Man Charged With Buying Stolen Chevron Parts With Drugs
May 4, 2010
A Brewton man has been arrested in Mississippi, charged with using the painkiller Oxycontin to pay for parts stolen from the Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula. Some of the items were then reportedly sold to businesses in Escambia County, Florida.
Memphis Shane Riddle, 39, was charged with embezzlement after turning himself in. He was released from the Jackson County (Miss.) Jail on $5,000 bond.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said as much as half million dollars worth of stainless steel fittings may have been stolen over a five year period. When several other subcontractor employees were arrested in connection with the actual thefts, they named Riddle as the man that gave them Oxycontin, a powerful painkiller, in exchange for the parts, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Riddle was an employee of a Louisiana-based subcontractor working at the refinery.
Traffic Watch: Paving Begins On Hwy 29, Continues On Hwy 97
May 4, 2010
It will be the week of orange traffic cones and delays as paving gets underway on Highway 29 and continues on Highway 97.
Paving operations will begin this week on Highway 29 from Highway 97 to north of Pine Barren Road. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures for the next three weeks as crews pave the roadway, turn lanes and median opening. Drivers are reminded to use caution, obey the posted speed limit, and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The 4.55 mile stretch of Highway 29 has a price tag of $3,986,342, funded with federal stimulus dollars. The entire project is due to be complete by August.
Meanwhile, the resurfacing operation is expected to continue Tuesday on Highway 97. Crews are currently working north of Molino Park Elementary School.
The work is part of the $5.7 million resurfacing project on Highway 97 from Highway 95A to the Alabama state line. The 22 mile project is scheduled to be complete in the fall.
Latest Oil Spill Update
May 4, 2010
Here is the latest update on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill:
Federal Actions
- Congressman Jeff Miller addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center on Monday.
- The congressman flew over the oil spill off Mobile on Monday.
- The President has been asked to put emergency supplemental resources in place.
- BP is the company of record responsible for the payment of this disaster.
- Congressman Miller will ask BP to put an escrow account in place, with a substantial amount of funds that can be drawn against.
- 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
- Governor will be at the EOC tomorrow.
- CFO Alex Sink also addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center Monday.
- The state reserve is at $200 million.
- Businesses are asked to track all expenses for reimbursements later due to property damage.
- Ms. Sink will call upon the federal Small Business Administration to make grants and loans available, and the state emergency fund to make funds available for the marine and tourism businesses.
- County Commissioners and staff participated in a DEP briefing with Governor Charlie Crist on Saturday, May 1.
- A state of emergency was declared by Governor Crist on Friday, April 30.
- The state emergency operations center has activated to a level 2.
Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
- Escambia County, Florida beaches remain open at this time.
- In the Monday morning press conference, Commission Chairman Grover C. Robinson IV expressed to staff and media that Escambia County is doing everything possible to respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.
- The volunteer pre-cleanups on Sunday had 600 at Pensacola Beach and 350 at Perdido Key.
- Escambia County ordered 20,000 linear feet of boom for staging as gaps are identified.
- Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
- VeruTEK Technologies demonstrated an environmentally friendly solution that helps break up the oil to PBS&J, one of Escambia County’s contractors. The next step is for the company to present this to Unified Command as an option for oil spill cleanup.
- SRIA lifeguards began a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline, 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.
- Public Works staff is conducting a pre-assessment of roadways and parking areas near water access points, in the event of damages during long term recovery.
- 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.
- Proactive efforts continue as contractors work to place deflective boom, large floating barriers that help contain floating oil, around sensitive shorelines in Escambia County.
- 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.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff are mapping the locations to determine the amount of boom that is still needed.
- County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Escambia County Health Department on health and safety information.
- The Perdido Landfill coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is prepared to accept oil contaminated sand and materials from commercial haulers.
- Emergency management has been in contact with the Visitor’s Information Center to encourage businesses to track losses.
- A local state of emergency was declared by the Board of County Commissioners at an emergency meeting at 2 p.m. Friday, April 30.
- The emergency operation center activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1.
Santa Rosa Island Authority
- SRIA, Escambia County, DEP and BP officials held a meeting with concerned residents and business owners at Pensacola Beach Community Church.
- SRIA will hold an emergency board meeting Monday at 5 p.m. to discuss the disaster response.
City of Pensacola
- The City of Pensacola will hold a special city council meeting Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m.
- The City of Pensacola has not spent any monies yet.
- The city has pledged its port, staff and resources to handle issues as they arise.
- The city will do everything possible to protect Bayou Texar and Bayou Chico.
BP Actions
- 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.
- 19,000 ft. of boom was placed today in Escambia County.
- 30,000 ft. of boom are on order.
Volunteer Opportunities & Training
- Approximately 100 volunteers were trained at BP’s two 4-hour health and safety training classes held today.
- All BP health and safety training classes are currently full. New classes are being posted. If you are on a waiting list, you will be notified.
- 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.
- 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
NHS Senior Hits Hole In One At Champion Golf Course
May 4, 2010
Timothy Wages of Century hit a hole in a one at the Champion Golf Course in Cantonment on Saturday.
He accomplished the feat on the fourth hole, using a 6-iron, according to witnesses Rob Brown, David Gaines and James Hughes.
Wages is a senior at Northview High School. He is son of James and Karen Hughes of Century.
Businesses Brace For Gulf Oil Spill Impact
May 4, 2010
Businesses along the Florida Panhandle area bracing for disaster as an oil spill looms in the Gulf of Mexico.
“I’m looking at maybe no business for the rest of 2010,” said John Rivers (pictured), of Gulf Breeze, who owns a charter fishing boat business. “And if the oil affects the breeding grounds there may not be anything next year at all. I’m looking for work.”
Rivers, who has run Mega-Bite Inshore Charters for six years, said almost all of his bookings for June have canceled because of the publicity surrounding the spill.
Florida emergency operations officials said the oil could reach the shores of Escambia County by Wednesday depending on the ocean currents.
BP, which has been unable to contain the spill thus far, is expected to try another method that involves placing a dome over the well. That containment method has been used in other spills; however, it has never been used on a well in 5,000 feet of water. If the dome containment process fails, the next step would be to drill a relief well to redirect the oil. That process could take two to three months, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Sole said Monday.
“We do really need to get this discharge to stop,” he said. “They need to plug the hole.”
Gov. Charlie Crist originally declared a state of emergency for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf counties but extended it Monday morning to include 13 more counties as far south as Sarasota County. As much as 770 miles of Gulf front property could be affected by the spill.
The impact could be devastating – and wide-reaching.
“It can affect everything in an economy that is strongly based on tourism or fisheries,” said Stephen Holland, professor of tourism, recreation and sport management at the University of Florida.
Florida fisheries have not yet been directly affected by the spill in a physical sense. Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said in a statement Monday that seafood currently being harvested is safe to eat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is restricting commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters from Louisiana to an area off Pensacola Bay, but that ban does not yet impact waters extended out 25 miles from Escambia County.
State officials said there is the potential for additional closures, though, and that the state is working with federal partners to determine how and when to make that decision.
Holland said in some ways, the spill is like a strong rip tide in that it may keep people out of the water for a while. But a rip tide usually goes away after a few days, whereas the effects of the spill could last for weeks, or even months. It would be natural he said, for people to change vacation plans out of concern, thus creating an impact on local hotels and restaurants.
“They could choose to drive to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach in the Carolinas instead of coming to the Panhandle,” he said.
Pensacola Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Laura Lee said that the visitors bureau is getting lots of phone calls from people worried about Memorial Day weekend or summer vacation plans. Pensacola officials, she said, are hoping that many tourists will still come to see the historic downtown and the air museum. But the beach is still what draws many visitors to the area, she said.
“Our beaches are the number one attraction here, so it would hurt us greatly,” said Lee.
Dave Rauschkolb, a Seaside restaurateur who also organized February’s “Hands Across the Sand” beach protest against legislative efforts to open Florida’s Gulf waters to drilling, said most Panhandle businesses don’t seem to have suffered an immediate decline stemming from the spill in Louisiana, but most are anxious.
“I think anybody who lives up or down the Gulf coast is afraid of this oil spill,” Rauschkolb said.
Orientation Tonight At Ernest Ward Middle
May 4, 2010
Sixth grade and new student orientation will be held tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The orientation event is for all new students that will be attending Ernest Ward for the first time next school year. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about middle school classes and activities, and meet faculty members.
The orientation will begin at 6 p.m. in the Ernest Ward Middle School gym in Walnut Hill.
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 4, 2010
Bratt Elementary School has named their April Students of the Month.
They are:
- Pre-K: Emilee Cabral, Malonie Curryl
- Kindergarten: John Michael Ward, Dakota Peebles, Jakayla Jackson, Ashton Knicley
- First Grade: Deshawita Riley, Nona Wilson, JD Ward, Kiwianna McPherson, Gabrielle Marlow
- Second Grade:Natalee Gibson, Adam Peterson, Morgan Page, Myles Harrelson, Cheyenne Philyaw
- Third Grade: Samuel Stott, Janie Kite, Jeremiah Woods, Eric King, Kaitlin Berry
- Fourth Grade: Hunter Carter, Tara Windham, M.J. Jones, Logan Doremus
- Fifth Grade: Kylie Brook, Hanna Clarke, Kyle Ard, Zachary Maholovich, Tanner Guidry
No Injuries In Tate Road Wreck
May 3, 2010
There were no injuries in a single vehicle accident in Cantonment Monday afternoon. The driver of a GMC pickup lost control, ran off the road and struck a utility pole near the intersection of Tate Road and West Roberts Road. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Photo by Kristi Smith for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Urban Flood Advisory Issued
May 3, 2010
The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for the North Escambia area until 11:30 a.m.
From the National Weather Service:
Radar showed an area of rain and thunderstorms… some producing very heavy rain at times moving slowly northeast across the region. Total rainfall around two inches possible with some isolated amounts near three inches possible this morning. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are occurring in advance of the main area of rain.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle into
areas where the water covers the roadway. Just one foot of flowing
water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the Road.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels on
small creeks and streams…and ponding of water in urban areas.E
areas and low lying spots.
A Flood Advisory means river or stream flows are elevated or ponding
of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.
Atmore: Flash Flood Warning; Some Streets Impassable
May 3, 2010
A flash flood warning is in effect until 9:45 this morning for western Escambia County, Ala., including the city of Atmore.
Radar indicates very heavy rainfall over the area that is moving very slowly. Several inches of rain are possible.
Authorities in Atmore report street flooding in the downtown area and several streets that normally flood. Several of those streets are closed, including Main Street (Highway 21).
Multiple vehicles are reported stalled around the town. All available firemen have been called on duty to assist with the situation.