Senate Committee Passes School Safety Bills
March 13, 2013
Senate committee approved three school-safety bills Tuesday, one of the first legislative efforts to handle the emotional issue in the wake of the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn.
Two of the bills drew concerns, and one of the measures in particular appears to face an uphill climb. But both of those passed the Senate Education Committee on 7-1 votes, and there were no real qualms raised about a third measure.
The most contentious of the proposals was a bill (SB 514) by Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, that would allow local voters to create special districts that could raise money to fund school safety initiatives. The districts and the taxes they could impose would have to be approved through referendums.
“This bill lets the voters decide,” Sobel said. “We don’t decide.”
But some Republicans are hesitant about the bill, saying that it would create a new and unnecessary entity taking care of issues that could be handled by local school districts or cities.
“Obviously, school safety is the highest priority that we have,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg. “I want to make sure, though, that we do it in a prudent and judicial way to make sure that we’re not expanding the role and scope of government.”
Supporters said the bill recognizes the wide-ranging implications of protecting schools.
“Student safety is not just the interest of the school board or the school district,” said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, a former Leon County superintendent. “It’s the whole community’s interest.”
Sen. Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican who chairs the Senate’s education funding panel, said his committee would look to better fund school safety in the budget plan it assembles. But Galvano, who reluctantly voted for the measure, said he believes local officials need to make sure money spent on school safety is spent wisely by looking at schools on a case-by-case basis.
“I think if you’re going to do that properly, you need to start with an assessment,” he said.
The Education Committee also approved a measure (HB 626) that would specifically ban “cyberbullying” and require school districts to address the technological harassment in their policies. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, drew bipartisan support despite some First Amendment concerns.
“It looks like our laws have not caught up with our times. … And until they do, we have kids that are suffering,” said Committee Chairman John Legg, R-Lutz.
But Brandes worried that the law could create legal problems for districts if they try to punish students for actions outside of school. And he suggested the law was unnecessary.
“We have laws on the books that allow for the school districts to deal with harassment, and we have civil actions that deal with defamation,” he said.
The panel passed a third bill (SB 284) by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, that would allow private school districts to join warning systems used by law enforcement to alert schools to potential emergencies.
By The News Service of Florida
Ticket Selling Bill Runs Into Questions
March 13, 2013
Legislation to make it easier to resell tickets, either by an individual or an online distributor such as StubHub, squeaked through its first House committee Tuesday, but lawmakers said changes are needed for the proposal to advance.
Over the objections of performing arts and sports venues, the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee gave a 7-6 backing to the “Ticketholders’ Rights” bill (HB 163).
However, Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, advised the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, that the support is wavering and will be withdrawn if concerns from venue operators are not addressed before the legislation appears before the House Regulatory Affairs Committee.
“Even though when we say you buy the ticket it’s your right, it’s your property, but you really are renting space in an area that is being put on by a group of people,” Mayfield said. “This (bill) is so broad and I struggle with that.”
Proponents say the bill is needed because venues offering “paperless” tickets require the ticket holder to show proof of identification to match the name when picking up tickets at “will call.”
Venue operators, such as the Tampa Bay Times Forum, contend the bill will make it easier for third-party vendors to purchase large numbers of tickets, both driving up sales prices and making it more difficult for the casual fan to attend.
They also expressed concern that the bulk purchases at college events could result in students being unable to get seats in student sections.
Ron Pierce, lobbying for the Tampa Bay Lightning, said if a person called the box office and directed that tickets be left in another’s name, the request would be allowed.
“We’re trying to address an issue that doesn’t exist,” Pierce said. “If it existed we’d be hearing about it from our fans.”
Smith said he has been trying to work on the bill with proponents and opponents, but so far the backers of the legislation have been more willing to discuss the proposal.
“My concern is that when you buy that ticket, and you own it, and if you don’t want to own it and you want someone else to own it, you can transfer it,” Smith said. “If you want to give it away at a charity you can. This is the intent of the bill.”
By The News Service of Florida
NHS Varsity Softball Now 8-0; Jay JV Goes 10-0; Other Area Scores
March 13, 2013
Seasons remained perfect Tuesday in Bratt as the Northview Lady Chiefs hosted the Royals of Jay.
SOFTBALL
–Northview 3, Jay 2
In varsity softball, the Northview Lady Chiefs beat the Jay Lady Royals 3-2 in a hard-fought district battle Tuesday evening in Bratt. With the win, the Lady Chief’s improved to 8-0 on the season.
–Jay 7, Northview 6 (JV)
In junior varsity softball action, the Jay Lady Royals beat the JV Lady Chiefs 7-6 Tuesday afternoon in Bratt. The JV Lady Royals improved to 10-0 on the season.
For a photo gallery of Jay at Northview varsity and junior varsity action, click here.
– Tate 5, Navarre 4
Amy Waters went 3-3 for the Tate Lady Aggies as they beat Navarre 5-4 Tuesday. Bailey Burk and Kaylan Rowell were 1-3 for tATE.
BASEBALL
–Pace 7-6 Tate
David Moorhead hit a three-run homer in the third for the Tate Aggies for a 4-3 lead. But the Pace Patriots came out on top against the Tate Aggies Tuesday, 7-6. JT Grenat was 2-2 with a homer and two RBIs.
–Jay 5, Flomaton 3
The Jay Royals beat the Flomaton Hurricanes in Flomaton Tuesday, 5-3. Tate Upton had two hits for the Royals at Hurricane Park. Dalton Edwards pitched the win for the Royals, giving up six hits and striking out eight. The Royals are now 6-2.
–West Florida 15, Escambia 7 (JV)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
AG Bondi Seeks Exhumations At Panhandle School
March 13, 2013
Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a petition Tuesday in circuit court seeking the exhumation of human remains at the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna in the Panhandle.
The petition, filed in circuit court in Jackson County, seeks a court order that would let Medical Examiner Michael Hunter exhume bodies from “Boot Hill” cemetery and surrounding areas, where officials have said there may be unaccounted-for bodies of boys who died at the former reform school between 1900 and 1952.
“The deaths that occurred at Dozier School for Boys in Marianna are cloaked in mystery, and the surviving family members deserve a thorough examination of the site,” Bondi said in a statement released by her office. “I am committed to doing everything within my power to support investigative efforts to help resolve unanswered questions and bring closure to the families who lost loved ones.”
Former residents at the reform school alleged that guards administered beatings and otherwise abused boys at the school.
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation had determined there wasn’t enough evidence to determine whether the allegations of long-ago abuse were true, though other investigations by independent groups have continued.
By The News Service of Florida
Liability Limits Considered To Agritourism Operations
March 13, 2013
If injured on privately-owned agricultural land while hunting or hiking, or simply hurt while picking berries, horseback riding or otherwise hurt on a farm, you’d most likely be considered at fault under a bill advancing past its first Senate stop this week.
The Senate Agriculture Committee gave unanimous support for legislation that would reduce the liability for property owners of agricultural land against people injured while using the property for “agritourism” purposes.
The bill by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, also prevents local governments from imposing their own regulations on agritourism, which can include dances and festivals. The provision is opposed by the League of Cities and Association of Counties.
Hays said the bill is to encourage new agritourism companies.
Sen. Maria Sachs said, while supporting the bill, existing local rules shouldn’t be eliminated as city and county leaders work with Hays and the Florida Farm Bureau on amending the bill.
“It’s an opportunity for us to use family farms to capture tourism,” said Sachs, D-Delray Beach. To acquire the limited liability, the farm owner would have to post “clearly visible” signs and have users sign contracts that warn of any potential dangers on the grounds, from the potential behavior of wild and domestic animals, hazards from natural conditions, and dangers associated with using farming and ranching equipment and facilities.
The limited liability would not cover negligence on part of professionals running the tourism activities.
Fire Destroys Detached Garage
March 12, 2013
Fire destroyed a detached garage at a home near Barrineau Park early this morning.
The fire was reported about 2:15 a.m. in the 4000 block of Schifko Road, just north of Noir Lane. The detached garage, just over 1,000 square feet in size, was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene. The fire was declared under control about 2:55 a.m.
There were no injuries reported. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Molino, Cantonment, McDavid, Ensley and Beulah stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to the scene.
Pictured above and below Fire destroyed a large detached garage near Barrineau Park early Tuesday morning. Pictured inset: A vehicle burns along with the garage. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Molino Woman Gets Probation For Animal Abuse (With Case Photos)
March 12, 2013
A Molino woman was sentenced Monday to the same fate as her husband on multiple animal cruelty charged for chaining malnourished pit bulls in their own filth in the family’s backyard.
Amanda Leah Oswald, 34, was sentenced by Judge Gary Bergosh to 36 months probation and 50 hours of community service at the Escambia County Animal Shelter. She is also forbidden from possessing dogs during her probation.
Last month, her husband, 30 year old John Roland Oswald, received the same sentence from Bergosh for animal cruelty and a drug charge that stemmed from marijuana plants found at his home.
Both sentences were less than recommended by prosecutors.
For more photos from the scene, click here. — WARNING: Some readers may find the photos disturbing.
“We recommended both defendants receive 11 months and 15 days in jail in addition to a lengthy probation. We felt that would be an appropriate sentence in view of the nature of the evidence,” State Attorney Bill Eddins said Monday afternoon. “Our office has and will continue to take a strong stance in animal abuse cases, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute them.”
Escambia County deputies responded to a complaint about an aggressive pit bull on September 21, 2012, at a residence in on Highway 29 near Cotton Lake Road. The dog was loose in the victim’s yard and had attacked and killed her dog. Deputies kept the pit bull contained in the yard and notified Escambia County Animal Control. But before animal control arrived, the pit bull attempted to attack two officers who then utilized a shotgun to stop the dog, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Neighbors told deputies the dog belonged to the Oswalds. When deputies attempted to contact them at a nearby home on Highway 29 across from the Camp Of the Pines, deputies and animal control located two other pit bulls in the backyard of the home.
“I first observed a very skinny brown pit bill dog tied to a large chain barking at me,” one deputy wrote in his report. “I then observed a very skinny black pit bull dog lying on its side, and it appeared to be dead…I observed the black dog lift its head and look at me though due to the dog being so skinny from lack of food, the dog could not stand up.”
Both dogs were “malnourished to the point of starvation”, according to an arrest report, with access to “old nasty water” and no food. Both dogs were tied to heavy chains and were surrounded by flies.
“I then observed the black pit bull who was still lying on his side struggle and make several attempts to stand to his feet. “Once on his feet, his legs were wobbly and looked like he was going to fall over,” the deputy said.
The deputy said in his report that he first though the black dog was covered in ants crawling all over it, but it was actually a “massive amount” of fleas. The dog also reportedly had an eye infection.
The two pit bulls were seized by animal control. Amanda Oswald also voluntarily surrendered a pit bull and three Yorkie dogs from inside the residence to Escambia County Animal Control.
John Oswald was also charged with one felony count of producing marijuana. During the animal cruelty investigation, deputies reported the discovery of four marijuana plants up to five feet tall and one plant growing in a bucket in the home’s backyard.
Oswald met with a narcotics investigator and admitted that the marijuana plants belonged to him, an arrest report states. “He admitted to having a pill problem prior to being involved in marijuana and that he had started growing marijuana for personal use,” the investigator wrote in his report.
Escambia County Code Enforcement also responded to the home and opened a separate investigation for various code violations.
For more photos from the scene, click here. — WARNING: Some readers may find the photos disturbing.
Pictured: Photos from the Molino area backyard of John and Amanda Oswald. Photos courtesy the State Attorney’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Renovations Scheduled For Tate Locker Rooms
March 12, 2013
Locker rooms at Tate High School area scheduled to be renovated.
The Escambia County School Board is set to award a $659,500 contract to low bidder Hewes and Company, LLC. at the board’s next meeting on March 19. The renovations will be funded with half cent sales tax funds.
Four other bids on the project ranged from $729,000 from Jack Moore and Co. to a high of $804,000 from Larry Hall Construction, Inc.
Gulf Spill Money Reaches Escambia County, Waiting Game For Others
March 12, 2013
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection expects to have a list of desired restoration and conservation projects in place this summer for its share of the money from the BP oil spill disaster.
As part of a $1 billion agreement signed by the five state National Resource Damage Assessment Project Trustees and BP in April 2011, $100 million was designated to Florida.
So far, the state has been able to use $11.4 million for four boat ramps and a dune restoration project in Escambia County and a pair of coastal conservation projects — nesting bird and sea turtle habitat – along the Panhandle.
When the federal pipeline for additional money to reach the state and local governments will be turned on remains unknown.
The state must wait for the U.S. Treasury to establish a list of regulations on how the Restore Act and other money from BP and Transocean settlements are distributed, said Mimi Drew, special advisor to DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard.
“We’re reading the law, but we don’t have the rules,” Drew said.
The money is separate from the more than $1.7 billion that the BP-backed claims paying agency has paid out since last summer, of which about $332 million has gone to individuals and businesses in Florida.
The state continues to see tar balls wash ashore on Panhandle beaches and recorded a drop in Gulf fishing. There also was a decline in beach tourism, with a drop in reservations from the April 2010 disaster.
State officials have been holding listening sessions along the Gulf Coast to get local input for conservation and restoration projects. Public meetings on the plan will be scheduled later this spring.
“Right now we’re just talking about the kind of projects we’ll be funding, but we hope to have a draft plan in about a month or two,” Drew said after appearing Monday before the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Through the Restore Act, the state expects Florida counties will receive $56 million, with the governor getting to direct a share of $240 million heading to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council.
“We are concentrating on trying to restore what we call the loss of human use,” Drew said. “They have to have a direct connection to the spill. You have to prove that the project offsets the damage from the spill.”
By The News Service of Florida
Learn How To Do Business With ECUA
March 12, 2013
On Friday, the Florida Small Business Development Center with the UWF Procurement Technical Assistance Center Program, will offer a free workshop entitled, “How to do Business with the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority” (ECUA).
The informational meeting will educate attendees about the potential of doing business with the ECUA, while increasing participation in obtaining future ECUA contracts. Participants will learn about the bidding process, qualification requirements, future business opportunities, and how the ECUA hiring process is conducted.
ECUA speakers will include Bill Johnson, director of engineering, Peter Wilkinson, purchasing and store manager, and Frances Webb, HR generalist.
The event will be held in Pensacola at 401 East Chase Street, Suite 100, from 9 a.m. until noon.
The workshop is free; however, pre-registration is recommended. For additional information contact, Laura Subel, PTAC procurement specialist, lsubel@uwf.edu (850) 595-0089 or register online at clientsfloridasbdc.org/center.