Tropical Storm Elsa Continues Toward The Gulf; No Serious Local Impacts Expected
July 5, 2021
Tropical Storm Elsa is continuing on a path toward the Gulf of Mexico, but is not expected to have any major impact on Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
Elsa is forecast to move in a west-northwest to northwestward direction towards the extreme southeast Gulf through early next week, then turn to a northerly direction.
Direct local impacts are not expected if Elsa continues on the current forecast path. The main local concern in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will be scattered to numerous storms each day with possible locally heavy rainfall. An increase in waves and rip currents is possible by Wednesday.
Complete details on Hurricane Elsa are in the updated graphics on this page.
Florida Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday Continues; Here’s What You Can Buy Tax Free
July 5, 2021
The new Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday in Florida continues for outdoor recreation, live events, museums and more.
Through July 7, purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 – December 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted. (For a complete list, click here for a printable pdf.)
The Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday also applies to sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, and sports equipment.
Boating and Water Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks.
Camping Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights.
Fishing Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together.
General Outdoor Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles.
Sports Equipment: The tax holiday applies any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms Likely For Monday
July 5, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Local July 5 Holiday Closures, Trash Pick Up Information
July 5, 2021
With Monday, July 5 being a federal holiday, the following will be closed and sanitation pick ups will be as listed below.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – all departments
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Waste Services Administration
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices
Exceptions:
- ECAT buses and trolleys will run on a modified Independence Day schedule. ECAT will only operate Route 59X and Route 64 Beach Jumper. The Pensacola Beach Trolleys will run from 4 p.m. to midnight. Regular service will resume Tuesday, July 6.
- Perdido Landfill will be open Monday, July 5.
EMERALD COAST UTILITIES AUTHORITY (ECUA)
- ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday.
- Residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for more information.
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Century Town Hall will be closed. For utility emergencies, call (850) 256-3208.
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course
- Roger Scott Tennis Center
CITY OF PENSACOLA SANITATION
- Customers will experience a change of schedule the week of Monday, July 5, which applies to garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup. This applies only to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers.
Customers who normally receive service on Mondays will receive service on Tuesday, July 6.
Customers who normally receive service on Tuesdays will receive service on Wednesday, July 7.
Customers who normally receive service on Wednesdays will receive service on Thursday, July 8.
Customers who normally receive service on Thursdays will receive service on Friday, July 9.
Traffic Alert: What To Expect This Week Due To Road Construction
July 5, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - U.S. 98 eastbound drivers will encounter right lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, for crews to paint the barrier wall on the bridge.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction - 17th Avenue northbound is accessible for traffic exiting the bridge. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch is available from 17th Avenue northbound. Left turns remain temporarily prohibited from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway eastbound. Instead, these drivers should travel south on Ninth Avenue, then east on Chase Street, and continue eastbound to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) - Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8 throughout the limits of the project for striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. The speed limit on West Cervantes Street between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8, as crews perform paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers can expect intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Nine Mile Road between Beulah Road and I-10 is expected to be open to four travel lanes the week of Monday, July 5. Beginning, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures between Beulah Road and the Eleven Mile Creek to allow crews to perform paving operations.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
- There will be intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8 as crews restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of low-profile barrier wall.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - U.S. 98 eastbound drivers will encounter right lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, for crews to paint the barrier wall on the bridge.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts at this time.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Road construction on Highway 29. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Walk-Off In Extras In Series Finale Against Biloxi
July 5, 2021
Riley Mahan broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 10th inning with a bases-loaded walk to give the Wahoos a thrilling 5-4 win at Blue Wahoos Stadium on the Fourth of July.
In the top of the 10th inning, the Shuckers capitalized on the extra-innings rule by scoring Luis Castro on a RBI single from Jesus Lujano. The Shucker left fielder finished the day 4-for-5, which was the third 4-hit game of his career.
Despite taking the lead, Andrew McInvale (W, 1-0) showed resiliency on the mound by retiring the next two batters without surrendering a run.
In the bottom of the 10th with Bleday on second, the Wahoos loaded the bases thanks to a hit-by-pitch and a walk. With the winning run at second and nobody out, Victor Victor Mesa hit a sac fly to right center that scored Bleday and moved Jerar Encarnacion to third. The Shuckers then intentionally walked Chris Chinea to reload the bases before Nick Lovullo hit into a fielder’s choice in which Biloxi shortstop Brice Turang got the force out at the plate.
With one out and the bases still loaded, Riley Mahan—who came off the bench in the bottom of the ninth—worked the count full against Robbie Hitt (L, 0-1) before drawing a game-winning walk.
For the Shuckers, the loss was their fifth in six days, and a disappointing way for the comeback bid to fall short.
After failing to score against Biloxi’s opener, Pensacola came out swinging against intended starter, Nick Bennett. In his first inning of work, the Wahoos scored three times. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third and only one out, JJ Bleday laced a double to the warning track in center to bring home two runs. Nick Fortes followed with an RBI single to put the Wahoos ahead 3-0.
The Shuckers had no answer for Pensacola said starter Max Meyer, who pitched five shutout innings while allowing four hits and striking out four. It was the second time Meyer has pitched against Biloxi this week and the fourth time this season. In his four combined outings, Meyer is 1-0 and has pitched 19.1 shutout innings against the Brewers Double-A affiliate. The next time Meyer takes the mound, he will be in Denver, pitching for the National League in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.
Biloxi’s offense came to life once Meyer departed. Luis Castro led off with a double off Zack Leban before Alexander Palma launched his fourth homer of the season to cut Pensacola’s lead down to 3-2. The Shuckers then tied the game in the seventh after Turang walked, stole second, and scored on the RBI single from Palma.
For a moment it appeared the Wahoos were poised to walk it off in regulation, as they had the winning run on second base with two outs in the bottom go the ninth. Bleday hit a line drive to center that was run down by Ryan Aguilar to send the game in extras.
Pensacola now has six walk-off wins this season, and are an impressive 15-7 in one-run games.
The Wahoos next face the Mississippi Braves in Pearl, MS beginning on Tuesday, July 6. As it stands, the M-Braves are one back of the Wahoos for the best record in the Double-A South. RHP Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.17) is expected to start the opener for Pensacola. He will be opposed by RHP Spencer Strider (0-1, 5.40).
Jay Enjoyed Fireworks Saturday Night. Here’s A Schedule Of Fireworks And Events Tonight For The Fourth.
July 4, 2021
Jay kicked off the Independence Day celebrations with a fireworks show Saturday night, and several other fireworks shows and events are planned for Sunday night.
Before the annual fireworks show in Jay, the Jay Elementary School Junior Beta Club added to the celebration with a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Activities included a bounce house, glow items, face painting, boiled peanuts, drinks and cotton candy.
Here’s the schedule for fireworks, concerts and other events Sunday night in the North Escambia area:
JULY 4
Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola
For the 32nd year, area Sertoma organizations are again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Sunday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
The festivities are going to be different this year. Organizers decided to focus on holding the largest fireworks show ever for the Fourth. The celebration will return to the full day of festivities for 2022.
There will be live music on the main stage on Bayfront Parkway at Bartram Park, with Not Quite Fab taking the stage at 4:30 with their Beatles show and Still Standing from 6:30 until 9 p.m. with a tribute to Elton John.
The fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at 9 p.m. will be synchronized with music on CatCountry 98.7. You’ll need an actual FM radio — there is too much of a delay when using a device or app.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Sparks & Stars Performance
There will be a free performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring your blanket to enjoy the show on the lawn. This orchestra concert will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 92.3 / AM 1620, on BLAB-TV and in Wahoos Stadium from 7:30 until 9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Fireworks show will be at 8:30 p.m. Sunday along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The best viewing spots are from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Downtown Milton Riverfest
Celebrate the 4th of July along Willing St. in Milton. in Historic Downtown Milton from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a family-friendly event featuring the Firecracker Bike Show, car show, food and retail vendors, live entertainment, and the Great Mill Town Duck Race. The night will end with a firework display over the Blackwater River at sundown.
Atmore
Fireworks at 9 p.m. at Wind Creek.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2021
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting. Here are some quick tips:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet becomes lost, search for lost pets at the Escambia County Animal Shelter or call (850) 595-3075.
Escambia County’s Mobile Command Center To Remain At Condo Collapse Through July 30
July 4, 2021
Escambia County’s mobile command center will stay at the South Florida condo collapse longer than first anticipated.
The command center, nicknamed “THOR” was set to return from Surfside on Wednesday, but it will now remain through July 30.
The state requested use of the vehicle as a command post to use during the search and recovery efforts.
The THOR command post trailer expands to offer 1,000 square feet of interior working space. It is equipped with a 44-kilowatt generator with 72 hours of fuel onboard, and has dual 5-ton air conditioning units.
It allows for wireless communications, including cellular, satellite, VOIP phones and radio equipment. It has a 52-foot mast with antennas an high resolutions cameras, a video distribution system for off-air television, satellite television and computer system. There is a four-position communication room and office space with printers, scanners, office supplies, mini-fridge, microwave and a coffee maker.
Current plans call for THOR to be moved to the Miami Convention Center until Tropical Storm Elsa clears before it is returned to Surfside.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Who Has The Best Local Fireworks Show? How Will Locals Spend The Fourth? Our Survey Says…
July 4, 2021
How will North Escambia residents celebrate the Fourth of July, and which town has the best local fireworks show?
NorthEscambia.com conducted a survey with four questions for the Fourth. We found the majority of respondents will have a cookout, enjoy family time and attend a public fireworks show. And most won’t be going to the beach or traveling very far from home.
Celebration Plans
Family time (55%)
Cookout (45%)
Fireworks at home (38%)
Fly American flag (30%)
Public fireworks show (18%)
Nothing special (16%)
Bing watch TV (8%)
Beach (1%)
Spending Amount
A majority, 52%, said they’ll be spending under $50 on their celebrations, while 21% said $50-$99 and 18% responded $100-$249. Only 8% plan to spend over $250.
How Far To Travel
Most, 82%, don’t plan on any extra travel, 16% will travel under 100 miles, and 1% will travel 100 to 499 miles. About 1% said they will travel over 500 miles during the holiday period.
Best Local Fireworks Show
Survey participants said the best local fireworks show is:
- Pensacola (Sertoma) 56%
- Pensacola Beach 18%
- Jay 9%
- Atmore (Wind Creek) 7%
- Century/Flomaton 3%
- Milton 2%
Note that the Century/Flomaton show was canceled this year, and Jay’s fireworks show was held Saturday night.
(For a fireworks show schedule, click here.)
This was an informal, non-scientific survey with 8,741 respondents. Percentages in this story may not exactly total 100 due to rounding and exclusion of minor answers.
NorthEscambia.com photo.