House, Senate Tee Up Differing Budget Plans
February 10, 2018
The House and Senate this advanced separate versions of an $87 billion-plus state budget, with the two chambers taking different courses on health-care spending and a plan to link education policy to the budget process.
After initial debate on the bills, the Senate is poised to pass its $87.3 billion bill (SB 2500) on Thursday, and the House is expected to pass its $87.2 billion spending plan (HB 5001). After the floor votes, the chambers will be able to begin negotiating the 2018-2019 budget, facing a March 9 end-of-session deadline.
Although the two bills are only $100 million apart overall, details differ. One major hurdle facing negotiators is a House plan to directly link the $21 billion public-school portion of the budget to passage of a separate 198-page “conforming” bill (HB 7055), which contains dozens of education policy changes, including voucher-like scholarships to let bullied students transfer to private schools.
Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., a Hialeah Republican who leads the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, acknowledged that if the House budget bill passed, but the separate policy bill failed, lawmakers would have to return to Tallahassee to pass a budget to fund Florida’s 67 school districts for next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, offered an amendment seeking to sever the link between the education-policy bill and the budget.
“I think this is a bad precedent,” he said, saying there has not been enough public review of the massive education conforming bill, which was only heard by one committee.
But his proposal was defeated in a 72-39 vote, along party lines, with the Republican majority opposing the effort.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said the Senate is taking the position that major policy bills should be handled through the normal committee process and not included in a budget-linked bill. A conforming bill cannot be amended and would only be subject to an up-or-down vote if it is approved in the House-Senate negotiating process.
“Our conforming bills this year are skinny, for the lack of a better word,” Bradley said. “They do only what is a bare necessity to make sure the budget is done in a legal manner.”
But Bradley also said many House education proposals would likely receive Senate support if the measures are handled through the normal bill process.
“Our objections are on procedure, not policy,” Bradley said. “I think as those issues move through the Senate process that they will be receiving favorable votes because there are many of us who are supporters of the parental-empowerment, school-choice movement.”
Another potential sticking point in budget negotiations is a Senate plan revamping the way Medicaid payments are distributed to Florida hospitals. It would replace an existing system that favors facilities that serve a greater percentage of poor and disabled patients with a plan that would increase base Medicaid payments for all hospitals.
House leaders say they favor the current system, noting major hospitals like Jackson Memorial in Miami would face a funding cut in excess of $59 million. House Appropriations Chairman Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, said he supports helping major not-for-profit hospitals, like Jackson, while he is more skeptical of for-profit hospitals.
Bradley acknowledged the Senate and House plans “are wildly opposite,” but the Senate proposal is designed to spur a policy debate.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Bradley said. “But this is a debate that is long overdue in this building. Don’t fear the debate, we look forward to the debate over how we handle Medicaid payments for our medical providers moving forward.”
In floor action this week, the Senate adopted dozens of amendments to its budget bill, most related to funding local projects across the state.
One of the amendments, sponsored by Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, and several other senators, would boost operational funding for Florida A&M University by $6 million. FAMU lost some $11.5 million in state performance funding this year because it finished near the bottom of annual rankings for the 12 state universities.
The House and Senate budgets would boost state and local funding for public schools by more than $500 million. The House has a $100 increase in per-student funding, while the Senate has a $110 increase.
Neither budget has a general pay raise for state workers. But the Senate bill would increase pay for state law enforcement officers by at least 7 percent, if the officers have 10 or more years of experience. The Senate also would provide a $2,500 pay raise for state firefighters.
The Senate bill would increase salaries for state Supreme Court justices and appellate court judges by 10 percent.
by The News Service of Florida, Lloyd Dunkelberger with contribution from Christine Sexton
Century Woman Charged With Stabbing Fiancé With Knife
February 9, 2018
A Century woman was arrested after allegedly stabbing her fiancé.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a telemarketing company on Commerce Park Circle where they found the stabbing victim. He told deputies his fiancé, 20-year old Tonie Breanna Evelyn Johnson stabbed him with a knife, according to an arrest report.
He sustained a laceration to his left arm and other injuries.
Johnson left the scene and was later detained after a traffic stop on Saufley Field Road.
A witness told deputies that she witnessed Johnson hitting the victim multiple times while in a vehicle but did not know he was stabbed until he got out of the car.
Johnson charged with felony aggravated battery causing bodily harm and released from the Escambia County Jail on a $250 bond.
Grass Fire Burns Within Inches Of Cantonment Home
February 9, 2018
A grass fire burned within inches of a Cantonment home Thursday afternoon. The Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire in the 200 block of Madrid Road about 4:55 p.m. The cause of the fire was not known. There were no injuries. Photos by Kristi Barbour for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bingo Hall Operators Convicted Of Fleecing Charities
February 9, 2018
After an eight-day jury trial, Larry L. Masino, 67, of Gulf Breeze, and Dixie L. Masino, 65, of Pensacola, were convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of wire fraud conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and money laundering conspiracy. In addition, Larry L. Masino was convicted of 18 counts of money laundering, and Dixie L. Masino was convicted of 20 counts of money laundering.
Larry and Dixie Masino owned and operated Racetrack Bingo Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, which purported to conduct bingo games and provide the proceeds to a group of local charities in Okaloosa County. Between 2006 and 2015, the Masinos conspired to defraud the charities out of more than $8 million dollars. The Masinos specifically falsely assured the charities they were complying with provisions of the Florida statute. In fact, the Masinos were unlawfully paying themselves and their employees to conduct bingo games and were charging the charities a lease fee based on inflated expenses. Racetrack Bingo was an illegal gambling business because it was conducting bingo games and unlawfully retaining profit, rather than returning the net proceeds of the bingo games back to the players in the form of prizes. The Masinos conspired to launder more than $5.8 million of the bingo proceeds through profit distribution checks that the Masinos and their three children received as shareholders of Racetrack Bingo.
For the wire fraud conspiracy, the Masinos face a maximum of 20 years in prison. For the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges, the Masinos face a maximum of 10 years in prison. For operating an illegal gambling business, they face a maximum of 5 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 25.
State Attorney: Deputies Justified In Shooting Suspect In The Buttocks
February 9, 2018
The State Attorney’s Office has ruled that two Escambia County deputies were justified in shooting a man in the buttocks after he opened fire on them.
The shooing occurred during the early morning hours of November 24, 2017, at a home on Holly Street approximately one block south of Nine Mile Road. Deputies Scott Rappa, Brant Kessinger, Eric Alvarez, and Larry Richardson responded to that address based upon an anonymous tip that a fugitive with outstanding warrants, Brittany Knapp, had just been dropped off at that location.
The uniformed deputies received permission from the lawful tenant to search the property. While searching a storage building attached to the rear of the home, Richardson and Rappa came in contact with Russell Enfinger and Kristen Allen. Allen obeyed the deputies’ directions and went outside to talk to Deputy Alvarez. After a brief discussion with the deputies, Enfinger stated ”I’m not going.” Enfinger then produced a firearm and pointed it at the deputies.
The deputies yelled “gun” and attempted to exit the storage building. The storage building, as well as the surrounding yard, was crowded with furniture, equipment, and miscellaneous other items. As Richardson and Rappa retreated from the storage building to a point of safety, they tripped and fell to the ground. Enfinger then exited the storage building and fired multiple times at the deputies.
Alvarez returned fire. Richardson moved to a wooded alleyway north of the residence where he saw Enfinger jump a fence into the alleyway. Richardson ordered Enfinger to drop his weapon. At this point, Enfinger turned and fired towards Richardson.
Richardson returned fire until Enfinger climbed over a second fence heading west. Additional deputies arrived on scene to assist and search the area. Enfinger was located a short distance away laying in a retention area behind a Taco Bell. Enfinger had been shot once in the buttocks. A firearm was located on the ground next to his leg.
Enfinger was taken into custody without further incident. First aid was provided and he was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Enfinger is awaiting trial on three counts of attempted first degree murder.
Pictured: The scene at a Taco Bell on Nine Mile Road following deputy involved shooting last November. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Grissom Signs Division I Soccer Scholarship
February 9, 2018
Tate High School’s Emma Grissom signed a Division I soccer scholarship with Florida Atlantic University on National Signing Day. She scored almost 100 goals during her career at Tate, and has been a leader on her Gulf Coast Texans travel team for eight years.
“Emma is an outstanding individual and asset to any team. Her work ethic and versatility will ensure she makes a smooth transition to the college game,” her Texans coach, David Kemp, said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Presents Awards, Promotes Deputies
February 9, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office presented multiple awards Thursday afternoon and promoted several officers.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Life Saving Awards: Senior Deputy T. Hernandez and Master Deputy M. Clark (not pictured), & Deputy L. Richardson
Medal of Courage: Deputy S. Housam, Deputy P. Roberts, Deputy K. Bull, Deputy J. Zabelle.
Civilian Service Medal: Dylan Smith (not pictured), Zachary Caudill (not pictured)
Purple Heart Award and Law Enforcement Officer of the 3rd Qtr: Deputy T. Young
Law Enforcement Employee of the 3rd Qtr: Kelley Brown
Law Enforcement Employee of the 4th Qtr: Arielle Barroga
Law Enforcement Officer of the 4th Qtr: Deputy J. Timo
Law Enforcement Employee of the Year Medal: Kelley Brown
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Medal: Deputy T. Young
Promotions: C. Dickin to Lieutenant, B. Barnhill to Lieutenant, B. Munhollon to Sergeant, R. Reguindin to Sergeant, M. Lee, II to Sergeant, J. Holloway to Sergeant and M. Roe to Sergeant.
Letters of Commendation” Deputy P. Gallion, K. Brown, B. McNair, P. Bell, K. Jones, J. Ramano, J. Weaver, C. Kunert, and T. Kafka. Sgt. M. Dewees, Sgt. B. Price, Sgt. S. Mashburn, Sr. Deputy W. Shiver, Sr. Deputy J. Kelley, Sr. Deputy J. Taylor, Deputy 1st Class S. Vestal, Sr. Deputy D. Bashore, Deputy 1st Class J. Gilman, Master Deputy E. Jackson, Deputy D. Griffin, Deputy E. Anderson, Deputy 1st Class B. Ates, Deputy 1st Class C. Daniel, Deputy D. Shaw, Deputy 1st Class T. Brewton, Deputy J. Beard, Deputy K. Haver, Deputy J. Bandurski, Deputy J.Tungol, Deputy C. Bowling, Deputy R. Busbee, Deputy K. Haddocks, Deputy D. Ramires.
Submitted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Producers Attend Farm Day 2018
February 9, 2018
Farm Day 2018 was held Thursday at Grace Fellowship in Atmore with producers from Alabama and Florida.
The event was sponsored by the Extension Services in Escambia County, AL, and Escambia County, FL. The event featured a cropping systems specialist and an entomology specialist from the University of Florida WFREC, a peanut breeder from UF/IFAS NFREC Marianna and Josh McElhaney, NRCS Escambia County (FL) District Conservationist.
Pictured top: Dr. Silvana Moraes, entomology specialist, University of Florida WFREC, assists a local farmer with an entomology project Thursday during Farm Day 2018 at Grace Fellowship in Atmore. Pictured inset: Dr. Barry Tillman, Peanut Breeder, UF IFAS NFREC Marianna, discusses pest management and peanut varieties. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Drilling Foes And Supporters Say Florida Still In Play
February 9, 2018
Supporters and opponents of oil drilling closer to Florida’s shoreline refused Thursday to accept U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s declaration that the state wouldn’t be part of a White House plan to expand exploration.
The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held the only Florida open house on a proposed five-year program to open more waters to oil and gas exploration. But participants in competing press conferences doors away at a Tallahassee hotel agreed on one thing: Zinke’s stance on a Florida exemption isn’t final.
“Why are the environmentalists here? Why are they raising hell about this issue if no means no? It’s because, you know what, no is never no,” said Barney Bishop, a Tallahassee consultant and offshore drilling proponent. “You all don’t know about the discussions that are being held in private. No, publicly, can mean a whole lot of things in private.”
Zinke flew to Tallahassee International Airport on Jan. 9 and, after a brief meeting with Gov. Rick Scott, announced that Florida waters were removed from plans to open previously protected parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas drilling.
The announcement, hailed by Scott and environmentalists, has drawn questions about whether the quick decision was made to further Scott’s political career. Meanwhile, governors in some other coastal state have made their own inquiries about getting exemptions from the White House plan.
Opponents of the plan on Thursday held a “people’s hearing” to gather public comments they will submit to the federal bureau.
Ian MacDonald, a Florida State University professor of oceanography, argued that a potential future spill — similar to the deadly 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster — would impact the physical well-being of Floridians.
“We received countless calls from state agencies and the federal government … asking for information which in many cases we didn’t have,” MacDonald said. “How many fish are there? How will they be impacted? How will coral be affected by this? These were all questions we didn’t know the answer to. Well, we still don’t have enough answers. And we still don’t have enough regulations.”
And Jerry DiFabrizio, a tile distributor from Tampa, said the threat of oil rigs appearing on the horizon could impact the quality of life in Florida by hindering property values.
“Whenever it’s announced that there is drilling off the coast, revenue for the state that helps the state provide good things is reduced,” DiFabrizio said. “We don’t want to just put condos wall to wall. We need the beaches to be preserved. We need the beaches to be maintained, conserved and restored.”
While Thursday’s event at the Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown hotel allowed people to see videos and papers and interact with bureau officials, before leaving comments, the “people’s hearing” provided a chance for people to vent their concerns with an audience.
A short-time earlier, proponents of oil exploration called for Florida’s waters to remain in the program.
Kevin Doyle, executive director of the Consumer Energy Alliance, which advocates “in support of affordable, reliable energy,” said exploration would enable the United States to be energy-dominant with the rest of the world.
“I think the original plan that was proposed is something that is a good starting point in this process,” Doyle said. “To import energy from areas that don’t like us as much, like Venezuela and other places such as that, if we can do that here in the United States, it’s a great thing for small businesses, for families and for consumers.”
The hearing, one of 22 being held through March 8 across the country, is the only one in Florida. Most are being held in state capitals.
A draft report is expected by the end of the year, which will be followed with another round of public hearings.
Renee Orr, the bureau’s chief of strategic resources, said the open house format allows more interaction than lining people up at a podium.
“We’re going to look at the comments we receive as a result of all of these public hearings and all of the information that is submitted,” Orr said. “We are going to look at all of the eight factors and provide that information to the secretary. Ultimately, he will make that balancing decision.”
Prior to the hearing, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection submitted its opposition to the proposal.
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein said in a letter that Florida’s coastal areas have “high environmental, economic and military value not only for Florida, but also for the nation.”
Valenstein also noted the comment by Zinke to Scott that Florida was off the table.
“As we have seen in the past, oil spills can have a devastating impact to Florida’s economy and our diverse natural resources,” Valenstein wrote.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
ECSO: Man Hits Deputy After Highway 29 Traffic Stop
February 8, 2018
An Escambia County man allegedly fought with and struck a deputy after a traffic stop on Highway 29 in Ensley.
Deputies conducted the traffic stop on Highway 29 near Detroit Boulevard late Thursday morning. The suspect, identified as 29-year old Joshua Matthew Russaw of Pensacola, fought with a deputy, striking him at last once, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy was not injured.
Russaw was booked into the Escambia County Jail on on felony charges of battery, resisting an officer with violence and obstruction.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
