Senate Considers Overhaul Of Florida No-Fault Insurance Sytem
March 7, 2012
A controversial overhaul of Florida’s no-fault insurance system is slated for a full Senate vote on Wednesday after muscling through a contentious session Tuesday that made significant changes, and raised the temperature in the usually staid chamber.
Following hours of amending, questions and debate, the chamber gave preliminary approval to changes that critics say don’t go far enough and even backers acknowledge may be a bit far from a competing House plan for lawmakers to reach agreement by the end of session.
But the Senate sponsor defended the effort Tuesday, saying despite numerous stops and starts and much discord, the bill would be a step toward lowering personal injury protection premiums, which backers say are inflated by rampant fraud.
“We’re doing a lot of things to make things better,” said Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart. “We expect premiums to reflect that.”
As amended, the Senate plan would require patients seeking PIP coverage for treatment to do so within 14 days of an accident. The House plan requires that treatment be sought in seven days. The Senate bill would allow patients to see their personal physician or go to an emergency room for care, a less restrictive provision then found in the House companion.
The bill also prohibits massage therapists and acupuncturists from being reimbursed under PIP, a $10,000 policy set up in the 1970s to provide for immediate medical coverage regardless of fault.
Insurers would be on the hook to pass savings on to policyholders, An amendment by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, would require insurers to reduce rates by 25 percent unless they could prove the reforms did not yield such substantial savings.
Unlike its House companion, the Senate plan does not place caps on attorney fees.
Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, managed to get the Senate to pass an amendment opposed by the Senate’s leadership that would allow attorneys to seek fee multipliers for complex cases, though they must justify the additional fees. The contentious amendment was approved on a 24-15 vote.
A motion later to reconsider that amendment – which Diaz de la Portilla described as a “bare-knuckle” political move to change votes – was approved, but the Senate still approved his amendment.
Numerous attempts to expand the pool of acceptable treatment to include massage therapists, acupuncturists and chiropractors were largely beaten back, with backers saying such additions would raise costs for coverage by providing services that are needed immediately after a crash.
“Every time you add more pounds ballast to this boat there is more of a risk that more water will slip over the side,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. “If we really want PIP reform, we have to have a streamlined bill that will reduce costs.”
The measure is a top priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who reiterated Tuesday that the bill is a must-pass as far as he is concerned. There has been talk that he might call lawmakers back into special session to get it done if the Legislature fails to pass something by the end of the regular session on Friday. Asked Tuesday whether he would do that if it doesn’t pass, Scott said he would wait until Friday to make that decision.
With a Senate vote expected as soon as Wednesday the measure will then go to the House, though both sides will continue to negotiate differences behind closed doors.
“If you look at the big picture… there is a steady movement toward a principled middle ground,” Negron said. “I think that is due to work of Gov. Scott and CFO (Jeff) Atwater and a genuine interest in the House and the Senate to get this done right. I think we’re almost there. ”
By The News Service of Florida
I-10 Bridge Over Escambia Bay Reopens; Wildfire Contained
March 7, 2012
The I-10 bridge across Escambia Bay has reopened to traffic in both directions after being closed overnight due to smoke from two large fires in Santa Rosa County.
Florida Forest Service crews worked throughout the night to knock down smoke and mop up the I-10 Eagle’s Nest Fire in Santa Rosa County.
The south fire was 90 percent contained at 32 acres as of 6:30 am. The north fire was 95 percent contained at 10 acres.
Forestry will will continue to work on lines and ensure containment today and overnight tonight. Four Forestry brush trucks will be on scene today with two tractor/plow units.
Pictured top: Traffic begins to flow across the I-10 bridge about 6:25 Wednesday morning. Traffic backs on I-10 to exit at Scenic Highway just before 2 p.m. Tuesday.
David Glenn Hardin
March 7, 2012
Mr. David Glenn Hardin, age 44 of Van Hoosen Road Flomaton, passed away suddenly Sunday, March 4, 2012, at his residence. He was a native and longtime resident of Brewton. Mr. Hardin attended W.S. Neal High School. He was an avid deer hunter, and was a millwright at T.R. Miller Mill Company for the past 14 years.
He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Ann Hardin (Brian) Gabel of Virginia Beach, VA; a granddaughter, Rylee Nicole Gabel; his fiancee, Amy Turk of Flomaton and her daughter, Paige Turk of Flomaton; stepbrothers William Pugh and Buddy Pugh, both of Flomaton; stepsister Susan Faddis of California; and two half-sisters. Rita Johnson of Brewton and Judy Crawford of Jay.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 9, 2012, from 6-9 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton.
Hugh Lebron Ellington
March 7, 2012
Mr. Hugh Lebron Ellington, age 76 of Highway 31 North Brewton, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012, in a Mobile hospital after a brief illness. He was a native of Montgomery, a former resident of Jackson, AL, and a longtime resident of Brewton. Ellington was a member of the Brewton Church of Christ, a former member of the Air National Guard and was the owner/broadcaster of WKNU from 1979 to 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Crozier Ellington of Brewton; sons Joe Ellington of Brewton, Clay Pearce of Leroy, AL; daughter Wendy Bramlett of Tuscaloosa; brothers Eugene Ellington of Camden, AL, Robert Ellington of Brooklyn, AL, James Ellington of Clifton, VA; five grandsons, Joe Pate, Seymour Pate, Tanner Bramlett, Trey Pearce, Dusty Faith; and one granddaughter, Anna Pearce.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday afternoon March 17, 2012 at noon, at the Brewton Church of Christ with Minister Mike Williams and Minister Richard Rogers officiating with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Brewton Church of Christ Handicapped Facilities.
Minnie Ruth Dawe
March 7, 2012
Minnie Ruth Dawe, age 92 of Atmore., passed away Monday, March 5, 2012, in Atmore. She was a retired seamstress with Vanity Fair Mills. She was born in Escambia County (Ala.). to the late Jabe Cleveland and Minnie Wilson Myrick. She attended the Holiness church.
She was preceded in death by her son, Darryl Dawe and a grandson, Lance Dawe.
Mrs. Dawe is survived by one daughter, Beverly Daw and husband, Stoney; a daughter-in-law, Annette Dawe, all from Atmore; one sister, Evelyn Beasley of Jay; three grandchildren, Adam Dawe and wife, Candice of Atmore, Ethan Dawe and wife, Mirinda of Semmes, Ala. and Natalie Donaldson and husband, Steven of Atmore; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 9, 2012, at 10 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sammy Thomley officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends, Thursday, March 8, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, is in charge of all arrangements.
Cool Night, Great Wednesday
March 6, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73. East wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
- Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Century Resident Concerned That ‘White Citizens’ Skip Council Meetings
March 6, 2012
A Century resident, who is black, is concerned that white residents of Century are not attending town council meetings and are not involved in town government.
“What happened to all of the white citizens? Nobody comes to the council meetings,” Helen Mincy said as she addressed the Century Town Council Monday night during the public form portion of their meeting.
Mincy asked the council why white citizens of Century do not attend council meetings.
“I am hoping that people elected us to do a good job, and we are doing a good job,” Mayor Freddie McCall said. “I hope they are trusting us.”
Only a small number of people attended Monday night’s council meeting. All were black, with the exception of two reporters.
Pictured: The Century Town Council meets Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Arrested On Weapons Charge For Gun; Sword Was Legal
March 6, 2012
A Walnut Hill man was arrested over the weekend following a traffic stop on a felony weapons charge.
Robert Charles Allen, age 50 of South Highway 99, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy spotted Allen driving erratically on Highway 29 near 9½ Mile Road. During a traffic stop, the deputy reported finding a .22 caliber Derringer in Allen’s pocket.
Allen did not have a firearms or concealed weapons permit, according to the report.
He passed a field sobriety test, but was cited for an open container violation for an open bottle of beer sitting on the floorboard of the vehicle.
There was also a 12 gauge shotgun and a full size regimental sword on the passenger floorboard of the truck, but those weapons were being carried legally, deputies said.
Teen Enters Plea In Sexual Assault Of Young Boy
March 6, 2012
The Century teen accused of sexually abusing a 6-year old boy has pleaded no contest to the charge against him and will be sentenced as a youthful offender.
Michael Alexander Dubose of West Highway 4, was charged with two felony counts of sexual battery on a victim under 12 and fondling a child under 12. The sexual battery charges were dropped late last week as Dubose pleaded no contest to the fondling charge. He is set to appear in court before Judge Gary Bergosh in early May for sentencing as a youthful offender.
As a youthful offender, Dubose faces a maximum of 364 days in jail and up to six years probation. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond as he awaits sentencing.
Now 18, Dubose was 17-years old when he was arrested after a male victim told investigators at the Gulf Coast Kids House that Dubose had sexual relations with him over a one year period at two different units at Century Woods Apartments. He was later transferred from the Department of Juvenile Justice to adult court.
After his arrest, Dubose himself became the victim of alleged physical abuse by his mother and the mother of the victim. Juliette Dubose was accused of “whipping” Michael Alexander Dubose with an extension cord after learning that he allegedly had sexual relations with her son. After the beating, Juliette Dubose instructed the mother of Michael Dubose, Kassedra Dubose, to also beat him with the extension cord, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Both women pleaded to no contest to charges of cruelty toward a child. They entered into a pretrial diversion program under which charges will be dropped if they successfully complete the one year program.
VPK Registration Underway At Bratt, Jim Allen, Molino Park
March 6, 2012
Voluntary Pre Kindergarten registration is underway at three North Escambia schools for children that will be four on or before September 1, 2012.
The VPK program is offered in North Escambia at Bratt, Jim Allen and Molino Park elementary schools. Parents and guardians may register their children at the schools between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Parents must bring the following documents in order to register their child: child’s birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill or rent receipt, within the last ninety days), photo identification of the parent registering the child, current immunization record, and a physical within one year of August 20, 2012. Parents will complete the State VPK application as part of the enrollment process.
Registration will continue through March 30. Children whose parents reside in the selected school attendance areas will receive priority for enrollment.
For more information, contact the Title I Office at (850) 595-6915, Bratt Elementary at (850) 327-6137, Jim Allen Elementary at (850) 937-2260 or Molino Park Elementary at (850) 587-5265.