Copper HVAC Tubing Stolen From Underneath Molino Community Complex
January 10, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of all of the heating and cooling related copper tubing from underneath one side of the Molino Community Complex.
The theft was discovered by maintenance personnel Thursday. About $500-600 worth of HVAC copper tubing was cut out from under an entire wing of the building, according to Bill Pearson, Escambia County spokesman. He said it will cost up to an estimated $4,000 to make repairs.
About two-thirds of the building — the community center and library — were not impacted by the theft, while the yet to be opened museum area was left without heating or cooling by the theft.
When the old Molino school was remodeled into the community center, every precaution was taken to prevent HVAC thefts — or so the county thought. Outdoor HVAC units are surrounded by metal frames that are bolted down, and all of the units are fenced-in. But the county never anticipated that someone would attempt to remove copper from underneath the building’s crawlspace.
“It’s kind of ironic,” Pearson said. “We thought every precaution was taken to protect it.”
It appeared that the culprit or culprits entered the building’s crawlspace through very small ventilation openings in brickwork on the front of the building. Surveillance video is being reviewed for more suspect information, Pearson said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
The Molino Community Complex opened in October 2012.
Pictured top: Thieves apparently accessed the crawlspace under the Molino Community Complex using small ventilation openings on the front (pictured left) and back (right) of the building. Pictured inset: A sign on an HVAC unit warns of an alarm system. Pictured below: The HVAC units at the county owned building were also protected by fencing and cages around each unit. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man Dies In Single Vehicle Crash
January 10, 2014
Alabama State Troopers are continuing their investigation into a Wednesday afternoon wreck that claimed the life of an Atmore man.
According to troopers, 67-year old Billy Ray Willis ran off Escambia County Highway 10 about 3:47 p.m. Willis, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from his 1994 Dodge Caravan.
He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which was located on Highway 10 between Highway 21 and Butler Street.
Oil Spill Into Escambia River Near Century; Cleanup Underway
January 10, 2014
Over 100 gallons of crude oil was spilled into a creek that flows into the Escambia River Thursday morning from Quantum Resource Management’s processing facility near Jay.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Management, up to 126 gallons of crude oil overflowed from a holding pit at the facility. The oil drained into a nearby creek that flows into the Escambia River near Century. The incident was reported to Santa Rosa County 911 just after 5:00 a.m. and reported to the DEP a short time later.
About 1:30 this afternoon, a NorthEscambia.com staff member reported the area around Fischer Landing in Century had a strong smell similar to diesel fuel and large “mats” of what appeared to be oil were floating downriver near the bank, away from the strong current in the middle of the river. Some of the mats were reported to be 10 by 20 feet in size or greater.
A cleanup crew, identifying themselves as being from SWS Environmental Services, was on the river with absorbent boom and other materials in their boats. Another pile of the absorbent boom was stockpiled onshore at the landing. None of the boom was deployed during a 20 minute period the NorthEscambia.com staffer was on scene.
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County said the oil spill posed no public health danger and there was no danger from fish caught in the river.
Josh Wannarka, director of investor relations for Quantum, released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“At Quantum, protection of the environment is important to us. The recent unprecedented cold snap damaged some of our equipment at the Jay Plant, which led to a release of approximately 3 barrels of oil. The release was discovered around 3:30 this morning. Immediately upon discovery of this situation, we activated our response plan and responded with all available means to contain and recover this oil. The source of the release is now under control. Recovery efforts continue at this time in coordination with local and state agencies. We do not believe this situation presents a threat to the public or the environment.”
Several state and local agencies were still accessing the situation Thursday afternoon with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection overseeing the response.
““The company reported to state regulators that 126 gallons of oil was spilled, some of which has made its way into the Escambia River. Quantum has brought in several companies to remove the material from the waterway. Since the Escambia River’s waters impact Escambia County, we are keeping a close eye on the situation,” Escambia County Emergency Management Director John Dosh said. “Escambia County will continue to monitor the cleanup effort and coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in case the situation requires more action from Escambia County.”
More details will be posted as they become available.
Editor’s note: Three barrels of oil equals 126 gallons.
Pictured: A cleanup crew at Fischer Landing at Century Thursday afternoon as large areas of what appeared to be oil could be see floating down the river. NorthEscambia photos, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Meets Record Demand Due Cold Snap
January 10, 2014
As arctic air gripped Northwest Florida for three days, Gulf Power employees bundled up and powered up to help keep customers warm despite unprecedented electricity demand.
With the completion of several transmission system improvements as part of the largest grid construction program in the company’s history, Gulf Power was able to reach a record-setting energy demand of 2,694 megawatts of power early Tuesday. That means that Gulf Power provided more electricity to serve its customers’ needs than ever before. This surpassed the company’s all-time peak demand of 2,634 megawatts set in August 2007.
“The investments we have made in our system are paying off and will help even more to serve our customers and embrace growth in the future,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power manager of Corporate Communications. “Our goal is to maintain our reliability even during these periods of high demand, and our employees worked as safely and quickly as possible through the weather to serve our customers, who are at the center of everything we do.”
System improvements — from Smart Grid technology to new transmission lines and rebuilt substations — helped ensure the grid remained stable to support the increased demand for electric service. Demand on a typical winter’s day for Gulf Power customers would be about 1,800 MW. One megawatt equals one million watts — about as much electricity needed to power a Super Walmart.
As cold weather was forecast Gulf Power worked with its sister utilities in the Southern Company system to prepare for the increased need for electricity. Gulf Power employees pitched in extra hours to bolster equipment at the power plants. Line crews worked through the nights to restore power as the cold weather pushed equipment on the smaller lines to their limits under unprecedented electrical loads.
.
Sheriff’s Office Plans ‘Clean Sweep’ In Cottage Hill
January 10, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has planned their first Clean Sweep of the year for next Thursday, January 16 in the Cottage Hill area.
The Clean Sweep will begin at the Cottage Hill Baptist Church at 230 Williams Ditch Road and concentrate on the area east of Highway 95A between McKenzie Road and Becks Lake Road.
The focus of “Operation Clean Sweep” is to work with Neighborhood Watch groups, residents, churches and business owners to control and prevent the damaging effects of criminal activity, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
NHS Boys And Girls Beat Rocky Bayou, Plan ‘White Out’ Tonight
January 10, 2014
The Northview High School Chiefs boys and girls defeated Rocky Bayou Thursday night.
BOYS
The NHS varsity boys downed Rocky Bayou 70-56.
Neino Robinson led the Chiefs with 34. Other scorers were: Tony Macroy 11, Nick Lambert 9, Cameron Newsome 9, Eric Williams 4, and Tydre Bradley 2.
GIRLS
The NHS varsity girls beat Rocky Bayou 47-31.
The Chiefs led 14-13 at the half. Leading scorers were E’Layzha Bates with 15 and Danielle Steadham with 12. Angel Lathan had 5 points, Lana Clayton had 5 points, DeAsia Fointain had 4 points and Jada Tucker, Mallarie Rigby and Keyth Grice all chipped in with 2 points each.
WHITE OUT
The Chiefs are planning a “white out” night Friday against Jay — everyone wearing a white shirt will save $1 on admission. In big district games Friday, the Chiefs will host Jay. JV girls at 3:30, JV boys at 4:45, varsity girls at 6:00 and varsity boys at 7:15.
Space Available For Beginning Spring Into Vegetable Gardening Classes
January 10, 2014
If you have ever considered planting a spring vegetable garden, now is the time register to attend a four-week series to learn how to get started. T
he workshop “Spring into Vegetable Gardening,” will be held Tuesday evenings from 6 – 7:30 p.m. starting January 14 until February 4. The cost is $30 per person or $45 per couple and includes numerous handouts.
Classes will be held at the Milton and Jay locations of UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County. The Milton office is located at 6263 Dogwood Drive. The Jay office is located at 5259 Booker Lane. Register on online at: http://spring-into-vegetable-gardening-2014.eventbrite.com.
Topics for the workshop include:
- Jan. 14 – Homeowner Vegetable Garden Expectations: what to grow and seasonal information, site selection and improving soils
- Jan. 21 – Growing Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash and Cucumbers; Seeding and Transplanting Basics
- Jan. 28 – General garden Maintenance: watering, fertilizing, integrated pest management
- Feb. 4 – Harvesting, Troubleshooting Vegetable Garden Problems
For more information please contact Mary Derrick at (850) 623-3868 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays or via email at maryd@santarosa.fl.gov.
Century Seeks $400K To Capitalize On Polluted Sites
January 9, 2014
Century is applying for $400,000 in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help manage and further capitalize on the town’s Brownfields designation.
Brownfields are properties where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental pollution.
In late 2005, the Century Town Council took advantage of a state provision allowing them to expand the Brownfields designation to the entire town as an economic development tool. The designation provides bonuses for job creation, loan guarantees, sales tax credits and other incentives for qualified businesses to locate in the town.
If awarded, the $400,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant would provide funding to develop inventories of Brownfields, prioritize sites, conduct community involvement activities and to conduct site assessments and cleanup planning related to Brownfields sites.
Established in 1997, the Florida Brownfields Redevelopment Program utilizes economic and regulatory incentives to encourage the use of private revenue to restore and redevelop sites, create new jobs and boost the local economy. Partners in the Florida Brownfields Redevelopment Program include local governments, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida, Inc.
In Escambia County, one of the largest Brownfields areas is the entire town limits of Century.
The former Alger-Sullivan Company lumber mill site on Front Street was first listed as an individual Brownfields site, and the designation was later expanded to the entire town.
From about 1900 until the late 1960’s, Alger Sullivan operated their lumber mill on the site. Various companies, including Wayne Dalton Corporation, manufactured wooded doors at the facility from about 1971 until 1992. As part of the manufacturing process, the wooded doors were dipped in pentachlorophenol wood preservative; the contamination of the property was associated with a release from the dipping tank.
Cleanup of groundwater and soils was conducted and a conditional closure was issued by DEP in 2009, indicating no further remediation of the property was necessary as long as the registered engineering and land use controls were maintained.
Other companies have expressed interest in the property after cleanup, but none have opened in the facility; the realtor that represents the property owner said the there are no offers pending on the property.
Century is also an Enterprise Zone, providing qualifying businesses with various additional tax credits and incentives.
Pictured top: The former Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company Brownfield site in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Five Candidates Recommended For Escambia County Administrator’s Job
January 9, 2014
A citizens advisory committee has narrowed the list of candidates for the Escambia County administrator’s job to a short list of five. The five finalists will be considered by the Escambia County Commission during a committee meeting on Thursday.
Former Pensacola City Administrator William “Bill” Reynolds is the only local resident on the finalist list….last year the county commission voted 3-2 to remove current Interim Administrator George Touart from the pool of candidates being considered for the job.
The finalist list is as follows:
- Jack Brown — Perry, FL. County Administrator, Taylor County BOCC.
- Ted Lakey — Graceville, FL. County Administrator, Jackson County BOCC.
- Albert Penska — Gettysburg, PA. County Manager, Adams County.
- William Reynolds — Pensacola. Former City Administrator, City of Pensacola.
- John Weaver — Murrells Inlet, SC. Attorney, Thomas & Brittain
The original pool of candidates was compiled by the Waters Consulting Group before being cut to five by the citizens committee comprised of Tom Knox, Bob Price, David Pavlock, Alex McMillan and Joseph Marshall.
Editor’s note: Former Pensacola City Administrator William Reynolds is no relation to the NorthEscambia.com publisher of the same name.
Greg Evers’ Warning Shot Bill Aimed Toward Passage
January 9, 2014
A bill that would grant immunity to Floridians who show guns or fire warning shots in self-defense could be poised to pass this year after failing to get a hearing in 2013.
The so-called “warning-shot” bill (SB 448), which would amend the state’s controversial “stand your ground” self-defense law, cleared its first Senate panel on Wednesday.
After listening to descriptions of Floridians serving 20-year sentences for firing warning shots to defend themselves or others, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed the bill by committee Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker.
One member of the panel, Sen. Charlie Dean, a former Citrus County sheriff, even asked House sponsor Neil Combee to consider adding an amendment that would expunge the criminal records of people charged in this way; Combee said he would.
“What part of ‘innocence’ do we not understand?” Dean demanded.
Combee, a Polk City Republican, first sponsored the bill after hearing about Marissa Alexander, a Jacksonville woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the 10-20-Life sentencing law for firing a gun into a wall during a dispute with her husband.
Combee described Alexander’s sentence as an example of the “negative unintended consequences” of 10-20-Life, which requires mandatory-minimum prison terms for gun-related crimes.
Under the 10-20-Life law, possessing a gun while committing certain crimes is punishable by at least 10 years in prison, discharging a gun while committing those crimes is punishable by at least 20 years in prison, and hurting or killing someone during those crimes is punishable by 25 years to life in prison.
The 2013 version of Combee’s bill sought to amend 10-20-Life rather than “stand your ground,” and it was opposed by the Florida Sheriffs Association and many prosecutors and law enforcement officers who argued that the sentencing bill was working too well to be altered.
So the 2014 bills by Combee and Evers would amend “stand your ground” instead. The bills, which are identical, would permit people who are being attacked and fear for their lives to display guns, threaten to use the weapons or fire warning shots under the same circumstances by which they could legally shoot to kill.
That switch sped the bill to passage in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in November.
It also gained allies for the bill who did not support it last year, such as the Florida Public Defender Association.
“We think it’s an important clarification to the existing self-defense laws, that someone could be justified in threatening to use force and not have to actually use force to enjoy the protections of the self-defense laws and ’stand your ground,’ ” Stacy Scott, the public defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit, told the Senate panel on Wednesday. “The statutes aren’t clear on that.”
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer, who has worked with Combee on the bill since last year, said it was needed to curb prosecutorial abuses under 10-20-Life.
“Prosecutors are using it wrongly to prosecute people who, in an act of self-defense or defense of a loved one, threaten to use force because they really don’t want to shoot somebody,” Hammer said. “If you actually shoot an attacker, the law protects you. But if you merely threaten to shoot an attacker and the attacker runs away, some prosecutors will still try to put you in prison for 10 to 20 years. Some, not all, but any is too many.”
The committee seemed ready to move to a vote, but Gainesville-based state attorney Bill Cervone of the 8th Judicial Circuit asked to speak.
“I personally feel a little bit pilloried sitting here and listening to some of this,” Cervone told lawmakers. “And something that’s not being said is that there are two sides to every one of these cases. If somebody is in prison for one of these situations, it’s because a judge and a jury rejected his version claiming self-defense.”
Evers said he knew of local cases in which people had been wrongly charged for defending themselves, including a 74-year-old retiree who displayed a shotgun to protect his daughter.
“Senator, I have no idea what that case is about,” Cervone began.
“But I do,” Evers broke in. “That’s the reason for this bill.”
“Senator, if the Legislature is concerned about these (aggravated) assaults, take them out of 10-20-Life,” Cervone said.
“Well, I think this bill does that,” Evers replied.
The panel then passed the measure unanimously.
But the bill’s best omen for success this year may be that the Florida Sheriffs Association will remain neutral. On Wednesday, association spokeswoman Sarrah Carroll confirmed that the group would not oppose the measure.
Now called the Threatened Use of Force Act, the bill faces two more House committees and two more Senate committees.