Oil Prices Go Negative. But What About Gas Prices?
April 21, 2020
Monday oil prices went into the negative for the first time in history. The price of US crude dropped nearly $56 per barrel or 30% to settle at -$37.63 per barrel. But that won’t necessarily mean big savings at the gas pump for consumers, according to travel group AAA.
The one-day drop is the largest on record dating back to 1983. The final price is far below the previous all-time low of $10.42 per barrel set on March 31, 1983.
The unprecedented drop comes as the global crude supplies begin to backup with nowhere for it to go. Fuel demand is down due to COVID-19 and storage facilities are at or near capacity.
“This doesn’t mean gas prices will go into the negative too,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, on Monday. “Gasoline futures only lost 4 cents today. That’s because gasoline supplies are being throttled down. While three North American refineries have closed, others are reducing their production rates. Currently the state average is on track to eventually slip into the $1.40s, but this remains a very fluid situation, as with everything else during this pandemic.”
Escambia (AL) COVID-19 Cases Increase By Three
April 21, 2020
The Alabama Department of Health is now reporting 16 COVID-19 cases in Escambia County (AL), an increase of three since Sunday.
ADH is reporting 237 total COVID-19 tests have been performed in Escambia County, a positive rate of about 6.8%.
There have been no coronavirus related deaths in Escambia County.
The Alabama Department of Health reported 5,078 total positive cases in the state out of 45,712 tests. There have been 164 reported deaths statewide.
Century Secrets? Two Council Members Object To NorthEscambia.com Listening To Public Meeting
April 21, 2020
During a Monday night meeting, two Century town council members said NorthEscambia.com should not be listening to a council meeting being held by conference call.
Ordinarily, a majority of a governing body like the Century Town Council must be present in the same location in order to conduct a meeting in Florida, but that requirement was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis due to COVID-19 and social distancing. That allowed the council to hold the phone meeting and conduct town business. The March 20 executive order from DeSantis was very specific that no other portion of the Sunshine Law was suspended.
But that did not seem to matter to Century council members Luis Gomez and James Smith Monday night, as they complained that NorthEscambia might be listening to or recording the telephone conference call public meeting of the entire council.
The council has no legal right to require anyone to provide their name or speak aloud in order to attend a public meeting; public meetings in Florida are open to anyone.
The term “open to the public” as used in the Sunshine Law means open to all persons who choose to attend,” the 2020 Government in the Sunshine Manual states. The manual also states that a board “may not ban the use of non disruptive recording devices”, and “implicitly recognizes the public’s right to silently record public meetings”.
Florida does have a law that bans the recording of oral communications like telephone calls without the permission of all parties. But there’s a big exception. The law states that oral communication “does not mean any public oral communication uttered at a public meeting or any electronic communication”.
The council also ignored the fact that Florida statute requires the council to give the public opportunity to be heard on an item before a final vote. The public was not given any opportunity whatsoever to comment on any of the several items voted on by the council Monday night, and the council abandoned its usual public comment period. The City of Pensacola and Escambia County have taken great effort to continue public comment as required by law during their recent meetings, even providing online forms to submit comment in advance.
Here’s the exchange Monday night:
“Does everyone attending this meeting as a public record need to announce their self?”, Gomez asked during a 6:45 p.m. meeting advertised specifically for the purpose of discussing the town’s bills, not during the regular council meeting.
Council President Ann Brooks said a member of the public not announcing themselves verbally during a conference call would be very much like someone not signing an sign-in sheet that’s at every normal, pre-COVID-19 council meeting. It’s not required to provide your name to listen to or attend a public meeting.
“So it’s possible to be on this call without announcing (your name)?” Gomez asked.
“I would think that would be possible. That’s why I asked who is present,” Brooks responded. “If someone did not announce themselves, we would not know.”
“I would hate for someone to go out and restate something that they didn’t even announce that they was there. We need to find a record of how they are getting their information.”
“Is this pertaining to anything in particular? Like the newspapers or like there a reason why you actually asking this question,” Smith said, adding that he understands what Gomez was implying.
‘Why yes, I’m implying that because these meetings are public record. And if you are going to print, say or either repeat anything there has to be a trail to follow in which you got, you gain your information,” Gomez said.
“I can’t walk up on James Smith and record him secretly and then go back and say I recorded this secretly,” he continued. “That’s illegal to record secretly….The council president asked who is on the call an you remain silent, that’s pretty much like eavesdropping.”
“I think what he is talking about is there was a write-up in NorthEscambia, and I don’t recall the NorthEscambia individual saying that they were present,” Smith said. “…Is there are particular type of violation that is happening if you don’t announce yourself? We have no idea if you are present. ”
Smith continued, “When there’s something that governs newspapers or somebody’s that’s recording saying that we’ve said or repeating something they said that we’ve said. Then we are suppose to know that they’re present when they’re doing it.”
There was only one article published on NorthEscambia.com that mentioned Gomez or Smith following the last telephone conference call public council meeting. It involved comment from both council members stating that large groups of people were playing basketball in Century despite social distancing requirements. It’s the article that presumably Smith and Gomez had concerns about being recorded two weeks ago.
You can read that article here, and fact check their statements for yourself with these recordings:
- Recording 1 – Luis Gomez with an interjection of agreement from James Smith
- Recording 2 – James Smith
It’s worth noting that every Century council meeting is recorded by town staff in addition to taking notes for official minutes. Those recordings are public record. Almost every other local government in the area streams their meetings online and then makes recordings available in order to have as much public transparency as possible with citizens.
But the sunshine law does not appear as bright in Century as elsewhere.
Editor’s note: Why did NorthEscambia.com not announce a reporter’s presence on the phone during the telephone conference call public council meeting? First, it’s clearly not required. Secondly, we’ve been dialing into the meetings using an online telephone service on a laptop that allows the meetings to be recorded for accuracy in our reporting. The microphone is muted on the laptop to ensure a quality recording. Thirdly, no human was listening to most of the meeting in real time. We simply roll a recording to listen to later and be more efficient in our reporting. And finally, 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.
Summer Graduation Ceremony In The Works; Students Will Receive Grades For Last Nine Weeks, Thomas Says
April 21, 2020
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Monday afternoon that the Escambia County School District sill plans to hold a graduation ceremony this summer and will calculate grades for the entire school year.
“The Senior Class of 2020 will be recognized for their hard work. Steps are being taken to reschedule graduation ceremonies, but plans have not been finalized,” Thomas said. “This depends on precautionary COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. Tentative dates in June and July have been reserved for commencement exercises.”
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that all public schools in the state will remain closed for the remainder of the year.
Thomas said students will receive grades for the fourth nine-week grading period allowing for grades for the 2019-2020 school year to be completed. He added the school district will continue to provide additional assistance to parents and students by utilization of dedicated employees working remotely each school day.
Employees will adhere to their established work calendars 10, 11 and 12 month classifications. Employees will be paid their regular salaries through the end of the school year as according to their contract. Employees will continue to follow their work schedules as defined by their immediate supervisors.
School feeding sites will continue to distribute free meals to students though the end of the school year.
The last day for instruction for all Escambia County students will be Friday, May 22.
Sunny Skies Today; Our Next Rain Chance Comes Wednesday Night
April 21, 2020
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Low around 64. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. High near 81. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Florida DOE Increases Access To Child Care Services For First Responders, Health Care Professionals
April 21, 2020
The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning (OEL), in coordination with local early learning coalitions, has prioritized and increased access to child care services for first responders and health care professionals. Currently, over 50 percent of Florida’s child care facilities are closed due to COVID-19. Many essential professionals, first responders and health care professionals rely on this care for their children, especially those working extended hours to provide medical care to those in need. OEL has created a referral process, in partnership with employers and statewide early learning coalitions to swiftly provide priority access and expedited referrals for children of first responders and health care professionals.
“Our first responders and health care professionals are on the front lines fighting COVID-19,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “These individuals are critical to providing medical care to those affected by the virus, and finding child care for their own children while performing these life-saving jobs allows them to continue serving the public. The Department of Education is committed to doing everything it can to help first responders and health care professionals find quality child care services while school campuses are closed.”
First responders and health care workers needing help finding a child care provider should contact their local early learning coalition for assistance. To find a map of Early Learning Providers throughout the state visit the Office of Early Learning website.
These services will be authorized for three months, and the continued need for child care will be reevaluated prior to the end of services.
Gulf Power Continues To Work To Restore Power In Escambia County
April 20, 2020
Gulf Power Company worked all day Monday to restore power in Escambia County following overnight storms.
The utility reported 15,000 customers without power in Escambia County about 1 a.m. Monday. By 5 p.m., all but 774 customers had service restored.
About 100 Gulf Power crews from areas in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties helped restore power in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, along with contractor crews. Along with Gulf Power crews and contractors they brought in an additional 150 resources to assist with the restoration effort.
Pictured: Gulf Power crews work to replace poles and restore power on Rebel Road at the Windy Hill Baptist Church. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO Arrests Former Nanny, Foster Parent On Child Sex Charges. Sheriff Morgan Says There Could Be More Local Victims.
April 20, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a nanny and foster care provider on child sex charges Monday morning, and the sheriff is warning that there may be additional victims in Escambia County.
Nicole Lynn Walter, age 27 of 10071 Foxrun Road, was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition with a victim under 16, possession of child pornography, battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Walter, according to investigators, is a porn actress.
Walter has also used the names Nicole Steff and Nicole Stearns, according to investigators.
Sheriff David Morgan said a search warrant found child pornography in her home that possibly depicted children in her home or children that are somewhere in Escambia County. He said she previously worked as a nanny and was a licensed foster parent. He asked anyone whose children may have had contact with Walter to call ECSO Investigator Jeremy Horn at (850) 436-9586 or by email at jahorn@Escambiaso.com.
During her arrest, Walker allegedly began screaming and attempted to pull away during her arrest and attempted to strike a deputy, according to an arrest report.
Morgan said there has been a “tremendous uptick in online stalking”, often targeting children, during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“These people are in our neighborhoods and they are preying on our children,” Morgan said, cautioning parents to be aware of what their children are doing online.
Walter was being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond Monday afternoon .
WARNING: Some readers will find the following details from an arrest report disturbing.
According to a tip received by the Florida Abuse Hotline, Walter is self-employed porn actress that makes videos of herself masturbating in public locations. Investigators were given a thumb drive containing three video files depicting Walter in various public places masturbating in the presence of the underage victims.
A three-year old female told investigators that Walter touched her privates and took photographs, according to an arrest report.
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement K-9 located a micro SD card underneath drawers in the bedroom that contained child pornography depicting female approximately 10-13 years old nude and posing in sexual positions, the report states. A laptop seized as evidence contained a videos of a completely nude Walter masturbating and engaging in conversation with two children and a third person whose name was redacted from the arrest report.
During one thirty minute video, Walter was masturbating nude on her bed while “constantly engaging her children in conversation” as she performed sexual acts on herself.
The report does not indicate that the children appeared on camera during the videos, but states the conversation in the video clearly indicates the children were present in the room an aware of what was happening.
Walter told investigators she uploads the videos to various pornographic websites for “clients” who pay for such material.
FHSAA Officially Cancels Remainder Of The 2020 Spring Sports Season
April 20, 2020
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) said Monday that the remainder of the spring sports season is now official canceled, and there were be no extension of eligibility for athletes.
All FHSAA affiliated events, including the state series and all championship events, for spring sports are canceled.
“The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans is our top priority,” FHSAA said in statement. “We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly. Our association knows the impact and role high school athletics play in the lives of so many and will continue to work towards the betterment of high school sports. We know this is a trying time, but the health and safety of all is of utmost importance to this association.”
The FHSAA had previously held out hope that eligibility for student athletes could be extended, possibly finishing the season after graduation into the summer.
“Under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education regarding grade level retention, and upon review of the Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws, no additional eligibility will be granted for spring sport athletes,” FHSAA said Monday.
“To all our senior student-athletes, we thank you for dedicating your time and efforts to your school, your coaches, and your teammates. Cherish the memories you have made and embrace all that the future holds for you. While we are saddened that you are unable to compete this season, we could not be prouder to have been represented by such hard-working individuals,” FHSAA said.
Pictured: Avery Beauchaine and Cam Wolfenden homered for the Tate Lady Aggies during a Tuesday, March 10 win over Navarre — just days before spring break and a COVID-19 school closure. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Fire Slows Nine Mile, Chemstrand Traffic
April 20, 2020
A vehicle fire Monday afternoon slowed traffic and blocked part of the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. There were no injuries immediately reported. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
