Payment Plan Available For Escambia Property Taxes, If You Apply By April 30
April 19, 2021
The deadline to enroll in Escambia County’s property tax payment installment plan is approaching.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said the installment application must be made in person until 4:30 p.m., April 30, and online until 11:59 p.m., April 30.
By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one. For example, if a tax bill was $1,000, quarterly payments, due by the last day of each quarter, could be:
- June (first quarter) – $235.00
- September (second quarter) – $238.75
- December (third quarter) – $242.50
- March (fourth quarter) – $250.00
Online enrollment is easy. Property owners can visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
“The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time,” Lunsford said. “We currently have 5,002 property owners on the installment plan program.”.
Pensacola Habitat of Humanity Celebrates 40 Years With Dedication Of 1,400th Home
April 19, 2021
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with the dedication of their 1,400th home.
Home dedications are a way for Pensacola Habitat to welcome an individual or family into their new home where a faith-based leader, chosen by the homebuyer, blesses the home.
Since 1981, Pensacola Habitat has received help from thousands of volunteers from churches, civic groups, construction companies, banks, landowners, student groups, local businesses and beyond who have built or renovated 1,400 homes throughout the Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Pensacola Habitat is a communitywide effort and does not stray from its mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Among more than 1,000 U.S. affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, Pensacola Habitat was ranked 25th in the number of homes built in 2020. And they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they plan for quite the opposite.
“Pensacola Habitat has a proud history of serving as a leader in providing affordable housing opportunities to deserving individuals and families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Born out of the sheer will of Betty Salter and nurtured by community leaders, an engaged Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and a committed, professional staff, Pensacola Habitat has grown into a significant organization that continues to make monumental improvements in the communities we serve. We look forward to expanding our reach and impact as we pursue this noble mission,” said CEO Sam Young.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady Over The Past Week
April 19, 2021
Florida gas prices held relatively steady over the past week, according to AAA.
The average state price for gas was $2.83 per gallon Sunday, a penny less than the previous week.
The lowest price per gallon Sunday night in North Escambia was $2.65 at a station on Muscogee Road in Cantonment, while the lowest in Escambia County was $2.59 at a couple of warehouse clubs.
“Gas prices have held relatively steady through the first half of April,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, some upward pressure appears to be moving back into the market, which could affect prices at the pump. Oil prices jumped 6% last week, in hopes that demand will continue to grow due to increased COVID-19 vaccinations, lower jobless claims in the U.S. and rising consumer sentiment.”
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Highway 29 Lane Closures Planned Near Cantonment And Molino
April 19, 2021
As work continues to resurface Highway 29, drivers can expect the following road intermittent lane closures this week, according to the Florida Department of Transporation.
- Intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Cantonment area.
- Intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Neal Road, north of Cantonment, and north of Highway 97 in Molino.
Work may be delayed or reschedule due to inclement weather.
Pictured: Highway 29 in Cantonment looking north toward Well Line Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools To End Remote Learning, Mask Mandate By Next School Year
April 18, 2021
The Escambia County School District wants students back on campus by the fall, and face masks won’t be required.
In the next school year, the ECSD will not offer remote learning, but students will have an option of enrolling in the state’s Florida Virtual School.
“We need to get kids back in school as fast as possible,” Escambia County School Board Chairman Bill Slayton said during a board workshop. “It’s so important that we get this into the hands of the parents and them knowing that (for) not only VPK and kindergarten students, but our existing students, next year will look different.”
“We are going to move to do away with the blended format,” Superintendent Tim Smith noted.
Summer school in the Escambia County School district will not be offered remotely; it will only be available to in-person students or virtually. Virtual students are part of a permanent online program, while remote students remotely attend their local classes at their assigned schools.
“I think that will give us an opportunity to just make sure we’re back to functioning,” Smith said. “I think it’ll be a time where we will find our rhythm again and I think that’s even more time for caseloads to go down and more people to get immunizations.”
As it stands now, the district won’t require face masks for summer school or in the fall, but they will still be an option for students.
“If a student feels comfortable wearing a mask, they absolutely can wear a mask,” Smith said. “We want our students to be as comfortable as possible.”
Here Are This Week’s Planned Road Construction Delay Spots
April 18, 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:
- U.S. 98 (State Road (S.R.) 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues on the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Monday, April 19 as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – North and southbound traffic on Ninth Avenue will be shifted to the northbound travel lanes of the Carpenters Creek Bridge beginning Tuesday, April 20. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained as work begins to replace the southbound portion of the bridge. The traffic shift will begin at approximately 7 a.m. and should conclude by 5 p.m. Drivers should anticipate the potential for travel delays during these times. Once shifted, traffic will remain in this temporary configuration until the late summer/early fall timeframe.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project from Dominguez Street to A Street- Drivers will encounter inside daytime and nighttime lane closures on West Cervantes Street, between Dominguez Street and Kirk Street. The lane closures are needed to 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. Also, be advised that the speed limit will be reduced to 30 m.p.h.
- I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Monday, April 19 as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 29 (Pensacola Boulevard) and Nine Mile Road Utility Operations - Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures on Pensacola Boulevard and Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 19 through Monday, May 10, as utility crews perform work.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) the following operations will take place on the project the week of Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 23 as crews perform paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Cantonment area.
- Intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Neal Road, north of Cantonment, and north of S.R. 97 in Molino.
- I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge Lighting Maintenance- East and westbound traffic may encounter lane restrictions 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 18 through Tuesday, April 20 for lighting maintenance on the bridge.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until the week of May 31.
- U.S. 90 Drainage Work at Glover Lane– Motorists will encounter intermittent turn lane and shoulder closures on U.S. 90 to Glover Lane Saturday through Thursday beginning Saturday, April 17 through Friday, May 7 for crews to preform drainage improvements.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from south of Clear Creek to north of S.R. 4- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions just north of S.R. 4 Wednesday, April 21 as crews perform asphalt repair work.
- S.R. 89 (Dogwood Drive) Maintenance Operations from Cypress Street to Berryhill Road – Motorists can expect a southbound lane shift and outside lane closure 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 23 as crews trim trees.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities have begun to prepare for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. 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.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Nine Mile Road at Fowler Avenue Friday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate Up Slightly
April 18, 2021
The unemployment rate in Escambia County increased last month, according to data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 4.9% in March, up from 4.8% in February. That represents 7,275 people out of work out of a county workforce of 149,398. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was 5.4%, or 8,060 people.
The professional and business services industry grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year. The industry gaining in jobs over the year was professional and business services with 1,200 jobs.
Industries losing the most jobs over the year in the Escambia County area were:
- leisure and hospitality -2,000 jobs
- government -600 jobs
- manufacturing -300 jobs
- education and health services -300 jobs
- other services -300 jobs
- financial activities -200 jobs
- information -100 jobs
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 percent, unchanged from a year ago and down 0.2% from a year ago. There were 475,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 10,170,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.0 percent in March.
Community Health Vaccination Clinics This Week In Cantonment, Brownsville
April 18, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida will hold Moderna COVID-19 vaccination clinics this week in Cantonment and Brownsville.
Appointments are required.
Eligible persons who wish to participate in one of these events should call the Community Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment.
Tuesday, April 20
Location: Brownsville Community Center — 3200 W. De Soto St., Pensacola
Time: 3 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 22
Location: 4-H Building — 3730 Stefani Road, Cantonment
Time: 8 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Friday, April 23
Location: Brownsville Community Center — 3200 W. De Soto St., Pensacola
Time: 8 a.m. — 3 p.m.
These clinics are open to all Florida residents who qualify to receive the vaccine.
EREC’s Annual Meeting Is Virtual This Year (And Yes, You Can Still Get A Gift Bucket)
April 18, 2021
Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 82nd Annual Meeting will be held virtually this year as a safety precaution due to COVID-19. And yes, you can still get one of those registration gift buckets.
The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24. A link will be provided on www.erec.com, and information will be posted on Facebook prior to the start time for members to access the meeting.
“Safety for our members and employees is top priority at EREC,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO. “We are encouraging members to vote by absentee ballot to minimize their risk of exposure. With vaccines readily available now to the public, I’m hopeful the pandemic will soon be a distant memory.”
Absentee ballots will be available at the EREC offices in Jay and Walnut Hill until end of business on April 23. Members voting by absentee ballot will receive a registration gift bucket when their ballot is submitted in person to an EREC office. Members returning their absentee ballot by mail will be able to pick up their registration gift bucket after EREC has received their ballot.
Members unable to vote by absentee ballot can go to either EREC office Saturday, April 24, between 8 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. only and vote in person in a drive-thru setup. No registration gift buckets will be given to members voting in person April 24. They can be picked up later at either office.
Every member voting by absentee ballot or in person will be registered for prize drawings. Winners will be notified later for prize pickup at their local office. Members can find voting ballot information in their April issue of Florida Currents magazine. Election results will be posted on the EREC website and Facebook immediately after election office personnel complete the vote count.
“EREC’s annual meeting is different this year because of COVID, but I hope our members will join us virtually on the 24th,” said Campbell. “The presentation will include announcement of our scholarship winners and a 2020 hurricane recap video. Even though we can’t meet in person, we’re looking forward to this great opportunity to connect with our membership.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida State Forest RV Sites, Campsites Return To Full Operation
April 18, 2021
RV sites, tent campsites and horse stalls in Florida’s state forests are now fully open.
The Florida Forest Service said COVID-19 safety measures are still in effect, including a 10-person maximum at group campsites and a 50-person maximum for outside events and pavilion rentals. Inside events are restricted based upon building size.
For more information, click or tap here. To make reservations, visit floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com.
Pictured: Krul Lake Recreation Area in the Blackwater State Forest. File photo.