NOAA Predicts A Near Normal 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season
May 26, 2023
NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year.
NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.
The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.
After three hurricane seasons with La Nina present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity. El Nino’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
DeSantis Signs Bill With Expanded Sales Tax Holiday, Permanent Exemption For Baby Products
May 26, 2023
Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what he says in the largest tax relief plan in Florida’s history, providing Florida families with $2.7 billion in tax relief during the 2023–2024 fiscal year. The tax relief package includes a permanent exemption for baby and toddler necessities such as strollers, cribs, diapers, and baby wipes. Additionally, the tax relief package includes two back-to-school sales tax holidays lasting 14 days each, two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays lasting 14 days each, and a freedom summer sales tax holiday on recreational items and children’s toys that will last from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Permanent sales tax exemptions included in the tax relief package will save Florida families nearly $234 million. Those exemptions are targeted to cover baby and toddler needs like cribs, playpens, strollers, child safety products, diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and clothing and shoes for children under age 5. Other items permanently exempt from sales tax will include oral hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste and firearm safety devices.
- Sales tax holidays included in the tax relief package for the 2023–2024 fiscal year:
- Back-to-School sales tax holidays will take place July 24 – August 6, 2023, and January 1 – January 14, 2024.
- Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays will take place May 27 – June 9, 2023, and August 26 – September 8, 2023.
- The Freedom Summer sales tax holiday lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day of this year.
- The Tools and Equipment sales tax holiday will take place from September 2 – September 8, 2023.
Additionally, the tax relief package includes a one-year sales tax exemption on gas stoves and Energy Star appliances. There will also be a reduction in the tax rate on business rent from the current 5.5% down to 4.5% effective December 1, 2023, to help small businesses keep more of their profits.
“Because of President Biden’s disastrous economic policies, Florida families are feeling the pressure of inflation on their wallets,” said DeSantis. “But in Florida, we are ensuring that our state’s economic success gets passed on to the people that made it possible. I will continue to push smart fiscal policy that will allow Florida families to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. Stronger families make a stronger Florida.”
Palacios Leads Pensacola To 6-2 Win Over Braves
May 26, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got back in the win column on Thursday night, defeating the Mississippi Braves by a score of 6-2.
Luis Palacios (W, 2-1) took charge in a strong pitching performance, allowing two runs over 6.0 innings to earn the win.
The Blue Wahoos scored three runs on four singles in the first against Domingo Robles (L, 3-3), with RBI singles from Victor Mesa Jr. and Will Banfield followed by a double steal and a throwing error on catcher Tyler Tolve.
Banfield added another RBI single in the third as part of a three-hit night to extend the Pensacola lead to 4-0. Drew Lugbauer hit a two-run homer in the fourth, his third homer in as many nights, to account for Mississippi’s only offense of the night.
Ynmanol Mariñez drove in a pair with a two-run double in the eighth for his first Double-A hit, and Sean Reynolds locked down the win with a pair of hitless innings of relief.
The Blue Wahoos remain 5.0 games clear of second place Montgomery in the South Division with 27 games to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Friday at Trustmark Park.
written by Erik Bremer
ECSO: Century Man Threw Brick Or Rock Through Woman’s Window
May 25, 2023
A Century man is facing a felony charge after allegedly throwing a brick or rock through a woman’s window.
Brooks Griggs III, 53 , was charged with felony launching a missile into a dwelling and misdemeanor criminal mischief between $200 and $1,000.
Griggs allegedly threw a brick or rock through a window on Pond Street. A resident told deputies that she observed Griggs running away, and she said everyone in the neighborhood had been “having issues” with him destroying their property, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Griggs later arrived back at his home in a vehicle, sticking his head out of a passenger window and asking deputies if they were looking for him, according to an arrest report. He was then detained.
Brooks remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday with bond set at $15,500.
Rabid Fox Bites Three In Bratt, Rabid Bat Reported In Florida; Now A Rabid Bat Is Confirmed Near Flomaton
May 25, 2023
Days after three people were bitten by a rabid fox in Bratt and someone had an encounter with a rabid bat in Escambia County, Florida, officials say someone was exposed to a rabid bat near Flomaton.
On Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed the rabies exposure near Flomaton.
“This should be a stern reminder that all pets should be properly vaccinated against rabies, given the circumstances of rabid animals now in the same general area,” Alabama Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones said.
Last Friday, the Florida Department of Health (DOH-Escambia) issued a Rabies Alert for Escambia County, Florida, after three people were confirmed to be exposed to a rabid fox and one person was exposed to a rabid bat.
While the Escambia health department did not specify a location, NorthEscambia.com independently confirmed that three people were bit by a rabid fox in Bratt, in the general area of Northview High School and Travis Nelson Park.
“Rabies is a potentially fatal disease. It is important not to handle wild animals, to be aware of unusual acting animals, and to keep pets vaccinated against rabies,” said Marie Mott, DOH-Escambia administrator.
Mott recommended the following precautions:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
- Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Escambia County Animal Services at (850) 595-0097.
- Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
- Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Escambia at (850) 595-6700.
New: Get Your Vehicle Registration In Molino – Without Waiting In Line
May 25, 2023
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford has introduced a new way to pick up registrations from his office in Molino without the need to get in line.
The Molino tax collector office now has ExpressWay lockers.
Here’s how it works:
- Renew your registration online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
- Receive an email from “Luxer One” when your registration is ready.
- Scan your pickup code at the locker.
- No need to wait in line.
The Escambia County Tax Collector Molino Office is located at 6440 North Highway 95A, in the Molino Community Center complex.
Contributed photo.
Second Candidate Prefiles For Escambia School Board District 5
May 25, 2023
A Cantonment man is the second person to prefile for the District 5 seat on the Escambia County School Board.
Joshua Matthew Luther prefiled Wednesday with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections.
United Way To Offer Mini Grants Up To $5K For Local Nonprofits
May 25, 2023
United Way of West Florida is introducing a new funding opportunity designed to build capacity of nonprofits in our community.
The United Way of West Florida will offer mini grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations in Santa Rosa County and Escambia County.
This initiative will provide funding of up to $5,000 to agencies seeking to develop their organizational structure, pursue short-term organization development goals, or execute a one-time project.
“We are particularly interested in supporting grassroots agencies making a positive impact on marginalized communities residing in hard-to-reach areas with limited resources,” said United Way of West Florida CEO Laura Gilliam. “We are committed to becoming more accessible to these types of nonprofit agencies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”
To be eligible for consideration, agencies must be registered 501(c)3 organization focusing on education, health, and financial stability services. They must demonstrate financial trustworthiness, maintain an active Board of Directors, and operate with an organizational revenue under $250,000. The application period for mini grants will open in July 2023.
For further information about funding from United Way of West Florida or details on how to apply for mini grants, please contact Mary Zaledonis at mary.zaledonis@uwwf.org.
Blue Wahoos Walked Off By Mississippi Braves
May 25, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos suffered a frustrating defeat on Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to the Mississippi Braves in 10 innings after taking a 1-0 lead to the bottom of the ninth.
Drew Lugbauer tied the game for Mississippi in the ninth with a solo homer, and Tyler Tolve ended the game in the tenth with a two-out RBI single to bring home the winning run.
Pensacola managed only four hits in the game, with a Nasim Nuñez sacrifice fly in the third sending in their lone run of the night.
Jonathan Bermudez was outstanding in his second Blue Wahoos start, fanning eight batters over 6.0 scoreless innings. Cristian Charle worked 2.0 scoreless innings of relief before Brady Puckett (L, 0-1) allowed the game-tying homer to Lugbauer in the ninth and the walk-off single to Tolve in the tenth.
Lugbauer’s homer was his second in as many games for Mississippi, and the 13th in his career against the Blue Wahoos to lead all active Southern League opponents.
José Montilla worked the first four innings for the Braves in a spot start, and Hayden Deal, Jake McSteen and Kyle Wilcox (W, 1-0) each contributed 2.0 scoreless innings of relief to keep Pensacola from adding to their lead.
The Blue Wahoos remain 5.0 games clear of second place Biloxi and Montgomery in the South Division with 28 games to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer, Blue Wahoos; photo Chris Harris Mississippi Braves
Cantonment Man Charged With Allegedly Choking His Girlfriend
May 24, 2023
A Cantonment man is facing charges after allegedly choking his girlfriend on two different occasions.
Brandon Charles Manley, 23, was charged with two felony counts of domestic battery by strangulation and two counts of felony battery with a prior conviction.
Manley allegedly choked his girlfriend on May 1 and May 22. She told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she began slamming car doors during a verbal altercation with Manley. He grabbed her, shoved her around the house, hit her, choked her and impeded her ability to breathe, according to an arrest report.
“This has been an ongoing occurrence where Manley has choked her. In the past she has been afraid to report Manley’s actions to law enforcement due to fear of retaliation,” the arrest report states.
According to the ECSO, Manley was previously convicted of battery in October 2019.
Manley remained in the Escambia County Jail due to a probation violation charge.