Navy Training Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Molino Field
May 8, 2014
A Navy training helicopter from Whiting Field made an emergency landing late Wednesday afternoon in Molino.
A warning light in the aircraft prompted the pilot to make a controlled landing in a field on Highway 97 across from Molino Park Elementary School. There were no injuries to the helicopter crew.
A witness said the helicopter made what appeared to be an ordinary, controlled approach and landing in the field.
A truck and trailer from Whiting Field was dispatched to retrieve the aircraft and the personnel.
Pictured top: A Navy training helicopter made an emergency landing in a field across from Molino Park Elementary School late Wednesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Former FDLE Chemist Arrested On More Drug Charges
May 8, 2014
Inspectors with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement rearrested former FDLE Pensacola crime laboratory chemist Joseph Graves on additional charges of drug trafficking today.
Investigators believe that Graves, while processing drug cases for FDLE’s Pensacola lab, stole prescription pain pills intended as evidence. He was charged with an additional 41 counts of trafficking in illegal drugs.
Graves bond is set at $1.025 million.
He was originally arrested February 4 on charges of grand theft, 12 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and nine counts of trafficking in illegal drugs. FDLE began the investigation in January, collaborating with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney Bill Eddins, after prescription pain pills from the evidence room at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office went missing.
Investigators determined that each case involving missing drugs had been analyzed by Graves, who had been a crime lab analyst in Pensacola since 2005 and was promoted to supervisor in 2009. FDLE has been reviewing evidence from all the cases Graves handled to determine which ones could be compromised. He handled nearly 2,600 cases for 80 law-enforcement agencies spanning 35 counties and 12 judicial circuits.
Free Farm Share Food Distribution Saturday At Ransom Middle
May 8, 2014
In response to the local flooding that has impacted Escambia County, Farm Share and State Rep. Clay Ingram will host a free food distribution event on Saturday, May, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ransom Middle School, 1000 West Kingsfield Road, Cantonment.
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry, State Sen. Greg Evers, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas and District 5 School Board Member Bill Slayton will join the volunteer efforts to distribute food to assist families in need.
Families will be provided with Farm Share food bags free of charge with a variety of fresh, in season produce along with water, blankets and other needed goods.
Farm Share is a nonprofit organization working to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by recovering fresh, nutritious food and distributing it to those who need it across Florida.
Commissioner To Meet With Flood Victims Friday
May 8, 2014
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry will hold two open house sessions Friday to meet with constituents to answer questions regarding the recent flood damage in the area, how to apply for FEMA assistance and more.
Times and locations are as follows:
- 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Pinewoods Presbyterian Church, 2198 Hwy 297A, Cantonment
- 1 to 5 p.m. – Milestone Baptist Church, 3800 Pine Forest Rd, Cantonment
For more information, contact Barry’s office at (850) 595-4950.
Escambia County: FEMA Application Updates, Disaster Assistance, Road Closures
May 8, 2014
Here is the latest flood recovery status update from Escambia County:
As of Wednesday morning, FEMA reported 903 applications for assistance received from Escambia County residents.
Estimates on damage to public infrastructure in Escambia County and the City of Pensacola has reached $27.5 million. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, 28 residential homes within the County have been deemed destroyed. Other numbers will be updated as we continue damage assessments.
Beginning Thursday, Escambia County will launch Project Outreach, a program that will use field teams to provide aid to the most heavily impacted areas within Escambia County. The field teams will set up tents, distribute clean up kits, food, water and provide aid with the FEMA application process.
Two FEMA Disaster Survival Assistance Teams (DSAT) have been dispatched to Escambia County and are expected to begin work tomorrow.
The county is still working to determine a location for a static Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
Due to the large number of residences impacted, significant wait times are expected at the DRC (once it is established). Applicants are encouraged to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via their mobile device at m.fema.gov. FEMA will verify eligibility and need before assistance is offered.
Applicants will be asked for the following information:
- Social security number
- Address of damaged home or apartment
- Description of the damage
- Information about insurance coverage
- Current telephone number
- An address where they can receive mail
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Escambia County residents needing assistance may also call the following numbers to register:
- Toll-free telephone registration: (800) 621-FEMA (3362)
- Individuals who have a speech disability or hearing loss can use TTY: (800) 462-7585 directly
- Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS): (800) 621-3362.
If you do not have computer access, below is a listing of the West Florida Public Library locations, hours of operation and number of computers at each location offers for public use.
West Florida Public Library locations and hours:
- Main Library, 239 North Spring Street, Pensacola – 34 computers
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.
- Century Branch, 7991 North Century Boulevard, Century – 7 computers
- Sunday – Monday: closed
- Tuesday and Thursday: 12 – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Genealogy Branch, 5740 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola - 34 computers
- Sunday – Monday: closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Molino Branch, 6450A Highway 95A, Molino – 9 computers
- Sunday: closed
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tryon Branch, 1200 Langley Avenue, Pensacola – 22 computers
- Sunday: closed
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Southwest Branch, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola – 18 computers
- Sunday: closed
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Westside Branch, 1580 West Cervantes Street, Pensacola – 9 computers
- Sunday: closed
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Road Closure Update
The Escambia County Public Works Department is making progress on the transportation issues that have impacted roads and bridges across the County.
So far, approximately 700 damaged sites have been identified. These sites include damage to specific points on roads, bridges and storm water drainage systems. Some roadways have suffered damage at multiple points.
As of midday Wednesday, more than 100 damaged sites hadbeen addressed, either with temporary repairs or permanent fixes.
The Escambia County Public Works Department is also focusing its efforts on repairing and replacing storm damaged thoroughfares. Some neighborhood roadways may remain impassable due to flooding, however only three collector roads maintained by Escambia County remain closed:
- Dog Track Road
- East Johnson Avenue
- Old Corry Field Road
Emergency repairs to the Blue Springs Avenue and Crescent Lake area is actively underway. Work is progressing and flood relief efforts continue on the following streets:
- Surrey Drive
- Gulf Beach Highway
- Renee Terrace
- Fabiano Street
So far, Escambia County crews have pumped more than 4.5 million gallons of flood waters from roadways and properties.
Once the current cleanup and repair effort is completed, Escambia County will perform engineering studies for all areas that experienced significant flooding.
Residents in Escambia County who need non-emergency assistance can call the Citizens Information Center at (850) 471-6600.
West Florida Wins, Advances To State Championship Game (With Photo Gallery)
May 8, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars are headed to the 4A state championship game on Thursday.
The Lady Jags beat defending state champions Gulliver Prep 3-0 Wednesday at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. WFHS will play P. K. Yonge Thursday for the shot at West Florida’s first-ever softball state championship.
Korina Rosario pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out 12. For West Florida, Kristen Gunter was 2-2 with a RBI; Nachelle Watson was 2-3 with a RBI and run scored; Jordaine Watkins was 1-2 with a triple; Brianna Rogers was 1-2 with a triple and run scored. The Jags scored two in the first inning and one in second inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Flash Flood Watch In Effect: Possible Heavy Rain Returns
May 8, 2014
There is flash flood watch in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. During the time period, from one to three inches of rainfall is expected on already saturated ground. Local totals of 5-7 inches are possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Friday Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Friday Night Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph
- Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
- Tuesday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
- Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
- Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
- Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
- Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79.
Escambia Extension Services Temporarily Relocated Due To Flooding
May 8, 2014
The Escambia County Extension Services office, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment, has been temporarily relocated due to flood damage.
Extension staff have been relocated to the following locations:
- 4-H and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Staff – Langley Bell 4-H Center, 4810 W. Nine Mile Road
- Agricultural Agent – Farm Bureau Building, 151 Highway 97, Molino, (850) 587-5404, ext. 3
- All other Extension staff has been moved to the Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Soil sample kits and staff are on hand at the Central Office Complex for questions regarding plants and insects. A Horticulture Technician can be reached at (850) 595-2405.
More information will be published as telephone service becomes available for other staff.
Wahoos Drop Second Straight
May 8, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were shut out by the Chattanooga Lookouts, 6-0, on Wednesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-19) mustered just four hits against the Lookouts (14-18), who won their second straight game over Pensacola.
RHP Jon Moscot made his seventh start of the season for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/ER and seven hits in 6.0 innings pitched. Moscot struck out five batters, which is tied for his second most strikeouts in an outing.
The Wahoos struggled for the second straight game to find hits against the Lookouts. Shortstop Devin Lohman went 1-for-5 with a single and a stolen base. Juan Duran and Chris Berset singled consecutively in the bottom of the seventh, but a double play thwarted the Wahoos rally. Duran ended the night 2-for-4, adding a double to his ledger in the ninth.
Chattanooga’s starting pitcher Chris Reed was fantastic for the Lookouts. The left-hander went 6.0 innings and gave up just one hit, which came from the leadoff hitter Lohman in the bottom of the first. Reed struck out seven and gave up just one walk to the Wahoos. RHP Juan Gonzalez came on in relief of Reed and gave up two hits, but pitched a scoreless seventh for the Lookouts.
Darnell Sweeney led the way offensively for Chattanooga. He went 2-for-5 and his fourth inning two-run home run broke the game open for the Lookouts. Third baseman Daniel Mayora had another successful day at the plate; he went 1-for-4 with an RBI sacrifice fly. Ozzie Martinez put the game away in the eighth with a pinch-hit solo home run off of reliever Justin Freeman.
The Wahoos will send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.82) to the bump to try and even the series with the Lookouts. Chattanooga’s RHP Andres Santiago (0-2, 6.08) will oppose Lorenzen on the mound.
by Tommy Thrall
Red Cross Continues To Serve Flooded Neighborhoods In Escambia, Santa Rosa
May 8, 2014
As neighborhoods continue to dig out and clean up, many residents are discovering that their needs are changing. Because the Red Cross works closely with community and government partners, and has an “ear to the ground,” Red Cross services are changing to meet those needs.
On Thursday, May 8, the Red Cross will be in mobile units in affected neighborhoods in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Additionally, Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles will be circulating with snacks and water and disaster responders are meeting one-on-one with people affected to create recovery plans, navigate paperwork and locate help from other agencies.
Since the April 29 downpour, the Red Cross has mobilized five response vehicles and more than 100 trained workers – more than half of them from the state of Florida. Through Tuesday, the Red Cross had served more than 12,500 meals and snacks, handed out hundreds of comfort and relief items, and provided nearly 190 mental health or health-related contacts. In addition, Red Cross shelters have provided more than 350 overnight stays.
Pictured: The Red Cross has been hard at work in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
