Florida Lawmakers Work To Bridge Budget Differences
April 12, 2017
Lawmakers will begin debate Wednesday on two very different budget plans, with the House proposal about $4 billion lighter overall than the Senate version.
The bottom line differences are smaller — the Senate budget for the year beginning July 1 officially weighs in at $83.2 billion, compared to $81.2 billion for the House — but the Senate doesn’t account for $2 billion in higher-education tuition.
After both chambers vote on their proposals — probably on Thursday — formal negotiating will begin, with legislative leaders first having to decide how much money to devote to each area of the budget before conference committees hammer out agreements on how to spend the funds in each pot.
If lawmakers want to leave Tallahassee by May 5, as scheduled, all the discussions have to be finished by May 2 to allow for a constitutionally required 72-hour “cooling off” period before a final vote is taken.
Here’s a look at some of the high-profile issues lawmakers will face:
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Some of the sharpest differences between the two budgets are in public education — which includes divisions over teacher incentives, property taxes and a House plan to spur charter-school creation near academically struggling schools.
The Senate is far more generous in the main funding formula for elementary and secondary education, increasing the per-student spending by almost $210 a head — about 2.91 percent. By contrast, the House would boost it by a shade over $19 per student, or about 0.27 percent.
The difference essentially boils down to whether lawmakers accept an increase of $535.1 million in local property tax revenues known as the “required local effort.” The House says the rise in homeowners’ property tax bills makes that a tax increase; the Senate says the increased funding is caused by the growth in property values, while the tax rate stays the same.
However, the House also plows money into two programs not included in the Senate budget. House budget-writers would spend $200 million on the controversial “Best and Brightest” bonus program for teachers, while the Senate would zero it out.
Another $200 million under the House plan would go toward “Schools of Hope,” meant to encourage non-profit charter school operators with track records of high performance among low-income students to open campuses in areas where traditional public schools have received “D” or “F” grades on state reports cards for more than three consecutive years. The Senate hasn’t created that program.
The two sides are also far apart on funding for higher education in general, and state universities in particular. The Senate would spend $5.1 billion on the state university system, compared to $4.6 billion from the House.
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES
For Gov. Rick Scott, the session’s highest priority might be what the Legislature does in this area of the budget.
House lawmakers have repeatedly bucked Scott and approved legislation to eliminate Enterprise Florida, the state’s business-recruitment agency. The House budget stays true to that, giving no money to Enterprise Florida and $25 million for Visit Florida, which promotes tourism to the state.
The Senate proposal is more in line with Scott’s requests. The upper chamber would set aside more than $80 million for programs tied to Enterprise Florida and devote $76 million to Visit Florida.
PAY RAISES
Broad-based raises for state employees have been rare since the financial crisis, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, has set an increase as one of his top priorities. In all, the Senate plan would boost pay for state workers by $219.7 million.
Most state employees would get an increase of $1,400 if they make $40,000 or less a year, while those who make more than $40,000 would get a $1,000 boost. The raise would kick in Oct. 1. Other employees, mostly in law enforcement and the judicial branch, would get specialized raises.
That’s not the case in the House plan, which has specialized increases — particularly for correctional officers, an area of concern in both budgets — but not the broader-based raises offered by the Senate.
HEALTH CARE
There are substantial gaps between the two chambers on how much to provide for hospitals and other health-care needs. Under the Senate budget proposal, the Agency for Health Care Administration — which directs much of the Medicaid program — would check in at $27.7 billion, while the House has set aside $26.4 billion.
Some of those differences could be an illusion. The Senate budget includes $607.8 million in money for hospital aid from the federal government that might not materialize. The House doesn’t have that funding in the budget, saying it would be irresponsible to depend on it.
But there are substantive differences as well. Both chambers would reduce hospital Medicaid reimbursements, but the House’s cuts would be much deeper than the Senate’s.
DEATH PENALTY
The state’s budget has become part of the battle over State Attorney Aramis Ayala, elected last year as the top prosecutor in Orange and Osceola counties, who recently announced she would not pursue the death penalty in capital cases.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have proposed a $1.3 million cut to Ayala’s office. However, senators have worked out a compromise to assuage the concerns of some critics of the cut by restoring $569,277 and six positions to Ayala’s budget, while still providing some additional funding for another circuit that Scott has ordered to handle death-penalty cases from Ayala’s jurisdiction.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
State Drops 31 Child Sex Charges Against Ex Coach, Youth Leader
April 11, 2017
Prosecutors have dropped 31 child sex charges against a former Tate High School football coach and church leader.
Charlie Hamrick, 54, was originally charged with over 40 criminal counts, but now faces 10 charges — six counts of sexual battery on a child under 12, one court of giving obscene material to a minor and three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Thirty of the charges dropped by state were sexual battery on a child under 12 in a case that reaches back to 1997 when the alleged victim was as young as 8 years old. Six of the life felony charges in that case remain active.
“When spread over an extended period of time sometimes it is hard to prove the exact specifics of each individual incident down to the what happened and exactly when,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said, explaining why the charges spanning 1997 to 2000 were dropped. “It is not unusual to limit the number of cases to cover all events.”
When law enforcement makes an arrest they do so on probably cause,” he said, “where we must prove each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”
He said it can become more difficult as time passes for victims to remember specific events down to the time and place of each. Marcille stressed that eliminating such large number of charges in no way indicates that prosecutors do not believe they have a strong case against Hamrick.
“This does not mean that we believe there is a problem with any of the cases,” the assistant state attorney said.
If Hamrick is convicted on any one of the sexual battery on a child under 12 charges, he will face a required sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Eight additional people have come forward as possible victims in the case. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating those claims. So far, no additional charges have been filed, Marcille confirmed Monday afternoon.
Those new allegations include claims that Hamrick gave unlicensed physical exams to athletes at Tate High School during is 2012-2015 tenure there as a supplemental football coach. Those physicals, it is alleged, may not have been limited to just football players. The physicals included genitalia exams.
Hamrick was paid a supplement as a football coach at Tate High School from August 1, 2012, to September 14, 2015. He was not a teacher and did not have students under his watch in a classroom. He passed all of the background checks at the time.
For a previous story, click here.
Cantonment Masonic Lodge Donates Supplies To Jim Allen Elementary
April 11, 2017
Jim Allen Elementary School recently received an donation containing assorted supplies from the Masonic Lodge in Cantonment.
“The supplies are appreciated, and the students are excited to receive them,” Susan Dorman, assistant principal, said.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Math Teams Place In Tournament
April 11, 2017
Tate High School’s Geometry and Algebra 2 teams both placed third in their divisions at the Nickolas Walker Math Tournament at Milton High School last week. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Opt Out’ State Testing Case Goes To Florida Supreme Court
April 11, 2017
Several parents who oppose standardized-testing requirements in public schools are taking their battle to the Florida Supreme Court.
The parents last week filed a notice that is a first step in asking the Supreme Court to overturn a decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal in a case related to what is known as the “opt out” movement. Parents who brought the case against the Department of Education and several school boards told their third-grade students to put their names on a standardized test, then refuse to answer questions.
When the students were barred from moving to fourth grade under state law, the parents sued, saying they wanted their children to be evaluated using a portfolio allowed in the case of “good cause exemptions.”
A three-judge panel of the appeals court on March 7 ruled that Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers erred on procedural grounds in allowing the case to go forward and also disagreed with portions of her opinion that could have allowed some students to avoid answering questions on state exams.
The appeals court ruled, in part, that the state has an interest in preventing social promotion, the reason given for the testing requirement. The parents’ notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, as is common, did not provide detailed arguments.
by The News Service of Florida
Learn Tech Skills At Your Local Library
April 11, 2017
The Century and Molino branches of the West Florida Library offer local basic technology classes for free.
At the Molino Branch Library, patrons can register to receive up to 30 minutes of individual technology help on Tuesday between noon an 5 p.m. or Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Learn about email. increase computer knowledge, improve skills with a smart phone, learn how to download eBooks and more. Call (850) 435-1760 to reserve a session.
At the Century Branch Library, a basic skills workshop will be held Thurday, April 13 at 6 p.m. to introduce participants to the components of a computer along with basic keyboard and mouse skills. On Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m. another basic skills class will introduce Microsoft Windows and teach how to navigate between different programs. To register, call (850) 256-6217.
NSA Names UWF As Regional Cybersecurity Resource Center
April 11, 2017
The University of West Florida has been named by the National Security Agency as the National Center Academic of Excellence Cybersecurity Regional Resource Center for the Southeastern region. In this role, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity will provide leadership to advance cyber defense education among colleges and universities in the region and support new and existing CAE institutions.
UWF will serve as the CAE Regional Resource Center for all institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. The University will receive a nearly $200,000 grant and will work with the NSA CAE Program Office and other regional and national hubs across the country to enhance cybersecurity education and expand the CAE Program across the nation.
“This prestigious designation recognizes the excellent and innovative programs offered by the UWF Center for Cybersecurity,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. “Our selection as a regional resource center recognizes the leadership role that Dr. Eman El-Sheikh and her team have taken in this vital area. UWF has developed a number of partnerships with key players in the field of cybersecurity that prepare our students for successful careers.”
The CAE-Cyber Defense Program Office named six CAE institutions as CAE Regional Resource Centers, as well as four CAE National Resource Centers and four CAE Consultation Resource Centers across the nation.
In May 2016, the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security designated UWF as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The National Centers of Academic Excellence program seeks to reduce vulnerability in the nation’s information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and increasing the number of professionals with cyber defense expertise.
“We are honored to serve as the CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, UWF Center for Cybersecurity director. “Building on our successes and partnerships, UWF will lead efforts to advanced cybersecurity education and expand the cybersecurity workforce. We will work to increase the number of CAE designated institutions in the Southeast and also provide support and resources to existing CAE institutions.
“This will include cybersecurity program development support, faculty professional development activities, and enhancing research and education collaborations among Southeast institutions. Our mission is highly rewarding: build a strong cybersecurity community to advance education, workforce development and innovation in the Southeast and nationally.”
Wins For Northview, Tate; NHS Softball Adds Games
April 11, 2017
BASEBALL
Northview 9, T.R. Miller 6
The Northview Chiefs took on T.R. Miller (25-1) Monday. In the end, the Chiefs dished out the second loss of the year for Miller as Northview beat T.R.M. 9-6.
The Chiefs begin a long series on the road Thursday against Baker, followed by away games at Chipley, Jay, and West Florida before returning home to host Freeport on April 21.
T.R. Miller 7, Northview (JV)
Tate 5, West Florida 1 (9th)
SOFTBALL
Tate 10, Osceola 4
The Tate Aggies beat Osceola 10-4 on Saturday to place 7th out of 16 teams in the Kissimmee Tournament. The Lady Aggies were 2-2 in the tournament play.
For Tate: Hannah Brown 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 2B; Belle Wolfenden 2-3, 3 R RBI, 2B; Shelby Ullrich 2-2, 2R, 3RBI, 2B; Ashley Lunquist 1-3, RBI; Shelby McClean 2-3, RBI; Katie Snyder R; Deazia Nickerson 2-3; R.
Northview adds WS Neal games
Northview High School’s Lady Chiefs has added games at W.S. Neal on Tuesday. The JV will play at Neal at 4:00, while the varsity will play at 6:00.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
April 11, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the two week period ending April 6 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Allgood was on vessel patrol in the Big Lagoon when he saw a vessel on plane in violation of the idle speed zone. He stopped the vessel and spoke to the operator, noticing several signs of impairment. After performing poorly on the field sobriety exercises, the operator was arrested for BUI. The operator agreed to give a breath sample and the result was .152 g /210L. The operator was booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Officer Manning received information about illegal redfish being harvested at the Bob Sikes Fishing Bridge. As one individual was leaving the bridge, and inspection of his cooler revealed two redfish measuring 30 and 32 inches. The individual was cited for possession of oversized redfish and over the bag limit of redfish.
Officers Long and Manning were on patrol on the Bob Sikes Fishing Bridge when they stopped to speak to a group of fishermen and discovered a recently cleaned redfish. After questioning, one of the fishermen admitted to catching and cleaning the fish. The fisherman was issued a notice to appear citation for failure to maintain the redfish in whole condition.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While conducting resource inspections at Archie Glover Boat Ramp, Officer Land noticed two individuals with cast nets on the dock. He approached the two men and asked if they had caught anything. One of them replied, “Just finger mullet,” as he pointed to a five‑gallon bucket. Officer Land looked in the bucket filled with mullet and upon closer inspection, discovered a 13‑inch striped bass. It is illegal to possess striped bass under 18 inches and to harvest them with a cast net. The appropriate citations and warnings were issued for the violations.
Throughout the weekend in Blackwater River State Forest, Officer Lewis issued various citations and warnings for operating a vehicle off the established road in a state forest, possession of alcoholic beverages where posted as prohibited, and possession of glass containers in and around waterways. One of the cases he made was at Krul Lake where he saw a man in possession of a glass bottle of beer. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in that area. A woman was sitting next to the man and smoking cannabis. When he approached the couple, the woman attempted to conceal the cannabis cigarette she was smoking but eventually gave it to the officer. Additional cannabis was seized as evidence from the woman. The man was cited for possessing the glass container and alcoholic beverage. The woman was issued a notice to appear for possession of cannabis not more than 20 grams and drug paraphernalia.
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling a primitive camping area when he saw a man and a woman walking towards a vehicle from the creek. He saw the man carrying a drug pipe and cannabis grinder. The man admitted that he and his girlfriend just finished smoking marijuana with the pipe. When attempting to identify the man and woman, the woman provided a false name. After searching the vehicle and identifying the woman by her identification that was found during the search, two active warrants for her arrest came back. Officer Hutchinson issued the man a notice to appear for the possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia. The woman was placed under arrest and transported to jail.
Officer Jones was checking fishermen on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and contacted a subject who had eight pompano in his possession. The daily bag limit is six fish per day. A citation was issued with a mandatory court appearance. The illegal fish were returned to the water.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Wahoos Beat Smokies In Home Series
April 11, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos right-hander Austin Ross got his first start in two seasons Monday against the Tennessee Smokies.
All the 28-year-old did was toss six innings—his longest start since he pitched 6.1 innings Aug. 25, 2014 in a start for the former Double-A Huntsville Stars. He gave up two runs on three hits to help Pensacola to a, 3-2, win in front of 4,018 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
And afterward, Pensacola club co-owner Quint Studer introduced Ross to a group of star-struck baseball fans from Wisconsin. Ross played seven years in the Milwaukee Brewers organization before the Cincinnati Reds picked him up as a free agent in January.
“It was definitely fun,” Ross said. “It was something different than I’ve done the last two years. But I built up to it all spring training.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly liked what he saw from Ross, who pitched 96 games out of the bullpen for Double-A Biloxi and Triple-A Colorado Springs the past two seasons. He threw 96 innings and struck out 157.
“That was great,” Kelly said. “He got stronger as the game went along. The sixth was his best inning.”
Ross retired the last 12 of 13 batters he faced, giving up a walk in the fourth inning. He credited catcher Devin Mesoraco for his good showing. The 2014 Cincinnati Reds All-Star is doing his up to 20-day rehabilitation assignment in Pensacola.
“I felt like I fell into a groove in the middle innings,” Ross said. “Me and Mez got into a good rhythm out there.”
It was Mesoraco who delivered the single that propelled the Blue Wahoos to victory. With the game tied, 2-2, in the seventh inning, catcher Devin Mesoraco came to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and ripped Pensacola’s fourth straight single. The hit to left field drove in center fielder Brian O’Grady with the winning run, putting the Blue Wahoos on top, 3-2.
Kelly said Mesoraco, who played all nine innings Monday, will likely play three games against the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate Biloxi Shuckers this week, including back-to-back nine inning games. Kelly said Mesoraco will likely stay in Pensacola until it finishes the series with the Mobile Bay Bears April 26. The Reds’ are bringing him back slowly after his two hip surgeries and shoulder surgery limited him to 18 games behind the plate for the big league club the past two seasons.
Mesoraco’s game-winning hit also helped Pensacola clinch its first series of the year, 3-2, and the Blue Wahoos have now beat Tennessee in six straight series at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Not only that, he threw out Smokies second baseman Davis Bote trying to steal second on a double steal.
“As much as we would love to have him back (in Cincinnati), we want him to go there and stay there,” Kelly said. “The biggest thing is not to rush it.”
Pensacola scored its second run to knot the game, 2-2, in the fourth inning when right fielder Aristides Aquino doubled and then scored when left fielder Gabriel Guerrero knocked a double into left field. Guerrero has reached base seven straight times in the last two games.
Tennessee scored first for the third straight game, taking a 1-0 lead, when Charcer Burks singled, was bunted to second, stole third on a double steal and then scored on first baseman Yasiel Balaguert soft liner to right field.
The Smokies scored its second run in the third inning when pitcher Duane Underwood scored on a ground out by second baseman David Bote, to take a 2-1 lead.
Austin Brice, who also is on rehab in Pensacola, made his second appearance for the Blue Wahoos, pitching the seventh inning. He got the win, striking out one, allowing one hit and throwing a wild pitch.
“Brice looked a little freer today (Monday),” Kelly said. “He looked a lot better.”
Jimmy Herget protected the Blue Wahoos one-run lead and picked up the save by retiring all six batters he faced in the final two innings. He struck out three of the Smokies hitters.
The Blue Wahoos staff has an earned-run average of 3.00 in its first five games.
“I got to give them an A,” Kelly said of his pitching staff after the first series. “They’ve been outstanding.”