Four Injured In Muscogee Road Crash
July 10, 2010
At least four people were injured in a two vehicle accident Friday afternoon near Cantonment, and, as emergency personnel were working, a third vehicle became involved.
The accident was reported about 5 p.m. at the intersection of Beulah Road and Muscogee Road near the Alabama state line. As emergency workers were loading patients from the first collision, one of the wrecked pickup trucks was struck by a utility trailer being towed by a passing pickup truck. There were no injuries in the second accident.
The accidents are under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Beulah and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured top: Four people were injured in this two vehicle collision Friday afternoon near Cantonment. Pictured below: A third vehicle pulling a utility trailer became involved in the crash as emergency workers were on scene. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Driver, 16, Facing Charges After Early Morning Alcohol Related Crash
July 9, 2010
Three teens were involved in a single vehicle alcohol related accident early Friday morning at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino, and the driver is facing multiple charges.
Ashton Vincent, 16, of Cantonment, was charged with having an unlawful breath-alcohol level for a minor (greater than .02), traveling too fast for conditions, reckless driving and violation of curfew restrictions after the 2:23 a.m. crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Vincent was traveling east on Crabtree Church Road approaching Highway 97 at an apparent high rate of speed in a 2010 Dodge Challenger. She lost control, traveled through the parking lot of the Tom Thumb, hit large concrete sign, and overturned several times across two ditches and into the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29. The vehicle landed upright in the intersection.
Vincent suffered minor injuries, as did her two passengers — Nicole Galletti, 16, of Pensacola, and Morgan White, 16, of Pensacola. All three were wearing their seat belts, according to the FHP.
Highway 97 and a portion of southbound Highway 29 were closed over an hour by the crash.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the early morning crash.
Three teens were injured in this single vehicle alcohol related crash about 2:20 a.m. Friday at Highway 97 and Highway 29 in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Teen Severely Burned In Lawn Mower Fire
July 9, 2010
A Flomaton teen was severely burned in a lawn mower fire Thursday.
The 15-year old was transported by ambulance to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton after the noon accident. He was later transferred to the University of South Alabama Regional Burn Center.
Further details were not available.
The Flomaton Fire Department, Engine 519 from the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Flomaton Police Department responded to the call.
Submitted photo by Christine Stanton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Officials Worried About Local Financial Implications Of Oil Spill
July 9, 2010
State and local officials are worried about the local financial implications of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and they are talking drilling bans, income tax cuts and property tax problems.
Gov. Charlie Crist called Thursday for a special session aimed at a constitutional ban on offshore drilling, while Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Alex Sink urged the federal government to leave lost income payments alone when tax times rolls around.
Meanwhile, local government and business groups met with state officials to map out strategies for tracking the mounting costs of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill that continues to spew oil in the gulf and may alter the economics of the region for years to come.
Local governments, which have so far spent millions on protective measures and clean-up efforts, face plunging property values that, in turn, may further reduce the cash flow needed to pay for the schools, roads and other local responsibilities funded with property taxes. Somehow, they want to be repaid.
“This is a nightmare in slow motion,” said Greg Brown, Santa Rosa County property appraiser. “This is going to be with us for a long time.”
Leading off a flurry of oil-related activity, Crist called on lawmakers to return July 20 to craft a proposed constitutional amendment to ban oil and gas exploration in state waters. That’s likely to set up a standoff with reluctant Republican lawmakers, who have balked at the idea and led opponents of the no-party governor to call it a politically-motivated grandstand.
“Politics has nothing to do with this,” Crist said. “This has everything to do with what is right for a place that I love.”
Speaking to reporters, the governor said he’s no longer going to wait for consensus before calling lawmakers back into session, saying that time is running out for voters to address the issue during the Nov. 4 general election. Sixty percent of voters would have to agree to pass the proposal.
“They ought to have an opportunity, the people, to put it into their constitution so if a Legislature comes along and forgets what’s happening out there this year, that that doesn’t happen again,” Crist said.
Earlier Thursday, business and local government representatives underscored the difficulty in tracking just how much the BP oil spill has cost public and private entities and how long those adverse impacts will linger.
Among the immediate questions posed to the Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force working group were how the spill will affect property values when they are assessed again in January and what property owners will do when they get their tax notices in August. The working group is formulating a slate of recommendations for the full task force.
Property tax levels are based on the January 2010 assessed values, which may have fallen since the spill began April 20. Property owners who think the values are inaccurate have the right to address their local adjustment board, which may see a significant uptick in appeals this fall.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of people challenging their assessments,” Brown said.
While local governments look for a way to boost tax revenue, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the leading Democratic candidate for governor, sent a letter to members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation asking them to support legislation that would waive the federal income tax on the lost income payments Floridians have received from BP. Those payments, which have so far totaled more than $25 million in Florida, should be considered tax exempt as residents struggle to get back on their feet, she said.
“Every dollar counts right now as many Floridians struggle to get by because of the oil disaster, and this common-sense measure just makes sense for our citizens and businesses,” said Sink. “BP should pay for this income tax loss, instead of taking much needed resources from our small business owners and other Floridians.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo of oil on Pensacola Beach by Regina Hare, click to enlarge.
BP Pays Up: Escambia Gets $1.86 Million Reimbursement
July 9, 2010
BP made a $1.86 million wire transfer to Escambia County on Thursday to reimburse the county for estimated expenditures incurred during the month of June for oil cleanup.
According to Sonya Daniel, Escambia County public information manager, payment was made as follows:
- Water Sampling $362,162
- Air Reconnaissance $36,000
- Beach Monitoring $400,000
- Marine Observation $396,000
- Boom Monitoring and Maintenance $175,000
- Operating Costs $6,123
- Equipment $15,400
- Professional Services $470,000
The boom payment, according to Daniel, was not for boom leasing fees. Those contracts are still be worked through the State of Florida and the Unified Command, she said.
Escambia Ala. Junior Miss Competition Saturday Night
July 9, 2010
Six young ladies will take part in the Escambia County Junior Miss program tonight. They are Megan Andrews, Dallas Brown, Walton Nichols, Kelsey Templeton, Cierra White and Shelly Womack.
The program will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Woodfin-Patterson Auditorium on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton.
For a photo gallery of the contestants and their Little Sisters, click here.
Contestants are:
Megan Andrews is the daughter of Bennie and Zelda Andrews. She is a student at W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton. For the talent portion of the event, she will perform a praise dance routine to “Grateful” by Hezekiah Walker. Serving as her Little Sister is Sharnae Puryear.
Dallas Brown is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Brown of Atmore. She is a student at Atmore Christian School. For her talent presentation, she will perform “Let It Be” as a piano instrumental and vocal presentation. Maud Meacham will serve as her Little Sister.
Walton Nichols is the daughter of Randy and Melissa Nichols of Atmore. She is a student at Escambia Academy. For her talent, she will perform a jazz dance routine to “My Strongest Suit,” from the Broadway show, Aida. Jenna Brown will serve as her Little Sister.
Kelsey Templeton is the daughter of Roger and Lisa Templeton of Brewton. She is a student at T.R. Miller High School. For her talent, she will perform “Temporary Home”, by Carrie Underwood. Serving as her Little Sister will be Jaime Snowden.
Cierra White is the daughter Earnie White of Flomaton and the late Angie White . She is a student at the Alabama School of Math and Science. For her talent selection, she will perform “New York, New York,” by Frank Sinatra. Taylor White will serve as her Little Sister.
Shelly Womack is the daughter of David and Janet Womack. She is a student at Excel High School. During the talent competition, she will perform a piano solo, “Valse, Op. 64, No. 1.” Niki Bryan will serve as her her little sister.
Pictured above: Cierra White, Shelly Womack, Kelsey Templeton, Dallas Brown, Megan Andrews and Walton Nichols. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Crist Calls For Special Sesson To Seek Oil Drilling Ban
July 8, 2010
Calling it too important to leave to his successor, Gov. Charlie Crist called Thursday for a special session to ask voters to ban oil drilling off Florida’s coast – even though he doesn’t have buy-in from the House on the issue.
Crist’s call for lawmakers to return to town July 20 likely sets up a standoff with the Legislature – particularly the House – over the matter. Crist’s proposed amendment has a Senate sponsor, but so far nobody to carry the bill in the House.
Officially, Crist called for a four-day session to craft and pass a proposed constitutional ban on oil and gas exploration in state waters. If he can get it through the Legislature, it would go on the ballot in November for voter approval.
“I think it’s important that we put this into our constitution,” Crist told reporters at a hastily scheduled news conference. “Certainly, I think it’s important that we give the people of Florida the opportunity to make this call.”
Crist has been suggesting that lawmakers should return to propose a constitutional ban for several weeks, since not long after the April 20 explosion of the BP Deepwater Horizon rig that led to the biggest oil spill in U.S. history.
But with nearshore oil drilling already barred by a moratorium and no appetite in the wake of the spill to push for new drilling, House leaders have resisted. Several have said that Crist has been posturing – seeking the constitutional ban for political reasons. Crist is running for the U.S. Senate.
If a constitutional ban is to be put on the ballot by the Legislature, it has to be done soon. The deadline for getting a measure approved for the November ballot is the end of the day, Aug. 3.
Crist said he didn’t want to wait any longer to address the issue.
“I feel a compelling duty to protect Florida,” Crist said. “I’m going to be governor for about six more months and I think I would not be doing my duty as governor if I didn’t call for this special session.”
Crist said other issues arising from the spill could wait.
“This is a rifle shot,” Crist said of the narrow legislative call.
Several lawmakers have said there are other issues resulting from the spill that could require attention, most specifically the drop in property values expected along the Gulf coast.
Opponents of a constitutional ban say the existing moratorium on drilling in the Gulf makes a constitutional ban unnecessary, at least immediately. The argument is that lawmakers could easily pass a proposed amendment next March during the regular session.
Crist, who is running for Senate with no party affiliation and has been at odds with the Republican Legislature on several issues in the last few months , said he thinks the drilling prohibition needs to be stronger because future Legislatures could easily lift the ban.
“I know it’s barred statutorily, l but I also know that just last year they tried to change that statute and drill holes three miles off the coast of Florida,” Crist said. “That’s why … the will of the people should be heard on this.”
In order to put the issue on the November ballot, the proposal must be approved by the three-fifths of the House and Senate. To pass, it must then garner 60 percent of the popular vote.
Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, generally supports a ban. Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, has opposed a constitutional ban.
The proposal will be sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami.
While Republicans have resisted a special session, Democrats have been pushing for one and praised Crist for it on Thursday.
“I commend the governor for agreeing to call for a special session to ban near beach oil drilling, despite the resistance from special interests and some members of the Legislature,” said state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democratic candidate for governor. But she and other Democrats urged Crist and lawmakers to take on other issues as well.
“In addition to banning near beach drilling, the special session should also tackle the urgent needs for our business owners and state, including much-needed small business relief, a more streamlined claims process, and the creation of an environmental endowment for additional research,” Sink said.
With criticism expected that he was grandstanding, or calling the special session to boost his Senate campaign, Crist said the issue was of paramount importance, and it was a simple call.
“The rightness of this is so clear, especially with what we have experienced in the past 80 days or so in the Gulf of Mexico,” Crist said. “This is an issue that is so important to the future our state, to the economy of Florida.”
On The Road, Again: Northview’s 2010 Football Schedule
July 8, 2010
The 2010 football schedule for Northview High School has been released, and it won’t have the Chiefs playing a home game until late September.
The Chiefs, 7-3 last year, will open their 2010 season on the road at Graceville on September 3. They will travel the next week, September 10, to South Walton before having an open date on the third Friday night of the season, September 17.
The first home game for the Chiefs, in their second year under Head Coach Sid Wheatley, will be September 24 against Bozeman.
Here is the complete schedule for the 2010 Northview Chiefs:
- September 3 Graceville — Away
- September 10 South Walton – Away
- September 24 Bozeman — Home
- October 1 Baker — Away
- October 8 Bonifay — Homecoming
- October 15 Freeport — Away
- October 22 Jay — Home
- October 29 Sneads — Away
- November 5 Vernon — Home
- November 12 — West Florida Tech — Home
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Missing Man Found After 11 Hour, 11 Mile Walk Down The Railroad
July 8, 2010
Authorities spent about two hours Wednesday evening searching for a Walnut Hill man that became lost after he walked about 11 miles along a railroad.
The 32-year old man phoned the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office about 6:30 p.m. saying he was lost on the railroad, and he had no idea where he was actually located. He told emergency dispatchers that he had left his home on Juniper Street in Walnut Hill about 5:30 a.m. with his two dogs. He said he had started walking along the railroad, apparently at Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill.
Eleven hours later, he told dispatchers that he only knew he was still on the railroad tracks somewhere in the woods.
Deputies checked the few crossings the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway makes in North Escambia, while sheriff’s dispatchers tried to use the man’s cellphone GPS coordinates to locate him. The data provided by the man’s cellphone placed him at various locations, including Crabtree Church Road in Molino — but Crabtree Church Road does not intersect the railway line.
Just as the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was about to take to the air to search for the missing man, he once again phoned dispatchers and said had walked to a dirt road. He was located on Barrineau Park Road, near the Perdido River and the Alabama/Florida state line where he was picked up by a friend, apparently uninjured, and driven back to Walnut Hill.
Judges Denies Bond For Suspect In Stabbing Death
July 8, 2010
The man accused in the stabbing death of a pregnant mother and her unborn child Monday night in Cantonment will not be getting out of jail.
Phillip Arnold, 65, made his first appearance in court Wednesday where a judge ordered him held without bond. According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators, Arnold will be charged with two counts of murder due to the unborn child not surviving.
Arnold is charged in the stabbing death of 44-year old Angela Brown and her unborn child, Angel. Brown was the mother of seven other children. Deputies say Arnold stabbed Brown in the chest with a knife, but they have not determined a motive.
For more details on the murder, click here.