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.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
January 16, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period ending January 5 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Cushing observed a vehicle being operated without any lights on and initiated a traffic stop to address the safety concern. While behind the vehicle with emergency lights on, the passenger was observed discarding several small items out of the passenger window while the vehicle was moving. When the vehicle was stopped, several indicators that the passenger and the operator may be under the influence were observed. Neither subject had any form of identification nor did the operator have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, the tag was not assigned to the vehicle. Pensacola Police Department (PPD) arrived on scene to assist and the PPD K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics and the case was turned over to PPD.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling late one night when he observed a truck moving slowly in an area known for night hunting. He observed the driver shine a spotlight along the edge of a field in an attempt to disclose the presence of deer. When Officer Hutchison attempted to stop the truck, the driver did not stop immediately and he was observed throwing an object out of the window of the vehicle. Once the operator stopped, a muzzleloader rifle with a flashlight taped to the stock was located inside the vehicle. A Santa Rosa County Deputy arrived to assist and located a bag containing methamphetamine and glass pipes where the subject threw it out the window. The subject was a convicted felon and had a suspended driver license. Additionally, blood from a recently killed deer was found in the bed of the truck and it was determined that the man had killed an illegal buck a few days earlier. The subject was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, attempting to take deer at night, driving on a suspended license and possession of an illegally taken deer.
Officer Jones responded to the Escribano Point WMA at the request of a FWC biologist who had encountered subjects removing a Jeep from a wetland within the management area in an area where public entry by vehicles is prohibited. An investigation revealed that the driver had driven around a locked gate and proceeded into the area. He drove across a small bridge that was not intended for vehicles which resulted in considerable damage to the bridge. After driving throughout the area, he then drove across a creek and through a wetland for approximately a mile causing considerable damage to the land, trees, and plants. Charges are being prepared for two counts of destruction of state lands by a motor vehicle.
Officer Jones received a complaint from a Santa Rosa County marina owner that he was ordering off his property a sailboat, its owner and other associated persons. The officer arrived the following morning to find that the boat was tied to a piling near the marina as well as to structures of the marina. A patron of the marina pointed to a small dingy boat that was tied alongside of the sailboat. The patron said that the dingy was the property of the marina owner. A man and a woman were on board the vessel. After watching the boat and the area, the officer observed the female occupant of the sailboat proceed in the dingy to shore at a nearby park. It was confirmed that the dingy was recently stolen. The woman was charged with theft, operating a vessel with no personal flotation devices and operating a vessel with no registration.
Officer Wilkenson and Investigator Hughes responded to a complaint of individuals harvesting juvenile stone crabs at the Bob Sikes Fishing Bridge. Based on the description provided by the complainant, the officers located the individuals quickly. The individuals were actively fishing with rods and reels. In plain view, a bucket that contained several juvenile whole-body stone crabs was observed. It was determined the individuals were using the stone crabs as bait. There was a total of 14 whole body stone crabs in the individuals’ possession. The subjects were cited for possession of whole stone crabs and undersized stone claws. The officers released the stone crabs alive.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Elementary Kids Write Letters To Sailors In At Boot Camp
January 16, 2018
Beulah Elementary teacher Allison Rhodes’ fourth grade students recently wrote letters to sailors at Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL.
The letters were passed to Capt. Kertreck Brooks, Commanding Officer of the Naval Education and Training and Professional Development Center (NETPDC) to ensure they get into the right hands.
Capt Brooks recently visited the class to thank them and took some time to explain just how special those letters are. He served as the Executive Officer of Great Lakes so he was able to share that when the new sailors arrive they get to make one phone call home and then their belongings, including their cell phones, are boxed up and mailed home. They then communicate with families the old fashioned way – with letters.
That makes mail call a special event.
He told the young writers that their letters will be shared with all 80 members of a boot camp unit. The students shared with him that they thought the sailors might need words of encouragement – and a laugh.
Each student included their favorite joke in their letter while they also learned how to format a letter and how to empathize with young adults away from home. The captain also answered questions about his time in the Navy.
Atmore Approves Sunday Alcohol Sales
January 16, 2018
The city of Atmore has unanimously approved a resolution to allow Sunday alcohol sales after 10 a.m.
Now that the resolution has passed, the local legislative delegation will introduce a bill in the Alabama Legislature for final approval. Once the bill passes, it would head to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey for a signature making it effective.
Last year, Ivey signed a bill passed on the last day of the legislative session allowing cities or counties to authorize businesses to begin alcohol sales at 10 a.m. Sundays under ordinance or resolution.
Pictured: Businesses such as this Winn Dixie in Atmore may soon be able to sell alcohol as early at 10 a.m. on Sundays. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.