Escambia Voters Follow Statewide Choices – Except For A Few Races
August 30, 2018
Escambia County voters generally followed the rest of the state in their choices Tuesday, but there were a few differences including strong support for a hometown resident.
In the Republican race for Governor, Escambia County voters were remarkably close in mirroring the statewide vote. Ron DeSantis received 56 percent of the vote in Escambia County and 56.5 percent across the state.
Democratic Escambia County voters were more firm in their choice of Andrew Gillum for governor at 47.5 percent, while he received 34.3 percent of the Florida total.
In the Republican race for Attorney General, Pensacola resident Frank White had 63 percent of the vote in Escambia County. But his 43 percent across the state saw him lose to Ashley Moody with 57 percent.
Baxter Troutman was the choice of Escambia County Republicans at 35 percent compared to Matt Caldwell’s 34.5 percent, but Caldwell took the state with 35 percent and Troutman (26 percent) actually came in third behind Denise Grimsley (27 percent).
Here is a comparison of how Escambia County voters cast their ballots versus the statewide totals:
Florida Supreme Court Weighs Dog Racing Amendment
August 30, 2018
The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a legal fight about whether voters should cast ballots in November on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending greyhound racing at pari-mutuel facilities.
The hearing came after Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers this month sided with the Florida Greyhound Association, a group of breeders, owners and trainers, and ruled that the proposal should not go on the ballot because it was misleading. The state appealed Gievers’ ruling, setting up the Supreme Court arguments little more than two months before the Nov. 6 general election.
Jordan Pratt, a state deputy solicitor general, disputed that the proposal is misleading and urged justices to overturn Gievers’ decision. Backers of the measure, known as Amendment 13, sat in part of the courtroom listening to the arguments and said afterward that the measure should go before voters.
“This amendment should go and be voted upon,” said Stephen Turner of the pro-amendment Committee to Protect Dogs. “It’s clear that the people have a right to choose whether they want a gambling activity of greyhound racing, which is cruel to animals, to continue. It’s that simple.”
But former Supreme Court Justice Major Harding, representing the Florida Greyhound Association, told the court that the ballot title and summary — the wording that voters see when they go to the polls — did not properly disclose information about the effects of the amendment. Harding and Jack Cory, a lobbyist for the association, said that means the proposal should be kept off the ballot.
“The vague ballot language and the vague title do not disclose everything to the people of the state of Florida that’s included in the proposed amendment,” Cory said after the hearing.
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission this spring placed the proposed dog-racing ban on the November ballot after years of legislative debates about the future of greyhound racing in the state. The 37-member commission has unique authority to place proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, but its proposals this year have faced a series of legal challenges.
The Supreme Court is focused on the wording of the ballot title and summary to make sure they accurately reflect the effects of the proposal. Gievers’ ruling cited a series of problems with the wording, describing the proposed amendment as “misleading and inaccurate and incomplete, while adding up to a ‘hide the ball,’ ‘fly a false flag’ and outright ‘trickeration,’ ”
The ballot title and summary say: “ENDS DOG RACING. — Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.”
But a major point of discussion during Wednesday’s arguments was part of the broader text of the proposed amendment that says, “The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida.”
Harding said the ballot title and summary fail to disclose that the amendment would make the humane treatment of animals a “fundamental value.” As a result, he said, voters would not be informed that the provision is included in the potential constitutional changes.
“The people will not know that they are incorporating that in the Constitution if it is not in the ballot title and the summary, because that is all that is on the ballot,” Harding said.
But some justices questioned that argument. For example, Justice Alan Lawson questioned what the legal effect of the “fundamental value” part of the amendment would be. Even if it passed, he said lawmakers would have to take some action to give it legal effect.
“If you can’t identify a legal effect, then it sounds like political rhetoric, it’s just a fluff label,” Lawson said. “And we have cases that say you can’t put political rhetoric on a ballot summary. So, I think that if they had put it on (the ballot summary), your argument would be that it has no legal effect and it’s political rhetoric and it should come off.”
It was not immediately clear how soon justices could rule in the case. But general-election ballots will begin to be sent out to voters in September.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Wreck Near Atmore Claims Two Lives
August 29, 2018
A father and son were killed in a single vehicle wreck on I-65 about three miles north of the Atmore exit Tuesday evening.
Conan L. Ivey, 42 and Nathan R. Ivey, 17, were passengers in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe that ran off the road and hit a tree, according to Alabama State Troopers.
Troopers said Conan Ivey was pronounced deceased at the scene. Nathan Ivey was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital and later died from his injuries. Both are from Repton, AL, about 30 miles north of the accident location.
The driver, Elizabeth Ivey, 42, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. Her condition was not available.
Alabama State Troopers are continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Escambia Corrections Office Evacuated Over Odor Believed To Be Sewer Gas
August 29, 2018
The Escambia County Corrections Office Building, located at 2251 Palafox St., was evacuated about 11:30 a.m. after a strong smell thought to be sewer gas was reported by staff in the building.
Pensacola Energy was notified and gas to the building was turned off. Escambia County Facilities Management crews were working to determine the cause of the smell. Additionally, in an abundance of caution, a Hazmat team responded as a precaution.
After running tests, authorities believe an organic material was the cause of the odor, according to the county.
The building remained closed for the remaineder of the day and was set to reopen on Thursday for regular business hours.
No injuries were reported, and more information will released as it becomes available.
Gulf Power Files For Rate Decrease In 2019
August 29, 2018
Today, Gulf Power filed an agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission seeking approval to reduce rates for 2019 and beyond by approximately $9.6 million on an annual basis.
This reduction reflects the remaining tax savings resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The proposed decrease comes on the heels of the previous tax savings related rate decrease of $103 million for 2018. In addition, Gulf Power also recently filed a separate request with the FPSC to reduce prices based on reduced fuel, conservation and environmental costs.
In total, if all of the proposed changes are approved by the FPSC, the average Gulf Power customer using 1,112 kilowatt-hours per month can expect to see a $2.70 drop on their monthly electricity bill for 2019.
“This is more great news for customers,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power chairman, president and CEO. “Reduced taxes and reduced costs means reduced prices for Gulf Power customers — about $32 per year for the average customer. This will be the eighth time in 10 years we’ve been able to decrease prices. With approval by the Florida Public Service Commission, customers will see the decrease beginning in their January 2019 bills.”
On the tax-related decrease, Gulf Power worked together to reach an agreement with the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, The Florida Retail Federation and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to agree on how to deliver these savings to customers.
Gulf Power said if approved, rates would be at their lowest point in five years.
File photo.
Smith, Hudson-Bourgeois In A Runoff For Century Town Council Seat
August 29, 2018
There will be a November runoff for Century Town Council Seat Seat 4 between Mary Hudson-Bourgeois and James Smith, Jr. after no candidate received half of the votes cast Tuesday.
Complete, but unofficial vote totals from Tuesday’s election are:
- James Smith, Jr. – 160
- Mary Hudson Bourgeois – 146
- Brian Johnston – 19
Seat 4 incumbent Gary Riley tearfully announced in May that he would not seek re-election to the seat he has held for 20 years.
Incumbent Ben Boutwell will face challenger Amanuel Onell Dubose on the general election ballot on November 6 for Century Council Seat 3. Sandra McMurray Jackson will return to Council Seat 5 without opposition.
Pictured top: Century Council candidate James Smith talks on the phone outside Century Town Hall Tuesday night as he awaits election results, and candidate Mary Hudson Bourgeois speaks with a supporter about early results. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gaetz, Zimmerman Will Be On November’s Ballot For Florida House District 1
August 29, 2018
Incumbent Matt Gaetz won the Republican nomination for U.S. House District 1 Tuesday to face Democrat challenger Jennifer Zimmerman in November.
Gaetz received 64.8 percent of the vote, followed Chris Dosev will 30.25 percent and John Mills with about 5 percent.
“I am proud that Northwest Florida voters continue to place their trust in me to represent our community in the U.S. Congress”, Gaetz said Tuesday night. “Our community embraces the conservative values that make America great, whether it is rebuilding our military, securing our borders, defending the 2nd Amendment, or protecting the sanctity of life. I look forward to working with Northwest Florida residents, local businesses, and President Trump to continue improving our tremendous community.”
In the Democratic primary, Zimmerman had 60.5 percent of the vote, followed by Phil Ehr with 39.5 percent.
“The number one thing that I have learned is that people actually listen to your truth. If you speak from the heart, and you speak the truth, people appreciate that. And that is what my campaign was based on,” Zimmerman said after her primary win. “Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid to trust a different voice. What I bring to this race isG something you have not heard for so long.”
Picture top: Matt Gaetz, NorthEsambia.com photo. Pictured below: Jennifer Zimmerman, photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Scott Easily Defeats Primary Opponent In U.S. Senate Race
August 29, 2018
An already-expensive and nasty U.S. Senate contest between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is now officially on, as Scott easily dispatched San Diego businessman Rocky De La Fuente in a Republican primary Tuesday.
Scott received 88.6 percent of the vote.
“Thanks to everyone who voted to make me the Republican nominee for US Senate! Together, we will Make Washington Work,” Scott tweeted after results were first posted at 8 p.m.
Florida Democratic Party spokesman Nate Evans wasted little time calling Scott a “horrible” governor.
“He has systemically tried to take away health care coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, slashed funding for K-12 education, and decimated key environmental protections,” Evans said in a prepared statement.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Executive Director Chris Hansen then called Scott a “new voice” in Washington.
“Governor Rick Scott has a proven record of creating good paying jobs and ensuring that Florida is at the forefront of economic success for generations to come,” Hansen said in a statement.
De La Fuente, Florida became the latest state where his Senate dreams have been quashed. He went down to defeat in Senate bids this year in California, Minnesota, Washington and Wyoming.
President Donald Trump tweeted his congratulations to Scott, saying “He will be a great Senator”.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hill, Garrett On November’s Ballot For House District 1
August 29, 2018
Republican Mike Hill will face Democrat Vikki Garrett in the November election for the Florida House District 1 seat.
With 48.1 percent of the vote, Hill narrowly defeated Rebekah Bydlak with 45.2 percent of the vote for the Republican nomination. A third candidate, Lisa Doss, received 6.7 percent of the vote. Just over 500 votes separated Hill and Bydlak.
“It was a tough victory, but it was a sweet victory,” Hill said. “In the end we were successful. I want to thank all my volunteers that helped, our campaign team. This was a grassroots victory. We did not have assistance or help from the establishment, so much. It was grassroots that did it.”
“I am proud that over 8,000 voters of House District 1 chose to support me with their vote,” Bydlak said Tuesday night.
In the Democratic primary, Garrett with 61 percent of the votes cast defeated Franscine Mathis with 39 percent.
“I’m feeling great, feeling very excited for our team to get over the first hurdle. We are preparing for the next challenge,” Garrett said Tuesday night. I’m a homegrown candidate with over 20 years of local experience. I hope to be third consecutive Tate Aggie to go to Tallahassee.”
Current District 1 Rep. Clay Ingram (Rep.) is term limited. He endorsed Bydlak in the race.
Picture top: (L-R) Mike Hill, Rebekah Bydlak, Vikki Garrett.
Caldwell, Fried To Battle For Agriculture Commissioner
August 29, 2018
State Rep. Matt Caldwell topped a four-way Republican primary for agriculture commissioner Tuesday, while lawyer and medical-marijuana lobbyist Nikki Fried had an easier time emerging from a field of three Democrats to become her party’s nominee for the Cabinet post.
The two will now go head-to-head in November to replace term-limited Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who lost a bid for governor Tuesday night.
Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, won the GOP primary with nearly 35 percent of the vote, as state Sen. Denise Grimsley of Sebring and former Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven each grabbed about 26 percent. Mike McCalister, a palm-tree farmer and retired Army colonel from Plant City, rounded out the voting with almost 13 percent.
Caldwell noted he traveled more than 90,000 miles to visit each of Florida’s 67 counties in the past year and said his victory “bucked the GOP establishment.”
“My campaign has been grounded on hard work, conservative principles, and grassroots support — nothing more, nothing less,” Caldwell said in a prepared statement.
Caldwell had the backing of groups such as the National Rifle Association and from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Caldwell’s campaign and political committee spent nearly $2.7 million on the contest, compared to more than $3 million by both Grimsley and Troutman. Troutman put $3.25 million of his own money into the contest.
McCalister, running his third statewide race, spent just over $20,000.
Fried received nearly 60 percent of the vote as she defeated Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter and environmental scientist Roy David Walker in a contest that struggled for money and attention. Fried topped the field in spending with just over $200,000.
“Florida needs new leadership at the department (of Agriculture and Consumer Services) who will advocate for expanded patient access to medical marijuana, fix Adam Putnam’s failures in overseeing concealed weapons permits, and work to protect both consumers and our clean water, land and coasts,” Fried said in a statement.
Fried was able to score some last-minute free media in announcing that Wells Fargo closed her campaign account because of her links to the cannabis industry.
Caldwell, 37, is a real-estate appraiser who has a degree Florida Gulf Coast University. He traces his family back seven generations in Florida and was elected to the House in 2010.
While in the House, he spearheaded water bills for former House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, and has been a go-to lawmaker on a number of environmental issues for GOP leaders.
Fried, 40, is a Miami native who received her bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees at the University of Florida, where she served as student-body president in 2002 and 2003. Before heading into private practice, she worked for the Alachua County public defender’s office.
As a lobbyist during the 2018 legislative session, she represented the Florida’s Children First social-service advocacy agency; the Broward County School Board; and San Felasco Nurseries, which was one of the first medical-marijuana license-holders in the state.
She said in a campaign biography that she is running for the statewide job because politicians failed Floridians in implementing medical marijuana “despite 72 percent of Floridians voting to approve a medical marijuana law.” She was referring to a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana in the state, though legal and regulatory battles continue about the way the amendment is being carried out.
by The News Service of Florida