No Serious Injuries In Cantonment Highway 29 Wreck
February 12, 2018
There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon on Highway 29 at Morris Avenue in Cantonment. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Jay Residents Upset Over Dirty Water, Flushing Project Begins Tuesday
February 12, 2018
The Town of Jay will begin a flushing process on Tuesday in hopes of eliminating discolored water that has been a problem over the last several months. Several residents have express concerns over the unsightly water, wondering if it is safe to drink.
“The water in Jay is so bad you cannot even wash clothes in it. Please help get attention to our problem,” Jay resident wrote to NorthEscambia.com. “I can’t think Flint, Michigan looked worse than this. It’s terrible; please help”.
“This discolored water does not appear to be dangerous to the residents,” Jay Mayor Shon Owens said in a statement.
He said the town has consulted with its engineers and outside consultants to try to identify the cause of the discolored water while continued monthly testing as required by the state. Those tests have shown the town’s water fully complies with state guidelines, he said.
The discoloration, he said, is likely caused by cast iron in the water distribution system and iron sedimentation.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been working with the Jay water system to address the issue, according to Brandy Smith, FDEP external affairs manager.
“We have required the water system to sample the discolored water to confirm the iron levels and verify there are no drinking water standard exceedances that pose a potential health risk to customers. Those samples have been collected and delivered to the lab, and we are awaiting those results,” Smith wrote in an email response to a request for more information. “Iron occurs naturally in groundwater and is not hazardous to health. At higher concentrations, iron causes taste, odor, and staining problems. Even relatively low concentrations of iron can leave reddish brown stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry that can be very hard to remove. The discoloration can vary from pale yellow to dark brown and may include iron particles.”
Owens said the town is turning to an outside company to flush the lines, with work scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 13. As much work as possible will take place in the overnight hours.
She said flushing the water system will typical help reduce iron in the system. Flushing involves the use of high velocity water to scour the inside surfaces of the water mains. The process is necessary to flush out iron particles, but it intensifies the discolored water in the short term because it stirs up the water and sediment in the water line.
To be most effective, the water should be pushed from a clean source through the water system pipe and out in one direction, one segment at a time. This process scours out the sediment and discolored water.
“While the water system has been flushing lines, they have not yet been successful in completing a full one direction flush of the system. Changes in the water system over time, new lines, valves and hydrants have made directing the water through the system challenging,” Smith said.
Owens said the Town of Jay is researching other methods to remove iron sediment from inside pipes. And the town, he said, is working with state officials to find funding for the reconditionng or replacement of cast iron pipes in the Jay water system.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos by Catherine Jones, click to enlarge.
Patchy Fog Tonight, A Few Showers Tuesday
February 12, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia. area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Washington’s Birthday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Fire Destroys Home Near Berrydale, Lightning Possibly To Blame
February 12, 2018
Fire destroyed a mobile home near Berrydale in northern Santa Rosa County early Sunday afternoon, and it may have been sparked by lightning.
Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Sutton Allen Road about 12:30 p.m. and arrived to find the residence full involved.
No one was at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office.
The Berrydale, Jay and Allentown volunteer fire departments, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Lifeguard Ambulance responded to the blaze.
Faith Christian Academy in Jay is collecting donations and gift cards to assist the family.
Photos courtesy Berrydale VFD for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Camellias 101′ Program Tuesday Night In Molino
February 12, 2018
Camellias were being sold in Pensacola in 1825 — that’s just one of the facts attendees will learn during a “Camellia 101″ program Tuesday evening at the Molino Branch Library.
Join Skip Vogelsang, vice president of the Pensacola Camellia Club as he presents an introduction to one of the South’s favorite flower at 6:30 p.m.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
February 12, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of February 12-16:
Monday, Feb. 12
Selection Committee Public Works Director Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395 Collective Bargaining – 10 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Marine Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Mass Transit Dependent Special District Town Hall – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395 Collective Bargaining (if necessary) – 10 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Co:Lab Policy Board Meeting – 11 a.m., 418 W. Garden St., Pensacola
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – Audit Committee and Board Meeting – 5 p.m., 700 S. Palafox St., Ste. 310
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., 420 W. Chase St.
District 4/Ferry Pass Town Hall Meeting – 6 p.m., 8355 Yancey Lane
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Thursday, Feb. 15
Attorney/Client Session: Sheriff’s Budget Appeal – 8 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
BCC Agenda Review Session – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Friday, Feb. 16
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Charles Thomas Huffines
February 12, 2018
Charles Thomas Huffines, 76 of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away February 9, 2018, at his residence. He was born to the late Clarence Huffines and Jewel Webb Huffines on December 10, 1941, in Franklin, KY. He served in the United States Navy on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Vietnam War. He was in the truck business for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jenene Farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Thrower Huffins of Walnut Hill, FL; two daughters, Kimberly Flurnoy of Atmore, AL and Shanna Huffines of Walnut Hill, FL; and one son, Doug (Leah) Vickery, Jr. of Flomaton, AL; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 11, 2018, at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will follow in Little Rock Holiness Cemetery with military honors.
Active pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Devon Hooks
February 12, 2018
Devon Hooks, age 86, of Pensacola, was called home February 9, 2018. He was born December 19, 1931, in Red Level, AL, to the late Roy and Georgia Hooks. He worked as an electrician for Monsanto and was an avid golfer.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Sharon Ann Hooks; daughter, Sherry Nims; and a host of others left to cherish his memory.
Memorial visitation will be Thursday, February 15, 2018, at First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola, 6500 North W Street, Pensacola FL 32505, from 9:30 a.m. until the memorial service begins at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Brian Kinsey will officiate.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Sara Ann Boone Johnson
February 12, 2018
Mrs. Sara Ann Boone Johnson, age 85, of Flomaton, Alabama, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018, in a Atmore, Alabama nursing facility after a brief illness. She was a native of Lafayfette, Alabama and a long time resident of Flomaton, Alabama. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Little Escambia Baptist Church and a member of the Eastern Star. She was retired from Monsanto with 35 years of service, and former owner of The Garden Spot.
Survivors include her two sons, Melvin (Pam) Johnson of Flomaton, Alabama and Jason (Rebecca) Johnson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; one daughter, Marilyn Wilson of Flomaton, Alabama; one brother, Combs C. Johnson of Pensacola, Florida; four grandchildren, Sara Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Janey Johnson and Jenna Johnson; and a number of great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin F. Johnson and sister, Nancy Boone Rollins.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Hogg officiating.
Interment will follow in Pineview Cemetery in Brewton, Alabama.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton is directing.
Margaret Wacks
February 12, 2018
Margaret Wacks, age 69, of Seminole, AL was called to her peace, Thursday, February 8, 2018, with her family by her side. She was born December 19, 1948, in Foley, AL to the late Oscar and Lillian Wells. Margaret was known for the time she spent as a nurse but was most proud of her role as a mother and grandmother. Margaret loved her trips to the casinos in Atmore and Biloxi, and waking up to a cup of good coffee. She also cherished family trips to the beach.
Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Terence J. Wacks; her parents; and her brother, Roger Wells.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving companion, Billy Davidson; her children, Tammaney K. (Rob) Willmann of Denver, CO, Courtney M. (Kevin) Marsh and Terence James (Dawn) Wacks II, of Loxley, AL; grandchildren, Cameron Marsh, Lilly Willmann, Madelon Harrison, Braden Marsh, Ashton Harrison, Kai Willmann and Emma Wacks; sisters, Peggy Merchant, Sandra Britt, Jackie Melton and Judy Gaines; brother, Darrell Wells; and a host of cherished extended family and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 13, 2018, from 1 p.m. until the service begins at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Margaret’s family has arranged for a private cremation to follow services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.