236 Escambia Residents Approved For CARES Act Grants Were Not Paid. Now The Checks Will Be Mailed.
January 9, 2021
Over 200 Escambia County residents will receive their payments from the Escambia CARES Family Assistance Grant program.
The county set aside $16.5 million in CARES Act funds for local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — enough to send $3,000 checks to 5,500 families. Escambia County announced at the end of December that the last checks had been issued to qualified residents.
But there were actually 5,736 applications marked approved, 236 more than the available funds. Those applicants would see the word “Approved” on their online applications, leading them to believe the check was in the mail. The program was actually contingent on available funds, so those residents received nothing when the approved applications were processed in the order received.
“We’ve got to make that right,” Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “We cannot tell someone they’re funded and then leave them hanging and never communicate with them again and pull the rug out from under them.”
The Escambia County Commission has voted to allocated another $708,000 to the program to cover the 236 families. Most will receive their $3,000 check without about two weeks after all the necessary paperwork is on file.
Freezing Temperatures Saturday Night
January 9, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday: Rain before noon, then a chance of showers after noon. High near 51. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 55.
Want To Learn More About Growing Industrial Hemp In Florida?
January 9, 2021
The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is launching a virtual workshop with research and program updates, available online beginning Monday, January 11 for $40. The workshop consists of a collection of pre-recorded lectures and prepared documents available for on-demand viewing.
In addition to the virtual delivery, there are opportunities to engage with experts from UF/IFAS.
As the two-year pilot project ends and phases into the established research program, UF/IFAS faculty will share research outcomes, on-farm trial updates and more.
Sessions include:
- From Pilot Project to Program, Zack Brym, assistant professor of agroecology, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC).
- UF/IFAS Hemp Pilot Project Cultivar Approval Program, Jerry Fankhauser, assistant director of the UF/IFAS Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.
- On-farm trial updates, featuring the UF/IFAS Hemp Extension Team.
- Hemp physiology and management updates, featuring faculty from UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and several graduate student researchers
- Invasion risk updates, Susan Canavan, post-doctoral researcher and Luke Flory, associate professor, UF/IFAS agronomy.
- Pest and disease updates, featuring Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and new website resources.
- Insights into Building a Hemp Industry in Florida, Trent Blare, assistant professor of food and resource economics and statewide Extension specialist at the UF/IFAS TREC.
For more information, visit the UF/IFAS Hemp Program site. To gain access to the pre-recorded workshop presentations, register online.
Presentations will be available on demand from January 11 through November 1.
Pensacon 2021 Postponed Due To COVID-19 Spike
January 9, 2021
Pensacon has announced the postponement of its 2021 pop culture convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement, they say, came after careful consideration and consultation with state and local officials, medical professionals and venue partners.
“The safety, security and health of our attendees, guests, exhibitors, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us,” said Mike Ensley, founder and CEO of Pensacon. “After discussions with our venue teams, exhibitors, creators, guests and fans, we have decided to postpone. As an additional factor, numerous celebrities must travel from all over, and will not be able to participate due to travel restrictions. As such we do not see a way to move forward that would allow Pensacon to happen safely in February.”
Originally set for February 26-28, Pensacola’s premier pop culture gathering will return later in 2021. Pensacon staff is currently working with all partners to secure new dates, which will be announced as soon as possible.
The postponement of the event allows Pensacon to work diligently to ensure that fans receive a first-class event that is on the level they have come to expect over the past seven years.
“Pensacon is for Pensacola,” Ensley said. “We are continually grateful for the fierce passion and loyalty of our amazing fans, exhibitors, artists and our community. You deserve a celebration worthy of your passion.”
For those who have already purchased tickets for Pensacon 2021, your tickets will automatically roll over to the rescheduled dates. If you should find that you are unable to attend on the rescheduled dates, tickets can be rolled over to Pensacon 2022. As a token of thanks for all of the support, current 2021 ticket holders will receive an exclusive, limited-edition gift.
City Of Pensacola Implements New Event Restrictions Due To COVID-19
January 9, 2021
Due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, the City of Pensacola has issued new event restrictions.
- Effective immediately, the City of Pensacola will not issue new event permits for events at outdoor city venues. This will remain in effect through Feb. 28 and will be re-evaluated at that time based on current COVID-19 conditions.
- Events that have already been issued a permit or events currently in the permitting process between now and Feb. 28, located at outdoor city venues, will be allowed with the following restrictions:
- No more than 100 in attendance
- Must show control of crowd congestion and follow CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing (remain at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you)
- Outdoor markets are allowed to continue above the 100-person cap, but must show control of crowd congestion and follow CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing (remain at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you)
- Indoor events at City of Pensacola venues are limited to 25% capacity or less, with COVID-19 protocols in place, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing . Indoor events also require Mayoral approval. This will remain in effect until Feb. 28.
The city will work with event organizers to reschedule events as needed.
These restrictions only apply to City of Pensacola-permitted events at city venues and do not apply to private events or churches.
Using A Space Heater? Here Are Quick Need To Know Tips To Be Safe
January 9, 2021
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for four out of five home heating fire deaths.
“As cold air rushes into our area, space heaters and fire places will be used. Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following simple tips,” said Ray Melton, Escambia County Fire Rescue fire and life safety specialist. “ECFR wants to remind our citizens that space heaters, furnaces and fire places should all be checked prior to use. Last year during a cold period, ECFR responded to several chimney fires that displaced residents.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
Gloria Marie Rydzowski
January 9, 2021
Mrs. Gloria Marie Rydzowski, age 89, passed away on January 7, 2020 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Rydzowski was native of Century, FL and had resided in Flomaton, AL since 1993. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of the Flomaton 1stUnited Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Ramon Francis Ray Rydzowski; parents, Robert Fleming and Ruth Dunn and Edgar Archer and granddaughter, Charity Joanne Rydzowski Polk.
She is survived by her three sons, Steven Ray (Donna) Rydzowski of McDavid, FL, Paul Francis (Karen) Rydzowski of Wing, AL and Robert Craig (Ann) Rydzowski of Flomaton, AL; six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Waylon Stuckey and Rev. Cathy McKinley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joe Brantley, Alvin Brantley, Mack McKinley, Buster Crapp, Ray Lee and Andrea Deloin.
The family request mask be worn and social distancing practiced.
Escambia County Reports 338 New COVID-19 Cases, Five More Deaths
January 9, 2021
THIS IS ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
Five additional COVID-19 deaths and 338 new cases were reported Friday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 24,868 (+338)
Non-Florida residents: 2,688
Recovered: 22,816*
Total deaths: 405 (+5)
Long-term care facility deaths : 174 (+3)
Current hospitalizations: 265 (+/- 0)
Number of tests reported last day: 1,717
Percent positive reported last day: 15.5%
Percent positive reported last week: 17.8%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 18,228 (+246)
Cantonment: 2,217 (+50)
Century: 1,046 (+4)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 305 (+5)
McDavid: 152 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 42
Bellview: 39 (+1)
Perdido Key: 17
Gonzalez: 11
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 12,524 (+214)
Non-Florida residents: 162
Total deaths: 148 (+5)
Long-term care facility deaths: 32 (+3)
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 591*
Number of tests reported day: 635
Percent positive reported last day: 25.0%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 6,060 (+108)
Navarre: 2,459 (+34)
Gulf Breeze: 2,224 (+31)
Pace: 983 (+24)
Jay: 370 (+11)
Bagdad: 26
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,449,252
Florida residents: 1,423,510
Deaths: 22,666
Hospitalizations: 65,063*
*“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.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations as a result, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***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 is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
ECSO: Man On A Rampage Commits Home Invasion And Carjacking, Injuring One Victim
January 8, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a man on a rampage committed a home invasion and carjacking, sending one victim to a local hospital.
Deputies said 31-year old David Neil Slocovich walked inside a home in the 8700 block of scenic highway and demanded keys while taking other items. The victim tried to call 911, but Slocovich took the phone out of the victims hand.
A physical altercation followed, but Slocovich got away by jumping off the condo’s balcony, broke a window on the victims car and fled the scene, according to the the ECSO.
Slocovich then traveled to the General Electric Wind Energy plant in the 8300 block of Scenic Highway where he took a company vehicle with a female still inside, deputies stated. He crashed the stolen van into a concrete barricade in the same parking lot, injuring himself and the female victim.
Slocovich then tried to steal an 18-wheeler in the same parking lot, but the driver of truck fought back.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ben Dunlap was the first to arrive on scene and took Slocovich into custody.
The female victim and Slocovich were taken to local hospitals for their injuries.
Slocovich, who deputies believed to be under the influence at the time, was charged with home invasion, depriving 911 services, criminal mischief, carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery and burglary.
“This seems outrageous, but this is true. It is as disturbing as it is scary. We are glad no one was seriously injured as this could’ve turned out very differently,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
Suspect In Multiple Carjackings Shot After Trying To Run Over Officer North Of Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
January 8, 2021
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
A suspect tied to multiple carjackings across south Alabama was shot by a Poarch Creek Police officer Friday morning north of Atmore, according to one Alabama police department.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Creek Travel Plaza located at I-65 and Jacks Springs Road, about a mile from the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The man was shot by a Poarch Creek Tribal Police officer and transported to an area hospital for treatment. An update on the suspect’s condition has not been provided. No officers were injured.
According to Wetumpka (AL) Assistant Police Chief Earl Reeves, their first contact with the man was during suspicious persons call at 5:15 p.m. Thursday. The man told police officers he had just been discharged from a hospital and was waiting on a ride. Police said his story was verified, and he was told not to panhandle or harass anyone.
At 5:41 a man driving a Nissan Armada left his vehicle running as he went inside the Pace Car Gas Station in Wetumpka. The suspect jumped in and drove away with an assault rifle that had been left in the vehicle, according to AL.com.
The suspect took the Armada to Evergreen where it was discovered abandoned at 10:40 p.m. but the assault rifle was missing.. The suspect then reportedly then took another vehicle at gunpoint and drove to north to Greenville, Alabama.
The suspect then carjacked a vehicle at a gas station in Greenville near I-65, according to Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn. He then carjacked another vehicle at a Murphy gas station at the Greenville Walmart, also near I-65.
Lovvorn said Greenville Police pinged the location of vehicle and discovered it was near Atmore. Poarch Creek Police located the vehicle in the Creek Travel Plaza parking lot, where the suspected attempted to run over the officer, according to Greenville Police. The Poarch officer then fired at the suspect.
“After being approached by uniformed officers and marked patrol vehicles, an altercation ensued forcing officers to discharge their firearms,” Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson said.
A Chevrolet vehicle with the windows shot out was directly in front of the truck stop’s diner. Multiple shell casings could be seen in the parking lot, and about a dozen bullet holes were in the windows of the diner.
An assault-style rifle was removed from the scene by the SBI.
Special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are investigating the officer involved shooting. SBI said the results of their investigation will be turned over to the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Creek Travel Plaza is owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, but is not located on the reservation.
The suspect’s name has not been released. Further details will be posted when they are made available.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
