Florida Attorney General Activates Price Gouging Hotline During State Of Emergency
September 24, 2024
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline following a state of emergency declaration for areas of the state preparing for what will likely become Hurricane Helene later this week.
Florida’s price gouging law applies to items and services essential to getting ready for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency.
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as equipment, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber and water needed as a direct result of the weather event.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. For more information on price gouging, access Attorney General Moody’s Scams at a Glance: Price Gouging resource by clicking here.
DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency That Includes Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties
September 24, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa in advance of a storm that is forecast to become Hurricane Helene.
“There is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast,” DeSantis said.
The order allows the state to maximize resources and cooperative efforts to prepare for the storm.
The complete list of counties including in the emergency declaration are: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
Baptist Marks One Year In New $650 Million Building, 1350 New Employees
September 24, 2024
Baptist Hospital is celebrating its one-year anniversary at its new location at Brent Lane and I-110.
The new Baptist Hospital emergency doors opened at 3 a.m. on September 23, 2023, at which time the very first patient arrived. Beginning at 5 a.m., all patients at the E at Moreno Street campus were safely transported to the new Brent Lane location by noon. Completing the historical move was the result of intensive planning and a collaborative effort of 1,100 Baptist team members, multiple area emergency response teams and many community partners.
Baptist said 1,350 new team members, including 400 registered nurses, have been hired since the $650 million hospital opened.
Other facts about the first year at the new campus include more than
- 728 new job positions added
- 11,200 surgeries performed
- 1 million phone calls to Baptist Hospital switchboard and medical practices
- 323,400 patient meals served
“It has been an incredible year, and we are honored that our community trusts us to care for them and their loved ones,” said Mark Faulkner, president and CEO, Baptist Health Care. “We are proud of our new campus and the level of care it allows us to deliver. We are even more proud of our amazing team members across the organization who continuously provide the best possible care and experience for our patients. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them and their support and dedication to our patients, each other and our community at large.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
‘Bee Present – Bee Powerful’ — Bratt Elementary Celebrates Escambia Schools Attendance Awareness Month
September 24, 2024
September is Attendance Awareness Month for Escambia County Public Schools. Bratt Elementary School marked the month with a coloring contest for students. Grand level winners are pictured. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Fishing Violations
September 24, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While on patrol in the Pensacola Pass, Officer Lugg observed a commercial fishing vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico heading toward a commercial offloading dock. Officer Lugg could not locate a three-hour notification of landing declaration time through any source and observed the vessel appeared to have been returning from fishing. Officer Lugg with the assistance of Officer Bower traveled to the commercial offloading dock and found the vessel had docked. The officers made contact with the captain who stated he had been fishing under commercial limits but had no species managed under the IFQ (individual fishing quota) program on board and did not need to report his landing. A marine fisheries inspection located approximately 175 pounds of red snapper in multiple fish holds on the vessel as well as vermillion snapper. Undersized commercial length red snapper was also located during the inspection. During a records search, the captain was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The individual was arrested for the warrant and charged with possession of undersized red snapper and issued federal citations for failing to provide a three-hour notification of landing (reporting fish in possession/sold) and for failing to follow VMS (vessel monitoring system) protocol, which is active at all times while on the water.
While on patrol at the Palafox Pier, Officer Lugg observed a subject returning from fishing carrying fishing gear and a cooler. Officer Lugg conducted a fisheries inspection and located an undersized gray snapper in a cooler under a large amount of glass minnows. Officer Lugg was about to inspect a large cooler in the subject’s vehicle when the subject stated there may be a large redfish in the cooler. The subject possessed an undersized out-of-season gag grouper, an oversized redfish, undersized spotted trout, and undersized gray snapper that exceeded the recreational bag limit. The subject was cited accordingly.
Officer Waters conducted a resource inspection on an individual who was fishing. The subject stated he had caught some mullet. The officer found an undersized black drum and a gray snapper that had been harvested with a cast net in the cooler. The subject was cited accordingly.
Lieutenant Corbin was on patrol at a local boat ramp when he observed a vessel returning from flounder fishing. A resource inspection revealed several fish were inside a cooler, including a redfish that had been gigged. One of the occupants admitted to gigging the redfish and was issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
Lieutenant Corbin located a derelict vessel while patrolling Bayou Chico. The vessel was approximately 50 percent submerged and sitting on the bottom. The cabin was holding several feet of water and the mast was broken. The owner of the vessel was located and issued a notice to appear citation for storing a derelict vessel on state waters.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Roberson were patrolling on the Gulf Breeze side of the three-mile bridge when they observed a vehicle with a fishing vessel parked under the bridge. Officer Bower contacted the individuals who had been fishing and conducted a resource inspection. The officer was given permission to look at coolers inside the individual’s vehicle. The inspection revealed they were in possession of a whole stone crab, which was out of season. Officer Bower issued a notice to appear for the violation.
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.
Missing 7-Month-Old Found Safe, Non-Custodial Father Arrested
September 24, 2024
A 7-month-old boy missing from Escambia County has been found, and his non-custodial father has been arrested.
Darryl Duane Folmar was last seen Monday in the 1400 block of Clio Drive. He was late rlocated safe Monday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said earlier that the c was believed to be with his father, 35-year-old Darryl Folmar, who does not have custody. Folmar is now in the Escambia County Jail.
Further details were not immediately available.
Man Charged With Murder After Fatal Sunday Night Shooting In Beulah
September 23, 2024
One person was shot and killed Sunday night near Beulah, and a suspect has been arrested.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fire on Rebel Acres Lane about 9:15 p.m. Deputies arrived to find an unidentified 40-year-old man dead in the yard with a gunshot wound.
The suspect, 33-year-old Dennis Saul Herrera Canale was booked into the Escambia County Jail at 4:49 a.m. Monday on a charge of second degree murder. He is being held without bond.
The sheriff’s office said Herrera Canale and the victim has been roommates at some point and the shooting happened after they got into a disagreement.
The investigation is continuing.
Waste Company Proposes Vegetative Debris Incinerator In Cantonment
September 23, 2024
UPDATE: The public hearing that was set for Tuesday will be postponed but the proposal remains. Details at the bottom of the story.
An Escambia County company is proposing to use an incinerator to burn vegetative debris at their facility near Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Creek Waste and Recycling is seeking a conditional use approval to use an incinerator to burn land clearing vegetative debris at its existing operating location at 2560 South Highway 95A near East Roberts Road. According to the company, the operation will consist of burning land clearing debris in an above-ground firebox. The resulting ash will be mixed (recycled) with topsoil and be transported off site.
The company plans to use a VRI — volume reduction incinerator — with its own fuel tank on their existing developed site. Creek Waste says it will not require potable water, sewer service or electrical service. The triangular property is bordered by Highway 95A, East Roberts Road and the CSX railroad. There are no directly adjoining parcels.
The proposed incinerator is smokeless, according to the company, and will cover 492 square feet and will only be used during regular operating hours. with minimal odor or other nuisances (sample photo provided by the company below).
The site currently is used by dump trucks and construction equipment as part of the normal daily operation of Creek Waste.
The Escambia County Commission was set to hold a public hearing on the conditional use determination Tuesday, but it will be postponed due to a public notice error. A new date has not been set.
FHP Pursuit Ends With Six-Vehicle Crash, Two Arrests
September 23, 2024
Two suspects were arrested on multiple charges after a Florida Highway Patrol pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into five other vehicles Saturday afternoon.
The crash occurred on North 12th Avenue south of East Jordan Street about 2:15 p.m. in Escambia County.
FHP said a Blue Nissan Altima was fleeing from a traffic stop when it collided with five other vehicles and other property. There were no serious injuries in the crash.
The driver, 25-year-old Antione Lamar Smith (pictured bottom right) was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams and trafficking in fentanyl. The passenger, 21-year-old Tariq Jameel Watson (pictured bottom left) was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams and trafficking in fentanyl.
Smith remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond. Watson was jailed with bond set at $57,500.
This was one of two FHP pursuits that ended in a traffic crash over the weekend in Escambia County. Click here for details on the other incident.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
September 23, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway) Pensacola Seafood Festival from Tarragona Street to 9th Avenue – Motorists will encounter a road closure starting 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 through 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 for the Pensacola Seafood Festival.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Sept. 22:
- The I-10 eastbound on-ramp detour at the U.S. 29 interchange has been rescheduled to open the week of Sept. 22 and will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- Sunday, Sept. 22 through Thursday, Sept. 26, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction– Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Tuesday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 26, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary detour.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 is shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Brent Lane and West Scott Street, Sunday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Cervantes Street) Coring Operations at North 12th Avenue – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Sept. 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 Routine Maintenance from North Baylen Street to North Spring Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole rehabilitation.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to County Road (C.R.) 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27 as crews install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Sept. 22 through Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 27, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.