2018 Session: Lawmakers Weigh Spending On Conservation Projects
December 29, 2017
When state lawmakers met during the 2017 legislative session, one of the biggest issues was a bill backed by Senate President Joe Negron to revamp how water flows in parts of South Florida.
Lawmakers aren’t considering such a major piece of environmental legislation as they prepare for the 2018 session.
But they have started moving forward with several high-priced bills that would further divvy up money that voters approved in 2014 for water and land conservation. Those proposals, if approved, could help address issues such as restoring natural springs and improving the St. Johns River.
Lawmakers during the upcoming session also could become embroiled in other environment-related debates. For example, bills (SB 462 and HB 237) have been filed to try to prohibit the oil-drilling process known as fracking, although the outlook remains murky as in past sessions.
And a brawl is brewing over a proposal (SB 574 and HB 521) that would further limit local government authority to set rules, this time seeking to block municipal and county rules for tree planting and trimming.
Aliki Moncrief, of the Florida Conservation Voters, called local pre-emption measures involving environmental protection the “most dangerous.”
“Pre-emption of local government has been a running theme of the Legislature in recent years; this tree bill is just another example,” Moncrief said.
Lawmakers will start the 2018 legislative session on Jan. 9, after Negron made the South Florida water bill a key issue of the 2017 session.
The bill allows the state to bond up to $800 million for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. The project seeks to help move water south and reduce polluted discharges from the lake into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries in Southeast and Southwest Florida.
Money for the project comes through a 2014 constitutional amendment, which voters approved to set aside a portion of “documentary stamp” real-estate taxes for land and water conservation.
State economists have estimated that the “doc stamp” taxes will generate $862.2 million for the Land Acquisition Trust Fund next fiscal year.
In past years, lawmakers started to carve up the fund for targeted projects, while also using a portion of the money to cover state agency expenses said to be tied to conservation.
The use of the money for agency overhead spurred an ongoing lawsuit from backers of the 2014 constitutional amendment. Meanwhile, some influential legislators also have questioned such uses of the money.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has repeatedly said the money should not go toward agency expenses.
“I think we don’t spend enough of the Land Acquisition Trust Fund dollars on land acquisition,” Bradley told reporters in November. “The voters sent a clear message in 2014 … and we need to do better.”
As the 2018 session approaches, Bradley is backing measures that would lead to other targeted uses of the voter-approved money.
Bradley wants to spend $100 million on the once-iconic Florida Forever program (SB 370), doubling a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott. The appropriations chairman also wants to increase annual funding (SB 204) for the state’s natural springs from $50 million to $75 million and set aside $50 million a year for the restoration of the St. Johns River, its tributaries and the Keystone Heights lake region in North Florida.
Meanwhile, Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Rockledge, Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, are seeking another $50 million from the fund (SB 786 and HB 339) to help restore the condition of the Indian River Lagoon. That would include providing matching money to local governments to help move away from septic tanks and hook up residents to central sewer systems.
Another measure (SB 174) calls for setting aside $50 million annually for beach-nourishment and inlet-management projects, but the future of the proposal is unknown because its Senate sponsor, Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, has announced his resignation after an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.
The proposals by Bradley and Latvala, have reached the Senate Appropriations Committee, while the Indian River Lagoon proposal has not appeared before committees.
Lawmakers in the past have earmarked parts of the voter-directed money so that at least $200 million a year goes for Everglades projects, another $64 million goes for the Negron-backed reservoir in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee and $5 million goes to the St. Johns River Water Management District for projects dedicated to the restoration of Lake Apopka.
Julie Wraithmell, of Audubon Florida, said bracing the state for future storms, as well as covering damages from Hurricane Irma, most likely will be a dominant theme for the 2018 session, including environmentally.
“We need to look at how do we recover from the biggest storm season in recent memory and how do we make ourselves more resilient in the face of future storms as well,” Wraithmell said. “So, I think you’re going to see a lot of discussion around the Florida Forever program and some of the other environmental spending bills out there, about how can we use these to best protect Florida and our way of life. We saw remarkable amounts of flooding, particularly in Southwest Florida. We know that conservation lands both help us to hold water and they’re also the source of our water recharge.”
While environmental groups focus heavily each year on funding issues, they also are watching other potentially contentious issues for the 2018 session.
As an example, Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, is sponsoring the proposal that would limit the authority of local governments to make decisions about tree trimming and planting.
Steube has called requirements to trim trees and replant removed trees an infringement on property rights by local governments that go “way above and beyond what they should be doing.”
But the proposal has drawn opposition from environmental groups, along with the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities, which say trees improve property values, reduce flood risk and provide a cooling effect.
“Whether and how communities regulate tree removal should be a local question. Some communities may choose not to regulate trees because they do not face development pressure or are sparsely developed,” 1000 Friends of Florida said in a release. “Other communities may choose to strictly regulate tree removal because they highly value their tree canopy and would risk losing it without rules to protect it.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Two Residential Fires Represented By Two Red Lights On Fire Safety Wreath
December 29, 2017
Two structure fires that occurred on Wednesday represent the eighth and ninth red bulbs on the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety wreath.
The first residential structure fire was reported about 5:20 p.m. in the 3000 block of Pelican Lane in the Scenic Ridge neighborhood. Crews arrived on scene to find a working fire with flames showing from the chimney and smoke from the roof of the two-story home. Escambia County Fire Rescue called the fire under control at 6 p.m., with the chimney and surrounding living areas sustaining moderate heat and smoke damage.
The occupants were displaced as the power was shut off to the house. No injuries were reported.
ECFR determined that the fire was caused by by a breach in the wall of the gas fireplace and the use of a false chimney. Smoke detectors were present but did not operate, as the majority of the fire was confined to the exterior of the house and extended up the wall into the attic area.
The second fire occurred at approximately 6:38 p.m. in the 100 block of Ariola Drive on Pensacola Beach. Crews arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the second and third stories of the three-story home. Escambia County Fire Rescue called the fire under control at 7:50 p.m. No one was injured in the fire, but the house sustained damage to the second and third story. ECFR determined that the fire was caused by the fireplace.
Here are a few quick tips on fireplace safety from the National Safety Council and the Chimney Safety Institute of America:
- Each season, before using your wood burning or gas fireplace, have your chimney, flue and vents inspected and cleaned by a certified professional.
- Know your chimney liner. Some chimney liners are not compatible with gas appliances because of the material from which they are made. It is important to make sure that the lining system you purchase – or even the one that may currently be in your chimney – is appropriate for use with gas appliances.
- If using a wood burning fireplace, use dry, seasoned wood that’s cut into manageable pieces. If using synthetic logs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never break a synthetic log apart and only use one log at a time. Don’t ever burn garbage. Always use a fireplace screen or door.
- Always extinguish fires before leaving the house or going to bed. Never leave a fire unattended.
- Dispose of ashes in a tightly-sealed metal container (only after they have completely cooled).
- Don’t forget that a carbon monoxide detector is important in any home, especially one with a wood burning or gas fireplace.
2017: 4,199 Escambia Voters Change Parties
December 29, 2017
Since January 1, 2017, a total of 4,199 Escambia County voters have changed party affiliation.
There were 620 voters who switched to the Democratic party, 894 that became Republicans, 2,455 who switched to no party and 230 that changed their registration to a minor party.
There are now 92,250 Republican voters in Escambia County, 70,073 Democrats, 41,238 with no party affiliation, and 1,168 registered with a minor party.
Source: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections.
New Year’s Government Closures, Trash Pickup Schedules
December 29, 2017
Here’s a look at New Year’s holiday government closures:
Escambia County Closures:
Below is a listing of Escambia County offices and departments closed Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - All departments, including:
- Escambia County Animal Shelter
- West Florida Public Libraries (All locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office
- The Perdido Landfill and administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1.
Escambia County Exceptions:
- ECAT buses will not operate Monday, Jan. 1. There will be no UWF Trolley or Express Shuttle service through Tuesday, Jan. 2. UWF service will resume Wednesday, Jan. 3.
- Animal Control will be responding to emergency calls only.
Town of Century:
Town of Century offices and departments will be closed Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The regular Monday, Jan. 1 council meeting has been rescheduled for Jan. 8.
ECUA Escambia County:
There are no changes to the ECUA sanitation collection schedules in Escambia County for garbage, recycling and yard trash services.
ECUA Santa Rosa County:
There will be no collections on Monday, Jan. 1. Monday recycling collections for our Santa Rosa County customers will be made on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018.
Jeff Bergosh Guest View: We Need A Decider
December 29, 2017
Guest editorial by Jeff Bergosh
In order to cut through red tape, sometimes one needs to get to a decider who can come off his/her script, use common sense, and make a smart decision.
In Escambia County, we have a situation brewing that desperately needs a decider, at the Federal level, to intervene.
This is about jobs, growth, and infrastructure–and millions of dollars are on the line.
Everyone knows that the exponential growth of Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) in Beulah over the last several years was a good thing. Everyone knows having the largest Credit Union in the World locate a second headquarters here is a good thing. All 6,200 Pensacola employees that work at NFCU presently know that having NFCU in Pensacola is a good thing. It’s all good!
But the growth is straining the infrastructure and even though NFCU’s campus is a mere 1 mile from the interstate—traffic still backs up into and out of Beulah morning, noon, and night.
I’m told by high-level sources within NFCU that it takes employees as long as 20 minutes to get out of the parking structure and onto 9-Mile road in the afternoons—due to the traffic congestion on the only way in and out.
This situation is straining morale for the workers and the nearby residents that also deal with this problem daily.
In a year and a half, the four-lane expansion of 9-Mile Road will be complete and will help with the congestion going in and out of Beulah..
In 7-10 years, the Beulah Interchange will help significantly.
In the meantime, though, a second exit out the back of the NFCU property could easily be built. And it would help immediately and immensely.
It’s literally about a hundred feet from the end of Navy Federal Way to the out-going lane of the visitor’s center off of Interstate 10.
A one-lane, egress-only road out the back of NFCU and into the visitor’s center exit ramp (100 feet) could be built quickly and (relatively) inexpensively.
Congressman Matt Gaetz and Governor Rick Scott have been engaged in this effort. Mayor Ashton Hayward has engaged in this effort. People are trying to make this happen.
Unfortunately— this initiative is being stymied at the Federal Level.
Apparently, because the distance between this potential exit and the existing exit 5 (Hwy 90) is less than a mile, this is disallowed. There must be at least One (1) Mile between exits according to the “rules.” (The distance between the visitor’s center and exit 5 is about .95 Mile)
So this technicality is what is killing this initiative….
Why can’t we get a waiver, though? Why can’t we get a decider to look at the overall big picture and intervene?
People are now shrugging their collective shoulders and looking for other options…
Digging a tunnel under 9-Mile road at the NFCU East exit to allow cars to go under 9 Mile road and get directly onto the interstate is now the new initiative.
This is really being seriously considered. It would take four years minimum and would cost upwards of $64 Million dollars– but this is being discussed. [Full disclosure: I have serious reservations about building a tunnel under 9 Mile Road……]
So something intelligent needs to happen and fast, or the planned expansion by NFCU to 10,000 jobs might be jeopardized. (e.g. those additional 3,800 jobs could go somewhere other than Pensacola).
This would be an unmitigated disaster.
We must prevent this loss by finding a decider with the guts to make the smart call.
We need this decider’s intervention yesterday.
Jeff Bergosh is chairman, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
Jerry Dewayne Ard
December 29, 2017
Mr. Jerry Dewayne Ard, 66, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Ard was a native of Jay, Florida and a resident of Atmore, AL for most of his life. He attended the Cross Point Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lena Ard; five brothers, Troy Ard, Tommy Ard, Bill Ard, RJ Ard and Carlton Ard; and two sisters, Mae Wright and Mamie Milstead.
He is survived by his wife, Myhala Cook Ard of Atmore, AL; two sons, Terrel (Robin) Ard of Opelika, AL and Tharon Ard of Gulf Port, MS; five daughters, Sheryl (Ronnie) Kirkland of Jay, FL, Kellie Ard of Gulf Port, MS, Karen Ard of Jay, FL, Pamela Fletcher of Luling, LA and Melissa Anderson of Pensacola, FL; one brother, Roland Ard of Daleville, AL; one sister, Geraldine Tedder of Milton, FL; and 11 grandchildren, Cody Ard, Kyle Ard, Adrianna Anthony, Ally Anthony, Mike Ammons, Alexis Ammons, Chasen Anderson, Haley Anderson, Ally Anderson, Hunter Kirkland and Marissa Kirkland.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 3, 2018, from 1 p.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Smith, Cody Ard, Kyle Ard, Terrel Ard, Tharon Ard and Donnie Tedder.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Sunny And Cool Today
December 29, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind around 10 mph.
New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 45.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 41.
Joyce Conway Neal
December 29, 2017
Joyce Conway Neal, 76 of Excel, AL, passed away Friday, December 22, 2017, at Jay, FL. She was a seamstress with Vanity Fair Mills. She was born in Escambia County, AL on March 28, 1941, to the late Bedie and Annie Bell Singleton Conway. She enjoyed quilting and loved her children.
She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers and five sisters.
Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Howard Neal of Excel, AL; four sons, Michael (Ginger) Flowers of Creola, AL, Mark (Stephania) Flowers of Robertsdale, AL, Scott (Susan) Neal of Monroeville, AL and Mark (Kim) Neal of Excel, AL; one daughter, Janet (Marion) McGhee of Poarch, AL; two brothers, Winston (Helen) Conway and Ray Conway, all of Pensacola, FL and Kathryn (Ralph) Drew of Atmore, AL; grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, December 26, 2017, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Andy Boutwell and Bro. D.L. Harville officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Tyler Flowers, Cameron Flowers, Reese Ameltte, Treygan McGhee, Chase Bishop and Eddie Woods.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Missing Special Needs Man Found Safe In Flomaton
December 28, 2017
Update 9 p.m. — Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis said a a missing special needs person has been found. Police said he returned home with no injuries.
The Flomaton Police Department was joined in their search by the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, the Flomaton Fire Department, Alabama State Troopers, numerous volunteers and an infrared equipped drone from Anonymity Rescue.
Previous story:
Jeremy Dunn, 28, was reported missing from the area of Wiley Drive in Flomaton. He was last seen about 3 p.m. in the area of Highway 13.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811 or their local law enforcement agency.
State Attorney Clears BOCC Over Meeting To Discuss Sheriff’s Budget Appeal
December 28, 2017
The State Attorney’s Office has determined that the Escambia County Commission did not violate the Sunshine Law, as alleged by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The commission held a closed door meeting in October to discuss the Sheriff’s budget appeal to the governor’s office, saying that the meeting was an attorney-client meeting to discuss pending litigation as allowed by the law.
The Sheriff’s Office alleged it was a “shade” meeting held outside the parameters allowed by law and additionally complained that Escambia County’s failure to release a transcript of the meeting violates public records laws.
Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille wrote in his findings that it was clear the co-mission complied with all requirements regarding notice and held the meeting in accordance with all applicable laws . In addition, the State Attorney’s Office found that there were no violations of public records laws. The private session was recorded by an official court reporters as required by law, and the transcript may be kept confidential until the litigation is concluded.