No FEMA Help: Escambia Stuck With Millions In Flood Costs
July 12, 2012
The entire tab for flooding in Escambia County will fall on the county and its insurance companies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has turned down the state’s request to declare a disaster area due to the June 9-10 weekend rainfall event that flooded portions of the county. That means FEMA won’t help the county pay for damages and will not offer any assistance to individuals that were impacted by the record setting rains that exceeded 20 inches in some locations.
Overall damage in the county was estimated at well over $20 million, including $10 million to public buildings and $3 million to the Sheriff’s Office.
Damage to buildings will be covered by insurance, but the county will be left with about $4.5 million in uncovered damages to roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure.
Pictured: Flooding damage June 9 at the Escambia County Jail. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Citizens Looks To Transfer Inland Insurance Policies
July 12, 2012
Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s new CEO said Wednesday the state-backed insurer would try to transfer up to 500,000 inland policies to the private sector as its first order of business — including policies of North Escambia area Citizens customers.
Speaking to reporters a month after taking the reins, CEO Barry Gilway said he would like Citizens to shrink its exposure to under 1 million policies, in large part by reducing the number of policyholders in non-coastal areas who represent the fastest growing sector for Citizens. The corporation now insures about 1.5 million policyholders.
To do that, Gilway said he plans to tap into the network of private insurance agencies and woo potential carriers to pick up the less risky, non-coastal residential policies known as PLAs now being handled by Citizens.
“Step number one is getting the PLA policy counts down to where they were at least two-and-a-half or three years ago,” Gilway said. “That’s where the huge increase has occurred, and that provides the greatest opportunity to provide financially viable alternatives for our insured.”
Going forward, Gilway said Citizens rates need to be higher to more accurately reflect the risk, instead of relying on assessments to make up the difference in the event of a serious storm. Many Citizens policyholders don’t realize that they will be on the hook for hefty assessments if a major storm occurs.
But he also said that policyholders should not be required to immediately foot the bill for their entire insurance coverage, saying the spike in premiums would be too severe.
“Step two? You’ll probably have to talk to me after 90 days,” Gilway said.
Since its inception 10 years ago, Citizens has been transformed from the insurer of last resort to the state’s largest property insurer, with potential losses eclipsing $500 billion.
Despite the challenges facing the insurer, Gilway said Florida has led the nation in looking at ways to transfer some of the financial responsibility to private re-insurers, including the recent transfer of more than $750 million in risk to private, non-traditional investors.
While access to private capital is a positive step, Gilway said reducing the number of policyholders under the Citizens umbrella is the only way to provide long term savings.
The Citizens Board of Governors has scheduled a workshop next week to address rates and other changes to make private insurers more willing to return to the market.
“As an insurer of last resort, our basic objective should be to provide coverage and provide a solution for individuals where there simply isn’t any other choice in the marketplace,” Gilway said.
By The News Service of Florida
DirecTV Drops Viacom Networks Over Dispute
July 12, 2012
A dispute continues between DirecTV and Viacom, leaving DirecTV customers without 17 channels including Nickelodeon, TV Land, VH1, MTV and Comedy Central.
Both companies blame each other for the blackout, which started about 11:00 North Escambia time Tuesday night over a dispute regarding how much DirecTV pays Viacom for programming.
“We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DIRECTV customers to pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates to an extra $1 billion, despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted and much of Viacom’s programming can be seen for free online,” said Derek Chang, a DirecTV vice president.
Meanwhile, Viacom tosses the blame back at DirecTV.
“We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline,” according to a Viacom statement. “However, DirecTV refused to engage in meaningful conversation. We are hopeful that DirecTV will work with us toward a resolution and stop denying its subscribers access to the networks they watch most.”
About 20 million households — one-fifth of all cable or satellite subscribers in the country — are affected by the squabble.
Pictured top: This screen replaced Viacom programming on DirecTV Tuesday night.
Bratt Basketball Camp Planned With Former NBA Coach
July 12, 2012
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will host a basketball camp this month.
The camp for children ages 8-14 will be held July 23-27 from 9 a.m. until noon at the church. Coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach will teach kids the fundamentals of basketball and Biblical awareness.
Dutremble is a a retired coach and member of the International Basketball Hall of Fame. He career includes coaching at every level from high school to the NBA, and into international arenas, with a lifetime coaching record of 687-117 and seven national championships. He was selected “Coach of the Year” six times, and served as national team head coach to Belgium, Scotland, and Jordan. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, serving under Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, from 1979-83 and helping the team to three NBA championships with players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The cost $35 per student with scholarships available. For more information, contact Tim Hawsey at (850) 327-6529.
Escambia Man Get Prison On Drug, Weapon Charges
July 12, 2012
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison on drug and weapons charges.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said Miguel Rios was sentenced by Judge Jan Shackelford to 25 years state prison as a habitual felony offender. After a two-day trial, a jury convicted Rios of trafficking in cocaine and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. On September 22, 2011, Rios sold a firearm and trafficking amount of narcotics to an undercover deputy with the intent to have the officer transport the drugs across state lines and distribute them. During the course of the investigation, Rios made claims that he was a member of the Zeta cartel, a Mexican drug cartel known for its violence, Eddins said.
Rios has previously been convicted of murder in Texas and was a convicted felon.
Ronald “Chris” Christopherson
July 12, 2012
Ronald “Chris” Christopherson, 69, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Chris was a retired U.S. Navy veteran with service in Vietnam. He was actively involved in several churches and a member of Charity Baptist Church. He loved gospel music, traveling, and his pet dog “Katy”.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandfather, Christopher Christopherson; his parents, Henry George and Gladys A. Christopherson; and brother, Gerald Christopherson.
He is survived by his wife, Carla; brother, Norman George Christopherson (Wanda); numerous nieces and nephews; step-son, Larry Williams; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 -11 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2012, at Charity Baptist Church, 1675 West Roberts Road, Cantonment. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Dr. James McGaughey officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, is in charge of the arrangements.
House of Representatives Votes to Repeal Health Care Reform
July 12, 2012
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
The vote came two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law ruling that the key part of the law – the requirement that all Americans carry health insurance or face a fine — was constitutional under Congress’s taxing authority.
“I’m here to tell you it’s going to cost someone and that someone is the middle-class taxpayer,” said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Chumuckla). “We should give patients the power to own and control their own health care coverage by allowing for defined contributions in employer-sponsored plans. This would also give employers more flexibility in the benefits offered. We need to create pooling mechanisms, such as association health plans and individual membership accounts. Individuals should also be allowed to shop for health insurance across state lines, increasing competition in the marketplace.”
“Obamacare is not the answer to our nation’s health care crisis. My belief is that it will increase the cost of delivery of care while expanding the size federal debt and increasing taxes on hard working families. This vote today is a step toward real reform and individual choice,” Miller continued.
The White House issued a statement this week saying repeal would amount to a “massive step backwards,” and urged lawmakers to focus their efforts on restoring the economy.
Chipley Erlene Simmons
July 12, 2012
Chipley Erlene Simmons, daughter of Marion C. Diamond (Chip) and Cora Leigh Diamond was born on May 29, 1927. She passed away on July 11, 2012.
She attended Chumuckla School and was a member of the Chumuckla girls basketball team. She married Clyde M. Simmons on July 30, 1947. They were married 62 years when he passed away on April 26, 2010. They will join together in Heaven to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this month. Clyde and Erlene had been members of the Cora Baptist Church most of their lives.
They had two children. Jerry Clyde, born in 1948 and Kathy Darlene, born in 1957. Erlene worked for the Santa Rosa County Health Department at the clinic in Jay for 22 years. She retired in 1988.
Erlene Simmons loved the Lord, her family and being an exemplary homemaker. She is known for her amazing cooking, beautiful gardens and extreme generosity.
She is survived by her son Jerry (Cindi); daughter Kathy (James) Walker; her grand-children Jerry Clyde ,II(Bonni) Simmons, Fred (Julie) Simmons, Scott (Logan) Walker, Mick Walker, Robert Kane and Kenny Kane; and her great granddaughter “Allie”. Other family members include her sister Gladysteen Renfroe, brother Douglas Wayne (Janis) Diamond and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Chip and Cora Diamond, husband, Clyde Simmons , brothers, A.C. Diamond and Jim Diamond.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13 at Cora Baptist Church with Rev. LaDon Hall officiating.
Pallbearers are Jerry Clyde Simmons II, Scott Walker, Mick Walker, Wayne Hawthorne, Mickey Brown and Bryan Ellis. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Dobson, Merlin Edwards, Frank Rowell, Jerry McGee and Leon Jackson.
The family welcomes flowers and or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Poarch Creek Indians Plan New Wind Creek Resort, 600 Additional Jobs
July 12, 2012
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced plans Wednesday to turn Wetumpka’s Creek Casino into a deluxe resort that they say will attract tourists to the river town outside Montgomery.
The $246 million plans were announced at a press conference on the building site where construction has already started on Wind Creek Wetumpka. It is slated to open in May of next year.
“We have set very high standards for our Wind Creek Casino and Hotel brand,” noted Jay Dorris, president of the PCI Gaming Authority. “This is one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for this kind of first-class resort, and we want it to offer the same kind of quality experience that people have come to expect from Wind Creek in Atmore, which is one of the few hotels in our state with a Four Diamond rating.”
The new resort will include a 20-story hotel tower with 285 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites, all of which will overlook the Coosa River. The property will feature a 90,000 square foot gaming floor with more than 2,500 electronic gaming machines, a resort pool, and entertainment rooms suitable for large parties and corporate events.
Wind Creek Wetumpka will also feature a number of dining choices including a grill, a coffee shop, a snack bar, a fine dining restaurant, and a buffet that overlooks the Coosa River.
Like its predecessor, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, the property is expected to be an economic engine in the surrounding area. It is estimated that 1,200 workers will be hired over the course of construction. Currently, Wetumpka’s Creek Casino employs 400 full-time employees with benefits. Once completed, the new resort will generate another 600 jobs with benefits bringing the total to 1,000 full-time employees.
“This project will provide much needed jobs to Tribal Members and our neighbors in Wetumpka,” said Poarch Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin. “We have seen Wind Creek in Atmore have a very positive ripple effect on the economy, and we look forward to seeing other businesses in the Wetumpka community grow and prosper because of this development.”
This Wind Creek project overlooks Alabama’s Coosa River. It is located on Highway 231 nine miles northeast of Montgomery.
Pictured: The current Wind Creek Casino in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Wahoos Fall 5-1 In Chattanooga Series Opener
July 12, 2012
Pensacola dropped its series opener with the Chattanooga Lookouts 5-1 at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Wednesday night. Despite the loss, the much anticipated arrival of speedy shortstop Billy Hamilton didn’t disappoint. Hamilton took off for second on the first opportunity he got after reaching on a fielder’s choice in the sixth inning.
He wasted no time stealing his first Double-A base of his career. Hamilton successfully took second immediately after he reached base for the first time on the night for his 105th steal of the season and his first with Pensacola. Hamilton also provided the Blue Wahoos only offense in the game with an RBI triple which plated David Vidal from first base in the eighth. Hamilton finished the game 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Chattanooga got on the board first in the bottom of the fourth when Griff Erickson doubled home Kyle Russell and Jake Lemmerman to give the Lookouts a 2-0 lead. They added two more in the fifth. Rafael Ynoa scored on a wild pitch before Luis Nunez singled home Nick Buss. Despite getting charged with all four Lookouts runs, Blue Wahoos starter Tim Crabbe still pitched out of trouble in the fifth as the Lookouts left the bases loaded. Chattanooga added one more run in the seventh on Nunez’s solo home run.
Josh Fellhauer was the only Wahoos with a multi-hit game going 2-for-4. Both hits were singles for the Wahoos left fielder. Bill Rhinehart also made his debut with Pensacola. He was added to the roster prior to the game from Triple-A Louisville. He went 0-for-4 in his first game with the Wahoos.
Crabbe (3-6) was tagged with the loss after working five innings. He struck out five and walked just three. Matt Magill (7-4) worked six shutout innings in the winning effort for the Lookouts. Pensacola only scattered three hits against him and he struck out seven without issuing a walk.
The series continues on Thursday at AT&T Field. First pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET. LHP Tony Cingrani (4-1, 1.50) will take the mound for the Fish, while LHP Aaron Miller (4-5, 4.31) is slated to toe the rubber for the Lookouts.
By Thommy Thrall
Pictured top: Josh Fellhauer had the Wahoos only multi-hit game of the night Wednesday as Pensacola lost to Chattanooga. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.