Gulf1-E-Broxson

Workshop to Help Homeowners with Termite Contracts

Rep. Doug Broxson and FL Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services Officials Plan Workshop to Help Homeowners with Termite Contracts

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 @ 5:30 p.m.
Navarre Community Center

MIDWAY – In order to further increase the chances for successful protection of homes and businesses from the aggressive Formosan termite, Representative Doug Broxson (R–Midway) and the Navarre Area Board of Realtors® (NABOR) are hosting a 2nd termite public workshop for area residents.   Experienced staff from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control will review subterranean termite contracts and answer questions about disclaimers and exclusions that a contract may contain.  Homeowners are encouraged to bring their subterranean termite contracts to the workshop for individual review.  Rep. Broxson stated, “Consumers must purchase pest control services wisely and understand what they are contracting for.  It is very important to make sure you have read and understood the entire subterranean termite contract, including all of its terms and limitations.”

The Formosan termite has extended its range to include Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties.   Florida’s temperate climate provides a perfect environment for termites.  Reports from residents of Gulf Breeze and Navarre indicate large populations of Formosan in recent years. These reports may indicate an increase in the population of the Formosan termite and, consequently, increased risk of structural damage in this area.  “Recognizing that a home is often the costliest purchase a person makes during their lifetime, the Navarre Area Board of Realtors® is proud to partner on this important workshop to spread awareness about this growing problem,” said Nancy Brown, 2012 NABOR President.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 @ 5:30 p.m.
Navarre Community Center
1917 Navarre School Road
Navarre, FL  32566

Representative Doug Broxson Expresses grief over another death on U.S. 98

State Representative Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) expresses grief over yet another death that occurred on US Highway 98 in Navarre last Thursday.  The Representative asked the Florida Department of Transportation to look closely at the intersection of US 98, Edgewood Drive, and County Road 399 in the Navarre area as they conduct their Highway 98 Safety Study.  The Study is being conducted in response to other recent deaths on Highway 98.

“Over the last several weeks, I have spoken with citizens in the Navarre/Holley by the Sea area to see what their most pressing concerns are.  Overwhelmingly, folks expressed grave concern for the safety of their family and friends when they enter traffic on Highway 98.  I am hopeful the intersection where this most recent death occurred will be one along Highway 98 where FDOT will determine a traffic light is needed as a result of their Safety Study.  Throughout this process, I continue to work closely with the Florida Department of Transportation regarding local safety concerns along Highway 98.”

Making Good on Our Promise to Improve Safety on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa County

Following the recent deaths along Highway 98 in Santa Rosa County, Representative Doug Broxson  and Commissioner Lane Lynchard immediately began working with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary, Ananth Prasad, Midway Fire Chief Jonathan Kanzigg, and many other local and state officials to find solutions to protect pedestrians and motorists in Santa Rosa County.  FDOT has already begun a traffic study of Highway 98.  Their first solution is to install a traffic light at the Greenbriar/Country Club intersection with Highway 98.  In addition, an independent team of engineers will conduct a safety audit of all of Highway 98 in our area, starting before the end of May.  The timing of the study should coincide well with the upcoming resurfacing project on Highway 98, which is scheduled to begin next year.  “The gratifying aspect of this process is that when local and state governments have a need, we are able to find real solutions to real problems.  I want to congratulate Secretary Prasad and his team for their quick actions in helping us begin to resolve the dangerous situation along Highway 98 in Santa Rosa County,” said Representative Broxson.

Representative Doug Broxson and Commissioner Lane Lynchard: Working to Improve Safety on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa County

Following the recent deaths along Highway 98 in Santa Rosa County, Commissioner Lane Lynchard and Representative Doug Broxson  have been working to find solutions to protect pedestrians and motorists in the area.  Both the Commissioner and Representative have sought input from residents and other local officials and have voiced recommendations to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Last week, the Santa Rosa County Commission sent several proposals to FDOT District Secretary, Tommy Barfield.  “We appreciate the speed with which FDOT has responded to our safety concerns, and stand ready to assist the Department as we all work together to enhance safety on Highway 98” stated Commissioner Lynchard.

Earlier this week, Representative Broxson met with the Secretary of Transportation, Ananth Prasad, in Tallahassee and discussed ideas to make this section of highway safer.  Following the meeting, the Secretary ordered a safety study to begin on Highway 98 that could offer a number of recommendations to increase visibility, reduce speeding and improve road safety. 

“This is a tragic situation,” said Representative Broxson.  “Highway 98 continues to be a major peril to our citizens, and we are doing everything we can to alleviate the causes.  We must protect our residents and make this community a safer place to travel.”

Statement by Rep. Broxson Regarding the Repeal of Septic Tank Inspections

Today, the Florida House of Representatives passed HB 999, the septic tank inspection repeal and has sent it to the Senate for approval.  Removing this burden from our citizens is a priority and I am proud to have co-sponsored this bill for the second straight year.  It is my goal to see that this over-bearing state mandate is finally repealed so that the residents of Northwest Florida will not be subject to costly inspections of their septic tanks that are not justifiable.  Last year, the House overwhelmingly supported the repeal, but it failed to pass through the Senate. 

Representative Doug Broxson
State Representative District 1

Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County Schools Earn Top Rankings

State Representative Doug Broxson (District 1) commends Superintendents Tim Wyrosdick and Alexis Tibbetts, and the faculty, students, and staff of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County Schools.  Out of the 67 school districts in the state of Florida, Santa Rosa County was ranked 2^nd and Okaloosa County was ranked 6^th overall.    According to the  Florida Department of Education, “The numerical ranking is based on each district’s total points derived from FCAT scores. Districts are awarded one point for each percent of students in the district who were enrolled for the full year who score on grade level or higher on the FCAT and make annual learning gains (800 possible points).”

Representative Broxson recognizes the efforts of the educators in each of these counties.  Broxson explains, “These rankings show how the fundamentals of hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and administrators produce exceptional results.  I continually brag to my colleagues in the Florida House that there is no better place to live than the Panhandle and this report proves that.”

For more information and a full list of Counties please visit: https://app2.fldoe.org/SchoolDistrictRanking/

 

Representatives Broxson Co-Sponsors Septic Tank Repeal

Representative Doug Broxson (District 1) has co-sponsored House Bill 79, a bill proposed again this year by Representative Marti Coley, to repeal the law requiring state mandated septic tank inspections.  Rep. Broxson co-sponsored this same legislation during the 2011 legislative session.  That bill had a great deal of support in the House, but did not pass through the Senate before session ended.  The current law requires state wide septic tank inspections every five years at the home owner’s expense.  Representative Broxson believes this regulation is excessive and over-reaching.  “This is an issue that the counties need to resolve locally, the state doesn’t need to dictate a solution.”  Broxson states, “The local governments can investigate this matter and determine if there are any pollution problems in their county.”