Scott Approves Pay Raises For State Workers
June 15, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation Wednesday providing across-the-board pay raises to state employees for the first time since 2013, but remained mum on whether he would also approve a wide-ranging and controversial education bill.
In a ceremony for veterans at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee, Scott signed the compensation legislation (SB 7022), a key priority of Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.
“With the signing of this bill, our state employees will receive a well-deserved pay raise, and our state law enforcement officers will receive a 5 percent raise for their life-saving work,” Scott said.
The bill includes a complex matrix of raises for different state employees. Employees making $40,000 or less will get a $1,400 boost to their pay, while those making more will get an additional $1,000.
State law enforcement officers will get a 5 percent hike, while most current correctional officers will get an extra $2,500 a year. There will also be $1,000 hiring bonuses for some prisons.
State corrections officials have pushed for higher pay to try to retain quality workers in response to a string of reports of inmate deaths and brutality by prison guards, allegations of cover-ups and corruption and low morale.
Judges, state attorneys and public defenders will see 10 percent raises. There are also different increases for a handful of other positions in state government, mostly in the legal field or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“We want to make sure we keep the most talented and dedicated professional staffers in our state workforce,” Latvala said in a statement issued after Scott’s action. “These employees guard our prisons, protect our highways, care for abused and neglected children, and perform hundreds of other tasks that are in many cases thankless or unnoticed by many Floridians.”
The legislation also includes changes to health insurance and retirement plans for state employees. For example, it includes a change long sought by House Republicans that would put state employees into a 401(k)-style retirement plan unless they specifically opt for the state’s traditional pension system. Currently, workers “default” into the pension plan.
State workers and some Democrats have opposed those changes, saying they undermine the current pension system and could harm new state employees. But business groups support the overhaul.
Scott signed 28 other bills Wednesday and vetoed a higher-education measure (SB 374) that was a priority of Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart.
But after the ceremony, Scott brushed off a question about whether he will sign a broad public education bill (HB 7069) that includes provisions on charter schools, teacher bonuses, state testing, recess and more.
Supporters have said the bill will help improve the state’s education system, while critics have lambasted it as a step towards privatizing public schools. Critics also say it was cobbled together behind closed doors in the final days of the regular legislative session.
Rumors have spread that Scott will sign the bill, perhaps as soon as Thursday. But the governor didn’t reveal his plan to reporters.
“I’m going to be careful in reviewing the bill and I’m going to act in the best interest of all of the students and the parents in our state,” he said.
Police: Man Shot Videos Under Women’s Dresses At Mall, Other Stores
June 15, 2017
Police have arrested a man they say was using a cell phone to record videos under women’s dresses in several Pensacola stores.
The suspect – Michael Donson, 25, of 1821 E. Hatton Street, Pensacola – was arrested after he used the camera on his cell phone to take videos underneath women’s dresses in various retail and convenience stores. He was first arrested May 31 and charged with four counts of video voyeurism.
Now police say videos of at least 18 additional victims have been phone on his cell phone camera.
Two women notified police on May 21 after they saw Donson trying to use his camera phone to photograph beneath their dresses while they were walking around Ross Dress for Less in Cordova Mall.
Detectives Chad Willhite and Shannan Briarton believe Donson made the videos between May 7 and May 21. The investigation initially identified four of the victims. Willhite said 26 videos were found on the suspect’s cell phone after he was arrested.
Willhite said Donson is believed to have targeted adult women who were wearing dresses and in at least one case he videotaped a woman wearing short shorts.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect and believes he may have tried to videotape underneath their clothes is asked to contact Detective Chad Willhite at (850) 435-1972 or Detective Shannan Briarton at (850) 435-1978.
Donson remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $110,000.
Pictured top: Photos of Michael Donson from his cell phone, as provided by police. Pictured inset: Donson’s booking photo at the Escambia County Jail.
McArthur And Pine Meadow Named All Star Drug Free Elementary Schools
June 15, 2017
Informed Families, a Florida nonprofit devoted to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug-free, has announced two North Escambia area school have been named All Star Safe, Healthy and Drug Free Schools for 2017.
McArthur and Pine Meadow elementary schools were among 16 schools across the state to receive the honor.
To be eligible for All Star status, schools must complete the four prevention campaigns Informed Families sponsors throughout the school year:
- Family Day
- Red Ribbon Week
- Lock Your Meds
- Safe Homes, Smart Parties
“Ambassadors”—usually teachers, guidance counselors, or administrators—at each school manage these campaigns on the local level. Informed Families provides ambassadors everything they need and equips them with the information necessary to create a safer, healthier environment that fosters student success, both in the short term and the long run.
Schools and organizations honored as All Stars will receive $1,000 of prevention merchandise from NIMCO, Inc. for the next school year.
Thousands More Citizens Policies Go To Private Market
June 15, 2017
Up to 19,520 Citizens Property Insurance policies will be offered to a pair of private companies in August, the state Office of Insurance Regulation announced.
Southern Oak Insurance will be able to select up to 15,000 policies, of which 10,000 will be coastal accounts, and National Specialty Insurance can acquire up to 4,520 coastal accounts on Aug. 22.
All of the policies will be offered through what is known as the “takeout” process. The process has been a key part of the Citizens’ strategy to move policies into the private sector, reducing the state-backed insurer’s risks. Most of the newly targeted policies, however, are expected to remain with Citizens, as private firms have historically sought to pick up the least-risky policies.
Citizens customers also can opt to reject offers from private insurers.
Of the 57,724 policies that have been offered through the “takeout” process this year, 12,276 have shifted hands. As of April 30, Citizens had 451,126 policies, down from 451,189 at the end of March and 455,843 on Dec. 31.
Northview Chiefs Release Revised Fall Football Schedule After Cancellation
June 15, 2017
Northview High School has released a revised fall football schedule after a cancellation.
Lighthouse Christian School canceled an August 18 preseason Kickoff Classic with the Chiefs. Northview will now travel to Vernon August 18 for their Kickoff Classic preseason game.
The revised varsity and junior varsity schedules for the Northview Chiefs are as follows:
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
OSHA Won’t Cite IP For Paper Mill Explosion
June 14, 2017
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says International Paper won’t be cited of fined for the January explosion at their mill on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
A letter from OSHA says a digester at IP exploded when gases built up inside.
OSHA acknowledged the mill’s plan to reduce the introduction of gases into the digester. They also encouraged IP to share information about the risk of explosion throughout the industry.
The plant resumed full operations in April after the January 22, 2017, explosion. The explosion caused significant structural damage to the largest pulp digester and the power house, bringing operations at the mill to a halt for just over a week.
The explosion caused an estimated $50 million in damage, most of which IP said was covered by insurance.
Pictured top: Emergency crews on the scene following an explosion January 22 at International Paper in Cantonment. Pictured below: First responders coordinate their response efforts from a command post at IP shortly after the explosion. Pictured bottom: A vehicle that was passing the mill at the time of the explosion covered in black liquor from the explosion. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Scott Signs Budget With $3.1 Million For ‘The Bluffs’ In Cantonment
June 14, 2017
Tuesday, the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance announced The Bluffs, Northwest Florida’s Industrial Campus has received $3.1 million in funding for site connectivity and infrastructure improvements as part of the 2017-2018 State of Florida budget signed by Governor Rick Scott last week.
“We are thankful to Governor Scott, Senator Broxson and Representative Frank White for their constant commitment to economic development in our Greater Pensacola region,” said Scott Luth, President & CEO of the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance. “This infrastructure funding is another piece of the puzzle to make sure we have the assets and workforce needed to recruit new companies to the region.”
The funding, sponsored by Senator Doug Broxson, Representative Frank White and supported by the entire NWFL legislative delegation, will be used for the detailed design and permitting associated with critical site transportation connectivity. This connectivity features a new Industrial Boulevard within the master planned industrial campus. The funding builds upon infrastructure funds received in the 2016-2017 budget which were used by PEDC to develop transportation infrastructure priorities and construction criteria.
Strategic investments, in infrastructure and site development at The Bluffs, aids FloridaWest in their mission to facilitate job creation and capital investment and improve the economic prosperity of residents in the Greater Pensacola community. The Bluffs campus contains more than 1,700 acres of developable land, rail and barge access. The shovel ready site also features all the needed utility infrastructure including electric transmission service, natural gas, reclaimed water from Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, steam production, wastewater treatment ready for manufacturing and industrial customers.
“Access to markets is a vital component of any economic development project,” said Lewis Bear, Chairman of Pensacola Escambia Development Commission. “This funding will ensure The Bluffs provides adequate infrastructure within the campus to allow companies to deliver their products via our region’s rail, roadways, ports or airports.”
The Bluffs which is partnership between the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, Ascend Performance Materials, Gulf Power and the University of West Florida has the capacity for as many as 60 manufacturing and industrial tenants and could create as many as 15,000 jobs for the community.
The 6,000 acre master-planned development area includes about 1,700 acres of land that can be developed in an area east of Highway 29 bordered by the Escambia River to the east, Becks Lake Road near International Paper to the north, and the University of West Florida to the south. Although located along the Escambia River, most of the property to be developed is at a high elevation, about 100 feet above sea level, and not in a flood plain. Minimally, the project is expected to recruit approximately 10 companies that would occupy more than 3.9 million square feet of building space on 295 acres of land which will be significant to Escambia County and the regional economy.
Troutman Launches Bid For Florida Agriculture Commissioner
June 14, 2017
Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman entered the race for state agriculture commissioner on Monday, priming his Republican bid for a Cabinet seat with $2.5 million of his own money.
“For two decades, I’ve been building a business and continuing my work in Florida agriculture,” Troutman, of Winter Haven, said in a statement. “Real experience and success in the private sector is what we need more than ever.”
Troutman, 50, who runs Labor Services Inc., a Winter Haven company that provides temporary workers, said he would emphasize keeping “taxes low” and growing the state’s economy.
Troutman, who served four terms in the Florida House until term limits forced him out in 2010, enters a crowded field of candidates seeking to replace Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is running for governor next year.
Troutman joined a Republican primary campaign that includes state Sen. Denise Grimsley of Sebring, state Rep. Matt Caldwell of North Fort Myers and Paul Paulson, an Orlando businessman. Michael Christine, a University of Miami law student, is running in the Democratic primary.
Troutman comes from a wealthy and politically connected family. His grandfather, Ben Hill Griffin Jr., created an agriculture enterprise that included citrus, cattle, sugar cane and major land holdings.
Troutman, who is an heir to the Griffin fortune, is starting his campaign with a $2.5 million personal contribution. Troutman, who will have to file a new financial disclosure when he formally qualifies for the Cabinet race next year, listed his net worth at $40 million in 2009 while he was a member of the Florida House.
And in an indication the Cabinet race may be an expensive one, Grimsley’s campaign announced on Monday that she has raised a total of $875,000 for the race, including $386,000 in her agriculture commissioner’s campaign account and $488,500 in her Saving Florida’s Heartland political committee.
“Denise is building a broad-based coalition of support in the agriculture commissioner race,” said Ryan Smith, her campaign manager. “We will continue our aggressive efforts to travel the state, grow our social media audience and build our grassroots conservative network in the weeks and months ahead.”
Caldwell’s political committee, Friends of Matt Caldwell, has raised more than $700,000 since January, and he was expected later Monday to report additional contributions raised since he formally announced his campaign on May 1.
Troutman said his wife Becky, whom he proposed to on the House floor in 2008, will be the co-chairman of his campaign.
Two of Troutman’s cousins have played prominent political roles in Florida, including former state Sen. JD Alexander of Lake Wales, a former Senate budget chairman, and former U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris of Sarasota, who also served on the state Cabinet as the secretary of state, which is no longer an elected position.
The agriculture commissioner’s post will be on the ballot next year along with the other two Cabinet seats for attorney general and chief financial officer.
The 2018 primary election will be held on Aug. 28, followed by the general election on Nov. 6.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service Florida
Both Sides Pressure Scott On Schools Bill
June 14, 2017
With a controversial and wide-ranging education bill now on his desk, Gov. Rick Scott faces intense pressure from both sides as he weighs whether to sign or veto the legislation.
Rumors have begun floating that Scott will sign HB 7069 later this week, but officially the governor maintains that he hasn’t made a final decision.
Scott received the bill late Monday; he has until June 27 to sign the proposal, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
The 278-page bill, which emerged in the closing days of the regular legislative session, deals with everything from charter schools and standardized tests to sunscreen and school uniforms.
The legislation was a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, and opponents fear that Scott agreed to sign the bill in exchange for having his priorities approved during a special session last week.
But at an event Tuesday to celebrate the outcome of the special session, Scott told reporters he was still considering the measure.
“We all want school choice,” Scott said. “We want to make sure our kids go to the best schools. … With regard to 7069, I’m still reviewing it. I know the speaker’s very passionate about it. It was something that was very important to him.”
The Legislature’s passage of the bill was greeted by a firestorm of protest from school boards, superintendents, the state’s main teachers and other education advocates. Scott even made comments that hinted that he was considering a veto.
Critics of the bill said provisions meant to help charter schools move into neighborhoods with academically struggling schools, as well as a portion of the bill that would allow charter schools to tap local property-tax dollars for school construction, would lead to the privatization of Florida’s education system. They also slammed the last-minute appearance of the legislation, which folded together a slate of education bills that had been debated separately.
In recent weeks, though, supporters of the legislation have cranked up their efforts to promote the bill. Some conservative groups and school-choice supporters have worked to get parents of students served by choice programs involved in the fight.
They point to the proposal’s more popular components, like teacher bonuses and mandatory recess for elementary students.
Backers also emphasize that, while charter schools are often operated by private groups, they are public schools that might help turn around troubled school districts.
The result has been a deluge of tens of thousands of messages for and against the bill pouring into Scott’s office. As of Tuesday afternoon, the governor’s office said it had received 23,440 phone calls, emails, letters or petition signatures backing the legislation. Opponents had generated 22,734 messages against it.
Opponents have dominated in phone calls and emails, while supporters of the bill seem to favor letters, perhaps because of letter-writing campaigns by schools that would be helped by the legislation.
Those who support the bill concede that they were slower than opponents to organize for the legislation.
Shawn Frost, president of the conservative Florida Coalition of School Board Members, said supporters have now managed to rally parents affected by the legislation.
“What I’ve seen is, parents have been alerted to the fact of what it would mean to them. … I think a big part has been educating parent groups about the truth of 7069,” said Frost, whose group supports the measure.
The LIBRE Initiative, a conservative Hispanic group tied to the Koch brothers, has launched an online email drive and sent out mail pieces in English and Spanish promoting the bill. In a statement last month, the group’s coalitions director, Cesar Grajales, said the bill “aims to free Florida’s neediest students from this unacceptable education status-quo.”
“We urge Gov. Scott to quickly sign this bill and remove unnecessary barriers to new charter schools so our students don’t have to remain stuck in schools that are failing to provide a quality education,” Grajales said.
Those fighting the bill question the outpouring of support, suggesting that misinformation and so-called “astroturfing” efforts might be behind some of it. They also highlight reports that some charter schools have offered extra credit or other benefits for families that sent messages of support for the bill to Scott.
“I think that what we’re seeing is sort of a manufactured situation,” said Kathleen Oropeza, co-founder of the advocacy group Fund Education Now, which opposes the measure.
And opponents have not backed off. Two Democratic lawmakers issued letters Monday renewing calls for Scott to veto the bill.
“While there are small pockets of good policy hidden within this bill, it is a monstrosity when coupled with the multitude of bad policies that have been included,” wrote Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
ECUA Helps Prepare 4-H Students For Mock Legislative Session
June 14, 2017
Escambia County 4-H students are scheduled to take part in a mock legislative program at the state capitol late this month. In preparation for that week, Larry Walker, ECUA District 5 board member, hosted the students Tuesday in the ECUA board room to allow the students to practice their legislative skills in a governmental chamber environment.
The training prepared the students for the upcoming 4-H Legislature and gain an understanding of board proceedings similar to legislative committees that happen in organizations in all forms of government and private corporate enterprise.
The local students have participated in an intensive five-part training program, which was directed by 4-H agents and adult volunteers, who contributed their knowledge of parliamentary procedure, research, debating, the art of persuasion, and formal presentation in committee and chamber sessions.
This year’s 4-H Legislature is set for Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30.
The civic education event allows students to write bills, act as lobbyists, pass the bills through various committees and debate the potential laws on the Capitol House and/or Senate Floor as acting representatives and senators. This exercise provides the 4-H’ers an opportunity to debate issues and experience the legislative process first-hand.
Pictured: Escambia County 4-H mock legislative students practice their skills in the ECUA board room Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
