Poarch Creek Tribal Council Elections Today

June 5, 2010

The 2010 Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Council Election will be held from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. today at the Community Services (SAIL) Building on the Poarch Creek Reservation.

Tribal members will elect a treasurer, secretary and a single at-large member.

The following are candidates for the seats:

Treasurer
Amy Bryan
Edie Jackson
Robbie McGhee
William Vickery

Secretary
William Bailey
Dewitt Carter
David Gehman (incumbent)
Kelli Ramer
Sandra Smith
Carolyn White

At-Large
Gil Caudle
Helen Hallman (incumbent)
Douglas Kelley
Carrie Martin
Debra Strickland
Valerie Barnhill Taylor
Robert Thrower
Eddie Tullis
WV Williams

Gulf Winds Commits $50,000 For Wildlife Sanctuary Oil Fund

June 5, 2010

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has committed $50,000 in a matching donation fund to assist the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.

According to Chris Rutledge, Gulf Winds president and CEO, “We wanted to create an opportunity for the community to double the amount they give to the Wildlife Sanctuary. When they give through our website, we will match the gift dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of$50,000.”

“In short,” Rutledge said, “we want to turn our $50,000 into a $100,000 donation with help from the Gulf Coast residents.” Rutledge said that the Wildlife Sanctuary will be doing rehabilitation during and after the oil spill cleanup, and Gulf Winds wants to help them with the funds they need for the work ahead.

Rutledge and several Gulf Winds staff members took a tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary recently.

“We were very impressed with the facility and the work they are doing,” he said. “The Wildlife Sanctuary has been a part of this community for over 28 years and will be here long after the BP cleanup operation has left the area.”

Rutledge said that Gulf Winds has a strong history of supporting our community and they cannot sit idly by and wait for others to solve this crisis. “We know that the Wildlife Sanctuary will be assisting and doing all they can do to protect, restore and rehabilitate wildlife that will be affected by this disaster. Our wildlife cannot wait while lawsuits are settled. They will need our help now and long term.”

Although reports indicate that British Petroleum (BP) has committed to covering the costs associated with the oil spill incident, including the wildlife cleanup, the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is preparing for a potentially overwhelming amount of work. Dorothy Kaufmann, Wildlife Sanctuary Director, said her staff and volunteers are working closely with many collaborating organizations in these recovery efforts.

Kaufmann said that the Wildlife Sanctuary is already involved and has received injured birds from Tri-State Rescue and Research (the organization contracted by BP to rehabilitate wildlife in this incident). “The birds and other animals can’t be released to the wild immediately,” said Kaufmann. “The oil is still out there. We will be ready to nurse the animals back to health and if needed, hold them until it is safe to release them.”

The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is a non-profit organization that has been serving Northwest Florida since 1982. They do not charge for their services, so they rely on contributions to stay open. The money is used to build facilities, grounds upkeep, medical supplies and lots of food. During a normal year, they take in 3,000-4,000 injured or sick animals, and they expect to see a big increase this year.

If you would like to support the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, you can make a donation at www.GoGulfWinds.com. By using the Gulf Winds website, your donation will be doubled and 100 percent of the donation will go directly to the local Sanctuary.

Northview Honor Graduates Named

June 5, 2010

It is graduation day for the Northview High School Class of 2010. Valedictorian for the NHS Class of 2010 is  Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway. Salutatorian is Clinton Eugene Davis. The following students will graduate with honors:

Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA and above)
1. Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
2. Clinton Eugene Davis
3. Mark Allen Shipps, Jr.
4. Jessica Nichole Bloodsworth
5. Bradley James Lowery
6. Felicia Michelle Settle
7. Jackson Helton Smith
8. Eric Matthew Ickeringill
9. Candice Louise Greenwell
10. Kolbi Shae Cobb
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 GPA and above)
11. Caitlin Allie Hall
12. Matthew Cody Parker
13. Austin Hunter Lowery
Cum Laude (3.50 GPA and above)
14. Micah Perrygreen Byars
15. Seth Madison Leonard
16. Heather Danielle Ward
17. Tiffany Michelle Barrows
18. Victoria Ashton Rigby
19. Dakota Wayne Stuckey
20. Jacob Lee Garrison
21. Lauren Ashely Lowe
22. Amber Nicole McMillan
23. Lennie Nannett Caum
24. Brittany Michele Burt
25. Christopher James Sheets
26. Jennifer Megan Lowe

Work Continues On Habitat House

June 5, 2010

habitat-house-010.jpgWork will continue today on a Escambia County Habitat for Humanity home under construction in Nokomis.

The home is being constructed by a small army of volunteers and contractors alike for Jennifer Dorriety and her 13-year old daughter.

Volunteers are needed today and next Saturday, June 12 to complete the home. It is located at 118 Johnson Road in Nokomis, Ala. Construction experience is not necessary to help.

For a previous NorthEscambia.com story about the build and photos, click here.

Pictured: Future Escambia County Habitat for Humanity home resident Jennifer Dorriety. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Health Advisory: Oil Odor

June 5, 2010

The Escambia County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has received reports of possible petroleum-like odors in parts of Escambia County. It is possible that these odors are related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to statement released by the Escambia County Health Department.

There is currently no measurement data of petroleum-like substances in the air.

As a result, the Escambia County Health Department is advising residents that exposure to petroleum-like odors may cause temporary respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. People experiencing respiratory symptoms, including those with pre-existing severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease, should stay inside and consult their physician for treatment if symptoms persist.

While inside, residents should close windows and run their cooling system. If symptoms persist while inside an air-conditioned home, residents may choose to leave the area until their symptoms are tolerable. The health department will continue to monitor this situation in cooperation with the Emergency Operations Center.

Pensacola Pelicans Offense Lights Up in 11-4 Win Over Cats

June 5, 2010

John Alonso and Francisco Leandro both homered and combined for five RBI’s to lead the way for a Pelicans (8-13) win over the Cats (8-12) Friday night in Pensacola.

Antoin Gray picked up where he left off last night in the first inning when he doubled into left center which scored Joey Side from second base to give the Pels an early 1-0 lead.

With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning, John Alonso led if off with hitting a ball to deep centerfield and over the fence for his second homerun of the year. The homer gave the Pels a 2-1 lead. Later in the inning with Adolfo Gonzalez on second with two outs, Francisco Leandro ripped an RBI single right back up the middle to give Pensacola a 3-1 advantage.

Pensacola added two more runs in the fourth inning with back to back two out RBI singles from Lou Palmisano and John Alonso to open the Pels lead to 6-1.

The Pels were up 7-1 when John Allen ripped a two- run double into left centerfield to drive in two runs for Fort Worth and make it 7-3.

The Pels led 8-4 in the eighth inning when Francisco Leandro belted a two run shot to right for his first homer of the year which gave Pensacola a 10-4 lead. Gray added an RBI single in the inning to make it 11-4.

Newest Pelican Randy Keisler (1-1) gets the win as he pitches six innings and gives up one run off eight hits while striking out six batters.

Joel Kirsten (1-2) takes the loss as he gives up six runs off eight hits in just four innings of work.

Outwit and Outlast the Troublesome Armadillo

June 5, 2010

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theresafriday.jpgHave you ever discovered your once beautiful green lawn looking like the surface of the moon, full of craters? If so, then you may have been visited by an alien-looking creature known as the armadillo.

Armadillos originated in South America. They are mammals. They are neither rodents nor marsupials and are not related to the opossum. Their closest living relative is the anteater and sloth.

The most easily recognized feature of an armadillo is its shell. Their common name, armadillo, is derived from a Spanish term meaning “little armored one”. All armadillos have shells, made of true bone, that cover their backs. Most armadillos also have bony rings or plates that protect their tails.

Digging machines

Armadillos are built to dig. They rely on this ability to escape danger and survive. They prefer sandy or loam soils that are relatively easy to excavate. Therefore, they are well adapted to Northwest Florida soils.

Armadillos typically rest in deep burrows during the day and become more active during the late evening, night, or early morning. These burrows are usually located under brushpiles, stumps, dense brush, or concrete patios, and are about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and can be up to 15 feet long. They often have several burrows throughout their territory.

Food sources

Armadillos feed primarily on insects. They also eat earthworms, scorpions, spiders, snails, and small vertebrates and their eggs. They consume large amounts of armyworms, cockroaches, ants, wasps, flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. They have been known to dig up entire yellow-jacket nests.

Some consider the armadillo a beneficial creature because they eat potential pests. Many consider the armadillo a pest because of their destructive ways. Armadillo can burrow under driveways and patios causing structural damage. Burrows in pastures can pose a potential hazard to livestock. And because armadillos usually search for food by rooting or digging in the ground, they can damage large areas of the lawn or garden.

Control measures

If you find that you cannot live with these creatures, the University of Florida recommends four ways to deal with armadillos.

  • reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you apply to your lawn
  • creating barriers (e.g., fences),
  • live-trapping
  • shooting offending individuals (check local ordinances)

The best solution (and the most expensive) is a stout fence to keep the armadillos out. If you take this route, make sure the fence is buried at least 18 inches into the ground, or they might just burrow under it.

Reducing the water and fertilizer applications to your lawn may help reduce armadillo damage. A moist lush landscape is perfect for earthworms and insect larvae. Armadillos love earthworms. Sometimes watering adjacent areas may attract armadillos away from a site.

Trapping can be frustrating and may require some ingenious thinking. Some tried and true trapping techniques are discussed at length in an online University of Florida publication by Dr. Russ Mizell at http://ufinsect.ifas.ufl.edu/armadillo.htm.

Remember that poison baits are illegal and ineffective. No chemical repellents or fumigants are registered for use in Florida.

Armadillos are very happy in Northwest Florida and are here to stay. If they have become unwelcomed house guests, put your thinking cap on and be committed to outwitting and outlasting this prehistoric-looking creature.

For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Photo Gallery: Molino Park 5th Graders Say Goodbye

June 5, 2010

There were lots of tears, smiles and hugs Friday morning at Molino Park Elementary School as fifth graders took their final walk to the buses on the last day of school.

Teachers, parents and other students cheered on the Molino Park graduates as they said goodbye to their elementary years.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Pictured above and below: Fifth grade students take their final walk to the buses Friday morning at Molino Park Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.

Latest Escambia Oil Info

June 5, 2010

Here is the latest oil spill information specific to Escambia County. The most recently updated information is in yellow.

  • If you see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-866-448-5816.
  • The beaches at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key remain open.
  • Escambia County Board of County Commissioners renewed the Local State of Emergency on Thursday, June 3 at the BOCC meeting.
  • Tar patties and tar balls have been confirmed in widely scattered areas east of Pensacola, on Santa Rosa Island. Over 300 personnel were assigned to assessment, clean-up and boat crews for the mitigation efforts. The collected materials range in size from 3-18 cm in size. Floating tar mats were corralled and collected from inside the Pensacola Pass. There are tank barges staged in the bay and at NAS, standing by to respond as necessary.
  • Reconnaissance flight missions are determining locations. Additional impacts are expected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties within the next 72 hours.
  • According to the NOAA oil plume model, the primary oil plume is 17 miles from Pensacola, more than 100 miles from Gulf County, and 280 miles from St. Petersburg, with non contiguous sheens and scattered tarballs closer.
  • Oil sheen was reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approximately five to six miles south of Pensacola Pass and southeast of Navarre.
  • Strong southwesterly winds of 10-25 knots are expected today through Sunday which will push portions of the oil plume northeast towards the western Florida Panhandle. 4-6 foot seas across the northern-central Gulf today and 50-60% chance of showers and thunderstorms will hamper some recovery operations today. Winds and seas will weaken slightly through the weekend, but a 30-50% chance of rain will exist each day.
  • With the spill’s closer proximity and winds from the south, an odor may be detected by residents.
  • Reconnaissance flights are being conducted daily, weather permitting, to monitor Florida’s shoreline for impact.
  • Unified command continues to check, verify the condition and make repairs as needed to currently placed booms. The county will work with Unified Command on any placement of boom within navigable waterways.

British Petroleum (BP)
  • BP claims in Florida: 6,014 with approximately $4,489,215.03 paid
  • There are reports of a scam involving individuals falsely representing themselves as BP employees and offering applicants training and promising job placement for a fee.  BP does not charge to train and hire applicants.  If you or someone you know has been charged for training, please contact law enforcement.
  • BP is providing a $100,000 grant through a Memorandum of Understanding with Volunteer Florida to maintain a database for the regulation of volunteers. BP’s Florida Gulf Response web site: www.floridagulfresponse.com.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • Wednesday, June 2 – 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)
  • At the request of Governor Crist, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce expanded the fishery failure declaration for the Gulf of Mexico to include Florida on 6/2/10. This declaration provides impacted and eligible commercial fisheries the opportunity for federal support; it does not close fisheries.
  • See DEP’s Homeowner Tips for Protecting Florida’s Shorlines (PDF)
  • The Small Business Administration issued an economic injury Disaster Loan Declaration for the state of Florida. Pensacola office: 401 E. Chase St., Ste. 100.
  • The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time. See news release.
  • Florida saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect as usual. More information.
  • FWC press release on data collection on gulf red snapper to address oil spill impacts.
  • Submit innovative technology ideas, suggestions or products by completing this form. Send the completed form and any supporting documentation to Innovative.Technolgy@dep.state.fl.us.
  • For more information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans visit the SBA website.
  • Video and audio public service announcements are available for download to educate the public on response, safety, coast watch and beach cleanup. See details.
  • Report boom vandalism to the (800) 320-0519 or #DEP from your cell phone.
  • An Economic Recovery Task Force was established facilitate efforts by businesses and industries in recovering from the loss of business and revenues due to the oil spill incident.

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
  • Seventeen inland waterways could be boomed within 48 hours as part of the Local Area Plan (LAP). Once these booms are placed in their operational configuration, boaters will experience restricted access to these harbors and bayous. Booking Locations and Booming Maps.
  • Escambia County has allocated over $3 million local dollars to date.
  • Secondary and tertiary boom staging began Tuesday, June 1.
  • Documents were signed Tuesday to allocate $700,000 in funding for tourism promotion with the Escambia County Tourism Development Council, with another $700,000 to be allocated in 45 days.
  • EOC briefings will be held at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. until further notice.
  • Escambia County’s Emergency Operations Center returned to a Level 2 (partial) activation.
  • Hurricane season began June 1. See the Hurricanes and Oil Spill Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • Escambia County is evaluating every viable proposal 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.

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
  • If you see a tar ball on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-866-448-5816.

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.
  • Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
  • If you see or smell oil, leave immediately. Avoid skin contact with oil or oil-contaminated water.
  • 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. Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
  • 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.
  • 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 periodically.
  • 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

  • The Citizens’ Information Line is open, 471-6600, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Florida Oil Spill Information Line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1-888-337-3569.

Manhunt In Molino For Burglary Suspect

June 4, 2010

A manhunt in Molino Friday morning turned up empty for a burglary suspect in the area of Sunshine Hill and Suncrest Lane.

The suspect is identified as Brandon Davis Edmondson, 30, of Molino. Deputies believe he was involved in a morning burglary in the 100 block of Molino Road and that he may have later fled his residence in the 6000 block of  Sunshine Hill Road.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies suspect Edmondson burglarized a shed on Molino Road, taking tools.

The suspect was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.

Pictured top: A K-9 team searches for a burglary suspect in Molino Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

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