A Hot 96 Today; Good Rain Chance By Tuesday
May 24, 2010
We are in for a hot day in the North Escambia area, with the afternoon mercury topping out in the middle 90’s. High temperatures will be lower on Tuesday as rain chances go up.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Today…Partly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. Northeast winds around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Tonight…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Tuesday…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning…then chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Tuesday Night…Mostly cloudy in the evening becoming partly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening…then slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Wednesday…Partly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. East winds around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Wednesday Night…Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Thursday…Partly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Thursday Night…Mostly cloudy in the evening becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
- Friday…Partly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Friday Night…Mostly cloudy in the evening becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Saturday…Mostly sunny. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Saturday Night…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s.
- Sunday…Sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
AirHogs Pounce the Pelicans 12-4
May 24, 2010
The AirHogs (6-3) stormed out of the gates early Sunday and scored often to beat the Pelicans (3-7) 12-4.
In the 1st inning, Greg Porter got the Hogs going as he singled in David Espinosa to give them an early 1-0 lead.
The Pelicans responded in the 2nd as John Alonso ripped a fastball from Luke Prihoda into right centerfield to drive in Javier Brito all the way from 1st base to tie the game up at 1.
The 3rd inning was a nightmare for Pelican starter Kevin Cooper and his squad. Greg Porter had an RBI groundout to give the Hogs a 2-1 lead. Jaun Camacho followed with an infield RBI single to make it 3-1. With the score 4-1, Joe Spiers had a big hit and he ticketed a ball into centerfield for 2 more runs to score which busted things open for the Hogs and made it 6-1.
In the bottom half of the third, Antoin Gray belted a single into right center to bring home Francisco Leandro to make it 6-2.
The AirHogs added two more runs in the 4th with an RBi groundout from Porter and an RBI single from Robert Perry to make it an 8-2 advantage for Grand Prairie.
With the score 9-2 in the 5th inning, the Pels Adolfo Gonzalez had an RBI groundout along with an RBI single from Javier Brito which cut the score to 9-4.
The AirHogs added 2 more runs in the 6th and 1 more in the 9th to beat the Pelicans 12-4 on the 1st Kids Club Sunday at Pelican Park this season.
Luke Prihoda (1-0) gets the win as he gave up 4 runs off 9 hits and struck out 5 in 5 innings pitched. Greg Krause protected the win for Prihoda and got his 1st save of the season and he tossed 4 scoreless innings to complete the game.
It was a very tough night for Pelican starter Kevin Cooper as he served up 9 runs-only 3 of them earned off 12 hits through 5 innings pitched.
Francisco was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored in a losing effort for Pensacola.
Jose Duran, Robert Perry, and Chad Gabriel all had 3 hits on the night to lead the AirHogs offensive display.
The Pelicans and AirHogs will complete the 4 game series Monday night with the first pitched scheduled for 6:45pm.
AirHogs Bang Out 22 Hits to Hold Off Pelicans 19-17
May 23, 2010
The AirHogs (5-3) and Pelicans (3-6) engaged in a run scoring barrage as both teams had RBI’s all over the place all game long. In the end, the AirHogs fought off the pesky Pelicans 19-17.
The AirHogs had 22 hits as a team. In the 2nd inning, Flint Wipke got the game’s first three run by driving a belt-high fastball from Aaron Jackson over the left field fence to give the Hogs an early 3-0 lead.
The AirHogs would tack on three more runs in the 3rd capped off by a high boucing 2-run RBI single by Chad Gabriel over the drawn-in infield to give the Hogs a 6-0 lead.
The Pelicans battled back in the 3rd with the bases loaded and one out with Antoin Gray at the plate. Gray lined a single into left center to cut the AirHog lead to 6-2. Javier Brito and Marcos Rodriguez would drive in an RBI in the same inning to make it 6-4 Hogs.
The 4th inning would prove to be the most painful inning for the Pelicans. The AirHogs scored six runs in the frame including a 2-run RBI double from Greg Porter and RBI singles from Aaron Garza, Robert Perry, and Flint Wipke. The Hogs also got a sac fly from Joe Spiers as the score at the end of the inning was 12-4 in favor of the AirHogs.
The Pelicans showed no quit in this contest as they battled for 4 runs in the bottom half of the 4th as Lou Palmisano hit a 2-run homerun to left to make it 12-6. Marcos Rodriguez added a 2-run single in the same inning to make it 12-8.
It was 12-9 entering the sixth inning when the AirHogs put up 5 more runs capped off by a 3-run homerun from Greg Porter which made it 17-9.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the Pelicans once again battled back to get close to the Hogs once again. The Pels got RBI’s from Adolfo Gonzalez, Adam Darby, Lou Palmisano, and Dallas Christison to make it 17-13.
In the top half of the 7th, Aaron Garza lined a ball down the left field and over the fence for his 1st homerun of the season to make it 18-13. The Hogs added a run in the 8th on an RBi single from Espinosa to make it 19-13.
The Pelicans for a third time battled back in the game as Darby had a RBI triple and Palmisano added a sac fly to make it 19-15. Antoin Gray had a good battle with Geivy Garcia to work out a walk resulting in a run and Brito had an RBI fielder’s choice to make it 19-17. Later in the inning, the bases were loaded with two outs and John Alonso lined a ball sharply to left, but right at Porter who made the catch to end the threat. The Pelicans ended the night with 17 hits.
Edgar Estranga (2-0) gets the win as he pitched two innings and gave up 4 earned runs off 4 hits. Geivy Garcia got the last five outs of the game for his 2nd save of the season.
The loss goes to Pels starter Aaron Jackson (0-1) who was tagged for 9 runs off 10 hits through just 3 plus innings pitched.
Two Injured When Vehicle Flips Into Power Pole
May 23, 2010
Two people were injured in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Davisville.
The Florida Highway Patrol says T.J. Matthew Jarrell, 19, of Atmore lost control of his 1988 Chevrolet Blazer on Nokomis Road about a mile from Highway 97 at about 3:45 a.m. and hit the grassy shoulder.
Jarrell over corrected, veered onto the grassy shoulder again and into a culvert. Upon colliding with the culvert, the vehicle overturned several times and into a power pole. The pole was broken about 12 feet off the ground. The Chevy Blazer came to rest upside down about 20 feet away.
Jarrell and passenger, Steven R. Slack, 18, of Atmore, were transported by private vehicle to Atmore Community Hospital before emergency personnel arrived. They were treated and released.
According to troopers, charges are pending the result of a blood analysis.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
Several hundred Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers lost power for about hour later in the morning while the power company worked to replace the broken pole.
Pictured above and below: Two people were reported injured in this single vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Maybe Some Morning Fog, Hot With Afternoon Showers For Monday
May 23, 2010
We are headed into a few summertime like days, with a chance of showers and hot afternoons.
There’s a chance a muggy Sunday night will lead to some Monday morning fog. And
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest.
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Monday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 88. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Wednesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. West northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
- Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87.
Miller: BP Was not Prepared For A Worst-case Scenario
May 23, 2010
A month after the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig and BP still has not stopped the oil from continuing to spill into the Gulf of Mexico. People all along the Gulf Coast are rightfully worried. No one knows when this disaster will end, or what our shorelines and economy will look like when it does.
What has become clear is that BP was not prepared for a worst-case scenario, and after weeks of oil flowing into the Gulf, they still do not have a proven way of stopping it. Despite over 20,000 personnel responding to the emergency, and thousands more volunteers helping the effort, the key to ending this problem lies in stopping the leak. Early on, BP acknowledged that it was the responsible party. However, when the company came to testify before Congress, much of their time was spent pointing fingers at other companies. Not only did it fail to solve anything, it led many to wonder whether BP fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
Livelihoods in Northwest Florida and along the Gulf Coast are being threatened. If BP does not act quicker to stop the leak and contain the spill, fishermen could lose entire seasons and an annual $65 billion tourism industry will be hit hard. While a tube recently inserted into the well riser is capturing some of the leaking oil and natural gas, its long-term viability is still unknown. It is the first time that any attempt to contain the leak has been marginally successful. BP’s lack of preparedness is unacceptable, and I strongly urge them to redouble their efforts in helping end this economic and ecological disaster.
For several weeks I have been pushing BP to establish an escrow account in the amount of $1 billion for all the Gulf Coast states. Individuals, businesses, and municipalities could draw off this account as they are impacted economically and incur capital costs to prevent and respond to the oil spill. BP stated its commitment to paying for the cost of the oil spill, and this escrow account would be an affirmation of that commitment. Although they did create a $25 million block grant to help with tourism efforts, I am disappointed that BP has not yet established the escrow account. I continue to question whether they understand the widespread economic damage that has already happened in our area and how much worse it can get if the leak is not stopped.
As of today, our famous white sand beaches are clean and our water clear, but you wouldn’t know that given some of the media reports. Hotels in the area are seeing cancellations, and other businesses that welcome tourists year after year are seeing subsequent drops in business. This in turn is hurting their ability to hire people in an already struggling economy. BP must step up to their responsibilities on the front end as we go into the Summer season. Because of Northwest Florida’s proximity to the oil spill, the economic impact is being felt here first before other areas of the state.
I continue to pushed for an expansion of some of the recreational fishing seasons in the Gulf. Seasons that were already being cut short, may not even happen next year if BP does not fix their problem quickly. As NOAA expands the moratorium on fishing in federal waters impacted by the spill, the possibility of no season for certain fish is looming. With the path of the oil still very uncertain, charter boat captains are trying to hang on.
BP must assure those on the Gulf Coast and the rest of the country that it will pay for the widespread damages caused by this tragic event. It must also assure everyone that it is doing every single thing within its power to stop the leak at its source as quickly as possible. There is too much at stake, and the price Gulf Coast residents will pay grows higher each day the oil continues to flow into the water.
In the past, I have said there will be a time to point fingers, but right now we need to work together to fix the problem. Although the causes of the explosion are still under investigation, there is no question in my mind that BP was not prepared for a disaster of this magnitude and is responsible for both the cleanup and resolution to the leakage. Enough is enough!
Please visit my website at www.house.gov/jeffmiller/deepwater for updates and contact information on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, including how to volunteer or make a claim. Real-time updates and video of the cleanup, recovery, and containment efforts are also available to those following me on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Florida Educators Back Crist And Meek
May 23, 2010
The state’s largest teacher union on Saturday said that while it is backing Democratic U.S. candidate Kendrick Meek as expected, it also would be fine with no-party Charlie Crist and co-endorsed them.
Giving a dual endorsement isn’t unheard of, but recommending Crist – who was until late last month was a Republican candidate – is a bold move for the Florida Education Association, which was practically at war with the previous Republican administration of Gov. Jeb Bush, and has long fought Republican leaders of the state.
And it may be seen as a bit of a blow to Meek, long well-liked in the education community for his hard work for the class size amendment, and a favorite typically of union leaders.
But it also may be a nod to political reality. If Meek is seen as a candidate who can’t win, some Meek backers may see Crist as closer to them on issues they care about than Republican candidate Marco Rubio. Meek also has a primary challenge from Jeff Greene. During a speech to another labor group, the AFL-CIO on Saturday, Meek reminded voters that in a three-way race he needs fewer votes, so its flawed logic to think he can’t win.
FEA President Andy Ford praised both Meek and Crist in the announcement of the teacher union’s co-recommendation to its members, though he put Meek first.
“Kendrick Meek has always been a strong backer of public education and our positions for as long as he’s been (in) public service,” Ford said. “He has always supported our schools and employees. We wouldn’t have the class size provisions in the Florida Constitution without Kendrick’s tireless work to get that on the ballot and to win its approval.
“We know Kendrick would be a welcome addition to the U.S. Senate,” Ford said.
But, he added, “Gov. Charlie Crist took bold action this year in bucking the leaders of his former political party and listening to the teachers and parents of Florida when he vetoed Senate Bill 6 and set the stage for a better Florida application in the federal Race to the Top grant.
“S.B. 6 energized teachers and parents throughout the state and Crist’s actions showed so many Floridians that their voices count,” Ford continued. “We think an independent Charlie Crist working for Floridians would also be a great asset in the Senate.”
The merit pay bill that Crist vetoed was a priority for Republicans. It would have tied teacher pay in some respects to academic improvements by students, rather than having longer serving teachers paid more than newer ones. The move to defeat it by the FEA culminated with a surprising veto from Crist. Since then, the FEA has run ads thanking the governor for the veto.
The dual recommendation to FEA’s 140,000 members came as the FEA brass met in Jacksonville to discuss the Senate race. Meanwhile, Crist and Meek were both in Jacksonville to address one of the state’s largest labor groups, the AFL-CIO, which was planning on making its endorsement on Sunday. Ford said the FEA wasn’t trying to show the AFL-CIO the way with the dual endorsement.
Pictured: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek greats members of the AFL-CIO Saturday morning in Jacksonville as he campaigns for their endorsement in Jacksonville. Keith Laing photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
By David Royse, The News Service Florida
Charles Lymon Graduates From Basic Training
May 23, 2010
Air Force Airman Charles E. Lymon Jr. graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Jeannette Lymon of Old Jack Springs Road, Atmore. Lymon graduated in 2004 from Escambia County High School, Atmore, and received a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from Auburn University.
NWE Football Meeting Today
May 23, 2010
There will be a Northwest Escambia Football meeting today at 2 p.m. in the Ernest Ward Middle School gym.
The public is welcome to attend and learn how the football league works. NWE is also looking for a coach for their Midget team.
Jay Playoff Schedule, Map, Driving Directions
May 23, 2010
The Jay Royals will face Shorecrest of St. Petersburg Monday morning in the the Class 2A baseball semifinals.
The game will be played at 9 a.m. local time (10 a.m. EDT) Monday at Digital Domain Park (pictured above, click to enlarge) in St. Lucie, Fla. Admission will be $8. The winner of the Jay versus Shorecrest game will play the winner of the 4 p.m. Westminster Christian of Miami versus Orlando Christian game for the state championship. The state championship game will be played at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. EDT) on Tuesday.
Digital Domain park is the spring training home of the New York Mets. The facility seats 7,347 people.
For recommended hotel accommodations from the Florida High School Athletic Association web site, click here. The Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village/Port St. Lucie offers a special rate of $79 per night through the link.
The park is 555 miles from Jay, an estimated nine hour road trip. Driving directions, according to Google Maps, are below. Click here to see a map with these directions.
- Head east on 1st Ave W/FL-4 E toward S Alabama St Continue to follow FL-4 E 31.8 mi
- Turn right to stay on FL-4 E 4.6 mi
- Turn left at FL-10 E/US-90 E 17.8 mi
- Turn right at FL-285 S 0.4 mi
- Turn left to merge onto I-10 E 226 mi
- Take exit 296A to merge onto I-75 S toward Tampa 108 mi
- Slight left at Florida’s Turnpike/Ronald Reagan Turnpike (signs for Orlando/Florida Turnpike S) Partial toll road 156 mi
- Take exit 152 to merge onto FL-70 E/Okeechobee Rd Partial toll road 1.2 mi
- Merge onto I-95 S via the ramp to W Palm Beach 7.4 mi
- Take exit 121 for St Lucie W Blvd 0.4 mi
- Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Port St Lucie 269 ft
- Turn left at St Lucie W Blvd 0.7 mi
- Turn left at NW Peacock Blvd Destination will be on the right