Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Is Now Open
June 1, 2021
Applications are now open for the 2021 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners through June 18, 2021. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa.
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. In addition, it offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate SPB activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres. The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program promotes forest management practices that reduce the risk and impacts of SPB infestations. Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has been implemented on more than 197,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
Florida Gas Prices Drift A Little Lower
June 1, 2021
Florida gas prices averaged $2.86 per gallon on Memorial Day. The state average was higher than the previous two Memorial Day weekends but a nickel less than what Florida drivers paid during the 2018 holiday.
Florida gas prices have drifted lower during the past two weeks, declining three cents during that time.
The average price per gallon on Monday in Escambia County was $2.96, down about a penny in the past week. The cheapest North Escambia price was $2.87 at stations on Muscogee Road and on Highway 29. The Pensacola warehouse clubs were at $2.79.
“Gas prices are relatively stagnant as we enter the start of the busy summer driving season,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although pump prices normally increase in the spring and decline in the fall, summertime gas prices are often volatile and unpredictable. One big reason for that is hurricane season. If a hurricane strikes the Gulf Coast refinery region, pump prices can rise due to concerns about gasoline supplies.”
Memorial Day Ceremony Held At Barrancas National Cemetery
May 31, 2021
Barrancas National Cemetery held a Memorial Day ceremony Monday to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Local veterans organizations participated in the ceremony and Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola, gave remarks. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Every Breath I Miss Him’ — Mom Of Fallen Marine Travis Nelson Shares Memorial Day Message
May 31, 2021
“If you’re reading this … I have no regrets; I died for a meaningful cause.”
Those were the words 19-year old Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson of Bratt wrote in his field book, just days before he was killed in action August 18, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
“These words fill my heart with selfish sorrow wrapped in peaceful pride and a lifetime of cherished memories,” his mother Beckie Nelson said this week, 10 years after her son’s death.
“Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life,” Beckie Nelson quoted from John 15:13.
“It is the beginning of summer, and as we all ‘kick off’ this time of year and enjoy those we hold so close, our families and friends, just please remember those that gave ‘their all’ with a silent prayer, a moment of silence, to truly embrace Memorial Day. Remember their families that will grieve a lifetime, but yet hold their heads high with a sense of pride that will shine through the darkest of days,” she continued.
“Every breath I miss him.”
Pictured: the August 2011 funeral of Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson of Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
NWE Registration Deadlines: Cheerleading Is June 1, Football Is June 10
May 31, 2021
There is still time to register to the expanded Northwest Escambia football program which is doubling in size this fall, but Tuesday is the deadline for cheerleading registration.
NWE is going from a four football team park to an eight team park, now fielding two teams in each group. As a result, they are reopening football registration.
The complete cost is $125 for football and the deadline to register is June 10, based upon availability. The registration for cheerleading in June 1, and the cost is $150.
At least report, football roster spots were remaining for all four age groups:
- Freshman (5/6)
- Sophomores (7/8)
- Juniors (9/10)
- Seniors (11/12)
To register, click or tap here.
Weekly Road Construction Slow Down Spots
May 31, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. For Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads through 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 1.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has re-opened the Pensacola Bay Bridge, restoring the vital connection between the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola along U.S. 98. The majority of the bridge is open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) except for a two-lane, half-mile segment just west of the bridge’s arch while work to complete final repairs continues. The speed limit is temporarily set at 35 mph and emergency refuge areas are available on the bridge. 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. Law enforcement will also be on sight 24-hours a day on both ends of the bridge to alert drivers about the temporary restrictions.
- Also opening will be the 17th Avenue interchange. Traffic exiting the bridge will have direct access to 17th Avenue northbound or Gregory Street westbound. 17th Avenue southbound will continue to end at Bayfront Parkway while work continues. Access to the Pensacola Visitors Center and boat launch will remain open from 17th Avenue. Westbound access to the bridge will be via Bayfront Parkway, however, there will be no left turn access to Bayfront Parkway from 14th Avenue. These drivers should detour to Ninth Avenue southbound, turn east onto Chase Street, and continue to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
- Pensacola Mardi Gras Parade – There will be temporary road closures on U.S 98 between A Street and Tarragona Street 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 29 for the Pensacola Mardi Gras Parade.
- 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 work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Drivers will encounter brief, intermittent lane closures to allow crews to mobilize materials and equipment. The brief, intermittent lane closures and traffic configuration will continue through the end of the year. Traffic flaggers will be on-site to safely direct drivers through the construction zone.
- Pile driving work is also underway. Crews will be driving piles during the daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- · Interstate 10 (I-10) Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Tuesday, June 1 as crews perform paving operations.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures between Morris Avenue and north of Cantonment and north of S.R. 97 in Molino 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, June 4 as crews perform paving operations.
- West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers are encountering inside day and nighttime lane closures on West Cervantes Street between Dominguez Street and Shoemaker Street as crews perform median improvement work. One lane in each direction will be maintained. The median work and lane closures will progress eastward on Cervantes Street until the end of the year. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, June 4.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on Nine Mile Road westbound between I-10 and the Eleven Mile Creek Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. In addition, the east and westbound travel lanes, between Pinecone Drive and Surrey Drive, will be intermittently shifted to allow crews to pave and repair the asphalt.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has re-opened the Pensacola Bay Bridge, restoring the vital connection between the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola along U.S. 98. The majority of the bridge is open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) except for a two-lane, half-mile segment just west of the bridge’s arch while work to complete final repairs continues. The speed limit is temporarily set at 35 mph and emergency refuge areas are available on the bridge. 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. Law enforcement will also be on sight 24-hours a day on both ends of the bridge to alert drivers about the temporary restrictions.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive-. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained.
- U.S. 98 Utility Maintenance from Panhandle Trail to Biscayne Boulevard in Navarre – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 2 as utility crews replace power poles.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Forest Service Warns Of Wildfire Danger From Outdoor Burning (Including Grills, Campfires)
May 31, 2021
Officials with the Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are issuing words of warning due to the risk of wildfire.
“We all know it’s dry and folks just need to be careful,” said David Smith, operations administrator for Blackwater which handles wildfire response in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Florida has a 12-month risk of wildfires but March-early June typical see the peak of activity. Firefighters from Blackwater have responded to 36 wildfires since March and there 67 active wildfires throughout the state totaling more than 5,000 acres.
“It’s not out of the ordinary for this time of year,” Smith said. “We’ve had several large fires over the years impact our area on or around Memorial Day and it’s important that people are cautious with what they’re doing in regard to fire until we some significant rain.”
Residents are asked to refrain from any outdoor burning and to be extremely cautious with charcoal grills and campfires.
Those who chose to burn yard debris may do so in piles less than 8 feet in diameter as long as they meet the setbacks and there are no city or county ordinances against it. In addition to meeting the required setbacks, it is recommended that those who chose to burn have a charged water hose and shovel or rake on hand, never burn on windy days and never leave a fire unattended.
Blue Wahoos Beat Shuckers 9-1 To Win Series
May 31, 2021
Even without Max Meyer, the Blue Wahoos cruised to a 9-1 win over the Shuckers on Sunday that featured both dominant pitching and a barrage of hits from the Wahoos.
Pensacola outhit Biloxi 12-2 on a day where a win would guarantee another series victory, Pensacola’s third in four tries to start the year.
Meyer was making his fifth start of the season, and his second start against the Shuckers this week when he took the mound in the Sunday matinee. The right-hander was cruising through three innings when he had to exit the game with an apparent finger injury (blister). Though it looked minor, he removal was deemed precautionary. He finished the day with 3.1 innings pitched and allow no runs or hits walking three and striking out three.
Offensively, the Wahoos had little to show against Shucker starter Matt Hardy, who puzzled Pensacola’s bats through the first time though the lineup.
The second time around was a different story.
Pensacola’s crescendo-like offense began in the fifth, when Devin Hairston delivered a two-out, run-scoring single off Hardy to put the Wahoos up 1-0. However, the lead lasted no more than five minutes because Ryan Aguilar hit a homer in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game.
In the sixth, Lazaro Alonso came up with a two-out single off Cody Beckman to drive home two runs as Pensacola retook the lead, 3-1.
The floodgates opened in the seventh when Pensacola loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the seventh. Shucker manager made a bold move by bringing in RHP Cam Robinson to make his Double-A debut in a bases-loaded jam.
The move nearly paid off as Robinson struck out Peyton Burdick and JJ Bleday, and was a strike away from retiring Jerar Encarnacion. However, it was the Wahoos who came up with yet another two-out hit, and this time it was Encarnacion with a bases-clearing double to put the Wahoos up 6-1.
Pensacola added three more in the seventh courtesy of a three-run homer by Hairston, which was his second of the series and his fourth of the season (including his two homers in High-A Beloit).
Burdick also finished the game with a 2-for-5 performance at the plate, extending his hitting streak to 10 consecutive games.
After Meyer had left the game, the Wahoos used five different relievers in order to hold Biloxi to one run on two hits. The two hits allowed are the fewest hits by an opponent against the Wahoos this season.
Pensacola returns home to take on the Mississippi Braves for the second time this season, and the first time since the opening week of the 2021 campaign. LHP Jake Eder (1-1, 0.45) is expected to start for Pensacola, and he will be opposed by RHP Nolan Kingham (2-1, 4.43).
by Chris Garagiola, Pensacola Blue Wahoos. File photo.
Escambia County Drops Scheduled COVID-19 News Releases
May 31, 2021
Escambia County has dropped scheduled COVID-19 news releases.
On March 13, 2020, the county established a Joint Information Center to streamline distribution of public information regarding COVID-19. The distributed 465 news releases related to the COVID-19 pandemic and updates from local partner agencies related to COVID-19 preventative actions, cancellations, preparedness activities, testing and vaccination information spanning over a year.
“Friday, May 28, will be the last scheduled COVID-19 news release as we move forward with hurricane season, which begins June 1,” Escambia County said in the last news release.
Vaccination and testing information will continue to be updated on the Escambia County website.
Escambia County Tops 108,000 Vaccinated People
May 30, 2021
Escambia County has now topped 108,000 people that have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
As of last Friday, there are 108,239 total people vaccinated in Escambia County — about one-third of eligible residents. That’s an increase of about 7,000 in the last two weeks.
There are 19,061 people that have received only the first dose, and 89,178 that are fully vaccinated. Of those, 8,794 received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, and 80,384 received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.