2016 In Photos: March
December 29, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2016 in photos with a look at March.
Traffic was shifted to a new Highway 97 bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek in Walnut Hill. The $2.5 million project was, however, only partially done as crews will work to remove a temporary bridge and add a final layer of asphalt to the bridge approach.
Local lawmakers are looking for solutions after a stalled CSX train blocked crossings from Becks Lake Road in Cantonment north to McKenzie Road in Cottage Hill, leaving numerous residents unable to enter or exit their neighborhoods for hours. It was the second time in two months that the crossings were blocked for hours by a train.
About 800 students from across the area took part in the annual Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program at the school in Bratt.
A couple of Canada geese checked out Lake Stone in Century in March.
Tate High School won their Aggie Classic.
“The Way We Worked,” a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, opened in Molino.
Representatives of Legal Service of Northwest Florida were at the Century Town Hall providing free property related legal assistance for tornado victims.
Alabama officials blamed Atmore flooding on this bridge on Greenland Road in Davisville.
The Atmore Memorial VFW Auxiliary hosted a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” ceremony at Atmore’s Heritage Park.
An Easter sunset.
Northview’s Jared Aliff splintered a bat during a March game against Jay.
Ashlan Harigel, 14, was named Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Saturday night in “Celebrate Music” themed pageant at the school.
New LED street lights were installed along Callaway Street in Cantonment.
Cottage Hill Road Area Boil Water Notice Rescinded
December 28, 2016
This boil water notice was rescinded on December 30, 2016, following the return of chlorination to the water system and the satisfactory completion of the bacteriological survey showing that the water is safe to drink.
Cottage Hill Water Works has issued a precautionary boil water notice for Williams Ditch Road and all the side streets connected to Williams Ditch Road. The notice was issued after a water main break at 230 Williams Ditch Road.
As a precaution, it is advised that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. A s an alternative, bottled water may be used. Residents are also advised to take precautions when bathing, especially immunocompromised individuals, infants, or the elderly.
A loss in system pressure could cause the entry of contaminants, such as E. Coli bacteria, into the water system. water containing E. Coli bacteria can be considered safe for drinking and cooking after vigorously boiling the water. Disease symptoms caused by these bacteria may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headache and fatigue. The EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for E. Coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water must be free of these bacteria.
The water system is currently collecting samples to determine if the presence of e.coli bacteria exists within the water system. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
For more information, call (850) 968-5485.
Firefighters Battle Fire At Atmore Chemical Plant
December 28, 2016
Firefighters spent several hours battling a fire at a chemical plant in Atmore Wednesday morning.
The Atmore Fire Department was called about 4:30 a.m. to a sulfur fire at Tiger Sul (formerly Sunbelt Chemicals) on Highway 31 near the Country Club. Sulfur was reportedly burning inside a large container at the facility.
The Poarch Creek Fire Department, Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue also responded to the fire.
Firefighters worked for nearly four hours to contain the fire. There were no injuries reported, and officials said the fire was no danger to the public.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Authorities Warn About Movie Money Passed As Real Cash
December 28, 2016
Local authorities are warning businesses and individuals to be on the lookout for phony movie prop bills being passed off as real money. Police say the “funny money” is no laughing matter.
The Flomaton Police Department has received two reports of movie prop $100 bills being passed to local merchants in recent days. At first glance, the fake $100 bills look almost exactly like real money — that’s why they are used in movies and TV shows.
However, the fake bills have the words “FOR MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY” clearly printed on the bill along with the statement “This note is not legal. It is to be used for motion pictures”. The security ribbon is fake, and picture of Ben Franklin is slightly different.
Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis said his department has tracked down the woman that passed one of the bills. She told police she had no idea that she had spent a fake $100 — she said she received the bill when she cashed in a winning scratch off lottery ticket in Florida.
The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office has received three reports of the fake movie money. Two reports came back during the summer, while the most recent was in November, according to Major Andrew Hobbs.
Additional reports of the fake movie bills have been received in the area from Bay Minette and Atmore.
Authorities say the fake cash — which can be in any denomination — does not feel like real currency. It does not pass a currency pen test designed to detect counterfeit bills. The fake bills are legal to purchase and posses, but it is a felony offense to use the bills in any financial transaction.
Anyone that suspects a fake bill is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
Pictured: A motion picture use only $100 bill that was passed in Flomaton. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cough Medicine Law Takes Effect With New Year
December 28, 2016
A statewide prohibition on people under 18 buying certain over-the-counter cough suppressants is one of three new laws that will hit the books with the arrival of the New Year.
The other changes to state laws involve insurance policy coverage of opioid medications and how financial institutions may receive summonses and subpoenas.
SB 938 prohibits the sale of cough medicines containing the synthetically produced dextromethorphan to people under 18 years of age and requires identification from those presumed to be under 25.
Dextromethorphan is found in many cough medicines, including Robitussin, Alka Seltzer Plus, Tylenol Cough & Cold and Vicks NyQuil.
The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and former Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, was proposed after reports of teenagers using cough medicine to get cheap highs. Broxson has since been elected to the Senate.
Side effects of such intoxication, according to a Senate staff analysis, include loss of coordination, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension and involuntary spasmodic movement of the eyeballs.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported six deaths in 2014 related to dextromethorphan use.
The law doesn’t require stores to alter placement of the products but prevents local governments from imposing their own restrictions.
The measure was approved 39-1 in the Senate, with Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, opposed.
The House voted 115-2 for the proposal. Former Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, and John Tobia, R-Melbourne Beach, voted against the bill.
SB 422 prohibits insurance policies that cover opioid medications, with exceptions, from requiring prior authorization for abuse-deterrent versions of the medications.
Supporters of the measure argued the change is intended, in part, to make it easier for people needing painkillers to access medication less likely to cause addiction.
SB 1104 allows financial institutions to designate locations or registered agents where delivery can be made for documents such as summonses or subpoenas.
Council On Aging Distributes Over $30K In Gifts To Nearly 800 Clients
December 28, 2016
The Council on Aging of West Florida distributed $31,314 worth of gifts to 791 clients across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this Christmas.
The crafts, blankets, clothing, decorations, household goods and hygiene products were given to the Council on Aging by 43 area donors and organizations.
This marks one of the most successful years for the Council on Aging’s annual drive to give presents to homebound aging adults in the area. Each year, the Council will begin receiving gifts in early to mid-November before distributing them at Senior Dining Sites, The Retreat, and other distribution points across the two-county region. Some volunteers, like those from Temple Beth El and Navy base-workers, even elected to play Santa Claus and go on dedicated gift-delivery routes, spreading joy to all they encountered.
“Seniors are neglected more than any other group,” said Debbie Manning, who hand-made many gifts this year. “During Christmas especially, kids are taken care of through Toys for Tots and other programs. Seniors are the least represented group.”
In addition to the presents that delivered holiday cheer to hundreds of aging adults, the Council on Aging helped distribute hundreds of blankets and dozens of heaters to senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to the cold weather this time of year.
“I’ve seen moms with children, heads of companies, and retirees alike go out of their way to purchase that special gift they knew would warm the heart of someone they have never even met,” said Tricia Dixon, volunteer coordinator for the Council on Aging. “For some elderly adults, these are the only presents they receive. Many have family who no longer live here or have passed on, so it brings them a special kind of joy as they unwrap items meant especially for them. It reminds them that we still care, that we are happy to give back to those who have given us so much.”
“It took all of our staff cooperating throughout the month of December to make this program run smoothly,” said Margaret Jerauld, the Council’s activities supervisor. “From compiling master lists of clients, to pickup and delivery of gifts, to counting donations and getting thank you letters written, the great staff at the Council on Aging worked together to make the 2016 Christmas season special for seniors in our area.”
If you are interested in volunteering to help the Council on Aging, or if you would like to drop off any new heaters or blankets, call (850) 432-1475.
Two Injured In Two Muscogee Road Wrecks
December 28, 2016
Two people were injured in two different wrecks Tuesday night on Muscogee Road in the area of Pace Parkway in Cantonment.
One accident involved a pickup truck that ran off the roadway into a wooded area, while the second crash involved a SUV and an 18-wheeler. None of the injuries were severe.
Further details on the crashes have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
2016 In Photos: February
December 28, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2016 in photos with a look at February.
Gov. Rick Scott and other leaders toured tornado damage in Century.
Local legislative delegation members in Century sign a letter to Gov. Rick Scott thanking him for his efforts on tornado recover.
An EF-3 tornado ripped through Ferry Pass.
Kristy Imhof, the new Escambia County Teacher of the Year, received a surprise visit in her seventh grade language arts classroom at Ransom Middle School
Ernest Ward Middle School teacher Laura Chavers received the seventh annual “Golden Cow Dung Award” from members of the Ernest Ward FFA.
Fire destroyed a church van on Highway 29 in Century.
Over a dozen North Escambia railroad crossings were closed for repairs.
Northview principal Gayle Weaver face to face with BMX bike jumping over her during a motivational event before the student body.
The Pensacola Opera presented “Jack and the Beanstalk” at the Century Branch Library.
Three North Escambia area high schools — Tate, Northview and Escambia County (Atmore) — were surprised with golden footballs from the NFL to commemorate Super Bowl 50.
ECUA and Escambia County held a groundbreaking for a new recycling facility.
One family was evacuated after a chemical tanker accident in Walnut Hill.
At least three people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed as a tornado ripped through the North Escambia area from McDavid and Century
The National Weather Service determined that the tornado that hit Century in February was an EF-3 with 152 MPH winds.
Two men pray together at the Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century during a food distribution event for tornado victim.
A food distribution was held for tornado victims in Century.
An Amtrak inspection train rolled into Atmore in advance of the possible return of rail service to the Gulf Coast.
Volunteers from the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue visited Molino Park Elementary School’s after-school program to teach the students about fire safety.
The inside of the 114-year old Century United Methodist Church, complete shift off of its foundation by the Century tornado.
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When an EF-3 tornado slammed into Century last Monday, it not only damaged or destroyed dozens of homes, it also blew away a large part of Century’s economic development hopes for new jobs. The former Alger-Sullivan Lumber property just off Front Street was heavily damaged, including a collapse of the rear portion of the largest building.
Escambia County Fire Rescue first responders learned about getting out of a tight spot — a really tight spot – during training held at Ascend Performance Materials in Cantonment.
Reward Offered After Generators Stolen From Cantonment Business
December 28, 2016
A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person that stole two Honda EU2000 generators from A-1 in Cantonment.
The generators have distinctive marks and wear on top from a cage used to hold them down during transport. They also have special metal gas caps with right angle quick connects for an auxiliary fuel tank.
A cash reward is being offered; call (850) 968-4400.
Representative photo.
Man Drowns In The Escambia River Near Century
December 27, 2016
The body of a 73-year old man was recovered Monday afternoon from the Escambia River.
Authorities said Alton Morris was fishing with his girlfriend from a dirt bank at Fischer Landing in Century when he somehow fell forward into the river just before 2 p.m.
His body was recovered about a mile down the river, past the Escambia River Bridge about 4 p.m.
For more exclusive photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
