Two Wrecks During Heavy Rains In Molino
May 29, 2010
Heavy rain is believed to have contributed to two different accidents in Molino Saturday afternoon.
The first was about 2:15 p.m. on Highway 29 near the Camp Of the Pines. A 69-year old female passenger suffered arm and leg injuries after a SUV rolled about three times into the median. The driver was not injured.
The second accident happened about 2:30 p.m. when a driver ran into a ditch at Highway 97 and Highway 95A. There no injuries in the crash.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to both accidents.
Both wrecks are still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Retirement Party Honors Master Deputy Randy Murph
May 29, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office honored Randy Murph of Byrneville with a retirement party Friday afternoon.
Murph retired recently after 27 years in law enforcement — 22 of those in North Escambia
Friends, family and coworkers, including Sheriff David Morgan, applauded Murph for his years of service.
Morgan said he remembered meeting Murph about six years ago and Murph’s comments about the need for the sense of community and belonging in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is not to say goodbye, but to wish you luck in whatever you do in the future,” Morgan told Murph.
“I want to thank the citizens of Escambia County for giving me the opportunity to protect them,” the recently retired master deputy said before thanking his wife, Mary, for standing behind him.
“It takes a special woman to be a cop’s wife,” he said. “When you walk out that door, your never know.”.
Murph started his law enforcement career in Escambia County, Alabama, working for then-Sheriff Tim Hawsey. He spent five years patrolling the 950 square miles of the county before moving south into Florida.
For the next 22 years, he worked for the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, spending all of those years in North Escambia.
To read a previous NorthEscambia.com story about Randy Murph and his retirement, click here.
Pictured above: Retired Master Deputy Randy Murph (right) and Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. Pictured below: Randy Murph and his wife Mary at his retirement party Friday afternoon in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Passenger Train Travels Through North Escambia
May 29, 2010
For the first time in decades, a passenger train made its way south through western North Escambia Friday.
Described a luxurious trip in 1940’s style, the rail tour operated by High Iron Travel started Wednesday in Columbus, Mississippi, and traveled Thursday to Fountain, Ala. It followed the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railroad line south on Friday, traveling through Atmore, Walnut Hill and Cantonment on to Pensacola.
After an overnight layover in Pensacola, the train returned north on Saturday via the same Alabama & Gulf Coast Railroad line through North Escambia to Linden, Alabama, and then to Meridan, Mississippi.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Cars in the train included the Cimarron River, a privately owned 1948 Pullman sleeping car which has been renovated with modern heating, electrical and air conditioning systems while retaining the charm and ambiance of 1940’s railroad travel. It sleeps 20 people — one person in each of 12 roomettes and two people in each of four bedrooms, which have two bunk beds. The beds all fold into the walls to provide comfortable seating during the day.
The Caritas in considered one of America’s premier art-deco private railway cars, built in 1948 by the Pullman company for the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad. The Caritas sleeps eight guests in three double bedrooms that maintain the original configuration, while a master room has a double bed and its own shower.
The train also included the 1949 sleeper lounge Swift Stream from the New York Central’s Great Steel Fleet. The car includes six double bedrooms, shower, kitchen and pantry, art deco lounge, and dining area for 16.
The train also included the ex-Santa Fe “Great Dome” car.
The basic fare for the trip was $5,750 per person, double occupancy. The trip was a one-time event.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The first passenger train in decades passes through Walnut Hill Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: NWE Closing Ceremony With Scoop
May 29, 2010
Closing ceremonies were held Friday evening for Northwest Escambia little league, with “Scoop” from the Pensacola Pelicans handing out awards.
Several adults were also honored, including Yankees’ manager Joey Hasty who was presented the NWE Tony Hollingsworth Manager of the Year Award, and Jason Peebles and Sandy Brown who were named Volunteer of the Year.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Submitted photos by Annie Wiedel for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Do you have local ballpark photos to share? Email them news@northescambia.com
Escambia Oil Spill Update
May 29, 2010
Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill information specific to Escambia County:
- Report any oiled shorelines or suspected oiled substances to 1-866-448-5816, leave message of exact location of oiled finding.
- Important: Do not touch any substance you suspect to be oiled or oil-related. Call in the exact location for qualified teams to investigate.
- According to the NOAA oil plume model, the spill is 85 miles southwest of Pensacola.
- No direct surface oil impacts are expected on county shores within the next 72 hours.
- Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key remain open. Water is clear and air quality is good.
- See the Hurricanes and Oil Spill Fact Sheet (PDF)
British Petroleum (BP)
- BP has reported 3,840 claims in the state with $2,965,214 paid to date.
- There are 128 of 1,114 contracts activated for the Vessels of Opportunity Program in Florida.
- File claims with BP online: http://www.bp.com/claims.
- BP’s claims office is located at 3960 W. Navy Boulevard, Suite 16. The office is currently open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. BP claims categories
- BP recommends anyone with a claim call 1-800-440-0858 to help expedite the process. By calling the claims number, adjusters at the claims office will have the information prior to your visit.
- If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
- The BP community outreach office is open for citizens at 435 East Government Street. Representatives are available to answer any questions on volunteering, vessels of opportunity program, or any other oil spill related questions. Phone: (850) 912-8640, fax: (850) 912-8755.
- To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
- BP Vessels of Opportunity – see the master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
- To pick up or deliver completed Vessels of Opportunity packets, visit BP’s Community Outreach office at 435 East Government Street. For information, call 281-366-5511.
- Approximately 175,950 feet of boom has been placed out of the Pensacola and Panama City staging areas in support of Unified Command.
- Do not sign any documents in return from money from BP or anyone else until you know the extent of your loss. BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
- BP does not use contractors to contact or solicit volunteers for cleanup. All training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration.
- The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. All rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you have wildlife training, call 1-866-557-1401.
- Boaters are requested to report sightings of broken, disconnected or adrift boom and are asked to keep their distance from boom especially at night or in conditions of restricted visibility. Please report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom to: 1-866-448-5816. See details.
Federal (NOAA)
- Friday, May 28 – Local fishing areas remain open, however NOAA has again expanded the closed fishing areas in national waters. See details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
State of Florida (DEP, FWC)
- Governor’s Executive Order 10-115 authorizes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to designate Free Saltwater Fishing Days to encourage noncommercial fishing in Florida. See details.
- See DEP’s Homeowner Tips for Protecting Florida’s Shorlines (PDF)
- The Small Business Administration issued an economic injury Disaster Loan Declaration for the state of Florida. Pensacola office: 401 E. Chase St., Ste. 100.
- The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time. See news release.
- Florida saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect as usual. More information.
- FWC press release on data collection on gulf red snapper to address oil spill impacts.
- Submit innovative technology ideas, suggestions or products by completing this form. Send the completed form and any supporting documentation to Innovative.Technolgy@dep.state.fl.us.
- For more information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans visit the SBA website.
- Video and audio public service announcements are available for download to educate the public on response, safety, coast watch and beach cleanup. See details.
- Report boom vandalism to the (800) 320-0519 or #DEP from your cell phone.
- An Economic Recovery Task Force was established facilitate efforts by businesses and industries in recovering from the loss of business and revenues due to the oil spill incident.
- A Legal Advisory Council was established to assess the impact the potential disaster could have on the state.
- For information on the Florida Small Business Development Center’s Mobile Area Command units, visit www.floridasbdc.org/Special Programs/bcrm.asp
- FWC temporarily suspended the restriction on use of purse seines landward of the COLRGEGS demarcation line in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
- Additional guidance to help small businesses survive a disaster can be found at www.MyFloridaCFO.com or by calling 850-413-3089 or toll-free 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
- On Friday, Escambia County staff responded to a report of oil sheen on in the northeastern arm of Bayou Chico. The sheen was confirmed, but traced to the Navy Boulevard bridge construction project. FDEP will be investigating for enforcement of illegal petroleum discharge to state waters.
- The shoreline cleanup team collected 28 total samples of suspected oil-related findings on Perdido Key, Thursday, May 27. On Friday, May 28 the team collected three samples from the Gulf Islands National Seashore between Pensacola Beach and Navarre. Each of these groups of findings sent to the lab for identification.
- The county is preparing to extend consulting and booming contracts for an additional 30 days.
- County staff continue to monitor the situation and will continue to participate in daily briefings with the State of Florida and Unified Command.
- Escambia County is evaluating every viable proposa for coastal protection and recovery, coordinating with Unified Command and will share information as it is approved.
- Escambia County, in conjunction with the University of West Florida, is collecting gulf water samples from Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key weekly to indicate any changes in water quality.
- On inland waters (bays, bayous, estuaries, rivers), private property owners may install oil absorbent material, booms or fences on private property above the mean high waterline (MHWL) only. No material may be installed or sprayed below the MHWL.
- On gulf-front property, the use of silt fences, obstructions, hay bales, peat, surfactants or other material is not approved. DEP is the permitting agency for beaches and coastal systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
- Residents and business owners with water access on their property should have pre-assessments prepared (photos, video, etc. documenting the current condition of the property).
- If citizens see anything unusual on the beaches they feel needs to be reported:
- Contact the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce at 850-492-4660 on Perdido Key
- Report to the lifeguards on duty on Pensacola Beach
- Deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – has been deployed in all locations of the Local Action Plan and Addendum One. See boom deployment progress report and map. Staff continues to evaluate areas and is monitoring all deployed boom.
- To keep waterways open as long as possible, boom is “wet staged” at some locations. When floating petroleum becomes an imminent threat, boom will be fully deployed. “Fully deployed boom” is described as boom anchored into a functional configuration.
- Pteropods, also known as the sea butterfly, have been reported on gulf beaches. Pteropods are small, clear and sharply pointed larval snails. Although they are fairly sharp, they do not pose a threat to people. They are naturally occurring and not due to anything oil-related.
- The brown foam seen on the beaches is not associated with the oil spill. This is a common natural occurrence, when fish are spawning and there are hard winds, rain, and wave action.
- The local state of emergency has been extended until June 4.
- The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has returned to normal Level 3 operations.
Local Beaches
- SRIA lifeguards continue patrolling beaches for oil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- In the event beaches are impacted by the oil spill, it may be necessary to issue health advisories to protect health and safety.
- The Florida Department of Health will issue advisories as they become necessary for the area of affected water and shoreline.
- Beaches above the high tide line should remain open for sunbathing, walking, shopping and dining. The exact area for the advisories will be determined at the time oil is reported.
City of Pensacola
- The City of Pensacola continues to coordinate with Escambia County officials.
Volunteer Opportunities
- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has determined volunteers cannot be used in any situation where they may come in contact with oiled shorelines or oiled wildlife.
- To volunteer, call BP at 1-866-448-5816.
Safety Information
- If you see a tar ball on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-866-448-5816.
- Florida Department of Health Deepwater Horizon Health Information FAQs
- Seafood Consumption FAQs
Wildlife
- Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife as this may cause additional injuries.
- If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife Hotline at 1-866-557-1401. Please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.
Boats
- Boats should keep a safe distance from the booms. Do not drive boats over booms.
- Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats. Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
Beaches and Waterways
- Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
- Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.
Personal Safety
- Gulf coast residents may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions, some may experience more severe symptoms. For Air Quality Reports, see http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/air.html
- The Escambia County Health Department released advice to residents who are experiencing symptoms from odors. (See details)
- Avoid areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave immediately.
- Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
- Do not swim or ski in areas affected by oil, and if you travel through the area by boat, take care when hoisting the anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.
- Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
- Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
- Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
- Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
- Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
- Report oiled shorelines to 1-866-448-5816.
Business Information
- More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance to seek compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
- Florida emergency management and economic development staff are gathering information from businesses impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Please complete their survey and help shape Florida’s response to this event. The survey will be updated periodicallye.
- Take detailed records of cancelled reservations. When cancellations occur, ask the party if the cancellation is related the oil spill. Keep the person’s name and contact information, and the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
- Businesses that may be negatively impacted due to the oil spill, are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records should a claim need to be presented.
- Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support your claim. Compare business to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
- Make a detailed list of assets, including non-structural, and include appropriate records to support the list. Example: if your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach and that beach has oil reach its shores, the business’s assets could be damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure. It is important to record this depreciation.
Citizen Information
- Florida Oil Spill Information Line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1-888-337-3569.
Photos: Ernest Ward Presents Spring Play With Giant Roach
May 29, 2010
With a giant roach, a crazed Italian chef, and a little mistake where bug poison and cheese were switched, the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team presented their annual Spring Play “Chateau La Roach” Thursday night and Friday morning.
This year’s production was a comedy about a small hotel being overrun by cockroaches. Mimi and Francois LaRoche had to find some way of stopping the health inspector from finding out about their little bug problem. With the help of their wacky staff, the two of them tried to determine which guest was the health inspector before it was too late.
For a photo gallery from the play, click here.
Pictured above: Samantha Barrow and Chelsea Turner watch a giant roach portrayed by Joselynn Wiedel during the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team presented their annual Spring Play “Chateau La Roach” Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Three Year Old Nearly Drowns; Found Floating Face Down In Pool
May 28, 2010
A three-year old girl is in critical condition after being found floating face down in a pool Thursday evening in the Bay Springs community near Walnut Hill.
Emergency personnel were called to a home in the 10000 block of Highway 97A about 6:20 p.m. after a family member found the child face down in the pool. She was not breathing when removed from the pool.
For an update to this story, click here.
Another family member reportedly performed CPR on the child and revived her. Authorities said it is not known how the child got past a fence surrounding the pool or how long she had been in the water.
The young girl was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where family said she was recovering in a pediatric ICU unit.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call.
Pictured above: Atmore Ambulance arrives at the scene of a near drowning Thursday afternoon near Walnut Hill. Pictured below: The three-year old victim was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by LifeFlight. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Zachs Each Hit Three-Run Homers
May 28, 2010
Two different players named Zach each hit three-run homers Thursday night as a Northwest Escambia Major League boys team finished their season with a win. Zach Payne, 11, (pictured right) hit a three-run home run in the first inning, and Zach Holland had a three run homer in the fifth as their Amerson Roofing team picked up a 16-12 win. Submitted photo by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
3rd FCAT Reading And Math Results Released; Good News For Most Local Schools
May 28, 2010
FCAT scores for third graders were Thursday with most North Escambia Schools seeing improvement over last year.
Bratt Elementary
Reading 64
Math 84
There was a large decline in the number of Bratt Elementary School third graders scoring a grade level three or better in reading. There were 64 percent at level three or more this year, compared to 78 percent last year and 83 percent two years ago.
Math scores at Bratt Elementary improved from 81 percent at grade level last year to 84 percent this year.
Byrneville Elementary
Reading 91
Math 97
Byrneville Elementary improved in both math and reading. The school jumped from 86 percent at grade level last year in reading to 91 percent this year. The percentage at grade level in math jumped from 93 percent in 2009 to 97 percent in 2010.
Molino Park Elementary
Reading 90
Math 92
Molino Park Elementary saw great improvement in reading scores, jumping from 76 percent in 2008 at grade level, to 81 percent in 2009 and 90 percent in 2010. Math scores improved as well, with 89 percent at grade level last year improving to 92 percent this year.
Jim Allen Elementary
Reading 76
Math 84
Jim Allen Elementary saw declines in math and reading scores. The percent on grade level in reading dropped slightly from 76 to 76 percent, and the percent on grade level in math dropped from 89 percent last year to 84 percent his year.
Escambia District
Reading 71
Math 75
At the county level, Escambia third graders declined just slightly in reading and math. There were 71 percent of third graders in the county making a grade level three or better in 2010, compared to 72 percent in 2009. The percentage making a three or better in math fell from 77 to 75 percent during the past year.
Hwy. 29, Hwy 97 Drivers To Get Break From Road Construction
May 28, 2010
Drivers on Highway 97 and a portion of Highway 29 near Molino will get a temporary reprieve from road construction and lane closures over the Memorial Day weekend.
To ease traffic congestion and insure safety along the roadways in northwest Florida, construction contractors working on state roads will cease operations during the Memorial Day weekend, according to Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, she said. All major roads in northwest Florida will be open to normal traffic.