Attempts Begin, Again, To Tax Internet Sales In Florida
February 3, 2012
Bills to tax Internet companies doing business in Florida resumed their treks on Thursday as separate measures began to move in the Senate.
The Senate Finance and Tax Committee approved the introduction of a proposed committee bill, HB 7206, which would set up a mechanism to begin collecting sales tax from out-of-state, online vendors that do not currently pay state sales tax. Sales tax collections would be returned to taxpayers by way of sales tax holidays or other routes.
“I have shopping centers that are half empty,” said Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami. “We’re not talking about mom and pops, we’re talking about all kinds of large box stores.”
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee approved a similar bill, SB 1514, on a 5-1 vote later Thursday. That measure, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Detert, does not earmark tax collections, which would instead revert to the state’s general revenue fund. That provision may be too heavy a load, said Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami. who was the sole vote against adopting the bill as a committee substitute.
“The leadership in both the Senate and House has said that if this bill passes, they want to have a bill that would equal the reduced revenue, because this bill is going to increase revenue,” Flores said. “So if it’s increasing revenue, in my opinion it’s still a tax, and I just don’t think that’s the way we need to be going this year.”
States around the country are grappling with how to glean tax revenue from Internet companies, which have sought protection under the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause. Several lawsuits are pending.
By The News Service of Florida
Bratt Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
February 2, 2012
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Bratt Elementary School:
All A’s
Anna Adams
Lexxi Baggett
Haley Baker
John Bashore
Brody Black
Tanner Boone
Ann Margaret Boothe
Sarah Branch
Luke Bridges
Alexia Broadhead
Keaton Brown
Juliana Bryan
Conner Byrne
Emilee Cabral
Ashtyn Carnley
Noah Casson
Landon Chavers
Logan Chavers
Ashton Cloud
Karlee Criswell
Da’Mius Wesley
Cassie Davis,
Haleigh Dean
Colton Dockens
Savannah Doremus
Jackson Edwards
Jason Fayard
Amanda Franklin
Gabby Franklin
Makayla Garrett
Caitlyn Gibson
Alabama Gilley
Amber Gilman
JP Gilman
Emma Gimore
Gracie Godwin
Shelby Godwin
Zane Gurganus
Kara Hawkins
Gabriel Henderson
Sarah Margaret Hetrick
Hannah Hughes
April Johnson
Anna King
Trent Knighten
Anna Lee
Sarah Long
Braeden McGhee
Bailie Merchant
Colby Morris
Mary Paige Nassar
Abigail Nelson
Travis Nelson
Chirstopher Nordman
Jaylon North
Dallon Rackard
Kinzie Rackard
Tyler Ray
Kenna Redman
Teriana Redmond
Delaney Reynolds
Allison Rice
McKenna Simmons
Arquavian Smith
Lydia Smith
Vivyan Smith
Savannah Spence
Alyssa Stabler
Bailey Van Pelt
Summer Waters
Cailee Wilburn
Autumn Williams
Clay Wilson
Lane Wilson
Kendall Wise
All A’s and B’s
Maggie Amerson
Shelby Bartley
Leah Berry
Garret Bodiker
Emilee Bomba
Trevor Bomba
Aiden Broadhead
Meggan Brown
Anastasia Bryan
Kadence Burklund
Tereasia Burt
Anyis Cabral
Caren Cannon
Jordan Capps
Cedriana Carter
Hannah Clayberger
Jacob Conley
Chloe Criswell
Justin Cruce
Tyler Davis
Franki Daw
Sheyenne Dillon
Wyatt Dillon
Makayla Dove
Ryan Dove
Cody Edwards
Alexis Evans
Jamyla Feagin
Ar’Mya Findley
Neionni Findley
Savannah Fullerton
Paige Gibbs
Olivia Gibson
Charles David Gilley
Tony Hall
Shane Hardin
Kerry Hicks
Zachary Hilton
Martina Howard
Payton Jackson
Wyatt Jarvis
Cameron Long
Kaleigh Macks
Ansleigh Maholovich
Angel Merchant
Joshuwa Merchant
Michael Merchant
Madison Nassar
Audrey Odom
Joseph Parker
Blaize Parrish
Gabbie Peebles
Madison Peterson
Cheyenne Philyaw
Larry Philyaw
Madelyn Plant
Matthew Pruitt
Libby Pugh
Mary Grace Rice
Shelby Rice
Savannah Roley
Samantha Roux
Kaylee Sawyer
Adrianne Shanks
Madelin Sheedy
Madison Sherouse
Carter Sigafoose
David Stokes
Savannah Stokes
Melissa Sunday
Peggy Sunday
T’ahna Wesley
Aaliyah Tucker
Hunter Wainwright
Jeremy Ward
John Michael Ward
Ahmad Warmack-Elliott
Kiara Wesley
Cameron White
Cassidy White
James Windham
Ty Wise
Connor Wolfe
Tate Grad, His Wife And 17-Year Old Daughter Killed In Fiery I-75 Pileup
February 2, 2012
A Tate High graduate, his 17-year old daughter and his wife were the final three victims found in the horrific I-75 pileup in a Gainesville wreck.
The bodies of Michael Hughes, his daughter Sabryna Dawn Louise Hughes and Sabryna’s stepmother Lori Hughes were found Tuesday evening in a badly burned pickup truck. The truck was incinerated Sunday night when it collided with a semi-truck that had stopped on I-75 due to fog and smoke conditions. In all, 11 people died in the crash.
The Hughes family was reportedly in the Gainesville area to attend a funeral.
Friends said Michael Hughes grew up in the Jacks Branch Road area and was a 1990 graduate of Tate High School.
Sabryna Hughes began her high school career at Pine Forest High School and transferred in the 11th grade to Escambia High School. She then became a home school student about two weeks ago. A candlelight vigil will be held for Sabryna beginning at 5:30 Friday at Avondale Park in the Bellview community.
The Florida Highway Patrol had closed I-75 Sunday due to reduced visibility from a mix of smoke from a nearby brush fire and fog. The six-lane road was closed about three hours before being reopened by the Florida Highway Patrol. A short time later, the first crash occurred.
Before it was over, authorities said at least a dozen cars, a half dozen semis and a motorhome had collided.
Farmers, Ag Producers Rally To Keep FSA Office Open In Molino
February 2, 2012
Dozens of Escambia County farmers and producers came together Wednesday in an effort to keep the Molino Farm Services Agency open.
The Molino FSA Office administers farm commodities, crop insurance, credit, environmental conservation and emergency assistance for farmers and ranchers in Escambia County. On January 9, the USDA announced the proposed closure of the office, forcing the farmers to drive to Milton or Brewton for FSA services.
Tim Manning, FSA state executive director, said that offices with two or less employees and offices that were located within 20 miles of another office were targeted for closure. Manning (pictured left) said that on December 23, the day chosen as a “snapshot” of the Molino office, it met both criteria for closure.
But multiple farmers and producers were quick to point out that it is more than 20 miles to drive from Molino, or areas like Walnut Hill or Nokomis, to the FSA office in Milton because of limited routes across the Escambia River. And the criteria for two or fewer employees, many producers said, was met only because a third employee in the office had recently retired.
“We all understand that government must be a good steward of our tax money,” Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones said. Jones, a timber producer in Escambia County, pointed out that the Escambia County FSA office was the third busiest payment office in the state. “Sometimes you have to weigh those dollars against those that fund it…to put the human factor in it.”
“We are the last in Florida, the last county,” Jones said, “and sometimes we get left out of a lot of things.”
The major savings from closing the Molino Farm Service Agency will be about $16,000 per year in rent to the Escambia County Farm Bureau for office space along with telephone service. All other utilities are included in the monthly rent.
Walnut Hill farmer Brett Ward (pictured left), speaking on behalf of the Farm Bureau Board, said it was no secret that the Farm Bureau wants to keep the $16,000 in annual rent flowing. He said that money is returned to the community each year through a variety of community organizations — most dealing with children — like the Northview and Ernest Ward FFA chapters, the Escambia County Extension Service for projects, the Molino Park PTA and Bratt Elementary School.
“The federal government is broke; we all know this,” Ward said. “But we in ag are willing to do our share. But let’s make smart cuts.This is my opinion, in our opinion, is not a smart.”
“Our job to feed and clothe this nation is hard enough,” Ward added. “Do not make it any harder by closing this office.”
“Hopefully the state staff will take to Washington the message that there needs to be a variance for Escambia County,” Jimmy Cunninham, chairman of the county FSA committee, said.
“We have pleaded for assistance,” Charles Woodward of Molino, former director of the Molino FSA office, said. “Can’t we get the people where the work is? We have been given a lot of lip service and we have done with very little.”
“Why aren’t we doing more at the FSA to get more food produced at the local level?” asked James Long. “Where are you going to get your food next week? This bunch right here.”
Mike Godwin of Walnut Hill suggested that perhaps instead of closing the Molino office, the Farm Service Agency should use it as a nationwide model of doing more with less since the number of payments processed per employee is now the highest in the state.
“We understand the impact these decisions have on communities,” State Director Manning said. “You will continue to find that FSA services are accessible and convenient.”
The Farm Service Agency will continue to accept written comments from the public concerning the Molino office closure for 10 days. Comments can be emailed to mark.cotrell@fl.usda.gov or submitted by mail. To download a comment form, click here.
Pictured top: Dozens of farmers and producers packed a meeting about the Molino FSA Office Wednesday morning at Highland Baptist Church in Molino. Pictured bottom: The Farm Service Agency rents office space in this, the Farm Bureau Building in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Glenn Austin Becomes 7th Candidate For District 5 Commission Seat
February 2, 2012
Candidate number seven has pre-filed for the Escambia County Commission District 5 seat.
Glenn Austin of Cantonment prefiled Monday as a Republican for the seat currently held by Republican Kevin White of Molino.
“The rule for effective governance is simple. When there is a problem, you fix it,” Austin said in announcing his candidacy. “Escambia County does not have a solid plan to bring a sustainable industry into this county that will create jobs. I fully realize the problem and am focused on becoming part of the solution.”
Austin, a political newcomer, now owns a small business in Escambia County. He formerly worked for WKRG TV 5 and was spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Ron McNesby.
In addition to Austin and White, Republicans Denanne Burkett, Sam Archer and Jim Taylor have pre-filed for the seat. Packy Mitchell and Dennis Wiggins have also announced, running with no party affiliation.
‘Shorty’ Charged With Cantonment Grand Theft Auto, Hit And Run
February 2, 2012
A Cantonment woman known as “Shorty” was charged with grand theft auto for stealing a pickup truck and crashing into a fence.
Latasha Thompson was arrested after being identified by multiple witnesses as the person who took a green Ford Ranger from Quarters Road in Cantonment.
An Escambia County deputy responding to the stolen vehicle call found the Ranger crashed into a fence on nearby Booker Street during the early morning hours of January 21. A resident at that address identified the driver of the truck as “Shorty”, a short, white female that frequents the neighborhood, according to a Sheriff’s Office arrest report. She had fled the scene prior to the arrival of the deputy.
The victim also told deputies that “Shorty” had taken his truck, and he knew “Shorty” because she “had been staying with him for a short time”. The victim identified “Shorty” as Thompson. A warrant was issued for her arrest. Thompson was arrested on the warrant late Tuesday night and booked into the Escambia County Jail. She was also charged with hit and run by the Florida Highway Patrol in connection with hitting the fence.
Santa Rosa Man Sentenced To Life For Killing His Mother
February 2, 2012
A Milton man will spend the rest of his life in prison for a 2011 murder.
State Attorney William “Bill” Eddins said David J. Lewis of Milton was sentenced by Judge David Rimmer to life in prison without possibility of parole for the September 30, 2008, murder of his 86-year old mother, Bonnie Lewis.
The 56-year old Lewis pleaded no contest to second degree murder with a weapon on July 18, 2011, as well as to the fleeing and resisting arrest charges. He received concurrent 15 and 5 year prison sentences for the fleeing and resisting charges respectively.
Family members found Bonnie Lewis slumped in a living room chair in her home at 3290 Lewis Road in Milton on September 30, 2008. Mrs. Lewis’s throat had been slashed at her front door and evidence at the scene showed she had managed to make her way to the living room chair before succumbing to her injury. David Lewis was arrested on October 1, 2008, for an outstanding arrest warrant for resisting arrest with violence and fleeing and attempt to elude arising from an unrelated high speed chase on September 10, 2008, which ended with Lewis being tased into submission as he resisted arrest by Santa Rosa County deputies. On October 2 ,2008, Lewis confessed to Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s detectives that he had murdered his mother with a knife when he “snapped” because she “treated me like a twelve year old”.
Sims, Nero, Craft Ink On National Signing Day
February 2, 2012
Three North Escambia area players inked letters of intent Wednesday on National Signing Day.
Dak Sims, McDavid
Dak Sims of McDavid was among three Pensacola High School players to sign with NAIA Cumberland University of Tennessee. Sims at center, linebacker Brian Rudolph and defensive end Kendrell Jenkins will head to Lebanon, Tenn., about 30 miles east of Nashville, in the fall. The Cumberland Bulldogs were ranked as high as 14th in the NAIA Top 25 last season. With a 7-3 season, the Bulldogs ended at No. 25.
Tyler Nero, Atmore
Tyler Nero of Escambia County High School in Atmore signed with the Auburn Tigers. The defensive tackle had fielded offers from several SEC schools before settling on AU.
Dalvin Craft, Atmore
The Escambia County High School Blue Devil’s Dalvin Craft signed his letter of intent to play for Southern Miss.
Pictured top: Tyler Nero reacts after signing his letter of intent to play at Auburn. Pictured below: Dalvin Craft of Atmore signs with Sothern Miss. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House Plans 8 Percent Tuition Hike, Senate Likely To Follow
February 2, 2012
Pitting the chamber against the wishes of Gov. Rick Scott, the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved a spending plan that calls for an 8 percent tuition increase, continuing an effort to shift more of the cost in higher education to students instead of taxpayers.
A day after Scott said he wanted lawmakers to hold the line on tuition, the panel approved a budget that relies on an 8 percent base increase for university students to balance the higher education budget, which already will see cuts as lawmakers try to fill a budget gap shortfall of deeper than $1.5 billion.
The state’s 11 public universities would be allowed to raise tuition by an additional 7 percent on top of that base increase, a system known as differential tuition, under the proposal. Last year, universities raised tuition 8 percent at the direction of the Legislature, and the schools tacked on the full 7 percent differential hike for a 15 percent increase. Tuition has gone up every year for the past six years in Florida.
For universities, the proposed tuition increase would amount to $54 million in new incoming money; state college students would pay additional $73 million under the 8 percent tuition hike.
On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott said he opposes any increase in student tuition.
Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, and chairwoman of the House’s budget committee, said the governor may have to acquiesce on the tuition issue. The proposed increase will likely be nestled into budget’s proviso language, which the courts have largely determined are off limits to the governor’s line item veto power.
The Senate is not expected to release its spending plan for at least a few weeks. Allocations for the Senate budget – how much of the money will go to which parts of the spending pie – have yet to be distributed to budget chairmen, but may be made public later this week.
Speaking to reporters later Wednesday, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said the chamber would likely follow the House and include tuition hikes as part of its proposed budget.
“We have the fifth lowest tuition in the country, sometimes people lose sight of that,” said Haridopolos, who teaches classes at the University of Florida. “The vast majority of students in my class are on Bright Futures so it’s still a great deal for Florida students. … I would not be surprised if it’s roughly the number the House is talking about.”
The legislative decisions put the chambers on a collision course with Scott, who told reporters Tuesday that he does not want lawmakers to raise rates again.
“We have to tighten our belts and save money, Scott said. “What we have to focus on is how do we reduce our costs rather than how do we raise the tuition.”
Scott said he doesn’t agree that tuition hikes are acceptable because Florida students already pay some of the lowest tuition in the country.
“Why wouldn’t you want that,” Scott said of low tuition. “I want the cost of living to be lower in this state than other states, not higher.”
By The News Service of Florida
Escambia County Man Gets 20 Years In Meth Case
February 2, 2012
An Escambia County man was sentenced to 20 years on multiple drug charges Wednesday.
Daniel Ducharme was convicted by an Escambia County Jury of trafficking in methamphetamine (200g or more), possession of a firearm with altered serial number, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the trial, Judge Jan Shackelford sentenced Ducharme to 20 years state prison with a 15 year minimum mandatory.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on Ducharme’s residence and found an active meth lab in the bathroom of the apartment. Ducharme was found immediately outside of the bathroom with a co-defendant. A handgun with a sanded off serial number was located in the kitchen, while multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia were found throughout the entire apartment and outside trash. Ducharme admitted to making the meth in the apartment as well as the possession of the firearm, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Ducharme has additional charges pending for sale of methamphetamine and possession of listed chemical.