Escambia County Submits Plan To Reopen Short-Term Vacation Rentals
May 17, 2020
UPDATE: This plan was approved Tuesday, May 19. Click or tap here for an update.
Friday night, Escambia County submitted a short-term vacation rental reopening plan to the state for possible implementation as early as Monday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that counties could submit their own plans to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval. In March, DeSantis suspending short-term vacation rental bookings.
The ban was extended indefinitely under his first phase reopening plan. But he left the door open for individual counties.
“What we’re doing is telling counties, if you want short-term rentals, you request it to be authorized through the state and provide your safety plan,” he said in Jacksonville Friday as he announced his “Full Phase One” reopening plan.
“We are thankful Governor DeSantis recognized the importance of short-term vacation rentals to our community yesterday during his press conference,” said County Administrator Janice Gilley said Saturday. “This short-term vacation rental plan was created with input from county commissioners and members of ESF-18 such as the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Visit Pensacola and the DMO. We hope for approval by Sunday for implementation on Monday, May 18.”
Under Escambia County’s plan, reservations and stays will be allowed from U.S. states with a COVID-19 case rate less than 700 cases per 100,000 residents as of May 15. Reservations from COVID-19 hotpots identified by the governor, such as New York, New Jersey and New Orleans, will be avoided for the next 30-45 days, and no reservations from international travelers will be allowed.
To read Escambia County’s complete plan, click here.
This Week’s Road Construction Worries
May 17, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. In preparation for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning 9 a.m. Friday, May 22 and ending 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 17:
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, May 17:
o U.S. 29 between Broad Street and the westbound I-10 on-ramp- beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, May 17 the southbound lanes will be shifted toward the left to provide room for crews to continue the construction of the future southbound lanes.
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Wednesday, May 20 motorists will be shifted to the newly constructed eastbound roadway between Allegheny Avenue and the Leisure Lakes RV Park to allow crews to construct the new westbound lanes. Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent lane closures between the Leisure Lakes RV Park and Eleven Mile Creek from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19 as crews prepare for the transition.
In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Underground Utility Maintenance – Drivers will experience traffic impacts at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, May 15.
- The westbound and eastbound, outside lanes will be closed from A Street to Devilliers Street.
- The eastbound and westbound, inside lanes will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and E Street to the intersection of Garden Street and I Street.
- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and B Street to the intersection of Garden Street and D Street.
- Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) Utility Operations at Gimble Street- The southbound lane will be closed at Gimble Street Wednesday, May 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform underground utility work.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The contractor has installed the drill shaft and is awaiting cure time before returning to the project. There are currently no lane closures or impacts to traffic.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews perform paving operations. There will also be ongoing turn lane, widening, and median work at various locations on the project.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 17:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations through Thursday, Aug. 27.
- S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions throughout town as crews perform paving operations and bridge work.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter nighttime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work through Saturday, May 16.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Nancy Noble Chapman
May 17, 2020
Nancy Noble Chapman, 89 of Atmore, AL. passed away May 10, 2020 in Fairhope, AL. She was born on April 24, 1931 in Clark County, AL. She was co-owner and manager of Chapman Ace Hardware, Inc. for 30 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, PCA. Atmore, AL.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Will Stewart “Bill” Chapman, Jr; siblings; Shirley Lowder; Chet Noble and Marilyn Jensen. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She is survived by her children Will (Janice) Chapman of Atmore, AL; Bess Chapman (Richard) Maxwell of Atmore, AL; Gretchen Chapman (Steve) Odham of Pensacola, FL and Rebecca Chapman (James) Williamson of Bay Minette, AL. Two brothers Frank (Debbie) Noble of Pasadena, CA; Wesley “Buddy” (Charlene) Noble of Jackson, AL. and one sister Margie Reid of Leroy, AL. Grandchildren Will Stewart (Maya) Chapman, III; Mary Frances Chapman (Doug) Anderson; Mallory Maxwell Downey; Chapman Richard (Katie) Maxwell, Hannah Stephens; Bess Tyler; Jamie Williamson (Jack) Hazelrig, Ann Williamson (Kory) Doyle and thirteen great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her many other family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 1 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. with Reverend Jim Thorpe officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Stewart Chapman, Chapman Maxwell, Harris Downey, Kory Doyle, Bryan Shebeck, Patrick Prestarri and Jack Hazelrig.
Due to the current health crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, PCA; Atmore and First United Methodist Church of Atmore Costa Rica Missions Fund.
Wildfire Update: Beulah Fire 98% Contained; Santa Rosa Fire Closes Interstate, Causes Wrecks
May 16, 2020
Smoke from the 2,215-acre 5 Mile Swamp Fire forced the Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation to close a portion of Interstate 10 for several hours. The interstate was closed between exits 22 and 31 from just before 2 a.m. to about 5 a.m. and FHP reported eight vehicles were involved in accidents.
With nearly 100 active wildfires throughout the state, motorists are encouraged to be on the look for smoke on the road. Drivers should treat the smoke as fog, turn on low-beam headlights and treat it as fog. If conditions deteriorate, drivers should pull safely off the road and turn on their hazard lights while waiting for visibility to improve.
Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol both Five Mile Swamp and the Hurst Hammock Fire looking for any remaining hot spots to douse and keeping the fire within containment lines. The Hurst Hammock Fire is 1,191 acres and 98% contained. Five Mile Swamp Fire remains 97% contained.
As patrol operations continue, residents are likely to witness what’s known as reburn as trees that were affected by the fire but not completely burned will drop their remaining leaves and needles as they begin their recovery process. These needles and leaves could land in lingering hot spots that are well inside the fire lines and flare up. Crews have been mopping up hot spots within 50 feet of the fire line for several days so any reburn that occurs should pose minimal risk to containment but could create an increase in smoke in some areas.
Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have enacted burn bans and the Florida Forest Service is not issuing burn authorizations. Residents are asked to call the non-emergency line for their respective area to report violations and 911 for emergency situations only.
No New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties On Saturday
May 16, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
There were no new COVID-19 cases reported in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties on Saturday.
The Escambia County total remained at 682, and Santa Rosa held steady at 182 cases.
Of the 20 deaths in Escambia County, 15 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 44,811 cases including 43,607 Florida residents. There have been 8,146 hospitalizations and 1,964 deaths.
- Total cases — 682 (+0 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 513
- Cantonment — 47
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 59*
- Deaths — 20
- Male — 244
- Female — 333
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 182 (+0 since Friday)
- Milton — 101
- Navarre — 34
- Gulf Breeze — 26
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 120
- Female — 60
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 44,811
- Florida residents — 43,607
- Deaths — 1,964
- Hospitalizations — 8,146*
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
Tentative Graduation Dates Set For Escambia, Santa Rosa County Schools
May 16, 2020
Tentative graduation dates have been set for schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County
The Escambia County School District has released a tentative graduation schedule. Three dates have been reserved for each school’s graduation ceremony pending approval by state and local authorities. The final date and time of graduation for each school will be determined and published as soon as possible.
June 23, July 14 or July 27
- Tate High School
- Northview High School
- Pine Forest High School
- West Florida High School
June 24, July 15 or July 28
- Pensacola High School
- Escambia High School
- George Stone Technical College/Escambia Virtual/Success Academy/Camelot
- Washington High School
Santa Rosa County
All dates are pending Santa Rosa County School Board approval on June 4.
June 19-20, July 16-17 and July 29-30 at Pensacola Bay Center
- Pace High School 11 a.m.
- Navarre High School 2:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze High School 6 p.m.
June 23, July 14 or July 31
- Jay High School in the gym at 5 p.m.
- Central High School 7 p.m. in the gym.
June 18, July 14 or July 28
- Milton High School at 8 p.m.
Escambia County, Alabama
Complete details are being finalized and information provided to graduates.
- Escambia County High School – May 21, 7 p.m , limit four guests.
- Flomaton High School – May 19 in the football stadium, limit four guests.
Pictured: The Tate High School Class of 2019 graduation at the Pensacola Bay Center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
COVID-19 Testing Site To Remain Open Two More Weeks At UWF With No Pre-screening Required
May 16, 2020
A mobile COVID-19 testing site with no pre-screening required will remain open for two more weeks for Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents at the University of West Florida.
The drive-through test site will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles.
The site was opened at the request of the Governor’s Office under the direction of the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and assistance from the Florida National Guard.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Prison Inmate Tests Negative For COVID-19; 128 Inmates Released From Quarantine
May 16, 2020
A Century Correctional Institution inmate’s COVID-19 test has come back negative, and 128 inmates have been released from medical quarantine, according to the Florida Department of Corrections data.
The inmate was placed in medical isolation earlier this week pending test results. FDC shows a total of three inmates have been tested for the virus at CCI, and all have been negative.
One staff member at CCI tested positive for COVID-19 in March.
Pictured: Inmate medical facilities inside the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
No Burning This Weekend: Burn Ban In Florida, Fire Advisory In Alabama
May 16, 2020
There is a burn ban in effect in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties until further notice.
Outdoor burning is prohibited in both counties, including campfires, bonfires and burning trash. Enclosed outdoor cooking, such as on a grill, is allowed. The burn bans in both counties will remain in effect until lifted by local government after significant rainfall.
The Florida Forest Service is not issuing an burn permits at this time for Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
There is also a Fire Danger Advisory in effect in Escambia County, Alabama. Although Alabama is not under any type of burn restriction, the Alabama Forestry Commission urges residents to delay outdoor burning until conditions improve
Chance Of Rain Sunday And Monday
May 16, 2020
A burn ban remains in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92.