[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6426660,"mediaKeyId","5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961","parentId",5888315,"title","Commissioners hear resident concerns about ambulance billing and write-offs; staff outline steps to curb high utilizers","audioSeconds",1328,"startMs",3688000,"endMs",5016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961&start=3688&end=5016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961/thumbnail_3688000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6426660/Escambia-County/Florida/Commissioners-hear-resident-concerns-about-ambulance-billing-and-write-offs-staff-outline-steps-to-curb-high-utilizers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426660-79f0dfd5b39dec45bf30c46ab65c5575/orig.mp4?Expires=1776201033&Signature=S7rWTthexPc2P1xyDJIvXIrBpxJC54mzxMWghrYDQedwzFlrx3VjhwSIWHOAi5SR8JsuPNhmN3BN4M9zYFd9JcIjrOg8imAyrSugV11M6w6byoq4~LBtd6~AcqAwr58zcQwh~rAB4pizYaxDRpsAt0N7KXlUrR9DxPO04qy8tQYDHdqeC2wXyU7faLEcVUarDhcWGTohW6NpAPexmuJNteTi2SMn~RPRfTMmnBjqQQRadTLjhH6-67RCYo2RaqE5wgm2qmJ-MpWyFnp9gFKHsrydOM8MBDtEoPRmxt6ZumTcOlxjkA9esz-FgE0rLQWxOd0LaHLymPyUMV~Eaj~7lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Escambia County","date","2025-10-07T01:14:30Z","article","Residents and commissioners discussed ambulance billing, reported write-offs and ongoing work to reduce nonemergency ambulance use at the Oct. 2 Escambia County commission meeting.

Public concern: Several members of the public cited news reports that the county or its contractor was planning large write-offs for ambulance billing. \"If we pay for EMS, we're paying the people. We're training the people. We pay for the gas. It's our money,\" said Mary Konopka, a resident who asked for clearer information about the accounting and timing of write-offs.

County and board response: Commissioners and staff said some headline figures reflect multi-year accounting and timing differences rather than a single-year loss. County staff and the EMS chief said the department operates with enterprise-style revenues but that collection and write-off timing can distort public-facing totals. Commissioner discussion focused on two related goals: ensuring timely, transparent reporting of revenue/collections and reducing nonemergency ambulance calls that can divert resources from true emergencies.

Planned measures: County staff, including the EMS chief, said they are formalizing a plan to identify \"high utilizers\" and to work with hospitals on mobile-integrated-health programs that provide alternatives to ambulance transport when appropriate. The chief said three hospitals have indicated buy-in; staff are working on costs and an implementation plan to present to the administrator and board.

Education and telemedicine: Commissioners and staff discussed public education campaigns to clarify when to call 911 and to encourage use of primary-care options over ambulance transport for nonemergency conditions. Staff noted a prior telemedicine approach yielded a large bill for some patients, which prompted the county to pause that specific program and seek alternatives.

What was not decided: Commissioners did not approve a large write-off at the meeting. No rate or policy change was adopted. Staff committed to return with a more detailed plan, clearer accounting on write-offs and outreach to frequent users.

Ending: Officials said they will pursue public education, hospital partnerships and program design changes and will return to the board with a formal plan and clearer financial reporting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Public Forum & BCC Meeting | October 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and commissioners discussed ambulance billing, reported write-offs and ongoing work to reduce nonemergency ambulance use at the Oct. 2 Escambia County commission meeting.","taxTitle","Escambia County, Florida","taxId",12773,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426686,"Residents urge Escambia County to adopt customary-use beach access ordinance following state law change",1108,306000,1414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961&start=306&end=1414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961/thumbnail_306000.jpg","/articles/6426686/Escambia-County/Florida/Residents-urge-Escambia-County-to-adopt-customary-use-beach-access-ordinance-following-state-law-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426686-d4f4b62c11748e4e284e0ea262e3da5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776201033&Signature=OcFbMSB-9hdYOEF-hwQzmb57UkeqlwcP5O-uFuOzqWOZVjoWm7nvU1C72xlHJQDG4pYXJ6NeQ~ReLovWbrjQA2MRkxWPlkRlyS2jNEKtWhACX96wUAdpy85V9vu9dvw~EavsA0q4DAvz4zwNz-rCHubDLYgtTOAZX1udWz8q~~~K1iPgxBh0TtIbTPu3Ox~fzes5tFX6nJyGUg-gewROWx8DncahFV-4QlQeEGL57FXCIGlhv2YPA9rBHGzkLoPNf-U~RL6qTgljERB8xFMxXlPRFJUJHepUwACEpwQFYxV5trC~32yE-EyCA-hqOUz-ivPQrRTvz3oo6o2C0s~vuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents told the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 2 that the county should move quickly to adopt a local ordinance implementing a recently enacted state law on customary public use of beaches.

Supporters said the Legislature’s action — identified in public remarks as Senate Bill 1622 — restored pre-2018 conditions and removed a requirement for a prior judicial declaration in some cases. \"He signed it. So Senate Bill 1622 is a law,\" said Gary Holt, who urged the board to put the matter on a future agenda.

Why it matters: County residents and property owners said a local ordinance would secure recreational public access for future generations, preserve coastal recreation and resolve local disputes without repeated litigation. Several speakers warned that local action is needed while parallel litigation over mapped beach easements proceeds; county staff said the court case remains the immediate legal issue.

What commissioners heard: Speakers in favor of customary use included Gary Holt, Diane Crummell and other Perdido Key residents who described longstanding, historical recreational use of local beaches and urged the board to act. Charles Krupnick, a Perdido Key resident, told commissioners he opposed adopting customary use on Perdido Key, saying beachfront owners purchased properties with expectations of private use and that many properties are rentals or second homes.

County staff response: A county legal representative said the county is currently defending litigation over whether a 75-foot-wide public easement exists across roughly 1.2 miles of beachfront as shown on 1950s-era plats. \"That case is going to have to go into a court-ordered mediation later in the month of October, and it is yet to be resolved by the court,\" a county attorney said during public comment. The attorney added that customary-use implementation would require evidentiary steps — witnesses and historical proofs of recreational use — and an ordinance to be defensible in court.

What was not decided: Commissioners did not vote on an ordinance at the meeting. Several commissioners acknowledged the state law change and the ongoing litigation; one commissioner said staff and legal would continue discussions and that the litigation is \"front burner.\" No formal direction adopting an ordinance was issued at the meeting.

Context and next steps: Speakers said the governor issued an executive action and that passage of SB 1622 removed a statutory barrier created in 2018, but county staff emphasized the local legal posture remains contingent on the pending court case over the 75-foot easement. Commissioners signaled interest in further review and possible agendaing, but gave no timetable for action.

Ending: Commissioners did not adopt new policy at the Oct. 2 meeting. Residents who spoke said they will continue to press the board to place customary-use legislation on a future agenda and to secure public beach access for the future.","Multiple residents asked the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to adopt local rules implementing Senate Bill 1622, which supporters say restores customary public use of beaches; county staff said ongoing litigation over a 75-foot easement remains the top priority.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426679,"Navy Point residents press commissioners to protect linear park; cite 1944 covenant and oppose development",170,1634000,1804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961&start=1634&end=1804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961/thumbnail_1634000.jpg","/articles/6426679/Escambia-County/Florida/Navy-Point-residents-press-commissioners-to-protect-linear-park-cite-1944-covenant-and-oppose-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426679-08bea3c321db7588b7865a13c9901777/orig.mp4?Expires=1776201033&Signature=fCCIiz6ztfcRGScbgoOGYxML4hKDKxr0k5bxv0g2mQ5dJsrbJN3CD77rEuNax5UFR0r4kmPhEDhQnAeeA6NpGxqOZyvxINZaklM-0wDPGExdDOni~gqw9nj9NWc78-MDjkzq9OnssjEEuh8gcceamyq3frguXT6zd64FZq8wtG0u1Y1i2R4VFSEXUKx-umaNL0zJUbzlyMzmdE881-xoa9eEIgnPvKloz~JlzM58vd8yFrjb5BcHm5uG0NwEsG2b~Vm710lqOBY0tmxcnN4CqQhe-RQDSqgpr9OvsX0ls~VdpG1StBg7iMHNlzR~hMR1kU3kfmwWnbN1SjyZvFnkTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Longtime residents of the Navy Point neighborhood urged the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 2 to enact protections for Navy Point Linear Park, which they said was dedicated to the public in 1944 and includes a 2.25-mile waterfront walking path.

Why it matters: Residents said Navy Point Linear Park is a unique public asset — a tree‑shaded peninsula offering continuous waterfront access — and should be protected from redevelopment, encroachment and tree removal. They cited a 1944 dedication and covenant that, they said, prohibits permanent structures on the park land.

Speakers and claims: Ted Hawthorne, who identified himself as president of the Navy Point Neighborhood Watch, described the park as \"a rare gem\" and asked the board to \"pass an ordinance that permanently safeguards Navy Point Linear Park from redevelopment, encroachment, or habitat loss.\" Longtime residents Pat Page, Rhonda Eubanks and others recounted family histories in the neighborhood and said the original plat dedications and covenants require that the park remain free of permanent structures.

Residents asked the board to preserve mature trees and to stop any proposals that could lead to boat houses, wharves or similar construction. Several speakers said prior confusion about legal language and county memoranda led to neighborhood divisions and asked for a clear, formal county commitment.

Board response and next steps: Board members and the county administrator said they heard the concerns and would work with legal staff. One commissioner said he would meet with staff and neighborhood representatives and that \"it's not gonna happen on Navy Point Park\" in the near term; no ordinance vote or adoption occurred at the Oct. 2 meeting.

What was not decided: The board did not adopt an ordinance, nor did it direct staff to return a draft ordinance for a vote. Commissioners asked staff to review the plat language, covenants and county legal position and to bring back options for protecting the park.

Ending: Residents left the meeting urging a formal, permanent safeguard for Navy Point Linear Park. County officials acknowledged the historical dedication and said they would study legal options and discuss next steps with neighborhood leaders.","Multiple Navy Point residents asked the Escambia County Commission to adopt an ordinance or other measures to preserve Navy Point Linear Park’s public parkland and tree canopy, citing an original 1944 dedication and covenant prohibiting structures; commissioners said staff would review options but made no formal commitment to an ordinance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426666,"Commission approves partial release of code-enforcement lien to allow Habitat for Humanity sale to proceed",3834,2676000,6510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961&start=2676&end=6510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888315-de236b0eb4a4f1558ad03d002f9cb961/thumbnail_2676000.jpg","/articles/6426666/Escambia-County/Florida/Commission-approves-partial-release-of-code-enforcement-lien-to-allow-Habitat-for-Humanity-sale-to-proceed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426666-86c5389e0f7f5422d8c187bfd61a3530/orig.mp4?Expires=1776201033&Signature=jAaMPEZ1aWhtpJhxL4lxG2PkBnkaG9aw7kGcAhnpJ6xIcdXS~swviluqgDARUcS~vo48MtESvqvUl1CCPDJOPeg9i26eF7a7KqAXGBBXxYEIE73zapH6mtFnxYSHUzuj994X2IpYvjlIuLy2rD2jUNq30dt5Ze9wnQ1Fgtz0vXlLpjV8nHN4T9oKP3JAyq-S3BJXsc5Ng6ZXdQoM-cuPzWJnUgWVEqmxt4EmXVHFIJvzm4ZHRLRMNMvfr6aQORUy0Q2PNoTPDDvLwY~vVlBq9lRCr-Ud5YrLHBhm3JmtM9RQb3Wc5CpgHwH3CYhQSqT-FynUlUxPmuRDLQWr86YTvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 Oct. 2 to grant a partial release of code-enforcement liens tied to a lot so the owner can complete a sale to Habitat for Humanity.

What the owner said: Charles Charbonneau, who identified himself as a local real-estate investor, told the board he purchased a distressed lot, demolished the dilapidated structure and brought that parcel into compliance. He said the title company flagged a separate property still owned by the same seller that carried continuing code-enforcement liens. Those liens prevented clear title for the lot Charbonneau sought to sell to Habitat for Humanity.

Board action: Commissioners approved a motion to issue a partial release for the Q Street parcel in exchange for a $250 payment; the board specified the payment would be placed into the county general fund and would not be credited to the noncompliant Gonzales Street parcel. The board record shows the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The partial release clears a legal obstacle so Habitat for Humanity can close on the lot and proceed with affordable-housing construction, while leaving fines and potential abatement actions pending against the other property still out of compliance.

Clarifying details: County staff said the original lien figure on the first property had exceeded $17,000 but had previously been reduced and the owner paid $536 to resolve that case. For the other property still in violation, fines were continuing to accrue at a daily rate; county staff told the board the current total was not final because fines are ongoing.

Ending: The board’s action removed a title impediment to a planned affordable-housing sale while preserving county ability to pursue fines and abatement on the remaining noncompliant parcel.","The board voted 5-0 to partially release county code‑enforcement liens on a lot so the owner can complete a sale to Habitat for Humanity; the board accepted $250 as the clearing amount and said the funds would go to the county general fund, leaving fines on the other noncompliant property intact.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners hear resident concerns about ambulance billing and write-offs; staff outline steps to curb high utilizers

Residents urge Escambia County to adopt customary-use beach access ordinance following state law change

Navy Point residents press commissioners to protect linear park; cite 1944 covenant and oppose development

Commission approves partial release of code-enforcement lien to allow Habitat for Humanity sale to proceed