Tate Lockdown: Suspicous Person Had Pellet Gun Hunting Snakes
May 3, 2014
Tate High School was placed on lockdown about 12:45 Friday afternoon after deputies were notified of a suspicious person in the area of Tate High School, armed with a rifle.
Multiple units responded to the area of Tate Road and Swift Creek Drive and took the individual into custody about 1,000 feet from the Tate campus. The individual that was located was dressed in camouflage and carrying a large black gun which was later determined to be a pellet gun.
According to the individual, he was in the area hunting snakes. The individual was released and Tate High School was removed from lockdown at about 1:30 pm.
Pictured: A suspicious person was taken into custody here on Tate School Road near Swift Creek Drive, aboutt 1,000 feet from the Tate campus. Top reader submitted photo by Shane Carter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Health Alert Issued For Escambia River Due To Sewage Release
May 3, 2014
Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a health alert for the Escambia River south of Becks Lake Road.
Recent excessive rain has placed an increased load on the ECUA Central Waste Water Facility resulting in the release of partially-treated sewage into the wetlands that lead to Escambia River.
The health department is advising against any water-related activities due to the potential for high bacteria levels.
In addition to the above alert above, the health department emphasized that all flood waters including surface waters will be affected with potentially high bacteria counts due to the excessive storm water runoff and sewage overflows.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will continue to monitor the situation until the alert is rescinded. For more information, call (850) 595-6700
Escambia Woman Dies In Head On Crash With School Bus
May 3, 2014
An Escambia County woman died in a head on collision with a school bus Friday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 46-year old Amanda June Widdup was headed north on South Blue Angel Parkway when she crossed into the northbound lane and into the path of a 2007 school bus driven by 62-year old Jospephine T. Marvay of Pensacola. Widdup was pronounced deceased as a result of the crash.
Marvay and an adult passenger, 35-year old Chinequa Rudolph, were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
ECUA Flood Update: Water, Sewage, Trash
May 3, 2014
Here is the latest post-flood update from ECUA:
Sewer Services:
The Central CWRF is up and running at full capacity and treating the influent at Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) levels. We have also resumed accepting septage from private haulers at this facility. The release of secondary treated effluent from the CWRF‘s 70-million gallon wet weather storage pond was made for two reasons: to accept the maximum flow at the CWRF and manage the stormwater inundation at the plant instead of allowing wastewater and stormwater to surcharge manholes in populated areas of the community, and to protect the integrity of the holding pond.
Flows could have been restricted into the plant keeping it in operation, and treating a fraction of the overall influent. This would have caused stormwater / sanitary sewer water overflows everywhere. It was considered to be a much more advisable to centralize the maximum influent at one location, provide minimal treatment (secondary level), and then discharge the flows to a wetlands area, which ultimately flows to the Escambia River. The Department of Health and FDEP representatives agreed with the process. Essentially we have been pumping huge amounts of stormwater from downtown and populated areas, draining the flooded areas purposely to avoid overflows throughout the county.
The wastewater collection system and lift stations are up and running. We still have some power outages and some lift stations are still submerged by stormwater, but we have everything operational and are using the roving generator crews to manage those issues.
ECUA is working with the City of Pensacola to develop a repair plan for the roadway and utility services for Piedmont Street. We’re working with the Escambia County Health Department to provide a working solution in lieu of sewer service that will allow residents to remain in their homes during the reconstruction process. A joint release is being developed for tomorrow from all three agencies with further details.
The wastewater collection system and lift stations are up and running. We still have some power outages and some lift stations are still submerged by stormwater, but we have everything operational and are using the roving generator crews to manage those issues.
Water Services:
The water system is basically intact although there may be isolated repairs we will be making as areas of concern are received from customers.
The MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICE FOR EAST PENSACOLA AREA is LIFTED
Effective immediately, the precautionary boil water notice issued for ECUA customers located on the following area has been lifted:
- North Boundary: Interstate 10
- West Boundary: Tippin/12th Avenue
- East and Southern Boundaries: Escambia and Pensacola Bays
Two independent sets of bacteriological samples were reported as clear, lifting the notice that was issued on Wednesday, April 30.
Other Precautionary Boil Water Notices
Precautionary boil water notices are still in effect for all the areas listed below while we await results of the second sets of samples, which should be completed Saturday afternoon. Information will be disseminated to media via release and will also be posted on the Public Advisories section of the ECUA website.
- Calvin Street between Rhonda Street and Orby Street
- Orby Street, from Calvin Street west to the dead end of Orby
- Nowlin Street
- Daniel Street
- Rufus Street
- Rhonda Street, between Calvin Street and Rufus Street
- Lillian Hwy., west of Bauer Road
- Joaquin Road
- Juan Road
- Bronson Road
- Bronson Field Naval Recreation Center,
- Trout Road
- Hartung Avenue
- Joceline Road
- Tracy Road
- Ogden Road
- Rosirito Place
- Cordova Road
- Moss Drive
- Sandy Beach Drive
- Perdido Manor Drive
- Paradise Ln,
- Paradise Beach Place
- Paradise Beach Circle.
- Residents were advised directly by door-hanger for these three isolated locations and the advisories will also be lifted via door-hanger:
- Gamwell Road
- Hurst Hammock
- 8100 Block of Scenic Hwy.
Residents are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil, or to use 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking of cooking purposes.
Two independent bacteriological samples will be initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours. Precautionary Boil Water Notices are issued as a part of standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
ECUA crews have completed repair work and flushed out the lines. Residents are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the breaks, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at 850-476-0480 for assistance, or see precautionary boil water notice guidelines on the ECUA website at www.ecua.fl.gov
Water service has been restored to Piedmont Road and Crescent Lake, including all other locations that had experienced main breaks.
Sanitation Services
ECUA residential and commercial sanitation collections are delayed by one day for the balance of the week. Collections scheduled for Friday will be made Saturday.
All services are being provided including curbside recycling, yard waste and bulk waste collections. Yard waste and bulk waste collection may be delayed due to the heavy volume of flood debris. Collection crews will be working overtime and weekends until the clean-up is completed. Please do not place any debris in the right of way unless it is ready to be removed by ECUA collection crews. For more information, customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at 850-476-0480.
Bristol Park
ECUA will have a special collection scheduled for the Bristol Park area on Sunday, May 4. ECUA personnel visited the area Friday to speak directly with residents, discuss Sunday’s activities and hear their concerns in advance of the collection.
Molino Park Holds Muffins For Moms And Field Day
May 3, 2014
There were two big events at Molino Park Elementary School on Friday — Muffins for Moms and Field Day.
Muffins for Moms, sponsored by the PTA, gave moms a chance to stop by with children and learn about the latest school information. The school recently held a similar “Donuts With Dad” event.
Pictured top and below: Field Day at Molino Park Elementary. Pictured inset and bottom: Muffins for Moms at MPES. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Florida Lawamkers Ban E-Cig Sales To Minors
May 3, 2014
Florida lawmakers passed a plan Friday that would ban the sales of electronic cigarettes to minors. The House voted 117-0 to approve the bill (SB 224), which had earlier passed the Senate. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scot for his signature.
“Electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular,” Senate sponsor Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, said in a prepared statement. “However, by putting age restrictions on these harmful nicotine devices we are taking the steps necessary to keep our impressionable children healthy and strong.”
Supporters of the bill contend that use of the trendy tubes, which deliver nicotine, can lead to young people smoking tobacco.
Wahoos Snap Skid With 14-1 Win Over Generals
May 3, 2014
The Blue Wahoos snapped their three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Jackson Generals on Friday night at the Ballpark at Jackson behind a strong start from Jon Moscot. The Wahoos hurler allowed just two hits and retired the final 13 batters he faced.
Pensacola scored single runs over four separate innings and got strong pitching from Moscot and the bullpen. Donald Lutz drove home two of the Wahoos runs with RBI singles in the first and fifth innings. He finished the game 2-for-2 with a walk. Rey Navarro also had a solid night at the plate going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Lutz left the game after the Blue Wahoos batted in the sixth inning. No update is available on his condition.
Moscot earned the win after working 7.0 innings allowing just the 1R/ER on only two hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Elvin Ramirez made his Blue Wahoos debut with a scoreless eighth. James Walczak pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will try to make it two-straight over the Generals on Saturday night. RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.86) will start for the Wahoos against Jackson LHP Cam Hobson (3-1, 3.14). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. at the Ballpark at Jackson.
by Tommy Thrall
Escambia County Road Closure List, Flood Status Update
May 2, 2014
[Updated noon] Escambia County remains under a state of local emergency.
Escambia County along with state and federal agencies has begun a full inspection of roads, bridges and other infrastructure to access damages.
An American Red Cross shelter is located at the Fricker Community Center, 900 North “F” Street, Pensacola, is open and currently has 68 people at the shelter.
Escambia County Road Closures:
- Ashland Avenue – flooding from Ashland to Ponderosa
- Atlanta Avenue and Augusta Avenue – bridge from Gulf Beach Highway to Selma Street
- Barrineau Park Road — at the bridge/Alabama state line due to flooding
- Bauer Road – construction from Sorrento Road to Gulf Beach Highway
- Blue Springs Drive – washout
- Burning Tree Road – bridge
- Chemstrand Road – washout from Boulder Creek Drive to Orby Street
- Detroit Boulevard West – bridge and washout
- Dog Track Road – washout from Dog Track Road North to Lillian Highway
- Fannie Road – bridge from Campbell Road to Carnley Road
- High Pointe Drive – washout at Constantine
- Interstate Circle – bridge
- Johnson Avenue – bridge from East Johnson Avenue to East Olive Road
- Klondike Road – bridge
- Lloyd Street East – washout at 20th Street
- Main Street – washout from A Street to Devilliers Street
- Mallory Street – sinkhole
- Massachusetts Avenue – flooding at Kelly Avenue
- Meadowbrook Drive – bridge from Meadowbrook Drive to Scenic Hills Drive
- Mobile Highway – bridge
- Morningside Drive – washout
- North Loop Road – washout
- Oak Valley Drive – washout
- Old Corry Field Road – bridge from Navy Boulevard to Idlewood Drive
- Piedmont Road – washout from Tronjo Drive to Hallmark Drive
- Pineville Road – bridge
- Ronda Street – washout from Daniel to Rufus
- Scenic Highway –washout from Whimbledon Drive to Scenic Highway Circle
- Scenic Highway – washout from Bayview Way to Logan Drive
- Scenic Highway – washout from just north of Olive Road to Nine Mile Road
- Stillbrooke Road – bridge
- Tarragona Street – washout from Gadsden Street to Jackson Street
- Tarragona Street – from Blount Street to Alcaniz Street
- Winthrop Avenue – washout
State Road Closures In Escambia County:
Northbound I-110 on ramp at Airport Boulevard is restricted.
Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) 150 feet north of Baywalk Circle is closed.
Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) south of Scenic Highway Circle is closed.
Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) north of Wimbledon Drive is closed.
Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) at Summit Boulevard is closed.
U.S. 90 1/2 mile west of eastbound I-10 is restricted.
S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) 3/4 miles south of I-10 is restricted.
U.S. 98 (Lilian Highway) at Trout Road is restricted.
U.S. 98 at S.R. 295 (Navy Boulevard) is restricted.
S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) at Carpenter’s Creek is restricted.
Residents in Escambia County who need non-emergency assistance can call the Citizens Information Center at (850) 471-6600. For emergencies, call 911.
Raging Creek Sweeps Away Escambia District Fire Chief
May 2, 2014
The rescuer became the rescued during our historic flooding as an Escambia Fire Rescue district chief and his vehicle were swept away by a raging creek.
Beulah volunteer District Chief Steve McNair responded to possible water rescue and the report of a submerged car during the early hours of Wednesday morning. As he approached 11 Mile Creek on Nine Mile Road, his county SUV was rapidly swept away a few hundred feet into the woods.
The radio call went out that 201, McNair’s radio call sign, had been swept away by the raging flood waters.
“It happened fast,” McNair said Thursday afternoon. “I was in the vehicle under the water. I knew I had to remain calm and do the right thing. I got out and managed to get a hold of a tree and hang on.”
A firefighter spotted McNair clinging to the tree as the water rushed by from the rising creek. Other first responders in the area not on life-threatening calls made their way toward the creek, as dispatchers worked to find them routes that were not flooded.
A watercraft arrived on the scene, and Escambia firefighters fought the raging to creek to reach and rescue him from the tree.
“It was 100 percent the Lord,” McNair said. “There’s no other way I would have survived. I give Him all the credit for the great job done by the firemen.”
After a quick check from Escambia County EMS, McNair was on duty again, the rescued back at work as the rescuer.
Pictured top and inset: The aftermath for the vehicle of Escambia County Beulah District Chief Steve McNair. Pictured below: McNair looks over the vehicle after it was pulled from the woods Thursday. Pictured below: McNair’s vehicle in the woods, marked by an arrow. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
McDavid Man Among Two Inmates Killed In Jail Blast
May 2, 2014
A McDavid man was one of two inmates that were killed when an explosion rocked the Escambia County late Wednesday night.
Robert Earl Simmons, age 54 of Railroad Street in McDavid, was arrested on multiple felony animal cruelty charges on January 14. He was being held without bond due to an alleged probation violation in a 2012 grand theft and trespassing case. He was due in court for probation violation hearing today, May 2, to determine his possible bond eligibility.
David Paul Weinstein, age 45, was arrested February 28 for fraud providing false owner information a pawned item, dealing in stolen property and grand theft. His bond was set at $12,500, but he was placed under a “hold” by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office where he had an outstanding warrant on an unknown charge. His trial in Escambia County was set for mid-July.
Both men were found dead surrounded by debris in the same part of the jail.
About 600 inmates were inside when the explosion believed to have been caused by a natural gas leak ripped through the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility on West Leonard street.
People as far away as Molino and Gulf Breeze reported feeling or hearing the blast.
The explosion appeared to have originated in or near a basement laundry area. In a written statement, Pensacola Energy said in a written statement Thursday that they verified the gas main leading to the building was operating in a safe and effective manner. Pensacola Energy indicated that explosion appeared to have originated inside the basement of the facility.
County officials said Thursday night that 184 people, including inmates and corrections officers, were transported to area medical centers for treatment. All but two inmates and one Escambia County Jail correction officer have been released from the hospital.
Every inmate that was in the facility at the time of the blast has been accounted for, according to Escambia County officials.
Two hundred female inmates were transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail in Milton, while the remaining prisoners were scattered among other unnamed detention facility in Escambia County. For roster of inmates in the jail at the time of the explosion, click here.
The Escambia County Jail, including Central Booking and Detention Facility, are operated under the direction of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, not the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff David Morgan relinquished control of the jail to the BOCC last October.
The Florida State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) are investigating the cause of the explosion.
