Scott Poised To Act On Health, Education Bills
April 12, 2016
In a final flurry of activity from the legislative session, Gov. Rick Scott this week will take action on heavily debated health, education and tax bills.
Scott faces deadlines to act this week on 25 bills, including 22 of them on Thursday. After that, one deadline will remain next week for a controversial bill about overhauling the state’s alimony laws.
As of early Monday afternoon, Scott had signed 245 of the 272 bills approved by the House and Senate during the session that ended March 11 and had vetoed only one — a local bill dealing with Gainesville Regional Utilities, according to a Senate tally. After each legislative session, House and Senate leaders gradually send bills to Scott, who then has 15 days to take action.
The batch with a Thursday deadline include bills that were closely watched during the session by health-care and education interest groups and lobbyists.
As an example, Scott will take action on a proposal (HB 423) that would allow advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances. Advanced registered nurse practitioners have lobbied for years for the prescribing authority but have faced opposition from doctor groups. The bill would place some limits on the authority, such as restricting the prescribing of what are known as “Schedule II” controlled substances, such as codeine and oxycodone, to seven-day supplies.
Among other health-care measures, Scott will take action on a proposal (HB 221) that addresses an insurance issue known as “balance billing.” The issue, which drew lobbying from health insurers, doctors and hospitals, primarily deals with patients who have preferred provider organization, or PPO, coverage and go to hospitals for emergency care.
Patients have sometimes gotten unexpected bills because doctors at the hospitals are not part of the insurance plans’ networks. The legislation, at least in part, would set up a dispute-resolution process that supporters say would help shield patients from unexpected bills and leave it to health-care providers and insurers to work out payment issues.
Also facing a Thursday deadline is an omnibus education bill (HB 7029) that includes a plan to allow parents to transfer their children to any public schools in the state that are not at capacity. The bill ties together a variety of other education issues, ranging from performance-funding formulas for colleges and universities to changes in high-school athletics.
Among the other proposals set for action is a $129.1 million tax cut package (HB 7099). Perhaps the most-notable parts of the package are a permanent sales-tax exemption on manufacturing equipment and a three-day sales-tax “holiday” for back-to-school shoppers this summer.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
North Escambia Native Rebekah Bydlak Running For Congress
April 12, 2016
Tuesday, 25-year old North Escambia native Rebekah Johansen Bydlak officially announced her Republican candidacy for Florida’s First Congressional District seat, following Jeff Miller’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Bydlak said she will file her official paperwork to run for Congress withing the next week. She chose to make her official announcement first and exclusively on NorthEscambia.com.
Bydlak has served as director of outreach for the Coalition to Reduce Spending, an advocacy organization dedicated to reducing federal spending and debt.
“The First District deserves innovative solutions, not just more of the same,” Bydlak said. “A vibrant, 21st century economy that benefits all demands a federal government that abides by our Constitution.”
“Washington is broken,” she added, “and I have the experience to be part of the solution. Every child born today will face tens of thousands of dollars in debt they did not ring up, thanks to career politicians who have no interest in stopping business as usual. I will fight for my generation’s right to be free from this burden.”
Bydlak said her entrance in the race is sorely needed because voters know that politics as usual will not solve problems such as $19 trillion in government debt.
“Having successfully advocated important spending cuts, pushed back against Obamacare, and built fiscally conservative coalitions nationwide, I’m confident that I have the knowledge and skills to repeal Obamacare, cut spending and debt, protect educational freedom, and take care of our veterans,” she said.
“I think people are ready for new faces in Washington,” Bydlak said. “People are tired and are ready for political outsiders. I can be the outsider people are looking for; there is a real need for new people in Washington.
Bydlak was home schooled her entire life before attending Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. She holds a master’s degree in political science and public administration from UWF and spent the last three years at the Coalition to Reduce Spending, advocating full-time for lower spending and debt among the public, elected officials, and candidates across the country.
In what is expected to be a crowded field of candidates, some of which will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars very quickly, she said campaign funding will not be an issue.
“I have the ability to be competitive, especially this year as voters are looking for more,” Bydlak said. “Not more politics as usual.”
Pictured top: Rebekah Johansen Bydlak is running for Congress. Pictured below: Rebekah Johansen Bydlak with her husband Jonathan and family dog Reagan. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Broxson Brings In $57K In March
April 12, 2016
State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, piled up campaign cash in March, bringing in $57,050, according to a newly filed finance report.
The March contributions brought Broxson’s overall total to $137,861, and he had about $105,000 in cash on hand as of the end of the month. Broxson has been widely mentioned as a potential candidate for the state Senate seat held by Baker Republican Greg Evers if Evers decides to run for Congress this year. Evers could vie to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla.
Broxson is the only candidate who has filed paperwork to run in House District 3, which includes parts of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.
Northview Out Of District Tourney, Series Continues Tonight
April 12, 2016
The Northview Chiefs were knocked out of the District 3-1A softball tournament Monday night at the hands of Freeport, 8-1 at Northview.
The season is also over for Baker after the Gators lost to Chipley Monday night. In Tuesday’s game, #2 seed South Walton will play Chipley at 5:00 and #1 Jay will take on Freeport at 7:00.
Pensacola Rains On Mississippi’s Day To Capture Series
April 12, 2016
More than two hours of rain delays couldn’t stop the Pensacola Blue Wahoos bats from belting out 13 hits to defeat the Mississippi Braves, 5-1, at Trustmark Park in Pearl, MS.
The Blue Wahoos won the opening-season series by taking four of the five games with stellar pitching and clutch hitting. Pensacola, which is in first place in the South Division at 4-1, leads the Southern League in team ERA at 1.88.
Pensacola took the lead for good, 2-1, in the sixth inning after the second rain delay. The Wahoos went ahead when center fielder Phillip Ervin singled, stole second and then scored on second baseman Brandon Dixon’s line drive single.
The Blue Wahoos then padded its lead with three more runs in the seventh inning. Right fielder Sebastian Elizalde led off the inning with a triple to right field and catcher Chad Wallach singled to left to drive him in to put Pensacola ahead, 3-1.
Shortstop Zach Vincej then doubled to left field to bring in Wallach, giving the Blue Wahoos a 4-1 lead. Vincej scored for the second time in the game when third baseman Eric Jagielo knocked him in again with a doubled to right field, making it a 5-1 game.
Jagielo, who went 2-5 with two doubles and two RBIs, doubled to drive in Vincej, who had singled, in the third inning to put the Blue Wahoos on the scoreboard first, 1-0.
Vincej capitalized by going 3-5 and scoring twice Monday and hitting .381 for the series.
Meanwhile, Jagielo, a 2013 first round draft pick by the New York Yankees who came over to the Cincinnati Reds in a trade for closer Aroldis Chapman, drove in six RBIs and clobbered Pensacola’s only homer in the series.
The Blue Wahoos also learned as thought that they have a strong rotation. This time it was Rookie Davis, who showed why his high school retired his number 24, when he shutout Mississippi through four innings. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder mowed down the lineup in order twice and started the game by getting the first five Braves hitters out.
Davis earned his first victory for the Blue Wahoos this season, allowing just one earned run on four hits and two walks, and striking out four.
Mississippi finally got to Davis in the fifth inning, tying the game, 1-1. With two out in the fifth inning shortstop Ozzie Albies doubled. Albies, who hit .364 in the five-game series, then scored when Pensacola shortstop Vincej dove and knocked down a sharp grounder by left fielder Dustin Peterson but failed to hang on to the ball, allowing Albies to score from second.
It then started to rain, stopping the game for the second time and lasting more than an hour.
Pictured: A rain delay Tuesday in Pearl, MS. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunday Crash Claims Life Of Molino Woman
April 11, 2016
A Molino woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Molino Road near Angus Lane.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 40-year old Samantha S. Nowling was traveling westbound on Molino Road near Angus Lane as 77-year old Jewel B. Lowry of Foley was also traveling westbound. Lowry slowed her Lincoln Town Car to turn into a private driveway. Nowling crossed the double yellow line into the eastbound lane, causing the right side of her Toyota Tundra pickup truck to collide with the Town Car.
The pickup traveled onto the shoulder and overturned, fulling ejecting Nowling from the vehicle. Nowling was pronounced deceased on the scene. She was not wearing her seat belt, according to the FHP.
Lowry was not injured and refused medical treatment.
An Escambia Fire Rescue brush truck was involved in an injury accident on the way to the scene of this fatal wreck. Click here to read more.
Pictured above: A portion of the accident scene where one person died Sunday afternoon in Molino Road. The female driver of the car pictured in the ditch received only minor injuries and refused treatment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fire Truck Involved In Highway 29 Crash
April 11, 2016
Two people were injured in a collision with an Escambia Fire Rescue brush truck Sunday afternoon in Molino.
The accident happened as the brush truck was crossing the Molino Road intersection on Highway 29 with lights and sirens activated as they responded to a serious accident a short distance away.
No volunteer firemen were injured in the crash.
Further details have not been released as the Florida Highway Patrol continues their investigation.
For more information on the other serious accident, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McGahan Signs Cross Country Scholarship With Southeastern University
April 11, 2016
Northview High School senior Moriah McGahan has signed a cross country scholarship with Southeastern University in Lakeland. She is the daughter of Greg and Candy McGahan of Molino. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
April 11, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- I-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements- The right lane of I-10 eastbound near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) will be closed Tuesday, April 12 through Thursday, April 14 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform widening work.
- S.R. 10 (Nine Mile Road)- Intermittent westbound lane restrictions west of I-10 near Heritage Oaks Drive 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 29, Escambia County – Intermittent and alternating lane closures within the town of Century and from Champion Drive north continue.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Widening- Intermittent and alternating lane closures, between S.R. 291 (Davis Highway/Exit 13) and U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, April 11 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) – Eastbound outside lane closed at Spring Street from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, April 11 and Tuesday, April 12 as crews perform underground utility work.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) – Westbound outside lane closed between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 as crews perform underground utility work.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) – Westbound inside lane closed between Tarragona and Palafox Streets from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, April 14 and Monday, April 18 as crews perform underground utility work.
- State Road (S.R) 196 (Bayfront Parkway)- Temporary road closure between Tarragona Street and 14th Avenue from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9 for the Navy Federal 5K Run/Walk. Traffic will utilize signed detour.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening- Alternating lane closures on I-10, between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 10 through Thursday, April 14 as crews place barrier wall. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange during this time as crews perform bridge work.
Pictured top: Lane closure just south of Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Clinch Five Game Series Over Braves
April 11, 2016
Pensacola Blue Wahoos manager Pat Kelly likes his talented young starters but one of his hurlers that stood out to him before the season started was 21-year-old Jackson Stephens.
Stephens put himself on the radar of Blue Wahoos fans by striking out a career high nine batters Sunday to lead Pensacola to a 4-2 victory at Trustmark Park in Pearl, MS. The right hander’s first victory in his Double-A debut helped the Wahoos to a 3-1 lead to clinch its season-opening five-game series with the Braves that ends Monday.
Stephens, who’s from Oxford, Ala., and has fished Pensacola’s waterways in the past, tied his career high in strikeouts in the fourth inning with eight when he whiffed Mississippi left fielder Dustin Peterson to start the inning. He then set a new career high at nine when he struck out Braves center fielder Sean Godfrey three batters later.
Stephens struck out the side in order in the second inning and then recorded three more strikeouts in the third inning. He left the game in the 5th inning having allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks.
In a shaky first inning in which the first two batters singled off him, Stephens benefited from Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson, who threw out both runners trying to steal second base. Hudson entered the season as the Cincinnati Reds best defensive catcher by Baseball America.
Blue Wahoos third baseman Eric Jagielo, who hit Pensacola’s first home run of the season Sunday, gave Pensacola a 4-2 cushion in the ninth inning when his sacrifice fly scored Beau Amaral from third. Amaral started the inning with a double.
Pensacola went ahead, 3-2, in the sixth inning when pinch hitter Brandon Dixon drove in right fielder Sebastian Elizade, who was hit by a pitch, on a deep fly ball to center field.
The Blue Wahoos scored first when third baseman Eric Jagielo smacked a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning to put Pensacola up 2-0. Jagielo’s homer to center knocked in shortstop Zach Vincej, who had singled to shortstop and advanced to second on a throwing error by Ozzie Albies.
The Braves evened up the game, 2-2, in the bottom of the fourth inning when catcher Willians Astudillo doubled to center with two outs to drive in first baseman Jacob Shrader and third baseman Carlos Franco. Schrader was hit by a pitch and Franco walked.
The Blue Wahoos bats have come alive in the series, with 11 hits on Saturday and nine on Sunday. Leading Pensacola at the plate Sunday were Jagielo who was 2-4 with three RBIs, second baseman Tony Renda who went 3-4 and Amaral who was 2-5 with a double and scored a run.
The Pensacola bullpen also performed well against the Braves. El’Hajj Muhammad threw two hitless innings and struck out two in relief of Stephens. Meanwhile, Blue Wahoos reliever Carlos Gonzalez allowed one hit in two innings of work and set the Braves down 1-2-3 on strikeouts in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.