Last Chance: Register For Scalpball Tournament
May 11, 2010
There is still time to get in on some great volleyball action next weekend.
The Spring Scalpball Tournament benefiting the Northview High School volleyball program will be held Saturday, May 22. There is still time to register your team for this 4 vs. 4 volleyball tournament. For more information click here, or click here for a registration form.
Monday Night Blaze Destroys Shed; Firemen Save Adjacent Structures
May 11, 2010
Fire destroyed a small shed Monday night in Bratt, but firefighters were able to save adjoining structures.
The fire in the 4700 block of Highway 168 was reported about 9 p.m. The first firefighters on scene reported the shed to be fully involved behind a home. The fire was contained to the shed; firefighters prevented it from spreading to an adjacent carport and another shed.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Century and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department responded to the fire.
Pictured above and below: Firefighters sift through the remains of a shed after a fire Monday night in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Oil Spill’s Impact On The Seafood Market; Lawsuits Filed
May 10, 2010
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill first sparked a seafood buying frenzy along the Gulf Coast, with popular local markets like Joe Patti’s Seafood jammed packed last weekend.
On Saturday, May 1, the iconic seafood market was packed wall to wall with customers stocking up on shrimp and their favorite fish — many out of the fear that it would not be available for some time in the future.
But those in the local seafood industry and others that rely on the Gulf of Mexico for their bottom line fear bad times are ahead. Joe Patti Seafood, wholesaler Southern Seafood of Pace; Premier Island Management Group; Bay Breeze Aquatics & Dive Center; other shrimpers, oystermen and charter boat owners and several additional plaintiffs filed suit in federal district court in Pensacola.
Defendants in the suit, filed by Levin Papantonio law firm, include BP and Transocean, Ltd. The plaintiffs contend that the oil spill will cause them to lose business.
Fast forward to Saturday, May 8. A federal fishing ban was in effect 25 miles off the Pensacola coast — leaving most fishing waters open. The displays at Joe Patti’s were packed high with fresh, safe local seafood not impacted by the oil spill. A couple of hours after opening time, employees stood lined up behind the counter waiting to help customers. No line, no waiting — no “take a number” announcements.
Fishermen, local fishermen and government officials all say local Gulf seafood is safe for now, and there’s no need to worry about quality. The federal and state governments have strong systems in place to test and monitor seafood safety and to prohibit harvesting from affected areas and keeping oiled products out of the marketplace.
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said that seafood currently being harvested in Florida is safe and has not been impacted by the oil spill in the gulf. He is concerned that misinformation about the conditions in the gulf waters may unnecessarily impact the state’s seafood industry.
“Our shrimp, shellfish and other seafood being harvested right now are fine, and I don’t want people watching reports of the oil spill to think differently,” Bronson said. “If and when Florida waters are impacted by the spill, we will take immediate action to close the waters to commercial and recreational harvesting.”
As of early Monday morning, weather conditions remained favorable for the local area. Winds and currents were continuing to keep the plume away from the Florida coast for at least another 72 hours, according to Escambia County officials.
Pictured top: Customers purchase seafood Saturday morning at Joe Patti’s Seafood Company in Pensacola. Pictured top inset: Workers prepare fresh fish for customers. Pictured bottom inset: Boats back from the morning catch outside Joe Patti’s Seafood. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man’s Murder Remains Unsolved
May 10, 2010
The murder of a Molino man last week remains unsolved, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has released few details about how the man died.
The body of Torey David Jones, 20, was found last Tuesday evening in his vehicle while it was in the parking lot of the Food World in the 4000 block of Barrancas Avenue in Pensacola. Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Chris Welborn said the death appeared to be the result of foul play.
Wellborn said the department was awaiting autopsy results from the Medical Examiners Officer.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 436-7867 or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Image courtesy bing.com.
About 20 Apply To Be Century’s Next Town Clerk
May 10, 2010
About 20 people applied for the position of Century Town Clerk, and the mayor hopes to present a final candidate to the town council soon.
Mayor Freddie McCall said the list of candidates will first be cut to a “short list” for interviews with the help of the town’s accountant, Robert Hudson. Then a final candidate will be selected for council approval at a future date.
The new town clerk will be required to hold at least an associate’s degree with a minimum of three years experience in records management, data processing or experience in municipal government including supervisory experience and any equivalent combination of education and experience.
The applicant will also be required to have working knowledge of state statutes and bylaws relating to the duties and responsibilities of the town clerk, local government procedures and office procedure requirements, as well as other office and financial record keeping experience.
The previous town clerk, Dorothy Sims, retired at the end of last month, but will remain available to help train her replacement.
Pre-K, Kindergarten Registration Through Wednesday At Bratt
May 10, 2010
Bratt Elementary School will be registering students for four-year old voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) and five-year old kindergarten until Wednesday.
Parents may visit the school to pick up a registration packet between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p..m.
In order to be enrolled in the five-year old kindergarten class in Florida, the student must be five-years old on or before September 1, 2010. To register, parents must provide the following:
- certified birth certificate
- copy of student’s social security card
- physical examination
- immunization certificate
- proof of residence (copy of power bill, water, bill, etc.)
- parent must have a valid Florida Driver’s License (mandatory)
To be enrolled in the four-year old voluntary pre-kindergarten class in Florida, the student must be four-years old on or before September 1, 2010. To register, parents must provide the following:
- birth certificate
- social security card
- physical examination
- immunization record
- two different proofs of address
- Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition
- parent must also provide a picture identification
As a courtesy, The Early Learning Coalition, will be at Bratt Elementary School on Thursday, May 13 from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. During this time, they will be issuing Certificates of Eligibility for the voluntary pre-kindergarten Program. Parents must meet with the Coalition as part of the registration process. Parents must also bring the VPK registration packet with all completed documents on this date.
For more information, call Bratt Elementary School at (850) 327-6137.
Monday’s Escambia Oil Update
May 10, 2010
Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon oil spill information specific to Escambia County for Monday, May 10:
- The oil spill remains 70 miles off the shores of Escambia County.
- Escambia County beaches remain clear and beautiful.
- Please continue to support our beach and waterfront businesses and restaurants.
Guidelines for Waterfront Property Owners
- BP has the lead for response and clean-up activities.
- 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. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the permitting agency for beaches and coastal systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
- Photograph your shoreline to document pre-impact baseline conditions, and after oil impact.
- Oil is a hazardous material. It should only be handled by professionals trained in handling hazardous material.
- Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water, sediment and wildlife. Do not swim, ski or fish in areas affected by the oil spill. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. Do not eat dead fish, fish with oily residue, or fish that have a petroleum odor. Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
- Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816
- Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401
- Report claims to BP at 800-440-0858
- On May 7, a kerosene-like odor was detected in areas of Escambia County. While this odor was most likely associated with the oil spill, the spill remains well to the south. Escambia County officials deployed staff to check the waters, however there was no oil sheen or slick sighted near our coastlines. As winds shift to the southwest, this odor may again be detected.
- For air quality reports, visit http://www.airnow.gov. For health and safety information, visit http://www.escambiadisasterresponse.com.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms that are aggravated by the odors from the oil spill should consider: staying indoors, in air conditioning, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. If symptoms do not improve, contact a primary care physician or other health care provider for medical advice.
- If citizens see unusual on the beaches they feel they need to report:
- Contact the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce at 850-492-4660 on Perdido Key
- Report to the lifeguards on duty on Pensacola Beach
- Reminder: If oiled wildlife is spotted, do not attempt to make contact with the animal. Please call the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, 1-866-557-1401.
- Deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – has been deployed around sensitive shorelines.
- Based on the latest projection from NOAA, Escambia County is not anticipating any direct oil impact in the next 48 hours.
BP Actions
- BP deployed an additional 2,900 feet of boom in Escambia County on May 8.
- BP Vessels of Opportunity – see the master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
BP is working on the following programs:
- Shoreline Assessment and Clean Up Plan
- Pre Impact Debris Removal Program
- BP has put up a $25 million block grant for the State of Florida.
- BP officials request residents be wary of scam artists posing as BP contractors. 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 is coordinating volunteers. If you are interested in helping, call 1-866-448-5816. BP does not use contractors to contact or solicit volunteers for cleanup. Training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research who is contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. The service recognizes Tri-State’s expertise in wildlife oil spill response, and while many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you already have wildlife training, call BP at 1-866-557-1401.
Federal Actions
- NOAA modified and expanded the boundaries of the closed fishing area to better reflect the current location of the oil spill, and extended the fishing restriction until May 17.
State of Florida Actions
- Weather conditions remain favorable. Wind and currents continue to keep the plume away from the Florida coast for at least the next 72 hours according to DEP.
- The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is part of the state’s EOC Emergency Support Function as a responder for assistance in business recovery. The Mobile Area Commands are fully self-contained and staffed by SBDC Certified Business Analysts experienced in assisting businesses impacted by disasters, including assistance with federal and state disaster loan programs. MACs have been deployed in Escambia County. SBDC staff are meeting with area business leaders and available to provide technical assistance to local businesses. For more information, please visit www.floridasbdc.org/Special Programs/bcrm.asp
- The state’s coastline is clear and remains open for public enjoyment.
- The seafood off Florida’s coast in state waters are safe. There are no health alerts at this time.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has temporarily suspended the restriction on use of purse seines landward of the COLRGEGS demarcation line in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
- For volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
- Affected businesses should file a claim with BP via the hotline number, 800-440-0858. 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).
- At this time, there are no indications of health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will issue an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
- The training classes offered through BP are free. If you feel that you have been approached fraudulently, please call the Attorney General’s Office fraud hotline at 1-866-966-7226.
- The state emergency operations center remains at a level 2 activation.
Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
- Escambia County is coordinating with the Coast Guard regarding additional potential deployment sites. See boom deployment progress report and map.
- Escambia County has posted a PowerPoint presentation of Oil Spill Response Strategies at www.escambiadisasterresponse.com.
- Boom has been deployed in all locations of the Local Action Plan and Addendum One. Staff continues to evaluate areas to determine if more boom is needed and is monitoring all deployed boom.
- To keep waterways open as long as possible, boom will be “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.
- Environmental staff completed collecting sediment, water and oyster tissue samples. Samples have been sent to a lab for analysis.
- SRIA lifeguards continue patrolling beaches for oil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- The Declaration of Local State of Emergency was extended to May 21, 2010.
- A Special Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m., May 13 to allow staff the opportunity, if necessary, to present time-sensitive recommendations relative to the Deep Horizon Oil Plume. The meeting will be held in the Escambia County Governmental Complex, Board Chambers, Room 100, 221 Palafox Place.
- Escambia County is evaluating several operational options from contractors for coastal protection and recovery. The county is considering every viable proposal, coordinating with Unified Command and will share information as it is approved.
- All along gulf-front shoreline beaches are small, basically clear and somewhat “pointy” plankton. The pteropod, also known as the sea butterfly, is a larval snail that is naturally occurring. Although they are fairly sharp and may stick your fingers and hands when picked up or your foot when you step on them, they do not pose a threat to people. They are not washing ashore due to anything oil-related.
- 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).
- The brown foam seen on the beaches recently is not associated with the oil spill. This is a common natural occurrence, especially in the spring, when fish are spawning and there are hard winds, rain, and wave action.
- The EOC remains at level 2 activation. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies. Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are held daily.
- Pre-qualified contractors and consultants are coordinating with county staff on the disaster response.
- Environmental staff have completed pre-assessments on air and water quality.
- County officials continue working through state and federal channels to establish a process for resources and equipment.
- Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
- County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.
Local Beaches
- Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key remain open. The water is clear and air quality is good.
- City of Pensacola
- The City of Pensacola continues to coordinate with Escambia County officials.
Training Opportunities
- As the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill response continues to evolve, Escambia County will be transitioning its health and safety training to BP.
- If you have completed the county’s four-hour training, your contact information will be forwarded to the appropriate organizations. When the need for volunteers arises, you will be contacted. Volunteer opportunities may include tasks such as distributing water to BP-contracted paraprofessionals or assisting with community outreach programs.
- As the national Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) as determined volunteers cannot be used in any situation where they may come in contact with oiled shorelines or oiled wildlife. There are three modified modules being offered with OSHA approval to allow for more intense participation.
- Level 1 (Basic Health and Safety Training): a volunteer who will never come in contact with spilled oil. This is a condensed version of the original four-hour class.
- Level 2 (Contractors and Paraprofessionals): those individuals working at a staging site.
- Level 3 (Wildlife Recovery and Rehabilitation): a person trained in the recovery, rehabilitation and clean-up of wildlife. This is a graded certification course. Individuals must be affiliated with an approved volunteer organization to participate in this six-hour module.
- OSHA has established guidelines for any individual working in an area where they may be exposed to petroleum-contaminated materials. In accordance with these guidelines, modules one, two and three are required for anyone seeking contract employment with BP as a paraprofessional who may potentially work directly with the spill.
- Beginning Thursday, May 13, BP will offer all three levels of training.
- For more information BP’s volunteer and paraprofessional training schedule, visit their training contractor’s web site: www.pecpremier.com.
- Escambia County’s final OSHA approved health and safety training courses for Tuesday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 12 are still open. Click here to register.
- This is for the health and safety training. This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.
Wildlife
- Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can 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.
- Remember that May is the hatching season for many birds and reptiles.
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 (if areas are affected by oil)
- 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 the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately 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.
- Those near Florida’s Gulf Coast may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some people are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies, such as sensitivity to pollen or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, some people may experience more severe symptoms.
- 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.
Businesses Information
- BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 1-800-440-0858. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
- If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, there is an additional avenue for assistance available through the Coast Guard once BP has finalized your claim. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
- More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
- Take detailed records of canceled reservations. It is important that when these cancellations occur, the canceling party is questioned whether the cause is because of the oil spill. If the answer is yes, keep a record of the person’s name and contact information, and also the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
- Businesses, including shops, restaurants, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc. that may be negatively impacted, 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. One good option is to 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.
- To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
- For the Vessels of Opportunities Program, call 281-366-5511.
Citizen Information
- The Citizen Information Center phone remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 850-471-6600.
Contact Numbers
- Volunteer hotline: 1-866-448-5816
- Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
- MI Swaco hotline: 1-888-318-6765
- BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
- BP family hotline: 281-366-5578
- BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578
Northview Quarterback Club Meeting Tonight
May 10, 2010
The Northview Quarterback Club will meet at 7:00 tonight in the school library to elect officers for the upcoming school year.
“It is very important that all of this past years members attend and also those that are interested in joining and dedicating their time and talents to benefit the athletes of all sports programs at Northview,” Randy Albritton, public affairs officer for the Quarterback Club, said.
Training for Pesticide Applicator License
May 10, 2010
Multi-county Core and Private Applicator Pesticide Training Programs will be held in the Jay Community Center, 5259 Booker Lane, in Jay Tuesday and Wednesday, May 11th and 12th, 2010.
For the Tuesday meeting you can earn four (4 core) CEU points for the morning program and three (3 core) CEU’s for the afternoon program. For the Wednesday program you would earn five (5 private) CEU’s. Each session will cost $10.00. Call 675-6654 for reservation or information.
For more information or if you have a question, call John Atkins, Extension Agriculture/Livestock Agent, The University of Florida/IFAS-Santa Rosa County Extension, at (850) 675-3107, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Hearing impaired individuals may call Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Service at 983-5373 (TDD).
Davisville Bridge Repair Price Tag: $88,830
May 10, 2010
Emergency repairs to the bridge over Sandy Hollow Creek in Davisville are due to be complete this week will cost the county $88,830.
The bridge on Sandy Hollow Road was closed April 7 after Volkert, Inc., the Florida Department of Transportation’s bridge inspection contractor, found advanced deterioration of timber pilings.
To expedite the repair work and minimize the impact to residents in the area, the county issued an emergency purchase order to DKE Marine Service, Inc.
The repairs included the replacement of eight pilings, the backwall and headwall of the bridge and new guardrails on both sides of the bridge. DKE was given until May 12 to complete the repairs.
Pictured above: Work continues on a Sandy Hollow Road bridge last week. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.