Brakes Slammed On Higher Florida Speed Limits
June 3, 2014
Pointing to concerns raised by law-enforcement officers, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday vetoed a bill that could have led to 75 mph speed limits on some highways.
“Although the bill does not mandate higher speed limits, allowing for the possibility of faster driving on Florida’s roads and highways could ultimately and unacceptably increase the risk of serious accidents for Florida citizens and visitors,” Scott wrote in a veto message. “I strongly respect the opinion of state and local law enforcement officers who have contacted me to warn about the possible serious negative consequences should this bill become law. While the evidence suggests that increased driving speeds are not the sole cause of traffic accidents, they clearly contribute to the increased severity of vehicle crash outcomes in the form of needless injuries and deaths.”
Scott said last month he planned to veto the bill (SB 392), which was heavily debated during the legislative session that ended May 2. The bill passed the House in a 58-56 vote.
The bill would have allowed — but not required — the state Department of Transportation to raise highway speed limits by 5 mph, including going from 70 mph to 75 mph on some roads. While supporters pointed to the department’s role in deciding the proper speed limits, the bill drew opposition from the auto club AAA, along with law enforcement.
The veto came as Scott announced he had signed a $77 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 and also approved 20 other bills passed this spring.
Most of the other bills were related to carrying out the budget, providing details about issues such as funding for schools.
Also, the bills delved into numerous policy areas. As an example, what is known as the budget “implementing” bill (HB 5003) spells out details of how the state would provide services to additional people who have developmental disabilities. Those details involve prioritizing people based on their needs and circumstances. The budget includes $20 million to help take people off a longstanding waiting list for services.
As another example of the bills signed Monday, Scott approved a measure (HB 5301) that calls for adding three additional appeals-court judges, with two in the 2nd District Court of Appeal and one in the 5th District Court of Appeal. That is far below the number of new judges the Florida Supreme Court said was needed. In December, the Supreme Court said the state needed seven additional circuit-court judges and 39 county-court judges.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Scott Signs Record Budget
June 3, 2014
Without the public ceremony of past years, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday quietly signed into law a $77 billion, election-year budget, slashing just $68.9 million in pet projects from across the state.
The spending plan, the largest in state history, provides plenty of hometown projects for lawmakers to tout as they seek re-election, while increasing money for public schools, state colleges and universities, environmental projects and child welfare.
Scott offered few details about his line-item vetoes when asked about the budget by reporters after a campaign event in Panama City.
“It’s nice to have a budget surplus to work with, to make strategic investments, to keep our state working, more jobs, improve education, improve transportation, and that’s what we did,” Scott said.
Vetoes included $2 million for public-transportation improvements for the planned 1,000-foot SkyRise Miami tower; $123,000 for a dog park in Jacksonville; $525,000 to develop canoe and kayak launches along public trails in Wakulla County; $50,000 to hire the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences to study Chronic Wasting Disease in deer; and $150,000 in both Duval and Broward counties for single-gender schools.
Republicans were quick to praise Scott for sparse use of his veto powers, while Democrats reacted by labeling the fiscal package as “pork-filled.”
“Per-pupil education funding remains below 2007 levels. Bright Futures scholarships have been slashed to the bone,” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant said in a prepared statement. “Nearly 1 million Floridians still lack access to affordable health care. In a re-election campaign where Rick Scott is trying desperately to run away from his failed record, one thing has not changed: Rick Scott takes care of the wealthy special interests while ignoring the needs of middle class Floridians.”
The budget, which goes into effect July 1, provides the highest education funding in Florida history in terms of the total amount, $18.9 billion. However, on a per-student basis, education funding is still almost $190 below where it stood before the 2008 financial collapse.
Florida Education Association President Andy Ford called the budget a “squandered opportunity” for public schools.
“This Legislature found even more money for even more tax breaks for corporations, but schools still aren’t funded at the level they were seven years ago,” Ford said in a prepared statement.
However, House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, was among those on the right who commended the governor for “ensuring Florida’s fiscal needs are met in a way that maximizes every dollar.”
The budget doesn’t include tuition increases for state university and college students. Also, state workers will be eligible for performance bonuses rather than across-the-board pay raises.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers packed the budget with district priorities as they enjoyed a surplus that topped $1 billion.
Lawmakers had previously given Scott his requested $500 million in tax and fee cuts, which he is using as a centerpiece for his re-election campaign.
Asked if his re-election and that of Republican state lawmakers went into the decision-making process on the budget, Scott said his “focus was on the taxpayers.”
Chris Hudson, director of the Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity, one of a constellation of conservative groups that have helped fuel the tea-party movement, applauded the budget signing.
“This budget sends the message that Florida is focused on the long-term growth of economic opportunity and prosperity for all its families and businesses,” Hudson said in a statement.
Patricia Levesque, executive director of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, which is headed by former Gov. Jeb Bush, countered the teachers union by declaring “it was a good session for Florida students.”
Levesque noted the education spending includes $40 million to bring addition digital technology into classrooms and $18.4 million to provide vouchers for children with disabilities through Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts.
Scott used his line-item veto power to cut $368 million from what had been a $74.5 billion budget a year ago. He cut $142.7 million from the spending plan in 2012, after nixing $615 million his first year in office.
In a news release Monday, Scott praised the fiscal package for investing in jobs, education, cancer research, transportation, military veterans, seniors and the environment.
The budget bill (HB 5001) was among 21 signed into law on Monday, including one that is a nod to incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, by allocating $15 million for work on a coast-to-coast bicycle trail.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Scott, Local Officials Urge Escambia Residents To Have Hurricane Plan
June 3, 2014
Governor Rick Scott joined state and local officials Monday to mark the beginning of the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season at the Escambia County Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The season, which extends from June 1, through November 30, represents the period when hurricanes are most likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean.
During Scott’s visit, he urged Escambia County residents to prepare ahead for the hurricane season. He also encouraged residents to take advantage of the hurricane sales tax holiday that continues until June 8.
Escambia County Emergency Management officials support Governor Scott’s efforts by asking residents to stay prepared by knowing their local evacuation routes, evacuation zones and having a plan in place.
Gov Rick Scott was joined by local officials Monday morning to remind Escambia County residents to get ready for this hurricane season during an awareness event. Representatives of the Escambia County Public Safety Department also discussed a variety of topics including the latest information about evacuation zones and the importance of having a hurricane plan in place before a storm approaches. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Department of Economic Opportunity Boss Tours Flood Damaged Businesses
June 3, 2014
The Executive Director of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Jesse Panuccio, joined State Representative Clay Ingram and County Commissioner Steven Barry on a tour of local areas impacted by the unprecedented April flooding.
After touring several flood-affected neighborhoods, the group visited three businesses located on Ashland Drive. The NWFL Machine Shop, Scale Reproductions, and Pollution Control Services, Inc. operate in more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space, filled with industrial equipment that was severely damaged or destroyed by the flooding.
“I want to thank Director Panuccio for taking the time to see firsthand what our community is dealing with in the aftermath of the recent floods,” said Rep. Clay Ingram. “DEO offers 
several programs to help small businesses after natural disasters, and we want to make sure our local business owners receive all of the funding that’s available to them.”
“The businesses we toured have a long way to go before they’re back and operating at full capacity, but local owners like Paul Leanza and Greg Carleton have the support of their community, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to help them get back on track,” Rep. Ingram continued.
“I appreciate the opportunity provided by Representative Ingram and local leaders to view firsthand the devastating effects of the spring flooding event in Escambia County,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “The strength of local residents, business owners and community leaders is evident in the recovery process. DEO remains committed to the residents and businesses adversely affected and will work to provide all possible support and assistance.”
Pictured inset: (L-R) Greg Carleton, Paul Leanza, Rep. Clay Ingram, Director Jesse Panuccio and Commissioner Steven Barry tour a business on Ashland Avenue that was flooded. Pictured top: The tour continues. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Third Game Jacksonville Series 5-1
June 3, 2014
Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the the Jacksonville Suns Monday night 5-1.
Starting pitcher Jon Moscot allowed one run, four hits and struck out eight in seven innings of work, including the side in his final inning.
dThrowing a season-high 115 pitches for Wahoos starters, Moscot lowered his ERA to 2.33, fourth best in the Southern League. And, great Odin’s Raven, he retired 17 of 18 batters and nine straight before Jacksonville’s Alfredo Silverio singled.
“That show of faith that I could get that done was big for me,” Moscot said. “I didn’t feel tired. I felt in control of my stuff tonight.”
Manager Delino DeShields said he was pleased with Moscot, who earned his first win since May 12 and is now 4-3 on the season.
“I liked what I was seeing,” DeShields said. “His velocity was still good. He’s a very composed young man. He doesn’t lose his cool out there.”
Jacksonville pitcher Micah Owings was making his second start for the Suns, after signing in April with the Miami Marlins to be a pitcher again in 2014. He tried his hand at converting to an outfielder in 2013. He played in the Major Leagues from 2007-12 for the Arizona Diamond backs, Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres and posted a 32-33 record and 4.86 ERA.
But Pensacola second baseman Ray Chang chased Owings out of the game with a one-out double in the third inning that scored pitcher Moscot for a 3-1 lead. The Wahoos added two more in the fifth inning to go up, 5-1, when leadoff hitter Josh Fellhauer’s single to shallow center field scored both Ross Perez and Yorman Rodriguez.
by Tommy Thrall
Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Katherine Louise White
June 3, 2014
Mrs. Katherine Louise White, 79, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014, in Flomaton.
Mrs. White was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton. Mrs. White raised four daughters and was a military wife for 20 years. Her parents, Narvie and Mary White; son, Larry Boutwell; grandson, Richard Sims, Jr.; and son-in-law, George Pettis, Jr. precede her in death.
She is survived by her four daughters, Karen Knowles, Debbie Dunn, Gail Pettis and Serena Jones, all of Flomaton; four sisters, Betty Wamsley, Ann Reid, Nell Brock and Teresa Lowry, all of Flomaton; 11 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Paul Knowles, Rev. Fred Funchn and Rev. Al Bethea officiating.
Burial was in Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Ronnie Knowles, Jeff Knowles, Kevin Knowles, Eric Rydzowski, Jim Bodtke and Colby Berry.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Lanell Mason
June 3, 2014
Ms. Lanell Mason, 80, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014, in Atmore.
Ms. Mason was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. She attended the Atmore First Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar & Lola Mason and brother, Paul Mason.
She is survived by her sister, Betty Ann Mason of Atmore; sister-in-law, Joyce Mason of Atlanta; two nieces, Paula Kindig and Shayne Lee both of Atlanta; and two great-nephews, Colby Kindig and Garrett Lee.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 5, 2014, from 10 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brian McGill, Mark McGill, Marion Cooper, Harley Kindig, Rodney Helton and Mike Helton.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
One Injured In Wreck Near Jim Allen Elementary
June 2, 2014
One person received minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon at Highway 95A and Eden Lane at Jim Allen Elementary School. The injured person was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
A Tale Of Blood And Honor: Graduating Tate Siblings Join The Marines
June 2, 2014
For two graduating Tate High School seniors, it started with bedtime stories – stories of exotic lands with strange foods, cultures and peoples, stories of brave men and women who fought for freedom and protected the innocent, stories that extolled the virtues of honor, sacrifice and bravery.
These were the stories often heard in the Goodwyn home. There were no wizards, elves or knights. Only brave men and women who had taken up service for their country. It was these stories, told by dad Hosea Goodwyn, which first kindled the flame of service in his son, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., and daughter, Alexis Goodwyn.
“Each time he told his stories, they would continuously interest me,” said Alexis Goodwyn.
Their father shared with them his experiences in places like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Spain and Dubai. Places that are as mystical and mysterious to a young mind as a fantasy world.
“His journeys inspired me to go on my own,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr.
The question for the young Goodwyns was not if to serve, but in which branch – a decision that would drastically effect how their own stories and journeys would unfold. The young siblings sought professionalism and service to country, but it was the bond they saw among the Marines that solidified their decision to enlist.
“They would help each other out through the worst of situations,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr., a senior from Tate High School. “Everyone in the Marine Corps is like a brother or sister.”
“The Marines had a tight bond with one another,” added his sister, also a Tate senior, explaining why they chose the Marines.
As the two prepare to start their new journey, their father had one final story to share – a story of honor.
“You have people who stand back and watch, and then you have those who step up to the plate and make a difference in this world,” Hosea Goodwyn said. “Honor, courage and commitment, and the words we repeat while taking the oath are not just words to take lightly. Freedom is not free and it takes brave men and women to ensure we continue to have freedom in this great nation. My father was a police officer, and each of my brothers served in the Army and the Air Forces. We don’t have followers in this family. We have leaders, and they are demonstrating this trait now. I am proud and honored to be their father.”
With their decision made, the only story left to tell is their own, which they will forge with honor, courage and commitment.
Story by Sgt. Jon Holmes, 6th Marine Corps District
Pictured: Alexis Goodwyn and her brother, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., made the decision to serve their country by enlisting in the U.S. Marines. The siblings were inspired by their father’s stories of his own deployments. Now, the two Tate High School graduating seniors are planning on beginning their own story as U.S. Marines. Photos by Sgt. Jon Holmes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Appeals Court: Florida Banks Can Charge Fees For Cashing Checks From Alabama Branch
June 2, 2014
A federal appeals court Friday sided with Alabama-based Regions Bank in a dispute stemming from fees charged for cashing checks at the bank’s Florida branches.
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal banking law trumps a Florida law that plaintiffs contended would bar the fees. The lawsuit was filed as a class action in 2012 after Derek Pereira and Camila De Freitas each presented a check to be cashed at a Regions branch in Florida, according to Friday’s ruling.
The checks were drawn on Regions, and the bank charged Pereira and De Freitas fees. The lawsuit contended that those fees violated state law because Pereira and De Freitas received less than the full amount of the checks.
But the appeals court said Regions, which it described as an “out-of-state state bank,” is covered by federal law addressing the issue. The federal law, which allows such fees, also applies to what are described as “national” banks.
by The News Service of Florida