House Speaker Weighs Gambling Constitutional Amendment
December 3, 2013
House Speaker Will Weatherford is developing a new plan that could provide cover for Republican House members reluctant to expand gambling as the Legislature takes up the thorny issue during the upcoming session.
Weatherford wants to put a constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot that would let voters decide if they should weigh in on future expansion of gambling.
The proposal, still being developed, would set in stone any changes lawmakers agree to during the 2014 session and require statewide approval of any future gambling expansion. Like other constitutional amendments, the proposal would require 60 percent approval by voters to pass.
Weatherford said it’s part of the “holistic look at gaming” the Legislature is undertaking that includes a swath of issues from casino-style resorts to blackjack at South Florida tracks to getting rid of greyhound racing altogether.
“I have become over the years very concerned with the drip, drip, drip expansion of gaming that’s taken place in the state of Florida. I am certainly warming up to the idea of having a constitutional amendment that would require all future expansion to go before the voters. I’m very, very intrigued by that concept,” Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told The News Service of Florida on Monday.
Weatherford’s proposal would be linked in theory to a comprehensive gambling bill that could include a rewrite of the state’s gambling laws and regulations, the creation of a gambling commission and, possibly, a kitchen-sink of elements sought after by existing race tracks and frontons as well as destination resorts coveted by out-of-state casino operators. Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, is leading a group of conservative Republicans backing the idea of the constitutional amendment. House Select Committee on Gaming Chairman Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, is Weatherford’s chief negotiator on the sweeping gambling legislation.
“Everything is on the table,” Weatherford said. “I’ve always been anti-expansion and continue to believe that unfettered expansion of gaming in Florida is bad for the state and bad for the citizens. However, we’ve been having expansion under our noses for the last decade or two. And it’s been uncoordinated. It’s been unstructured. The Legislature hasn’t had its hands on the wheel. We have an opportunity to do that this year.”
The possibility that 2014 could be the last opportunity for the Legislature to sign off on gambling changes without a statewide referendum intensifies the gambling industry’s push to have myriad issues resolved during the upcoming session.
“There’s no question that if everyone believed any future expansion after the 2014 session required a statewide vote, all the gaming interests would do whatever they could to try to include anything they could in the comprehensive legislation,” said lobbyist Nick Iarossi, who represents Las Vegas Sands, one of the casino operators pushing lawmakers to approve at least one convention-style hotel and casino in Broward or Miami-Dade counties.
An overhaul of the state’s patchwork quilt of gambling laws would likely rein in regulators at the Division of Business and Professional Regulation who have approved a variety of controversial practices such as barrel racing.
The bill may also include an effort to buy back or revoke dormant licenses and stop pari-mutuels from using licenses at one facility to operate card games or other activities somewhere else. And it could include lower tax rates for the pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
“What I believe is a very smart way to go is to fix the problems that are now existing in the gaming laws, consolidate them, streamline them, expand where it makes sense for both Florida’s brand and Florida’s economy, contract them where markets have gone away and it doesn’t make sense,” said lobbyist Brian Ballard, who represents Palm Beach Kennel Club, which is hoping to get slot machines, as well as Resorts World Miami, LLC, the Malaysian casino giant pushing for a destination resort in downtown Miami. “In other words, let’s fix it now, let’s pull up the ladder and say that’s it, we’re done. We’ve reformed the system. Now the people will decide whether there’s going to be an expansion or contraction of gaming. I think that makes absolute sense.”
But enshrining the new laws so quickly into the constitution could be problematic.
For example, the gambling package is also expected to address problems with a new law banning Internet cafés now being challenged in court by senior arcade operators.
“You’re going to reform 100 years of pretty poorly-written law. And then on top of that you’re going to say this is it and any changes require a constitutional amendment so we better be right. There won’t be a tweak in the statute to fix things down the road. It’s a great theory. It makes a lot of sense in theory. I worry about some unintended results. We just have to make sure whatever passes this year is done well,” Ballard said.
Senate Gaming Committee Chairman Garrett Richter said he has heard of Weatherford’s constitutional amendment but not spoken with his House counterpart about it yet.
“One of the things that became clear in the public hearings is that the voters want a referendum. So the distinction becomes whether it’s a statewide referendum or a local referendum. I’m not prepared to say where I would have a preference or not. But what did come through is that communities want to have a referendum ahead of an expansion of gaming in their communities,” Richter, R-Naples, said.
The constitutional amendment should remain separate from the overall gambling package, Richter said.
“I don’t think that initiative should draw the attention away from or to the objective to come up with something responsible for the state of Florida in the gaming arena,” he said. “Really what we’ve got to do now is determine what kind of meat we want to put on the bones. Whether it simply clarifies existing statutes or expands gaming or creates a gaming commission…remains to be seen. But I think the next step …is to begin to develop that legislation and then have people take a stance either for or against.”
by The News Service of Florida
Bill Would Slice Local Regulation Of Knives
December 3, 2013
A Republican senator filed a bill Monday that would bar state and local government agencies from regulating pocketknives, hunting and fishing knives and other types of knives. The bill (SB 458), filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, would give only the Legislature the authority to regulate such knives — a concept known as “preemption.”
The state has a similar preemption law dealing with firearms.
“It is the intent of the Legislature to occupy the field of regulation of knives, common pocketknives, and weapons,” the bill says. “It is the further intent of the Legislature to provide uniformity of laws by prohibiting state agencies and political subdivisions from enacting rules or ordinances on the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, and use of knives and weapons.”
by The News Service of Florida
61 Arrested During Sheriff’s Office Warrant Sweep; Burglary Ring Discovered
December 3, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61 people on outstanding warrants during an a sweep named “Operation Smoking Gun”. And, as part of the operation, Sheriff David Morgan says his deputies also uncovered a burglary ring.
“We believe we are now on to a pretty sizable burglary ring in Escambia County,” Morgan said during a press conference Monday afternoon. Three people have been arrested in connection with the burglaries, but investigators believed up to 10 people may be involved. Due to the ongoing investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has not named the three arrested so far.
The burglary ring is believed to have included about 30 residential burglaries and more than 100 vehicle break-ins across the county.
On any given day in Escambia County, Morgan said there are about 25,000 outstanding arrest warrants. He said the November 18-23 outstanding warrant crackdown is just the first of many more similar operations.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan speaks during a Monday news conference. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Still Time To Enter This Saturday’s Molino Christmas Parade
December 3, 2013
There is still time to enter the Molino Christmas Parade which will roll down Crabtree Church Road at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The parade route starts at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and ends at the Molino Ballpark were Santa Will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
To participate in the parade, preregister at Fran’s Diner or the day of the parade. Registration fees are $30 for floats; $20 for vehicles, motorcycles, tractors or golf carts; and $15 each for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts. All proceeds go directly back to the community to help children in need.
For more information, contact Charity at (850) 324-4463 or Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803.
Donations such as toys and non-perishable food can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner. T he parade rain date will be Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: The 2012 Molino Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Joins Adoption Campaign
December 3, 2013
The Escambia County Animal Shelter teamed up with Blue Buffalo and 4,000 other shelters worldwide to adopt 1.5 million pets this holiday season. The Blue Buffalo “Home 4 the Holidays” seasonal pet adoption campaign runs through January 2, 2014, with the goal of placing orphaned pets into loving homes.
The program has grown into the largest pet adoption drive in the world and is credited with saving more than 8 million pets across the globe since its inception in 1999.
Columbus Ray Godwin
December 3, 2013
Columbus Ray Godwin, 67, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013, in a Mobile hospital.
Godwin was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton. He owned and operated Godwin’s Florist in Atmore for a number of years. He was a member of McCullough Christian Center.
His parents, John Godwin and Mazie Evans Godwin Bradford, preceded him in death.
Survivors include two sons, Johnny (Kristy) Godwin of Damascus and Carl Franklin (Misti) Godwin of Brewton; one brother, Ronald (Betty) Godwin of Mobile; two sisters, Jeanette (Nelson) Bell of Flomaton, and Shelby Godwin Kelly of Brewton; a special friend, Chris Brown; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Chad Griggs and the Rev. John Hodoh officiating. Interment followed in Pollard Cemetery.
Visitation was held before. service time Tuesday at Craver’s Funeral Home.
Six Injured In Highway 29, Tate School Road Wreck
December 2, 2013
Six people were injured in a two vehicle crash Sunday night on Highway 29 at Tate School Road that closed northbound Highway 29 at the intersection for several hours.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 56-year old Curtis Ward drove his 2004 Jeep Liberty the wrong way on Highway 29, causing the the head-on collision with a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 42-year old Kimberly Hall of Brewton.
Ward was seriously injured in the crash, while his three juvenile passengers, ages 7-8, received minor injuries. All four were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. Hall and her passenger, 42-year old Kenneth Hall also of Brewton, were seriously injured and transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Charges against Curtis Ward and pending blood results, according to the FHP.
The Ensley and Cantonment Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured: Six people were reportedly injured in this two vehicle crash Sunday night on Highway 29 at Tate School Road. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Warmer Temps, Slight Rain Chance
December 2, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- This Afternoon: A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Tonight: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Tuesday Night: Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 9am. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 60.
- Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
- Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 69.
Wildfire Burns Portion Of Walnut Hill Cotton Field
December 2, 2013
A wildfire burned through a portion of an unpicked Walnut Hill cotton field Sunday afternoon. The fire was reported near the intersection of Highway 164 and North Highway 99 about 12:40 p.m.
Firefighters from the Walnut Hill, McDavid and Century stations Escambia Fire Rescue battled the blaze, along with the Florida Forest Service.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Safety: Annual Keep The Wreath Green Campaign Begins
December 2, 2013
The annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is now underway from Escambia Fire Rescue and the Pensacola Fire Department, and Santa Rosa County has started the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” campaign.
Officials hope to reduce the number of fires during a time of serious fire danger with simple, life saving tips for each day of the month. Click here to read the fire safety tips.
Escambia County
This year, the ninth year of the campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at different locations throughout the holiday season, including Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Governmental Center building and fire stations across the county.
Every time firefighters respond to a residential fire in Escambia County, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations and other fire dangers.
There were six residential fires in Escambia County during the 2012 month-long campaign last December. None of those fires were in the North Escambia area.
Santa Rosa County
In the Santa Rosa “Keep Your Holidays Bright” campaign, a Christmas tree decorated with candles has been placed in the Santa Rosa County Administration Complex on Caroline Street.
Each time firefighters respond to a working residential fire or large wildfire causing fire damage, a candle will be “extinguished” and replaced with a card noting the basic details of the fire.
Last year, there were three residential fires in Santa Rosa County during December.
December Fire Dangers
According to the United States Fire Administration, 76 percent of fire injuries affecting civilians occurred in our homes. Fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 945 people, injure 3,825 and cause over $1.7 billion in damage. Nationally, cooking is the leading cause of residential building fires in December, accounting for 41 percent of fires, followed by heating fires at 28 percent, open flame fires at nine percent and incendiary/suspicious fires seven percent.
Pictured inset: A Keep the Wreath Green display at the Mcdavid Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.