Sheriff’s Office Wins New Harley Davidson For Traffic Enforcement Efforts
July 20, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King patrol motorcycle for traffic enforcement enforcement.
Sheriff David Morgan made traffic enforcement a top priority after taking office, and the program was named as one of the state’s top programs. Under the Motor Unit Challenge from the Florida Department of Transportation, Escambia County was the random grand prize winner of the fully equipped $30,000 Harley.
To be Florida’s best in traffic enforcement is not just about writing tickets, according to Panhandle Region Law Enforcement Liason Andrew Johnson. A scoring system rates each participating department using FDOT data on citations, decreases in traffic crashes, increased seat belt usage, education and training.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Officers from each of the six recognized programs had the opportunity in Orlando to try their lucky key to start and win the Harley for their department. The fifth officer to try, Lt. Bart Fryer from Escambia County, had the right key and drove the Harley home.
The new Harley has been assigned to Deputy Donny White of the ECSO Traffic Division.
Could A Tsunami Crash Into Our Coast As A Result Of The Oil Spill?
July 20, 2010
The Florida Department of Environmental Management is trying to dispel rumors that the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill could send a tsunami crashing into the Gulf Coast.
The myth’s scenario involves a large release of methane from the Macondo Discovery, the petroleum reservoir into which the Deepwater Horizon production well was drilled. The DEP says the situation is unlikely to produce a tsunami.
“Science does not support the notion of a methane-induced tsunami resulting from Deepwater Horizon activities. However, while the possibility of an induced tsunami is extremely remote, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to take all concerns seriously and is consulting with experts in all related scientific fields,” the DEP said in a news release.
To read the complete release from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, click here.
Flomaton Woman Injured in Florida Wreck
July 20, 2010
A 5o-year old Flomaton woman received minor injuries in a Pensacola wreck Monday after another driver ran a red light.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Jimmy Adams, 53, of Pensacola, ran a red light at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Langley Avenue about 10:35 Monday morning. His 2005 Toyota SUV collided with a 2003 Ford pickup driven by Rene Hullett, 50, of Flomaton.
Hullett and her passengers, Tamara Williams , 51, of Pensacola, received minor injuries that did not require transport to the hospital. Another passenger in the vehicle, a properly restrained two-year old, was not injured.
Adams was charged with failing to stop at the red signal.
Small Rain Chance, Lots Of Heat
July 20, 2010
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Wednesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95.
Pelicans Winning Streak Ends At 15
July 20, 2010
A 15-game winning streak came to an end Monday for the Pensacola Pelicans.
The Pelicans made history in the American Association as they won their past 15 straight contests. However, Captains pitcher Ryan DiPietro tossed a complete game and had just enough offense to top the Pelicans 6-1 and end their record-setting win streak.
With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the third inning, the Captains put runners on first and third with one out. Jorge Alvarez followed with a sacrifice fly to center to score Jovanny Rosario giving Shreveport-Bossier a 2-1 lead.
Shreveport-Bossier opened up the lead in the top of the fifth inning. The Captains put runners on first and third with one out when Andres Rodriguez hit a towering double off the left field wall scoring Brian Peterson extending the lead to 3-1. Uriak Marquez followed with a well hit ball over the right field fence for his third homerun of the year giving the Captains a 5-1 lead.
Ryan DiPietro (6-1) goes all nine innings for the Captains and gives up only one run off five hits while striking out four on the night. It was DiPietro’s first complete game of the season.
Escambia Voting Season Getting Into Gear
July 19, 2010
The world of Escambia politics will begin to get into gear over the coming week, with a voter deadline approaching, political rallies on tap and a look at dollars and cents.
Candidate financial reports are due by Friday, showing who is giving, and who is receiving, those all important political donations for campaign war chests.
On Tuesday, there will a political forum at New World Landing in Pensacola for Escambia County Commission candidates from District 2 and District 4. The District 2 race will draw countywide interest, with incumbent Gene Valentino, state Rep. Dave Murzin, former embattled County Administrator George Touart and former Planning Board member Karen Sindell.
A meet and greet begins at 5 p.m., and the debate begins at 5:30. For those unable to attend, NewsRadio 1620 AM will broadcast the forum tape-delayed at 7 p.m. on-air and on their web site at newsradio1620.com.
The Jay Historical Society will host an Old Time Political Stump Rally & Fish Fry beginning at 4:30 Saturday at the Jay City Park Pavilion. The group expects a wide variety of local, state and county candidates. Plus, they will be offering fish dinners for $7 to benefit a Living History Museum project.
Escambia County voters that wish to cast their ballots in the August 24 primary election must register by next Monday, July 26.
Monday the 26th is also an important date for Century’s elections — it marks the beginning of the official qualifying period for the October 5 primary election for three council seats.
The following candidates will be on the ballot for local elections in Escambia County. Those listed without opposition will be elected to the office in which they
qualified.
County Commissioner, District 2
Dave Murzin (Qualified 6/16/10)
Paul Redman (Qualified 6/18/10)
Myra L. Simmons (Qualified 6/17/10)
Karen Sindel (Qualified 6/17/10)
George Touart (Qualified 6/17/10)
Gene M. Valentino (Qualified 6/15/10)
County Commissioner, District 4
Dennis Green (Qualified 6/14/10)
Danny Lewis (Qualified 6/14/10)
Grover C. Robinson (Qualified 6/17/10)
School Board, District 1
Jeff Bergosh (Qualified 6/14/10)
Luke Keller (Qualified 6/16/10)
D. Hosea Pittman (Qualified 6/14/10)
School Board, District 2
Gerald W. Boone (Qualified 6/14/10)
Virginia R. White (Qualified 6/16/10)
School Board, District 3
Linda F. Moultrie (Qualified 6/14/10)
Charlie Nichols (Qualified 6/14/10)
ECUA, District 2
Lois Benson (Qualified 6/16/10)
Stephen Burand (Qualified 6/14/10)
Dave Carlson (Qualified 6/18/10)
James Kirkland (Qualified 6/17/10)
ECUA, District 4
Stuart H. Brown (Qualified 6/18/10)
Ryan M. Fendt (Qualified 6/17/10)
Dale Perkins (Qualified 6/16/10)
Scott Schroeder (Qualified 6/18/10)
Ronald Ward (Qualified 6/14/10)
Escambia Soil & Water Conservation District, Group 2
(none to date)
Escambia Soil & Water Conservation District, Group 4
Lynn L. Laird (Qualified 6/14/10)
Escambia Soil & Water Conservation District, Group 5
Dan Cain (Qualified 6/18/10)
Dillon Mason Powell (Qualified 6/17/10)
Santa Rosa Island Authority
Thomas Campanella (Qualified 6/14/10)
J.J. Waters (Qualified 6/18/10)
City of Pensacola
Mayor
Charles Bare (Qualified 6/17/10)
Ashton Hayward (Qualified 6/14/10)
Diane Mack (Qualified 6/14/10)
Mike Wiggins (Qualified 6/14/10)
City Council At-Large A
Megan Benson Pratt (Qualified 6/16/10)
City Council At-Large B
Sam Hall (Qualified 6/16/10)
City Council, District 1
Steve Fulford (Qualified 6/16/10)
P.C. Wu (Qualified 6/14/10)
City Council, District 2
Sherri Myers (Qualified 6/14/10)
Courtney B. Peterson (Qualified 6/14/10)
City Council, District 3
Maren Laycock DeWeese (Qualified 6/15/10)
City Council, District 4
Larry B. Johnson (Qualified 6/16/10)
City Council, District 5
John Jerralds (Qualified 6/17/10)
City Council, District 6
Jewel Cannada-Wynn (Qualified 6/15/10)
Brian Spencer (Qualified 6/17/10)
City Council, District 7
Ronald P. Townsend (Qualified 6/18/10)
Suspect Shot, Killed By Santa Rosa Deputies
July 19, 2010
Authorities have released the name of an armed suspect that was shot and killed by sheriff’s deputies Sunday night in Santa Rosa County.
He was identified as Mark Delane Walker, 41. Five deputies have been placed on administrative leave following the shooting.
The incident occurred at 4472 Tamarind Drive in Pace. According to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the department received two different calls in reference to gunshots coming from a fifth-wheel trailer located on the property. Deputies arrived at 9:15 p.m., with the shooting occurring 39 minutes later at 9:54 p.m.
“Deputies confirmed that the suspect was armed after he encountered deputies while he was armed with a shotgun,” Haines said. “Numerous deputies fired their weapons at the armed suspect. The suspect was later declared deceased at the scene after entry was made into the trailer by SWAT.”
As is normal in all officer-involved shootings, the incident is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities have not released the identity of the deputies involved. No further details have been released on the ongoing investigation.
Rain Chance Goes Down, Heat Goes Up This Week
July 19, 2010
The rain chance will decrease and the heat index will increase as our week progresses.
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93.
Showalter Not Named Orioles’ Manager – Yet
July 19, 2010
The weekend after mid-season mark in baseball has come and gone, and former Century resident Buck Showalter is not yet the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Several national media outlets reported last week that Showalter would be named the new head Oriole over the weekend, but a replacement for fired manager Dave Tembley has not been named. Showalter has met with Orioles several times.
With experience in the manager’s job for the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Texas Rangers, Showalter was named a “heavy favorite” for the Baltimore job by ESPN.
Showalter’s father was a high school coach and principal, moving to Century in the late 1950’s. Showalter played Little League ball in Century in a thriving program. Century’s modern day Showalter Park is named after him.
Photo courtesy ESPN.
Economist: Florida Hits Recession Bottom And Stays There
July 19, 2010
Florida’s economy has hit bottom in the recession but appears likely to continue scraping along with the state’s housing market still serving as an anchor, state economists said.
The state’s Economic Estimating Conference concluded Florida’s unemployment rate is on track to continue what has been a three-month improvement from a 12.4 percent peak, with manufacturing and health care industries now hiring. But the construction industry, which has lost 28,000 jobs over the past year, is forecast as facing another slowdown because of the deepening housing slump.
Tim Campbell, an analyst with the state’s Economic and Demographic Research Office, said housing has been staggered by a steady 50,000 foreclosures a month combined with tightening credit markets, resulting in a 14 percent decline in home construction through 2010’s first quarter.
“It’s really a recession within a recession,” Campbell said. “I think Florida has essentially hit bottom. But we’re at a flat part at the bottom of the recession.”
Economists conceded they still don’t have a good handle on the Gulf oil spill’s impact on the state’s economy. While much of the tourism decline is concentrated in the Panhandle, analysts conceded it is having a ripple effect across the state.
Along with the spill’s effect on tourism, the weak economy globally is reducing the pace of visitors to Florida from Europe and Japan. “We’re seeing a slight reduction in the number of visitors coming here, and that’s having a major impact,” said Clyde Diao, an economist with Gov. Charlie Crist’s office.
by The News Service Florida