Florida Consumer Confidence Is A Coronavirus Casualty
April 1, 2020
Consumer confidence in Florida has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a University of Florida survey.
The UF Survey Research Center’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research announced Tuesday that the March decline was the largest in the history of the poll.
“After reaching its highest level in almost 20 years, consumer confidence among Floridians plummeted 13.5 points in March to 88.8 from a revised figure of 102.3 in February. Similarly, consumer sentiment at the national level experienced a decline of 11.9 points,” the poll found. “This is the largest month-to-month decline in record since the series began tracking consumer sentiment in February 1985. The magnitude of the fall is higher than the decline due to Hurricane Katrina in September 2005, which is now the second highest in record with a plunge of 11.7 points.”
“The decline in consumer confidence was fueled by growing pessimism in all five components due to the economic damage brought by the coronavirus outbreak,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Opinions as to whether this is a good time to buy a major household item like an appliance dove 29.1 points from 108.6 to 79.5, the steepest decline in this month’s reading. Opinions of Floridians about their personal finances now compared with a year ago decreased 8.8 points from 95.3 to 86.5.
Both downward readings were shared by Floridians across all sociodemographic groups; however, men reported more pessimistic views.
Similarly, the three components representing the expectations of future economic conditions declined among Floridians in March. Expectations of personal finances a year from now fell 4.8 points from 105.4 to 100.6. The outlook of U.S. economic conditions over the next year dropped 20.4 points from 101.9 to 81.5. Additionally, expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years decreased 4.2 points from 100.2 to 96. These downward readings were shared by all Floridians with the exception of those 60 and older, whose expectation about the national economic outlook over the next five years showed a favorable change.
“As consumers stay home and businesses shut down in an effort to contain the spread of the virus, consumer spending has quickly slowed, and massive layoffs have occurred across the state and country. As a result, we observe the largest declines in confidence coming from consumers’ opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a big-ticket item and their expectations about the national economy in the short-run,” Sandoval said.
“Looking ahead, we expect consumer confidence to decline as long as the measures to contain the outbreak remain in place. The cumulative economic losses are bringing to an end the economic expansion that started in July 2009. For Florida, a state with a large portion of economic activity in industries severely affected by these measures, the downturn will potentially be more severe,” Sandoval said
Conducted March 1-26, the UF study reflects the responses of 337 individuals who were reached on cellphones, representing a demographic cross section of Florida. The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2, the highest is 150.
Court Clerk Offers Limited Services, No Marriage Licenses, Century Courthouse Closed
April 1, 2020
The MC Blanchard and Theodore Bruno Juvenile Justice buildings remain open but have limited public access. The Escambia Clerk of the Circuit Courts office will continue to process the following emergency court services:
- Petitions for Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Sexual Violence or Stalking Injunctions
- Baker Act petitions
- Marchman Act petitions
- Vulnerable Adult petitions
- Adult Protective Services petitions
- Emergency guardianship appointment
- Family Law and Dependency cases in which the imminent safety of children is at issue
- To make payments and access other services, please visit our website at escambiaclerk.com.
The following Clerk’s offices remain closed.
- Clerk’s Official Records, Finance and Clerk to the Board Offices located at 221 Palafox Place
- Century Courthouse office
- Traffic Office, MC Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St.
- Marriage Office, MC Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St.
- The Public Records Center, 120 E. Blount St.
- The following services are suspended until further notice: Marriage licenses and Passports
Pictured: The Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambi.com photo, click to enlarge.
Work Is Continuing On Nine Mile Road Project
April 1, 2020
Work is continuing on the Nine Mile Road project between Beulah and Pine Forest Roads. Crews are shown placing and compacting dirt for the new westbound roadway at OLF 8, just west of Navy Federal Credit Union’s campus. The work is being performed off the current roadway with no current impact to traffic. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scammers Use COVID-19 Stimulus Package To Target Floridians
April 1, 2020
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a consumer alert to warn Floridians about scammers using the new coronavirus stimulus package to target Floridians. The $2 trillion federal stimulus bill includes individual payments, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes and much more. News of the historic spending bill is providing ammo for scammers already trying to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to rip off Floridians.
Moody said, “Anytime the government provides benefits, scammers swarm like sharks in a feeding frenzy, trying to steal payments before they can be distributed. Sadly, even before the coronavirus stimulus package passed, scammers began sending text messages to people claiming they could make a claim by clicking a link that most likely contained malware. Be skeptical of any unsolicited messages from strangers asking you to click links or provide personal information to receive benefits, and educate yourself about the economic rescue package now, to avoid falling victim to these and other new fraud tactics.”
Individuals earning $75,000 or less and married couples earning $150,000 or less are eligible for a one-time payment of $1,200 per person—plus $500 for every qualifying child 16 or younger. People earning less than $198,000 will receive a lower payment.
Tax filers who already provided banking information to the Internal Revenue Service will receive a direct deposit in the coming weeks, and DO NOT NEED to take action. The IRS will mail notices to beneficiaries within a few weeks after payments are made. Anyone who receives a notice, but did not receive a payment, should contact the IRS immediately. The IRS will not initiate contact with tax filers by email, text messages or social media to request personal or financial information. The IRS emphasizes on its website that no sign-up is needed to receive payment.
- To guard against stimulus payment scams, NEVER:
- Respond to text messages, emails or ads directing you to click on a link;
- Provide any personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited message;
- Trust Caller ID displays claiming a call is from the IRS—as spoofing technology allows scammers to change phone displays to impersonate government agencies; and
- Make any advance payment in order to secure or expedite access to a benefit.
- The above tips also apply to anyone seeking unemployment benefits under the new legislation. American workers are being hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with millions already losing jobs. Under the new economic bill, eligible workers will receive an extra $600 per week on top of current state benefits.
To receive the expanded unemployment payments, workers should file directly with the state and not respond to solicitations seeking personal information. To file for Reemployment Assistance Program Benefits in Florida, call (877) 846-8770 or visit FloridaJobs.org.
Anyone who encounters a coronavirus stimulus package scam or any other types of COVID-19 fraud, should contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or MyFloridaLegal.com.
Bluff Springs Accidental Drowning Victim Identified
March 31, 2020
A 21-year man that drowned in North Escambia Monday evening has been identified.
Tyler Foley and his girlfriend were reportedly on small boat on a gravel lake in a remote area of the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area off Bluff Springs Road near the Escambia River, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Tuesday afternoon that they were on a 10-foot johnboat when both individuals entered the water. Foley was unable to swim and did not resurface.
Foley’s body was recovered Monday night by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recovered Foley’s body from the lake. The investigation is continuing.
Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Pictured: A gravel lake on Bluff Springs Road. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Gulf Power Plans To Lower Bills About 40% In May For One-Time Pandemic Relief
March 31, 2020
Gulf Power has announced its plan to significantly lower bills for customers amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Subject to Florida Public Service Commission approval, beginning May 1, Gulf Power plans to issue a one-time decrease of approximately 40% for the typical residential customer bill as a result of lower fuel costs.
“At Gulf Power, we understand how critical it is – particularly at a time like now – for you to have the reliable service that you count on, each and every day. We also understand that, at this moment, savings on your bill can be especially valuable,” said Gulf Power President Marlene Santos. “While traditionally these types of savings are spread out, we know that many people in our communities are struggling right now and every penny counts. We want to do what we can to keep as much money as possible in our customers’ pockets, and we believe this is the best way to provide customers with much-needed money as we all navigate through this difficult and unsettling time together.”
In Florida, fuel savings are typically refunded to customers over the remainder of the year to provide level, predictable bills. However, given the emergent and significant financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, Gulf Power will instead seek to give customers the total annual savings in their May bill. Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease in May, depending on usage and rate class.
The Florida Public Service Commission must approve the plan.
COVID By The Numbers: How Many Tested Positive And Negative At Sacred Heart; Escambia County Cases
March 31, 2020
Here is a look at COVID-19 by the numbers in Escambia County.
There are the latest numbers from testing conducted by Ascension Sacred Heart as of late Monday afternoon:
- 2,276: Total number of tests.
- 1,879: Number of test results returned.
- 99: The number of positive results.
- 5.3: The percentage of tests that were positive.
- 1,780: The number of negative tests.
- 62: The number of positives from Escambia County.
- 22: The number of positives from Santa Rosa County.
- 5: The number of positives from Okaloosa County.
- 1: The number of positives from Walton County.
- 2: The number of positives from other Florida locations.
- 1: The number of positives from Louisiana.
- 6: The number of positives from Alabama.
Key numbers for Escambia County:
- 81: The number of positive cases in Escambia County.
- 76: Number of residents with COVID-19.
- 5: The number of non-residents.
- 2-94: Age range of positive cases in Escambia.
- 43: The number of men.
- 34: The number of women.
- 2: Number of people in the hospital
- 787: The number of tests reported by the state
- 705: The number of negatives reported by the state
- 653: Number of negatives that were residents.
- 1: Number awaiting testing, per the state.
Florida Department of Health data key takeaways statewide as of Monday night:
- 5,704: Total number of positive cases.
- 5,489: Total number of cases in Florida residents
- 714: Number of cases hospitalized
- 71: The number dead.
Need A Little Time To Pay Your Property Taxes? There’s A Payment Plan Available In Escambia County.
March 31, 2020
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford is reminding taxpayers there is help for those who may need to make partial payment on their 2019 real estate and tangible property taxes.
If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill and on our website) with initial partial payment.
- A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment per statute.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- Partial payments will not be accepted after April 15, and any remaining balance as of April 16 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
COVID-19 UPDATE: While tax collector lobbies and their call center are closed, a payment center is available at all times at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. Customers are encouraged to pay online by eCheck where there is never an extra fee or by mail. At this time, drive-thru lanes are available for pick up of completed transactions only.
Deputy Cleared In December Officer-Involved Shooting Off Chemstrand Road
March 31, 2020
The State Attorney’s Office has cleared an Escambia County deputy that shot a suspect that opened fire on deputies last December on Limerick Lane off Chemstrand Road.
The suspect, Daniel Jeremy Hux, is charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement office and remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond as he awaits trial.
At about 1:30 p.m. on December 11, 2019, suspect Hux called 911 and requested to be taken to the hospital, stated that he was contemplating suicide, and that he was standing outside under a pine tree.
Deputy Douglas Shoemaker was dispatched to the address on Limerick Lane for a welfare check. He did not see anyone outside, knocked on the front door and went to a side carport door. At 2:16 p.m. he canceled Escambia County EMS.
Shoemaker was joined by Sgt. Melissa Lee. They again checked the doors of the residence, and Shoemaker returned to the carport and knocked on the side door again. He saw a figure moving to the door through frosted glass. When the door opened, he saw the muzzle of a firearm pointed toward him, and the person holding it opened fire. Shoemaker said he was hit by the first round in the chest and immediately ran and secured cover. The deputy then returned fire at Hux until he saw him “go down”.
Shoemaker suffered gunshot wounds to his chest, right side and right middle knuckle, and he was grazed on the forehead.
The sergeant heard the gunshots and saw an arm with a handgun sticking out of the door. Hux began to shoot in her direction, forcing her to seek cover at her vehicle. Lee indicated she did not fire because she could not see a clear target.
Deputy Shoemaker was shot four times and Hux was struck twice. Both were transported to the hospital and both survived.
Hux’s wife told investigators that Hux had become increasingly paranoid and delusional over several months. She said he called her the morning of the shooting and told her, “he loved her, and everything would be OK”.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Santa Rosa County Delivering Meals Along School Bus Routes
March 31, 2020
The Santa Rosa School District is feeding kids during COVID-19 school closure and will continue as long as schools are not open. They are using pick up locations, and school buses are delivering meals in select locations.
The meals for any child 18 and under. The program is administered through the federal USDA Summer Food Service Program, which is for schools with student populations that are 50% or more eligible for free and reduced meals.
The program fed 3,816 children last Friday. Each child will receive two meals daily, breakfast and lunch, except on Friday when they will be given enough for both meals through the weekend.
Schedule:
Schools 9:30 am to 11:00 am
• Milton HS…Bus ramp on Raymond Hobbs Lane
• Pea Ridge Elem …Parent pick up lane
• East Milton Elem …Bus ramp in front of school
• Jay Elem …in front of high school
• Berryhill Elem…parent pick up lane
• Holley Navarre Primary…Parent pick up
• TR. Jackson Parent pick up area
• Central School- parent pick up
• Bagdad Elementary- bus ramp area
• Benny Russell Elementary- Parent pick up
Single Stop Bus delivery 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Santa Villa Park
• Bell Ridge Apts.
• Floridatown Park
• Blackwater Baptist Church
• Santa Gertrudas – south of I-10
• Permenter – American Farms – north of I-10
Bus delivery 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Christian Life Church – Avalon Blvd
Select bus routes from the following schools 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.
• Milton High School
• Pea Ridge Elementary School
• East Milton Elementary School
• Jay Elementary School
• Berryhill Elementary School
• Benny Russell Elementary School
• Bagdad Elementary School
• Central School
• Holley Navarre Primary School
Santa Rosa County hopes to expand the program with additional fixed locations and bus routes.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
