No Injuries In Saturday Highway 97 Crash (With Photos)
August 29, 2010
There were no injuries reported in a two vehicle accident Saturday afternoon on Highway 97. The accident happened about 1:15 p.m. near Gibson Road when the driver of a car apparently rear ended a pickup truck. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call. The accident was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details were not available. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools To Host Open Houses (With Schedule)
August 29, 2010
Open houses have been scheduled for Escambia County Schools.
Open house for all Escambia County high schools will be held on Tuesday, September 14, at 6 p.m.
Open house for middle schools will be held on Thursday, September 16, at 6 p.m. Exceptions in the start time only include Bailey Middle School, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., and Warrington Middle School will begin at 5 p.m.
Elementary Open House will be held as follows:
- Bratt: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Jim Allen: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Molino Park: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Bellview: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Beulah: Grades 3-5, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 9; grades K-2, 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Spencer Bibbs: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Blue Angels: Grades K-2, 5 to 5:45 p.m. Sept. 23; grades 3-5, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Brentwood: 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Hellen Caro: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 23.
- N.B. Cook: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Cordova Park: Grades K-2, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 23; grades 3-5, 6 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Ensley: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Ferry Pass: Grades K-2, 6 p.m. Sept. 23; grades 3-5, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Hallmark: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Holm: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Lincoln Park: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Lipscomb: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Longleaf: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- McArthur: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- McMillian: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Montclair: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Myrtle Grove: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Navy Point: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Oakcrest: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Pleasant Grove: Grades K-2, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 9; grades 3-5, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
- Scenic Heights: Grades K-2, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 23; grades 3-5, 6:15 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
- O.J. Semmes: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Sherwood: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Suter: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Warrington: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23.
- Weis: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- West Pensacola: 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9.
- Westgate: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
- Allie Yniestra: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23.
Joel C. Burg Graduates From Basic Training
August 29, 2010
Air Force Airman Joel C. Burg has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Paul and Deborah Burg of Cantonment. Burg is a 2009 graduate of Tate High School, Cantonment.
Good News At The Pump
August 29, 2010
Gas prices nationwide have dropped to an 11-month low on news from the Energy Department that U.S. stockpiles are higher than forecast. That has translated to lower prices at the pumps in the North Escambia area.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the Pensacola market is at $2.55, down from $2.65 one month ago.
AAA is forecasting the lower price at the pump will bring about a four percent increase in Labor Day travel in Florida next weekend.
Pictured: The price was a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.48 at this station at the corner of West Roberts Road and Highway 29 earlier this week. But Saturday, the price had dropped another penny. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Alfredo Sauce Spinach Pizza
August 29, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is an Alfredo Sauce Spinach Pizza that the whole family with love. It’s a homemade version of a restaurant favorite with a special blend of spinach, Alfredo sauce and cheese.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Escambia United Way Announces ‘Big Hairy Goal’
August 29, 2010
The United Way of Escambia County has announced its “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” and a new three-year strategic plan.
“Our Big Hairy Audacious Goal, also known as our vision statement, is to be a recognized leader in mobilizing the community to achieve bold goals in education, financial stability and health,” said Jean Norman, United Way of Escambia County president and CEO.
United Way of Escambia County’s staff and Board of Directors earlier this year developed and adopted a new three-year strategic plan to strategize for further growth and more focused emphasis on the three priorities. The annual meeting allowed United Way to thank community partners and volunteers for their increasing support and participation. During the height of the nation’s worst economic recession in decades, financial giving to United Way of Escambia County was up four percent over the previous year.
The following awards were presented to three individuals and one partner non-profit agency for exemplary support of the United Way mission during the past year:
- Rayell Irish “Color a Brighter World” Award: Presented to Marsha Travis, director of residential programs, FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, for her dedication over 26 years to saving and changing lives. This award is in memory of Rayell Irish, a former United Way employee and active philanthropist.
- Partner Agency of the Year: Presented to The Salvation Army for outstanding partnership to meet basic needs and address the reasons for the need in the first place.
- United Way Service Award: Presented to Michael Thornton, managing partner of Brown Thornton Pacenta & Company, P.As, for outstanding service and leadership as champion of the United Way Financial Stability Coalition.
- Distinguished Community Service Award: Presented to Skip Housh, advocacy chair for United Way of Escambia County, for passionate and persistent advocacy on behalf of children. The Distinguished Community Service Award is the highest honor the United Way of Escambia County Board of Directors can bestow.
Doris Young, vice president of Cox Media and the 2010-2011 United Way Board of Directors Chair, ended the group’s annual meeting by challenging all in attendance to step up their efforts and become year-round ambassadors for United Way and its partner agencies. To become involved with United Way or learn more, call (850) 434-3157 or e-mail info@unitedwayescambia.org.
Driver Avoids Falling Tree, Snaps Power Pole
August 28, 2010
A driver attempting to avoid colliding with a falling tree clipped a power pole Saturday evening in Cantonment.
The accident happened about 6:30 on Highway 95A about a quarter mile south Archer Road. The driver, who was not injured, told authorities that he was trying to avoid the falling tree when he hit the power pole, snapping the pole. The collision brought down power lines on both Highway 95A and Pauline Street.
An unknown number of Gulf Power customers lost power as the pole was being repaired.
The accident was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Flash Flood Watch Until Monday
August 28, 2010
There is a flash flood watch in effect for the North Escambia area all the way through Monday afternoon.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 1am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 75. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Sunday: Periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 82. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph becoming north. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 92.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 92.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
- Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 92.
Dogs Allegedly Abandoned By Fireman Have Been Found In Good Shape
August 28, 2010
The three dogs allegedly abandoned this week by a Century fireman have been found.
The dogs were found on Highway 4 near Bratt Road, not far from Northview High School, and returned to their owners. The owner said all three were checked out by a veterinarian and are fine.
The fireman told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he abandoned the dogs on Highway 4A at Pine Barren Road.
For more on this story, click here.
ECUA’S New Wastewater Plant Scheduled To Begin Operations Monday
August 28, 2010
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s new Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment is scheduled to begin operations on Monday.
The first wastewater flow through the $320 million facility will come about six years after Hurricane Ivan’s devastating impact on Northwest Florida and the ECUA’s Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The CWRF has been designated as an AWT (advanced wastewater treatment) facility, meaning it will produce effluent of a very high quality, which will be disinfected to the level required for unrestricted exposure to the public.
All of the reclaimed water from the plant will be reused, eliminating any potential surface water discharge, according to ECUA. Unique safety design features were included in the state-of-the-art plant; the CWRF is constructed to withstand category 5 hurricane force winds of up to 190 mph and the site is a minimum of 50 feet above sea level, removing it from any potential flood issues.
Unlike most new construction projects of this size, the ECUA was able to complete the $320 million replacement project under budget, and on-time, in about five years. Steve Sorrell, ECUA’s executive director says, “The secret to the success of CWRF project is teamwork and a visionary Board of Directors. The ECUA board focused on the big picture and the needs of the community, putting aside political issues.
My team was allowed to manage the project’s day-to-day operation, allowing us to act with the efficiency of a private organization, keeping the process moving without having to get approvals in advance.”
ECUA engineers have already completed pressure testing and cleaning of the new transmission lines and the three new regional pumping stations. During the week of August 23, ECUA pumped clean water through the system to conduct the final process checkout.
Start-up of the CWRF will begin on Monday, August 30. It will then take a few months before the entire system is fully functional, but it’s expected that all flow will be diverted from the Main Street Plant by January 2011.
The initial start-up includes bringing “seed sludge” from other ECUA facilities to start feeding the biological treatment process, much like a bread starter, according to ECUA.
Once the treatment system is ready, wastewater flow will be diverted from the Main Street Plant and pumped to the CWRF. The rate at which the diversion flow is increased will be determined by how quickly the biological treatment is operating in its new environment at the CWRF. All reclaimed water from the CWRF will go directly to area industries — Gulf Power and International Paper — for use in their industrial processes. When not reused by industry, effluent will be disposed of on spray fields at the plant’s site.
The funding for the project came from five sources and is the largest public works project in Escambia County’s history.
“In this era of financial constraints, the project has been an economic catalyst, stimulating positive income growth and job opportunities for the Northwest Florida area,” Sorrell said.