Florida Bars Can Reopen At Half Capacity
September 14, 2020
Florida allowed bars to reopen at 50% capacity on Monday as the state’s COVID-19 cases continue to subside.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears signed an executive order Thursday night that rescinds the restrations his department placed on bars just three weeks after they reopened in June after coronavirus cases surged.
“In meetings with hundreds of owners of bars and breweries across the state, I’ve heard their stories of struggle, and I’ve observed their serious commitment to making health and safety a continuing priority in their businesses,” Beshears said in a statement. “It’s time that we take this step, and it’s vital that we start moving forward with this sector of our hospitality industry who have endured one of the toughest paths for sustaining a business during this pandemic.”
Alcohol vendors may operate at 50% capacity, allow bar service to seated patrons, and permit outdoor seating and service with appropriate social distancing, according to the order.
UPDATE: Escambia And Santa Rosa Schools Closed On Monday
September 13, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FRONT PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Escambia County (FL) and Santa Rosa county schools will now be closed on Monday.
A decision will come later about classes on Tuesday; NorthEscambia.com will keep you updated.
For Escambia county, this is a reversal of an earlier announcement .
Catholic Schools in Escambia County will also be closed on Monday.
Molino Man Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured In Highway 95A Wreck
September 13, 2020
A Molino man was killed in a single vehicle crash early Sunday morning.
The 22-year old was northbound on Highway 95A near Danielle Lane when he lost control. His car left the roadway, began to rotate and struck a culvert before overturning. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
His passenger, a 23-year old Molino man was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. He was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in serious condition.
The Florida Highway Patrol will no longer release the name of crash victims.
Tropical Storm Warning As Sally Moves Toward Northern Gulf Coast Landfall
September 13, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.
Tropical Storm Sally continues to move toward a landfall along the northern Gulf Coast.
A hurricane watch and storm surge watch is in effect for coastal Alabama. A tropical storm watch is in effect Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. There is also a flash flood watch in effect until Thursday morning.
The latest specific information is in the graphics on this page.
Tropical Storm Sally will continue west northwest across the Gulf and strengthen as it approaches the area. Conditions are favorable for intensification and Sally is expected to become a hurricane prior to landfall along the central Gulf coast sometime Tuesday.
Tropical storm conditions are most likely to begin across coastal areas on Monday afternoon/evening, with the worst conditions likely Monday night through at least Tuesday across much of the area. There is potential for significant wind and surge impacts across coastal areas.
Rainfall of six to 12 inches is expected along the coast, and three to six inches will be possible inland. Significant flash flooding is also be possible. There is potential for this to be a significant flood event across at least a portion of the area.
Large waves and deadly rip currents increase. The surf will be dangerous and deadly through the middle of next week.
Sally will likely slow down as it approaches land and impacts could last into the middle of next week. This could be a prolonged event across the area.
Now is the time to check your hurricane kits and make sure you have the usual. Be sure to check batteries, your weather radio, non-perishable food supply, pet food, etc. Impacts could come as early as Sunday evening.
The latest update is in the graphics on this page. We will keep you updated here on NorthEscambia.com.
Applications Open This Week For Over $7 Million In Escambia CARES Personal, Business Grants
September 13, 2020
The application period will open Friday for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant for individuals and families and the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant, each in the total amount of $3,580,331.
Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant
Funding for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be available in amounts of $2,000 per household, and will be awarded to approximately 1,790 households in the county. CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grants will be dispersed on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be residents of Escambia County
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Have a household income of $45,000 or less
- Have been negatively impacted by COVID-19
The application window for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be open from Friday, Sept. 18, through Tuesday, Sept. 22. The application will be available online at myescambia.com/CARES beginning Friday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. and will be open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
To apply for the Escambia CARES Family Emergency Financial Assistance Grant, applicants will need to provide:
- Certification of COVID-19 impact
- Copy of a valid, state-issued ID
- Copy of Social Security card or other proof of a Social Security number
- Tax-Filers: Copy of the first page of their 2019 federal tax return (IRS form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ)
- Non-Tax Filers: Self-Certification letter stating the reason why you did not file a 2019 Federal Income Tax Return and/or the type of income you received – Social Security Benefits (SSA, SSI/SSD), Railroad Retirement, Veterans Affairs Pension, Disability Benefits, etc.
- A completed W-9 form. Click here for the fillable W-9 Form.
Those needing assistance or who do not have access to the internet and wish to apply with paper forms instead of online can visit one of the 12 fully-staffed application assistance centers located throughout the county, with at least one location available in each district.
These locations will be staffed for in-person application assistance during the grant application window, Friday, Sept. 18, through Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. weekends.
- Beulah Senior Citizens Center, 7425 Woodside Dr.
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St.
- Carver Park Resource Center, 208 Webb St.
- Century Branch Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd.
- Dorrie Miller Community Center, 2819 N. Miller St.
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road
- Gull Point Community Center, 7000 Spanish Trail
- Lexington Terrace Community Center, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Marie K. Young Wedgewood Community Center, 6405 Wagner Rd.
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95-A North
- Pensacola Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring St.
- Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97 North
Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant
Funding for the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will be available in amounts of $7,500 for small businesses with up to 25 employees and $15,000 for small businesses with 26-50 employees.
The application process for the Escambia CARES Business Emergency Financial Assistance Grant will open Friday, Sept. 25, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 29. The application will be available online at myescambia.com/CARES and will be available in select in-person locations. Those locations will be determined at the next Board of County Commissioners’ meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Businesses wishing to apply for this grant will need to supply:
- A current W-9 form
- Financial documents including a 2019 tax return, IRS form 941 from the first quarter of 2020 or a sole proprietor statement
- Documentation of the amount of loans received from the Paycheck Protection Program
- An active state business registration, license or other documentation of the businesses’ ability to operate in Florida
These grants are part of a larger funding allocation to Escambia County by the federal CARES Act via the State of Florida. Escambia County has been initially allocated more than $14.32 million in funding. The Board of Commissioners has committed half of this funding will go directly to the county’s residents and businesses in the form of direct payments.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Shooting At Group Of People In Atmore
September 13, 2020
One person is charged with attempted murder after allegedly opening fire toward a group of people in Atmore.
Amirr Raheem English, age 21 of Atmore, is now behind bars without bond.
Friday afternoon, the Atmore Police Department responded to reported gunfire near the intersection of Robinson and Maxwell streets.
“Witnesses at the scene described two males exiting a blue van and began firing toward a crowd of people. After discharging numerous rounds, the suspects fled the scene,” Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Saturday.
Atmore Police officers found numerous shell casings in the roadway, and they also learned that a male had been shot and taken to Atmore Community Hospital by private vehicle.
Their investigation led them to Baldwin County Saturday. That’s where Atmore Police Department investigators, the Bay Minette Police Department and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office took English into custody.
Brooks said more arrests are forthcoming in the case.
The watermark was added to the mugshot by the computer system at the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
Local Weather Worsens Into The Week Due To Sally
September 13, 2020
For the latest tropical update, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
TROPICAL STORM WARNING
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 73. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 80. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 72. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 81. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Fire Rips Through Camper Trailer Saturday Evening
September 13, 2020
Fire ripped through a camper trailer on North Palafox Street Saturday evening.
The camper was fully ablaze when firefighters arrived on scene in the 9800 block, near 9 1/2 Mile Road. There was no official word on injuries in the blazer about 7:15 p.m., but neighbors said they believed no one was living in the camper trailer.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
68 New Cases, One COVID-19 Death Reported Saturday In Two County Area
September 13, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST UPDATE.
There were 68 additional confirmed COVID-19 positive cases and one additional death reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The death was a 77-year old male in Santa Rosa County.
Escambia County cases increased by 52 to 11,818 An additional 16 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 5,103.
Of the 1,217 tests results returned in Escambia County, 3.7% were positive, and 5.6% were positive from 319 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 5.4%.
There were 81 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Saturday, according to data from the three local hospitals.
Of the 203 deaths in Escambia County, 96 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 66 deaths in Santa Rosa County, at least seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and 16 in a long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 661,571 cases including 654,090 Florida residents. There have been 41,215 hospitalizations* and 12,600 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 — 11,818 (+52)
Non-Florida residents — 1,043
Pensacola —8,648 (+17)
Century — 926 (+1)
—-including 771 Century prison inmates
Cantonment — 866 (+1)
Molino— 139
McDavid — 68
Walnut Hill — 17
Bellview — 12
Gonzalez — 7
Perdido Key — 7
Current hospitalizations: 81 (-8)
Deaths — 203
Male — 5,204
Female — 5,474
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 39
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 5,103 (+16)
Non-Florida residents — 50
Milton — 2,708 (+9)
Gulf Breeze — 731 (+1)
Navarre — 635
Pace — 405 (+3)
Jay — 141
Bagdad — 12 (+1)
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 296*
Deaths — 66 (+1)
Male — 2,796
Female — 2,250
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 40
Florida cases:
Total cases — 661,571
Florida residents — 654,090
Deaths — 12,600
Hospitalizations — 41,215*
*“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.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
UWF COVID-19 Testing Site Closed Due To Tropical Weather
September 13, 2020
Due to tropical weather, the COVID-19 testing site at the University of West Florida will be closed through Tuesday.
The state-operated mobile testing site will reopen beginning Wednesday from 9 a.m until 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-through test site is located 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 during the process.