Bertha No Problem For Gulf Coast
August 4, 2014
Tropical Storm Bertha poses no immediate threat to land as it passes along the U.S. East Coast. Bertha will have no impact on the North Escambia area’s weather.
The latest details, forecast path and computer models are in the graphics above and below, click to enlarge.
Health Officials Warn About Potential Bacteria In Local Coastal Waters
August 4, 2014
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Occurring naturally in warm coastal waters, particularly during summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bactrium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds, cuts or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater or estuarine water. Also, Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.
Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering.
- In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe, life-threatening illness with other symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
“It is important for people to be vigilant of these symptoms and seek immediate medical care,” said Dr. John Lanza, director ofhe Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “Residents and visitors should also avoid consuming raw and undercooked shellfish as well as foods that have come into contact with raw seafood.”
To stay healthy and safe, people should thoroughly cook oysters and other shellfish, either by frying, stewing, or roasting to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in the meat. And individuals should also avoid exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches to seawater or estuarine water.
Century Man Jailed For Battery — Again
August 4, 2014
Released from jail for committing battery against his wife, a Century man is behind bars for allegedly committing battery against her again.
Jedd Turner Grimes was charged battery and larceny and is being held in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
He allegedly broke into his estranged wife’s home on Dawson Road south of Century, promised to change and stayed there for about two weeks before she told him to leave for using drugs and using her car. He returned to the home, and the pair got into an argument over turning off an air conditioner, a report states.
He allegedly pushed the woman into a wall, floor and bed, causing bruising to her limbs and back, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. He was also accused of stealing her cell phone and keys.
BOCC Committee Of The Whole Workshop Rescheduled
August 4, 2014
The regularly scheduled August 14 Escambia County Board of County Commissioners’ Committee of the Whole Workshop has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 12.
The Committee of the Whole Workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and will take place in the Board Chambers, first floor, 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola.
Photos: Summer Volleyball
August 4, 2014
T.R. Miller High School in Brewton hosted their annual volleyball play-date recently at Brewton Middle School.
The event featured varsity and junior varsity games from nine high schools, including T.R. Miller, Northview, Flomaton and Jay.
“Both teams competed well and are showing much progress,” Northview Coach Barbara Luker said, adding that scores and stats were not kept because it was summer play.
For a photo gallery with the Northview varsity and JV teams, click here.
Photos by Kayleen Amerson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Warns Of Continuing Scam Targeting Customers
August 4, 2014
In a recent scam, area businesses and residential customers received calls from a person claiming to represent Gulf Power Company and demanding payment — or their electric service will be cut off, according to the company.
Gulf Power is continuing to work with law enforcement in reporting these incidents, but the company has received an escalated number of calls from customers reporting fraudulent calls in the last week. Customers are being told their electric bill is past due and that their electricity will be cut off if the customer does not provide a credit card payment or other forms of immediate payment.
Gulf Power advises customers that:
- Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home or their business seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
- Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
- All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.
Customers should call Gulf Power at (800 225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.
Gulf Power is working with local law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators. If anyone has been victimized by one of these schemes, or has any information about suspects, they are asked to call local law enforcement and to contact Gulf Power at (800) 225-5797.
Judge: Draw New Congressional Districts By August 15
August 4, 2014
Florida lawmakers will start a special session Thursday to redraw congressional districts, House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said Sunday in a memo to House members.
The announcement came two days after Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis ordered lawmakers to redraw the districts and submit a map to him by Aug. 15. Lewis last month ruled that the current congressional map, which lawmakers approved in 2012, violated the Florida Constitution because it did not follow anti-gerrymandering rules approved by voters in 2010.
In his memo Sunday, Weatherford continued to object to the possibility that drawing new districts could affect the upcoming elections. Lewis on Friday also ordered Secretary of State Ken Detzner and local elections supervisors to come up with a new voting schedule for any districts that lawmakers would have to redraw.
“We continue to maintain our strong objection to any attempt to disrupt the current election process,” Weatherford wrote. “Florida’s Supervisors of Elections have raised serious concerns over changing the elections process at this late date.”
The primary elections are Aug. 26, and the general election is Nov. 4. Legislative leaders have pointed, at least in part, to overseas and absentee ballots that have already gone out in advance of the primaries.
“Tens of thousands of our service men and women overseas have received their ballots, and over one million absentee ballots have been mailed to Floridians,” Weatherford wrote in the memo. “Members, we intend to vigorously defend the integrity and validity of Floridians’ votes that have already been and will be cast in the upcoming election.”
But the League of Women Voters of Florida, one of the organizations that filed the challenge to the map, praised Lewis’ ruling Friday.
“This is a champagne moment for Florida voters, who have waited too long for fairly drawn congressional districts,” Deirdre Macnab, the group’s president, said in a statement issued after the ruling. ” … We believe that the restoration of legitimate, representative democracy is well worth one extra trip to the polls.”
Weatherford’s memo said staff will provide detailed information Monday to House members about the special session. For many lawmakers, the special session will mean interrupting re-election campaigns to return to Tallahassee.
The speaker made clear in the memo that the session will be held for the “sole and exclusive” purpose of redrawing congressional districts, which would prevent any unrelated issues from being taken up.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Smokies Even Series With 4-1 Win Over The Wahoos
August 4, 2014
Addison Russell blasted a two-run home run in the first inning to help lift the Smokies over the Blue Wahoos 4-1 at Smokies Park Sunday afternoon.
Robert Stephenson (L, 5-8) was on cruise control after Russell’s homer. He went on to retire 14 Smokies batters in a row until he hit Albert Almora with a pitch following a groundout to start the sixth inning. Lars Anderson put the game out of reach later in that inning with a two-run double.
Stephenson was being dueled on the other side by Smokies right-hander and Cubs No. 6 prospect Pierce Johnson (W, 4-4). He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Stephenson broke it up at the plate with a two-out single. Johnson retired the next batter, Yorman Rodriguez, on a line drive to second base. He picked up the win after working 6.0 shutout innings allowing just two hits and a walk with six strikeouts.
Stephenson was charged with 4 R/ER on just three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over 6.0 innings in the loss.
Pensacola put together a threat in the ninth inning but had to settle for just one run despite bringing the tying run to the plate.
Brodie Greene had the Wahoos only multi-hit game of the afternoon, going 2-for-4. Ross Perez extended his team-high hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI single in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos will take another shot at the series win on Monday night. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.57) will start against Smokies RHP Eduardo Figueroa. First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m. CT at Smokies Park.
by Tommy Thralll
Deidra’s Gift: Free School Supplies Distributed In Century
August 3, 2014
Free schools supplies were available Saturday in Century for 300 children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
The book bags full of supplies were distributed in memory of Dedria Robinson, who was killed in 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11.
‘We wanted to help as many children as we could in her memory,” Deidra’s mother Rita Robinson said. “It’s good to see them get the supplies they need.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Learn More About New Head Start Program In Molino
August 3, 2014
Parents and guardians are invited to learn more about the new Head Start center in Molino during a program Monday evening. An informational session will be held in room 124 of the Molino Community Center at 6 p.m.
Head Start provides education and family programming for children ages three to five. To be eligible, families must qualify according to federal income guidelines or have a child with a diagnosed disability. Children must be age three or four by September 1, 2014.
Head Start is currently completing renovations at the old Molino Elementary School next to the library. The new center is expected to open at the same time or soon after the 2014-2015 school year begins for Escambia County Schools on August 18. Student drop off will begin at 7:45 a.m. with pick up at 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Limited transportation is available.
A home-based program, Early Head Start, is also available for pregnant women and children from birth to 36 months.
To register for Head Start or Early Head Start, the following information is needed:
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of pregnancy
- Proof of residence
- Social security card
- Proof of income
- Insurance/Medicaid
Anyone interested in learning more about Head Start and Early Head Start may call (850) 432-2992 ext. 437. In Escambia County, Head Start is a part of the Community Action Program Committee, Inc. (CAPC).