Scott, Seminoles Strike Deal On Card Games
July 6, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe have reached an agreement about the tribe’s “exclusive” rights to offer banked card games such as blackjack, in a move that took the Legislature by surprise.
The settlement agreement, submitted to a federal judge on Wednesday, focuses on a portion of a 20-year gambling deal, called a “compact,” that expired in 2015. That portion of the deal involves banked card games.
Under the deal, approved in 2010, the tribe guaranteed $1 billion in payments to the state for the exclusive rights to offer the banked card games for five years.
The tribe sued the state when the agreement expired, accusing state gambling officials of breaching the compact by allowing what are known as “designated player” card games at horse and dog tracks and jai alai frontons.
A federal judge last fall sided with the Seminoles, saying the designated player games violated state law that prohibits pari-mutuels from conducting banked card games.
But the Seminoles continued to make payments to the state, and continued to conduct banked card games, even after state lawmakers failed to strike a new deal with the tribe during this year’s legislative session that ended in May.
In the agreement released Wednesday, the state agreed to drop its appeal of the federal court decision and to take “aggressive enforcement action” against pari-mutuels operating banked card games that violate state law.
The deal also frees up at least $200 million in payments to the state, something state leaders — including Scott — are eager to tap into as Florida’s economic outlook worsens.
Even so, Scott’s settlement with the Seminoles took legislative leaders by surprise, especially after they played key roles in negotiations with the tribe over the past two years.
“At first blush, I’m not sure that the stipulated settlement agreement does anything more than make it more difficult for us going forward to negotiate gaming with the Seminole Tribe,” said Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who’s been in charge of gambling negotiations and who is slated to take over as president of the Senate after next year’s elections. “It’s almost as if we’re guaranteeing for the tribe that the status quo will continue for the balance of the compact.”
Miami Republican Jose Felix Diaz, who shepherded negotiations on behalf of the state House before leaving the chamber to run in a special election for the Senate, was also unaware of the settlement agreement struck by Scott when contacted Wednesday evening by The News Service of Florida.
“At all times during the past three years, the House and Senate have worked in concert with the governor’s office to come up with a plan that made sense for the state,” Diaz said. “To the best of my knowledge, no legislators were consulted on this specific agreement. I am still reviewing the details of the settlement.”
Despite its seemingly harsh language, the settlement agreement likely won’t have any impact on the games currently being conducted by many of the state’s pari-mutuel facilities, according to lawyer John Lockwood, who represents numerous gambling facilities.
“We are in compliance with state law,” Lockwood said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
The Seminoles hailed the latest deal in a statement issued by spokesman Gary Bitner.
“The settlement agreement ensures a stable future for the members and employees of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Tribe appreciates the hard work of Gov. Scott and DBPR (the Department of Business and Professional Regulation) to get it done,” Bitner said.
Temporary Repairs Made To Carnley Road Following Flood Damage
July 6, 2017
Escambia County (FL) has made temporary repairs on Carnley Road just south of the Florida/Alabama state line (pictured above). Most of the roadway was washed away during heavy rainfall in late June (below). Carnley Road is a short roadway just northeast of Century, between Fannie Road in Florida and Old Fannie Road in Alabama. NorthEscambia.com photo (top) and reader submitted photo by Cody Fowler (below), click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs To Hold Youth Football Camp
July 6, 2017
Northview Football Youth Camp will be held July 18 and 20 from 5-7 each evening.
The camp is for players entering kindergarten through the eighth grade. Players will receive instruction from Northview High School Chief players and coaches. Participants will be coached in offensive and defensive position groups. There will also be daily drills and competitions.
Camp fee is $25; all participants will receive a camp t-shirt.
Click here for a registration form (pdf).
For more information, contact Coach Marshman at (850) 377-204.
Century Joins Florida Gas Utilities
July 6, 2017
The Century Town Council has voted to join Florida Gas Utilities.
FGU is a joint action agency serving municipal systems. It has provided natural gas services for over 25 years.
Essentially, town’s gas system will able to purchase natural gas from a variety of companies from different pipelines, including the new pipeline presently being constructed through the town. That, town officials said, could amount to thousands of dollars per year in additional profit for the utility.
Other membership services include:
- Regulatory representation
- Rate studies
- Sales & marketing
- Public awareness
- Capital project management
- Feasibility studies
- Operational assistance
The town’s first year membership will be $6,000 with an increase based upon usage to an estimated $20,000 per year.
In the nearby area, the Town of Jay is also a member of FGU.
New Prison Plan Will Bolster Inmate Mental Health Services Statewide
July 6, 2017
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced a plan to implement major mental health care reforms across Florida’s prisons.
Between 2010 and 2016, while the total inmate population has decreased, the Florida DOC experienced a 51 percent increase in the percentage of all mentally ill inmates with the most severe and persistent mental disorders.
“Since my appointment I have worked with the Governor and the Legislature to make meaningful improvements to our state’s correctional institutions – with a specific focus on the mental health population in our custody. With this support we have achieved significant mental health accomplishments, and I was proud to have Governor Scott sign into law this year a pay raise for correctional officers who earn the American Correctional Association Correctional Behavioral Health Certification. Ensuring these inmates are given appropriate clinical services is critical to the safe operation of our institutions,” Secretary Julie Jones said.
“We have seen a significant increase of mentally ill inmates in our custody. As we look toward the future of our Department, we must continue to focus on providing the treatment and services integral to the rehabilitation of those with behavioral health needs. I want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership and support of mental health initiatives as FDC works to become a national leader in correctional mental health. FDC looks forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature to implement data-driven reforms that ensure a return on investment for Florida taxpayers, improve outcomes for those in our custody and create a system of care that works.”
The DOC will establish protective housing and augmented treatment units at the Wakulla C.I. Annex.
Correctional officers working in mental health units who obtain the Correctional Behavioral Health Certification will receive a raise. The raise training will enhance the officers’ skill sets in dealing with a difficult inmate population and improve the safety of staff and inmate interactions.
Wahoos Fall 6-4 To Biloxi
July 6, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos third baseman Nick Senzel smacked a two-out single to left field that scored left fielder Tyler Goeddel with the go ahead run in the eighth inning Wednesday at MGM Park.
But that 4-3 lead was short lived as the Biloxi Shuckers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth on back-to-back homers by right fielder Michael Choice and left fielder Clint Coulter that helped their ballclub rally for a, 6-4, victory over Pensacola.
The game featured the start of Rookie Davis, who is coming back from an injury. Davis pitched for the Blue Wahoos last season. For the Reds, Davis was 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA in five starts with Cincinnati this year.
Davis is returning from a back injury he suffered pitching for Triple-A Louisville Bats, where he was 0-0 in two starts with a 4.00 ERA.
On Wednesday, Davis pitched 4.2 innings and gave up four runs to Biloxi on six hits a walk and four strikeouts. He was replaced after getting the first two outs of the fifth inning but then allowed an infield single to Biloxi center fielder Johnny Davis, followed by an RBI double by second baseman Blake Allemand that tied the game, 3-3. Pensacola right-hander Davis then walked catcher Jacob Nottingham and was lifted for Blue Wahoos reliever Alex Powers after throwing 66 pitches.
In the second inning, Davis gave up a two-run homer to right field to first baseman Dustin DeMuth that put the Shuckers ahead, 2-0. DeMuth also doubled and led Biloxi by going 3-4 in the game.
Pensacola, though, went ahead, 3-2, in the fourth inning when second baseman Shed Long hit a two-out, three-run homer to right field that also scored Senzel and first baseman Gavin LaValley. Long’s first Double-A home run came off Biloxi reliever Josh Uhen. For the High-A Daytona Tortugas, Long had 13 homers in 247 at bats.
Biloxi reliever Matt Ramsey entered the game in the ninth and gave up a double to Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino but got out got out of the inning for his 20th save of the year, which leads the Southern League.
Pensacola dropped to 6-7 in the second half and 46-37 overall. Biloxi improved to 7-6 and 43-39 overall.
Second Fireworks Accident Critically Injures Flomaton Teen
July 5, 2017
A second fireworks accident near Flomaton has left a teenage victim with critical injuries.
Tuesday night, a firework exploded as it was being lit by a 17-year old male. He suffered a traumatic injury to his hand, including the loss of fingers, according to authorities.
The teen was transported by private vehicle to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton before being transferred by medical helicopter to the regional burn center at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. Further information on his condition was not available.
Tuesday night’s incident occurred at a home on Lasala Lane off Wolf Log Road, about a mile from where a similar incident critically injured a 40-year old man Monday night.
The 40-year old male was attempting to light an unknown type of firework when it exploded in his hand. The man reportedly lost most, if not all, of his fingers and suffered severe damage to the rest of hand during the accident at a private residence. The man, whose name has not been released, was transported by ambulance to the Flomaton Fire Station and then flown by air ambulance helicopter to the regional burn center at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. [Read previous story...]
Stock photo.
Fourth Of July Wreck Claims Life Of Atmore Man
July 5, 2017
A single vehicle crash claimed the life of an Atmore man Tuesday afternoon.
Robert Glenn Thrower, 55, was killed when the 19996 Chevrolet Blazer he was driving ran off the road, struck an embankment and overturned, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Thrower, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened about 2 p.m. on Highway 29 at the 22.80 mile marker in the Dixie Community, east of Brewton.
Thrower was the tribal historic preservation officer for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Thompson Road Closes Today For Paving
July 5, 2017
Thompson Road between Crary Road and North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) is now closed to through traffic for drainage upgrades and paving.
Traffic will be detoured along Highway 29 to Byrneville Road and Crary Road.
The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect for the duration of the construction, which is expected to last through fall 2017. Every effort will be made to expedite construction efforts to reopen the road on or before November 9, 2017. If other lane or roadway closures are necessary, another notice will be issued.
Escambia County’s Proposed Budget Now Online
July 5, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners’ proposed $455.6 million budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 is now available online on the Budget Information and Related Documents page. Outside funding requests and a budget calendar are also included under the “Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget Documents” heading.
Budget workshops will take place this month in the board chambers, located on the first floor of the Escambia County Central Office Complex at 221 Palafox Place. Workshops are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, July 11 at 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 12 at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, July 13 following the regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole Meeting (as needed)
The workshops offer the commissioners an opportunity to discuss the proposed budget with other constitutional officers and county staff. The commission is slated to adopt a final budget on Tuesday, Sept. 26 following a two-part public hearing process. Escambia County’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.
