Applications Still Open For Pine Beetle Assistance And Prevention Program
July 20, 2024
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. The program runs through July 26 and includes 44 northern Florida counties – the southern pine beetle’s known range.
“Pine forests are vital to Florida’s economy and our natural environment, and the southern pine beetle is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the southeast” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “This program protects our important timber resources by assisting the small, private landowners who manage almost half of our state’s forest lands.”
First offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 210,000 acres and helped thousands of Florida landowners.
“Active and preventative forest management programs like this are the most effective way to prevent losses and outbreaks,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “These same management practices also benefit timber growth, wildfire prevention, and wildlife habitat.”
Previous outbreaks have destroyed thousands of acres of timber. Florida’s last major southern pine beetle outbreak caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres between 1999 and 2002.
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. In addition, it offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate southern pine beetle activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit: FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
Here Are The 2024 Escambia County School Supply Lists
July 20, 2024
The Escambia County Public School on Friday released this year’s school supply list for elementary schools in the county.
Middle and high school students are typically informed of needed supplies during the first week of school or at orientations. However, we have middle school lists for Ernest Ward and Ransom below.
A master supply list for all Escambia County Public School elementary schools is below. Also below, there is separate list for Byrneville Elementary School, which is a charter school and has different items listed.
For any specific questions about your school’s supply lists, contact the school. It’s also a good idea to check the school’s website and/or their social media pages for any deviations from the master list.
- For printable supply list pdf for Escambia County Elementary Schools, click here.
- For a printable supply list pdf for Byrneville Elementary School, click here.
- For a printable supply list pdf for Ernest Ward Middle School, click here.
- For a printable supply list pdf for Ransom Middle School, click here.
Tate Holds Lil Aggies Summer 2024 Cheer Camp
July 20, 2024
The Tate High School cheerleaders held their Lil Aggies Summer 2024 Cheer Camp this week.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The three-day camp was held in the Tate High School Fryman Gym. Lil Aggies learned proper stretch techniques, jump techniques, stunts, tumbling, sideline cheers, extreme routine, motion placements, and much more. A parent showcase was also held.
This year’s camp was full to capacity and had three theme days — neon day, outer space day, and Aggie spirit day.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Five Vehicle I-10 Crash In Escambia County
July 20, 2024
Two people were injured in a five-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on I-10 in Escambia County.
The crash happened about 1:30 p.m. on I-10 westbound near the Florida Welcome Station.
Five vehicles occupied by seven people were involved, according to Escambia County officials. Two of the people were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
Both east and westbound traffic were slowed by the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Blue Wahoos Return From Break; M-Braves Hold On For 5-4 Win
July 20, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos returned home from their longest absence and were welcomed by a capacity crowd and a rare Friday night post-game fireworks display.
But opposing pitcher David Fletcher stole the show.
The former Los Angeles Angels infielder, whose teammates included two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, picked up his first career professional win on the mound for the Mississippi Braves, bedeviling with his fluttering knuckleball to help produce a 5-4 victory against Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 5,038 saw the first Blue Wahoos home game in 16 days, the largest gap at the bayfront ballpark in franchise history. The fans were treated to a variety of elements, but most notably how well Fletcher continued to fare pitching against the Blue Wahoos in his third start against them.
When Fletcher exited after six innings, the M-Braves had just rallied in the top of that inning. Tyler Tolve blasted a 3-run homer off Blue Wahoos starter Jeff Lindgren. Bryson Horne then followed with a one-out single to score Geraldo Quintero with the eventual winning run.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to dent the M-Braves bullpen, which finished the game by allowing just two baserunners in three innings.
Former Pensacola State College pitcher Patrick Halligan, a Virginia native, earned his second save by pitching the final two innings, recording three strikeouts and no walks.
After being gone for awhile, which included the Blue Wahoos having four days off from the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break
With Saturday’s game featuring a first-ever drone show, the Blue Wahoos opted to move the usual Saturday fireworks a day early.
And the crowd included two women, attired in special-made pink shirts, who are traveling the country visiting various minor league ballparks. The shirts included a checklist of cities on the back. They were visited during the game by Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer.
After the M-Braves scored the game’s first run, the Blue Wahoos took a 3-1 lead when loading the bases without a hit. Fletcher walked Jakob Marsee, plunked Shane Sasaki, then hit Paul McIntosh to load the bases.
With two outs, Jacob Berry laced a two-run single, which became a three-run play when McIntosh scored on a throwing error.
In the fourth inning, Nathan Martorella homered off Fletcher.
But just as he had done in his previous two starts, Fletcher battled his way through innings and this time his teammates rallied to set him up for his first win in 13 starts since converting to a knuckleball-throwing right hander.
WANT TO GO/FOLLOW?
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Lightning Strike Causes Water Outage, Boil Notice In Cottage Hill
July 19, 2024
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS RESCINDED THE MORNING OF JULY 21.
A lightning strike this morning interrupted water service and had led to a boil water notice for some in the Cottage Hill area.
Cottage Hill Water Works said that a lightning strike caused a water main break on Coweta Road that resulted in the disruption of water service. The area affected includes all residents and meters located along Coweta Road.
A boil water notice has been issued for those CHWW customers along Coweta Road.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
This story will be updated with the boil water notice is rescinded.
A Very Good Boy: ECSO K-9 Streeter Awarded Medal Of Courage For Jumping Off Bridge After Suspect
July 19, 2024
Thursday, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons presented K-9 Streeter with the Medal of Courage Award.
ECSO K-9 Streeter bravely jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay on June 24, while he was in the pursuit of three suspects following a drive-by shooting. The 70-year-old victim in that shooting later died.
“This presentation is for K9 Streeter — for his unwavering commitment to duty and his never-give-up attitude, even when facing great danger,” Simmons said.
Streeter was rescued by deputies after he fell 30-40 to a marshy area below the bridge. He was treated that night at an animal hospital and evaluated by a veterinarian. He returned to his normal duty a few days later.
“He’s a bit of a hero because he did what all the men and women at the sheriff’s office do — they don’t stop until they catch the bad guy,” the sheriff said about Streeter. “If you’ve ever been over to that bridge, that’s a pretty good drop.”
The Sheriff’s Medal of Courage is presented to members of the agency for heroic achievement or service in the line of duty.
K-9 Streeter was named after ECSO Corporal Eric Streeter, who was killed in the line of duty in 1984.
Family members of Corporal Streeter were present to see K-9 Streeter receive the award, along with his handler Deputy Kevin Stimmel.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alabama Death Row Inmate Executed At Atmore Prison For 1998 Shooting Of Father Of Seven
July 19, 2024
The execution of Alabama death row inmate Keith Edmund Gavin was carried out by lethal injection on Thursday at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore.
He was pronounced deceased by a physician at 6:32 p.m.
On Wednesday, Gavin had three visitors and no phone calls. On Thursday he had four visitors, no phone calls, refused his breakfast meal, accepted his lunch meal, had a few snacks and refused his final meal. He id not make any special requests.
Gavin was sentenced to death for the 1998 capital murder of William Clinton Clayton, Jr. , in Cherokee County. Clayton was the father of seven and had stopped at an ATM to withdraw money for a date night with his wife.
“After a Cherokee County courier, William Clayton, Jr., finished his day’s work, he stopped at an ATM so he could treat his wife to dinner, only to be robbed of his life by Keith Gavin,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “After receiving a death sentence, Mr. Gavin appealed time after time for years to avoid justice, but failed at every attempt. Today, that justice was finally delivered for Mr. Clayton’s loved ones.
“I offer my prayers for Mr. Clayton’s family and friends who still mourn his loss all these years later,” Ivey said.
Plans Refiled For Circle K At Highway 95A, Quintette Road; Intersection Improvements Proposed
July 19, 2024
Plans have been refiled with Escambia County Building Services for a new Circle K in Quintette.
The 3,966 square foot Circle K would be located on 2.31 acres at 2000 North Highway 95A, with driveway access from both Highway 95A and East Quintette Road.
The plans show six fuel stations with three diesel dispensers.
The new plans are in the pre-application stage with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
Plans were previously filed for a 5,200 square foot store at the same location but Circle K did not complete the process.
Intersection Improvement Grant
Escambia County is seeking funding to improve and align the intersection of Quintette Road with Highway 95A.
Currently, the east and west legs of Quintette Road are offset approximately 115 feet from one another, creating a hazard for the smooth flow of intersection traffic.
There is no available right-of-way for a lateral shift on the west side of the intersection, but the east side has an approximate right-of-way of 100 feet, which could accommodate a northerly shift. Immediately adjacent to this intersection are a concrete plant, asphalt plant, a high-end vehicle restoration complex, a new residential development, and a proposed convenience store station on the northeast corner.
According to Escambia County, Quintette Road (CR 184) is a vital route for logging traffic from points to the northeast extending to the Florida/Alabama state line, to provide pulpwood to the International Paper Mill at Cantonment.
Quintette Road has also served as the only connection between Escambia and Santa Rosa County in the event of a catastrophic storm, as occurred in 2004 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, when the US 90, I-10, and US 98 bridges were all incapacitated and incapable of carrying traffic.
A study determined that a a traffic signal was not warranted at the intersection. The study was done in the summer of 2023 before the proposed addition of the Circle K.
A westbound right turn lane is also proposed to reduce delays with logging trucks turning north onto CR 95A. Preliminary sketches indicate the proposed improvements can be facilitated within the existing public rights-of-way, but a potential corner clip donation may be required of the Circle K property once the design is underway.
Circle K has, in an email to the county, previously obligated $250,000 toward the intersection improvements.
Escambia County commission is seeking a Florida Department of Transportation Regional Incentive Program grant funding for the intersection. If awarded, the grant will require $1.275 million in matching funds from Escambia County.
Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said the grant recently that the application is still outstanding.
The total project, including grant funds, is estimated at $2.375 million.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Anthony Pleasant Meet & Greet, Catfish Fundraiser Saturday In Century
July 19, 2024
Two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant will return to the park that bears his name for a youth football fundraiser Saturday.
Blackcats Black & Gold Night will be held 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Anthony Pleasant Park off East Highway 4 in Century.
Catfish plates will be available for $14 each with preorder pick up at 6 p.m. Limited plates are available. Call or text Kaley at (850) 417-0412 to order. All proceeds will got to Century Blackcats Football & Cheer.
Admission is free.
A meet and greet with by held with Anthony Pleasant, and there will be flag football games for all ages.
Pictured: Sporting a “Blackcats Pride” hat, two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant speaks to the Northview Chiefs football team in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
