Flash Flood Watch: Several Inches Of Rain, Windy Conditions Into The Weekend
June 18, 2021
FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH LATE
SATURDAY NIGHT.
Heavy rainfall associated with the developing tropical system currently located in the southern Gulf will begin along the coastal counties of Alabama, Western Florida Panhandle and inland southeast Mississippi Friday afternoon. Heavy rainfall will then continue to spread inland Friday night through Saturday night. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts in excess of 10 inches, will possible across the area.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 74. Windy, with a southeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 79. Windy, with a southeast wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 72. Windy, with a south wind 25 to 35 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Mahan, Bleday Drive in 5 Runs In Wahoos Win
June 18, 2021
Max Meyer pitched on a tightrope, putting himself in difficult situations with seven walks and his earlier-than-planned exit.
But as another progressive sign in his rookie pro career, he didn’t give up a run and his Pensacola teammates, led by fellow top pick JJ Bleday responded at the plate to build a lead that held up for a 5-3 victory Thursday night against the Montgomery Biscuits.
With this being a Thursday, Pensacola transformed into the Mullets with their colorful uniforms in a nod to the fans’ No. 2 choice for a name back in the inaugural 2012 season.
A crowd of 4,403 watched the Blue Wahoos rebound from a 7-3 loss Wednesday and entertain on Thirsty Thursday.
Meyer, 22, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft from Minnesota, threw a pro-career high 90 pitches in just four innings, but only 40 of those were strikes.
It led to those seven walks, plus he hit a batter in the second inning. A week ago against Chattanooga, Meyer’s four walks were his season high.
But despite his erratic location, Meyer battled his way through the four innings, giving up just one hit. In three of those innings, the Biscuits had two baserunners.
That was proved pivotal as the Blue Wahoos improved to 23-16 and took a 2-1 lead in this homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium
The Blue Wahoos scored runs in the first, second and fourth to build a lead, then added two more in the seventh.
Bleday and second baseman Riley Mahan had big night, both going 2-for-4 at the plate and accounting for all five RBI. Bleday’s two-run single in the seventh-inning proved decisive.
Dylan Bice followed Meyer on the mound with three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit to earn his third win. Colton Hock threw a clean eighth inning.
In the ninth, Tyler Mitzel, who joined the Blue Wahoos from the High-A Beloit Snappers, hung on after hitting a batter and giving up a two-run single.
The series is set to continue Friday with Edward Cabrera, the Miami Marlins No. 4 rated prospect, set to make his Double-A debut in Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos are constantly monitoring the tropical weather system in the Gulf of Mexico that is expected to impact the Pensacola area.
As of early Friday morning, the expectation is to complete the weekend series as scheduled.
The Blue Wahoos gave Meyer immediate support.
With one out in the first inning, Peyton Burdick walked, then went to third on an errant pickoff throw from Biscuits starter Tabias Meyers.
Bleday followed with a run-scoring single to left field.
In the second, Lazaro Alonzo doubled down the left field line. Mahan followed with a RBI single to center.
In the fourth inning, Mahn had an RBI double. He was robbed of a three-hit night in the eighth by a diving catch from left fielder Cal Stevenson.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Escambia County Commission Terminates Administrator Janice Gilley Effective Immediately
June 17, 2021
The Escambia County Commission has terminated Administrator Janice Gilley, two years into her three year contract.
Commissioner Steven Barry made a motion during a meeting Thursday afternoon to consider Gilley’s employment contract concluded immediately. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeff Bergosh.
The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Doug Underhill voting no.
“I’ve had the honor of serving for the past two years,” Gilley said after the vote, praising the county staff. “While much has been accomplished, there is still much to do to bring this county and its operations into the 21st century. I do look forward to watching that progress. As I have stated many times before, this is my home, and I love it.”
Gilley will receive severance pay as provided in her contract.
On a motion by Barry and a second by Bergosh, the commission voted 4-1, with Underill dissenting, to make Public Works (Roads & Bridges) Director & Deputy County Administrator Wes Moreno as acting county administrator. Moreno has been employed by Escambia County since 1987.
“I’ve come to the opinion that sometimes things don’t work out like you hope,” said Barry, who said no one issue led to his decision. “I believe wholeheartedly that she went into it with the best of intent…I know that I went into this with the best of intent. ”
“From my point of view, it’s just not a good fit, and it’s just not working out,” Barry continued. He offered no specifics, instead saying, “I don’t have interest in airing complaints — dirty laundry.”
“She’s always been willing to work with me,” Commissioner Bergosh.
“I’ve lost some confidence based upon the way people are treated,” Bergosh continued, referring to personnel issues and several large legal settlements. “There’s no doubt that Administrator Gilley has done a lot of things right…but there’s been other issues that’s really dragged us into areas were we didn’t have to be dragged into. ”
“You are the single greatest threat to the way we have always done business in Escambia County,” said Commissioner Underhill, praising Gilley for making tough decisions and changes to the status quo. “I applaud you; that’s what we hired you for. That’s exactly what we said we wanted a couple of years ago. You are that threat; your team is that threat.”
“I’m sensitive to having personnel discussions in a public forum…I will not publicly evaluate anyone,” Commissioner Lumon May said.
Bergosh previously noted that the only way commissioners could collectively discuss the administrator would be in an advertised public forum due to the Sunshine Law.
Commissioner Robert Bender responded only with a simple “no” when asked if he had any comments about Gilley’s performance.
“We have been friends nearly 20 years, and I still consider Janice a friend. I sincerely wish her the best with what the future has in store for her. Even having the best of intentions, sometimes things do not work out like you hope,” Barry told NorthEscambia.com after the conclusion of the meeting.
“I am honored to have had the past two years to lead this amazing team of Directors and hundreds of employees in support of services for our community,” Gilley said in a written statement following the meeting “For that I thank the Board. While there are many stories and memories, I will never forget asking for live munitions to scuttle a barge headed for the I-10 Bridge during Hurricane Sally. Or the joy experienced at each celebration for the summer youth program – to see the hope for the future in those young people. While much has been accomplished, there is still much to do to bring the County and its operations into the 21st Century. I look forward to watching that progress, as I have stated many times before, this is my home, and I love it and only want what is best for everyone here.”
All Four Lanes Now Open On The Pensacola Bay Bridge
June 17, 2021
The Florida Department of Transportation has reopened the Pensacola Bay Bridge to four lanes of traffic this morning, re-establishing the safe and efficient connection between the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola. The traffic pattern has reverted to the configuration on the bridge prior to when it was damaged by Hurricane Sally on September 18, 2020.
The temporary configuration for the eastbound span provides two lanes of eastbound and two lanes of westbound traffic with no load restrictions, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. The speed limit is temporarily set at 35 mph. Repairs to the multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists are expected to be complete Fall 2021.
To quickly clear travel lanes following vehicle incidents, assist drivers in the event of mechanical breakdowns, and keep the bridge free of debris, FDOT’s Road Ranger Service Patrol will be stationed on each end of the bridge from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. At other times, at least one unit will be on-call and available.
FDOT is regularly reviewing the contractor’s schedule of the entire Pensacola Bay Bridge Project with the anticipated completion date for all improvements currently scheduled for Spring 2022. Once complete, the new bridge will consist of two parallel structures, each with three 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, the project includes the reconstruction of the intersection of State Road (S.R.) 30 (U.S. 98/Gregory Street) and S.R. 196 (Bayfront Parkway) at 17th Avenue.
Tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge will be reinstated on Sunday, June 20.
DeSantis: Florida Law Enforcement To Help Secure Border With Mexico; ECSO Committed To Sending Aid
June 17, 2021
Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that state and local law enforcement officers have committed to deploying to Texas and Arizona to provide additional resources in response to the border crisis.
The announcement from DeSantis came Wednesday with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody during a press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has committed to sending aid to the border, as has the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
“We talked a little bit about methamphetamines and how it’s going from the border. We talked a little bit about fentanyl. It’s easy to say that, but let me tell you how that hits home here in a place like Escambia County. Not a shooting, not a violent crime that goes by that we investigate that’s not involving methamphetamine,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
“Not a day goes by at all, we don’t go to a call where someone has overdosed on fentanyl,” Simmons continued. ”We can talk about the sheer numbers and the pounds and the kilos coming from the border through the interstate into our own Escambia County. But what does that mean? It means people are dying in our city streets, our county streets and it makes a difference. And it again it makes a difference when we decide to do something. We acknowledge this is an issue, this is a problem, we have got to come together and do something with it.”
“America’s border security crisis impacts every state and every American,” said DeSantis. “The Biden Administration ended policies implemented by President Trump that were curbing illegal immigration, securing our border, and keeping Americans safe. Governors Abbott and Ducey recently sent out a call for help to every state in the nation, needing additional law enforcement manpower and other resources to aid with border security. I’m proud to announce today that the state of Florida is answering the call. Florida has your back.”
“As attorney general, I am dedicated to ending human trafficking, protecting our children from sexual predators, and fighting the opioid crisis now claiming 21 lives a day in our state, but President Biden is hurting, not helping us achieve these vital public safety goals,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “The crisis the President created at our southern border makes all of us less safe, and I am proud to stand with Governor DeSantis as he tries to fix the President’s disaster at the border to protect Floridians.”
The move comes following a letter late last week from Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona requesting immediate assistance to quell the surge of illegal migrants, apprehend illegal criminal aliens, and secure our border.
The Governor’s Office said the following sheriff’s offices and state law enforcement agencies have already committed to sending aid:
- The Florida Highway Patrol
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
- Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office
- Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Walton County Sheriff’s Office
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is coordinating this deployment of the law enforcement officers under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is a national mutual aid system that allows states to share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission related costs.
Pictured: Gov Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody flanked by law enforcement during a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Woman Accused Of ‘Samurai Style Sword’ Attack Now Charged With Tampering In The Case
June 17, 2021
A Century woman accused in an altercation involving a “samurai style sword” last month is facing a new charge for tampering in the case.
Mariah Brianna Moore, 29, was charged with tampering in a felony second degree proceeding. The new charge is a second degree felony.
In May, Moore was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after she allegedly cut a woman across the forehead with a what Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies described as a “samurai style sword”. The victim required medical treatment for a large laceration.
The victim told deputies that since that time, Moore has threatened her with violence on three different occasions. The victim said Moore yelled at her and threatened to “cut her again”. The victim began to video the incident, and Moore can be seen and heard screaming at the victim, according to an ECSO arrest report. While the deputy was speaking to the victim, he could hear Moore continue to scream and threaten to fight the victim, the report continues.
During a court appearance after the original incident, Moore was ordered by a judge to have no contact with the victim.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.
$260,000 In Scholarships Awarded To Take Stock In Children Graduates
June 17, 2021
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation recently awarded $260,000 in scholarships to Take Stock’s 2021 graduating seniors. Each of the 19 students received a four-year tuition scholarship and a new laptop.
The 2021 Take Stock in Children graduates are:
- Escambia High School: Briana Stack, Nevaeh Vaughn
- Northview High School: Maggie Amerson, Maille Kilcrease, Kenna Redmond
- Pensacola High School: IB student, Gabrielle Vines
- Pine Forest High School: Jayla Williams
- Tate High School: Hannah Thorne
- Washington High: Paige Hotopp, Pedro Hernandez-Mendiola
- West Florida High: Halima Almanasrah, Kathryn Campbell, Vi Dang, Aireal English, Jean Hakaumotu, Selalina Hakaumotu, De’mayla Jenkins, Ja’vontae Manning, Sha’tee McDonald
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school and sign an agreement to maintain good grades, attendance, and citizenship and remain crime and drug free. Each student is matched with a volunteer community mentor and receives a college scholarship, college readiness skills, and hope for the future. The program’s comprehensive services continue through high school and include students’ transition into college and beyond.
Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private funding model. Local donations from family foundations, community organizations, businesses, and individual donors are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased. Laptops are donated through a program started by Nick and Nathan Gupta and currently coordinated by Aiden Hayward.
Escambia County Offers Free Sand For Tropical Weather Prep
June 17, 2021
Escambia County is offering free sand for residents living in flood-prone areas in advance of possible heavy tropical rain this weekend. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are usually available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Johnson & Johnson ‘One Shot’ COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Friday In Walnut Hill
June 17, 2021
The Florida Department of Emergency Management is offering the Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Walnut Hill.
The vaccination clinic will be held at the Walnut Hill Community Center at 7850 Highway 97, near the Walnut Hill Fire Station. Any Florida resident age 18 and older is eligible; a proof of residency must be provided.
An additional Johnson & Johnson vaccination clinics will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday June 25 at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tropical Rain Chances Build Into The Weekend; Flash Flood Watch In Effect
June 17, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 71. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 80. Windy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.