Special Session: House, Senate Still Stuck In Health Debate
June 2, 2015
A rare June special session began Monday with legislative leaders promising to get done with the unfinished business left over from their annual spring meeting: passing a spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1.
But on the main issue that bitterly divided the House and the Senate more than a month ago — whether to adopt a Senate proposal aiming to extend health-care coverage to hundreds of thousands of lower-income Floridians — the two sides seemed as far apart as ever.
The Senate continued to push for its plan to use federal Medicaid expansion dollars from the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare, to help those Floridians purchase private health insurance. But the House continued to push back just as hard, amplifying its objections in an afternoon committee meeting that highlighted an array of questions about the proposal.
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said that he continued to object to the plan as a form of Medicaid expansion, despite Senate attempts to counter that criticism.
A new version of the Senate proposal issued last week would get rid of an interim period where the state would put people in Medicaid managed-care plans while waiting to hear whether the federal government would approve the Senate’s longer-term proposal on private insurance.
“It’s still Medicaid expansion,” Crisafulli told reporters after a brief House session Monday. “It uses the Medicaid population, it uses the Medicaid dollars, and it uses the program rules. It’s Medicaid expansion.”
House leaders plan to hold a vote on the Senate proposal this week, but it seems unlikely that the proposal could pick up the 20 or Republican defections it would need, depending on how many lawmakers vote, for approval. Crisafulli said members would not face retribution if they vote for the program.
“Our members will take the information that’s given to them and make a determination based off of that,” he said.
Senate President Andy Gardiner, an Orlando Republican who has spearheaded the push for the program, seemed to nod toward the obvious even as he held out hope. He would not directly answer whether a negative House vote would mean the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange, or FHIX, proposal is dead.
“I’m hopeful that they pass it,” he said. “I do think that the votes are there to potentially pass it. But it’s not going away. It just isn’t.”
Even House Democrats, who have cheered on the bipartisan Senate majority that backs FHIX, conceded that House Republicans seemed unlikely to budge.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see a budget completed on time, but for there not to be any expansion,” said House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.
The two chambers held dueling committee meetings Monday afternoon to tout the advantages and disadvantages of the Senate’s approach.
The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously passed the revised proposal, known as “FHIX 2.0,” sponsored by committee Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach.
The FHIX program would offer coverage to approximately 800,000 Floridians earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level. They would receive premium credits to shop for products on the FHIX marketplace or the federal health insurance exchange or plans offered by Florida Health Choices or the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.
Under the program, parents with children under the age of 18 would have a minimum work requirement of 20 hours per week, while childless adults would have a minimum requirement of 30 hours per week.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, walked Bean through a series of questions intended to establish that the proposal would be “a coverage opportunity, not a coverage entitlement, for hundreds of thousands of Floridians.”
Given the work requirement, Bean said, 400,000 to 500,000 Floridians would be eligible for coverage under the Senate plan. Theoretically, the number could go as high as 800,000, but according to Senate staff, approximately 48 percent of potentially eligible Floridians would not meet the work requirement.
Gaetz said that although he’s a staunch opponent of Medicaid, Bean had “drawn a distinction, in this bill, between those who can’t get up off the couch and those who won’t get up off the couch. … This doesn’t expand Medicaid by one jot or tittle.”
Meanwhile, Republican members of the House Health & Human Services Committee savaged the plan’s shortcomings. Of the five significant waivers of federal law that would have to be approved by the federal government, the committee said, three were unlikely to get the go-ahead.
Those likely to be rejected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include the work requirement.
“It really leads me to believe quite frankly that we’re having a really lengthy discussion on a program that has very little likelihood of being approved by the federal government,” said Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland.
Gardiner said the state should find out whether the state can win approval.
“I think it’s important for us to tell … the federal government that if you want to expand coverage here, at least from the state of Florida, this is as far as we can go,” he said.
During the committee meeting, House members also pointed out that the plan would likely fall well short of covering the 800,000 people supporters often say it would; could cause premiums to spike for the families of almost 159,000 low- to middle-income Florida children who already receive health-care from the state; and would end a program that helps state residents whose incomes are too high for Medicaid but who can’t afford their medical costs.
Between those changes and the fallout in the private insurance market, state Medicaid director Justin Senior said, “it would be difficult to predict whether more Floridians would gain coverage or lose it. It would be a very close call.”
Lightning Strike Sparks Minor House Fire Near Walnut Hill
June 1, 2015
There was no major damage and no injuries when lightning struck a home and sparked a fire near Walnut Hill Monday morning.
The incident happened about 11:30 in the 3000 block of Highway 97A, just south of Occie Philipps Road. Firefighters reported a light, smoky haze inside the home when they arrived on scene. The source of the smoke was traced to insulation in the attic area of the home.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Molino and Century station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department responded.
Eagle Scout: Stott Achieves Boy Scouts’ Highest Rank
June 1, 2015
Benjamin Michael Stott of Bratt was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, during a ceremony Sunday in Bratt.
Only a small handful of scouts ever obtain Eagle Scout rank. It’s an elite club full of American heroes such as former U.S. President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
“I did not stick to it, but you did,” Congressman Jeff Miller, a former Boy Scout, told Stott during the program at Shiloh Baptist Church. “Those of you that have it (Eagle Scout) as a goal, stick to it. Get it. Once you become my age, you can’t go back and do it again.”
Miller presented Stott with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and an American flag flown in his honor over the United States Capitol.
Stott, 18, also received a proclamation in his honor from the town of Century, and written accolades from several prominent people, including the Boy Scouts of America leader and Gov. Rick Scott.
But the most touching words came from Stott’s father, the Rev. Kevin Stott, pastor of Shiloh Baptist.
“I am very proud of you. This is a great achievement. Let me challenge you today to carry with you not only the values instilled in you in these years of scouting, but also the Biblical values instilled in you through your family and through your church. God bless you, son.”
Stott, who graduated Saturday from Northview High School, focused his Eagle Scout project late last year on beautifying and repairing Drew’s Field at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Par, which was dedicated in 2009 in memory of two-year Drew Marlow who died in a January 2008 Highway 97 traffic crash along with his father Danny Marlow.
Stott is a member of Boy Scout Troop 430 in Molino.
Pictured top and bottom: Benjamin Stott of Bratt was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout during a Sunday ceremony at Shiloh Baptist Church. Pictured inset: Stott is presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and an American flag flown in his honor over the United State Capitol by Congressman Jeff Miller. Pictured below: Stott shares an emotional moment with his mother, Sherry Stott, after presented her a pin in recognition of her help during his scouting career. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Showers Likely Today
June 1, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Northview $162K Gym Renovation, Other Projects Begin; Parking Lot Closed
June 1, 2015
The Escambia County School Board has awarded a contract that will remodel and combine the boys and girls weight rooms inside the Northview High School gym into new facilities for female use. That gym and other construction projects are officially underway as of today, forcing the closure of the student parking lot.
The $161,750 contract was awarded to low bidder Birkshire Johnstone LLC, including a base bid of $145,00 plus add-ons of a smart projector, sound system and LED lighting. The next lowest bid came in at $199,000. The project is due to be completed before the start of school in August.
A new 3,500 square foot building including a weight room, locker room, coaches’ offices, storage and accompanying restrooms was recently completed on the campus for male use.
Because of the gym project, the student parking lot behind the gym is closed to all students and school personnel. The gym and theater are off limits to students for the summer.
Sidewalks and parking areas are also under construction in the athletic areas to the west of the main buildings, and HVAC upgrades are underway in the main building.
Pictured: Inside the new boys weight room at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Summer Reading Programs Set At The Library
June 1, 2015
The “Summer Reading Club: Every Hero Has a Story” is set to go at the West Florida Library location nearest you. Youth ages 0 to 17 may register to play the reading game June 1 through July 18.
Programs run through July 30, with the June schedule as follows:
Mike Artell
Author, illustrator and cartoonist, Mike Artell will teach youth how to draw cartoon art.
- Tuesday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, June 9, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, June 10, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, June 10, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, June 11, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, June 11, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Michelle’s Magical Poodles
Enjoy Michelle’s Magical Poodles as they perform fun and quirky dog tricks with an educational twist and lots of audience interaction.
- Tuesday, June 16, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, June 16, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, June 17, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, June 17, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, June 18, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, June 18, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Reno’s Reptiles
Join Reno’s Reptiles for a chance to get up close and personal with some amazing animals.
- Tuesday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, June 23, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, June 24, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, June 25, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Bucky & Gigi
Bucky & Gigi provide a fun, fast-paced show using physical comedy, circus skills, mime, magic, improvisation and lots of audience participation.
- Tuesday, June 30, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, June 30, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 1, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 1, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 2, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 2, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
West Florida High Names Honors Graduates
June 1, 2015
West Florida High School of Advanced Technology has named honors graduates for their Class of 2015.
Raleigh Elizabeth Nesbitt, the daughter of Wales and Marvetta Nesbitt is the 2015 Valedictorian of West Florida High School. Raleigh will graduate with a 5.06 GPA; the highest in the history of the school. Raleigh has been accepted to Dartmouth College; Liberal Arts, Ivy League University located in Hanover, New Hampshire on a full ride scholarship that includes a paid study abroad opportunity. As a full-time dual enrollment student, Raleigh participated in the May graduation ceremony of Pensacola State College for her AA degree. She has earned over 70 academic, music, art, and extracurricular awards since entering high school, and has received congressional recognition for outstanding community service.
Amy Murph of Bratt is salutatorian and will receive an advanced diploma She was part of the Biomedical Science Academy at WFHS. She will attend the University of Alabama Birmingham in the fall, majoring in biomedical sciences. Amy’s final GPA was a 4.89.
The West Florida High School Class of 2015 will graduate Tuesday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center.
West Florida High School honor’s graduates are:
Summa Cum Laude Graduates (4.0 an higher)
Allen, Dutch Gerrit
Ames, Tyler Scott
Anderson, Delaney Nash
Bain, Austin L
Barajas, Ignacio Rae
Bell, Hannah Grace
Bjorensen, Samantha L
Bonanno, Christopher Ramon
Boucher, Mariah Veronica
Brown, Lauren Elaine
Burridge, Makenzie Leigh
Butler, Jamie Marie
Cobb, Ashley Rose
Crowley, Ashley Lauren
Cutaio, Alexandria Dominique
Davidson, Breeann Denise
Davila, Addie Leah
Davis, Nakeria Marissa
Donaghy, Randall Hunter
Ellenberger, Abigail Janiece
Estrada, Antonio Zane-Kai
Evans, Jasmine Keionna
Gould, Christian Jamal
Gray, Maeliah
Hagan, Kaylee Marie
Hagen, Lauren Kristene
Hampton, Rebecca Carlene
Humphreys, Reagan Lea
Izonritei, Melissa Jeanne
Jackson, Kyle Jeffery
Johnson, Michael Arnett
Keyes, Austin K
Le, PhucSang
Linam, Benjamin Matthew
Mathis, Britney Ann
McCormick, Devin Kelby
McGraw, Seth Christian
Milstead, Dakota B
Murcko, Garrett Ashton
Murph, Amy Elizabeth
Nesbitt, Raleigh Elizabeth
Nguyen, Hydee Thien An
Nguyen, Luan D
O’Brien, Colin Campbell
Orf, Christopher J
Peppers, Morgan Ann
Pyle, Samuel Coleman
Schubeck, Brianna Michelle
Shin, David Dong
Simbulan, Marffee
Skinner, William Scott
Small, Michael Allen
Smylie, Constance I’man
Sortino, Jordan Mackenzie
Stolsig, Dane Theodore
Strohl, Isabelle Quinn
Thompson, Henry Aaron
Tran, Kaitlyn Thuy
Tran, Quan Minh
Trimble, Jasmyne Simone
Turner, Kaitlyn Ashley
Venable, Josephine Noel
Waters, Caitlyn Renae
Webb, David Joseph
Wise, Tamara Lynn
Magna Cum Laude Graduates (3.85-3.99)
Ballard, Brandon C
Fuller, Jacklyn Noelle
Harris, Gabrielle R
Healy, Ethan James
Hodge, Semegne Marie
Maund, Madeline Susannah
McCombs, Branson Reid
Sanders, Bradley Wayne
Stroehl, Cameron Tyler
Cum Laude Graduates (3.5-3.84)
Anderson, Erica Lin
Anglin, Jeremiah Devonte
Barker, Samuel David
Bergosh, Nicholas Cole
Blount, Robert James
Bryant, Megan Lee
Chadwell, Jacob Allen
Cole, Paige Victoria
Day, Alicia Erin
Dombek, Katarina Michelle
Doty, Gavin Andrew
Elliott, Lewis Truman
Farrell, Alyssa A
Grant, Devan Lee
Hardy, Destiny Heather
Henderson, D’Asia Jakiyah
Inghram, Victoria Lynn
Jackson, Jewel Hope
Johnson, Sommer Eliese
Loring, Emily Elaine
Manning, Christopher Daniel
Miller, Kayla Nicole
Mroz, Haley Alexis
Nicholson, Austin Lamar
Norrell, Daniel John
Ortiz, Rafael Shaquile
Pellegrino, Morgan Ashley
Richardson, Makya M
Rogers, Breana Nicole
Stroman, Rozetta Genemae
Suggs, Danielle Samone
Szafran, Alexander Charles
Photos: Century’s Youngest (And Cutest) Graduates
June 1, 2015
The Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center recently held a VPK graduation ceremony. The young graduates demonstrated their ability to count to 100 in various increments, presented their favorite letters, sang songs and spoke a little Spanish — skill all learned in their VPK classes.
For more photos of the graduates, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Names May Students Of The Month
June 1, 2015
Ernest Ward Middle School has named Students of the Month for May. They are Summer Water, sixth grade; Justin Cruce, eighth grade; and Emily Boutwell, seventh grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Hospital Now Managed By Infirmary Health; Baptist Out
June 1, 2015
Atmore Community Hospital is now officially managed by Infirmary Health of Mobile, rather than Baptist Health Care of Pensacola.
In August 2014, the Escambia County Healthcare Authority (ECHA) voted to move forward with the Infirmary partnership, ended an agreement that Baptist entered 20 years ago to manage the 49-bed facility.
ECHA issued a request for management proposals as part of an inquiry period that began in late 2013. The proposals, including one from Baptist Health Care, were analyzed by the ECHA Executive Committee which ultimately recommended Infirmary Health.
As the largest non-governmental, not-for-profit healthcare system in Alabama, Infirmary Health is composed of three acute care hospitals, three post-acute care facilities, three diagnostic centers, and more than 22 medical clinics and other affiliates serving an 11-county area along the Gulf Coast and treating more than 800,000 patients annually.
Infirmary Health currently operates Mobile Infirmary, Thomas Hospital in Fairhope and North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette. The company employees more than 4,900 people with about 700 physicians on staff. The company is the largest private employer in Mobile.
Pictured: Atmore Community Hospital in now managed by Infirmary Health of Mobile, ending a 20-year agreement with Baptist Health Care of Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photo by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.