Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Oil And Water
September 4, 2011
With Labor Day beckoning, things were quiet around the capital this week with the exception of college students returning, swelling the capital city’s population and lengthening the time it takes to get a pizza delivered.
Despite the unofficial end of summer, an abbreviated list of things to do occupied state and party officials as August summer vacations gave way to September tailgate parties.
The Republican Party of Florida will be led by another as its chairman, David Bitner, announced his coming retirement this week for health reasons amid kudos for his services to the party. Meanwhile, one of his predecessors, the ousted Jim Greer, talked publicly for the first time in a while this week, pointing fingers at members of the party who forced him out.
Consumers remain edgy over their economic security, according to a University of Florida poll that says Floridians remain skeptical and cautious as the state’s economy sputters back to life.
Much of the week was spent laying the groundwork for future endeavors. A handful of would-be presidential contenders toured the state, in the hopes of convincing fellow Republicans they have what it takes to unseat a sitting (and currently unpopular) Democratic president.
Meanwhile, a slew of interim reports were released on Thursday and legislative leaders concluded a statewide tour to get input on redrawing political boundaries, but hinted that future meetings may be in order after voters actually have something to look at.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Economic news remained foremost in the minds of consumers and political candidates this week as the nation’s sputtering recovery prompted responses from the campaign trail to the kitchen table. Mounting fear over the nation’s economic health – both in the short run and the long term – dragged down consumer confidence in Florida, which in August fell to the near record low posted at the bottom of the housing bust, a University of Florida report indicated Tuesday.
Consumer confidence among Floridians fell to 62 on the UF index in August, a confidence level only three points higher than the record-low 59 set in June 2008, according to data compiled monthly by the school’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
The monthly survey posted downticks among all five of the survey’s indices, with respondents feeling less confident about the national economy and their own personal finances over the near term and beyond.
Respondents over 60 years old were most dramatically more gloomy. Their faith in the U.S. economy over the next five years fell by 16 points. But the survey also found younger respondents more pessimistic about the country’s long-term economic health and more likely in August to hold off on major purchases.
Such caution appears to have been shared by others. U.S. unemployment in August held steady at 9.1 percent, but an anticipated increase in the workforce did not materialize, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Friday.
State economists, however, say they are not ready to cede the notion that the nation is heading into the second of a double dip recession. Despite some negative figures, economists say the chances of growth remain higher than another recessionary slip. One indication is that state revenue collections have been higher than expected, leading state economists to cautiously predict that the state will have enough money over the next few years to pay for critical and high priority programs.
THE RIVER OF GAS?
Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann started it off by arguing that oil drilling and Everglades water could mix, an assertion that drew immediate fire from a number of people in Florida, including fellow tea party favorite, Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West.
Meanwhile, Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, resurrected a proposed ban on oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico by filing a proposed constitutional amendment to end such exploration and production.
Bachmann made the comments during a campaign swing through the state, leading a list of Republican hopefuls including Herman Cain and Mitt Romney who also visited the critical swing state during the week.
TEACHER PAY PROMPTS EXODUS:
A News Service of Florida analysis of salaries published this week found that on average, school districts have raised the minimum pay for a teacher by 1 percent over the last four years, according to newly released data by the Florida Department of Education. And fewer than half of all school districts haven’t given raises at all, with most districts keeping salaries flat over the last four years.
In the last four years, the average pay of a Florida teacher has decreased $1,199, from $46,922 in the 2007-2008 school years to $45,723 in the 2010-2011 school year, a decline of about 2.5 percent.
“We are professionals, but we are held to high standards that our pay does not match,” said Lisa Dos Santos, a world history teacher at Forest Glen Middle School in Broward County. “Many of us have lost a house or gone bankrupt, and I speak from personal experience.”
Lawmakers say their goal for next year is to keep funding for education stable, rather than having to cut as deeply as this year, when lawmakers approved a budget that slashed school funding by 8 percent on a per-student basis.
BITNER STEPS DOWN:
Republican Party of Florida Chairman David Bitner said Wednesday he would resign because of his declining health, a move that sends the party looking for its fourth leader in less than two years. Bitner announced earlier this year that he has ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“At the time I first discussed my health with you, I also made a promise that I would serve as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida only as long as I could do so with all the energy and attention this position deserves,” Bitner wrote in a letter to Republican activists. “I have kept that promise, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you and my beloved Florida.”
Bitner, a former lawmaker, will step aside Sept. 23, following the party’s Presidency 5 event. Vice Chairman Lenny Curry, who also heads the Duval County GOP, is Bitner’s heir apparent after receiving his former boss’s blessing, and having several other top leaders saying they’ll support him.
POLITICAL BOUNDARY TOUR MAY INCLUDE ENCORE:
While party leaders regroup, legislative efforts to get public buy-in on new political boundaries may not be finished despite the conclusion this week of a statewide tour of committee meetings.
Republican leaders appear to be acknowledging the criticism that voters are being asked to comment on new congressional and state legislative boundaries before any proposed maps have even been drawn up. Questions such as “Where are the maps?” have dogged the hearings since they began in Tallahassee in June.
Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and his House counterpart, Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Chapel Hill, signaled to reporters that they may extend the public discourse by way of videoconferences to make it easier for voters who can’t make the trek to Tallahassee. Gaetz, whose committees met in Tampa, Largo and other Southwest venues, noted that lawmakers have pledged that they will not vote on a map without public input. And he also raised the possibility this week that the complainers are correct and maybe the next time the state redistricts the process should start earlier, though that would require changing the constitution.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Michele Bachmann makes waves by suggesting that oil drilling could be done in the Florida Everglades.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The United States needs to be less dependent on foreign sources of energy and more dependent upon American resourcefulness. Whether that is in the Everglades, or whether that is in the eastern Gulf region, or whether that’s in North Dakota, we need to go where the energy is. Of course it needs to be done responsibly. If we can’t responsibly access energy in the Everglades then we shouldn’t do it.” Michele Bachmann, during her Florida campaign swing that concluded this week.
And: “When I see her next week, I’ll straighten her out about that,” U.S. Rep. Allen West on Bachmann’s Everglades energy idea.
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Molino Ladies Create Green Angels
September 4, 2011
The Molino Homemakers recently made “Green Angels” as a reminder to recycle.
The angels were made out of cotton, hand sewn with a a button hole stitch around the edges of the angel’s head and wings. A ribbon at the top allows the project to be hung in the kitchen as a reminder in each lady’s home to recycle.
The Molino Homemakers meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. The next meeting will be September 7. Visitors are welcome; dues are $5 per year.
Submitted photos and article by Terri Brown for NorthEscambia.com, click photos to enlarge.
Saturday Prep Football
September 4, 2011
In Saturday football action, two area teams — Pine Forest and Escambia County High (Atmore) — both picked up wins.
Pine Forest defeated Columbia (Ga.) High Saturday 20-14 in the Georgia vs. Florida Gridiron Challenge in Jonesboro, Ga. Pine Forest scored with a touchdown pass from Rashaad Lee and a 12-yard run from Lorenzo Long. PFHS also had two field goals from kicker Johnathon Cagle.
Escambia County High slid past B.C. Rain 8-2 in a very rainy game Saturday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Escambia County quarterback Chris Johnson had 2-yard touchdown run with 6:30 to go in the third quarter for the win. Johnson gained 167 yards on 27 runs, while ECHS had 218 total yards. Escambia County will host UMS Wright next Friday night in Atmore.
Military: Gullett Graduates Basic Training
September 4, 2011
Air Force Reserve Airman Samantha K. Gullett graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
She is the daughter of Michael and Angela Gullett of Turnberry Road in Cantonment.
Gullett graduated in 2003 from J.M. Tate High School.
Road Construction Suspended For Holiday Weekend
September 4, 2011
If you brave the wet tropical weather, those orange traffic barrels won’t slow down your Labor Day weekend drive — both Florida and Alabama have suspended construction operations until Tuesday.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has directed construction contractors working on state roads to cease operations during the Labor Day weekend, according to Tanya Sanders Branton, spokesperson.
In Alabama, road construction has been on hold not only due to the holiday weekend but also because it’s the first weekend of college football, according to Rebecca Leigh White, spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Transportation.
One Injured In Bratt Wreck
September 3, 2011
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover accident Saturday afternoon in Bratt.
Donna Miller, 49, apparently lost control of a Nissa Pathfinder about 3:15 p.m. and struck a ditch at Highway 4 and Dortch Road. The vehicle came to rest on its side, trapping Miller inside. Firefighters were able to free her in about 20 minutes. She was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
Pictured top: The driver of this Nissan was trapped for about 20 minutes following a wreck Saturday afternoon in Bratt. Pictured inset: Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free the driver. Pictured below: One person was injured in the wreck. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Football Player Killed, 30 Injured When Bus Overturns Following Flomaton Game
September 3, 2011
A Southern Choctaw High School football player was killed and about 30 others were injured in an accident between the team’s bus and a car following a Friday night game at Flomaton High School.
Alabama troopers said 15-year old Otties William Brewer III of Silias, Alabama, died when the car and bus collided, overturning the bus onto its roof.
The accident happened about midnight in Coffeeville, about 20 miles from Southern Choctaw High. The driver of 1999 Nissan Maxima was also injured and airlifted to a Montgomery hospital. Alabama State Troopers said the driver of the Maxima, whose name has not been released, ran a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 84 and Alabama Hwy. 69 hitting the bus. The bus was being escorted by an Alabama State Trooper and a Choctaw County Sheriff’s deputy at the time of the crash, according to troopers.
Alabama troopers “continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash,” according to a press release.
Southern Choctaw High School is in Gilbertown, Alabama, a small community of about 200 people near the Mississippi line – about 115 miles from Flomaton. The close-knit Gilbertown community gathered for a prayer service this morning.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. More details will be posted as they become available.
Pictured top: One Southern Choctaw High football player was killed and 33 injured during this crash about midnight in Coffeeville, Alabama. Photos courtesy WALA-TV Fox 10 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured bottom of page: The Southern Choctaw High School football team. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tropical Storm Warning; Flash Flood, Tornado Watches
September 3, 2011
(Updated 5:15 p.m.)There is a tropical storm warning in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as Tropical Storm Lee spins in the Gulf of Mexico just off the Lousiana coast. The storm is expect to dump 12 to 17 inches of rain across the area.
Winds are forecast to increase to about 20 mph on Sunday with gusts to 30 mph. But Monday, North Escambia can expect sustained winds of about 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is the latest information from the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center:
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center remains at a level 3 (monitoring) status as Tropical Storm Lee moves closer to the Louisiana coastline this afternoon. Escambia County staff will continue to monitor the National Weather Service, including winds, rain, river levels and tides, however the EOC is not expected to activate unless conditions worsen or the forecasted path changes.
The National Weather Service has placed Escambia County under a tropical storm warning. The hurricane hunter aircraft has observed tropical storm strength winds south and southeast of Pensacola and Escambia County.
- During the evening hours and overnight, winds could reach 40 mph as sudden strong bands or squalls move through our area. As these squalls pass there will be periods of calm and lighter showers marked by periods of intense wind and rain.
- The more northerly path of the storm will keep Escambia County on the eastern side where the heaviest rains and strongest winds will occur.
Current forecasted information for Escambia County includes:
- A flashflood watch for Escambia County through Tuesday morning.
- An accumulation of 12-17 inches of rain over the three to four day period.
- The river levels are expected to rise rapidly over the next three to four days, but not exceed flood stage.
- The Perdido River is currently at 1.18 feet and could go to 13.2 feet late Monday into early Tuesday.
- The Escambia River is currently at 2.67 feet and could go to 16.8 feet early Tuesday morning.
- Tides are expected to reach 2 feet above normal high tides.
- Flooding may occur along Ft. Pickens Road and along low areas of the barrier island.
- Strong winds will impact our area between Sunday and Tuesday. On Monday winds could reach 30-35 mph sustained.
Other County Actions:
- With the anticipated high winds and heavy rains, residents are encouraged to bring in plants, toys, lawn furniture, trash cans and similar items from the lawn and patios that may be blown about. Items should be secured or placed indoors.
- Crews will monitor the barrier islands in the anticipation of possible flooding as high tide occurs during the overnight/early morning hours.
- No road closures or flooding has been reported at this time.
- A single “red” flag is currently flying at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.
- Solid Waste Management will retrieve the large green recycling container at Park West (at the Ft. Pickens gate) in anticipation of possible flooding in that area.
- Sand bags can be purchased from local hardware and home improvement stores. No sand bags are being distributed by Escambia County officials.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight…Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Near steady temperature in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
- Sunday…Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
- Sunday Night…Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Near steady temperature in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts to around 35 mph becoming south 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
- Labor Day…Tropical storm conditions possible. Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 30 to 35 mph becoming 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 50 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
- Monday Night…Windy. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 50 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
- Tuesday…Breezy. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
- Tuesday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Wednesday…Mostly sunny. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Wednesday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
- Thursday…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Thursday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
- Friday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Friday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.
- Saturday…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
Missing Former Jay Resident’s Boat Found Empty In Mexico
September 3, 2011
The fishing boat belonging to a former Jay resident missing almost a week in the Gulf of Mexico has been found off the Mexican coast, according to a published report in a Mexican newspaper.
Lee Kent’s The Monkey Bar II was located near Chuburna, a small town on the Yucatan Peninsula. There was no one aboard the Boston Whaler, according to the Progreso Hoy website.
The boat was floating with the keys in the console but no one aboard, according to fisherman Yam Chan who found the boat. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed late Friday night that the Monkey Bar II was being held by Mexican authorities pending an investigation.
The newspaper reported that pirates from the Cuban-American mafia sometimes use boats to smuggle undocumented Cubans onto the Yucatan Peninsula.
About 8:30 last Sunday morning, family reported 41-year old Kent, now a resident of Gulf Breeze, missing after he did not return from a fishing trip south of Pensacola Pass. The Coast Guard called off their search for Kent on Tuesday after searching an area larger than Maryland.
Pictured: The Monkey Bar II, the fishing boat belonging to a former Jay resident missing since a fish trip last week, was found in Chuburna, Mexico. Photo courtesy Progreso Hoy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Billings Murders: Pamela Long Gets 28 Years In Prison
September 3, 2011
Pamela Long was sentenced Friday morning to 28 years in prison for her role in the robbery and murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings in July 2009.
It took an Escambia County Jury about eight hours over two days last month to find Long-Wiggins guilty of accessory to murder after the fact and home invasion after the fact. She faced up to 45 years in prison.
Long was accused of helping to hide a safe that was taken from the Billings home in her backyard and taking guns to Mississippi that were used in the murders.
“I feel a sense of relief knowing that those involved in all aspects of the murder of my parents are now being held responsible,” Ashley Markham, the Billings’ daughter, said in a statement released following the verdict.