Flood Advisory

May 29, 2010

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a

* small stream Flood Advisory for…
central Escambia County in northwest Florida…
central and northern Santa Rosa County in northwest Florida…

* until 500 PM CDT

* at 302 PM CDT National Weather Service Doppler radar continued to
indicate scattered strong storms with heavy rain moving slowly
northeast across portions of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
3 inches of heavy rainfall has fallen in many areas from Molino to
the central and northern sections of Santa Rosa County since noon.
An additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is possible in these
areas through 5 PM.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Excessive runoff from the heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels
on small creeks and streams…and ponding of water on roads.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Two Wrecks During Heavy Rains In Molino

May 29, 2010

Heavy rain is believed to have contributed to two different accidents in Molino Saturday afternoon.

The first was about 2:15 p.m. on Highway 29 near the Camp Of the Pines. A 69-year old female passenger suffered arm and leg injuries after a SUV rolled about three times into the median. The driver was not injured.

The second accident happened about 2:30 p.m. when a driver ran into a ditch at Highway 97 and Highway 95A. There no injuries in the crash.

The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to both accidents.

Both wrecks are still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News 

Strong Storms In North Escambia

May 29, 2010

At 203 PM CDT…National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Barth…moving northeast at 15 mph.

This thunderstorm will affect areas in and around…
Chumuckla and McDavid through 230 PM CDT.

The primary threats from this storm are small hail…frequent
lightning…and wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph. Winds this strong could
down small tree limbs or branches and blow around unsecured small
objects. Seek shelter in a safe home or building until the storm has
passed.

This storm could produce rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches in a
short period of time…resulting in brief ponding of water around
low lying and poor drainage areas. Remember…do not drive your
vehicle into water covered roadways. The depth may be too great to
allow a safe crossing.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT
Saturday evening for southwestern Alabama and northwest Florida.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

May 29, 2010

There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 7 p.m.  for the North Escambia area, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and Escambia County in Alabama.

There is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, with a high near 89.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
  • Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Sunday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Memorial Day: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
  • Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south southwest between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
  • Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Retirement Party Honors Master Deputy Randy Murph

May 29, 2010

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office honored Randy Murph of Byrneville with a retirement party Friday afternoon.

Murph retired recently after 27 years in law enforcement — 22 of those in North Escambia

Friends, family and coworkers, including Sheriff David Morgan, applauded Murph for his years of service.

Morgan said he remembered meeting Murph about six years ago and Murph’s comments about the need for the sense of community and belonging in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is not to say goodbye, but to wish you luck in whatever you do in the future,” Morgan told Murph.

“I want to thank the citizens of Escambia County for giving me the opportunity to protect them,” the recently retired master deputy said before thanking his wife, Mary, for standing behind him.

“It takes a special woman to be a cop’s wife,” he said. “When you walk out that door, your never know.”.

Murph started his law enforcement career in Escambia County, Alabama, working for then-Sheriff Tim Hawsey. He spent five years patrolling the 950 square miles of the county before moving south into Florida.

For the next 22 years, he worked for the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, spending all of those years in North Escambia.

To read a previous NorthEscambia.com story about Randy Murph and his retirement, click here.

Pictured above: Retired Master Deputy Randy Murph (right) and Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. Pictured below: Randy Murph and his wife Mary at his retirement party Friday afternoon in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News 

Passenger Train Travels Through North Escambia

May 29, 2010

For the first time in decades, a passenger train made its way south through western North Escambia Friday.

Described a luxurious trip in 1940’s style,  the rail tour operated by High Iron Travel started Wednesday in Columbus, Mississippi, and traveled Thursday to Fountain, Ala. It followed the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railroad line south on Friday, traveling through Atmore, Walnut Hill and Cantonment on to Pensacola.

After an overnight layover in Pensacola, the train returned north on Saturday via the same Alabama & Gulf Coast Railroad line through North Escambia to Linden, Alabama, and then to Meridan, Mississippi.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.

Cars in the train included the Cimarron River, a privately owned 1948 Pullman sleeping car which has been renovated with modern heating, electrical and air conditioning systems while retaining the charm and ambiance of 1940’s railroad travel.   It sleeps 20 people — one person in each of 12 roomettes and two people in each of four bedrooms, which have two bunk beds.   The beds all fold into the walls to provide comfortable seating during the day.

The Caritas in considered one of America’s premier art-deco private railway cars, built in 1948 by the Pullman company for the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad. The Caritas sleeps eight guests in three double bedrooms that maintain the original configuration, while a master room has a double bed and its own shower.

The train also included the 1949 sleeper lounge Swift Stream from the New York Central’s Great Steel Fleet. The car includes six double bedrooms, shower, kitchen and pantry, art deco lounge, and dining area for 16.

The train also included the ex-Santa Fe “Great Dome” car.

The basic fare for the trip was $5,750 per person, double occupancy. The trip was a one-time event.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.

Pictured: The first passenger train in decades passes through Walnut Hill Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News 

Molino Memorial Festival Going On Today

May 29, 2010

There will be some great family fun Saturday in during the Molino Annual Memorial Festival.

The day’s activities will include food, arts and crafts vendors, auction, live music and plenty of activities for the kids. Guest speakers will include John Krause, Congressional District 1 candidate and Captain Charlie Code from the NJROTC program at Northview High School.

Local arts and crafts vendors will offer handmade soap, homemade candy, antique glassware, jewelry,  Swedish weave pillows, cosmetics, flower, plants and more.

There will be lots of good food available, including hot dogs, Coney dogs, ribs, boston butt, potatoes and onions, baked beans, chicken pita, Greek salads, sausage pitas, kebabs, funnel cakes, fresh local produce, ice cream, fried candy bars and more.

Entertainment will include

  • Ashton Gibbs – Country/Christian Artist
  • Keith Rowell – Blue Grass Group
  • Denise Palmer – National Anthem
  • Wayward Bypass – Folk Music
  • FACE – Christian Rock
  • Ember – Contemporary Gospel

Guest speakers will include John Krause, Congressional District 1 candidate and Captain Charlie Code from the NJROTC program at Northview High School.

Molino Annual Memorial Festival will be held Saturday until 5 p.m. at CrossFaith Church on Highway 29.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Memorial Blood Drive In Molino Today

May 29, 2010

A blood drive will be held today in Molino in memory of Karen R. Broxson, 23, of Molino, who was killed last July in an accident at Highway 29 and 9 1/2 Mile Road.

The Northwest Florida Blood Services drive will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Fran’s Diner on Highway 29 in Molino.

When you donate to Northwest Florida Blood Services, you can save the life of a hospital patient in northwest Florida. Northwest Florida Blood Services is the exclusive provider of blood products to more than 24 area hospitals who need 175 blood donations a day. Each donation can save up to three lives.

Requirements for giving blood are below.

  • Donors must be in generally good health
  • At least 17 years of age, without permission.  16-year olds are now allowed to donate with permission granted by parents or legal guardians.
  • Must bring picture ID
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
  • No cancer within the last 5 years
  • No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
  • No tattoos within the past 12 months
  • No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
  • No history of viral hepatitis
  • Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
  • Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
  • Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
  • Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
  • All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Photos: NWE Closing Ceremony With Scoop

May 29, 2010

Closing ceremonies were held Friday evening for Northwest Escambia little league, with “Scoop” from the Pensacola Pelicans handing out awards.

Several adults were also honored, including  Yankees’ manager Joey Hasty who was presented the NWE Tony Hollingsworth Manager of the Year Award, and Jason Peebles and Sandy Brown who were named Volunteer of the Year.

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.

Submitted photos by Annie Wiedel for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Do you have local ballpark photos to share? Email them news@northescambia.com

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports 

Escambia Oil Spill Update

May 29, 2010

Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill information specific to Escambia County:

  • Report any oiled shorelines or suspected oiled substances to 1-866-448-5816, leave message of exact location of oiled finding.
  • Important: Do not touch any substance you suspect to be oiled or oil-related. Call in the exact location for qualified teams to investigate.
  • According to the NOAA oil plume model, the spill is 85 miles southwest of Pensacola.
  • No direct surface oil impacts are expected on county shores within the next 72 hours.
  • Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key remain open. Water is clear and air quality is good.
  • See the Hurricanes and Oil Spill Fact Sheet (PDF)
British Petroleum (BP)

  • BP has reported 3,840 claims in the state with $2,965,214 paid to date.
  • There are 128 of 1,114 contracts activated for the Vessels of Opportunity Program in Florida.
  • File claims with BP online: http://www.bp.com/claims.
  • BP’s claims office is located at 3960 W. Navy Boulevard, Suite 16. The office is currently open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. BP claims categories
  • BP recommends anyone with a claim call 1-800-440-0858 to help expedite the process. By calling the claims number, adjusters at the claims office will have the information prior to your visit.
  • If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
  • The BP community outreach office is open for citizens at 435 East Government Street. Representatives are available to answer any questions on volunteering, vessels of opportunity program, or any other oil spill related questions. Phone: (850) 912-8640, fax: (850) 912-8755.
  • To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
  • BP Vessels of Opportunity – see the master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
  • To pick up or deliver completed Vessels of Opportunity packets, visit BP’s Community Outreach office at 435 East Government Street. For information, call 281-366-5511.
  • Approximately 175,950 feet of boom has been placed out of the Pensacola and Panama City staging areas in support of Unified Command.
  • Do not sign any documents in return from money from BP or anyone else until you know the extent of your loss. BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
  • BP does not use contractors to contact or solicit volunteers for cleanup. All training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration.
  • The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. All rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you have wildlife training, call 1-866-557-1401.
  • Boaters are requested to report sightings of broken, disconnected or adrift boom and are asked to keep their distance from boom especially at night or in conditions of restricted visibility. Please report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom to: 1-866-448-5816. See details.
Federal (NOAA)

  • Friday, May 28 – Local fishing areas remain open, however NOAA has again expanded the closed fishing areas in national waters. See details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
State of Florida (DEP, FWC)

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff

  • On Friday, Escambia County staff responded to a report of oil sheen on in the northeastern arm of Bayou Chico. The sheen was confirmed, but traced to the Navy Boulevard bridge construction project.  FDEP will be investigating for enforcement of illegal petroleum discharge to state waters.
  • The shoreline cleanup team collected 28 total samples of suspected oil-related findings on Perdido Key, Thursday, May 27. On Friday, May 28 the team collected three samples from the Gulf Islands National Seashore between Pensacola Beach and Navarre. Each of these groups of findings sent to the lab for identification.
  • The county is preparing to extend consulting and booming contracts for an additional 30 days.
  • County staff continue to monitor the situation and will continue to participate in daily briefings with the State of Florida and Unified Command.
  • Escambia County is evaluating every viable proposa for coastal protection and recovery, coordinating with Unified Command and will share information as it is approved.
  • Escambia County, in conjunction with the University of West Florida, is collecting gulf water samples from Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key weekly to indicate any changes in water quality.
  • On inland waters (bays, bayous, estuaries, rivers), private property owners may install oil absorbent material, booms or fences on private property above the mean high waterline (MHWL) only. No material may be installed or sprayed below the MHWL.
  • On gulf-front property, the use of silt fences, obstructions, hay bales, peat, surfactants or other material is not approved. DEP is the permitting agency for beaches and coastal systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
  • Residents and business owners with water access on their property should have pre-assessments prepared (photos, video, etc. documenting the current condition of the property).
  • If citizens see anything unusual on the beaches they feel needs to be reported:
    • Contact the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce at 850-492-4660 on Perdido Key
    • Report to the lifeguards on duty on Pensacola Beach
  • Deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – has been deployed in all locations of the Local Action Plan and Addendum One. See boom deployment progress report and map. Staff continues to evaluate areas and is monitoring all deployed boom.
  • To keep waterways open as long as possible, boom is “wet staged” at some locations. When floating petroleum becomes an imminent threat, boom will be fully deployed. “Fully deployed boom” is described as boom anchored into a functional configuration.
  • Pteropods, also known as the sea butterfly, have been reported on gulf beaches. Pteropods are small, clear and sharply pointed larval snails. Although they are fairly sharp, they do not pose a threat to people. They are naturally occurring and not due to anything oil-related.
  • The brown foam seen on the beaches is not associated with the oil spill. This is a common natural occurrence, when fish are spawning and there are hard winds, rain, and wave action.
  • The local state of emergency has been extended until June 4.
  • The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has returned to normal Level 3 operations.
Local Beaches

  • SRIA lifeguards continue patrolling beaches for oil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • In the event beaches are impacted by the oil spill, it may be necessary to issue health advisories to protect health and safety.
    • The Florida Department of Health will issue advisories as they become necessary for the area of affected water and shoreline.
    • Beaches above the high tide line should remain open for sunbathing, walking, shopping and dining. The exact area for the advisories will be determined at the time oil is reported.
City of Pensacola

  • The City of Pensacola continues to coordinate with Escambia County officials.
Volunteer Opportunities

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has determined volunteers cannot be used in any situation where they may come in contact with oiled shorelines or oiled wildlife.
  • To volunteer, call BP at 1-866-448-5816.
Safety Information

Wildlife

  • Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife as this may cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife Hotline at 1-866-557-1401. Please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.

Boats

  • Boats should keep a safe distance from the booms. Do not drive boats over booms.
  • Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats. Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.

Beaches and Waterways

  • Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
  • Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.

Personal Safety

  • Gulf coast residents may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions, some may experience more severe symptoms. For Air Quality Reports, see http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/air.html
  • The Escambia County Health Department released advice to residents who are experiencing symptoms from odors. (See details)
  • Avoid areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave immediately.
  • Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
  • Do not swim or ski in areas affected by oil, and if you travel through the area by boat, take care when hoisting the anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
  • Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
  • Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
  • Report oiled shorelines to 1-866-448-5816.
Business Information

  • More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance to seek compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
  • Florida emergency management and economic development staff are gathering information from businesses impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Please complete their survey and help shape Florida’s response to this event. The survey will be updated periodicallye.
  • Take detailed records of cancelled reservations. When cancellations occur, ask the party if the cancellation is related the oil spill. Keep the person’s name and contact information, and the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
  • Businesses that may be negatively impacted due to the oil spill, are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records should a claim need to be presented.
  • Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support your claim. Compare business to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
  • Make a detailed list of assets, including non-structural, and include appropriate records to support the list. Example: if your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach and that beach has oil reach its shores, the business’s assets could be damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure. It is important to record this depreciation.
Citizen Information

  • Florida Oil Spill Information Line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1-888-337-3569.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News 

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