The Fort Pickens, Naval Live Oaks and Okaloosa Areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore all experienced impacts from heavy rain and flooding last week.
The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) began conducting Emerald Warrior, a joint training exercise in 2006. For the first time, the MQ-9 Reaper took part in the exercise at Hurlburt Field. It is an unmanned remotely piloted aircraft with a top speed of 300 mph and a range of more than 1,100 miles.
Organizers hoped for better weather this year in Navarre than what Relay for Life participants and volunteers had to contend with last year. The 2013 event saw rain, wind and chilly conditions. The 2014 closing ceremony at Navarre High School was held under bright sunshine.
Santa Rosa County Schools Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick is asking the Florida Department of Education to waive makeup days for two school days lost as a result of last week’s historic deluge.
Numerous signs and red flags were posted in Navarre Park letting residents and tourists know they should stay out of the Santa Rosa Sound due to potentially contaminated water from recent flooding.
Area residents were in Navarre Park before 10 a.m. Saturday waiting for the Panhandle Butterfly House to open for the season. Mary Derrick from University of Florida Extension Service told the crowd improvements had been made for this year.
According to Santa Rosa County, more than 50 businesses suffered some level of flood damage last week. Preliminary assessments completed by federal, state and local teams showed 32 businesses suffered major damage, 16 minor damage and 3 were inaccessible.
Floodwaters do more than damage homes and businesses and make roads and streets look like ponds or rivers. The power of the rushing water can damage roads and also the utility lines under them.
The Lady Raiders combined great pitching from freshman Hanna Stapleton and a sensational offensive and defensive performance by Shana Pearl to win a tight 4 – 3 game at Leon High School in the regional quarterfinal game April 24.
I don’t know about accents on folks that are born and raised in Hanoverton, Ohio, but I know a soft voice when I hear one, and Esther Loudon Leatherberry was speaking softly.