Friday Night Football Finals

October 31, 2020

Here are Friday night football finals from across the North Escambia area:

FLORIDA

  • Pensacola Catholic 28, Tate 21 [Story, photos]
  • Northview 45, Chipley 13 [Story, photo gallery]
  • Jay 43, Lighthouse 30
  • Pine Forest 28, Pensacola High 25
  • Escambia 28, Crestview 20
  • Pace 40, Choctaw 21
  • Niceville 63, Milton 41
  • Washington at West Florida (canceled)
  • Gulf Breeze at Fort Walton (canceled)

ALABAMA

  • Escambia Academy 33, Bessemer Academy 12
  • Flomaton 37, Escambia County (Atmore) 0
  • T.R. Miller 39, W.S. Neal 0

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Three New COVID-19 Deaths Reported In Escambia, Santa Rosa

October 31, 2020

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

There were three additional COVID-19 deaths reported Friday in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by the Florida Department of Health.

Two of those deaths were in Escambia County, which also had an increase of 67 cases. The number of cases increased by 27 in Santa Rosa County with one additional death.

Here is the latest data:

Total cases: 13,584 (+67)
Non-Florida residents: 1,360
Total deaths: 271
Long-term care facility deaths : 126 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 48  (+1)
Number of tests last day: 983
Percent positive last day: 5.3%
Percent positive last week: 4.4%

Escambia County cases by location:

Pensacola: 9,898 (+44)
Cantonment: 994 (+7)
Century: 944 (+3)
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Molino: 157 (+2)
McDavid: 75
Bellview: 19
Walnut Hill: 18
Perdido Key: 10 (+1)
Gonzalez: 7

Santa Rosa County cases:

Total cases: 5,968 (+27)
Non-Florida residents: 68
Total deaths: 88
Long-term care facility deaths: 20
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 363*
Number of tests last day: 453
Percent positive last day: 5.7%

Santa County cases  by location:

Milton: 3,007 (+9)
Gulf Breeze: 873 (+5)
Navarre: 794 (+7)
Pace: 503 (+2)
Jay: 160
Bagdad: 14

Florida cases:

Total cases: 800,216
Florida residents: 789,714
Deaths: 16,720
Hospitalizations: 49,185*

*“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. Most of these people are longer be 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.

*The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.

**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.

Emily Grover Named Tate High School Homecoming Queen

October 31, 2020

Emily Grover was named Tate High School’s 2020 homecoming queen Friday night.

Arlyana Wyatt was first runner-up, and Kendall Blackmon was second runner-up.

Other members of the Senior Court were Courtney Adams, Maggie Brown, Reese Jordan, Mia Morehouse, Jihra Smith, Lauren Torrez, Haley Vranich, and Maggie Williams.

Pictured top: Tate High School 2020 Homecoming Queen Emily Grover (center), second runner-up Kendall Blackmon (left) and Arlyana Wyatt (right). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

ECSO Looking For Missing, Endangered Molino Teen

October 30, 2020

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered Molino teen.

Logan Langmaid, 16, was last seen about 10 a.m. Friday in the 4400 block of Highway 196. He was wearing a black checkered shirt with black leggings. He may be in need of medical attention.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.

Gulf Power And EREC Complete Hurricane Zeta Power Restoration

October 30, 2020

[Updated 1:50 pm] Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric Cooperative have completed power restoration following Hurricane Zeta

GULF POWER COMPANY

Gulf Power has restored power to all customers affected by Hurricane Zeta.

More than 52,000 Gulf Power customers, mostly in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, lost power as Hurricane Zeta moved through the Southeast. Gulf Power’s restoration team of more than 2,300, including more than 1,300 outside resources, worked through the night in between weather bands as it was safe to do so.

“We know that getting the power back on is critical for communities, and I want to thank our dedicated employees and all of the outside crews who safely worked around the clock to help us get our customers’ lights back on – even as Zeta’s outer bands moved through our service area,” said Marlene Santos, president of Gulf Power. “We appreciate the willingness of our sister company Florida Power & Light and others to help us restore power for our customers, and we thank our customers for their support throughout this very active storm season.”

ESCAMBIA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

As of early Friday afternoon, Escambia River Electric Cooperative has completed power restoration in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

There were 6,126 EREC customers that lost power due to Hurricane Zeta – just over half of all of the cooperative’s customers.

“Line crews worked day and night making repairs to our power distribution system, and every member has now had their electricity restored. We thank our membership for their patience and support as our line crews worked to restore power as safely and quickly as possible,” EREC Vice President Sabrina Owens said.

Pictured: A lineman works to restore electricity in Escambia County following Hurricane Zeta. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Last Hurricane Sally Debris Collection Pass Begins December 1 In Escambia County

October 30, 2020

The third and final Hurricane Sally debris collection pass will begin on December 1, with a goal to finish all collections by Christmas.

Contractors have removed 2,755,927 cubic yards of debris so far, which equals 431 football fields piled three feet high.

To help expedite the process, separate debris for service. Vegetative debris like tree limbs need to be separate from construction and demolition materials like drywall and carpet. Keep debris away from storm drains, low power lines, other utilities and mailboxes.

Curbside Residential Debris Pickup Instructions

Escambia County residents, that can safely do so, are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right of way (the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement).

  • Commercial-generated waste will not be accepted.
  • Businesses should contact their waste collection service provider or a debris removal contractor. Business and commercial material is not eligible to be removed curbside by Escambia County.
  • Nonprofits are allowed to place debris on public right of way for pickup.

Debris that was generated by Hurricane Sally should be placed and sorted on the area immediately adjoining the road in front of your home.

Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:

  • Vegetative Debris – whole trees and large limbs should be cut into lengths of four feet or less, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material
  • Construction and Demolition Debris – damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings and fixtures
  • Appliances and White Goods – refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters
  • Electronic Waste – computers, televisions, office electronic equipment, etc.
  • Household Hazardous Waste – materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc.
Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right of way. Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines. Only debris placed on the public right of way will be eligible for collection until further notice.

Do not place debris within four feet of:

  • Mailboxes
  • Water meters
  • Fire hydrants, or any other above-ground utility

Escambia County contractors will make multiple passes through neighborhoods and along county right-of-way for debris removal. If your debris is not removed, please be patient. The crews will make additional passes along your road.

The county contractors have dedicated pieces of equipment for different debris streams (vegetation, C&D and stumps). Please understand that if vegetation is collected and C&D or stumps are left behind, they are not “missed,” but rather assigned to different trucks dedicated to that debris stream. Contractors cannot commingle debris streams in a single truck load.

Drop Off Instructions for Residential Vegetative Debris Drop Off Sites

In addition to curbside removal of debris for residents, residential drop off sites are accepting vegetative debris generated by Hurricane Sally. This is for private, residential use only, NO COMMERCIAL DEBRIS. Hurricane Sally debris drop off sites are open for Escambia County residents only and will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice. Residents need to bring ID and proof of residency.

Drop Off Locations:

  • Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway
  • John R. Jones Athletic Complex at 555 East Nine Mile Road
  • Oak Grove Convenience Center at 745 North Highway 99
  • Baars Field at 13020 Sorrento Road
  • Lexington Terrace at 900 S Old Corry Field Road
  • Park East at 1233-1235 at Fort Pickens Road

If residents would like to drop off construction and demolition debris, they can do so at the following locations (ordinary fees apply):

  • Perdido Landfill (Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  • Oak Grove Convenience Center (Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Pictured: Debris pick up on North Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

FDOT: No Additional Damage To Pensacola Bay Bridge After Zeta

October 30, 2020

Inspectors from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found that the Pensacola Bay Bridge did not suffer any additional damage due to Hurricane Zeta.

Prior to the storm, FDOT personnel and bridge contractors were preparing for the anticipated storm surge, rainfall and wind impacts forecasted for northwest Florida. Tuesday morning, the bridge repair team relocated and moored equipment in secure locations away from the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Crews are currently mobilizing equipment back to the bridge to continue demolition and repair efforts.

FDOT has mobilized three bridge contractors on site to expedite demolition and design including:

  • Debris from two spans has been cleared along with the complete removal of one damaged span of the bridge as crews continue to carefully remove damaged portions from additional spans to minimize impacts to the existing structure. One barge remains under the bridge. To date, 21 of the 27 barges have been removed from the area.
  • Design is underway for the permanent repairs and reestablishment of four lanes of traffic on the bridge with a focus on substructure repairs which includes the piers. Modified pier design has been reviewed and approved by FDOT, which uses six new piles instead of four piles in the existing footing.

The fabrication of multiple concrete piles, piers, and beams will be required to repair the Pensacola Bay Bridge. To date:

  • Fifty-one concrete piles are on-hand at the precast yard. Additional piles are currently being cast and thirty-three concrete piles have been ordered from another facility in Tampa.
  • Forty-two prestressed beams have been cast.
  • Additional beams will be cast based on the final analysis of some of the damaged areas.
  • Replacement piers will begin casting by mid-November 2020.

FDOT has been continuously working to improve the traffic flow along the Pensacola Bay Bridge detour routes and has reduced the average commute time by 25 percent. Additional improvements are underway as construction has begun to widen 2,000 feet of northbound and southbound S.R. 281 south of the I-10 interchange and widen the eastbound I-10 off ramp at eastbound S.R. 281 off ramp to two lanes.

To reinforce FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault’s, P.E. expectation of complete transparency and community assistance, FDOT’s outreach team has met with stakeholder groups, state and local officials, civic organizations and local business owners to discuss the bridge reconstruction as well as other actions that are being considered to efficiently restore regional connectivity. FDOT will continue to meet with multiple stakeholder groups throughout the course of the project.

FDOT continues to develop and improve alternative transportation solutions to move people and goods safely and efficiently through the region while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired. Examples include:

  • Funding the Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route to help transport passengers between the Pensacola Bay Center Park in Escambia County and the Tiger Point Community Center City in Gulf Breeze. ECAT has modified the original route to include stops at the ECAT Transfer Center in Pensacola, the Palm Beach Club and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk in Pensacola Beach, and Gulf Breeze Hospital.
  • Gathering information such as potential ridership, times of operation, and duration of service as well as reviewing existing facilities that would be necessary for the safe operation of a ferry.

The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of early March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions and at the same condition as expected for new construction. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.

Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through 6 a.m., Friday, November 13.

Lane Closures Planned All Weekend At Nine Mile, Pine Forest Intersection

October 30, 2020

There were be alternating lane closures at the intersection of Nine Mile and Pine Forest roads from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday as crews pave and restripe the intersection, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Traffic control officers will be on-site to help direct traffic, but drivers can expect delays.

NorthEscambia.com photo.

Fabulous Fall Weather! High Only In The 60s, Low In The 40s

October 30, 2020


Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 46. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 40. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

45,000 Pounds Of Food To Be Given Away Saturday In Walnut Hill, Century

October 30, 2020

Food giveaways will be held Saturday in both Walnut Hill and Century.

A 30,000 pound  Farm Share food distribution will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in Walnut Hill at Bradberry Park on Highway 99A, just behind Ernest Ward Middle School. This will be a drive-thru event and participants should stay in their car.  The event is hosted by Justified Incarcerated Ministries and Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.

A 15,000 pound food giveaway will be held Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at the Century Business Center, 130 Pond Street. Attendees should stay in their vehicle.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

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