Man Charged With Arson After Suspicious Fires Damage Escambia High School (With Gallery)
July 4, 2012
Suspicious fires damaged Escambia High School Tuesday night, and a Pensacola man has been charged with arson for starting the blazes.
Smoke was pouring from the roof of the two story portion of the school shortly after firefighters arrived shortly after 11 p.m. Crews from multiple fire stations search the buildings for the origination of the smoke as ladder trucks towered over the school on 65th Avenue in Myrtle Grove.
Firefighters were able to locate a fire in at least two different classrooms as smoke filled much of the sprawling buildings. There were no injuries reported.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to the investigate the fire, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators and a crime scene unit were still at the school after 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Daniel Lance Quattlebaum, 21, was charged with arson, burglary and criminal mischief with property damage in connection with the incident. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday with bond set at $112,500.
Further details have not yet been released.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy watches as two Escambia County firefighters pull a ventilation fan down a smoke filled outdoor corridor early Wednesday morning at Escambia County High School. Pictured inset: Smoke billows from Escambia High School shortly after the first firefighters arrive on scene Tuesday night. Pictured below: A ladder truck aerial towers over Escambia High School. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, Bob Solarski/WEAR 3 and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
TV Icon Andy Griffith Dead At Age 86
July 4, 2012
TV icon and “America’s Sheriff” Andy Griffith passed away at his home in North Carolina Tuesday morning. He was 86.
Famous for “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960-68, he also started in “Mayberry R.F.D.”, the legal drama Matlock and made guest appearances on numerous other shows. He was also a Grammy award winning Southern Gospel Singer.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005.
Ron Howard, cast as Griffith’s television son Opie Taylor, commented on Twitter, “Andy Griffith’s pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations and shaped my life. I’m forever grateful. RIP Andy.”
Guide To Area Fireworks Shows
July 4, 2012
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows across the North Escambia area:
WEDNESDAY
Sertoma — Downtown Pensacola, Sponsored by NorthEscambia.com
For the 23rd year, Sertoma organizations will coordinate and host the fireworks display over Pensacola Bay on Wednesday, July 4th, at 9:00 p.m.
There will be activities throughout the day, from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm, in Seville Square to include a FREE Children’s Area with inflatables and pony rides, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and live entertainment on the gazebo stage beginning at 11:00 a.m. There is also a hot dog eating contest at noon.
Starting at 4 p.m., there will be live music on the Bayfront Stage, featuring Crosstown Band, followed by Bad Habits at 6:30. The festivities will culminate with the fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at about 9 p.m. synchronized with music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7.
Sponsors for the program include NorthEscambia.com, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 1620, WEAR 3, Publix, Escambia County and the City of Pensacola.
Jay
The Town of Jay and the Jay Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Wednesday, July 4 with a fireworks show set to begin around 9 p.m. at Bray-Hendricks City Park. Food vendors and arts and crafts vendors will be on hand. There will also be a kids’ fun center with a large slide and bounce house. Admission to the park is free. No pets.
East Brewton
The Fort Crawford Commission will celebrate Wednesday, July 4, with a fun-filled day beginning at 9 a.m. at Fort Crawford Park and ending with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Bay Minette
The City of Bay Minette will host a fireworks show on Wednesday, July 4, beginning around 9 p.m. at the Bay Minette Intermediate School.
Riverfest 2012: A Celebration of Freedom
Riverfest will be held Wednesday, July 4 in Milton. Festivities include the 11th annual Firecracker Bike Show at 9 a.m., a Freedom Car Show at 9 a.m., the Treasure Island Children’s Activity Area at 1 a.m., the sixth annual Great MillTown Duck Race at 5 p.m., the Acoustic Project at 5:30 p.m., a Veteran’s Salute at 6:30 p.m. and karaoke at 7 p.m. The day will end with a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.
Fireworks over Pensacola Beach
Fireworks are over Santa Rosa Sound, just offshore from Quietwater Beach. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Best views from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach. The trolley will operate on its normal schedule from 4 p.m. to midnight, running from the Fort Pickens entrance to Portofino.
Santa Rosa Wreck Claims Life Of Jay High Graduate
July 4, 2012
A 21-year old man died in a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Santa Rosa County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Trevor J. Thomas of Milton was southbound on Chumuckla Highway near Archies Way at 3:30 p.m. in a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro when he crossed the center dividing line into the path of a 2009 Chevrolet truck driven by 16-year old Clayton Gregory of Pensacola.
Troopers said Gregory saw Thomas cross the center line and tried to avoid a collision. But Thomas never attempted to correct his driving mistake, according to the FHP.
Thomas, a 2009 graduate of Jay High School, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Gregory received only minor injuries; he will not face any charges in connection with the accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured top and inset: A Jay High School graduate driving this Camaro died Tuesday afternoon when he drove into the path of a pickup truck (pictured below) on Chumuckla Highway. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
4th Of July Closings
July 4, 2012
The following will be closed Wednesday in observance of the Independence Day holiday:
- City offices in Century, Flomaton, Jay, Atmore, Pensacola
- Escambia County (Ala. & Fla.) offices
- Santa Rosa County offices
- Florida state offices
- All federal offices
- West Florida Library branches, including Century
- Santa Rosa County libraries, including Jay
- University of West Florida, Pensacola State College closed
- Retail windows at the U.S. Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivered or collected, except for Express Mail.
- ECAT buses will run only limited service for: Route 59 Express, Route 64 Beach Jumper, Beach Trolley
- Wednesday’s ECUA route was picked up on Tuesday.
No Charges To Be Filed In Toddler Shooting
July 4, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has announced that there will be no charges filed in connection with the weekend shooting of a two-year old child.
The toddler sustained a gunshot would to the stomach area, according to investigators, Sunday afternoon about 3:30 at a home in the 7300 block of Pine Forest Road. The toddler was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to a Sacred Heart Hospital where he remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The child was with his mother, Angela Matthews, as she was visiting her boyfriend, Kevin Vestal, at his home. The 2-year old was separated from another child and put into a bedroom by Matthews, the Sheriff’s Office said. Later, a loud bang was heard and the child was found with the wound.
“Kevin Vestal had a firearm stored in this room, and wasn’t aware that the two-year old was in there. The case has been ruled accidental and no charges will be filed,” Deputy Matt Baxter, spokesman for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Featured Recipe: Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
July 4, 2012
Looking to spend some time with the kids in the kitchen? Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats are a fun, easy and patriotic way to celebrate.
The recipe is not only easy, but it also lots of fun. It’s terrific for a “just-because” snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help – from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there’s something everyone can do.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 ounces, about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal OR 6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red-, white- and blue-colored sprinkles
Preparation
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
- Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
- Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.
Serves
Servings 18
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Flomaton, Century Celebrate The 4th With Fireworks (With Gallery)
July 4, 2012
The area’s fireworks Fourth of July demonstrations got underway Tuesday night at Showalter Park in Century.
Last year, both towns sponsored a fireworks show at Hurricane Park in Flomaton. Century agreed to help pay for the show only if the town’s alternated being the host for the event each year — the event will return to Flomaton next year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Fireworks Tuesday night at Showalter Park in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos by Raja Atallah and Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Urges Smart Grilling For Food Safety
July 4, 2012
Safety is an important consideration when operating a grill. Improper use can cause a fire or explosion. Keep the area around a lighted grill clear of combustible materials, and never use a grill in an enclosed area such as a sheltered patio or a garage. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing that may catch fire. The cooking grids should be cleaned after every cookout. The last thing you want to do is cause someone to become ill due to improper cleaning or unsafe food preparation practices.
Wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before starting to prepare any foods, and wash your hands again if you do anything else—change a diaper, pet an animal, or blow your nose, for example. Cover any cuts or sores on your hands with a bandage, or use plastic gloves. If you sneeze or cough while preparing foods, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your face away, or cough into your sleeve. Always wash your hands afterwards.
Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Most food-borne illness-causing bacteria cannot grow well at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Never leave foods out at room temperature.
Keep everything that touches food clean. Bacteria can hitch rides around your kitchen on all sorts of things—plates and cutting boards, dirty utensils, dish rags and sponges, unwashed hands.
Never chop fresh vegetables or salad ingredients on a cutting board that was used for raw meat without properly cleaning it first. If possible, keep a separate cutting board just for the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and fish.
Wash cutting boards thoroughly with hot soapy water, and then sanitize with a solution of household bleach and water.
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices from coming into contact with other foods during preparation, especially foods that will not be cooked. Wash all utensils and your hands with hot soapy water after contact with raw meat.
Marinate meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator in a covered, non-metal container. Throw away any leftover marinade.
Grill food to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to assure correct doneness of the food being grilled.
Safe minimum internal temperatures:
- Poultry (whole, ground, and breasts): 165°F
- Hamburgers, beef: 160°F
- Beef, veal, and lamb (steaks, roasts and chops):
- Medium rare: 145°F
- Medium: 160°F.
- All cuts of pork: 160°F.
Hold meat at 140°F until served. Use a clean platter for transferring cooked meat from grill to serving table.
Summer is the time for getting together with friends and family and cooking outdoors. Make your outdoor grilling experience safe and enjoyable.
For further information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
Dorothy C. Lee, CFCS, is an Extension Agent II, Family & Consumer Sciences with the Escambia County Extension Service. Reference: Safe Food Handling Fact Sheet, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Series.
‘A Capitol Fourth’ Live On WSRE TV 23 Tonight
July 4, 2012
This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 236th birthday, as A Capitol Fourth welcomes a new host, Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron.
Hot off another winning season as host of the hit TV series “Dancing With the Stars,” Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances, topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.
The multi award-winning event will feature acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (“Smash”); singer-songwriter Javier Colon (winner of “The Voice”); R&B superstars Kool & the Gang; four time Tony-nominated Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; plus a tribute to Team USA honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, A Capitol Fourth airs live in HD Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 7:00-8:30 p.m. on WSRE 23 before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide.
A Capitol Fourth has truly become America’s favorite Independence Day celebration and a cornerstone of PBS’ annual programming line-up, as evidenced by the ratings. During the 2010-2011 season, A Capitol Fourth took the top prize, for the second consecutive year, as the number one rated program in primetime. A Capitol Fourth reached more than 11 million viewers.
“What an honor to be in the nation’s capital for America’s biggest birthday party,” said Bergeron. “Hosting A Capitol Fourth enables me to celebrate two things I’m a big fan of — America and PBS!”
The 2012 broadcast of A Capitol Fourth will include two unique segments:
- A rousing and patriotic send off to Team USA as they head to the London 2012 Olympic Games, featuring current and past U.S. Olympians as well as members of the U.S. Paralympic team; and
- A musical tribute to beloved American legend Gene Kelly, in celebration of his 100th birthday, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra performing a medley of Hollywood classics, including Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris.
Offering viewers extended coverage of the fireworks display, A Capitol Fourth will capture the stunning pyrotechnics from every vantage point with 20 TV cameras stationed around the city — including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and across the Potomac River. The show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” with live cannon fire provided by The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now a Capitol Fourth tradition.
Also participating in the event will be The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the Quantico Marine Corps Band, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.