Gaetz Looks For Answers On Public Website That’s Unavailable
December 11, 2012
Senate President Don Gaetz is weighing alternatives to a $5 million budget-tracking website that the public can’t currently access, he told members in a memo after two watchdog groups slammed the state for getting ready to scrap the project.
Gaetz, R-Niceville, wrote Friday that the Senate would work to find out if there was a better way to offer the public information now available on Transparency 2.0, a web-based budget program developed by Spider Data Services under a no-bid contract. The state’s current deal with Spider Data is set to run out Dec. 31.
Spider Data says it will cost another $1 million a year to maintain the website with 600 licenses for legislators and staff members, with more funding needed if the system is taken public.
“Considering the importance of budget transparency and the known and as of yet unknown costs, I will ask the members of the Senate to decide how and whether to proceed with the Spider Data relationship or some other initiative that will achieve the same or similar transparency functions related to state spending and contracts,” Gaetz wrote.
Specifically, Gaetz said he would ask Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Chairman Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, and Senate General Government Appropriations Chairman Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, to weigh legislation to create an alternative to Transparency 2.0.
Gaetz said he would also look into how much it would cost to overhaul a similar site currently maintained by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater; supporters of increasing public access to Transparency 2.0 say the CFO’s site is more cumbersome than the new product.
The memo came hours after Integrity Florida and the First Amendment Foundation held a press conference to pressure state leaders to allow public access to the site.
“The public paid for it and we should be allowed to see it and use it,” said Dan Krassner, executive director of Integrity Florida.
Krassner and Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation, said they were given access to the site and thought it was easier to navigate and use than Atwater’s system. They pushed for the state to renegotiate the contract to allow the public to use it.
The tumult over the deal seems to spring in part from the controversial tenure of Steve MacNamara, a former chief of staff to Scott and, before that, former Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. MacNamara resigned in May over questions about his role in shakeups of Scott’s administration and in some state contracting, including the Transparency 2.0 deal.
Gaetz wrote that a transfer between the Senate and Scott’s office is on hold, despite a “memorandum of understanding” signed this spring by Haridopolos’ office.
“Following staff changes, the Governor’s Office declined to sign the Memorandum and has not taken over responsibility for the contract, expressing concerns to my office over the manner in which it was procured and their authority to take over the no-bid contract,” Gaetz said.
But Krassner said the state should move forward with Transparency 2.0.
“If we really want to follow the money in Tallahassee … this is the site,” he said.
By The News Service of Florida
Bill Would Create Poverty-Based Educational Category In Florida
December 11, 2012
School districts with a higher percentage of low income students would receive additional funding from the state, under a bill filed Monday by Rep. Frank Artiles, R-Miami.
The bill (HB 31) would authorize state education officials to create another special category of funding to address districts with higher percentages of low income students.
The bill would require the Department of Education to develop a threshold level above which schools would be eligible for funding. The formula would be based on the percentage of students eating free or reduced lunches. Lawmakers would annually approve the distribution of funds.
The bill would leave up to school districts how to divvy up the money, but the funding must be used for class size reduction, reading initiatives and intervention programs targeting students in kindergarten through third grade.
By The News Service of Florida
Deputies: Man Seen On Video Not Involved With Pen Air Robbery
December 10, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon that they had located and questioned a male seen in surveillance photos from CVS in Century.
“This person is not believed to be involved in the Pen Air Credit Union robbery,” said Deputy Matt Baxter, public information officer.
Monday morning, the Sheriff’s Office released surveillance photos taken at the CVS in Century, just a short distance from the bank on North Century Boulevard, in attempt to identify the man.
After seeing the photo on NorthEscambia.com, the Century man in the photos called the Sheriff’s Office and talked to investigators who determined he was not involved.
Meanwhile, the search for the Pen Air robbery suspect continues.
A man claiming to have a gun robbed the Pen Air Federal Credit Union in Century on November 29. Surveillance video shows one person dressed in blue jeans and a jacket with a hood entering the credit union. He then walks to a teller window where he demanded all of the money, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The man fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
For an earlier story, including photos from surveillance video inside the credit union, click here.
Anyone with information on the identity of the person in the CVS surveillance photographs or the bank robbery is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured top: Investigators want to talk to this man, seen on December 1 surveillance photographs from the CVS in Century, about the robbery of the PenAir in Century. Pictured inset: A crime scene investigator checks for fingerprints inside the door of the credit union. Pictured below: The credit union was robbed November 29. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Killed In Highway 97 Crash With Semi
December 10, 2012
A Molino man was killed when he collided head-on with an 18-wheeler this morning in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 64-year old Rex A. Walz was traveling southbound on Highway 97 at Pilgrim Trail when his 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac crossed the center line into the northbound lane, directly into the path of an 18-wheeler driven by 58-year old Guster J. Chester of Brewton.
Walz’s pickup overturned one time before coming to rest off Highway 97. Walz, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Chester was not injured. Both vehicles involved in the accident were totaled.
Highway 97 was completely shut down in both directions for several hours by the accident.
The Molino and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the wreck.
Pictured: A wreck involving an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck closed Highway 97 in Molino for hours this morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Smooth Ride: Century Paving Projects Continue
December 10, 2012
Century’s efforts to pave or resurface some of the town’s worst streets is continuing.
The town council has approved $118,608.90 in upcoming paving projects, including:
- Maple Street, $10,090.05
- Nadine McCaw Park, $4,356.55
- Front Street, $25,022.55
- Jefferson Avenue, $41,764.45
- Salters Lake Road, $17.522.30
- Ivy Street (near Hwy 29), $2,000
The projects will be complete by Roads, Inc. under a contract rate established with Escambia County. Work is expected to begin in April.
Century has completed paving projects totaling about $308,000 on Freedom Road, Old Flomaton Road, Hecker Road, Elm Street, Hilltop Road, West Cottage Street, Academy Street, Pleasant Hill Road, Ramar Street, Bonwell Lane, Gifford Lane, Barnwell Lane, Field Road and Sellars Road.
The projects began with a priority list created by the Century Town Council back in 2010.
Pictured: Field Road (top) and Sellers Street (below) were among the most recently resurfaced streets in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Week: Final, Complete Statistics From State Championship Game
December 10, 2012
This is Chiefs Week on NorthEscambia.com — we are taking a complete look back at Northview’s Class 1A state championship win over Trenton Friday night in Orlando’s Citrus Bowl.
For a look at the final play by play game summaries and final statistics from both Trenton and Northview, click here.
Coming up later this week, we will have more game info and hundreds of photos as Chiefs Week continues.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs beat Trenton for the state 1A crown Friday night in Orlando. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Murdered Sunday Night
December 10, 2012
A Sunday night murder is under investigation in Escambia County.
About 6:40 p.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’ Office responded to a shots fire disturbance near the intersection of North X and Mallory streets. As deputies arrived on scene, they learned of a possible victim at a home in the 3000 block of West Moreno Street.
Deputies discovered an adult male with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Escambia County EMS. He was identified as Angelo Terrell Gallaway, 31, of Pensacola.
Investigators say the homicide appears to be drug related but did not elaborated on the specific details. The investigation continues and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Escambia Road Department Loves The Chiefs
December 10, 2012
Shortly after Northview High School’s state championship win Friday night, the Escambia County Road Department updated a lighted highway message board in front of the school to say “Chiefs State Champs”. Previously during the week, the sign was flashing “Chiefs Are #1″ and “Good Luck Chiefs”. Submitted photo by Aaron Smith for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Student A Winner In Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Art Contest
December 10, 2012
A Bratt Elementary School fifth grader was one of three Escambia County winners in an art contest sponsored in conjunction with concerts by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.
Last month, 6,000 fifth grade students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties attended live concerts by the Symphony at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.
Regions Bank also sponsored an art contest in conjunction with the concerts. In the weeks leading up to the performance, students listened to the selected piece and drew pictures inspired by the music. This year’s piece was John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare. Students’ drawings depicted Olympic rings, various sporting events, gold medals, celebrity athletes, and more. From over 1,000 entries, 37 finalists were selected and their artwork was projected above the symphony during a live performance of the Olympic Fanfare at the concerts.
From those finalists, the top 3 entries from Santa Rosa and Escambia counties received prizes courtesy of Regions Bank.
In Escambia County, Amber Roth from Hellen Caro Elementary received first place and a $500 savings bond. Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond. Helena Gee from A.K. Suter Elementary received third place and a $100 savings bond.
Teachers of all of the winners received a gift basket of art supplies for their classrooms from Regions Bank.
Pictured top: This poster by Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond in a Pensacola Symphony Orchestra art contest. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Stars: Escambia Academy Players, Cheerleaders, Coach
December 10, 2012
The Alabama Independent School Association recently held their annual East-West All Star game in Prattville, AL.
Escambia Academy was represented with three players, two cheerleaders and head coach Hugh Fountain taking part.
EA’s Reid Bell was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Back for the West team after he accounted for 64 yards on the ground and one touchdown for the West.
Pictured above: Escambia Academy coach Hugh Fountain, Bo Bishop, Caitlyn Bruley, Tehron Stallworth, Page Lancaster and Reid Bell. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.