U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Reliance Arrives Onboard NAS Pensacola
September 1, 2020
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Reliance arrived at their new homeport onboard NAS Pensacola Monday, after a nearly month-long patrol of the Windward Pass between Cuba, the Bahamas and Haiti.
The Reliance joins the Coast Guard Cutters Diligence, Decisive, Dauntless and Cypress onboard NAS Pensacola.
“It’s very exciting to be on the pier as we welcome the Coast Guard Cutter Reliance to NAS Pensacola — the fourth of the Coast Guard cutters that will be stationed here,” said Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola. “It’s especially exciting to have the Reliance here — being the namesake for this class of the cutters.”
Reliance departed her former homeport at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine on July 6, sailing for the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland to effect repairs to the propulsion shafts.
Reliance sailed from the Coast Guard Yard to begin her patrol of the Windward Pass, August 5. While patrolling the Caribbean, the Reliance operated alongside interagency and international partners to prevent dangerous, illegal maritime migration. The patrol included the repatriation of 16 Haitian migrants, participation in a search for survivors of a capsized Haitian vessel, shipboard training and storm avoidance.
“Reliance’s departure from Kittery, Maine, brings an end to 31 years of faithful service in the North Atlantic,” said Cmdr. Robert Hill, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Reliance. “The crew has performed exceptionally during our patrol amidst the challenges faced by COVID-19 and multiple tropical storms that arose. I could not be prouder of this crew and know that we are ready to continue our service in Pensacola, where the Coast Guard has strategically clustered part of its 210′ cutter fleet for logistical support and proximity to our mission area of responsibility.”
The homeport shift to Pensacola marks the second time Reliance has been homeported in Florida; Reliance was homeported in Port Canaveral from 1982 until 1987.
“It’s definitely a different environment for the crew,” Hill said. “Reliance, typically in the North Atlantic, was doing a lot of fisheries enforcement boarding, so our missions down here are a change of pace, but the crew is excited to be here. We are looking forward to it.”
Kinsella met Hill following the cutter’s arrival and welcomed Reliance and her crew to the NAS Pensacola family.
“We look forward to working with them throughout their time here, and helping them to do their mission wherever they deploy — whether it be to the Eastern Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico or even the Atlantic,” Kinsella said. “We are very happy to be partnering with them to help them continue their mission.”
Reliance (WMEC-615) is a United States Coast Guard medium endurance cutter. It is the first of the 210′ Medium Endurance Cutter Fleet and the fourth Revenue Cutter/Coast Guard Cutter to bear the name Reliance. The cutter’s primary missions are counter drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcing federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Photos: Joshua Cox for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
18-Year Killed When He Fell Out Of Moving Pickup Truck Near Atmore
August 31, 2020
An 18-year old was killed when he fell from a moving pickup truck northwest of Atmore.
Alabama State Troopers said Garrett D. Phillips of Robertsdale fell from the moving truck shortly after midnight Sunday. The 2002 Toyota Tacoma was being driven by 19-year old William D. Ray of Robertsdale on Kent Road in western Escambia County, between Jack Springs Road and Lottie Road.
Further information has not been released as troopers continue their investigation.
Century Bridge Near Collapse Remains Unrepaired Seven Months After It Was Closed
August 31, 2020
A bridge in the Century town remains closed without repair seven months after it was discovered to be near the point of collapse.
On January 29, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue.
Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure.
Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or have extreme deterioration.
In early February, the Century Town Council voted to move forward with replacing the bridge. Town staff was to determine how to pay the estimated $300,000 price tag. The council voted for the replacement over an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 for repairs that might last a decade, according to Interim City Manager Vernon Prather.
A final determination of a funding option was to come at un upcoming meeting.
In January Mott McDonald engineers conducted a limited inspection of the bridge and found the following problems:
- A backwall has deflected toward the water, pushing piles toward the water and causing them to rotate, split and no longer bear weight.
- One bridge piling has a split at the top of the pile, but it is providing some support.
- A second pile has been pushed completely out and no longer supports the bridge.
- A third pile has split, and only half the pile is providing support.
- A fourth pile has deterioration with only a three-inch diameter section remaining about six feet below the bridge. The outer pile section has broken.
- There is soil loss behind a backwall.
- There is a large void underneath the roadway on the east side the bridge
“We cannot predict when the…backwall lateral loads will complete fail…causing the bridge the collapse,” engineer Bart Hendricks wrote in his report. “We also cannot predict when the roadway over the void on the southeast corner will collapse”
The age of the bridge was not provided to the engineer, but he determined the timber pilings may be at or beyond the typical life of 30 years. “A better long-term financial decision may be to replace this structure rather than perform repairs,” Hendricks wrote.
Mott McDonald engineers also recommended that the town perform bridge inspections for all bridges that are not inspected by the Florida Department of Transportation. Those inspections are required every two years for longer bridges by the Federal Highway Administration. The town has not moved forward with the inspections.
Photos/graphics for and by NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady After Hurricane Laura
August 31, 2020
Florida gas prices have held relatively steady since Hurricane Laura made landfall along the Gulf Coast. The region is home to nearly half of total petroleum refining capacity in the United States. However, only about 15% of total US capacity shutdown as a precaution before the storm.
Florida gas prices averaged $2.07 per gallon, on Sunday. The state average is the same as a week ago, 8 cents less than last month, and 38 cents per gallon less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Sunday night was $2.09. The lowest price to be found in North Escambia was in Cantonment at $2.07, while a few Pensacola stations were below $2.
So far, there are no reports of significant long-term damage to gulf coast fuel supply chain, which provides gasoline to states like Florida. However, two refineries in Lake Charles, Louisiana are still conducting damage assessments.
“Normally, when a storm of this size hits the gulf coast refinery region, drivers see a jump in prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, gas prices have been held in check, likely due to lower demand because of the pandemic. Florida gas prices didn’t move much last week, but there could be a lag. Wholesale gasoline prices did get more expensive last week, which could cause retail prices to get slightly more expensive in the days ahead.”
To date, Florida gas prices averaged $2.10 per gallon for the month of August. That’s the lowest monthly price for August since 2004.
For The Second Time, Escambia County Suspends Use Of Inmate Crews Due To Positive COVID-19 Case
August 31, 2020
For the second time, Escambia County Corrections has suspended the use of inmate labor due a positive COVID-19 case.
Escambia County Corrections received a positive COVID-19 test result at the work annex, formerly known as the road prison. As a precaution, Escambia County said Sunday that road crew operations have been suspended. The services include groundskeeping throughout the county and support to the landfill, animal services, code enforcement and fleet maintenance.
“Corrections officers and medical teams continue to monitor inmates and recognized that this male inmate had an elevated temperature,” Escambia County Corrections Chief Rich Powell said. “Corrections is working with Community Health Northwest Florida to establish rapid testing for road crew inmates for their health and welfare as well as to minimize the impact on services that are provided throughout the county. Fortunately, medical staff advises that no inmates are presenting medical concerns at this time. We are continuing to clean more frequently to try to prevent further spread of COVID-19, and masks continue to be available for all inmates.”
As of Friday, 236 inmates have been tested since July at the Escambia County Jail for COVID-19.
“There were 158 positive cases and 149 of those cases have been medically cleared and eight have been released from custody, leaving one active positive case on Friday with no medical concerns at this time and 78 negative tests. At the Walton County jail, 29 Escambia County inmates tested positive out of the 146 inmates housed there,” according to the county statement.
The county received its first positive COVID-19 test result at the work annex on July 9 and suspended road crew operations through July 28.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
What’s Better In 1A Football Than Northview Vs. Jay? Doing It Twice In One Season.
August 31, 2020
What’s better than 1A football than the rivalry battle between Northview and Jay? That would be doing the Battle of Highway 4 twice in one season.
The Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals have scheduled a second game during this year’s abbreviated eight-game season. They’ll face off October 23 at Jay and two weeks later on November 6 at Northview.
Here’s the updated Northview High Chiefs football schedule for 2020:
- Sept. 18 at Baker
- Sept. 25 vs. Holmes County (*Senior Night)
- Oct. 2 at Escambia Academy (AL)
- Oct. 9 at Walton
- Oct. 16 vs. South Walton
- Oct. 23 at Jay
- Oct. 30 vs. Chipley (*Homecoming)
- Nov. 6 vs. Jay
Here is the Jay High School Royals schedule:
- Sept. 25 vs. Flomaton
- Oct. 2 vs. Baker
- Oct. 9 at Chipley
- Oct. 16 at Freeport
- Oct. 23 vs. Northview
- Oct. 30 vs. Lighthouse Christian
- Nov. 6 at Northview
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs defeated the Jay Royals 40-7 on November 1, 2019. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Animal Group Holding Supply Drive For Pets In Hurricane Laura Path
August 31, 2020
A local animal group is collected supplies to help pets in areas impacted by Hurricane Laura.
400 Paws is holding a supply drive this week . Items will be accepted daily through Friday from 2-4 p.m. at 1147 Creighton Road.
Items Needed:
Pet Supplies
Dog & Cat Food Wet & Dry
Dog & Cat Treats
Puppy & Kitten formula
Leashes, harnesses and collars
Water/Food bowls, toys
Dog beds
Puppy pads
Cat litter & litter boxes (disposable/small plastic/foil pans)
Kennels of all sizes – metal or plastic (not broken)
Dog/Puppy pens
Flea/Tick medication
Dog/Puppy shampoo
**anything else pet related does not have to be specifically dog and cat**
Cleaning Supplies
Bleach, Clorox wipes
Mosquito Repellant
Washing detergent
Blue Dawn dish soap
Trash bags
Paper products – Paper towels, toilet paper, cups
Disposable plates & bowls
Plastic utensils
Misc
Bottled water
Tarps
Bungee Cords
Zip ties
Small fleece blankets – new
Biker Killed After Rear-Ending Molino Man’s Pickup On I-110
August 30, 2020
A motorcyclist was killed after rear-ending a Molino man’s pickup truck on I-110 early Sunday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 28-year old old male motorcyclist from Pensacola was northbound on I-110 near the Brent Lane overpass about 1:05 a.m. A 33-year old Molino man was also northbound in his pickup truck in the center lane of I-110 as the motorcycle approached at a high rate of speed.
The front of the motorcycle collided with the rear of the pickup and continued northwest onto the left paved shoulder of the roadway. The motorcycle then collided with the center concrete barrier, and the rider was thrown from the bike. The rider was pronounced deceased on scene by Escambia EMS.
The Molino man was not injured.
A second vehicle struck the motorcycle debris and continue d to a controlled stop on the shoulder.
The Florida Highway Patrol will no longer release the names of persons involved in traffic crashes.
Man Facing Charges After Running From Highway 29 Wreck With Injuries
August 30, 2020
A man that ran from a wreck on Highway 29 Saturday is facing criminal charges.
At least two people were injured in the two vehicle crash on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road. They were transported by Escambia County EMS to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Witness told authorities that the driver of a SUV rear-ended a vehicle in front of the Burger King before he jumped out and ran away. He was tracked down a short time later by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol.
The man, identified as 28-year old Dylan Roger Jon Ankney, was booked into the Escambia County Jail charged with felony hit and run and driving with a suspended license. He remained jailed Sunday with bond set at $2,500.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released details about their crash investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Empty Building, Empty Promises. Here’s The 12 Year Story Of Century’s Big Industrial Building. And No Jobs.
August 30, 2020
As the town of Century works toward deciding to sell the “Helicopter Technology” building or lease it, NorthEscambia.com is taking a look back at what has happened over the last 12 years the town-owned building has sat empty.
It’s a story of an empty building, and plenty of empty promises.
Federal Raid Shuts Down Helicopter Business
In June 2008, agents with the U.S. Office of Transportation raided Van Nevel Helicopters in the Century Industrial Park, seizing business records of the business and its owner, Georges Van Nevel. “Van Nevel is suspected of improperly refurbishing helicopters and helicopter parts, selling unapproved aircraft parts, performing improper repairs on helicopters and misleading the aviation community by false advertisements,” according to federal documents from the Office of Transportation obtained by NorthEscambia.com.
The company never reopened, and Van Nevel fled the country.
Judgements And Foreclosures Against Helicopter Company
Following a federal raid that shut down Helicopter Technology, a Costa Rican company won a $424,550.72 judgment against the company in federal court. In July 2009, Century’s foreclosure on Helicopter Technology was completed with a $740,999.43 judgement awarded to the town
Century Decides To Buy The Building, Unless Someone Has $800,000
The Town of Century decided in August 2009 that they did not want to part with the former Helicopter Technology building in the town’s industrial park — unless someone was willing to write checks that would total over $800,000. In late August 2009, the town bought the building at public auction for $1, and then-mayor Freddie McCall said he hoped to put a business in the building “right away” and bring jobs to town.
Hundreds Of Jobs Possible, Mayor McCall Says.
In 2010, Mcall said that two different companies had expressed interest in the building. One said it would expand to employee 100, and another said it would start with 20 employees and grow to 330 within three years. Nothing ever moved forward.
The Building Did Generate ̶R̶e̶v̶e̶n̶u̶e̶ Petty Cash In 2014. One Man’s Trash….
In October 2016, the building did generate $1,075.10 for Century. The town held an auction to sell items left behind by Helicopter Technology. Couches, desks, shelving, outdated computer equipment and other items were sold at a Saturday auction to clean out the building and make it more marketable.
Four Years Later, Hint Falls Flat
In mid-2016, then Mayor Freddie McCall hinted that interest had been expressed in the building, “If it works out, it is going to be great for Century,” he told chamber members. “Something is going to happen sooner or later for Century.” The hint never turned into reality.
FloridaWest Inquiry Goes South
In July 2017, FloridaWest told the council they had a serious business inquiry about the building from a company that might bring 40 to 60 jobs to Century. The town paid for an appraisal on the building, but no company or jobs ever materialized. The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the region’s economic development organization.
Truck Company Proposal Was A Road To Nowhere
In June of 2019, the town received a “letter of intent” email to Mayor Henry Hawkins by Noble Trucking Solutions, LLC, of Sheridan, Wyoming.
The letter says the company specializes in oilfield water and sand hauling and wished to expand to Century, with the building service as a “multi-use facility that will house and serve as the Century Florida Annex for our Trucking, Logistics and CDL Trucking School with a CDL Certification Program”.
The project never went forward at all.
Cotton Storage Business Rejected
In May 2019, West Florida Gin Manager Robert Earl Godwin and businessman Larry Baxley, who were in the process of setting up North Escambia Warehouse and Storage, LLC, made a preliminary lease-to-own offer on the town-owned building at $4,000 per month for five years, for a total of $240,000. The company offered an $8,000 deposit, pay the first month’s rent in advance, and pay for any upgrades to the building. At the end of the lease term, they would have had the opportunity to buy the building for $100.
The offer was rejected.
A motion by then council member Ben Boutwell to proceed with negotiations and work on an agreement failed on a 3-2 vote with council members James Smith, Sandra McMurray-Jackson and Luis Gomez voting against. The dissenters expressed objections against the business because it would likely not create any jobs.
“I don’t see the benefit for us,” Smith said at the time. “Where’s the employment?”
Smith and Gomez expressed concerns at the May 2019 meeting that if the council were to lease the building below market value, the town would not have any available industrial space if another company wanted to locate in Century with new jobs.
“Someday it could produce jobs, even it’s 10-15 jobs for Century,” Gomez said.
Cotton Gin Makes Lease A Second Time.
West Florida Gin was the only company to respond to Century’s 2020 advertised request for proposals to lease the property The council tabled action on the proposal after receiving a purchase offer.
Project Fusion Business Wants To Buy Building, More Property
A company described as using an agricultural product to manufacture plastic alternatives has made a preliminary $879,000 offer for the building and adjacent property with a promise of employing 30 or more people within a couple of years.
NorthEscambia.com photos.