Florida Gets $3 Billion In BP Settlement; Escambia To See $58 Million In RESTORE Funds
July 3, 2015
Florida will land about $3.25 billion as part of a multi-state federal settlement with BP over widespread damages caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Florida stands to receive $2 billion for economic damages, the most of any Gulf Coast state, and $680 million for restoration projects. The deadly explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig and ensuing massive spill affected the environment, tourism and the fishing industry along the Gulf of Mexico but its effects rippled throughout the state.
Florida is also in line for $572 million as part of the 2012 Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States (RESTORE) Act, with that figure potentially growing to $1.25 billion. Escambia County is expected to receive at least $58 million in RESTORE funds over the next several years. That money is in addition to the $10.5 million Escambia County was already set to receive.
The deal announced Thursday requires London-based BP to pay $18.5 billion in economic and natural resources damages to the five Gulf Coast states affected by the disaster, which pumped at least 3.9 million gallons of oil off the coastlines of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Sen. Don Gaetz, who as Senate president pushed for the creation of a consortium to oversee the bulk of the settlement funds, said the money will help boost economic development throughout the Panhandle, now largely reliant on tourism and the military industry.
“This could be game changer,” said Gaetz, a Republican from Niceville. “Just as the Deepwater Horizon was the worst economic disaster to befall our area, this settlement could be the best economic opportunity in our times. This kind of money allows you to build out our current economy in northwest Florida, as well as being able to development entire economic sectors that don’t exist today.”
Triumph Gulf Coast Inc., a non-profit corporation created by the Legislature in 2013, will manage 75 percent of the economic damages money. Triumph, set up to help the eight Panhandle counties most economically impacted by the spill, is expected to award the money over 30 years for recovery efforts. The legislature will distribute the remaining 25 percent.
“This agreement will help Florida implement key projects and invest in environmental priorities to keep our state beautiful,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a release.
Under the agreement, Florida will receive an initial payment of $400 million next year, with subsequent disbursements of about $100 million annually through 2033.
The governor’s office and other state environmental agencies deferred to the attorney general’s office when asked how the state would use the money.
“We will be working closely with our partner agencies to determine the next steps moving forward,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Katie Purcell said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the settlement during a press conference at the Port of Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Environmentalists, still reeling from how the Legislature divvied up voter-approved water and land conservation money for the new budget year, are hopeful that the BP cash will be used appropriately as it’s slowly dispersed over the next two decades.
With $2 billion earmarked for economic recovery efforts, Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper said that the remainder of the spending should be steered toward environmental projects.
“Although Florida wasn’t impacted by that much oil, we have significant amount of environmental degradation associated with water quality problems and even lack of fresh water flow,” Draper said. “This money could be spent anywhere from the Caloosahatchee River all the way to the Panhandle.”
The agreement — potentially the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history — is “an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate and expand the response to the devastating harm caused by the spill, and to build lasting resilience into the essential ecosystems of the Gulf,” a group of national and local environmental organizations said in a joint press release.
“While we await key details, one thing is clear: As soon as the settlement is final, it will be time to put that money to work,” the statement from the Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Ocean Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation said.
Business lobbying groups also hailed the settlement.
“Five years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we still do not know the extent of the damage done to the Gulf, however this is a first step in making our industry whole,” Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said in a press release.
BP, which has spent more than $20 billion responding to the spill and claims, saw its value drop by a third after the maritime disaster.
The agreement is “a path to closure for BP and the Gulf,” BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said in a statement.
“It resolves the company’s largest remaining legal exposures, provides clarity on costs and creates certainty of payment for all parties involved,” Svanberg said. “In deciding to follow this path, (BP) has balanced the risks, timing and consequences associated with many years of litigation against its wish for the company to be able to set a clear course for the future.”
In April 2013, Bondi filed a lawsuit against BP Exploration & Production Inc., BP America Production Co., and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., seeking $5.48 billion for lost revenue — past and future — from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The lawsuit sought actual and potential lost tax revenue caused by the spill. Bondi filed the lawsuit after the company ignored a settlement offer.
Thursday’s announced settlement with BP doesn’t end the state’s lawsuits against rig owner TransOcean and contractor Haliburton Energy Services. The agreement also doesn’t help those who opted out of a 2012 class action settlement to pursue individual property damage and medical claims.
The portion of the settlement dealing with the economic loss claims still requires final approval from all of the parties involved, and a consent decree dealing with natural resources damages and Clean Water Act claims will require court approval.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida. NorthEscambia.com also contributed to this report.
Pictured top and insets: Oil on Pensacola Beach. Pictured below: Protective oil boom in Pensacola Bay. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
West Florida Library Summer Reading Program Continues
July 3, 2015
Young readers learned from Bucky & Gigi during the West Florida Library’s Summer Reading Club Programs. Bucky & Gigi provided a fun, fast-paced show using physical comedy, circus skills, mime, magic, improvisation and lots of audience participation.
The Summer Reading Program, for children ages 0-17, will continue at the West Florida Library as follows:
Mark Seymour
This interactive percussion extravaganza encourages children to believe in themselves.
- Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 7, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 8, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 8, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 9, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 9, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Pensacola State Gymnastics
This PSC youth gymnastics team will flip, tumble and entertain in a display of athletic fitness at its finest.
- Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 15, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Magic with Russell Davis
This humorous magician uses tricks and comedy to encourage a love of reading.
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 23, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Superhero Wrap Up Party
Celebrate a super summer with crafts, face painting, snacks and prizes.
- Tuesday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 30, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Pictured: Bucky & Gigi perform Thursday morning at the Molino Branch Library. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Insurance Agent Sentenced For Selling Fake Policies To NBA, NFL Players
July 3, 2015
An Escambia County insurance agent was sentenced to federal prison today for defrauding athletes by selling them fake insurance policies.
Kevin D. Webster, 44, was sentenced Thursday to 21 months in prison for wire fraud, and hew as ordered to pay $144,229.07 in restitution.
During his guilty plea in February 2015, Webster admitted that, between 2008 and 2012, as an insurance agent registered in Florida and other states, he knowingly defrauded NFL and NBA player clients by falsely representing that he had used the clients’ money to obtain umbrella insurance policies, with coverage amounts ranging from $5 million to $1 million, from United States Liability Insurance Group. Instead, Webster stole approximately $140,000 in client payments meant for policy premiums.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Escambia Man Gets Life For Murder
July 3, 2015
An Escambia County man sentenced to life in prison Thursday for a local murder.
Terrance Hartley was convicted of first degree premeditated murder by an Escambia County jury. Following the verdict, Hartley was sentenced to life in state prison by Circuit Court Judge Terry Terrell.
On April 14, 2014, the victim, Dequarius Durant, was ambushed while sitting in his vehicle on Topaz Avenue in the Mayfair community. Hartley, and his codefendants, Jim Williams and Gerald Parson, were among those who surrounded the vehicle and opened fire, killing Durant. Williams was tried and convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Parson entered a plea relating to his involvement in the crime.
Seaplane Stuck During Nicholas Cage Film Shoot: Breaks Apart During Salvage
July 3, 2015
A World War II seaplane was beached in Escambia County for three days on the set of a Nicholas Cage movie being shot in Orange Beach.
The PBY Catalina was being filmed for the movie “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” when the seaplane began to take on water due to a mechanical problem. It was pulled closer to the shore, where it remained, slightly nose-down with landing gear stuck in the sand. During attempts to move it out of the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, the plane “broke apart”, according to officials.
According to a statement release by film producers:
“We are thankful that no one was hurt. The pilot and co-pilot are well. And the entire cast and crew are safe and sound. The Vintage PBY being used by production met a tragic end at the hands of the sea yesterday, and the salvage company was unable to save the aircraft. The PBY will be immortalized in the film, as will the unfortunate events surrounding the USS Indianapolis and the rescue teams from the US Navy. God Bless America. Freedom isn’t free. With our collective respect and gratefulness, our heart shouts out for our military, and their families, in harm’s way. Happy July 4th and God Bless the USA.”
“USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” is the harrowing true story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, who were stranded in the Philippine Sea for five days after delivering the atomic weapons that would eventually end WWII. As they awaited rescue, they endured extreme thirst, hunger, and relentless shark attacks, according to IMDb.
The movie is expected to be released in 2016 and is being filmed mostly in the Mobile area.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
About 125 Attend Sheriff’s Church Safety And Security Workshop
July 3, 2015
About 125 people attended a “Security in the Place of Worship” workshop presented Thursday night by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our places of worship should be regarded as safe havens where the community can worship and experience fellowship free from worries about violence, theft or unethical behavior,” said Sheriff David Morgan, “I encourage all citizens to arm themselves with the knowledge necessary to prevent fraud, theft and other crimes.”
The free workshop was designed to assist citizens in their efforts to reduce crime in our places of worship and in their communities.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan (near far right at microphone) addresses a Security in the Place of Worship workshop Thursday evening at the department’s administration building. Pictured below: Attendees learn to secure their places of worship. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Aggies End Summer Baseball Season With Wins Over WFHS
July 3, 2015
The Tate High School Aggie “A” team finished their summer ball series Thursday with an 11-3 win over West Florida High School in nine innings. The Aggies “A” team finished with a summer record of 15-1-1.
The Tate high School Aggie “B” team took two from West Florida High School in a Thursday summer finale double header. The Tate “B” team beat WFHS 5-4 in game one and 3-0 in the second game.
Wahoos Beat Jacksonville
July 3, 2015
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (3-4, 28-47) used a stellar pitching effort from starter Daniel Wright (4-6) to even the season series with the Jacksonville Suns (3-4, 32-34) in a 2-1 victory.
Seth Mejias-Brean, who went 2-3 with a home run and a pair of RBIs, led the Wahoos at the plate. Juan Duran and Ray Chang added the other two hits for the Wahoos on the night. Duran is now 3-6 with two runs, a double and an RBI in his first two Double-A contests this season.
Manager Pat Kelly on Mejias-Brean: “He’s worked really hard. He and Alex (Pelaez) have changed a few things in his stance, and we’re starting to see some power. We’re starting to see him drive some balls. It’s nice to see all that hard work being rewarded in the game.”
Wright began the game on fire, retiring the side in five pitches in the top of the first, and would retire 21 of 25 Jacksonville batters. Zack Cox broke up his no-hit bid in the fifth on a double to right, but Wright was still able to get out of the inning unscathed. Mejias-Brean broke up the no-hit bid for Matt Tomshaw in the bottom of the fifth, as well.
Wright’s final line was 7.0 innings pitched, two hits, two walks and six strikeouts without allowing a run. Tomshaw earned the loss, going 7.0 innings and allowing a pair of runs. Zack Weiss earned his fifth save of the season.
Kelly was impressed with Wright’s current form:
“Daniel’s really hitting his stride. That’s the way he pitched last year, and we’re starting to see where he can use both sides of the plate. I think he and Skipworth worked really well tonight. He was able to mix in his curveball to put guys away and he threw a few changeups too.”
Mejias-Brean finally broke the deadlock in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-run, line-drive homer that barely cleared the wall in left-center. His third homer of the year drove Juan Duran home, who had reached base on his third hit of the series.
Mejias-Brean on the home run: “To be honest, I was just thinking, ‘Get something up’. He was throwing fastballs pretty early. He was quick pitching, so I was just trying to get ready really early.
“He kind of came in with a couple of curveballs in there, and I figured he was going to come [with] one fastball. One fastball too many, I guess.”
The Suns made things somewhat interesting in the top off the ninth as David Adams hit a solo shot with two outs. Zack Weiss, however, was able to close things out with a strikeout on the next at-bat to earn the save.
Jefferson Smith
July 3, 2015
Mr. Jefferson Smith, 60, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Foley.
Mr. Smith was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. His wife, Linda Smith; parents, Henry and Lula Smith; brothers, Roy James, Johnny Smith and Joel Smith; and sisters, Sarah Libby Paul, Edna Flowers and Ruth Lumbard precede Mr. Smith in death.
Survivors include his two daughters, Shelia (Thomas Lindsey) Smith of Stapleton, AL and Becky Smith (Brandon) Henderson of Atmore; one brother, Marvin (Carol) James of Foley; two sisters, Elaine (Bo) White of Bay Minette and Donna (Don) Nefzer of Mobile; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Jackie) Presley of Pensacola; two grandchildren, Jamie Kimbler and Katie Godwin; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Welch officiating.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Alan (Bo) White, Jimmy White, Phillip White, Kelly White, Billy White and Robbie Garrett.
Honorary pallbearer was Tony Embley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Curtis Edward Golden
July 3, 2015
Mr. Curtis Edward Golden, 66, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015, in Flomaton.
Mr. Golden was a native of Flomaton, former resident of Illinois, where he lived 28 years, and a resident of Flomaton. Mr. Golden was an avid hunter. His parents, Pete and Sis Golden, precede him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Golden of Flomaton; two sons, Darren (Paula) Golden of Cerro Gordo, IL and Gary Golden of Flomaton; one sister, Debra (Allen) Smith of Flomaton; and two grandchildren, Samantha Murray and Elizabeth Garner.
Graveside services will be Monday, July 6, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Little Escambia Baptist Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.