Flooding Repair Update From Escambia County Public Works
May 24, 2014
Escambia County’s initial damage assessment noted roughly 740 line items of issues that needed a form of action to be taken. To date, approximately 500 of those items have been addressed and several in-depth drainage studies to assess some of the hardest hit areas of the county have been initiated in areas such as Lake Charlene, Ponderosa, Chandler and Holsberry.
Additional priority areas to be improved include Crown Pointe Subdivision, Elcino Drive, Galvin Avenue, Little Creek Drive and Sea Glades Subdivision.
The following is an update of infrastructure repairs occurring throughout Escambia County by the Public Works Department:
Blue Springs Road (Crescent Lake Area)
Utilities and access to the homes have been restored due to the installation of a temporary road. A new sewer main with laterals, water main with service line, gas main and service replacement have been installed. Approximately 70 percent of the damaged areas along the road have been filled with compact subgrade. Work will continue until the remaining portions of the roadway are filled with a new roadway surface, the curb is restored, driveways are rebuilt and storm water inlets and pipes are repaired or replaced.
Plans are being finalized to remove the sediment from Crescent Lake and work is expected to begin the week of May 26.
Emergency Repairs Nearing Completion
By the end of Friday, May 23, the following roads were expected to be complete:
- Augusta Avenue
- Atlanta Avenue
- Bridgedale Road
- Chemstrand Road
- Copper Ridge
- County Road 297A
- Detroit Boulevard
- Dog Track Road
- Galvin Lane
- High Pointe Drive and Constantine Drive
- Klondike Road
- Meadowbrook Drive
- North Loop Road
- Olive Road (east of Johnson Avenue)
- Waycross Avenue
Emergency Repairs Nearing Commencement
Emergency repairs are anticipated to begin the week of May 26 at the following locations once plans are finalized:
- Calvin Street and Ronda Street
- Johnson Avenue
- Lake Charlene Drive
- New Warrington Road Ditch
Holding Ponds
The county has hired a consultant to inspect and perform an engineering assessment of approximately 150 holding ponds. The ponds will be assessed for needed repairs as well as opportunities for enhancements. Once assessed, a plan will be developed to accomplish the repairs and/or enhancements utilizing both county resources and private contractors.
Road Construction Activities Suspended for Memorial Day Weekend
May 24, 2014
To promote safety and reduce congestion over the Memorial Day weekend, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending normal road construction activities on all major roads in Northwest Florida, including those in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
If an emergency situation occurs during the upcoming holiday weekend requires a lane closure, repairs will continue until that lane is reopened to the traveling public and all safety issues related to the traveling public have been addressed.
Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment on current projects. Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.
Youth Football, Cheer Registration Today For NWE, Cantonment, Century, Flomaton
May 24, 2014
Registration will continue today for youth football and cheerleading at Northwest Escambia, Cantonment, Century and Flomaton.
NORTHWEST ESCAMBIA FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING
Northwest Escambia Youth Football and Cheerleading will hold registration for the 2014 season at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt and at Don Sutton Ball Park in Molino from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: May 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; and July 12, 26. The deadline to sign up for cheerleading is June 21.
Registration fee for football is $85, with NWE providing equipment and game uniforms. Registration fee for cheerleading is $200 and includes uniform, midriff, pom-poms, monogrammed bag, hair bow and trophy. Payment plans are available for football and cheerleading.
Proof of residency or proof in enrollment in Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Molino Park Elementary or Ernest Ward Middle School is required. A copy of the child’s birth certificate is also required.
For more information call (850) 449-3185 for football or (850) 377-3102 for cheer.
CANTONMENT COWBOYS
Registration is open for the 2014 Cantonment Cowboys football season.
Registration is available online at www.cantonmentcowboys.org/register/. Players/cheerleaders also can register starting May 31st each Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon through July 26th at the Cantonment Cowboys Football Field at 681 Well Line Road.
For more information, visit www.cantonmentcowboys.org or www.facebook.com/CantonmentCowboys.
CENTURY YOUTH FOOTBALL
Registration for Century Youth Football is 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday at the Nadine McCaw Park (the former Roadside Park) on North Century Boulevard. Registration is $20.
FLOMATON YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING
Early sign up day for Flomaton Youth Football and Cheerleading is Saturday, May 31 at the pavilion at Hurricane Park. Registration fee is $35 for both football and cheerleaders. After this early date, registration for football and cheerleading will increase to $50. A copy of the child’s birth certificate, insurance card and two proofs of residency are required.
Northview Chiefs Top The Jay Royals In Spring Preview
May 24, 2014
The Northview Chiefs outscored the Jay Royals a total of 50-21 during a Spring Jamboree Friday night at Merle North Stadium in Jay.
In the first quarter of play between the junior varsity and reserve teams, the Chiefs beat the Royals 22-0. And in the final three quarters with varsity on varsity, Northview downed Jay 28-21.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said he was pleased with good blocking from his offensive linemen Friday night.
I thought we were able to control the ball well on offense; our backs had a good night,” he said. “Defensively we were a little bit undisciplined in the way were keying what they were doing in the backfield. But those are little things we can fix.
Wheatley said the team will head into tough, focused four-day a week summer workouts with a focus on strength, conditioning and speed. “We are really going to try to grow together as a football team,” with eyes on another trip to state in Orlando.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Selected As One Of Florida’s Finest Chapters
May 24, 2014
The Northview High School FFA has been selected by the state organization as one of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters.
The selection of these chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application. These chapters have excelled in the areas of student, chapter and community development and have worked hard to fulfill the mission of the FFA.
One member and one advisor from each of these chapters will be recognized on the main stage during the 2nd General Session of the 86th Florida FFA Convention on Wednesday, July 2nd. In addition, each of these chapters will represent Florida at the national level in the National Chapter Award Program.
Pictured top: The 2013-2014 Northview High School FFA officer team (front, L-R) President – Courtney Solari, Vice President – Courtney Weekley, 2nd Vice President – Haylee Weaver, Secretary – Bethany Reynolds, Chaplain – Tamara Barrows, (back row) Reporter – Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Public Relations – Tiffani Cruce, Sentinel – Tabitha Chavers, Historian – Hunter Kite, Parlimentarian – Mitchell Singleton and Treasurer – Moriah McGahan. Not pictured: Photographer – Jessica Stacey. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Baccalaureate Service Scheduled For Sunday
May 24, 2014
The Northview High School Class of 2014 will hold their Baccalaureate program at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
The student-led and organized program will include scripture, prayer and original instrumental and vocal music provided by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble and students.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
Pictured: The Northview High School Class of 2013 Baccalaureate Program. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Blood Center Needs Memorial Day Weekend Donations
May 24, 2014
It may be Memorial Day weekend, but the need for blood donations never stops.
lood transfusions are crucial to the health and well-being of our community. That’s why OneBlood is inviting any eligible blood donor to give during a special Memorial Day blood drive at donor center locations only. Blood donors who donate through Monday at a OneBlood Donor Center location only will receive a limited edition summer t-shirt and their choice of a $10 eGift card from the OneBlood donor rewards store.
Donations can be made at the Nine Mile Donor Center at 1999 East Nine Mile Road (just east of Target) 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
There are eight different blood types and each one holds a unique power to save lives. The OneBlood Target Your Type program gives donors the ability to learn the power of their blood type and how to donate the specific components of their blood that are most needed by area hospitals.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.
I-65 Northbound Partially Open After Deadly Crash
May 24, 2014
Northbound I-65 is now partially open following a fiery crash between two semis that claimed one life Thursday. ALDOT says one restricted width northbound lane was opened Saturday morning.
A 2007 Freightliner was stopped for another traffic crash on the W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge (commonly called the “Dolly Parton Bridge”) when it was rear-ended by an second truck. The driver of the second truck was killed in the crash, while the first driver escaped without injury. No identity has been released on the deceased.
Heavy traffic delays are expected due to holiday weekend traffic.
Pictured: A fiery crash on I-65 Thursday. Photo courtesy Barry Gallant for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Faye Coon Phillips
May 24, 2014
Faye Coon Phillips, 91 of Atmore, passed away Friday, May 23, 2014, at her residence. She was a homemaker, born in Stockton, AL on October 06, 1922, to the late John Leeman and Sarah Della Dannelley Coon. Mrs. Phillips was the last one living of her siblings.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elder Burl F. Phillips, Sr.
Survivors include her son, Burl Franklin Phillips, Jr., of Atmore; two daughters,Phyllis (Arnold) Hendrix of Uriah and Beverly Blackwell of Atmore; four grandchildren, Phillip Zangas, Leah Crawford, Katherine Blackwell and Temple Blackwell; one great-grandchild, Brodie Zangas; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be Sunday, May 25, 2014, at 5 p.m. from the Pine Level Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Arnold Hendrix, Elder H.L.McClain and Elder Eugene Freeland officiating.
Interment will follow in Pine Level Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Family will receive friends, Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Al.
Century Man Arrested For DUI, Animal Cruelty After Police Chase With His Dog
May 23, 2014
A Century man was arrested in Santa Rosa County after leading deputies on a 12-mile alleged drunken chase while holding another man against his will…all with his dog chained in the back of his pickup.
Callers reported William Edward Macks, age 55 of Tedder Road, driving erratically eastbound on Highway 90 in Santa Rosa County where he almost hit a bridge and backed up into traffic at Woodbine Road. Deputies caught up with Macks and his Ford Ranger near Oops Alley, where he reportedly ran a vehicle into the median and continued eastbound, running red lights, running vehicles off the road and ignoring the deputy’s lights and siren.
At Highway 90 and Watkins Road, deputies said they could see a pit bull in the bed of the truck, chained to the truck’s trailer hitch, and they reported a passenger tried unsuccessfully to exit the vehicle. Macks then continued to lead deputies in the pursuit, reaching speeds of 40-50 mph. Macks eventually turned on Canal Drive and made his way to the dead-end on Scenic Shores Road, at which time the pursuit ended.
“Macks took a wrong turn into a dead end road putting an end to this potentially deadly incident,” said Deputy Rich Aloy, public information officer for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in a news release. “Thankfully, no one was hurt.”
According to an arrest report, Macks refused to get on the ground and was tased by a deputy. He was tased again after refusing to comply with orders to place his hands behind his back.
The passenger, who was not identified by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, said Macks picked him up at Walmart on Highway 29 in Ensley. The passenger told deputies he tried to get out several times after the pursuit began, but Macks threatened him. When a deputy asked the passenger if he was being held against his will, he stated, “hell yeah he was”, the report states.
Deputies reported finding a half empty bottle of Wild Irish Rose Wine next to the driver’s seat in the pickup. Santa Rosa County Animal Control took custody of the chained dog, which was reportedly standing in broken glass in the pickup bed.
At the Santa Rosa County Jail, Macks refused a breath alcohol test and began to ramble that he was 600 years old in dog years and that he had ticks and fleas, according to the arrest report, before starting to cry and talk about his past.
Macks was charged with fleeing and eluding, DUI, animal cruelty, false imprisonment and resisting an officer without violence. He also received several traffic citations for running red lights and other offenses. He was being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.