NASA Scientist Confirms Fireball, Boom Was Likely Meteorite
February 20, 2017
A NASA scientist has confirmed the source of a bright light and booms across the North Escambia area about 9:15 Saturday night was likely a meteorite dropper at least the size of a basketball.
“Took a look at the eyewitness reports – there is a lot of scatter, but I was able to use a software tool developed by a colleague to derive a ground track. The fireball first appeared to the NE of Mobile and moved westerly at about 56,000 miles per hour. The best reports indicate that it broke apart above U.S. 43 north of Mobile, and the reports of sound indicate it probably penetrated fairly low into the atmosphere before fragmenting, perhaps as low as 14 miles altitude,” Bill Cooke, lead of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office located in Huntsville, AL, wrote in a Facebook post.
The object’s average brightness was about that of the full moon, with reports of it being seen as far away as extreme North Alabama and Arkansas.
“A search of the Doppler weather radar in the area may be helpful in determining if there were meteoritic particles falling to the ground,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com received reports of distant “shooting start” sightings from Saturday night Panama City to Pensacola, and more fireball-like descriptions from readers either side of a line from Bay Minette to Atmore to Bratt to Flomaton to Brewton. Many of those residents also reported a boom or explosion that rattle windows and shook their homes.
Pictured: A green glow that was reported along with the meteorite Saturday night as seen from Godwin Lane in Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kelly Senft, click to enlarge.
Florida House Seeks Online Registry For Animal Abusers
February 20, 2017
Names and mug shots of individuals convicted of animal abuse would have their names published online by the state, under a proposal filed Friday in the Florida House.
The measure, sponsored by Spring Hill Republican Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, would require the Department of Law Enforcement to post in an online registry information about people convicted of felony animal cruelty, animal fighting or sexual activities involving animals.
Each individual’s information would remain on the site for two years, unless they are convicted of another instance of animal abuse. The names would be kept on the site for five years for any secondary conviction of animal abuse.
The proposal would also require the Florida Department of State to send letters to breeders’ associations urging members not to provide animals to people on the list. The measure also includes sanctions for pet dealers that sell to individuals on the registry. Pet dealers would face a second-degree misdemeanor for selling to an individual on the list. The charge would be increased to a first-degree misdemeanor on the second sale, and a third conviction would net the pet dealer three days in jail along with a $2,500 fine.
by The News Service of Florida
No Injuries In Classic Car Crash
February 20, 2017
The driver of a classic escaped serious injury in a single vehicle rollover accident Sunday night in Cantonment.
The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. on County Road 87 near Sherrilane Drive. The driver refused medical transport to the hospital.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Gun Season Is Over, But There’s Week Left To Deer Hunt
February 20, 2017
by Tony Young, FWC
General gun season is now over, but the local Zone D’s muzzleloader season extends deer hunting opportunity.
“What I love most about using a muzzleloader is the extra challenge it provides – you only get one shot and you better make it count,” said Howard Tiller, retired high school teacher and Chipley, Florida, native. “The late muzzleloading season gives us Zone D hunters more opportunities to hunt deer while the rut is still going on after general gun season ends. Plus, there are fewer hunters in the woods during that time, which means less pressure.”
Tiller, who was introduced to hunting by his father at a young age, said he never misses hunting Zone D’s late muzzleloading gun season. The season, which only occurs in Zone D, extends deer hunting by a week after general gun ends and runs Feb. 20-26 on private lands. It was established to give hunters the chance to hunt the rut, which runs from mid-January through February in northwest Florida.
A $5 muzzleloading gun permit is required to hunt during this season. On private land, hunters have the choice of using a muzzleloader, bow or crossbow. Of course, they’ll also need a hunting license, which costs residents $17 for an annual one – or folks might opt to purchase the five-year license for only $79.
In Zone D wildlife management areas, this post-season is referred to as the archery/muzzleloading gun season. Specific dates vary by WMA, so consult each area’s brochure. Hunters can use bows or muzzleloaders, but no crossbows – unless they possess a disabled crossbow permit. Hunters who choose to hunt with a bow must have the $5 archery permit, and those using a muzzleloader need the $5 muzzleloading gun permit.
Legal to take; bag limits
Deer and wild hogs are most commonly hunted during this season. Only legal bucks may be taken (even if you use a bow), and south of Interstate 10 in Deer Management Unit D1, one antler must have at least two points. North of I-10 in DMU D2, all bucks must have at least three points on a side or have a main beam of at least 10 inches long to be legal to take.
If you’re hunting deer, make sure you have the $5 deer permit. On private land, the daily bag limit is two. Season dates, bag limits and antler regulations for deer on WMAs can differ, so consult the area brochure before you hunt.
On private lands, wild hogs can be taken year-round with no bag or size limits. On most WMAs, there’s also no bag or size limit, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. On selected WMAs, specific bag and size limits do apply, so again, check the area’s brochure to make sure.
Hunting regulations
During the late muzzleloader season on private lands and archery/muzzleloading gun season on WMAs, dogs may not be used to hunt deer. However, you may use a leashed one to track a wounded deer if necessary. And it’s important to note that no turkeys may be taken during this season.
Bows and crossbows must have minimum draw weights of 35 pounds. Hand-held releases on bows are permitted. Broadheads used in taking deer must have at least two sharpened edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch.
During this late season, the only muzzleloaders allowed are those fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap or centerfire primer (including 209 primers) that cannot be loaded from the breech. For hunting deer, muzzleloading rifles must be at least .40-caliber, and muzzleloading shotguns must be 20-gauge or larger.
Legal shooting hours are between a half-hour before sunrise and a half-hour after sunset. You’re allowed to take deer and hogs over feeding stations on private land, but it is illegal to use such feed on WMAs.
Public hunting opportunity
Twelve of the WMAs in Zone D have a February archery/muzzleloading gun season, and if you plan to hunt any of them, you must have the $26 management area permit. Those areas are Apalachicola, Apalachicola River, Beaverdam Creek, Blackwater, Chipola River, Choctawhatchee River, Econfina Creek, Escambia River, Perdido River, Point Washington, Tate’s Hell and Yellow River.
You can get all of the licenses and permits you’ll need at any retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing supplies, by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or by going online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Two Killed In I-65 Crash
February 20, 2017
Two South Alabama residents were killed in a single vehicle rollover crash Sunday afternoon on I-65 about eight miles north of Atmore.
Samuel Louis Brown, 34, and Eugene Sanders Jr., 53, were both pronounced deceased at the scene of teh crash at 62 mile marker. Brown and Sanders were passengers in a 2003 Mitsubishi SUV that overturned several times after leaving the roadway.
The driver of the Mitsubishi was transported to an area hospital.
Further details have not been released as Alabama troopers continue their investigation.
Atmore Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash
February 20, 2017
An Atmore man was killed in a crash Sunday afternoon in a Baldwin County crash.
Orrie Hubert Bradford, 83, died when his 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle struck a guardrail and crashed, according to Alabama State Troopers. Brandford was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The accident occurred at 1:35 p.m. on Highway 59 about a mile southeast of Stockton, AL. Further details have not yet been released as troopers continue their investigation.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
February 19, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
· Fairfield Drive (State Road (S.R.) 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to North Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) – Traffic on Fairfield Drive will encounter lane restrictions, a shift, and temporary detour from 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 to 6:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 19 as crews perform paving operations. The westbound inside, left lane will be closed just east of Ruby Avenue and traffic shifted to the outside lane. New Warrington Road Spur under the Fairfield Drive overpass, will be temporarily closed and traffic detoured to Mobile Highway, south to the on ramp leading back to New Warrington Road. Drivers traveling eastbound on Fairfield Drive will encounter a lane shift just west of the overpass over the New Warrington Road Spur. Traffic will be transitioned to the westbound travel lanes to bypass the overpass, transitioning back to the eastbound lanes at Ruby Avenue. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control. In addition, intermittent and alternating lane closures continue between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
· I-10/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Crews will shift traffic and require the following lane and ramp closures from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 to 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20:
§ Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) and the I-10 westbound ramp to U.S. 29 north.
§ The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
o Paving operations will require the following lane and ramp closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 20
§ Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) and the I-10 westbound ramp to U.S. 29 north.
§ The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
· Chase Street (S.R.30) Underground Utility work between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue- Eastbound center and southern most lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 as crews perform sewer rehabilitation work.
· Interstate 10 (I-10), I-110 and U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance- Crews will perform sign maintenance at the following locations. Motorists can expect lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday, Feb. 20 through Friday, Feb. 24.
o I-10 between the Escambia Bay Bridge and U.S. 29
o U.S. 98 between N. Pace Boulevard and Fairfield Drive
o I-110 between Burgess Road and U.S. 98
· Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State line to the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge) – Lane closures will be in effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 through Saturday, Feb. 25 as crews perform paving operations between the Alabama State line and the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge). Drivers can expect delays.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), south of the I-10 ramps, 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 20 as crews install a drainage pipe beneath the roadway. One lane will remain open at all times.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- For the next two weeks, there be alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on 9 Mile Road near the U.S. 29/9 Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R.297) to U.S. 29- A new detour configuration has been implemented on Nine Mile Road between Stefani and Waring roads as crews construct a box culvert under Nine Mile Road. Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations. The speed limit throughout the construction zone has been reduced to 35 MPH.
Santa Rosa County:
· S.R. 87 Widening from County Road 184 to north of the Yellow River Bridge- Intermittent lane closures between Hickory Hammock Road and the Yellow River Bridge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 20 as crew perform paving operations.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 through Thursday, Feb. 23 perform construction activities. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Beulah Benefit Nets $10K For Murder Victim’s Children
February 19, 2017
Hundreds of people help raise over $10 thousand Saturday for the children of murder victim Kayla Crocker of Beulah.
Organizers said the fundraiser collected $10,800 with about 800 people in attendance Saturday at the Beulah Park on Mobile Highway.
Food plates were sold and prizes were raffled during the event. First responders in uniform were able to eat free.
Crocker, a Tate High School graduate, was the final victim of William “Billy” Boyette, who later took his own life when surrounded by law enforcement in Georgia, His accomplice, Mary Rice, is facing a first degreee murder charge for Crocker’s death.
Donations can still be made to the “Crocker Children Education Fund” at Navy Federal Credit Union.
Pictured above and below: A fundraiser for the children of murder victim Kayla Crocker of Beulah. Pictured inset: Escambia County Chief Deputy Chip Simmons plays a little basketball. Pictured bottom: Simmons and Sherif David Morgan pose with Beulah and Bellview volunteer firefighters. Photos by Tony Vance and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Majorette Smith Is ‘Superior’ – Headed To State Next Month
February 19, 2017
Northview High School majorette captain Brianna Smith received solo superior ratings Friday afternoon in the Florida Bandmaster’s Association district competition at Escambia High School She will now head to the state assessment in March. Smith, a senior, received superior ratings at the FBA state level the past two years.
Pictured top: Smith performs during a Friday night football game last season, NorthEscambia.com photo. Pictured inset: Smith at Escambia High School on Friday. Submitted for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Hayden Lindsay Signs With Gulf Coast State Community College
February 19, 2017
Tate High School’s Hayden Lindsay signed Friday to play softball at Gulf Coast State Community College in Panama City. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.