Ten Big Issues To Watch During Florida Legislative Session
February 27, 2019
Florida lawmakers will gather March 5 in the House chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis give his first State of the State address, the traditional start of the 60-day legislative session.
Led by Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, lawmakers this year will deal with myriad issues, ranging from passing a state budget to deciding whether to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana.
Here are 10 big issues to watch during the session:
BUDGET: DeSantis has proposed a $91.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, as he seeks to increase money for education and water-quality projects and trim taxes. But the DeSantis proposal is only a starting point for lawmakers, who will have their own priorities for state funding. Lawmakers also will grapple with recovery costs from Hurricane Michael, which devastated parts of Northwest Florida in October.
ENVIRONMENT: After algae and red tide fouled waterways and coastal areas in Southeast Florida and Southwest Florida last year, DeSantis is making a priority of addressing water-quality issues. DeSantis has proposed a $625 million package that addresses Everglades restoration and other water-related issues. Lawmakers also are pushing bills that would deal with problems such as cleaning up the Indian River Lagoon.
HEALTH CARE: Oliva and other House Republican leaders want to reduce regulations in the health-care industry, arguing that taking more of a free-market approach would help hold down costs. The House is targeting a variety of issues, such as “certificate of need” regulations that help determine whether hospitals and other types of facilities can be built. DeSantis has touted a proposal aimed at allowing lower-cost prescription drugs to be imported from Canada.
HURRICANE MICHAEL: Lawmakers face costly decisions as they look to help Northwest Florida recover from Hurricane Michael. Galvano said the state has already spent $1.13 billion responding to the October hurricane, and the total could go as high as $2.7 billion. The federal government is expected to reimburse many costs, but that will take time. The state also faces issues such as helping the region’s severely damaged timber industry.
INSURANCE: The insurance industry and business groups are lobbying heavily to make changes in the controversial insurance practice known as assignment of benefits, which involves policyholders signing over benefits to contractors. Insurers argue abuse and litigation are driving up property-insurance rates, while AOB supporters say the practice helps make sure insurers properly pay claims. A key part of the debate focuses on limiting attorney fees.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Facing heavy pressure from DeSantis, lawmakers appear likely to end a ban on smoking medical marijuana. The ban, included in a 2017 medical-marijuana law, was found unconstitutional by a circuit judge, and DeSantis has threatened to drop an appeal if the Legislature does not eliminate the ban. It is less clear, however, whether lawmakers will address other medical-marijuana regulatory issues that have led to lawsuits.
SCHOOL CHOICE: DeSantis and Senate leaders have outlined proposals that could lead to a major expansion of school choice, including the creation of a voucher-type program that would be directly funded with tax dollars. The House has long supported such programs, as has new Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. Democrats and teachers unions will fight the expansion, but Republicans control both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.
SCHOOL SAFETY: Just past the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, lawmakers will look again at revamping laws to boost school safety. The most-controversial issue will be a proposal to expand the school “guardian” program to allow trained classroom teachers to be armed. A state commission created last year recommended allowing armed teachers.
SUPREME COURT: After taking office last month, DeSantis made three appointments that created a solid conservative majority on the Florida Supreme Court. The change could embolden the GOP-controlled Legislature, which in the past clashed with a more-liberal Supreme Court. As examples, lawmakers could expand taxpayer-funded school vouchers and cap attorney fees in workers’ compensation insurance cases — issues that previously ran into Supreme Court roadblocks.
TRANSPORTATION: Galvano has made clear that one of his top priorities will be highway projects that he says would help rural areas. The Senate president wants to extend the Suncoast Parkway toll road to go from the Tampa Bay region to the Georgia border; create a multi-use corridor, including a highway, from Polk County to Collier County; and extend the Florida Turnpike west from where it currently ends at Interstate 75.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Century And Flomaton Chambers Hand Out Annual Awards At Banquet
February 27, 2019
The annual Flomaton and Century Joint Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was held Tuesday night in Flomaton. Awards were presented as follows:
- Century Outstanding Student of the Year – Chloe Smith
- Century Outstanding Business of the Year – Squeegee Stitch Graphix
- Century Outstanding Citizens of the Year – Debbie Nickles
- Flomaton Outstanding Student of the Year – Mitchell Faulk
- Flomaton Outstanding Business of the Year – Jeff’s Feed and Seed
- Flomaton Outstanding Citizen of the Year – Cathryn Jeter
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Willanette Troutman
February 27, 2019
Willanette Troutman, 82 of Atmore, AL, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019, in Atmore. She was retired from Escambia County Alabama School District as a secretary. She was born in Robinsonville, AL on December 16, 1936, to the late Ollie and Ruby Higdon Moye. She was a member of Robinsonville Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Malcolm “Mickey” Troutman; brother, Claude Moye; and sister, Earlene Helton.
Survivors include two daughters, Debra (Danny) Ward of Bratt, FL and Sandra (Gary) Marshall of Texas; two sisters, Gladys Stanton of Robinsonville, AL and Gertrude Smith of Atmore, AL; two grandchildren, Danielle Ward and Mickey J. Marshall; three great-grandchildren, Noah J. Marshall, Tyler Ward and Ava Montmayor.
Services were held Friday, February 22, 2019, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Phil Johnson officiating.
Interment was in Robinsonville Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Roger Helton, Charles Stanton, Terry Troutman, Randy Smith, Justin Beasley, and Robin Swift.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
Cleveland Franklin Boatwright
February 27, 2019
Mr. Cleveland Franklin Boatwright, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at his home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Boatwright was a native and former resident of Georgiana, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 43 years. He was a retired carpenter with 60 years of experience and was of the Church of Christ faith.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Lillie Boatwright; wife of 49 years, Lillie Mae Boatwright; two brothers, Melton Boatwright and Vernon Boatwright; and three sisters, Nellie Wiggins, Willie Faye Eady and Annie Mae Eady.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Theresa Boatwright of Canoe, AL; two daughters, Lechia Boatwright of Flomaton, AL and Cyndi Merritt of Bay Minette, AL; one sister, Elaine and Randy Sexton of Greenville, AL; two grandsons, Steven Flowers and Christopher Boatwright; three granddaughters, Amanda Jay, Nikki Merritt and Tierani Perry; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Malcolm Harrelson officiating.
Burial was at the Bowman Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dudley Flowers, Ricky Harrelson, Roger Jay, Jimmy Boutwell, Waylon Bryers, Dewayne Young and Mikey Harrelson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Gary Jay Green
February 27, 2019
Mr. Gary Jay Green, age 62, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Green was a native of Brewton, AL, was raised in Jay, FL and had resided in Bratt, FL for most of his life. He was a drummer with local groups, such as Drivin Wheel and Dream Catcher.
He is survived by one brother, Greg (Pam Long) of Bratt, FL; three nephews, Todd Green, Blake Green, Robert Green; and one niece, Blaze Rolin.
Graveside services will be held Friday, March 1, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Godwin Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
James Lavon Roley
February 27, 2019
James Lavon Roley, 78 of Atmore, AL, passed away February 17, 2019, at his home in Atmore. He was born in Atmore on August 11, 1940, to the late Samuel and Bessie Godwin Roley. James attended Ernest Ward High School and later served in the Army National Guard. He attended Atmore First Assembly of God Church. He owned and operated James Roley Construction Company for over 40 years. James had a true love for his family and friends and never failed to tell you or show you. All the little ones knew when they saw him, he would give them “head sugar” kisses.
He loved to hunt, fish, ride his golf cart around the neighborhood to visit with friends and enjoyed taking them for a ride. He enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp in Vredenburgh, AL. James was also known for giving endearing nicknames to everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, JoAnn Morgan Roley; his children, Debra (Clark) Tims of Robertsdale, AL; Patsy (J. Paul) Pepin of Tampa, FL; Michael (Katie) Roley of Atmore, AL; stepchildren, Cheryl (Tony) Datuin of Florence, AL, Johnny (Mona) Jones of Holliday, Texas, Ricky (Lisa) Jones of Century, FL, and Dina Jones of Byrneville, FL; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Atmore First Assembly of God Church with Bro. Keith Lisenby officiating.
Burial was at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.
Pallbearers were Bobby Freeman, Shannon Lambeth, Carl Ward, David Davis, Bret Wallace and Mark McCall.
Honorary pallbearers were James Womack, Raymond Jerkins, Eddie Baker, Blake Harris and Tony Thompson.
Arrangements are provided by Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
James Grout Van Pelt
February 27, 2019
Mr. James Grout Van Pelt, (known to his friends as Bama Jim) age 87, of Walnut Hill, Florida, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at Atmore Community Hospital. Mr. Van Pelt was born in Pampa, Texas, October 1, 1931.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Lester and Geraldine Van Pelt; his brother, George Thomas Van Pelt; and grandsons, Russell William Stewart and James Robert Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Cunningham Van Pelt and his children; son, Mike Van Pelt (Ginny); daughters, Gerri Van Pelt McDonald, Beth Drew (Steve), Janie Carpenter (Jimmy), and Julie Brantley (Jerry); grandchildren, Sandi Drew Sims (Travis), Ryan Stewart, Nicholas Drew (Jocelyn), Kyle Carpenter (Maria), Keri Carpenter, Bradley Lowery, Kristen Carpenter, Michael Lowery, Melanie McDonald, and Jessica Lowery Bishop (Matthew); great-grandchildren, Drew Sims, Asher Sims and Eleanor Drew.
The family moved to Pensacola in the 1930’s. Jim graduated from Pensacola High School, attended Marion Institute, and graduated from the University of Alabama before serving as an officer in the Army as a pilot. After his service he moved back to run the family dairy in Walnut Hill, Florida.
Jim was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Atmore for over 60 years, where he served in many capacities. He served on the boards of the Walnut Hill Grain Elevator and the Davisville Water System.
Active pallbearers were Ryan Stewart, Kyle Carpenter, Nicholas Drew, Bradley Lowery, Michael Lowery, and Travis Sims.
Honorary pallbearers were Clint Smith, Buck Powell, Jim Staff, Jim Spears, Pee Wee Powell, Tim Dortch, Lamar Godwin, Brett Ward and Heath Ward.
A celebration of Jim’s life was held February 19, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Atmore. The Reverend Dr. Debora Bishop and Reverend Brennan Peacock officiated the service.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of “Bama Jim” to First United Methodist Church, Atmore, More Than Bricks Fund, 311 S. Pensacola Ave. Atmore, Alabama 36502.
ECSO: Atmore Man Burglarized Beulah Home, Stealing Property And The Family Dog
February 26, 2019
An Atmore man has been arrested for allegedly stealing items including a family’s dog during a Beulah burglary.
Devin Adrielle Backus, 22, was charged with burglary, grand theft and grand theft of a firearm.
Backus allegedly burglarized a home on John David Drive, taking a safe, jewelry, electronics, three firearms and a dog. The items were valued at $15,400.
The burglary occurred on October 9, 2018. This month, deputies were made aware of a handwritten note received by the homeowner in which he was asked to contact “Devin” at a phone number. The homeowner called, and Backus told him the dog was with a friend in Fort Walton, according to a report. He also allegedly said the safe was at a house in Atmore, but he was unable to open it.
The homeowner told deputies he knows Backus as a previous tenant in his rental home.
On February 23, Backus was identified as the suspect from fingerprints found on a television.
Backus remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $20,000.
Details Released On Escambia County Wheelchair Ramp Program For Needy Residents
February 26, 2019
Escambia County is partnering with local nonprofit agencies for a wheelchair ramp pilot partnership program that aims to help county residents maintain independence and improve wheelchair accessibility to their homes.
The Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved funding for the program in December. Under the pilot program, the county will work with nonprofit agencies to build the ramps, with the agencies providing volunteer labor for construction and the county providing funding for materials.
Local agencies including Pensacola Civitan Club, Council on Aging of West Florida Inc., Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Inc. and Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida Inc. will participate in the program to provide volunteer construction of ramps, but are often limited in the number of ramps that can be built due to a shortage of volunteers and funding for materials and supplies.
These agencies are looking for handy volunteers to support their ramp building initiatives. For volunteer opportunities, please contact the agencies below:
- Pensacola Civitan Club: (850) 255-9796
- Council on Aging of West Florida: (850) 266-2518
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: (850) 434-5456
- Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida: (850) 995-0007
Aid will be targeted to owner occupants residing in Escambia County whose income is at or below 80 percent of area median income. Consideration may be given to non-owner occupied properties on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be current on property taxes and not have any outstanding county liens to participate. Assistance is provided as a grant with no payback requirements. Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division will accept referrals from participating agencies and will screen applicants for eligibility.
For general information or for organizations interested in participating in the program, contact Meredith Reeves in the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-4968.
Homeowners interested in applying for assistance may contact the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-0022 or ned@myescambia.com.
Pictured: A wheelchair ramp recently installed by the Pensacola Civitan Club. Materials for similar ramps may be funded by Escambia County through the wheelchair ramp pilot program. Photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alleged MS-13 Gang Member Arrested Near Mall
February 26, 2019
An alleged MS-13 gang member was arrested near Cordova Mall
David Ernesto Nolasco Soriano, 31, of El Salvador, was taken into custody by the FBI and Pensacola Police Department.
Nolasco Soriano was working in Pensacola and Destin and has a Pensacola mailing address. United States Magistrate Judge Charles J. Kahn Jr. detained Nolasco Soriano and ordered the U.S. Marshals to transport him back to Maryland to await trial.
The District of Maryland charged Nolasco Soriano with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to murder, maim, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering; and attempted murder, maiming, and assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.