Rain Overnight; River Flood Warnings Continue
January 23, 2010
A few strong thunderstorms are possible overnight in the North Escambia area. The rain should clear the area by Monday, as a cold front will move in slightly cooler air for next week.
Flood warnings are in effect for the Perdido River and the Escambia River in North Escambia (see below forecast).Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
- Tonight: Isolated rain showers in the evening…then widespread rain showers and scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
- Sunday: Widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms in the morning…then numerous showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 70. South winds 5 to 10 mph becoming 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
- Sunday Night: Cooler. Mostly cloudy in the evening then clearing. Chance of rain showers in the evening…then slight chance of rain showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of showers 40 percent.
- Monday: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds 10 to 15 mph becoming 5 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows 35 to 40.
- Thursday: Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the mid 60s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Thursday Night: Not as cool. Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Friday: Cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Friday Night: Colder. Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Saturday: Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs 53 to 58. Chance of showers 20 percent.
RIVER FLOOD WARNINGS
A flood warning extended until Sunday morning for the Perdido River near Barrineau Park. At 7 p.m. Friday the stage was 17.3 feet. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 13 feet; the river will continue rising to near 17.3 feet by after midnight tomorrow. The river will fall below flood stage Sunday morning. At 17.5 feet, water will be in the first floor of Adventures Unlimited office building.
The flood warning continues for the Escambia River near Century until further notice. A 8 p.m. Friday the stage was 18.6 feet. <inor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 17 feet. The river will continue rising to near 18.8 feet by tomorrow evening then begin falling. At 19 feet, low lying pastures will flood and cattle should be moved to higher ground.
Latest Road Closure Update
January 22, 2010
(Updated 3:30 p.m. 1/23) Here’s the latest update from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on roads that are closed due to flooding.
The following Escambia County roads were closed as of early Saturday afternoon:
- Cotton Lake Road – from last house on road going east to the river
- Hwy 196 (Barrineau Park Road) – from the Railroad Track to the Perdido River Bridge
The following Santa Rosa County roads were closed as of early Saturday afternoon:
- Gin Road Bridge over Thomas Creek in Chumuckla
- The bridge on Indian Ford Road over Juniper Creek in Munson
- Coldwater Bridge at Springhill Road in Springhill
- Jones Bridge on Walling Road in Walling
- Bryant Bridge Road near Harold
- Deaton Bridge Harold
- Jernigan Bridge on Gordon Land Road over Coldwater Creek at the Horse Stables in Berrydale
- All three bridges on Red Rock Road in Springhill
The following Escambia County roads have reopened:
- Pineville Road – between Highway 97-A and Ryals Lane
- Occie Phillips Road – between end of pavement off Hwy 97-A and Pineville Road
- Lambert Bridge Road – from the bridge to Velor Road
- Carnley Road – dirt portion from Fannie Road to the Alabama stateline
- Rocky Branch Road – starting ¼ mile North of Quintette Road to end
- Rigby Road – between Still Road and Highway 4
- Pin Oak Lane – Highway 29 to east end
- Wingfoot Way – between Rolling Hills Road & Diamond Dairy Road
The following Santa Rosa County roads have reopened:
- Hamilton Bridge Road at Pond Creek is open with hazards
- Wolfe Creek Bridge on Springhill Road in Springhill
- Allentown Road west of Central School is open
Bud Day Backs Evers
January 22, 2010
Veterans activist George “Bud” Day, a retired air force colonel well known for his local and national support of veterans issues, has announced his endorsement of Rep. Greg Evers’ for the state Senate seat in District 2.
“As a Representative, Greg Evers has been a champion for the families of Northwest Florida,” said Colonel Day in a press release from Evers’ campaign. “He has stood up to Big Business to protect our Second Amendment rights and he has fought to support our military bases and the families who live and work in the area. I give my endorsement of Greg with the full confidence that he will serve our district in the Florida Senate doing all he can for our community.”
“Colonel Day is a hero in every sense of the word,” Evers said in the release. “It is an honor to have the support of a man who has done so much for our great nation. And, I am committed to continuing to advocate for the unique needs of our Northwest Florida military families and to protect the military bases that are so critical to our community.”
Senate District 2, which includes Holmes and Washington and parts of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties, is being vacated by term-limited Senator Durrell Peaden, Jr. from Crestview.
Evers’ release highlighted his sponsorship and support of “the strongest military base land use protection bill in Florida history, as well as legislation that helps military spouses more easily conduct family business when their loved ones are deployed overseas or stationed out of state”.
“As a Senator, I will continue to fight for the unique needs of military families,” said Evers. “I will also keep working to protect the longevity and key national importance of Eglin Air Force Base, NAS Pensacola, Tyndall Air Force Base, NAS Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field. Members of our military and their families are critically important to all of us in Northwest Florida, and I will continue to keep their needs and interests a top priority in Tallahassee.”
Day is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and command pilot who served in active service in World War II and the Vietnam War. Shot down in an air strike in North Vietnam, he was a prisoner of war for five years and seven months during which time he shared a cell with U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ). He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received nearly 70 decorations, a majority for actions in combat.
Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Evers currently represents Florida House District 1, which includes the northern parts of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. He is a farmer and small businessman who was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2001 and was subsequently re-elected.
Pictured: State Rep. Greg Evers (left) has been endorsed by George “Bud” Day, a highly decorated retired Air Force Colonel. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Library Director Asks For Public’s Support For New Molino Branch
January 22, 2010
The director of the West Florida Library is asking the public to push our local legislative delegation to work to fund a new library in Molino.
Last year, Escambia County purchased the old Molino School on Highway 95A for $400,000 for a library, community center and perhaps a museum. The county has budgeted funds toward the renovations, but additional funding is needed to complete the library.
In 2007, the county applied for a $500,000 state library construction grant. That 2007 application was ranked number two for funding among 23 applicants; but, the Florida Legislature did not fund any applicants. The county has already committed $510,408 in matching local option sales tax funds toward the $1,010,408 total library cost. The same application was again re-submitted in 2008 and ranked number three, but due to funding constraints, the Legislature did not fund any projects. The county has submitted the grant request a third time.
“This $500,000 is vitally important for the construction of the library and the furnishings inside,” Gene Fischer, director of the West Florida Library wrote in an email sent Thursday to library supporters. Fisher asked in the email that supporters contact members of the legislative delegation and encourage them to approve the funding this year.
Escambia County currently does not have a library between the Tryon Library, located on Langley Avenue a short distance from Sacred Heart Hospital, and the Century Branch Library — a distance of about 40 miles. Fischer said that library supporters have tried for 12 years to locate a library in the middle portion of the county.
“This is an opportunity to fulfill that need,” he wrote. “Please let the legislators know that this construction is not only to support formal and informal education, but it is also an economic stimulus to the ailing state construction industry.”
The grant, if awarded by the legislature, would require the county to use the facility as a library in Molino for a minimum of 20 years.
Contact information for the local legislative delegation is in the comments section below.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Allison Woodfin Named Junior Miss EWMS Tonight
January 22, 2010
Allison Woodfin was named Junior Miss EWMS tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School.
We will have photos from tonight online shortly, and we will have a complete story and photo gallery Saturday morning.
For a preview photo gallery, click here.
Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge
Miss Autumn Ates
Age 13, 7th Grade
Autumn has received several awards including first grade highest academic average, A Honor Roll, second grade good citizenship, fifth grade achievement for accelerated reading, President’s Education Awards program signed by the President, good citizenship, writing award, A and B honor roll, 6th grade A and B honor roll, most outstanding award in Workforce Education, Top Gun Award, and 2nd place award in track. Her past activities include softball, track, and cheerleading. She enjoys swimming, cheerleading, softball, and art. She plans to graduate high school and go to college. After college, she plans to get married and start a family.
Miss Kaitlyn Abbott
Age 12, 6th Grade
Kaitlyn is a member of the EWMS volleyball and basketball teams. She is also a member of the Future Farmers of America, Student Government Association, and yearbook staff. Kaitlyn was the 2009 South Mississippi Sweetheart Beauty Queen and placed first in both the Dance Twirl and Beauty in Costume Divisions. She ranked top four in the EWMS Talent Show. She competed in the 2009 Spring Fling pageant and placed first runner-up. She also placed first in the Spring Fling twirling competition in both Dance Twirl and Rythmn Twirl. Kaitlyn was the 2009 Twirltacular Extravaganza team leader and place first. She also place first in the Twirltacular Basic Strut, Military Strut, and Grand Championship. Kaitlyn enjoys baton twirling, dancing, playing the piano, and entertaining her three little sisters. She plans to go to college and become a pediatrician.
Miss Victoria Wright
Age 14, 8th Grade
Victoria is a member of the EWMS yearbook staff and newspaper staff. She is president of the Honor Society and vice-president of the Student Government Association. She is also a member of the EWMS band. She has received 13 awards in the last year for outstanding work and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Victoria won the Patriots Pen essay contest through the VFW Post 7016 in Atmore, Alabama two years running. She made the girls U13 state soccer team in Ohio as first draft center mid. She also received third place in a Robotics competition. She enjoys soccer, hanging out with her friends, shopping, and duct tape. She plans to attend college and play soccer on the college level.
Miss Laurie Purdy
Age 11, 6th Grade
Laurie enjoys softball, swimming, and tennis. In fifth grade, Laurie received an award for perfect attendance. Laurie also enjoys reading, playing with bugs and worms, and collecting green things. She plans to go to college and become a veterinarian.
Miss Alexis Walston
Age 11, 6th Grade
Alexis has participated in baton, ballet, and tee ball. She has participated in both the Cinderella and Strawberry pageants. In the past year, Laurie has participated in softball, cheerleading, and band. She has received awards for Student of the Month and best behavior. She enjoys gymnastics, reading books, cheering, and dancing. She plans to go to college at the University of Florida.
Miss Kachanne Thomas
Age 14, 8th Grade
Kachanne enjoys cheerleading, volleyball, and softball. She has placed first and second in beauty pageants in the past and was named homecoming first runner-up at age 12. She plans to graduate high school and go to college. After college, she plans to get married and start a family.
Miss Ariel Walters
Age 14, 7th Grade
Ariel is a member of the EWMS chorus. She enjoys attending school and going to church. Ariel also enjoys singing, joking, and hanging out with friends and family. She loves animals and plans to be a veterinarian.
Miss Allison Woodfin
Age 12, 6th Grade
Allison is a member of the EWMS Future Farmers of America, Lady Eagles basketball team, Molino recreation softball and Walnut Hill Baptist Church youth group. She has received awards for A and B honor roll, perfect attendance, and citizenship. She was a member of the first place Sunshine Math Competition Team for Molino Park and received the Sons of American Revolution Good Citizenship Award. She enjoys scrapbooking, fishing, riding four-wheelers, playing Wii games, and shopping with friends. She plans to attend the University of West Florida to become a physical therapist.
Miss Kendal Cobb
Age 12, 7th Grade
Kendal is a member of the EWMS cheerleading squad. She has been a member of the yearbook staff for two years, a member of the Student Government Association for one year, and a member of Angie Shelly’s Twirl Time for six years. Kendal was the 2009 Miss Bambino. She is a member of Faith Bible Baptist Church. She participates in NWE softball and all-stars. She enjoys hunting, fishing, softball, golf, twirling, and cheering. She plans to go to college at the University of Alabama and become a pediatrician.
Miss Karmen Watson
Age 13, 8th Grade
Karmen is a member of the EWMS swim team and track team. She is a member of the Future Farmers of America and is also a member of the Atmore First Baptist Church youth group. She enjoys dirt bikes, being creative with photography, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. She plans to attend school in New York City and to pursue a career in the field of model photography.
Miss Morgan Ward
Age 12, 7th Grade
Morgan is a member of the EWMS Student Government Association, Honor Society, and swim team. She was the 2009-2010 winner of the EWMS Talent Show. She has been a member of the Eagles cheerleading squad for two years and competed with the cheerleaders in the 2009 UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida, placing second. She will be attending the National competition again this February. Morgan is an active member in her church where she helps with the children’s church program, drama team, and choir. Her church choir recently competed and won second place in the Fine Arts competition at the state level. Morgan enjoys shopping, cheering, swimming, going to church, and hanging with friends and family. She plans to go to college and teach on the elementary school level.
Miss Hope Coggins
Age 13, 7th Grade
Hope enjoys softball, swimming, football, and cheerleading. She has received awards in cheerleading, softball, and track and field. Her future plans are to go to college and become a physical education teacher.
Miss Mariah Albritton
Age 13, 8th Grade
Mariah has been a cheerleader for two years at EWMS. She has also been a member of the Eagles basketball team and swim team as well as the EWMS Student Government Association. She is an active member of her church, Atmore First Assembly of God, and is a member of the youth choir that competed on the state level and won first place. She also participates in the church’s drama program. She has received Top Gun and honor roll awards every year. Mariah enjoys Facebook, anything to do with computers, texting, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family. Her future plans are to go to college to study dentistry and to become an orthodontist.
Miss Sabrina Cox
Age 13, 7th Grade
Sabrina enjoys singing, dancing, and track and field. She has received awards for A and B honor roll and softball. She plans to go to college and become a judge or lawyer.
Miss Ashlynn Webster
Age 13, 7th Grade
Ashlynn enjoys cheerleading, baton, color guard, and dance. She performs every year in parades and recitals. She is musically talented. She plays the piano, clarinet, and recorder. She has won awards for her musical skills in piano competitions. She also loves to dance and choreograph routines. Ashlynn’s future plans include dancing and becoming a lawyer.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls, Part 4 With Photos
January 22, 2010
Today, it’s part four of our five part series “the road to the crown” brought to you by Tammie’s Cuttin’ Loose and Mike Newton Photography. We are following 30 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2010.
Today we are taking a behind the scenes look at a recent practice. To see the photos, click here.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue Saturday with more behind the scenes photos. The pageant is Saturday night at 6:30, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Cop Charged With Sexually Assaulting Man
January 22, 2010
A former Flomaton cop remains in jail after he was charged with sexually assaulting a man in Pensacola.
Tracey Allen Johnson, 40, is being held in the Escambia County Jail in lieu of $17,000 bond. Johnson provided jail officials with a North Escambia address on Frank Ard Road just north of Quintette Road. Court records indicate his address to be in Loxley, Alabama.
Johnson was charged by the Pensacola Police Department with sexual assault, harassing communication, battery and stalking after an incident at a Pensacola motel. According to police reports, Johnson picked up the 33-year old male victim at a bar. Johnson then, according to the report, took the man back to a hotel room where he had sexual relations with the victim while he was passed out.
The victim told Pensacola Police that he first met Johnson in early November at the Emerald City bar, the “Gulf Coast’s premier gay/high-energy dance bar”, according to the establishment’s web site. The victim said Johnson stated that he was an Alabama State Trooper and that he had a phone that would allow him to check a person’s address, criminal warrant status and license plates. Johnson, according to Pensacola Police, is not a law enforcement officer. He did, however, work as a patrol officer for the Flomaton Police Department for less than six months in 2005.
After the incident in the motel room, the victim said he began to receive multiple text messages, telephone calls and emails from Johnson, including one message with a picture of what he claimed was Johnson’s private parts. The victim also said Johnson threatened to physically harm him and slash his tires.
Johnson denied that had he the victim’s phone number, according to the police report, until officers told him they had listened to voice messages that he had left on the victim’s phone. Johnson sent a text message, according to officers, in which he claimed to have had intercourse with the victim three times. Johnson told police that the relationship between the two men was consensual. Johnson said that after the hotel encounter, the two men even had breakfast together.
Felon Busted After Firing Shotgun In Front Yard
January 22, 2010
A convicted felon is behind bars after allegedly firing a shotgun in the front yard of his Cottage Hill home.
Derrick Jerome Phelon, 38, is charged with improperly exhibiting a firearm and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon following the incident shortly before midnight Wednesday.
Phelon was “extremely intoxicated and had a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his person” when deputies responded to a shots fired call on Williams Ditch Road. According to the arrest report, the incident started as an argument between Phelon and his fiancee that eventually led to him firing the shot into the air outside their home. The fiancee and her six-year old son had fled the residence before deputies arrived. They were later located unharmed by other deputies on Highway 95A near Quintette Road.
This was the second time in less than a year that Phelon was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the arrest report.
He is also facing a bad check charge. Phelon is being held in the Escambia County Jail on $21,000 bond on all three charges.
Manhunt Turns Up Empty After Attempted Robbery In Atmore
January 22, 2010
A manhunt for two attempted robbery suspects turned up empty Thursday night in Atmore
Two black males reportedly attempted to rob the Rapid Return Tax Services office on North Main Street a little before 7:00 Thursday night. One was described as wearing a dark color hoodie jacket and white shoes. The men fled the store on foot.
Atmore Police set up a perimeter and called for tracking dogs from the Fountain Correctional Facility. The suspects’ trail was tracked north of the robbery location, but no arrests were immediately reported.
High School Basketball: Northview, Jay, Flomaton
January 22, 2010
Here’s a look at Northview, Jay and Flomaton basketball action from Tuesday afternoon.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Pensacola Christian 48 Northview 45
The Northview Chiefs fell to Pensacola Christian Academy 48-45 in Bratt Thursday afternoon. Lance Bushaw had 9 for the Chiefs, and Stanely Chestnut added 7. NHS will be at home against Freeport on Friday.
Northview–Lance Bushaw 9, Stanley Chestnut 7, Aaron Bellamy 6, LaDarion White 6, Colton Sims 3, Roderick Woods 2, Jake Clayton 2.
Northview 8 3 9 15-35 PCA 13 11 12 12-48
Jay 55 Flomaton 49 OT
The Flomaton Hurricanes lost to the Jay Royals Thursday in overtime. The Canes were led by Robinson and Dixon with 13 each, and the Royals were paced by Hunter Boutwell with 17.
Jay — Dakota Walker 8, Luke Rowell 9, Hunter Boutwell 17, Bugg Fischer 4, Connor Weeks 7, Steven Brabham 3, Tyler Prescott 4, Todd Laney 3
Flomaton — Alex Bradley 1, Neino Robinson 13, Phillip Lloyd 3, Austin Patterson 3, Ryheem Dixon 13, Ta-ta Ellis 6, Dalvin Craft 5.
Flomaton 10 10 10 12 7-49 Jay 7 10 9 16 13-55
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Northview 46 Pensacola Christian 27
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat Pensacola Christian Thursday afternoon 46-27. Shaniqua Jones and Angela Rodriguez had 13 each for the Chiefs. Northview jumped out to an early lead 14-7 by the end of the first quarter. PCA rallied to closed Northview’s lead to 22-19 at the half, but it was all Chiefs in the last two quarters. Northview outscored PCA 14-2 and 10-6 in the last two periods.
Northview — Sarah Killam 4, Laneicia Gomez 8, Shaniqua Jones 13, Amber McMillan 4, Angela Rodriguez 13, Miranda Burkett, Megan Ryan 3.
Northview 14 8 14 10-46 PCA 7 12 2 6-27
Flomaton 43 Jay 32
Paige Harwell led Flomaton with 24 points Thursday as the Lady Canes beat Jay 43-32.
Flomaton — Paige Harwell 24, Hoomes 1, Brittany Mallot 2, Steele 4, Williams 4, Tara Gafford 8
Jay — Ginger Jennings 5, Courtney Hammac 7, Tessa Hendricks 6, Candice Mulford 3, Danielle Skaggs 2, Amber Steadham 5, Becca Calloway 4.
F