Pension Changes Headed To House Floor
February 17, 2016
Less than a week after it was introduced, a bill that could shift more public employees into a 401(k)-style retirement plan is headed to the House floor.
The legislation (HB 7107) was approved Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee on a 16-9 vote, clearing the way for the full chamber to take up the measure. The initiative has already caused friction with the Senate, which wants a different set of changes to the Florida Retirement System also included in the House proposal.
Under the House bill, employees who don’t choose between the state’s traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-style investment plan would “default” into the investment plan. Currently, workers are automatically placed in the pension plan if they don’t make a selection.
Most of the roughly 1 million working and retired members of the system are in the traditional pension plan.
Supporters of the legislation say it better fits the current workforce, where employees are more likely to change jobs. Rep. Matt Caldwell, the North Fort Myers Republican handling the bill, said younger workers in particular could end up in a plan that doesn’t mesh with their career paths.
“If they don’t make a choice … and they default today into the pension and leave before vesting, they leave with nothing,” Caldwell said.
House Republicans have for years pushed bills aimed at encouraging or even requiring new employees to enter the investment plan, arguing that it’s more stable and more closely resembles the retirement plans in private industry.
But unions, Democrats and some Senate Republicans have fought those efforts, arguing the traditional pension plan is sturdy and offsets the fact that state workers make less money than their private counterparts.
They also note that the vast majority of workers currently pick the pension plan.
“Clearly there is a desire when people make a choice to go into the defined benefit plan,” said Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach. ” … Why would we say that we’re going to change the choice and default people into a plan that only one out of four would choose when they don’t make a choice?”
In an effort to make the House changes more appealing, the bill approved Tuesday includes pension legislation favored by the Senate. It incorporates some provisions dealing with death benefits the Senate is seeking, as well as a fix to unintended consequences of legislation passed several years ago meant to cut down on “double dipping” by members of the retirement system.
The Senate has particularly focused on increasing death benefits for families of first responders killed in the line of duty and making changes for those in the investment plan. The House would make changes to the death benefits for all workers in the investment plan.
Rep. George Moraitis, R-Fort Lauderdale, pointed to the two Senate provisions in explaining why he voted for the bill Tuesday. But he sounded hesitant about the default switch.
“Unless we’re saying we really cannot afford our FRS (Florida Retirement) system going forward, I don’t necessarily see a need to make this change,” he said.
But other Republicans defended the change, and have highlighted the fact that the legislation would extend the amount of time workers have to choose between the two plans before defaulting.
“I think if you give someone eight months to make a decision, that that should be ample time to do all the bit of research that any human might necessarily need to be able to make a decision,” said Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples.
Should it pass the House, the odds are still long in the Senate. That chamber voted unanimously last week to approve the death-benefits bill in what the sponsor described as a show of resolve on the issue.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Chamber Honors Business, Community Leaders
February 17, 2016
Tuesday night, the Greater Pensacola Chamber announced its 56th Annual PACE Award recipients during a special one-night event at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. Each year, the PACE Awards are presented to outstanding individuals in the community who have made significant contributions to Greater Pensacola’s overall economic progress.
“We are privileged to have an abundance of leaders devoted to moving the Greater Pensacola region forward with their talents, enthusiasm and spirit,” said Clay Ingram, Greater Pensacola Chamber President & CEO. “We are honored to pay tribute to these individuals who continue to positively impact our community.”
President of Elebash’s Jewelers, Patrick Elebash, was named Emerging Business Leader of the Year for his efforts to make Pensacola a vibrant and progressive city. Elebash, a Leadership Pensacola graduate, has served on multiple boards of directors and continues to lead both personally and professionally. Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House, was named Emerging Advocate Leader of the Year for bringing services with lasting improvements to children and families in crisis. Kostevicki was recently elected president of the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy and continues to expand children’s advancement along the Gulf Coast.
Sacred Heart Health System’s chief executive officer Susan Davis Ed.D, RN was named Professional Leader of the Year for directing a top health care system. Her efforts continue to transform our community into a truly regional healthcare center, promoting Pensacola as a national player in the healthcare industry. Sue Martin was named Community Leader of the Year for her dedication to improving the lives of numerous children over the years. Martin is the founder of Mall Ball, which is the largest fundraising ball in Pensacola, collecting over $4 million in 21 years for Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
Chef Joe Abston, owner of Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, The Tin Cow, and Edible Invaders, and overseer of culinary direction at Pot Roast & Pinot, was named Business Leader of the Year. Chef Abston was pivotal on the growth of the downtown area and continues to further the downtown scene, advocating for Gallery Night and chairing Palafox Wine Walk. Mort O’Sullivan, III, CPA was awarded the Pioneer Award for his professional career with Warren Averett and his many contributions to Northwest Florida. O’Sullivan has over 38 years of experience in public accounting and is a past chairman and current board member for the Greater Pensacola Chamber.
Finally, Molly McGuire Martin was awarded the Spirit of Pensacola Award for her many accomplishments as a successful businesswoman and entertainer. She passed away in 2014, but her spirit lives on through the restaurants she built with her husband McGuire – McGuire’s Irish Pub (Pensacola and Destin), Flounders (Pensacola Beach), Crabs (Pensacola Beach) and Vinny McGuire’s Pizza (Destin).
Pictured top: Pioneer Award winner Mort O’Sullivan III. Pictured inset: Joe Abston, Business Leader of the Year. Pictured below: Community Leader of the Year Sue Martin. Pictured bottom: Emerging Advocate Leader of the Year Stacey Kostevicki. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House, Senate Move Closer On Incentives Plan
February 17, 2016
The House has moved closer to the Senate on a new process for approving economic incentives as requested by Gov. Rick Scott.
But the two chambers remain apart over how much money to set aside to lure businesses to Florida. Scott met individually Tuesday with incoming Senate President Joe Negron, Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee and House Appropriations Chairman Richard Corcoran in discussions that touched on the governor’s request for $250 million in economic-incentives money and $1 billion in tax cuts.
When asked if Scott appeared willing to accept lower numbers as the two chambers work on a compromise, Negron and Corcoran said the talks with Scott were more about the “big picture” of the funding yet to be finalized.
“We’ve got to start sitting down with the Senate and you’ve got to look at the numbers,” Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, said. “I think the House is committed to doing as much as we can in tax cuts and that’s what we’ve rolled out in our budget.”
Rep. Jim Boyd, a Bradenton Republican who is sponsoring the economic incentive proposal (HB 1325), said the differences with the Senate will have to be worked out in upcoming budget negotiations.
“There a lot of moving parts around the big numbers that we’ve got to kind of wrestle down before we can come up with what exactly we’re going to do,” Boyd said after the House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee approved the bill Tuesday.
The Senate has gone along with Scott’s request for $250 million in incentives money, though it has not backed his call for $1 billion in tax cuts.
The House, where questions have arisen over the effectiveness of business incentives, so far has offered $80 million for the programs — but has put on the table a nearly $1 billion tax-cut package.
The House economic-incentives total would still be an increase from the $43 million that lawmakers gave the public-private agency Enterprise Florida for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Under Boyd’s bill, both the House and Senate are now proposing that any incentive deals through what is known as the Florida Enterprise Fund would have at least a 20 percent local financial match. Projects would be intended to create at least 10 jobs, and no payments would be made until performance conditions are met.
The Senate incentive policy proposal (SB 1646) also would require projected economic benefits to provide a 2.5-to-1 return on investment. The House measure, which initially stood at 5-to-1, has been moved down to a 3-to-1 return on investment.
Boyd said the lower House ratio is more realistic, pointing to recent deals in which Merritt Island Boat Works intends to open a new manufacturing facility and Hertz has moved its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to Estero. They were in the 3-to-1 range.
“It’s still a pretty hefty return on investment in terms of the big picture,” Boyd said.
The House and Senate also have lined up on what is known as the high-impact performance incentive program.
Under the proposed rules, the governor would be able to approve grants under $2 million and only have to provide legislative leadership with a written description of those projects. The House speaker and Senate president would have two weeks to file objections to projects in line to get $2 million or more.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Century School Bus Stop Changes
February 17, 2016
Due to the damage caused by the Monday tornado, several North Escambia roadways remain inaccessible. Therefore, as North Escambia students return to school at Bratt Elementary School, Ernest Ward Middle School, and Northview High School and schools in the southern part of the county, those who normally meet the bus at bus stops listed below will meet the bus at temporary alternate bus stops, also indicated below until the roadways into neighborhoods are cleared. All other bus stops remain unchanged.
Bratt Elementary School Bus 29-09
Regular Bus Stops at Pond St. & Ramar St., 306 Pond St., Jefferson Ave. & Roberts Rd., Barnwell Ln. & Jefferson Ave., Jefferson Ave. & Ashford Ave., 6766 Jefferson Ave.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Pond St. at 6:51 AM/2:35 PM
Bratt Elementary School Bus 29-09
Regular Bus Stops at 7620 Jefferson Ave., 7660 Mayo St., 531 Church St., 7500 Jefferson Ave, Church St. & Jefferson Ave.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Hecker Rd. at 6:53 AM/2:37 PM
Bratt Elementary School Bus 26-09
Regular Bus Stops at Lodge Rd. & Front St., 7730 Mayo St., Archie Rd & Mayo St., 7821 Jefferson Ave., 426 Front St.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Lodge Rd. at 6:50 AM/2:37 PM
Bratt Elementary School Bus 16-12
Regular Bus Stops at 740 Freedom Rd., 901 Freedom Rd., 1011 Freedom Rd.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Hecker Rd. at 6:40 AM/2:30 PM
Northview High & Ernest Ward Middle School Bus 35-09
Regular Bus Stops at E. Hecker Rd. & Lodge Rd., 301 Hecker Rd., Hecker Rd. & Mayo Rd., Mayo Ln. & Mayo St., 400 Front St., 424 Front St., Church St. & Jefferson Ave., 751 Briggs Blvd., 740 Freedom Rd., 7821 Jefferson Ave., 901 Freedom Rd.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Hecker Rd. at 7:50 AM/4:55 PM
Northview High & Ernest Ward Middle School Bus 29-09
Regular Bus Stops at E. Pond St. & Ramar St., 309 Pond St., Barnwell Ln. & Jefferson Ave., Jefferson Ave. & Ashford Ave.
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Hecker Rd. at 7:57 AM/4:17 PM
West Florida High School, Brown Barge Middle School, Pensacola High School IB
Regular Bus Stops at Century-Carver
Temporary Alternate Bus Stop: Highway 29 & Hecker Rd. at 6:25 AM/5:15 PM
North Escambia ESE students will be contacted by route managers regarding their bus stops and times.
These bus stops will remain in effect until the roadways into neighborhoods are cleared. We will continue to update this site and communicate with families as the situation improves.
Donations Needed For Tornado Victims; Item Giveaway Set For Wednesday AM
February 16, 2016
The Abundant Life Assembly of God on North Century Boulevard is accepting donations for tornado victims in Century.
Items needed include food, water, cleaning supplies, clothing of all types and sizes, toys and other household items. There will be an open trailer in the back parking lot of the church were donations can be left after hours.
At 9 a.m. Wednesday, items will be distributed to those in need at the church.
Tornado Causes Major Damage, Several Injured, Many Homes Destroyed (With Photo Gallery)
February 16, 2016
At least three people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed as a tornado ripped through the North Escambia area from McDavid and Century Monday afternoon.
One female on Jefferson Avenue was trapped after a mobile home was destroyed and a mobile home was blown into her home. Rescuers and volunteers used tools and even their hands to dig to the women out of the rubble, eventually freeing her and passing her out of the rubble along a human chain. She was transported to an area hospital as a “trauma alert”.
Numerous homes were completely demolished or left uninhabitable. Authorities continued to search through damaged homes and rubble into the evening.
Century iwas essentially shut down. Many roads are impassible at this time, including Crary, Jefferson, Mayo, Campbell, Elsie Davis. Residents are asked to stay home and not attempt to travel in unsafe conditions. Most of the area with without power, and some areas were without water due to broken water mains from downed trees.
Four North Escambia area schools are closed for Tuesday due to the tornado damage in the area. The closed schools are Northview High, Ernest Ward Middle, Byrneville Elementary and Bratt Elementary. A decision about Wednesday will be made at a future time and posted on NorthEscambia.com.
For additional information up to the minute, visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/NorthEscambia.com
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tornado Updates: At A Glance
February 16, 2016
5 p.m. Update from Escambia County on Century/McDavid tornado
Essential Information
· Residents are going to be allowed to re-enter closed roads on foot with proof of residency Escambia County is working with the Town of Century and various agencies today to complete damage assessments and remove downed trees.
· Search and Rescue was completed Monday evening, however teams rechecked homes this morning in the daylight ECSO to work with Red Cross to establish areas for Red Cross ERV to set up for distribution of food, supplies
Damage Assessments
· The National Weather Service determined the tornado that hit Century to be a strong EF2, weak EF3.
· They will post updates throughout the day on Twitter (@NWSMobile) An estimated 40-50 residences/business were affected by the storm Governmental and not-for-profit agencies are working to complete damage assessments
Shelter Information
· The Century Community Center (6001-A Industrial Boulevard) is open as the shelter and the Red Cross is on scene for assistance
Red Cross
· Meals being delivered by Emergency Response Vehicles Clean-up kits/comfort kits will be available soon A family service team is being assembled Red Cross has served 300 meals Wind Creek is bringing meals in again tonight
Relief Resources
· Century Clerk: Visit Century Community Center and let Red Cross know you are here for one of the following purposes:
o To register for assistance (such as debris removal and salvage of belongings)
o Disaster volunteer check-in (Do not self-deploy. Please register at the community center)
o Red Cross Shelter (for temporary shelter relief)
o Food (provided by Atmore Poarch Creek Indians)
· Additional Resources available at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church. They are providing food, water and clothing for anyone who needs it. Donations accepted. 8040 Century Blvd. 850-256-5227
Power Companies
· As of 12:50 p.m., EREC reported that all power had been restored to those areas able to receive electricity.
· Gulf Power has 150 poleman on scene trying to restore power; estimated time of restoration for structures that can receive power is between 10 p.m. and midnight tonight tentatively.
Schools
All Escambia County, Fla., public schools are open at their regular times on Wednesday.
Road Closures
· Pond at Highway 29
· Hecker at Highway 29
· Salters Lake at Highway 29
· Front at Highway 29
· Bradley at Highway 29
· Alger at Highway 29
· Freedom at Jefferson
· Jefferson
· Ramar at Highway 29
First Responders
· Early estimates are that there were 120 first responders on scene Monday night.
Debris Pickup
· Special debris pickup has not been determined yet but will be addressed in the immediate future.
Electrical Issues
· If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off.
· Never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
· Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard and it may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.
Reentering Buildings
· Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. You may want to wait to return to buildings during daylight hours, when it is easier to avoid hazards, particularly if the electricity is off and you have no lights.
· Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure may fall or if you smell gas or suspect a leak. If you smell gas, notify emergency authorities and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
· Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
Chain Saw Safety
· Become familiar with the recommended safe operational procedures before attempting to work with a chain saw.
· Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery.
· Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chain saws.
· Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing.
· Always avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
· Don’t stand on a log and saw between your feet.
· Always stand to one side of the limb you are to cut, never straddle it.
· Always keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks; never position yourself or other people in line with the chain.
· Keep the chain out of the dirt; debris will fly, the teeth will be dulled and the chain life shortened considerably.
Cleaning Up Safely
· Always wear gloves and work boots when cleaning or removing debris.
· Discard unsafe food.
· Open windows to provide ventilation.
· Remove wet contents including carpet, furniture and building materials.
· Do not allow children to play in or around debris piles. Check play areas for hazards.
· Do not try to move any displaced propane tanks. Get in touch with fire officials to provide them the location of these tanks.
· Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners; mixing can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
Chemical Tanker Truck Wrecks Near Walnut Hill; One Family Evacuated
February 16, 2016
One nearby family was evacuated Monday night after a chemical tanker truck accident near Walnut Hill.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, 60-year old Lowell Lienemann of Houston, was detoured from Highway 29 due to the tornado damage in Century. He was southbound on North Highway 99 approaching Highway 164 near Walnut Hill. He attempted to turn west onto Highway 164 due to a “No Truck” sign on Highway 99. The right side wheels of the tanker trailer left the roadway and fell into a culvert, causing the entire truck to overturn onto its side, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The truck was loaded with Hexamethylenediamine, a moderately toxic corrosive material that can cause serious burns and severe irritation. Very little, if any, of the chemical solution was leaking from the overturned tanker into a ditch.
After the initial response from local Escambia Fire Rescue crews, a hazardous materials team from Pensacola arrived to oversee the offloading of the chemical and the righting of the tanker car. Work continued into the early morning hours as firefighters kept a 150-foot distance from the truck, leaving the intersection closed overnight.
The cleanup was expected to last well into Tuesday morning.
One family that lives directly at the intersection was evacuated as a precaution.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
All Schools Open On Wednesday
February 16, 2016
Malcolm Thomas, Superintendent of the Escambia County (FL) School District announced that all of the selected schools that were closed Tuesday following Monday night’s storm, will be open for students and staff on Wednesday at regular times.
Bus routes that support those four schools have been checked for downed trees, etc.
“There will be a few bus routes affected, but those families will be contacted to let them know where their student should meet their bus until all road ways are reopened,” said Thomas. “We did have some students whose homes were damaged by the storm. Should those students’ parents feel they need to miss additional school days while they react to the damage, they should contact their school’s front office staff directly.”
Thomas also said there wasn’t any damage reported that would affect operations at any of the ECSD schools.
Schools that were closed on Tuesday included: Bratt Elementary School, Byrneville Charter Elementary School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Northview High School All other Escambia County (FL) public schools will also open at their regular times on Wednesday.
Hundreds Remained Without Power Overnight
February 16, 2016
Virtually all of the Century area was without power Monday afternoon after a tornado ripped through the area. Crews from Escambia River Electric Cooperative and Gulf Power worked throughout the night to restore power.
A spokesperson for EREC had approximately 700 members without power following yesterday’s tornado and storm. The service area received extensive damage with many poles and lines down and debris. Crews have worked throughout the night restoring power. As of 8:15 a.m., EREC had about 30 members still without power and seven poles still down. Crews will continue to work until all members’ power has been restored.
Gulf Power company reported about 575 customers in the Century area without power as of about 1 a.m. Tuesday as their crews continued to work.
Pictured: The view from an EREC bucket truck as crews worked to restore power in the Century area late Monday night. Photos courtesy EREC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
