Scott, Nelson Take Off Gloves During First Debate
October 3, 2018
In a matchup mirroring the deep partisan divide engulfing the nation, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Florida Gov. Rick Scott bickered Tuesday about red tide, guns, immigration and a controversial Supreme Court nomination in their first debate before next month’s U.S. Senate election.
Nelson, a Democrat, and Scott, a Republican winding up his last year as governor, reached almost no consensus during the hour-long Telemundo debate, which was scheduled to air Tuesday night.
Instead, Nelson accused his opponent of lying, and Scott painted the incumbent as a partisan do-nothing who’s accomplished little in his nearly 20 years in the Senate.
Proposals backed by Nelson and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum will “kill the economy,” Scott said.
“They like high taxes,” he said.
“The governor keeps coming out with one whopper after another. Apparently, you never got your mouth washed out with soap after telling a lie because you keep on going on, on every part of my record,” Nelson shot back, according to a transcript released Tuesday afternoon by Telemundo.
The two also tangled about Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee who vehemently denies allegations by Christine Blasey Ford and at least two other women who have accused him of sexual misconduct while in high school or college.
Nelson said he intends to vote against Kavanaugh, adding that he tried repeatedly in vain to meet with the appellate judge.
Nelson praised Ford’s “compelling” testimony when she and Kavanaugh appeared separately before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.
Ford “was expressing for millions of women in this country the ‘me too,’ that sexual assault has happened to them. And she was doing that in front of 11 Republican men that seemed to dismiss it,” Nelson said, referring to the Republicans on the committee.
Kavanaugh, who angrily criticized the confirmation process and what he viewed as a Democratic conspiracy to thwart his confirmation, lacks “the temperament that is needed of what you want to put someone on the highest court in this land,” Nelson said.
But Scott rebuked Nelson for having decided to vote against Kavanaugh even before the hearing, accusing Nelson of saying he would reject whoever was nominated.
“The way the U.S. Senate has handled this, it’s a circus. It’s more like a Jerry Springer show,” Scott scolded, calling Kavanaugh and Ford “just pawns in some political game.”
The testimony of both Kavanaugh and Ford were “convincing and raw, pure emotion,” Scott said.
But, he said, “if you take all of the evidence together and you look at Judge Kavanaugh’s record as a judge, I’m going to continue to support Judge Kavanaugh.”
Scott then assailed Nelson for failing to expose Congressman Alcee Hastings for settling a sexual assault claim for over $200,000.
“You know governor, you just can’t tell the truth,” Nelson punched back, adding that the state’s newspapers have branded Scott as “a walking conflict of interest.”
The senator cited an Orlando Sentinel story that Nelson said showed that “every election that you’ve ever run … you always blame the other guy.”
The two opponents also sparred over Puerto Rico.
Both campaigns have attempted to endear their candidates to the more than 1 million Puerto Ricans — and up to 50,000 more who moved here after Hurricane Maria — who call Florida home.
The day before the debate, Nelson secured the endorsement of Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, despite Scott’s repeated trips to the U.S. territory following last year’s massive storm, which wiped out electricity island-wide and resulted in 3,000 deaths. Trump has also been widely disparaged for accusing Democrats of inflating the number of fatalities.
“The president has treated its citizens as second-class citizens,” Nelson said, mocking Trump for throwing paper towels into the audience when he visited Puerto Rico shortly after Maria made landfall in September 2017.
“Now, my opponent has said when down there in Puerto Rico, what would you have done differently? And he said, quote, I would not have done anything differently. I think that pretty well tells you about the treatment of the people from Puerto Rico,” Nelson said.
Scott countered that he wanted “to do everything I can to help Puerto Ricans” after the storm.
“It was never about politics. It was about helping our fellow citizens,” he said, rattling off a list of the aid the state provided to the island and to migrants who fled to Florida.
In front of the Hispanic debate audience, Scott, who has close ties to Trump, sought to separate himself from the president on the issue of children whose parents illegally brought them into the country.
Scott again blamed Nelson for failing to address the problem in Washington, calling it “remarkable” that the senator would “talk about doing something.”
“He’s been there when his party controlled both chambers and the White House, and he did nothing,” Scott said.
The two candidates also pointed the finger at each other over recent outbreaks of toxic algae and red tide that are impacting waterways and beaches on both coasts.
“Red tide is something that’s naturally occurring. I’ve declared a state of emergency,” Scott said, saying the state has sent “millions” of dollars to the counties to deal with the crisis and committed $17 million for research projects.
But he blamed Nelson for the toxic algae outbreak, saying it was linked to the failure to improve the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee.
“He has never done anything to get us the money to fix the dike at Lake Okeechobee, which is a 100 percent federal project,” Scott said.
Nelson called that “a whopper,” pointing to major cuts in environmental funding by Scott that affected water management districts and eliminated the Department of Community Affairs.
During his eight years as governor, Scott has “systematically disassembled the environmental agencies of this state,” Nelson said.
“You see the result. You put pollution in the water, it will grow the algae in the heat of summer. And then when that algae goes down the rivers and mixes with a bacteria known as red tide, it supercharges that,” he said.
But Scott said environmental funding has increased during his tenure, including a state commitment to spend $200 million a year on Everglades restoration. He also said he worked with Trump to secure funding for the dike repairs, which he said would be completed in 2022.
Also, the two candidates clashed over gun-control laws in the wake of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at a Parkland high school killed 14 students and three faculty members.
Nelson pointed to Fred Guttenberg, who was sitting in the audience and who lost his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, in the attack.
“Fred wakes up every day and goes to the cemetery the first thing. He’ll never have another birthday for Jaime. My opponent has an A-plus rating with the NRA. He has passed more NRA-backed legislation than any other governor in the history of this state,” Nelson said. “I hope governor, that you will look Fred Guttenberg in the face, and tell him that you’re not going to support those kind of policies that you have with the NRA.”
Scott said his “heart goes out” to all the shooting victims and their families. And he said he worked with parents, like Guttenberg, in crafting a quick response to the shooting that includes more law-enforcement officers and more security measures for schools and more mental health counselors.
“And within three weeks after the Parkland shooting, we passed a comprehensive bill,” Scott said.
In contrast, Scott again said Nelson has “got nothing done.”
“He can talk like he cares about these things. Here’s the difference, Sen. Nelson is fine with taking away certain guns from law-abiding citizens,” Scott said.
Escambia Planning Board Rejects Change To Loosen Regulation On Rural Growth
October 2, 2018
The Escambia County Planning Board voted unanimously Monday against recommending a change to the county’s comprehensive plan that would loosen regulation on rural growth.
The change would remove protections for agricultural and silvicultural (forestry) lands from new rural communities.
The portion of the comprehensive plan under review for removal states,”To protect silviculture, agriculture, and agriculture-related activities Escambia County will not support the establishment of new rural communities.”
“Removing this provision in the comprehensive plan to protect agriculture and silviculture lands in Escambia County, and increase density of previous farm land, may contribute to a cascading loss of available land to farm, less wildlife corridors, and recreational opportunities for the citizens, along with an increased cost of building and maintaining infrastructure far away from existing population density and county facilities,” Escambia County resident Jacqueline Rogers said. She addressed the Escambia County Planning Board Monday.
The planning board’s recommended denial will go the the Board of County Commissioners for final action. If the BOCC does not concur with the planning board and approves the change, it would still be subject to state scrutiny.
Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Pictured: North Escambia farmland. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ashland Avenue To Close At Nine Mile Road
October 2, 2018
The intersection of Ashland Avenue between Nine Mile Road and Bush Street will experience a closure beginning Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 a.m. Traffic heading south will be detoured along Bowman Avenue to Bush Street, then west to Ashland Avenue. Traffic heading north along Ashland Avenue will be detoured east down Bush Street to Bowman Avenue, then north to Nine Mile Road.
The road closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately 11 days and every effort will be made to expedite construction to reopen the road before Saturday, Oct. 13.
Construction will consist of upgrading the existing storm drainage system.
If other lane or roadway closures are necessary beyond the anticipated time periods, another notice will be issued.
Click the graphic for a larger map.
Kids Are Learning To Code Each Week At Carver Park In Cantonment
October 2, 2018
Children are learning to code during a program from the West Florida Library each week at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Monday, the children used Coding Jam with characters and physical blocks to help them learn block-based coding through music and play. They were able to get to know coding’s creative side while developing an ear for rhythm, melody and harmony.
The small blocks with the coding kits are put together by the kids. The blocks and code are read by an iPad and the characters on the screen come to life.
They previously used Coding with Awbie, which teaching logic skills and problem solving. They control Awbie, a playful character that loves strawberries. Each coding command opens a strawberry munching adventure for Awbie.
The coding program is offered Monday afternoons from 4:00 until 5:30 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. They won’t be there next week due to the Columbus Day holiday but will return on October 15.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friends Of The Library Big Fall Book Sale Was A Big Success
October 2, 2018
The annual Friends of West Florida Public Library’s Big Fall Book Sale was a big success. Organizers said the annual event raised almost $14,000 for the Friends, a non-profit support organization of the West Florida Public Library. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Not Too Late To Enter The Northview Homecoming Parade
October 2, 2018
There are already about 45 entries in Friday’s Northview High School Homecoming Parade, and organizers said it is not too late to sign up to take part.
The parade will line up at 12:30 p.m. and travel from Bratt Elementary School to Northview High. Entries are being accepted now; there is no cost to enter. For a printable entry form, click here.
A homecoming meal to support the Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship Fund will be sold for $7. Meals will be served after 10 a.m. on October 5 and will include a barbecue sandwich, chips, dessert and a drink.
Contact Perry Byars at (850) 327-6681 ext. 248 or email pbyars@escambia.k12.fl.us for more information or to reserve homecoming meals.
The Northview Chief’s homecoming game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on October 5 against the Jay Royals.
Pictured: The 2017 Northview High Homecoming Parade in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Workers To Help With Hurricane Florence Recovery
October 2, 2018
The Town of Century is sending two workers to the Carolinas in the near future to help with Hurricane Florence recovery.
The town council voted Monday night to send the two employees and two trucks to either North or South Carolina for a week. They will be paid for a straight 40-hour week.
Mayor Henry Hawkins said he wanted the town to help because Century has been on the receiving end of assistance in the past following natural disasters.
Robert Bender Wins Escambia Commission Seat After His Opposition Withdraws
October 2, 2018
Robert Bender has been elected to the Escambia County Commission from District 4.
“Write-in candidate Leigh Anne Bell has withdrawn as a candidate for the office of Board of County Commissioners, District 4, resulting in an unopposed candidate race. Although it is too late to remove the contest from the November 6 General Election ballot itself due to the lateness of the withdrawal, a vote cast in the race will not change the outcome as the remaining candidate is deemed by law to be elected. Any votes cast in this contest will not be reported or published,” the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office said Monday.
Blue Wahoos Announce New Affiliation Partnership With Minnesota Twins
October 2, 2018
The Minnesota Twins it is. Going right up to the deadline the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Minnesota Twins signed a player development contract (PDC) for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
The final Double-A affiliation agreements came down to the San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins Organizations and the cities of Pensacola, Fla. and Amarillo, Texas.
“This is a rare time when there are no losers. The Padres and Twins are first class organizations,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “One would end up playing in the picturesque downtown Pensacola’s Blue Wahoo Stadium and the other in a brand new 44 million ball park in Amarillo, Texas. Both are great venues in great cities.”
“This was our first time going through this process it was beyond expectations,” added Griffith. “The Padres and Twins were both great. We learned so much during the process on what we can do better based on how they both operate. In an operational area such as speeding up food delivery the Padres still offered to share their processes with us even after learning the decision to sign with the Twins. The Twins, like the Padres, are committed to a partnership that will help the Wahoos continue to get better.”
“We are thrilled to sign a two-year player development contract with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos,” said Director, Minor League Operations Jeremy Zoll. “Their owners and leadership team have a clear commitment to positively impacting the community in Pensacola, and we believe that the values of the Twins and Blue Wahoos could not be better aligned. We are looking forward to being true partners to Pensacola in both business and baseball operations and are excited for our AA players to have the opportunity to call the Pensacola community their home.”
“Both teams’ owners, Ron Fowler of the Padres and Jim Pohlad of the Twins, were very active in the process, which we appreciated,” said Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer. “Both organizations are in a rebuilding process. With the leadership that these owners provide, it is no surprise why they have minor league systems rated in the top five. They both are deeply committed to their respective communities beyond baseball.”
The team will open the new year with exciting news about stadium upgrades. The Blue Wahoos will also announce more details about the community impact of the partnership between the Wahoos and the Twins.
New Budget Year With Property Tax Increase Begins Today For Escambia County, Century
October 1, 2018
Monday marked the first day of the new 2018-2019 budget years for both Escambia County and Century, and a relative increase in property tax rates for residents of both.
Century’s budget is $3.43 million, about $1.17 million lower than the town’s previous budget year. The property tax rate is 7.3 percent higher than the rolled-back rate.
Read: Did Century’s Property Tax Increase Violate The Town Charter.
Escambia County’s budget is $475 million, up from $456 million last fiscal year. Property taxes are 3.17 percent higher than the rolled-back rate.
Read: Citizen’s Guide To Escambia County’s Budget
The roll-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. A millage rate higher than the roll-back rate is defined by the state as a tax increase.