Area Fire Departments Take Part In Live Burn, Other Training Saturday
February 16, 2020
Several area fire department took advantage of great weather Saturday for training held in two locations.
Live burn training was held in Flomaton, as a condemned structure was burned. The Flomaton, Barnett Crossroads, Lambeth and Friendship fire departments took part, along with the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
In Bellview, Tower 7 from the Ferry Pass Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Engine 1-B Watch from Bellview trained together Saturday under the instruction of Lt. Jim Allen.
For more photos from both locations, click here.
Pictured top: Live burn training in Flomaton (courtesy Bamascannews). Pictured below: Training at the Escambia Fire Rescue Bellview Station. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Returns For Most Of The Week
February 16, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Washington’s Birthday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Patchy dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Patchy dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Areas of dense fog before 9am. High near 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely. Patchy dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59.
This Week’s Traffic Delay Spots To Watch
February 16, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10 / U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday,
Feb. 16.- Detroit Boulevard will be closed west of U.S. 29 at the railroad tracks through 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 for railroad reconstruction. Detroit Boulevard between Untreiner Avenue and U.S. 29 will be open to local traffic only. All other traffic will be directed to Hannah Street, Untreiner Avenue, and Broad Street.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
- U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Pensacola Bay (U.S. 98) Bridge Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 16.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29-New Market Street will experience intermittent road closures through Saturday, Feb. 22 as drainage work continues. Traffic is detoured to Parkside Street and Milestone Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and alternate route.
- · I-110 Striping Operations from Gregory Street to Davis Highway- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 through Tuesday, Feb. 18 as crews stripe and place pavement markers along the roadway.
- · U.S. 29 Underground Utility Operations from Kenmore Road to West Hoper Road- There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 28.
- · Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Bridge Maintenance- The westbound, outside lane on the Lillian Bridge will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 as crews perform bridge deck repairs.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for through March 2020.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Crews continue roadway earthwork and preparations for base material. The roadway remains temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Traffic has been transitioned to the new bridge. Crews are working on grading, concrete ditch pavement, and removal of the temporary acrow bridge. Watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 16.
- · U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction between Reagan Road and Serosa Drive- The eastbound, inside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 through Thursday, Feb. 20.
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements. East and westbound lane closures at Bostic Lane will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities continue at the following seven locations: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive. Crews continue curb and gutter, traffic separator, roadway work, and irrigation repairs. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn Lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations are taking place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Flomaton Native Serving With Helicopter Squadron Blue Hawks
February 16, 2020
As a member of the newest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Airman Apprentice Jack Coppenger is continuing a tradition while also creating a new legacy. Coppenger is an aviation machinist’s mate who is responsible for helicopter mechanic work and making sure everything is maintained and ready to go for the pilots serving with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 which supports the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
“My favorite part about my job is learning mechanic work,” said Coppenger. “I have always been interested in that for my future career.”
Coppenger is a 2016 Flomaton High School graduate and native of Flomaton, Alabama.
According to Coppenger, joining the Navy is a fresh start for him after he moved out of Flomaton.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations. Sailors assigned to HSM-78 participate in these operations, along with anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface weapons systems missions.
The helicopter squadron’s mascot is a blue hawk, which is symbolic of the dominance, versatility and lethality Seahawk helicopters have in combat.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
HSM-78 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Coppenger is most proud of earning Blue Hawk of the Month in November 2019.
“They pick one person in the squadron who performs the best and that is what I did in November, so I earned that award,” said Coppenger.
For Coppenger, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Coppenger hopes to continue.
“My grandfather was in the Army and Coast Guard,” said Coppenger. “It makes me proud to be able to carry it along in the family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Coppenger, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy makes me very proud to do what I do and allows me to learn how to be a good mechanic,” said Coppenger.
District Basketball Championships: Tate, Jay Both Fall Short
February 16, 2020
In FHSAA boy’s basketball District championship action Saturday, both Tate and Jay fell short.
Milton upset top seed Tate 48-47 in a 6A heartbreaker, and Jay lost at Paxton 55-32 in 1A.
B-17 Bomber Flies The Skies Above Escambia County
February 16, 2020
Escambia County residents may have seen a B-17 bomber in the skies Saturday.
It was part of the Liberty Foundation’s 2020 Salute to Veterans Tour. The B-17 known as “Ye Olde Pub” was built in 1944 and is newly painted with the markings of the 379th Bomb Group.
We are told the B-17 flew over North Escambia Saturday morning for maintenance checks.
The plane tours the country for flight experiences and was at Pensacola Aviation, 4145 Jerry L Maygarden Road through Sunday afternoon.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Spanish Speaking Volunteers Needed For Primary
February 16, 2020
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections is looking for Spanish speakers willing to assist with the Presidential Preference Primary.
This volunteer opportunity will take place Tuesday, March 17.
If you would like to find out more, please email Vicki Mizrahi or call her at (850) 595-3900.
Update: Escaped Alabama Work Release Inmate Recaptured
February 15, 2020
UPDATE: This escaped inmate was recaptured Saturday afternoon.
Previous story:
Authorities are searching for an inmate that escaped early Saturday morning in Escambia County, Alabama.
Hunter Craig Madden, 33, escaped from the work release barracks behind the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton, according to Sheriff Heath Jackson.
He is described as being 6-foot tall, 185-pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Madden was being held on charges of failure to appear, possession of a forged instrument, attempting to elude and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jackson said Madden is not considered dangerous.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office at (251) 809-0741 or 911.
Early Morning Fire Near Atmore Claims One Life, Injures Child
February 15, 2020
A woman died in in an early morning fire north of Atmore early Saturday morning.
The fire was reported at 1:12 a.m. on Martinville Loop, just east of Highway 21. The wood frame home was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
After the fire was knocked down, the body of an adult female was found, officials told NorthEscambia.com. Four other people escaped the blaze, including a small child that suffered minor burns that were not considered serious. The name of the victim has not yet been released.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Saying Goodbye To Longtime Firefighter Dennis Rigby (With Photo Gallery)
February 15, 2020
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Family, friends and fellow firefighters bid farewell Friday to Dennis Rigby, 60, of Oak Grove. He passed away February 10 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
On Friday, he was laid to rest with full firefighter’s honors at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Rigby’s flag-draped reclaimed barnwood casket was carried to the cemetery on the back of a 1946 Mack fire truck, passing under a large American flag flying high above North Highway 99 from an Escambia Fire Rescue ladder truck.
An Escambia Fire Rescue honor guard presented his widow Sherri Rigby with the American flag.. His daughter, Kristi Rigby Hughes, was given his helmet, and son Chad Rigby received his badge.
Next month would have marked 40 years for Rigby as a volunteer for Walnut Hill Volunteer Department, and he also served as the department chief from 1988 to 1989. In 2012, he was named Officer of the Year and honored for his decades of service to the department.
During his 32-year career with the Escambia County, he most recently worked as fleet maintenance supervisor for Escambia County Solid Waste before his retirement last October. In 2018, he was honored by the Escambia County Commission for his long career.
Donations in Rigby’s honor can be made to the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
