Update: Firefighters Battle ‘Mountain’ Of Fire For Two Nights
April 14, 2019
UPDATE: Firefighters battled a “mountain” of fire fueled by high winds for hours Saturday and Sunday nights in Davisville.
Huge mounds of a cotton trash — a byproduct of the cotton ginning process — were burning from within at the West Florida Gin just west of Highway 97.
West Florida Gin Manager Robert Earl Godwin said the fire has been burning deep inside the mounds for about two months, but extinguishing them had proved difficult.
Winds of up to 30 mph with higher gusts Saturday night caused fires to grow through the mounds, some of which reach 20 feet high over an area over about 250 feet long. At times, one mound was spewing sparks from the top, giving it the appearance of a volcano (pictured below).
Firefighters from the Walnut Hill, McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department worked for about two and a half hours Saturday night to extinguish the fires.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the West Florida Gin again Saturday night after the fire reflashed and worked for about three hours.
There were no buildings threatened and no injuries.
Pictured top: Fire burns inside a “mountain” of cotton trash Saturday night at the West Florida Gin. Pictured below: Another mound looks like a volcano as it spews sparks. Pictured bottom: Firefighters battle the fires. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weather Alert: Tornado Watch
April 14, 2019
The is a tornado watch in effect until 10 a.m.
A line of potentially severe storms will move eastward through the area into Sunday morning. The biggest threats will be damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail. The timing on the map above is estimated by the National Weather Service.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 77. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Northview’s Kite Places Third In 1A State Weightlifting Meet
April 14, 2019
Northview High School’s Tent Kite finished third in the 129-pound weight class Saturday at the FHSAA 1A State Weightlifting Championship in Panama City.
Kite had best bench press of 240 lbs. and a best clean/jerk of 195 lbs. for a total 435, just five behind the second place finisher from River Ridge High School.
He placed second in the state meet last year.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Pre-K Students Cruise Down To The Drive-In Theater
April 14, 2019
Bratt Elementary School Pre-K students cruised down the hall in their custom cars last week to the “Bratt Drive-in Theater” to enjoy some movie fun. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
This Week’s Road Construction Alerts
April 14, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Saturday, April 20.
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Sunday, April 21:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection- Operations may require intermittent lane closures near the intersection the week of Sunday, April 14. There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- I-10 Routine Sign Maintenance between Mile Markers 5-17 (U.S. 90A- U.S. 90/ Scenic Highway)- East and westbound traffic will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15 as crews repair overhead and sign lighting.
- State Road (S.R.) 190 (Pine Forest Road) Routine Maintenance south of Nine Mile Road - The north and southbound inside lane on Pine Forest Road south of Nine Mile Road will be closed from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 as crews install delineators.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) - Northbound traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions over Davis Highway from 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over Eleven Mile Creek- Eastbound traffic will be restricted to one lane over Eleven Mile Creek from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 as crews replace joint, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- County Road (C.R.) 95A Bridge Maintenance over I-10- Northbound traffic will encounter lane restrictions over I-10 from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 to 4 a.m. Thursday, April 18 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- 9th Avenue Routine Maintenance at Texar Drive- The outside north and southbound lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 18 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- C.R. 99 Bridge Maintenance over I-10- Northbound traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18 to 4 a.m. Friday, April 19 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- Southbound Fowler Avenue at Nine Mile Road will be closed from 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 through 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 as crews place drainage pipes across the roadway. Traffic will be detoured as follows:
- Nine Mile Road east and westbound: Untreiner Avenue, Detroit Boulevard, Fowler Avenue.
- Northbound Fowler Avenue: Detroit Boulevard, Cove Avenue or Untreiner Avenue
- During the temporary closure, the left turn from westbound Nine Mile Road onto Untreiner Avenue will be reopened
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Construction activities will begin on County Road 168 over Unnamed Branch, northwest of Century, Wednesday, April 17. The new bridge will consist of two twelve-foot travel lanes with six-foot shoulders and a concrete barrier wall. The project also includes resurfacing the approaches to the bridge, new guardrail, drainage improvements, new pavement markings, and enhanced signage.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday until Thursday, April 25 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Sunday, April 21:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for Interstate 10 and Avalon Boulevard the week of Sunday, April 14:
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- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday evenings as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Friday, April 19 as crews work to widen the roadway.
- · U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Pala Alto Avenue in Santa Rosa County east to Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County- Drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions between Pala Alto Avenue in Santa Rosa County and Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Thursday, April 18 as Pike Electric performs routine maintenance on power lines.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Grand Opening Held For New Pensacola Ferry Landing
April 14, 2019
A ribbon cutting was held Saturday morning for the Pensacola Ferry Landing.
Located at the head of Commendencia Slip between the Port of Pensacola and Plaza de Luna/Palafox Pier, the new $3.5 million dock and terminal building will serve as the homeport location for two vessels; the “Turtle Runner” and “Pelican Perch” are the National Park Service’s 150-passenger, catamaran-style boats.
The grand opening of the new landing comes in anticipation of Pensacola Bay Cruises beginning service for the recreational season as early as April 19. HMS Ferries, Inc. is under contract with the National Park Service to operate the boats. Once in service, the boats will transport passengers between Quietwater Beach, Fort Pickens and downtown Pensacola.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Seeks Spanish Language Ballots For The 2020 Elections
April 14, 2019
Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of State (DOS) last week to begin the process to address the availability of Spanish-language ballots and Spanish-language voter assistance for the 2020 elections and all future elections.
Last year, a federal judge ordered 32 counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa, to provide Spanish-language sample ballots. Now groups are seeking a preliminary injunction to require elections materials and ballots in Spanish in those counties after August 1.
“It is critically important that Spanish-speaking Floridians are able to exercise their right to vote without any language barriers,” said DeSantis. “Florida has a significant Spanish-speaking population and our state is home to many Puerto Ricans who moved here after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. These fellow citizens should be able to fully participate in our democracy, which is why I am directing the Department of State to address voting accessibility issues for Florida’s Spanish-speaking community statewide.”
Voter-related materials are already provided in Spanish at the state-level. Currently, 46 counties are subject to varying requirements to accommodate voters who speak other languages, including 13 counties required under federal law to provide bilingual ballots and election materials.
“As Florida’s Chief Elections Officer, one of my top priorities is ensuring that all Floridians have a fair and equal opportunity to vote in our elections,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “I applaud Governor DeSantis for his leadership on addressing the availability of Spanish-language ballots, and I look forward to working with Supervisors of Elections and other stakeholders as we move through the rule-making process.”
Northview, Jay Track Athletes Advance To Regionals
April 14, 2019
Regional track results:
Northview High School
The boy’s track team placed second overall, while the girl’s team place third.
The following Northview track athletes will advance to regionals in Jacksonville:
Chris Nordman in triple jump
Ray Bush in long jump
Karlee Criswell in high jump
Sarius Davis in the 400m
Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Keyshawn Breedlove, Dainel Merrit, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer in the 100m
Nene Findley, Daniel Merrit, and Keyshawn Breedlove in the 200m
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×100m Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Korelis Morales, Sarius Davis, Daniel Merritt, Keyshawn Breedlove, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×400m Nene Findley, Karlee Criswell, Sarius Davis, Taylor Lashley, Keaton Brown, Colby Morris, Daniel Meritt, Jarius Moorer
Jay High School
Jillian Thornton placed first in the girl’s high jump.
The following Jay girls track athletes will advance to regionals:
Jillian Thornton: 400m and High Jump
Hannah Whitlock: 1600m
Alyssa Chavis: 100m Hurdles and 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Lexi Copeland: 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Landry Cato: Pole Vault
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Top The Blue Wahoos
April 14, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their stretch of incredible starting pitching on Saturday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium, but the team fell 1-0 in a late-inning loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Griffin Jax took the mound for the Wahoos and delivered another scoreless start. He went 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four.
The Jumbo Shrimp countered with Jordan Yamamoto, who was just as good, allowing just one hit over 5.0 shutout innings and striking out four.
The game turned into a bullpen battle late, and Jacksonville came out on top. Adam Bray entered in the seventh for the Blue Wahoos and set the Jumbo Shrimp down in order, but gave up the game’s only run in the eighth.
Jacksonville’s Magneuris Sierra singled to right with two outs in the eighth inning and quickly stole second. After Brian Miller walked, Justin Twine pushed a single through the left side of the infield, scoring Sierra and giving Jacksonville the 1-0 lead.
Out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen, Jordan Milbrath (W) threw 2.0 scoreless innings, striking out four. Dylan Lee (S) also threw 2.0 scoreless, earning his first save of the season.
The loss drops the Blue Wahoos’ record to 6-3 on the season, still good for first place in the Southern League South and the best overall record in the league. Jacksonville improves to 4-5 with the win. The two teams will finish their five-game set Sunday afternoon .
Eleanor Anna Conover
April 14, 2019
Eleanor Anna Conover, 97, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on April 12, 2019. She was born on January 20, 1922 to Annie and John Hassebrook in Molino, FL.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Fred, Feadore, Clara, Martin, Arthur, Albert, Carl, Dorothy, Caroline, Herman and Emanuel; son, Martin Conover.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Carolyn and Jerry Evans, Joan Conover and Larry Reckers, Bree Conover and David Brewer; grandson, Eric Evans and wife Leisa; siblings, Cornelia Gooden, John Hassebrock, Anne Jernigan, Harry Hassebrock, Edwin Hassebrock.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 19, 2019 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32503. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 pm with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, 3401 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32503