never really got off the ground when it ran into resistance by local elections supervisors, who complained that the list Detzner sent them before getting access to SAVE was riddled with errors.
But Detzner has since worked to ramp up “Project Integrity,” a process in which voter registration records were to be matched with the federal database to ensure prospective voters were eligible to cast ballots.
That effort has also faltered. Detzner announced last week that he would back away from the plan. In a memo to supervisors, he blamed changes to SAVE for his decision.
“These changes will enhance and improve the credibility and reliability of the potential ineligible matches, but DHS anticipates Phase Two will not be complete until 2015,” Detzner wrote. “For these reasons, with your input, I have decided to postpone implementing Project Integrity until the Federal SAVE Program Phase Two is completed.”
In her opinion, Martin pointed to the possibility of a future purge as a reason to rule on the lawsuit, even though it might otherwise be moot because Detzner abandoned the earlier purges.
“The Secretary has also not offered to refrain from similar programs within the 90-day window in the future. Thus, there is a reasonable expectation that the plaintiffs will be subject to the same action again,” Martin wrote.
The only dissenting member of the panel, Judge Richard F. Suhrheinrich, gave no explanation of his disagreement other than saying he agreed with the lower court ruling against those bringing the lawsuit.
A spokeswoman for Detzner said the department is reviewing the decision.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Group Makes Plans To ‘Reimagine Century’ In September
April 2, 2014
An organizational meeting was held Tuesday night for Reimagine Century — a September 13, 2014, event that will be held at Showalter Park in Century.
Organizer Linda English said the group is on a mission to serve those less fortunate — both their physical and spiritual needs.
Churches, she said, are often different — some black, some white, some contemporary, some traditional — but it’s those churches that will come together to serve during Reimagine Century.
“For just one day, we will put all of that aside and just serve those in our own backyard,” she said.
The event will include a wide variety of activities, including a 7,000 pound food giveaway, health screenings, AIDS testing, live music, fishing lessons from Mission Fishin’, Manicures, a laundry detergent giveaway, youth and teen activities, haircuts, entertainment, lunch and much more — all free for the community.
About 40 people, representing a variety of churches, businesses and community groups, attended Tuesday night’s organizational meeting. Interested persons are invited to attend the group’s next meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4.
“The businesses, churches, organizations, and ministries in the Century community are ready to serve the impoverished and each other,” English said.
Molino Library Celebrating One Year, Holding Book Fair
April 2, 2014
It’s a big week at the Molino Branch Library with a book fair and a one year anniversary celebration.
The Book Fair will be open Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funds raised will help with the library’s 2014 Summer Reading Club. The community is invited to attend this fun reading event that helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, adult bestsellers and other great reads from more than 100 publishers.
The West Florida Public Library in celebrating the first anniversary of the Molino Branch on Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. Local groups will be in attendance including the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office, Molino Fire Department, Molino Historical Society, local authors and more. The Dogwood Dulcimer Association will provide music and anniversary cake will be available for attendees to enjoy.