Officials Say No Outside Burning After Firefighters Battle Multiple Wildfires
January 22, 2014
The Escambia County Public Safety Department is asking residents to refrain from starting any kind of outdoor fire until our dry, windy conditions improve.
The National Weather Service has also issued a “Red Flag Warning” (no burning allowed); the winds speeds and relative humidity are at such a level that they have led to a number of brush fires in Escambia County in the past two days.
- The first major wildfire Tuesday was reported about 11:05 a.m. off Williams Ditch Road. Two acres burned initially, and by 11:36 a.m. the fire was considered under control. Firefighters returned later in the afternoon as the fire flared up again. The Florida Forest Service used bulldozers to cut two fire lines to fully contain the threat. Crews remained on the scene until late afternoon.
- At 12:32 p.m., firefighters were called to East Chipper Road. Three acres were originally estimated to be on fire. High wind quickly pushed the fire east toward some homes, but no evacuations were ordered. Two fire engines, four brush trucks and the Florida Forest Service battled the blaze.
- At 1:20 p.m. an out of control trash fire was reported at 6550 North Palafox Street. Firefighters quickly contained this fire as it spread toward a tree line.
- At 2:22 p.m., firefighters responded to an half acre spreading brush fire in the 600 block of Community Drive. Firefighters were able to get control of the fire.
- At 11:20 a.m. Monday, a wildfire was reported on Garrett Road just off Pine Forest Road in the Walnut Hill area. The fire burned about 10 acres and threatened an abandoned home.
- At 12:10 p.m. Monday, a second wildfire was reported about 12:10 p.m. on Goodale Lane off Highway 97A in Enon. That fire burned about two acres.
Pictured top: A wildfire burns deep in a wooded area behind the Cottage Hill Baptist Church on Williams Ditch Road Tuesday afternoon. Pictured inset: A wildfire near East Chipper Road Tuesday. Pictured below: About 10 acres burned Monday on Garrett Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Additional Opportunity Available For Agricultural Assistance In Florida
January 22, 2014
The 2008 Farm Bill was recently granted a short extension by Congress. This extension allows the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida to give farmers and ranchers an additional opportunity to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other environmental benefits.
“We are very happy to be able to offer an additional signup period for Florida agriculture producers,” said NRCS State Conservationist Russell Morgan. “This is going to give more producers time to submit their applications and help them get started implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations.”
Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center now to receive more information on the:
- Organic Initiative–helps producers install conservation practices on USDA certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
- Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative–helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature, and conserve water and energy.
- On-farm Energy Initiative–helps producers conserve energy on their operations.
- Longleaf Pine Initiative–helps private landowners improve the sustainability and profitability of Longleaf pine forest ecosystems.
- Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative–provides technical and financial assistance for landowners who voluntarily choose to implement conservation practices that benefit the habitat of the target species–the gopher tortoise in Florida–while continuing to manage the habitat as working lands.
- Gulf of Mexico Initiative–helps producers located in the Escambia River and Middle Suwannee River Area watersheds to focus on reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, improving water quality, and wildlife habitat on cropland, pastureland and forestland. Producers located in these watersheds can sign up for assistance under this initiative by contacting their local NRCS office.
After talking to your local NRCS staff, producers may apply for conservation technical assistance and possible financial assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). Applications must be filed no later than February 21, 2014, to be eligible for this year’s funding.
Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the February 21st date has been set to make FY 2014 funding decisions for these special initiatives. As with all NRCS programs, producers may continue to apply throughout the year and will be considered for future funding, if available.
For more information, contact:
- Escambia County District Conservationist Josh McElhaney at (850) 587-5404, x3, 151 Highway 97, Molino, FL, 32577.
- Santa Rosa County District Conservationist Trent Mathews at (850) 623-3229, x3, 6285 Dogwood Drive, Milton, FL, 32570-3544.
Or visitt www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA – NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
Walnut Hill Man Convicted Of Drug Trafficking, Possession
January 21, 2014
Another North Escambia resident has been convicted in connection with last year’s Operation Blister Pack 2.
Steven Daniel Kite, age 36 of the 700 block of North Highway 99 in Walnut Hill, was charged with felony drug possession and trafficking in amphetamine or methamphetamine 14-28 grams at the time of his arrest on April 23, 2013.
Operation Blister Pack targeted nearly 80 individuals on methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine related charges. Many of those arrested were involved with drug groups dubbed “The Village Group”, centered around “The Village” area of Forrest Street and Lakeview Avenue in Cantonment; and “The Ayers Group”, a group centered around Ayers Street in Molino, according to the Sheriff’s Offfice.
It took an Escambia County jury just under an hour to find Kite guilty as charged. He bond was immediately revoked, and he was remanded into custody until he is sentenced in early April.
Bills Target Genetically Engineered Food In Florida
January 21, 2014
A South Florida Democrat has filed a bill that would impose labeling requirements to make sure consumers know they are buying genetically engineered foods.
By January 1, 2016, the bill would require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to annually publish a list of commercially grown agricultural commodities that are genetically engineered. By that date, it also would require manufacturers, processors, packers or distributors to make clear on labels that their products include genetically engineered food or ingredients.
The bill says, in part, that the “vast majority of the public desires notice” before eating genetically engineered food. “(Labeling) of genetically engineered foods can provide a critical method for tracking the potentially dangerous health effects of consuming genetically engineered foods,” the bill says.
A similar proposal has been filed in the Florida House.
United Way Free Income Tax Preparation Launches
January 21, 2014
United Way of Escambia County has started their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers will offer free tax preparation help at Pensacola State College (PSC) from 10am to 4pm in building 96 through tax season.
United Way will also offer MyFreeTaxes, a free online tax tool for self-preparation. Eligible residents, with a household adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less, can utilize the free step-by-step online tool at www.myfreetaxes.com/unitedwayESCAROSA. Starting January 20, IRS-certified specialists will be available to answer tax-related questions at 1 (855) 698-9435, Monday-Saturday, 8am-9pm.
Financial literacy and VITA programs help alleviate future shortfalls in family budgets. Last year, VITA volunteers assisted 2,040 local families in returning $2,800,000 in refunds. If these families had used payday lenders, refund anticipation loans, or refund anticipation checks they would have lost an estimated $280,000 from their refunds.
Tax returns processed prior to January 31 using MyFreeTaxes or a VITA site will be automatically sent to the IRS on the January 31 open file date.
United Way will launch five additional VITA sites around Escambia and Santa Rosa counties beginning February 3. For VITA site times and locations, or questions about the VITA or MyFreeTaxes programs, dial 2-1-1 or call United Way of Escambia County at (850) 434-3157.
VITA Volunteers are still needed and are encouraged to sign up today. VITA volunteers receive IRS training and certification and are asked to commit a minimum of one hour per week through April 15. For more information, please contact Lyndi Smith at lyndi@unitedwayescambia.org or 9850) 434-3157.
Prescribed Burn In Jones Swamp Preserve
January 21, 2014
Weather conditions have forced the postponement of a prescribed burn in the Jones Swamp Preserve.
The Escambia County Natural Resources Conservation Division is still preparing for a prescribed burn in the Jones Swamp Preserve, which could be conducted by a certified prescribed burn contractor with assistance from the Florida Forest Service. The prescribed burn could take place between Wednesday, January 22, and Friday, January 24, to restore the natural ecology of the Jones Swamp Preserve and reduce the danger of wildfires.
The Escambia County Natural Resources Conservation Division is keeping a close eye on weather conditions in an effort to complete this prescribed burn this week, but there is a concern that weather conditions will not be favorable.
Work Continues To Replace High Voltage Transmission Line
January 21, 2014
Work is continuing to replace a high voltage transmission line through North Escambia. Powersouth, which generates and supplies power to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, is replacing the existing transmission line across northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured top: A truck used in the installation of new high voltage lines across West Highway 4 east of Bratt. Pictured left: Concrete poles replaced wooden poles on a North Escambia high voltage transmission line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Football Stadium To Be Named For Tommy Weaver
January 21, 2014
The Escambia County School Board is set to consider a resolution to name the stadium at Northview High School as the “Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium”.
Today, the board is set to approve advertising a public hearing on the proposal to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 during the board’s regular meeting the Hall Center on Texar Drive. The name change will be official after being approved at the March meeting.
Weaver was a longtime DCT and Ag instructor and assistant coach who passed away suddenly at the age of 61 in March 2012. The Chiefs’ entire 2012 state championship football season was dedicated to Weaver.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Residents Celebrate MLK Day With Parades, Ceremonies, Music
January 20, 2014
Crowds turned out across the area Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association held their annual motorcade, ending with a program and celebration at the Ag Building. Songs, essays and speeches honored King’s memory, looked forward to the future and honored local community leaders that have passed away. Guest speaker Russell Fountain of the Bethel AFM Church of God in Century addressed the group before a community lunch.
In Atmore, the 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade rolled through town to a memorial program and lunch at Escambia County High School on Monday.
Pensacola honored Dr. King with a parade, while a Walk on MLK and program featuring Irma Wilson of Atmore was held in Flomaton.
For a photo gallery from the Century events, click here.
For a photo gallery from the Atmore events, click here.
Pictured top: The Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church Youth Choir performs during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program Monday morning in Century. Pictured inset: Hundreds lined the streets of Atmore for the annual MLK Day Parade. Pictured below: The parade rolls through Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wildfires Keep Four Fire Stations Busy; About A Dozen Acres Burned
January 20, 2014
Two wildfires burned through about a dozen acres Monday near Walnut Hill.
The first fire, reported about 11:20 a.m., was on Garrett Road just off Pine Forest Road. The fire burned about 10 acres and threatened an abandoned home. The second fire was reported about 12:10 p.m. on Goodale Lane off Highway 97A in Enon. That fire burned about two acres.
Dozens of firefighters from the Walnut Hill, Century, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue battled the fires, along with the Florida Division of Forestry.
Pictured: A wildfire consumed about 10 acres off Garrett and Pine Forest roads Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
