Gulf Power Wind Energy Powering Over 130,000 Homes
March 17, 2018
Gulf Power customers may be surprised to learn that some of the energy they use to wash clothes, cook dinner and power their ever-growing inventory of electronics and smart-home gizmos comes from wind.
At the beginning of 2016, Gulf Power became the leading purchaser of wind energy in Florida. As the utility marks its second anniversary of wind in its mix, it has provided more than 1.7 million megawatts hours of wind-generated energy, enough to power 131,842 houses.
“Two years later, we continue to be the leading purchaser of wind energy in Florida,” said Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Wind marked a major step forward in our promise to an efficient and reliable energy future. By using a balanced energy mix that includes smart renewable energy like Kingfisher Wind Farm, our customers can count on us for their energy needs.”
The Kingfisher Farm is among six renewable energy sources that generate 11 percent of Gulf Power’s energy mix. The other renewable sources are three solar farms that make up the Gulf Coast Solar Centers — 1.5 million photovoltaic solar panels on three military bases across Northwest Florida — and the Perdido Landfill Gas-to-Energy facility in Escambia County, Florida.
The benefits of wind are significant. Research from the Department of Energy confirms that producing energy from wind involves zero direct emissions. Wind is one factor that has contributed to Gulf Power reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 percent over the past decade.
While wind energy is seen as an emerging green energy source today, it’s been used for thousands of years — propelling boats along the Nile River as early as 5000 BC and turning simple windmills to pump water in China in 200 BC, according to the Wind Energy Foundation.
As of 2017, the United States’ wind power capacity surpassed 82 gigawatts, according to Energy.gov, making it the largest renewable generation capacity in the United States — enough to power more than 20 million average American homes. The projected growth of wind-energy projects is on track to provide 10 percent of the nation’s energy by 2020 alongside $85 billion in economic activity and 50,000 new jobs, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
“Desiring to harness this clean energy, Gulf Power entered into its first wind agreement involving a 178-megawatt portion of the Kingfisher Wind Farm in January 2016. A second agreement involving an additional 94 megawatts was inked in February 2017, for a total of 272 megawatts of wind capacity.
“We are always looking at renewable energy opportunities that make economic sense for our customers,” said Blair. “Gulf Power is leading the way in Florida.”
Little River State Forest North Of Atmore Reopens
March 17, 2018
Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area north of Atmore reopened Saturday.
The park will be open to the public on weekends for day-use only, from Friday noon through Sunday at 5:00 pm.
According to officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), the park’s hours of operation will be expanded in the near future, and camping sites should be available soon. Closed for over a year now, State Forester Rick Oates said, “We are truly excited to reopen Little River. As owners of the park, our agency has a responsibility to see that this beautiful, natural state resource is available for the public’s benefit.”
Consisting of approximately 2,100 acres of longleaf pine forest and a 25-acre lake, Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area offers a beautiful setting for outdoor adventures including hiking, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding. Along the trails there are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, and bird watchers find it an exceptional site to observe species of all types. Pavilions are available (in varying dimensions to accommodate different group sizes) to rent by the day for family reunions, weddings, church events such as Easter sunrise services, as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities. All of these activities are available for a moderate entry fee.
Oates continued, “Plans for the near future include providing electricity, water, and sewage hook-ups for people with campers and travel trailers.”
There is something at Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area for everyone, including history buffs. A literal example of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ‘Great and Lasting Good,’ much of the original construction remaining on the grounds hails from the ‘CCC Era.’ Previously owned by private individuals, the property was deeded to the Alabama Forestry Commission in the early 1930s during the Great Depression. As a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) development project, workers from Company 1432 built structures (now a cabin and office), pavilions, the Gazebo Trail, as well as the lake with its dam, levee, and spillway from local stone..
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Natural Gas Pipeline To Be Installed Along Hwy 29, Not In Century Residential Neighborhoods
March 16, 2018
A company installing a natural gas pipeline has abandoned plans take a path through a Century residential neighborhood.
Instead, Florida Public Utilities (FPU) will install the pipeline under sidewalks along Highway 29 under a new agreement reached with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
“FDOT just approved a new plan this afternoon,” Barry Kennedy, director of gas operations for FPU, told NorthEscambia.com Thursday afternoon. “We will be using Highway 29 after they agreed we could go under the sidewalks and our hours were extended.”
FDOT will allow the company to work 5 pm. to 5 a.m. to bore and place the pipeline under the sidewalks on the east side of Highway 29 south from East Highway 4. There will be minimal lane closures, Barry said, with work expected to last about six weeks.
FDOT previously approved plans to run the pipeline along Highway 29 through Century, but new restrictions were imposed. FDOT specified that the gas pipeline be placed underneath the outer northbound lane of Highway 29, and work would only be allowed during the night and overnight hours. The job would require digging large holes in Highway 29 every 1,000 to 1,500 feet in order to bore the pipe under the roadway. It was estimated that the process would take about three months.
FPU then switched plans, looking to bury the pipeline aong Jefferson Avenue and Salters Lake Road within an estimated two week time frame. But that idea raise the ire of local residents along Jefferson Avenue in Century as they expressed concerns over property values, damage to their property and safety.
Pipes that were preliminarily placed along Salters Lake Road, but not buried, will be removed.
The Town of Century held a public meeting last week with concerned residents and FPU, and schedule another meeting for Thursday, March 16 — but that meeting was canceled Thursday afternoon after the new agreement was reached with FDOT.
Florida Public Utilities is constructing the pipeline along a 42-mile route through North Escambia from Century to Nine Mile Road. The pipeline continues south from Century along Highway 29 right of way from Century to Old Chemstrand Road. From there, an eight-inch line will follow Old Chemstrand Road to Ascend, while another eight-inch line will continue south on Highway 29 to Highway 95A in Cantonment to West Roberts Road to Pine Forest Road to West Nine Mile Road where the project will connect to an existing gas system.
Florida Public Utilities is a private company, not a government agency.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Don Ripley Retiring As ‘Century Care’ Administrator
March 16, 2018
Century Health and Rehabilitation Administrator Don Ripley is retiring. A retirement reception in his honor was held Thursday.
Ripley has been a dedicated member of the Century community since 1999 when he set out on a mission to make what was then called the Century Care Center the best skilled nursing Home in the area.
He devoted time and effort to projects like the construction of a stocked fish pond for residents, a producing garden, and numerous programs to reach the interest of residents.
Ripley was also devoted to the community, volunteering as a board members and vice-president of the Century Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served on numerous committees and recruited volunteers. He was also a proud supporter of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, the Century Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and local schools.
In 2016, the Century Area Chamber of Commerce named Ripley their Citizen of the Year.
Ripley said he plans to spend time fishing during his retirement. He final day on the job will be March 30.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
First Responders Attend LifeFlight Training Class
March 16, 2018
Multiple local agencies attended a LifeFlight training class Thursday evening at the Flomaton Fire Department.
Local fire departments support LifeFlight be establishing safe landing zones and standing by in case of an accident involving the helicopter and crew.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Paved Walking Track Opens At Escambia Extension Service In Cantonment
March 16, 2018
A new paved walking track is now open at the Escambia County Extension Service at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
March 16, 2018
Jim Allen Elementary School has named their Students of the Month. They are Macey Echols and Carson Jordan. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Winn Dixie Parent Company Files For Bankruptcy Protection
March 16, 2018
Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn Dixie and other brands, said Thursday afternoon it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The company said it will close 94 “under performing” stores, none of which are in the immediate North Escambia area. The closure list does includes stores 10 stores in Alabama, including locations in Mobile and Monroeville, and 35 in Florida. The company will continue to operate 582 stores.
“Southeastern Grocers has conducted a thorough review of options for reducing our current debt. Taking this step was critical to our future and the long-term health of our business,” the company said. “After careful consideration, we have chosen to voluntarily implement a court-supervised, prepackaged restructuring agreement. We have not taken these steps without careful planning and consideration. As part of this restructuring, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close 94 underperforming stores. It is our goal to work through our financial restructuring as quickly and efficiently as possible, and we will emerge from this process likely within the next 90 days.”
“This course of action enables us to continue writing the story for our company and our iconic, heritage banners in the Southeast,” said Anthony Hucker, Southeast Grocers president and chief executive officer.
Southeast Grocers operate under the Winn Dixie, BiLo, Harvey’s Supermarkets and Fresco y Más names.
Pictured: The Winn Dixie store in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Lifters Place At Districts
March 16, 2018
Tate High School’s Chandler McGuffey won first place at Districts 183-pound weight lifting class. Spencer Ruiz won third in the 159-pound weight class and Juanita Gonzales won third in his weight class. Submitted photos.
Alabama Executes Death Row Inmate
March 16, 2018
Alabama death row inmate Michael Wayne Eggers, 50, was executed tonight by lethal injection at the William C. Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala. The execution was carried out at 6:54 p.m. Eggers was pronounced dead at 7:29 p.m.
Eggers was sentenced to death for the 2000 capital murder of his employerBennie Francis Murray, 67, in Walker County. Prosecutors said he admitted to strangling Murray during an argument.
His final words were, “no ma’am”, when Warden Cynthia Stewart asked him if he had a final statement.
Eggers had two family members, a spiritual advisor and two friends witness the execution. There were no witnesses for the victim.
Eggers has previously dropped his appeals asked the state to quickly schedule his execution.