Scott Proposes 10 Day Sales Tax Holiday
January 18, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott is proposing to wrap Florida’s popular back-to-school sales-tax holiday around two weekends — more than triple its current length of time — as part of his re-election year proposal to cut taxes and fees by $500 million.
Scott announced Friday he wants lawmakers to approve a 10-day sales tax holiday in August. The extended tax-free period is the latest of the budget proposals Scott has rolled out in advance of the 2014 legislative session.
“We’ve done this before but this is a 10 day one, so it’s longer,” Scott said during an appearance at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit in Orlando.
The extended holiday would reduce state revenue by an estimated $60 million, Scott added.
During the holiday, shoppers would not have to pay state and local sales taxes on select clothing under $100, school items such as pens and notebooks that cost less than $15, and computers and related electronic equipment costing less than $750.
The back-to-school tax holiday has ranged from three to nine days since lawmakers introduced it in 1998. The discount wasn’t provided during the recession in 2008 and 2009, and has been set at three-days the past four years.
With a budget surplus of about $1 billion and an election on the horizon, Scott is seeking about $500 million in tax and fee reductions, the bulk of which would come from rolling back a hike in vehicle registration fees approved by the GOP-dominated Legislature in 2009.
Business groups quickly praised Scott’s latest proposal.
“An opportunity economy will allow people to keep more of their money and families will have more money to invest in their future,” Florida Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President David Hart said in a press release.
John Fleming, a spokesman for the Florida Retail Federation, said his group wants the tax-free time to become permanent instead of requiring legislative approval every year.
Shoppers often use the savings to make additional purchases that are not covered by the exemption, which helps cover any slowdown that can occur from people holding off on making purchases until the tax exemption begins, Fleming said.
“There might some shifting of spending, but it really does increase sales overall,” he said.
The retail federation also supports a hurricane holiday measure (SB 362) that would lift sales tax on select storm-related gear at the beginning of hurricane season, and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s proposed tax break on Energy Star appliances that cost under $1,500.
The sales tax breaks are among a number of competing proposals from Scott and lawmakers looking to earn some election-year love from voters. The bulk of Scott’s proposed $500 million in tax breaks would come by slashing most of a 2009 increase in vehicle registration fees from 2009.
Scott is using the rollback as a slap against Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, who as the Republican governor signed the 54 percent fee hike into law to help close a budget gap during the nation’s economic downturn.
Scott wants the fees reduction to add up to $401 million in savings. But Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, a Stuart Republican shepherding the vehicle fee issue through the Legislature, has proposed a pared-back version (SB 156). State economists estimate that Negron’s plan — an average savings of $12 per vehicle, or about half the 2009 hike —would equate to about $185 million in savings during the upcoming budget year and grow to $236.7 million the following year.
In December, state economic forecasters pushed the state’s projected surplus toward $1.1 billion for the coming year. That number will be revised after lawmakers return for the regular 60-day session in March.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Man Charged With Three Atmore Burglaries
January 18, 2014
Investigators in Alabama say they have made an arrest in the burglaries of three homes.
In a joint operation, the Atmore Police Department and Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office arrested Joshua Brian Ellis, age 29 of Atmore, on three counts of burglary third degree. He was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.
After obtaining consent to search his home, investigators found a “large amount” of jewelry that was allegedly stolen from a home on Oak Street in Atmore. Ellis also confessed to investigators about another home he burglarized on 5th Atmore in and property was recovered from a third residential burglary on Poplar Street.
Investigators said they recovered about $5,000 worth of stolen goods, and they said more arrests may be forthcoming in the case.
Additional Arrest In Animal Cruelty Case
January 18, 2014
A wanted Century woman was arrested Friday on outstanding animal cruelty charges.
Feather Lynn McGlothren, 36, was booked in to the Escambia County Jail on two counts of confinement of animals (dogs) without sufficient food or water, and four counts of cruelty to animals.
Thursday, NorthEscambia.com reported that the same charges were filed against Robert Earl Simmons, age 54 of McDavid, who had already been arrested, and a third person who died after the case was first opened by the State Attorney’s Office.
Both Simmons and McGlothren remained jailed early Saturday morning due to outstanding probation violation warrants.
The State Attorney’s Office has not yet released any specific information about the alleged animal cruelty in the case, other than dogs were involved.
Fire Marshal: 29 One Pot Meth Labs Found In Burned House
January 18, 2014
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office reported finding 29 one pot meth labs after a house fire at 4905 Birch Street. Officials believe may have been cause by one of the clandestine methamphetamine laboratories exploding.
Investigators noticed the smell of a meth lab upon arriving and upon entering the structure immediately recognized a fuel can, a one pot clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and other items consistent with a meth lab in the kitchen area.
Upon searching the entire residence, investigators located 29 one pot laboratories as well as other items used in the production of methamphetamines. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response Unit responded and collected and disposed of all hazardous materials.
The investigation continues by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Weekend Gardening: Tips for January
January 18, 2014
Here are gardening tips for the month of January from the IFAS Extension Service:
Flowers
- Refrigerated bulbs such as tulip, daffodil and hyacinth should be planted in prepared beds.
- Start seeds of warm season flowers late this month in order to have transplants in March.
- There’s still time to transplant some cool season annuals such as carnations, foxglove, pansies, petunias and snapdragons.
- Re-fertilize cool season flowerbeds, using a liquid or dry form of fertilizer. Be careful not to apply excessive amounts and keep granules away from the base of stems.
- Finish dividing crowded perennials. Don’t wait until spring for this job.
- Plant bare root roses immediately after they are purchased.
Trees and Shrubs
- Plant trees and shrubs. This is an ideal time of year for transplanting larger specimens.
- Plant bare root plants such as deciduous ornamental shrubs and trees.
- Prune dormant shade trees, if needed.
- Stick hardwood cuttings of fig, grape, honeysuckle, Althea, Catalpa, Forsythia and Wisteria.
Fruits and Nuts
- Apply dormant oil spray to peach, plum, nectarine and other deciduous fruit trees. This practice is necessary when growing the stone fruits in locations along the Gulf Coast. Note: This applies to the flowering peaches and cherries since they are susceptible to the same pests as their fruiting cousins.
- Plant bare root deciduous fruit trees
- Prune dormant fruit trees if needed
Vegetable Garden
- Start seeds of warm season vegetables late this month in order to have transplants in March.
- Lime (if needed), and begin preparing vegetable gardens for the spring planting.
- Cool season vegetables that can still be planted in the garden are: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, leek, mustard, bunching onions, parsley, English peas, Irish potatoes, radishes and turnips.
- Irish potatoes can be started from January through March by planting seed pieces 3 to 4 inches deep in rows. Always purchase certified seed potatoes.
Lawns
- Check soil moisture during winter and water as needed.
Sunny Weekend, Slight Rain Chance For MLK Day
January 18, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 38. South wind around 10 mph.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind.
- M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 64. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Chipley Downs Northview In Critical District Game
January 18, 2014
In a critical district game, the Chipley Tigers defeated the Northview Chiefs Friday night 66-55 in Chipley.
The Chipley Tigers moved into the first place in the current district standings with the win. The Tigers are now 5-0 in 1A-3, while Northview’s Chiefs are 4-1 in the district.
Individual player statistics from the game were not submitted.
Large Grass Fire Shuts Down Highway 97
January 17, 2014
Smoke from a large grass fire closed Highway 97 for about half an hour Friday afternoon.
The fire was mostly contained to grassland, a cow pasture and the roadside, but thick, white smoke dropped visibility along the highway to near zero near Hendricks Lane, south of Walnut Hill. There were no structures damaged, and no injuries reported.
The fire was initially estimated at about 10 acres.
The Molino, Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the reported fire about 12:30 p.m. and continued to battle it into the afternoon. The Florida Forest Service also responded to the blaze.
The roadway was partially reopened by 1:25 p.m.
Pictured top and left: Smoke closed Highway 97 Friday afternoon due to near zero visibility at times. Pictured below: Firefighters battle a large grass fire. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies: 15-Year Old Shoots Pregnant Woman
January 17, 2014
A teen has been arrested for shooting a pregnant 19-year old woman as she walked down an Escambia County street last night.
About 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to the 7800 block of Oak Forest Drive where they found the pregnant female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. She has only told investigators that she was shot while walking down the street, according to the Sheriff’s Office. She was transported to a local hospital. Her condition has not been released.
Deputies arrested 15-year old Ladarryl Derrell Paige for the shooting about 4:00 a.m. Friday. He has been charged with aggravated battery and discharging a firearm in public.
Redevelopment Plan Approved For ‘Blighted’ Areas Of Cantonment
January 17, 2014
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday night to approve the Cantonment Redevelopment Plan — a plan designed to address issues that need major improvement in a distressed area of Cantonment.
Just under 2,000 people live in the Cantonment Redevelopment Area in 533 family households. The median household income is $28,291, far below the Escambia County median income of $43,707. Over half of the homes in the area are worth less than $50,000, and a significant number are in need of some sort of repair.
West of Highway 29, the blighted area is generally bordered by Heaton Road to the south, Nowak Road and Hicks Street to the west and Well Line Road to the north. East of Highway 29, the blighted area is generally bordered by Becks Lake Road, Virecent Road, and Eden Lane. The blighted area does not include all properties on the listed roads. (For a detailed map in pdf format, click here.)
Crime and the perception of crime are major contributing factors to blight in the area. In a five-year data period, total crimes in the Cantonment CRA exceed the crime rate in Escambia County as whole. Residents and business owners in the Cantonment CRA are more likely to experience crime than the county average.
In four out of the five reporting years, citizens and businesses in the Cantonment CRA were twice as likely to be the victim of a burglary that a citizen outside of the CRA.
Through a series of workshops and public participation, seven focus areas needing improvement in the area were identified: Housing, Community Facilities and Services, Health and Safety, Workforce and Jobs.
The CRA will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan once it is approved by the Escambia County Commission. The Cantonment Improvement Committee will play a major role in the implementation of this plan, along with other neighborhood groups formed within this area. Other county agencies, such as Code Enforcement, will also be utilized.
The major needs identified in the Cantonment Redevelopment Plan were as follows:
Housing
Because over 50 percent of the homes within the redevelopment area are 45 years or older, there is a great need for housing repair or rehabilitation. Other identifiable needs included affordable mortgages and affordable rental homes and apartments.
The Community Redevelopment Agency will work with the Neighborhood Enterprise Foundation and other groups to assist residential property owners who need housing repairs and or rehabilitation assistance. The CRA will encourage public/private initiatives to make affordable mortgages available.
Community Facilities and Services
Residents of the area identified the need for a community center, job training center, library, adult education center, center for tutoring, a senior citizens center, recreation center and housing center.
The Sidney W. Nelson Community Learning Center (formerly known as old Ransom High School) has been identified by the community to possibly be converted to a community center. The CRA will collaborate with the Escambia County School Board, Community Affairs, and other agencies to determine if this is feasible and/or look at alternatives of building a new facility. Such a community center could be utilized to meet most of the other community facilities needs identified in the plan.
Health and Safety
The top two health and safety issues identified by the community are street lights and health care facilities. Additionally mosquito control and vacant and abandoned homes are important community issues as well as community policing and disaster shelters ranked very closely. Although they are lower priorities, overgrown trees and bushes and noise at the paper mill were also major concerns.
The CRA will work with Gulf Power and other departments to identify locations for street lights. The CRA will also collaborate with Escambia County Health Department, Sacred
Heart, Baptist and West Florida Hospitals and other agencies to provide or build a medical facility that provides 24 hour health care services in the local area.
The use of community policing, neighborhood watch groups and use of other agencies will be encouraged. The CRA staff will work closely with Escambia County Code Enforcement and
International Paper to ensure buffers is in place to reduce and control the paper mill noise.
Workforce and Jobs
Job training opportunities and more local jobs tied as the highest priority in this category. Many participants at the public meetings noted the long drive required to job training centers and areas were most job opportunities are available. Making job opportunities and training available locally will improve the lives of residents in Cantonment. Providing job opportunities for ex-convicts and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs were also identified as needs in the community.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Improving roads and improving drainage and ditches were the two highest priority transportation and infrastructure need identified by the community. Other high priority issues were
improving Muscogee Road, adding sidewalks and bike paths, creating a roadway plan for private roads, traffic calming and adding more bus stops and increasing bus frequency.
Opportunities identified by meeting participants included increasing transit and transport jobs, training and elderly services.
Business Generation
Creating more small business and retail shopping received the highest priority by the community. Improving commercial infrastructure and developing a local farmers market were also needs that could be addressed. The community identified several ideas for improving business generation opportunities: partner with major industries in the Cantonment and Greater Pensacola area to bring jobs to the community as well as reusing the Sidney W. Nelson Community Learning Center as a job training center.
Cultural/Natural Resources and Recreation
In the cultural/natural resources and recreation category, Cantonment citizens identified the greatest needs as a community pool, sports programs and the lack of identified historic buildings. The Community Redevelopment Agency will work to address the needs.
Pictured top: The First Baptist Church of Cantonment. Pictured below: A home at the corner of Booth Avenue and Mintz Lane in the Cantonment CRA. Picture insets: Areas around the Cantonment CRA as seen Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
