ECUA Continues Recycling Facility Fire Repairs
August 20, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is continuing to urge customers to stay in the recycling habit as repairs continue on their recycling facility following a fire last month.
The recyclables are being collected as normal, but they are being landfilled for now.
The ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) was damaged in a July 15 fire, requiring significant cleanup and repair work.
“The first few weeks following the fire were spent assessing the damage and investigating the source of the fire. While investigators were not able to make a final determination as to the cause of the fire, it is strongly suspected that batteries or a propane tank caught in the metals’ sorting equipment ignited, and fire erupted, in this area. This serves as a stark reminder that such combustible materials should not be placed in the recycling carts,” ECUA Public Information Officer Nathalie Bowers said. “Once the assessment and investigation were completed, deep cleaning of the entire facility began to remove all smoke residue and fire-damaged equipment. This phase is largely complete, as is a complete inventory of damaged conveyor belts, rollers, bearings, and electrical conduit and wiring. Some of the electrical components were damaged by water in the firefighting effort.”
Replacement parts have been ordered, and they are being installed as they arrive.
“The one item that will have the longest lead time is the replacement magnet that provides the sorting capability in the metals’ sorting area. While we are waiting for its arrival, ECUA staff are evaluating the relocation of this sorting station and associated equipment to the front of the operation for a potentially more efficient process,” Bowers said.
For now, ECUA does not have a specific restart day for the MRF as they await parts and equipment.
Pictured above and below: Inside the ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Perdido Landfill as cleanup was beginning. Pictured bottom: Smoke pours from the MRF on Thursday, July 15. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Church Children And Youth Buy Stuffed Animals For Escambia Sheriff’s Office
August 20, 2021
The children and youth of Poplar Dell Baptist Church near Byrneville raised almost $1,000 during their Vacation Bible School during the summer.
The funds were used to purchase stuff animals for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“We know that sometimes children are in serious or scary situations, and perhaps these stuffed animals can help them feel a little bit more at ease or secure,” said Louise Gandy, Poplar Dell’s VBS director.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Has Three New Public Info Staffers. Here’s The Info To Know About Them.
August 20, 2021
As Escambia County Director for Communications and Public Information Laura Coale resigned, three new public information employees were hired in Escambia County.
(For an earlier story about Coale’s resignation, click here.)
The three new employees hold positions other than that being vacated by Coale on October 1.
Andie Gibson is the media and public information manager, Davis Wood is the public information and education officer for Public Safety and Sarah Stanford is the multimedia communications specialist for West Florida Public Libraries.
Here’s the information to know about each:
Andie Gibson, media and public information manager
Andie Gibson is local to Pensacola and a fifth-generation native of Escambia County. She is a graduate of the University of West Florida, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialization in public relations. Most recently, she served as the marketing content manager at Southern Vacation Rentals, a local property management company handling just over 1,100 properties across the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coastline. During her time there, she managed the company’s digital content strategy for web, social media and paid advertising. A highly skilled copywriter and content editor, her efforts helped drive one of the company’s most successful summer seasons in its 26-year history, exceeding sales goals in 2020 and again in 2021. She also worked closely with the business development division on owner acquisition strategies, working to expand the company into new markets and strengthen its brand reputation as a local leader in vacation rental management.
“Escambia County is my home – I’m excited to be here and for the opportunity to get involved with the community. I look forward to working with the team and continuing the work we’re doing to improve the lives of our citizens,” Gibson said.
Before Southern, she worked in retail store management where she was responsible for hiring and retaining talent, managing day-to-day store operations and regularly reviewing customer feedback for employee training and customer retention. She also oversaw the visual execution of the store and ensured the team met all financial and statistical goals.
Davis Wood, public information and education officer – Public Safety
Although new in the field of Community and Media Relations, Davis Wood arrives to Escambia County with years of media broadcasting and leadership experience as he begins his new journey as the public information and education officer with Escambia County’s Public Safety Department.
“I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter of my life with Escambia County. As a former member of the media, I’m excited to apply my skills and experiences to Public Safety,” Wood said.
Prior to his new role with Escambia County, Wood worked for ADX Communications from May 2017 to early August 2021, serving as the Program Director of NewsRadio 92.3 and ESPN Pensacola 1330AM/99.1FM, while also serving as the producer of the Pensacola Morning News with Andrew McKay and hosting his own sports talk show on Saturdays.
Wood obtained a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and film from the University of West Florida in 2018.
Sarah Stanford, multimedia communications specialist – Library Services
Sarah Stanford is the new multimedia communications specialist for Library Services in Escambia County. She is responsible for community and media relations for all seven libraries’ marketing, outreach and programming endeavors. She has previous experience in graphic design, marketing, market research and product development and management.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design from the University of West Florida and a Master of Science degree from Florida State University in global merchandising and product development. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children.
Local Utility Pursues Charges For Alleged Water Theft
August 20, 2021
A local utility is pursuing charges against a Century man for allegedly stealing water.
David Allen Cormany, 55, was charged with petit theft of utility services second degree and criminal mischief.
He is accused of breaking the lock off his water meter to restore water service to his residence on South Crary Road.
Central Water Works told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office they disconnected Cormany’s water service for nonpayment on May 24. By late July, the meter showed water usage of about 8,000 gallons, according to an arrest report. The water usage totaled $65.69 and the damaged equipment was valued at $57.56.
According to the ECSO, Cormany was given a chance to pay the bill and costs, but missed the deadline, and Central Water Works pursued criminal charges.
Cormany was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $200 bond.
Blue Wahoos: Ninth Inning Rally Falls Just Short On Mullets Thursday
August 20, 2021
Trailing the Shuckers 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Pensacola stranded two runners in scoring position and lost on Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Entering the ninth, Biloxi brought in their closer Braden Webb (S, 3), who historically had troubles against the Wahoos this season. After walking JJ Bleday, Webb surrendered a base hit to Peyton Burdick, which set up first and second with nobody out. After a strikeout of Jerar Encarnacion, both runners advanced on a wild pitch.
Unfortunately for the Wahoos, Griffin Conine followed with a groundout to first that failed to score Bleday from third. With two outs, Chris Chinea grounded out to third to end the game.
The Shuckers had taken the lead in the top of the ninth when Chad Spanberger hit a solo home run off Zack Leban (L, 1-1) to give the Shuckers the lead. Biloxi picked up their first run of the game in the top of the first when David Fry belted a solo homer off Pensacola’s starter Zach McCambley.
Thursday’s contest featured to phenomenal pitching performances from both starters. For the Shuckers, Carlos Luna pitched six innings allowed one run on four hits. McCambley—though he only pitched five innings—also allowed one run on four hits.
McCambley ran into trouble in the fifth when the Shuckers loaded the bases with nobody in the inning. However, the right-hander showed his moxie by retiring Gabe Holt with a force out at the plate. Then McCambley struck out David Hamilton before Garrett Mitchell grounded out to end the inning.
Pensacola’s series continues against Biloxi on Friday at 6:35 PM CT. Biloxi will send Lucas Erceg to the mound (0-5, 5.75) while Pensacola has yet to disclose their starter.
Game recap by Chris Garagiola
Navy Helicopter Crashes In Santa Rosa County, Two Injured
August 19, 2021
A Navy helicopter crashed in Santa Rosa County Thursday afternoon, injuring two on board.
About 1:50 p.m., a Navy TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopter assigned to Training Air Wing Five at NAS Whiting Field, was involved in a crash at Naval Outlying Landing Field (OLF) Santa Rosa near Milton.
Navy and local emergency services responded to the scene.
The two occupants, an instructor pilot and a student naval aviator, were transported to a local medical treatment facility in serious condition.
“Navy personnel are on scene and are cooperating fully with local authorities. The incident is under investigation,” said Julie Ziegenhorn, public affairs officer, NAS Whiting Field.
File photo.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Beulah Road Area, River Annex Road
August 19, 2021
A boil water notice that was issued Thursday has been lifted for the Beulah Road and River Annex Road areas.
The advisory was issued following a water main repair Thursday on River Annex Road at Muscogee Road for Farm Hill Utilities customers on Beulah Road, all sides roads off Beulah Road, along with the 100 and 200 blocks of River Annex Road.
Tests show the water is now safe to drink, according to Farm Hill Utilities.
The water main repair closed River Annex Road at Muscogee Road most of the day Thursday.
Escambia County Spokesperson Laura Coale Resigns; Three New PR Employees Hired
August 19, 2021
Escambia County Director for Communications and Public Information Laura Coale has resigned, and the county has hired three new public information staffers.
“I am very grateful to have served as the director for communications and public information at Escambia County. I am diligently training the new employees to ensure a smooth transition, and there are plans in place for additional crisis communications support if needed,” Coale wrote in an email to Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno.
Coale’s last day on the job will be October 1. She was hired in late 2019 by former administrator Janice Gilley.
The three new public information employees, filling previous vacant positions, are:
- Davis Wood, public information and education officer for Public Safety (He was previously on air at NewsRadio 92.3/1620 as “Davis Allen”.)
- Andie Gibson, media and public information manager
- Sarah Stanford, multimedia communications specialist for the library system
Former Sheriff Morgan Repays $37,500 For Statue Of Himself Bought With Taxpayer Money
August 19, 2021
Former Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan spent tens of thousands of dollars on a life-size bronze statue of himself before leaving office last year. And now Morgan has reimbursed the ECSO $37.500.
Morgan used $75,000 in taxpayer funds for statues from a New York state company. One was of Morgan in his sheriff’s uniform, complete with Air Force medals, while standing and saluting. The second was of former Escambia County Lt. Jason Potts and his K-9. They were ordered in April 2020, before Morgan left office. Two checks were written to cover the bill, one in April 2020 and the other in August 2020.
Morgan reportedly planned to place his 6-foot-4-inch statue on display near a fallen officer memorial in front of the Sheriff’s Office.
Current Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said Wednesday that Morgan’s statue will not see the light of day.
“I have no intention of putting the statue of the former sheriff here in front of this building or anywhere in this building,” Simmons said.
You don’t typically make a statue of yourself, and have the taxpayers pay for it,” Simmons added. “I think it’s a bit of a waste of money. That’s why I tried to cancel it whenever I first found it. I think it’s a bit brash. I think it has an air of narcissism to it.”
The name tag has been removed from the statue of Potts will his K-9. With it’s generic appearance as a deputy and K-9, it may still be used somewhere at the ECSO>
But Morgan’s statue will remain in storage.
“Maybe we can melt it down and make use of it. But at this point that statue is not going to be erected here at the Escambia Co. Sheriff’s Office,” Simmons said.
Thursday, Morgan reimbursed ECSO general fund for the cost of his statue using a cashier’s check.
Images via WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com. Click to enlarge.
ECUA Suspends All Bulk Waste Collections For This Week Due To Driver Shortage
August 19, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority has suspended all bulk waste collections due a driver shortage.
“Like many other organizations across the country, ECUA is experiencing staffing shortages among our sanitation collection crews, maintenance staff, and with our CDL drivers, which have been affecting our operations intermittently,” ECUA Public Information Office Nathalie Bowers said in a news release.
Bulk waste includes items such as couches, mattresses, desks and chairs. The bulk waste collections will remain suspended the rest of the week. ECUA is also not accepting any new extra sanitation pick up orders (above the usual weekly allowable limit) for bulk items until the current extra bulk waste collections are completed.
Collections for garbage, yard waste and recyclables remain on their normal schedules although ECUA said some routes may run behind schedule.
“If any waste collections are missed, it is likely that the truck did not finish its daily route and will complete its route the next day. All collections will be caught up by Saturday, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work through the greater-than-normal collection volumes and staffing issues,” Bowers said.
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