PSC Staff Against Rate Increase For Gulf Power Nuke Site Costs
June 13, 2012
The Florida Public Service Commission should reject Gulf Power Company’s request to charge customers for costs related to a potential nuclear-power plant site in North Escambia, according to a recommendation from PSC staff members.
The commission is scheduled to take up the $2 million issue next Tuesday, which stems from Gulf Power buying about 2,700 acres of land near McDavid that could eventually be used for a nuclear plant. The increase would equate to about 20 cents per month for the average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month. The 20 cents would be more than offset by about a $10 per month savings from the rate decrease announced in late May.
Regulators earlier this year approved a base-rate increase for Gulf but refused to allow the company to collect money related to the land purchase. Gulf Power has asked for the commission to reverse the decision, but PSC staff has recommended that regulators again deny the request.
The Public Service Commission, however, appears likely next Tuesday to approve another request by Gulf Power to reduce customers’ electric bills because of lower-than-expected fuel prices. If the change is approved, a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would pay $116.61 — down from the current $126.53.
Gulf Power has not said what type of power plant it wants to construct in North Escambia, but PSC filings indicate that it could be natural gas, coal or nuclear. However, nuclear was repeatedly cited in recent PSC filings.
“This small price is extraordinarily reasonable when compared to the potential benefits of nuclear power if it is pursued, or the lost opportunity if the nuclear option is foreclosed by the action taken by this commission in this case,” documents state.
Pictured top: One of many houses that now sit abandoned near McDavid where Gulf Power has purchased thousands of acres for a possible nuclear power plant. One of many Gulf Power “Posted” signs that line the roads in the area of the potential plant. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this NorthEscambia.com report.
Floods: Panhandle Delegation Asks For Disaster Declaration
June 13, 2012
Following a weekend of rain that deluged Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, panhandle lawmakers on Tuesday urged Gov. Rick Scott to declare the two counties disaster areas so they can apply for relief.
Parts of the panhandle region were hit with nearly two feet of rain, a torrent that caused widespread flooding and caused a “significant amount of damage” to the Escambia County Jail, which was flooded by up to five feet of water.
“It is with great urgency that we request your assistance by declaring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties and the areas affected by the rain and flooding as a natural disaster,” stated the letter to Scott from Sen. Don Gaetz, Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ford, Rep. Matt Gaetz, and Rep. Clay Ingram.
Pictured top: Flooding Saturday morning at the Escambia County Jail. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
50 Escambia School District Pickups And Vans Burglarized
June 13, 2012
At least 50 pickup trucks and vans inside an Escambia County School District fenced compound were burglarized.
Pensacola Police Officer Garland McKenzie said the burglaries were discovered around 6 a.m. Tuesday when employees arrived for work at the J.E. Hall Center on East Texar Drive.
Just two of the vehicles were unlocked; access to the remaining vehicles was made by smashing windows or breaking locks on vehicles,” McKenzie said.
At least three cell phones and eight laptop computers among other items were taken, and a 2003 white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was stolen from the compound.
The vehicles were kept in the district’s maintenance compound and were used in custodial, air conditioning, plumbing and other repairs for the school district. Access to the
compound was gained through a locked gate on Texar Driver where the chain and lock had been cut and removed from the scene, McKenzie said.
The fence surrounding the compound is about six feet tall and is topped with barbed wire.
Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact Pensacola Police Department Detective James Gore at (850) 435-1979 or the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.
Manna Food Pantry Floods, Needs Your Help To Recover
June 13, 2012
Manna Food Pantry suffered significant damage Saturday during flooding that occurred in downtown Pensacola. The food pantry’s entire lower warehouse, including all offices and client service areas, was flooded.
Due to concerns for the health and safety of Manna staff, volunteers, and clients, the Manna offices will be relocated to the larger warehouse until the debris is removed and the area is cleaned and sanitized. Until further notice, Manna will offer services Monday through Friday from 2:00 until 4:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church’s “The Perry Home” located at the corner of Palafox and Wright Streets in downtown Pensacola.
Manna is currently in need of cash donations to support their flood recovery efforts. The initial estimated cost of damage is $50,000.
Donations can be made on the Manna website at www.mannafoodpantries.org.
Pictured top: The Manna Food Pantries warehouse was flooded. Pictured inset: Offices and client services areas were also flooded. Pictured below: All of Manna’s vehicles suffered water damage. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flood Warning For Perdido River; Flooding At Bridge
June 13, 2012
There are reports today of flooding at the Barrineau Park bridge over the Perdido River, and there is a flood warning in effect for the river.
Motorists reported of water across the road Wednesday morning on the Florida side of the Barrineau Park bridge over the Perdido River — that’s where Highway 196/Barrineau Park Road crosses from Florida to Duck Place Road in Baldwin County.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Perdido River near Barrineau Park as a result of recent heavy rain.
The flood warning is in effect until Wednesday evening. At 9 p.m. Tuesday, the river was at 13.1 feet, with minor flooding occurring. The flood stage is 13.0 feet. The Perdido River at Barrineau Park is forecast to continue rising to 13.6 feet.
At 13 feet, the river begins to leave its banks at the parking lot of Adventures Unlimited and threatens several permanently parked travel trailers.
Flood Closes Workforce Escarosa In Pensacola; Century, Milton Remain Open
June 13, 2012
The Workforce Escarosa One-Stop Center on “L” Street in Pensacola is closed due to flood damage.
A mobile unit in the parking lot will only provide assistance in filing of unemployment claims; applying for cash assistance, food stamps or Medicaid; applying for potential training activities and welfare transition services. All job search related activities are suspended until further notice.
The Century One-Stop Center at 8120 North Century Boulevard and the Milton One-Stop Center at 5725 Highway 90 are operating as usual.
State Attorney: Deputy Justified In Shooting Woman With BB Gun
June 13, 2012
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy was justified when he shot a woman back in April, according to a report released Tuesday by the State Attorney’s Office.
Deputy Brett Heubach responded to an armed disturbance at the Fairfield Villa Apartments on April 20th. That’s where he found 24-year old Shanterika Thomas pointing a gun. He ordered her multiple times to put down the weapon but she did not. Thomas pointed the gun at Heubach so he opened fire, striking her three times.
Thomas was treated at a local hospital.
The weapon turned out to be a BB gun, but it was indistinguishable from a real gun, according to the State Attorney’s Office report. “It’s appearance was such that any person would reasonably believe it was a real firearm. The actions of Ms. Thomas placed Deputy Heubach in fear of death or great bodily harm and accordingly his use of force is justified,” the report states.
Zany Magic: Summer Reading Program Continues At Century Library
June 13, 2012
The Summer Reading Series for kids and teens continued Tuesday afternoon at the Century Branch Library.
During the program, the zany Dr. Dee and Daffodil the Clown turned to the audience for help as they performed magic acts to bring a special story to life.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Summer Reading Series will continue on Tuesdays at noon at the Century Branch Library as follows:
June 19 — Storytelling with Pat Nease. She will share some witty, wiley and wicked tales.
June 26 — Cartooning with Mike Artell. The award-winning cartoonist and illustrator will present an exciting time of cool and creepy facts about a variety of subjects. Mike gets the audience excited about reading, writing, drawing and creative thinking.
July 3 — No program.
July 10 — Drums with Mark Seymour. Explore the world of drums, drum styles and sounds.
The Century Branch Library also offers a preschool story time each Tuesday in June at 10:30 a.m. for children birth to five-years old.
For more information, call the library at (850) 256-6217.
Pictured: Tuesday’s Summer Reading Series at the Century Branch Library. Submitted photos by August Whorff, Pat Rigel and Renee Coppenger for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Stand Your Ground Panel Starts Work
June 13, 2012
The first public hearing of Gov. Rick Scott’s Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection offered a wide range of opinion on the “stand your ground” law in Seminole County Tuesday, with roughly 100 people turning out to speak.
Among them were hardline supporters of the statute and the bereaved parents and spouses who’d lost loved ones to shooters who were never charged.
Longwood, near Sanford, was chosen for the panel’s first hearing because it’s near where 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed on Feb. 26.
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, the panel’s chairwoman, said the charge of the task force is not to debate Trayvon Martin’s death or the case of George Zimmerman, who says he shot Martin in self-defense. National outrage over the lack of an arrest in the case prompted Scott to create the task force and to name Jacksonville State Attorney Angela Corey the special prosecutor in Martin’s case; she charged Zimmerman with second degree murder.
Carroll said the first public hearing was held here to give its community members some “closure” on the shooting death that has roiled the state and nation for months.
The task force’s morning session offered an overview of the law by Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Krista Marx. Prosecutors, public defenders and law enforcement officials presented as well.
“Reasonable minds will vary,” said Marx – and differing opinions were then expressed.
The afternoon session was the public hearing. Among the speakers was state Sen. Chris Smith, incoming Senate Democratic Leader and leader of an independent panel investigating “stand your ground.” He called on the state to start to start keeping statistics on cases affected by the law.
“There are many instances where law enforcement used their discretion not to arrest and state attorneys used their discretion not to charge,” said Smith, “so we don’t know of the maybe thousands of times that ’stand your ground’ was used and nothing ever happened.”
Ronald Vogt, a Seminole County resident who supports the law, said police officers couldn’t be everywhere.
“But there come[s] a point in time where I see a robbery or rape or something going down where I need to intervene, I think there’s a better probability of saving their life than losing my own. The ’stand your ground’ law is the only way of entering in without my going to jail,” Vogt said. “I’m not afraid of dying – the only thing I fear is God.”
“This is a good law,” said B.J. Smith, a retired civil trial lawyer. “Please do not try and fix it.”
Other speakers called for changes or clarifications in “stand your ground,” including Martin’s parents.
Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of the unarmed black teen who was shot killed less than four months ago, didn’t necessarily call for the law’s repeal. Fulton pleaded with the panel to at least “look at” the law in light of her son’s death.
Tracy Martin choked up as he said he’d be spending Father’s Day this year at the cemetery. He and Fulton also delivered 375,000 online petitions collected by Second Chance on Shoot First, a national campaign.
Listening to the stories “softened” the stances of panel members, Smith said.
Criminal attorney Mark Seiden, a task force member, said he was disappointed that more local citizens didn’t turn out. But Carroll was upbeat.
“From the comments that we heard from the sponsors of the law – and even they came to the forefront and said, ‘from what we heard, we need to make some changes, and I’ll be receptive’…I want to listen with an honest and open mind,” Carroll said.
Many of the speakers didn’t want to give up their right to defend themselves, she said, but also want a fair application of the law.
The panel is holding meetings statewide and will make recommendations to Scott and the Legislature about whether the law should be changed.
By The News Service of Florida
Pension Fight Heats Up In Supreme Court
June 13, 2012
With Republican legislative leaders and the Florida League of Cities already weighing in, Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet officers have asked the state Supreme Court to approve a plan requiring public workers to chip in money to the state pension system.
Lawyers representing Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater filed an initial brief that asks justices to overturn a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that said already-hired employees could not be forced to contribute 3 percent of their salaries to the Florida Retirement System. Lawmakers approved the requirement in 2011, as they tried to close a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall.
“Pension and retirement costs are among the largest and most longstanding financial commitments of state and local governments,” said the brief, which was filed Monday in the Supreme Court. “When revenues expand, government agencies can increase retirement benefits for public employees. But in financially challenging times such as these, the Legislature must be able to adjust its future pension commitments.”
As a sign of the high stakes involved in the case, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon and the Florida League of Cities have already formally asked the Supreme Court to be able to file briefs. Scott, Bondi and Atwater oversee the pension system while serving as the State Board of Administration.
“The matters at issue involving the Florida Retirement System necessarily implicate the Legislature’s appropriations and policy-making powers as well as the responsibility to enact a balanced state budget,” attorneys for Haridopolos and Cannon wrote in a motion filed with the Supreme Court last week.
The Supreme Court has already approved the League of Cities’ request to file a brief, known as an amicus brief. In its request, the organization said that 185 cities participated in the Florida Retirement System in 2011 and that another 206 cities have local plans.
“In recent years, pension costs have been consuming an ever-increasing portion of cities’ budgets,” the league request said. “This case may very likely affect the ability of cities to include pension modifications in response to current fiscal challenges.”
The case has moved quickly to the Supreme Court, with the 1st District Court of Appeal taking the somewhat-unusual step of passing it along without holding a hearing or ruling. Justices have scheduled arguments Sept. 5.
Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford issued a ruling in March that sided with the arguments of public employees who filed the lawsuit last year. She pointed, in part, to a 1974 law that said employees would not be required to contribute to the pension fund and that the rights were of a “contractual nature.”
Fulford found that the Legislature’s plan to require pension contributions would violate the rights of employees hired before July 1, 2011.
“To find otherwise would mean that a contract with our state government has no meaning and that the citizens of our state can place no trust in the work of our Legislature,” Fulford wrote. “Those are findings this court refuses to make.”
Despite Fulford’s ruling, the state has collected the 3 percent contributions during the lawsuit. Scott and the other state officials, whose lead attorney is former Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero, contend in the brief this week that Fulford’s ruling violates legal precedents and “if left standing would handcuff the Legislature’s response to changing financial circumstances.”
By The News Service of Florida