Food Trucks Now Serving In Beulah. Here’s The Schedule For The Rest Of The Week.
April 28, 2020
Beulah area residents have new restaurant takeout choices.
Monday was the first day Escambia County starting allowing a limited number of food trucks to serve from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7550 Mobile Highway.
The Wacked Out Weiner, Sno’s Shaved Ice and Chick-fil-A took part on Monday.
Here’s the tentative schedule for the remainder of the week:
WEDNESDAY
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Po Boy Shack
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Joe’s Caribbean
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
THURSDAY
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Whacked Out Weiner
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 3-D Eats
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Joe’s Caribbean
- 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sneaky Tiki Shaved Ice
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Jordan Valley Mediterranean
FRIDAY
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
- 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Fresh Food Factory
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wacked Out Weiner
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Rolling Embers Pizza
SATURDAY
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fantastic Foods Sweets Snacks & More
- 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Beck’s Jamaican Kitchen
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
The parking lot is a large grassy area and provides ample room for residents to adhere to all CDC social distancing protocols, according to the county. Trucks will be spaced out in the lot and patrons will be asked to stay six feet apart and limit gathering to groups smaller than 10.
To participate as a food truck vendor, call (850) 941-6042 for a vendor application. All Equestrian Center vendor fees will be waived.
Pictured: Food trucks at the Escambia County Equestrian Center Monday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Night Hunting, Other Violations
April 28, 2020
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period ending March 19 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer McHenry was conducting fishery inspections at the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier when he noticed an individual in a boat pull in a gag grouper from a stringer. The operator of the boat started to leave the area, but then turned toward shore. The operator beached the boat and Officer McHenry walked down to check the fisherman. When Officer McHenry arrived, the subject was cleaning the fish. Officer McHenry advised the subject that gag grouper season was currently closed and issued the appropriate citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Wilkenson and Roberson responded to a night hunting complaint about an individual on an ATV with a loaded rifle. The subject trespassed onto a hunt club property nearby. K-9 Officer Hutchinson arrived to assist, and the subject was located. The subject admitted to hunting on the property at night with a gun using his ATV lights. He was cited accordingly.
K-9 Officer Hutchinson was patrolling a road adjacent to the Blackwater State Forest when he observed a bright light being shined into the tree line after sunset. The light was being shined from a subject who was riding a bicycle and holding a hunting rifle. Officer Hutchinson conducted a stop on the bicycle and the subject admitted to shining the light to look for wildlife. Officer Hutchinson seized the rifle and the subject was cited accordingly.
Officer Roberson was on patrol when he observed four individuals fishing next to a bridge. Officer Roberson contacted the fishermen and found they had multiple bass, bream, and an undersized redfish in a bucket. Upon further inspection two of the individuals caught all the fish using a cast net. One of the individuals was cited for undersized redfish, and the other was cited for using an illegal method to catch freshwater gamefish.
Officer Mullins observed a vehicle shine a light from the roadway into Blackwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The officer stopped the subjects for a resource inspection, and they admitted to shining for deer and had a shotgun in the front of the truck between them. The shotgun, ammunition, and light were seized as evidence. The subjects were each issued a misdemeanor notice to appear.
Officers in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties focused efforts on illegal night hunting activity. Officer Mullins stopped a vehicle actively shining a light. The subject had fresh blood on his pants, and upon further investigation deer hair and blood was found in the vehicle. Officers Roberson, Brown, Hutchinson, and K-9 Zara assisted in the investigation that identified multiple suspects. The investigation revealed approximately 10 deer were taken illegally, with most deer being shot at night from a roadway. Multiple sets of deer parts and firearms were seized. Charges were filed with the state attorney’s office for multiple wildlife violations.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County (AL) COVID-19 Cases Increase To 27
April 28, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County (AL) increased has increased by five since Friday.
There are now 27 positive cases with on recorded death. There have been 343 total COVID-19 tests administered in the county.
The Alabama Department of Health reported 6,644 total positive cases in the state out of 75,138 tests. There have been 242 deaths and 903 hospitalizations reported statewide.
Jay Man Charged With Sexual Battery Of 8-Year Old Girl
April 28, 2020
A Jay man has been charged with allegedly molesting an 8-year old girl.
Michael George Rasmussen, age 42 of Cobbtown Road, was charged with sexual battery by a suspect over 18 on a victim under 12, a capital felony.
During a sleepover in January, the victim revealed that she had been inappropriately touched by Rasmussen around Easter 2018 when he thought she was sleeping after a trip to the beach, according to an arrest report. She later told a Santa Rosa Kids House investigator that she did not tell her mom because she was scared but eventually told a friend during the sleepover.
A Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputy wrote in his report that he set numerous appointments to interview Rasmussen about the allegations, but he refused to appear.
The redacted arrest report does not reveal the relationship between the girl and Rasmussen.
Rasmussen remained in the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at a half million dollars. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison.
Suspect Taken Into Custody After Shots Fired Incident In Bratt
April 27, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Officer responded to a shots fired disturbance in the 3400 block of West Highway 4 in Bratt about 7:20 Sunday night.
The caller told the ECSO that shots had been fired at their residence by a relative. He was later located at a home on West Highway 4 near C.W. Carraway Road, about a mile east of Northview High School.
The individual was taken into custody without incident under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows someone to be transported to a mental health facility.
There were no injuries, and deputies did not find any damage to the house that was reportedly fired at earlier in the evening.
Pensacola Announces Phased Reopening Plan Beginning Friday
April 27, 2020
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson announced a phased plan Monday he called “Recover Pensacola” for reopening the city while closely monitoring for the resurgence of coronavirus.
Phase One of the plan begins Friday, May 1 with recreation facilities such as outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts and playgrounds in the city reopening, and restaurants will be able to open outdoor seating. There could be adjustments based upon the plan announced by the state.
“We want to begin reopening as soon as possible, but the last thing we want to do is sacrifice safety in the process.,” Robinson said.
Pensacola’s plan will continue with a green light when there is a measured downward trajectory in flu-like illnesses and COVID-19-like illnesses within a 14 days. A yellow “hold” status will occur when there is a three-day reversal in statistical trends, healthcare system concern or public safety impact with a 15% decrease in available active staffing.
A red status would restart the plan, signaled by a 14-day reversal in statistical trends, healthcare system concern or a if 30% of public safety personnel are unable to work.
Once the health department establishes 14-day downward trend in COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms, restaurants, sporting venues, movie theaters and churches could reopen within the crowd size guidelines, which is currently 10 or less. Schools, camps and bars would remain closed.
The final plan may adjust to match state guidance, and officials are working on the next steps in the plan.
Escambia County has not announced a reopening plan.
Cantonment Man Charged With Allegedly Threatening To Beat His Girlfriend With A Hammer
April 27, 2020
A Cantonment man is accused of threatening to beat his girlfriend with a hammer.
Gordon Kenneth Wallis, Jr., 59, was charged with aggravate assault with a deadly weapon.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an armed disturbance on Well Line Road where the female victim told deputies she woke up to find Wallis standing over her with a hammer and threatening to beat her. Earlier the in the day, he grabbed her by the throat and punched her on the right side of her, according to an arrest report.
The victim refused medical treatment. Deputies reporting finding a hammer in the yard in the approximate area the victim said Wallis tossed it as he fled.
The Curve: Here’s A Graphical Look At COVID-19 In Escambia County
April 27, 2020
Here is a graphical look at COVID-19 by the numbers in Escambia County.
Below: Escambia County cases per day, Florida residents and non residents
Below: Escambia County cases per day, residents only
Data source: Florida Department of Health as of 4/26.
America Strong: Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Begin Multi-City Flyovers To Salute First Responders
April 27, 2020
In a show of national solidarity, the Navy’s Blue Angels, and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds will conduct a series of multi-city flyovers over the next two weeks.
America Strong is a collaborative salute from the Navy and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Escambia County had a sneak peak last Tuesday as the Blue Angels and Thurderbirds flew over Escambia County.
“We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, we are in awe of your strength and resilience,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader. “Thank you to all of those in essential industries keeping our nation moving forward. We will get through this. We are all in this together.”
The two demonstration teams will fly over areas of the country hardest hit by COVID-19, starting this week as both joint and individual team flights occurring every one-to-two days until mid-May.
“We are truly excited to take to the skies with our Navy counterparts for a nation-wide tribute to the men and women keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird 1 and mission commander for the flyover. “We hope to give Americans a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight with COVID-19.”
The Blue Angels, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, and Thunderbirds, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, typically fly at more than 30 air shows each year to demonstrate American military aviation. This year, both teams have been forced to cancel many performances in response to Department of Defense direction resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.
While America Strong will showcase Department of Defense support to healthcare workers, first responders, military, essential employees, and aims to unite all Americans in the fight against COVID-19, it also fulfills critical training requirements for both teams. Pilots must execute a minimum number of flight hours to maintain proficiency. These flyovers will incur no additional cost to taxpayers.
In order to reach the maximum number of Americans, some portions of America Strong will feature only the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds, while others will include both teams flying in their signature Delta formations simultaneously.
Both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are scheduled to fly over New York City, Trenton, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
Pictured: The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds flew together over Escambia County last Tuesday. NorNorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell and Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission Votes Tuesday On Reopening Beaches. Here’s How To Submit Your Comments.
April 27, 2020
THIS STORY IS NOW OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
Escambia County Votes To Reopen Beaches Beginning Friday
(No further comments will be accepted on the story below…comment on the updated story)
The Escambia County Commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday to discuss reopening public beaches.
The commission closed the public beaches and Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key back on March 21 in a effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The commission meeting will be live streamed, and the public is urged to participate electronically and submit any comments or questions before the meeting to maximize social distancing. A public input form has been made available, and form comments will be read into the record during the meeting. Comments must be submitted prior to the vote.
The special commission meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday.