Escambia Reports 61 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week
June 19, 2021
There were 61 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
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 has been removed.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,084 (+61)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 2.7%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,482 (+41)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 7.0%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,310,881 (+10,629)
Case positivity rate: 3.2%
Deaths: 37,555 (+43)
Tropical Storm Warning: Local Need To Know Information
June 18, 2021
Escambia County is under a tropical storm warning. Here is the local need to know information from Escambia County:
Potential for minimal tropical storm force winds (mainly in gusts of 40-50 mph) along the coast. Flooding and life threatening surf/rip currents are the primary threats with this system.
Escambia County Emergency Management is taking preparatory actions by up-staffing Public Safety for the next 36 hours. If flooding occurs residents should take pictures of flood water lines on their residences for documentation as soon as its safe to do so.
“Escambia County Emergency Management would like to continue to remind residents to prepare now for possible flooding and rip currents with this system,” said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “Additionally, we would like visitors to take the red flag warning seriously and stay out of the water due to possible life-threatening rip currents. Please listen to the local lifeguards and officials to remain safe.”
For safety purposes, the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) has canceled the Pensacola Beach Island Trolley services on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19.
Free Sand Available
Escambia County is offering free sand for residentsliving in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Flooding Safety Tips
- With possible flooding forecast for our area, please do not drive into hazardous flood water and remember to Turn Around Don’t Drown®. Follow these flood safety tips:
- Get to higher ground – Get out of areas subject to flooding.
- Do not drive into water – Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6″ of water to knock you off your feet and 2 feet of water to carry away a vehicle.
- Stay informed – Monitor NorthEscambia.com, NorthEscambia.com on Facebook, local radar, television, local radio, or weather radio.
Water Safety Tips
Red flags are flying – DO NOT GO IN THE WATER TO SWIM OR WADE – The water is closed to swimmers.
How Much Will Terminated Administrator Gilley Get In Severance Pay? And Here’s What She Thinks Of Her Job Performance
June 18, 2021
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday afternoon to immediately terminate Administrator Janice Gilley.
Under her contract, Gilley will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 20 weeks of her $185,000 salary. That equates just over $71,150. The county will also provide for her health and detail insurance for six months under the sames terms as if she were an employee, in addition to any coverage that might be available under COBRA.
Before the commission’s 4-1 vote to end her contract about a year early, Gilley distributed a 16-page self-authored handout highlighting her accomplishments over the past two years. The document is below.
For more details on Gilley’s termination, click or tap here.
This Century Bridge Was Closed About A Year And A Half Ago. The Town Can’t Afford To Fix It.
June 18, 2021
A Century bridge remains closed nearly a year and a half after it was discovered to be near collapse, and the town can’t afford to fix it.
On January 29, 2020, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure. Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or have extreme deterioration.
The closure turned Freedom Road into a cul-de-sac with one way in and one way out for residents, including the Camellia Gardens apartment complex.
Interim City Manager Vernon Prather said at a recent town council meeting that Century simply does not have the money to fix the bridge. Repair costs have been estimated to be more than $300,000.
Century is set to receive $780,000 from the American Rescue Plan, a federal COVID-19 stimulus program. The town will receive half the money this year, and the other half with another year. Prather told the council they could allocate those funds for repairing the bridge, but no formal action has been taken.
“We haven’t forgot about it,” Prather said. If there comes an opportunity for a grant or other COVID money, we will certainly present that to the council.”
In January 2020, Mott McDonald engineers conducted a limited inspection of the bridge and found the following problems:
- A backwall has deflected toward the water, pushing piles toward the water and causing them to rotate, split and no longer bear weight.
- One bridge piling has a split at the top of the pile, but it is providing some support.
- A second pile has been pushed completely out and no longer supports the bridge.
- A third pile has split, and only half the pile is providing support.
- A fourth pile has deterioration with only a three-inch diameter section remaining about six feet below the bridge. The outer pile section has broken.
- There is soil loss behind a backwall.
- There is a large void underneath the roadway on the east side the bridge
“We cannot predict when the…backwall lateral loads will complete fail…causing the bridge the collapse,” engineer Bart Hendricks wrote in his report. “We also cannot predict when the roadway over the void on the southeast corner will collapse”
The age of the bridge was not provided to the engineer, but he determined the timber pilings may be at or beyond the typical life of 30 years. “A better long-term financial decision may be to replace this structure rather than perform repairs,” Hendricks wrote.
Photos/graphics for and by NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are Some Rainy Weekend Summer Reading Resources From The Escambia County School District
June 18, 2021
The Escambia County School District is encouraging students to read over the summer, and they are offering some resources to help find that perfect summer reading material for our rainy tropical weekend.
The district has set a goal to have students collectively read 200,000 minutes. They are encouraging students to record their reading minutes in Beanstack and help their school win the nation-wide Level Up! Summer Reading Challenge.
For the ECSD’s summer reading resources for students of all ages, click or tap here.
Mahan, Bleday Drive in 5 Runs In Wahoos Win
June 18, 2021
Max Meyer pitched on a tightrope, putting himself in difficult situations with seven walks and his earlier-than-planned exit.
But as another progressive sign in his rookie pro career, he didn’t give up a run and his Pensacola teammates, led by fellow top pick JJ Bleday responded at the plate to build a lead that held up for a 5-3 victory Thursday night against the Montgomery Biscuits.
With this being a Thursday, Pensacola transformed into the Mullets with their colorful uniforms in a nod to the fans’ No. 2 choice for a name back in the inaugural 2012 season.
A crowd of 4,403 watched the Blue Wahoos rebound from a 7-3 loss Wednesday and entertain on Thirsty Thursday.
Meyer, 22, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft from Minnesota, threw a pro-career high 90 pitches in just four innings, but only 40 of those were strikes.
It led to those seven walks, plus he hit a batter in the second inning. A week ago against Chattanooga, Meyer’s four walks were his season high.
But despite his erratic location, Meyer battled his way through the four innings, giving up just one hit. In three of those innings, the Biscuits had two baserunners.
That was proved pivotal as the Blue Wahoos improved to 23-16 and took a 2-1 lead in this homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium
The Blue Wahoos scored runs in the first, second and fourth to build a lead, then added two more in the seventh.
Bleday and second baseman Riley Mahan had big night, both going 2-for-4 at the plate and accounting for all five RBI. Bleday’s two-run single in the seventh-inning proved decisive.
Dylan Bice followed Meyer on the mound with three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit to earn his third win. Colton Hock threw a clean eighth inning.
In the ninth, Tyler Mitzel, who joined the Blue Wahoos from the High-A Beloit Snappers, hung on after hitting a batter and giving up a two-run single.
The series is set to continue Friday with Edward Cabrera, the Miami Marlins No. 4 rated prospect, set to make his Double-A debut in Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos are constantly monitoring the tropical weather system in the Gulf of Mexico that is expected to impact the Pensacola area.
As of early Friday morning, the expectation is to complete the weekend series as scheduled.
The Blue Wahoos gave Meyer immediate support.
With one out in the first inning, Peyton Burdick walked, then went to third on an errant pickoff throw from Biscuits starter Tabias Meyers.
Bleday followed with a run-scoring single to left field.
In the second, Lazaro Alonzo doubled down the left field line. Mahan followed with a RBI single to center.
In the fourth inning, Mahn had an RBI double. He was robbed of a three-hit night in the eighth by a diving catch from left fielder Cal Stevenson.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Escambia County Commission Terminates Administrator Janice Gilley Effective Immediately
June 17, 2021
The Escambia County Commission has terminated Administrator Janice Gilley, two years into her three year contract.
Commissioner Steven Barry made a motion during a meeting Thursday afternoon to consider Gilley’s employment contract concluded immediately. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jeff Bergosh.
The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Doug Underhill voting no.
“I’ve had the honor of serving for the past two years,” Gilley said after the vote, praising the county staff. “While much has been accomplished, there is still much to do to bring this county and its operations into the 21st century. I do look forward to watching that progress. As I have stated many times before, this is my home, and I love it.”
Gilley will receive severance pay as provided in her contract.
On a motion by Barry and a second by Bergosh, the commission voted 4-1, with Underill dissenting, to make Public Works (Roads & Bridges) Director & Deputy County Administrator Wes Moreno as acting county administrator. Moreno has been employed by Escambia County since 1987.
“I’ve come to the opinion that sometimes things don’t work out like you hope,” said Barry, who said no one issue led to his decision. “I believe wholeheartedly that she went into it with the best of intent…I know that I went into this with the best of intent. ”
“From my point of view, it’s just not a good fit, and it’s just not working out,” Barry continued. He offered no specifics, instead saying, “I don’t have interest in airing complaints — dirty laundry.”
“She’s always been willing to work with me,” Commissioner Bergosh.
“I’ve lost some confidence based upon the way people are treated,” Bergosh continued, referring to personnel issues and several large legal settlements. “There’s no doubt that Administrator Gilley has done a lot of things right…but there’s been other issues that’s really dragged us into areas were we didn’t have to be dragged into. ”
“You are the single greatest threat to the way we have always done business in Escambia County,” said Commissioner Underhill, praising Gilley for making tough decisions and changes to the status quo. “I applaud you; that’s what we hired you for. That’s exactly what we said we wanted a couple of years ago. You are that threat; your team is that threat.”
“I’m sensitive to having personnel discussions in a public forum…I will not publicly evaluate anyone,” Commissioner Lumon May said.
Bergosh previously noted that the only way commissioners could collectively discuss the administrator would be in an advertised public forum due to the Sunshine Law.
Commissioner Robert Bender responded only with a simple “no” when asked if he had any comments about Gilley’s performance.
“We have been friends nearly 20 years, and I still consider Janice a friend. I sincerely wish her the best with what the future has in store for her. Even having the best of intentions, sometimes things do not work out like you hope,” Barry told NorthEscambia.com after the conclusion of the meeting.
“I am honored to have had the past two years to lead this amazing team of Directors and hundreds of employees in support of services for our community,” Gilley said in a written statement following the meeting “For that I thank the Board. While there are many stories and memories, I will never forget asking for live munitions to scuttle a barge headed for the I-10 Bridge during Hurricane Sally. Or the joy experienced at each celebration for the summer youth program – to see the hope for the future in those young people. While much has been accomplished, there is still much to do to bring the County and its operations into the 21st Century. I look forward to watching that progress, as I have stated many times before, this is my home, and I love it and only want what is best for everyone here.”
All Four Lanes Now Open On The Pensacola Bay Bridge
June 17, 2021
The Florida Department of Transportation has reopened the Pensacola Bay Bridge to four lanes of traffic this morning, re-establishing the safe and efficient connection between the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola. The traffic pattern has reverted to the configuration on the bridge prior to when it was damaged by Hurricane Sally on September 18, 2020.
The temporary configuration for the eastbound span provides two lanes of eastbound and two lanes of westbound traffic with no load restrictions, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. The speed limit is temporarily set at 35 mph. Repairs to the multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists are expected to be complete Fall 2021.
To quickly clear travel lanes following vehicle incidents, assist drivers in the event of mechanical breakdowns, and keep the bridge free of debris, FDOT’s Road Ranger Service Patrol will be stationed on each end of the bridge from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. At other times, at least one unit will be on-call and available.
FDOT is regularly reviewing the contractor’s schedule of the entire Pensacola Bay Bridge Project with the anticipated completion date for all improvements currently scheduled for Spring 2022. Once complete, the new bridge will consist of two parallel structures, each with three 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, the project includes the reconstruction of the intersection of State Road (S.R.) 30 (U.S. 98/Gregory Street) and S.R. 196 (Bayfront Parkway) at 17th Avenue.
Tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge will be reinstated on Sunday, June 20.
DeSantis: Florida Law Enforcement To Help Secure Border With Mexico; ECSO Committed To Sending Aid
June 17, 2021
Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that state and local law enforcement officers have committed to deploying to Texas and Arizona to provide additional resources in response to the border crisis.
The announcement from DeSantis came Wednesday with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody during a press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has committed to sending aid to the border, as has the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
“We talked a little bit about methamphetamines and how it’s going from the border. We talked a little bit about fentanyl. It’s easy to say that, but let me tell you how that hits home here in a place like Escambia County. Not a shooting, not a violent crime that goes by that we investigate that’s not involving methamphetamine,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
“Not a day goes by at all, we don’t go to a call where someone has overdosed on fentanyl,” Simmons continued. ”We can talk about the sheer numbers and the pounds and the kilos coming from the border through the interstate into our own Escambia County. But what does that mean? It means people are dying in our city streets, our county streets and it makes a difference. And it again it makes a difference when we decide to do something. We acknowledge this is an issue, this is a problem, we have got to come together and do something with it.”
“America’s border security crisis impacts every state and every American,” said DeSantis. “The Biden Administration ended policies implemented by President Trump that were curbing illegal immigration, securing our border, and keeping Americans safe. Governors Abbott and Ducey recently sent out a call for help to every state in the nation, needing additional law enforcement manpower and other resources to aid with border security. I’m proud to announce today that the state of Florida is answering the call. Florida has your back.”
“As attorney general, I am dedicated to ending human trafficking, protecting our children from sexual predators, and fighting the opioid crisis now claiming 21 lives a day in our state, but President Biden is hurting, not helping us achieve these vital public safety goals,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “The crisis the President created at our southern border makes all of us less safe, and I am proud to stand with Governor DeSantis as he tries to fix the President’s disaster at the border to protect Floridians.”
The move comes following a letter late last week from Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona requesting immediate assistance to quell the surge of illegal migrants, apprehend illegal criminal aliens, and secure our border.
The Governor’s Office said the following sheriff’s offices and state law enforcement agencies have already committed to sending aid:
- The Florida Highway Patrol
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
- Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office
- Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Walton County Sheriff’s Office
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is coordinating this deployment of the law enforcement officers under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is a national mutual aid system that allows states to share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission related costs.
Pictured: Gov Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody flanked by law enforcement during a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Woman Accused Of ‘Samurai Style Sword’ Attack Now Charged With Tampering In The Case
June 17, 2021
A Century woman accused in an altercation involving a “samurai style sword” last month is facing a new charge for tampering in the case.
Mariah Brianna Moore, 29, was charged with tampering in a felony second degree proceeding. The new charge is a second degree felony.
In May, Moore was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after she allegedly cut a woman across the forehead with a what Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies described as a “samurai style sword”. The victim required medical treatment for a large laceration.
The victim told deputies that since that time, Moore has threatened her with violence on three different occasions. The victim said Moore yelled at her and threatened to “cut her again”. The victim began to video the incident, and Moore can be seen and heard screaming at the victim, according to an ECSO arrest report. While the deputy was speaking to the victim, he could hear Moore continue to scream and threaten to fight the victim, the report continues.
During a court appearance after the original incident, Moore was ordered by a judge to have no contact with the victim.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.