Escambia Firefighters Receive Decontamination Kits To Fight Cancer Risk
June 18, 2019
Escambia County Fire Rescue has received 42 post fire on-scene decontamination kits to help mitigate firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion. The decontamination kits will be distributed to county fire departments to be housed on apparatus with pumping capability beginning today.
The kits were provided as part of a $1 million statewide firefighter cancer mitigation grant program.
New construction and furniture often contain synthetic materials like polyurethane and hydrocarbons. The result is not only material that ignites faster, but produces carcinogens, which can increase existing cancer risks posed by a fire’s gases. A 2016 study by the National Institute for Occupation Health and Safety said U.S. firefighters are at a higher risk for cancer and they are 14% more likely to die of cancer than the general public.
Each kit includes the tools needed for firefighters to effectively clean gear after a fire:
- Flash drive, including educational videos and training outline
- Laminated field operation guide
- Standard operating guideline
- 5-gallon bucket and leak-proof lid
- 5-gallon 6 mil clear bags
- Duct tape
- Dish soap
- Short handle scrub brush
- All-purpose spray bottle
- Dermal wipes
- 2- 50-foot 5/8” hose lines
- 2- garden hose nozzles
- 2- adapters, 2 feet 5 inches female X 3/4 inch male garden hose thread
- Collapsible traffic cone
The kits are in addition to a department initiative to issue all certified firefighters two sets of personal protective gear, which further reduces firefighter exposure. A set of clean, dry gear would be available for use at the station while the first set can be initially cleaned on scene with the donated kit. The overall goal is to reduce expose time, not only while on scene, but when returning to the station and responding to other calls.
The state of Florida partnered with Ten-8, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative, and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to provide more than 4,200 kits to 405 Florida fire departments as part of the state effort.
Century For Independent Living Disability To Hold Public Session In Molino
June 18, 2019
The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center is hosting a public strategic planning session Thursday in Molino and Pensacola. The CIL is looking for input from people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and other community members.
The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private non-profit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services. Clients are not charged for core services.
Thursday’s meetings will be held:
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Studer Community Institute, 202 W. Garden St., Pensacola
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Molino Community Center, 6450 Hwy 95A Molino
ECFR Responds To Reported House Fire Off 10 Mile Road
June 18, 2019
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire just after 7:30 p.m. Monday on Mercer Lane, just south of 10 Mile Road.
No injuries were reported, and damage to the home did not appear to be severe from the roadway.
No further details were available.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tri-County Softball All-Stars Claim District Championship, Headed To State
June 18, 2019
The Tri-County Little League Minor Softball All-Star team claimed the District 1 Championship this past week. This win also clinched the Sectional Championship, advancing them straight to the state tournament beginning July 5 near Ft. Myers.
The team is looking for sponsors to help defray costs. Tax deductible donations can be made to Jay Recreation Association, PO Box 241 Jay, FL 32565. In the check memo field, notate Softball All-Stars. For more information, contact Jay Rec/Tri-County President, Tony deGraaf at (850) 698-0735.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay High Names Mike Roberts As New Head Baseball Coach
June 18, 2019
Jay High School has named Mike Roberts as the new head baseball coach for the Royals.
Roberts brings several years of head coaching experience to Jay, including six playoff appearances at Central High School and a trip to the FHSAA Final Four in 2016.
Photo courtesy Jay High School for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Redistributes Election Security Funding
June 18, 2019
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the Florida Department of State (DOS) and Florida’s 67 county supervisors of elections will engage in a cooperative cybersecurity initiative ahead of the 2020 election.
DeSantis is also supporting the redistribution of $2.3 million in unexpended funds to supervisors of eections to support their continued efforts to enhance election security. This is in addition to the $2.8 million appropriated by the Florida Legislature for the upcoming fiscal year.
The announcement follow DeSantis’ May 22nd directive to initiate a review of elections systems security and cybersecurity throughout the state in order to ensure Florida’s elections infrastructure at the state and local level is protected.
“I am pleased to announce that the Secretary of State and all 67 supervisors of elections will engage in a cooperative, joint cybersecurity initiative ahead of the 2020 elections that will identify and address any vulnerabilities in our elections infrastructure,” said DeSantis. “Additionally, the Department of State will redistribute $2.3 million in funding to supervisors of elections so they can continue to make any necessary election security upgrades, in addition to the $2.8 million already appropriated for the fiscal year. In total, the state is giving $5.1 million for elections cybersecurity as we head into 2020.”
DOS and the supervisors of eElections will conduct a thorough elections-specific assessment and evaluate weaknesses in Florida’s elections systems as well as identify the potential for human vulnerabilities. Any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that are identified at the state or county level will be addressed or mitigated prior to the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary in March 2020.
DOS will establish regular monitoring of supervisors of elections’ networks in order to look for potential vulnerabilities on an on-going basis. DOS Cyber Navigators will provide cybersecurity trainings for DOS, supervisors of elections and staff as well as work with the DOS Information Technology team to provide IT support to small counties with limited resources.
Humid, Good Chance Of Thunderstorms
June 18, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Periods of showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Donald Wayne Gibson
June 18, 2019
Mr. Donald Wayne Gibson, age 64, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019.
Mr. Gibson was a native of Atmore, AL and resided most of his life in the Walnut Hill/Atmore area. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and grand dogs, was an avid Alabama Football Fan and enjoyed dancing. He was a retired carpenter and was of the Pentecostal Holiness Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Ida Gibson; wife of 42 years, AtriceBea Gibson, two sisters, Janette Taylor and Bernice Defoe and two brothers, Hubbard Gibson and Otis Gibson.
He is survived by his two sons, Donnie (Tiffany) Gibson of Waynesboro, GA and Greg (Sylvia) Gibson of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Joy Bernice Gibson of Huxford, AL; four brothers, Jerry (Connie) Gibson of Middletown, IN, Ricky Gibson of Atmore, AL, Tony Gibson of Poarch, AL and Larry Gibson of Poarch, AL; seven grandchildren, Blake Moye, Olivia Gibson, Caitlyn Gibson, Presley Gibson, Michaela Kirsch, Lilliana Bea Gibson and Alexander William Gibson; two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Carl Wilson officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poarch Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, 2019 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Freddie R. “Tony” Antone
June 18, 2019
Freddie R. “Tony” Antone, 79, of Baker, FL went to be with his Lord on Fri., June 14, 2019 while surrounded by family. He was born in Pensacola, FL on June 10, 1940 to the late Reuben Antone and Frances Kersey. Longtime owner of Tony’s Paint and Body Shop. He loved his Lord and Savior, family, fishing, and he was a proud supporter of President Donald Trump.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Freddie R. Antone, Jr.; and brother, Robert “Bobby” Rittenhouse.
Freddie is survived by his daughter, Frances (Scott) Givens; son, Fred “Bert” Antone; daughter, “his baby” Tilly Antone; three brothers, James (Judy) Boulaware, Donnie Rittenhouse, and Richard Vickery; nine grandchildren, Chuck Hedden, Aimee(J.R.) Beard, Rebecca Givens, Sarah Givens, Ricky (Letisha) Antone, Heather Goins, Salena Antone, Brooke Antone, and Bella Antone; and twelve great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wed., June 19, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Whitmire Cemetery, Pensacola, FL.
Visitation will begin at noon prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Hedden, J.R. Beard, Scott Givens, Josh Manning, Mike Collins, and Freddie Lynn Pendleton
Fire Damages Molino Mobile Home
June 17, 2019
Fire heavily damaged a Molino mobile home late Monday afternoon.
Heavy smoke was showing when firefighters arrived on scene. The fire on Dave Floyd Road off of Highway 95A was reported just before 6 p.m.
There were no injuries reported. The fire marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.
The Molino, McDavid, Walnut Hill, and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Northescambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour. Click to enlarge.
