Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Fiscal Cliff, Elections Revisited
December 10, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott bid hasta la vista to Colombia and to the head of the Department of Economic Opportunity last week as state lawmakers held a meet and greet of their own in preparation for the 2013 legislative session.
During a series of introductory committee sessions, lawmakers heard from a host of state agencies and a rabble of Tea Partiers who shouted down lawmakers in what was later characterized as a overzealous, and ill-mannered, exhibition of patriotic exuberance.
Meanwhile, state education officials described as “painful” the first statewide teacher assessment, the rollout of which was marred by some math errors. When corrected, the evaluation found 96.5 percent of teachers were rated efficient or higher, harking back to the mythical Minnesota hamlet of Lake Wobegon, where all the children are above average.
SESSION GEARS UP FOR ANOTHER CYCLE:
Lawmakers officially rolled up their sleeves this week as they returned to Tallahassee to begin work for the 2013 session. Though much of the work was introductory, some committees made it clear what their priorities will be between now and May.
Property insurance issues and tort reform will be among the hotly contested issues in the coming months, with Citizens Property Insurance Corp. officials expected to be under the microscope as lawmakers look for ways to depopulate the state-backed insurer.
Florida’s top insurance official Kevin McCarty was given a January deadline to come up with a series of proposals to reduce the size of Citizens and to further reduce costs in the state’s auto-insurance market.
On the health care front, lawmakers will begin looking at how the state will implement the sweeping federal health care program, commonly known as ObamaCare, following November elections that determined that overturning the controversial initiative isn’t in the cards for at least the next four years.
ELECTION REVISITED
Officials have been wondering – again – since the early morning hours of Nov. 7 just why Florida can’t ever seem to fully run a problem-free election.
This time, it was particularly long lines at Election Day voting sites in a few South Florida counties – and difficulty determining the final results, an embarrassment that left Florida in the “uncounted” column long after President Obama’s re-election was reassured by the count in the rest of the nation.
Some again brought out the jokes – why did Florida move its primary election so early? So it would have a winner by the general election. But mostly officials this week just wanted to know how to make the state’s voting process work like it seems to most everywhere else.
State elections officials went before a couple legislative committees this week and began explaining how it all works – or doesn’t. State elections officials said they’ll visit several counties next week to talk to local supervisors as the fact-finding truly gets under way.
WHO IS FISCAL CLIFF? WHAT’S HIS PROBLEM?
The first positive indications about Florida’s budget in many years now might be in trouble. After years of cuts, the coming fiscal year had been shaping up to look pretty good – with it appearing that lawmakers would at least start the year in the black.
Wait a minute, though.
Legislators heard this week that the good news could be overtaken by events if the Florida Supreme Court strikes down changes to the state pension, or the nation plunges over the fiscal cliff.
Speaking to the first meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Amy Baker — coordinator of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research – said the fiscal cliff talks loom large. If Republicans and Democrats in Washington can’t hash out a deal to avoid major automatic budget cuts, the resulting economic damage could wipe out Florida’s good news budget plans.
Also at issue is a looming decision in the challenge to a 2011 law that required employees to contribute 3 percent of their income to their retirement funds, along with other changes. It could cost the state around $2 billion if the Supreme Court strikes down the law.
DEO CHIEF STEPS DOWN, SCOTT IMMEDIATELY APPOINTS SUCCESSOR
Hunting Deutsch, who until Tuesday was the head of Scott’s job creating engine, the Department of Economic Opportunity, is again on the job hunt after resigning the post amid growing scrutiny of his own unemployment history.
Because he resigned, the former bank manager won’t be eligible to collect unemployment benefits, which he received for nearly two years between 2009 and 2011 after he was downsized as part of a bank merger.
Deutsch, who also received an undisclosed severance package from his former employer, collected 91 weeks of unemployment compensation during a period of joblessness that included a stint of European travel.
First reported by the Florida Current, Deutsch said the experience of not having a job made him more empathetic of the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who were also looking for work as the state’s jobless rate languished in double digits.
“Hunt did the right thing by resigning from DEO,” Scott said in a statement issued by his office. “It is important that nothing interfere with our mission to create more jobs and opportunities for Florida families.”
Two days later, Scott appointed his General Counsel, Jesse Panuccio, to take over the agency that has seen three executive directors in 14 months.
COURTS: “TAJ MAHAL” AND PRIVATE PRISONS ADDRESSED
The courts again supplied news for the week, with a handful of cases that have been closely watched in the capital city.
State agencies battling with local businesses agreed to a $500,000 settlement for artwork sold for the First District Court of Appeal building in Tallahassee. The out-of-court settlement included about $190,000 in attorney fees to be paid by the state.
The opulent structure has brought about the downfall of at least one appellate judge, who resigned after a series of disclosures over lavish furnishings, expensive artwork and other accoutrements
Meanwhile, a circuit judge in Tallahassee ruled that the Legislative Budget Commission could not on its own privatize health care services in most of the state’s correctional institutions.
The ruling by Circuit Judge John Cooper allows the Department of Corrections to privatize health-care services in a region covering roughly the bottom third of the state; that contract was specifically included in the fine print of the budget for the spending year that ends June 30.
But Cooper said that the other three regions of the state couldn’t be privatized by the LBC, which voted in September to approve the broader initiative, that only the full Legislature could make such broad policy decisions.
GENTING SAYS NO TO PUBLIC VOTE, WILL WAIT ON GAMBLING
Florida voters will not be asked to weigh in on a statewide gambling initiative after the primary backer of the proposed constitutional amendment decided to see what lawmakers come up with instead.
Genting executives this week disclosed that they will await action by the Legislature before determining their next step in efforts to develop resort gambling megaprojects in the state.
Legislative leaders have said they don’t expect an extensive gambling battle this year. Instead, lawmakers are expected to conduct an extended study of the issue, a review that could include public hearings around the state and other fact-finding activities.
Earlier this year, the Malaysia-based Genting Group created a group that hired petition gatherers and attorneys with expertise in getting constitutional amendments onto the ballot – essentially signaling a possible intent to circumvent the Legislature on the issue.
But Genting officials let legislative leaders know this week that the company will hold its cards for now.
TEACHER EVALUATIONS “PAINFUL”
The Florida Department of Education’s interim commissioner this week told lawmakers it’s been a painful year as the state initiates a new teacher evaluation system that appears to have its share of problems. On Tuesday, the department posted teacher evaluations from across the state only to withdraw them shortly afterward due to errors in the data.
DOE Interim Commissioner Pam Stewart appeared Thursday before lawmakers following the release of the corrected data for the 2011-12 school year, which showed that only3.5 percent of Florida teachers were not satisfactorily doing their jobs.
“I think this is a painful year,” Stewart said at a meeting of the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “I think any time you implement something this large for the first time, there are growing pains. I think that the ‘12-’13 year will be much more telling, and how we do as we move forward.”
BILLS BEING FILED
With lawmakers back in town, a number of bills were filed in both chambers as lawmakers gear up for the 2013 session now less than four months away.
Measures to provide instate tuition to the resident children of undocumented immigrants (HB 11) and create a no-drone-zone (SB 92) in Florida – banning unmanned aerial aircraft flown by police – were among the bills filed this week.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Lawmakers return to begin gearing up for 2013 session.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Well, they probably didn’t want someone on there who was going to speak up and bang their fist on the table when they see something wrong that’s not in the best interest of the consumer, the ratepayer.” Rep. Mike Fasano, speculating this week on why he may have been left off the House Insurance Committee
By The News Service of Florida
Local Cotton Gin Sets International Example
December 9, 2012
The West Florida Gin in Davisville and quality local cotton from North Escambia are setting an international example.
A group of Chinese business people visited the West Florida Gin Saturday afternoon to get a firsthand look at recent equipment upgrades.
“Always eager to put technology to a higher level they (the Chinese) strive to make the best even better,” West Florida Gin Manager Robert Godwin said.
All 15 of the Chinese business people that visited the West Florida Gin agreed that quality cotton fiber is of essence.
There are 2,200 mills in China, the largest cotton producer in the world, but they need cotton from around the world to feed their appetite for the product, Godwin said.
” I feel honored for a group such as this to take the time to visit our facility,although we are not the largest we certainly have consistent high grades,” said Godwin.
Northview’s Halteman Awarded Junior Orange Bowl Scholarship
December 9, 2012
Northview’s Justin Halteman was presented the Junior Orange Bowl Committee Scholar Athlete Award Friday night prior to the Class 1A championship game at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl.
The award is presented to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average from each teach in the FHSAA finals.
With the sponsorship and support of the Orange Bowl Committee, scholarship funds are donated to each recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award.
Pictured, Charles Knight of the Junior Orange Bowl presents the 2012 Junior Orange Bowl Scholarship to Northview senior Justin Halteman Friday night in the Citrus Bowl. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 9, 2012
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured nearly dozens of lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
Float winners were:
Ahh! Award – Atmore Community Hospital
Judge’s Choice – Jus Because
People’s Choice – PCI “Viking” Float
Most Inspirational – Brooks Memorial Baptist Church
Best Float Team Spirit – K-9 Kleaners & Resorts
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Convenience Store Robber Nabbed
December 9, 2012
An Escambia County man was arrested shortly after robbing a convenience store.
Darrell Barge, 47, was charged with robbery after he walked into a Mobile Highway Kangaroo gas station, told the clerk he had a gun and demanded money.
Barge entered the store and went into the bathroom. Moments later he exited the bathroom and approached the clerk telling her he had a gun, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Barge ordered the clerk to open the register and give him the money. The clerk complied, and Barge then fled the store on foot. When deputies arrived on scene, a description of Barge was broadcast, and he was observed by other deputies on the New Warrington Road overpass near Lillian Highway, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies said Barge was still in possession of the money taken during the robbery. As of the the time of his arrest, no weapon had been recovered. The clerk was not injured during the robbery.
Barge was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Deputy Receives Minor Injuries In Crash
December 9, 2012
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy received minor injuries in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Deputy Kevin M Stinebaugh was traveling east on Massachusetts Avenue approaching a Starla Circle driveway just before 2 a.m. Stinebaugh, 27, was responding to an officer assist call in his 2005 Ford Crown Vic patrol car.
Stinebaugh lost control of the cruiser due to slippery conditions from a recent light rain, the FHP said. The cruiser left the roadway, collided with a wooden fence and came to rest adjacent to an apartment. No contact was made with the building.
Stinebaugh was transported to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries.
There were no charges filed in the crash.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids
December 9, 2012
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 12th annual toy ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Over 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall.
Pictured: The LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz ride departs Bratt Saturday morning after Santa and helpers delivered toys to children waiting at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Gov. Charlie Crist Turns Democrat
December 9, 2012
After months of speculation — and a high-profile stint campaigning for President Obama — former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist signed up Friday night to become a Democrat.
Crist, who left the GOP to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate in 2010, signed a registration form during a reception at the White House. He sent out a Twitter message that said, “Proud and honored to join the Democratic Party in the home of President @barackobama!”
Also, Crist posted a photo that showed him holding up the signed registration form, while his wife, Carole, smiled. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Obama celebrated the change with a fist bump.
But the Republican Party of Florida, which has long criticized Crist as a turncoat and an opportunist, quickly bashed the former governor Saturday morning.
“The truth is that this self-professed, Ronald-Reagan Republican only abandoned his pro-life, pro-gun, conservative principles in 2010 after he realized that Republicans didn’t want to send him to Washington D.C. as a senator, especially after he proved he couldn’t do the job as governor,” the party said in a prepared statement.
Crist’s move to the Democratic Party will add to widespread talk that he might try to return to the governor’s mansion by challenging Republican Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.
So far, no clear Democratic front-runner has emerged for the race, though the party’s 2010 nominee, former state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, could run again. Also, former Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, D-Weston, has opened a campaign account.
If Crist runs and captures the Democratic nomination, it likely would be one of the highest-profile — and fiercest — races in the country in 2014. Crist campaigned heavily for Obama this year, including giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention.
For years, Crist was a star in Republican politics. He first gained notoriety as a state senator from St. Petersburg and later was elected education commissioner, attorney general and governor. He parlayed an upbeat demeanor with popular positions on issues such as holding down taxes and insurance rates and fighting crime.
But Crist tangled with some major business interests, such as utilities and insurance companies, while governor. He then completely broke with the party by running unsuccessfully as an independent for the Senate seat after facing a primary fight from the eventual winner, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
During his speech at the Democratic National Convention in September, Crist said the GOP had left its roots and become too extreme. He said GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan couldn’t lead the country in a bipartisan fashion.
“When I look at the Republican ticket today, I see two candidates who would break the fundamental promise of Medicare and Social Security, and cut investments on our middle class that are so important to our economic recovery,” Crist said during the speech. “And when I look at President Obama, I see a leader with a cool head, a caring heart and an open mind, a president who has demonstrated through his demeanor, his grace and his deeds that he is uniquely qualified to heal our divisions, rebuild our nation and lead us to a brighter future.”
But Republicans on Saturday said it was Crist who had changed. The state GOP pointed to examples such as Crist’s support in 2008 for Republican president candidate John McCain over Obama.
“The Great Imposter … at it again,” national Republican consultant Mike Murphy wrote in a Twitter post that linked to a Tampa Bay Times story about Crist’s Democratic registration.
By The News Service of Florida
Northview Chiefs Win Florida 1A State Championship
December 8, 2012
The Northview High School Chiefs won the Florida Class 1A football championship Friday night in Orlando, beating the Trenton Tigers 42-21.
The road to Orlando had been oh so long for the Chiefs — losing out the past couple of years a the state semi-final level — making the victory oh so much sweeter Friday night.
The state title is the first ever for Northview, the only Escambia or Santa Rosa County team to make the Citrus Bowl in Orlando this year.
There were 3,609 fans on hand for Friday night’s game — over 1,500 of them making the road tip from North Escambia.
For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.
After a scoreless first quarter, La’Mikal Kyles scored for the Chiefs on a 58 yard run with 11:07 on the click. And the Chiefs were just getting warmed up. Chad Smith was in with 8:25 in the half on a 20 yard blocked punt return.And LaDarius Thomas scored on a two-yard run with just 34 seconds in the half. With good kicks from Kevin Vaughan on all three touchdowns, the Chiefs held a 21-0 dominating lead at the half.
Trenton scored on a three yard run in the third, while Northview scored twice in the quarter. Neino Robinson had a 79 yard kickoff return, and Brannon Freeman add a touchdown with a 28 yard run.
Northview had one touchdown, a six-yard run from Kevin Vaughan, in the fourth, while Trenton scored twice. As the clock wound down, the Chiefs won the 1A championship 42-21.
Kyles finished the night with 113 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. Freeman had a touchdown and 61 yards on 11 attempts, and Thomas also added a TD and 39 yards on 10 attempts.
Trenton covered more artificial turf that Northview in the Citrus Bowl — 270 yards to Northview’s 226.
For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Renews Contract With Atmore Ambulance For 327 Exchange
December 8, 2012
The Escambia County Commission has renewed a contract with Atmore Ambulance to provide emergency medical services for the portion of North Escambia in the 327 phone exchange.
Atmore Ambulance has been providing ambulance service for the Walnut Hill, Bratt, Davisville and surrounding communities in the 327 telephone exchange since 1978. The county’s current contract with Atmore Ambulance was due to expire on January 21, 2013.
In January 2010, the Escambia County Commission awarded a contract to Atmore Ambulance for $85,000 per year for an initial period of 36 months, that was renewable for two additional 12 month periods for a total of 60 months.
Under the terms of the contract, Atmore Ambulance directly bills patients for services rendered at an amount not greater than that billed by Escambia County EMS, which provides ambulance service for the rest of the county.
Renewal of the agreement was recommended by Mike Weaver, Escambia County’s public safety director.