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One Reportedly Injured In Cottage Hill ATV Crash

One person was reportedly injured in an ATV crash Monday evening in Cottage Hill.

The driver of the ATV crashed into a wooded area on Williams Ditch Road and Chavers Road about shortly after 7 p.m. The driver was reportedly taken to the hospital by private vehicle.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Gulf Power, EREC Ready For Hurricane Sally

Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative say they are both ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible after Hurricane Sally.

“We are taking every action possible to ensure we are ready to respond and can do so quickly to restore power to customers affected,” said Marlene Santos, president of Gulf Power.

Gulf Power crews are prepared to work around the clock once winds are below 35 miles per hour, conducting damage assessments as needed and restoring power to customers that are affected.

In addition, Gulf Power has secured additional resources that can help restore power, which would bring the total number of lineworkers, vegetation crews and other support resources available to nearly 500.

Escambia River Electric Cooperative has employees on emergency storm alert status.

“Our co-op may be significantly affected by high winds and heavy rainfall if Sally continues to intensify,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO. “With safety as our top priority, we have activated our emergency response plan in anticipation of the storm. This includes contact with our statewide association to coordinate the arrival of additional utility crews should they be needed.”

“EREC has taken all precautionary measures, and our emergency preparedness team has confirmed that all preliminary requirements for the possibility of a major hurricane have been met,” said Campbell. “We continue to monitor the storm very closely.”

Pictured: Gulf Power crews and contractors on standy to restore power after Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Hurricane Sally: Volunteer Evacuations, Shelters Open In Escambia And Santa Rosa In Florida And Atmore

This story includes valuable evacuation and shelter information for Escambia County in Florida and Atmore in Escambia County in Alabama. Scroll down to find your location.

Escambia County, Florida

Escambia County is  under a Hurricane Warning. A voluntary hurricane evacuation has been issued for Escambia County evacuation zone A. This area includes Perdido Key, Innerarity Point, Pensacola Beach and other low lying areas. The Pensacola Bay Center is now open as a hurricane risk shelter.  The storm could potentially shift more to the east. If you live in a mobile home or have special needs, you should consider evacuation no matter the zone in which you live.

• Zone A includes Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and low-lying areas.
• To look up your evacuation zone online, visit myescambia.com/knowyourzone.
• Keep in mind it is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds. Consider going to a friend or relative’s home or a hotel.  With COVID-19, a shelter should be a last resort.
• Evacuation routes can be viewed here.
• For a map of evacuation routes and zones, click here.
• You must understand that when sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph or storm surge covers roadways, law enforcement, emergency medical services and fire departments may not be able to come to your aid.
• If you live in an evacuation zone, be sure to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs.
• The Citizen Information Line will be open after 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 until further notice. Residents with questions may call 850-471-6600.

Santa Rosa County, Florida

Here is shelter information from Santa Rosa County, Florida:

• Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton (map), is open. No pre-registration is required. There are no evacuation orders at this time, however residents in low-lying areas and mobile homes are encouraged to seek safer shelter.
• Milton Community Center is also a pet-friendly shelter. Bring pet(s) in a carrier with proof of vaccinations and all pet food and supplies including water, leashes and/or litter boxes with litter.
• Bring COVID supplies for you and your family or they will be provided for you. Masks are required in shelters.
• Shelters are usually uncomfortable. Meals are not provided. It is recommended that other arrangements be made to stay at a hotel or with a friends or family in a well-constructed home out that is properly protected to withstand hurricane force winds.
• Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter should call (850) 983-4636. Transportation will only be provided to a designated shelter.
• Bring the following items:
  • Personal identification
  • Water, non-perishable snacks and any special dietary needs.
  • A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
  • Toiletries and personal items.
  • Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
  • Games or toys for children; books for adults.
  • Special items for infants or elderly family members.
  • Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries.
  • Prescriptions or any over-the-counter medications you normally need.

Atmore, Alabama

The City of Atmore has two shelters available for citizens who may need temporary shelter from Hurricane Sally. City officials have designated the auditorium at City Hall for Seniors, and for citizens with special needs. The second location, for all others, will be at Atmore Library on Church Street.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, evacuees will be required to adhere to all of the CDC and State of Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines.

Evacuees are encouraged to bring bedding, food and water, and prescription medications to last for a minimum of 72 hours. Items forbidden in the shelter are alcohol and illegal narcotics.

Atmore Police will be providing security while the shelter is opened.

Anyone needing transportation to the shelter should call the Atmore Police Department at 251-368-9141, or 251-368-9095.

ECUA Trash Collection Canceled For Tuesday

ECUA Trash
Sanitation collections for ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa County for Tuesday, Sept. 15, have been canceled following the announced closures of the Perdido and Central Landfills. Information on the resumption of collections will be posted after the re-opening of each landfill is determined by their respective county. All ECUA business offices will be closed Tuesday.

FDLE Says Former Gulf Breeze Mayor, CTA Boss Recorded Teen Boys In His Shower And Stalked Them

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Edward Merrill Gray III Monday on eight counts of video voyeurism, one count of interception of oral communication and the misdemeanor charges of stalking and installation of a tracking device.

Gray is the former mayor of Gulf Breeze and was until a few weeks employed by the City of Gulf Breeze as executive director of the Capital Trust Agency (CTA). Century serves as a second signature for CTA’s. Gray’s arrest was not related to his government service, according to FDLE.

Gray, age 68 of 1 Gray Oaks lane in Gulf Breeze, allegedly made secret video recordings of  teen boys inside his home and allegedly stalked them using a GPS tracker.

An 18-year male that did various jobs around Gray’s home told Gulf Breeze Police that he located a video camera concealed in a shoebox in the master bedroom closet where he had changed clothes multiple time prior to showering in the past year. Gulf Breeze Police handed the investigation off to FDLE.

The victim told FDLE investigators that Gray became more controlling and intruded in his personal life by tracking his movements. He said in one incident, Gray located him at a park in Pensacola and believed he was tracking him through his phone.  In another incident, the victim said he told Gray he was home sick, but Gray confronted him on the phone and told him that he knew he was at a friend’s home.

Gray told FDLE that the hidden camera was initially turned on to watch an air conditioning repair man, but he decided to turn it back on because he was suspicious that the teen was possibly sexting in his master bedroom. He eventually admitted that the recording did capture the victim undressing, according to an arrest affidavit.

FDLE executed a search warrant at Gray’s home on August 3, with FDLE seizing devices with eight videos that captured four males nude or undressing in Gray’s master bedroom. A majority of the videos showed Gray starting the camera prior to individuals coming into the bathroom. The victims have all been identified by authorities. FDLE also located about 160 screenshots showing GPS locations, and they said he had installed a tracker on at least one victim’s vehicle.

At least one of the victims was 17-years old.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is asking anyone with information about Gray that may relate to this case of other victims call FDLE Pensacola at (800) 226-8574.

Gray’s bond was set at $101,000, and he was released a few hours after being booked Monday.

For more about Gray, the CTA and Century, click here for a previous story.

UPDATE: Local Escambia County (FL) Hurricane Information, Closures, Plans, Related Actions

Here is the latest local update from Escambia County on Hurricane Sally and related closures, actions and plans.

Current Situation

On Monday, Sept. 14, Escambia County issued resolution R2020-124, declaring a state of local emergency due to imminent threat of Hurricane Sally.

• Escambia County Emergency Operation Center has been activated at a level 2 due to COVID-19 and will be activated for Hurricane Sally beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 a.m. We will continue to closely monitor the situation over the next 72 hours to provide our residents with the most up-to-date information.
• There are currently NO evacuations ordered for Escambia County residents, no matter the location. However, conditions can change rapidly. It is vital that residents monitor our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day and follow any safety directives from Escambia County Emergency Management officials.
• Public works crews are implementing their storm preparation protocol which includes fueling of equipment, stocking vehicles, placing employees on standby for after-hours road clearing, removing trash cans and lifeguard towers from Pensacola Beach, and checking drainage systems.
• County offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 15, including the Tax Collector’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections Office and all offices of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. A decision for Wednesday county offices will be made tomorrow.
• The Perdido Landfill and the Waste Services Transfer Station will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
• All meetings have been canceled tomorrow including the Board of Electrical Examiners, the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission, Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors and Extension Council. The Board of Adjustment meeting will be canceled Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Pensacola Beach Lifeguards are flying red flags on Pensacola Beach. The water is closed to swimming and wading.
• As a reminder, residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year’s disaster kit might need to look a little different if you must go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.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 local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.

Sand is still available at the following locations:

• Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
• Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
• Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
• Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
• Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
• Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
• (NEW) 12950 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola (behind the Sheriff’s sub station)

The sand is available on a first come, first serve basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels.

Schools, Colleges & Universities

Pensacola International Airport

• Pensacola International Airport is closed to all arriving and departing aircraft. Passengers will not be allowed to stay in the terminal building. PNS will remain closed until weather (wind speeds, rain, etc) allow for safe operation. Passengers with flights in or out of PNS should contact their airlines for rescheduling and updates.

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority

• Sanitation collections for ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa County for Tuesday, Sept. 15, have been canceled following the announced closures of the Perdido and Central Landfills. Information on the resumption of collections will be posted after the re-opening of each landfill is determined by their respective county. All ECUA business offices will be closed Tuesday.
• The ECUA Citizens’ Advisory Committee  meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 has been rescheduled to Thursday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

• Gulf Islands National Seashore has closed the Fort Pickens, Perdido Key/Johnson Beach, Santa Rosa/Opal Beach and Okaloosa areas and evacuated Fort Pickens campground. The areas will remain closed until further notice.
• Highway 399, J. Earl Bowden Way, also closed Sunday night ahead of the storm.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

• Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• FDOH-Escambia Downtown Center – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• FDOH-Escambia at Publix (9th Ave. and Bayou Blvd.) – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• Community Health Northwest Florida – closed Tuesday, Sept. 14
• Community Health Northwest Florida Cantonment Pediatrics – closed Wednesday, Sept. 15
• UWF – closed through Tuesday, Sept. 15

Council on Aging of West Florida

• COA’s social services department is calling all clients in high-risk areas to advise them of options and determine their readiness for the storm.
• The Retreat adult day care will be closed through Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Pre-packaged to-go meals distributed from churches and community centers in Santa Rosa will cease operation Tuesday, Sept. 15 and resume Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Meals on Wheels will also be suspended Tuesday, Sept. 15. Individuals scheduled to receive meals on Tues. will receive their meals on Wednesday.
• To mitigate the risk caused by missed meal-delivery, many high-risk individuals were given shelf-stable, long-lasting meals at the start of hurricane season.
• For questions on Council on Aging programs and services, call 850- 432-1475.

Escambia County (FL) High School Football Games All Rescheduled

Escambia County School District High School football games previously scheduled for this week have been rescheduled.  This is a safety measure, in order to allow adequate practice for players prior to games.

• Games will be rescheduled as follows:
• Booker T. Washington High School, the Blue and White game is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020, and will not be rescheduled.
• Northview High School vs Baker High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Baker High School.
• West Florida High School vs Pensacola High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at West Florida High School.
• Tate High School vs Pine Forest High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Tate High School.
• Escambia High School vs Catholic High School game, is canceled for Friday, September 18, 2020; rescheduled for Friday, October 9, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at Escambia High School.
• The Pine Forest High School Junior Varsity football game previously scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020 against Tate High School has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., at Pine Forest High School.
• The Northview High School Junior Varsity football game previously scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020, against Baker High School has been canceled.

Escambia, Santa Rosa Report 72 New COVID-19 Cases, No Deaths On Sunday

There were 72 additional confirmed COVID-19 positive cases and no deaths reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Escambia County cases increased by 49 to 11,867 An additional 23 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 5,126.

Of the 770 tests results returned in Escambia County, 5.6% were positive, and 9.2% were positive from 278 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 5.1%.

There were 73 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Sunday, according to data from the three local hospitals.

Of the 203 deaths in Escambia County, 96 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 66 deaths in Santa Rosa County, at least seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and 16 in a long-term care facilities.

Statewide, there were 663,994 cases including 656,485 Florida residents. There have been 41,297 hospitalizations* and 12,608 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.

Escambia County cases:

Total cases — 11,867 (+49)
Non-Florida residents — 1,045
Pensacola —8,642 (+90)
Century — 926
—-including 771 Century prison inmates
Cantonment — 869 (+3)
Molino— 141 (+1)
McDavid — 68
Walnut Hill — 17
Bellview — 12
Gonzalez — 7
Perdido Key — 7
Current hospitalizations: 73 (-8)
Deaths — 203
Male — 5,299
Female — 5,498
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 39

Santa Rosa County cases:

Total cases — 5,126 (+23)
Non-Florida residents — 50
Milton — 2,718 (+10)
Gulf Breeze — 733 (+2)
Navarre — 637 (+2)
Pace — 407 (+2)
Jay — 144  (+3)
Bagdad — 12
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 296*
Deaths — 66
Male — 2,806
Female — 2,262
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 40

Florida cases:

Total cases — 663,994
Florida residents — 656,485
Deaths — 12,608
Hospitalizations — 41,297*

*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.

Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower As Sally Moves North

Florida gas prices were drifting lower as Tropical Storm Sally moves toward the Gulf Coast. Ten crude oil refineries, with a total processing capacity of 2.64 million barrels per day (more than 25 percent of total gulf coast crude oil refining capacity) stand in the path of the storm.

The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.15. A North Escambia low of $2.09 could be found at three Cantonment stations Sunday night, while one Nine Mile Road station was at $1.89.

“As of Sunday night, this storm was not having much of an impact on gasoline prices, but that could change this week, depending on the severity of the storm,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For now, it appears retail prices could continue to decline this week, due to the 10-cent drop in wholesale gasoline prices last week.”

Florida drivers were paying an average price of $2.17 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Sunday’s state average was about the cents per gallon less than a week ago and six cents more than one month ago.

Escambia County Commision Honors State Champion 4-H Meat Judging Teams

The Escambia County Commission recently honored the members of two Escambia County 4-H Meat Judging teams that won state champinships.

The Escambia County 4-H Meat Judging Team won the senior division state championship. Team members are Jessica Conti, Hannah Thorne, Ethan Thorne and Chad Sasser.

Conti was also the over high scoring individual with three teams and 11 individuals competing in the virtual state competition held last Saturday.

Other top placing individuals included Hannah Thorne in second, Ethan Thorne in third and Sasser in 10th place.

Escambia County also brought home the state championship in the intermediate division of the contest as the sole competing team, with team members Tucker Padgett, Gracie Meredith, Alan Bray Crews and Abigail Bray Crews.

As state champions, the Escambia County teams earned the right to represent Florida in the National 4-H Meat Judging Contest at the American Royal Association in Kansas City, Missouri, in October.

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