Escambia Emergency Update
June 10, 2012
Here is the most recent update (5 p.m) from the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center:
For road closure information, click here.
- Escambia County Area Transit will resume normal operations tomorrow. ECAT Sunday bus service for Routes 59A, 59Express and 64 Beach Jumper and Pensacola Beach trolley service were cancelled today due to extensive heavy rains and severe flooding.
Shelters:
- Ferry Pass Middle School is the only shelter still open. Space is available for anyone needing a shelter.
- Tate High School will be closing tonight and is not accepting any new evacuees.
- Molino Park Elementary School shelter has closed including the pet shelter
- Although there may be periods of calm, 1 to 2 inches of rain are expected throughout the event and will continue over the next few days.
- We have received over 15 inches of rain in Pensacola and over 23 inches in west Pensacola since yesterday at 8 a.m.
- The Citizen Information Line will discontinue operations at 7 p.m. tonight and will reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 11. Residents can call (850) 471-6600 for information.
- The Emergency Operations Center will revert to a Level 2 activation and close at 7 p.m. tonight. Conditions will still be monitored overnight and the center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow, Monday, June 7.
- All County offices are expected to operate normal business hours tomorrow.
- Measures have been taken to address issues at the Sheriff’s Central Booking and Detention Center and the facility is currently operational.
- The Warrington Tax Collector’s office on Navy Boulevard is closed until further notice due to water damage. Residents can visit the downtown office on Palafox or the Marcus Point office on “W” Street during normal business hours tomorrow. The Tax Collector’s office can be reach at 438-6500.
- Child Support Hearings in Escambia County scheduled for Monday, June 11 have been cancelled. Participants will be notified of a new hearing date. All other courts will be open for “business as usual.”
- The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce is operating a business assistance hotline at the Emergency Operations Center for Escambia County businesses. To report damages, closures or request information related to the recent flooding, please call 471-6589.
- Flood warning is in effect until 6 p.m. today, Sunday, June 10. Flood watch is in effect until Monday morning.
- If you do have to travel, do not attempt to drive across a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Traffic lights may also be out. If you approach a traffic signal that is out it must be treated as a four-way stop. If the signal is flashing the side that is flashing red must yield to traffic.
· Escambia County is still under a local state of emergency
Escambia Jail Floods, Left With No Power
June 10, 2012
The basement of the Escambia County Jail flooded during Saturday’s record-setting rains, leaving the facility without power or air conditioning.
About 700 inmates were inside the jail Saturday night — officials will decide Sunday if they need to be moved to other facilities.
As the area outside the jail flooded, the basement of the county lockup filled with water to the ceiling, with some water making it to portions of the first floor. The jail’s electrical panel, laundry and kitchen are in the flooded basement.
The inmates will be fed Sunday from the jail annex across the street.
Extra deputies and corrections officers were brought in to help with security overnight, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office mobile command post was being used outside.
After A Flood: The First Steps
June 10, 2012
Here are tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for those with flood damage or in flooded areas:
- Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available.
- Avoid moving water.
- Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
- Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
- Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
- If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.
- Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it’s also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Staying Healthy
A flood can cause physical hazards and emotional stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems are serious health hazards.
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Rest often and eat well.
- Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
- Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.
Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home
- Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
- Download a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home. It will tell you:
- How to enter your home safely.
- How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
- How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.
- How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.
- How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.
- The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
- Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
- Check NorthEscambia.com or other media for information in the coming days on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.
- If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home.
Blue Wahoos Win Third Straight
June 10, 2012
Blue Wahoos pitchers allowed just one unearned run in Pensacola’s 3-1 win over the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night at Regions Park in Hoover, Al. The win is the Blue Wahoos’ third straight win over the Barons and their fifth win in their last six games.
Pensacola did all of their damage in the top of the first. Ryan LaMarre led off the game with a solid single before Didi Gregorius doubled down the right field line which plated LaMarre all the way from first base. Gregorius came home later in the inning on a double by Josh Fellhauer. He later scored on a groundout by Yordanys Perez. After the Blue Wahoos claimed a 3-0 lead, the pitching took over.
Kyle Lotzkar went five innings in the start for Pensacola. The only run he allowed was Tyler Saladino after he reached on an error in the bottom of the second. Erik Morrison singled home Saladino for the Barons only run of the game, which was unearned. Lotzkar only allowed one more hit over his final three innings as he earned his third win of the season.
The bullpen took over in the sixth and allowed just two singles over the final four frames. Wilkin De La Rosa worked two scoreless innings allowing just one single. Curtis Partch came in to earn the save by working a pair of scoreless innings. He struck out two over his two innings. The save was his first of the season.
Birmingham starter Nester Molina didn’t allow more than one baserunner in an inning after the second. He was charged with all three first-inning Blue Wahoos runs in his fifth loss of the season.
The Blue Wahoos have already secured their first series win since beating Jacksonville three-out-of-five May 17-21 in Jacksonville. Pensacola improves to 6-2 against the Barons this season.
Pensacola will look for their fourth straight win on Sunday afternoon. The Blue Wahoos will send right-hander J.C. Sulbaran (4-4, 4.40) to the mound against Birmingham righty Brandon Kloess (2-2, 1.91). This will be the first start of the season for Kloess and the just the third of his career. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m.
Gallery: Dozens Of Reader Submitted Flood Photos
June 10, 2012
NorthEscambia.com readers and Facebook fans sent us dozens of flooding photos from across Escambia County Saturday.
To view a photo gallery of reader submitted photos, click here.
Do you have flood pictures to share? Email them to news@northescambia.com or visit our Facebook page and become a fan.
Pictured top: A flooded apartment complex in southwestern Escambia County. Pictured below: Walmart on Navy Boulevard. Reader photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Delays 8U Tourney At NWE; Games Monday
June 10, 2012
Saturday’s game was rained out in the 2012 8U Machine Pitch District Baseball Tournament at the Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park.
Atmore defeated Northwest Escambia 14-2 Friday night in game one. The tournament will continue Monday and Tuesday between Atmore, Tri-County and NWE.
The revised game schedule is as follows:
Monday
5:30 p.m. — Tri-County vs. Atmore
7:30 p.m. — Loser of the 5:30 game vs. NWE
Tuesday
5:30 p.m. — Teams TBA
7:30 p.m. — (if needed) Teams TBA
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 6-18, and free for children under 5.
Blue Wahoos All-Star Closer Advances To Triple-A Louisville
June 10, 2012
Blue Wahoos closer Donnie Joseph, who was recently named to the Southern League All-Star Team, has been promoted to Triple-A Louisville. Joseph leaves Double-A tied for the league lead in saves with 13, also good for tops among the entire Cincinnati Reds organization. Joseph was named the Reds Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May just prior to getting named an all-star.
In 25 relief appearances for the Fish, Joseph owned a 4-2 record and a dazzling 0.93 ERA (3 ER in 29.0 IP).
“Donnie moving up to Triple-A, I think, is certainly well deserved and probably overdue,” said Blue Wahoos manager Jim Riggleman. “It was very generous of the Reds to keep him in Pensacola for as long as he was here. He did a great job. I think the key is he threw strikes. His slider speaks for itself, nobody really hit his slider. I didn’t see him last year, but looking at the walk totals, it appears that he threw more strikes this year to go along with his great slider, and he’s ready for the next step.”
To fill the spot on the roster, RHP Mark Serrano has been activated from the disabled list.
Pictured: Wahoos’ closer Donnie Joseph has been promoted to Triple-A Louisville. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Free Hunter Safety Course Offered In Escambia County
June 10, 2012
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free hunter safety course in Escambia County.
The course will be held at W.J. Woodham Middle School at 150 East Burgess Road in Pensacola. Instruction will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 12, 14, 19 and 21. The range portion of the class will be June 23 from 7-10 a.m.
An adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. Students are encouraged to bring a pencil and paper with them to take notes.
The hunter safety course is required for people born on or after June 1, 1975, to purchase a Florida hunting license. The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
People interested in attending this course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in Panama City at (850) 265-3676. For more information on this course, call George Warthen at (850) 265-3676.
Escambia Road Closure Information
June 10, 2012
Here is the latest road closure information (7 p.m.) from the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center:
- Segura Street – Closed between Segura and Sorrento
- Saufley Pines Road – Closed between Saufley Landfill berm and Saufley Field Gate
- Saufley Field Road – Closed between Blue Angel Parkway and Saufley Field Gate
- 10910 Oak Valley Road – Road washed out at pipes
- Kenmore Avenue – Closed between Old Palafox and Highway 29
- Sandra Drive – Closed
- Oak Valley and Bridge Creek Terrace – collapsed – closed
- Little Creek Bridge – bridge collapsed – road passable
- Bauer Road at Weekly Bayou – closed
- Grand Lagoon Boulevard – closed
- Ponte Verde – closed between Gulf Beach Highway and Ponte Verde Cove and closed southeast of 5589 Ponte Verde
- “T” Street – closed between Jordan Street and Hernandez
- Coral Creek Drive – closed
- North “M” Street and Leonard Street – closed
- Bellview Avenue – closed between Blue Angel and Fence Line Road
- Shoemaker and Mobile Highway – Red light out – Use Caution
- Creek Ridge Drive and Blue Ray – One lane closed
- Highway 98 at Hunter Point Apartments – One lane closed
- Bauer Road by new Sportsplex – Some lanes closed
- Highway 98 at Blue Angel Parkway – East bound closed – West bound open
- Gulf Beach Highway/Atlanta – Open
- Gulf Beach Highway/Shorewood – Open
- Johnson’s Beach Road – 3 to 4 inches of water – road is passable
- Creek Ridge/Blue Ray – 3 to 4 inches of water – road is passable
- Calle Juela/Via de Luna Drive – Open
- Highway 98/72nd Avenue traffic light is operable and working
- Fort Pickens Road at Margaritaville – water on east bound lane
- Gate to Fort Pickens closed by Park Service
- “P” Street from Loretta to Massachusetts – Open
- Bauer Road (south of Sorrento) from Sorrento to Gulf Beach Highway is open
- Gulf Beach Highway/Augusta – passable, minor standing water
- Sandy Creek subdivision on Fairfield Drive – passable, minor standing water
- Lake Air/72nd Avenue – passable, minor standing water
- Blue Angel/Highway 98 traffic light is operable and working
- 3’ x 6’ sinkhole on the county right-of-way of Gulf Beach Highway, 60’ east of Longwood
If you do have to travel, do not attempt to drive across a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown.
Traffic lights may also be out. If you approach a traffic signal that is out it must be treated as a four-way stop. If the signal is flashing the side that is flashing red must yield to traffic.
Santa Rosa Emergency Information
June 10, 2012
Here is the latest emergency information from Santa Rosa County:
Emergency management, fire department, road department, and law enforcement staff continue to address issues, dispatch resources, and monitor weather conditions and river levels.
Weather Storm Information
· Santa Rosa County remains under a flood warning until 6 p.m. Sunday, June 10 and a flash flood watch until Monday morning, June 11.
· The National Weather Service advises an additional four to eight inches of rainfall can be expected today, with larger amounts in some areas.
Preliminary Damage Estimates
· Fire departments will be conducting preliminary damage estimates today. Information will be released as it is available. Residential flooding primarily occurred in the low-lying areas of Gulf Breeze and Midway.
· A home in the 5400 block of Woodsman Drive was struck by lighting about 7 a.m. on Sunday. The roof sustained damage, but no fire occurred.
Beach Conditions
· Red flags are currently flying at Navarre Beach. Beachgoers and swimmers should heed the red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are present.
· On Saturday, June 9 two swimmers and one first responder were transported to local hospitals after being rescued from the Gulf of Mexico by Navarre Beach Fire Department staff.
Sand Bags
Sand is available at following location. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags:
· Tiger Point Park (sand only)-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
· The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
· Sandbags can be purchased at local home improvement stores or picked up at no charge at Midway Fire District Station located at 1322 College Pkwy. There is a 25-bag limit per vehicle.
Traffic Conditions
· Most of the standing water on the roadways from Saturday’s rain receded overnight. However, roads that are currently clear may flood quickly with today’s forecasted additional rain. Standing water creates a serious road hazard, even when only a portion of the roadway is flooded.
· Any closures will be announced as they occur. Dangerous road conditions can be reported to (850) 983-5372.
· Residents are asked to restrict unnecessary driving this evening and Sunday as much as possible.
· No streets are currently closed.
· The following street are open with hazards:
Milton, Avalon & Pace Areas
- Robinson Point Road
- Abby Street
· Do not remove road barricades on closed roads or bridges. Even after the water has receded, public works crews must complete safety inspections.
· Most deaths from flooding in the United States are due to people driving their cars into flooded areas. For pedestrians, just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock a person off their feet- “Turn around, don’t drown.”
· Citizens are asked not to drive around looking at the flooding. The motion from the vehicles will push water into homes and cause additional property damage.
Shelters
· The American Red Cross is on stand by to open a public shelter if needed.