Molino Power Outage Causes Problems For Wedding, But All Ends Happily Ever After
April 27, 2014
When Nikki Burkett and Jason Jones planned their lakeside wedding in Molino for Saturday, they had no idea a five-hour power outage would hamper their plans.
The wedding was set to begin at 3 p.m. at the Gizmo Angus Farm lodge on Gibson Road, just off Highway 97. The bridesmaids arrived at 11 a.m. to find the power was out — the driver of a truck had lost control on Highway 97 and crashed through a power pole, cutting power to over 415 Gulf Power customers.
A quick phone call, and the bridesmaids found a friend on Highway 95A in Molino that had power.
“We loaded up the bride and all beauty supplies and proceeded to move Operation Glamour to another location,’ said bridesmaid Mary Land. The wedding start time was pushed back an hour to 4 p.m., and the DJ, Tom Swartz, set up a mobile sound booth in the back of his truck running off axillary power.
But weddings are all about happy endings. Just after 3 p.m., the power was restored, and the wedding went on in picture perfect splendor for the new Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
Nikki Burkett of Cantonment is the daughter of Ms. Mickey Burkett. She graduated in 2000 from Tate High School. Jason Jones is from Tennessee. They met last year through a mutual friend and were engaged last Easter. Nikki is the procedure supervisor for Gulf Coast Pain Institute, and Jason is an Escambia County Corrections Officer and a volunteer firefighter for the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. He has a 9-year old son named Camden.
Pictured top: The power outage delayed wedding of Nikki Burkett and Jason Jones Saturday in Molino. Pictured inset: The bridesmaids moved “Operation Glamour” to another area of Molino with power. Pictured below: The DJ, Tom Swartz, set up a mobile sound booth in the back of his truck running off axillary power. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Celebrates 75 Years At Annual Meeting
April 27, 2014
Escambia River Electric Cooperative members held their 75th Annual Meeting Saturday at Northview High School.
In 1937, the first meeting was held to organize Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. at the Oak Grove Community House. By lamplight, several prominent community leaders laid out the blueprints for the formation and operation of EREC.
After Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which made loans available for the establishment of rural electric cooperatives, widespread rural electrification began. The
formation of cooperatives in other parts of the country stimulated the interest of local leaders such as C. R. Walker, E. H. Lundy, J. L. Robbins and County Agent J. G. Hudson. They
continued to move forward with their plans even though they were often met with opposition and skepticism.
On March 10, 1939, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. was born when the incorporators met at the American National Bank building in Pensacola to pass the bylaws, which would
establish the cooperative and make their dream a reality. The cooperative’s first month of operation brought them 88 members. Since that time, the cooperative has grown to serve
approximately 10,000 members in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with over 1,800 miles of energized line.
Pictured top: The group Highway Home performs just before the start of the Escambia River Electric Cooperative 75th Annual Meeting Saturday afternoon at Northview High School. Pictured inset: EREC members register to vote for trustees. Pictured below top: Hundreds of EREC members attended the event. Pictured below middle: Children of EREC members win prizes. Pictured bottom: The Northview High School FFA offered BBQ lunch plates to attendees. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 400 Customers Lose Power When Truck Hits Pole On Hwy 97; Driver Cited
April 27, 2014
Over 400 Gulf Power customers in the Molino and Dogwood Park areas lost power this morning when the driver of a truck hit a power pole on Highway 97.
The accident happened about 10:50 a.m. on Highway 97 just north of Highway 29. The Florida Highway Patrol said 21-year old Vidal Robinson of Atmore was driving the 2013 Isuzu box truck south on Highway 97 when he drifted across the oncoming lane and onto the shoulder where he struck a utility poles.
After hitting the pole, the truck rotated counterclockwise and slid about 70 feet before overturning. Robinson refused medical treatment.
The accident was by the Florida Highway Patrol. The FHP said Robinson was cited for careless driving. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the accident.
Gulf Power restored power by about 3:15 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Greater Escambia Relay For Life At Tate High Surpasses Goal
April 27, 2014
The Greater Escambia Relay for Life ended early Saturday morning at Tate High School with a celebration — the event surpassed its goal by raising more than $79,000.
“I extend my sincere thanks to our community, businesses, teams, and survivors for the outstanding work and support you gave Relay this year,” said Pat Clements, event chair. Clements said she was moved by other moments during the Relay for Life.
“There were moments that made my heart stop for a bit: a young child buying a luminaria, a survivor saying: ‘I’m cancer free’. ‘I learned I have cancer and the treatments are better now’, and another with a smile ‘I’m here again’,” she said. “This is why I Relay.”
There was no rest for the weary as the 12-hour event came to a close Saturday morning — organizers were already looking forward to the 2015 Greater Escambia Relay for Life at Tate High School. The date will be announced soon.
For an earlier story and photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friends Of The Library Hold Annual Book Sale
April 27, 2014
The Friends of the Library held their annual Spring Book Sale and Silent Auction over the weekend at the Main Library at 239 North Spring Street, featuring their “famous” $5 bag sale on Sunday.
Thousands of hardcover, paperback, and collectible books were available for purchase, plus a variety of DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and other items. All profits are used to fund programs and enhancements at WFPL branches, including Molino and Century.
Pictured: Shoppers look for bargains Saturday afternoon the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale at the main library in downtown Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Braves Beat Wahoos 6-3
April 27, 2014
The Mississippi Braves won their second game of the series, 6-3, over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in front of a sold out crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (9-14) came back from an early 3-0 deficit, but the Braves (9-14) scored three runs in the late innings to pull away.
RHP Robert Stephenson struck out eight batters in his longest outing of the season for the Wahoos. Stephenson gave up six hits including three solo home runs in 6.0 innings of work. Recently added RHP Brooks Pinckard (0-1) came on in relief of Stephenson. Pinckard pitched just 0.1 innings and gave up 2 R/1 ER. RHP Tim Adleman worked out of a jam and gave the Wahoos 2.0 innings of scoreless relief while striking out two.
Juan Silverio led the way for the Wahoos with his second home run in as many nights. Silverio went 1-for-3 with a solo shot. Travis Mattair extended his hit streak to seven games and added an RBI to his ledger. Bryan Anderson had an RBI for the third straight night.
Mississippi’s RHP Jason Hursh made the start and pitched 5.0 innings. Hursh gave up 3 R/ER and allowed four hits while striking out five. RHP Aaron Northcraft (1-1) came on in relief of Hursh and pitched 4.0 innings of perfect ball. Hursh and Northcraft combined to retire the final 19 Wahoo batters to secure the victory.
Mycal Jones, Braeden Schlehuber and Kyle Kubitza provided the solo home runs for the Braves. Kubitza had two solo home runs and went 2-for-4 in the contest. Seth Loman went 1-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly in the seventh. Gustavo Nunez had a three-hit night; the shortstop went 3-for-4 with a double.
The series will continue Sunday at 4 p.m. The Wahoos will send RHP Jon Moscot (0-1, 2.82) to the bump for the fourth game of the series. RHP Williams Perez (2-1, 1.77) will oppose Moscot on Sunday afternoon.
by Tommy Thrall
Barrineau Park Community Teams Up To Clean Up
April 27, 2014
Members of the Honeysuckle Garden Club, the Barrineau Park Historical Society, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club and Clean and Green teamed together to beautify Barrineau Park during the community’s annual trash pick up day Saturday.
Barrineau Park 4-H has set a goal this year for each participant to pick up at least 100 trash items in celebration of their 100 years as the oldest continuous 4-H Club in the State of Florida.
Pictured top: Members of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Robert Allen Bullard
April 27, 2014
Retired FWBFD Battalion Chief, Robert Allen Bullard, 51, of Beulah, went home to be with his Lord & Savior on Thursday, April 24, 2014.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was an active member of Olive Baptist Church, battalion chief, paramedic and fire fighter for over 27 years. During his long career at Ft. Walton Beach Fire Department he was instrumental in starting the Advanced Life Support program that has undoubtedly saved many lives over the years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Arline Bullard.
He is survived by his wife, Renee Bullard of 31 years, son, Jonathan (Martha) Bullard, grandson, Jaden Bullard, daughter, Brandy Bullard and 11 siblings: Mary (Patrick) Green, Janet (Tom) Kerfien, John (Pamela) Bullard, Walter Bullard, Marilyn Lewis, Bonnie Williams, Rachel (Larry) DeMass, Patty (Joe) Wood, Daniel (Tammy) Bullard, Roy (Melissa) Bullard, and Edith (Brian) Santos.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel North Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Olive Baptist Church at 11 a.m. after a 10 a.m. viewing Monday, April 28, 2014.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Birth: Brandan Ray Cole
April 27, 2014
Jennifer Lynn Coon and Steven E. Cole are proud to announce the birth of their son, Brandan Ray Cole, born March 31, 2014, at 5:18 p.m. at D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton.
Brandan Ray weighed seven pounds, three ounces and was 18 inches long.
Grandparents are Ray and Cathi Coon of Atmore and John and Cynthia Cole of Molino. Great-grandparents are Betty and Floyd Adams, Jerry and Ginger Cochran, and Dale C. Fiveash, all of Atmore and Dorothy and the late Elbert Montgomery of Molino and the late Pearl Wiggins.
Molino Man Charged With Molesting Young Girl
April 26, 2014
UPDATED STORY: DNA Evidence Clears Molino Man Charged With Molesting Young Girl
A Molino man has been charged with molesting a young girl.
Leldon Howard Bibby,71, was charged with one felony count of lewd lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12 years old. While watching television with the victim, the young girl claimed that Bibby placed his hands inside her clothing and touched her inappropriately.
The girl said Bibby gave her $5 not to tell anyone.
The incident was investigated by a Child Protection Team case coordinator at the Gulf Coast Kids House. The investigation determined, according to an arrest report, that the incident occurred once on April 14.
Shortly after his arrest, Bibby was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $15,000 bond.