Escambia County Offers Free Sand For Storm Preparation
August 22, 2020
Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis 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 -available on 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 Highway 4, Bratt
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Preparing For Tropical Weather: Here Are Tips From Escambia County
August 22, 2020
Escambia County is encouraging residents to closely monitor Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Storm Marco this weekend and take needed precautions. The National Weather Service of Mobile is forecasting local impacts from Tropical Storm Laura to include heavy rainfall, flash flooding, potentially damaging straight line winds, possible tornadoes, large hail, high risk of rip currents and high surf.
While it is still too soon to know the exact paths or forecasts for the storms, Escambia County is planning for the worst case scenario.
“Residents still have plenty of time to ensure they are able to get their storm preparations in place,” Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. “Use the weekend to make sure you have a storm kit ready, secure any yard or porch debris, and replace an old batteries in those flashlights and radios.”
Gilmore noted there is still uncertainty in the storm’s forecast, but staff will be diligently monitoring the weather over the next 48 hours and will be prepared to declare a local state of emergency if needed.
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’re planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
The Escambia County Public Works Department has made sand available at several locations. Click or tap here for a list.
Tips to Prepare for a Storm
Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com.
Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer.
Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before Wednesday morning.
- Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
Tornado safety tips from the National Weather Service:
- GET IN – If you are outside, get inside. If you’re already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
- GET DOWN – Get underground if possible. If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible.
- COVER UP – Flying and falling debris are a storm’s number one killer. Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.
- An extensive list of tornado safety tips and scenarios is available at weather.gov/ama/severesafetytips.
Tips to maintain COVID-19 best practices while sheltering during severe weather:
- Keep 6 feet of physical distance between you and others
- Wear a face covering or mask per the Florida Department of Health
- Keep disinfectant wipes and gloves handy
- View more safety tips from the CDC here
DeSantis Requests Trump To Declare Emergency In Counties Including Escambia, Santa Rosa Due To Tropical Threat
August 22, 2020
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday sent a letter to o President Donald Trump requesting that he declare a pre-landfall emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa and other Florida counties in advance of Tropical Storm Laura.
DeSantis requested the pre-landfall emergency declaration for Bay, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.
In his letter to Trump, DeSantis said the state is already stretched thin financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The overlay of this tropical event to the COVID-19 pandemic will stress the capabilities of the state to respond fully to the tropical event without the addition of the requested federal assistance,” DeSantis said.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Hit And Run Driver
August 21, 2020
A pedestrian was struck and killed in by a hit and run driver in Escambia County early Friday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 27-year old male pedestrian was struck and killed on the New Warrington Road spur near Fairfield Drive about 2:30 a.m. He was found deceased in the right travel lane of New Warrington Road.
The vehicle failed to remain on the scene, and troopers said no vehicle description is available.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Trooper Knowles or Corporal Roeber at *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
File photo.
Escambia Commission CARES Act Funding For Rent And Mortgage Assistance, Rapid Testing, Food Delivery
August 21, 2020
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday approved moving forward with rapid testing, food delivery and additional public health campaigns using CARES Act funding.
An application process and date for personal and business CARES Act funding has not yet been announced.
Commissioners previously approved rent, mortgage and utility assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through an agreement with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to receive $903,834 in Coronavirus Relief Funds. These funds will cap at $3,000 per family for qualifying tenants and homeowners affected by COVID-19. There is a 10-day advertising period required before online applications can be submitted. More information will be released as soon as possible.
The Escambia County Rapid Testing Program will allow for 30,000 tests to be administered by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital through December 30, 2020. These tests could be used for residents without COVID-19 symptoms and for residents without insurance. This funding will also provide 20,000 ID NOW Rapid Test Kits administered by Community Health Northwest Florida.
The Board also approved food delivery through nonprofit partners and churches as part of the Escambia Serves Food Assistance and Relief Program, allowing Escambia County to continue to serve residents through food distribution programs.
Funding in the amount of $500,000 was approved for public health campaigns through Visit Pensacola as it relates to Coronavirus-related resources for out-of-town visitors. Efforts will focus on publicizing the resumption of activities and steps taken to ensure a safe experience during COVID-19.
A special board meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. to continue the discussion about the Escambia County CARES Act plan and implementation. The Board of County Commissioners will meet to address and put forth additional details and requirements for its residents and businesses seeking the more than $14 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Visitor Ban At Florida Prisons Extended Until Mid-September
August 21, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic visitation suspension at Florida prisons has been extended again by the Florida Department of Corrections due to COVID-19.
The visitor ban is in effect this time until at least September 14 at all correctional institutions statewide.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the thousands of families who have recognized the importance of protecting our inmate population by suspending visitation. I look forward to the time we can safely welcome them back to visit their loved ones in person,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “As more and more inmates move out of medical isolation and institutions begin normal operations, we are hopeful visitation will resume very soon. We are developing plans on how to conduct visitation in the safest way possible.”
Inmates will continue to have access to their loved ones through mail, phone calls and video visitation. Legal visits will not be impacted, although attorneys are encouraged to consult with their clients via phone, email or mail during this time
New Chief Medical Examiner Recommended
August 21, 2020
State Attorney Bill Eddins has announced that the Medical Examiner Search Committee has recommended the appointment of Dr. Deanne Oleske as the new chief medical examiner for the First District of Florida.
She will meet with all four counties in the district to negotiate the terms of a contract. Once that is completed, her appointment will be recommended to the Governor. A copy of Dr.
Oleske is currently the associate medical examiner in St. Augustine, including St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties.
Dr. Timothy Gallagher continues to serve as interim medical examiner in First District, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Fall GED Classes Begin August 31 At The Molino Community Center
August 21, 2020
Fall GED classes will start August 31 at the Molino Community Center.
George Stone Technical College is partnering with the Molino Community Center to offer ABE/GED classes every Monday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Students who would like a little extra help can arrive early, from 5-6 p.m., for open lab tutoring.
Tuition is $30 per semester. Students may join at any point; there is an open enrollment policy.
Classes are actively taught by two certified teachers and personalized instruction is given based on each student’s academic level. Tutors are also available during class time.
“We have the proven prescription for success in passing the GED test,” said Patricia Harrison, George Stone counselor. “We use direct instruction, as well as materials that are aligned to the ‘actual’ content of the GED test. When students are ready to take the test, they can feel confident and assured of a passing score.”
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at 850-941-6200 ext. 2361, or attend a class for registration assistance.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stalking In Incident That Ended With Three Vehicle Wreck
August 21, 2020
A Cantonment man is accused of a stalking in an incident that ended with a three vehicle wreck on Highway 29.
Cody Ryan Winters, 27, was charged with felony aggravated stalking and felony third degree possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The victim told deputies she was driving south on Highway 29 approaching Muscogee Road with three children in her vehicle when she noticed Winters was weaving in and out of the traffic while following her. The incident last Saturday afternoon ended with a three vehicle crash.
The victim, who has a child with Winters, told deputies as she was looking in her rearview mirror while being chased and collided with the vehicle in front of her. After the wreck, she said Winters stopped in his truck and climbed into her vehicle. He then got back into his vehicle, made a U-turn and sped away northbound on Highway 29, the report states. Witnesses corroborated her statement, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
When deputies later located Winters, he told them he was sitting in traffic when he noticed the wreck. He said he drove through traffic to check on his infant daughter because he saw a lot of smoke coming from the vehicle, according to the report. He said while he was helping to get his daughter out of the vehicle, the victim accused him of following her. He denied the allegation.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Winters was previously advised not to contact the woman, a complaint was filed over texts he allegedly sent, and she was previously arrested for battery on him.
A few days later as deputies went to arrest Winters on a warrant in connection with the incident, a search of his person located methamphetamine and marijuana in his left front pocket, an ECSO report states.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Charges Dropped Against Protester Carried Across Pensacola Bay Bridge On SUV’s Hood
August 20, 2020
Charges have been dropped against the protester carried three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge on the hood of a SUV.
Jason Uphaus of the 800 block of South Highway 29 was originally charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said that probable cause existed for an arrest, there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
“The charges in this case arose out of an incident that occurred at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge during a demonstration. The victim in this case has failed lo cooperate or communicate with this office during our investigation of this matter. Based on the victim’s lack of cooperation as well as the facts and circumstances of this case, there is insufficient evidence to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” Eddins said.
One June 6, group of protesters had walked the short distance from the Graffiti Bridge on 17th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway, locking arms and temporarily blocking access to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Ford Flex drove at a slow speed through the group, with Uphaus jumping onto the hood of vehicle.
The driver continued slowly, with Uphaus on the hood, three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge where the vehicle was stopped by Gulf Breeze Police.
After about 20 minutes, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson arrived to speak to the group, and they left the roadway a short time later.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
