Power Crews Continue Restoration Efforts
October 12, 2018
Crews restored power to more than 25,000 Gulf Power customers without power in the wake of Hurricane Michael, but much work remains to be done in the Panama City area.
With power fully restored to all customers in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, Gulf Power crews, with more than 3,000 storm personnel from around the country, are descending on the Panama City area to begin the restoration and rebuilding process. But customers may not see the bigger bucket trucks with crews working on the streets until roads are cleared and safe.
“Our process following the storm begins with our evaluation teams arriving in smaller trucks that can more easily navigate through debris and damage,” said Gulf Power spokesperson, Jeff Rogers. “Those teams are working to determine the damage to our grid in Panama City, but roads must be cleared and made safe before crews can get their larger bucket trucks in to begin the restoration and rebuilding process.”
Once roads are made safe, and a strategic restoration plan is in place, crews will begin the restoration and rebuilding process. This process begins with transmission lines, which are the larger lines on the taller poles that bring power from Gulf Power’s generating plants to the substations. Planes and drones will be flying the lines inspecting damage and transmission crews will begin making repairs.
While the transmission lines are being inspected and repaired, substation crews will be inspecting and repairing substations. Substations step down the voltage of the electricity from the power plants to a level that powers homes and businesses.
While any repairs are being made to the substations, crews will be inspecting the distribution lines and beginning the restoration process. Distribution lines carry electricity from our substations to homes and businesses.
The strength of Hurricane Michael could mean a rebuild of infrastructure, which may take weeks in the hardest hit areas.
“Gulf Power is committed to restoring power to customers in every community we serve across Northwest Florida,” said Rogers. “We’re in this together, and this is why our crews do what they do — restoring power and hope for our customers.”
Athletes Run Cross Country Meet In Honor Of Breast Cancer Survivors
October 12, 2018
Athletes in cross country meet Thursday afternoon at Northview High School ran in honor of breast cancer survivors, including Athletic Director Obreonne Smith and teacher Vicki Cook.
Results:
Boys:
1st – Northview
2nd – Flomaton
Central ran individuals
Girls:
NHS, Flomaton, and Central ran individuals
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Cross country runners with breast cancer survivor Obreonne Smith (near center with sunglasses) before a cross country meet Thursday at Northview High School (photo by Crystal Godwin). Pictured below. Runners cross the finish line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Trying To Find Someone Missing After Michael? Florida National Guard Can Help
October 12, 2018
The Florida National Guard has launched a website to report a person missing after Hurricane Michael.
There are serious communications issues, according to the Guard, limiting contact with victims. The State Emergency Operations Center will route the reports to the appropriate local agency for action.
EREC Sends Bunk, Shower Trailers For Hurricane Michael Restoration
October 12, 2018
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is pitching in to help neighboring cooperatives recover from Hurricane Michael.
EREC sent three bunk trailers and a shower trailer to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Southport and two bunk trailers to West Florida Electric Cooperative in Graceville. These cooperatives received significant damage in Hurricane Michael’s devastating path through Florida. The trailers will be used by electric co-op crewmen during power restoration.
One of the biggest challenges facing electric utilities during power restoration after disasters such as hurricanes is lodging. “It is difficult at best to find housing for hundreds or even thousands of workers in an area whose infrastructure has been devastated. For this purpose, EREC acquired trailers and renovated them into bunk housing,” said Clay Campbell, EREC General Manager/CEO.
EREC’s five bunk trailers will sleep 33 people each, and the shower trailer has 10 showers and sinks. The trailers are self-contained, each equipped with its own generator. The sleeper trailers have central heat/air and individual lockers for each occupant. Each bunk has overhead lighting and electrical outlets for cell phone charging. The bottom row of bunks has nighttime floor lighting as well.
Pictured top: EREC’s Lee Acree, Philip Gandy and Danny Duncan will mobilize the trailers for use by line workers assisting with power restoration. Pictured inset: The trailers roll out of EREC in Jay. Pictured below: Inside on of the trailers. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Dept. Of Corrections Cancels All Weekend Visitations
October 12, 2018
The Florida Department of Corrections has canceled weekend visitation at all facilities in the state.
Due to the response following Hurricane Michael and “in an abundance of caution” the FDC canceled weekend visitation for all facilities statewide for Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14. This cancellation includes all major institutions, work camps, work release centers and annex facilities.
“The secure operation of our correctional institutions is the Department’s chief priority. Additional staff from throughout the state are responding to affected facilities in the panhandle. This proactive cancellation will allow staffing flexibility to assist in returning institutions back to normal operations.,” the FDC said in a release.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Cantonment Rollover Crash
October 11, 2018
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash at Madrid and Muscogee Roads in Cantonment Thursday afternoon.
A Dodge Ram pickup apparently collided with a flatbed 18-wheeler hauling sod. The truck then overturned into a ditch.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Trump Signs Major Disaster Declaration For Hurricane Area
October 11, 2018
President Donald Trump on Thursday approved a major disaster declaration that will help provide assistance to 14 Florida counties that were hammered Wednesday by Hurricane Michael. The declaration, sought by Gov. Rick Scott and other state leaders, will offer assistance to individuals and households in Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor and Wakulla counties. It also will offer assistance for emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.
Armed Home Invasion In Century Under Investigation
October 11, 2018
An armed home invasion in Century Wednesday night is under investigation.
The victim on Lake Street told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that three black males entered his residence about 10:15 p.m. and struck him in the head with a silver revolver. They allegedly took a large amount of cash.
The suspects fled in a silver in color four-door passenger car with tinted windows. The victim and his girlfriend told deputies that they did not know the suspects. A more detailed description was not available.
The victim was evaluated on scene by Escambia County EMS but not transported to the hospital.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
I-10 Now Open In Hurricane Damage Zone
October 11, 2018
I-10 is now completely open through the Florida Panhandle. Earlier today, I-10 was closed from the Defuniak Springs/Freeport exit (mile marker 85) to the Chattahoochee/Lake Seminole exit (mile marker 166) due to hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Michael.
Pictured: The FHP works to clear road debris Thursday morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Accident Claims Life Of Motorcyclist
October 11, 2018
An accident Wednesday night claimed the life of an Escambia County motorcyclist.
Matthew B. Langham, 40, was traveling east on Mobile Highway near Beulah Road about 8:50 p.m. when he ran off the roadway and onto the shoulder, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His 1989 Yamaha reentered the roadway and overturned, ejecting him.
Langham was later pronounced deceased at Baptist Hospital.