Scott: Federal Plan Needed To Combat Zika Virus
May 11, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott, expected to travel to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, reiterated Tuesday that he intends to push federal officials to craft a plan to attack the spreading Zika virus.
“Summer is coming on. We are going to have more rainfall. We are going to have more mosquitoes,” Scott told reporters after a state Cabinet meeting.
Florida has 102 documented cases — the most of any state — of the mosquito-borne virus, which emerged last year in South America. The virus, while causing mild sickness, has been associated with severe birth defects.
Scott’s office announced last week that he would travel to Washington to push for federal action. Asked Tuesday what he is seeking for Florida, Scott said he will talk to members of Congress about funding for local mosquito boards and resources such as testing kits.
“My job is to keep the 20 million people that live in our state safe, the over 100 million people who come here as tourists safe,” Scott said. “The federal government needs to be a good partner.”
A $1.9 billion emergency funding request by President Barack Obama to help deal with Zika remains tied up in Congress.
Scott late Tuesday afternoon was scheduled to hold phone calls with Interim Surgeon General Celeste Philip, Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon and Wayne Gale, executive director of the Lee County Mosquito Control District, to discuss Zika preparedness.
by The News Service of Florida
10 Arrested During Undercover Drug Sweep
May 11, 2016
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office arrested 10 people during an undercover drug operation during the past two weeks. Two more people are still wanted on outstanding warrants.
The following individuals were arrested:
- Heather Jordan Black, 34, of Century, promoting prison contraband and possession of a controlled substance (Xanax). Released on a $15,000 bond.
- Amanda Jay, 29, of Atmore, possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Released on a $100,000 bond.
- James Roger Jay, 50, of Atmore, possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Released on a $100,000 bond.
- Justin Ulrich, 37, of Atmore, possession and distribution of methamphetamine. He remains in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on a $105,000 bond.
- T.J. Jarrell, 25, of Atmore, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to distribute methamphetamine. Released on a $100,000 bond. However ie is currently being sought for bond revocation.
- Brandon Jarrell, 22, of Atmore, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to distribute methamphetamine. Released on a $100,000 bond.
- Daren “D.J.” Knighten, 25, of Atmore, possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Released on a $50,000 bond.
- Wilma Alana Jackson, 40, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of a controlled substance (meth and hydrocodone) and possession of marijuana II. Released on a $5,000 bond.
- Stephen McCurdy, 48, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of a controlled substance (meth and hydrocodone) and possession of marijuana II. Released on a $7,500 bond.
- Nicholas Phelps, 23, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (Spice). He remains in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Deputies are still looking for Natasha Dandridge, 33, of Brewton, for possession of a controlled substance (MDMA or Ecstasy); and Carnell Dixon, 53, of Atmore for possession and distribution of Spice.
Tate’s State Championship Hopes Ended By Creekside
May 11, 2016
The Tate Aggies had their hopes a state championship dashed Tuesday night as they were eliminated from the playoffs after a 6-2 loss to St. John’s Creekside
Creekside took an early lead with a single in the bottom of the first. The Aggies answered with a run in the top of the third, but Creekside followed with a run of their own in the inning. Both teams added a run in the firth, and Creekside surged in the bottom of the sixth inning with three runs.
For Tate, Reid Halfacre was 0-2 with a run, Trace Penton was 1-4, Brandon Fryman went 2-3, Cole Halfacre 2-4 with a RBI, Mason Land 1-4 with a RBI, Logan Blackmon and Hunter NeSmith were both 0-3, Logan McGuffey was 1-3 and Josh Kea went 1-3 with a run.
Penton was charged with the loss. He pitched 1.2 innings, walked three. struck out none and allowed three runs.
The Tate Aggies finished their season as regional runner-up with a 25-5 record.
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years For Assault, Burglary
May 11, 2016
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to three decades in prison on burglary and assault charges.
Terrill Lamar Jenkins was sentenced by Circuit Judge Thomas Dannheisser to 30 years in state prison. Jenkins was convicted by an Escambia County jury aggravated assault by discharge of a firearm, burglary of a dwelling with an assault and battery, assault, and petit theft. The first 20 years of the prison sentence are to be served as a mandatory minimum sentence, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
On April 26th, 2015, Terrill Jenkins initiated an argument with his ex-girlfriend. He confronted her at her house where he stole her phone and took a swing at her with an object wrapped in a black t-shirt. The victim fled by car to her mother’s house, and Jenkins followed. He chased her inside her mother’s house and assaulted and battered her in the presence of her family members. When she escaped his grasp, she ran outside and began backing her vehicle away in an attempt to escape.
Jenkins ran out into the yard where he shot at her four times with a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Immediately after firing the shots, Jenkins struck himself with the gun in the head knocking himself out. He fled the scene after he regained consciousness. All four bullets struck the vehicle with one bullet passing within feet of the victim’s head.
Resurfacing, Widening Projects Underway On Hwy 99, Barrineau Park Road
May 10, 2016
Projects are now 70 to 80 percent complete to widen and resurface several miles of County Road 99 and Barrineau Park Road.
Work is 70 percent complete on a project to widen and resurface seven miles of Highway 99 from Barrineau Park Road north to Highway 97A in Bay Springs, according to Escambia County. Construction on the project began in October 2015 and will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration Agency (FHWA) for reimbursement at an estimated project construction cost of $2.87 million. Work is expected to be completed by November 2016.
The second project is 80 percent complete to widen and resurface Barrineau Park Road from Highway 99 to Jacks Branch Road. Escambia County will seek reimbursement for $1.2 million when work is completed in December 2016.
The contractor for both projects, Panhandle Grading and Paving, is continuing to add paved shoulders and widen the road to 11-foot travel lanes, and also install driveway pipes The project also includes other work typically associated with resurfacing and widening, including drainage, sodding and pavement striping.
Both roads will be resurfaced with in final layer of asphalt.
In addition to the two county projects, the Florida Department of Transportation upgraded the railroad crossing on Highway 99 south Highway 97A.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Night Lane Closures Planned For Nine Mile Road
May 10, 2016
East and westbound traffic on Nine Mile Road west of I-10 near Heritage Oaks Drive and Navy Federal in Escambia County will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday as crews perform striping operations and place reflective pavement markings.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone.
All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are encouraged to obey the posted speed limit, be mindful of construction equipment entering and exiting the roadway, and refrain from texting while driving.
Molino Forestry Workshop: Does Money Grow On Trees?
May 10, 2016
There is money to be made in trees and interested landowners will have an opportunity to learn more about it at an upcoming workshop. The Florida Forest Service and Florida Tree Farm Committee are hosting the free event May 20 in Molino.
The workshop will cover timber sales, thinning, threats to timberland and certification. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with forestry professionals. Lunch will be provided.
Pre-registration for the workshop is required by May 17. To register, call Cathy Hardin at (850) 587-5237. The workshop will take place 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Molino Community Complex at 6450 Highway 95A North.
New Plant, 35 Tech Jobs Headed To Atmore
May 10, 2016
Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded $300,000 to help a company specializing in high technology machinery and fabrication build a manufacturing plant in Atmore. When in operation, the plant will provide 35 new jobs for the area.
The Community Development Block Grant will assist Brown Precision Inc., a Huntsville-based company, to build a 60,000-square-foot building in the North Rivercane Industrial Park.
“Alabama continues to make a name for itself in the high-technology field and the second addition of Brown Precision is further evidence of that,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to award this funding and I take delight in the job opportunities this will provide in southwest Alabama.”
Brown Precision manufactures precision parts of metal, plastic, glass and other materials for aerospace and medical companies like G.E. Aviation, G.K.N. Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Wright Medical Group and Smith and Nephew.
CDBG funding will be used to provide water and sewer services to the plant. The city has obtained additional funds to provide road access to the plant and new turn lanes off Alabama Highway 21 at the plant’s entrance. The city of Atmore has pledged $73,900 in local funding for the projects.
Bentley notified Mayor Jim Staff that the grant had been approved.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, and water resource management.
County Plans Final Tornado Debris Sweep In Ferry Pass
May 10, 2016
The Escambia County Commission has approved an additional sweep of the Ferry Pass area for debris generated by the tornado in February. In cooperation with Escambia County, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority crews will make a final pass through the impacted neighborhoods on Monday, May 16. Residents in the unincorporated areas of Ferry Pass with storm related debris are asked to move all debris to the right of way no later than Sunday, May 15.
Residents are asked to remember that:
- All storm generated debris must be separated and be placed in the right of way. Residents should avoid placing debris near power poles, fire hydrants, water meters, mail boxes or other utilities. Crews are not allowed on private property so all debris must be in the right of way area, typically the area from a power pole to the curb.
- No demolition debris will be picked up, please consult with your insurance company and/or contractor for demolition debris removal.
- Do not place household garbage with storm debris. ECUA residential customers will receive normal garbage collection on their normal pickup day.
- Storm generated debris must be sorted and placed curbside in the following categories:
- Construction – furniture, carpet, tile, steel, glass, brick, concrete, asphalt roofing material, pipe, gypsum wallboard, lumber or anything used in the construction, renovation, and demolition of a structure.
- Vegetative debris – Tree limbs, leaves, logs, pallets, and tree branches.
- White goods – washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, water heaters, freezers and small AC units.
- Electronics – T.V.s, computers, monitors, fax machines, stereos, speakers, etc.
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) – Cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints and stains and pesticides.
- Commercial customers, please contact your contracted waste services provider for disposal services. Commercial waste should not be placed on the right of way.
Debris pickup continues in the Town of Century, and City of Pensacola residents should contact their waste service provider for any debris removal services.
Northview’s McGahan Named ‘Top Senior’ Out Of 48 NJROTC Programs In Five States
May 10, 2016
Northview High School NJROTC Company Commander Cadet LCDR Moriah McGahan has been selected as the Navy JROTC “Top Senior” in the Area 8 Region. She was named the Top Senior from 48 high school NJROTC programs in Northwest Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.