The Laker/Lutz News

Updates

Pasco won’t issue same-sex marriage licenses Jan. 6

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Florida is set to become the 36th state in the nation to allow same-sex marriages just after the new year starts. But don’t expect Pasco — or even neighboring counties — to join in.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene in a Florida case, where U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle struck down laws banning same-sex marriage in August, saying the state’s ban violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides for equal protection under the law. Hinkle refused to keep a stay in place for further appeal, which would technically allow same-sex marriages beginning Jan. 6.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which decided last Friday not to reinstate the stay that would’ve put a hold on Hinkle’s decision.

Yet, there continues to be quite a bit of ambiguity when it comes to the court ruling, and whether or not county clerk’s offices — like Paula O’Neil’s locally — would be allowed to start issuing same-sex marriage licenses on Jan. 6.

“Due to this legal uncertainty, our clerk … has been advised by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptroller’s association and its legal counsel to refrain from issuing same-sex marriage licenses without a binding order issued by a court of proper jurisdiction,” said Debbie Gay, the interim director of records in O’Neil’s office, in a release.

On her website, O’Neil said there “has been a lot of press” about same-sex marriage in Florida, and as a constitutional officer, she is required to “support, protect and defend” the U.S. Constitution, as well as both federal and state laws. Those state laws, she said, currently prohibit marriage licenses to a couple that is not a man and a woman, and that a clerk who violates that prohibition is guilty of a criminal act that would make them subject to both fine and imprisonment.

The case Hinkle decided, O’Neil said, was specific to those who sued Washington County, and does not have authority or provide protection for clerks of court outside that county to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Bondi, responding to the Supreme Court decision, also remained ambiguous on what the ruling would mean once the stay is lifted Jan. 5.

“Regardless of the ruling, it has always been our goal to have uniformity throughout Florida until the final resolution of the numerous challenges to the voter-approved constitutional amendment on marriage,” Bondi said in a statement. “Nonetheless, the Supreme Court has now spoken, and the stay will end on Jan. 5.”

Although clerks like O’Neil may be worried about criminal penalties if they start issuing same-sex marriage licenses, some gay rights groups warn clerks should be worried if they don’t.

“Any Florida clerk who refuses to follow the Constitution’s command, and who withholds marriage licenses from couples once the stay expires, is on the wrong side of history, and the wrong side of the law,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, in a statement through the gay rights advocacy group Equality Florida. “A discredited memo from a law firm won’t provide much protection against the risk of being sued for unconstitutional actions, and being held liable for any damages — and attorney fees — incurred by couples as a result of withholding the freedom to marry. There is one Constitution, Florida is one state, and all Floridians are entitled to equal treatment throughout the state.”

Minter is referring to the legal opinion from the Greenberg Traurig law firm that clerks like O’Neil are adhering to in deciding whether or not to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Congresswoman plans forum to discuss new Cuba relations

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Of all the states directly affected by the change in diplomatic policy with Cuba, none are likely affected more than Florida.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, is planning a community forum in early 2015 that she hopes will help community leaders and residents learn more about what those changes mean as President Obama begins to “normalize” relations with Cuba.

“We will engage the entire community, and work toward positive change that America’s policy shift will provide,” Castor said, in a release, “Whether it is travel, trade, or cultural exchange opportunities.”

Castor is working with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to put together there regional forum, although no formal date or time has been set as of yet.

“At the turn of the 20th century, Tampa was central to the Cuban independence movement,” Castor said. “Similarly, Tampa will lead the way in the coming years on the new opening for normalization of relations with Cuba. We have already made much progress, especially with establishing direct flights from Tampa to Cuba, and our numerous arts and cultural exchanges to build business and cooperative ties with Cuba.”

Obama has plans to lift restrictions on travel, commerce and financial activities. Over the next six months, the U.S. State Department will review Cuba’s place on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and conduct discussions with Cuba relating to migration, according to a release.

On top of that, the U.S. Treasury Department will increase the amount of money that can be sent to Cubans each quarter from $500 to $2,000, and loosen bank restrictions as well.

The U.S. Commerce Department also will loosen an array of export limits, including the longstanding ban on popular items like Cuban cigars.

Some Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Miami, have opposed the new plan unveiled by the Obama administration last week. Rubio, whose family roots are in Cuba, claimed it’s not the decades-long embargo that is hurting the Cuban people in general, but a totalitarian regime.

His Kentucky colleague, however, Sen. Rand Paul, said the sanctions have not worked, and it’s time to change the American approach to Cuba. Some leaders in the Republican-controlled congress say they will try to block the administration’s plans for Cuba.

Charitable giving is up, but not why you think

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The economy is starting to take off again, and with that, so are charitable donations.

A new survey from the Saint Leo University Polling Institute showed that 67 percent of Americans say they plan to give as much or more to charities than they did last year. That’s up a bit from 2013 when just 59 percent of people said they planned to give the same or more as they did the previous year.

“This may be another indication of not only an improving economy, but of increasing confidence in people’s own economic security,” said Susan Kinsella, the human services department chair at Saint Leo University, in a release.

In the survey, conducted between Nov. 25 and Dec. 6, 18 percent said they were going to give more this year than last year, compared to 15 percent the year before. At the same time, 49 percent said they would stay steady in donations compared to 44 percent last year.

Another 27 percent said they would lower their donation, or give nothing at all, compared to 32 percent in 2013.

For those who are giving, 49 percent said they were influenced by their own ethical principles, while just 15 percent said it was based on religious teachings or beliefs. At the same time, 23 percent said they were not influenced at all by ethical principles, religious beliefs, or nudging from family members or peers.

“Giving is really a personal choice, and individuals are influenced by ethical principles over religious teachings by more than a 3-to-1 margin,” Kinsella said. “Another factor to consider is that this is the United States, and we are known for being a generous country. We don’t hesitate to open our purse strings to help others in need.”

More than 1,000 adults were polled, with a margin of error plus or minus 3 percent.

Looking for a reason to get health insurance?

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The new year is coming, and with it a chance for many people to figure out whether they want to have health insurance for the coming year.

Bayfront Health Dade City, however, feels the decision to pick up health insurance is an easy yes — even for people who are generally quite healthy, because no one knows when they might be faced with an accident and need medical care.

And without that insurance, that person or his or her family may not be able to afford medical care when they need it most.

Also, those with health insurance are more likely to see their doctor before their condition worsens and becomes more expensive to treat. Those with diabetes and do not have health insurance have a higher mortality rate those than with diabetes and health insurance at the same time.

If someone doesn’t have health insurance and experiences a serious illness or medical emergency, he will be responsible for all his medical costs, the hospital said. Health insurance protects people and their families from financial hardships that may result from health care expenses.

Also, some colleges, universities and international programs require proof of health insurance to enroll.

One of the biggest changes to health insurance in recent years thanks to the Affordable Care Act is where someone cannot be denied because of pre-existing conditions, such as having diabetes or a previous cancer diagnosis. At the same time, all insurance plans on the marketplace must cover essential health benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, outpatient care, pregnancy and maternity, mental health and substance abuse, and prescription drugs, among others.

Marketplace health plans also must cover a set of preventive services, like screenings, tests and vaccinations to keep adults and children healthy. Those preventive services are provided free of charge, meaning no copays or deductibles.

Many people may qualify for lower costs on a health plan, the hospital said. Depending on household income and family size, people could qualify for financial assistance from the government, or subsidies, toward the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like copays and deductibles.

Also, some people may qualify for lost-cost coverage through Medicaid. In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Although Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many people who qualify for Medicaid coverage in the state, the Dade City hospital said.

If nothing else, those without health coverage in 2015 who can afford it may have to pay a penalty of $325 per adult, $162.50 per child, and up to $975 per family — or 2 percent of family income, whichever is higher.

For example, a family of four with a household income of $40,500, would have a penalty of $975, since 2 percent of income would be $810. However, a family of four with a household income of $65,000 would have to pay the 2 percent, which in this case would be $1,300.

Bayfront Health Dade City is offering help through the 2015 enrollment deadline of Feb. 15, at (352) 518-1055.

Merry Christmas, Florida: $2 gas is coming

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Georgia and Tennessee have gas stations where prices have fallen below $2 a gallon. And it looks like Florida might not be far behind.

Stations in the Jacksonville area reported prices of $2.10 over the weekend, according to AAA. And if prices keep falling at the current rate of 2 cents a day, that area will be at $2 a gallon by the end of the week.

“Gasoline prices are plunging with little sign of slowing down,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said, in a release. “Oil prices dropped for the fourth consecutive week because of increased oil production and low demand, and that’s keeping downward pressure on the price of gasoline. It is unclear exactly how low prices will go, but gasoline will keep getting cheaper as long as oil does.”

More than 89 million Americans are taking to the road this week, and when they do it, they will find the cheapest gasoline since May 2009, and the lowest Christmas prices since 2008, Jenkins said. On average, Americans are saving $13 for a tank of gas compared to this time last year, and if prices were to remain at these levels, households would save $550 next year, according to the Energy Information Administration.

“Plunging pump prices have boosted disposable income by more than 3.5 percent, which encourages Americans to travel,” Jenkins said. “AAA expects the highest number of travelers during the year-end holidays on record, which dates back to 2001.”

Florida prices were at $2.48 per gallon on average, down 12 cents from last week, and 35 cents from a month ago. Gas was 88 cents more expensive a year ago.

Although nowhere local has gas as close to $2 as Jacksonville does, many service stations are well below the state average.

In Land O’ Lakes, both the RaceTrac and the Hess station on the State Road 52 area reported prices of $2.35, according to GasBuddy, while the Sunoco on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard near Causeway Boulevard, reported the highest prices at $2.53.

In Wesley Chapel, Sam’s Club reported the lowest prices in the entire area at $2.24 on State Road 56. Four other stations were at $2.39, but well above the reported number from the high-volume retail store.

Lutz had gas prices ranging from $2.37 at Metro Gas on State Road 54 near Foggy Ridge Parkway, to $2.49 at three stations, including two near Van Dyke Road.

The cheapest gas in Zephyrhills is at the Marathon station on Eland Boulevard and Geiger Road with a reported price of $2.34. In Dade City, it was the Clark station at the lowest, with $2.33 per gallon on U.S. 301 near Long Avenue. The Chevron station on Fort King Road and Clinton Avenue was the most expensive, according to the website, at $2.45.

Scott celebrates Florida job creation milestone

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Gov. Rick Scott is cheering job growth in Florida, saying that more than 700,000 jobs have been added to the state since December 2010. That came on the heels of nearly 39,000 new jobs created in November, the highest single month of private sector job growth since Scott took office.

That milestone is significant, he said, because it surpasses a campaign promises to create 700,000 jobs in seven years. Scott, however, is only tracking private sector jobs, and not counting the more than 25,000 government jobs that have been cut since he took office, according to statistics provided by Politifact.

Also, the milestone is a bit different from Scott’s original campaign promise that he would work to create 700,000 jobs on top of the 1 million jobs economists said Florida would add on its own by 2017, even if state lawmakers did nothing to help create them. Those jobs were expected to come as a natural extension of the improved economy on the national scale.

Scott, however, no longer mentions the additional 1 million jobs number, and instead has said he’s satisfied a campaign promise three years early.

“I applaud our job creators across the state who sacrifice and work hard to create new jobs,” Scott said, in a release. “Every job impacts a family, and we will keep working each day to make Florida the world’s No. 1 destination for jobs.”

The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.8 percent, down nearly a half-percent from where it was a year ago.

Scott’s office also touted a quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey that showed 22 percent of businesses saying they expected to hire more workers during the first three months of 2015.

In November, Florida’s 24 regional work force boards reported nearly 34,000 people were placed in jobs in the state. An individual who receives employment and training assistance through a CareerSource Center, and finds a job within 180 days, is deemed a placement, and can be reported by a regional work force board. Of these people, nearly 6,800 were receiving unemployment assistance.

Compton, Proctor seek re-election in Zephyrhills

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One election season has ended, but it seems another already is getting underway.

Kent Compton and Charles Proctor were the first candidates to file for the April elections, both looking to retain their seats on the Zephyrhills City Council.

Both won re-election the last time their seats were up in 2013. Compton defeated Rose Hale while Proctor was unopposed.

The two pre-filed their paperwork to run, and will need to officially qualify for the election between Feb. 10 and Feb. 17.

Compton is the wife of former city councilwoman Cathi Campton, and was first elected in 2006, according to his bio on the city’s website. He has lived in Zephyrhills since 1993, and is a local attorney.

Proctor, the current council president, owns an auto detailing shop on Eighth Street, and has lived in Florida since 1989.

Voters will elect new council members and other municipal leaders during the next election, set for April 14.

HornBlasters owner buys industrial space in Zephyrhills

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A Crystal Springs company known for its manufacture of train horns designed for cars and trucks is expanding its property holdings in the greater Zephyrhills area.

Landon Enterprises LLC, a company associated with HornBlasters Inc. owner Matthew Heller, closed last month on more than 5.5 acres of land located inside Copeland Industrial Park, not far from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The $900,000 sale included a 22,500-square-foot steel building constructed in 2001 at 3752 and 3748 Copeland Drive. The structure had been owned by Linex Investments Inc. since 2006, according to county property records, when the company picked up the land and building through a $1.7 million receiver’s deed.

It’s not clear what Heller has planned for the property, or if he plans to move HornBlasters into it. That company currently lists a site on Pattie Road in Crystal Springs as its address, a nearly 10-acre piece of property Heller picked up last May for $85,000. Heller did not respond to a request by The Laker/Lutz News a few weeks ago for comment.

Landon’s new property purchase is zoned for light industrial, while HornBlasters’ current site in Crystal Springs is zoned for mobile homes, according to county property records.

Companies could get tax credits for hiring felons

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Getting out of prison can be tough for many convicted felons, not just adjusting to the outside world, but finding a way to fit in.

Jobs remains one of the biggest obstacles to making that transition, but a Miami lawmaker is proposing an idea that might provide an incentive for companies to hire them.

State Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami, has introduced H.B. 121, which would allow companies that employ a convicted felon with a $1,000 one-time tax break.

If the current form is passed and signed into law, any company that hires a felon beginning Jan. 1, 2016, and keeps them employed for at least a year, can take a corporate tax credit. It’s only good once for each new employee, and would not apply to anyone who was classified as a violent career criminal, a habitual felony offender of both the violent and non-violent kind, or a three-time violent offender.

The credit could be used for sexual offenders and sexual predators, provided they are properly registered with the state, according to Stafford’s bill.

There are not many ways for convicts to get jobs once they serve their time, and there are few programs to help them. Some advocates to helping convicts no longer serving sentences believe that without the chance to get a job, they’ll simply end up back behind bars.

A 2010 report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, found that while between 80 and 90 percent of employers would consider hiring former welfare recipients or workers with little recent work experience, only about 40 percent would consider hiring people with criminal records, especially for jobs that involved customer relations or handling money.

The Florida Department of Corrections offers what it calls a re-entry program that provide a number of services, including job placement.

Premier to take over maternity services

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Premier Community Healthcare Inc. will soon inherit prenatal services to expecting mothers from the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

The state agency will no longer provide those services effective Jan. 31, and already has stopped accepting new prenatal clients.

Premier will take over that care for current prenatal clients who have not chosen an alternative provider by Jan. 12.

“This local collaboration with Premier, Medical Center of Trinity, Healthy Start Coalition and private physicians furthers our commitment to pregnant moms and their babies to have good outcomes,” county health officer Mike Napier said, in a release. “A community-based system of care that leverages limited resources is key to long-term sustainability.”

The Pasco health department is helping current clients make the transition of their care by transferring medical records to new providers. The goal, Napier said, is to have a seamless transition for everyone, but also to ensure pregnant women know where to get care in the county.

For more information on the transition, call (727) 841-4425, ext. 1013.