Multiple People Injured When Crowd Hit By Vehicle
August 26, 2012
At least six people were injured overnight when a crowd of people was struck by a vehicle or vehicles north of Atmore. None of the injuries was serious.
Reports indicate that a crowd of people had gathered outside at a nightclub on Freemanville Drive, northeast of the I-65 and Jack Springs Road exit. A fight broke out about 2:30 a.m. Sunday and then someone rammed several vehicles, knocked multiple people to the ground.
One person was transported by LifeFlight to an area hospital. Two other people were transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital, and at least three others went to the Atmore emergency room by private vehicle.
Most of the victims were reportedly treated and released by mid-morning Sunday
DOC Cancels Visitations At Some Area Facilities
August 26, 2012
The Florida Department of Corrections has canceled visitations at several area prison work camps due to Isaac.
Visitations are canceled until further notice at the Pensacola Work Release Center, Berrydale Forestry Camp, Panama City Work Release Center and the Bay City Work Center.
Late Night Fire Destroys Byrneville Home
August 26, 2012
Fire destroyed a single family home late Saturday night in Byrneville.
The wood frame home, located on West Highway 4 just east of Byrneville Road, was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene about 11:45 p.m. The home was a total loss. Preliminary information indicated that resident of the home moved out within the last couple of weeks.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Century, McDavid, Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Flomaton Fire Department and Escambia County EMS responded to the blaze.
Pictured: Fire destroyed this home in Byrneville late Saturday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
HURRICANE WARNING: Isaac Churns Toward The Gulf Of Mexico
August 26, 2012
A hurricane warning has been issued for the North Escambia area as Isaac moves toward the northern Gulf Coast.
Isaac is moving north of Cuba on a northwest track and is expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours. Isaac is forecast to move near or over the Florida Keys Sunday or Sunday night and over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Monday.
For the very latest information on Isaac, click the graphic above to enlarge.
For other Isaac updates, check the front page of NorthEscambia.com for the very latest.
Neil Armstrong Dies; First Man On The Moon Trained In Pensacola
August 26, 2012
Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, has died, following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. He was 82.
Armstrong’s words “That is one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind,” spoken on July 20, 1969, as he became the first person ever to step onto another planetary body, instantly became a part of history.
Those few words from the Sea of Tranquillity were the climactic fulfillment of the efforts and hopes of millions of people and the expenditure of billions of dollars. A plaque on one of the lander’s legs that concluded “We came in peace for all mankind,” further emphasized that Armstrong and fellow astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were there as representatives of all humans.
Armstrong is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter, 10 grandchildren, and a brother and sister.
Armstrong reported to Pensacola Naval Air Station in 1949. He earned his wings at 20 years of age, making him the youngest pilot in his squadron. He was a naval aviator until 1952. During the Korean War he flew 78 combat missions.
Armstrong made regular visits to Pensacola and had recently visited Pensacola NAS back in May for the commissioning of the National Flight Academy.
“Neil Armstrong was a hero not just of his time, but of all time,” President Barack Obama said via Twitter. “Thank you, Neil, for showing us the power of one small step.”
Armstrong’s family released the following statement on Saturday:
“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.
While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
“As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind’s first small step on a world beyond our own,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.
“Besides being one of America’s greatest explorers,” Bolden added, “Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all.”
Apollo 11 lunar module pilot and fellow moonwalker Buzz Aldrin on Armstrong’s passing: “I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Armstrong today. Neil and I trained together as technical partners but were also good friends who will always be connected through our participation in the Apollo 11 mission. Whenever I look at the moon it reminds me of the moment over four decades ago when I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone.”
Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins said simply, “He was the best, and I will miss him terribly.”
“The passing of Neil Armstrong has shocked all of us at the Johnson Space Center,” said Center Director Michael Coats. The whole world knew Neil as the first man to step foot on the Moon, but to us he was a co-worker, a friend, and an outstanding spokesman for the Human Space Program. His quiet confidence and ability to perform under pressure set an example for all subsequent astronauts. Our role model will be missed.”
“Neil Armstrong was a very personal inspiration to all of us within the astronaut office,” said Bob Behnken, Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. “His historic step onto the Moon’s surface was the foundation for many of our personal dreams to become astronauts. The only thing that outshone his accomplishments was his humility about those accomplishments. We will miss him as a friend, mentor, explorer and ambassador for the American spirit of ingenuity.”
Armstrong’s single sentence, though it was focused above the national divisions and quarrels of Earth, still signified unquestionably the U.S. victory in the desperate space race with the Soviet Union.
Neil A. Armstrong was born Aug. 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He earned an aeronautical engineering degree from Purdue University and a master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California.
In 1955 he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), NASA’s predecessor, as a research pilot at Lewis Laboratory in Cleveland.
Armstrong later transferred to NACA’s High Speed Flight Research Station at Edwards AFB, Calif. As project pilot, he was in the forefront of the development of many high-speed aircraft, including the X-15, which flew at 4,000 mph.
He flew more than 200 aircraft models. They included jet and rocket-powered planes, helicopters and gliders.
Armstrong was selected as an astronaut in 1962.
His first space flight was Gemini 8, which he commanded. He was the first civilian to fly a U.S. spacecraft. With fellow astronaut David R. Scott, Armstrong performed the first docking in space, with an Agena target satellite.
Less than an hour later their spacecraft began an unplanned rolling motion. After undocking, it increased to one revolution per second. One of the Gemini’s 16 thrusters had stuck open because of an electrical short circuit.
Armstrong used re-entry thrusters to control the capsule, and after a 30-minute struggle, it was stabilized. Flight rules required a return to Earth after use of the re-entry thrusters, so the crewmembers fired retrorockets that sent Gemini 8 to a contingency landing zone in the Western Pacific.
The eventful flight on March 16, 1966, had taken just over 10 hours, 41 minutes.
Apollo 11 lifted off on July 16, 1969, with Armstrong, Aldrin and Mike Collins aboard. Collins remained in lunar orbit in the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the lunar module they had named Eagle to their historic landing on the moon’s surface.
“Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed,” Armstrong said, telling a tense and waiting Earth that men had finally reached the lunar surface.
He and Aldrin spent about two hours exploring, gathering more than 50 pounds of moon rocks and setting up three scientific experiments. The next day, after 21 hours and 37 minutes on the moon, they fired Eagle’s engine to begin the return to Collins and the command module.
The crew returned to Earth, landing near the USS Hornet in the Pacific after a mission of just over eight days. President Richard M. Nixon was on the aircraft carrier’s deck to welcome them.
“
This is the greatest week in the history of the world since the creation,” Nixon told the three.
After 16 days in quarantine to protect Earth from any returned moon germs, the crew went on U.S. and international tours. Millions greeted them as heroes.
Armstrong later served as deputy associate administrator for aeronautics in the Office of Advanced Research and technology at NASA Headquarters. He resigned from the space agency in 1971. As a professor at the University of Cincinnati from 1971 to 1979, he was involved in both teaching and research.
He later went into the business world. Among other positions, he served for 10 years as chairman of Computing Technologies for Aviation Inc. of Charlottesville, Va. and later as chairman of AIL Systems Inc., an electronic systems company based in Deer Park, N.Y.
Armstrong was a fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Royal Aeronautical Society, and an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the International Astronautical Federation.
He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He served as a member of the National Commission on Space in 1985 and 1986, and in 1985 was vice chairman of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. He also was chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Peace Corps from 1971 to 1973.
Isaac Shuts Down GOP Convention Activities For Monday
August 26, 2012
[TAMPA] With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on Florida, Republican leaders Saturday night called off the party’s national convention activities scheduled for Monday in Tampa.
The convention will convene Monday and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon. Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, said during a conference call that convention organizers are concerned, in part, about transportation problems as high winds and other storm conditions threaten the Tampa Bay area.
“Our chief priority is the safety of the residents of Florida, of those visiting the convention, and all those in Gulf Coast states who may be impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac,” Republican National Convention President and CEO Bill Harris said in a prepared statement. “We have been working closely with the campaign, the party, and state and local officials for months to ensure a successful, enjoyable convention.”
Also, Gov. Rick Scott said he will cancel his convention-related activities scheduled for Sunday and Monday, pointing to the increasing likelihood of hurricane conditions in the Keys and later in the Panhandle. Scott had been scheduled to speak at the convention Monday night.
“As governor of this great state, I am responsible for all 19 million residents and visitors, and it is my duty to make sure we can quickly respond to the regions affected,” Scott said in a statement released by his office. “While Tampa Bay has gotten a lot of attention due to the upcoming convention, I will unilaterally focus on the safety of every resident and community throughout the state.”
Along with speeches by Scott and former Gov. Jeb Bush, Monday’s convention events were expected to include a roll-call vote to formally nominate Mitt Romney as the party’s presidential candidate. Russ Schriefer, a Romney strategist, said during the conference call that party officials expect to hold the roll call Tuesday.
Schriefer said officials hope to still include as many speakers as possible, as they consolidate the convention from four days to three. Romney is scheduled to speak Thursday night during the convention’s final session.
Priebus said revised plans for the convention will be released as early as Sunday.
The announcement came after Scott and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn made statements in recent days expressing confidence about going forward with the convention as Isaac swirled in the Caribbean. About 50,000 people are expected to converge on the Tampa area, making the convention a major economic driver for hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
It was not immediately clear Saturday night how Isaac would affect the myriad other events scheduled in conjunction with the convention.
Isaac, which was in the vicinity of Cuba on Saturday, is not expected to make landfall in the Tampa area. But as it moves north through the Gulf of Mexico — likely turning into a hurricane — it will spin off heavy winds, rain and storm surges that could affect Tampa Bay.
Such conditions could cause problems for Tampa Bay area residents and convention delegates. The Florida delegation, for example, is slated to stay at the Innisbrook Resort and Spa in Palm Harbor, which is north of Clearwater and a relatively lengthy distance from the main convention activities in downtown Tampa.
Pictured: Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan held a campaign event in Powell, Ohio, on Saturday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FEMA Preparing To Aid After Isaac
August 26, 2012
[ATLANTA ] FEMA and its federal partners are continuing to monitor Isaac and coordinate with local officials and emergency management partners in Florida and other Gulf Coast states.
On Thursday, FEMA deployed a liaison to the Florida emergency operations center to assist the state with coordination and any potential requests for assistance. Other teams have been identified and will be mobilized as needed and requested.
By Saturday, FEMA had moved 18-wheelers with commodities from a logistics center in Atlanta to a staging area in Jacksonville. The trucks are full of cots, food and water that can support the state and local response efforts as needed.
FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies closer to potentially affected areas if needed. At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested.
“As Tropical Storm Isaac moves closer to Florida, local residents need to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments across the Southeast as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move out of the Caribbean. Residents in this area should make sure to listen to local officials for updates and information. Check your family plans and emergency supplies, review your evacuation routes and remember that evacuation orders come from local officials.”
While storms are unpredictable, FEMA encourages those in the possible path of the storm to prepare now. This includes putting together a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit. Having a kit can help area residents better weather the storm.
Pictured top: These forklift operators are loading meals onto a truck at the Atlanta Distribution Center to be shipped closer to areas that may be impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac. FEMA moves commodities and equipment before the storm arrives to ensure quick delivery after the storm has passed. Pictured inset: Generators loaded and ready for Isaac response. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
USDA Offers Isaac Tips For Pets, Livestock
August 26, 2012
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering these tips to coastal residents who have livestock and pets that might be affected by Isaac:
Livestock Safety
- Make sure barns and structures where livestock can be sheltered are in good repair. If more space is needed for your stock, make arrangements for the use of other sheltering facilities in close proximity to your facilities.
- Calculate the feed and water requirements to maintain livestock and poultry during an emergency.
- Make preparations for protecting feed and water supplies and providing emergency electrical power if necessary.
- If possible, cover feed and forage stored outdoors with a tarp or plastic sheeting. Routinely cover open water supplies, such as troughs and stock tanks.
Pet Safety
- If you have not been ordered to evacuate, make sure you have enough pet food and water on hand to feed your pets during an emergency.
- An emergency pet shelter might be available near the human emergency shelter, check with your local emergency management agency to find the nearest emergency pet shelter to you. Do not stay behind with your pet if state or local officials order you to evacuate.
- Pet owners should be prepared to provide the following information to pet shelter workers if possible: name; species and breed; sex; color; distinctive markings; age; microchip identification number; vaccination records; health conditions and required medication.
Blue Wahoos Beat Mississippi Braves 4-3 To Open Series
August 26, 2012
Blue Wahoos right fielder P.J. Phillips blasted his second homer of the year, a two-run shot in the fifth, while shortstop Billy Hamilton stole his 149th base and scored the winning run on a wild pitch, as Pensacola topped the Mississippi Braves 4-3 on Saturday night at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi.
With the win the Fish improved to 31-30 in the second half of the season to remain to within 2.5 games behind the Montgomery Biscuits for first place in the South Division, thanks to their loss to the Jacksonville Suns Saturday. The Braves fell to 28-33 since the season’s All-Star Break.
Pensacola plated the game’s first score in the opening frame. Hamilton led off with a single, stole second for his 149th of the year and advanced to third on an error, before coming home on a double play to put the Fish ahead 1-0. Hamilton continues to extend his single-season steals record, which he broke earlier this week against Montgomery.
The Blue Wahoos would then extend the margin to three in the fifth thanks to the longball. After 1B Donald Lutz began with single, Phillips powered the 2-2 pitch over the left field wall for his second roundtripper of the year and his first since May 5 against Jackson.
Mississippi would answer and tally their first run of the game in the bottom of the inning. LF Alden Carrithers drew a leadoff free pass and took second on a walk, before CF Todd Cunningham sent him home with a run-scoring single to right.
Following a two hour and 29 minute rain delay, the Braves would eventually tie it at 3-3 in the seventh. Pinch hitter Jason Christian began the inning with a free pass and moved to second on 1B Joe Terdoslavich’s walk before scoring on an RBI single by C Evan Gattis. Terdoslavich would score later on the play to draw the contest even.
Pensacola grabbed the lead for good however in the ninth thanks to small ball. Hamilton reached on a bunt single and got to second on a sacrifice bunt and third on a groundout, prior to taking advantage of a wild pitch to score what turned out to be the game-winning run.
Both starters did not factor in the decisions due to the precipitation despite good outings. Blue Wahoos starter Wirfin Obispo (5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO) gave up a lone earned run on just three hits in his five frames, while Braves LHP Jose Lugo (5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO) yielded three earned runs on three hits while fanning four.
Pensacola reliever Curtis Partch (1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 SO) earned the victory with his 1.1 shutout frames in relief, while RHP Justin Freeman (1.0) notched his 15th save of the year with a perfect ninth. Braves RHP Mark Lamm (2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 1-7 after allowing the final tally on two hits in two innings pitched.
The two teams are slated to play a double header Sunday afternoon, with the first game a makeup for Friday night’s scheduled contest beginning at 4:00 p.m. Both games will last seven innings. LHP Tony Cingrani is expected to get the start in the first game for the Blue Wahoos, while RHP David Hale will get the start for the Braves. RHP Chad Rogers is scheduled to toe the rubber in the second contest for Pensacola, facing Mississippi RHP J.R. Graham.
The final Blue Wahoos homestand of the season begins on Thurdsay, August 30 at 7:00 p.m., with Pensacola hosting the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: P.J. Phillips mashed his second homer of the year in Pensacola’s 4-3 win over Mississippi. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia And Santa Rosa Extension To Host Master Naturalist Program
August 26, 2012
Escambia and Santa Rosa Extension, the University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) and participating organizations throughout the region, are offering a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). This program is designed as an environmental education extension program to inform and prepare individuals to share information about Florida’s natural world and environmental history. Anyone who has an enthusiastic interest in learning more about Florida’s environment is encouraged to participate. Classes are appropriate for both novice and highly skilled environmental professionals.
The Uplands system program module includes classroom instruction, field trips and practical interpretive experience related to the general ecology, habitats, wildlife, vegetation types, and conservation issues of upland habitats in Florida. Field trips will include: the Blackwater State Forest, Eglin Air Force Base, Glendale Nature Preserve, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
Classroom sessions will be held at the Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road, and the Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Drive, on Tuesdays (with one Wednesday field trip) from September 11 through October 30, 2012.
Cost of the program is $225.00, which includes 40 contact hours of instruction, a comprehensive student reference workbook and upon completion, registration in the UF FMNP database as an Uplands Systems Naturalist. A UF-IFAS certificate of achievement, embroidered FMNP patch, and FMNP Uplands lapel pin also will be provided at completion of the course.
To register visit: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/upland.htm and click on “Escambia/Santa Rosa.” Registration will close September 5, 2012.