Florida DOC Proposal: Further Prison Privatization?
October 17, 2012
A proposal from the Florida Department of Corrections floats the idea of further privatization if budget cuts are needed, but doesn’t specify which facilities might be turned over to private companies to come up with $6.4 million in savings.
The agency’s idea is included as one of a menu of cuts provided as part of its annual legislative budget request and might not ultimately be a part of the spending plan that lawmakers approve in the spring. But it comes after years of fights in both the Legislature and the courts about whether to allow for-profit vendors to assume greater responsibility for the state’s prison system.
“In an effort to maximize the state’s resources during difficult economic times, the department proposes privatizing additional facilities,” the request says simply.
Ann Howard, a spokeswoman for the department, said in an email that the agency hasn’t necessarily targeted specific facilities.
“We do not have a list when it comes to privatizing,” she said.
The department could get rid of its pretrial intervention program aimed at offenders involved in relatively minor crimes. That is expected to save $2.3 million, Howard said. And the agency floats a five percent cut in funding for prisons that have already been privatized.
“At this point, this is all very early on and as you know, a fluid process,” she said.
Gov. Rick Scott is not expected to unveil his suggested budget blueprint until early next year. A final package will likely pass the legislature at the end of the spring legislative session and will be signed by Scott after that.
The agency also asks for some increases in its main budget request, in some cases aimed at greater security for guards and inmates. The department is asking for almost $5.2 million to comply with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003.
Most of the money — an estimated $3 million — would go to increase camera surveillance at prisons in an effort to prevent sexual assaults. The funding would also provide money for training, inmate screening and “emotional support services” for inmates who are victimized.
“The decision to implement or not to implement the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements involves weighing the resource related costs for full compliance against the 5% penalty assessed against Justice Department Grants for non-compliance,” the request says. “Additionally, the potential costs associated with liabilities, including litigation, assumed by the Department in the case of non-compliance may be greater than any costs incurred with implementation.”
A separate proposal includes more than $900,000 for “safe havens” to which employees could retreat in case they are attacked by inmates and “throw phones” that could be used in hostage negotiations.
By The News Service of Florida
District 1-1A Volleyball Tourney Set With Jay, Northview
October 17, 2012
The District 1-1A volleyball tournament schedule and seedings have been set following a blind drawing between Jay, Central and Northview.
Seedings are as follows:
- Baker
- Jay
- Northview
- Central
- Laurel Hill
Next week, the district tournament will open at Central High School with Central against Laurel Hill at 4 p.m. The winner will advance to play number one seed Baker Tuesday at 6 p.m. Also on Tuesday, Northview will play Jay at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday’s winners will advance to the district championship.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FDOT Public Meeting Thursday On Stefani Road Bridge Replacement
October 17, 2012
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting regarding proposed improvements to Stefani Road over an unnamed branch in Escambia County. The meeting will be held Thursday from 5:30 until6:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Extension Office at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Currently, the project includes replacing the existing bridge on Stefani Road, repaving the approaches, new guardrail, minor drainage improvements, sodding, and placement of new pavement markings. The department anticipates receiving bids for construction in 2015. During construction, the road will be closed and traffic diverted. Additional right-of-way will be required for the bridge and roadway improvements.
Representatives from FDOT will be available at the meeting to explain the proposed improvements and answer questions.
41st Year: Tate Showband Earns Bandmasters Superior Ratings
October 17, 2012
The tradition of excellence continued for the Tate High School Showband of the South last weekend at the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment at Ft. Walton Beach High School.
The band was adjudicated by a panel of expert judges in the areas of music, general effect, marching and maneuvering, and color guard. Under the leadership of Director Mike Philley and Associate Director Blake Garcia, the Tate Showband of the South received straight Superior ratings in all categories for the 41st consecutive year.
Meningitis Drug Warnings Expand To Other Medications, Facilities
October 17, 2012
State health officials on Tuesday said they have expanded the search for tainted medication distributed by New England Compounding Center following federal warnings that patients receiving other medications produced and distributed by the company may be at risk.
Florida’s Surgeon General John Armstrong said the state was boosting precautions after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the list of potentially contaminated medications to include 12 other drugs. The additional warnings follow an outbreak of fungal meningitis that has claimed the lives of two Florida patients and is linked to contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate distributed by the Massachusetts-based company.
“As the ongoing federal investigation has expanded to all NECC injectable products, we strongly urge all Florida health care professionals and health care facilities that used NECC products to alert patients to the possibility of infection,” said John Armstrong. “Any patient who received an NECC medication after May 21, 2012, and who has symptoms of infection, should seek medical attention immediately. At this time, the risk to public health is uncertain; we remain vigilant to ensure that the public is aware of this concern.”
In all, 12 patients have been linked to the tainted spinal injections — including two in Escambia County [Read more...]
Added to the list on Monday were other injected medications used for optical procedures and open heart surgery. The drugs, which were shipped to 78 facilities across the state, were added after the FDA raised concerns that other NECC drugs could have become contaminated.
Like the earlier batches of spinal steroids, the additional drugs have been collected and are no longer in circulation. Facilities are expected to contact patients who received the medications.
A list of the recalled medications are available on the FDA website.
Investigators Asking For Help In Identifying Human Remains Found In Cantonment Woods
October 16, 2012
Escambia County Sheriff’s investigators are asking for help to identify human remains that were found last Thursday in a wooded area near Well Line Road in Cantonment.
Authorities believe the remains are those of a male. At the scene, investigators found a black Adidas shirt, dark colored Dickie pants, a dark colored belt, blue or gray size 7.5 to 8 Starter brand shoes with Velcro closures. A yellow and black colored five gallon bucket labeled as hydraulic fluid was also located at the scene.
Anyone with information one a missing person that may have had similar items is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured: Shoes found along with human remains in a wooded area in Cantonment last week. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three Injured In Four Vehicle Pileup
October 16, 2012
There were three minor injuries in a four-vehicle pileup on Highway 29 this morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Danial D. Rosario was driving a 2012 semi that rear-ended a Chevrolet pickup, a Toyota Corrola and a Chevy Sonic that were stopped at a red light at Highway 29 and Pinestead Road about 6:20 a.m.
Three people were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
Rosario, who was not injured, told troopers that a water bottle fell between the brake pedal and floorboard, making it impossible to brake. He was cited for careless driving, according to the FHP.
No Injuries When Driver Snaps Power Pole On Pilgrim Trail
October 16, 2012
There were no injuries when a driver hit and snapped a power pole this morning in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 31-year old Christy Anne Thomas of Molino lost control of her 2007 Pontiac G6 on Pilgrim Trail just west of Highway 29, left the roadway and struck the pole about 6 a.m. She received minor injuries but refused transport to the hospital.
Thomas was cited for careless driving, according to the FHP.
The power lines remained energized on the ground; residents of Pilgrim Trail lost electricity for over two hours as Gulf Power cut electricity to make repairs.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Falsely Claiming To Be Shot
October 16, 2012
A Molino man has been charged with falsely reporting that he was shot during an incident on Nine Mile Road earlier this month.
On October 4, Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Hannah Circle in Ensley where 31-year old David Denver Holland of Gibson Road claimed to be a shooting victim. He told deputies that he was shot at a car wash at Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive. He said three black males armed with handguns got into his car and tried to rob him. He said a struggle followed and a gun fired inside the vehicle. Holland said the suspects fired additional shots at him as he ran away, and he said the men stole his vehicle and wallet, according to an arrest report.
Holland was transported by EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment for a large laceration to his eye and his left hand.
Deputies responded to the car wash but were able to find any evidence such as shell casings or blood. No evidence of the crime was captured on the car wash’s video surveillance system.
Holland’s vehicle was located the following day intentionally burned on Caminitti Lane, with authorities unable to find any evidence that a gun had been fire in the car. Holland has a criminal history that includes vehicle arson, according to deputies.
When Holland was interviewed a second time by deputies and and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm agents, he changed his stories and became uncooperative, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Holland was arrested and charged with making a false report of commission of crime. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Additional Human West Nile Case Reported In Escambia County
October 16, 2012
One additional human cases of the West Nile virus have been confirmed in Escambia County, bringing the total number this year to 13, including one death. The Escambia County Health Department said there is still some risk that additional people could become infected with West Nile Virus from mosquito bites.
“With the continuation of the recent cooler fall weather, we expect less mosquito activity in our area and anticipate diagnosing fewer new cases of West Nile Virus,” Escambia County Health Department Director John Lanza said. “However, residents should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites until the alert is lifted for the county.”
Mosquitoes infected with WNV can bite and infect humans; about one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious illness. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. People with weakened immune systems and individuals over 50 may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.
Three human cases have now been reported in Santa Rosa, and one person has died from the virus in Okaloosa County.