Amazon Will Add Tax To Florida Purchases
October 25, 2013
The confirmation by Amazon.com that it will build a pair of massive “fulfillment” centers along the Interstate 4 corridor means that sometime in the next two years Floridians will have to start paying sales taxes on purchases from the online retail giant.
But even with Amazon eventually joining other businesses located in Florida in collecting the state’s sales tax, some groups will continue pushing to eliminate an exemption that has allowed out-of-state online retailers including eBay and Overstock to avoid the tax.
The Florida Retail Federation, which has long called for ending the exemption, estimates that between $80 million to $90 million a year in sales taxes will be paid once Amazon starts collecting. Amazon announced this week that it would build distribution centers — or what it calls “fulfillment” centers — in Lakeland and Ruskin.
The Department of Revenue requires online companies to begin collecting sales taxes once “a company has a physical presence in the state,” said Renee Watters, a department spokeswoman. That has allowed many out-of-state online retailers, including Amazon, to avoid adding the taxes to online purchases. Floridians are supposed to pay the taxes themselves when they buy from online retailers, but few do.
It remains unclear when the tax will be included on the Amazon website.
That could be when dirt is first turned on either of the distribution centers that Amazon announced this week, or when the first package is ready to roll out the doors of either location.
“It is a very fact-based situation and it depends on the facts of each individual circumstance,” Watters said.
Asked about when construction of the new centers could begin or when the first packages will be shipped, Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Cheeseman instead replied in an email that the Seattle-based company was “excited” to bring full-time jobs to Florida and that when hiring begins jobs will be posted online.
The distribution facilities in Lakeland and Ruskin are part of a growing competition among businesses to shorten delivery time, which could be an indication that Amazon will want to quickly get the centers up and operational.
The company already has the support of each local community, which should help speed the permit approval process. Hillsborough and Polk counties approved incentives packages to help attract Amazon.
Amazon’s entry into Florida’s brick-and-mortar retail landscape won’t end efforts by some business groups to get Florida to impose what they call “e-Fairness” tax laws and Congress to approve the Marketplace Fairness Act. The federal act would give states the authority to require online and catalog retailers — regardless of where they are — to collect sales taxes at the time of transaction.
“Amazon really hasn’t changed the legislative situation at all,” said John Fleming, a spokesman for the Florida Retail Federation. “There is still a loophole in Florida law, there is still a loophole in federal law as far as we’re concerned. We’re still going to need legislation to close this loophole.”
The Florida Chamber of Commerce agrees.
“The day that Amazon comes on line they will begin paying sales tax and that will greatly contribute to a fairness between main street and online retailers, but that does not do away with the argument because unfairness will remain until lawmakers take a look at how to address that,” said chamber spokeswoman Edie Ousley.
Lawmakers for years have looked at online sales as a possible source of tax revenue. Eight bills on the issue died during the 2013 state legislative session, including one (SB 316) that would have offset the additional revenue collected by lowering other taxes.
The proposal was strongly supported by Florida retailers that rely on non-Internet sales and have claimed for years they’re at a disadvantage because buyers can purchase items online without paying sales taxes.
The hurdle has been the reluctance of state lawmakers to impose new taxes, a barrier that could be greater next year when many will be up for re-election.
And the disparity between online and brick-and-mortar retailers, even with Amazon joining the side of companies collecting sales taxes in Florida, is only expected to widen, Fleming said.
Online sales are growing. They are estimated by the retail federation to account for about 5 percent of all sales in Florida, of which Amazon is about 10 percent.
“It’s a huge market and those are conservative numbers,” Fleming said.
When the governor’s office announced in June that Amazon intended to expand into Florida, the news release said Amazon would begin collecting Florida sales taxes “at such time as it is required under current Florida law.”
The June announcement came a month after the deal was considered scuttled as the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on when Amazon would have to start collecting the taxes. Reports at the time noted that Amazon was seeking a two-year exemption from collecting state sales taxes.
The Lakeland facility will concentrate on packing and shipping large items, such as kayaks and televisions, while the center along I-75 in Ruskin will handle smaller items, ranging from books to electronics and consumer goods.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
AG Bondi Asks Court To Block Florida Medical Marijuana Vote
October 25, 2013
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday asked the Florida Supreme Court to block a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow medical marijuana, becoming the highest-profile official to take on the ballot initiative.
In a filing required because the group pushing the initiative has triggered an automatic review by the high court, Bondi wrote that the ballot language could deceive voters about the extent of marijuana use that would be allowed.
Bondi said the ballot summary written by United for Care: People United for Medical Marijuana wrongly suggests that only people with “debilitating diseases” could get the leafy green substance.
“But if the amendment passed, Florida law would allow marijuana in limitless situations,” she wrote. “Any physician could approve marijuana for seemingly any reason to seemingly any person (of any age) — including those without any ‘debilitating disease.’ So long as a physician held the opinion that the drug use ‘would likely outweigh’ the risks, Florida would be powerless to stop it.”
The ballot language also suggests the amendment is not in conflict with federal law, which still prohibits the use of marijuana, Bondi said.
Official state estimates have not painted the likely marijuana use under the law in the sweeping terms that Bondi’s filing suggests would be possible.
Health officials have estimated that 1.6 million Floridians would be eligible for medical marijuana, according to information provided to state economists. But somewhere between 175,000 and 450,000 would probably take advantage of the measure.
The push for allowing pot to be used for medicinal purposes in Florida has received a boost from John Morgan, a prominent Orlando trial lawyer and Democratic contributor. Morgan has already recorded a radio ad urging Floridians to approve the amendment “for the really sick people.” Elections officials say the measure has received 111,940 valid signatures — more than enough to trigger Supreme Court review.
Supporters of the initiative would need to gather 683,149 valid signatures by Feb. 1 to put the amendment before voters in the November elections.
Ben Pollara, the campaign manager for United for Care, blasted Bondi’s filing in statement issued Thursday.
“It is not surprising that out of touch Tallahassee politicians like Pam Bondi continue to oppose compassionate health care policy in Florida,” Pollara said. “Just as politicians in the Florida Legislature refused to even give medical marijuana a hearing in the 2013 session, AG Bondi wants to deny Floridians the opportunity to even vote on this issue — despite numerous polls showing that an overwhelming majority of the state is supportive of the issue.”
Pollara also sent out a fundraising email based on the filing.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Schools Foundation Holding Student Artwork Contest
October 25, 2013
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation is seeking artwork submissions from Escambia County K-12 students for its 27th Annual We Believe in Children 5K Run & Health Fair, which will be held on January 25, 2014. The winner of the contest will have their design on event t-shirts as well as posters, registration forms, and many other marketing materials used to promote this year’s event.
Students or their teachers should submit artwork, along with the attached required form by October 31, 2013. The top 3 finalists will be chosen by the 2014 We Believe in Children 5K Run Committee; students, parents, teachers, and the rest of the community will then vote on the final design winner on Facebook. The winning student will receive a free t-shirt featuring his or her design, as well as a party.
Entry Guidelines:
- Create artwork on a white sheet of paper – 8 ½ X 11 or 11 X 14.
- Use bold colors—paint, marker, or graphic art is acceptable.
- Dimensional art is acceptable as long as it can be photocopied.
- Artwork should reflect the We Believe in Children 5K Run & Health Fair (running, walking, active lifestyles, healthy communities, etc.)
- Name and date of the event should be included in the design: We Believe in Children 5K Run & Health Fair, January 25, 2014.
- All original artwork submitted becomes the property of Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. The artwork may be reproduced, distributed, displayed or derivative works may be created without compensation to the entrant.
- Artwork MUST be entirely original work, by the submitting student, and cannot include any copyrighted image or likeness.
- Tips: Use as much space as possible on the paper so the design is easy to see. Make sure all lines are clear and concise.
For additional information, please contact Cindy Nall at (850) 469-5354 or cnall@escambia.k12.fl.us.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 We Believe in Children 5K Run & Health Fair, please contact Jennifer Passeretti at (850) 430-7457 or jpasseretti@escambia.k12.fl.us.
New Crime Stoppers App Helps Citizens Catch Criminals
October 25, 2013
There’s a new way to submit tips to help local law enforcement catch criminals — TipSubmit Mobile, a free applications for iPhone, iPad, iPad Touch and Android devices.
The app allows users to send crime crime information to law enforcement while remaining anonymous. With the app, unlimited length two-way anonymous messages are possible, and video and photos can be directly submitted.
To download the app, click here for Android or click here for Apple products.
Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that helps solve crimes, or leads to the location of wanted fugitives, illegal drugs, or recovery of stolen property. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, community organization. It is not a government program or law enforcement agency, and no taxpayer dollars are used in its reward fund.
Forest Service Battles Small Wildfire
October 24, 2013
Firefighters responded to a fire deep in a wooded area off Highway 168 near Wawbeek Road outside Century Thursday morning. The wildfire, estimated at a few acres, was reported to be in area at least half mile north of the highway and inaccessible to firefighters from the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. The Florida Forest Service responded with a bulldozer to reach the fire. There were no structures threatened by the fire. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Eight Sentenced On ‘Operation Blister Pack 2′ Drug Charges
October 24, 2013
Eight North Escambia residents have sentenced on methamphetamine and amphetamine related charges stemming from “Operation Blister Pack 2″.
Three defendants — Nikki Lynn Night, Henry Allen Miller and Brandy Suzanne Tucker — were sentenced to state prison, while the other defendants were sentenced to probation, community control and/or time in the county jail.
Over a dozen North Escambia residents are awaiting trial or sentencing dates later this year in connection with the undercover operation that targeted persons involved with drug groups dubbed “The Village Group”, centered around “The Village” area of Forrest Street and Lakeview Avenue in Cantonment; and “The Ayers Group” for a group centered around Ayers Street in Molino.
About 75 people were arrested on state charges in Operation Blister Pack 2, while a dozen were arrested on federal charges. For details on federal defendants sentenced to date, click here for an earlier NorthEscambia.com story.
Many of those arrested were “smurfs” — those that go out and purchase quantities of pseudoephedrine and other ingredients need to manufacture methamphetamine, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit investigator said.
- Nikki Lynn Kight, 45, Lakeview Avenue, Cantonment — convicted of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical. Sentenced to 24 months state prison with credit for time served.
- Henry Allen Miller, 38, Muscogee Road, Cantonment– found guilty on charges of trafficking in amphetamine or methamphetamine, possession of a listed chemical. Sentenced to 27 months in state prison with credit for 134 days.
- Brandy Suzanne Tucker, 39, Lakeview Avenue, Cantonment — found guilty. Sentenced to three year minimum mandatory state prison on charges conspiracy to traffic in amphetamine or methamphetamine, possession of a listed chemical.
- Jonathon Michael Argerenon, Jr, 34, Forrest Street, Cantonment — found guilty. Sentenced to 11 months 15 days with credit for 174 days on charges of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical.
- Anthony Trevor Buttitta, 32, Frand Ard Road, Cantonment — adjudication withheld on charges of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical. Sentenced to three years probation after 30 days in the county jail with credit for 16 days served, plus 100 hours community service.
- Clinton Keith Edmonson, 22, Molino Road, Molino — adjudication withheld on charges of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical. Sentenced to to years probation and 50 hours community service.
- Danielle Suzanne Lowery, 18, Lakeview Avenue, Cantonment — adjudication withheld on charges of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical. Sentenced to six months community control followed by 18 months probation.
- Lindsey Marie Murphy, 32, Muscogee Road, Cantonment — found guilty. Sentenced to 11 months 15 days with credit 104 days on charges of criminal attempted conspiracy, possession of a listed chemical.
Addresses and ages listed above were provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at the time of each defendant’s arrest.
Mark Your Calendars — Walnut Hill VFD Sets Annual Fish Fry
October 24, 2013
Mark your calendars — the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled their 42nd Annual Catfish Fry.
The event will be Saturday, November 2 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97.
Plates will be $7 each with your choice of catfish fillets or grilled chicken, plus baked beans, cole slaw, hush puppies, homemade bread and cake. There will also be drawing for door prizes beginning at 1 p.m. and a live auction.
The Northwest Florida Blood Center Bloodmobile will also be on hand for a blood drive.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Drama To Present ‘Jabberwock’
October 24, 2013
The Tate High School Drama Department will present “Jabberwock” nightly through Saturday.
Jabberwock is based on the early life of James Thurber who was an American author and cartoonist who contributed to The New Yorker during the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee adapted Thurber’s writings and drawings into this play that tells the story of a young Jamie Thurber and his eccentric family in the years before and during World War I.
Jabberwock will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the school cafetorium. Tickets are $7 at the door.
Pictured: The Tate High School Drama Department’s presentation of Jabberwock. Photos by Jennifer Beal for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Prescribe Burns Allow For Rare Orchids, Other Flowers To Bloom
October 24, 2013
A grouping of rare orchids and other flowers blooms bright in Blackwater River State Forest this year. The brilliant colors are, the Florida Forest Service says, proof of a healthy forest aided by a robust prescribed burning program.
The forest service’s statewide land management program has also brought a resurgence of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in Blackwater, once down to a dozen pair and now standing at almost 100 pair.
“Our forestry management programs, especially prescribed burns, bring our state forests back into good health,” said Florida State Forester Jim Karels. “The burns are a crucial part of our statewide endangered plant conservation program, one of the longest running such programs in the country.”
The blooms in Blackwater now include Pot-of-Gold and Catesby’s lilies, White Top Pitcher Plants, and several species of rare orchids, including four Yellow Fringeless Orchids (Platanthera integra) blooming together, more than has ever been seen in the state forest since the program began. Conservation efforts will ensure these plants continue to bloom on state forest lands for many years to come.
Prescribed burning helps manage the health of forest lands, control pests and disease, and improve wildlife habitat and control hardwood encroachment in sensitive areas such as pitcher plant bogs or red-cockaded woodpecker clusters. It also contributes to the restoration and maintenance of biological communities and reduces the hazard of wildfire.
Since 1991, Florida has worked with state universities, researchers and other nonprofits to support about 10 endangered plant conservation projects each year. Other than prescribed burns on managed lands, projects include removing exotic and invasive species, inventory of state forest lands for rare plants, and collection and propagation of plants. The program has protected more than 100 species of endangered plants on more than 150 public lands.
ECAT Union Reaches Deals, Workers Getting Multiple Raises
October 24, 2013
A deal has been reached with the union to avoid an ECAT strike and give workers multiple raises.
On Wednesday night the union members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395 approved and accepted a tentative agreement reached between the union negotiating team and the management of First Transit, which manages the Escambia County Area Transit bus system on behalf of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
With the ratified agreement and 90 percent of the union membership approving it, a strike was adverted. ”
We are pleased that we reached an agreement and especially pleased that ECAT transit workers finally received security at the workplace and we can now continue our focus on improving and expanding our bus service for our bus riders” stated Union President / Business Agent Michael Lowery.
All union workers will receive a three percent across the board raise retroactive to October 1, and they will receive addition three percent raises in 2014 and 2015.
Transit workers wanted to be covered under the Florida State Retirement System, but that was not included in the package. But Lowery said the union and management agreed to work toward a transit authority to oversee mass transit in five county transit authority. Under such an authority in the Panhandle, ECAT workers would fall under the state retirement program.
Also under the new labor agreement, 401K contributions will increase to five percent and then six percent in 2015.
ECAT workers had not received a raise since 2008 and their prior labor agreement had been expired since 2010. The Union had set a strike date of this past Monday, but decided to continue negotiations instead.