Florida Weekly Government Roundup: Scott Finds Pesky Little Thing
February 20, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott found out this week that there is this pesky little thing called the Florida Legislature as lawmakers pushed back on a couple of his decisions for the first time.
Whatever leftover warm-and-fuzziness there was with lawmakers from Scott’s inauguration came to a screeching halt at least as sudden as the one he put on a proposed Tampa-to-Orlando high speed rail by rejecting 2.4 billion federal dollars to build it.
If that wasn’t enough transport angst, the Senate chief budget writer brought some turbulence to Scott’s much-ballyhooed sale of the state aircraft fleet by saying that the get to work governor may have violated state law and even the constitution by selling off the planes.
If they ever had been honeymooners, several lawmakers skipped the muttering of “one of these days… one of these days,” this week. A veto-proof number of them got right to work themselves trying to detour around Scott to take the train money anyway.
Led by rail supporter Sen. Paula Dockery, a bipartisan group of 26 Florida senators sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood suggesting the Passenger Rail Commission and Rail Enterprise could accept the cash.
Also picking up steam by the end of the week was the possibility that cities and counties or transportation planning organizations in central Florida could bypass the state and directly accept the cash.
Dockery so vocally supported Scott’s campaign that she was rumored to be under consideration to be his lieutenant governor or transportation secretary. But by week’s end, she was the conductor of the anti-Scott train.
“I’m hearing from central Florida that the mayors are getting together talking about what they can do, I’m hearing that the (metropolitan planning organizations) are talking about what they can, I’m hearing that Chambers of Commerce in Miami and other places are talking about what they can do…so there’s a lot of efforts going on,” she told reporters as she collected signatures for her letter to LaHood.
Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich indicated this week that her 11-member caucus would be willing to participate in any legislative effort to create an end-run around Scott on rail, and indeed all of them signed onto to Dockery’s letter.
The public backlash is not to suggest that there was not also quiet muttering about Scott’s decision this week. Most of it wasn’t fit to print.
“At least today I’m not using four letter words,” said Rich Templin, vice-president of one of the state’s largest labor unions, the AFL-CIO, said the day after Scott’s decision. “This is a tragedy, a disaster of unmitigated proportions.”
One of the capital’s newspaper bureaus quoted an unnamed source in the Legislature asking if Scott was “****ing crazy.”
There were some cheers for Scott’s decision coming from the fourth floor of the Capitol, though it took three days before even a peep was heard from Senate President Mike Haridopolos. When the aspiring U.S. Senate candidate finally decided to speak, he was definitely not saying “all aboard.”
“The federal government has earmarked $2.4 billion to finance part of the cost of construction of the proposed Florida high-speed rail project,” Haridopolos said in a statement. “But to do so, Washington would borrow 100 percent of that money, which would be financed in large part by foreign, non-democratic governments.”
Haridopolos quickly steered the conversation toward President Barack Obama however, making clear that high speed rail may be the new stimulus – a dirty word to conservatives – in Florida politics.
There were no physical hugs involved this time around, but Scott did quickly embrace the support he got from Haridopolos.
“President Haridopolos recognizes that cost overruns from the project could put Florida taxpayers on the hook, ridership and revenue projections are historically overly-optimistic, and if the project becomes too costly for taxpayers and is shut down, the state would have to return the $2.4 billion in federal funds to D.C,” Scott said.
WOULD MILLION AIR RETURN TO ITS GATE?
The skies weren’t friendly either for Gov. Scott this week as the chief budget writer in the state Senate said the governor should have checked with lawmakers before he took off with his plan to sell two state airplanes.
Scott’s sale of the state’s planes may have violated Florida law, Sen. JD Alexander wrote in a letter to the governor. It would have been a striking accusation anyway, but the fact that it was coming from a senator who has himself clamored for the planes to be sold for years made it all the more surprising.
But there can only be one pilot of state finances, Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said, and the Legislature should be in the cockpit.
“I support your goal, but not the method,” Alexander wrote. “It is important that the proper procedures for accomplishing a goal we both support be followed.”
“It is my position that you should have sought the approval of the Legislature before undertaking the sale of the state planes and using the proceeds of the sale of Plane One to satisfy the lease obligation of Plane Two,” he continued. “My concern, of course, is that these actions may have violated the law and as such fail to recognize the Legislature by not respecting the Legislature’s constitutional duty to appropriate funds and your duty to spend appropriated funds in accordance with the law.”
As he did with the train, Scott saw nothing wrong with his unilateral decision to ground the state planes, telling reporters “We did it absolutely in compliance with the law. We reviewed it with our general counsel.”
Unfortunately for the get to work governor, that’s not who Alexander would have liked him to have reviewed it with.
I SAW T-PAW
With it being 52 degrees warmer in Tallahassee than St. Paul Friday, Tim Pawlenty probably was not the only Minnesotan in Florida this week. But the former North Star State governor was probably the only snowbird in Tallahassee seriously considered a bet to make a run for the White House.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos delivered on his promise to bring potential Republican U.S. presidential candidates to Florida, introducing Pawlenty to a crowd of mostly GOP lawmakers in the historic state Capitol.
Pawlenty, who was governor of Minnesota from 2003 to 2011, introduced himself and took questions as he tests the waters for a 2012 presidential run.
“In Minnesota, the land of McCarthy, Humphrey, Mondale, Wellstone…and now U.S. Sen. Al Franken, we took spending and cut it in real terms for the first time in 150 year history of my state,” he said.
And politically, Minnesota’s no Florida, Pawlenty made sure to note.
“There was one state that did not vote for Ronald Reagan in the entire nation,” he said. “Guess which one it was? Minnesota. If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.”
Pawlenty didn’t talk much about Florida-specific issues, with the exception being teacher merit pay. He brought up the bill vetoed last year by then-Gov. Charlie Crist that would have tied teacher pay to student performance.
“I would salivate, I would dream about a bill like that having come to my desk when I was governor. I wish I could have gotten a bill like that,” Pawlenty said.
The mostly Republican audience was not exactly salivating about Pawlenty’s presidential prospects, though they clearly wanted to know more about him. To do so, they took turns peppering him with questions about health care, immigration, national defense and U.S. fiscal policy.
Senate President Haridopolos asked Pawlenty what he thought about President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, which was recently ruled unconstitutional by a Florida U.S. District Judge.
“I’m one of the authors of the amicus brief that was filed with Florida as a venue, so thank you for that,” Pawlenty said, adding that the health care law was “one of the worst pieces of legislation in modern history.”
Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, followed up with a question about whether Pawlenty would support a constitutional requirement that Congress balance the federal budget similar to the Florida requirement.
“Budgets get balanced in states because they have to,” Pawlenty responded. “They don’t get balanced in Washington, D.C. because they don’t have to be. We need to make that a requirement.”
Despite his bromance with Haridopolos however, Pawlenty did not endorse the Senate president for U.S. Senate, saying only that he was “a man of great talent.” Haridopolos returned the favor by not making any endorsement of Pawlenty either.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Rick Scott derailed a proposed high speed train in Florida this week, and possibly his working relationship with the Florida Legislature along with it
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “There is this pesky thing called a constitution that limits authority. I still believe the genius of America isn’t just democracy but its divided government and limitations on each individual’s ability to act unilaterally,” Sen. JD Alexander, expressing what was a common refrain around the state Capitol after Scott put the brakes on the bullet train.
By KeithLaing
The News Service Florida
Featured Recipe: Gooey Turtle Cake
February 20, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Gooey Turtle Cake. It will create quite a stir when it hits your table with all the gooeyness and flavor of turtle candies in a simple recipe.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Peebles, Wilson To Wed
February 20, 2011
Keith and Michelle Peebles announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Jessica Peebles, to Brandon Wilson, the son of Tony and Angela Wilson of Atmore.
Jessica is the granddaughter of Billy and Janie Criswell of McDavid, Willie Peebles of McDavid, and Betty Hardee of Pensacola . She is a 2007 homeschool graduate and is currently employed with First National Bank & Trust as head teller.
Brandon is the grandson of Gene Lambert from Atmore, Wynell Covington of Uriah, and Norman and Francine Wilson of Atmore. He is a 2004 graduate of Escambia Academy and is currently employed with Parker & Son.
The wedding will be held on March 5, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God in Atmore. All friends and relatives are welcomed to attend.
Petersons To Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary
February 20, 2011
Roland “Pete” and Mary Alice Peterson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, February 26.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a reception held in their honor at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center from 4 until 6 p.m. A scrapbook will be available to share any memories, pictures or stories you have of the couple; everyone is invited to bring something to share.
The reception will be given in their honor by their children, Janice Coleman, Karen Tibbals and Greg Peterson.
If you are unable to attend but would like to send a card, mail it to Janice Coleman, 6901 Pine Barren Road, Century, FL 32535. For more information, call Janice at (850) 287-2947 or Karen at (931) 224-7032.
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Available
February 20, 2011
IRS-certified United Way volunteers are currently providing free tax preparation services through the end of tax season at four locations in Escambia County. The service is free for lower to moderate income residents.
Locations are:
- Department of Children & Families, 8190 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola.
- Wednesdays and Fridays, Noon to 4 p.m.
- Pensacola State College, Bldg. 96, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola.
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Southeast Vocational Services, 2001 North E St., Pensacola.
- By appointment only. Call Victor Latham at 595-1330, ext. 3286.
- University of West Florida, Bldg. 22, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola.
- Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To receive on-the-spot service, be sure to bring:
- Proof of identification
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Form W-2s, 1098 and 1099 forms
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
- Bank account numbers for direct deposit or a valid mailing address
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social
- Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. Each site can accommodated those with disabilities.
For more details, call (850) 595-5905 or visit www.EscambiaFinancialStability.com.
Fire Damages Mobile Home
February 19, 2011
Fire damaged a mobile home west of Flomaton Saturday afternoon, but firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before the home was destroyed.
The fire was reported about 3:20 p.m. in the 200 block of Fowler Lane off Old Atmore Road, just north of the Alabama/Florida line. The fire was mostly contained to a bedroom at one end of the single wide mobile home.
There were no injuries reported.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth fire departments, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County (Florida) EMS and the Flomaton Police Department were among the responding agencies.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Approves Tax Collector Move From Cantonment To Molino
February 19, 2011
Escambia County has official approved $113,135 to design a new building at the old Molino School to house offices for the county tax collector and tax appraiser.
Tax Collector Janet Holley’s lease ends in October 2012 at her current location in the old Winn Dixie shopping Center in Cantonment. Her office will move about 10 miles north to the new 7,000 square foot green building in Molino, along with the tax appraiser’s office that will be relocated from Farm Bureau building on Highway 97 in Molino.
The $113,135 to DAG architects will be in addition to the $214,580 contract with the company to design renovations to the old Molino School main building, which was constructed in 1938. The project is anticipated to be ready for bids by the end of April. Construction should start about August, with completion by the end of 2012.
The old Molino School project’s original plans called for a library, complete with the usual shelves of books, children’s areas and computer terminals. But without funding to operate its daily operations and employee salaries, library plans have been shelved for now as the county looks for more funding. Commissioner Kevin White plans to ask his fellow commissioners for $630,000 in April — $480,000 for building expenses and $150,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment — to make the library portion of the building a reality.
Photo Gallery: Ernest Ward Middle Holds Annual Sports Banquet
February 19, 2011
The fifth annual Ernest Ward Middle School Sports Banquet was held Friday night. Students were honored for their participation in football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and swimming.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The students honored included:
Football
- MVP Offense: Jaran Myles
- MVP Defense: Cameron Newsome
- Coaches Award: Aaron McDonald
- The entire team was honored for an undefeated season.
Boys Basketball:
- MVP: Cameron Newsome
Girls Basketball
- Team Members: Angel Lathan, Annie Bobo, Samantha Sharpless, Allison Woodfin, Jada Tucker, Jensyn Warner, Haley Brown, Mallory Ryan, Abbie Johnson, DeAsia Fountain, Penny Banda, Autumn Albritton, Brianna Parker and Teamber Moorer.
- MVP: Angel Lanthan
Volleyball
- Best Server: Kyndall Hall (62 points)
- Team Captain/Leadership Award: Mallory Ryan
- Best All Around: Reagan Bell
- Most Improved: Mallory Gibson
- Team Members: Mallory Ryan, Leah Fischer, Reagan Bell, Kristen Byrd, Brianna Parker, Kyndall Hall, Peighton Dortch, Kendal Cobb, Jadlyn Bodiford, Domonique Brown, Mallory Gibson, Lorri Harrell, McKenzie Nasser, Autumn Albritton, Courtney Grim, Deandre Johnson and Kaitlyn Abbott.
Cheerleading
- Most Outstanding Performer: Danielle Robinson
- Best All-Around: Hannah Gibson
- Most Improved: BrittneyWard
- Team Members: Hanna Gibson, Morgan Ward, Reagan Bell, MalloryRyan, Kendal Cobb, Kristen Byrd, Jessica McCollough, Kamryn Brock, Kaitlyn Abbott, Jadlyn Agerton, Dariane Guy, Brittney Ward, Danielle Robinson and Jamia Newton.
(Names and sports provided by the coaches.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Young Murderer Alex King Arrested For Probation Violaton
February 19, 2011
A day after being arrested on traffic charges, convicted murdered Alex David King of Cantonment has been arrested for violating his probation.
King, 21, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond Friday afternoon.
King was 13 when he and his 14-year old brother, Derek King, were convicted as adults on second degree murder charges for the death of their father in 2001 . Both boys pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to their Cantonment home. King was released from prison in October, 2008, while his brother Derek was released in 2009.
Alex King is on probation until 2012 for the death of his father.
Alex King was arrested Thursday by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with violation of right of way, leaving the scene of a crash and violation of a driver’s license restriction following a traffic crash in Pensacola. He was released from jail Thursday on $1,000 bond.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, King was traveling north on Lanier Drive in a 2003 Dodge Neon early Thursday morning when he pulled into the path of a 1999 Chevrolet van driven by Candace T. O’Conner of Pensacola. After the 12:50 a.m. Crash, King fled the scene on foot, according to the FHP. He was located a short time later by Pensacola Police and taken into custody by the FHP.
A passenger in King’s vehicle, 20-year old Jonathan Aeppli of Milton, was not injured. O’Conner was not injured, while her 14-year old passenger received minor injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. A third passenger in O’Conner’s vehicle, a 16-year old female, was not injured.
U.S. Marshals Seek Violent Fugitive That May Be In Escambia Area
February 19, 2011
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force is asking for help in locating a man wanted for aggravated battery, kidnapping to inflict bodily harm, robbery, and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Marshals say he may be in the Escambia County area.
Bradley Scott Bruce allegedly beat his girlfriend to the point of being unrecognizable and fled into the woods near Gretna, Fla. nearly a week ago. It is thought that Bruce may have traveled to the Escambia County area recently and may be frequenting Pensacola area hotel or motels.
Bruce’s upper body is covered with tattoos with several relating to views of white supremacy. Bruce is a registered career criminal in the state of Florida with an ultra violent criminal history, according to law enforcement. Bruce is a white male, approximately six feet tall, weighing about 180 pounds with blue eyes, and brown hair.
Bruce is thought to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached if thought to be seen. If anyone has information on Bruce’s whereabouts, they are asked to immediately contact the U.S. Marshal’s Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force investigators at (850) 527-9395 or (850) 554-6602 or local law enforcement.