Live Fire Training With Mock Plane Taking Place At Pensacola Airport
July 19, 2023
Live fire training will take place at the Pensacola airport through Friday, and visitors may see a mock plane and flames.
The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola International Airport are conducting their annual live fire training drill. Anyone near airport property or flying through the airport may see a mock aircraft with flames coming from the simulator and on the ground nearby. There will also be firefighters in gear and fire trucks spraying the fire during the drill. The training will take place all morning through early afternoon daily through Friday near the east-west runway.
The annual drill is required by the FAA.
Beulah Middle FFA Receives Honors During State FFA Convention
July 19, 2023
The Beulah Middle School FFA chapter and its members received several honors during the recent Florida FFA State Convention and Expo.
- Received an award for 100% FFA membership
- Received trophy for fourth place meats judging team in the state
- Received a trophy for second place aquaculture team in the state
- Colin Duarte competed in the extemporaneous public speaking contest
- Alumni Gabriel Flores came in 4th in the state in the creed speaking competition
- Parliamentary procedure team came in third in the state
- Jayden Williams performed his talent in front of thousands of people on stage at convention
- Mikayle Salvadora competed on state in a music competition
In addition, Beulah Middle FFA was able to donate over 2,300 food items to people in need thanks to generous supporters and friends. They placed second in the annual food drive.
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Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Johnston’s Historic Night Lifts Blue Wahoos To 8-3 Win
July 19, 2023
The Blue Wahoos followed their most lopsided loss with one of the season’s more complete wins.
Only natural that Troy Johnston helped trigger it.
Johnston continued his run-producing prowess, driving in five runs on a trio of line-drive hits, then was backed up by some highlight-worthy defense from teammates in an 8-3 victory Tuesday against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to open the homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Already a leader in six different Southern League categories, Johnston is now the Blue Wahoos’ all-time single-season RBI leader with 77. Tuesday night he passed Griffin Conine, who had 74 last year to set the franchise record.
The first baseman also has 11 RBI in the past four games. He leads the league in home runs (18), RBI (78), hits (84), extra base hits (40), total bases (164) and runs (64). His batting average has soared to .287.
This game started and finished far differently than the Blue Wahoos’ 15-2 loss Sunday at Birmingham, which ended a post-break, short series with the Barons on a sour note.
That quickly was flushed and replaced Tuesday by Johnston’s first-inning run-scoring single off Trash Pandas lefty starter Ky Bush, rated the No. 3 prospect in the Los Angeles Angels system. José Devers followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead.
It stayed that way until Rocket City got back within a run in the sixth inning.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer worked into the sixth, giving up three runs. Two of those came before he was lifted in the sixth after leaving a changeup over the plate that Rocket City catcher Edgar Quero blasted for a no-doubt, two-run homer over the right field berm.
But the Blue Wahoos offense answered by batting around in the seventh inning. Johnston had a two-run double and Will Banfield drove in a run on a single as part of the big inning.
From that point, the bullpen took over. Cristian Charle, Matt Pushard and closer Jefry Yan delivered scoreless innings to complete the win on “Doggone Tuesday” where fans were allowed to bring their dogs to the ballpark.
Though Griffin Conine did not get a hit in the game, he made a sensational diving catch in right field in the fifth inning, then got up and threw out the Trash Pandas’ Tucker Flint, who tried to tag up from second, to complete an amazing double play.
Blue Wahoos catcher Will Banfield threw out Rocket City’s Kyren Paris trying to steal and left fielder Dalvy Rosario saved a run with a diving stop on a ball near the foul line. It was all part of textbook defensive plays made in this game.
The series continues Wednesday. The Blue Wahoos will have Luis Palocios (5-3, 6.40 ERA) going against Rocket City’s Fernando Romero in the first series meeting this year between these teams.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Woodland Park Molino Development Opt-Out Cases Dropped For August 3 By Applicant
July 18, 2023
The company looking to build a large-scale development in Molino has dropped pending discussion before the Escambia County Commission on August 3.
Last week, the Escambia County Planning Board denied Exit 3 Investment’s Escambia County Sector Plan opt-out applications for the Woodland Park development. At that time, the investment company withdrew all pending rezoning requests.
The Escambia County Commission was set to consider section plan opt-out denial recommendations from the planning board and make a final ruling on August 3.. They will not be on the agenda or discussed at the BOCC’s August 3 meeting.
According to submitted opt-out and rezoning applications, The Woodland Park development as originally proposed would have had 2,356 townhomes and apartments, 2,065 single family lots, and nearly 100 acres of commercial development in a 1,500 acre area to the south and west of Highway 196 and Highway 29.
RELATED: ‘That Country Way Of Life’ — Residents Unite In Battle Against Big Molino Development
Pictured top: Submitted plans for Woodland Park. Pictured inset: Fred Hemmer of Exit 3 Investments addresses the Escambia County Planning Board last week. NorthEcambia.com images, click to enlarge.
Molino Utilities Considers Tap Fees To Cover Cost Of Growth, Including Possible Huge Woodland Park Development
July 18, 2023
Molino Utilities is considering impact fees that will offset the cost of infrastructure needed to provide water service for new developments, including the planned Woodland Park that would double or triple the population of the area.
The Woodland Park development, if completed, will add thousands of homes and nearly 100 acres of commercial development in a 1,500 acre area to the south and west of Highway 196 and Highway 29 — all in the rural Molino Utilities franchise area that currently has 2,400 customers.
Vernon Prather, president of Molino Utilities for the last two decades, said the development would require perhaps two new water wells and a large elevated storage tank. The cost for the utility, which normally adds just 30-40 homes per year, would reach an estimated $9 million or more.
“We as owners have an obligation to service them in the franchise,” Prather told the members of Molino Utilities. “I don’t believe we have an obligation to empty our pockets out in a fiscally irresponsible manner to fund any type of expansion.. ”
During a Molino Utilities board meeting and workshop Monday evening at the Barrineau Park Community Center, about 50 residents heard plans for an increased tap fee beginning at $2,200 per new residence. The current tap fee is around $1,200.
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“We are way too cheap,” Prather said. “That puts us more in line with the other utilities.”
In the case of Woodland Park, the tap fee would raise many millions toward the cost of the needed water wells and elevated storage tank without current customers footing the bill.
RELATED: ‘That Country Way Of Life’ — Residents Unite In Battle Against Big Molino Development
Molino Utilities constructed their fourth and most recent well on Gibson Road 23 years ago. If Woodland Park move forward, it is estimated that it would take two or three years to build the water wells and tank due to permitting and construction time.
Last week, the Escambia County Planning Board denied Exit 3 Investment’s Escambia County Sector Plan opt-out applications, and the investment company withdrew all rezoning requests. It is expected that Exit 3 will return at a future date with new plans for Woodland Park.
The Molino Utilities impact fee was not finalized Tuesday evening; the board will hold a vote at a future meeting.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: The Molino Utilities board of directors and their customers discussed growth issues Monday evening at the Barrineau Park Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge..
Kayaker Reported In Trouble On Escambia River; Flooding Closes Bluff Springs And Cotton Lake Recreation Areas
July 18, 2023
Authorities responded to reports of an overturned kayaker in trouble Monday on the Escambia River.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Bluff Springs Recreation area midday. We are told the kayaker was safely brought to shore.
The Bluff Springs and Cotton Lake recreation areas are both closed temporarily due to flooding, according to the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
According to the National Weather Service, the Escambia River was at above action stage Monday at about 13 feet and falling.
Pictured: The ECSO responded to the Bluff Springs Recreation Area to assist FWC with reports of a kayaker in trouble Monday. Photo by Cliff Rooker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Action Head Start Hosting Family Fun Days In Molino And Century
July 18, 2023
The Community Action Program locations in Molino and Century will host fun days this week for families and friends.
The community will also have the chance to learn more about what the program offers.
The CAC-Molino Head Start program will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday behind the Molino Library.
The Century-CAC Head Start program starts at 10 a.m. Thursday at Showalter Park.
Pictured: The CAC-Molino Head Start Center at the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECUA May End Free Curbside Recycling, Adding A Fee For Those That Recycle
July 18, 2023
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority may soon end free curbside recycling, instead charging an extra fee for those that wish to recycle.
“We are considering the possibility of different scenarios to encourage proper use of the recycling can,” ECUA Public Information Office Nathalie Bowers said.
The problem, she said, is contamination in the recycling stream — residents putting items that can’t be recycled in the ECUA program into the recycling can.
“The board will consider adding a fee for recycling,” she said. “They may also reduce the price of a second (regular sanitation) can, or potentially reduce the monthly bill for those without recycling and just one can . Or the board may come back with other possibilities.” The ECUA board will consider the options at their next meeting on July 25 with a final vote coming in August.
ECUA customers have had optional curbside recycling at no charge since 2009. The current recycling facility has been open since 2016.
RELATED: Here’s What To Recycle (And Not).
Florida, Alabama Troopers Kick Off ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’
July 18, 2023
The Florida Highway Patrol and Alabama State Troopers have kicked off “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the other southern states of Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
All five states and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a week-long speed enforcement campaign. FHP will specifically focus on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors.
“The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety,” said Colonel Gary L. Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Your FHP Troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida’s state highways in support of Operation Southern Slowdown.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cottage Hill Water Works Issues Boil Water Notice For Phalrose Lane, Cooley Road
July 17, 2023
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Phalrose Lane and Cooley Road.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break Monday.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break.
This story will be updated when the advisory has been lifted.