Senators Raise Questions On Florida Gambling Deal
January 21, 2016
An aide to Gov. Rick Scott got a bipartisan grilling about a proposed $3 billion gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe, but the head of a Senate committee said Wednesday that the agreement may not get a vote before the 2016 legislative session ends in March.
Wednesday’s Senate Regulated Industries Committee meeting was the first public vetting of the deal, called a “compact,” since Scott and tribal leader James Billie signed it on Dec. 7.
The compact would allow the Seminoles to add craps and roulette to their casino operations in exchange for $3 billion in guaranteed payments to the state over seven years.
The compact also would permit, but does not authorize, slot machines in Palm Beach County and at a new facility in Miami-Dade County, limited blackjack at pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and possibly doing away with horse and dog racing altogether while allowing pari-mutuels to maintain cardroom or slot-machine operations, a concept known as “decoupling.”
House and Senate leaders have said that the compact would have to be tweaked to get needed approval from the Legislature, which was evidenced by pointed questions from several members of the Regulated Industries Committee on Wednesday.
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, raised concerns about the expansion of slot machines in Palm Beach County, one of six counties where voters have approved slots at local pari-mutuels. Latvala wanted to know why the other five counties were ignored.
“So regardless of the fact that Lee, Gadsden, Washington, Hamilton and Brevard have voted to allow slot machines, basically this compact you’ve negotiated said no, we don’t care. You’ve taken care of Palm Beach, but you haven’t taken care of the other counties, is that correct?” Latvala asked Jeff Woodburn, Scott’s policy director.
Pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, just south of Palm Beach, already have slots, something a current deal with the Seminoles allows. Federal law requires that tribes have “exclusivity” regarding some aspect of gambling in order to justify revenue-sharing agreements with states.
“The market already has the competition in that county area” and there is currently no exclusivity in South Florida, Woodburn said.
The Seminoles don’t want to allow slots outside of the two South Florida counties but agreed to add Palm Beach County at the state’s insistence, Seminole Gaming Chief Executive Officer Jim Allen told the committee.
“It’s not to say that one particular county is right or wrong,” Allen said. “When you address this question, we have to … understand the economics that go with a $3 billion guarantee.”
Adding too many exceptions to the tribe’s exclusive rights to operate slot machines could cause the U.S. Department of the Interior to reject the agreement, Allen said.
“When will they say we have crossed the line where we no longer have exclusivity and are paying a $3 billion revenue share?” he said.
Scott’s aides negotiated the new compact with the tribe after a portion of a 2010 deal giving the Seminoles exclusive rights to operate banked card games, such as blackjack, expired. The Seminoles have sued over the card games, accusing the state of acting in “bad faith” about negotiations on a new gambling deal. They’ve asked a judge to allow the tribe to keep offering the card games. The state also filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the games.
The tribe is also alleging that Florida violated the 2010 compact by allowing certain types of card games at the state’s pari-mutuels. The tribe would drop the lawsuit if the compact is passed, Allen said.
Two Miami-Dade County lawmakers were skeptical about elements permitted by the proposed compact.
Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, objected to allowing the county’s pari-mutuels to add blackjack if voters approve the card games through a referendum. She pointed out that voters rejected slots in the county twice before finally voting in favor of the games.
She also rejected Woodburn’s contention that the compact would limit gambling in the state “when you offer a new license and the tribe is going to increase (gambling) by huge amounts.”
Unlike the current compact, the new deal would cap the number of slot machines, table games and live games — like craps and roulette — at the Seminole’s seven casinos, Woodburn said.
“Maybe it’s a cap, but it’s not limiting,” Flores said.
Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami, said she was “disturbed” that the compact would allow another gambling operation in her county.
“This is a place that doesn’t need it,” she said. “You can’t move in traffic now and you can’t find a hotel room.”
Regulated Industries Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, joked that “we’ve got two ‘no’s” after Margolis and Flores were through.
“I would hate to dispute the chairman, but three,” Latvala retorted.
Scott’s deal with the Seminoles would deliver an additional $200 million to $413 million annually over eight years — up from the roughly $126 million a year the state receives under the 2010 agreement.
Wednesday’s hearing on the compact came a day after economists slashed next year’s overall projected state revenues by about $400 million. In response, Scott’s spokeswoman turned to the compact to help underwrite the governor’s priorities — $1 billion in tax cuts — although the extra money from the Seminoles wouldn’t be available until 2017.
Scott “remains confident” in his tax cut package despite the projected reduction in revenue because “recent estimates also show that if the Legislature chooses to adopt the Seminole compact the governor signed, it would bring in $2.3 billion over eight years,” his spokeswoman Jackie Schutz said in a statement Tuesday. The $2.3 billion number represents the increase over the amount raised through the expired compact.
Schutz’s comments weren’t lost on Bradley, the chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee, dubbed “Thunderdome” in homage to the on-screen arena for post-apocalyptic steel-cage brawls.
Bradley told reporters after the meeting that he hasn’t decided yet whether to put the compact into bill form yet.
Its future may rest in Scott’s hands, Bradley indicated.
Scott’s “involvement in this process is necessary if this is in fact going to become a reality,” he said.
The economic forecast Tuesday showing lower-than-expected state tax revenues may broaden the compact’s appeal for lawmakers as they craft the state’s budget, Bradley said.
“…Anything that can be impactful on the revenue side of the ledger, such as adding money from revenue sharing with the tribe, is a very important part of the discussion,” he said. “This all should be viewed through the lens of making the budget balance. I think that, as the revenue projections go down, it certainly does ratchet up pressure to take a serious look about whether we need these dollars in order to provide basic services.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls Part I (With Photos)
January 21, 2016
Today is part one of our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 18 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2016″.
Today we introduce you to the first half of the contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second half of the contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 6:30, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss NHS and all the pageant photos here Sunday morning.
Tickets will be available for $10 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Northview Model United Nations Team and their annual competition in Orlando.
Jadlyn Skye Agerton
Jadlyn is the 17-year old daughter of Robert and Kristy Agerton. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years, where she was chosen as a two time All-American. This year, Jadlyn cheered in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Last year, she received the top stunter award and was also awarded the Pin-it-Forward award at Auburn University where she attended cheer camp. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for four years and is currently the top lifter in her weight class. Jadlyn has also been a member of the Beta Club for three years, is industry certified in multiple Adobe programs, and works as a front office assistant at Northview. Jadlyn has been on the Homecoming court for two years, where she was chosen junior class maid and 1st runner up to the Homecoming Queen. She is an honor student who is dual enrolled in both high school and college. In her community, she helps coach the Northwest Escambia cheerleaders and is an active member of Moyeville Baptist Church. Jadlyn was also selected out of 75 girls in the surrounding area to represent Northview for Middleton’s Prom photo shoot.
Her hobbies include volunteering with the NWE cheerleaders and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to finish her Business Associates Degree at Faulkner State Community College where she will then transfer to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She has been accepted by “Take 5 Media Marketing Group” for an internship while attending UAF that will help her in the career she will be pursuing.
Peighton Danielle Dortch
Peighton is the 17-year old daughter of Adam and Hayley Dortch. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team her freshman year, where she held the title of co-captain and has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years. Peighton is also a two time All-American cheerleader. She has played junior varsity softball for one year and has been a member of the varsity softball team for two years. Peighton has been elected class treasurer for two years, is currently a member of the student government association, and has been selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, Peighton is an active member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a local college where she will obtain her associate’s degree before transferring to Auburn University to become a neo-natal nurse.
Kayla Nicole Galvan
Kayla is the 16-year old daughter of Ricardo and Elvira Galvan. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, where she held the title of captain, a member of the junior varsity basketball team for two years, and a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year. She has been a member of the track team for one year, was elected treasurer of the sophomore class, and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, where she currently holds the office of treasurer. She was selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for one year, was awarded the highest academic average in her accounting class, and was also awarded the highest academic average award in physical science. In her community, Kayla is a member of Vision Church and participates in the worship team.
Her hobbies include singing, playing the piano and participating in sports.
Her future plans are to attend law school and one day become a defense attorney.
Morgan Alexis Myrick
Morgan is the 16-year old daughter of Michael and Brandy Myrick. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, and member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, and a member of the track team for one year. Morgan has been selected to represent her class on the Homecoming court for three years and was voted sophomore and junior maid. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year, has held the office of class historian for the three years, and has been a member of the student government association for three years and currently holds the office of vice president.
Her hobbies include cheering and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Louisiana State University and obtain her degree in physical therapy. Morgan hopes to one day work for the Andrews Institute.
Bailey Marie Spann
Bailey is the 15-year old daughter of Jonny Spann and Amber Banda. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for two years and was selected as an All-American cheerleader, where she cheered in the Walt Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is a member of the student government association and a member of the softball team. As a freshman, Bailey was awarded the highest academic average in her english class. In her community, she is a member of 4-H, volunteers her time with the Boys and Girls Club, and is the five time undefeated regional dance champion. Bailey is also actively involved with her church praise team.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, cheering, hunting, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University where she will pursue a degree to become an anesthesiologist.
Ashtyn Brooke Carnley
Ashtyn is the 14-year old daughter of Eddie and Kristy Carnley. At Northview, she is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. Ashtyn was chosen by her peers as the freshman class secretary and was also chosen to represent her class on the homecoming court, where she was selected as freshman class maid. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt, where she sings in the choir and in the Lifesong band. She is a member of the Random Acts of Kindness group and is the youth representative for the family life center.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, cheering, drawing, and exercising.
Her future plans are to become valedictorian of her class and then continue on to the University of Florida where she will earn her degree to become an anesthesiologist.
Sarah Elizabeth Perritt
Sarah is the 15-year old daughter of Scott and Elizabeth Perritt. At Northview, she is a member of the student government association, a member of the Model United Nations Team, and was the manager for the girls’ basketball team. Sarah was elected president of the freshman class, is an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star, and has helped to improve the school’s maker-space program, all while maintaining a 4.15 GPA. In her community, she has volunteered her time at Baptist Hospital and attends Moyeville Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, building in minecraft, playing guitar, and learning to play the piano.
Her future plans to attend a major university where she will obtain a degree to either become a nurse or a surgeon.
Brittanie Nichole McLemore
Brittanie is the 17-year old daughter of Robert and Brandie Ratcliff. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for one year, a member of the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of the varsity volleyball team for one year. She has played softball for two years and is currently on the varsity softball team. In her community, Brittanie is an active member of Highland Baptist Church and is a leader in the youth group. She has also traveled to Guatemala on two different mission trips to care for orphans.
Her hobbies include playing sports, reading, watching movies, spending time with loved ones, and star gazing.
Her future plans are to attend a major university where she will obtain her degree. Brittanie hopes to one day work with animals.
Alayna Lauren Brown
Alayna is the 16-year old daughter of Donavon and Jennifer Brown. She has been a member of the Spanish club for one year, a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the junior varsity volleyball team, where she was the recipient of the Effort award. She is also a member of the Model United Nations Team, a member of the spirit club, and has earned her safe staff culinary certification. Alayna was also chosen as a member of the Chiefs summer softball team. In her community, she volunteers in the church nursery and is applying for a summer internship to be a counselor at Camp Ondessonk.
Her hobbies include running, playing the piano and the guitar, practicing volleyball, and watching her favorite TV show, Reign.
Her future plans are to graduate in the top ten of her class, with her associates degree, and then attend Auburn University where she was receive her master’s degree in veterinary medicine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Sheriffs Association Pitches Alternative To Open Carry
January 21, 2016
Florida sheriffs Wednesday proposed an alternative to a controversial bill that would let people with concealed-weapons licenses openly display firearms in public, but the proposal quickly drew opposition from Second Amendment advocates.
The Florida Sheriffs Association, which has opposed the open-carry measure, outlined proposed steps that would provide immunity to people who inadvertently or accidentally display firearms. However, a release from the association noted the proposal “stops short of Florida becoming a complete open-carry state.”
The Senate version of the bill (SB 300) has not been heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. But committee Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, said Tuesday he’s likely to schedule the bill for a vote, saying, “I heard there may be some good amendments.”
On Wednesday, Diaz de la Portilla said he was still reviewing the sheriffs’ proposal, which the association said would protect permit holders from arrest for unintentionally displaying weapons in violation of state law.
The proposal would require that people intentionally and deliberately violate the law before they could be arrested. Also, it would take steps such as establish a presumption that concealed-weapons license holders are lawfully carrying guns; prohibit people from being convicted if they aren’t given a chance to explain possible violations of the law; and allow the expungement of arrest records under the law if people are found not guilty or charges are dismissed.
“Our proposal protects those who responsibly carry concealed and creates certainty in the law to prevent any unnecessary arrest and prosecution of gun owners who are otherwise following the law,” Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, the association’s president, said in a prepared statement.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the association’s legislative chairman, added that the proposal “is a solid alternative to opening the door to full-blown open carry, which creates significant public safety challenges for law enforcement.”
But National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer quickly expressed disapproval with the proposed changes.
“My reaction to the sheriffs’ proposal is not only no, but hell no,” Hammer said. “They’ve had five years to do this, to correct problems they knew exist.”
A similar proposal was offered in 2011, and Hammer said her legal counsel advised her not to accept it because it wouldn’t stop abuse of people with concealed-carry licenses from being arrested for accidentally exposing guns.
“My attorney said don’t take that amendment because it won’t work,” Hammer said. “People have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Constitution doesn’t say that the sheriffs get to say how.”
The release from the sheriffs association said the proposal seeks to address concerns expressed in committee meetings by Hammer and others about people with concealed-carry licenses being arrested for accidentally and unintentionally allowing guns to become visible.
“In announcing the proposal, the FSA (Florida Sheriffs Association) is asking the Legislature to consider an alternative proposal that closes the loopholes but balances public safety concerns,” the sheriffs’ release said.
Sean Caranna, executive director of the gun-rights organization Florida Carry Inc., described the sheriffs’ proposal as “woefully insufficient.”
“The FSA’s predictions of ’significant public safety challenges for law enforcement’ echo the cries of law enforcement in Texas and Oklahoma before licensed open carry went into effect in those states and in Mississippi when it became the 30th unlicensed open carry state,” Caranna said in an email. “After open carry became legal in those states, law enforcement officials have universally admitted that their fears about open carry passing was all much ado about nothing.”
The House’s open-carry proposal (HB 163) has already cleared the committee process and awaits a floor vote.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Chance Of Severe Storms
January 21, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 50. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 42 by 5pm. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Century Library Holding Appreciation Event Today
January 21, 2016
The Century Branch Library will celebrate and thank area residents and the Town of Century for all the support they have received during a Customer Appreciation Day set for late this afternoon. The staff will serve coffee , hot chocolate and cookies, and a door prize will be awarded during the event from 5-7 p.m. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Jay’s Stewart Inks Softball Scholarship With University Of Mobile
January 21, 2016
Jay High School’s Michaela Stewart has signed a softball scholarship with the University of Mobile. Pictured with Stewart are the Rams’ coach and her father, Casey Stewart. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trump Takes Commanding Lead In Florida Poll
January 21, 2016
Donald Trump is “crushing” his Republican opponents in the Sunshine State, according to a new poll of likely Florida voters released Wednesday.
The poll, released by the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative, showed Trump drawing the support of more than 47 percent of GOP voters, giving him a 32-point lead over the next-closest candidate, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. The survey also gave Trump a 12 percentage-point boost from an FAU poll in September.
The new poll also showed Democrat Hillary Clinton leading U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders by 36 percentage points and gaining in match-ups against the Republican candidates. The poll was conducted between Friday and Monday, immediately following the last two debates.
On the GOP side, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida came in third with 11 percent, followed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush with 9.5 percent. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson’s third-place position in a November poll dropped to fifth, down from 14.5 percent to 3.3 percent in the latest poll.
In the GOP primary, Cruz gained six percentage points since November, while Rubio dropped seven points. Bush essentially remained even, with a gain of less than one percentage point.
Although the presidential preference survey had a relatively high margin of error of 4.9 percentage points, Trump’s lead was well outside of that.
With 70 percent of GOP voters viewing the part-time Palm Beach County resident favorably, Trump is “crushing” the opposition in Florida, said FAU political science professor Kevin Wagner.
“The mood of the electorate is very anti-establishment. That’s clear. In a lot of ways, Donald Trump is probably one of the most reassuring candidates to people who are frustrated with the state of American politics,” Wagner, a research fellow at the initiative that conducted the survey, said in a telephone interview.
Trump speaks about “simple solutions” and “gives a commanding sense” that he can accomplish them, Wagner said.
“There aren’t a lot of details in it but, for Americans that are worried about the state of the country and the state of the world, his campaign is sort of the direct answer to that. I’ll fix everything and I’ll make everything the way you want it to be. That kind of message has a strong appeal,” he said.
While Clinton has closed the gap with Republican frontrunners in potential match-ups, Trump and Bush would still defeat the former secretary of state if the election were held today, the poll found.
Clinton has a 5 percentage-point lead over Cruz, up from a three-point deficit in November, and is even with Rubio after trailing the former Florida House speaker by seven points two months ago. She also gained six percentage points on Trump but still trails him, with 47 percent of those surveyed saying they’d vote for Trump, compared to 44 percent for Clinton. With a 3.5 percentage-point advantage, Bush holds the largest lead over Clinton.
Florida’s presidential primaries will be held March 15. Later this year, the state also will have high-stakes races for a U.S. Senate seat that Rubio plans to vacate.
The poll found that nearly half of Florida voters remain undecided in the U.S. Senate race. That survey had a margin of error of 5 percentage points for Democrats and 5.2 percentage points for Republicans.
In the Democratic primary, Congressman Alan Grayson holds a seven-point lead — 27 to 20 percent — over U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. David Jolly has a 20-point lead over Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.
But 45 percent of Democrats and 50 percent of Republicans remain undecided about the race, the survey found.
Rubio’s decision to leave the Senate opens the door for Democrats to possibly retake the seat. But Florida voters appear focused instead on the presidential race, Wagner said.
“The space for a Senate campaign in a presidential year is going to be very small” in Florida, Wagner said. “It’s possible that the presidential race will dominate the Senate race to the extent that the winner of the presidential race will carry the senator with him into office.”
Pictured: Donald Trump campaigns last week in Pensacola.
One Person Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Wreck
January 20, 2016
At least one person was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash on Highway 29 north of Molino Wednesday afternoon.
The driver of a Jeep Cherokee slammed into a guardrail, with the vehicle then overturning onto the roadway. One person was airlifted by LifeFlight to a Pensacola hospital with serious injuries following the 12:10 p.m. wreck..
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino, McDavid and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sindel To Run For Commission; Taylor To Seek ECUA Seat
January 20, 2016
Two new candidates pre-filed Tuesday to seek local seats in the 2016 election cycle.
Karen Sindel pre-filed for Escambia County Commissioner, District 1, as a Republican. She is seeking the seat currently held by Wilson Robertson, who has said he will not seek re-election. Sindel ran unsuccessful for county commission in 2010, finishing about 150 votes behind Gene Valentino. School Board member Jeff Bergosh and Jesse Casey have also pre-filed to seek the position.
Jim Taylor pre-filed for Escambia County Utility Authority, District 5, as a Republican. He previously pre-filed to run for school superintendent in 2016. Taylor ran unsuccessfully for the Escambia County Commission District 5 seat in 2012, receiving about 10.5 percent of the vote.
Century Council Can’t Do Business Due To Missing Members
January 20, 2016
The Century Town Council was unable to conduct business Tuesday night due to a lack of a quorum.
Only two of five town council members attended — one short of the number needed to conduct regular business on agenda items. Council members Gary Riley and Ann Brooks were in attendance, while members Ben Boutwell, Annie Savage and Sandra McMurray Jackson were unable to attend due to illnesses or a conflicting meeting.
A special meeting will be called in the next few days to conducted pressing council business; the date and time will be published on NorthEscambia.com.
In addition to ordinary business Tuesday night, the council was set to consider five resolutions in order to advance a Community Development Block Grant and one resolution to allow the Capital Trust Agency to approve financing of a multi-million dollar construction project.
Pictured below: (L-R) Mayor Freddie McCall, Town Clerk, Leslie Gonzalz, council members Gary Riley and Anne Brooks, and three empty seats belonging to three absent council members. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
