PHS Downs Tate 27-0
August 25, 2012
The Tate Aggies fell to the Pensacola High School Tigers 27-0 in a preseason game Friday night.
Tate’s Lorenzo Long returned the opening kickoff 84 yards before being driven out of bounds at the PHS 7-yard line. PHS stopped them, and Tate missed the kickoff to remain scoreless in the first.
The young Aggies, under the leadership of new coach Brad Naggatz, had four turnovers that were converted into touchdown for PHS, the defending 1-6A state champions.
The Tate Aggies will open the regular season next Friday night on a long road trip at Louisiana’s St. Charles High School.
Pictured: Action under the Friday night lights between Tate and Pensacola highs schools. Courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Prep Football Roundup
August 25, 2012
Here’s a look at area high school football scores from Friday night:
Florida
- Bay 14, Northview 7 [Read more...]
- PHS 27, Tate 0 [Read more...]
- Baker 6, Jay 0
- West Florida 30, Marianna 12
- Pine Forest 21, Catholic 0
- Ft. Walton Beach 20, Escambia 7
- Niceville 24, Washington 14
- Crestview 28, Pace 15
Alabama
- T.R. Miller 21, Flomaton 0
- Fort Dale Academy 21, Escambia Academy 14
Wahoos, Braves Postponed In Mississippi Due To Rain
August 25, 2012
Friday’s game between the Blue Wahoos and Mississippi Braves was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The two teams will play their regularly scheduled nine-inning contest Saturday night at 6:00 p.m., with RHP Wirfin Obispo expected to get the start for the Blue Wahoos, while Mississippi is slated to send LHP Jose Lugo to the mound.
The Blue Wahoos’ final homestand of the year begins on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m., with Pensacola hosting the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Northview Falls To Bay, PHS Over Tate
August 24, 2012
The Northview Chiefs fell to Bay tonight in a preseason classic, 14-7.
Pensacola High beat the Tate Aggies 27-0 preseason action.
Complete coverage Saturday morning on NorthEscambia.com.
Isaac: Escambia County Update
August 24, 2012
Escambia County Public Safety is currently monitoring the forecast track of Tropical Storm Isaac for any potential impacts to our area. No plans have been made to activate the Emergency Operations Center. At this time, residents should be preparing for the possibility of landfall in Northwest Florida.
- Review your disaster plan.
- Prepare your disaster kit to include water, clothing, medications and other necessary items. Remember, “The First 72 are on You!”
- If you are making plans to evacuate, make sure you leave yourself enough time. Take your disaster kit with you and notify a friend or family member of your intended location.
- Log onto www.bereadyescambia.com to find out if you live in an evacuation zone in the event evacuations are ordered.
- Take advantage of this weekend to prepare your yard and property for the arrival of the storm. Trim dead trees and secure yard furniture. Also, test your generator to make sure it works properly. If you get fuel for your generator, make sure you store it in an open area with proper ventilation and away from open flames.
- If you have horses that need shelter, contact the Escambia County Equestrian Center at 941-6042. Reservations are being taken at this time. Space is very limited and is given on a first come first serve basis.
- Escambia County is not offering any sand bags. Residents are encouraged to purchase their own bags and sand from a local hardware store if they feel the need to have sandbags protect their property.
Isaac: Santa Rosa Update
August 24, 2012
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is closely monitoring and preparing for any possible impacts from Tropical Storm Isaac. Staff will continue to participate in conference calls with the National Weather Service and State Emergency Operations Center through the weekend. Residents are urged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date forecast as the track is currently very uncertain and conditions may change rapidly.
At this time, Santa Rosa County is in the “5-day cone of uncertainty” which shows the forecast path of the center of the storm with as much as a 300-mile “cone.” Because the storm could track anywhere within the cone, everyone in the cone area needs to begin storm preparations. Learn more about the forecast cone and actions you should take at www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=27.
Storm Information as Currently Forecasted by the National Weather Service
- The forecast beyond 72 hours is still uncertain, but Isaac is forecast to move over or near the Lower Florida Keys late Sunday night, then move in a northwest motion in the eastern Gulf of Mexico before making a turn towards the north on Tuesday, eventually making landfall somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Louisiana.
- At the current forecast track, winds could increase to 15 to 20 knots on Sunday night and increase to near tropical storm force Monday night. This condition could continue through Wednesday.
- The risk of rough surf and dangerous rip currents is elevated today and will likely increase to high risk by Monday.
Impacts of a Category 1 Storm can Include
Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Sand & Bags
Sand and sand bags are available at local home improvement stores for purchase. Santa Rosa County is making limited supplies available at no cost at several locations. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags. County and fire department staff ARE NOT available to make home deliveries. If fire department staff are on calls, they will not be available to hand out sand bags.
- Sand only is available at the following locations while supplies last.
- Tiger Point Park-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
- The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
- Empty Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
- Midway Fire District Station at 1322 College Pkwy.
- Midway Fire District Station at 1801 Abercrombie Rd.
- Sand & Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
- Pace Fire Rescue District at 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd.
Steps Residents Can Take Now
- Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are expected.
- Review your family disaster plan. Don’t forget special plans for elderly, handicapped, children and pets.
- Know your evacuation zone. Remember, evacuation zones are now A-E. Use the interactive evacuation zone tool found at www.santarosa.fl.gov/gis by typing in your address to see what zone you live in.
- Make plans to secure your property. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
- Make sure your hurricane kit contains non-perishable food, water, medications for three to five days for each family member and pet.
- Know what low-lying areas near your home are subject to flooding such as creeks, drainage channels, streams and bayous.
- Santa Rosa County Division of Emergency Management’s latest all-hazards disaster guide is now available online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf or at county offices and libraries, local chambers of commerce, and local retailers.
General Safety Information
- www.santarosa.fl.gov or follow us on Twitter at @SRCBOCC
- Monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
- Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
- Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at: www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html
Ricks Scott Turns Isaac Focus From RNC To Panhandle
August 24, 2012
Just like Tropical Storm Isaac appears to be doing, Gov. Rick Scott and other state officials on Friday set their sights on other parts of the state.
As forecasts moved Isaac farther away from a direct impact on Tampa – set to host the Republican National Convention on Monday – Scott and other officials tried to focus on parts of the state that might feel some of the storm’s impact.
“At this point, everybody is comfortable we’re going to have a great convention,” Scott said. “The delegates are coming down. They’re going to have a great experience. They’re going to see maybe a little bit of rain and little bit of wind.”
But in the Keys, eyes were still trained squarely on an approaching storm.
Scott told reporters Friday that the state will wait before making any decision on whether to declare a state of emergency or require residents of the island chain to evacuate. The Keys are expected to feel the storm’s impact as early as Sunday afternoon, but with only one road to the mainland decisions to evacuate aren’t made lightly.
“At this point, we don’t see that we need to evacuate (the Keys),” Scott said. “If you look at the forecast it’s a tropical storm.”
Residents of the Panhandle – particularly those in areas that were soaked earlier this year by Tropical Storm Debbie – were also being advised to keep an eye on the system.
“As it moves north into the Panhandle, we will be looking very closely at the areas that were impacted by Tropical Storm Debbie and had all the rain we’ve had over the past six weeks or so,” said Bryan Koon, director of the Division of Emergency Management.
The western Panhandle, including the area around Pensacola, could end up in the storm’s path, though that would be later in the week.
In regard to the RNC, Scott said local law enforcement is prepared to handle both the national convention and any additional workload necessitated by the storm.
Some 4,000 law enforcement personnel are expected in the Tampa Bay region for the convention, which is expected to play host to 50,000 delegates, journalists and other tourists.
“We are prepared for the RNC and for the tropical storm around the state from a law enforcement standpoint,” Scott said.
In addition nearly 250 FEMA representatives are already stationed in north Florida after responding to Debbie.
At 11 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was located about 185 miles south southeast of Port Au Prince, Haiti. It was expected to turn toward the northwest later Friday and approach the southern coast of Hispaniola today. Landfall is expected in Cuba on Sunday.
Tropical storm winds were being felt 185 miles from the storm’s center.
As the state’s top tourism booster, Scott encouraged delegates and other guests to come to Florida for the convention. So far the message appears to be getting out.
“I’ve been talking to mayors and sheriffs from around the state,” Scott said. “There is no indication that people are deciding not to come. They shouldn’t (cancel plans). This is a state that understands hurricanes. ”
Along with brochures on where to eat and what to see, convention goers will also be given safety advice on rip currents and other severe weather hazards.
“Many of them will be staying in beachfront hotels and will want to take advantage of the beautiful locations,” Scott said. “We want to make sure they understand what a rip tide is, how to recognize the signs of it.”
By The News Service of Florida
Escambia To Consider Electric, Natural Gas Tax Increase; Utility Against Plan
August 24, 2012
The Escambia County Commission will hold a public hearing next month to discuss a proposal that could mean an increase in electric and natural gas bills for residents of the unincorporated areas of the county. It’s a plan that Gulf Power is speaking out against.
The plan would costs consumers an extra $2.5 million to $3 million per year that would be used for economic development efforts.
In the 1990’s, Escambia County granted power franchises to Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative, and a natural gas franchise to the City of Pensacola. As part of the franchise agreements, the companies are required to collect and pay the county five percent of gross revenue collected on the sale of electricity and natural gas up to a maximum amount for each category. The county’s proposal would increase those caps by 50 percent.
“I don’t support the franchise fee increase,” Commissioner Wilson Robertson said during the Thursday night meeting of the Escambia County Commission. He was the lone vote against setting the franchise tax increase public hearing, while commissioners Kevin White and Grover Robertson voted yes. Commissioners Gene Valentino and Marie Young were absent.
For residential customers and small offices, the maximum amount for the franchise fee on their bills would increase from $10 to $15 per month. Effectively, the increase would not kick in unless a customer’s gross electric bill exceeded $200 each month.
Gulf Power Company said Thursday night that an increase in franchise fees will actually make Escambia County less competitive for economic development.
“At a critical time when we are trying to work with Airbus suppliers to come to this area. Our competition — Baldwin County, Alabama — has no franchise tax. Escambia County, Alabama, has no franchise tax. And Escambia County Florida, is one of only 19 counties (out of 67) in Florida that charge a franchise fee. This is the wrong tax at the wrong time,” Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers said in an email to NorthEscambia.com.
Rogers pointed out that funds are already available for economic development. He said the Greater Pensacola Chamber recently raised $8 million, the Legislature allocated $30 million for the region, and Escambia County is poised to receive up to $100 million from the federal RESTORE Act.
“Additional funding through the franchise tax at this time is unnecessary and hurts businesses,” Rogers said.
The county’s proposal would increase the maximum franchise fee paid by medium size offices and retailers for $75 to $112.50 per month, and large offices and retailers from $300 to $440. The largest electric franchise fee increase would be on large industrial users from $3,000 to $4,500 per month. And for gas, commercial users would see the monthly cap increase from $750 to $1,125, while industrial uses would see a potential monthly gas bill increase from $3,000 to $4,500.
“The tax increase impacts our largest employers the most. At a time when the area is experiencing high unemployment, it does not seem right to unnecessarily penalize our largest employers,” Rogers said.
The Escambia County Commission will hold a public hearing on increasing utility franchisee fees paid by consumers in the county at 5:31 p.m. on September 17.
Pictured: Commissioner Wilson Robertson at Thursday night’s meeting of the Escambia County Commission. Courtesy photo for Northescambia.com click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Gets Life For 2011 Murder At Hwy 29 Business
August 24, 2012
A Cantonment man was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison Thursday for shooting and killed his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of a Highway 29 business.
Isreal Taylor, 31, was convicted of the May 1, 2011, murder of 22-year old Jennifer Gilbert. She was shot five times in the head while seated in her Chevrolet Monte Carlo outside the Circle K and Wendy’s at Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road. After the Sunday morning shooting, Gilbert was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where she passed away the following afternoon.
Taylor took the stand Thursday in his own defense, claiming that his cousin, Joshua Middleton, shot Gilbert after she would not pay for $300 in crack cocaine. Middleton denied the accusations.
During the trial, recordings of phone calls were played in which Taylor called Middleton from inside the Escambia County Jail and offered him up to $1,000 to admit to the shooting.
Pictured above: A Cantonment man was convicted of first degree murder after shooting a Pensacola woman five times in the head at the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road in May 20111. Pictured below: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator photographs the car in which Jennifer Gilbert was shot. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Judge Sides With Escambia, Santa Rosa Over Juvenile Detention Costs
August 24, 2012
For the second time in little more than a month, a state judge has found that the Department of Juvenile Justice improperly carried out a law that requires counties to help pay juvenile-detention costs.
Both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were part of the long-running challenges filed back in 2010.
Administrative Law Judge Lawrence Stevenson issued a 97-page decision this week that says the department did not use actual costs in determining how much counties should pay for detention services during the 2008-09 fiscal year. Eight counties filed administrative challenges, and the cases — which were consolidated in one legal proceeding — were later joined by six other local governments and the Florida Association of Counties.
“As to fiscal year 2008-2009, the department simply made no effort to ascertain the counties’ actual costs or, if it did, it failed to disclose them to the counties,” Stevenson wrote in the decision, issued Wednesday.
The judge recommended solutions that varied by county. But the most far-reaching dealt with Miami-Dade, Broward and Hernando counties. He wrote that the department should, “without undue delay,” provide a revised assessment that details the actual costs of providing the detention services for those three counties.
Department spokesman C.J. Drake said in an email Thursday afternoon that the agency was still reviewing Stevenson’s decision, which will go back to DJJ for final action.
The case is part of a series of disputes stemming from a law that requires counties to help pick up the tab for detaining juvenile offenders. Under the law, counties are supposed to pay detention costs before court disposition of the juveniles’ cases.
In July, another administrative law judge found that the department’s interpretation of “predisposition” costs was too narrow, improperly shifting some costs to counties. As an example, the judge cited a DJJ interpretation that required counties to pay costs for juveniles who are detained because of probation violations.
Under the process, the state at the beginning of the 2008-09 fiscal year estimated predisposition costs would total about $99.6 million, a number that was later slightly reduced to $95.4 million. Counties were required to make monthly payments based on the estimates. Their actual costs were to be reconciled at the end of the year, with some counties expected to get credits and some having to pay more.
Stevenson found, in part, that the state over-estimated the number of days that juveniles would need county-paid detention services during the year. But he wrote that the department still treated the $95.4 million as an amount that it was “mandated to raise from the counties regardless of whether the counties’ actual predisposition days bore any relation to the estimate made before the start of the fiscal year.”
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.