FHP: Local Residents Should Use Local Roads, Stay Off I-10
September 8, 2017
Due to heavy hurricane evacuation traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol is asking that local residents use local roadways for travel when possible. This is in effort to alleviate unnecessary traffic on I-10. Pictured: I-10 westbound just west of I-110 at 5 p.m. Friday. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hurricane Irma: Latest Updates, Maps
September 8, 2017
Major Hurricane Irma continues to move toward the Florida peninsula.
The latest details on Hurricane Irma are in the graphics above and below, click to enlarge. Reload the page to ensure that you are seeing the latest graphics.
Thomas: Escambia Schools Closed, Many Sporting Events To Continue
September 8, 2017
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced that school will be closed on Friday, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 11 to comply with a directive from Governor Rick Scott.
However, all previously scheduled extracurricular activities and sports events will proceed as scheduled this weekend as long as the opposing team’s school district has not cancelled their extracurricular schedule.
“I apologize for the late notice,” said Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. “All Escambia County (FL) public schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 11th, per the Governor’s directive. We will continue as many of the scheduled sports and extracurricular activities planned for this weekend as possible. However, we realize some school districts may be canceling weekend events as well as school schedules. ”
The Tate vs Gulf Breeze and the Pine Forest vs Pace football games have been cancelled.
Update: Archbishop Rummel at Escambia was announced cancelled as of Friday morning.
These games will continue Friday night at 7:00 p.m.:
Volleyball: F/JV/V Washington at Escambia
Varsity: West Florida at D’Ibervile
Varsity: Northview at South Walton
Varsity: Pensacola at Booker T. Washington
On Saturday:
Volleyball Varsity Aggie Invitational will be held at Tate
West Florida XC Classic will be held at West Florida High, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Sunny Skies Forecast Into Next Week, Gusty Winds From Irma
September 8, 2017
For the latest Hurricane Irma forecast, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
Century Correctional Officer Assaulted
September 8, 2017
A correctional officer was recently assaulted at Century Correctional Institution.
Inmate Andrew Williams assaulted the officer by striking him in the face with a closed fist. Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries. Inmate Williams will receive a disciplinary report for the assault.
Williams was serving a 20 year sentence for first degree murder and shooting or throwing a missile into a building or vehicle.
Escambia County Irma Update — Shelter Opening
September 8, 2017
Here is the latest local update from Escambia County on Hurricane Irma:
Escambia County and the American Red Cross are opening a host shelter at the Pensacola Bay Center at 5 p.m. for south Florida evacuees. There are NO evacuations ordered or expected for Escambia County. Further details are below:
Current Situation
- There ARE NO evacuations ordered for Escambia County residents, no matter the location.
- While the storm has tracked more toward the west, our area is still not in the cone of probability. HOWEVER, you do not want you to let your guard down yet. It is vital that our residents take a moment several times a day to monitor the latest information available. IF the storm does track more in our direction, any impacts would most likely be felt sometime the week of Sept. 10.
- Escambia County Emergency Operation Center is at a level 3, or monitoring level. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and through the weekend to provide our residents with the most up-to-date hurricane information.
- The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to level 1, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
- The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and visitors at 1-800-342-3557.
- Visit www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
- Sign up for Escambia County updates at www.MyEscambia.com and clicking the subscribe button.
- Learn what to do before, during and after by downloading our latest disaster guide at myescambia.com.
Weather Update from National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center
- Irma is an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane and will likely make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane. It will bring life-threatening wind to much of the state.
- Irma continues to track to the WNW at 16 mph and a turn to the northwest is expected on Saturday afternoon and evening. Based on the latest forecast track, this would take Irma northwest through the Florida peninsula Sunday and Monday.This track will keep the main impacts well east of the area.
- However, breezy to windy conditions can be expected Sunday into Monday and a wind advisory may be required for parts of the area.
- Keep in mind that some fluctuations in track and intensity are still possible.
Host Shelters
- As requested by the state, Escambia County and the American Red Cross are opening a host shelter at the Pensacola Bay Center located at 201 E. Gregory St. starting at 5 p.m.
- The shelter is for south Florida evacuees. There are currently NO EVACUATIONS ordered for Escambia County.
- Evacuees with pets and special needs will be accommodated at the Bay Center.
- Parking is on the Alcaniz Street side.
- Additional shelters will be opened as needed and directed by the state of Florida.
- The Escambia County Equestrian Center is being open as a host shelter for evacuees’ horses. Stalls and RV sites are available at a nominal cost on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit https://myescambia.com/our-services/parks-and-recreation/equestrian-center/equestrian-center-as-a-storm-shelter.
- Visit www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.
Hotels/Lodging
- The Escambia County area hotels are at 92-98 percent capacity through the weekend. Currently, the interstate accommodations are the most occupied, with openings on Pensacola Beach.
- Visit Pensacola has information available at https://www.visitpensacola.com/emergency-updates/
- Through VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership with Expedia, Expedia.com/Florida has been activated to provide accommodations availability information for visitors, residents and first responders.
- VISIT FLORIDA’s Welcome Centers have transitioned to emergency information centers to help direct evacuees with the most up to date information.
Gas/Fuel
- Gov. Scott has taken several actions to help mitigate fuel shortages, read more at http://www.flgov.com/2017/09/07/gov-scott-were-working-aggressively-to-get-more-fuel-to-gas-stations/
- To check fuel availability online, go to https://gasbuddy.com
Pensacola International Airport
- While many southern and eastern Florida airports are closed, Pensacola International Airport is currently open and will remain open as long as Hurricane Irma does not severely impact our area.
- Passengers with scheduled travel to impacted areas are strongly encouraged to monitor the status of their flight by frequently visiting their airline’s website.
Trash Pickup
- There are currently no changes at this time in trash pickup scheduling with ECUA or the city of Pensacola.
County Offices
- Escambia County offices will be open on Friday, Sept. 8. Employees who have childcare issues should contact their supervisors.
Schools
- Gov. Rick Scott is directing all public K-12 schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices to close Friday, Sept. 8 – Monday, Sept. 11.
- ACT tests scheduled to be given in any Escambia County public schools tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 9th, have been cancelled.
State Offices
- Governor Rick Scott has directed all state offices in all 67 Florida counties to close Friday, September 8 – Monday, September 11
Volunteering & Donations
- Volunteer Florida is coordinating with volunteer organizations across the state and has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide shelter operations training to volunteers and AmeriCorps grantees. Floridians who would like to volunteer can register at http://redcross.org/volunteer
- Gov. Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Hurricane Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10.
Traffic/Roads
- The Florida Department of Transportation , working with the Florida Highway Patrol, has implemented a limited Emergency Shoulder Use plan for Hurricane Irma evacuations on I-75 at Wildwood to the Georgia state line. Motorists should only use the left shoulder when directed by law enforcement and highway signs.
- The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending construction work and lane closures throughout the state in preparation for evacuation routes.
- The toll at the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza onto Pensacola Beach remains lifted, as do tolls around the state.
Storm Preparation
- Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.
- Know your zone. Look up your address online at http://bit.ly/2vGzR1R. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list.
- Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. if we aren’t impacted by Irma, your preparations won’t be a waste, as we haven’t yet reached the height of hurricane season. You’ll be ready for the next storm. Click here to see our latest disaster guide shopping list.
- Stay Informed – A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.
- Prep your yard - As we are entering the height of hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
Other Services/Information
- Veterans from storm-impacted areas who require immediate assistance may contact the VA Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571
- The Florida Department of Children and Families has released September Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to current recipients who have not yet received them to assist with Hurricane Irma preparations.
- Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
- Floridians can text FLPREPARES to 888777 in order to receive text alerts from the Florida Division of Emergency Managment.
Mike Hill Looks To Make House Comeback
September 8, 2017
Former state Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola, has opened a campaign account to try to return to the House in 2018, according to information posted Thursday on the Florida Division of Elections website.
Hill, who was first elected to the House in 2013 but ran unsuccessfully for the Senate last year, plans to run in Escambia County’s House District 1. Rep.
Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola, cannot seek re-election next year in the district because of term limits. During his stint in the House, Hill represented nearby District 2.
Cantonment Republican Rebekah Bydlak and Pensacola Democrat Vikki Garrett also have opened accounts to run for the Ingram seat. Bydlak raised $50,027 for the race in August, according to a finance report posted on the state website.
by The News Service of Florida
Price Gouging Hotline Activated as Hurricane Irma Approaches
September 8, 2017
Floridians bracing for the pounding winds and rains of powerful Hurricane Irma are complaining at a historic clip about price gouging and shortages of fuel, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday.
“Our phones are blowing up as they have been all night long and continue to do,” Bondi said. “That’s a good thing, because it’s helping us protect you.”
The state’s price-gouging hotline — 1-866-9-NO-SCAM — had received more than 3,000 calls tied to Irma as of Thursday morning, with some 1,100 coming in Wednesday night.
“We’ve never seen our hotline like this in history,” Bondi said. “However, we’ve never seen a storm this bad. This is bigger than Andrew; people have to understand. To people who survived Andrew and people who lost loved ones during Andrew, this is a much bigger storm.”
The majority of the calls have come from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Most are about inflated prices for food, water and ice, but people are also calling to complain about fuel shortages, Bondi said.
“The worst call I got today, and this was the worst of the worst, was a 24 pack of six-ounce bottles of water, for $72 … $72,” said Martin Green, a call center operator. “That was in Jupiter today.”
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for barrier islands and low-lying mainland areas of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Gov. Rick Scott, who traveled Thursday morning to emergency operations centers in Hialeah and West Palm Beach, activated 3,000 additional members of the Florida National Guard, bringing the number to 4,000. Another 3,000 are to be activated by Friday.
Scott also tweeted a photo of a Florida Highway Patrol car traveling behind a tanker truck on an interstate, noting the FHP is escorting “fuel trucks across FL to ensure supplies are quickly refilled.”
Scott added in a release that he’s been in contact with federal officials, fuel retailers and oil companies to address the demand-created shortages of fuel.
“We have asked fuel companies to identify ships that are in route to our ports so we can arrange military escorts to get them here faster,” Scott said. “To further expedite fuel delivery, I have directed state police to escort fuel trucks to gas stations along evacuation routes.”
Regulations related to truck weights and driver restrictions have been waived for fuel trucks.
To help keep gas stations open longer in evacuation zones, Scott added the state’s offering to arrange police escorts for station employees.
Football: Who Plays, Who Stays At Home Due To Hurricane Irma
September 8, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott’s order closing all public schools in Florida Friday through Monday has changed the Friday night football schedule for some teams.
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said extracurricular activities would go one in Escambia County, while Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties decided to cancel all activities, including football.
That means Gulf Breeze at Tate and Pace at Pine Forest are canceled.
Northview is on the road against South Walton, and as of Thursday night Coach Derek Marshman had confirmed the game is still on in Santa Rosa Beach.
Friday Night Games:
FLORIDA GAMES CANCELED:
Gulf Breeze at Tate
Rocky Bayou Christian at Jay
Pace at Pine Forest
Milton at Fort Walton Beach
Navarre at Crestview
Catholic at Choctaw
Snook at Baker
Rummel (LA) at Escambia
FLORIDA GAMES STILL ON:
Northview at South Walton, 7 p.m.
Pensacola HS at Washington, 7 p.m.
West Florida at D’Iberville (MS), 7 p.m.
Niceville at Westlake (TX), 7 p.m.
Freeport at Bonifay, 7 p.m.
Two Alabama Residents Die In I-10 Crash In Escambia County
September 8, 2017
Two Fairhope residents were killed in a crash on I-10 in Escambia County.
Timothy A. Ponder, 28, and Kristian L. Richardson, 35, were westbound on I-10 just west of the Highway 90 exit when Ponder ran off the road. The 2017 Kia Forte entered the woodline and struck a large tree. Both Ponder and Richardson died at the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP said the crash occurred sometime during the night and was not discovered until 8 a.m. Thursday.
The accident remains under investigation by the FHP.
File photo.