Archives
Amendments take aim at “gerrymandering” (January 26, 2010)
State Attorney says TEAM performs public purpose: statewide ‘economic development’ implications (October 8, 2009)
Military
advocates say offshore drilling could threaten training (September 11, 2009)
Public
transit to start along Hwy. 90 (July 23, 2009)
"Florida’s
existing water quality criteria fail to protect human health: Advocates ask EPA to regulate water toxins (June 29, 2009)
Navy
grants Whiting runway use (June 4, 2009)
Pace
Principal: revisit student election rules (May 27, 2009)
Weaker
stormwater standards still possible (May 25, 2009)
Bills could weaken growth oversight, worsen sprawl (May 21, 2009)
Navarre
Beach Pier bid approved (March 12, 2009)
BOCC
poised to buy controversial $3.1M Pullum land (February 25, 2009)
New Commission eyes budget (November 19, 2008)
Another
Gulf Power rate hike approved (November 14, 2008)
Florida's Public Service Commission has approved another 9 percent rate hike for Gulf Power. The hike is necessary to pay for expected fuels cost increases, according to a PSC press release.
County:
VFD rate hike helps cut response time, buy new equipment
(October
4, 2008)
County volunteer fire department
rate increases have helped lower emergency call response times despite
higher call levels, according to Santa Rosa officials. Departments have
begun using the funds to buy new equipment and paying down debt, as well,
according to a recent release.
Court
reverses bond financing decision – public vote now unnecessary
(September
19, 2008)
Last year, Florida’s
Supreme Court said special district projects funded by property tax bonds
fall under a Constitutional requirement for public vote.
Yesterday,
less than a year later, Justices changed their minds.
Constitution
Day: Now more than ever Constitution needs our attention
(2008)
Constitution
Day, September 17, marks the 221st anniversary of the signing of our American
Constitution.
This landmark election year is an ideal time to reflect on the significance of our democratic process and the rights our Constitution ensures us.
Are
tax cuts squeezing services…yet? (September
6, 2008)
Santa
Rosa property tax revenues have increased an average of 8.5 percent annually
since Fiscal Year 2000/2001.
But County government slashed youth group services for the coming year, as leaders blasted State legislators for capping local government tax hikes.
Commissioners
approve $2.5 million subsidy for private-profit East Milton prison
(September
4, 2008)
Santa Rosa
taxpayers will provide $2.5 million in subsidies if a for-profit prison
gets a contract to build in East Milton, County Commissioners agreed at
the August 28 Commission hearing.
Discussions included a testy exchange over whether prison officials should have to answer public concerns.
Zoo
gets temporary aid (August
28, 2008)
Santa
Rosa Commissioners approved a financial shot-in-the-arm for the The Zoo,
Thursday, but stopped short of officially establishing a municipally-administered
Zoo Authority.
The Board approved a $125,000 supplement towards the Zoo’s immediate operating needs. The funds will come from a portion of Franchise Fees earmarked for economic development, officials indicated.
A
23 percent primary turnout ousts incumbents
(August
27, 2008)
About
23 percent of Santa Rosa registered voters selected a range of local officials
at last night’s primary election.
Of the County’s 103,039 voters, 23,432 turned out for the Primary.
TEAM
guts proposed accountability contract (August
21, 2008)
A
proposed contract between TEAM Santa Rosa and County government has been
stripped of several major accountability measures before going to Commissioners
for final approval.
Electricity
rates to rise (August
1, 2008)
With the company posting a $21 million net income
so far this year, Gulf Power customers will see a double-digit rate hike
through 2009. The increase will cover higher fuel rates, according to
a company press release.
Gulf Power does not absorb fuel costs of doing business. Instead, those expenses are passed onto customers.
BOCC
set to tap $200K for TEAM marketing
(July
8, 2008)
Santa Rosa
Commissioners are expected, Thursday, to approve $200,000 to market the
area to aerospace industry. Early efforts will focus on the KC-45 Refueling
Tanker assembly plant in Mobile.
The $200,000 will come from Electric Franchise Fee economic development reserves.
ACLU
sues to remove amendments 7 and 9 from Florida’s November ballot
(June
13, 2008)
A group of
concerned organizations, including The American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) and the ACLU of Florida, filed a lawsuit today in the Circuit Court
of the Second Judicial Court in and for Leon County on behalf of a group
of Floridians.
Resident
demands TEAM accountability
(May
29, 2008)
Santa Rosa Commissioners found
themselves dodging questions about TEAM Santa Rosa accountability and
transparency standards at last week’s county commission meeting.
Although no official agreement, ordinance or contract exists between the agency and Santa Rosa County government, officials often describe TEAM as the county’s ‘economic development’ arm. TEAM is tasked with attracting industry and jobs to the area.
State
thrashes Escambia on Perdido building cap increases
(May 21, 2008)
In
a sharply worded May 13 letter (click
here), Florida’s Department of Community Affairs told
Escambia commissioners their rationale for wanting to remove Peridido
Key building caps is not supported by facts.
Viewpoint:
Proposed voucher amendments threaten public schools
(2008)
I know. As with you, my eyes
tend to glaze over when the subject turns to constitutional amendments.
The phrase “school voucher” evokes the same response. But hold on, for we need to pay attention to at least two proposed amendments on Florida’s November ballot.
League
of Women Voters: Schools Superintendent should be appointed (May
14, 2008)
Public
education has been a long-standing area of study and interest for the
League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area. Foremost among the reforms
which we believe would be beneficial to our school system is the appointment
of the district’s school superintendent by the elected school board.
While the overwhelming majority of school systems in the United States (including a number of Florida districts) appoint their superintendents, Escambia County voters have rejected several ballot opportunities to move the office to an appointed position. As a result, ours is the last large Florida county in which the office of superintendent remains elective.
International
Paper case victory proves hollow and ephemeral
(May 9, 2008)
In August of last year the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a final order
denying International Paper’s applications to discharge 23.8 million
gallons of industrial wastewater effluent from its Cantonment paper mill
into waters of the state.
I had the honor of representing James Lane and Friends of Perdido Bay in the administrative hearing concerning DEP’s proposal to issue the permit and other regulatory authorizations that International Paper (IP) sought.
Beach
titles could spur development ‘like in the rest of the state’
(May
4, 2008)
Despite
opposition from some officials and residents…and the Chairman of
the agency designated with administering beach land in the public interest,
Escambia and Santa Rosa officials are moving forward with efforts to gain
beach land title authority from the Federal government.
Cuts
could leave mentally disabled jobless, homeless
(April
28, 2008)
State funding cuts could force
mentally disabled people to choose between homes, jobs and community participation;
and end up costing the government more in the long run, say local advocates
for the developmentally disabled.
Potential
jobs deal sparks Commission fuss
(April
11, 2008)
Despite contentions
it could bring 50 new jobs, Santa Rosa Commissioners recently denied an
Industrial Park property’s 180-day mortgage extension request –
saying the $1 million balloon payment is needed now for land and infrastructure
recommended by a TEAM Santa Rosa economic development Master Plan.
Coyote
gets new dig permit over neighborhood objections
(April
9, 2008)
Over neighborhood objections,
Santa Rosa Commissioners voted last month to allow the Coyote landfill
company to excavate dirt from a nearby property.
McCain
in Pensacola: increase military numbers
(April
2, 2008)
Presumptive
Republican Presidential nominee John McCain called for an expansion in
military troop levels during a Wednesday, April 2 visit to Pensacola Junior
College.
Port
of Pensacola looks to diversify
(March 25, 2008)
When a long-term tenant’s
lease runs out this summer, the Port of Pensacola is poised to oversee
a newly-vacant swath of land to redevelop. Officials say they’ll
likely use the opportunity to begin diversifying Port commerce and industry,
and tying it into the Downtown Pensacola area.
Preserving
Perdido watershed could bolster tourism
(March
21, 2008)
A newly-formed advocacy group
is hoping grassroots efforts to preserve Perdido area wetlands, waterways
and trails will bolster tourism in the process.
The Perdido Watershed Ecotourism Project, headed up by Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District Board member Anne Bennett, is guiding efforts to preserve and connect area trails and recreation attractions, and encourage low-impact ecotourism.
Dragonfly
Gallery growing along with Santa Rosa (March
19, 2008)
Three years after opening its
doors, Milton’s Dragonfly Gallery showcases a vibrant mélange
of painting, pottery, fabric and other objets d’art; and as the
county grows, an expanding pool of local talent is continually adding
to the display.
Santa
Rosa ‘wish list’ includes Aviation Park, shelters
(March 6, 2008)
Santa Rosa
officials presented a ‘wish list’ of funding priorities to
state legislative delegates during last week’s annual Legislative
Delegation visit. The list, pared down from recent years, includes three
direct funding requests and three general statements of support.
More
Santa Rosa revenue cuts looming (February 19, 2008)
As
local taxing authorities like Santa Rosa County move into this year’s
budget season, lawmakers must decide how far to allow Florida’s
recent Tax Reform Amendment to impact incoming revenues.
Gaming
at my age? (February
19, 2008)
Who would have thought that
in my retirement years I would be spending quite a bit of time gaming…on
the computer!
But as my Golden Years approach, I’ve come to appreciate that the world of virtual gaming isn’t just for youngsters. In fact, what I’ve discovered is that computer gaming offers a wealth of unexpected benefits for older people with the time and inclination to jump into the [keyboard] arena.
What’s
the matter with East Milton?
(February 12, 2008)
“They
keep finding excuses why it shouldn’t be in East Milton.”
That’s Pam Williams’ take on the question of where to build a proposed new county Judicial Center.
Public
transit study probes Santa Rosa interest
(February
7, 2008)
Results from a Santa
Rosa public transit study, released this month, suggest residents may
be amenable to expanding service – both within the county and to
outside destinations.
Note
to today’s youth: how about a little effort?
(February 6, 2008)
Back in the ‘70’s
in order to get a service related position you had to be friendly and
courteous. The customer was always right and the business was grateful
for your patronage.
Now a days most clerks are either rude or seem to be blind to your presence.
In some stores you can’t get anyone to help you, the cashiers say nothing at all to you expect give you the total of your purchase and ask for your ID. No “hi how are you” or “thank you’s.” They seem put out by just having to do their jobs.
State
puts brakes on Perdido Key development cap increase
(February
6, 2008)
Florida’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has declined to
sign off on a recent move to raise development ‘dwelling cap’
limits on Perdido Key.
Dragonfly
Gallery hosts pottery exhibit (January
14, 2008)
Milton’s
Dragonfly Gallery hosted potters from throughout the area, Friday, a week
before the artists retrieve work currently baking away in a 32-foot firing
oven, called a kiln.
‘Roll-forward’
millage hike could mitigate tax Amendment losses
(January 14, 2008)
If Florida voters pass a proposed
tax reform Amendment, local governments will still have the option of
offsetting its impact through what state officials are calling a ‘roll-forward”
tax millage rate increase. Most homeowners would still see a portion of
Amendment savings; but part of homeowners’ tax burden would likely
shift to business and non-homesteaded properties, according to County
Property Appraiser data.
Code
change would halt Pond Creek septic tanks
(January 8, 2008)
Santa Rosa Commissioners snubbed
a proposed code change to prevent septic tanks near waterways at Monday’s
commission hearing -- but the issue’s not dead yet, says Commissioner
John Broxson.
Broxson proposed the Land Development Code change to ban septic tanks within 1000 feet of pristine water bodies. He says he’ll continue to pursue the measure in coming months. County staff are currently refining the proposal for future consideration, according to Broxson.
Emerald
Coast blueprint envisions Panhandle ecology, community to 2030
(December 18, 2007)
Now’s the time to think about how Panhandle growth is affecting
future environment and community quality, says a group tasked with developing
a blueprint for the next 25 years.
BOCC
postpones Pond Creek septic tank decision
(December
18, 2007)
When Santa Rosa Commissioners
rezoned 44 acres near Pond Creek in 2005, neighbors were under the impression
that the new subdivision would be serviced by sewer, rather than septic
tanks. Now, the developer has filed for a change order to install septic
tanks.
Former
Governor Graham focuses on civics schooling
(November
30, 2007)
In 2005, former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham retired from
a 40-year career in public office. Now, Graham is focusing on preparing
future generations to be participating democratic citizens.
Volunteer
Fire Departments on call as funding increase approved (November 26,
2007)
With the ink barely
dry on a special fire tax increase, area volunteer fire departments have
fully resumed responding to all but lowest-priority calls, say officials.
In the meantime, plans to pool Department spending and purchasing under
county oversight are still being implemented.
Despite
progress, turtles still face extinction
(November
15, 2007)
Marine turtles have thrived for more than 100 million years. But only
the last few hundred years have given the huge, spectacular, prehistoric
amphibians serious trouble.
Honey
Bee decrease impacting local crops (November 12, 2007)
We take a lot of things
for granted these days. Things like clean water, a roof over our heads
and plenty of food fortunately represent things that most of us don’t
worry about on a daily basis.
Broxson
assumes Board Chair: (November
10, 2007)
Finding funds to pay for a new courthouse
before next November’s election and dealing with shrinking property
tax revenues are primary issues Santa Rosa’s Board of Commissioners
faces in the coming year, says District 5 Commissioner and newly appointed
Chair John Broxson. Broxson
(l) assumed the ‘gavel’ from outgoing Chair, District 1 Commissioner
Tom Stewart (r), November 8.
What
is a RINO? (November
5, 2007)
When first was asked what a
RINO was, I replied that it was the large animal at the zoo with a big
horn.
The man who asked me the question said I was wrong, but would not give me the answer. He told me to study the issue in the REPUBLICAN HANDBOOK which all TRUE REPUBLICANS are supposed to live by.
Bed...breakfast...back
to nature: local ecology shapes tourism's future
(November 4, 2007)
Area residents have long appreciated the wealth of natural resources that
meander from local beaches, northward, through woodlands, creeks and farm
country. Now, tourism officials are hoping visitors will also discover
the region’s ecological assets…and by spending money here,
help preserve them.
Want
to be a farmer?
(October
29, 2007)
Small-scale,
specialized ‘niche’ farming returns higher profits per acre;
and could potentially bolster Santa Rosa agriculture and help conserve
existing farmland.
Courthouse
funding hinges on voter approval
(October
23, 2007)
With 40 public-owned acres
next to Santa Rosa’s jail now on the auction block, the quest for
ways to fund a new courthouse, and the land to site it on, continues in
Santa Rosa County.
Lawmakers
divided on children’s health insurance (October
9, 2007)
As
efforts to renew Federal health insurance for low-income children continue,
Florida’s Congressional delegates are divided over how far to expand
the program’s scope and funding.
Environmental
officials eyeing Jubilee construction site
(October 2, 2007)
Jubilee
building site sediment may be running off into adjoining wetlands, in
violation of state statute, according to Florida’s Department of
Environmental Protection.
Whiting
hosts leadership program (September
28, 2007)
Community,
business, and civic members of Santa Rosa County, had an opportunity to
get up close and personal with military personnel and equipment during
a recent orientation on NAS Whiting Field's mission and capabilities.
County
says ‘no’ to jail, roadwork privatization (September 28,
2007)
Officials
scrutinized jail operations, road paving preparation and vehicle and equipment
maintenance costs, to see if private industry could perform the work more
cheaply.
Horsefly
Buzzings: Hands off my wallet, Mr. Insurance Man!
(September 27, 2007)
Well I’m back buzzing
again…
Thanks to all of you that have asked me to continue to buzz.
In this week’s episode, I want to buzz about my wallet -- it seems to me that even when my wallet is in my pocket, it’s not safe!
Let’s buzz about the so-called insurance reform.
I don’t know about you but I can not afford any more government help. For starters I live 50 miles from the coast line and have only had two claims since 1984. I was buzzing along at $890.00 per year before Ivan.
Will
taxpayers ‘own’ future Eglin toll bypass? (September 21,
2007)
A
toll bypass that would run along Eglin AFB’s southern boundary,
between Hwy. 87 and U.S. 331 in Walton County, could clear a major hurdle
by the end of October. But officials say it's too early to say whether
taxpayers or private industry will reap eventual profits.
Correct
fertilizer key to Fall lawn preparation (September
15, 2007)
September
marks the beginning of the fall gardening season. Now is the time to start
preparing your lawn for the winter.
Dawn’s
ion engine: the Prius of space?
(September 13, 2007)
Some spacecraft achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust from
them
If you drive a car - and you know who you are - you have invariably come
upon the dreaded dilemma of refueling.
Our
Opinion: TIF ruling restores spending oversight to taxpayers
(September 10, 2007)
Tax increment financing (TIF)
revenue bonds for special projects must be approved by taxpayers, Florida’s
Supreme Court has ruled. Until now, governments could establish TIF districts
and issue the bonds without public vote.
We applaud the Court’s decision to side with Florida citizens. We fear TIF has become another in a long line of “public/private” schemes to sneak corporate sector taxpayer subsidies in under the radar. People should have the right to decide whether that's something they want to pay, for themselves. The ruling portends major consequences, statewide.
Coyote
neighbors fear new landfill on the horizon (August
28, 2007)
Residents living near
Holley’s Coyote landfill fear a proposed new excavation pit will
eventually expand dumping activities to within 100 feet of their backyards.
Volunteers,
business groups pitch in to help “Save the ZOO” (August
16, 2007)
Business
and community volunteers met Tuesday at Holley Navarre Fire Station to
strategize solutions to ZOO Northwest Florida’s financial woes.
Key
investor says Jubilee’s still on (August 12, 2007)
In
an exclusive interview, California-based financier Barney Ng updates the
status of Pace’s floundering Jubilee project, and talks about the
development’s future. Ng was in Santa Rosa this week to meet with
contractors who are still owed payments for Jubilee construction work.
UF
survey: Few Floridians think their house values will dip in five years
(August 8, 2007)
GAINESVILLE,
Fla. — Floridians are optimistic about housing prices despite the
gloom pervading much of the real estate industry, a new University of
Florida survey finds.
Jubilee
construction delayed, contractors file liens
(August 6,
2007)
Construction on Pace’s
proposed 2,700 acre Jubilee development will not meet initial timetable
projections, say project officials. Three contractors recently filed liens
against Jubilee land, owned by Atlanta-based developer The Eagle Group.
ACLU
Florida: Tax Reform Commission could threaten public schools
(August 6, 2007)
ACLU
would vigorously oppose any proposed constitutional amendment that would
authorize the payment of state tax dollars to religious or private institutions
that otherwise would benefit public education.
Tougher
landfill code approved: distance concerns linger (July
3, 2007)
New regulations, approved
Friday, establish more stringent standards for Santa Rosa construction
debris landfills, but questions linger over allowable buffer distances
between disposal sites and residential housing areas.
Coyote
neighborhood a ‘public health hazard’ (July
3, 2007)
It’s official:
the atmosphere near Navarre’s Coyote Landfill poses a threat to
public health, according to a state study cited by Santa Rosa’s
Health Department.
FCATs
shape student futures…but parents can’t double check scores
(June 28, 2007)
Florida’s FCAT
affects grade promotion, graduation, college prep course placement, and
school funding levels. But despite those high-stakes implications for
families, parents are not allowed to review test booklet records, to check
scoring results, answer-by-answer.
Tax
reform bill shaves 7 percent off Santa Rosa property tax revenues
(June 15, 2007)
State tax reform, passed Thursday
evening, requires Santa Rosa County to reduce tax revenues by seven percent
next year, but Property Appraiser Greg Brown says it’s too soon
to tell how the changes might impact homeowners’ pocketbooks.
Commissioner
McCarty orders insurer to refund $43.2 million to customers (June
15, 2007)
Florida
Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued a Consent Order requiring
United Property & Casualty Insurance Company to refund millions of
dollars in unapproved homeowners’ insurance rate increases, the
Office of Insurance Regulation has announced.
Better
Business Bureau seeks 2007 Ethics Award Nominees (June
14, 2007)
The
Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida is seeking nominations of
businesses and charities for the 2007 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
Area
couple hunt treasure…in plain sight (June 13,
2007)
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cash-ing)
is a treasure hunting game that uses a GPS (global positioning system)
to find bits of treasure, called caches, hidden in plain sight all over
the world. Clues and coordinates are posted on a Web site.
In
Memorium: John Brancato (June 8, 2007)
Because
we see ourselves as a democratic nation, most of us would answer, "the
people," if asked who elects the U.S. president. And that answer
would be wrong.
Florida
can't afford new coal plant (June 5, 2007)
The
Florida Public Services Commission (PSC) voted June 5 to reject a proposal
for one of the largest new coal-fired power plants in the United States.
Florida
Hometown Democracy: put public in charge of growth
(June 3, 2007)
“It’s the merging of an elite group that makes its money off
development, with elected officials who do their bidding… Honey,
it’s just a bunch of good old boys in the back room, cutting deals.”
Proposed
landfill buffer zones questioned (June 2, 2007)
Proposed new ordinances to regulate dirt borrow pits, solid waste collection
and construction and demolition (C&D) landfills drew criticism at
a recent hearing, for allowing future facilities too close to housing
areas.
Capt.
McClure takes reins of Fleet Hospital Pensacola
(May 24, 2007)
Captain Paula McClure, a Navy
Medical Service Corps officer, is no stranger to operational missions
and deploying units; or the command-wide structure of Naval Hospital Pensacola.
IP
pipeline denial is the right decision (May 23, 2007)
The
League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area supports the decision
of Judge Canter recommending denial of International Paper’s request
to construct a ten mile pipeline to wetlands which drain into Perdido
Bay.
Navy
Medicine East Goes South (May 22, 2007)
The Commander
of Navy Medicine East flew South for the week visiting Naval Hospital
Pensacola and Navy Medicine assets at the Naval Construction Battalion
Center Gulfport, Miss., one of the Pensacola hospital’s 11 branch
health clinics; and homeport of the Atlantic Fleet’s Seabees.
Horsefly
Buzzings: Road money pie needs another look (March
21, 2007)
My
belief is that all government’s efforts, using our tax dollars,
should be aimed at the majority rather than the minority.
Local
tolls, foreign profits? (March 11, 2007)
Northwest
Florida’s possible future highways, byways and evacuation routes.
‘Public-private’ suggestions include a Pace ‘Beltway,’
six lanes through Gulf Breeze and for-profit tollways; but foreign companies
could end up pocketing the $$$...and build on eminent domain-obtained
property.
Hwy.
98 tollway plans need a second look (March
11, 2007)
The
Clean Water Network of Florida, Inc. offers the following comments regarding
the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority’s proposed
transportation corridors and the final master plan.
Take
a musical walk ‘Among Them’ (March 11, 2007)
With a debut CD out
and shows lined up; this band's still happiest mixing it up with the crowd
Volunteer
fire department reforms move forward (March 11, 2007)
Volunteer fire
department reform proposals, introduced last month, would increase tax
dollars going towards the agencies, introduce a new element of public
oversight…
North
end/south end...are road repair $$$ split fairly? (March 11, 2007)
Paving
money allocations vs. tax contributions sparks Commission spat
4-H
helps restore almost-extinct southern apple (March
11, 2007)
Shell
Apple reappearing in area yards and orchards
Who
owns government? (March 11, 2007)
March
11-17 marked National Sunshine Week – a yearly event that spotlights
the key role open government and freedom of information play in a system
“by, of and for the people.”
Viewpoint:
MSBU fire department reform: it’s about time (March 11, 2007)
Thanks
to coordination by Brad Baker (the new Santa Rosa County Emergency Services
Coordinator); and many meetings of representatives from the MSBU fire
departments and other fire departments (who may have to respond to "incidents"
in the MSBU Fire Districts); we finally have a fire services plan that
is generally endorsed by the BOCC.
Growth…a
Wonderful Thing?
How ignorant could I possibly
be, for not having seen the truth before now.