UWF Awarded $6 Million Grant To Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program
November 2, 2020
The University of West Florida will lead a coalition of 10 institutions designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity in establishing a program to address the critical national shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. The National Security Agency selected UWF to oversee the program, which will launch in the spring and be funded by a two-year, $6 million grant.
“The National Security Agency is excited to have the University of West Florida serve as the coalition lead for a new cybersecurity education and workforce development program,” said Diane M. Janosek, Commandant, National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic School. “Their unique program transitions veterans and first-responders into cybersecurity professionals qualified to shore up critical gaps in our nation’s critical infrastructure sectors.”
The National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program will focus on recruiting, preparing and placing transitioning military and first responders into cybersecurity work roles in critical infrastructure sectors, including financial services, defense industrial base and energy sectors. The cybersecurity workforce shortage tops 500,000 nationwide according to CyberSeek, a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce analytics website. Industry, government and nonprofit partners will collaborate with UWF and the academic coalition to align the workforce program with critical needs and prepare students for cybersecurity roles.
“Cybersecurity is an exploding field vital to our nation’s protection,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “As a national leader in cybersecurity, UWF is proudly at the forefront of workforce development. We will continue developing talented cybersecurity professionals to protect us against cybercrime.”
The team will establish a nationally scalable certificate-based cybersecurity workforce development program that aligns with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, or NICE, Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. The program will provide flexible pathways that accommodate participants’ diverse aptitudes, education and experience. Students will develop core competencies and skills through stackable and verifiable credentials and certificates. In addition to core knowledge and skills essential for critical infrastructure sector work roles, the program will integrate cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and threat intelligence.
“UWF is honored to lead this important national initiative to prepare and expand the cybersecurity workforce for our critical infrastructure sectors,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, director of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. “We will establish a scalable national cybersecurity workforce program that focuses on employability and can be scaled to include additional work roles, sectors, employers and institutions in future years. Our strong and passionate coalition team aims to solve the cybersecurity workforce crisis once and for all.”
The program will leverage strong partnerships across the financial services, defense and energy sectors to develop a national employers network, and prepare and place participants within those organizations. Recruitment will prioritize veterans and first responders, and eligible students will receive scholarships to participate. The workforce program pathways will be offered across the nation by the 10 CAE designated institutions, via delivery formats including face-to-face, online and hybrid. The program website will provide a one-stop shop to recommend cybersecurity work roles, connect students with CAE-C institutions offering workforce pathways and with employers hiring for those roles.
UWF will lead a team of nationally designated cybersecurity institutions, including Augusta University, Dakota State University, Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, Florida International University, University of Houston, Metropolitan State University, San Antonio College, Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Quick Tips: How To Be Safe If Using Space Heaters
November 2, 2020
As colder weather starts to set in, Escambia County Fire Rescue would like to encourage residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment. Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
“Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following simple tips,” said Ray Melton, Escambia County Fire Rescue fire and life safety specialist. “Additionally, the fire department is going on too many fire calls where smoke alarms are not working or are not present. I’m urging residents to contact us at 850-595-HERO (4376) to schedule an appointment for smoke alarm installation. This simple act can save lives.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
ECSO Investigating Early Sunday Morning Shooting On West Roberts Road
November 1, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting on West Roberts Road at Tuttle Road.
Deputies responded to a shots fired call and discovered one male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, according to ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard. They also found multiple bullet holes in the vehicle sitting on West Roberts Road and shell casings in the area.
When deputies arrived, the victim was attempting to get into a friend’s car to leave, according to the ECSO. That vehicle was stopped by deputies.
The male victim in his 20s had a large sum of money in his possession and is refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, the ECSO said.
The victim was transported to a local hospital after the 2:10 a.m incident. His current condition is not known.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Over Half Of Escambia County Voters Have Already Voted; Early Voting Ends With Nearly 70K Ballots Cast
November 1, 2020
Over half of the registered voters in Escambia County have already cast ballots in the general election.
Early voting came to a close Saturday with 69,834 votes cast, and 57,881 vote by mail ballots cast. That a total of 127,775 ballots cast for a voter turnout of slightly over 55% by Saturday.
The busiest early voting location was the Genealogy Branch Library on 9th Avenue with over 13,000 voters, and the slowest was the newest location, the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century with 800 voters.
There were 10 early voting locations in Escambia County. The total number of ballots cast at each is listed below.
Billy G. Ward Courthouse – 800
Molino Community Center – 4,996
Escambia County Extension – 11,961
Mobile Hwy/Pine Forest Rd Early Voting Center – 9,645
UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts – 5,127
Genealogy Branch Library – 13,165
Main Library -7,120
Supervisor of Elections Office – 3,957
Brownsville Community Center – 3,463
Southwest Branch Library – 9,660
Of the early votes cast in Escambia County, 47.63% of voters were Republicans, 35.45 were Democrats and 15.41% had no party affiliations.
Vote by mail ballots must be received in the elections office no later than 7 p.m. on Tuesday and may not be returned to a polling location on election day.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Pictured: Escambia County newest early voting location, the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Residents Facing Garbage Rate Increase
November 1, 2020
Century residents are facing a garbage rate increase.
The town contracts with Republic Services to collect garbage within the town limits. Republic has a provision in their contract that allows them to increase the rates they charged the town each December to match the Consumer Price Index.
That will amount to 3.4%, or about 80 cents, per customer, according to Interim Town Manager Vernon Prather. The town traditionally passes the rate increase directly along to residents.
Century renewed a five year contract with Republic Services in July.
Residential sanitation customers in Century currently pay a monthly fee of $23.63. That’s broken down to $17.42 per residential container and $6.21 for biweekly yard waste pickup. Century does not offer recycling services. Republic charges the town $14.44 a month for each residential container, so the town retains $2.98 each. With 533 containers as of July, Century makes $1,588.34 per month that pays the town for providing customer service and billing.
The Century Town Council will consider the rate increase at their November 16 regular meeting.
45,000 Pounds Of Food Distributed Saturday In Walnut Hill, Century
November 1, 2020
Food giveaways were held Saturday in both Walnut Hill and Century.
A 30,000 pound Farm Share food distribution was held at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. The drive-thru event was hosted by Justified Incarcerated Ministries and Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.
A 15,000 pound food giveaway was also held Saturday beginning at Century Business Center on Pond Street.
Pictured: A food giveaway Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Why Not Keep Daylight Saving Time Year Round In Florida?
November 1, 2020
Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio say the practice of “falling back” as Daylight Saving Time (DST) is an antiquated process that should come to an end.
Most recently, in September, Rubio and Scott introduced legislation that would keep the United States on DST through November 7, 2021. The bill failed but if it had been enacted it would have prevented the United States from “falling back” to Standard Time, and Americans would have avoided changing clocks in March 2021 when the United States typically springs forward to DST. Rubio and Scott introduced the bill in an effort to provide one year of stability for families who are already dealing with enough change with virtual learning, work from home, and other disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
n March 2019, Rubio re-introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make DST permanent across the country, excluding Arizona and Hawaii. The bill reflects the Florida legislature’s 2018 enactment of year-round DST; however, for Florida’s change to apply, a change in the federal statute is required. More than 10 other states, including Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Arkansas, Alabama, and Wyoming, have passed similar laws, and dozens more are considering. In 2018, California voters overwhelmingly passed a proposition to authorize the state legislature to move to permanent DST.
“As families across the nation prepare for yet another disruption to their daily routines this weekend, I want to remind Americans that we have another option — to stay on Daylight Saving Time,” Rubio said. “More daylight in the after school hours is critical to helping families and children endure this challenging school year. Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, and 7 in 10 Americans don’t want to change their clocks. I urge my colleagues to work with me to make this Sunday the last time our country ‘falls back’.”
“After months of uncertainty and staying indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic, all of us could use a little more consistency and sunshine,” Scott said. “I was proud to join Senator Rubio to introduce legislation that would keep Daylight Saving Time year-round, and I hope our colleagues join us to pass this common-sense bill.”
According to Scott and Rubio, permanent Daylight Saving Time:
effects of making Daylight Saving Time permanent for the nation:
· Reduces car crashes and car accidents involving pedestrians: better aligning daylight hours to drivers’ standard work hours’ increases visibility, according to the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Safety Research. Also reduces the number of vehicle collisions with wildlife by 8 – 11 percent by shifting normal traffic patterns to an hour off from nocturnal wildlife’s behavior.
· Reduces risk for cardiac issues, stroke and seasonal depression.
· Reduces the number of robberies by 27 percent, according to a 2015 Brookings Institution because of additional daylight in the evenings.
· Benefits the economy, according to a study by JP Morgan Chase, which found that there is a drop in economic activity of 2.2 percent – 4.9 percent when clocks move back.
· Reduces childhood obesity and increases physical fitness, according to studies published by the International Journal Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, children see an increase in physical activity during DST. The Journal of Environmental Psychology found that DST increased pedestrian activity by 62% and cyclists activity by 38% because of additional daylight.
· Benefits the agricultural economy, which is disproportionately disrupted by biannual changes in time by upsetting the synergy between farmers’ schedules and their supply chain partners.
· Reduces energy usage, a 2008 study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that during the 4 weeks the U.S. extended daylight savings from the 2005 law, there were savings of about 0.5 percent in electricity per day. Later studies have also shown that the energy savings are minimal but a small savings does occur.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Monday Morning At Nine Mile Road Church
November 1, 2020
St. Luke United Methodist Church will be giving away 10,000 pounds of food Monday in in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The church parking lo will open at 8 a.m. for pre-registration. Individuals must have a Florida identification and will remain in their vehicles.
The distribution begins at 10 a.m. on first come, first served basis at 1394 East Nine Mile Road.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
November 1, 2020
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 Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures the week of Sunday, Nov. 1:
o Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage, median and pavement operations.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures as crews continue construction activities. Eastbound traffic can also expect daytime, right turn lane closures.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. Drivers are also advised to watch for debris as cleanup efforts are still underway from Hurricane Sally.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. as construction activities continue.
- · I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge Maintenance– Motorists will encounter nighttime outside lane restrictions Sunday, Nov. 1 and inside lane restrictions Monday, Nov. 2 as crews perform deck work on the bridge.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews perform paving operations.
One Person Shot In Parking Lot Of The Pensacola Fair
October 31, 2020
One person was shot at the Pensacola Interstate Fair early Saturday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting occurred about 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot during a fight between juveniles. The victim was transported to a Pensacola hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
A witness told NorthEscambia.com that they heard what sounded like a gunshot or a firecracker in the parking lot. He said there were a couple hundred of people that quickly “took off” to get out of the main parking lot.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation. The ECSO did not say if a suspect was taken into custody and has not released the name of the victim.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.