Beulah Fire Grows To 1,000 Acres, But Is Expected To Burn Itself Out
May 7, 2020
[Updated 7:40 p.m.] Four Florida Forest Service bulldozers and two helicopters are actively working the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah. The fire has become more active, but remains in the marsh and is not currently a threat, according to Escambia County. Escambia County Fire Rescue has several additional units on scene standing by along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The fire size is still 1,000 acres and 40% contained.
Previous story:
[Updated 4:10 p.m.] A large wildfire is Beulah grew to about 1,000 acres Thursday afternoon, but officials say it is not threatening any structures.
The fire is now 40% contained, according to Laura Coale, Escambia County spokesperson.
“It’s just burning out the marsh,” she said, “still no threat to any structures.”
There have been no evacuations and Hurst Hammock road is open to residents.
Coale cautioned that the air quality in the area is reduced and residents may continue to see some smoke.
The Florida Forest Services continues to work to contain the fire, and Escambia Fire Rescue is on standby to assist if needed.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Reader photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Correction: Photo Used In Santa Rosa Wildfire Story Erroneously Represented By Fire Department
May 7, 2020
NorthEscambia.com has removed a photo from our story about the Santa Rosa wildfire, and we are correcting the origin and context of the photo.
The photo (above) was erroneously released Wednesday night on Facebook by the Baker Fire District in a collection of photos that included graphics related to the Santa Rosa County fire such as Santa Rosa County evacuation maps, fire maps and a Florida Forest Service helicopter. It was clearly represented by the Baker Fire District as being their firefighters at the Santa Rosa fire. Escambia Fire Rescue was misled and posted the photo Wednesday nigh labeled as the Baker Fire District working the Five Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County.
In turn, NorthEscambia.com and other media outlets published what we believed to be a public domain photo released by a government agency. We later learned Thursday, thanks to an alert reader, the photo was taken in June 2007 by the Reno Gazette Journal at the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe, California.
We apologize for the erroneous information released by the Baker Fire District.
Third COVID-19 Death Reported In Escambia County, Alabama
May 7, 2020
A third person has died from COVID-19 in Escambia County, according to the Alabama Department of Health.
The state does not release additional information such as cities or age.
ADH is also reporting 31 total cases in the county out of 647 total tests that have been administered.
There have been 8,691 confirmed cases in Alabama out of 112,068 total tests with 343 deaths. Alabama reports 1,163 total hospitalizations since March.
Century Councilman Smith Rants NorthEscambia.com Is ‘Racist’, ‘Biased, Lackluster’ And Should Stop Covering Century
May 7, 2020
In an apparent response to a NorthEscambia.com story about the public’s right to attend council meetings as guaranteed by Florida’s Sunshine Law, Century council member James Smith lashed out his week at NorthEscambia.com ’s publisher as being “racist” and “biased” while suggesting that a “lackluster” NorthEscambia.com stop covering the town council if the newspaper can’t “uplift Century”.
At a public town council meeting held this week by teleconference, Smith launched a six minute uninterrupted rant.
“What Will is doing when he is trying to degrade someone’s character, I’ve got a very big problem with that,” Smith said, wrongly using the nickname “Will” for NorthEscambia.com publisher William Reynolds.
“For you, Will, to go and print that councilmen are trying to keep secrets that’s the most ignorant thing that you could do,” Smith said.
During an April council meeting, Smith and council member Luis Gomez complained that NorthEscambia.com attended a virtual teleconference regular council meeting without audibly announcing the newspaper’s presence. In an editor’s note on the story, we stated, “…we fail to understand why a council member would care if the media was listening to a meeting. Unless there’s something they want to keep secret.” [Read the story here.]
“You’re extreme biased, and, and, and, and to a big huge extent, it plays a big part of you being a racist,” Smith said, adding that “we’ are trying to get Century going in the right direction without secrets”.
“You are now trying to stir up trouble with saying someone has secrets. Councilman Smith have no reason and no agenda to have any secrets whatsoever. My main concern is for the well being of Century,” he said, “which I guarantee you won’t print.”
NorthEscambia.com is the only daily media that covers Century government on a regular basis. Coverage of Century has ranged from many positive stories to an over abundance of negative stories that simply could not be responsibly ignored in order to “uplift Century”.
Negative stories during Smith’s term on the council have included a grand jury report that found gross mismanagement in the town, over a million dollars lost in utility operations, missing natural gas, about $3 million improperly borrowed from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and a state of financial emergency. Other stories have included the revelation that residents were receiving inaccurate natural gas bills including free gas for some, a lawsuit by a creditor over a $19K unpaid bill, an audit finding multi-million dollar deficits with signs of financial emergency, a failing wastewater treatment plant, a property tax increase vote that violated state law, a lack of funds to make payroll, state and federal taxes that were paid months late, and admitted Sunshine Law violations at a council meeting.
But Smith apparently does not agree those stories should have been covered. This week, he said, “If you are not going to do the right thing and to try report and help us uplift Century and at least let the people know that they have councilmen, councilwomen that are actually in the seat to try to improve Century, then I suggest that you don’t be a part of it at all.”
Smith then began to discuss his 2018 campaign, complaining that NorthEscambia.com didn’t interview him. The newspaper did not interview Smith or his opponent; we did contact each candidate via text message and email using the contact information they provided to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Smith’s opponent responded, but he did not. Smith won the election 277 votes to 230. He attended his swearing in ceremony in January 2019, but was a no-show at several subsequent council meetings.
“I will reiterate, I feel that you are an extreme racist, and you are extremely biased,” he said to “Will”.
He then addressed the reporter for a small weekly printed newspaper in Flomaton. “Mrs. Gretchen if you are there, headline it that I believe Will is a racist and he’s extremely biased. A lot of people in our community know and understand this, but you trying to get people to, to look at our council in, in a bad light and that’s not what you suppose to be doing. You are suppose to be. Go ahead and report the truth. Make sure you let all of our citizens and residents know that we’re trying to work hard to try to make it better.”
Listen to Smith’s entire six minute rant by clicking here.
Pictured top: James Smith at a December 16, 2019, council meeting during which he voted against hiring Interim City Manager Vernon Prather, proclaiming that, “All the sudden he’s now wanting to be our savior. No thanks, I don’t need you.”. Pictured below: Smith’s swearing in during January 2019. He was a no-show at several subsequent council meetings. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa Wildfire Now 40% Contained; Burns 2,000 Acres, Destroys Numerous Homes And Forces Evacuations
May 7, 2020
UPDATE: The fire is now 40% contained.
A massive wildfire swept through part of Santa Rosa County Wednesday, consuming 2,000 acres and burning numerous homes.
As of 12:20 p.m. Thursday, the fire was estimated to be only 40% contained, and the number of structures lost was not yet available.
The following updated evacuation information was released Thursday afternoon:
- Level 1 - Everything south of Mary Kitchens Road on Avalon and Garcon Point Road, and on the west side of Avalon is at a Level 1 evacuation, meaning residents can return to their homes but need to stay aware. Level 1 also extends up to Da Lisa Road.
- Level 2 - Indian Bayou to Mary Kitchens Road and the houses along Mary Kitchens Road are a Level 2 evacuation and may return to home but must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
“Today’s weather is somewhat improved from yesterday’s weather in that the winds will be light and variable from the north at 3-7 mph. But relative humidity will continue to be extremely low at approximately 20%,” Florida Forest Service PIO Joe Zwierzchowski said in an email.
Florida Forest Service crews from throughout the state have been called in to assist with the firefighting efforts. They will focus on improving established containment lines around the fire’s perimeter today in areas both north and south of Interstate 10. They will also conduct structure protection assessments to establish containment lines around homes and neighborhoods that could potentially be threatened by the fire.
High wind and extremely low humidity helped the Five Mile Swamp Fire grow to almost 10 times its size Wednesday morning as winds upward of 20 mph pushed embers from the fire across Interstate 10.
The Florida Forest Service continued to aggressively fight the fire through the night and into the morning with 18 tractor/plow units, three helicopters and a significant number of resources from multiple fire departments from across the area.
Three North Escambia fire stations were dispatched to the fire at Garcon Point. The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were called to assist about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday and were released about 12:45 a.m. The Ensley and Ferry Pass stations also responded. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was dispatched to help battle the blaze just before 1 a.m. Thursday.
Firefighters will continue to work to extinguish the fire for the next several days, Zwierzchowski said.
I-10 remained closed Thursday afternoon between Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard and Exit 31 at Highway 87, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“This is an extremely dangerous and fast-moving wildfire situation that is evolving rapidly, so everyone in the affected area should follow directions from state and local officials,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, whose office includes the Florida Forest Service. “All residents and travelers should heed evacuation requests and closely monitor the media for updates on the wildfire and reopening of I-10 and local roads. We thank our brave local and wildland firefighters for working swiftly to control this wildfire.”
Hundreds of Gulf Power customers were without power in the area overnight Wednesday due to damaged utility poles.
Thefire started Monday afternoon when a controlled burn by a private contractor got out of control.
The Blackwater Forestry Center is currently not issuing burn authorizations in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Struck By Vehicle In Bratt
May 7, 2020
An adult female was injured when she was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in Bratt.
It happened about 6 p.m. at a private residence on Toler Road, a dirt road off North Highway 99. She was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS; an update on her condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The Flower Moon Is Thursday. Here’s What That Means.
May 7, 2020
This month’s full moon is known as the Flower Moon.
The Maine Farmer’s Almanac first published “Indian” names for the full Moons in the 1930s. According to this almanac, as the full Moon in May and the second full Moon of spring, the Algonquin tribes of what is now the northeastern United States called this the Flower Moon, for the flowers that are abundant this time of year. Other names include the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
The moon will appear full when it’s dark through Friday.
In addition to Flower Moon, May’s full moon is also known as Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, the Vesak Festival Moon and a supermoon.
Pictured: The moon at about 8 p.m. Wednesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
I-10 Closed In Santa Rosa County Due To Wildfire
May 6, 2020
All lanes of I-10 in Santa Rosa County were closed Wednesday due t massive wildfire in Santa Rosa County.
I-10 is closed from from Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard to Exit 31 at Highway 87 after the fire crossed the interstate.
After two days of building fire lines to stop the Five Mile Swamp Fire, a dramatic change in the weather is challending firefighters from the Florida Forest Service return to widen and improve fire breaks this morning. Fourteen tractor/plow units and an airplane started the day’s efforts with three helicopters available as needed for water drops to help cool hot spots and flare ups. Thirty-three total personnel are assigned to the fire. The fire is estimated at 250 acres and crews have it 40% contained.
Firefighters established a line around the entire fire Tuesday but significant unburned vegetation remains inside the perimeter. The fire started just east of the former Moors golf course when a prescribed burn on private land escaped Monday afternoon. Winds and terrain pushed the fire to the northeast toward the area between Renee Circle and Audiss Road just east of the Santa Rosa County Landfill.
Today’s weather brings north winds – directly opposite of the previous several days – and extremely low humidity in the 20-25% range. This will increase fire behavior and push the fire toward the Ski Watch subdivision and Interstate 10 so crews are focusing the majority of their efforts along the south and eastern edges of the fire. Avalon and Bagdad fire departments have been providing structure protection and will continue to do so as a precautionary measure.
In light of these conditions, officials with the Blackwater Forestry Center are not issuing burn authorizations in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties today.
Century Utilities Offering Payment Options For Overdue Accounts Due To COVID-19
May 6, 2020
The Town of Century is offering help for hheir utility customers that are unable to pay their bills due to COVID-19.
The town is offering a payment deferral for those experiencing a coronavirus related hardship such as job loss, income reduction, school closure or sheltering in place.
A utility payment agreement is available for up to six months with no more than two requests in a 24 month period. [Click here for the payment form (pdf).]
A pandemic payment deferral is available to customers with an economic hardship due to COVID-19, including those that are sick, caring for a sick family member or are out of work due to the virus. The deferral period is for 30 days and must be renewed each month. [Click here for the form (pdf).]
All requests will be reviewed by the utility billing supervisor and must be approved by the city manager or mayor.
Of Century’s 1100 utility customers, 154 reached past due status on their last bill and were mailed a letter explaining the available payment arrangement options. Seven customers requested a deferral, and 45 were scheduled to be disconnected on Tuesday.
Bills are mailed around the first day of each month, and last notices are mailed on the 16th with disconnects typically around the 25th of the month. Century does not disconnect accounts with a balance less than $80 because the utility holds a deposit greater than that amount.
The Town of Century offers water, sewer, natural gas and sanitation services to citizens. Not every customer has every service, and some water and natural gas customers are in service areas outside the town limits.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, the largest water, sewer and sanitation provider in the county, and Pensacola Energy, the largest natural gas utility in the county, have both suspended disconnects due to the pandemic.
UWF Haas Survey Shows Big Pandemic Financial Hit; 90% Of Floridians Spending Less
May 6, 2020
An economic impacts study by the Haas Center at the University of West Florida shows just how hard the COVID-19 pandemic hit Floridians financially.
The UWF Haas Center conducted the survey to understand the types of travel and spending changes Florida residents have experienced since the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The survey was made accessible online in English and Spanish from March 16 through April 6 and responses from more than 3,000 Florida residents factored into the results.
“Originally, on March 10, we were planning on surveying local spring breakers on Pensacola Beach, thinking that many might be staying close to home as travel bans began across the U.S.,” said Nicole Gislason, interim assistant vice president at the UWF Haas Center. “But, when the UWF campus switched to remote instruction, remote research and administration, we knew we needed to upscale the survey by increasing the geographic scope.”
The results of the survey revealed three points:
- 61% of Floridians have cancelled or postponed travel plans, and more than half of that group had more than one trip which was impacted.
- 24% had already experienced some loss in wages due to the coronavirus, while another 18% expected income loss to be imminent at the time they completed the survey.
- 90% of Floridians reported reduced spending across many different industry sectors, including restaurant, entertainment and retail shopping.
“These results provide important insight into the real-time economic impacts occurring across the state of Florida as everyone deals with the coronavirus pandemic,” said Amy Newburn, director of market research for the UWF Haas Center. “They provide stakeholders with an estimate of losses to taxable sales across parts of the economy, as well as insight into what types of workers are struggling with lost wages and hours.”