Gulf Power Fuel Costs Dropping, Rates Still Headed Up
September 8, 2011
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours, but that savings will be offset by increased base rates.
Florida’s big utilities were required to file proposals last week with state regulators about their fuel costs for 2012.
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours.
Spokeswoman Sandy Sims said in an email that coal prices are projected to drop because of the end of contracts that can be replaced at lower costs. Also, she indicated the company will rely more heavily on cheaper natural gas for power generation in 2012.
But while Gulf Power customers will see lower fuel costs, the company also is seeking PSC approval of a significant increase in base rates. The PSC has approved an interim base-rate proposal that will increase 1,000-kilowatt hour bills this month from $122.67 to $127.16, and Gulf Power is seeking a further permanent hike that would take effect next year.
Gulf Power contends that it needs to increase base rates, at least in part, because of the costs of adding power lines and other types of infrastructure.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Northview Drops Volleyball Games To Jay
September 8, 2011
Both the varsity and junior varsity Northview Chiefs came up short against Jay in volleyball action.
Varsity
Jay defeated Northview in a five game match, 14-25, 25-9, 25-22, 21-25, 15-17.
Misty Doran — Aces-8, Kills-9, Block-2, Digs-4, Assists-1
Lily Townson — Aces-2, Assists-7
Morgan Payne — Aces-1, Kills-7, Assist-5, Blocks-1, Digs-1
Payton Hadley — Kills-2, Assists-6, Blocks-1
Junior Varsity
The Jay JV defeated Northview’s JV, 25-18, 17-25, 13-15.
Danielle Steadham — Kills-3, Assists-1
Kyndall Hall – Aces-4, Kills-1, Blocks-1
Tiffani Pritchett — Aces–5, Kills-2
Rebecca Grim — Aces-1, Kills-1
Upcoming: Northview will host Baker Thursday — junior varsity at 5 p.m.; varsity at 6 p.m. Jay’s varsity will be in action Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at T.R. Miller.
Deputies: Man Tries To Lure Kids Away From Bus Stops
September 7, 2011
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office looking for information about a man that has attempted to lure children away from bus stops twice within the past two weeks.
On both occasions, the male has stopped and asked directions. He then drives around the block, stops again, and attempts to lure the child into the vehicle, according to deputies. During one of the incidents the male claimed to have a gun but never displayed one.
These incidents have occurred in the general area of Ensley and Ferry Pass, according to Sgt. Mike Ward, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
The male is described as Hispanic, with thinning hair or balding, possibly a mustache and tattoo on his left forearm. The vehicle is described as a small, white four-door car.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case, or sees any suspicious activity that may be related to this type of incident, to immediately call the Sheriff’s Office (850) 436-9620.
Free Computer Classes Offered At Century Branch Library
September 7, 2011
Free computer classes will be offered on Saturdays at the Century Branch Library.
Classes include:
- September 10 – Email I
- September 17 – Creating a Resume
- September 24 – Email II
- October 1 – Job Searching Craigslist.
All classes will be held from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Space is limited. For more information, call the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.
County Won’t Fund More Paid Firefighters For Cantonment; Volunteer Response Inadequate
September 7, 2011
Even though volunteers are unable to adequately answer emergency calls, the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue won’t be staffed with 24/7 paid firefighter crews due to a lack of funding.
“”We can no longer provide the proper minimum fire response,” Cantonment VFD District Chief Jeffery Bingle said recently, asking the county for paid firefighters to answer calls from his station. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue is currently staffed from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m Monday-Friday by a paid firefighter crew. Outside of those hours and all weekend, calls should be answered by volunteers.
According to Michael Weaver, director of Escambia County Public Safety, the total cost to provide 24 hour paid firefighter coverage for Cantonment would be an estimated $709,219 per year.
“While I understand that staffing this station with fulltime staff may be desirable it is not affordable at this time. Our County Commissioners continue to struggle to maintain a balanced budget with increased demands and decreasing funding,” Weaver wrote in an email to Escambia County Fire Chief Daniel Spillman.
The only way to provide the paid firefighters would be an additional increase in the property tax MSBU rate. The MSBU is already going up $5 per year for the next two years to cover the salaries of paid fire personnel assigned to Ensley, the busiest station in the area. The current increase will generate about $596,000 per year, according to Weaver.
“You will need to meet with your staff, including appropriate volunteer personnel, to plan the best personnel deployment and staffing levels within the funding provided. I expect all of my divisions to meet their budgetary goals. I am available to assist you in this effort,” Weaver wrote in his email to the fire chief.
Bingle said the Cantonment VFD has between 15 to 18 volunteers on the roster, but only five or six of those are very active. Many of those work or go to school outside of Cantonment, leaving an inadequate response to emergency calls. And Bingle said he has become less active in the department due to an increase in responsibilities as the fire chief and emergency services team leader at his employer, Ascend Performance Materials.
In the meantime, Bingle said the Cantonment volunteers are continuing to respond to calls. Neighboring stations, including Ensley and Molino, are also being dispatched to assist with most calls in the Cantonment district outside of the 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. time frame currently covered by a paid crew.
Pictured: Volunteers from Cantonment and other departments responded to a wreck near the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department on May 22, 2011. Pictured top inset: The Cantonment fire district. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Eagles Fall To Excel Panthers
September 7, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School Golden Eagles fell to the Excel Panthers Tuesday night, 8-0.
Austin Whitehead had several sacks and a fumble recovery for the Eagles, while Blake Green had a fumble recovery. Zachary Holland also had sack for loss for EWMS on the road in Excel. Gavin Grant had several completed passes, while Isaiah Dunn, Desmone Knight and Jacob Dunsford were among the yardage leaders for the Eagles.
Ernest Ward (0-2) will have next week off before hosting Uriah on September 20 in Walnut Hill.
Pictured: Action Ernest Ward Middle School loses to Excel Tuesday night in Excel. Submitted photos by Wayne Holland for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Groundbreaking Held For Sheriff’s Visitation, Training Facility
September 7, 2011
A groundbreaking was held Wednesday for a new Escambia County Sheriff’s Video Visitation and and Training facility near the Escambia County Jail.
A.E. New, Jr. Inc. was awarded the $3,919,200 project to convert an existing 31,000 square foot building on Leonard Street into the new facility.
The facility will provide 60 stations for remotely visiting inmates housed in detention areas via audio and video equipment. Inmates’ visitors will use the video equipment rather than going to the jail where visits are currently separated by glass.
The building will house the Sheriff’s Office force on force, defensive tactics, and simulator training areas, a vehicle detailing area, a media center, training and meeting rooms, and offices.
The facility is expected to open in 2012.
Competency Hearing Set For Molino Pharmacy ‘Underwear Bandit’ Suspect
September 7, 2011
A competency hearing has been set for a Molino man accused of robbing a local pharmacy last year while wearing underwear on his head. Joseph Daniel Flowers, now 57, will appear in court October 27 to learn if he is mentally competent to stand trial.
Flowers is facing multiple charges for the September 20, 2010, robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy, including robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm in a pharmacy, aggravated battery and wearing a mask while committing a felony. Multiple drug possession charges were later filed against Flowers in connection with the case.
Flowers allegedly robbed the pharmacy while wearing a bathrobe, slippers, yellow kitchen gloves and underwear on his head. He has remained in the Escambia County Jail after a November 2010 arrest for failing to appear in court.
For a photo gallery from the robbery scene and Flower’s home, click here.
The getaway car driver in the robbery, 24-year old Krystal Lynn Collins, was found guilty of armed robbery with a firearm and a half dozen felony drug charges. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Pictured top: Joseph Daniel Flowers is detained by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy last year. Pictured inset: Deputies investigate the September 20, 2010, robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Commissioner Jumps To GOP
September 7, 2011
An Escambia County (Ala.) commissioner has announced that he’s abandoning the Democratic party and joining the Republicans. The move made District 4 Commissioner Brandon Smith the only Republican on the five-member commission.
“My decision to switch to the Republican Party came about through the support of my family and my constituents, and through a lot of prayer,” Smith said. “I have been extremely concerned with the direction our country has taken in the last few years. As a Christian, family man and business owner, I feel that my decision is morally right and I look forward to being on the Republican ticket in the 2012 elections.”
“I applaud Commissioner Smith’s decision to join the Republican Party. His action today is just another sign that the liberal agenda being pursued by the Democratic Party is out of touch with the conservative values of Escambia County voters,” said Jeff Peacock, chairman of the Escambia County (Ala.) Republican Party. “2012 is going to be a great year for the Republican Party here in Escambia County. As we build upon our successes in 2010, we are very excited to welcome a public servant of Brandon Smith’s character into our ranks.”
As the District 4 commissioner, Smith represents portions of Atmore and Canoe.
Three Charged In Fatal Football Team Bus Accident
September 7, 2011
Three men have been charged in connection with an early Saturday morning accident that killed a football team member and left dozens injured hours after they left a high school game in Flomaton.
Wayland Cartez Moore, 21, of Mobile; Brandon Randolph Jackson, 21, and Terrick Lashaun McDonald, 18, both of Jackson, Ala., are charged with first-degree hindering prosecution in Clarke County, Ala.
Alabama troopers said team manager Otties William Brewer III, 15, of Silias, Alabama, died when the car and Southern Choctaw High School team bus collided just after midnight in Coffeeville, Ala. The bus came to rest on its roof, injuring 34 others.
The three men facing charges, all of which were in the 1999 Nissan Maxima that collided with the bus, all fled the scene on foot. A Choctaw County deputy escorting the team took McDonald into custody. Tracking dogs from Atmore’s Holman Correctional Facility were called in to hunt for the other two men. They were taken into custody at a night club about two miles away, according to the Mobile Press Register.
A fourth person in the car, whose name has not yet been released, was airlifted to a Montgomery hospital. Authorities have not yet determined which man was driving the car.
The accident happened just after 12:07 in Coffeeville, about 20 miles from Southern Choctaw High in Gilbertown, Ala. The driver of the Maxima ran a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 84 and Alabama Hwy. 69 hitting the bus. The bus was being escorted by an Alabama State Trooper and a Choctaw County Sheriff’s deputy at the time of the crash, according to troopers.
Further details about the crash have not been released by Alabama State Troopers and the Alabama Bureau of investigation. There has been no determination if alcohol or drugs played any part in the crash.
Authorities have obtained a video of the accident from a nearby gas station, but that video has not been made public.
The Clarke County Sheriff said more charges could be forthcoming against the men.
The Southern Choctaw High School team had played Flomaton Friday night at Flomaton’s Hurricane Field before heading back to the small community of Gilbertown, about 115 miles away.
Pictured top: One Southern Choctaw High football team member was killed and 34 other people were injured during this crash at 12:07 a.m. Saturday in Coffeeville, Alabama. Photos courtesy WALA-TV Fox 10 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured bottom of page: The Southern Choctaw High School football team. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
