Jay High To Hold Talent Show
May 5, 2010
The Annual Jay High School Talent Showcase will be held Thursday night at 6:30 in the Jay High School Auditorium.
There are 20 acts scheduled to perform including singing, dancing, acting, bands, and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Doors open at 5:30. The event is sponsored by FRIENDS, a community organization. Proceeds will benefit a Jay High School student scholarship fund.
Fraud Alert: BP Oil Spill
May 4, 2010
BP Officials want everyone to be aware of scam artists posing as BP contractors, according to Sonya Daniel, Escambia County public information manager.
BP is handling volunteer registration. Anyone interested in helping, should use the toll free number to register, 1-866-448-5816. They do not use contractors to contact or solicit anyone to volunteer for cleanup, Daniel said in a news release.
Training offered by BP and Escambia County is free. There are no fees for classes or registration. The training is for participation in clean up of hazardous materials that may wash ashore.
BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
Vest Carolyn Sharpless
May 4, 2010
Mrs. Vest Carolyn Sharpless, age 89, of Atmore, Ala., died Sunday, May 2, 2010. She was retired from Monsanto, born in Hartfield, Ala. to the late John H. and Maude Childs Melton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex J. Sharpless, a granddaughter, Valisa Paulette Lambert and a son-in-law, L. Jackie Sims.
Mrs. Sharpless is survived by one son, James Lamar Sharpless and wife, Sandra, of Orange Beach, Ala.; two daughters, Gloria Sims of Atmore and Carolyn Lambert and husband, Gerald, of Goodway, Ala.; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Carroll of Pensacola, Fla. and Evelyn Stokes of Mobile, Ala.; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends, Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1:30 p.m. until service time.
Active pallbearers will be David Brown, David Lambert, Joshua Johnson, Greg Sharpless, Scott Sharpless and Mark Sims.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
Northview Baseball Regional Game Rescheduled
May 4, 2010
Tuesday nigh’s baseball game for the Northview Chiefs was rescheduled. The Chiefs will travel to Bonifay Wednesday night at 7:00 in the District 2A Regional tournament.
Byrneville Home Destroyed In Early Morning Fire
May 4, 2010
An early morning fire completely destroyed a Byrneville home.
The fire in the 200 block of Byrneville Road was reported just before 3 a.m. The house was completely involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene. The brick home was gutted by the blaze.
Firefighter said the home had been burning for some length of time before someone noticed the early morning blaze and called for help. The roof of the home had already collapsed by the time they arrived, just minutes after the 911 call.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The occupants of the home were reportedly on vacation at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported.
The Century, McDavid, Molino and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call, along with the Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured above and below: Fire completely destroyed this home in the 200 block of Byrneville Road early Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Arrest Warrants Issued For Woman That Allegedly Faked Prescriptions For Cop
May 4, 2010
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the Atmore woman accused of calling fake prescriptions into a Century pharmacy for an Atmore police officer.
Ashley Megan Nall, 24, of Atmore, hasoutstanding warrants for two felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, according to Sgt. Ted Roy, spokesperson for the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Nall called in prescriptions for Lortab and Keflex to area pharmacies. The prescriptions were then picked up by Ronald Sanford Freeman, 23, of Flomaton. The pair would then split the pills, according to the Sheriff’s Office incident report.
Freeman turned himself in at the Escambia County Jail last Friday on two felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Prior to his arrest, Freeman resigned his position as a police officer in Atmore for “personal reasons”, according to Atmore Police Chief Jason Dean.
Nall was employed by Dr. Francis Salter of Atmore, and she is Salter’s granddaughter, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Two such prescriptions were called in to the Century Pharmacy and filled on February 5 and March 5. Both were in Ronald Freeman’s name, and both were for 90 Lortab pills, according to the ECSO report. When Century Pharmacy received another call-in prescription on April 19 for 90 Lortabs and 20 Keflex, they became suspicious and called Dr. Salter to verify that she had issued the prescription. When Dr. Salter said that she did not issue the prescriptions and that Freeman was not her patient, the sheriff’s department was contacted.
To read more about the case and Freeman’s arrest, click here for an earlier story.
Anyone with information about Nall’s whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or their local law enforcement agency.
Apply For Oil Cleanup Jobs Wednesday In Century, Pensacola
May 4, 2010
Hundreds of people are expected Wednesday as Workforce Escarosa holds hiring events in Century and Pensacola for oil cleanup jobs that pay up to $18 per hour.
Advanced Employment Solutions (AES), a Texas based workforce development and talent acquisition company, is estimating the need for 500 people to fill positions such as general laborers, crew leaders, site supervisors, site safety representatives and lead safety representatives.
Century’s hiring event was scheduled for the Workforce Escarosa Century One-Stop at 8120 North Century Boulevard. However, Workforce Escarosa will be using the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4 (by the nursing home) for screening interviews due to the large number of people expected.
AES General Manager James Fries said the duration of the jobs will depend upon the amount of damage and the cleanup time, however he predicts the process will take between 3-18 months. Positions will range from $10 to $18 an hour and may involve extensive travel depending on the landfall of the spill.
Hiring events will be held as follows:
Century
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Workforce Escarosa
Century One-Stop
8120 North Century Boulevard
(850) 256-6259
Pensacola
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Workforce Escarosa
3670-A North L Street
(850) 607-8700
Job seekers attending the events must have a proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid driver’s license, proof of any relevant certifications (such as HAZWOPER and TWIC certifications).
Individuals interested in the employment opportunities can view a full job description by logging on to the Employ Florida Marketplace, the State of Florida’s online job search portal, at www.employflorida.com and search for job order numbers 9481666, 9481677, 9481703, 9481718, and 9481331.
Man Charged With Buying Stolen Chevron Parts With Drugs
May 4, 2010
A Brewton man has been arrested in Mississippi, charged with using the painkiller Oxycontin to pay for parts stolen from the Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula. Some of the items were then reportedly sold to businesses in Escambia County, Florida.
Memphis Shane Riddle, 39, was charged with embezzlement after turning himself in. He was released from the Jackson County (Miss.) Jail on $5,000 bond.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said as much as half million dollars worth of stainless steel fittings may have been stolen over a five year period. When several other subcontractor employees were arrested in connection with the actual thefts, they named Riddle as the man that gave them Oxycontin, a powerful painkiller, in exchange for the parts, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Riddle was an employee of a Louisiana-based subcontractor working at the refinery.
Traffic Watch: Paving Begins On Hwy 29, Continues On Hwy 97
May 4, 2010
It will be the week of orange traffic cones and delays as paving gets underway on Highway 29 and continues on Highway 97.
Paving operations will begin this week on Highway 29 from Highway 97 to north of Pine Barren Road. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures for the next three weeks as crews pave the roadway, turn lanes and median opening. Drivers are reminded to use caution, obey the posted speed limit, and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The 4.55 mile stretch of Highway 29 has a price tag of $3,986,342, funded with federal stimulus dollars. The entire project is due to be complete by August.
Meanwhile, the resurfacing operation is expected to continue Tuesday on Highway 97. Crews are currently working north of Molino Park Elementary School.
The work is part of the $5.7 million resurfacing project on Highway 97 from Highway 95A to the Alabama state line. The 22 mile project is scheduled to be complete in the fall.
Latest Oil Spill Update
May 4, 2010
Here is the latest update on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill:
Federal Actions
- Congressman Jeff Miller addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center on Monday.
- The congressman flew over the oil spill off Mobile on Monday.
- The President has been asked to put emergency supplemental resources in place.
- BP is the company of record responsible for the payment of this disaster.
- Congressman Miller will ask BP to put an escrow account in place, with a substantial amount of funds that can be drawn against.
- On May 2, NOAA restricted fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. Effective immediately. Details: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
State of Florida
- Governor will be at the EOC tomorrow.
- CFO Alex Sink also addressed staff and media at a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center Monday.
- The state reserve is at $200 million.
- Businesses are asked to track all expenses for reimbursements later due to property damage.
- Ms. Sink will call upon the federal Small Business Administration to make grants and loans available, and the state emergency fund to make funds available for the marine and tourism businesses.
- County Commissioners and staff participated in a DEP briefing with Governor Charlie Crist on Saturday, May 1.
- A state of emergency was declared by Governor Crist on Friday, April 30.
- The state emergency operations center has activated to a level 2.
Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff
- Escambia County, Florida beaches remain open at this time.
- In the Monday morning press conference, Commission Chairman Grover C. Robinson IV expressed to staff and media that Escambia County is doing everything possible to respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.
- The volunteer pre-cleanups on Sunday had 600 at Pensacola Beach and 350 at Perdido Key.
- Escambia County ordered 20,000 linear feet of boom for staging as gaps are identified.
- Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
- VeruTEK Technologies demonstrated an environmentally friendly solution that helps break up the oil to PBS&J, one of Escambia County’s contractors. The next step is for the company to present this to Unified Command as an option for oil spill cleanup.
- SRIA lifeguards began a 24/7 watch for oil approaching the shoreline, Sunday, May 2.
- The EOC remains at level 2 activation. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.
- Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are being held daily.
- Pre-qualified contractors and consultants are coordinating with county staff on the disaster response.
- Environmental staff is continuing assessments of pre-oil spill conditions and performing aerial assessment.
- Public Works staff is conducting a pre-assessment of roadways and parking areas near water access points, in the event of damages during long term recovery.
- Environmental staff are confirming pre-assessments on air and water quality, and identifying any gaps.
- County officials continue working through state and federal channels to establish a process for resources and equipment.
- Proactive efforts continue as contractors work to place deflective boom, large floating barriers that help contain floating oil, around sensitive shorelines in Escambia County.
- Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
- County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff are mapping the locations to determine the amount of boom that is still needed.
- County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Escambia County Health Department on health and safety information.
- The Perdido Landfill coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is prepared to accept oil contaminated sand and materials from commercial haulers.
- Emergency management has been in contact with the Visitor’s Information Center to encourage businesses to track losses.
- A local state of emergency was declared by the Board of County Commissioners at an emergency meeting at 2 p.m. Friday, April 30.
- The emergency operation center activated to a level 2 on Saturday, May 1.
Santa Rosa Island Authority
- SRIA, Escambia County, DEP and BP officials held a meeting with concerned residents and business owners at Pensacola Beach Community Church.
- SRIA will hold an emergency board meeting Monday at 5 p.m. to discuss the disaster response.
City of Pensacola
- The City of Pensacola will hold a special city council meeting Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m.
- The City of Pensacola has not spent any monies yet.
- The city has pledged its port, staff and resources to handle issues as they arise.
- The city will do everything possible to protect Bayou Texar and Bayou Chico.
BP Actions
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State) who is contracted by British Petroleum to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. The service recognizes Tri-State’s expertise in wildlife oil spill response, and while many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing their assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you already have wildlife training, call BP with 1-866-557-1401.
- 19,000 ft. of boom was placed today in Escambia County.
- 30,000 ft. of boom are on order.
Volunteer Opportunities & Training
- Approximately 100 volunteers were trained at BP’s two 4-hour health and safety training classes held today.
- All BP health and safety training classes are currently full. New classes are being posted. If you are on a waiting list, you will be notified.
- This is for the health and safety training for handling petroleum contaminated materials. This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.
Safety Messages
- Wildlife
- Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can cause additional injuries.
- If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife hotline at 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.
- May is the hatching season for many birds and reptiles. Please use the toll free number above.
- Boats
- Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms. Do not drive boats over any booms.
- Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.
- Beaches and Waterways
- Residents should NOT to place any materials on the beach, such as pine straw.
- Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
- Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.
- Personal Safety (if areas are affected by oil)
- Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area immediately.
- Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
- Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately 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.
- Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
- Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
- Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
- Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.
Businesses Information
- The Vessels of Opportunities Program is looking to contract shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf of Mexico. Call 281-366-5511.
- BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 800-440-0858. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
- If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, there is an additional avenue for assistance available through the Coast Guard once BP has finalized your claim. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
- More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
- To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
- Businesses, including hoteliers, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.
Citizen Information
- The Citizen Information Center phone is open for questions from residents, 850-471-6600.
Contact Numbers
- Volunteer Hotline: 1-866-448-5816
- Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
- MI Swaco hotline: 888-318-6765
- BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
- BP family hotline: 281-366-5578
- BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578