Senate Has Different Economic Development Budget Plans Than Scott
March 21, 2013
The first budget proposals out of the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development offer a number of unkind cuts to Gov. Rick Scott’s business plans for the next fiscal year.
Rather than the $105 million for flexible funding for Enterprise Florida in Scott’s fiscal plan, the Senate proposal would provide the agency now operating on $111 million this year just $16.2 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The Senate also is rejecting another $173 million Scott proposed for Enterprise Florida to use as one-time funds for incentives and economic development programs.
Space Florida wouldn’t see any of the $10 million Scott has proposed, nor would the Office of Film and Entertainment get another year of $120,000.
With eyes on Asia with the expansion of the Panama Canal, Scott has proposed $600,000 for economic development offices in Japan and China, $300,000 to advocate for international business relationships, and $350,000 for the International Trade and Promotion Trust Fund. The Senate has countered with $150,000 for the offices, $100,000 for international business relations, and nothing for the trust fund.
The Enterprise Florida marketing brand, introduced with some controversy in January for featuring a bright orange necktie in the place of the ‘i’ in Florida – which some said implied business was only for men – would only get half of the $3 million Scott has proposed.
The Senate plan does include a few items Scott didn’t propose: $500,000 for the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership; $400,000 for the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States’ Florida Trade and Exhibition Center; $2.5 million for the Rowing Center in Sarasota County; $1 million for infrastructure enhancements at the Miami Design District; $500,000 for the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg; $10 million for the construction of a 50,600-square-foot Sarasota-Manatee transportation operations center; and $50 million to complete the St. Petersburg to Titusville “Coast to Coast Connector Trail” bicycle and foot path.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force, for which Scott wanted $2 million, would get $5 million from the Senate.
The Senate proposals will return before the committee next week before being sent to the full Appropriations Committee.
“It would be my intent the committee give a favorable recommendation with this particular first wave of budget proposals,” the panel’s chairman, Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, said on Wednesday.
The Senate is also proposing the elimination of 150 positions in the Department of Transportation and 43.5 positions in the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
All of the DOT positions are vacant, while 41 in DHSMV are currently filled, of which 39 are expected to be transferred into county tax collection offices.
By The News Service of Florida
Aggie Classic Day Three
March 21, 2013
Pensacola’s Washington High School will face Edmond North, OK, tonight at Blue Wahoos Stadium for the Aggie Classic championship.
Here’s a look at Wednesday’s score and the schedule for Thursday’s final game of play:
Wednesday’s Results
Cardinal Pool
Washington 4, Jay (OK) 0
Edmond North (OK) 1, Hueytown (AL.) 0
Navarre 4, Hume-Fogg (TN) 3
Overton (TN) 4, Washington (OK) 3
Escambia 8, Tahlequah (OK) 4
Tate 12, Grove (OK) 2
Grey Pool
Norman North (OJ) 4, Milton 3
Westmoore (OK) 5, Goodpasture 3
Arlington Country Day 17, Claremore (OK) 0
McAdory (AL) 3, West Florida 2
Greenwood (AR) 6, Pryor (OK) 3
Thursday’s Schedule
At Tate High
• Hueytown, AL vs. Goodpasture, TN, 4 p.m.
• McAdory, AL vs. Tate, 7 p.m.
At Escambia High
• Overton, TN vs. Jay, OK, 4 p.m.
• Escambia vs. Westmoore, OK, 7 p.m.
At Washington High
• Navarre vs. Pryor, OK, 4 p.m.
At West Florida High
• Milton vs. Tahlequah, OK, 4 p.m.
• West Florida vs. Washington, OK, 7 p.m.
At Pensacola State
• Greenwood, AR, vs. Grove, OK, 4 p.m.
• Hume-Fogg, TN, vs. Claremore, OK 7 p.m.
Blue Wahoos Stadium
Third-Place Game
• Jacksonville Arlington Country Day (3) vs. Norman North, OK (4), 4 p.m.
Championship
• Washington (1) vs. Edmond North, OK. (2), 7 p.m.
Bill Would Require Drug Database Checks In Florida
March 21, 2013
Despite objections from physician groups, a House subcommittee Tuesday approved a bill that would require doctors to check a prescription-drug database before prescribing controlled substances.
HB 831, sponsored by Rep. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, deals with a database that began operating in 2011 as part of a state effort to crack down on abuse of prescription drugs such as painkillers. Fasano said current law does not require doctors to check the database before prescribing controlled substances. He said such a requirement would help prevent users from “doctor shopping” to get numerous prescriptions.
“The time will be … a matter of seconds to check a database to save a life,” Fasano said, before the Health Quality Subcommittee voted 11-1 to approve the measure.
But physician groups said the bill would go too far — for example, requiring doctors to check the database when they prescribe small amounts of controlled substances to patients who undergo minor procedures and are not in danger of abusing the drugs.
Chris Nuland, a lobbyist for the Florida chapters of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Surgeons, called the database a “wonderful tool” that maybe could be used more than it is now.
“But it is not appropriate in each and every circumstance, and, to do that, adds an extra layer of hassle, an extra layer of cost to the health-care system,” Nuland said.
The bill is next slated to go to the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. A Senate bill (SB 1192) that would revise the database requirements is scheduled to be heard Wednesday in the Senate Health Policy Committee.
By The News Service of Florida
ECUA Environmental Award Presented To Owner Of Arby’s Franchises
March 21, 2013
ECUA recently presented their “Protector of the Environment” award to Beavers, Inc, which operates six Arby’s franchise restaurants in the Pensacola area.
The POE award is a unique initiative, rewarding local businesses and food service establishments for promoting a safe working and clean eating environment through the ECUA’s Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) and Backflow programs.
Beavers Inc. owner Jimmie Beavers said his company was honored to receive the award.
“The recognition supports an area focus and concern for the environment demonstrated by the local restaurants. Our company takes a responsible approach to protecting our community and is proud to be a part of the success under this Escambia County program,” Beavers said after receiving the award from ECUA Board Chairman Larry Walker.
The POE award recognizes organizations that train their employees on “best management practices,” participate in scheduled 90-day cleanliness inspections, have no FOG or Backflow violations, and no warnings within a one year period.
Beavers Inc. is a family owned and operated business, founded nearly 28 years ago. Currently, Beavers Inc. owns and operates 55 Arby’s franchise restaurants throughout the southeastern United States.
Pictured: (L-R) Trevor Rodabaugh, Beaver’s director of west operations; Kevin Marsh, Beaver’s area supervisor/Pensacola market; Nettie Williams, ECUA director of customer service; Jimmie Beaver, Beaver’s President & CEO; Dr. Larry Walker, ECUA board chairman; Greg Thompson, Beaver’s vice president of operations. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Wanted For Lewd Acts In Multiple Stores
March 21, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Pensacola Police Department are continuing to work to identify a man that allegedly exposed himself to children at multiple stores.
The incidents occurred around 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday inside retail stores in the city and county, said Pensacola Police Detective Jeff Brown. The suspect reportedly followed the two females, ages 10 and 11, around the stores and when they were alone, he exposed himself to them.
On Saturday, the man was wearing a gray T-shirt with a dark logo on the front and back and a dark baseball cap. In one surveillance photograph he was wearing long dark pants and in another he had on dark shorts.
Authorities said he appears to be a middle aged white male with short or bald hair with a light colored goatee or beard. He is believed to be about 40 to 60 years old. He’s wanted for a lewd and lascivious act involving a minor.
Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP, the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900 or Detective Jeff Brown at (850) 435-1980.
Wanted Man Arrested On Multiple Drug Charges
March 20, 2013
A traffic stop in Century led to the arrest of a wanted man on multiple drug charges.
Travis Montes Mitchell was charged with two counts of possession of crack cocaine, possession of power cocaine, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, trafficking hydrocodone, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mitchell was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for speeding by Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies on Jefferson Avenue in Century. He was immediately placed under arrest on outstanding felony warrants. 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.
The driver of the vehicle, Alicia Michelle Lodge, was cited for speeding.
Mitchell was wanted on outstanding warrants for driving with a suspended license and fleeing from law enforcement officers with disregard for the safety of others.
As Escambia County (FL) deputies were assisting the Flomaton Police Department at Highway 113 and Highway 31 in Flomaton, Mitchell passed by and fled from Flomaton officers. He traveled back into Florida, reaching speeds estimated at up to 80 mph in a 25 mph zone on Old Flomaton Road.
Mitchell was booked into the Escambia County Jail were he remained Wednesday morning with bond set at $135,000.
Armed Standoff Ends With One Arrest In Century
March 20, 2013
A man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after an armed standoff with deputies in Century.
Deputies said 28-year Isaac Levon Mitchell has allegedly stalked an employee at the Century Town Hall since at least February. When he made contact with the employee at the town hall a little after 7 a.m., deputies were called. They chased Mitchell toward Alger Road, but lost sight of him. Deputies determined that Mitchell was wanted on an outstanding failure to appear warrant in a concealed weapon and resisting an officer case.
Later in the morning, deputies observed Mitchell again near the town hall and observed him run and enter a mobile home on Alger Road. Mitchell was reportedly in communication with a deputy through the back door of the mobile home as additional deputies entered the front door.
Mitchell allegedly pointed a shotgun at deputies in a hallway before he barricaded himself inside a bedroom in the mobile home, still armed with a shotgun.
As deputies tried to negotiate with Mitchell, he jumped out of a window with the shotgun and ran toward North Century Boulevard, dumping the shotgun, shotgun shells and .22 caliber ammunition in a nearby yard.
He then ran across the highway and into the Century Food Mart and got on the floor behind the counter. Deputies said Mitchell was known to the clerk. The clerk, with a Sheriff’s dispatcher on the phone, talked Mitchell into surrendering peacefully to the deputies outside the store.
Mitchell is expected to be charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, one count of improper exhibition of a firearm and failure to appear.
Pictured top: Isaac Levon Mitchell was taken into custody by Escambia County deputies following a standoff that ended with his surrender. Pictured inset: After pointing a shotgun at deputies, Mitchell allegedly jumped out of this mobile home window. Pictured below: Deputies and crime scene investigators looks for clues at the Century Food Mart. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Clay Ford Passes Away
March 20, 2013
Described by friends as humble and a “tender conscience,” state Rep. Clay Ford, R-Gulf Breeze, has died of cancer at age 74.
Ford, who was chairman of the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee but had been absent from this year’s legislative session because of the illness, died Monday night, according to a statement issued by House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
“The consummate gentleman of the House, Clay Ford was a friend, a mentor and a tender conscience to all those who served with him,” Weatherford said.
Weatherford and Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, pointed to Ford’s humble nature, with the speaker saying that Ford had requested that “we not mourn him with ceremony and fanfare” and allow his family to mourn privately.
“Rep. Clay Ford had a long battle with cancer,” said Patronis, who along with Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, paid tribute to Ford during an afternoon subcommittee meeting. “Today is a day that Clay would be very upset if we were grieving, just because there’s never been a picture of humility more in this process I’ve ever crossed than Rep. Ford.”
Ford, an attorney, took office after a February 2007 special election and was re-elected three times, mostly recently when he won a Republican primary in August 2012. An Arkansas native, Ford was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1975 and 1976 and went on to become a member of the Gulf Breeze City Council from 1990 to 2007.
“Ann and I were sad to hear the news of the passing of Representative Clay Ford. Our sincere condolences go to his family and to all of those in the Legislature that served with him. Clay cared deeply for his constituents and it showed during his work in Tallahassee,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
“While some legislators mark their successes by the numbers of bill they pass, Clay Ford defined his performance by the lives he touched and made better,” Senator Don Gaetz said. “He carried out his final struggle against cancer with grace and an abiding concern for others. Vicky and I feel a deep sense of loss and we pray for Carol and the Ford family during this most difficult time.”
Gonzalez, a former member of the Hialeah City Council, said he first met Ford in 1998 through the Florida League of Cities. Ford served as president of the League of Cities in 2004 and 2005.
Ford had three children and nine grandchildren, according to a House bio. Gonzalez and Patronis described Ford as being devoted to his family and wife of more than 50 years, Carol.
“She would drive with him everywhere they went in their meetings in the state,” Patronis said. “( Ford was) an incredibly private individual who would never ask for any assistance in accomplishing what was his job that he felt like he should be able to do himself.”
Gulf Power Lends A Helpful Hand After Alabama Storms
March 20, 2013
A Gulf Power storm team is working in the Birmingham area to help Alabama Power Company restore power to more than 220,000 customers left without power following powerful storms on Monday.
The 62 workers left early Tuesday and worked in the Trussville, AL, area Tuesday afternoon.
“They’ve had some devastating storms,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power Corporate Communications manager. “Our crews are headed that way now — to help but also to add to their experience restoring power after these storms. That’s a great value for our customers.”
Gulf Power sent storm teams to assist other utilities six times during 2012.
Woman Sentenced For Embezzling Thousands From Doctor
March 20, 2013
A Beulah woman was sentenced to prison Tuesday for embezzling thousands of dollars from a local physician.
Ellen Renee Garrett, 56, was sentenced by Judge Ross Goodman to 24 months in state prison followed by eight years probation. She will also be required to pay restitution to her former employer, Gulf Coast Podiatry on North Nine Avenue.
Garrett had previously pleaded no contest to grand theft from the physician for embezzling money from his medical practice over the course of more than four years while she was employed as an office manager.
Police said it was Garrett’s responsibility to post payments to patient accounts. However, an investigation determined she didn’t post payments as she should, nor did she deposit cash into business accounts. Garrett would cover up her activity by fraudulently posting a transaction to reduce balance on patient accounts by the amount of money a patient had paid, Lyster said.
Garrett embezzled $43,739.34 over four years period, police said.