Florida Forest Service Accepting Applications To Help Landowners Combat Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak
July 13, 2020
The Florida Forest Service is announcing that applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle, and open to non-industrial, private forest landowners through August 6, 2020.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the Southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. Since 2015, over 460 SPB infestations have been reported in Florida, killing trees on more than 2,200 acres. This pales in comparison to the last major outbreaks between 1999 and 2002, which caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
Since it was first offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 197,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
“Southern pine beetle activity is relatively low in Florida right now, but it can increase rapidly,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Awareness is key, and we want to help landowners improve the health and productivity of their pine forests.”
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the United States Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than the loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
Visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Program or click here to obtain an application.
“Pine forests are an essential part of Florida’s ecosystem,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Helping landowners take preventative action significantly reduces the risk and impacts associated with the southern pine beetle and is critical to preserving the benefits that forests provide Floridians and visitors alike.”
High In The Mid 90s Monday, Chance of Afternoon And Evening Storms
July 13, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 50 percent chance of mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. West wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
June Darlene Lee
July 13, 2020
Mrs. June Darlene Lee, age 67, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, in a Pensacola hospital.
Mrs. Lee was born in Frost Proof, Florida and had been a longtime resident of the Brewton and Flomaton areas. She enjoyed sewing and attending church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jerry Lee; her parents, Millard Houston Lambeth and Betty June Long Lambeth; her brother, Kenny Lambeth; and her son, Clayton Lamar Lee.
She is survived by a son, Jeremy Lee of Brewton, AL; a brother, Ricky (Jodie) Lambeth of Flomaton, AL; and a sister, Charlotte Renee Smith of Brewton, AL.
Graveside funeral services were held at Lambeth Cemetery on Saturday, July 11, 2020, with Bro. Chuck Scrivener, Jr., Bro. J.J. West, and Bro. Donnis Bowman officiating.
Pallbearers were Andy Boutwell, Keith Holt, Brian Williamson, Randy Bagwell, Joseph Bagwell, and Kevin Knowles.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Allen Smith Holiness Church, or Lambeth Community Cemetery.
Flomaton Funeral Home directing.
Brian Linden Joy
July 13, 2020
Brian Linden Joy, 61, of Atmore, AL, passed away on July 2, 2020, at his residence. He was born on January 28, 1959, in Rochester, NH to Stanley G. Joy and the late Dorothy Styron. He was a friend to many and would do anything to help those he called friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Godwin Joy and his mother, Dorothy Styron Bowden.
Survivors include his father, Stanley G. Joy of Silverhill; brother, Steven Joy of Atmore; two daughters, Rebecca McKinley of Albany, GA and Stefanie Kockx of Woodbridge, VA; and grandchildren, Parker, and Ally.
A graveside memorial service was held Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Please use social distancing requirements due to the current healthcare crisis for the safety of you and others.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Escambia COVID-19 Cases Increase By 484 Due To Increased Test Results
July 12, 2020
Escambia County had an increase of 484 new COVID-19 tests results reported on Sunday, as the the Florida Department of Health returned a record number of local test results. A record number of tests also led to a relatively large increase in Santa Rosa County.
Escambia County cases increased to 4,136 and Santa Rosa cases were up by 189 to 1,331.
Of the 4,162 test results returned on Saturday, 10% were positive in Escambia County and 10.7% were positive from 1,612 tests in Santa Rosa County as it appeared the Florida Department of Health cleared a backlog of test results. There were 4,679 test results with 632 positives for a rate of 13.5% in the five days prior in Escambia County.
As of Saturday, there were 156 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County.
Of the 53 deaths in Escambia County, 39 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 11 deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 269,811 cases including 266,119 Florida residents. There have been 18,271 hospitalizations* and 4,242 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
Total cases — 4,146 (+484 since Saturday)
Non-Florida residents — 529
Pensacola — 3,156 (+385)
Cantonment — 286 (+56)
Molino— 46 (+8)
Century — 27 (+7)
Bellview — 7
McDavid — 14 (+1)
Walnut Hill — 6 (+1)
Gonzalez — 1 (+1)
Perdido Key — 3
Current hospitalizations: 156 (+19 as of Saturday)
Deaths — 53
Male — 1,632
Female — 1,941
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 36
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 1,331 (+189 since Saturday)
Non-Florida residents — 9
Milton — 530 (+56)
Gulf Breeze — 263 (+38)
Navarre — 240 (+53)
Pace — 137 (+24)
Jay — 40 (+6)
Bagdad — 1
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 70* (+5)
Deaths — 11 (+1)
Male — 657
Female — 650
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 33
Florida cases:
Total cases — 269,811
Florida residents — 266,119
Deaths — 4,242
Hospitalizations — 18,271*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals 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. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
Two Die In Fiery Crash Into Industrial Building
July 12, 2020
Two people will killed in fiery crash into a brick building in the Ellyson Industrial Park early Sunday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro crashed into a building housing Roofer’s Mart Southeast at 3175 Copter Road about 12:11 a.m.
The car and the building burst into flames following the collision.
The driver and passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. Troopers have not yet been able to positively identify either victim.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
Four New Fire Trucks Delivered For Molino, Ensley And Two Other Escambia County Fire Stations
July 12, 2020
Four new fire engines ordered by Escambia County have been delivered to replace four aging trucks that have in excess of 100,000 miles each.
The trucks are undergoing some finishing touches before they are placed in service.
A new rescue engine will replace the 2003 model year front line engine assigned to the Molino Fire Station. A second rescue engine will replace a 2011 model front line engine assigned to the Ensley Fire Station.
A standard engine will replace the current 2004 model rescue engine at the Myrtle Grove Fire Station, and a squad engine will replace the current 2002 rescue engine at the Pleasant Grove Fire Station.
The four Pierce engines were purchased with Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds from Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc., for just over $2 million.
According to Ten-8, all four of the trucks have the same cab and pump house configurations to standardize the fleet. Each is designed for its response area and support for the entire county.
Each truck features:
- a 750 gallon tank
- a 1500 gpm pump
- a deck gun
- seating for five personnel for Florida hurricane deployments
- rear-forward facing crew cab seats that fold to permit better movement in and out of the cab for safety
- an EMS compartment in the crew area facing rearward above each front wheel so medical equipment can be accessed inside or outside the cab from the ground without entering the cab
- cargo netting with a single pull lanyard secures the EMS compartments
- a coated interior, vinyl seats, and headliner help with cab decontamination
- vertical exhaust keeps heat and emissions away from firefighters working around the apparatus.
- solid bright red paint to set ECFR apparatus apart from other departments in the area and improves visibility to the motorist
In addition to providing dependable, state-of-the-art equipment, having new engines under warranty will also decrease repair and maintenance costs which have increased significantly due to the aging fleet, the county said when the purchase was approved unanimously by the Escambia County Commission about a year ago.
The trucks were custom built from the ground up.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 21,000 Thousand Customers Impacted By Gulf Power Outage Saturday Night
July 12, 2020
Over 21,000 Gulf Power customers lost power across Escambia County Saturday night.
A large number of people that were left in the dark — and without air conditioning — were in the Cantonment area.
In Cantonment, the power went out during the eight o’clock hour and was restored before going out again for many people. Most had their power restored a final time by 10 p.m.
Gulf Power did not provide a reason for the failure.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
July 12, 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.
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, July 12:
o 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.
o 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)– The U.S. 29 bridge over Nine Mile Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15 as crews grind and groove the concrete bridge deck. All traffic will be diverted to the off-ramps at Nine Mile Road and use the on-ramps to return to U.S. 29. Also, drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass, and U.S. 29 traffic between 1-10 and Nine & Half 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)- A portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to the Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to 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. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating nighttime lane restriction at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) at Mobile Highway and Memphis Avenue- Construction activities have begun on the safety improvements. The contractor will be working during daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures are possible.
- · 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, July 12:
o 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.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction between Heritage Parkway and Braden Road- There will be eastbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16 as crews pave a right turn lane in to the Medlin Preserve subdivision.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews continue paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
Chance of Overnight Rain
July 12, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 110. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.