Extension Cord To Blame For Ferry Pass Mobile Home Fire
February 7, 2022
Escambia County Fire Rescue says an extension cord is to blame for a mobile home in Ferry Pass.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-wide in the 8300 block of Kipling Street just after 5 p.m. Friday.
There were no injuries, but the home was a total loss.
The fire was sparked by sparks from an extension cord, according to ECFR.
Gas Prices Up Another 12 Cents Since Last Week
February 7, 2022
Florida gas prices jumped another 12 cents last week, rising a total of 24 cents in two weeks. Sunday’s state average of $3.47 per gallon is the most expensive daily average price since July 2014.
The average price per gallon was $3.29 in Escambia County. A low of $3.29 could be found at a few stations Sunday night in North Escambia, while prices bottomed out at $3.09 in Pensacola.
On Friday, the U.S. price for crude oil settled above $90 a barrel for the first time since October 2014. Friday’s settlement of $92.1 per barrel is $5.49/b more than the week before, and $7.66/b more than last year’s high.
Since oil is a key ingredient in gasoline, the price of oil influences about half the total price of what drivers pay at the pump. So far this year, the U.S price for crude oil has risen 21%. That $16 increase in crude is the equivalent of a 40 cent swing in gasoline prices. So far this year, gas prices have risen 27 cents, which means pump prices may rise another 13 cents before fully adjusting to the latest oil price hike.
“Unfortunately it looks like the pain at the pump may continue to worsen, after oil prices saw another strong round of gains last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The upward momentum in crude prices has been driven by geopolitical concerns related to Russia, cold weather and underwhelming global crude output. The price of crude rose $6 last week, which if sustained, could trigger another 10-15 cent hike at the pump in the coming weeks.”
State Law Enforcement Charges Two In Escambia Retail Theft Ring
February 6, 2022
Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) targeted organized retail theft rings in Escambia County as part of “Operation Secret Shopper,” leading to the arrests of two people.
OALE collaborated with a national retailer to identify several members of theft rings known to conceal Romex electrical wire rolls in shopping carts and pass all points of sale without paying for the items. The thieves are known to sell stolen wire directly to the public or to area metal recyclers.
Law enforcement investigators used direct surveillance techniques to observe Scott Hollingsworth and two other suspects steal wire rolls and lighting valued at $2,461.42 from a local retail store. Following day, OALE law enforcement investigators observed Patrick Callahan steal wire rolls and a rug valued at $1,006.56 from a local retail store.
Scott Mariane Hollingsworth, 39, was charged with felony grand theft, using or possessing the identification of another person, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Warrants are also being sought for Hollingsworth’s accomplices.
Patrick Michael Callahan, 62, was charged with felony grand theft, and possession of a controlled substance.
Both suspects remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning.
Romex wire is electrical cable used to wire circuits for wall outlets, lights and more.
Multiple Injuries In Highway 29, Highway 97 Crash
February 6, 2022
Three people were reported injured in a trafic crash Saturday night on Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino.
One adult was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital by LifeFlight helicopter following the 8:45 p.m. crash. An adult and juvenile were reported to have also suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
The crash closed southbound Highway 29 for a period of time.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Police Officer Struck By Vehicle
February 6, 2022
A Pensacola Police Department officer was struck by a vehicle Saturday night.
It happened about 10:05 p.m. on Scenic Highway near Mandolete Street, south of Langley Avenue.
Police said the officer was on scene of a separate traffic crash investigation when struck by another uninvolved vehicle.
The officer was transported in stable condition to a local hospital for treatment. Further details were not immediately released.
File photo.
Expect Overnight Lane Closures All Week On The Pensacola Bay Bridge
February 6, 2022
Drivers can expect delays each night this week on the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
From 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday, February 6 through Saturday, February 12 crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the new westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) bridge.
In addition, Bayfront Parkway eastbound near the Pensacola Bay Bridge will be shifted onto the roundabout to access U.S. 98 during this time. The lane shifts will allow crews to place rip rap, or shoreline protection, along Bayfront Parkway.
Hundreds Of Emergency Rental Assistance Applications Pending Or Denied; Here’s How To Apply
February 6, 2022
Escambia County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19 can still apply for help from the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
As of late last week, hundreds of applications were still in-progress or had been denied. Here is the latest status.
Program applications:
- Total tenant applications: 2,275
- In progress: 1,126
- Under review: 13 (31 under a second review)
- Pending information: 174
- Pending landlord: 20
- Denied, withdrawn or duplicates: 568
Approximates funds expended:
- $150,000 paid
- $340,000 submitted
- $280,000 this week
- $700,000 approved
- $200,000 recurring monthly
Escambia County received $9,611,771 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and $7,605,344 from the American Rescue Plan.
According to Andie Gibson, Escambia County media and public information manager, applications can be denied for a variety of reasons such as not meeting the eligibility criteria, no response from the applicant for more than 60 days or fraud associated with the applications.
“Some common issues we are seeing with pending tenant applications include no proof of COVID hardship, incomplete lease documents, not meeting the eligibility requirements for income, or the tenant has already received assistance from OurFlorida,” Gibson said. Applications are not eligible if they have received rental assistance from another agency.
“Common issues among pending landlord applications include missing forms (specifically W-9s) or other statements, related parties, or the landlord simply does not want to participate,” Gibson said.
The application portal is now open and available clicking or tapping here. Call (850) 403-6044 to make an appointment for in-person assistance, or see a list of libraries below.
Emergency rental assistance may be provided to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Have total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have not received any other rental assistance for the requested months
Both the renter and the landlord must submit an application through the portal. Reimbursement will be paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. View eligibility requirements and see if you qualify here.
The program can cover up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County. Additional details for rental assistance for landlords and renters can be found at MyEscambia.com/erap.
Escambia County ERAP Policies and Procedures are in alignment with the U.S Treasury Department’s guidelines (full policies and procedures).
Email ERAP@myescambia.zendesk.com or call (850) 403-6044 with any questions.
Citizens may use the computers at the following public libraries to complete their application:
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Escambia County Auctioning Parcel In Central Commerce Park
February 5, 2022
Escambia County is auctioning off a vacant lot in the Central Commerce Park off Highway 29 Cantonment.
The 2.7 acre parcel at 1601 Success Drive is zoned for heavy commercial and light industrial. The property can only be used for light manufacturing, warehouse, wholesale distribution, office or research and development facilities. Retail sales are allowed only ancillary to those purposes.
The auction closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8. As of very early Saturday morning, the current bid stood at $36,100.
For complete details, or to place a bid, click or tap here.
Century’s Natural Gas System Passes Public Service Commission Inspection
February 5, 2022
The Town of Century Gas Department recently underwent an annual pipeline safety evaluation.
Florida Public Service Commission engineering staff makes annual evaluations of the facilities under the control of each operator to determine compliance with state and federal safety rules and regulations applicable to pipeline facilities and the transportation of natural gas.
The town’s only negative finding was the failure conduct and effectiveness evaluation of a public education program, according to the report.
Century’s natural gas system has 62.5 miles of steel and plastic mains with 906 service connections, and six sampling test points for odorization. There are also 11 emergency valves and one gate station.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
TSA PreCheck Temporary Enrollment Center Coming To Pensacola Airport
February 5, 2022
Enrollment for the popular Transportation Security Administration PreCheck expedited screening program is coming to the Pensacola International Airport at a TSA PreCheck Temporary Enrollment Center on Monday, Feb. 28 through Friday, March 4.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a more efficient screening experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. The program has more than 450 lanes at over U.S. airports.
Hours of operation for the Temporary Enrollment Center at the Pensacola airport will be 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. The center will be located in the airport administration office on the second floor of Pensacola International Airport.
Travelers must apply online and make an appointment for the TSA Pre-Check® Temporary Enrollment Center at Pensacola International Airport.
All applicable COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Attendees are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
Follow these steps to enroll:
- Click here to access the application page
- Click “Start Application Now,” then click “New Enrollment”
- Fill out steps and choose “Next” at the bottom of each screen
- Type in your location at Zip code/City/Airport Code box – search
- Choose location “Pop Up: PNS, 2/28-3/4” and click “Next”
- Select your desired appointment time (Please be sure to make note of your appointment time; no reminders will be sent out.)
To complete the application process, you will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver’s license). If you have a valid U.S. passport, that is all you need for ID.
The application process is completed on-site, where TSA captures fingerprints for a background check and collects the $85 application for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.