Tax Cuts And Tax Holidays Would Save Shoppers, Businesses Millions
November 21, 2013
A nearly two-week hurricane preparedness tax holiday, in which sales tax would be lifted on select storm related gear, would save shoppers at least $3.3 million, state economists said Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a separate measure expected to also go before state legislators in 2014, the popular three-day back-to-school sale tax holiday on select clothes, supplies and electronics, would keep about $35.9 million from flowing into state and local government coffers, analysts said.
State economists, sitting as the Revenue Estimating Conference, reviewed the proposed sales tax breaks on Wednesday, along with separate measures to reduce the corporate income, communications-services, and the commercial rental taxes all filed by Senate Finance and Tax Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange.
The proposed business tax and fee reductions, along with the sales tax holidays, are just some of the proposals that have come in the wake of Gov. Rick Scott’s request for lawmakers to cut $500 million in fees and taxes.
A big factor in how much of the cuts or tax holidays make it into the next fiscal plan depends in part on the state’s economic outlook that the economists will update prior to the legislative session early next year.
“We will update it and readopt it probably in early January,” Amy Baker, the Legislature’s chief economist, said of the proposed tax cuts. “But you wouldn’t expect the numbers to change.”
The overall budget forecast has lawmakers preparing a fiscal plan with an $845.7 million surplus from the current year. The state’s September revenue report indicates that general tax collections remain 7.2 percent ahead of projections for the current year.
The panel estimated that Hukill’s proposed 2 percent cut in the state’s communications-services tax (SB 266) would reduce state revenue by $255 million, a slight deviation from the lawmaker’s initial estimate of $282 million a year.
The complicated tax affects a number of communications services, with Hukill pointing to examples such as cell phones.
The economists also projected that Hukill’s proposal (SB 176) to reduce a commercial rental tax from 6 percent to 5 percent would cut state revenue about $235.6 million, and local revenue by $20.2 million in its first year. The business savings would grow to around $300 million in revenue reductions for the state and $25.8 million in reduced income for local governments by the 2018 fiscal year.
Hukill had initially estimated that the reduction would cut $250 million a year from state revenue.
Meanwhile, Hukill’s proposal (SB 134) to increase the amount of income exempt from the corporate income tax, from $50,000 to $75,000, would reduce state revenue by about $22 million a year, the economists projected.
The hurricane holiday measure (SB 362) by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would lift sales tax on select gear from June 1 to June 12 if approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Scott.
Items that would be free of the sales tax during the period would include: flash lights and other self-powered lights selling for $20 or less; portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather band radios that sell for $50 or less; tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting that sells for less than $50; first-aid kits that cost under $30; packets of AA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt batteries that sell for under $30; and portable generators worth less than $750.
Baker said the $3.3 million revenue reduction projection may be low.
The projection was difficult because it’s hard to project how many people would actually buy the supplies during the tax break period. Many Floridians already have them around the house as part of hurricane kits.
As for the back to school holiday, the overall $35.9 million projection is up from a $28.3 million hit to the state economy, and $6.4 million impact to local governments from the holiday this past year. Shoppers got more tax savings this past August than in the past due in part to the inclusion for the first time of computers and related accessories under $750 into the discounted items.
Baker said future back-to-school holiday projections should be expected to grow as students become even more tech savvy.
The back-to-school sales tax proposal has yet to be filed as a bill.
House Finance and Tax Chairman Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, has said he may revive a failed proposal from the 2013 session that would exchange revenue generated from collecting sales taxes on Internet purchases for an extended back-to-school sales tax holiday.
Rather than a three-day tax holiday on clothing and school items, Workman said the number of days would depend on the amount of revenue collected through the tax on Internet purchases. The more money collected, the longer the holiday.
Lawmakers for years have looked at online sales as a possible source of tax revenue – noting that the taxes are supposed to be paid, but aren’t because there’s no enforcement mechanism, particularly with out-of-state sellers.
The economists estimated that if the sales tax holiday were extended to 10 days, the savings would grow to around $51 million.
Nelson Eyes Governor’s Race If Crist ‘Gets Into Trouble’
November 21, 2013
After months of playing coy, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson for the first time on Tuesday publicly acknowledged he is keeping open the option of running for governor.
Nelson, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, has repeatedly insisted he doesn’t intend to enter the race. But on Tuesday, Politico reported Nelson said that could change if newly-minted Democrat Charlie Crist, the one-time Republican governor of Florida who announced his candidacy two weeks ago, “gets into trouble.”
When asked to elaborate, Nelson said, “That’s in the eye of the beholder,” according to Politico.
Nelson spokesman Dan McLaughlin said in an e-mail he “had nothing to add” to the Politico report, which initially said that Nelson reiterated his mantra of having no intention of running.
“He’s a nice man,” Crist, in Tallahassee schmoozing with reporters at the Florida Press Center, told The News Service of Florida when asked about Nelson’s initial comments about having no intention of running. “He’s my friend.”
Those close to both men on Tuesday shrugged off Nelson’s remarks, saying the 71-year-old senator merely stated out loud what everybody already knew. Nelson’s chief of staff Pete Mitchell said as much to powerful Florida Democrats in telephone calls over the past few weeks.
“I don’t really think he said anything today that isn’t common knowledge among the donors and the punditocracy,” said Crist’s chief political consultant Steve Schale, who also played a key campaign role in President Obama’s victories in Florida.
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, who also served as governor and is one of Florida’s most highly-respected Democrats, agreed.
“I think it’s basically the status quo. He’s said it in different words but I think the basic idea is that he is not a candidate but is reserving the right to reconsider depending on future events,” Graham said.
But by erasing any doubt that he is waiting in the wings, Nelson could make it more difficult for Crist to win over some Democrats skeptical about Crist’s comeback chances. Some donors are worried that the populist Crist will be unable to overcome what is expected to be a blistering campaign by incumbent Gov. Rick Scott bolstered by national Republicans anxious to keep Florida’s governor’s mansion in GOP control. Scott reportedly plans to spend up to $100 million on the campaign.
“The senator is the senator. People listen to a U.S. senator very seriously. If it’s coming from (Nelson), obviously it’s a little different than coming from a third party,” said state Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, slated to take over as head of the House Democratic caucus after next year’s elections.
But Schale said Nelson’s “wait-and-see” approach has been no secret for about a year and has done nothing to dampen fund-raising activities thus far.
Crist raised nearly $1 million in the first 10 days of his campaign “with all of the phone calls from Pete Mitchell happening and none of the walk-back,” Schale said.
“It doesn’t change anything. Charlie Crist is still running for governor. He’s still building a campaign. He’s still out there every day doing the kinds of things you do when you want to get elected governor. There’s nothing about this that’s changing any of that except that Bill Nelson’s not doing that,” he said.
Graham said that he doesn’t expect the possibility of a Democratic primary against Nelson to alter the course of Crist or potential contributors.
“His campaign with the help of people like Steve Schale has been in development for some time and I’m sure they’ve got a plan of action for all the elements of the campaign and they’re executing,” he said. “Most people who want to get into the campaign understand the importance for the candidate and for their own role of participation of getting in early.”
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Report: Number Of Uninsured Children In Florida On The Way Down
November 21, 2013
In the ongoing saga about health insurance, there is a glimmer of hope in Florida. The number of uninsured children in the state is heading in the right direction – down 14 percent since 2010.
That’s according to a report released Tuesday by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. Medicaid coverage for children and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) both have made a big difference, said Leah Barber-Heinz, chief executive of Florida CHAIN, a group working to improve access to health care.
“That’s good news, and we’re continuing to see those numbers go down,” she said. “We still have an estimated 436,000 children going without health insurance, so there’s definitely room for improvement.”
Florida still has a higher rate of uninsured children than the national average. A national poll released with the report indicates almost nine out of 10 people believe all children in their state should have health coverage.
In Florida, said Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown Center, the Latino community has the highest percentage of uninsured children, at about 38 percent. She said language barriers for parents and the need for outreach help explain the disproportionate number lacking coverage.
“We may be seeing children who are in mixed-status families, where the children are citizens but their parents may be immigrants,” she said. “We may have families, if there are immigrant parents, who are very reluctant to engage with the government and, indeed, fearful to engage with the government.”
Another barrier in Florida is that lawfully residing immigrant children have to wait five years before they are eligible for coverage. Barber-Heinz said she and others are hoping to change that in the next legislative session.
“When children are not healthy and they’re not able to go to school ready to learn,” she said, “everybody ends up absorbing costs of an unhealthy society.”
Florida also is one of six states that has yet to decide whether to opt into the Medicaid expansion provided under the Affordable Care Act. According to the Georgetown report, providing coverage to lower-income parents makes it more likely that their children’s health needs are being met as well.
By Stephanie Carroll Carson, Florida News Connection
Pictured: Rep. Jose Felix Diaz is among the sponsors of a KidCare Immigrant Bill in the upcoming Florida legislative session. It would eliminate the five-year waiting period for some immigrant children to obtain health insurance. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enalrge.
Escambia (FL) EMS To Continue Service To Flomaton
November 21, 2013
Escambia County is renewing an agreement with an Alabama agency to provide ambulance service for the Flomaton area.
Since 1981, Escambia County (FL) EMS has provided ambulance service to the Flomaton area through an interlocal agreement with the Escambia County (AL) Healthcare Authority. The initial current three year agreement approved in 2010 expires at midnight on December 7, 2013. The agreement will be renewed for two additional one year periods.
Escambia County (AL) Healthcare Authority pays Escambia County EMS $7,873.39 a month for the ambulance service. Escambia County (FL) EMS then bill patients for services rendered.
A similar agreement is in place between Escambia County (FL) and the privately owned Atmore Ambulance service. Atmore Ambulance provides emergency medical services in the Walnut Hill and Bratt areas. Escambia County (FL) pays Atmore Ambulance $7,384.47 a month.
Atmore Ambulance also directly bills patients for services rendered at an amount not greater than that billed by Escambia County EMS, which provides ambulance service for the rest of the county.The agreement has been in place since 1978.
Pictured: Two brand new ambulances were delivered last week to Escambia County EMS Post 50 in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Double Shooting Under Investigation In West Pensacola
November 20, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double shooting.
About 8 p.m. Tuesday, deputies received a call of a shooting in the area of “Z” Street and Gadsden Street. Upon arrival, one victim was found in the area and a second victim was located walking near the intersection of “X” and Gadsden streets.
Both victims had gunshot wounds and were transported to an area hospital with what appeared at the time to be non-life threatening injuries. The crime scene was later located in the 3200 block of West Gadsden Street.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released any further information as they continue their investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Seasonable Weather Forecast
November 20, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 69. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Sunny, with a high near 60.
- Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Man Gets Prison Time After Wild Santa Rosa Police Pursuit
November 20, 2013
A Navarre man is headed to prison for 14 years for a wild police pursuit that traveled for miles last January through Santa Rosa County, ending outside Jay with wrecked patrol cars and injured deputies.
Dominic Turner received the 14 year sentence from Circuit Judge David Rimmer after his plea to charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude, felony battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, reckless driving, tampering with a witness, resisting an officer without violence and assault.
On the night of January 24, 2013, Dominic Turner led deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on a chase through Santa Rosa County. The incident began when officers were called to a domestic disturbance at Turner’s home in Navarre earlier that evening. Turner left the residence as deputies arrived, and a BOLO was issued for him.
Turner was later located on Highway 90 in Pace, but as the deputy attempted to stop him, Turner accelerated and fled. At times Turner drove into the oncoming lanes of traffic as he tried to avoid the pursuit. Sergeant Randy Counts had placed spike strips in the road to disable Turner’s car; however, Turner drove off the highway and struck Sergeant Counts with his car.
Turner’s vehicle went approximately 30 feet off the roadway at Highway 90 and Pond Creek, striking the deputy and a large tree. Despite significant damage to his Lexus, Turner was able to flee from deputies once again. Turner also hit another deputy’s vehicle during the chase.
During the pursuit, Turner attempted to strike several patrol cars and ultimately rammed a deputy’s vehicle in north Santa Rosa County.
The pursuit continued north of Highway 87 and came to an end near Pleasant Grove Road after the Lexus was unable to continue. Turner refused to comply with deputies trying to take him into custody and actively fought with officers.
A K-9 was then deployed, which was able to overtake the suspect. Turner continued to fight and resist arrest. Turner was then taken into custody and transported to Santa Rosa Hospital. He was treated for lacerations from the K-9 apprehension, then released and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
The deputy that was struck by Turner was also taken to Santa Rosa Hospital where it was determined that he sprained his knee and had numerous cuts and bruises. He was treated and released. During the struggle with Turner, another deputy suffered multiple fractures to his finger.
Walnut Hill Man Gets Four Years In Prison For Burglary
November 20, 2013
A Walnut Hill man has been sentenced to four years in state prison after burglarizing an Enon residence.
William Arbon Gilly, age 21 of South Pineville Road, was convicted of armed burglary of a dwelling, unarmed burglary of unoccupied structure, grand theft, and theft of a firearm. He was sentenced as a youthful offender by Judge Jan Shackleford to four years in prison to be followed by two years probation. He was also ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gilly drove to a single family home on Dan Hall Road, and twice over a three day period in March he entered the residence without permission. He was accused of taking firearms, jewelery, coins and electronics valued at approximately $6,000. Deputies said he also removed a utility trailer, a motor, boat, a boat trailer from a shed.
After the burglaries, Gilly utilized numerous online methods to sell the stolen items, deputies said. When interviewed by deputies, “Gilly admitted to taking all of the property and indicated he needed money bad and was sorry for what he did,” according to an arrest report.
Gilly cooperated with deputies, the report states, allowing Sheriff’s investigators to recover almost all of the property that was stolen.
Get Your Turkey Fried For A Donation To The Miracle League
November 20, 2013
Want a fried turkey but afraid to try it yourself? Volunteers from the Miracle League of Pensacola will fry your turkey for you on Wednesday, November 27, saving you the time and trouble while benefiting the charity.
Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. For a monetary donation to Miracle League, the volunteers will fry your turkey to perfection. A minimum of $20 per turkey is necessary to help cover costs.
Appointments are encouraged. Call (850) 476-1650 to schedule your time.
Flomaton Man Charged With Florida Stalking, Aggravated Assault
November 20, 2013
A local man is now behind bars in the Escambia County Jail on charges of felony aggravated stalking and criminal mischief against his former live-in girlfriend.
The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office said 27-year old Reginald Lee Williams of Flomaton continually called and texted the victim, harassed her at her job and broke out the windows in her residence in Escambia County, FL.
On October 24, deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 6900 block of Ludlow Street. The victim said Williams knocked on her door, which she did not answer. She said she then heard what she believed to be two noises that she thought was gunfire as her windows broke out. Deputies were unable to find any evidence that shots were fired.
On November 13, the Flomaton Police Department was contacted by the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Williams on the outstanding Florida warrant.
Officers from the Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office went to Williams’ residence on Washington Court in Flomaton. Officers could hear Williams inside the residence, but he would not answer the door. After about 20 minutes, officers were able to make telephone contact with Williams, but he first refused to come out of the house. After about five minutes on the phone, Williams peacefully surrendered to a Flomaton Police officer.
He was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton and extradited to the Escambia County (FL) Jail Monday night. He is being held without bond.