Photo Gallery: Atmore Fireworks
July 5, 2017
Crowds from across the area celebrated the Fourth of July Thursday with a fireworks show at the Wind Creek Hotel in Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Meeting Schedule
July 5, 2017
Here is the schedule of Escambia County Commission meetings for this week:
Wednesday, July 5
Sick Leave Pool Committee, 2nd Floor, Human Resources Training Room 8201, 11 a.m.
Development Review Committee, Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, 1 p.m. Agenda
Thursday, July 6
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review Session, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 9 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Public Forum, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4:30 p.m.
BCC Regular Meeting, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 5:30 p.m. Agenda
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
July 5, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
· Bayfront Parkway (State Road (S.R. 196) Road closed for Festivities- Bayfront Parkway will be closed from S. Barracks Street to Chase Street from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 for fireworks display. A detour will be in place and local law enforcement on site to assist with traffic control.
· Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6 as crews perform paving work.
· Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound.
· The U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured south to make a U-turn at Diamond Dairy Road to access I-10 eastbound.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Traffic on I-10 east and westbound, between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17), will be shifted to the outside lanes beginning Wednesday, July 5. The shift will allow crews to complete the inside travel lanes.
· Creighton Road (S.R. 742) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway– Intermittent and alternating lane closures between 9th Avenue and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. continues as crews perform sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades. The following changes in traffic patterns will take place on Creighton Road the week of July 5, and will remain in effect through multiple phases of the project.
· Creighton Road: The westbound, outside lane will be closed from east of the 9th Avenue intersection to the traffic signal at the entrance to Walmart.
· Creighton Road: The eastbound, inside lane will become a left-turn/through lane and the current bi-directional/dedicated left-turn lane will be closed.
· U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge)- Boaters and pedestrians are reminded to exercise additional caution near the Pensacola Bay Bridge construction site, particularly during the July 4 holiday period and the Blue Angels Air Show Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8. Boaters should use only the main navigational channel when approaching the bridge and keep a safe distance from construction barges in the bay. In addition, the shoreline area from Wayside Park north of the Pensacola Bay Bridge to west along Bayfront Parkway is closed and will not be available to spectators for the July 4th fireworks show. This area is part of the active construction zone and must be closed in the interest of public safety.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Jack and bore operations continue on Untreiner Avenue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Test pile driving for the new bridge is underway. While there are no direct traffic impacts, persons nearby may detect noise and the possibility of vibration. Pile driving work is scheduled during daytime hours, seven-days-a-week.
Santa Rosa County
· 10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 28/Exit 221) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to just east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6 as crews continue widening work. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews reconstruct the Avalon Boulevard overpass.
· S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Maintenance over West Coldwater Creek- Alternating lane restrictions 3 miles east of S.R. 89 from 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 to 5 a.m. Thursday, July 6 as crews perform bridge maintenance activities.
· S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Maintenance over Indian Bayou- Lane closure about one mile south of I-10 from 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6 to 5 a.m. Friday, July 7 as crews perform bridge maintenance.
· S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFT Boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads under 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place through the completion of the project.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Judge Rejects New Florida ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law
July 5, 2017
A Miami judge has ruled that a change to the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law signed nearly a month ago by Gov. Rick Scott, intended to better protect the rights of defendants, is unconstitutional.
Supporters of the controversial law, approved by the GOP-dominated Legislature earlier this year, called the ruling “a notable setback” and predicted an appeal.
“I’d be surprised if this decision wasn’t overturned by the appellate court,” Fleming Island Republican Sen. Rob Bradley, a former prosecutor who sponsored the legislation, said after the ruling by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Milton Hirsch.
In a 14-page order, Hirsch wrote that the Legislature overstepped its authority with the change, which involves pre-trial burden-of-proof.
The statutory change violates Florida’s separation of powers doctrine because it amounts to a “procedural” revision, something that must be handled by the Florida Supreme Court, Hirsch wrote.
While the Legislature makes “substantive” law, the judiciary is in charge of procedural matters, the judge wrote.
The constitutional separation of powers bars the legislative, judicial and executive branches from exercising powers consigned to another branch, Hirsch explained.
“It applies whether the purposes of the overreaching branch of government are benign or otherwise. It applies even when its application prevents a seemingly salutary change in law from becoming law. It applies in such cases because experience with government has shown that any momentary benefit expected from a change in law is usually outweighed by the lasting detriment resulting from a change in our constitutional system of checks and balances,” he wrote.
The new law, the only major gun-related measure to advance this year, shifted the burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors in the pre-trial hearings.
In “stand your ground” cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants should be immune from prosecution.
Critics argued, in part, that the change would lead to cases ending before all the facts are revealed.
Proponents of the bill, supported by groups such as the National Rifle Association, said shifting the burden of proof would better protect the rights of defendants.
NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer, a former president of the national organization, said it was difficult to comment on the ruling.
“It is so bad I’m at a loss for words,” she said.
Bradley, who backed the change the past two sessions, said the law simply cleared up an ambiguity found in the original 2005 “stand your ground” law, the first of its kind in the nation.
Bradley said the legislation (SB 128) was drafted as a response to “clarify” what he called a misinterpretation of “stand your ground” by the state Supreme Court, in a case known as Bretherick v. State.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled in July 2015 that people who use the defense have the burden of showing they should be shielded from prosecution. In “stand your ground” cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants are immune from prosecution.
Under the new law, which applies retroactively, the burden of proof is on prosecutors.
“Once the Legislature filled in the blanks, which is what we did, that certainly was an action that was within the appropriate purview of the Legislature,” Bradley said.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a lawyer, also predicted that the circuit judge’s ruling would be overturned.
“It is the role of the Legislature to write the laws that govern how Floridians may exercise their statutory and constitutional rights,” Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, said in a statement. “The Florida House will continue to stand with ordinary citizens who exercise their right to self-defense. We look forward to this decision being reversed on appeal.”
Scott spokeswoman Kerri Wyland said that the governor’s office was reviewing the decision.
During debate on the measure earlier this year, Democrats labeled the self-defense proposal “a shoot to kill” and “how to get away with murder” bill.
The proposal was approved along party lines on the final day of the regular legislative session that ended early in May.
“Yet another ill-conceived law rammed thru the legislature by GOP is ruled unconstitutional,” Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, tweeted shortly after Hirsch’s ruling.
The “stand your ground” law has long been controversial. It says people can use deadly force and do not have a duty to retreat if they think it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
Lucy McBath, faith and outreach leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, called the ruling “a notable setback in the dangerous expansion of `stand your ground’ laws.”
“Florida is one of the few states to expand or enact a Stand Your Ground law since the senseless killings of my son, Jordan Davis, and Trayvon Martin,” said McBath, who attended a number of committee hearings on the bill this year. “We must continue to fight for the safety of our communities, and we must continue to fight for justice.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Blue Wahoos Beat Shuckers
July 5, 2017
In his last three games, 6-foot-6 right-hander Deck McGuire has not allowed a run in 21 innings for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
McGuire’s latest victim was the Biloxi Shuckers, who the former first round pick, shutout over seven innings, allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out seven to earn a 4-0 victory Tuesday in front of 6,098 at MGM Park.
Biloxi had little luck against McGuire, who retired 12 of the first 13 Shuckers he faced. McGuire, who threw 96 pitches, faced just three batters over the minimum in his seven-inning outing.
His Fourth of July victory improves his record to 8-5 and he has a 2.77 ERA. His eight wins tie him for second most in the Southern League.
During his scoreless-inning streak, McGuire has given up 10 hits, three walks and struck out 23 batters. Opponents are hitting just .210 against him on the year. The 28-year-old has bounced back this year, after playing for five teams in his seven-year professional career.
McGuire also helped himself at the plate, his line drive single to center field in the seventh inning drove in second baseman Shed Long to cap a three-run inning that put Pensacola ahead, 4-0. Long lined a two=out triple to centerfield to drive in both third baseman Nick Senzel and first baseman Gavin LaValley.
Pensacola’s other run came in the fourth inning when LaValley smacked a two-out double to center field that scored left fielder Tyler Goeddel for a 1-0 lead.
Blue Wahoos reliever Carlos Gonzalez pitched the final two innings and gave up a walk.
Pensacola evened its second half record to 6-6 and is tied for second in the Southern League South Division behind the 8-4 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Blue Wahoos, who won the first half South Division title, are 46-36 overall. Biloxi dropped to 42-39 overall.
Man Suffers ‘Devastating’ Hand Injury In Fireworks Accident
July 4, 2017
An adult male was critically injured in a fireworks accident outside Flomaton Monday night.
The 40-year old male was attempting to light an unknown type of firework when it exploded in his hand, according to Mike Lambert, chief deputy of the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office. The man reportedly lost most, if not all, of his fingers and suffered severe damage to the rest of hand during the accident at a private residence in the 3000 block of Wolf Log Road.
The man, whose name has not been released, was transported by ambulance to the Flomaton Fire Station and then flown by air ambulance helicopter to the regional burn center at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. An update on his condition was not available.
“We understand that this was a devastating, possibly life changing injury. Be careful with fireworks,” Lambert said. “Most fireworks are not made to hold while you light them. There are so many ways something can go wrong.”
Century, Flomaton Celebrate The Fourth With A Bang (With Photo Gallery)
July 4, 2017
Fireworks lit up the night Monday with an early Fourth of July celebration at Flomaton’s Hurricane Park.
The fireworks show was a joint effort between the Town of Century and the Town of Flomaton, with the two towns splitting the $5,000 cost. The towns alternate hosting the festivities each year; next year’s show will be back in Century at Showalter Park.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia. com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
All-American July 4th Cookout Cost Down Slightly
July 4, 2017
A cookout of Americans’ favorite foods for the Fourth of July, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk, will cost slightly less this year, coming in at less than $6 per person, says the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Farm Bureau’s informal survey reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $55.70, or $5.57 per person. The cost for the cookout is down slightly (less than 1 percent) from last year.
“As expected, higher production has pushed retail meat prices down,” said AFBF Director of Market Intelligence Dr. John Newton.
Competition in the meat case is making grilling for July 4th even more affordable for consumers this year, Newton noted.
“Retail pork prices also declined in 2017, largely due to more pork on the market and ample supplies of other animal proteins available for domestic consumption. Lower beef prices are most likely putting downward pressure on pork prices,” he said.
AFBF’s summer cookout menu for 10 people consists of hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, ketchup, mustard and watermelon for dessert.
With regard to drivers behind the moderate decrease in dairy prices, Newton said, “We continue to see stability in dairy prices because of the improving export market. Chocolate milk will be a little more affordable this July 4th, in part because some retailers are promoting it as a sports recovery drink superior to other sports drinks and water.
He also noted the retail price of American cheese has declined due to very large inventories and a lot of competition in the cheese case.
Newton said retail dairy and meat prices included in the survey are consistent with recent trends and are expected to continue to be stable.
Commenting on watermelon prices, Newton said, “Although U.S. farmers continue to increase watermelon production, consumer demand has also increased, contributing to higher retail prices.”
Farm Bureau members in 25 states served as volunteer shoppers to check retail prices for summer cookout foods at their local grocery stores for this informal survey.
The summer cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey and two additional surveys of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average., That figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Newton said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $55.70 marketbasket would be $8.74.
How To Properly Display The American Flag
July 4, 2017
This Fourth of July all across the country, people will show their love for America by displaying flags along streets, hanging them from porches, and proudly carrying them in parades and festivals. Old Glory will be everywhere. But did you know there are official rules on properly displaying the U.S. flag?
The infographic above (or click here to enlarge) and the information below based on Federal Flag Code can help you show respect for the flag as you celebrate America’s 241st birthday:
- When: You can display the flag outside from sunrise to sunset. If you want to fly it after dark, it will need to be lit. Don’t fly the flag during inclement weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag.
- On the porch: The union of the flag–the blue section with white stars–should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended from a rope on a pole extending from a house, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
- On the wall or the window: When the flag is displayed on a flat surface like a wall, the union should be at the top left.
- On the street: The flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, so make sure it’s hoisted at the proper height.
- At the office: Suspend the flag vertically with the union to the observer’s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north when entrances are to the east and west, or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.
- On a vehicle: The staff should be fixed firmly on the right side of the vehicle. Do not drape the flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or a boat.
- Half-staff: During periods of mourning, it’s common to see the flag flying at half-staff. Only presidents can proclaim such periods for a national remembrance. Governors can also declare mourning periods at a local level. In some cases, heads of federal agencies can order the flag flown at half-staff on grounds under their supervision. Traditionally, states and local governments follow the president’s proclamation during a period of national mourning.
Take care of your flag. Many dry cleaners will clean U.S. flags for free during the months of June and July. Store your flag in a well-ventilated area. If it gets wet, make sure it’s completely dry before storing it. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be burned and disposed of with dignity.
County Officials Offer Tips To Stay Safe For The Fourth
July 4, 2017
Escambia County wishes residents and visitors a safe, fun July Fourth with friends and family, and reminds everyone to follow these tips to make the most out of their holiday. Remember: If you spot a brush or wildfire or if someone is injured, call 911.
Fireworks
- Remember, most fireworks are illegal in the state of Florida. It is unlawful for any person to set off fireworks without a permit. A good rule of thumb is if it flies or explodes, it is not legal in Florida. Using illegal fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor and is a crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. The State Fire Marshal’s approved sparkler list can be found here.
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals.
- Never give fireworks or sparklers to small children, and always follow the instructions on the package.
Fireworks and Pets
- July Fourth can be a frightening time for pets. Make sure your pets are safe at home and secured indoors during the holiday, especially when there are fireworks.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Keep pets away from fireworks, open fires and matches.
- Encourage your pet to “go” before fireworks begin by taking your pet for a walk. If your pet becomes frightened, this can help prevent toileting accidents.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
- Keep all of the following out of reach of your pets: alcohol, lighter fluid, sunscreen, citronella, mosquito coils, and other insect repellents not labeled for pets.
- Glow sticks and fireworks are not safe for pets. Unused fireworks can be dangerous if ingested.
Grilling Safety
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
Beach Safety and Rip Currents
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
- Regardless of your swimming level, never swim alone, and always swim near a lifeguard.
- If in doubt, don’t go out.
- Know how to escape from a rip current.
- Learn how to break the grip of the rip, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
- Be sure to wear and reapply sunscreen often and drink plenty of water. Remember that alcohol, sun and swimming do not mix.