Four More Tate Aggies Sign With Brewton’s Jeff Davis
May 7, 2010
Four Tate Aggie seniors signed letters of intent to play baseball for Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton.
Joey Hedden, Tyler Moore, Lee Hunter and Cole Vickery signed with the Warhawks Thursday afternoon. They joined Brandon Blackwelder who signed with JDCC back in March.
Pictured: Five Tate Aggies have signed to play with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton. They are: (standing, L-R) Tate Coach Todd Boyd, JDCC Coach Darrell Blevins; (sitting, L-R) Lee Hunter, Tyler Moore, Brandon Blackwelder, Cole Vickery, Joey Hedden. Pictured below, top to bottom, are the family signing photos of: Cole Vickery, Joey Hedden, Lee Hunter and Tyler Moore. Submitted photos by Deeann Lee for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Latest Escambia Oil Update
May 7, 2010
Here is the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill update with information specific to Escambia County:
Escambia County Disaster Response
- Congressman Miller will be attending the EOC staff briefing Friday, May 7 at 9 a.m. He will also be available for the media following the briefing.
- We are not anticipating any oil impact over the weekend.
- We are forecast for favorable weather conditions for oil response preparations.
BP Actions
- BP Vessel of Opportunity – master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
- BP claims categories
- BP has deployed 118,200 feet of boom have been deployed in the Pensacola Bay area.
- 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 want everyone to be aware of scam artists posing as BP contractors. Citizens are discouraged from signing any documents provided to them in return from money form BP or anyone else until they know the extent of their loss.
- BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
- BP is handling volunteer registration. Anyone interested in helping, should use the toll free number to register, 1-866-448-5816. They do not use contractors to contact or solicit anyone to volunteer for cleanup, nor will they ever ask for any kind of advance fee from you.
- Training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration. The training is for participation in clean up of hazardous materials that may wash ashore. This training is not for handling oiled wildlife.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State) who is contracted by British Petroleum 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 their 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 with 1-866-557-1401.
Federal Actions
- On May 2, NOAA restricted fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. Effective immediately. Details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
State of Florida
- 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.
- The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer.
- Coast Watchers will assist BP, the state of Florida and partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention.
- Coast Watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following.
- For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/.
- CFO Sink also noted that in all oil spill circumstances, affected businesses should file a claim with British Petroleum (BP Oil) 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 at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
- The state of Florida reminds its residents and visitors that the state’s coastline has not been impacted at this time and remains open for the public enjoyment.
- In the last 24 hours, the State Emergency Response Team sent several team members to Mobile to assist with Deepwater Horizon preparation and response.
- At this time, there are no indications of health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
- The Attorney General’s office reported instances of fraud from companies claiming to be working with BP to set up training classes and asking people to pay up front. The training classes for oil cleanup being offered through BP are free and available to those that have registered. 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
- A Special Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m., May 13. The purpose of the meeting is to allow staff the opportunity, if necessary, to present to the Board, 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.
- Over the next few days, Escambia County’s contractors will be deploying boom in portions of Stage Two. In addition, BP will be deploying boom in portions of Stage One and Stage Two of the Local Action Plan. As boom is deployed we will continue to post those locations.
- 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.
- Coordinating with city officials on additional boom deployment locations.
- We are evaluating several operational options from contractors for coastal protection and recovery.
- We are looking at every viable proposal, coordinating with Unified Command and we will share that information as it is approved.
- BP has assumed deployment of boom to the Pensacola Pass East and West potions of the Escambia County Local Action Plan.
- County staff will make adjustments to utilize the boom priorities of Stage One and Stage Two sites.
- For a complete listing of sites see the Local Action Plan beginning on page 4 and the corresponding boom deployment map.
- BP is working with Escambia County to conduct a test boom deployment from the Local Area Plan.
- The Celebrate Escambia Waterways Beach Fun and Safety event for Saturday, May 8 has been postponed until further notice.
- All along our 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. These plankton blew in with the Portuguese Man-O-War and By the Wind Sailors. 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.
- The Local Area Plan has been approved by Secretary Sole for funding. (Plan)
- Deployment locations have been approved by Unified Command.
- Residents and business owners with any water access on their property should have pre-assessments prepared now (photos, video, anything documenting the current condition of your 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.
- Escambia County, Florida beaches remain open at this time.
- Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
- SRIA lifeguards continue a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline.
- The EOC remains at level 2 activation. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.
- Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are being held daily.
- Pre-qualified contractors and consultants are coordinating with county staff on the disaster response.
- Environmental staff is continuing assessments of pre-oil spill conditions and performing aerial assessment.
- Environmental staff are confirming pre-assessments on air and water quality, and identifying any gaps.
- 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
- Remain open, water is clear and air quality is good.
City of Pensacola
- Coordinating with county officials.
Volunteer Opportunities & Training
- Very few spots are left for volunteer training on May 7. Call 850-471-6600 for information.
- This is for the health and safety training for handling petroleum contaminated materials. This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.
Safety Messages
- Contrary to information circulating the internet: all along our 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. These plankton blew in with the Portuguese Man-O-War and By the Wind Sailors. 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.
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 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.
May is the hatching season for many birds and reptiles. Please use the toll free number above.
Boats
- Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms. Do not drive boats over any booms.
Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.
Beaches and Waterways
- Residents should NOT to place any materials on the beach, such as pine straw.
- 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 entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area 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.
- Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
- 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 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.
- 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 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.
Businesses Information
- 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.
- Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support such a claim. A good idea would be to compare business now 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. For 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 and it is important to record this depreciation.
- The Vessels of Opportunities Program is looking to contract shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf of Mexico. Call 281-366-5511.
- BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 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.
- To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
- Businesses, including hoteliers, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.
Citizen Information
The Citizen Information Center phone is open for questions from residents, 850-471-6600.
Contact Numbers
- Volunteer hotline: 1-866-448-5816
- Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
- MI Swaco hotline: 888-318-6765
- BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
- BP family hotline: 281-366-5578
- BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578
No Injuries In Thursday Evening Molino Road Wreck
May 6, 2010
There were no injuries in a single vehicle accident Thursday evening in Molino. The accident happened on Molino Road near Sunshine Hill Road when a driver lost control and came to rest in a ditch. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the wreck. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
William Rufus “Bill” Jones
May 6, 2010
Mr. William Rufus “Bill” Jones, 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 in Montrose, AL.
Mr. Jones was a native of Milton, FL, a resident of Flomaton, AL, since 1978, a member of the Century Masonic Lodge #213, and the Bethel Temple Holiness Church.
Survivors include: his Daughter, Cathy Jones of Robertsdale, AL; a Stepdaughter, Ilene M. Cook of Century, FL; 3 Grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; and a Sister, Lois Marie McDade of Chipley, FL.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 7, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. John Fillingim and the Rev. Ricky Peebles officiating.
Burial will follow at Flomaton Cemetery with Masonic services.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 6, 2010 between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Faithful Gather On National Day Of Prayer
May 6, 2010
The faithful from across the area gathered at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore at noon Thursday for a National Day of Prayer event.
The words of Amazing Grace could be heard throughout the park as about 75 people joined in song before those in attendance offered distinct prayers for government officials, the military, the media, business leaders, education, the church and family.
A student-led National Day of Prayer service was also held this morning at Northview High School.
A Bible Reading took place Thursday evening in Atmore as the entire Bible was read out loud by nearly 200 volunteers. The readers were spaced around the park’s walking path, reading in a normal voice. Walkers were able to hear different parts of the Bible as they walked.
Pictured top: Rev. James and Ellen Boyd of Walnut Hill pray during a noontime National Day of Prayer Service in Atmore on Thursday. Pictured below: Members of the group prayer for area families. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Beats Bonifay, To Face Jay Friday
May 6, 2010
The Northview Chiefs beat Bonifay Wednesday night to advance to the Region 2A finals Friday night against Jay.
Senior Austin Reid pitched seven for the Chiefs in their 4-1 victory over Bonifay. Reid allowed just one hit and one run while striking out 11.
The game was scoreless until the fourth inning, when the Chiefs put two on the board and Bonifay added one. Northview added two more runs in the sixth.
Hitters for the Chiefs were Austin Arrington, 1-3 with one run; Dabney Langhorne, 2-4 with one run, and RBI and a double; Austin Reid 1-4; Austin Lowery with one RBI and one run; Brandon Sheets 1-2 with one run; and Dakota Stuckey 1-2 with a double, and two RBIs.
Northview will play Jay at 7:00 Friday night in Jay.
Becky Lowery photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Shooting At Vehicle, Fighting Outside Bar, Trashing Truck
May 6, 2010
A Molino man is jailed after allegedly firing a gun multiple times at a vehicle leaving a bar and then trashing the victim’s truck at a convenience store.
Christopher Michael Weldon, 20, of Allen Circle, Molino, is charged with four counts of aggravated assault, battery, criminal mischief, armed burglary of vehicle, petty theft and discharging a firearm in public. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail with a bond set at $62,000.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, deputies responded to a shots fired call at the One Stop convenience store at the intersection of Highway 95A and Molino Road. A 20-year old victim told deputies that at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, he was with a female and Weldon at the Homestead Lounge on Highway 29. After the 20-year old was denied entry into the bar, he and Weldon allegedly got into an argument over the ownership of beer located in a cooler in a vehicle outside the bar.
The victim said Weldon approached him holding a gun. The victim said he feared for his life, so he struck Weldon in the face three or four times. When a bystander attempted to break up the fight, he became involved in a fight with Weldon.
When the victim and two other people left the bar in a truck, Weldon reportedly fired at the vehicle multiple times. Witnesses reported both hearing and seeing the gun fired by Weldon.
When the original fight victim later went to the Tom Thumb in Molino to retrieve his truck, he reportedly found Weldon and a large group of people standing around the truck. At that point, the victim and the two other people that had left the bar went to the One Stop and called deputies. Two deputies escorted him back to the Tom Thumb.
Witnesses at the Tom Thumb said Weldon had pulled out a pistol in the store’s parking lot and said he was going to shoot the victim’s truck. Instead, according witnesses, he cut three tires, broke a light and mirror, and destroyed the windshield wipers. Weldon had fled the Tom Thumb, possibly down Crabtree Church Road, prior to deputies arriving. The victim claimed that his fishing tackle was missing from the back of the truck.
Several deputies searched the Molino area for Weldon. His uncle flagged down a deputy on Jahaza Street, advising that he had Weldon in custody and he wanted to turn himself in.
According to the arrest report, Weldon admitted the he did get into a fight over beer in a cooler outside the Homestead. He also, according to the report, fired multiple times at the three victims as they were traveling north on Highway 29 from the bar. He also told deputies that he damaged the victim’s truck at the Tom Thumb, but he denied stealing fishing tackle.
Weldon is due to appear in court on May 27.
Jay Man Arrested With Drugs Outside Davisville Bar
May 6, 2010
A Jay man remains in jail after being arrested with drugs outside a Davisville bar.
David Allen Flowers, 52, of Morristown Road, Jay, is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a felony count of possession of crack cocaine. His bond has been set at $1,500.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy James Gilman was on routine patrol when he noticed Flowers sitting in a vehicle outside the Gray Goose Lounge on Highway 97 at the Alabama state line. When Flowers spotted Gilman, he hurried inside the bar. Gilman followed and requested that Flowers return to the parking lot.
Flowers agreed to allow Gilman to search his Chevrolet Cavalier. In the vehicle, the deputy reported finding cocaine, a marijuana cigarette, and a burnt glass pipe.
Flowers is due to appear in court on May 21.
Photo Gallery: Train Caboose Moved
May 6, 2010
Flomaton’s train caboose at Hurricane Park was moved Wednesday to the Flomaton Welcome Center and Area Railroad Museum.
The 54-ton L&N caboose had been at Hurricane Park for a few decades, but it was decided to move it to the Welcome Center so that it could be restored and become a showplace, according to Tippy Wagner, artifacts director for the museum.
Plans call for the caboose, which was built in 1951, to eventually be open for tours, Wagner said.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the move, click here. (The gallery also contains photos taken inside the caboose.)
The caboose was moved thanks to a donation by Robert Jackson, according to Wagner. Deep South Cranes, L&L Welding, theTown of Flomaton, Flomaton Police Department, Flomaton Fire Department and Tthe Escambia County Sheriffs Office all helped make the move possible.
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum is located at 702 Sidney Manning Boulevard in Flomaton. It is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Pictured top: Flomaton’s caboose is delivered to the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum Wednesday afternoon. Pictured inset: The caboose is moved from Hurricane Park. Pictured below: The caboose travels through Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Spill Likely Won’t Affect Gas Prices, Reaction Might
May 6, 2010
North Escambia drivers likely won’t feel any pain at the pump in the wake of the biggest oil spill in recent history, but they might get pinched when the clean up ends and the regulating begins.
Energy pricing observers said Wednesday that while any oil spilling into the Gulf is bad for the environment, the amount of oil produced by the BP rig that exploded would not be felt on world markets.
“If you think about it, the amount of crude spewing into the Gulf, while it’s catastrophic from an environmental prospective, it’s a drop in the bucket in terms of what we use, as opposed to say a hurricane,” said Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of AAA Auto Club South. “Even before the (accident), we were starting to see prices increase, which obviously had nothing to do with the spill. It had more to with an increase in demand and a weakening of the dollar, which has more to do with gas prices than anything other than supply most of the time.”
Bakewell said there was going to be a slight increase in prices at the pump with the summer travel season, generally regarded to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, about to commence. The AAA Auto Club’s Fuel Gauge Report shows that the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Florida Wednesday was $2.91, up from $2.88 and $2.84 a month ago.
The highest metro area average Wednesday was $2.98 in Gainesville. The lowest average metro price is $2.86 in Tampa and Orlando. Prices in North Escambia were around the $2.87 mark.
“Typically when people feel like there’s an unjust price increase, we hear from them,” Bakewell said. “They don’t hesitate to call and they want know what we’re going to do about it.”
However, Bakewell said how lawmakers in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. react to the spill could add volatility down the road.
“In the longer term, the (amount) of regulation – are we going to have less drilling or more – could have impact in terms of an increase in cost of doing business,” he said.
Florida State University professor of economics Mark Isaac agreed that the thing to watch when it came to gas prices after the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion was legislation. Already, most Florida officials have backed away from a proposal to allow drilling as close as three miles off the Gulf Coast that had the backing of incoming leaders of the House and Senate.
Likely Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill McCollum has threatened to veto the drilling proposal if it is approved by the Legislature next year under his watch, joining likely Democratic nominee Alex Sink, who has always been opposed to the plan.
“The spill itself isn’t going to have any impact because as I understand it, they were surrounding and getting ready to cap the well, which is standard procedure because they figured out they had a productive find,” Issac said. “Now suppose we went to opposite extreme and said not only will there be no new drilling, but we’re going to shut down existing drilling. The price of oil is set on the world market, but my guess enough of the world’s oil is produced in the Gulf to have a significant impact on price.”
Issac said that the reason there may have only been a slight uptick in prices in the wake of the spill could be that traders of oil futures are betting that the anti-drilling fervor seen in the wake of the spill will eventually subside a bit.
“They’re probably looking forward to something in the middle,” he said. “Oil markets look forward to the totality of availability in future. They had probably factored in the loosienng of the regulatory climate in the U.S. for where we’re going to drill and now they’ll probably say ‘that’s probably not going to happen.’ That could have some impact through the system and there could be some upward pressure on oil (prices), but that’s not enough to have an immediate effect.”
The effect on the politics of drilling is already clear though, Issac added.
“Over the long term, this is not helping the case that people are saying ‘let’s expand drilling in the Gulf and Atlantic,” he said. “That’s pretty obvious.”
by Keith Lang, The News Service of Florida