Florida Forest Service Offers Tips To Care For Timber After Hurricanes Sally And Zeta
December 9, 2020
Clean up and recovery from the 2020 hurricane season is well under way. While progress is being made, the damage done to timberland might impact your forest for years to come. Here are few tips and reminders from the Florida Forest Service for getting your timber stand back on track:
- Always be safety conscious. Watch for leaning trees and limb hangers in trees. These can come loose without warning and injure or kill.
- Document your damage (this can include photos, drone footage, scale tickets from salvage operations, damage estimates from a forester, invoices from clean up contractors, etc)
- Clear your access roads and firelines
- Repair eroded roadways and stream crossings
- Determine if you need to make any changes to your management strategies
- If needed, seek assistance for financial help, vendor lists, a new management plan, and/or recommendations on how to proceed
- Implement new or existing management plan
Damage from Hurricane Sally has been inconsistent with damaged forest stands scattered across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Hurricane Zeta further impacted timber in the northwest part of Escambia County.
In all, most areas in Florida saw only light damage. Often the best thing to do for lightly damaged timber is to leave it be or possibly something as simple as a well-timed prescribed burn. A few areas saw more significant damage that could require salvage operations or clearing, site preparation, and replanting. \
If you are uncertain what would be the best approach for your forest or are seeking financial assistance in your restoration efforts, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin in Molino at (850) 587-5237.
Man Charged With Murdering His Former Stepson Off East Kingsfield Road
December 9, 2020
A man is charged with murdering his former stepson in a domestic incident Friday afternoon in neighborhood off East Kingsfield Road, and authorities said he was arrested after returning to the scene of the crime.
It happened in the 2300 block of Packwood Drive about 1:15 p.m. The victim, 38-year old Christoper Roan, was found deceased inside the home with multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect, 54-year old James Isiah Blackmon, was booked into the Escambia County Jail charged with second degree murder, first degree attempted premeditated murder and firing deadly missiles for shooting his weapon. Roan was identified by the ECSO as Blackmon’s former stepson.
“The murder stemmed from an argument between the two family members and escalated when Blackmon shot and killed Roan,” ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard said.
Southard confirmed that Blackmon left the scene and then returned.
Neighbors told NorthEscambia.com that Blackmon fled in a red sports car immediately after the shooting before coming back and surrendering to deputies.
Exclusive photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Announce 2022 Show Schedule
December 8, 2020
The Blue Angels on Tuesday announced their 2022 show schedule.
The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 63 demonstrations at 32 locations in 2022. That includes a return to a two-day show on Pensacola Beach July 9-10 and homecoming at NAS Pensacola November 11-12.
For their 75th anniversary in 2021, the Blue Angels have shows previously scheduled July 10 on Pensacola Beach and November 5-6 for their traditional homecoming at NAS Pensacola.
Early Morning Fire On Nine Mile Road Under Investigation
December 8, 2020
A fire early Tuesday morning on Nine Mile Road is under investigation.
About 1:45 a.m., Escambia Fire Rescue was dispatched to small outside fire with smoke in the area of Nine Mile Road and Ashland Avenue. It became apparent to responding firefighters approaching the intersection that there was a structure fire and additional units were dispatched.
They arrived in the 1300 block of West Nine Mile Road to find a detached three car garage that was fully involved in fire. The fire was brought under control about 2:08 a.m., and the state fire marshal was called to investigate the cause and origin.
The primary residence at the location appeared to be vacant. There were no injuries.
Escambia Public Safety Director Jason Rogers Resigns, Cites Family Health Issue
December 8, 2020
Escambia County Public Safety Director Jason Rogers has resigned just a few months after taking the job.
“As you are aware, after I had started in June there was a significant medical event in my immediate family,” Rogers said in his resignation letter. “Since that time unforeseen complications have compounded making my departure necessary. I want to maintain a professional distance and don’t wish to disclose the private circumstances as I realize this is a public record.”
Rogers was hired in May started work with Escambia County in June, bringing 27 years of public safety experience from Indiana to Escambia County. He served as both the director of emergency management and as the executive director of the Delaware County Emergency Medical Services in Muncie, Indiana, and began his career as a paramedic and police officer. Delaware County, Indiana, has a population of about 114,000 people, about one-third the size of Escambia County.
“My family has always sacrificed for me over the past 20+ years of my public service. I am choosing to resign to support and care for my family as they have always done for me,” Rogers wrote in his letter to Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley.
Rogers indicated that he would work out the timing of his departure with Gilley.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Neglect Of Elderly Woman After DUI, Hit And Run Arrest
December 8, 2020
A Molino mas has been charged with neglecting an elderly woman in his care after he was arrested for driving under the influence.
Nathan Dwight Pettis, 49, was charged with neglect of an elderly disabled adult, hit-and-run and DUI.
On December 5, Pettis was involved in a hit and run crash on I-10 at Highway 29, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His truck entered another lane and collided with another vehicle before driving away. FHP troopers were able to stop his truck a short time later, and found Pettis smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and could not keep his balance. Pettis was jailed about 7 p.m. Saturday for DUI.
A family member heard that Pettis had been arrested and went to check on the elderly woman. Pettis is her sole caregiver, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and he did not alert anyone at the jail to check on the woman because he was in jail.
Sunday, the woman was transported to a local hospital by Escambia County EMS after she was found alone and sick at her Pettis’ home. She was in a recliner, had soiled herself, and she was unable to reach her walker. She had not had food or water for about 24 hours, according to the arrest report.
The responding deputy wrote that the victim “talked softly and was still confused about what was happening to her”.
Pettis remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $7,250.
How Do You Put A 42-Inch Drainage Pipe Under Railroad Tracks Without Touching Them?
December 8, 2020
So how do you put a 42-inch drainage pipe under railroad tracks without touching them?
The Florida Department of Transportation said many months of preparation and coordination went on behind the scenes before this “jack and bore” operation could take place.
Drainage crews needed to bore under the Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway (AGR) tracks that cross Nine Mile Road just west of the Highway 29 overpass—without touching the railroad tracks. To connect the new drainage facilities on either side of the railroad tracks, crews used a jack and bore technique.
Instead of opening the ground and interrupting railroad services, an auger machine drove two runs of 42-inch pipe 66 feet horizontally under the tracks. Personnel from the FDOT, designer and contractor worked with AGR to ensure the operation did not disrupt or undermine the railroad tracks.
strong>Photo: FDOT for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
December 8, 2020
Ransom Middle School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Zanuela Otabil (pictured left) and Donivan Alexander. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia CARES Mortgage/Rent And Business Grants: Here’s How To Check On Payments
December 8, 2020
Escambia County is still sending out payments to those that qualified for Escambia CARES programs to provide pandemic assistance to individuals and businesses.
Applicants can check the status of their application and payment online and anyone can check online check registers to check the status of payments.
The Escambia CARES Rent and Mortgage Emergency Financial Assistance Grant Program provides up to $7,500 in relief aid, payable to a landlord, lien holder or utility company. Click here for the check register.
The Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant Program provides eligible households of the county $3,000 in relief aid. Click here for the check register.
The Escambia CARES Emergency Business Financial Assistance Grant Program provides eligible businesses of Escambia County funding of $7,500 or $15,000 who have lost revenue as a result of COVID-19 related circumstances. Click here for the check register.
The application period closed September 4 for the rent and mortgage assistance grants, September 29 for the emergency financial assistance grants and October 6 for businesses.
Flomaton Police Lieutenant Arrested In Molino For Drug Trafficking; Will Face Alabama Charge
December 8, 2020
A Flomaton Police Department lieutenant was arrested for drug trafficking Monday in Molino after a investigation involving law enforcement from two states and the DEA.
The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, SWAT team and Patrol Division arrested 36-year old Isaac R. Lopez for attempting to purchase methamphetamine to sell, investigators said.
The ECSO received information that Lopez was trafficking methamphetamines and set up an operation to catch him in the act, according to the agency.
“The takedown was in the 5800 block of North Highway 29,” Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Commander Robert Quinata told NorthEscambia.com. “There is still a lot of this under investigation.”
Lopez arranged a narcotics deal for two ounces of methamphetamine from an Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office investigator by phone and text messages, according to an arrest report. The report states he arrived a predetermined location in Molino and accepted the two ounces of methamphetamine from the undercover officer.
Quinata said Lopez was not on duty and not in his agency issued vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Lopez. was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He was booked in to the Escambia County (FL) Jail without bond.
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson said Lopez is expected to face a felony charge in Alabama for user of official position or office for personal gain because Lopez used his Flomaton Police Department issued cellphone.
“He used his city cell phone to orchestrate it,” Jackson said. “We believe he was going to come back to Alabama and distribute the meth on this end.”
“Our investigation is ongoing and we will continue to follow any leads that might come out of it,” Jackson said. “We hold law enforcement to a higher standard…We will police our own people as we do the community.”
Jackson noted the does not currently believe any other Flomaton Police officers were involved.
The arrest came as the result of a partnership between the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, Flomaton Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Flomaton Police Chief Charles Thompson said Lopez’s termination is currently in process..
“Peace officers are to be held to the highest standards and will continue to be held as such,” Thompson said. “Actions like these will not be tolerated.”