Escambia County Hires New Facilities Management Director
September 20, 2021
Escambia County has hired Rob Hogan as the director of facilities management.
Hogan’s first day on the job will be September 28. He brings more than 24 years of management experience and more than 20 years of progressive facility management and construction experience. Hogan most recently has served as the director of facilities and interim director of purchasing for Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey, since 2016.
“I am really excited by the possibilities presented with this opportunity and serving the Escambia County community,” said Hogan. “Having been life-long residents of New Jersey, Kath and I are looking forward to relocating to the sunny gulf coast of Florida.”
The Facilities Management Department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and security of county-owned and leased buildings, along with utilities, capital lease management, space needs planning and oversight of capital improvement and renovation projects at all county facilities. Its divisions include Custodial Services, Design & Construction Administration Team, Maintenance, and Utilities.
Hogan earned an MBA and a bachelor’s in science degree in business management from Rowan University as well as associate in science degrees in chemistry, hazardous materials management, and chemical engineering from Gloucester County College. He also earned the following certifications: Facilities Management Professional from International Facilities Management Association, Educational Facilities Manager and Educational Transportation Supervisor from Rutgers University/NJ Department of Education, FEMA-LS363 Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education.
Florida Gas Prices Up Average 10 Cents As Production Remains Lower
September 20, 2021
Florida gas prices are now holding steady after unexpectedly jumping 10 cents last week. The state average price of $3.10 per gallon is a new 2021 high, seven cents more than the previous high, set back in early August.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $3.04, up two cents from a week ago and the same as a month ago. Several stations in Cantonment were at the $2.99 price point Sunday night, while one of the Pensacola wholesale clubs came in at $2.86.
Pump prices increased alongside rising crude oil and gasoline futures prices. The price of crude increased 4% last week on reports that Gulf of Mexico energy infrastructure is still recovering from Hurricane Ida.
Most of the onshore oil refineries — that went offline because of the hurricane — have reportedly already or are in the process of restarting. However, weekly EIA data showed that offshore oil production remained low. Weekly figures from the EIA show US crude production dropped 13%, to hit a 2-year low of 10 million barrels per day. That figure improved by 1% to 10.1 million barrels per day last week.
One Injured When Pickup Flips Near Oak Grove
September 19, 2021
One person was injured when a pickup truck rolled over near Oak Grove Sunday morning.
The driver of the Ford Super Duty lost control in double curves on North Highway 99 south of Breastworks Road about 7:45 a.m. The truck overturned, coming to rest upright on the shoulder of the road.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: 30,000 Pound Food Giveaway Next Saturday In Cantonment
September 19, 2021
A 30,000 pound food giveaway will be held next Saturday, September 25 in Cantonment.
The event will take place on a first come, first served basis from 8-10 a.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. The giveaway is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Cantonment Improvement Committee and Trailer Parts Plus of Florida.
Organizers say they plan to hold the large food distribution once per quarter.
Cantonment Lodge Adopts Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher
September 19, 2021
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 has adopted Ernest Ward Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teacher Alexander Fitzgerald (pictured in brown jacket). The Lodge presented Fitzgerald with a $250 donation and a donation of supplies recently. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
By The Numbers: Escambia Reports 1,233 New COVID-19 Cases
September 19, 2021
There were 1,233 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 224 COVID-19 hospitalizations..
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 51,382 (+1,233)
Positivity rate last week: 17.3%
Current total hospitalizations: 224
Over age 18 and over hospitalizations: 220
Under age 18 hospitalized: 4
Total deaths last 7 days: 26 (CDC data)
Escambia County Vaccinations
People vaccinated: 147,016 (+1,680)
Total Population of Escambia County Partially Vaccinated: 52.7%
Total Population of Escambia County Fully Vaccinated: 43.7%
*These numbers are the percent of total Escambia County population vaccinated. Not the percentage of hospitalized individuals.
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 30,625 (+811)
Positivity rate last week: 18.9%
People vaccinated: 85,784 (+1,088)
Partial vaccination rate (age 12+): 53%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 3,485,163 (+75,906)
Case positivity rate: 11.2%
Deaths: 51,240 (+384)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate The number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities is no longer provided by FDOH.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Spots To Watch
September 19, 2021
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
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 25. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- 17th Avenue interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound is closed at Gregory Street. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and the boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. In addition, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and approximately D Street as crews perform median improvement work. Motorists are reminded the speed between Dominguez Street and A Street is 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 to allow crews to pave driveway tie-ins and place the final layer of asphalt.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane closures and traffic shifts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations and other construction activities.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Sept. 20 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from South of Muscogee Road (C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 24 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- S.R. 298 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20 Thursday, Sept. 21 as crews perform paving operations and other construction activities
- Burgess Road (S.R. 742) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, as crews repair a gas line.
- Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) Construction Activities at Sorrento Road – There will be southbound intermittent lane closures at the intersection of Sorrento Road 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 23 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 29 Turn Lane Construction at the new Circle K Store – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures between West Roberts Road and Crowe Lane 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 23.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 24. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no anticipated traffic impacts.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the Blackwater River bridge 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 23 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Nine Mile Road at the North Palafox intersection, as seen from the Highway 29 overpass. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sneak Peek: Planting Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families
September 19, 2021
Every November, NorthEscambia.com takes you to Farm City Week, and this year we are giving you an early sneak peak.
During Farm City Week, a couple of hundred or so student volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties work for a day in the fields near Jay to harvest collards, bag sweet potatoes, and more that will feed needy families at Thanksgiving.
This week, the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay planted collards donated by Wendt Farm and Nursery. They collards be ready just in time to harvest for Thanksgiving meals for about 1,000 families in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast and Waterfront Rescue Mission.
At the bottom of the page, you can see the harvested collards in 2019.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No. 1 UWF Gets Win Over No. 13 Texas A&M Commerce (With Photo Gallery)
September 19, 2021
Top-ranked UWF scored 21 unanswered points and held No. 13 Texas A&M Commerce to 67 yards of total offense after halftime in a 35-17 win at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
UWF (3-0) had 434 yards of total offense with a 6.5 yards per play average. A&M Commerce (1-2) finished with 231 yards of offense.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Austin Reed threw for 274 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while leading the Argonauts to scoring drives on five of their eight possessions before ending the game in victory formation inside the Lions’ 10-yard line.
Shomari Mason powered an aggressive rushing attack with 94 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Jervon Newton and Anthony Johnson, Jr. each ran for a score as the trio combined for 169 yards on the ground and 4.6 yards per rush. Seven of UWF’s 12 live ball first downs in the second half were on the ground.
The UWF defense was stout all game long but put on a clinic in the second half. In addition to limiting A&M Commerce to 231 yards of total offense on the night, they sacked Jaiave Magalei five times and forced two turnovers in the fourth quarter. Trent Archie had eight tackles and two sacks, while Stephon Williams had eight stops and a sack as well.
The Lions played deliberate, ball control offense in the first half, using 17:53 of time of possession to build a 17-14 lead, including taking advantage of a muffed punt in the final minute of the half that led to a field goal. But UWF’s defense forced A&M Commerce to punt after drives of six and three plays, allowing the explosive Argo offense to get going.
Reed led scoring drives of eight plays, five plays and five plays while building the big lead. Newton and Mason each got to the end zone and David Durden was untouched as he caught a 19-yard crossing route in the end zone.
The win extended the UWF winning streak to a record nine games, while establishing new benchmarks for consecutive road wins and consecutive wins over ranked opponents, both of which are now at six games apiece. It was also the team’s fifth-straight road win over a ranked team as they improved to 10-5 all-time on the road against top-25 opponents.
UWF returns home next week for its first game at Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2021. The Argos will play host to the University of Fort Lauderdale (0-2) at 6 p.m. Tailgate lots at Community Maritime Park open at 2 p.m. and stadium gates open at 5 p.m.
The Blue Wahoos Stadium Box Office opens at 3 p.m.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos: Courtesy Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Rejects Mask Mandate
September 18, 2021
The Escambia County School Board on Friday rejected the idea of future discussion of a mask mandate for the county’s schools.
At a workshop meeting, several members of the public discussed the desire for mandatory masking, prompting the board discussion.
“I have had several conversations with Dr. Smith over the summer, so he can verify that I have not been happy,” board member Patty Hightower said. “I told him I was ready to go after the governor.”
Hightower said she was in favor of a discussing masks at a future school board meeting, but she wanted to make sure the public had proper notice that it would be on an agenda to give people on all sides of the issue a chance to weigh in. She asked the board if there was any support for a special meeting.
“As a parent, as a human being, I tend to agree with your side of the story,” board member Laura Edler told those speaking that supported masks at Friday’s meeting. “But if the other side comes also, I will do that same assessment. I believe as a board member, I’m in a Catch-22. If I favor with you all, I’m wrong. If I favor with the other group who doesn’t want masks, I’m wrong.”
“But I can tell you, your message was not overlooked,” added Edler. “I can’t tell you about the rest of the board members, but you got to my heart.”
“I’m also not in support of a mandatory mask mandate of any kind, I’ll put that out there right now. I don’t see why we need to meet on it,” board member Kevin Adams said. “My vote would be against any kind of mandatory mask mandate.”
“Somewhere along the line, we’ve got to get back to our business educating our children,” Adams said.
“My personal preference is to tell people wear a mask, but I cannot, and I will not, mandate that somebody does something,” board member Paul Fetsko said. “I will wear a mask, but I am not going to vote to make somebody wear a mask.
“I believe that parents that believe children should be wearing masks can convince them to wear masks, and they should, “said board member Bill Slayton. “If you believe your child should wear a mask, tell them to wear the mask. Don’t come tell us (the school board) to tell them. I fell like you are copping out to make us force a mask mandate. I’m sorry, I cannot support that.”
The board never took a formal vote, with Slayton saying it was obvious the board was not in favor of mandating masks, asking Smith for any comments.
“No, it’s up to you. That you for the discussion” Smith told the board. “That gives me clarity.”
As of Friday night, the Escambia district reported 216 students and 41 staff positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and an additional 691 students in quarantine.
Pictured: Escambia County School Board members Bill Slayton (top), Laura Edler (middle inset) an Paul Fetsko (below) during a board workshop on Friday. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
