‘New’ Grocery Store Opens
May 6, 2010
There’s a new name in the area grocery store market. Atmore’s Southern Family Market on Lindberg Avenue officially became a Food World store on Wednesday.
Pictured: Last minute sign work Wednesday afternoon at Atmore’s new Food World grocery store. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Events Planned For Thursday’s National Day Of Prayer
May 6, 2010
National Day of Prayer events were scheduled for Thursday in Atmore and Bratt.
In Atmore, National Day of Prayer events will be held at Tom Bryne Park on Lindberg Avenue:
- A Prayer Service will be held from noon until 1 p.m. with local pastors, government and business leaders in prayer for the country and community.
- A Bible Reading will take place at 6 p.m. The entire Bible will be read out loud by 186 volunteers. The readers will be spaced around the park’s walking path, reading in a normal voice. Walkers will be able to hear different parts of the Bible as they walk. Readers are still needed for the event.
At Northview High School, there was student-led prayer service at the flagpole at 8 a.m. The event was organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Jay Reading Teachers Named Region’s Best
May 6, 2010
Just Read, Florida! has named an area teacher as a state literacy leader and has recognized an area school as having a top reading leadership team.
Carol Smith Jordan from Jay Elementary School was named as the Region 1 Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year and was one of two finalists for the overall state award. Jordan is Jay Elementary’s K-3 Academic Intervention Specialist.
Reading programs under Jordan’s leadership at Jay Elementary include “Walk to Read” in the first grade. When it is time for students’ 90 minute reading block, they walk to a specific classroom to receive reading instruction. She is also the intervention teacher for the second grade’s 90 minute reading block.
Jay High School leadership team was named the Region 1 High School Reading Leadership Team of the Year. The team was also one of two finalists for the state award.
Florida school districts are invited to participate with Just Read, Florida! in honoring outstanding educators who have contributed to reading education.
Pictured: Carol Smith Jordan of Jay Elementary, the Just Read, Florida! Region 1 Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Apply In Century For Oil Cleanup Jobs
May 6, 2010
About 300 people turned out in Century Wednesday to apply for oil cleanup jobs that pay up to $18 per hour.
Workforce Escarosa officials said a line wrapped around the building when they opened the Century Community Center on West Highway 4. Within an hour and a half, the crowd had dwindled but a steady stream of applicants were still arriving to fill out applications.
Advanced Employment Solutions (AES), a Texas based workforce development and talent acquisition company, is estimating the need for 500 people to fill positions such as general laborers, crew leaders, site supervisors, site safety representatives and lead safety representatives.
AES General Manager James Fries said the duration of the jobs will depend upon the amount of damage and the cleanup time, however he predicts the process will take between 3-18 months. Positions will range from $10 to $18 an hour and may involve extensive travel depending on the landfall of the spill.
Pictured above and below: Area residents apply for oil cleanup jobs Wednesday morning in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Dept. Aircraft Crashes Near Flomaton (Updated With Photo Gallery)
May 6, 2010
The “powerchute” ultralight aircraft operated by the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department crashed in a wooded area near Flomaton this morning.
Chief Deputy Mike Lambert, who was piloting the aircraft, suffered a minor leg injury, according to Sheriff Grover Smith. A passenger in the aircraft — an undercover officer –was not injured.
Both men were transported to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton by ambulance. They were evaluated and released.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Lambert was attempting to take off in a large grassy field about 9:20 a.m.. At this time, it appears a gust of wind on an otherwise calm day pushed the powerchute off course and into a pine tree, Smith said. The parachute remained tangled in some small brush under the tree, while the aircraft fell upright into a few inches of water in a marshy area.
Lambert and the undercover officer were searching the area for marijuana Wednesday morning and had located several plants from the air, Smith said. After returning to a landing zone behind a private residence on Old Fannie Road, the officers were returning to the skies to further investigate the marijuana field.
The powerchute includes a frame with an engine and seats which hangs from a large parachute; it is also called a “powered parachute”.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Care Residents Celebrate With Black Tie Event
May 6, 2010
Century Care Center recently held a “Black Tie Ball” thrown by the staff for the residents.
With formal food and semi-formal wear, the residents enjoyed a great evening, Activities Director Mae Hildreth said.
“It was quite an affair,” she said.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Shed
May 6, 2010
A fire just after sunrise Thursday morning destroyed a shed on Graham Road near Cantonment. There were no injuries reported. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Latest Update: Gulf Oil Spill
May 6, 2010
Escambia County, BP, Florida and the federal government continued efforts to plan ahead to protect the county’s shores. H ere is the latest update on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with information specific to Escambia County:
BP Actions
- Boom has been placed at the following sites:
- Sabine Bay (Big & Little)
- Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve
- Big Lagoon Shoreline
- Gulf Island National Seashore
- Tarkiln Bayou
- Tarkiln Bayou State Park
- Gulf Island National Seashore Big Lagoon
- Gulf Island National Seashore Fort Pickens
- North Oyster Bed
- Innerarity Point
- Big Lagoon State Park
- Central Oyster Bed
- Live Oaks National Seashore
- Fort Pickens (Intertidal Lakes)
- Santa Rosa Island Gulf Island National Seashore
- Shoreline Park
- Gulf Island National Seashore Live Oaks
- Boom to be placed at the following sites
- Indian Bayou Oyster Bar
- Recreational Beaches (Gulf side)
- Sherman Cove
- Florida Natural Scenic Trail
- Bayou Chico West
- Dead Mans Island
- Southern Bayou Texar
- Southern Shore Bayou Grande Marsh
- Boathouse Bar
- Bayou Grande
- Western Shore Aquatic Vegetation
- Mulatto Bayou
- East Bay Seashore
- Central Oyster Bay
- Yellow River
- Garcon Point
- BP released that 118,200 feet of boom have been deployed in the Pensacola Bay area.
- BP is currently working on the following programs:
- Shoreline Assessment and Clean Up Plan
- Pre Impact Debris Removal Program
- The Governor stated that 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.
- 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 and Escambia County 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.
- BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
- 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 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 Escambia County 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
- 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 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 do a test boom deployment from the Local Area Plan which was approved yesterday.
- 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 began a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline this afternoon, Sunday, May 2.
- 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..
- The emergency operation center activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1.
Local Beaches
- Remain open, water is clear and air quality is good.
City of Pensacola
- Coordinating with county officials.
Volunteer Opportunities & Training
- BP has trained more than 200 volunteers to date.
- All training classes for the week of May 3 are currently full. Notification will be made as additional classes become available.
- This is for the health and safety training for handling petroleum contaminated materials.
- This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.
Safety Messages
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
- 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
Molino Man Found Dead; Foul Play Suspected
May 5, 2010
A Molino man was found dead in Pensacola Tuesday night, and authorities suspect foul play.
Torey David Jones, 20, of Molino was found Tuesday evening in a grocery store parking lot.
“He was sitting in his vehicle while it was parked at the Food World parking lot located in the 4000 block Barrancas Avenue,” according to Sheriff’s spokesperson, Deputy Chris Welborn. “Investigators, at this time, believe his death is a result of foul play and we are awaiting results from the Medical Examiners Office”
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.
Motorcyclist Injured In Crash With SUV In Cantonment
May 5, 2010
A motorcyclist was injured in a crash with an SUV this afternoon on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The accident happened just after 3:00 on near Sharon’s Diner. The motorcyclist was apparently unable to stop when the SUV in front of him braked. The motorcycle driver was transported by ambulance to a Pensacola hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details were not available.
Pictured above and below: There was little visible damage in a motorcycle versus SUV crash Wednesday afternoon in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
