Bratt Elementary Wins $1,000 Wellness Challenge
August 19, 2015
Bratt Elementary School has been named the winner of Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas’ first annual Choose Wellness Challenge. The school was presented a $1,000 prize at Tuesday’s meeting of the Escambia County School Board.
The challenge was to see which school or major department could achieve the highest level of participation in the challenge by the end of the school year. Participants completed four steps to promote health and wellness, potentially reducing the district’s health care and lost work time costs.
Thomas said he expected the winner to come from a school that was located near the district’s health and wellness center. But he was wrong.
“This year’s winner is actually the school that is located the furtherest away from the center. So it appears mileage and inconvenience is simply not a factor,” he said.
The $1,000 prize is expected to be used in some manner to promote wellness among the school’s staff. All of the funds were from private donations; no taxpayer dollars were used.
Pictured: Bratt Elementary “Wellness Challenge” winners represented by Laura Carroll, assistant principal; Jeanene Hall, principal, and Lissa Bardin, the school’s wellness coordinator, with Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. Photo by Kim Stefansson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New State Regulations Proposed For Animal Shelters
August 19, 2015
A House Democrat on Tuesday filed a detailed proposal that would set guidelines for animal shelters before stray animals can be euthanized.
The proposal (HB 71), filed by Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.
The nine-page bill includes numerous requirements such as posting on the Internet photographs and information about each stray animal impounded. If possible owners are identified, shelters would have to undertake “due diligence” in notifying owners, such as trying to contact them by phone and mail.
Among the other requirements, the bill would mandate a minimum holding period of five business days for stray animals that are impounded. Among numerous other provisions, the bill would set conditions for the care of animals in shelters. That would include providing fresh food and water, cleaning of cages and “environmental enrichment,” such as socialization, toys and treats.
by The News Service of Florida
Atmore Woman Killed In Alabama Crash
August 19, 2015
An Atmore woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning.
According to Alabama State Troopers, 65-year Barbara Emmons Harrison passed away at Atmore Community Hospital from injuries she received in the crash just before 11 a.m. on Highway 21 just north of Atmore.
Troopers said Harrison was a passenger in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu that was hit by a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The driver of the Malibu, 70-year old Velma Joyce Evans, was transported in unknown condition to Atmore Community Hospital. The driver of the Impala, who has not been identified, was not injured.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
New Coast Guard Stamp Unveiled At NAS Pensacola Ceremony
August 19, 2015
A new United States Coast Guard stamp was unveiled Tuesday at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Congressman Jeff Miller, senior managers of the U.S. Postal Service, and Coast Guardsmen past and present were on hand for the dedication and unveiling of the new stamp issued to commemorate the 225th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, which began as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790.
Pensacola Tops Chattanooga
August 19, 2015
Pensacola right fielder Juan Duran knocked in three of the club’s six runs in the first two innings as the Blue Wahoos pulled out a series opening victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Duran tripled in two runs and hit a sacrifice fly to knock in another run as Pensacola cruised to an 8-4 win in front of 3,909 Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Since finishing rehab in Arizona, Duran has played 42 games and has four home runs, 34 RBIs and is hitting .270 for the Blue Wahoos in July and August. He went 1-4 and scored a run against Chattanooga. His 22 extra base hits are second in the Southern League in the second half of this season.
Pensacola improved to 29-22 in the South Division in the second half of the Southern League season and catapulted into a first place tie with the Mobile BayBears, who lost to the Jacksonville Suns. The latest the Blue Wahoos had been in first place before now was July 22, 2012 — the team’s inaugural season.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he looks forward to Duran coming to the plate.
“Juan has been terrific,” he said. “He’s really good with runners in scoring position, especially with two outs. Having his presence in the lineup really helps.”
Chattanooga was playing in front of its parent club Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan on Thursday. Ryan coincidentally is from the same hometown as Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer in Janesville, Wisc.
Ryan watched as Pensacola wasted no time chasing Chattanooga starter Greg Peavy in the second inning, after going up, 6-0. Duran drove in three of those runs on a line drive triple that rolled to the wall in the right-center gap, scoring center fielder Bryson Smith and shortstop Alex Blandino in the first inning. His deep sacrifice fly to center field scored left fielder Beau Amaral in the second inning.
Amaral added two more runs when he blasted a home run, his fourth of the year, to left field in the sixth inning that also brought in second baseman Zach Vincej to put the Blue Wahoos up, 8-3.
Pensacola has had a home run outburst in the second half. It has gone from last place in home runs in the Southern League with 25 in the first half to fourth place with 44 home runs in the second half for 69 on the season.
Amaral’s sister, Jessica, who played softball at UCLA, was in Pensacola for the first time and got to watch her big brother hit his fourth home run of the season.
“I need her to come to more games,” Amaral said jokingly. “It was cool for her to come out here.”
Starting right-hander Daniel Wright checked Chattanooga the first two innings, retiring the side both times and striking out four. He retired the side five of the seven innings he worked. In all, he lasted 6.1 innings before walking two in the seventh.
Wright had one bad inning when the Lookouts added three in the third inning on a solo home run by shortstop Niko Goodrum and then center fielder Shannon Wilkerson and third baseman Steve Wickens both scored when Duran fumbled a bloop single by right fielder Max Kepler, earning an error on the play. The Lookouts pulled within, 6-3.
Blue Wahoos closer Zack Weiss entered the game in the eighth inning and earned his Southern League-leading 21st save on the season. Weiss is one save from the Pensacola franchise record of 22 saves set by Shane Dyer last season.
Tropical Storm Danny Expected To Become Hurricane
August 19, 2015
Tropical Storm Danny has formed. The storm was located well over 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands. Danny is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday. Complete information is in the graphic above; click to enlarge.
Mosquito Borne Illness Alert: Second West Nile Case Confirmed In Escambia County
August 18, 2015
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Escambia County.
The alert comes after a second case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Escambia County was confirmed in an adult male. This makes the sixth human case in Florida in 2015.
“Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses,” says FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza. The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and FDOH-Escambia continue surveillance and prevention efforts. There is heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, the health department recommends that practice of “Drain and Cover”:
Drain standing water.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover skin with clothing or repellent and cover doors and windows.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
- Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- When using repellent on children, apply to your hands first and then rub on their arms and legs.
- Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Always repair broken screens.
One Arrested, One Wanted For August 11 Homicide
August 18, 2015
Gerial Martell Deloach, 22, has been arrested and charged with homicide in the death of Dewayne Nason Silason August 11. Also wanted is Charles Demetries Boutwell, 23, who has an active warrant for homicide in the case.
At approximately 9 a.m. on August 11th, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a shots fired disturbance at Hansel Street and Hollywood Avenue. Silas was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds.
Anyone having information concerning the whereabouts of Charles Demetries Boutwell is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Century Moves Foward With New Splash Pad For Showalter Park
August 18, 2015
After concerns that operational costs could be too high, the Town of Century is moving forward with a new splash pad at Showalter Park.
Century was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program to install a splash pad at Showalter Park. That amount will fund the installation of the watery playland, but not associated costs such was water and sewer. At a July council meeting, Mayor Freddie McCall expressed concerns that the splash pad might cost the town too much to operate.
The splash pad that Century can afford won’t recycle water — that feature would cost the town another $50,000 plus, McCall said. The splash pad that Century can purchase with grant money will use hundreds of gallons of water in just minutes. At a Monday night council meeting, McCall said the cost to operate the splash pad could reach an affordable average of $184 per week — calculating water and sewer expenses at the town’s cost since they operate their own water and sewer system. The splash pad will not be operational during the colder months of the year.
The council voted to move forward, accepting the splash pad grand and agreeing to pay the water and sewer costs.
McCall said the town will also install a restroom near the splash pad at Showalter Park, next to new playground equipment recently installed with a previous state grant.
Pictured: The Town of Century has been awarded a state grant to purchase this model splash pad. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showers, Thunderstorms Continue
August 18, 2015
Here is your official NorthEscambia.com area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.