Fall Ball Registrations For NWE, Molino, Cantonment
August 11, 2012
Fall ball registration is underway for Molino, Cantonment and Northwest Escambia leagues.
Molino Ballpark
Sign ups are underway for Fall Ball at the Molino Ballpark.
Registration will take place every Saturday in August from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the board room at the ballpark. Fall ball is for all ages — tee ball, baseball and softball. $35 per player.
Cantonment Ballpark
Fall Ball registration will be held Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. until noon.
Registration is $40 per player for all ages, no birth certificate needed, at the ballpark on Well Line Road. The Fall Ball parent meeting will be held Monday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call (850) 417-0673.
NWE Bradberry Park
NWE is organizing the park’s first Fall Ball program for the Walnut Hill, Century, and Atmore area. Baseball is for children 5 to 15, and softball is open to ages 7 to 16. Games will run mid-September until the end of October.
Players will be registered at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with no money collected at the time of registration. A $50 registration fee will be collected when teams are created; the fee will cover park expenses and a player team shirt. Each team will also raise $5 per player, per game for umpire fees
NWE Fall Ball registration will be held:
Friday, August 17, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 18, 10 a.m. – noon
Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m. – noon
For more information, call (850) 327-4579 after 5 p.m.
Farm Family Of The Year Named During County Farm Tour
August 11, 2012
Over 225 local officials and area citizens took part in the 46th Annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour.
On the day-long bus tour, they learned first-hand about agriculture and its importance to the local economy. Stops on the tour included Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm, Shannon Flinn Farm, a “Visit with Beekeeper’s”, Chumuckla’s Farmers Opry, UF/IFAS WFREC Jay Research Farm and Holland Farms.
The Shannon Flinn family was named the “Outstanding Farm Family of the Year”.
Shannon and his wife Audra, along with daughter Megan and sons Sheldon and Aaron, farm 500 acres of corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans. Officials said they are leaders in area production of food and fiber and are actively involved in various agricultural organizations. In addition to the Flinn family, tour organizers presented a plaque to retired Extension Agent Dan Mullins honoring him for his many years of dedicated service to the agricultural community.
Pictured top: Santa Rosa Commissioner Don Salter (left) with the Shannon Flinn family, the “Outstanding Farm Family of the Year”. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Releases Report On Fiery I-75 Crash That Killed Tate Grad And Family
August 11, 2012
A 31-page report from the Florida Department Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol released Friday concluded driver error played significant roles in the deaths of 11 people and the injuries to many more during a series of crashes on a smoke-shrouded stretch of I-75 south of Gainesville in January.
The bodies of Tate graduate Michael Hughes, his daughter Sabryna Dawn Louise Hughes and Sabryna’s stepmother Lori Hughes were found two days after the crash in a badly burned pickup truck. The truck was incinerated when it collided with a semi-truck that had stopped on I-75 due to fog and smoke conditions. The family had traveled from Pensacola to the Gainesville area to attend a funeral.
Friends said Michael Hughes grew up in the Jacks Branch Road area and was a 1990 graduate of Tate High School.
The crash, which took place after 4 a.m., was prompted by smoky conditions from a nearby wildfire that led to poor visibility. But it was drivers’ reactions to those conditions that contributed to the disaster, the FHP report noted.
Some drivers stopped in the middle of travel lanes while other drivers didn’t slow down enough to be able to travel safely through the thick haze. While additional training may help, the report’s authors say the tragedy could happen again despite the best training and protocol.
“Even if each of the recommendations made by the FDLE in its incident review were to have been present or occurred that night, it is probable the same decision would have been reached,” the report concludes. “Also, no amount of planning or policy will take the place of driver reaction to low visibility and unpredictable conditions.”
The state is facing multiple lawsuits from drivers and their survivors following the January 29 crash which to place shortly after that stretch of road was reopened for traffic.
Editor’s note: While the FHP report found that driver behavior contributed to the crashes, the report does not specifically detail what caused the Hughes’ family to become involved in the accidents.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Highway 29 Snarled For Hours By Log Truck Wreck
August 11, 2012
There were no serious injuries in an accident involving a log truck and four cars Friday afternoon in Cantonment, but there were serious traffic problems that delayed thousands of people.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 56-year old Clarence Ray Vaughn of Summerdale was traveling east on Muscogee Road in a 1999 Mack truck. When he attempted to turn southbound on Highway 29 about 2:45 p.m., his load shifted and the trailer rolled onto its side as multiple vehicles were headed north on Highway 29.
Logs from the trailer rolled into a 1995 Chevrolet pickup driven by 73-year old L.C. Brown of Cantonment, and into a 2004 Dodge Stratus driven by 59-year old Anite Duff of Cantonment. The logs pushed Duff’s vehicle into a 2001 Buick driven by 58-year old Willie McQueen of Molino. And a screw from the log trailer struck and broke the windshield of a 2006 Chevrolet driven by 24-year old Trent Altman of McDavid.
Duff suffered minor injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with minor injuries. No others involved in the accident were injured, according to the FHP.
Vaughn, the truck driver, was cited for careless driving.
The accident shut down all four lanes of Highway 29 for a short time and continued to cause traffic backups for hours. At times, northbound traffic was backed up about two miles — all the way back to Archer Road.
Pictured: A log truck accident Friday afternoon on Highway 29 just south of the Muscogee Road intersection. Reader submitted photos by Angel Lathan (inset), Nicole Snyder (below) and others, click to enlarge.
Lookouts Beat Pensacola 4-2
August 11, 2012
Chattanooga third baseman C.J. Retherford blasted two solo home runs and reliever Wes Roemer fired four solid innings of relief, while Pensacola shortstop Billy Hamilton swiped two more bases, as the Lookouts topped the Blue Wahoos 4-2 in front of a capacity crowd of 5,038 on Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The loss, coupled with Jacksonville’s victory over Mobile, dropped the Blue Wahoos to 25-23 in the second half and two games behind the Suns for first place in the Southern League South Division. Chattanooga with the win now owns a 59-57 mark since the midway point of the season. The capacity crowd was the 35th the Blue Wahoos have hosted at the bayfront stadium in their inaugural season.
Retherford collected his solo shots in the second and seventh frames, with his second roundtripper turning out to be the game-winning hit. The Florida native has now totaled three roundtrippers at the Double-A level after blasting 20 with High-A Rancho Cucamonga prior to his promotion. The 26-year-old also collected two multi-homer efforts with the Quakes earlier this season.
The Lookouts struck first in the opening frame, with 2B Rafael Ynoa starting off the contest with a walk and stealing second prior to being sent in on an RBI triple from CF Nick Buss. Pensacola would then answer in the bottom of the frame with two scores to grab a 2-1 advantage.
Hamilton drew a free pass and then stole second and third, while CF Ryan LaMarre was hit by a pitch to load the bases. 1B Donald Lutz then drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Hamilton before LaMarre scored later on a fielder’s choice. Chattanooga however, would draw the contest even at 2-2 courtesy of Retherford’s first homer of the evening.
With Hamilton’s two steals, the speedster is now just ten away from tying Vince Coleman’s single-season Minor League record of 145, which he set in 1983. Including tonight, the 21-year-old has already stolen 18 bases in just ten games in the month of August.
The Lookouts would add an additional insurance run in the eighth for their final tally. 1B Luis Nunez walked and then moved to third on a two-base error, before coming home when RF Blake Smith reached on the second Blue Wahoos fielding miscue of the inning.
Chattanooga reliever Wes Roemer (4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 SO) earned the victory after yielding just four hits while striking out five in four shutout innings, while LHP Steven Rodriguez (1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO) shut the door in the ninth for his first save of the year. Pensacola starter Kyle Lotzkar (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) did not factor in the decision despite allowing just two earned runs on four hits in his six innings of work, while RHP Josh Ravin (1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO) suffered the loss for the Blue Wahoos.
With the Fish leading the series 2-1, the two teams are scheduled to square off again Saturday night, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. at the bayfront stadium. Pensacola is slated to give the nod to RHP Daniel Corcino, while Chattanooga is expected to counter with RHP Zach Lee.
By Andrew Green
Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dump Your Kids At Dump Camp
August 11, 2012
If you are looking for something for your kids to do next week, you can send them to camp at the county’s landfill.
The Escambia County Department of Solid Waste invites kids to participate in “Dump your Kids at the Perdido Landfill for a Day!” camp on Wednesday, August 15 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This one-day excursion to the Perdido Landfill allows kids, ages 6-12, to participate in fun-filled activities designed to teach the importance of the reduction of generated waste through source reduction, recycling, reuse or composting.
Activities include a tour of the Perdido Landfill, recycling education, household chemical waste education, hands-on recycling projects, arts and crafts with recycled materials, games that focus on recycling and reuse as well as an eco-walk on the Perdido Riverwalk Nature Trail.
The cost of the camp is the donation of one pair of new or gently used shoes to be donated to Soles4Souls. Campers will need to bring clothes that are appropriate to play in and be worn outside, a brown bag lunch, snacks, a reusable water bottle and drinks. (A zero waste lunch packed in reusable containers is encouraged by organizers.) One snack will be provided at the beginning of the day.
For more information or to preregister contact Recycling Operations at (850) 937-2160. Space is limited. The camp is sponsored by Escambia County Department of Solid Waste Management Waste Services.
New Beltway Connector Could Link I-10, North Escambia, Santa Rosa
August 10, 2012
Escambia County is making new I-10 exit in Beulah a priority — an exit that is part of an overall plan that could greatly change the landscape of some parts of North Escambia.
The exit would serve a northern “beltway” connector proposed from North Escambia to Santa Rosa County. The beltway would begin at I-10 somewhere in the Beulah area and extend north to intersect with Highway 29 in the vicinity of Quintette Road and continue into Santa Rosa County.
The project is planned with present and future growth in mind. It will serve as a hurricane evacuation route and is expected to enhance economic opportunities in Escambia County.
Any construction would be years away; the project must first receive funding.
Thursday night, the Escambia County Commission make the project a priority with the FL-AL and Northwest Florida Regional Transportation planning organizations.
Pictured top: A proposed beltway connector between Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is depicted in red on this map. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Navy Federal Closes Land Purchase, 4-H Eyeing North Escambia Property
August 10, 2012
Navy Federal Credit Union closed the $3.6 million purchase of the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Beulah on Thursday, and 4-H’ers are eyeing the acquisition of replacement property in the North Escambia area.
For Navy Federal, the purchase of the 4-H property means the addition of 600 new jobs and an investment of $6.5 million in a campus development strategy adjacent to the existing NFCU property on Nine Mile Road.
For 4-H, it means the 4-H foundation will receive the full $3.6 million. Up to $1.6 million will be available to 4-H for facilities construction, projects or purchases, while $2 million will be placed in an endowment fund with the interest supporting 4-H.
4-H In The Market For New Home
With Navy Federal’s $1.6 million check in hand, Escambia County 4-H leaders are shopping for the perfect piece of property for a new 4-H center. That property, according to George Carpenter, president of the Escambia County 4-H Foundation, would ideally be located in the Molino or Cantonment area — pretty much in the middle of the county’s 4-H club locations.
The “Friends of 4-H”, a group of of 4-H supporters, has called for the purchase of former the former Bayer Crop Science Facility on Crabtree Church Road in Molino. The 250 acres stretches from Crabtree Church Road north to Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School.
“We are looking at least a portion of that property, but I don’t think we’d take the whole thing,” Carpenter said Thursday afternoon. “We are still in the process of looking around at other property; we haven’t settled on anything yet.”
Ideally, Carpenter said, 4-H might find an individual or company willing to donate land to the non-profit group.
The Escambia County Commission has offered another $1.5 million in local option sales tax funds to construct a new 4-H building with the plans subject to the approval of the Extension Service. The new building would be situated on 23 acres at the Escambia County Extension Service on Stefani Road.
The 4-H Council members, a group of 4-H members ages 8 to 18, will be involved in the final property selection process. It won’t be their first big land deal — the same young 4-H members were required to vote and give final approval to the $3.6 million Langley Bell sale to Navy Federal.
Navy Federal Moves Forward
Navy Federal said Thursday that the success of the expansion plans is due to the company’s commitment to the Pensacola area as well as the partnership between Navy Federal and the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Escambia County, Escambia County 4H, Enterprise Florida and the University of West Florida.
“This project is a tremendous example of how a community and a state, both private and public, can come together to make great things happen,” said Donnie McMahon, chairman of the Greater Pensacola Chamber.
“The Greater Pensacola area continues to impress us with a high caliber workforce that is reflected in our 2,500 team members located in Pensacola,” said Cutler Dawson, President and CEO, of Navy Federal. “We look forward to our continued growth in Florida.”
“The forthcoming jobs and positive economic impact of Navy Federal’s expansion are great news for Florida, as well as Pensacola,” said Gov. Rick Scott. “This announcement is further evidence that Florida’s business climate encourages companies to grow and expand and add jobs in our state.”
“We appreciate the partnership by all involved who helped bring this deal to a close and provide the win-win solution Navy Federal was looking for,” said Debbie Calder, Senior Vice President, Navy Federal Credit Union.
This is the first economic development announcement that includes funding from the Industry Recruitment, Retention & Expansion Fund Grant Program (IRREF), which is administered by the University of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Engagement. This program is available to the eight coastal counties of Northwest Florida that were most affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Senator Don Gaetz authored S.B. 2156, of which the Oil Spill Recovery Act was an important component. The Oil Spill Recovery Act allots $10 million per year for each of three years to these eight Northwest Florida counties for the purposes of research and development, commercialization of research, economic diversification and job creation.
“This project exactly fits the purpose of the Oil Spill Recovery Act passed by the Florida Legislature,” said Senator Gaetz. “Navy Federal brings new, good, high paying jobs that diversify our economy. And there are protections built in to ensure performance and a solid return on investment.”
“Job creation is extremely important to Northwest Florida, and especially to our students,” said UWF President Dr. Judy Bense. “We are proud to be a resource for recipients of the IRREF Grant Program and we will continue to support our community with economic development efforts through this grant project.”
Pictured top: Navy Federal has completed the $3.6 million purchase of the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Nine Mile Road in Beulah. Pictured top inset: 4-H County Council President Devon Bell signs off on the property sale after a 4-H County Council vote in April. Pictured bottom inset and below: The Langley Bell 4-H Center was directly adjacent to Navy Federal’s campus. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Smoke Inside Century Correctional Library
August 10, 2012
Several area fire departments responded to the Century Correctional Institution Thursday night after light smoke was reported in the prison’s library.
The smoke and electrical smell in library building was reported about 9:20 p.m. Power to the standalone building was cut, and a preliminary determination was made that the smoke may have originated with an air conditioner motor.
The Century, McDavid, Molino and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the prison, with most firefighters staging outside the facility’s fence. Firefighters were on scene for about an hour.
There was no damage reported and no injuries.
The Century Correctional Institution library is located in a portion of the compound that is separated by fences, barbed wire and gates from prisoner housing. The library was not open at the time of the incident.
Pictured above: Inside the main room of the Century Correctional Institution library. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Ala. District, Three Individual Schools Fail To Meet State Yearly Progress Standards
August 10, 2012
The Escambia County (Ala.) School District and three of four of the county’s high schools failed to make adequate yearly progress, according to data released Thursday by the Alabama Department of Education.
Escambia County students as a whole failed to make appropriate progress in reading at all grade levels and in math in grade levels 3-5 and high school. At the high school level, the only county school to make AYP was Flomaton High School.
Here’s how individual schools in the district fared on the state standards:
NO – Failed AYP
- Escambia County High School (year six)
- Escambia County Middle School (year two)
- W.S. Neal High (year four)
YES – Passed AYP
- A.C. Moore Elementary
- Rachel Patterson Elementary
- Huxford Elementary
- Pollard-McCall Junior High
- Flomaton Elementary
- Flomaton High School
- W.S. Neal Elementary
- W.S. Neal Middle
To determine adequate yearly progress, schools are assigned from 5 to 37 goals to achieve. If they fail to reach any one single goal, the whole school fails to make AYP. Ratings are based upon test scores, test participation and attendance or graduation rate.