In His Honor: Fallen Soldier’s Fiancé Joining The Marine Corps
November 12, 2011
As Americans paused and honored those that served on Veterans Day, Madeline Cates was making plans to honor her late fiancé by following in his footsteps into the Marines.
Madeline was to marry LCpl Travis Nelson when he returned from service with the Marines in Afghanistan. She had picked out her dress just before he lost his life serving his country half a world away in August.
“It wasn’t suppose to happen,” Madeline Cates said about the death her soulmate. “He was the love of my life.”
She was unimaginably heartbroken, her world torn apart. LCpl. Nelson had reported to duty but would never finish his tour. The marriage she had dreamed about would never happen.
Then Madeline began to think. What if she joined the Marines and finished LCpl Travis Nelson’s tour? She had never, ever in her life considered joining the military.
“Something just drove me to do it; it was driving me crazy. I could not just keep sitting here,” she said. “”I have to do something with my life, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him than to follow in his footsteps.”
Madeline Raye Cates, 21, took her oath to the United States Marines recently. She’s due to report to boot camp in Paris Island, South Carolina, on March 5 of next year.
She will be on two missions — the mission assigned by her Marine superiors, and a mission to complete the tour of LCpl. Travis Nelson.
“I want to finish what he started,” Madeline said.
Pictured top: During a ceremony Tuesday to dedicate a Bratt park in the name of LCpl. Travis Nelson, his fiancé Madeline Cates (center) comforts his niece Amber Whitehurst (left) and sister Anna Nelson. Pictured inset: Madeline Cates with the memorial that honors her fiancé LCpl. Travis Nelson. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Hurricanes Play Up A Storm To Advance To Quarterfinals
November 12, 2011
The Flomaton Hurricanes played up a storm Friday night, crushing Goshen 51-7 to advance to the Class 2A quarterfinals next week.
Flomaton took the lead early when Neiko Robinson recovered a fumble for an 85-yard touchdown. With a good kick from Hunter Bonds, the Hurricanes were leading the second round playoff game 7-0. Moments later, Neino Robinson (Neiko’s brother) intercepted a Goshen pass and returned 52-yards it for a 14-0 Flomaton lead in the first quarter. Then, Neiko Robinson scored again a on a 3-yard dive. A missed kicked, the ‘Canes were up 20-0 with 2:46 to go in the first.
In the second, Flomaton added a 50-yard Robinson Brothers touchdown from Neiko. A missed attempt for two, and Flomaton was up 26-0 with 9:14 to go in the half.
The Canes opened the second half with a 65-yard touchdown run from Ryheem Dixon on the first play of the third quarter. A good point after, and Flomaton’s advantage was 33-0 over the Goshen Eagles. Then with 4:41 to go in the third, Neiko Robinson scored on an 8-yard touchdown run, 39-0. Dixon picked up a 33-yard touchdown run with 2:55 to go in the third, 45-0.
At 5:15 to go in the game, Goshen picked up a 72-yard touchdown, 45-7. Dixon scored another touchdown with an 88-yard kick off return, 51-7.
The Flomaton Hurricanes stand at 11-1 — a tie for the best-ever Flomaton season.
The Elba Tigers (12-0) will travel to Flomaton next Friday night at 7:00 for a Class 2A quarterfinal game — the second-ever trip to the quarterfinals for the Hurricanes.
Pictured above and below: Action as the Flomaton Hurricanes stormed past Goshen in round two of the playoffs Friday night in Goshen. Pictured inset: The Canes celebrate the win. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kenny Shivers, click to enlarge.
Plaque Presented In Honor Of Fallen Marine At Pensacola Veterans Park
November 12, 2011
A bronze plaque honoring fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson was presented to his parents Scott and Beckie Nelson of Bratt during a ceremony Friday at the Veterans’ Memorial Park in Pensacola. Pictured are Young Marine Sgt Belanger and Young Marine SSgt Chris Cato with the Nelsons. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Teams In Youth Football Playoffs Today
November 12, 2011
Several North Escambia area teams are in round one of the Gulf Coast Youth Alliance football playoffs Saturday.
Mighty Mites
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Gulf Breeze, 10:30 a.m.
Mini Mites
- Jay Royals vs. East Pensacola, 9:30 a.m.
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Milton Black, 5 p.m.
Midgets
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Bellview Green, 11 a.m.
- Northwest Escambia Eagles vs. Navarre Silver, 2 pm
Juniors
- NE Pensacola Wildcats vs. East Pensacola 8 a.m.
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Pace, 12:30 p.m.
Photos: Molino Park, Tate Join In Bookstore Veterans Program
November 12, 2011
Reading is Fundamental held its third annual Veterans Day celebration Friday at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Pensacola.
The day’s events began with a special children’s story time followed by a recognition ceremony with guest speakers Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; Lt. Col. Julie Eldred, who is retired from the Army Nurse Corps; and Phyllis Pia of the Pensacola USO.
The program also included a performance of “Taps” by members of the Tate High School band, a color guard display by students from the Washington High School NJROTC and patriotic songs from Molino Park Elementary students.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Molino Park Elementary School students perform Friday during a Veterans Day celebration at Barnes and Noble in Pensacola. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vechicle Flips Near Jim Allen Elementary; No Immediate Sign Of Driver
November 12, 2011
There were no immediate signs of a the driver involved in a single vehicle wreck early Saturday morning near Jim Allen Elementary School.
The Chevrolet SUV was discovered upside down off Highway 95A near the school about 12:30 a.m. First responders could not find the driver, even after a search by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the early morning wreck.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Northview Band And Dance Team; West Florida Band
November 12, 2011
For a photo gallery of the Northview and West Florida High School bands from Friday night, along with the Northview dance team, click here.
Pictured top: The Northview High School band. Pictured inset: The West Florida High School band. Pictured below: The Northview dance team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Perdido School Honors Veterans
November 12, 2011
Over 100 veterans and family members attended the annual Salute to Veterans at Perdido Elementary/Middle School.
Submitted by Perdido Elementary/Middle School
The annual event began with veterans and their guests being greeted at their cars and assisted by the members of Perdido’s football team. Once they reached the front of the gym, Pre-K and Kindergarten students welcomed them with cheers, flags, pom-poms and pin-wheels. Members of Alabama’s Patriot Guard stood at attention as all of the guests entered.
Inside, the Escambia County High School NJROTC posted the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Perdido Cub Scouts; Mason Smith, JT Clay and Christopher Johnson. This was followed by the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner by the Perdido Band, under the direction of Ms. Melanie Brannon. The band also performed “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. Special guests; Alabama Representatives, Alan Baker and Harry Shiver, Dr. Barry Booth – South Alabama Honor Flight Director, members of the Atmore VFW, and American Legion, members of the Alabama Patriot Guard, and Major Arthur Byrne, representing the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department and were recognized by Principal, Craig Smith, The Perdido Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Dell Edwards sang, “Blue, Red and White,” and “Alabama”.
Perdido Middle School students have participated in the annual Patriots Pen Essay Contest for the past six years, and the top three students shared theirs. Those students were: Evan Williams, Ashley Presley and Tori Clark. Their essays have been submitted to the Atmore VFA, where they will compete against other middle school students throughout the area.
Guest speaker, retired Major Gaston Jones, challenged and inspired students, teachers and Veterans alike, as he shared of his experiences from: growing up in a military family, to playing football at Marion Military Institute. He then pursued a full-time military career until his retirement as a Chaplin in the United States Air Force. He is currently the Commander of the AFJROTC at Baldwin County School.
A special presentation was made to the family of Lance Cpl Bruce Ferrell, Jr. USMC. Representative Baker spoke of the dedication and sacrifice made by the former Perdido student, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, on August 10, 2009, with his life. He then presented the family with the Alabama State Flag and the United States Flag which was flown over the Capital in memory of Lance Cpl Ferrell.
Closing remarks were given by Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Dyess and were followed by the playing of “Taps” by Perdido students Corbin Hill and Wesley Rabren.
Everyone then enjoyed a reception held in honor of those men and women who faithfully served the United States, our veterans.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Today, Saturday
November 11, 2011
The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will close the 2011 season at their annual Homecoming Air Show aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Saturday
Prior to the world famous Blue Angels F/A 18 Hornet performances, the Blues’ C-130 Hercules transport known as “Fat Albert” will thrill the crowd with its short field take-off and low level passes.
Other military performers include the F/A Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Team from the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, and an incredible mock fire power demonstration by an Air Force A-10 Warthog.
The Panhandle Parachute Demonstration team will make a jump above the show and Training Air Wing SIX will feature a fly-by of training aircraft.
Tentatively scheduled for both days will be extraordinary aerobatics by performers such as Jan Collmer flying the Fina Extra 300L, David Martin will pilot his Brietling CAP 232, and Skip Stewart will amaze the crowd in his highly modified Pitts S-25. Bob Carlton will maneuver his Super Salto jet sailplane overhead and Bill Leff will excite everyone with the roar of a radial engine in his T-6 Texan.
A replica of the first aircraft to take off from a ship, the Ely-Curtis Pusher will take to the air and numerous warbird aircraft will perform. Otto the helicopter will amaze everyone with his antics and family-oriented entertainment and the Geico Skytypers will fly their six WWII vintage SNJ-2s as they deliver aerial messages to the crowd. Always a Pensacola favorite; Kent Shockley will have everyone standing as he roars down the runway in the 36,000 horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck.
Along with incredible flying demonstrations, more than 50 military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays will include the EA-18G Growler,
a C-17 Globemaster, an A-26 Invader, an EA-6B Prowler and various other aircraft ranging from the present day, state of the art fighters to aircraft from the 1930s. In commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA); current fleet aircraft including an H-60, T-45, H-57, T-39, C-12, F-18, T-6, and T-34 will be on display with special CoNA paint schemes that represent famous Navy aircraft markings of the past.
Admission and parking for all shows is free. Areas will be reserved for the physically challenged. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.
Security personnel and signs will direct spectators to parking areas near the show site.
For complete information, visit www.naspairshow.com.
Possible North Escambia Gulf Power Nuclear Plant Faces Fight
November 11, 2011
In a move spurring a regulatory fight, Gulf Power Company is seeking to collect millions of dollars from customers for a possible nuclear-power project in North Escambia.
By 2012, Gulf Power expects to finish buying 4,000 acres of land near McDavid that could eventually be home to a nuclear plant or perhaps another type of power plant.
But with state regulators scheduled to hold a hearing next month about a Gulf Power request to raise base electric rates by $93.5 million, attorneys for consumers and business groups are trying to block part of the proposal dealing with the potential nuclear site.
State Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, whose office represents consumers in utility issues, said Gulf Power does not know how it will use the site and has not gone through a regulatory process aimed at determining whether the utility has a need for another power plant.
“Bottom line, from our standpoint, is it’s so speculative,” Kelly said Thursday.
But Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers said the company knows it will eventually need the land. He said the company is keeping its “options open” until forecasts show a need for developing a power plant, which could be nuclear, gas-powered or some other type of facility.
“You can’t meet the need without the very first thing in place, and that’s the property, the land,” Rogers said.
The possibility of Gulf Power pursuing a North Escambia nuclear project has drawn little statewide attention since it first became public in a NorthEscambia.com story. That is unlike plans by Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy Florida to build nuclear reactors in Miami-Dade and Levy counties. FPL and Progress are far ahead in their plans, including passing along hundreds of millions of dollars in project-related costs to customers.
But rate-case documents indicate Gulf Power started considering a nuclear project in 2007, after former Gov. Charlie Crist issued executive orders designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.
Also, in 2006, the Legislature approved a law that makes it easier for utilities to recoup money from customers as nuclear projects are being developed. Lawmakers hoped the law would encourage building more nuclear plants.
The rate-case documents say Gulf Power considered more than two dozen potential sites in Northwest Florida before settling in 2008 on what is known as the North Escambia site that is bordered roughly by Bratt Road, Cox Road, Byrneville Road and Highway 29. The site is along the Escambia River, which could provide a crucial water source for a power plant, and has been owned largely by timber companies.
Crist’s push to limit emissions from facilities such as coal-fired plants has stalled in the Legislature. Also, the state’s economic woes have slowed Gulf Power’s expected growth in customer demand for electricity.
Pointing to such changes, Gulf Power official Rhonda Alexander said in written testimony that the company decided to defer moving forward with trying to get a license and permits for a nuclear-power plant. But she said it still needed to buy the land.
“Gulf had learned from its extensive site investigation that there was only one acceptable nuclear plant site in Northwest Florida,” said Alexander, who served as nuclear development manager from 2008 to 2010. “If Gulf was going to preserve the nuclear option for its customers, the North Escambia site needed to be secured by Gulf. If Gulf lost the ability to use that site, it would be precluded from building nuclear in the future.”
Gulf estimates costs related to investigating, buying and financing the site at $27.7 million. It is asking the Public Service Commission to build those costs into the utility’s rate base, which would lead to recouping the money from customers over time.
The impact on customer bills would be relatively small, totaling about $3.1 million a year, according to the company. For a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month — a common measurement — that would translate into an increase of 26 cents.
But the Office of Public Counsel and other parties involved in the case, such as the Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, say Gulf Power shouldn’t be allowed to recoup the money through base rates.
Consultant Helmuth Schultz, a witness for the Office of Public Counsel, filed written testimony describing the proposal as “speculative overreaching.” In part, he said Gulf Power has not shown a need for adding a nuclear plant.
“Gulf has presented no basis on which the commission could conclude that this site could ever be used cost-effectively to benefit Gulf ratepayers,” Schultz said.
Pictured top: One of the first pieces of property purchased by Gulf Power Company for a possible North Escambia nuclear power plant. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
