FDOT: No Lane Closures For Holiday Weekend
May 26, 2018
No lane closures are planned on state roadways today through Monday in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Florida Department of Transportation said even with work suspended, drivers may encounter congestion due to increased holiday traffic and/or modified traffic patterns.
FDOT encourages drivers to be safe and obey any lower posted speed limits when traveling through highway work zones.
Wahoos Win Second Straight
May 26, 2018
The Wahoos won their second straight game against the Smokies with a 2-0 victory on Friday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium to take a 2-1 series lead.
Pensacola struck first in the fourth inning after Nick Longhi led off with a double. He scored a batter later on Brian O’Grady’s single combined with a throwing error from the right fielder Jeffrey Baez. Taylor Sparks doubled him home later in the inning to put the Blue Wahoos up 2-0.
Southpaw Seth Varner (W, 2-0) had an impressive debut for the Wahoos. Varner pitched five shutout innings, with no walks, and five strikeouts. Alejandro Chacin (S, 1) closed out the game with two scoreless innings and six strikeouts for his first Southern League save since he led the league in 2016. The Smokies loaded the bases against him in the eighth, but he was able to pitch out of trouble.
Thomas Hatch (L, 4-3) took the loss for Tennessee after allowing the game’s only two runs over 5.2 innings.
The Blue Wahoos will look to lock up their second series win in the last three with right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez (1-6, 6.08) on the mound against Smokies right-handed pitcher Oscar De La Cruz (4-3, 5.05).
One Injured In Cantonment Rollover Wreck
May 26, 2018
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover early Saturday morning in Cantonment.
The driver lost control an flipped their vehicle off the roadway about 2:55 a.m. on County Road 97 and Britt Road. One person was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS with non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Driver Injured In Collision With Utility Pole
May 26, 2018
One person was injured in a collision with a utility pole in Cantonment early Saturday morning.
The accident was about about 3:45 a.m. on South Highway 95A near Archer Road. The driver’s injuries were not life-threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Scott Declares State Of Emergency In Florida Due To Alberto
May 26, 2018
Today, Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties as the state continues to monitor and prepare for Subtropical Storm Alberto. By declaring this state of emergency, Governor Scott is ensuring that state and local government has ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm.
Governor Scott said, “As we continue to monitor Subtropical Storm Alberto’s northward path toward Florida, it is critically important that all Florida counties have every available resource to keep families safe and prepare for the torrential rain and severe flooding this storm will bring. Today, I have declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties to make sure that our state and local governments are able to coordinate with federal partners to get the resources they need. Yesterday, I directed the State Emergency Operations Center activate to Level 2 and I will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials as this storm approaches Florida.
“If any Florida family doesn’t have an emergency preparedness plan, now is the time to act. Remember, the track of these storms can change without notice. Do not think that only areas in the cone will be impacted – everyone in our state must be prepared. I encourage every Floridian to visit FloridaDisaster.org and get your plan before this storm hits so you can keep your family safe. We will continue to provide updates to Florida’s residents and visitors and do everything to prepare for and respond to this storm.”
Scott said the Florida National Guard has 5,500 members available for deployment if needed, and state agencies are actively monitoring Alberto and standing by to respond as needed.
Free Beans And Rice Saturday
May 25, 2018
Rain or shine, St. Monica’s Episcopal Church will be distributing free dried beans and rice at the church on Saturday, May 26 from 9 to 11 a.m.. Anyone who needs them can pick up rice and beans as long as supplies last. St. Monica’s is located at 699 S. Hwy 95-A in Cantonment.
Escambia County Declares State Of Emergency, Other Local Storm Info
May 25, 2018
Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution due to Subtropical Storm Alberto.. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
For the latest storm forecast information, click here.
Other essential information:
- The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on Subtropical Storm Alberto, which formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning and is expected to approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday.
- Other than rainfall, Escambia County likely will not see impacts from Alberto until late Sunday or early Monday.
- Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system, and staff are on call to respond as needed. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media (including NorthEscambia.com) for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.
- Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
- Scattered to numerous showers and storms are possible tonight, which could produce brief strong wind gusts and frequent lightning in some areas.
- The National Weather Service is emphasizing the rip current dangers associated with this storm, which are already present and could linger for days afterward. In Escambia County, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico when red flags are flying. Dangerous rip currents can also be present in yellow flag conditions. Learn more here.
- NWS also urges residents not to underestimate the rainfall and flooding threats. Do not focus strictly on the storm track or wind speeds.
- Alberto is forecast to potentially bring dangerous rip currents, heavy rainfall and flooding, including potentially life-threatening flash floods.
- Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches, with localized higher amounts
- Moderate to major flooding along area rivers and creeks
- Widespread flash flooding
- Life-threatening rip currents through Monday night
- High surf of 5-plus feet Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
- Coastal flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level along low-lying areas of the coast, bays and sounds during periods of high tide
Current advisories from NWS Mobile for Escambia County
- High Surf Advisory in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Tuesday
- Coastal Flood Watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
- Flash Flood Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Tuesday evening
Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Fort Pickens day use will end at noon Saturday. The Fort Pickens gate will be locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all campers and day users must be out of the park.
- Opal Beach complex/ picnic area day use will end at noon Saturday, and gates will be closed and locked at 5 p.m.
- Park officials will keep an eye on Highway 399 between Navarre and Pensacola beach for possible closure. Watery battery barrels are in place on side of road if a closure is needed.
Office Closures
- Escambia County Animal Services, ECAT and West Florida Public Libraries will be open on Saturday, May 25 for normal operating hours.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Escambia County Property Appraiser, Escambia County Tax Collector, Escambia County Area Transit administrative offices, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office, Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office, Escambia County Animal Shelter, West Florida Public Libraries (All locations) will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, May 29.
- At this time, all University of West Florida locations are scheduled to remain open on Tuesday, May 29. University officials will continue to monitor the storm and update the campus community, as conditions change.
Sand Bags
Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St.
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
- Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4
Preparation Tips
As June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season, residents should take the time now to double check their storm supplies and preparations so that if and when a confirmed threat develops, they are ready. The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:
Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- Knowing your evacuation zone is one of the most important hurricane preparation steps you can take. It is very important that you look up your evacuation zone each year to find out if and when you should evacuate, even if you have looked it up in the past, as zones can change. Most importantly, don’t rely on previous storm experience. Just because you weathered the last storm, doesn’t mean you will weather this one. Look up your address online at myescambia.com/knowyourzone.
- Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds. Find a list of shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly, here.
- Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.
- Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra three to 10 days stock of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.
- Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when.
- Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site, thumb drive or keep on your mobile device.
Get a kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies.
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 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.
Vehicle Overturns In Walmart Parking Lot After Driver Hits Fire Hydrant
May 25, 2018
Two people were injured when a driver flipped a vehicle in the parking lot of the Ensley Walmart Friday afternoon.
The driver hit a fire hydrant in the parking lot just before 2 p.m., causing the vehicle to overturn onto its roof. Two people were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tropical Storm Watch Issued For Subtropical Storm Alberto
May 25, 2018
Subtropical Storm Alberto formed Friday morning, and the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for our part of the gulf coast.. The latest information on the storm is in the graphic above.
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.
Name Released Of Atmore Man Found Dead In A Field
May 25, 2018
Authorities have released the name of a man found dead in a field in Atmore Thursday evening.
He has been identified as 63-year old Clinton Dortch of Atmore.
Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said his body was discovered by family members in a field on Northgate Drive, off Highway 21 North.
Dortch reportedly lived nearby and would often walk through the field. He was last seen on Monday, according to Brooks.
An autopsy will be performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the exact cause of death.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.