Florida Weekly Gov’t Roundup: Sinkholes And Private Prisons
July 31, 2011
Florida officials this week made sinkhole rates go higher and hoped prison costs would go lower in an effort to save state taxpayers money on both.
Sinkhole coverage got a lot more expensive for tens of thousands of coastal residents who will see their rates leap toward the heavens as state insurers this week tried to make up for decisions made a few years ago that critics say were politically expedient, but actuarially irresponsible.
With losses far outstripping premiums as claims exploded in recent years, the state-backed insurer of last resort says it has to charge more for less.
Meanwhile, Florida prisons officials are hoping to pay less for more as they privatize prisons in the southern third of the state.
Correction officials had a busy week, also spending time in court defending the state’s recipe for a lethal cocktail of drugs used to execute death row inmates.
Meanwhile, state officials had to defend themselves against allegations of unfairness and ineptitude over the firing of allegedly incompetent insurance fraud investigators, and an initial slate of inductees to the state’s newly established veterans Hall of Fame that included confederates and not a single veteran of color.
PRIVATE PRISONS, PUBLIC GOOD?
Calling it a prudent experiment – although one that should not expand further until the facts are in – the state’s top prison official this week moved the state forward on its plan to privatize prisons in the southern third of the state.
Corrections Secretary Ed Buss said in an interview this week that after this round, the state should stop until it knows what the effect is.
“I think in terms of private prisons, this is as far as Florida should go,” Buss told the News Service. “This wasn’t my decision, this wasn’t Gov. Scott’s decision. This was the Legislature’s decision.”
The state on Monday released a request for proposals calling for a five-year contract with a single bidder to run 29 facilities associated with 11 South Florida correctional institutes. One of the state’s main law enforcement unions has sued to try to block the move.
That contract should allow the state to assess how a widespread system of private prisons would work in comparison to public facilities, Buss said. That would include a look at how well private prisons work to reduce recidivism, one of Buss’ top goals as corrections secretary.
“This will provide some competition so that the public and private sector can go head-to-head,” he said. “But until — and it takes three to five years to get any meaningful data on recidivism — I wouldn’t recommend any future private prisons until we get the data and we see if it does actually work.”
Buss said giving the contract to a single company will make it easier to measure a company’s performance, since inmates often move from prison to prison, and help corrections employees who decide to stay in South Florida an easier time finding jobs and earning promotions.
CITIZENS’ APPROVES RATES HIKES TO FILL SINKHOLE BLACK HOLE.
Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved sinkhole premium increases for 2012 that will cause rates for coastal homeowners to skyrocket, some by thousands of dollars a year.
“We recognize that the need for sinkhole coverage is enormous,” said Citizens CFO Sharon Binnon. “This fact is not lost on us but this is about Citizens’ past experience…. These rates are the direct result in the explosion of claims.”
Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, whose region will see some of the highest premium increases for sinkhole coverage, has led the charge against the rate hikes. He continued his quest this week.
“There are people who live in sinkhole prone areas that could potentially be forced out of their homes due to these rate increases,” Fasano said in a statement.
Pasco County coastal residents, according to Citizens estimates, will see average sinkhole premiums jump from $441 to $4,017, an increase of 810 percent for the optional coverage.
Last year, Citizens collected about $32 million in sinkhole premiums but paid out more than $245 million in claims. Insurers blame the increase not on a geological change, but savvy attorneys, public claims adjusters and inadequate protections in Florida law.
Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, has joined Fasano in calling for public hearings on the proposed rate increases.
SCOTT: EMBRACE TEXAS HIGHER ED REFORMS
Gov. Rick Scott has begun discreetly promoting the same changes to the higher education system that Texas Gov. Rick Perry has championed including controversial measures on merit pay for professors, tenure reform, and generally a much greater emphasis on measurement of whether professors are turning out students that meet certain goals.
Scott has discussed the Texas reforms with his appointees to university and college governing boards to line up support to dramatically change how universities and colleges are funded, overhaul professor tenure, emphasize teaching over research, and give students more influence.
An admirer of Texas, Scott has developed a friendly relationship with Perry, who is flirting with the idea of seeking the Republican nomination for President in 2012.
REDISTRICTING HITS THE ROAD:
Gearing up for redistricting talks later this year, lawmakers took their show on the road to Central Florida this week as they heard from local residents on how to redraw Florida’s political map that is expected to include another congressional seat along the I-4 corridor.
From Latinos, who made up much of Central Florida’s population growth since the 2000 Census, the request was for a district that would be heavily influenced by Hispanic voters as an acknowledgment of the influx of non-Cuban Latinos.
Blacks asked for a district that would continue in the mold of the seat held by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., who won her seat in a heavily black district after changes forced by the Voting Rights Act.
LatinoJustice PRLDEF, an organization that has been working with Latino community leaders in the area on redistricting, presented a map of a Central Florida district that would be 46.2 percent Hispanic and 12.3 percent black. It would run from Haines City to Union Park.
Black residents urged lawmakers not to unwind Brown’s district, particularly in light of the new Fair Districts standards, which are aimed at curbing partisan gerrymandering and forcing lawmakers to draw compact districts. Brown’s district snakes from Jacksonville to Orlando.
Meanwhile in Tallahassee, a federal judge heard from a conservative voting rights group that a new Florida election law unconstitutionally burdens grassroots groups trying to get their voices heard.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle has been asked to throw out the law opponents say places undue restrictions on small, nominally funded groups by requiring stringent disclosure requirements. Attorneys for the Florida Department of State say simply that voters should know who is behind political advertising efforts.
VETERANS HALL OF FAME A SHAME?
Drafters in the Veterans Affairs agency of a list of proposed inductees into a Veterans’ Hall of Fame were in retreat this week after a prominent African-American senator said it was offensive. A spokesman for Gov. Rick Scott said there would be a replacement list that will be more broad in its appeal.
The Department of Veterans Affairs had put out the draft list, which could have up at this coming Tuesday’s meeting of Scott and the Cabinet. That starting list was made up of 22 former governors, including Scott, who served in the military.
But among those were six veterans of the Confederate States of America military, including one former governor, Abraham Allison, who was later convicted of and jailed for intimidating black people. On Friday, the list was no longer on the Cabinet’s agenda for Tuesday.
“That is not the list that is going through,” Scott spokesman Lane Wright said Friday. “There will be a list I think all Floridians will be proud of.”
BONDI QUESTIONED OVER FIRINGS:
The dismissals of a pair of insurance fraud investigators within office of Attorney General Pam Bondi has led to questions by Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee over why Bondi fired Theresa Edwards and June Clarkson who had been lead foreclosure fraud attorneys in the office under former Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Soto’s call came as liberal interest group Progress Florida this week began circulating a petition trying to get the attorney general’s inspector general’s office to investigate the firings.
Edwards and Clarkson and said publicly in newspaper stories that their boss, Richard Lawson, who heads up the economic crimes division in Bondi’s office, questioned them extensively about two mortgage processors that are under investigation by the office, Jacksonville-based Lender Processing Services and Tampa-based ProVest.
Lawson told the News Service that he indeed asked about those two companies, after their lawyers expressed concerns about the way Edwards and Clarkson were handling the cases – and, in particular about a public presentation the two gave in a public forum that gave their “impressions and theories” about the Lender Processing Services, and characterized certain companies as foreclosure mills.
DOUG DARLING TO HEAD DEO
Marking the next step in Scott’s quest for a business friendly state, the governor appointed his deputy chief of staff to take over the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity.
Doug Darling, whose lengthy resume includes stints at the Department of Environmental Protection under Mike Sole and the Department of Financial Services under Alex Sink, takes the reins of an agency Scott plans to provide the back-office support to state efforts to retain and attract businesses.
Darling will oversee the state’s economic development initiative programs including the quick action closing fund and quality targeted industry incentive in coordination with Department of Commerce Secretary Gray Swoope.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Citizens Property Insurance Corp. approves sinkhole premiums that could raise rates for some coastal residents by thousands of dollars are year. At least two state lawmakers want the legislature to hold public hearings over the matter.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“It’s about all of those veterans out there, the rank and file veterans, all those accomplished veterans who didn’t happen to get elected governor,” Florida Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, on a preliminary list of inductees to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, which included 21 past and and 1 present Florida governor, but few decorated veterans – and no African Americans.”
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Area Educator Attends Exxon Teachers Academy
July 31, 2011
Linda S. Godwin, gifted education specialist for the Escambia County (Ala.) School System, was recently selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Godwin was among the 200 applicants selected from the 1,500 third through fifth grade teachers who applied to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. The teachers academy was sponsored by Phil Mickelson, pro golfer, and ExxonMobil, who paid all expenses for the 200 teachers attending.
According to organizers, the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is designed to:
- Deepen understanding of mathematics and science content at grades 3 – 5 in the areas of data and statistics, measurement, and force and motion;
- Build expertise in facilitating student learning through problem solving and inquiry;
- Demonstrate the interconnections between mathematics and science that support and enhance student learning;
- Provide an understanding of how children learn and how to translate that knowledge to the classroom instruction;
- Increase knowledge and use of instructional resources to support student learning; and
- Encourage school teams to network with other professionals in mathematics and science education.
For Godwin, highlights of the academy included the opportunity to meet teachers from across the country, work with engineers and gaining new knowledge and resources to use with students.
Birth: Gavin Adam Peterson
July 31, 2011
Cody and Peggy Peterson of Pensacola, along with big brother Gabe, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Gavin Adam Peterson.
Gavin came into the world on July 7, 2011, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where his family is currently stationed with the Navy. He was born at 9:26 p.m., weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 21 inches long.
Paternal grandparents are Gene and Judy Hardy of Cantonment and Bruce and Angie Davis of Ozark, Alabama. Maternal grandparents are Mike and Denise Driggers of Pensacola, and Timothy Bustos of Pensacola.
Woman Sentenced To House Arrest In 85-Count Drug Case
July 30, 2011
A former Cantonment resident has been sentenced in an 85-count count drug case in which she purchased large amounts of pseudoephedrine destined for a clandestine meth lab.
Prosecutors dropped 60 of the felony drug distribution counts against Tammy Marie Sheffield before she was sentenced by Judge Nicholas Geeker. She was found guilty on the remaining 25 counts and sentenced to 12 months community control followed by 36 months probation.
As part of her sentence, Sheffield agreed to testify truthfully against other suspects in any state or federal cases in which she has any information.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Sheffield purchased an excessive and illegal quantity of pseudoephedrine over about a one year period.
The investigation also revealed that several persons conspired be traveling to together to area pharmacies to purchase large quantities of pseudoephedrine. And, according to the Sheriff’s office, Sheffield should have known that the pseudoephedrine products she purchased were being used to manufacture methamphetamines in a clandestine laboratory.
According to court and Escambia County Jail records, Sheffield is a former resident of Eden Lane in Cantonment.
Man Caught At Traffic Stop Swallows Cocaine, Pot
July 30, 2011
An Escambia County man was hospitalized Friday after deputies said he tried to hide bags of cocaine and marijuana by swallowing them.
Kenya Parker, 34, is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, tampering with evidence and traffic charges including driving without a driver’s license.
Around 2:10 a.m., Escambia County Deputy Chad Roop observed a silver Toyota Corolla traveling on I-110 near Airport Blvd. Roop reported that the driver was weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
Roop initiated a traffic stop to investigate for impaired driving. During the stop Roop noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the stopped vehicle.
“Deputy Roop had Mr. Parker exit the vehicle during this investigation,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn. “As Mr. Parker was standing near the deputy’s cruiser, he began to regurgitate bags of cocaine and marijuana he had swallowed earlier.”
Deputies said that Parker regurgitated four plastic bags of cocaine, one bag of marijuana and an empty bag that appeared to have ruptured.
Upon seeing the ruptured bag deputies called EMS to respond and transport Parker to Sacred Heart Hospital for observation.
“The ingestion of the amount of cocaine contained in that bag can be lethal,” said Welborn.
Parker will be held on a $22,000 bond once he is released from the hospital.
Hightower Prefiles For Escambia School Board
July 30, 2011
Incumbent Escambia County School Board member Patty Hightower prefiled Friday for re-election in 2012.
“Escambia County Schools have shown tremendous improvement in the past few years. While the credit goes to our great teachers, I hope I have contributed as a school board member to higher standards and higher goals during my time on the board,” Hightower said. “Experience counts in education – not only in the classroom but also on the school board.”
She said that she and the current school board work well together as a team with the superintendent.
“I believe during my next term I can continue to contribute my time and effort toward the goal of insuring our schools provide the best possible learning opportunities for our children,” Hightower said.
Hightower will appear on the August 28, 2012, ballot. She is the only candidate so far to prefile for the seat that she has held for term terms.
Governor: Make Currently Required PIP Auto Insurance Optional
July 30, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott said Friday that he would support making personal injury protection auto insurance coverage, or PIP, optional.
Scott made the remarks during a radio interview Friday, and a spokesman confirmed that Scott would support doing away with Florida’s requirement that motorists carry PIP coverage.
“He said he supports the idea of making PIP an option,” said the spokesman, Lane Wright. “Gov. Scott has always stressed the importance of having choice, when it comes to insurance.”
Wright said the administration hadn’t drafted any legislation, that Scott was merely stating a position on the requirement.
PIP has been a subject of ire for insurers for years because of heavy amounts of fraud. Florida law currently requires every motorist to carry $10,000 worth of PIP coverage to cover their medical costs if they’re in an accident. A motorist’s insurance company pays the medical bills for that motorist out of the PIP coverage no matter who is at fault in the accident, an arrangement known as a no-fault law.
Sam Miller, a spokesman for the industry group Florida Insurance Council, said he couldn’t comment in detail without a detailed proposal, but that in general insurers would welcome changes.
“We have to do something, because the fraud is out of control,” Miller said. “If the governor wants that to be part of the mix, we would look at the details. It’s good that the governor is getting involved in the debate.”
Insurers expect that auto insurance is likely to be a major issue for legislators in the coming year after a few years of focus on property insurance reforms.
By The News Service of Florida
Weekend Gardening: Distinctly Southern Hydrangeas
July 30, 2011
Photo by Mandy Fails of Atmore for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Nothing defines a southern landscape more than hydrangeas.
These beautiful, large flowering shrubs fill gardens with their green, leafy foliage and incredible blooms during the warm months.
In order to ensure consistent and reliable blooms, these shrubs must be cared for correctly. In addition to proper site location, fertilizer and moisture conditions, hydrangeas may require pruning. Proper pruning includes correct timing.
Hydrangea aficionados are constantly debating pruning techniques. There are many different types of hydrangeas and pruning differs according to the type. It is a big genus of plants and so it’s important to know what type of hydrangeas you may have and on what type of wood they bloom on.
Blooms on old wood, prune after flowering
The bigleaf hydrangeas, known scientifically as Hydrangea macrophylla, are what most people think of when you mention hydrangeas. Most gardeners will know these as mopheads (also called hortensias) and lacecaps. Many of these blooms will be blue or pink although other colors now are available.
Many large colonies of bigleaf hydrangeas have existed around old homes for decades, surviving and blooming in spite of neglect. This tells us that it is not necessary to prune bigleaf hydrangeas.
However, if you want to keep these shrubs within a defined boundary, control their height or rejuvenate old shrubs, it will be necessary to prune them.
Bigleaf hydrangeas can be reduced in size immediately after flowering. A general rule of thumb is that you may remove up to a third of the shrub’s height. Be sure to complete your pruning before August. This is critical because next year flower blooms start to form in August. Pruning after August will remove next year’s blooms.
There now is a small group of bigleaf hydrangeas that are everblooming or remontant. Endless Summer® is one well-known brand. According to the developers of these reblooming hydrangeas, remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. They are quite forgiving and will not suffer if left unpruned or pruned at the wrong time because these cultivars bloom on both old and new growth.
Our native oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a large, deciduous shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. It has deeply lobed, oak-like leaves which turn bronze in the fall. This plant does not usually need pruning. If reshaping or size-reduction is necessary, prune after blooms begin to fade.
Article Continues Below Photo
Lacecap hydrangea Photo credit: Theresa Friday
Blooms on new wood, prune in early spring
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) is the other U.S. native. The most common cultivar, ‘Annabelle’, produces rounded inflorescences that may reach up to a foot in diameter.
The panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) is more of an upright type. It is typically a 10 to 15-foot large shrub or low-branched tree.
Panicle and smooth hydrangeas flower on current year’s growth and can be pruned anytime from late summer until early spring. If pruning these two species in the spring, try to prune before leaves appear.
Winter pruning
Established bigleaf, panicle, oakleaf and smooth hydrangea plants can often benefit from rejuvenation pruning. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems each year. The result is a fuller, healthier plant. This type of pruning is easiest to do in winter, since the absence of leaves makes it easier to see and reach inside plants.
Hydrangeas offer a wide variety of plants which can make the timing of pruning difficult to remember. Just keep in mind, if in doubt, either don’t prune at all or prune after flowering.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Learn To Preserve Fresh Fruits And Vegetables At Workshop
July 30, 2011
Due to an overwhelming response, Escambia County Extension and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences present another “Preserving the Essence of Summer Food Preservation Workshop.”
The workshop is on Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. until noon, at the Langley Bell 4-H Center, 4810 W. Nine Mile Road.
Organizers say it is easy to preserve your juicy, ripe, fresh fruits and vegetables, and home canning is a wonderful way to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden or the local farmers’ market.
The workshop will teach the simple ways to save the season’s bountiful harvest and capture the fresh flavors of summer. The cost is only $5, but you must pre-register to ensure adequate supplies.
To register or get more information, please contact Colethia Lewis, Escambia Extension, at (850) 475-5230 or colethia@ufl.edu.
Nitric Acid Spill In Cantonment
July 29, 2011
Emergency crews responded to a hazardous materials spill on Old Chemstrand Road this afternoon.
A tanker truck on Old Chemstrand Road near Pauline Street was apparently spilling nitric acid on the roadway as it traveled eastbound toward Ascend Performance Materials.
Firefighters on the scene said the spill did not pose any threat to nearby residents. A fire crew on the scene said the acid will be cleaned up by diluting it with water.