Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: More School ‘Choices’ In Store?
December 9, 2018
Richard Corcoran has long been an outspoken critic of the Florida Education Association, the state’s major teachers’ union.
And now with Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ decision to back the former House speaker as the successor to outgoing Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, Corcoran will be in a strong position to continue his advocacy for non-traditional education reforms that have been largely opposed by the union.
Corcoran, a former Republican lawmaker from Pasco County, starkly laid out his issues with the union when he took over the House leadership in November 2016. He said the Florida Education Association’s legal challenges of laws designed to expand programs like charter schools and publicly funded vouchers to send students to private schools was “downright evil.”
“The teachers’ union is fixated on halting innovation and competition in education,” he said in his speech. “They are literally trying to destroy the lives of a hundred thousand children, most of them are minorities and all of them are poor.”
Corcoran’s expected ascension to the education commissioner’s post next month is only part of a gathering of forces that is likely to provide momentum for more education “choices” in the next few years that will include the expansion of charter schools and the use of vouchers.
Those policies are in line with what DeSantis advocated in his campaign for governor. House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, is a strong Corcoran ally and a longtime supporter of overhauling the education system.
And although the Senate has proportionately more Democrats than the House, similar education policies are supported by key Senate leaders, including Senate Education Committee Chairman Manny Diaz, R-Miami, and Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, who will oversee education spending measures.
Adding to the momentum will be a newly configured Florida Supreme Court, which is expected to be joined by three new conservative justices early next year. The new justices will cement a solid conservative majority that is much more likely to uphold laws involving charter schools and vouchers.
Fedrick Ingram, president of the Florida Education Association, warned that many of the “choice” measures would be detrimental to traditional public schools and students.
“We put students at the center of everything we do,” Ingram said. “Politicians can’t be a champion for students and at the same time be at war with educators and public schools.”
HE’S BAAAACK
The newly elected Republican governor said he will ask the state Board of Education to appoint Corcoran, who used his two years as House leader to promote the use of charter schools and publicly funded vouchers to send students to private schools. Corcoran would succeed Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, a veteran educator who will step down on Jan. 8.
“Richard is known as a no-nonsense reformer whose sole focus has been how best to support students, parents and teachers,” DeSantis said in a statement.
DeSantis, whose term begins Jan. 8, said the selection of the new commissioner to oversee a state education system — which has 2.8 million students — “is very personal” to him and his wife Casey, who are the parents of two toddlers.
“I know Richard will never stop fighting until every child in Florida has access to a world-class education,” he said.
DeSantis’ announcement to back Corcoran is in line with his campaign pledge to expand school “choice” options and to put more money directly into classrooms.
Marva Johnson, chairwoman of the seven-member Board of Education, said she looks forward to reviewing DeSantis’ recommended appointment for the next commissioner.
“He has the knowledge and experience to ensure continued success at the Department of Education and to protect Florida’s legacy as a national leader in education,” Johnson said of Corcoran.
Corcoran, a lawyer, secured the passage of two major education bills during his 2016-18 tenure as speaker.
In the 2017 session, Corcoran successfully advanced legislation to allow the creation of charter schools, known as “schools of hope,” near struggling public schools. Earlier this year, he backed a bill that created “hope scholarships,” allowing bullied students to use publicly funded vouchers to transfer to private schools. The legislation also expanded vouchers used by disabled students and students who are struggling readers.
Both laws are now being challenged in court.
LET’S KEEP WORKING
Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that he will serve out his full second term under an arrangement that will lead to a five-day delay in the Republican joining the U.S. Senate next month.
The 116th Congress, which includes the U.S. House and Senate, will start on Jan. 3. But Scott, who was first elected as governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, is scheduled to remain as governor until Jan. 8, when DeSantis’ term begins.
Scott, who narrowly beat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson last month, had the option of resigning early as governor, joining the U.S. Senate on Jan. 3 and elevating Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera to the office of governor, if only for a few days.
It would not be an unprecedented circumstance. It happened in January 1987, when Gov. Bob Graham resigned early to join the U.S. Senate, making Lt. Gov. Wayne Mixson the state’s 39th governor for a three-day period before Gov. Bob Martinez took office.
But Scott has opted to remain in office for his full term, his aides said Tuesday.
“When Gov. Scott was elected governor of Florida, he promised to fight for Florida families every single day of his term. Gov. Scott will remain governor until Jan. 8,” John Tupps, the governor’s communications director, said in a statement.
Tupps said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has agreed to hold the Senate swearing-in ceremony for Scott on the afternoon of Jan. 8, which will be the day that inauguration ceremonies will be held in Tallahassee and DeSantis will become Florida’s 46th governor.
Scott will transition to his role as the state’s junior senator, joining U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in giving Florida two Republican senators in the nation’s capital for the first time since the Reconstruction era.
SCORE ONE FOR THE BLUE TEAM
DeSantis tapped state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Broward County Democrat who serves as general counsel for a major disaster-recovery contractor in South Florida, to oversee the state’s response to natural and man-made emergencies.
In a press release announcing the appointment Thursday, DeSantis, a Republican who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, noted that Moskowitz has been called a “high octane incumbent” and “an effective Democratic voice in the Republican-dominated Legislature.”
“Florida has a long history of being a model for the nation in emergency preparedness and response, and with Jared at the helm, I am confident this legacy will continue,” said DeSantis.
Moskowitz will succeed Division of Emergency Management Director Wes Maul, who was appointed by outgoing Gov. Rick Scott last year. Maul sent a letter to staff members last week saying he intends to step down from the $141,000-a-year post in January.
Moskowitz told The News Service of Florida he is honored DeSantis chose him to head what the Democrat called “one of the most important departments” in state government.
The emergency management agency “especially of late is preparing and serving people in their time of need,” he said.
“I look forward to getting up to Tallahassee to meet with the folks in the department and immediately going to work so that we can prepare as best as we can for any emergency that may face the state,” Moskowitz said.
In what is likely to be rare praise for the Republican governor-elect’s slate of appointees, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo congratulated DeSantis on his across-the-aisle selection, calling Moskowitz “the perfect choice” for the agency.
“He has proven himself to be an effective leader in the state House and his work in disaster response makes him prepared on day one to do the job,” Rizzo said in a release. “We know Rep. Moskowitz will continue to be an effective leader that looks out for all Floridians in times of emergencies, and we are proud of his appointment!”
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis backed former House Speaker Richard Corcoran as the next state education commissioner.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Many people dream of going out on top, and with the unprecedented and undeniable success the Republican Party of Florida has had over the past four years, this is my opportunity.” — State Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican, announcing he would not seek a third term as state GOP chairman.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
George Stone May Be In the Future For Virginia College’s Students
December 9, 2018
The Escambia County School District’s George Stone Technical College (GSTC) is encouraging students who were enrolled in programs at Virginia College to consider GSTC as they ask themselves, “What now?”
“We offer programs that can lead to a new career. Our students gain the skills and professional certifications needed to work in their desired field,” said GSTC Principal T.J. Rollins. “Some of our programs may be exactly what their students need to continue their life’s plan.”
Virginia College recently announced their immediate closure after a loss of a accreditation.
George Stone Technical College is operated by the Escambia County School District and offers 29 technical education and adult education programs. Their career programs prepare students for future careers in a wide range of fields, including some that are similar to what was being offered at Virginia College, such as:
Health: Emergency Medical Technician and Home Health Aide/Nursing Assistant
Information technology: Computer Systems & Information Technology (CSIT), Cybersecurity, Applied Network Support Services (CISCO), and Network Systems Administration
Business/Office Management: Accounting Operations, Administrative Office Specialist
Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer, Law Enforcement, Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Office, and Crossover from Law Enforcement Officer to Correctional Officer
“We urge Virginia College’s students to take time to consider their employment goals and to come in with their transcripts and meet with one of our counselors and one of our instructors. After working one-on-one, with our personnel they can determine which of our programs will help them continue to move forward.”
“We know some feel like this has set them back months. Again, we might be able to help with that concern as well because we have students starting the beginning of every month, so they probably will not have to wait long for the class they need to get started.” Rollins said.
Fire Destroys Century Mobile Home; First ‘Red Bulb’ In Fire Safety Campaign
December 8, 2018
Fire destroyed a mobile home early Saturday morning in Century, the first red bulb in Escambia County’s Keep The Wreath Green fire safety campaign.
The occupant of the mobile home in the 9400 block of Ivey Street were able to escape without injuries.
The fire displaced one adult who is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire, which was reported about 5:45 a.m., is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. The mobile home is located directly behind the Dollar General.
The Century, McDavid and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Jay Fire Department and the Atmore Fire Department were dispatched to the fire, along with Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
During the month-long Keep the Wreath Green campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 18 county fire stations and five city fire stations, with wreaths were placed outside Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building, Pensacola City Hall and Cordova Mall near the food court entrance. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb is replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential home.
NorthEscambia.com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Among 21 Arrested In Statewide Drug Trafficking Investigation
December 8, 2018
Two Escambia County residents, including a woman from Cantonment, were among 21 people arrested for running drug trafficking organization from the Panhandle to South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Ashley McDaniel, age 36 of Batson Lane in Cantonment, was charged with illegal use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance. Tyshaunn Tarver, age 39 of Interstate Circle in Pensacola, was also charged with illegal use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.
Nineteen others, most from Miami or Okaloosa County, are facing a multitude of charges in charges. Four other suspects remained at large Friday.
FDLE said the investigation dubbed “Operation Crazy 8″ showed the suspects were distributing illegal prescription drugs in Miami-Dade, Broward, Walton and Okaloosa counties.
Authorities began investigating the case after identifying a local drug ring in Okaloosa County whose members were obtaining large amounts of illegal drugs from South Florida and selling those drugs in Walton and Okaloosa counties.
“This massive drug interdiction operation will save lives and send a strong message to anyone trying to traffic opioids in our great state,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “This case is just one of many examples of how seamlessly our great law enforcement partners work together to stop drug trafficking and save lives.”
“We are pleased that the statewide prosecutor has worked with law enforcement in order to make these important arrests,” said State Attorney Bill Eddins.
The drug trafficking organization is accused of selling prescription painkillers including oxycodone and hydromorphone. Some of these drugs were obtained from pain clinics in South Florida. Investigators believe the suspects were a main source of illegal drugs in the Panhandle and South Florida as several shipments containing hundreds of illegal painkillers were intercepted by law enforcement.
The investigation and arrests were handled by te Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Sheriff’s Offices, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Miami-Dade Police Department and members of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Task Force.
A Magical Miracle League Christmas Night At Tate High School
December 8, 2018
It was a magical Christmas night Friday at Tate High School for some very special guests.
Several groups held a Christmas party for the players of the Miracle League. There were games that include an indoor snowball fight, crafts, visits with Santa, two Christmas skits, and dinner.
The event was sponsored by the Tate High Beta Club with help from the yearbook staff, Diamond Girls, ASL (American Sign Language) Club, STUCO, Drama Club and Community Care Givers.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Found Not Guilty In Double Murder Case
December 8, 2018
An Escambia County man was found not guilty in the murder of two people and the shooting of a third.
Gideon Elias Fussner, 19, was charged with two counts of second degree murder and one count of aggravated battery for the shooting deaths of 17-year old Julius Lewis and 19-year old Raymond Martinez and the wounding of Ranlondis McDowell about 11:15 p.m. December 11, 2017, on Weis Lane.
Fussner claimed the shootings were self defense.
Heavy Rain And Thunderstorms
December 8, 2018
There is a flash flood watch in effect.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 62. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of rain after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 48. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
Farm Hill Utilities Rescinds Boil Water Notice For Large Part Of System
December 8, 2018
Farm Hill Utilities in Cantonment has rescinded a boil water notice that was in place for a large part of their system due to a water main break.
The notice was issued Tuesday afternoon for South County Road 97 south of West Kingsfield Road, West Kingsfield Road and all side roads south of Kingsfield including Pinebrook and Carmody Hill.
The utility said bacteriological survey showed the water is safe to drink.
100-Year Old Cantonment Survivor, Tate High Participate In NAS Pearl Harbor Programs
December 8, 2018
A Cantonment Pearl Harbor survivor was recognized, and Tate High School took part in remembrance ceremonies on Friday at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Pearl Harbor survivor retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 Francis “Frank” Emond, age 100, attended Pensacola-area Chief Petty Officer’s Association Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Friday morning at Barrancas National Cemetery.
“Sometimes things happen, and you have to recover. You have to stand up again and get started again. You just can’t let adversity hold you down too long,” Emond said.
“I was in Navy Band Number 8, a musician, and we lost all our friends, Navy Band 22 on the Arizona. And I keep thinking of them a lot. It’s a shame they were so young and their lives were cut off at a very very early age. So I just can’t forget them,” he said.
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Hawaii in the summer of 1941. The day before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Emond and fellow Navy musicians played at a dance and band contest. His band won the contest against other bands from the USS California (BB-44) and USS Arizona (BB-39). His band later donated the trophy they won in memory to the men from the Arizona. As the sun rose on Dec. 7, 1941, Emond was preparing for morning colors and the raising of the American flag.
That’s when Emond noticed the hundreds of Japanese planes that filled the sky followed by the sound of a torpedo striking a ship docked behind his battleship. In addition to being a musician, Emond was trained as a stretcher bearer and with the general alarm sounding along with the sound of gunfire and explosions; he began retrieving injured and dead Sailors aboard the Pennsylvania.
Following the war, Emond remained in the Navy until he retired in 1968 in Pensacola. He is currently married and has two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His 100-year-old brother still lives in Rhode Island.
Also Friday, the Tate High School Wind Ensemble and Chorus performed at a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the Naval Aviation Museum.
Pictured top: Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Edmond of Cantonment speaks during a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Friday at Barrancas National Cemetery. Pictured below: The Tate High School Wind Ensemble perform during a Pearl Harbor ceremony at the Naval Aviation Museum. Pictured bottom: The Tate Wind Ensemble with Florida Sen. Doug Broxson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Hides In Septic Tank After Burglarizing Grandmother’s Trailer, Setting Fires
December 7, 2018
Deputies arrested a man found hiding in a septic tank after he allegedly set multiple fires inside his grandmother’s vacant mobile home near Gonzalez.
Jacob Blake Aeppli, 24, was charged with second degree felony arson, felony first degree burglary and petit theft.
Aeppli allegedly broke into the trailer on Packwood Drive, just off East Kingsfield Road and started several fires that damaged the floors and ceilings. He as also accused of stealing a hand truck from the property.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 found Aeppli, nearby hiding in a septic tank wearing camouflage waders with a survival knife on his hip. The hand truck was close by, with his backpack attached to it.
The fire was extinguished by neighbors using a garden hose. The trailer sustained minor damage.
Aeppli remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday with bond set at $28,500.