Storms Were Big And Loud, But Left Just A Little Damage
April 18, 2022
Storms that moved through Escambia County prompted two simultaneous tornado warnings, but there were no confirmed touchdowns.
At the Pensacola International Airport, a peak wind guet of 74 mph — hurricane strength — was recorded.
Scattered wind damage was reported in Escambia County.
In Cottage Hill, the wind took the metal roof off a pole wooden barn (pictured above and first below).
On North Chipper Road, the wind downed trees and tossed a trampoline (pictured below). A trampoline was also blown and became lodged against a retaining wall on the I-110 ramp to Airport Boulevard.
At Sam’s Club, a storage shed on display was blown toward Washington High School and blocked a portion of College Parkway (pictured bottom photo).
The last two images below show the areas included in the tornado warnings and an area of circulation near Beulah.
Additional damage was reported in Baldwin and Santa Rosa counties, including the roof of a bakery in Milton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Escambia County Jobless Rate Drops By Half A Percentage Point
April 18, 2022
The Escambia County unemployment level declined by half a percentage point last month, according to newly released data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 2.7% in March, down from 3.2% in February. That represented 4,049 people out of work out of a county workforce of 148,122. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was 5%, or 7,256 people.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Pensacola area gained 8,300 private sector jobs (+5.3%) over the year in March 2022. The Pensacola area labor force increased by 7,138 over the year, a 3.1% increase.
The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,000 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (+2,200 jobs). In March 2022, the Pensacola metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in the state in trade, transportation, and utilities (+8.8%).
Florida’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in March 2022, marking the 16th consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, which is currently 3.6%. Florida’s labor force is experiencing steady growth, growing by 325,000, or 3.2%, over the year, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4%. As of March 2022, Florida employers added jobs for the 23rd consecutive month, and Florida outpaced the nation in private sector job growth for the 12th consecutive month.
Inmate Accused Of Assaulting, Injuring Century Correctional Institution Officers
April 18, 2022
Inmate Joshua Christian assaulted officers at Century Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
He assaulted officers by striking them with a closed fist and kicking them. Medical staff examined the officers and noted injuries.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said.
Christian is serving multiple sentences until 2024 for thefts, drug possession, resisting an officer with violence and two other instances of battery on corrections officers.
Beulah Middle, Tate High School FFA Chapters Named As Two Of “Florida’s Finest”
April 18, 2022
The Beulah Middle and Tate High school FFA chapters have been named as two of “Florida’s Finest”.
The selection is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application. Both chapters have excelled in the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture, and have worked diligently to fulfill the mission and vision of the FFA. The Beulah Middle and Tate High FFA programs will be recognized during the 94th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando this summer.
Beulah Middle School and Tate High School are two of only 30 FFA organizations statewide to be selected for this prestigious recognition. Additionally, Beulah Middle School won first place in the state of Florida for Aquaculture, beating all high schools and middle schools in that competition last weekend in Tampa.
“We are so proud of the great things our students and teachers are accomplishing in our Agriculture classes and in our FFA chapter,” said Beulah Middle School Principal Marietta Britt-McCaskill. “The skills they are learning through these practical, hands-on experiences will serve them well in school and in the workplace for the rest of their lives.”
The annual state FFA convention and expo is the highlight of Florida FFA’s year. Nearly 5,000 FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
While at the convention, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers, award presentations, exciting exhibits, challenging Career and Leadership Development Events, and plenty of entertaining activities. Attendees can take a stroll through the Florida FFA Expo in search of the perfect career connection, attend a workshop to brush up on those leadership skills, or simply interact and share ideas with FFA members and advisors from across the state.
Low Near 50 Monday Night
April 18, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
DeSantis Appoints Escambia Judge Amy Brodersen First Judicial Circuit Court
April 18, 2022
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Judge Amy Brodersen to the First Judicial Circuit Court.
Brodersen has served as a judge on the Escambia County Court since her appointment by Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Previously, she served as an assistant city attorney for the Pensacola Police Department and an assistant state attorney for seven years in the First Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and her law degree from Florida Coastal.
Brodersen fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Thomas V. Dannheisser.
Wahoos Fall To Trash Pandas 1-0 In 11 Innings
April 18, 2022
Bryan Hoeing twirled 7.1 scoreless innings and continued his dominant start to the 2022 season, but didn’t receive any run support as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 1-0 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon.
In the bottom of the 11th, after several missed opportunities to break through on offense, Pensacola allowed a walk-off single to Preston Palmeiro for the only run of the game.
Hoeing, who allowed only three unearned runs over 5.2 innings in his Double-A debut last Sunday, was even better his second time around. With six strikeouts and only four hits over 7.1 shutout frames, he became the first Blue Wahoos starter to record an out in the eighth inning since Jhoan Duran in 2019 and recorded the longest appearance for any starter in the Southern League this season.
Rocket City starter Coleman Crow was solid, turning in 4.0 scoreless innings before handing things off to the bullpen. Pensacola’s Paul McIntosh added two more hits to keep his league-leading batting average at .500, and Cobie Fletcher-Vance registered two hits to extend his hitting streak to eight games.
Defense continued to be a challenge for the Blue Wahoos, as Hoeing overcame two of his own throwing errors and Andrew Nardi was forced to work around a Fletcher-Vance throwing error to keep the game scoreless in the eighth. Neither team could push a run across in the 10th, and Luis Ledo (W, 1-1) stranded Pensacola’s placed runner at third base a second time in the top of the 11th. Colton Hock (L, 0-1) got one out in the bottom of the 11th before Palmeiro grounded his walk-off single to right field.
The Blue Wahoos return to action on Tuesday as they begin a six-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Florida Gas Prices Down About A Quarter Over The Last Two Weeks
April 18, 2022
Florida gas prices dropped another seven cents last week. The state average has now declined nearly 25 cents per gallon over the course of a little more than two weeks.
On Sunday, the average price for gasoline in Florida was $4.01 per gallon. That’s 27 cents less than a month ago, and the lowest price since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.86. A North Escambia low of $3.74 could be found Sunday night at one Cantonment station, while the low price reported in Pensacola was $3.64 at the warehouse clubs.
“Gas prices have mostly declined through the past two weeks, but don’t be surprised if they rebound soon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The price of oil jumped 8% last week, on reports that the European Union is preparing to ban Russian oil imports, which fuels ongoing concerns about global oil supplies. The crude increase could ultimately lead to an increase of 10 cents or more at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Worshipers Gather For Easter Sunrise Services
April 17, 2022
Worshipers gathered for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
The largest sunrise service in Escambia County was the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Other services included the Molino Community Sunrise Service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (pictured first below).
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured first below: The Molino Community Sunrise Service Easter morning at Aldersgate UMC in Molino. Pictured top and bottom: The Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDEP: Ascend Reports Chemical Release; Unpermitted Discharge
April 17, 2022
Ascend Performance Materials in Cantonment has reported a chemical spill and unpermitted discharge, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Projection.
According to Ascend, the manufacturing plant is currently in a turnaround in which 90% of the plant will be shut down.
Friday morning, “a drain valve located in cyclohexane dump tanks was found open and releasing cyclohexane into the diked area and was draining to the ground,” a FDEP report states.
Ascend reported the drain valve was closed, the fire alarm was activated, the area was barricaded off and the ditch was secured. The incident lasted less than one hour.
Cyclohexane can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It can cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, drowsiness, or coma in high enough concentrations, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Also Saturday morning, two cooling towers “overflowed releasing an unpermitted discharge in excess of 1000 gallons to stormwater outfall,” a FDEP report states. The company blocked stormwater drains and ditches to prevent any further discharge into the stormwater outfall.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.