Possible North Escambia Gulf Power Nuclear Plant Faces Fight
November 11, 2011
In a move spurring a regulatory fight, Gulf Power Company is seeking to collect millions of dollars from customers for a possible nuclear-power project in North Escambia.
By 2012, Gulf Power expects to finish buying 4,000 acres of land near McDavid that could eventually be home to a nuclear plant or perhaps another type of power plant.
But with state regulators scheduled to hold a hearing next month about a Gulf Power request to raise base electric rates by $93.5 million, attorneys for consumers and business groups are trying to block part of the proposal dealing with the potential nuclear site.
State Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, whose office represents consumers in utility issues, said Gulf Power does not know how it will use the site and has not gone through a regulatory process aimed at determining whether the utility has a need for another power plant.
“Bottom line, from our standpoint, is it’s so speculative,” Kelly said Thursday.
But Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers said the company knows it will eventually need the land. He said the company is keeping its “options open” until forecasts show a need for developing a power plant, which could be nuclear, gas-powered or some other type of facility.
“You can’t meet the need without the very first thing in place, and that’s the property, the land,” Rogers said.
The possibility of Gulf Power pursuing a North Escambia nuclear project has drawn little statewide attention since it first became public in a NorthEscambia.com story. That is unlike plans by Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy Florida to build nuclear reactors in Miami-Dade and Levy counties. FPL and Progress are far ahead in their plans, including passing along hundreds of millions of dollars in project-related costs to customers.
But rate-case documents indicate Gulf Power started considering a nuclear project in 2007, after former Gov. Charlie Crist issued executive orders designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.
Also, in 2006, the Legislature approved a law that makes it easier for utilities to recoup money from customers as nuclear projects are being developed. Lawmakers hoped the law would encourage building more nuclear plants.
The rate-case documents say Gulf Power considered more than two dozen potential sites in Northwest Florida before settling in 2008 on what is known as the North Escambia site that is bordered roughly by Bratt Road, Cox Road, Byrneville Road and Highway 29. The site is along the Escambia River, which could provide a crucial water source for a power plant, and has been owned largely by timber companies.
Crist’s push to limit emissions from facilities such as coal-fired plants has stalled in the Legislature. Also, the state’s economic woes have slowed Gulf Power’s expected growth in customer demand for electricity.
Pointing to such changes, Gulf Power official Rhonda Alexander said in written testimony that the company decided to defer moving forward with trying to get a license and permits for a nuclear-power plant. But she said it still needed to buy the land.
“Gulf had learned from its extensive site investigation that there was only one acceptable nuclear plant site in Northwest Florida,” said Alexander, who served as nuclear development manager from 2008 to 2010. “If Gulf was going to preserve the nuclear option for its customers, the North Escambia site needed to be secured by Gulf. If Gulf lost the ability to use that site, it would be precluded from building nuclear in the future.”
Gulf estimates costs related to investigating, buying and financing the site at $27.7 million. It is asking the Public Service Commission to build those costs into the utility’s rate base, which would lead to recouping the money from customers over time.
The impact on customer bills would be relatively small, totaling about $3.1 million a year, according to the company. For a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month — a common measurement — that would translate into an increase of 26 cents.
But the Office of Public Counsel and other parties involved in the case, such as the Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, say Gulf Power shouldn’t be allowed to recoup the money through base rates.
Consultant Helmuth Schultz, a witness for the Office of Public Counsel, filed written testimony describing the proposal as “speculative overreaching.” In part, he said Gulf Power has not shown a need for adding a nuclear plant.
“Gulf has presented no basis on which the commission could conclude that this site could ever be used cost-effectively to benefit Gulf ratepayers,” Schultz said.
Pictured top: One of the first pieces of property purchased by Gulf Power Company for a possible North Escambia nuclear power plant. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Honors Veterans
November 11, 2011
Northview High School held their annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are due to veterans, guest speaker Capt. Frank Smith, USN (Ret.) told the students. “That’s the freedom, the one precious asset that we have.”
The Byrneville Elementary and Northview High School choirs and the Northview NJROTC also took part in the program.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: A flag ceremony during the annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Lloyd Albritton was one of many veterans honored during the program. Pictured below: A combined Byrneville Elementury and Northview High chorus performance. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Services Held For 3 Children Killed In House Fire, Moms Still Jailed
November 11, 2011
Funeral services were held Thursday for the three children killed in an Atmore house fire last week as their mothers sat behind bars charged with their murders.
The children, 3-year old Aniyia Abner, 3-year old Takia Abner and 22-month old Michael Coleman, were laid to rest following services at the New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Atmore.
Meanwhile, their 18-year old mothers, twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner, remained in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton, each charged with three counts of reckless murder.
“They showed an extreme indifference to these children’s lives and created a grave risk of death to the children by leaving them home alone on November 2, 2011,” according to a press release from Escambia County (Ala.) District Attorney Steve Billy. The children perished in a November 2 fire on 1st Street in Atmore while they were left home a alone.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was apparently caused from leaving a stove unattended. They also found that a mattress was blocking the front door of the home.
Two of the children were found dead in a hallway while the third was found in a bedroom. And prosecutors said that a mattress was blocking the living room door.
Forensics evidence determined that three young children died from smoke inhalation, authorities said.
For earlier stories about the fire, including photos from the aftermath of the fire, click here and click here.
Pictured above and below: Funeral services were held Thursday at the New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church for the three children killed in an Atmore house fire last week. Photos courtesy Will Kennedy, WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Battle Of The Champs: 1A Northview Falls To 5A West Florida
November 11, 2011
In a battle between 1A and 5A district champions, the West Florida Jaguars beat the Northview Chiefs Thursday night in Pensacola, 33-20.
It was the regular season-ender for both teams — an especially historic night for the Jaguars as they finished at 9-1, the best record in the history of West Florida High School.
In the first quarter, west Florida scored first on a 16-yard Kyle Faxlanger pass to Lawrence Lee. With a good kick from Luke Jackson, the Jags were up 7-0 with 8:03 remaining in the quarter. About three minutes later, Faxlanger struck again on an 18-yard pass to Jaylen Adams. Another Jackson kick through the uprights, and West Florida held a 14-0 advantage.
The Chiefs’ Roderick Woods was in from 6-yards out with 3:44 to go in the first quarter. With a good kick from Kevin Vaughan, Northview closed West Florida’s lead to 14-7. But West Florida answered quickly with a 28-yard pass to Abrams from Faxlanger. A good Jags kick, and West Florida was still on top, 21-7.
West Florida scored again in the second quarter with 78-yard touchdown from Lee after a pass from Faxlanger.
In the third, West Florida added thee on a 35-yard field goal from Jackson, and Northview’s La’Mikal Kyles score on and 11-yard run. And in the fourth quarter, Northview scored with a 4-yard run from Woods, and West Florida added another Jackson field goal from 25-yards out.
Both teams will begin the state playoff series at 7:30 p.m. on November 18 on their respective home fields. Northview will host Wewahitchka in the regional semifinals, and West Florida will host Tallahassee Godby. Home field advantage could remain throughout the playoffs for the Chiefs until the state championship game in Orlando.
- For a photo gallery of action from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery of the Northview and West Florida cheerleaders, click here.
- Editor’s note: The Northview and West Florida band will be featured in a photo gallery on Saturday morning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Camp Fire USA Kids Join Century Care In Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2011
Covenant Hospice held a special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center. Veterans were honored for their service and presented with a pin and certificate .
Children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center also took part in the ceremony to recognize veterans. The children made a large “Happy Veterans Day” banner and individual cards for the veterans.
Pictured above and below: A special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center with children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center. Submitted photos by Pam Townson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary Holds Fall Festival
November 11, 2011
The annual Fall Festival was held Thursday afternoon at Bratt Elementary School, featuring games, food and fun for the children.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Picture above: Children take part in games during the annual Fall Festival at Bratt Elementary School Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: Poarch Creek Indian dancers perform. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Friday Highway 97 Crash
November 11, 2011
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover crash in Walnut Hill Friday afternoon.
The accident happened just before 4 p.m. on Highway 97 south of North Highway 99. A male driver was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Further details were not available; the accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Suspects Arrested In Triple Shooting
November 10, 2011
Two suspects have been arrested in a triple shooting last week in Pensacola.
Tarrence Dwayne Webb, 20, and Brandon James Sims, 21, were booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday where each are being held on three counts of attempted homicide and one count of firing a weapon into a vehicle. Bond was set at $100,000 each.
Both are suspects in a triple shooting on November 3 at The Fast Link on Cerny Road. The victims drove themselves to a crowded Publix shopping center on Mobile Highway.
Two 19-year old victims were shot in the hand, while a male about 19-years old was hit in the head. Two other people in the vehicle were not injured as gunfire shattered the car’s windows.
Pictured top: Three men shot in a drive-by shooting drove themselves to this Publix store on Mobile Highway on November 2. Photo courtesy WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inventor Shipping Bracelets To Elementary Students To Replace Racy Image Prizes
November 10, 2011
Stuart Anders, the inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet, has shipped more than 200 of his original bracelets to Jay Elementary School to replace the unexpected tasteless version students received recently as a prize in a school fund raising drive.
When students received the slap bracelets last month, some discovered that racy images (pictured below) were hidden beneath the fabric. The bracelets, which were not produced or licensed by Anders or his company, were made out of recycled tape measure materials, and at least four of them depicted women in various poses and stages of dress.
Anders heard about the situation in Jay when the story hit NorthEscambia.com and other media last month and immediately thought to send replacements to the school of his original products.
”As the original inventor of the Slap Wraps toy and as a former school teacher, I felt compelled to step in and make right the situation,” Anders said.
Anders was able to get his message to Jay Elementary Principal Danny Carnley who was thrilled by the offer. “I never expected a call like this from the inventor of the toys,” said Carnley. “It’s so nice that he wants to do this for our students.”
“I’m thrilled they are still popular, but very disappointed that the kids at Jay Elementary received such a poor example of this toy. It’s just one of the many knock-off products that are available for sale.” Anders said he has had issues related to companies producing low quality knock-offs of his product since they originated. “It’s a shame when that happens, which is why I want to send the original Slap Wraps to these students to give them the reward they earned – in a form they can wear proudly.”
About 200 hundred of Anders’ bracelets are expected to arrive today at Jay Elementary for distribution to the students.
With each bracelet, Anders is enclosing a note to the parents and students explaining how he created the product and encouraging students to find their own passion when it comes to the work they will do.
“I’ve been so lucky,” he said. “I’ve been able to make a great life doing work I thoroughly enjoy. I hadn’t planned on being an inventor. It just happened when I followed my instincts and my heart. I wish the same for all of these students.”
The original Slap Wraps are produced about 500 miles from Jay in Titusville, Florida. The only bracelet currently in production at the present time is a NCAA licensed Bucky Badger Slap Wraps.
“I’m happy to send a little piece of Wisconsin to the students in Florida,” said Anders, who currently lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. “They are made in Florida and represent Wisconsin – it’s a cool connection.”
Anders, who received his education degree im 1983, said he is particularly pleased to do something positive for students because his original plan had been to be a teacher.
“I always like doing something special for schools and students,” said Anders. “Sharing my story with students and inspiring them to follow their dreams is passion of mine and this is a perfect way to do that.”
Pictured top: The inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet is sending about 200 of these bracelets to Jay Elementary School. Pictured inset: These bracelets with racy images were unknowingly distributed to Jay Elementary students last month. The product inventor called them unauthorized “knock-offs” of his original product. NorthEscambia.com and courtesy images, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from across the area Wednesday in a very big way, while remembering LCpl. Travis Nelson who was killed in action in August in Afghanistan. Nelson attended middle school at Ernest Ward.
The school honored Nelson with a special video and presented flowers to his parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, who are both veterans.
It was not the first time Ernest Ward students honored Nelson’s memory. When his remains were transported in a motorcade from Pensacola NAS to Atmore, hundreds of Ernest Ward students dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97 and waved American flags. As Nelson’s remains passed his middle school alma mater, the students stood in total silence, hands over their hearts.
“I applaud you Ernest Ward,” guest speaker Malcolm Thomas, Escambia County School superintendent said, ” for what you did that day, the most proud moment I’ve had since I’ve been superintendent.
“As long as there are young people that understand what you understand,” Thomas told the EWMS student body, “I believe that the future and hope of our country is great. You paid the best tribute you could pay that day, by pausing and sacrificing for a fallen hero — someone that was once one of your own.
“He knew that freedom would not be free; he would stand in the gap and fight the fight so we could grow up and enjoy all the freedoms we enjoy in this country.”
The students also took part in a unique “Thank You” video — presenting the words “Thank You” spelled out in various ways across the campus. The video ended with hundreds of Ernest Ward students spelling “Thank You!” on the school’s football field.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
For the LCpl. Travis Nelson video, click here.
For a portion of Malcolm Thomas’s address, click here.
Pictured top: Flowers are presented to Scott and Beckie Nelson, parents of fallen Marine LCpl. Travis Nelson, during a Veterans Day program Wednesday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured inset: Veteran Mike Hanks salutes the American flag during the program. Pictured below: Hundreds of Ernest Ward students spell out a “Thank You!” to veterans on the school’s football field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
