Escambia County Jail Explosion Claims Two Lives, 184 Injured
May 1, 2014
At least two people were killed in an explosion Wednesday night at the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility on West Leonard Street. Officials reported 184 people were injured in the incident.
The apparent natural gas explosion caused a partial building collapse about 11:25 p.m.
Both of the fatalities were reported to be inmates. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Three inmates have been reported as missing.
The dozens of injured included both inmates and correctional officers. The injured were taken to Baptist, Sacred Heart, West Florida and Navy hospital in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze hospital and the Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton. Those that were not critical were transported by bus, while numerous ambulances transported the more serious victims. Many of the minor injuries were treated and released in under two hours.
Uninjured inmates were moved to other detention facilities in Escambia County and neighboring Santa Rosa County, according to an Escambia County spokesperson. About 600 prisoners were in the building at the time.
Immediate family only of inmates may call the Escambia County Citizen Information Line at (850) 471-6600 with the name of the inmate they are inquiring about and a contact number for their call to be returned. A phone call will be returned with status of the inmate and their whereabouts. Citizens are urged not to go to the jail.
Family members of jail employees can call (850) 554-1430 for more information. Family members of jail employees transported to Baptist or Gulf Breeze hospitals will be allowed to gather and receive information at the hospital emergency rooms.
Baptist Hospital reported receiving 50 patients, and Gulf Breeze Hospital received 31 — all with non life-threatening injuries.
People as far away as Molino and Gulf Breeze reported feeling or hearing the blast.
The explosion is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Escambia County Jail, including Central Booking and Detention Facility, are operated under the direction of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, not the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff David Morgan relinquished control of the jail to the BOCC last October.
Pictured top: At least two people were killed and about 150 injured in an apparent natural gas explosion Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility late Wednesday night. Picture inset: Concerned family members gather outside the jail. Reader submitted photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Flooding Update
May 1, 2014
Here’s a look at the latest Escambia County flooding update:
Reopening Thursday
- Escambia County Board of County Commission Offices
- The Clerk of Circuit Court Offices
- Tax Collector Janet Holley is reopening three of her locations on Thursday. Deadline for paying property taxes has been extended one day until tomorrow (Thu). Payment can be made on line or drop box. Property Appraiser Chris Jones will also reopen his offices on Thursday.
- The University of West Florida
- Pensacola Christian Academy
Closures
- Escambia County Public School System
- Santa Rosa Public School System
Road Closures
- Westbound I-10 ramp to southbound I-110
- Scenic Highway 150 ft north of Baywalk Circle
- Scenic Highway south of Scenic Highway Circle
- East Johnson Avenue (bridge is out)
- Dog Track Road at Lillian Highway
- Airport at Carpenter Creek
- 9th Avenue at Carpenter Creek
- Bauer Road at Sorrento Road
Roads Open with Issues
- Northbound I-110 at mile marker 6 is restricted
- I-10 at mile marker 5 is restricted
- Southbound Highway 29 to westbound I-10 is restricted
- Guidy Lane
- Detroit Boulevard East
- Eight Mile Creek Road
- Jernigan Road
- Galvin Avenue
- Joaquin Road
- Fairfield and 58th
Red Cross Shelters at the Bellview United Methodist Church and the Wedgewood Community Center remain open. People may bring their pets to the Wedgewood Center.
Residents in Escambia County that need non-emergency assistance can call the Citizens Information Center at 850-471-6600.
Facebook Posts Lead To Rescue For Couple Trapped In Flood
May 1, 2014
In our attic. House underwater….Please let them know we are in the attic.
A terrifying Facebook post from Dana Jacobs. She and her husband live on Bristol Park Road where Tuesday night’s flooding was some of the worst. And they live in the lower end of the street where the water was highest.
What?? It’s flooding!!!??? I hope you guys are ok!!!!
That was the response from Dana’s friend Ashleigh in California. Another friend posted a reassuring link to a NorthEscambia.com Facebook post.
ALERT — Officials reporting water to the roof of houses in the Bristol Park Subdivision of Hwy 97/297A. Including Bristol Park Road and Ashbury Lane. EMS/Fire rescuing residents.
Ashleigh responded to the NorthEscambia.com post.
Please get help to (9XXX) Bristol park road water is almost in attic.
NorthEscambia.com responded by contacting Ashleigh in California directly by Facebook chat. She verified the information along with names and addresses, and NorthEscambia.com make a direct call to McDavid Station Chief Eric Gilmore on the scene with the information and also reported the situation to Escambia-Fire Rescue dispatchers. All that was about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
“It was crazy scary,” Dana said. “We never expected the water to rise like that. First the floor was wet. We started moving things in the house up higher. Then in like 30 minutes, the water was to our waists. We panicked. The water went up over everything we’d moved up. We didn’t know what to do.”
The couple made the way to their detached garage. The smell of gas was overwhelming from gas cans that overturned in the flood. They crawled into the attic and called 911.
“911 told me they could not get to us right way until they got some boats,” she said. Outside, at the entrance to the neighborhood, firefighters were risking their own lives wading as far as they could into the rushing water to rescue adults and children. A frantic effort was underway to get boats to the scene, but responding agencies were hampered by flooded roads and overrun bridges along the way.
Dana and her husband were concerned that rescuers might not check the garage attic. They used a hatchet to chop a hole in the roof. Then they could hear the screams of their neighbors.
“The neighbors and their kids were on their roof. The screams for help….the screams for help..I’ll never forget them. It was awful.”
The raging flood waters were rising, approaching the attic. Dana said she was afraid they would not be found in time.
Dana and NorthEscambia.com continued the Facebook chat throughout the early morning hours, updating their status. In the meantime, firefighters were working their way down the street, now with boats, continuing rescue after rescue.
Then, at 3:25 a.m. NorthEscambia.com received a phone call from Chief Gilmore on the scene.
“They are out and on a boat,” he said.
Dana and husband had been rescued; they believe with the help of a cross-country Facebook conversation and the mostly volunteer members of Escambia Fire Rescue that responded to their call for help.
“They are our heroes. We can’t thank them enough for saving our lives,” she said.
Pictured: Dana and husband Damien Jacobs. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
School Grading System Changes Approved By Florida House
May 1, 2014
Despite protests from Democrats, the House on Wednesday gave final approval to a school-accountability proposal (SB 1642) that includes changes to the state’s school-grading system.
The measure would do away with the penalties schools could currently receive for the grades assigned in the 2014-15 school year. That move is in part an effort to make up for the state switching from the FCAT to another exam.
But Democrats argued, in part, that the bill doesn’t give enough time for schools to adjust to the new test and other changes.
“What’s the rush?” asked Rep. Mark Danish, a Tampa Democrat who is a teacher. “Let’s get this right.”
But Republicans said the process of changing the accountability system started with a summit in August and continued for months. House Education Chairwoman Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, said children adapt to changes.
“They only fail when you keep telling them they’re going to fail,” she said. House members voted 76-42 to approve the bill along almost straight party lines.
Voting for the bill were four Democrats — Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Rep. Ricardo Rangel of Kissimmee, Rep. Linda Stewart of Orlando and Rep. Dwayne Taylor of Daytona Beach. Voting against it was one Republican — Rep. Tom Goodson of Titusville. The bill, which was earlier approved by the Senate, is headed to Gov. Rick Scott.
by The News Service of Florida
National Day Of Prayer Events Planned Today
May 1, 2014
National Day of Prayer events are planned today in Century, Flomaton and Atmore.
In Century, a National Day of Prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. in the Ag Building on West Highway 4. Everyone is invited as prayers are said for the nation, local government and more.
In Flomaton, the doors of Friendship Freewill Baptist Church will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone that wants to pray.
In Atmore, multiple events will be held:
- Prayer Walk — all day at Houston Avery and Tom Byrne Park
- Prayer — 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at the Atmore City Hall
- Children’s Prayer – 5:30-6:45 for K-6 students accompanied by an adult in the old Escambia Count High gym
- Bible Reading – 6:15 p.m. Escambia County High School new gym
Pictured top: Rev. Ted Bridges of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church, on his knees, reading from his Bible during a National Day of Prayer event last year in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
House Gives Green Light To Higher Speed Limits In Sunshine State
May 1, 2014
After a sometimes-emotional debate, a divided Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a proposal that could lead to 75 mph speed limits on some highways.
The House voted 58-56 to pass the bill (SB 392), which was backed by the Senate last week. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott.
Opponents said increasing speed limits would lead to more deadly crashes, with Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, telling the House that speed played a role in an accident that killed one of his daughters.
“You just never want to get that call,” Slosberg said. “A lot of us have kids and grandkids and you never want to get that call, your daughter died in a car crash.”
The bill would allow maximum speed limits of 75 mph on limited-access highways, up from the current 70 mph. It also would allow speed limits of 70 mph on other four-lane, divided highways outside urban areas, up from the current 65 mph.
But the measure’s supporters said the ultimate decisions about whether to raise speed limits would be left up to the Florida Department of Transportation. The agency would decide the safest speeds for highways, they said.
“I’m voting for this bill because we’re not changing the speed limit,” Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said.
The close vote was highly unusual in the House and did not follow party lines. Slosberg attempted a procedural move a few hours later to bring the bill back for reconsideration, but that was defeated in a voice vote.
Florida’s maximum speed limit has been 70 mph since 1996. Rep. Matt Caldwell, a Lehigh Acres Republican who is the House sponsor of this year’s proposal, said some roads are designed to handle vehicles at higher speeds than 70 mph.
But Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, told House members he has been a funeral director for 43 years and was an ambulance attendant early in his career. He said he couldn’t vote for a measure that he is afraid could cost a life.
“I’m Dennis Baxley, I’m a speeder and I can’t vote for this bill,” he said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Martial Arts Holds Black Belt Event
May 1, 2014
Escambia Martial Arts in Cantonment recently held their first black belt event.
Devan Chea, Dylan Lambert, Glendine Jones, John Thomas were promoted to 1st Dan in the art of Kyuki-do. Ryan Corbitt advanced to 2nd Dan inf Kyuki-do, andMichael Jones was promoted to 3rd Dan.
Kyuki-do is a mixed martial art of defense that combines the elements of different arts that makes up a complete system.
Pictured are: (front, L-R) Master Rick Bjorkquist, Devan Chea, Grand Master Ok Hyung Kim, Dylan Lambert, Master Jeff Kim, (second row) Master Holden, Ryan Corbitt, Michael Jones, Glendine Jones and John Thomas. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Generals Shut Out Wahoos 5-0 In Series Opener
May 1, 2014
The Jackson Generals never looked back after a two-run first-inning home run, and cruised to a 5-0 win over the Blue Wahoos Wednesday night in the series opener at the Ballpark at Jackson. With a runner at first, Kevin Rivers launched a two-run home run over the right field wall to give the Generals all they needed. Rivers’ homer was one of two for the Generals. Mickey Wiswall’s solo shot capped the scoring in the sixth.
The Blue Wahoos were held to just two hits in the game. James Gillheeney (W, 1-0) held Pensacola at bay over 6.0 innings while earning his first win of the season in just his second start with Jackson. The Blue Wahoos lone threat came in the fifth when a walk, single and error loaded the bases with two outs, but the Wahoos couldn’t push across a run.
Daniel Corcino (L, 2-3) went 6.0 innings and was charged with all 5 R/ER on six hits. He walked two and struck out four in his third loss of the season. The bullpen pitched well to finish the game. Mikey O’Brien and Shane Dyer each worked scoreless inning in relief.
The Blue Wahoos will look to rebound on Thursday with RHP Robert Stephenson (2-1, 4.43) on the mound against Generals RHP Jochi Ogando (0-2, 11.37). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m from the Ballpark at Jackson.
Dorothy Forsythe
May 1, 2014
Dorothy Forsythe was born in Barrineau Park on January 5, 1935, and passed away Monday, April 28, 2014.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William Millard and Fannie Bell Smith Bryant; husband, John Alvin Forsythe; brother, Raymond Ross Bryant; and daughter, Susan Jarrell.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Randy Forsythe, Gary Forsythe, Phil Crow, Janet Shelton, and John Forsythe; sister-in-law, Sandra Bryant; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 2, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at Clear Springs Cemetery in Robertsdale.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank The Specialty Center of Pensacola for the many years of love, friendship and professional care given to our mother.
Mary Alice Fulgham
May 1, 2014
Mary Alice Fulgham, 90, of Cantonment, passed away Monday, April 28, 2014. Mrs. Fulgham loved to cook country style meals. She was a kind and loving person who was very soft spoken. When her children were small she made a lot of their clothing. She also made quilts for her family and friends. One of her favorite hobbies was fishing with her husband and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Grover Fulgham; grandson, Johnny Ray Clark; parents, Eddie and Lillie Booth; brothers, James and Marvin Booth; and her sisters, Mae Hart and Doris Herbert.
She is survived by her daughter, Merona Clark; granddaughter, Betty (David) Fuller; sister, Maxine Perkins; half-brother, Henry Herbert; great-grandchildren, Shawn Fuller and Shannon Fuller; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Bill, Stevie, James, Gary, Ben and Robbie.
Services were held Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South.
Interment was at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is in charge of arrangements.