Childers’ November Clerk Of The Court Opponent Withdraws
August 25, 2012
The only opposition standing between Republican Pam Childers and the office of Escambia County Circuit Clerk has withdrawn.
Write-in candidate John Misiak took his name off the ballot Friday with a letter to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. “I wish to inform you that I withdraw as a candidate for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Escambia County. Thank you for your and your staff’s help and professionalism,” the letter from Misiak stated.
Chidlers,a political newcomer, defeated political fixture and incumbent Ernie Lee Magaha in the primary race for Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court. She would have been on the November ballot against Misiak if he had not withdrawn from the race.
Childers is a longtime certified public accountant and has served as the financial services manager for the City of Pensacola.
Gulf Power Putting Plan In Place As Isaac Threatens
August 25, 2012
Gulf Power is gathering up a cavalry of utility workers to ride to the aid of Northwest Florida should Hurricane Isaac make landfall here next week.
More than 700 workers from neighboring utilities have been recruited so far to help Gulf Power remove downed trees and restore electric service if Isaac invades the region.
“We have a storm-tested restoration plan and we’re preparing for widespread power outages if Isaac comes ashore anywhere within our service area,” said Jeff Rogers with Gulf Power. “We are activating our emergency operations center and each of our employees have storm assignments to help restore service as quickly and safely as possible.” Rogers said it ’s too early to predict exactly where Isaac will land or how long power may be out, but that Gulf Power was preparing as if Isaac will be a strong storm making a direct hit.
“Once the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico we will have a better idea of areas at risk. Needless to say, we are preparing for the worst and will be assigning our employees to the areas within our service territory that are hardest hit.” Gulf Power urges residents to follow evacuation orders and to leave the area if they are not prepared for a lengthy recovery period.
“We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding. If Isaac makes landfall in our service area, our crews stand ready to work as quickly and as safely as possible to restore everyone’s power,” Rogers said.
Escambia Man Indicted On Federal Child Exploitation Charges
August 25, 2012
An Escambia County man is among three people indicted by an federal grand jury on child exploitation charges.
Federal prosecutors said Friday that between June 13 and June 15 of this year, 33-year old Brennon Kyle Holley “did knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity”. If convicted of the charges, Holley faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $250,000.
The federal indictment is the result of an investigation by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
A Saraland, Alabama, man, 47-year old Jeffrey Monroe Roy and 40-year old Thomas Monroe Lee of Gadsden, Alabama, were also indicted on similar charges. Roy was also accused of allegedly traveling from Alabama to Florida for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual contact with a minor.
Isaac: Escambia County Storm Preps Underway
August 25, 2012
Escambia County Public Safety is currently monitoring the forecast track of Tropical Storm Isaac for any potential impacts to our area. No plans have been made to activate the Emergency Operations Center. At this time, residents should be preparing for the possibility of landfall in Northwest Florida.
- Review your disaster plan.
- Prepare your disaster kit to include water, clothing, medications and other necessary items. Remember, “The First 72 are on You!”
- If you are making plans to evacuate, make sure you leave yourself enough time. Take your disaster kit with you and notify a friend or family member of your intended location.
- Log onto www.bereadyescambia.com to find out if you live in an evacuation zone in the event evacuations are ordered.
- Take advantage of this weekend to prepare your yard and property for the arrival of the storm. Trim dead trees and secure yard furniture. Also, test your generator to make sure it works properly. If you get fuel for your generator, make sure you store it in an open area with proper ventilation and away from open flames.
- If you have horses that need shelter, contact the Escambia County Equestrian Center at 941-6042. Reservations are being taken at this time. Space is very limited and is given on a first come first serve basis.
- Escambia County is not offering any sand bags. Residents are encouraged to purchase their own bags and sand from a local hardware store if they feel the need to have sandbags protect their property.
Pictured top: Lifeguard towers at Ft. Pickens and the Gulf Islands National Seashore were moved away from the potential wrath of Isaac Friday afternoon. Submitted photo by Sabrena Padgett for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Student Housing Opens To A Full House
August 25, 2012
The University of West Florida is welcoming 2,144 students to campus housing this weekend, reaching 107 percent capacity for the Fall 2012 semester that begins Monday.
Presidents Hall will open its doors for the first time on Saturday.
The new suite-style residence hall will house 252 Argonauts during their second year of college. Presidents Hall features both double and single rooms, furnished with extra-long twin beds, desks and drawers. Students have cable television access, wireless Internet, private bathrooms, a refrigerator and microwave, as well as access to coin-operated laundry facilities on the second and fourth floors.
The building also houses a Papa Johns restaurant and convenience store.
Presidents Hall is a companion building to Heritage Hall, which opened in fall 2011. This new residence hall will be the home for students enrolled in Oracle, a second year experience program that helps students see the connection between academics, career choices and leadership opportunities. Students are housed in one residence hall so that they experience campus life and the academic classroom together.
Total available capacity for on-campus housing is 2,144. There are 1299 freshmen and 845 upperclassmen living on campus this semester.
In the residence halls, students are housed in 716 single rooms, 507 double rooms and 138 triple rooms.
PHS Downs Tate 27-0
August 25, 2012
The Tate Aggies fell to the Pensacola High School Tigers 27-0 in a preseason game Friday night.
Tate’s Lorenzo Long returned the opening kickoff 84 yards before being driven out of bounds at the PHS 7-yard line. PHS stopped them, and Tate missed the kickoff to remain scoreless in the first.
The young Aggies, under the leadership of new coach Brad Naggatz, had four turnovers that were converted into touchdown for PHS, the defending 1-6A state champions.
The Tate Aggies will open the regular season next Friday night on a long road trip at Louisiana’s St. Charles High School.
Pictured: Action under the Friday night lights between Tate and Pensacola highs schools. Courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Prep Football Roundup
August 25, 2012
Here’s a look at area high school football scores from Friday night:
Florida
- Bay 14, Northview 7 [Read more...]
- PHS 27, Tate 0 [Read more...]
- Baker 6, Jay 0
- West Florida 30, Marianna 12
- Pine Forest 21, Catholic 0
- Ft. Walton Beach 20, Escambia 7
- Niceville 24, Washington 14
- Crestview 28, Pace 15
Alabama
- T.R. Miller 21, Flomaton 0
- Fort Dale Academy 21, Escambia Academy 14
Wahoos, Braves Postponed In Mississippi Due To Rain
August 25, 2012
Friday’s game between the Blue Wahoos and Mississippi Braves was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The two teams will play their regularly scheduled nine-inning contest Saturday night at 6:00 p.m., with RHP Wirfin Obispo expected to get the start for the Blue Wahoos, while Mississippi is slated to send LHP Jose Lugo to the mound.
The Blue Wahoos’ final homestand of the year begins on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m., with Pensacola hosting the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Isaac: Santa Rosa Update
August 24, 2012
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is closely monitoring and preparing for any possible impacts from Tropical Storm Isaac. Staff will continue to participate in conference calls with the National Weather Service and State Emergency Operations Center through the weekend. Residents are urged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date forecast as the track is currently very uncertain and conditions may change rapidly.
At this time, Santa Rosa County is in the “5-day cone of uncertainty” which shows the forecast path of the center of the storm with as much as a 300-mile “cone.” Because the storm could track anywhere within the cone, everyone in the cone area needs to begin storm preparations. Learn more about the forecast cone and actions you should take at www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=27.
Storm Information as Currently Forecasted by the National Weather Service
- The forecast beyond 72 hours is still uncertain, but Isaac is forecast to move over or near the Lower Florida Keys late Sunday night, then move in a northwest motion in the eastern Gulf of Mexico before making a turn towards the north on Tuesday, eventually making landfall somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Louisiana.
- At the current forecast track, winds could increase to 15 to 20 knots on Sunday night and increase to near tropical storm force Monday night. This condition could continue through Wednesday.
- The risk of rough surf and dangerous rip currents is elevated today and will likely increase to high risk by Monday.
Impacts of a Category 1 Storm can Include
Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Sand & Bags
Sand and sand bags are available at local home improvement stores for purchase. Santa Rosa County is making limited supplies available at no cost at several locations. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags. County and fire department staff ARE NOT available to make home deliveries. If fire department staff are on calls, they will not be available to hand out sand bags.
- Sand only is available at the following locations while supplies last.
- Tiger Point Park-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
- The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
- Empty Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
- Midway Fire District Station at 1322 College Pkwy.
- Midway Fire District Station at 1801 Abercrombie Rd.
- Sand & Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
- Pace Fire Rescue District at 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd.
Steps Residents Can Take Now
- Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are expected.
- Review your family disaster plan. Don’t forget special plans for elderly, handicapped, children and pets.
- Know your evacuation zone. Remember, evacuation zones are now A-E. Use the interactive evacuation zone tool found at www.santarosa.fl.gov/gis by typing in your address to see what zone you live in.
- Make plans to secure your property. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
- Make sure your hurricane kit contains non-perishable food, water, medications for three to five days for each family member and pet.
- Know what low-lying areas near your home are subject to flooding such as creeks, drainage channels, streams and bayous.
- Santa Rosa County Division of Emergency Management’s latest all-hazards disaster guide is now available online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf or at county offices and libraries, local chambers of commerce, and local retailers.
General Safety Information
- www.santarosa.fl.gov or follow us on Twitter at @SRCBOCC
- Monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
- Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
- Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at: www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html
Ricks Scott Turns Isaac Focus From RNC To Panhandle
August 24, 2012
Just like Tropical Storm Isaac appears to be doing, Gov. Rick Scott and other state officials on Friday set their sights on other parts of the state.
As forecasts moved Isaac farther away from a direct impact on Tampa – set to host the Republican National Convention on Monday – Scott and other officials tried to focus on parts of the state that might feel some of the storm’s impact.
“At this point, everybody is comfortable we’re going to have a great convention,” Scott said. “The delegates are coming down. They’re going to have a great experience. They’re going to see maybe a little bit of rain and little bit of wind.”
But in the Keys, eyes were still trained squarely on an approaching storm.
Scott told reporters Friday that the state will wait before making any decision on whether to declare a state of emergency or require residents of the island chain to evacuate. The Keys are expected to feel the storm’s impact as early as Sunday afternoon, but with only one road to the mainland decisions to evacuate aren’t made lightly.
“At this point, we don’t see that we need to evacuate (the Keys),” Scott said. “If you look at the forecast it’s a tropical storm.”
Residents of the Panhandle – particularly those in areas that were soaked earlier this year by Tropical Storm Debbie – were also being advised to keep an eye on the system.
“As it moves north into the Panhandle, we will be looking very closely at the areas that were impacted by Tropical Storm Debbie and had all the rain we’ve had over the past six weeks or so,” said Bryan Koon, director of the Division of Emergency Management.
The western Panhandle, including the area around Pensacola, could end up in the storm’s path, though that would be later in the week.
In regard to the RNC, Scott said local law enforcement is prepared to handle both the national convention and any additional workload necessitated by the storm.
Some 4,000 law enforcement personnel are expected in the Tampa Bay region for the convention, which is expected to play host to 50,000 delegates, journalists and other tourists.
“We are prepared for the RNC and for the tropical storm around the state from a law enforcement standpoint,” Scott said.
In addition nearly 250 FEMA representatives are already stationed in north Florida after responding to Debbie.
At 11 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was located about 185 miles south southeast of Port Au Prince, Haiti. It was expected to turn toward the northwest later Friday and approach the southern coast of Hispaniola today. Landfall is expected in Cuba on Sunday.
Tropical storm winds were being felt 185 miles from the storm’s center.
As the state’s top tourism booster, Scott encouraged delegates and other guests to come to Florida for the convention. So far the message appears to be getting out.
“I’ve been talking to mayors and sheriffs from around the state,” Scott said. “There is no indication that people are deciding not to come. They shouldn’t (cancel plans). This is a state that understands hurricanes. ”
Along with brochures on where to eat and what to see, convention goers will also be given safety advice on rip currents and other severe weather hazards.
“Many of them will be staying in beachfront hotels and will want to take advantage of the beautiful locations,” Scott said. “We want to make sure they understand what a rip tide is, how to recognize the signs of it.”
By The News Service of Florida