Today’s Fashion: Dressing For Cold Weather
January 17, 2018
Our brutal cold weather can be dangerous. It’s important to dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside, according to the National Weather Service.
With a low forecast tonight in the teens here in Florida, here’s how to dress for cold weather:
Authorities Search For Driver That Attempted To Run Trooper Off I-10
January 17, 2018
Law enforcement officers from two states searched Tuesday for a truck driver that attempted to run a Florida Highway Patrol trooper off the road.
Troopers observed a white straight truck with a black dump trailer bypass the Florida weigh station on I-10. A trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and activated his emergency lights and sirens but the vehicle failed to stop.
The trooper attempted to pull up next to the truck to make sure the driver could see him as they crossed into Alabama. The driver then deliberately swerved twice, both times causing the truck’s trailer to almost strike the trooper in his lane.
Eventually, the driver lost control and crashed into a wooded area. The driver then fled on foot.
Troopers from Florida and Alabama, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and a tracking dog for an Atmore prison attempted to track the unknown white male.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
U.S. House Approves Poarch Creek Land Reaffirmation Act
January 17, 2018
The U.S. House passed a bill known as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act on Tuesday.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act is a bipartisan bill that simply affirms that land that was taken into trust for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians prior to the 2009 decision in Carcieri vs. Salazari will remain in trust.
On February 24, 2009 the Supreme Court handed down a decision in Carcieri v. Salazar stating that Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust only for those tribes that were “under federal jurisdiction” in 1934, when the IRA was enacted
The legislation simply clears up any legal ambiguity that may have been caused by the previous court decision. The legislation does not have any change over the way the Poarch Creek Indians or their land are currently being treated in Alabama.
The bill prohibits and lawsuits related to the trust land
“The Poarch Creek Indians are a valued and trusted part of our community in Southwest Alabama. Their economic impact in Escambia County, Alabama speaks for itself. From their help with funding for community projects to their business enterprises that employ thousands of Alabamians, the Poarch help make life better for so many people in our area,” bill sponsor Congressman Bradley Byrne said.
Pictured: Congressman Bradley Byrne speaks in support of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act on the floor of the U.S. House. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Deputies Seek Info On Dollar General Armed Robber
January 17, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help in identifying a suspect from the armed robbery of a Dollar General store.
On January 13, the suspect walked into the Dollar General at 4818 Mobile Highway, pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded cash. He was last seen running into the Mayfair subdivision.
Anyone with information about this suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Image courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Freeze Warning — Protecting Pets, Plants, Pipes And Other Tips
January 17, 2018
When temperatures fall into the teens and hard freeze warning, it is time to take necessary precautions to protect pipes, pets and plants, and check on elderly friends and neighbors.
For tonight’s latest forecast, click here.
Here are ways to stay safe during this year’s first round of cold temperatures, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
- Know the signs of hypothermia – confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
- Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
- Avoid frozen pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
- If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
And here are a few extra details and tips from ECUA on protecting pipes against the freeze:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This action guards against the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and / or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
John T. Johnson
January 17, 2018
John T. Johnson, 65, of Century, Florida passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 9301 Academy Street, Century, FL, with Glenn Johnson officiating.
All Escambia And Santa Rosa Schools Closed On Wednesday
January 16, 2018
Local school closures are detailed below for county schools. For the most complete North Escambia closure list of schools, government agencies, etc. click here.
All Escambia (FL) and Santa Rosa County schools will be closed on Wednesday for students and staff, and all district events have been canceled.
Schools in Escambia County (AL) are also closed Wednesday. Escambia Academy in Canoe, AL, is closed.
Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the decision was made in an abundance of caution, due to concerns regarding the potential risk for transportation of students and staff, particularly reports of freezing precipitation accumulating during the overnight hours. He also said residents of the north end of the countywould likely experience most of the potentially freezing precipitation. Superintendent Thomas noted that at this time, students, parents and district staff should plan on a regular school day for Thursday, with all administrative offices also open.
(The Escambia County closure includes charter school Byrneville Elementary.) Pensacola Christian Academy is also closed.
Currently, school in Santa Rosa County will be closed on Wednesday and be in session on Thursday unless additional information requires closure.
Winter Weather Advisory: Rain, Sleet And Snow Possible
January 16, 2018
[Updated 6 p.m.] There is a Wind Chill Advisory, Hard Freeze Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory in effect through tonight.
DETAILS…Precipitation initially in the form of a wintry mix of light freezing rain and/or sleet, will soon turn into snow late through mid to late evening. Light ccumulations of freezing rain, less than a tenth of an inch, are expected before the transition to all snow. Total snow accumulations overnight will range from a half inch to an inch, and perhaps as high as up to two inches in heavier bands that form along and east of I-65 over both interior southwest and south central Alabama. Strong north winds will cause dangerous wind chills as values fall into the single digits overnight. Conditions will very slowly improve through noon tomorrow.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet before midnight, then a chance of snow between midnight and 3am. Low around 18. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 16. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
FDOT Winter Weather Operations To Begin In Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties
January 16, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct winter weather operations beginning at 1 p.m. today in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in preparation for Winter Storm Inga.
Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as FDOT maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions on bridges and roadways. FDOT crews will deploy various ice and snow removal equipment including snow plows and salt and chemical spreaders throughout the area.
FDOT’s winter weather plan has been developed to keep Florida’s highway system safe and operational in all types of weather conditions.
If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
With Flu Activity Increasing, It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot
January 16, 2018
Both in Florida and throughout the U.S., flu activity is on the rise. In Florida, data shows more influenza activity across all age groups this year than detected in the last two flu seasons. Cases of the flu are particularly increasing in the northern portions of the state, including the Panhandle.
The number flu cases is increasing in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to the health department. The flu is being reported as at a moderate activity level in Escambia County and at a mild level in Santa Rosa County.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that based on their data, this might be the peak of this year’s flu season. CDC recommends that people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications and get flu symptoms should be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible.
It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. There are still weeks of flu activity to come. Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications. To locate a flu shot near you, contact your physician, your local county health department, or use the Florida Department of Health’s flu shot locator: www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season because of concerns about its effectiveness.
It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
