Senate Considers Overhaul Of Florida No-Fault Insurance Sytem
March 7, 2012
A controversial overhaul of Florida’s no-fault insurance system is slated for a full Senate vote on Wednesday after muscling through a contentious session Tuesday that made significant changes, and raised the temperature in the usually staid chamber.
Following hours of amending, questions and debate, the chamber gave preliminary approval to changes that critics say don’t go far enough and even backers acknowledge may be a bit far from a competing House plan for lawmakers to reach agreement by the end of session.
But the Senate sponsor defended the effort Tuesday, saying despite numerous stops and starts and much discord, the bill would be a step toward lowering personal injury protection premiums, which backers say are inflated by rampant fraud.
“We’re doing a lot of things to make things better,” said Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart. “We expect premiums to reflect that.”
As amended, the Senate plan would require patients seeking PIP coverage for treatment to do so within 14 days of an accident. The House plan requires that treatment be sought in seven days. The Senate bill would allow patients to see their personal physician or go to an emergency room for care, a less restrictive provision then found in the House companion.
The bill also prohibits massage therapists and acupuncturists from being reimbursed under PIP, a $10,000 policy set up in the 1970s to provide for immediate medical coverage regardless of fault.
Insurers would be on the hook to pass savings on to policyholders, An amendment by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, would require insurers to reduce rates by 25 percent unless they could prove the reforms did not yield such substantial savings.
Unlike its House companion, the Senate plan does not place caps on attorney fees.
Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, managed to get the Senate to pass an amendment opposed by the Senate’s leadership that would allow attorneys to seek fee multipliers for complex cases, though they must justify the additional fees. The contentious amendment was approved on a 24-15 vote.
A motion later to reconsider that amendment – which Diaz de la Portilla described as a “bare-knuckle” political move to change votes – was approved, but the Senate still approved his amendment.
Numerous attempts to expand the pool of acceptable treatment to include massage therapists, acupuncturists and chiropractors were largely beaten back, with backers saying such additions would raise costs for coverage by providing services that are needed immediately after a crash.
“Every time you add more pounds ballast to this boat there is more of a risk that more water will slip over the side,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. “If we really want PIP reform, we have to have a streamlined bill that will reduce costs.”
The measure is a top priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who reiterated Tuesday that the bill is a must-pass as far as he is concerned. There has been talk that he might call lawmakers back into special session to get it done if the Legislature fails to pass something by the end of the regular session on Friday. Asked Tuesday whether he would do that if it doesn’t pass, Scott said he would wait until Friday to make that decision.
With a Senate vote expected as soon as Wednesday the measure will then go to the House, though both sides will continue to negotiate differences behind closed doors.
“If you look at the big picture… there is a steady movement toward a principled middle ground,” Negron said. “I think that is due to work of Gov. Scott and CFO (Jeff) Atwater and a genuine interest in the House and the Senate to get this done right. I think we’re almost there. ”
By The News Service of Florida
I-10 Bridge Over Escambia Bay Reopens; Wildfire Contained
March 7, 2012
The I-10 bridge across Escambia Bay has reopened to traffic in both directions after being closed overnight due to smoke from two large fires in Santa Rosa County.
Florida Forest Service crews worked throughout the night to knock down smoke and mop up the I-10 Eagle’s Nest Fire in Santa Rosa County.
The south fire was 90 percent contained at 32 acres as of 6:30 am. The north fire was 95 percent contained at 10 acres.
Forestry will will continue to work on lines and ensure containment today and overnight tonight. Four Forestry brush trucks will be on scene today with two tractor/plow units.
Pictured top: Traffic begins to flow across the I-10 bridge about 6:25 Wednesday morning. Traffic backs on I-10 to exit at Scenic Highway just before 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Century Resident Concerned That ‘White Citizens’ Skip Council Meetings
March 6, 2012
A Century resident, who is black, is concerned that white residents of Century are not attending town council meetings and are not involved in town government.
“What happened to all of the white citizens? Nobody comes to the council meetings,” Helen Mincy said as she addressed the Century Town Council Monday night during the public form portion of their meeting.
Mincy asked the council why white citizens of Century do not attend council meetings.
“I am hoping that people elected us to do a good job, and we are doing a good job,” Mayor Freddie McCall said. “I hope they are trusting us.”
Only a small number of people attended Monday night’s council meeting. All were black, with the exception of two reporters.
Pictured: The Century Town Council meets Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Arrested On Weapons Charge For Gun; Sword Was Legal
March 6, 2012
A Walnut Hill man was arrested over the weekend following a traffic stop on a felony weapons charge.
Robert Charles Allen, age 50 of South Highway 99, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy spotted Allen driving erratically on Highway 29 near 9½ Mile Road. During a traffic stop, the deputy reported finding a .22 caliber Derringer in Allen’s pocket.
Allen did not have a firearms or concealed weapons permit, according to the report.
He passed a field sobriety test, but was cited for an open container violation for an open bottle of beer sitting on the floorboard of the vehicle.
There was also a 12 gauge shotgun and a full size regimental sword on the passenger floorboard of the truck, but those weapons were being carried legally, deputies said.
Teen Enters Plea In Sexual Assault Of Young Boy
March 6, 2012
The Century teen accused of sexually abusing a 6-year old boy has pleaded no contest to the charge against him and will be sentenced as a youthful offender.
Michael Alexander Dubose of West Highway 4, was charged with two felony counts of sexual battery on a victim under 12 and fondling a child under 12. The sexual battery charges were dropped late last week as Dubose pleaded no contest to the fondling charge. He is set to appear in court before Judge Gary Bergosh in early May for sentencing as a youthful offender.
As a youthful offender, Dubose faces a maximum of 364 days in jail and up to six years probation. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond as he awaits sentencing.
Now 18, Dubose was 17-years old when he was arrested after a male victim told investigators at the Gulf Coast Kids House that Dubose had sexual relations with him over a one year period at two different units at Century Woods Apartments. He was later transferred from the Department of Juvenile Justice to adult court.
After his arrest, Dubose himself became the victim of alleged physical abuse by his mother and the mother of the victim. Juliette Dubose was accused of “whipping” Michael Alexander Dubose with an extension cord after learning that he allegedly had sexual relations with her son. After the beating, Juliette Dubose instructed the mother of Michael Dubose, Kassedra Dubose, to also beat him with the extension cord, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Both women pleaded to no contest to charges of cruelty toward a child. They entered into a pretrial diversion program under which charges will be dropped if they successfully complete the one year program.
VPK Registration Underway At Bratt, Jim Allen, Molino Park
March 6, 2012
Voluntary Pre Kindergarten registration is underway at three North Escambia schools for children that will be four on or before September 1, 2012.
The VPK program is offered in North Escambia at Bratt, Jim Allen and Molino Park elementary schools. Parents and guardians may register their children at the schools between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Parents must bring the following documents in order to register their child: child’s birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill or rent receipt, within the last ninety days), photo identification of the parent registering the child, current immunization record, and a physical within one year of August 20, 2012. Parents will complete the State VPK application as part of the enrollment process.
Registration will continue through March 30. Children whose parents reside in the selected school attendance areas will receive priority for enrollment.
For more information, contact the Title I Office at (850) 595-6915, Bratt Elementary at (850) 327-6137, Jim Allen Elementary at (850) 937-2260 or Molino Park Elementary at (850) 587-5265.
Abortion Bill Stalls In Senate
March 6, 2012
A measure requiring women to wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion stalled in the Florida Senate on Monday, virtually ending the possibility of its passage before lawmakers adjourn later this week.
Without debate, a procedural vote to bring the always emotionally charged issue to the floor by pulling the bill out of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee failed on a 23-16 vote, less than the two-thirds needed in the 40-member chamber. The failure makes the issue unavailable for further debate.
Minutes after the vote, the Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said the issue was settled and would not return.
“Given the mood — the Senate chamber — they felt like with all the pressing issues …that this might take a little bit too much time, though it’s something that I would happen to support, as I showed by my vote today. There are some folks who are in the pro-choice caucus within my Republican caucus who didn’t want to vote for this,” Haridopolos told reporters.
“I think that (procedural) vote expressed where people are at,” Haridopolos added.
“I think it was a pretty definitive vote,” said Senate Rules Committee Chairman John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine.
Last week, the Florida House passed its version of the bill (HB 277), which would make women wait 24 hours after seeing a physician before an abortion could be performed. Patients also would have to be informed that a fetus feels pain at 20 weeks, an assertion that has been prompted debate in the scientific community.
Further, the bill would require doctors who perform the procedure to take yearly ethics course as part of their continuing education.
Over the past few years, Florida lawmakers have passed a series of bills seeking to make it more difficult to get an abortion, though many of their efforts have been challenged in court.
Following lengthy, at times emotional debate, the House last week voted 78-33, largely along party lines, to approve the bill, which also would require new abortion clinics to be owned by doctors and prohibit an abortion if the physician has determined the fetus has reached “viability.”
By The News Service of Florida
Escambia Names New Building Official
March 6, 2012
County Administrator Charles R. “Randy” Oliver has appointed Amru Meah as the new Escambia County Building Official.
Meah was selected after a review of 36 candidates that applied for the position.
“Mr. Meah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Escambia County and will certainly be an asset and welcome addition to our professionals in the Building Inspections Division,” said Development Services Director Lloyd Kerr.
Meah is currently the President and CEO of Meah Associates LLC in Beverly Hills, Michigan, and was the director of the Building and Safety Engineering Department for the City of Detroit until from January 2002 to August 2009. He worked for the City of Detroit from 1977 to 2009 starting in the Department of Water and Sewage. He is also a member of 10 different professional building and fire protection associations.
Meah’s first day on the job in Escambia County will be March 27.
College Students Spend Their Spring Break Helping Others
March 6, 2012
A group of college students from Philadelphia are spending their spring break doing volunteer work for the Escambia County (Ala.) Habitat for Humanity. The 18 students from Holy Family University are spending their nights at the Brewton YMCA and their days repainting the homes of two elderly widows in Atmore.
The students are working at the Smith home on Peacock Lane in Robinsville and and O’Farrell home on Old Bratt Road.
The students will be working hard but will also get a taste of” Southern hospitality”. Tuesday, they will have a short day of work and then enjoy a picnic , hayride and “History of Atmore” tour hosted by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce. Thursday evening, they will be treated to a beach theme meal and painting party at the Hourglass in Brewton. Friday, the students plan to enjoy a day at the beach before beginning their trip back home.
The students are participating in Habitat’s national alternative break program, Collegiate Challenge. This is the fifth year Escambia County Habitat has hosted college volunteers through the Collegiate Challenge program.
Escambia Academy Beats Monroe
March 6, 2012
Escambia Academy beat Monroe Academy on Monday 1-0.
Michael Thompson led the charge against Monroe, striking out 12, and allowing just two hits in seven inning. Cole Boatwright was 3-3, with a double in the fourth and a single in second and sixth.
Other hitters from EA’s Cougars were Chance Jackson, Reid Bell, Jarrett Hadley, Austin McGhee, Braxton Chastang and Boatwright.
The Cougars only run came with an RBI single by Bell in the seventh.