Tuesday Oil Update
July 6, 2010
Here is the latest BP oil spill information for Tuesday, July 5 from the Florida Department of Environmental Management.
(Editor’s note: We normally run information from Escambia County’s daily update, however, Escambia County has not issued an update since Friday.)
Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts were reported over the weekend due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents.
Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.
Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s coastline remains unimpacted.
If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
Due to the amount of boat traffic on the Fourth of July weekend, if oil is present in or near Little Sabine Pass, Escambia County will not be opening the boom for recreational vessels. If Little Sabine pass is clear of oil, the boom will be opened on the outgoing tide. This is an effort to protect Little Sabine from oil, mousse and tar balls.
Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
There are currently three tropical waves being monitored for tropical cyclone development by the National Hurricane Center. A small tropical wave south of Louisiana has a 10% chance of development before it moves inland tonight. A tropical wave extending from northeast of the Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands through the eastern Caribbean Sea has a 10% chance for development as it moves west-northwest over the next few days. Environmental conditions near a tropical wave in the northwestern Caribbean Sea about 550 miles south of Key West are more favorable for development and this wave has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone by Wednesday.
On Site Actions:
Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.
BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.
BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.
State Actions:
The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.
On July 2, the Florida Oil Spill Information Line activated Haitian Creole and Spanish call lines to serve as another resource providing Florida residents and visitors with up-to-date information. Call (877) 955-8707 for information in Haitian Creole and (877) 955-8773 for information in Spanish.
Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
DEP has conducted and continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.
DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.
Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 4 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Boom Placement:
Approximately 419,600 feet of boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 4, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.
Health Effects:
There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.
If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.
Fisheries & Seafood:
On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.
On July 2, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a plan to move sea turtle eggs that are within a week of hatching from the beaches in Northwest Florida to a facility on the central-east coast of Florida. Learn More.
A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.
To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.
Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.
Learn More About Florida’s Response:
Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.
For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.
The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
No Word On North Escambia Power Plant; Panhandle Solar Plant Announced
July 5, 2010
Months after Gulf Power Company began to purchase large amounts of land in North Escambia for a possible power generation plant, a new company has announced a solar power plant is feasible for Northwest Florida.
A start-up company called Energy Farm, Inc. plans to build a solar power plant in the Florida Panhandle.
The solar photovoltaic power plant will be located on 550 acres near Freeport in Walton County and will be capable of producing 74-megawatts of electricity — enough power for about 12,000 homes. The company will sell its generated electricity to a utility company that is has declined to name.
The official announcement came during a Clean Energy Congress in Tallahassee. Construction will begin later this year and the plant will be producing power by 2011, according to Energy Farm President Shelton Stone.
Stone said the company is working with “German partners” to develop technology to store extra energy created by the plant during the day so that it can be used after dark.
Meanwhile, there is still no word on the possibility of a new power plant in North Escambia. As previously reported by NorthEscambia.com, Gulf Power Company has paid millions of dollars for hundreds of acres near Bluff Springs as they attempt to amass about 3,000 acres.
“Nuclear, natural gas, solar or biomass.” That was as specific as Gulf Power’s Manager of Public Affairs Sandy Sims has been about the power company’s plans for North Escambia. As for wind generation, current technology would eliminate that possibility for now, she said.
On the acreage currently owned by Gulf Power, soil analysis is underway to determine if the land can support “any type of generation facility”. Permits are being acquired for a meteorological weather station including 300-foot high tower to measure temperatures, wind speeds and rainfall. All of that data will be crunched as Gulf Power moves forward in a decision on building a new generation facility. The projected need for the plant has been pushed to 2018 or 2019.
To read a previous NorthEscambia.com story about Gulf Power’s plans, click here.
Second Robbery Suspect Busted; May Be Responsible For North End Crimes
July 5, 2010
A second suspect is now behind bars in connection with armed robberies in Escambia County, including perhaps robberies in the north end.
Thomas Kellon Sledge, 20, was booked into the Escambia County jail Sunday night on charges of armed robbery. He is being held on a quarter million dollars bond. He is accused of robbing the TQ Mini Mart on Olive Road on May 28. Deputies said Sledge is the half-brother of Cheraina Cristle Campbell, 19.
Campbell was arrested June 29 and charged with armed robbery with a firearm and public order crimes for wearing a mask or hood during the commission of a felony in connection with a robbery that occurred June 28 at the TQ Mini Mart located at 1112 East Olive Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said that while investing the June 29 robbery, they developed information that led them to issue warrants for Sledge.
Deputies are also looking for a third suspect which they have not named.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Campbell (pictured left) may be the suspect in several other robberies in the north end of the county, but declined to release further information due to their ongoing investigation. She remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
During the June 28 robbery, deputies said Campbell entered the store wearing a mask and pointing a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. Deputies said she removed her mask as she fled the store and turned to look back at the store allowing the clerk to see the her face.A K-9 unit tracked the Campbell to a nearby abandoned trailer. There was no one inside the trailer, but a photo of Campbell was found inside. The store clerk positively identified Campbell from the photo as the person who robbed the store at gunpoint.
More Rain Possible Tonight, Tuesday
July 5, 2010
Rain chances will remain high for Monday night and Tuesday before tapering off later tin the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 87. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Wednesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Saturday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Sunday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Holiday Closings
July 5, 2010
The following will be closed Monday in observance of the Independence Day holiday:
- City offices in Century, Flomaton, Jay, Atmore (The Century Town Council will meet at 7 p.m.)
- Escambia County (Ala. & Fla.) offices
- Santa Rosa County offices
- West Florida Library branches, including Century
- Santa Rosa County libraries, including Jay
- University of West Florida, Pensacola State College closed
- Retail windows at the U.S. Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivered or collected, except for Express Mail.
- ECUA offices
- ECAT buses will run on Monday, but they will follow a Saturday schedule
- There will be no change in ECUA garbage collection.
Public Meeting: Century Town Council Could Consider ‘Junkyard’ Rezoning Tonight
July 5, 2010
The Century Town Council could consider if a Front Street property is a junkyard or if it should be rezoned as early as tonight.
A week ago, the council held a public workshop as they work to decide if a local man is operating a junkyard on his residential property and if what he claims to do for a living is or is not a business — all part of the process to determine if the council will vote to change the rezoning on his property to commercial.
George William Philyaw has been cited by Escambia County Code Enforcement for his property at 120 Front Street because it is zoned residential which does not allow his type of business to operate. He has told the town council that he simply collects metal for recycling until he has a “load” and then it is sold. Philyaw has petitioned the council to charge the property’s zoning to commercial.
While Philyaw says he is operating a recycling business, the Century Town Council has questioned if it is not actually a junkyard behind his privacy fence. And the council has also questioned if his money-making operation is even a business.
For details on the council’s recent public workshop on Philyaw’s property and more photos, click here.
The Century Town Council meets at 7 p.m. tonight at the Century Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Pictured top: The street view of the property at 120 Front Street, Century as seen June 28. NorthEscambaia.com file photo, click the enlarge.
Local Resident Continues Journal As She Hikes Across Spain
July 5, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she is filing 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.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com the new few days as we catch up on Terri’s journey and complete the series.
(Scroll down to read entries from several days.)
June 23, 2010
Start: Villafranca Del Bierz
Destination: O’Cebreito
We sent our packs forward today. We have a long steep climb over several mountains. Yes, I crawled out of bed at 6:00 am to hike with Lou and Mike. There were three different options to hike today. The three of us wandered around looking for the path we wanted. We each had a different guide book, and none of us could figure out which way we were supposed to go. Finally we found it .It should have been easy to find, it was the one that went up the steepest!
Today’s hike is one of the steepest of the whole pilgrimage, but the views from the top along the Valcarce Valley kept our spirits high when our feet wanted to quit. We had a stretch of walking along the noise highway that is being resurfaced and we had to be careful of the traffic. We hiked for a couple hours before we came to someplace that we could get breakfast at.
Well, it was kind of breakfast. A couple croissants, a slice of sweet bread and a glass of orange juice. The guys added a Kit Kat as an extra energy source. The strenuous hike took us up and into Galacia. The woods were filled with chestnut trees that are harvested each season. Several times we had to check and recheck our guide books because of the lack of adequate markings. I thing we somehow managed to hike an extra hour but am not sure just where it was we lost then found the trail. We passed the first of the concrete markers that will now be all along the trail that give the distances to Santiago. Today we are at 153 kilometers. We have just one week of hiking left.
It seems hard to believe I have come this far already. We are staying at the Xunta alberque tonight. There are 80 beds laundry facilities and has been recently renovated. We were lucky to get here after all the bunk beds had been filled. We are in a large room with 12 twin beds, a big open window that provides a fabulous breeze. The room is light and airy. We are given a disposable sheet and pillow case for the beds. Dinner is not provided here so we will walk up town to find something for dinner.
Miles 18.7
June 24 2010
Start: O’Cebreito
Destination: Triacastela
Today was mostly a slightly downhill path with just some minor road walking. As we enter into the province of Galicia it seems we have left behind the adobe villages with their small populations and poverty and began seeing newer buildings and more farm land.
One thing that has been with us for the last several days is the ever present scent of cow manure. The cows walk freely up and down the road/trail. No matter what we eat or where we stop the prevailing smell is that of manure. I am extremely grateful it is not raining. I have almost begun to enjoy the smell of tobacco in the small bars when we eat our meals. Galicia shares many historical and physical similarities with other Celtic particularly those west of Ireland. Too tired to provide much employment for the large family structures, emigration has cast its blight across the region.
Today there was an old woman in the trail just outside her house selling pancakes sprinkled with a bit of sugar selling them to the pilgrims. The best I can describe them is that they were paper thin and tasteless. We each took one and John gave her some change which she flatly refused and then took less as he held out his change. She motioned it was for the four of us. The poverty here is rampant but the people do not know they live in poverty. Every turn it seems someone is selling cherries or fruit or trinkets of some kind. There is never any pressure put on us to stop and make purchases though.
Later we come into a village where on the outskirts of town there is a chestnut tree reported to be 1500 years old. A couple who look at least half that old are sitting beneath the tree, telling the history of the tree to pilgrims as we walk by .There is a sign there (even an English version) that tells about the tree. It seems like this couple have taken it upon themselves to be the keeper of the tree and to make sure no one passes by without noticing the enormous size. I am certain that some of the pilgrims have breezed by the tree as they speed their way to Santiago. I am grateful we stopped to listen to this couple even if we could not understand a word they said. It was obvious that they took great pride in this tree.
Tricastela (town of three castles) was an important stop for pilgrims coming down the mountain in ancient times. Today’s pilgrims are treated with the same respect that those of long ago were treated with. In fact at a recent alburque, we were given preference of cyclists who were seeking rooms. There are quarries here that provided the limestone used in the building of Santiago Cathedral. Medieval pilgrims would carry as much limestone as they were able to the limekilns in Casteneda.
There is a pilgrim monument in the town square recognizing this ancient tradition while acknowledging the rebirth of the Camino. Another thing that continues to amaze me is the elaborate irrigation systems that are set up in these villages. Each house seems to have its own garden and a concrete trough runs by and there is a lever that is switched to divert water down the rows of the gardens. Sometimes the water runs under the road only to cross back over to the other side later. We cannot figure out where the source of the water is but it seems that somehow everyone has access to the water.
Most of the villages have a public water fountain where drinking water is gotten from. We usually fill our bottles and dunk our heads (or in some cases have our heads pushed under the icy water). The water is usually free flowing but some fountains have a spigot, and in one case there was a big wheel that you turned to prime the water. However we were seeing more and more fountains with the sign; not potable posted. We stay in a private alburque tonight. Three bunk beds in a room. Again I am lucky enough to get a bottom bunk. This time there is both hot and cold water in the shower and I take two showers. One with my clothes on to wash them and another one after I take my hiking clothes off. There are plastic laundry hangers everywhere and you can usually find the hostels just by watching for colorful laundry in the yard. We are fortunate enough to find a wi-fi zone and are given the key once we buy a drink.
Miles 12.9
June 25 2010
Start: Triacastela
Destination: Sarria
Our foursome went to a threesome today as Mike chose to hike the shorter route and possibly go on in an effort to get an extra day in Santiago. We have hiked the last several days with two ladies from Canada.
Our breaks and sometimes meals are always lively when they are with us. We have chosen to hike the Samos route which is 6.5 kilometers longer but it follows the Oribio River most of the day. We had a thunderstorm move through last night but woke up to blue skies this morning. This path also goes by one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, the Benedictine monastery of Samos. Several times today we had to consult and re consult our guide book as there are several local walks that could get us of the Camino.
We were taking a break today just before lunch at a small cafe when all of a sudden a big Jersey cow sticks her head in the door. The farmer leading the cows up the road called to her in a harsh voice and she ambled away. We reached the city of Sarria around 2:00. The population of this city is 12,000 people and has at least 7 hostels .It has become a major starting point for pilgrims with a limited amount of time but who are anxious to receive a compostela (certificate of completion) in Santiago. They can just barely get in the required 100 kilometers needed for the certificate by starting here. From here the trail will become crowded with new comers. There was cause for celebration today as I went into a cafe bathroom that had toilet paper, soap, toilet seat, towels and running water, all in the same location, and a locking door to boot!
Miles 15.9
June 26 2010
Start: Sarria
Destination: Portomarin
Sometime in the wee hours of the morning I woke up to what sounded like gunshots. A rapid succession of quick pops. I lay there for a few moments waiting for everyone to jump up and start running around, but nothing happened. I thought maybe I had dreamed the noise. As long as I was awake I might as well get up and go to the bathroom. I headed down the hallway towards the bathroom when another round of “pops” started.
The hallway goes past the bathrooms unto a roof top patio where you hang your clothes to dry and has tables and chairs to sit at. I saw some bright flashes of light from the sky and stepped out onto the patio. For the next 45 minutes I was treated to the most spectacular fireworks display I have even seen. I could not have had a better view. After a few more minutes two other ladies joined me and we stood there and watched the display .One thing is the same in any language and that is “oooohhhh and ahhhhh”.
There was a guy that evidently was asleep on one of the loungers and he raised up and watched the show. Here we are standing in our sleep clothes watching the fireworks on a roof top in Spain, having no idea what holiday is being celebrated.
We were on the trail by seven and I got to see my first (and probably last) sunrise in Spain. It looked just like all the other sunrises I have seen and I see no reason to repeat the scenario again getting up that early. Today’s hike was split between quiet country roads and natural pathways. The prevailing smell of cow manure is still everywhere. We had a good amount of shade most of the day. It seemed like the small hamlets blended seamlessly together as we walked. The book said there were not too many places to get food, but we found that in every little hamlet there was an entrepreneur spirit and someone was selling cold drinks or snacks.
We had already walked a ways out of town when we realized that to get to any alburque we would have to walk off the route and into town. We turned around and went back into town. The first place we stopped was full so we walked all the way to the end of town to another alburque. This one is what John lovingly refers to as a “cattle car”. There are 35 bunk beds in one room. Six showers for the women and six for the men and four toilets for each. But the rate is right, 5 Euros.
We actually found a cafe that was advertising hamburgers and decided to try that for supper. The bun was fresh, the patty tasted vaguely like beef and there was the usual slice of tasteless tomato and a leaf of lettuce. Truly an American experience! Thunderclouds have gathered again and we hope the rain passes again through the night!
Miles 14.2
USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds
July 5, 2010
State Conservationist Carlos Suarez has announced that USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will work with local farmers, ranchers, aquaculturists, non-industrial foresters, and other landowners to develop and enhance habitat for birds making their annual migration south towards the Gulf of Mexico. Under the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI), NRCS will partner with producers to manage portions of their land to provide additional food and habitat for migrating birds.
Suarez estimates $200,000 for the initiative in Florida.
“More than 50 million migratory birds traveling south in coming months will instinctively head toward the marshes and coastlands of the northern Gulf of Mexico; including Florida,” said Suarez. “With some marshes and shorelines in Florida already degraded and the potential for larger-scale oil impacts in the coming months, it is essential that we provide inland and coastal food, water, and cover for migratory birds before they reach the oil-impacted areas.”
The initiative encompasses portions of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. NRCS, in cooperation with its conservation partners, has identified priority areas that offer the greatest habitat potential for migrating bird populations. NRCS anticipates improving habitat on up to 100,000 to 150,000 acres throughout the eight states, based on expected producer participation. Based on prior experience, NRCS hopes to see millions of birds coming to rest and feed in the priority areas.
Priority areas in Florida are in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Madison, and Lafayette counties.
“We expect there will be great interest from our farmers and ranchers who want to do something positive to help the migrating birds – not only this fall, but next spring and in subsequent years as well,” said Suarez.
USDA will use conservation programs administered by NRCS and will work with partners, both public and private, to provide a variety of habitats to meet the needs of different species.
Emphasis will be on creating or enhancing habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, including shallow water, mudflat, and sandflat habitats. Of special interest are agricultural lands that contain wetlands farmed under natural conditions and prior converted croplands. Natural wetlands are particularly well-suited for this initiative, as are crayfish farms and other forms of aquaculture.
USDA will deliver this initiative with the support from partners in Florida including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The signup for the initiative will run from June 28 to August 1. Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for additional information. More information is available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/nrcs_migratory_birds.html .
Church News: Bratt Assembly Of God Honors Veterans On The 4th
July 5, 2010
Bratt Assembly of God honored veterans and active duty military personnel associated with the church and church families Sunday, July 4th during their morning worship service.
(Reader submitted church news from Bratt Assembly of God)
Photos of the veterans and active duty military personnel were displayed on the Communion table and each veteran was called forward in recognition of their service.
Family members of deceased veterans and active duty personnel stood in honor of their family member.
The congregation sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “America” and asked God to once again bless America as Shirley Riggs lead the congregation in singing “God Bless America”. Melinda Hollingshead sang “God Bless the USA”. Jim Riggs was the master of ceremonies for the Honorarium, calling the veterans and families to stand and leading the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Bratt Assembly of God has the distinction of having a large number of veterans and active duty military personnel from different age groups and services.
Honored Sunday at Bratt Assembly of God were:
- Leslie Barnes
- Grover Barnes
- Sherman Barnes*
- Larry Godwin*
- Tommy Solomon
- Edward Beasley*
- Dudley Coleman
- Franklin Daw
- I. V. Elliot*
- Seaborn Chavers
- Jack Colbert
- Jim Flowers*
- Talton Godwin
- Gordon Hollingshead*
- James M. Kelly**
- Charles Lowery
- Alton Robbins
- Clarence Phillips*
- James Riggs
- Roger Riggs
- Blake Barnes***
- Nathaniel Cartwright***
- Johnny Lacey***
(*deceased, **killed in action, ***currently serving)
Do you have news from your church you would like to share? Email a href=”mailto:news@northescambia.com”>news@northescambia.com
Century Man Involved In Fatal Milton Crash (Updated Information)
July 4, 2010
A Century man was involved in a traffic crash that killed a motorcycle driver Saturday night in Milton.
Ryan L. Johnson, 23, of Century, was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Diamond Street and Highway 90 in Milton about 9:50 p.m. Johnson then pulled his 2010 Chevrolet C-1500 onto Highway 90 into side of an eastbound 1985 Harley Davidson, ejecting the motorcycle driver onto the pavement, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The motorcycle driver — Frank B. Merritt, 48, of Milton — was transported by ambulance to West Florida Hospital and then to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away Sunday morning.
Johnson and his passengers — Chelsea L. Messer, 24 of Pace; and Hugh Patroni, Jr., 24, of Pace — were not injured in the crash.
The FHP said charges are pending the outcome of a traffic homicide investigation.