Florida Lawmakers Fold On Reaching Gambling Deal
May 3, 2017
Unable to overcome an impasse on slot machines, House and Senate leaders Tuesday called off negotiations on a sweeping gambling measure, acknowledging that the effort is dead for the 2017 legislative session.
The leaders were attempting to strike a compromise centered on an agreement, called a compact, with the Seminole Tribe and to resolve a series of gambling-related court decisions affecting the deal with the tribe.
But Sen. Bill Galvano, the Senate’s chief negotiator on the gambling issue, and his House counterpart, Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, were unable to reach consensus on whether to allow slots at pari-mutuels in counties where voters have approved the machines.
Including slots for the eight referendum counties — Brevard, Duval, Gadsden, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Washington — in the gambling package was a priority for Senate President Joe Negron, but House Speaker Richard Corcoran balked at the notion.
“Gaming will not happen,” Galvano, a Bradenton Republican set to take over as Senate president late next year, said in a text message early Tuesday afternoon, three days before the scheduled end of the session.
Lawmakers’ failure to pass a gambling package mirrors similar futile efforts in previous years.
But, unlike in the past, both chambers passed separate gambling proposals, setting up talks between Galvano and Diaz.
Just last week, Galvano and Diaz achieved some success in bringing into alignment the House’s status-quo gambling proposal, which would have essentially re-inked a 20-year compact with the Seminoles, and the Senate’s more pari-mutuel industry friendly measure (SB 8).
But the negotiators could not bridge the gap over the slot machines.
“We just couldn’t get it across the finish line. We were too far apart, and the Senate wanted to bring it in for a landing during budget conference, and we were not going to be able to do that,” Diaz, R-Miami, told reporters late Tuesday afternoon. “The referendum counties was the big divide.”
Galvano and the Senate were eager to seal a deal before the Florida Supreme Court rules in a case focused on whether pari-mutuels can add slots if voters approved them, even without the express permission of the Legislature.
“We have to address that component of gaming in the state of Florida or we’ll still be in a state of jeopardy going into the summer and going forward, even if we had a bill. The Senate was prepared to address it, and recognizes that the voters in those counties had sought expansion. We would have worked on ending the court litigation with regard to those counties, and the House did not want to address that issue and saw it as an expansion (of gambling),” Galvano, R-Bradenton, told The News Service of Florida.
Negron, R-Stuart, had insisted that the counties where voters expressed a desire for slots be included in the gambling proposal.
“I believe strongly that their will should be acknowledged and accepted by all of us,” he said during a floor session after announcing the gambling impasse could not be resolved.
Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, told reporters that lawmakers made “a great effort” to pass a bill.
Industry lobbyists appeared grim as news of the demise of the gambling bill spread throughout the fourth floor outside the House and Senate chambers.
“We thought this was going to be the year, as opposed to the other years where we’ve come close. This one went much further along but unfortunately, as we’ve seen the last several years, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement,” said lobbyist Nick Iarossi, who represents pari-mutuel facilities in Melbourne and Jacksonville that want to add slots.
With a number of unresolved gambling-related court issues — as well as a potential $3 billion deal with the Seminoles — still on the table, talk inside the Capitol turned to the possibility of a special session later this summer on the issue.
“We could have a series of bad court decisions that can result in a major reduction in the revenue share that we enjoy from the tribe. Does that mean we’ll have a special session on it? I don’t know,” Galvano said.
A Supreme Court ruling in favor of Gretna Racing, a small horsetrack in Gadsden County, could mean that pari-mutuels in all of the eight counties would be able to add up to 2,000 slot machines to their operations, something that would undo a revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminoles that’s part of the 2010 compact.
Addressing a court decision “after the fact” is “always a dubious position to be in,” said Galvano, a lawyer who helped craft a 2010 agreement with the Seminoles, adding that was why he wanted to include the referendum counties in the gambling proposal before the court rules on the slots counties.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the court was waiting to see what came out of session before addressing it,” he said.
The gambling proposals under consideration would have allowed the Seminoles to add craps and roulette — something they have sought — and to keep “exclusive” rights to offer banked card games, such as blackjack.
A provision in the 2010 compact allowing the tribe to have banked card games expired in 2015, but the Seminoles accused the state of breaching the exclusivity agreement by allowing controversial “designated player” games at pari-mutuel cardrooms. A federal judge sided with the Seminoles in the lawsuit last year, but the state has appealed.
Asked whether the legislature’s failure to pass a gambling bill weakens the state’s position to negotiate with the tribe over a future compact, Diaz said there are no negotiations ongoing.
“We’re not any weaker or stronger. We just are nowhere. That’s the unfortunate reality that we find ourselves in,” he said.
H.L. Crawford
May 3, 2017
Mr. H.L. Crawford, 61, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Crawford was a native and lifelong resident of Repton, AL. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 465. He was a loving father, grandfather, loved his friends, forestry, dozer work was a passion. He was a loving and giving person. He attended the McCullough Christian Center. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Laura Crawford and three brothers, Douglas Crawford, Andrew Crawford and Eddie Crawford.
He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer (Donavon) Brown of Walnut Hill, FL, Laura Crawford Martin of Birmingham, AL and Brenda (Brandon) Weaver of Atmore, AL; seven grandchildren, Tristan, Alayna, Caden, Kayleigh, Nicholas, Landon and Addison and a loving nephew and niece, Lee Crawford and Sherry Maguire.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Don McDonald officiating.
Burial was at the Crawford Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Lee Crawford, Ralph Lilly, Wesley Burton, George Johnson, Cody Williams and Austin Rowell.
Honorary pallbearer was Charles Smith.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Savannah Lynn Buck
May 3, 2017
Savannah Lynn Buck, 16, of Cantonment, FL passed away April 29, 2017. Savannah loved being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. She loved being with her AJROTC family and friends from school.
She is preceded in death by her great-grandpa, William C. Buck; great-grandpa, Gerald W. Ellers; great-grandma, Shirley S. Ellers; and great-aunt, Nancy Stewart.
She is survived by her loving mother, Amanda Buck; brother, Tyler Buck; grandparents, Ray and Pam Buck; uncles, Justin and Jason Buck, and Daniel Langston; aunts, Jenifer Mitchell, Lisa Buck and Autumn Bingham; 26 cousins, five great-uncles; five great-aunts; two great-great-uncles; and one great-great-aunt.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Langston, Justin Buck, Jason Buck, Wayne Buck, Nickolas Lambeth, David Thomas and William Black.
Visitation will be Friday, May 5, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North beginning at 1 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.
Pastor Tom Birka and Brother Ricky Skaggs are officiating.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Christy Ellen Ellis
May 3, 2017
Christy Ellen Ellis, 59, of Berrydale, passed away on April 29, 2017. She was born on April 12,1958, in Brewton, AL to Corine Sular (Borders) Ellis and William E. “Bill” Ellis. She graduated from Jay High School in 1976. After graduation, Christy followed her passion in the photography industry. She later worked at Monsanto/Solutia for 16 years.
Christy was preceded in death by her parents; sister Nelda Kay Landsdon; brother, William George “Man” Ellis; and niece, Amanda Ellis.
She is survived by her brothers, Gene Ellis (Francis) and Rodney Ellis (Janet); sister, Brenda Bedsole (Kenny); sister-in-law, Theresa Ellis; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Christy first and foremost loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved the outdoors, fishing, music, Auburn football, photography and spending quality time with her family, friends (especially Kelly Smith) and pets. Christy was often called the “family photographer”, taking pictures of memories for everyone to cherish. She also dedicated many hours assisting with her beloved church family and choir. Music was a passion she was grateful to share with all.
Services will be held Friday, May 5, 2017, at Trahan Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the funeral services begin at 1 p.m.
Burial will follow at Whitfield Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Ellis, Kevin Ellis, Brian Ellis, Drake EIIis, Daryl Ellis and Chase Ellis.
Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Ellis, Doyle Ellis, Leslie Nelson, Zach Ellis, Jerry Petway, Dustin Brabham, Rick Bilbro, R.J. Bilbro, Mitchell Ellis, Kenny Ellis, Frank Nunamaker, and Johnathon Ellis.
Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is overseeing the arrangements.
Shirley Lassitter White
May 3, 2017
Shirley Lassitter White, 74 of Atmore, AL, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Fairhope, AL. She was a clothing inspector for Vanity Fair Mills. She was born in Atmore, AL on February 14, 1943, to the late Robert Jack and Ada Bell Wall Lassitter.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Ray White; siblings, Comer Lee Lassitter, Carnis O. Lassitter, Milford Lassitter, Rubert Lassitter, Marshall Lassitter, Grace Mire, Sue Cumbie and Carol Sawyer.
Survivors include one son, Mark (Michelle) White of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Sherry (Eddie) Rider of Loxley, AL; four grandchildren, Britney, Tiffany, Christopher, and Victoria; and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 2 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow in Booneville Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Drake McGhee, Dalton Walker, Thomas Holley, Billy Byrd, Rusty Lassitter, and Terry Cumbie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Lassiter.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Century Increases Water, Sewer Rates By Over 50 Percent
May 2, 2017
Monday night, the Century Town Council officially approved a water and wastewater rate increase that will cost the average family just over $200 per year.
The average family of four customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month currently pays $18.65 for water and $13.00 for wastewater, for a total monthly bill of $31.65. A three-year incremental rate increase approved Monday night totals a a 55 percent ($17.30) monthly increase for the average user….$21.36 for 5,000 gallons of water and $27.59 for wastewater, for a total bill of $48.95.
The water and wastewater department had a net income loss of $142,022 last year, according to a Florida Rural Water Association rate study. In order to apply for future grants or loans, the water and wastewater systems must be financially viable by implementing the rate increases, according to town officials.
The increase comes of the heels of a 36 percent garbage rate hike of $6.21 per month. Together, the water, sewer and garbage rate increase will cost Century’s average family of four $283 per year. The increase allowed a system that was losing to money to continue to operate at the current service level.
Century is also considering a natural gas rate increase.
The new water rates approved Monday night by the Century Town Council are as follows:
Sewer rates were increased as follows:
Pictured: Century’s water, wastewater and natural gas franchise also serves the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 2, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending April 27 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While checking several fishermen on the Bob Sikes Bridge, Officer Manning noticed fresh blood and large scales on the ground. A nearby fisherman denied knowing anything about it and claimed he had not caught anything. While checking the individual’s cooler, Officer Manning found two large fillets. The individual at first insisted the fillets were from a grouper he bought from a fish market. Officer Manning determined the fillets were from a red drum and located a bloody knife. After additional questioning, the individual admitted to catching and cleaning the red drum. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
Officer Long taught the laws section of a hunter’s education class this week. The class was held at the Molino Community Center in Molino.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling near Keyser’s Landing and the Escambia River when he observed several men standing beside a truck that was stuck in a mud hole on the edge of the right of way. He approached the men and while speaking with them, he observed fresh tire tracks and deep ruts in front of the truck leading into private property. Officer Hutchinson questioned the men about the damage to the right of way and the private property. Two of the men admitted to purposely mud riding and damaging the property. Officer Hutchinson issued the two men notices to appear for damaging public land with a motor vehicle.
Officers Lewis and Jernigan were patrolling on the beach when they observed a man surf fishing. Officer Lewis asked the man for his fishing license and when he was retrieving it from his wallet, Officer Lewis observed him remove a small baggie containing pills from his wallet and try to conceal it. Inspection of the bag revealed a controlled substance. Another pill was also found in his wallet. The subject voluntarily stated that the pill in the baggie was Sub Oxone. Officer Lewis arrested and charged the subject with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officer Land conducted a youth outreach event at Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze for approximately 100 students from Gulf Breeze Middle School. Officer Land had an FWC vessel on display and educated students about the role and responsibilities of an FWC officer. He had boating safety items on display and explained the importance of safe boating and answered questions from students regarding boating rules, resource regulations, and public safety concerns.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
May 2, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia County as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
· Interstate 10 (I-10)/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – Alternating lane closures continue on I-10 near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform pipe repair and survey work. In addition, intermittent lane closures on the on-and-off ramps at the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
· U.S. 29 from Stumpfield Road to North W Street Routine Roadway Work - Northbound outside lane closure from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2 as crews perform shoulder work to tie in the entrance to the CarMax lot.
· Fairfield Drive (SR. 295) between Ruby Avenue and Emerald Avenue Routine Utility Maintenance- Lane closure from 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 to 5 a.m. Thursday, May 4, as crews replace utility pole.
· Palafox Street (S.R. 95) from Texar Drive to Cross Street Underground Utility Work- Southbound outside lane closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, May 4 to 5 a.m. Friday, May 5 as crews perform underground utility work.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge – Alternating lane closures continue on I-10 westbound, between Davis Highway (S.R.) 291/Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (U.S. 90/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform paving work.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations.
Santa Rosa County
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22)- Alternating lane closures between the Escambia Bay Bridge to just east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) Sunday, April 30 through Thursday, May 4 as crews place barrier wall and pavement markings. Traffic on I-10 eastbound will be shifted to the new inside travel lanes Thursday, May 4. The shift will allow crews to begin reconstructing the outside portion of the Avalon Boulevard overpass and the outside travel lanes.
· S.R. 87 Widening from Eglin Air Force Base Boundary to 2 miles South of Yellow River Bridge –North and southbound traffic will transition to the newly constructed outside lanes, just north of the city of Holley, the week of Monday, May 1 to allow for work in the center portion of the roadway. Additionally, traffic will be shifted approximately two miles north of Choctaw Field Road to the new outside north and southbound lanes.
· Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) Roadway Work- Northbound lane closure near Delmonte Street from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 2 through Thursday, May, 4 as crews remove curb and sidewalk for a new driveway connection.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Students Win Top Honors In VFW Essay Contest
May 2, 2017
Two Northview High School freshmen won top honors in the 2017 Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Competition.
Marissa Rothrock won first place in the county competition, and Nicholas Trump earned second place.
Both students received certificates and a cash prize for their essays entered in the Voice of Democracy competition, which is dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation for our country and fostering patriotism among the nation’s youth. This year’s theme was “My Responsibility to America”.
The local contest was sponsored by Atmore VFW Post 7016.
Pictured are (L-R) Nicholas Trump, Marissa Rothrock and their ninth grade Honors English teacher Vicki Baggett. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Warm
May 2, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72. West wind 5 to 15 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 53.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.