Six People Rescued Thursday From Flooded River At Barrineau Park
May 2, 2014
Six people, including two children, were rescued from the flooded Perdido River at Barrineau Park Thursday afternoon.
The people were reportedly rafting when they fell off their rafts. The four adults and two children were found clinging to a log jam and train trestle just south of the Barrineau Park Road Bridge into Alabama.
First responders from the Molino Station of Escambia Rescue were unable to find a safe location to launch boat into the river. Fighters were able to stretch a ladder over the water from the log jam to the shore and get the victims up to the railroad trestle. None of the six, who were in the water just under an hour after the first 911 call, were injured.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County EMS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also responded to the call.
Pictured top and below: First responders used a ladder as a makeshift bridge to rescue six people trapped on the flooded Perdido River at Barrineau Park Thursday afternoon. Pictured inset: A group of first responders walk back from a train trestle after making the success rescue. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Playoff Roundup: Jay, Tate, West Florida Advance
May 2, 2014
Jay 7, South Walton 2 (Softball)
The Jay Lady Royals won their Region 3-1A quarterfinal game Thursday 7-2 over South Walton.
Chasity McCranie pitched the win for the Lady Royals in seven, striking out 11, allow a double, two runs, five hits and committing two erros.
For the Lady Royals, Destiny Herring was 1-4 with a run, double and two RBis, Samantha Steadham was 2-4 with a run, double and2 RBIs; Holly Taggert two runs; and Makayla Stewart had a couple of runs.
The Lady Royals will host either Port St. Joe or Chipley on Monday at 4 p.m.
Tate 10, Navarre 0 (Softball)
The Tate Lady Aggies beat the Navarre Raiders 10-0 Thursday in the Region 1-7A semifinal game.
On Saturday, the Lady Aggies will host East Ridge Saturday in the Region 1-7A at 2 p.m.
West Florida 6, Taylor County 5 (Baseball)
West Florida High School beat Taylor County 6-5 in the baseball Region 1-4A quarterfinals. Nick Lackey was 2-4 with a double and two RBis for West Florida, while Chad Simmons was 3-4 with an RBI. Kyle Harrison hammered n the game winning run, going 1-4 with a double.
The West Florida Jaguars will host the Region 1-4A semifinals next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
West Florida Beats Tally High In Region 1-4A Semi (With Gallery)
May 2, 2014
The West Florida High Lady Jaguars won the Region 1-4A semifinal game Thursday night against Tallahassee High, 5-0.
Senior Korina Rosario pitched the shut out, giving up eight hits, two walks while recording nine strike outs. Hitters for West Florida were Nachelle Watson 2-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs; Ali Cutaio was 1-3; Kristen Gunter was 2-2 with two RBIs; Rosario went 1-2; Jordaine Watkins was 1-3 with a double and RBI; and Lauren Carnley was 1-3 with a double.
West Florida (25-1) will travel to face West Nassau High in Callahan (north of Jacksonville) on Saturday in the Region 1-4A finals and the chance at the state playoffs next week in Vero Beach. A playoff final win would be the first softball state championship.
Pictured top: West Florida Senior Nachelle Watson comes in on her home run Thursday against Tallahassee High. Pictured inset: Senior Karina Rosario pitched the Lady Jags’ win. NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Scott Says He’ll Sign Medical Marijuana Bill Supported By House
May 2, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a medical marijuana bill poised to pass the Florida Senate, after the measure received overwhelming support Thursday from the House as children whose lives hang in the balance looked on.
“I’m a parent and a grandparent. I want to make sure my children, my grandchildren, have the access to the health care they want. So, I know the House has passed the bill. It’s going back to the Senate. If it passes, I’m going to sign it,” Scott told reporters Thursday evening.
Scott had wanted to limit access to the drug, not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, to patients with a variety of illnesses who are involved in clinical trials.
The version (SB 1030) approved by the House in a 111-7 vote and sent back to the Senate — with one day left in the annual legislative session — includes language proposed by Scott but goes much farther.
Under the measure, cancer patients as well as those who suffer from severe muscle spasms or seizures and who do not respond to other treatment would be eligible for a strain of marijuana that is high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Supporters have particularly said the substance could help children who suffer from a type of epilepsy that causes severe seizures.
Doctors, who would have to receive special training, would put their patients on a statewide “compassionate use” registry maintained by the Department of Health. Doctors would also have to submit patients’ treatment plans for the substance to the University of Florida pharmacy school. Patients could be charged with misdemeanors for faking a disease and doctors could be charged with misdemeanors for ordering the drug for patients who don’t fit the criteria.
The House also added new requirements for growers. Under the proposal, only large, commercial nurseries would be eligible to grow the low-THC cannabis. Growers must possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the Department of Agriculture for the cultivation of more than 400,000 plants, post a $5 million bond, and have operated as a registered nursery in Florida for at least 30 years. Growers would also manufacture the low-THC substance, usually delivered in paste or oil form, and serve as distribution centers. The state would authorize five distribution centers spread throughout the state.
Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres, said about three dozen nurseries would fit the criteria spelled out in his amendment.
From the public gallery, a handful of Panhandle families — including Holley Moseley and her daughter, RayAnn — watched House members debate the issue. The Moseleys have led the charge in the Capitol on behalf of about 150,000 families whose children could benefit from the treatment.
After the vote, an emotional Holley Moseley could not hold back tears when surrounded by reporters. Moseley said that RayAnn had suffered numerous seizures during the hours that she and her daughter sat waiting for the vote.
“It really was overwhelming. I’ve kind of held it together until this point. We’re so close,” Moseley said. “Just sitting there next to her, and seizure after seizure. It just makes it so real.”
The seeming contradiction of Florida’s conservative, Republican-dominated Legislature approving any pot-related legislation was not lost on some of the members.
Republican Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, who returned to the House less than a month ago after winning a special election, said he was “both skeptical and concerned” when he learned about the issue coming up in the Legislature.
“I can hardly believe I’m saying this. … I’m going to vote for the bill because I think it’s the right thing to do,” Eisnaugle, R-Orlando, said.
But, as limited as the bill is, authorizing medical marijuana “could be the rifle shot that starts an avalanche,” objected Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala.
“I pray it’s not,” he said. “But because of that risk of setting off that giant avalanche … that weight and my responsibility is a knot in my stomach that says you started that. I simply can’t pull the trigger.”
But Rep. Matt Gaetz, the bill’s sponsor, said he recognizes that some critics say lawmakers are sending the message that marijuana use is acceptable.
“But I look up at the gallery at these children who are racing to their deaths and I just can’t balance the impact of their life against that argument. We are being as cautious as we can,” Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, said. “That’s why we’ve taken this cautious step only with tightly controlled non-euphoric marijuana. I’m sure it’s not perfect. But it is my best effort … to do right by those very ill children without cracking the door open too much.”
The Senate is expected to pass the measure on Friday and send it to the governor.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Generals Make It Two Straight Over Pensacola Blue Wahoos
May 2, 2014
For the second straight night the Generals jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back on their way to a 5-1 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Thursday night at the Ballpark at Jackson. The Wahoos pushed across their first run of the series with two outs in the ninth.
The Generals opened the game with back-to-back doubles and both were converted to runs on sacrifice flies to give Jackson an early 2-0 lead. Nate Melendres launched a solo home run to make it 3-0 in the second inning. Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Robert Stephenson (L, 2-2) went on to retire 11 of the next 12 batters he faced. The only man to reach got on with an error. Stephenson allowed a one-out double followed by a walk in the sixth to bring an end to his night. Both came home to score on an RBI single by Manny Pina off Tim Adleman, but the runs were charged to Stephenson.
Ross Perez led the way offensively for the Blue Wahoos with a 4-for-5 game including a triple and Pensacola’s only RBI. The Wahoos had base runners in every inning and left a season-high 15 runners on base.
Stephenson was tagged with the loss and charged with all 5R/ER. He walked two and struck out four. Jochi Ogando went four innings in the start for the Generals. He didn’t allow a run and walked three with five strikeouts. Stephen Shackleford (W, 3-1) earned the win out of the bullpen. He allowed just 1R/0ER over the final 2.2 innings.
The Wahoos look for their first win in four games with RHP Jon Moscot (1-1, 2.08) on the mound against Generals RHP Trevor Miller (0-3, 5.40).
by Tommy Thrall
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
About 200 Female Escambia Inmates Moved To Santa Rosa County
May 1, 2014
About 200 female inmates have been from the Escambia County Jail to Santa Rosa County following an explosion this morning at the Escambia County Jail.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has released the following information:
Due to the tragic events at the Escambia County jail, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is providing assistance and support to the inmates and agencies involved.
As of 8:00 am, we have received approximately 200 female inmates from the Escambia County Jail. Since their arrival, we have provided breakfast and clean uniforms. These females are considered “Low Custody Level” inmates and have been placed in our Direct Supervision Unit. This DSU is part of our newest facility which was recently added to our existing jail. We have full medical staff this morning to conduct triage and follow up medical care.
We ask the media and the public give Escambia County and the SRSO time to work on the logistics during this tragic event. We are working to provide free telephone services for the newly arrived inmates from Escambia County so they can contact their loved ones. We will also be working with Escambia County officials to coordinate medical, court and release dates.
Escambia County Inmates will not have visitation at this time. Our priority at this time are the basic essentials for the inmates. We will be providing additional information about our arrivals and visitation schedules on our website. www.santarosasheriff.org
Escambia County Jail Explosion Claims Two Lives, 184 Injured
May 1, 2014
At least two people were killed in an explosion Wednesday night at the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility on West Leonard Street. Officials reported 184 people were injured in the incident.
The apparent natural gas explosion caused a partial building collapse about 11:25 p.m.
Both of the fatalities were reported to be inmates. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Three inmates have been reported as missing.
The dozens of injured included both inmates and correctional officers. The injured were taken to Baptist, Sacred Heart, West Florida and Navy hospital in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze hospital and the Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton. Those that were not critical were transported by bus, while numerous ambulances transported the more serious victims. Many of the minor injuries were treated and released in under two hours.
Uninjured inmates were moved to other detention facilities in Escambia County and neighboring Santa Rosa County, according to an Escambia County spokesperson. About 600 prisoners were in the building at the time.
Immediate family only of inmates may call the Escambia County Citizen Information Line at (850) 471-6600 with the name of the inmate they are inquiring about and a contact number for their call to be returned. A phone call will be returned with status of the inmate and their whereabouts. Citizens are urged not to go to the jail.
Family members of jail employees can call (850) 554-1430 for more information. Family members of jail employees transported to Baptist or Gulf Breeze hospitals will be allowed to gather and receive information at the hospital emergency rooms.
Baptist Hospital reported receiving 50 patients, and Gulf Breeze Hospital received 31 — all with non life-threatening injuries.
People as far away as Molino and Gulf Breeze reported feeling or hearing the blast.
The explosion is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
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.
Pictured top: At least two people were killed and about 150 injured in an apparent natural gas explosion Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility late Wednesday night. Picture inset: Concerned family members gather outside the jail. Reader submitted photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
Facebook Posts Lead To Rescue For Couple Trapped In Flood
May 1, 2014
In our attic. House underwater….Please let them know we are in the attic.
A terrifying Facebook post from Dana Jacobs. She and her husband live on Bristol Park Road where Tuesday night’s flooding was some of the worst. And they live in the lower end of the street where the water was highest.
What?? It’s flooding!!!??? I hope you guys are ok!!!!
That was the response from Dana’s friend Ashleigh in California. Another friend posted a reassuring link to a NorthEscambia.com Facebook post.
ALERT — Officials reporting water to the roof of houses in the Bristol Park Subdivision of Hwy 97/297A. Including Bristol Park Road and Ashbury Lane. EMS/Fire rescuing residents.
Ashleigh responded to the NorthEscambia.com post.
Please get help to (9XXX) Bristol park road water is almost in attic.
NorthEscambia.com responded by contacting Ashleigh in California directly by Facebook chat. She verified the information along with names and addresses, and NorthEscambia.com make a direct call to McDavid Station Chief Eric Gilmore on the scene with the information and also reported the situation to Escambia-Fire Rescue dispatchers. All that was about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
“It was crazy scary,” Dana said. “We never expected the water to rise like that. First the floor was wet. We started moving things in the house up higher. Then in like 30 minutes, the water was to our waists. We panicked. The water went up over everything we’d moved up. We didn’t know what to do.”
The couple made the way to their detached garage. The smell of gas was overwhelming from gas cans that overturned in the flood. They crawled into the attic and called 911.
“911 told me they could not get to us right way until they got some boats,” she said. Outside, at the entrance to the neighborhood, firefighters were risking their own lives wading as far as they could into the rushing water to rescue adults and children. A frantic effort was underway to get boats to the scene, but responding agencies were hampered by flooded roads and overrun bridges along the way.
Dana and her husband were concerned that rescuers might not check the garage attic. They used a hatchet to chop a hole in the roof. Then they could hear the screams of their neighbors.
“The neighbors and their kids were on their roof. The screams for help….the screams for help..I’ll never forget them. It was awful.”
The raging flood waters were rising, approaching the attic. Dana said she was afraid they would not be found in time.
Dana and NorthEscambia.com continued the Facebook chat throughout the early morning hours, updating their status. In the meantime, firefighters were working their way down the street, now with boats, continuing rescue after rescue.
Then, at 3:25 a.m. NorthEscambia.com received a phone call from Chief Gilmore on the scene.
“They are out and on a boat,” he said.
Dana and husband had been rescued; they believe with the help of a cross-country Facebook conversation and the mostly volunteer members of Escambia Fire Rescue that responded to their call for help.
“They are our heroes. We can’t thank them enough for saving our lives,” she said.
Pictured: Dana and husband Damien Jacobs. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
School Grading System Changes Approved By Florida House
May 1, 2014
Despite protests from Democrats, the House on Wednesday gave final approval to a school-accountability proposal (SB 1642) that includes changes to the state’s school-grading system.
The measure would do away with the penalties schools could currently receive for the grades assigned in the 2014-15 school year. That move is in part an effort to make up for the state switching from the FCAT to another exam.
But Democrats argued, in part, that the bill doesn’t give enough time for schools to adjust to the new test and other changes.
“What’s the rush?” asked Rep. Mark Danish, a Tampa Democrat who is a teacher. “Let’s get this right.”
But Republicans said the process of changing the accountability system started with a summit in August and continued for months. House Education Chairwoman Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, said children adapt to changes.
“They only fail when you keep telling them they’re going to fail,” she said. House members voted 76-42 to approve the bill along almost straight party lines.
Voting for the bill were four Democrats — Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Rep. Ricardo Rangel of Kissimmee, Rep. Linda Stewart of Orlando and Rep. Dwayne Taylor of Daytona Beach. Voting against it was one Republican — Rep. Tom Goodson of Titusville. The bill, which was earlier approved by the Senate, is headed to Gov. Rick Scott.
by The News Service of Florida
House Gives Green Light To Higher Speed Limits In Sunshine State
May 1, 2014
After a sometimes-emotional debate, a divided Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a proposal that could lead to 75 mph speed limits on some highways.
The House voted 58-56 to pass the bill (SB 392), which was backed by the Senate last week. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott.
Opponents said increasing speed limits would lead to more deadly crashes, with Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, telling the House that speed played a role in an accident that killed one of his daughters.
“You just never want to get that call,” Slosberg said. “A lot of us have kids and grandkids and you never want to get that call, your daughter died in a car crash.”
The bill would allow maximum speed limits of 75 mph on limited-access highways, up from the current 70 mph. It also would allow speed limits of 70 mph on other four-lane, divided highways outside urban areas, up from the current 65 mph.
But the measure’s supporters said the ultimate decisions about whether to raise speed limits would be left up to the Florida Department of Transportation. The agency would decide the safest speeds for highways, they said.
“I’m voting for this bill because we’re not changing the speed limit,” Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said.
The close vote was highly unusual in the House and did not follow party lines. Slosberg attempted a procedural move a few hours later to bring the bill back for reconsideration, but that was defeated in a voice vote.
Florida’s maximum speed limit has been 70 mph since 1996. Rep. Matt Caldwell, a Lehigh Acres Republican who is the House sponsor of this year’s proposal, said some roads are designed to handle vehicles at higher speeds than 70 mph.
But Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, told House members he has been a funeral director for 43 years and was an ambulance attendant early in his career. He said he couldn’t vote for a measure that he is afraid could cost a life.
“I’m Dennis Baxley, I’m a speeder and I can’t vote for this bill,” he said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida