Beulah, Santa Rosa Wildfires Now 75% Contained
May 11, 2020
The Hurst Hammock Fire near Beulah is now 1,248 acres and is 75% contained, and the 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County is 2,215 acres and is also 75% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service Service.
The Hurst Hammock fire was caused by humans, not nature, the Forest Service said, but the exact cause has not been determined.
Both fires stayed within their established contained lines on Sunday. Crews continued to patrol neighborhoods and communities to identify hot spots and implement thorough mop up operations to extinguish the heat and smoke in those areas. There are currently 182 personnel assigned to these fires.
On Monday, crews will continue to work to keep the fires within the containment zone and continue with mop up operations to reduce smoke. Additional crews have been identified for initial attack to assist the Florida Forest Service – Blackwater Forestry Center on any new fires that may occur in their coverage area which includes Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties.
A Florida Forest Service fixed-wing aircraft referred to as an Air Attack continues to patrol both fire areas to monitor fire behavior throughout the day. There is also a medium helicopter with a 300 gallon bucket assigned to the two fires if needed.
After a five-day, multi-agency response to the Five Mile Swamp Fire, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is pulling back structure fire equipment and personnel. The Florida Forest Service will retain command of the fire. The Florida Forest Service Blue Incident Management Team, which took command at noon on Thursday, is based out of the Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center.
Santa Rosa County’s damage assessment team has determined 14 residential structures were destroyed (seven damaged) with a total of 27 buildings destroyed. The estimated value for residential structure losses is $1,902,887. No responders or residents were injured. Monetary donations for long-term recovery efforts for residents who have lost their homes can be made to Safer Santa Rosa.
A strike team of engines out of Tallahassee from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is now in place conducting mop up operations to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding neighborhoods such as Robinson Point and Garcon Point.
COVID-19 Testing Site Open Again This Week At UWF With No Pre-screening Required
May 11, 2020
A mobile COVID-19 testing site with no pre-screening required will be open again this week for Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents at the University of West Florida.
The drive-through test site will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 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. The National Guard will be there to assist.
The site was opened at the request of the Governor’s Office under the direction of the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The National Guard is assisting.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
What You Need To Know About Barbershop, Hair And Nail Salon Reopenings In Florida On Monday
May 11, 2020
As barber shops, hair salons and nail salons reopen for business today in Florida, here’s a look at the restrictions followed by a list of frequently asked questions.
The following restrictions are mandatory:
- All customers will be by appointment only.
- Allow at least 15 minutes between the conclusion of an appointment and the beginning of the next appointment for proper disinfecting practices.
- No group appointments are permitted.
- Masks must be worn by all employees while performing personal services.
Shops are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect prior to reopening. Make sure to disinfect all surfaces tools and linens, even if they were cleaned before you originally closed. This type of cleaning should continue between each day of operation.
- Consider providing unworn masks to clients for use during their appointment.
- Remove all unnecessary, frequently touched items like magazines, newspapers, service menus and any other unnecessary paper products and decor from customer service areas.
And here’s a list of frequently asked questions:
Which professions does Executive Order 20-120 allow to reopen and provide services?
Holders of the following state-issued barber or cosmetology licenses may provide services at establishments that adopt appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures directed in Executive Order 20-120: barber, restricted barber, cosmetologist, nail specialist, facial specialist, full specialist, hair braider, hair wrapper, and body wrapper. These license holders are permitted to perform the barbering or cosmetology services as authorized by their respective license or registration. (Salons in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are not yet allowed to reopen.)
Must businesses limit capacity in the barbershop or salon?
Barbershops and salons must manage capacity of the premises based on an appointment-only schedule and must allow at least 15 minutes between the conclusion of an appointment and the beginning of the next appointment for proper disinfecting practices. Barbershops and salons should take necessary action to limit gatherings in waiting areas prior to and following appointments to the extent necessary to promote appropriate social distancing. Barbershops and salons are encouraged to adopt means of limiting patrons waiting for appointments, such as calling patrons from a waiting vehicle or outdoor waiting area once an available service station is cleaned, prepared, and ready for service of the next patron.
Are any restrictions in effect for the waiting area of a barbershop or cosmetology salon?
Barbershops and salons should remove all unnecessary, frequent-touch items, such as magazines, newspapers, service menus, and any other unnecessary paper products and décor from customer service areas. These businesses should take necessary action to limit gatherings of patrons in waiting areas to the extent necessary to promote appropriate social distancing.
The order prohibits group appointments. What constitutes a group for purposes of the order?
Executive Order 20-120 restricts appointments to individuals only. Where multiple individuals are seeking joint or co-scheduled appointments to obtain services as a party at the same appointment time, barbershops and salons should restrict the number of individual appointments to the number of available service stations that can be responsibly accommodated while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
Must a barbershop or cosmetology salon limit hours of operation?
No. Executive Order 20-120 does not restrict the hours of operation of a barbershop or salon. License holders are encouraged to monitor any local government restrictions that may impact the hours of operation of businesses in their area.
Are licensed professionals required to wear a mask when providing services in the barbershop or salon? How long will the requirement of wearing a mask be in effect?
Yes, a mask must be worn by an employee while providing personal services in the barbershop or salon. The requirement to wear a mask while providing services remains in effect until a subsequent order modifies or rescinds this precautionary measure.
Do licensed professionals have to wear a particular type of mask while providing services?
No.
Are licensed professionals required to wear gloves or any other personal protective equipment other than a mask when providing services in the barbershop or salon?
No.
Are patrons required to wear masks while obtaining services in the barbershop or salon?
No. However, barbershops and salons are encouraged to consider providing unworn masks to clients for use during their appointment. As a private business, barbershops and salons may adopt their own policies requiring the use of a mask by patrons obtaining services.
Are any other measures expected of barbershops or salons? Are any other measures recommended?
Yes. Barbershops and salons should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening, and disinfection practices should be repeated, at minimum, between each day of operation. All surfaces, tools, and linens should be disinfected, even if the items were cleaned before the barbershop or salon was closed.
Barbershops and salons also should take all reasonable steps to ensure that the shop and individual service areas are maintained and operated in a safe and sanitary manner, including particular attention and adherence to existing Florida sanitation regulations applicable to these services and these locations as promulgated in Rule 61G3-19.011 (Barbershop Requirements) and Rule 61G5-20.002 (Salon Requirements), Florida Administrative Code.
How will the restrictions in Executive Order 20-120 be enforced?
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains routine inspection practices at licensed barbershops and salons, which will continue during the effect of this order. The Department will incorporate the restrictions of this order in compliance inspection activities.
Florida Gas Prices Level Off At Florida Reopens
May 11, 2020
Florida gas prices are leveling off, after plunging for 10 consecutive weeks. The 76-day streak of declines came to an end last week, as Floridians returned to the road, driving up demand for fuel.
Gas prices dropped a total of 66 cents per gallon since February, when the coronavirus outbreak caused Floridians to stay home to stop the spread. The driving force behind plunging pump prices was low gasoline demand, which sank as much as 75 percent below normal levels during the lockdown. Since the phased reopening began last week, gasoline demand has improved to only 40 percent below year-ago levels.
The average price per gallon across the state was $1.76 a gallon, $1 less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Sunday night was $1.65, but one Cantonment station was at $1.57 and stations in Pensacola were at $1.58.
“The plunge at the pump appears to be over now that Floridians are driving more often,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The rising demand has restored optimism in the fuel market, causing higher crude oil and gasoline prices. Wholesale gasoline prices also increased last week, but not yet to a level that demands retailers to raise their rates.”
Food Distribution Tuesday At Carver Park In Cantonment
May 11, 2020
A food distribution will be held Tuesday at Carver Park in Cantonment.
The distribution through Feeding the Gulf Coast will included meats, fresh produce, canned goods, dairy and other food items. It is limited to one box per family, and identification is needed. The Cantonment Improvement Committee’s food bags for children will also be distributed.
The distribution will begin at 3:30 p.m. (not the usual Tuesday 3 p.m.) at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Issues COVID-19 Testing Orders For Long-Term Care Facilities
May 11, 2020
With hundreds of COVID-19 deaths across the state linked to long-term facilities, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration issued an emergency rules Sunday to bolster testing of staff members.
The rules require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to grant access to the Florida Department of Health or their authorized representative for the purpose infection prevention and control, including mandated COVID-19 testing of both on-duty and off-duty staff when arranged by the department.
“The challenge we face is mitigating and containing the spread of this deadly virus in our long-term care facilities,” said AHCA Secretary Mary Mayhew.”To guard against the rapid spread of COVID-19, I am issuing emergency rules for our nursing homes and assisted living facilities requiring that every facility allow access to the Department of Health or their authorized representative for mandatory testing for all facility staff by the Florida Department of Health during testing visits. These rules will also require every facility to allow access to the Department of Health or their authorized representative for infection prevention and control purposes.”
As of Sunday morning, 703 residents or staff members of long-term care facilities had died from the virus, according for over 40% of all COVID-19 deaths in Florida. In Escambia County, about three-quarters of the COVID-19 deaths have been related to long-term care facilities.
Century Man Charged With Cutting Woman With A Knife At Her Apartment
May 10, 2020
A Century man stands accused of cutting a female with a knife at her local apartment.
Brandon DeWayne Jackson, 34, was charged by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Escambia County deputies responded to a reported disturbance at Century Park Apartments on Second Street near the Century courthouse. They arrived to find “a lot” of splattered blood front of the door, on the ground, door, door frame and outside wall. The woman that answered their knock on the door had a 1.5 long cut on her thumb. She told deputies Jackson had already left. Inside, deputies found blood in the entryway, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom of the apartment.
The victim told deputies Jackson arrived at her apartment at 9:30 the night before and had knocked on the door throughout the night until 10:30 a.m. Jackson allegedly called the victim’s mother to say he just wanted to return her phone, so the victim eventually let him into the apartment believing everything was okay.
The two got into an argument and physical altercation in which Jackson punch her in the face twice, causing her to black out, according to an arrest report. The victim armed herself with a large kitchen knife and began to push Jackson toward the door. He grabbed the knife and turned it, causing the large cut on the victim’s hand, the report states. The victim claimed that Jackson’s hand was also cut by the knife during the altercation.
When Jackson exited the apartment, he reportedly struck the victim again in the face. At least three children were in the apartment at the time of the incident.
The victim was evaluated by Escambia County EMS but was not transported to the hospital.
Jackson was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond
Three-Quarters Of Escambia County COVID-19 Fatalities Are Long-Term Center Residents Or Staff
May 10, 2020
About three-quarters of the COVID-19 deaths in Escambia County have been in local long-term facilities, according to recently released data from the Florida Department of Health.
There have been 18 coronavirus deaths in Escambia County, with 13 of those tied directly to local long-term care facilities. Twelve of the deaths were residents, while one staff member has also died.
According to FDOH data:
- Bayside Health And Rehabilitation Center has had four resident deaths, 33 positive residents and 15 infected staff members.
- Brookdale Pensacola has had four resident deaths one infected resident and six positive staff members.
- Southern Oaks Care Center has recorded three resident deaths, one staff member fatality, 94 positive residents, four positive residents transferred to other facilities and three infected staff members.
- Arcadia Health & Rehabilitation Center has seen on resident death. The latest FDOH report does not indicate any other cases at the facility.
A total of 656 patients and eight employees have died at long-term care facilities across Florida — nearly 40% of of the state’s confirmed 1,715 COVID-19 deaths.
Nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to their nature and a resident population that is often older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions.
Pictured: Southern Oaks Care Center on West Gregory Street. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
May 10, 2020
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 Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 10:
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, May 10:
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers can expect intermittent and alternating lane closures between Beulah Elementary School and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, May 11 as crews perform operations for an upcoming traffic shift.
In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Striping/ Pavement Marking Operations- There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the locations on the following dates:
- From Rothschild Drive to Nine Mile Road Sunday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 12
- From A Street to Pace Boulevard Wednesday, May 13
- From Nine Mile Road to Blue Angel Parkway Thursday, May 14
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Underground Utility Maintenance – Drivers will experience traffic impacts at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15.
- The westbound and eastbound, outside lanes will be closed from A Street to Devilliers Street.
- The eastbound and westbound, inside lanes will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and E Street to the intersection of Garden Street and I Street.
- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and B Street to the intersection of Garden Street and D Street.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The contractor has installed the drill shaft and is awaiting cure time before returning to the project. There are no lane closures or impacts to traffic at this time.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews perform paving operations. There will also be ongoing turn lane, widening, and median work at various locations on the project.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 10:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions throughout town as crews perform paving operations and bridge work.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Community Health Northwest Florida Patients Can Get Financial Assistance With Bills
May 10, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now able to offer assistance to current patients who may be struggling financially due to job loss, reduction in hours or other circumstances directly related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Through a grant from the United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund which included a significant contribution from Gulf Power, Community Health of Northwest Florida is able to offer assistance with rent, mortgage, utility bills and other patients.
The applicant or a household member must be a current patient of Community Health Northwest Florida. Grant funds will be used to provide assistance only to those clients who have been furloughed, lost a job or had work hours reduced by 50% on or after March 17. Money will be disbursed only to vendors such as a landlord, mortgage company, or utility.
For more information, click below:
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application Cover Letter
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application
Or look for the links on this page.