Local Hams Take To The Airwaves For Amateur Radio Field Day To Practice Emergency Communications
June 28, 2021
The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association will hold their annual field day this weekend during “Amateur Radio Week” in Escambia County.
“Field Day started out as kind of a civil defense thing back in the early, early days,” said ham operator Gene Bannon, call sign KB4HAH. “And then it kind of mushroomed it into an operation, practice drill, and a now it’s a contest. The whole goal for the amateurs is to basically go out where you normally don’t have your towers and equipment all set up and run on preferably emergency power.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
And for 24 hours this pst weekend, they did just that at Ashton Brosnaham Park.
Club member set up their amateur radio equipment — ranging from 1960s tube radios that literally glow in the dark to modern digital gear and satellite communications. With a generator and portable antennas, including a wire antenna running some 300 feet through the trees, they were soon communicating with ham operators across the United States and Canada. The goal was to reach another ham operator in Canadian province and U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
“You just basically practice emergency communications of course, and, by the way, make a contest out of so people will actually do it. Give them something to look forward to, even if it’s nothing more than bragging rights. Nobody gets a brand-new car out of the deal or anything.”
There were six amateur stations operating this year. Last year, during COVID-19, there were nine.
Local hams participate in providing emergency communications during hurricanes and other disasters when normal communications can be knocked out of service.
The amateur radio operators have their own equipment inside the Escambia County Operations Center, ready to provide needed communications during local emergencies. That room is being named for Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, a ham operator that passed away May 29.
“He was a major instrumental factor to amateur radio from the mid 80s to the early 2000s. He was the coordinator for a lot. He was one of the instrumental people when Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast — Mississippi, Alabama, South Alabama, South Mississippi and North Florida. He combined people together who could go over to Louisiana and help.”
For more information, visit the Five Flags Amateur Radio Association webpage.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff Adds Additional Patrol Deputies To Molino, Perdido Precincts
June 28, 2021
In February, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons opened precincts in Molino and Perdido with the intent to upgrade patrol in both communities.
“The reason we reopened the precincts was to bring more resources to specific areas,” Simmons told NorthEscambia.com.
“We didn’t just want to reopen them; that was phase one. Now I’ve been able to hire enough deputies to have two deputies for the Molino and Perdido precincts on a flex schedule. It was not just an empty promise, but an actual plan, an effort. We wanted to increase our enforcement in those areas.”
“We really want to go our best to get the resources where we need it,” the sheriff said.
Pictured: Inside the recently reopened Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Molino Precinct. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Prices Were Steady This Week; Independence Day Gas Prices Set To Be Most Expensive in Seven Years
June 28, 2021
Florida gas prices have held relatively steady over the past week, averaging $2.94 per gallon, but Independence Day prices are set to big the highest in seven years.
The average price in Escambia County was $2.97. The lowest price Sunday night in North Escambia was $2.80 at three cantonment stations, while a low of $2.73 could be found at two Pensacola warehouse clubs.
“This will be the most expensive Independence Day at the gas pump in seven years,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices have shot up this year, as global fuel demand recovers from the pandemic faster than supplies. Even still, Americans are eager to travel and higher gas prices are unlikely to deter them from taking a trip. If anything, it’s likely that travelers will offset the added expense by budgeting less on lodging or dining out.”
The price this Independence Day will be nearly a dollar more than last year. Pump prices last year were severely depressed due to low demand because of the pandemic. In 2019, holiday travelers paid an average price of $2.68.
Stewart Struggles, Blue Wahoos Thumped In Series Finale Against Barons
June 28, 2021
The Blue Wahoos road trip in Birmingham ended with a thud, after a 10-3 loss Sunday against the Barons in the series finale at Regions Field.
Just as they did in Pensacola in mid-May, the Barons won four of the six games. Birmingham is the only team in the Double-A South to have series’ wins against the Blue Wahoos.
The Blue Wahoos (28-20) returned home Sunday night and will regroup for a big holiday week homestand that begins Tuesday against the Biloxi Shuckers at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Blue Wahoos pitcher Will Stewart, making his second start in the series, had his roughest outing of the season. He was rocked for seven runs on four hits in 2.2 innings and walked six batters among the 19 hitters he faced.
It was stark contrast to his stellar performance Tuesday night in the series opener, where he worked into the sixth inning and gave up just two runs, one walk, to pick up the win in Pensacola’s eventual 4-3 victory.
Birmingham (27-20) jumped on Stewart with four runs in the first inning, after Stewart walked the bases loaded. Carlos Perez followed with a two-run single. First baseman J.D. Osborne committed a throwing error after a ground out, allowing another run to score and Jameson Fisher’s one-out single produced the fourth run.
The Barons’ Micker Aldofo then did damage in the second and third innings. He hit a two-out, RBI double in the second. He followed in the third inning with a grand slam off reliever Tyler Mitzel to give Birmingham a 9-2 lead.
The Blue Wahoos had cut the deficit in the top of the third with Jhon Nunez’ two-run homer, following a leadoff single by Nick Lovullo.
The Blue Wahoos got their other run in the seventh on Lovullo’s single. He had two of the Blue Wahoos’ four hits in the game and raised his average to .319.
Cantonment Homeowner Shoots Suspected Car Thief, Two Others At Large
June 27, 2021
A Cantonment homeowner shot a man trying to steal his car early Sunday morning as two other suspects remained at large.
The homeowner witnessed the suspect, later identified as A’kobie Fountain, taking his vehicle in the 2500 block of Southern Oaks Drive in Cantonment about 3 a.m., according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Melanie Peterson.
The homeowner grabbed his gun, ran into the street and confronted the driver. When Fountain got out of the vehicle, the homeowner shot him in the leg, Peterson said.
Fountain was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries..
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office surrounded the neighborhood in a search with K-9’s for two additional suspects that were believed to have stolen another vehicle. Both remained on the run midday Sunday.
The two suspects were described only as black males.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.
Escambia County’s Mobile Command Center Headed To Miami Condo Collapse
June 27, 2021
Escambia County’s Emergency Mobile Command Center, nicknamed “THOR,” is headed to the Miami area for 10 days to assist after the condominium building collapse in Surfside.
The state requested use of the vehicle as a command post to use the search and recovery efforts. One Escambia County employee will accompany the vehicle.
“The situation in which we have to use this resource is very unfortunate,” said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “We are proud to assist our partners in any way we can.”
The THOR command post trailer expands to offer 1,000 square feet of interior working space. It is equipped with a 44-kilowatt generator with 72 hours of fuel onboard, and here are dual 5-ton air conditioning units.
It allows for wireless communications, including cellular, satellite, VOIP phones and radio equipment. It has a 52-foot mast with antennas an high resolutions cameras, a video distribution system for off-air television, satellite television and computer system. There is a four-position communication room and office space with printers, scanners, office supplies, mini-fridge, microwave and a coffee maker.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: The Beauty Of A North Escambia Thunderstorm
June 27, 2021
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Pictured: The beauty of a North Escambia thunderstorm just before 7 p.m. Saturday as seen from various points along Highway 29 from Molino (bottom photo) to McDavid (above). A radar image showing the location of the storm is below. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Highway 29 Hit And Run Crash; FHP Seeks Driver
June 27, 2021
Two people were injured in a hit and run crash Saturday morning on Highway 29.
A 74-year old Montgomery man and his 73-year old passenger from Atlanta were northbound on Highway 29 just south of Kingsfield Road when their vehicle was rear-ended by a red van. Both were transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
The red van was located Sunday morning and towed. At last report, the Florida Highway Patrol was still searching for the hit and run driver.
Anyone that may have information on the hit and run crash is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP or (850) 484-5000, or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 27, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, July 2, and ending
11:59 p.m. Monday, July 5.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Eastbound drivers will encounter alternating single lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, June 29 through Thursday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be working to complete repairs for the bicycle and pedestrian path.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue northbound is accessible for traffic exiting the bridge. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch is available from 17th Avenue northbound. Left turns remain temporarily prohibited from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway eastbound. Instead, these drivers should travel south on Ninth Avenue, then east on Chase Street, and continue eastbound to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 throughout the limits of the project for striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside day and nighttime lane closures on West Cervantes Street between Kirk Street and X Street and from S Street to North Pace Boulevard for paving operations. Drivers are reminded the speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street is 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 21 through Thursday, July 1, as crews perform paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Westbound motorists can expect intermittent lane closures between Heritage Oaks Boulevard and Pinecone Drive 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, June 28 for paving operations. Temporary traffic shifts between I-10 and Surrey Drive will also continue as crews remove and replace asphalt.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
There will be intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 27 through Thursday, July 1 as crews restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of low-profile barrier wall. - Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance at 17th Avenue – Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures on Cervantes Street at the 17th Avenue intersection 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 as utility crews perform operations.
- Palafox Street Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Brent Lane Intersection – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures at the Palafox Street and Brent Lane interstation 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 as crews repair manholes.
- Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent northbound right lane closures at Village Oaks shopping center, 8 p.m. Monday, June 28 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, as crews perform underground utility work.
- East Chase Street (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from North Jefferson Street to North Tarragona Street 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 for crews to repair manholes.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement -Eastbound drivers will encounter alternating single lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, June 29 through Thursday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be working to complete repairs for the bicycle and pedestrian path.
- Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures at Country Club Road 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 to 5 a.m. Thursday, July 1 as utility crews perform routine maintenance operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Wahoos Offense Stalls, Birmingham Wins 5-3
June 27, 2021
Pensacola never seemed to get their offense going as the Barons clipped the Wahoos 5-3, Saturday night at Regions Field.
Birmingham starter Kade McClure hurled five shutout innings in his ninth start of the season. He held the Wahoos to just two hits and one walk while striking out eight.
Jeff Lindgren (L, 2-4), despite giving up an early run in the second inning, pitched well enough for the Wahoos to be in the game for most of the night.
Entering the top of the sixth down by two, the Wahoos rallied for a pair of runs against Felix Paulino (W, 1-1). After Riley Mahan walked to start the inning, Peyton Burdick and JJ Bleday roped back-to-back singles to bring home one. Then, Encarnacion tied the game with an RBI single to make it 2-2. With the new found offense, it appeared as though Lindgren had the opportunity to try and turn in a quality start.
However, his night came to end in the in the bottom of the sixth when Micker Adolfo led off with a single before a walk to Craig Dedelow. With two on and nobody out the Wahoos brought in Zack Leban who was tagged for three consecutive singles before retiring the side. After the seventh, the Barons led 5-2, and would win despite allowing a RBI double to J.D. Osborne in the top of the ninth.
The series wraps up Sunday afternoon when Will Stewart (3-3, 4.17) and Konnor Pilkington (1-3, 3.11) face off for the second time since Tuesday.