Latest Escambia Oil Update (With Map)
June 9, 2010
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Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon oil spill information specific to Escambia County for Wednesday, June 9.
The most recent updates are in yellow.
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| British Petroleum (BP) |
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| Federal (NOAA, Coast Guard) |
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| State of Florida (DEP, FWC) |
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| Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff |
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| City of Pensacola |
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| Volunteer Opportunities |
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| Safety Information |
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Wildlife
Boats
Beaches and Waterways
Personal Safety
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| Business Information |
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Important Phone Numbers For Citizens
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Signs Warn Escambia Swimmers To Stay Out Of Water
June 9, 2010
The Escambia County Health Department has issued a health advisory for the beaches of Perdido Key following the report of numerous tarballs washing ashore from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
The advisory includes an area extending from the Florida-Alabama line to the entrance of the Perdido Unit, Gulf Islands National Seashore. The health department issued the following tips for avoiding negative health impacts from an oiled shoreline:
- Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen (no wading, swimming or entering the water).
- Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
- Avoid contact with dead or dying fish or other aquatic life.
- Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if traveling through the area by boat take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If oil makes contact with the skin, wash it off with grease-cutting liquid dishwashing detergent and water.
- Do not fish in oil spill-affected waters.
- Do not harvest or eat dead fish, fish with oily residue, or fish that have a petroleum odor.
- Avoid boating through oil slicks or sheens.
- Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
- Prevent 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 respiratory symptoms that are aggravated by the odors from the oil spill should consider:
- If symptoms do not improve, contact a primary care physician or other health care professional for medical advice
- Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses should contact their physician if feeling symptomatic.
- Staying indoors in air-conditioning and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity.
The health department is posting signs at the affected area. Residents can participate in activities that are above the high tide line. If they experience respiratory problems, they should leave the area and contact a physician, as they deem necessary.
Pictured: The signs being posted around Perdido Key by the Escambia County Health Department, click to enlarge.
Century Library Summer Reading Series Begins With Chinese Acrobat
June 9, 2010
Kids of all ages enjoyed the acrobat Liang, a Chinese Olympian, spinning plates, balancing cups of water on her chin and even spinning knives Tuesday at Century Branch Library.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
It was part of the library’s summer reading program.
The Century Branch Library invites children to celebrate with more summer library programs each Tuesday at noon.
- June 15 – Dr. Zap, fun and wacky
- June 22 – John Jaramillo, storyteller and dancer
- June 29 – David Stephens, puppetry
- July 6, Ross Mudge, sing patriotic songs
- July 13, Beau Broomall, magician
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.
Written by Delaney, age 9.
Pictured top: Children enjoy Liang, a Chinese Olympian acrobat, at the Century Branch Library Tuesday afternoon. Pictured inset: Lian is reportedly the only woman in the world that can simultaneously control 25 hula hoops. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power, ECUA Win Sustainable Energy Award
June 9, 2010
A local partnership that brings cleaner air and cleaner water to Northwest Florida has won a major award from the state of Florida as an environmental best practice.
Gulf Power Company and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) are co-winners in the partnership category for the Sustainable Florida-Collins Center 2010 Best Practice Awards program.
The award was announced Friday at the Sustainable Florida Awards banquet in St. Petersburg.
This marks the 12th year the non-profit Sustainable Florida, a program run by the Collins Center for Public Policy, handed out Best Practice Awards. The award honors businesses, organizations and individuals whose work demonstrates that a healthy environment and a healthy economy are mutually supportive.
A record 109 entries were received this year. A panel of leaders in government, business, academic institutions, and civic and environmental organizations evaluated the nominees based on outcomes achieved, the ability to duplicate the effort, and overall success of the initiative. The winners were culled from among 21 finalists in seven categories.
Beginning in September, Gulf Power’s scrubber system and operations at Plant Crist will use millions of gallons of reclaimed water from the ECUA’s new Central Water Reclamation Facility being constructed just north of the power plant.
The partnership helps establish the new ECUA advanced wastewater treatment plant as a zero-discharge facility, while reducing the water Gulf Power uses from the Escambia River. Gulf Power’s scrubber system, which began operating in December, is reducing regulated air emissions at the power plant by more than 95 percent.
The new ECUA facility eventually will replace the Main Street Wastewater Plant, which discharges up to 20 millions of gallons of effluent daily into Pensacola Bay, and stands in a coastal flood zone, vulnerable to storm surge.
“Both utilities worked together to create a sustainable partnership to benefit our community,” said Sandy Sims, Gulf Power Public Affairs manager. “By partnering with ECUA to make beneficial use of their reclaimed water, ECUA will eliminate millions of gallons of effluent discharged into the bay while Gulf Power uses the water to run our scrubber which reduces air emissions from our power plant. It’s a double good benefit for the environment.”
After Hurricane Ivan in 2004, ECUA was awarded a $154 million federal grant to replace the Main Street plant. But it would not be permitted to discharge into Escambia Bay, which is deemed to be an impaired waterway — even though the effluent would be cleaner than that from the Main Street plant.
“Partnering with Gulf Power provided ECUA a viable, environmentally progressive option for disposal, which is beneficial to all concerned,” said Steve Sorrell, executive director of ECUA “Our costs were reduced, directly benefiting our ratepayers, and the environmental advantages to both partners, and our community, are immense.”
With Gulf Power using the reclaimed water, it reduced the amount of land ECUA needed to purchase for spray-fields.
Gulf Power is permitted to use up to 20 million gallons a day of reclaimed water, of which more than 80 percent will be evaporated as part of the scrubber, cooling tower and plant operations. The reclaimed water from ECUA’s new plant will be cleaner than existing river quality water and its low-chloride content helps Gulf Power produce marketable gypsum.
The scrubber system uses a simple reaction to neutralize gases produced while generating electricity. Water cools the gases from the four generating units, which are then bubbled through a swirling bath of crushed limestone in the scrubber’s Jet Bubbling Reactor vessel.
The byproduct of the process is market-quality gypsum, which can be sold to cement or wallboard manufacturing companies. Steam released through the scrubber stack is the most visible sign of the system at work.
“Our projects and our partnership will help improve both the air and water quality in Northwest Florida,” Sims said. “Partnerships like this are the best way to move forward as a business and a community — to provide a sustainable future.”
Pictured above: The new scrubber in operation at Gulf Power’s Plant Crist in Pensacola. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Watch: Resurfacing Begins Thursday On Highway 95A
June 9, 2010
On Thursday, construction crews will begin milling and resurfacing Highway 95A (Old Palafox Road) between East Roberts Road and Nine Mile Road.
The contractor is expected to complete the work in approximately five weeks. During this time there will be intermittent and alternating daytime lane closures on Highway 95A (Old Palafox Road). One lane of traffic will remain open at all times and flagmen will be available to direct traffic during lane closures, according to Escambia County officials. Drivers are urged to use caution in the construction zone and obey the posted speed limit.
This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled or delayed in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia County is funding this project with 2009 federal stimulus dollars.
Century Hires UWF Professor As Town Clerk
June 8, 2010
The Town of Century has hired a University of West Florida professor as their new town clerk.
The town council voted Monday night to hire Darlene Peters of Pensacola to replace Dorothy Sims who retired at the end of April. Peters is currently a School of Education instructor at UWF, and an adjunct instructor at Pensacola Junior College. She holds a doctorate in instructional technology from UWF, a masters of business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s of science degree from Gannon University in Pennsylvania. She also holds a valid massage therapist license in Florida.
“She seems to be a very highly qualified individual,” Council President Ann Brooks said, after noting that Peters is proficient in numerous office programs, including the Quicken accounting software used by the town.
According to Mayor Freddie McCall, a total of 33 people applied for the position. Seven of those individuals were interviewed by McCall and Robert Hudson, the town’s accountant. McCall said Peters was selected based upon her background and experience.
Councilman Gary Riley, who said he reviewed the resumes of the top seven applicants, agreed that Peters was highly qualified for the position.
“As far as I am concerned,” Riley said, “she is a top pick.”
Peters’ appointment was not unanimous, with council member Henry Hawkins voting against hiring her.
Hawkins claimed that, based upon the town charter, the mayor had no right to conduct the job interview or hire an employee without the council’s direct involvement. He said the council had no right to delegate the hiring authority to the the mayor.
After Sims’ retirement, the council voted to have McCall and Hudson review resumes, conduct interviews and present the top candidate to the council.
The council did not set a salary for the clerk’s position at Monday night’s meeting.
Pictured top: Century Town Council President Ann Brooks (left) reads the resume of new Town Clerk Darlene Peters Monday night as (L-R) Sharon Scott, Henry Hawkins and Gary Riley listen. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Area National Guard Unit To Deploy To Afghanistan
June 8, 2010
The 1165th Military Police Co. Alabama National Guard Unit based in Fairhope and maintains a unit in Brewton, has learned that it will be deployed to Afghanistan. The company also has members from Brewton, Flomaton and the North Escambia area.
The 170 troops will be deployed to Afghanistan next January; soldiers will get to spend Christmas at home with their families.
While in Afghanistan, the company will work as a personal security detachment with maneuver and mobility support operations assignments.
The company ended a 15-month tour in Iraq in July, 2004. They were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Citation when they returned.
5K Race For The Blueberries Returns At Saturday’s Blueberry Jamboree
June 8, 2010
The Escambia County Neighborhoods and Community Services Bureau invites runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers to join the 5K Race for the Blueberries.
The event will be Saturday, June 12, beginning at 8 a.m. with a staggered start. The race will be one of the many fun activities offered at the Blueberry Jamboree, to be held at Barrineau Park Community Center and Historical Society, 6055 Barrineau Park School Road in Molino.
Pre-registration is $15. Registration forms can be found by clicking here or by calling (850) 475-5220. Registration is $20 on the day of the event. T-shirts will be given to all registrants and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners.
For more information, please contact the Recreation Division, 475-5220, e-mail recreation@co.escambia.fl.us, or visit www.blueberryjamboree.com.
The Blueberry Jamboree is sponsored by several local organizations, including NorthEscambia.com.
Molino Woman Collecting Care Package Items For Troops In Iraq
June 8, 2010
A Molino woman is asking the North Escambia community to help her send care packages to American troops serving in Iraq for the Fourth of July.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is about eight months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is scheduled to be in Iraq until October.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packages to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season last year, collecting several boxes of items.
“I received e-mails from different soldiers telling me how much it meant to receive packages from back home, so I want to keep supporting them,” she said. “It’s our job to take care of our soldiers and to remember them.”
The supplies will be collected at veteran-owned Cole’s Barbershop in Molino until Wednesday, June 16. They will then be shipped to Piatt, 21, and his unit in Iraq. Cole’s Barbershop is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Toothpaste
Bottled body soap (for men)
Sunscreen
Germ X
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Propel powder
Small coffee creamer
Small sugar
Sunflower seeds
Apple sauce
Tuna fish and cracker packages
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cup
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn and her fiancee Spc. Ben Piatt prior to his deployment to northern Iraq. Pictured inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Resident Hiking 500 Miles Across Spain; Read Her Journal
June 8, 2010
Century resident Terri Sanders is on a 500 mile hike across Spain this summer, and she is taking NorthEscambia.com readers along.
Terri, former owner of the Country Bumpkin and current purveyor of fudge at festivals and events across the area, calls it the “trip of a lifetime”.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she will file dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
She will introduce us to the sights and sounds along the way, the local customs and the daily struggles of the 500 hike. Terri made the seven hour flight to Europe on May 29 and started hiking on June 4. She will send us her journal entries as soon as possible after each day. There is no Internet access between towns, but she will send us her journal entries as she arrives in towns along the way that do have Internet access — so Terri’s journal entries on NorthEscambia.com may be delayed by a few days.
We will begin our trip with Terri Sanders today and post updates periodically over the next month. She plants to complete the trip by July 4.
Camino De Santiago
May 29 2010
Most people get at least one shot at a trip of a lifetime. Sad to say most of us never have the guts to throw caution to the wind and grab onto that chance. We let different things tie our hands behind our back, be it a job or finances, responsibilities that we may or may not be the only one that can handle.
Sometimes I think it is fear itself that hinders us from grabbing a hold of that chance, whatever it may be. A trip across America, a chance to go sky diving, take that dream vacation, or just take that job offer that would take you to your dream job. We say no so quickly sometimes without even considering what exactly it is we are saying no to. Our well decorated rut is our security, or maybe our sense of adventure was never allowed to develop as a child.
Whatever the reason, very few people really reach out and grab that once in a life time adventure. My once in a lifetime adventure was hiking the Appalachian Trail. I thought it was intriguing to be able to walk from Georgia to Maine and it was intriguing to say the least. One day about 6 weeks ago another chance of a lifetime fell into my lap.
I thought of all the reasons I didn’t need to take this trip, and all the reasons I wanted to take it. The wants won out and I started making plans to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I knew very little about Spain and virtually no Spanish, but the guy I was going to be hiking with knew Spanish. He had hiked part of the AT with Jerry and I and just a chance email to me about him hiking this trip set things in motion for me to join him.
I booked my flight, practiced up on my phrase: “The rain in Spain falls gently on the Plain”. I have no idea what that phrase means if anything.
My flight left Pensacola this morning and I was on my way. The 7 hour flight over the Atlantic Ocean was my biggest concern. I guess I figured a crash on the ground would be easier than a crash on the water! Anyway the flight was uneventful and I landed in Madrid as planned.
The plan was to catch a bus from there to St.Jean Pied a Port where I would meet up with Lou to begin our hike. I was standing in the information line to see where to catch the bus when this guy walks up to me and says you look like a Camino hiker. You reckon the backpack gave me away?
It took about 5 minutes to find out that he was Walkabout and had hiked the AT in 2003 always just a few days ahead of me. He is from Gainesville, Florida and was meeting a friend of his that was also from Gainesville and was going to hike the Camino. His plans had changed and he was there to tell her he had been called back to work. Her name is Ronnie and he asked me if I would hang out until she got there and then the two of us could go to St. Jean together.
Some people would say that is where I made my first mistake, changing my plans, but I had figured in an extra day to meet up with Lou so everything seemed good. I could meet Ronnie grab a bus and we would be in St.Jean as I had planned. Then we find out her plane from Atlanta had been late leaving because of the weather. So Ed and I waited and walked from one end of the airport to the other several times.
To say he is ADD or obsessive compulsive would be an understatement! It then became obvious that I was not going to make the noon bus but could still make the later bus. Finally her plane landed and introductions were made all around. Ed made a hasty retreat to meet his flight, and Ronnie and I was off to get to the bus station. Or so I thought.
Turned out she had pre-bought a train ticket so off we went in search of the train depot. There ought to be a universal word for train, bus, plain, and taxi among a few other words….
We finally found the train station, took a number and stood in line for 30 minutes only to find out that we were in the line to buy tickets for the next day. Back to take another ticket and wait another thirty minutes. Finally at the ticket counter between the two of us we got the point across that we wanted to buy one ticket to the same place as her ticket.
I happened to mention the town. Things went downhill fast from there.
The ticket she had was for a town in Spain alright, but one nowhere near where she needed to go. We got two tickets to Pamploma and found out we had a 4 hour wait. We found a small café and could not read anything on the menu, but took a stab at something that sounded faintly like an American dish.
Ronnie ordered wine and I ordered water .She got grilled chicken with a salad and I got Stuffed Cannolli. Those trips to Olive Garden paid off. I thought they paid off but spell check didn’t have a spelling for this so we will go with how I spelled it.
When the bill came I found out it was cheaper to order wine instead of water. I won’t make that mistake again.
Since I had already saw all of the airport at least twice we went outside in search of a park to sit and wait. We weren’t lucky enough to find a park so we did the next best thing, put our packs on the ground against the building’s window, laid down and went to sleep. An hour later we woke up to the sounds of sirens, and figured we were going to be arrested for vagrancy, but we were not the target of the police.
Back inside we found an ice cream stand and enjoyed a ice cream, then went back to waiting for the train.
There are very few signs to point a visitor into the right direction ANYWHERE! We watched the screen for the announcement of our train and finally boarded. No sooner had we gotten seated than we found out the seats were reserved in this part of the train. We gathered our packs and went to another section, sat down, got comfortable and once again were routed from our seats.
We were beginning to think we would have to stand for the three hour ride, but finally a young girl took us to our seats. The scenery here reminds me of northern Texas, with only the houses setting it apart. The ride to Pamplona was 3 hours. It was just getting dark by the time we got to town.