Florida Property Tax Overhaul Passes House
May 3, 2011
First-time home buyers, business owners and snowbirds will get new property tax breaks under a proposed constitutional amendment passed in the House on Monday.
The measure (HJR 381), if also approved by the Senate, would allow voters to decide whether to put a 5 percent cap on property tax assessment increases for business owners, investors and landlords that own “non-homestead” property.
Voters would also decide whether to give first-time home buyers a tax break of 50 percent of the assessed value of their home, capped at 50 percent of the median home value in their county.
Current law puts a cap of 10 percent on assessment increases for non-homestead properties.
“If this House is truly about stimulating jobs, this is a bill that tells the business community ‘We are not going to penalize you anymore,’ ” said Rep. Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach. The measure passed on a 105-11 vote.
This bill is a big priority for Florida Realtors, who got a similar measure passed in 2009, but saw it struck down by the courts for confusing ballot language. Realtors said this year’s effort should better survive a court challenge.
Supporters of the proposal say it helps correct inequity in the property tax system. Under the “Save Our Homes” law, owner-occupied homes – those with a homestead exemption – have their tax assessment increases capped at 3 percent.
This has caused many counties to rely more heavily on the non-homestead properties, such as businesses, apartments and investment properties for tax revenue, backers say. But the bill is opposed by cities and counties, whose officials say they stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Opponents say it will cause cities and counties to look at new sources of revenue, yielding tax increases to all property owners.
House Minority Leader Ron Saunders, R-Key West, broke ranks with many Democrats to support the bill.
“This amendment is for tax fairness,” said Saunders, whose district is home to many snowbirds and vacation home owners who are subjected to the current 10 percent assessment cap and face higher tax bills than those in owner-occupied homes.
The Senate has yet to take up the companion measure or withdraw it from its last committee stop. Realtor lobbyist John Sebree said they are “obviously working hard for that.”
Another bill (HB 1053) would put the proposed amendment on the presidential primary ballot in early 2012. House Democrats voted Monday to not stray from an earlier position to oppose putting any constitutional amendments on the presidential primary ballot. Republicans need Democratic votes to pass HB 1053, because 90 votes are needed to put the measure on the January ballot.
Lawmakers are also examining other property tax cuts. The Senate passed an expansion of an existing property tax break for disabled military veterans on Monday. The measure (SJR 592) was passed unanimously.
Also part of the budget talks is a proposal to require Florida’s water management districts to reduce their tax rates later this year and require more legislative involvement in district budgets.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
House Passes Bill Expanding Virtual Schools, Vouchers
May 3, 2011
The House and Senate approved a slew of bills Monday to expand virtual schools and voucher programs, potentially siphoning more students away from traditional public schools.
One of the bills, an expansion of the John McKay scholarship program for students with disabilities, is one signature away from becoming law after the Senate approved the House bill on Monday.
The measures reflect a Republican priority of boosting “school choice,” whether it be more virtual classes, expansion of charter schools or vouchers for private schools. This is largely an extension of education reforms that began with Gov. Jeb Bush in the late 1990s with his push for private school vouchers.
“It’s about doing what is right for students,” said Rep. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, during House floor debate. “We want you as a parent to have the choice to go to whatever school you feel is best for your student.”
The bills have the backing of Gov. Rick Scott, who campaigned on promises that the state would offer more school choice.
But advocates for public schools see the changes to Florida’s education system as a way of chipping away at public schools by using state funds that would have gone to school districts to instead help support private schools and virtual schools.
“This Legislature, under the leadership of (Senate President Mike) Haridopolos and (House Speaker Dean) Cannon, have side-stepped their requirement to take care of public schools, they are just looking for gimmicks that can save the state some money,” said Florida Education Association President Andy Ford.
Among the bills approved by the House on Monday are:
-HB 1331: Expands the definition of a failing public school from a school that has received an “F” in a four-year period to a school that has received a “D” or “F” in the prior year, and allowing students in failing public schools to use the Opportunity Scholarship to transfer to a higher-rated public school elsewhere in the state.
-HB 7197: Requires students take a virtual class prior to graduation and allows children as young as kindergarten to take full-time virtual school classes with private vendors paid for by state funds. It allows the development of virtual charter schools and expands the amount of grades the Florida Virtual School can offer.
-HB 965: Allows companies that donate to a corporate tax scholarship group to receive a tax credit worth 100 percent of that donation. Under current law, these companies only get a tax discount worth 75 percent of their contribution. Corporate contributions go toward scholarship groups that use these funds to pay for private school vouchers. This bill was amended to take out a provision that would have given these scholarship groups access to a list of the top 100 taxpayers in Florida in order to approach them for donations.
The Senate approved on Monday:
-HB 1329: An expansion of the John McKay scholarship for students with disabilities. It expands the definition of disabled students, allowing potentially up to 50,000 more students to receive state funds to attend a private school.
Democrats are generally opposed to these changes, citing concern about a failure to help struggling schools and an emphasis on virtual classes that may not benefit students who don’t have much exposure to computers.
“We don’t have failing schools, we have failing communities because parents aren’t getting involved,” said Rep. Joe Gibbons, D-Hallandale Beach. “We should be trying to make sure we get parents more involved.”
Under HB 1331, more students could leave failing schools, Democrats said, crippling the school’s ability to improve.
During debate on the virtual school expansion bill, Democrats said they were concerned about the emphasis on virtual classes, given the inconsistent exposure that Florida students have to computers. “We have students who lack home access,” said Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami. “This puts some students at a disadvantage.”
Supporters of virtual school expansion said children are savvy at online interactions and the bill better equips them to handle online classes in college. “The classroom is simply not the same as when we were in school and we were kids,” said Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville. “This bill will let parents know about the options and will help our kids go into the 21st century and prepare them.”
The Senate also passed a bill (SB 1546) last week that makes it easier for highly-rated charter schools to expand enrollment and add grades, paving the way for more charter schools competing for public school students.
The combination of these bills and a cut to school funding in the budget means tough times for school districts, said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, a former superintendent.
“You will see some tough times in school districts throughout Florida,” Montford said.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
Michael Robert Campbell
May 3, 2011
Mr. Michael Robert Campbell, age 54, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
He was a native of Pensacola but spent his life living in McDavid. During his working years, he worked in the construction industry and he was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his father, Mr. L.C. Campbell.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Alice Campbell of McDavid; sisters, Pat (Larry) Spicer of Riverview, and Marie (Bob) Brock of McDavid; seven nieces; 15 great nieces and great nephews and numerous cousins, aunts uncles and other family members.
Pallbearers will be Danny Steadham, David Steadham, Jeff Steadham, Jeffery Steadham, Lee Jernigan and Neal Collier.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening, May 3, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 6 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at Flomaton Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin Stott officiating. Interment will follow in Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in McDavid.
Vida “June” McCreless
May 3, 2011
Vida “June” McCreless, age 82, died Friday April 29th, after a long illness.
Vida is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Berlon “Doc” McCreless, her daughters, Susan (Rick) Evanchyk, Vickie (Lawson) Baxley, her son, Greg (Melinda) McCreless, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by by four sisters, Helen Carnley, Lois Hughes, Hazel Chavis, Dorothy Lee; three brothers, Zeke, Carl, and Curt Floyd; an aunt, Agnes Diamond; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, James “Todd” Floyd; her mother, Pearl Diamond Floyd; her son, Kenny McCreless; grandson, Billy Shehane; and brother JT Floyd.
Pallbearers will be Clint Baxley, Kevin Capps, Keith Cone, Melvin Holland, Randy Holland and Bruce Holland.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 4 from 10-11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 4th at 11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Brother Earl Greene officiating. The graveside service will follow at Jay Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Clint Baxley, Kevin Capps, Keith Cone, Melvin Holland, Randy Holland and Bruce Holland.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Covenant Hospice.
A special thanks to Creekside Senior Village, Covenant Hospice, Dr.C David Smith and staff of Jay Hospital for the care given during her illness.
Shining Stars Are Named
May 3, 2011
The Greater Escambia Community Foundation and WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, presented the Shining Star Award to 36 Escambia County elementary students in a ceremony Sunday afternoon at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on the main campus of Pensacola Junior College.
Area principals and teachers selected the winners based on good citizenship, community service and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honesty and patriotism. Each winner was awarded a certificate of achievement and a new bicycle and helmet.
North Escambia area Shining Star Award winners are:
- Celeste North, Bratt Elementary School
- Peyton Lane Newsome, Byrneville Elementary School
- Ataylor Carter, Jim Allen Elementary School
- Sabra Stewart, Molino Park Elementary School
Former Florida State Representative DeeDee Ritchie and former Pensacola Mayor Mike Wiggins were the Masters of Ceremonies. Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas spoke at the festivities. Principals and teachers from each school, as well as the winners’ families and friends, were invited to attend.
The complete list of Shining Star Award winners is as follows:
AK Suter — Kyra Clark
Allie Yniestra — Chelsea D McGhee
Bellview — Jordyn Bennett
Belauh — Alexandria Boles
Blue Angels — Jahriel Griffin
Bratt — Celeste North
Brentwood — Tyra Smith
Byrneville — Peyton Lane Newsome
C A Weis — Tyrese Washington
Cordova Park — Mariah Brady
Ensley — Roseanna Reber
Episcopal Day — Emily Johnson
Escambia Christian — Tannier Rogers
Ferry Pass Tyler Michael Greene
Hallmark — Aleshia Odom
Hellen Caro — Alexis Lowery Waller
Holm — Olivia Johnson
Jim Allen — Ataylor Carter
Little Flower Catholic — Alexandra Cajigal
Longleaf — Joshua Ellenberger
McArthur — Keyana Danielle Norman
Molino Park — Sabra Stewart
Myrtle Grove — Joseph Jackson
NB Cook — Peyton Schmelzenbach
Navy Point — LaDaizjhia Burnett
OJ Semmes — Starletta Fountain
Oakcrest — Bad-Tien Duong
Pensacola Beach — Meredith McCurdy
Pensacola Christian — Justin Schubeck
Pine Meadow — Lindsey Crawford
Pleasant Grove — Samantha Nichole Dean
RC Lipscomb — Riley Orr
Redeemer Lutheran — Samuel Schelling
Scenic Heights — Alana Rodriguez
Sherwood — Jayla Brenson
Spencer Bibbs — Avian Sanders
St Paul Catholic — Matthew Harmon
Warrington — Tyrez Porterfield
West Pensacola — Norma Guillen
Pictured above and below: WSRE’s Shining Star Award winners. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Iva Mae “Nana” Cantrell
May 3, 2011
Iva Mae “Nana” Cantrell, 73, of Pleasant Grove, AL and formerly of Pensacola passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, due to injuries in the tornadoes in north Alabama.
Mrs. Cantrell was born on June 27, 1937 in McDavid, FL to Sam and Iva Mae (Davis) Eddins. She had resided in Pensacola for most of her life. She enjoyed her outings at casinos and the Atlanta Braves.
Preceding her in death were her parents, a son, Randy Stephen Cantrell; daughter, Donna Rose Calhoun; sister and brother, Ruby and Tommy as well as her sister, Loulla Thompson, also a victim of the tornadoes.
Survivors include her three children; Cheryl Cantrell, Michael Cantrell and Michelle Lewis; 4 grandchildren, Stephenie Dasinger, Travis Williams, Tara Dasinger and Brittany Miller; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Monday, May 2, 2011, from 5:00pm-7:00 p.m. at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Myrtle Grove Cemetery with Rev. Ricky Cantrell officiating.
Flowers will be accepted or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to the Tornado Relief Fund.
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Murder Charges Expected After Cantonment Shooting Victim Dies
May 3, 2011
A woman shot outside a Highway 29 convenience Sunday morning has died, and charges against a North Escambia man are expected be upgraded to murder.
Jennifer E. Gilbert, 22, of Pensacola, was shot in the head outside the Circle K and Wendy’s on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road just after 9 a.m. while she was seated in her Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Gilbert was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where she passed away Monday afternoon.
Attempted murder charges were filed Sunday against 30-year old Isreal Marell Taylor of Bateson Lane, Cantonment, but those charges are expected to be upgrade to at least second degree murder. He remains in jail on $300,000 bond.
Pictured above: A Pensacola woman was shot at the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road Sunday morning. Pictured inset: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator photographs the car in which Jennifer Gilbert was shot. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Annie Will Chittenden
May 3, 2011
Mrs. Annie Will Chittenden, age 87, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011, in a local nursing facility.
Mrs. Chittenden was born in Pollard, AL and had been a resident of Pace, FL before returning to the Brewton area in 1997. She was a homemaker and was a member of Catawba Springs Baptist Church.
She is survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating. Interment followed in Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Milton, FL.
Visitation was held at Craver’s Funeral Home on Saturday
Buena Sapp Manning Gray
May 3, 2011
Mrs. Buena Sapp Manning Gray, age 88 of Flomaton passed away at Jay Hospital April 27, 2011.
She was born on October 29, 1922, in Flomaton to Rhoda White and John Henry Sapp. She lived in Jay for three years with her daughter and son-in-law and then was a resident of Century Care Center for the past few months. She was retired from Monsanto and was a member of Flomaton First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband and father of her children, Sidney Manning; her second husband, Joe Gray; two brothers; two sisters and a granddaughter.
Mrs. Gray is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Bob) Settle, Milton; Myrtice (Dearl) Dixon, Jay; abd Ann(Marty) Gray, Flomaton; one brotherm J.B. Sapp of Seminole; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation was held Friday April 29 at the Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel and funeral services were held on Sunday,May 1 at the Flomaton Funeral Home with interment in Rock Cemetery in Flomaton, AL. Rev. Dustin Stockstill, officiating.
Donations Being Accepted Today In Century, Molino, Jay, Flomaton, Atmore For Tornado Victims
May 2, 2011
There are several ways you can help tornado victims today.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino is collecting cleaning supplies (liquid cleaners, bleach, mops, spray bottles, buckets, sponges, etc.); personal hygiene items (hand and shower soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths, nail clippers, etc.); baby and adult diapers; and gift cards to Dollar General and WalMart. Items can be dropped off a the church on Highway 29 just north of Highway 97. They are not collecting food, bottle water or clothing.
Pen Air Federal Credit Union is collecting non-perishable food, water and baby wipes, as well as financial donations at all locations, including Century and Nine Mile Road.
A variety of items are being collected at the Jay First Baptist Church, Xtreme Graphix in Jay and Cotton Real Estate in Pace. In addition to personal hygiene items, work related items and supplies for students and teachers are being collected. Click here for a complete list.
Flomaton First Baptist Church is collecting food and monetary donations through Tuesday. Call the church at (251) 296-2453 for more information.
Dry Spring Community Church will accept donations at the Davisville Community Center May 5, 2-7 p.m.; May 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 9, 8 a.m.-noon; May 10, 10 a.m.-7p.m. and May 11, 8 a.m.-noon. Non-perishable food items, yard tools, paper products, batteries, baby diapers and wipes, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and blankets will be collected for the First Baptist Church of Amory, Miss. More info? (850) 712-6588 or (850) 982-8878.
The Concerned Citizens of Atmore are collecting donations at the Unity House on North Main Street from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. through Tuesday.
Other ways you can help include:
- The American Red Cross is providing relief to people across the hardest-hit states including Alabama. To make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, visit its online donation page. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- The Salvation Army is setting up mobile feed stations to feed thousands in the storm areas. Give online at salvationarmy.com, text “GIVE” to 80888 or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
- Alabama Gov. Robert Bently has setup a website that provides donation information through his office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Pictured top: Items are collected for tornado relief Saturday morning at the Flomaton Fire Station. Pictured inset: The truck pulls out of the Flomaton Fire Station Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.