Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Latvala Quits
December 23, 2017
For years, he flexed his muscle as a power broker, often putting the brakes on right-wing priorities of his fellow Republicans and championing legislation that benefited teachers, firefighters, cops and prison guards.
But there’s little doubt that former Sen. Jack Latvala’s legacy won’t be that of a law-enforcement cheerleader, an advocate for protecting Florida’s environment or a defender of local governments.
Instead, the Clearwater Republican likely will go down in history as a villain accused of engaging in a pattern of sexual harassment and possibly breaking ethics rules and laws by allegedly promising to trade legislative favors for sex.
But Latvala’s announcement this week that he is resigning from the Senate is more than a comeuppance for the veteran politician, disparagingly dubbed by critics as “King Jack,” who less than two months ago was one of the Legislature’s most influential members.
The political demise of the Senate’s leading moderate Republican — a dying breed in both chambers of the Legislature — leaves a vacuum for groups such as labor unions, whose influence has dissipated in Florida as the GOP’s dominance has intensified.
“I believe his absence leaves the lack of a strong voice, or a strong advocate. But I believe there are Republicans in the Senate who will take a measured, reasonable approach to dealing with working people in Florida,” said a hopeful Rich Templin, legislative and political director of the Florida AFL-CIO, adding a pointed reminder that more than 40 percent of his union members are Republicans.
But it’s unclear right now who, if anyone, will pick up the mantle.
An overhaul of the state pension system, the weakening of collective-bargaining rights and prison privatization are among the items that Latvala was able to curb during his tenure.
With Christmas bells ringing and last-minute scurrying to fill stockings, few folks around the Capitol are fretting now about such matters. Speculation remains focused on who might be the next elected official to be exposed by a spotlight similar to the one first shined on Latvala in early November by Politico Florida.
To the end, Latvala steadfastly maintained his innocence, pointing the finger for his downfall at political foes and even a special master brought in to investigate the senator’s alleged wrongdoing.
In his resignation letter Wednesday to Senate President Joe Negron, Latvala also condemned the process that resulted in a damning report by Special Master Ronald Swanson, who recommended that findings be referred to law enforcement.
An unyielding Latvala — painted as a vindictive bully by witnesses — took some parting shots at Negron in what might be his final words to the Senate, saying he hated to leave his constituents in the lurch.
“But I have had enough. If this is the process our party and Senate leadership desires, then I have no interest in continuing to serve with you. I, therefore, will resign my seat in the Florida Senate at midnight, January 5, 2018,” he wrote.
THEY DON’T KNOW JACK
With the resignation announcement Wednesday, Latvala will leave his legislative post four days before the annual session kicks off on Jan. 9.
Latvala’s resignation came less than a day after a special master recommended a criminal probe into allegations that the longtime lawmaker had promised legislative favors for sex.
Latvala quit amid increasing pressure — including from Gov. Rick Scott — to step down after Swanson found probable cause to support allegations that the senator had repeatedly groped Senate aide Rachel Perrin Rogers and engaged in a pattern of making unwelcome remarks about women’s bodies.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling a preliminary inquiry into allegations of possible public corruption.
The inquiry is based on Swanson’s findings related to an unidentified former lobbyist. Swanson found that the testimony of the former lobbyist and text-message exchanges between the senator and the woman indicated that Latvala may have violated ethics rules as well as “laws prohibiting public corruption” by agreeing to support the lobbyist’s legislative priorities if she would have sex with him or “allowed him to touch her body in a sexual manner.”
If the Florida Department of Law Enforcement determines that a crime may have been committed, the agency will open an investigation. The matter could then be turned over to the Leon County state attorney.
Throughout more than a month of investigations into Latvala’s actions, and continuing on the heels of Tuesday’s damaging special master’s report, the senator vehemently denied that he had made any unwanted physical contact with Perrin Rogers or any other women.
As late as Tuesday night, Latvala posted on his Facebook page that he would return to Tallahassee after Christmas to meet with his legal team and decide his future.
But Wednesday afternoon, the 66-year-old, who made a fortune in the direct-mail business and announced in August that he would run for governor in 2018, sent a letter to Negron announcing he would quit the Senate.
“I have never intentionally dishonored my family, my constituents or the Florida Senate,” Latvala wrote.
Latvala continued to blame political foes for his downfall.
“Our nation has been caught up in a movement to shine a spotlight on behavior that dishonors women,” Latvala wrote, adding that he has spent his “entire career helping women advance in public service.”
But, he wrote, “my political adversaries have latched onto this effort to rid our country of sexual harassment to try to rid the Florida Senate of me.”
Latvala “made the right decision,” Negron said in a statement.
“At all times during this investigation, the Senate has afforded all parties the full and fair opportunity to be heard. The Florida Senate has zero tolerance for sexual harassment or misconduct of any kind against any employee or visitor. The allegations in this complaint, and the resulting special master’s report, describe behavior that violates the public trust,” Negron, R-Stuart, said.
Perrin Rogers, the chief legislative aide for Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, filed a complaint against Latvala with the Rules Committee last month, accusing him of repeatedly groping her and “assaulting” her on an elevator.
The Senate hired former appellate judge Swanson to serve as special master to investigate her complaint, while a private lawyer was hired to conduct a separate probe into sexual harassment allegations against Latvala by six unidentified women, including Perrin Rogers, cited in a Politico Florida report in early November.
Latvala — a churlish and sometimes crass curmudgeon — is in his 16th year in the Senate and has been a political player for four decades. He returned to the Senate in 2010 after an earlier stint that ended because of term limits.
But his political fortunes quickly plummeted in the aftermath of the revelations. Just weeks ago, he held the powerful title of Senate appropriations chairman, a post he lost after the allegations were made public.
The scandal intensified — with lawyers on both sides hurling accusations of intimidation, Perrin Rogers hiring a security guard to protect her in the Capitol, and her attorney asking for a special prosecutor — after the Senate aide filed the complaint.
Perrin Rogers accused Latvala and his supporters of retaliating against her and her husband, Republican political consultant Brian Hughes. She stepped forward and identified herself as one of the women in the Politico story, blaming Latvala for effectively “outing” her to the media.
In a social media post, Simpson, a future Senate president, hailed “the bravery” of his aide Perrin Rogers and others as “an example to all in the process.”
“They deserve honor for their unwavering strength and courage in the face of fear and intimidation. May their actions also serve as a siren to men who seek to harass women. It must stop,” Simpson, R-Trilby, tweeted shortly after Latvala’s resignation was announced.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala resigned from his Senate seat, effective Jan. 5, amid an investigation into possible criminal charges related to a sexual harassment probe.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “With this report, the people of Florida now know that the Florida Senate, an august and important institution has been exposed to a terrible truth; the government they fund with their hard earned tax dollars has failed a basic obligation. It has failed to treat employees with dignity and respect by following the law. The person responsible for this sad truth is Jack Latvala,” — Tiffany Cruz, attorney for Senate aide Rachel Perrin Rogers, after the release of the special master’s report.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Molino Outreach Ministry Shoppers Provide Christmas For 100 Local Kids
December 23, 2017
Over 100 local children will have a Merry Christmas thanks to the generous support of Molino Outreach Ministry’s store in Molino. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 97 Bridge To Close For Reconstruction
December 22, 2017
Work is expected to begin in early January to replace a bridge on Highway 97 in Davisville.
The bridge over Sandy Hollow Creek, about a mile south of Highway 4, won’t close until after a temporary bridge is constructed.
The current bridge was constructed in 1940 and was deemed functionally obsolete, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The bridge has an average daily traffic count of about 5,000 vehicles.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Speed Limit Increased To 70 On I-10 Near Scenic Highway
December 22, 2017
The speed limit on Interstate 10 (I-10), from Davis Highway (/Exit 13) to the east end of the Escambia Bay Bridge in Escambia County, has been increased from 60 mph to 70 mph. The change comes as the I-10/Scenic Highway widening project nears completion early next year.
There are active work zones with reduced speeds to the east and west in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. I-10 eastbound, from west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit10A) to east of Davis Highway, is currently posted 60 mph. Westbound near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) is reduced to 50 mph.
Bratt’s ‘Donut Boy’ Continues Sweet Mission At Atmore Police Dept.
December 22, 2017
“Donut Boy” Tyler Carach of Bratt is on a mission to thank every cop in America with a doughnut.
Tyler, now 10 years old, and his mother Sheena, who is a former police officer, created the “I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop” program. Since buying doughnuts for four Escambia County deputies at a Bratt convenience in August 2016, Tyler has taken his mission on the road, providing donuts for law enforcement agencies across the country. So far, the Byrneville Elementary School student has given out over 50,000 doughnuts to officers in 28 states.
Tyler handed out doughnuts close to home Thursday afternoon at the Atmore Police Department, where they made him an honorary officer and let him explore a police SUV.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Town Hosts Santa, Christmas Movies In Century Park
December 22, 2017
The Town of Century hosted a family friendly event at Nadine McCaw Park Thursday evening with Santa, hot cocoa and Christmas movies.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Get Gift Wrapping Help Through Christmas Eve From The Tate Band
December 22, 2017
The Tate Band Showband of the South will be wrapping gifts for donations at Walmart on Highway 29 in Ensley through Christmas Eve. Look for the big white tent and the Tate Showband trailer near the entrance.
Tate Band Gift Wrap Schedule:
- Saturday, Dec. 23 — 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 24 — 11 am. – 5p.m.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Most Road Work Halts For The Holidays; Some Hwy 29, Nine Mile Work Continuing
December 22, 2017
For the upcoming holiday season, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, December 22 through midnight on Tuesday, January 2.
This includes the Nine Mile Road and Highway 29 construction zones. There will be utility work between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 during the holidays, however there will be no impacts to traffic, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Santa To Ride Fire Truck Through Century On Saturday
December 22, 2017
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue will escort Santa through Century, Byrneville and Poplar Dell on Saturday on “Ladder 5″.
Santa will leave the Century Fire Station on Tedder Road about 10 a.m., and return about 12:00 or 12:30 where Santa will be available for photos for a short time.
The complete route, as provided by the Century Fire Station, will be:
- Parents please have your kids come out to see them and maybe catch some candy and other goodies when you hear the sirens getting close by!
- We will leave Century Fire Station on Tedder Road at 10:00 AM.
- From there we will head down Hwy 29 to West Hwy 4 to the Century Care Center.
- We will leave Century Care Center heading back to Hwy 29.
- Then we will travel Hwy 29 to East Pond Street and make a right on Jefferson Ave.
- Zooming down Jefferson Ave and making left on East Hecker Rd.
- Going down East Hecker Rd and turning left onto Mayo St.
- Then Santa will go down Mayo St and make a right onto Front St.
- Will travel Front St. and make a right on Alger Rd, and fly down Alger to Hwy 29!
- You can catch a glimpse of the Jolly Ole St Nick moving down Hwy 29 headed towards the Dollar General Store in Century!! Santa and his elves will stop for a short period at the Dollar General for kids that want a closer look! Pictures can be taken here but the kids will have to stand by the truck, Mr. and Mrs. Claus can’t climb down!
- Then we will head towards West Stateline Rd and make a fly over by Shady Lane Apartments.
- Then Byrneville area here he comes! We will be traveling down West Stateline Rd / Hwy 4A and make left onto Killam Rd.
- Travelling down Killam Rd. we will make a right onto West Hwy 4.
- We will travel West Hwy 4 and make a left onto Byrneville Rd. and Santa and his elves will stop for another short break at the old Driscolls Gas Station. Bring the kids here to catch another closer look! Again pictures can be taken with kids standing by the truck but Mr. and Mrs. Clause can’t climb down!
- Leaving Driscolls you can catch a view of them heading down Byrneville Rd all the way to Hwy 29.
- Then the sleigh will be headed down Hwy 29 back to the Century Fire House on Tedder Rd so Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the reindeer can get back to the North Pole and get ready for Christmas Eve night!
Pictured: Last year’s Century Santa Run. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Man Cited After Multiple Injury Crash At Highway 29, Highway 97
December 21, 2017
Multiple people were injured in a two vehicle crash Thursday evening at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 73-year old Elroy Vannuys of Michigan was traveling north on Highway 29 in a 2009 Ford F150 pickup when he failed to notice a 2009 Mazda 5 driven by 36-year old Rachel Parish of Pensacola. Vannuys attempted a turn onto Highway 97, pulling into the direct path of Parish, causing a head-on collision about 5:25 p.m.
Elroy Vannuys suffered minor injuries while his passenger, 71-year old Carolyn Vannuys of Michigan, was seriously injured. Both were transported by Escambia County EMS to West Florida Hospital. Parish was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries. Her passenger, 30-year old Lisa Bembeneck of Pensacola was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
The traffic signal at the time of the crash was indicating green for was north and south traffic on Highway 29, troopers said.
Elroy Vannuys was cited for an improper turn by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
