Scenes From Molino: The Tornado Cleanup Continues
February 20, 2008
Lives were slowly coming back together in Molino Tuesday following Sunday’s tornado. NorthEscambia.com spent a few hours Tuesday walking around the hardest hit areas talking to residents and just observing.
At the Masonic Lodge in “Old Molino” we found members removing furniture from the building. The early 1900’s building, which once housed Molino’s Ford dealership, lost its entire roof during the Sunday tornado. Downstairs, the hanging ceiling panels are sagging under the weight of the water they are holding up. Upstairs, there’s the constant drip-drip of water dripping from old wood tongue and groove beaded ceiling (pictured left, click to enlarge). It has began to bow and buckle from the water. Water sloshes from the carpet with each step. Lodge members will be pulling the carpet out soon.
Back outside on Molino road, it is quiet. A stark contrast to Sunday’s sounds of emergency vehicles and chainsaws. Monday’s sightseers and television news crews are gone. The rhythmic tapping of a hammer or the sounds of a chainsaw breaks the quiet sound of birds chirping under picture perfect blue skies.
At Michelle Mitchell’s home on Molino Road, the roof is still on this car she had bought about a week ago from Sandy Sansing. When the dealership heard what happened, they replaced the crushed car with a convertible in an even trade.
At one mobile home a storage “pod” was delivered for the family’s belongings. Their trailer was picked up and put back down by the tornado. Just up the street, the smell of gas permeates from a motor home that was flipped upside down.
At Highland Baptist Church on Highway 95A, a blue tarp covers the spot in the roof where the church’s steeple had stood for 19 years. The steeple is in three pieces in the parking lot; a damaged car struck by the steeple still sits in the parking lot. The cross from the top of the steeple is propped up on the building’s porch.
County crews were hard at work just down from the church, working to remove a massive cedar tree and replace street signs twisted by the tornado. Crews were on the roof of the old Molino School repairing a hole in the roof.
On Crest Lane, Crest Place and Crest Way there was a great deal of activity. Generators were humming at homes that still did not have power due to damage from the storm. Contractors and restoration companies were everywhere. Some roofs were covered with old vinyl billboards, others with tarps, to protect against the elements.
A Gulf Power worker was high on the pole of a high voltage transmission line that was downed by the storm. A local pastor was visiting with people in the neighborhood. Allied Waste was delivering trash cans to replace those carried away by the tornado.
Pretty much everyone that NorthEscambia.com visited with Tuesday echoed the same thought…thankfulness. They were thankful that they were still alive, and thankful that no one was injured in the EF-1 tornado. Many, even people standing in front of homes that were no longer habitable, were quick to thank God.
NorthEscambia.com did observe two bothersome scenes on our tour of Molino. A contractor with an Pace/Milton area phone number has placed signs advertising their services on the streets around the damaged areas. To editorialize just a bit: NorthEscambia.com finds that just plain tacky.
We also observed a group of men looking for work. They parked their van out of site of a house. One went to the door looking for a job doing “anything” for him and his friends. He was turned away and went back to the van. Another man got out of the van and went to the homeowner’s door looking for work for his crew as a contractor.
For a complete photo gallery from Tuesday’s continuing cleanup in Molino, click here.
Another Candidate Enters School Superintendent Race
February 20, 2008
Another candidate has entered the race for Escambia County School Superintendent. Republican Alan Scott of Cantonment pre-qualified for the general election on Tuesday.
The other candidates currently in the race are Democrats Myra Simmons and Cary Stidham, and Republican Jim Paul.
Paul has publicly stated that he intends to drop out of the race following a DUI arrest in Pinellas County.
Tornado Strikes Molino; Cleanup Will Continue
February 19, 2008
The cleanup continues in Molino today after Sunday’s destructive tornado carved a destructive path through the community. People spent the day Monday surveying the situation, picking up the pieces of their lives the storm left scattered around their community.
The E-F1 tornado destroyed at least four homes in Molino about noon Sunday. Escambia County officials say at least 60 other structures were damaged by the twister along at least a two and a half mile path. At least 20 of those structures suffered major damage. There were no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has been going door to door in the Molino area passing out storm recovery kits, providing recovery help and generally just providing a should to lean upon.
NorthEscambia.com has photos of the actual tornado. Click here for the story.
Many homes in the Crest Lane area were damaged, with at least one house destroyed. Other suffered significant roof damage. As the tornado continued on a path to the northeast, it took the steeple off Highland Baptist Church and caused roof damage to the sanctuary. The steeple landed in the church parking lot, damaging at least four cars.
Church members said the service was about to end when they got word of the approaching tornado. Everyone evacuated the sanctuary and sought shelter in the church fellowship hall, a brick building with no windows. They prayed and sang songs as the storm approached, member said.
On Molino Road, near Brickyard Road, several more homes were damaged. The roof was completely gone from several houses and the Masonic Lodge building. One mobile home was flipped upside down and others were heavily damaged.
Gulf Power company cut power to about 4,500 people in the Molino area as a safety precaution. Power lines were down all around the area with many poles snapped in half. Electricity has been restored to most areas. For more information on the power situation, click here for an additional story.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the Molino tornado, click here.
Power Restored To All Homes Not Damaged
February 19, 2008
About 4,500 customers were without power in the Molino area after an apparent tornado touchdown around noon Sunday. But most of those customers are now back on. Gulf Power says that electricty has been restored to every home or business in the area that is not damaged.
After the storm, Gulf Power cut power as a precaution to the entire Molino area due to the large number of power lines down. Up to 4,500 customers were in the dark at one point. About 1,500 of them have had their power restored. A major high voltage feeder line was also damaged in the storm.
A major outage was also reported after a different storm in the Walnut Hill area. Customers were without power for about two hours.
Pictures above: Power poles all around the path of the storm were snapped and power lines were down all around the Molino area, like this pole snapped in front of a home off Crest Lane. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo. Click to enlarge
Photos Of Molino Tornado
February 19, 2008
Kristi Smith of Molino submitted these photos of the Molino tornado touching down about noon Sunday in the Crest Lane area. These photos were taken from the area of Casey Lane off Highway 95A looking back about three miles to the north northwest.
If you have photos of the tornado, email them to news@northescambia.com along with your name.
Pictures above and below: The Molino tornado touching down Sunday. NorthEscambia.com submitted photos by Kristi Smith. Click either photo to enlarge.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the Molino tornado, click here.
After The Storm: Information, Phone Numbers You Need To Know
February 19, 2008
After a storm like the apparent tornado in Molino Sunday, there are important next steps for those that have damage.
NorthEscambia.com has tips residents and business owners below. At the bottom of this page, you will find a list of important phone numbers to know.
Your Need To Know: Making The Claim
Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible. Let them know about your losses. If you are relocated temporarily, provide the address and phone number. The claim process may begin in one of two ways. Your insurance company may send a claim form for you to complete or an adjuster may visit your home first, before you are asked to fill out any forms.
Most homeowners policies cover additional living expenses. Your insurance company should advance you money if you need temporary shelter, food and clothing because you can no longer live in your home and your clothes have been ruined. They will also advance you money if you need to replace major household items immediately to continue living there.
Keep receipts for everything you spend. Make sure the check for additional living expenses is made out to you and not your mortgage, the bank or other lender. This money has nothing to do with repairs to your home and you may have difficulty depositing or cashing the check without their signature.
Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. This must include covering breaks or holes in the roof, walls or windows with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material. Your insurance company will reimburse you for the costs of your repairs, so keep receipts for any materials you buy. Do not have permanent repairs made without first consulting your agent. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed.
Avoid using electrical appliances, including televisions and stereos, which have been exposed to water, unless a technician has checked them.
If your car was damaged and you have “comprehensive” coverage in your auto insurance policy, you should also contact your auto insurance company.
Make as many photographs as possible of damage for documentation.
Your Need To Know: Preparing For The Adjuster’s Visit
An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess the damage. The more information you have about your possessions the faster your claim can be settled. You should already have a complete inventory of the items in your home that includes a description of the item, model and serial numbers (if applicable) and the original cost and what it would cost to replace it.
Make a list of damaged items. Take photographs of the damage and put together a set of records for each item that includes any old receipts or bills. Don’t forget to list items such as clothing, sports equipment, tools, china and linens, etc.
Don’t throw away damaged furniture or other items because the adjuster will want to see them.
Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster when they arrive. In some cases, the adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer or architect to inspect the property. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies will pay for these inspections.
If possible, get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on the repair work. This should make adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
Homeowners insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage but they do cover other kinds of water damage. For example, they would generally pay for damage from rain coming through a hole in the roof or a broken window as long as the hole was caused by a hurricane or other disaster covered by the policy. You need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage from any rising water. Contact your insurance agent regarding your coverage and the need for flood insurance.
If your home was severely damaged, you may have to rebuild sections in accordance with current building codes. In some cases, complying with the code may require a change in design or building materials and may cost more. Generally, homeowners insurance policies will not pay for these extra costs. Some insurance companies offer an endorsement that pays for a specified amount toward such changes.
Most insurance companies will pay for removal of trees that have fallen on your home but they will not pay to remove trees that have fallen and haven’t caused any damage to your home. Neither will they pay to replace trees or shrubbery that have been damaged by the storm.
Now is the time you should get an “insurance checkup”. Contact your insurance agent and make sure what your policy covers and doesn’t cover. After a disaster is not the time for surprises and finding out that you are not covered for losses.
Your Need To Know: Phone Numbers
- Emergencies: 911
- Gulf Power Company: 505-5711 or (800) 487-6937
- Frontier Communications: 611 or 587-5119 or (800) 476-4001 (611 will not reach Frontier from a cellular phone)
- Bright House Cable: (866) 876-1872
- Energy Services of Pensacola (ESP): 474-5300
- DirecTV: (800) 494-4388
- Dish Network: (888) 284-7116
- Escambia County Sheriff: 436-9630
- American Red Cross: 432-7601
- Salvation Army: 432-1501
- Florida Department of Insurance: 800-22-STORM
- Florida Department of Agriculture: 800-435-7352
- Attorney General (Consumer Fraud): 850-414-3600
- Crisis Counseling & Referral: 888-532-4006
Massive Emergency Response To Molino Tornado Touchdown
February 19, 2008
Dozens of emergency workers responded quickly to the Molino area following the report of a tornado touchdown about noon Sunday.
Volunteer fire departments from across the county joined other agencies in the response. An immediate assessment of the situation was done, looking for any injuries. There were no injuries reported.
Firefighters and other responders worked to clear the roadways of trees and other debris. Responders conducted a door to door search in the areas with heavy damage, checking to make sure residents were not injured. Firefighters also drove all of the roads around the area, looking for any additional damage.
Later in the afternoon, firefighters joined volunteers in covering damaged roofs with tarps.
Responders had to take shelter several times during the afternoon as additional storms moved across the area with high winds and lightning.
A command center was setup in the parking lot of the old Grocery Advantage at Molino Road and Highway 29.
Responders included:
- Escambia County Public Safety
- Escambia County Emergency Medical Services
- Escambia County Road Department
- Escambia County Animal Control
- Escambia County Sheriff?s Office
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Escambia County Fire Rescue
- Molino Volunteer Fire Department
- Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department
- McDavid Volunteer Fire Department
- Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department
- Ensley Volunteer Fire Department
- Escambia County Volunteer Firefighters Association members
- Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department
- Century Volunteer Fire Department
- Escambia Search and Rescue
- Lower Alabama Search and Rescue
- Gulf Power
- Bright House Cable
- American Red Cross
- State of Florida Division of Forestry
Pictured above: A Molino Volunteer Fire Department truck arriving at Highway 29 and Crest Lane.
Century Council Discusses Van Nevel, Other Ordinary Business
February 19, 2008
Helicopter Technologies still has not made a monthly payment for its use a Town of Century building in the town’s industrial park, Town Clerk Dorothy Sims reported to the council Monday night. The company was the focus of a government investigation that resulted in a federal raid back on January 9.
At the January meeting, Sims reported that the company and owner Georges Van Nevel was eight payments behind at $3,257.61. With the addition of a February payment, that would put Helicopter Technologies $29,318.49 behind.
“I think we need to be thinking about how much time we are going to give him,” Council President Ann Brooks said. “We can only give him so much time or you are going to have to give him an ultimatum.”
In a recent exclusive interview with NorthEscambia.com, Van Nevel said “The payment to the city. That one bothers me. I will recover and make it right.”
Mayor Freddie McCall stated that he would attempt to have Van Nevel attend the council’s next meeting on March 7.
In other business, the council heard brief presentations from Myra L. Simmons (pictured above right), a candidate for county school superintendent and John F. Hartman (pictured above left), a candidate for Escambia County Commission District 5.
Simmons said she wants to be school superintendent because “Escambia County needs new management”. Hartman said he is looking for a way “to serve my county”.
In the mayor’s report McCall reported that a sewage pump was in need of $5,560 of repairs. It would have cost the town $10,050 to replace the pump that is one of two pumps that pump treated wastewater from the sewage treatment plant to the Escambia River.
The council approved several requests by the mayor, including the purchase of t-shirts for town employees to replace uniform shirts that are currently rented. Six shirts each for ten employees will cost the town $950, McCall said. That will represent an annual savings $15,000 per year in uniform rental costs.
In other actions, the council:
- voted to purchase a bucket attachment for a backhoe for about $1,800 to increase efficiency when cleaning ditches around the town, and to purchase a $600 machine for sharpening chainsaw blades.
- voted to sell several vehicles to the highest bidder. The vehicles include at 1994 Ford F250, a 1991 Ford F150, a 1989 Chevrolet 1500 pickup and a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria police car.
- voted to impose a penalty on persons that rent city buildings and do not turn off the lights and heating or air conditioning when they leave the building.
- heard from council member Henry Hawkins who suggested that the town purchase a garbage truck and get into the garbage business, replacing the service currently offered under contract with the town by Allied Waste. No action was taken.
- heard from council member Nadine McCaw who pointed out pothole problems at several locations, including Highway 4 near Century Woods Apartments and Jefferson Avenue near the railroad crossing. McCall said the potholes would be repaired during the next period where the town went several days without rain.
- heard from several residents of Backwoods Road that complained about water pressure in their area. McCall said the situation would be fixed, but first the city had to obtain right of way easements before installing new water lines.
Tornado Classified as EF-1
February 19, 2008
The National Weather Service has preliminarily classified Sunday’s Molino tornado as an EF-1 on the Fujita Scale of tornado intensity. The EF-1 rating is the second lowest on the scale.
County officials said at least 60 homes and businesses were damaged, with at least four homes destroyed when the tornado struck just after noon Sunday.
An EF-1 tornado packs winds of 73-112 miles per hour and is capable of peeling the surface off roofs, pushing mobile homes off their foundations or overturning them, and destroying sheds and a garages. It is considered a “moderate” tornado.
The path of the storm was about 200 yards wide according to the weather service. They have not issued an official length of the storm’s path, but damage was observed over a path two and a half miles long from Highway 29, across Crest Lane, across Highway 95A near Highland Baptist all the way to Molino Road and Brickyard Road.
The last tornado prior to Sunday reported in Molino was October 4, 1995, when a F-0 twister made a brief touchdown at 10:45 in the morning. The only damage reported was to trees and power lines.
Since 1990, there have only been four other F-1 strength tornadoes in Escambia County. The most recent was October 18 of last year when a tornado went through the Warrington and downtown Pensacola areas before dissipating near Cordova Mall.
Passport Fair To Be Held This Monday Only At Century Post Office
February 18, 2008
A “Passport Fair” will take place Monday only at the Century Post Office. Passport applications will be accepted, reviewed and processed during the event. The passport fair will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. President’s Day, Monday, February 18.
For more information, call 256-2376 .