Warmer Today, Rain During The Weekend
December 10, 2010
Today’s weather is looking a bit more seasonal, with highs climbing into the 60’s with sunny skies. Clouds will increase on Saturday, and a passing cold front will bring rain for Saturday night.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a north wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
Pictured above: A colorful sunset Thursday evening in Bratt. Submitted photo by Ramona Fischer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
United Way Raises $2.4 Million
December 10, 2010
The United Way of Escambia County announced announced Thursday that it has raised $2.4 million, exceeding their goal for 2010-2011.
Based on reports from 325 of about 377 participating workplace campaigns, the projected total is $2.4 million. The projected total surpasses the goal of $2,370,000 and is an increase of 3.8 percent over last year’s total of $2,311,000, United Way said in a news release.
“We are excited to celebrate victory today with so many people who make this Campaign possible every year,” said Jean Norman, president/CEO of United Way of Escambia County. “We were especially blessed to have a visionary Campaign leadership team, including Chair Jim Donatelli of Regions Bank. Inspired by Jim’s leadership and strategies, volunteers took campaign to a new level this year, and I think we will see that trend continue for years to come.”
At the celebration, United Way recognized schools, organizations and businesses that went above and beyond with their fundraising efforts. The Spirit of Giving Award winners are:
COMPANIES:
- Under 40 employees: Advantage Staffing
- 40-99 employees: Council on Aging of West Florida
- 100-399 employees: Pall Life Sciences Inc.
- 400 + employees: Ascend Performance Materials
SCHOOLS:
- Elementary School Division: Blue Angels Elementary School
- Middle School Division: Ransom Middle School (winner for 4th consecutive year)
- High School Division: Pensacola High School (winner for 8th consecutive year)
- Support Services Department Division: Custodial Services and Maintenance Department
- Special Center Division: Judy Andrews Center
Josh Broxson of Rodney Rich & Co. was named Loaned Executive of the Year for his conscientious volunteerism and outstanding communication throughout the campaign. Coordinator of the Year Awards were presented to Teresa Myrick (Ascend Performance Materials), Natasha Reynolds (City of Pensacola), Janice Bozant (Covenant Hospice) the Virginia College Campaign Team, and Jim Beagle (School District Custodial Services and Maintenance Department).
Undesignated funds from the 2010-2011 campaign will be allocated by a volunteer committee of United Way donors. Funded programs will be announced in April 2011, and funds will be allocated monthly between July 2010 and June 2011. United Way invites any donor to become a funds distribution volunteer by calling United Way at 444-7140.
United Way of Escambia County also will send designated funding to an estimated 75 nonprofit agencies as directed by the donor.
There is still time to help in the effort to advance the common good and improve conditions for all Escambia County residents. To make a pledge to United Way of Escambia County, call 444-7145 or visit www.UnitedWayEscambia.org.
Deputies Seek Walnut Hill Man On Felony Warrants
December 10, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a Walnut Hill man wanted on outstanding felony warrants.
Floyd Scott Mooney, Jr., 39, has three warrants for violating a domestic violence injunction, including two charges related to aggravated stalking, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Floyd Scott Mooney is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620. Callers to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.
North Hwy 99 Closed In Oak Grove For About 30 Days
December 9, 2010
The bridge over Pine Barren Creek on North Highway 99 was closed to traffic Thursday afternoon after a routine inspection revealed a structural problem.
The bridge is located at the Oak Grove Park, just north of Gobbler Road. Escambia County’s recommended north/south detour is Gobbler Road and Still Road. Preliminary estimates are that repairs will take about 30 days, according to Sonya Daniel, Escambia County public information manager.
The roadway is heavily traveled and is a primary route for school traffic to and from Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High schools.
Pictured above: And Escambia County Road Department crew closed the North Highway 99 bridge over Pine Barren Creek late Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Basketball Player, 13, Airlifted After Game Injury
December 9, 2010
A 13-year old Ernest Ward Middle School girls basketball player was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after suffering an apparent head injury during a Thursday night game.
Brianna Parker was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. She was released from the hospital Thursday night after being treated for a concussion.
Pictured above: LifeFlight lands at the Walnut Hill Fire Station to transport an injured Ernest Ward Middle School girls basketball player. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cold Again Tonight; Warmer And Rain For The Weekend
December 9, 2010
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a north wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 26.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Gov. May Not Sign Legislation Stopping Septic Tank Inspections
December 9, 2010
A six-month delay of new requirements that septic tanks be inspected will have to be signed by January 1, when current law calls for the required every-five-years checks to begin. But Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that he has not decided whether or not he will sign the lone piece of new legislation to emerge from last month’s special session that saw lawmakers override several of his vetoes.
That means Crist, who will remain in office until January 4, would likely be the governor who will act on the bill, not Gov.-elect Rick Scott, though the measure hasn’t been sent to him yet. Crist told reporters Wednesday he had not made a final decision.
“If it improves the quality of life for our people, than I’ll support it,” he said after signing an unrelated bill. “If it doesn’t, then I won’t. It’s that simple.” Crist said he was looking forward to reviewing the bill when he received it.
Lawmakers were forced to pass new legislation to delay the septic tank inspections because Crist signed the measure that included it in the spring.
On another big water issue, the soon-to-be ex-governor was also vague. Crist said did not yet have an opinion on outgoing Attorney General Bill McCollum and Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson’s lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over recently announced numeric nutrient limits for state bodies of water.
“The courts will make a decision about the appropriateness of it,” Crist said. Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Wednesday he was not particularly worried about a Crist veto. “If he vetoed it, I guess we’d try to override it,” he said.
Poarch Creek Indians Donate $1.6 Million To Help Area Schools
December 9, 2010
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced donations well over $1 million to Atmore area schools Wednesday and the establishment of a fund that could benefit schools in North Escambia.
Donations were made to the following Atmore area schools:
- Escambia County High School/Escambia County Middle School $687,360
- Rachel Patterson Elementary $78,000
- A.C. Moore School $112,547
- Huxford Elementary $337,000
- Escambia Academy $311,500
- Atmore Christian School $100,000.
The remaining $350,000 is in an education endowment and other schools in the surrounding communities will have the opportunity to solicit these funds for various educational needs. Schools in North Escambia are eligible to seek a portion of the $350,000, according to Sharon Delmar, spokesperson for the Tribe.
“Part of being a good neighbor is helping out others in need. Education is the bedrock of productive successful lives for these youngsters; we are happy and proud to be able to make this contribution to their future today,” said Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin. The presentation was made during a special ceremony held Wednesday at Escambia County High School in Atmore.
School personnel had an opportunity to provide a list of needs that were used in formulating the donation amounts.
Also Wednesday, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated $10,000 to the United Fund of Atmore.
“The United Fund of Atmore is so very thankful for the generosity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Without the help of Poarch and other donors the agencies that United Fund supports would definitely suffer and in some cases not be able to function,” said Atmore United Fund Vice President Lee Ann Allen said. “We are truly grateful.”
The $10,000 donation helped move the United Fund of Atmore closer toward their $50,000 goal for 2011.
Man Accused Of Stealing, And Then Taking Drug Test
December 9, 2010
A man is accused of stealing a $29 drug test from a Century pharmacy before being arrested on outstanding warrants in Flomaton.
The store manager at the CVS Pharmacy on North Century Boulevard reported that a man had asked to see the “drug tests” and had ran from the store with a First Check drug test in his coat pocket. He fled the store in a white vehicle headed north toward Flomaton.
The vehicle was determined to be at an address on Roosevelt Street in Flomaton. The Flomaton Police Department and deputies from the Escambia Count (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office responded to the home where they made contact with Adam Lee Kornegay, 31. Kornegay was recognizable to deputies from the surveillance video at the CVS, according to a Sheriff’s Office report.
Kornegay admitted to taking the drug test, and the package wrappers were visible in his kitchen trash. He was taken into custody by the Flomaton Police Department on outstanding failure to appear and theft charges in Alabama. He was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. A warrant for his arrest is being pursued for the alleged theft of the drug test.
The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriffs’ Office report does not specify if the drug test results were positive or negative.
Dog Dies During 2.5 Hour Wait For Animal Control Help
December 9, 2010
A dog died on a Century street Wednesday morning as an Escambia County deputy stood by, waiting over two hours for an animal control officer to arrive.
A NorthEscambia.com reader contacted us wanting to know why it took over two hours for the county’s animal control officer to respond. Here’s what we found.
A resident of Jefferson Avenue reported that the dog was loose and appeared to have been hit by a car at 6:24 a.m., according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office dispatch logs. A deputy arrived on scene, located the pit bull and requested, per protocol, that Escambia County Animal Control respond.
The deputy requested an estimated time of arrival for the animal control officer, including at 8:32 a.m. Sheriff’s Office dispatchers were advised at that time that the animal control officer would arrive in another 45 minutes.
At 8:33 a.m., according to the dispatch logs, the deputy advised dispatchers that the dog was dead.
“The dog was picked up at nine,” according to Sonya Daniel, public information manager for Escambia County. She said animal control received the call from the Sheriff’s Office at 6:30 a.m. and it was relayed to the on-call officer — the only officer assigned to the Century area — by 7 a.m. The animal control officer removed the dog from the roadside at 9 a.m.
“It turns out that he had other calls with Century, and he prioritized these calls,” Daniel said. “He responded but he prioritized it.”