‘Inspirational Message’ Bill Passes Florida House Panel
February 14, 2012
A controversial measure allowing students to deliver “inspirational messages” at public school events passed the House Education Committee on Monday, leaving it one stop away from what could be the final vote on the House floor.
The bill (SB 98) passed the committee on a party-line, 9-6 vote, with Republicans arguing the measure would boost freedom of religion and speech while Democrats said it could become a vehicle for divisive messages and hate speech.
The measure — sponsored in the House by Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights — does not specifically reference prayer at school events, but would allow that as a kind of inspirational message, along with just about anything else. Adults would have no say over what could be said by students under the bill.
Van Zant acknowledged it would allow any type of speech – but admitted it was aimed, in part, at protecting students who want to give a prayer and have felt they’ve been unable to do so publicly.
“When we took school prayer … out of school, it’s clearly documented that school discipline – disciplinary cases went up, that we had a lot more school vandalism, that we had a lot more disrespect for schools, including the physical plant as well as school personnel, teachers and principals,” Van Zant said.
Still, he said, the primary reason for the legislation was to allow students to exercise their free-speech rights.
But critics argued the measure would instead leave students as young as kindergartners in charge of what is inspirational, since teachers are not allowed to have a roll in preparing or delivering the message.
“What inspires me may not inspire you,” said Rep. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami.
Bullard and other Democratic members said that there was nothing to prevent a student from presenting a racially-charged inspirational message, even one that contained racial slurs. Bullard grew emotional as he recounted his own experience when a schoolmate called him a racial slur when he was in elementary school.
“What this bill does is open up the possibility of messages of hate,” he said. “Whether you like to believe it or not, hate is inspirational.”
Republicans argued that allowing students to air views that others find offensive in an open forum might actually prove beneficial.
“It is better that some young man or woman espouses those views in public so the issues can be properly debated,” said Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness.
But Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami, said she wasn’t convinced it would spark a healthy debate.
“It may start a fight,” she said.
Other groups, meanwhile, were worried that the danger lies in the potential for infringing on the rights of other students, who would be forced to listen to prayers or messages they don’t agree with.
“What would happen in your school district if the prayer was to Allah, to Buddha, to HaShem — which is how we say ‘God’ in Judaism — or another faith in which children were not brought up?” asked David Barkey of the Anti-Defamation League of Florida.
Republicans countered that not allowing students to voice their beliefs itself amounted to a form of discrimination.
“That tolerance goes both ways,” said Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach.
The measure now heads to the House Judiciary Committee. If it clears that panel and the House floor without an amendment, it would go to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
By The News Service of Florida
Nuclear Option: Possible North Escambia Power Plant
February 13, 2012
Last week, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the construction of two nuclear reactors in Georgia, paving the way for Southern Company — the parent company of Gulf Power — to build the nation’s first new nuclear power plants in more than 30 years.
The NRC certified the use of a Westinghouse reactor design known as the AP1000 for 15 years, after a lengthy review that included looking at safety issues. The design approved can be built at any suitable location in the United States.
The design could potentially be used for a nuclear plant in North Escambia. Gulf Power is in the process of purchasing about 4,000 acres near McDavid for a power plant that company officials say might be a nuclear plant. So far, Gulf Power’s $13 million in land purchases are approaching 2,700 acres.
The Florida Public Service Commission could decide later this month whether Gulf Power Company customers will pay $93.5 million more a year for electricity — partially to fund the land purchases near McDavid. A customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity would see their bill jump about $8 per month.
While Gulf Power says it is justified in seeking money for the land purchase, state Associate Public Counsel Joe McGlothlin said the company has not taken initial regulatory steps for a nuclear plant.
“In this case, the cart is about a city block in front of the horse,” said McGlothlin, whose office represents consumers in utility issues.
Top executives told the state Public Service Commission that Gulf Power has not received a base-rate increase in nearly a decade and needs to collect more money to continue upgrading its system in Northwest Florida.
“We asked for what we thought we needed,” Gulf Power President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Crosswhite told the Florida Public Service Commission in December. “We didn’t pad it.”
There has been no official announcement about Gulf Power’s plans for their North Escambia property.
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Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers said the company knows it will eventually need the land. He said the company is keeping its “options open” until forecasts show a need for developing a power plant, which could be nuclear, gas-powered or some other type of facility.
“You can’t meet the need without the very first thing in place, and that’s the property, the land,” Rogers said.
PSC rate-case documents indicate Gulf Power started considering a nuclear project in 2007, after former Gov. Charlie Crist issued executive orders designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.
The rate-case documents say Gulf Power considered more than two dozen potential sites in Northwest Florida before settling in 2008 on what is known as the North Escambia site that is bordered roughly by Bratt Road, Cox Road, Byrneville Road and Highway 29. The site is along the Escambia River, which could provide a crucial water source for a power plant, and has been owned largely by timber companies.
Pointing to such changes, Gulf Power official Rhonda Alexander said in written testimony that the company decided to defer moving forward with trying to get a license and permits for a nuclear-power plant. But she said it still needed to buy the land.
“Gulf had learned from its extensive site investigation that there was only one acceptable nuclear plant site in Northwest Florida,” said Alexander, who served as nuclear development manager from 2008 to 2010. “If Gulf was going to preserve the nuclear option for its customers, the North Escambia site needed to be secured by Gulf. If Gulf lost the ability to use that site, it would be precluded from building nuclear in the future.”
Pictured top: An artist rendering of an AP1000 nuclear plant. Pictured middle: One of the first pieces of property purchased by Gulf Power Company for a North Escambia power plant.
The News Service Florida contributed to this NorthEscambia.com report.
Man Charged With Passing Stolen Check At Grocery Store
February 13, 2012
A Century man is facing felony charges for allegedly passing stolen checks at a Century grocery store.
Kenneth Erwin Heinz, 48, was charged with passing a forged instrument and grand theft. He remained in the Escambia County jail Monday with bond set at $10,000.
Heinz allegedly provided his driver’s license and passed a check for $922.86 at the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’ Office arrest report. Late last year, the checks had been reported as stolen to the Flomaton Police Department by S&S Construction in Flomaton.
Heinz told deputies that he knew that check was stolen when he cashed it, and that he was paid $100. The Sheriff’s Office has not released the name of the person that allegedly paid Heinz to cash the check as their investigation continues.
Do You Need An ‘Extreme Farm Makeover’?
February 13, 2012
A conference, “Extreme Farm Makeover: Maximizing your farm’s potential” will be presented this Thursday at the Chumuckla’s Farmers Opry House.
Lecture topics will include produce marketing, Florida’s new cottage-food laws, fruit orchard management, as well as produce marketing and silvo pasture conversion. An afternoon session will be held at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Facility, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about different hydroponic growing systems for produce and small ruminant marketing. Continuing Education Units will also be available.
One special speaker at the conference will be Bryan Cave of Pilot Mountain Pride (PMP), a produce-marketing association based out of Surry County, North Carolina which has similar goals and operations as local organization Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association (PFMA). PMP opened its doors in May 2010 with a goal of bringing in $30,000 to $50,000 in first-year sales. Instead, they pulled in more than $250,000.
Cave explains how PMP’s success can be a model for local farmers hoping to utilize PFMA.
“I think it’s a universal issue, the market for locally grown produce. For the farmer, the barriers are the same: the need for someone to evaluate the market and sell the produce is the same, and not all farmers have the time, resources or experience for that.” Produce marketing associations fill that gap and makes locally grown produce a viable option for farmers and consumers.
Many farmers have reservations about diversifying their operation because they have already specialized in certain crops. However, with the help of the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center, County Extension Services and the PFMA, any farm can undergo an extreme makeover and learn to maximize their profits by getting the most eggs out of the most baskets.
Farmers looking to diversify their operation and learn about their options are encouraged to attend the Agribusiness Conference. Registration is now open, with a pre-registration fee of $20.00 before February 14th; afterward, the fee increases to $25. To see a complete listing of speaker topics or to register online visit Miltongators.com
Register Now For Northview DCT Coed Softball Tournament
February 13, 2012
The Northview High School DCT will sponsor a coed softball tournament in March, and there is a discounted registration fee available through Wednesday.
The DCT Coed Softball Tournament will be held beginning at 8 a.m. on March 3 at Northwest Escambia’s Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. Fee is $100 per 9-12 member team if paid by February 15. Late registrations will be accepted February 16-27 for $150 per team. Registration fees can be paid at Northview from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., ask for Raylin.
Team members must be 14-years of age or older, and there must be three females on the field at all times. There is a 10 team limit.
For more information, call (850) 327-6681 or (251) 294-1947.
The concession stand will be open the day of the event. No coolers please.
EREC Sends Area Juniors On Tallahassee Youth Tour
February 13, 2012
Fourteen high school juniors were guests of Escambia River Electric Cooperative last week in Tallahassee as they learned more about their state legislature and electric cooperatives.
Participants were Aaron Floyd, Courtney Lambert and Sandy Rainwater from Northview High School; J. D. Atkins, Jacob Burnham, Camille Driver, Kathryn English, Joshua Gilmore, Evan Goodson, Chanda Hawthorne and Carly Owens from Jay High School; Lauren Griswold and Logan Rowell from Central High School; and Brett Campbell from Pace High School.
While in Tallahassee, the students met with nearly 100 other high school juniors from electric cooperatives throughout the state of Florida. EREC delegates enjoyed visiting the Challenger Museum and viewing the IMAX movie, Hubble (3D). Youth Tour participants observed court in session in the Florida Supreme Court and participated in a mock session in the senate chambers where various members of the Legislature addressed the group.
The Youth Tour program provided students an opportunity to learn more about their state government and electric cooperatives and also gives them a chance to interact
with other students from co-ops throughout the state.
“It was a great educational experience and a lot of fun for the entire group,” according to Sabrina Owens, EREC’s marketing director.
Pictured top: EREC Youth Tour delegates on the steps of the Capitol — (front, L-R) Lauren Griswold, Kathryn English, Carly Owens, J. D. Atkins, Aaron Floyd and Jacob Burnham, (back row) Brett Campbell, Joshua Gilmore, Courtney Lambert, Sandy Rainwater, Camille Driver, Chanda Hawthorne, Evan Goodson and Logan Rowell. Pictured below: Rep. Doug Broxson meets with Youth Tour participants. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Panhandle Lawmaker Blasted For Rope Hanging Comment
February 13, 2012
Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, apologized Friday for using hanging imagery in reference to lawsuits challenging new maps for legislative and congressional districts approved Thursday by the Senate.
“My father used to say, ‘Some people would complain if you hung them with a new rope,’” Gaetz said Thursday, referring to his belief that some groups planned to sue no matter what maps the Legislature drew.
On Friday, Gaetz apologized after three black lawmakers angrily said the remarks were insensitive.
“I’m sorry if any offense was taken,” Gaetz said. “Those who know me and those who work with me are well aware that no offense was meant.”
Among those calling for Gaetz to apologize was Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. “The use of his analogy reflects back on an extremely violent period in our country’s and our state’s history,” Joyner said Friday. “And it shows an insensitivity on the part of the Senator about the hard-fought passage of Blacks from slaves to citizens.”
The remark also brought a sharp response from two high-ranking black House Democrats.
“The senator’s comment is especially appalling given that it is made in connection to the issue of redistricting, in which there is considerable history of racial minorities being deprived of adequate representation,” said Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, slated to become the House’s top Democrat later this year.
Rep. Mia Jones, a Jacksonville Democrat who chairs the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, also slammed Gaetz. “Senator Gaetz’ use of such highly charged and disturbing language has absolutely no place in this important discussion about the future of Florida,” she said.
By The News Service Florida
Smooth Ride: Century Paving Projects Continue
February 13, 2012
Century’s efforts to pave or resurface some of the town’s worst streets is continuing. The most recent resurfacing projects included Field Road and Sellers Street, both off West Highway 4.
Recent paving projects included Freedom Road, the portion of Old Flomaton Road in the city limits, Hecker Road, Elm Street, Hilltop Road, B Street, Archie Street, West Cottage Street, Lake Street, Ramar Street, Academy Street and the portion of Pleasant Hill Road that is in the town limits.
Pictured: Field Road (top) and Sellers Street (below) were recently resurfaced in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Medical Care: Health And Hope Clinic Dedicated
February 12, 2012
The new Health and Hope Clinic in Century was officially dedicated Saturday morning.
The Health and Hope Clinic quietly opened in October in the old Escambia County Health Department building at 501 Church Street in Century. It is the second location for the clinic, which was first established in Pensacola back in 2003 by the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association to meet the needs of uninsured and medically underserved in Escambia County. The clinic is entirely volunteer and donor supported.
During the official dedication Saturday morning, volunteers, local pastors and community leaders came together to celebrate the new clinic.
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s dedication, click here.
“It’s a real blessing,” Tammy Lewis of Bratt said on a recent visit to the new Century Health and Hope Clinic. “I found out about it from the church. It’s great to see doctors and people that will see you anyway without insurance.”
Since 2003, the Pensacola Health and Hope Clinic has provided over $8.5 million in healthcare services and 12,000 patient-provider visits as it carries out its mission of “providing health and hope to the hurting”.
Through the primary Pensacola location, the new Health and Hope Clinic offers primary medical care, preventative care, specialty care – including rheumatology, neurology, women’s health, chiropractic services and minor office surgery, full laboratory services, prescription assistance and pharmacy services and referrals to community social services.
The new Health and Hope Clinic in Century is open on Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. For appointments, call (850) 256-6200 or (850) 479-4456. For more information on the Health and Hope Clinic and services, visit www.healthandhopeclinic.org. Services are available to Escambia County, FL, residents only.
Pictured: Saturday morning’s dedication of the Health and Hope Clinic in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Students Read 42.4 Million Words
February 12, 2012
Students at Molino Park Elementary School love to read.
During the first semester of school, the total number of words read for the 1st through 5th grades was 42,484,722 words. Students also passed 8,699 AR tests on the books that they read.
During the first half of the school year, Molino Park students read 6,244 books.