Heavy Rain Forecast, Extreme Flooding Threat
May 26, 2018
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area from Tropical Storm Alberto is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.
For the latest forecast information on Alberto, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.v
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Windy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Monday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 84. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Publix Suspends Political Contributions Amid Uproar
May 26, 2018
Facing protests over its heavy contributions to gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam, Publix announced Friday that it was suspending corporate political contributions “as we re-evaluate our giving processes.”
The supermarket giant has been embroiled in controversy after reports that it contributed more than $600,000 to Putnam’s gubernatorial campaign over the past three years.
Putnam, a Republican, has particularly become a target of criticism from gun-control advocates after the February 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County.
“At Publix, we respect the students and members of the community who have chosen to express their voices on these issues,” the company said in Friday’s statement. “We regret our contributions have led to a divide in our community. We did not intend to put our associates and the customers they serve in the middle of a political debate. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining a welcoming shopping environment for our customers. We would never knowingly disappoint our customers or the communities we serve. As a result, we decided earlier this week to suspend corporate-funded political contributions as we re-evaluate our giving processes.”
by The News Service of Florida
Judge Rules Ban On Smoking Medical Marijuana Is Unconstitutional
May 26, 2018
A state law banning patients from smoking medical marijuana is unconstitutional, a Tallahassee judge ruled late Friday.
In a highly anticipated but not surprising decision, Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers found that a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 that broadly legalized medical marijuana gives eligible patients the right to smoke the treatment in private.
The law banning smoking of medical marijuana “is invalid because it conflicts with the Florida Constitution and prohibits a use of medical marijuana that is permitted by the amendment: smoking in private,” Gievers wrote in Friday’s 22-page order.
A spokesman for the Florida Department of Health said the state is expected to appeal, which likely would place Gievers’ order on hold.
Gievers’ decision came a little more than a week after a hearing in which Cathy Jordan, a patient who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease more than three decades ago, told the judge she credits smoking joints with saving her life.
Jordan is among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit initiated by John Morgan, the Orlando trial lawyer who largely bankrolled what was known as Amendment 2. The prohibition on smoking medical marijuana was included in a law passed last year that implemented the constitutional amendment.
The amendment does not expressly authorize smoking pot but gives the state the authority to enact regulations regarding medical marijuana use, lawyers for the state have maintained.
But, agreeing with the plaintiffs, Gievers found that the language in the amendment “recognizes there is no right to smoke in public places, thereby implicitly recognizing the appropriateness of using smokable medical marijuana in private places consistent with the amendment.”
The “ability to smoke medical marijuana was implied” in the constitutional language “and is therefore a protected right,” Gievers wrote.
Shortly after Gievers’ opinion was released, Morgan tweeted: “When I start something I finish it. Truth prevails!! The voters will be done!! #BELIEVE #ForThePeople #NoSmokeIsAJoke.”
Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who will take over as Senate president in the fall, said Friday evening he had not read the order but intended to review it to ascertain the judge’s reasoning. “It is a significant departure from what was passed (in the law),” he said.
Lawmakers enacted the prohibition on joints — derided as “no smoke is a joke” by critics — largely to protect the public from the ill effects of smoking, lawyers for the state argued during the May 16 hearing.
But Jon Mills, a former House speaker who was instrumental in crafting the amendment and represents the plaintiffs, insisted that the Constitution in a variety of ways allows smokable marijuana, including in how marijuana is defined.
For example, the constitutional amendment relied on a 2014 definition of marijuana in Florida criminal law, which includes “all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not.” That includes whole-flower marijuana, which is used for smoking, the plaintiffs contend.
Gievers agreed.
“The amendment addresses the role of each of the three branches of Florida’s government in making sure that those who need marijuana for treatment of their pertinent medical issues are able to have safe access to it, without restriction except that there is no right to smoke in public places,” she wrote.
During the May 16 hearing, Jordan — who relied on her husband to interpret her speech — testified that she was given three to five years to live after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in 1986. She began smoking marijuana as a treatment a few years after she was diagnosed, Jordan said.
Other routes of administration — such as vaping — don’t work for her, Jordan said.
Smoking gives Jordan “dry mouth,” which offsets the excessive drooling caused by ALS, she said. And it relaxes her muscles, increases her appetite and helps combat depression, Jordan said.
“It just makes my life a lot more bearable,” said Jordan, who currently grows her own marijuana.
Ben Pollara, the campaign manager of the political committee behind Amendment 2, hailed the judge’s ruling.
“This is a huge victory for sick and suffering Floridians, who can now consume their medicine however they choose. And it’s a victory for voters, whose clear will had been thwarted by the Legislature. No smoke is a joke, and today the court agreed,” said Pollara, who’s also the head of the non-profit organization Florida for Care, which advocates for patients and the medical marijuana industry.
Friday’s decision was the second victory Gievers handed to patients who have challenged the state over medical-marijuana restrictions. Last month, she gave the go-ahead to Tampa strip-club owner Joe Redner to grow his own medical marijuana for “juicing.” The 77-year-old Redner’s doctors ordered the juicing treatment to keep his lung cancer in remission. The state has appealed Gievers’ decision.
Mills praised Gievers’ ruling in the smokable marijuana case.
“I’m delighted that the Constitution has prevailed,” he told The News Service of Florida. “This upholds the will of the people, and we’re grateful the justice system worked.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
FDOT: No Lane Closures For Holiday Weekend
May 26, 2018
No lane closures are planned on state roadways today through Monday in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Florida Department of Transportation said even with work suspended, drivers may encounter congestion due to increased holiday traffic and/or modified traffic patterns.
FDOT encourages drivers to be safe and obey any lower posted speed limits when traveling through highway work zones.
Wahoos Win Second Straight
May 26, 2018
The Wahoos won their second straight game against the Smokies with a 2-0 victory on Friday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium to take a 2-1 series lead.
Pensacola struck first in the fourth inning after Nick Longhi led off with a double. He scored a batter later on Brian O’Grady’s single combined with a throwing error from the right fielder Jeffrey Baez. Taylor Sparks doubled him home later in the inning to put the Blue Wahoos up 2-0.
Southpaw Seth Varner (W, 2-0) had an impressive debut for the Wahoos. Varner pitched five shutout innings, with no walks, and five strikeouts. Alejandro Chacin (S, 1) closed out the game with two scoreless innings and six strikeouts for his first Southern League save since he led the league in 2016. The Smokies loaded the bases against him in the eighth, but he was able to pitch out of trouble.
Thomas Hatch (L, 4-3) took the loss for Tennessee after allowing the game’s only two runs over 5.2 innings.
The Blue Wahoos will look to lock up their second series win in the last three with right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez (1-6, 6.08) on the mound against Smokies right-handed pitcher Oscar De La Cruz (4-3, 5.05).
One Injured In Cantonment Rollover Wreck
May 26, 2018
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover early Saturday morning in Cantonment.
The driver lost control an flipped their vehicle off the roadway about 2:55 a.m. on County Road 97 and Britt Road. One person was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS with non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Driver Injured In Collision With Utility Pole
May 26, 2018
One person was injured in a collision with a utility pole in Cantonment early Saturday morning.
The accident was about about 3:45 a.m. on South Highway 95A near Archer Road. The driver’s injuries were not life-threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Scott Declares State Of Emergency In Florida Due To Alberto
May 26, 2018
Today, Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties as the state continues to monitor and prepare for Subtropical Storm Alberto. By declaring this state of emergency, Governor Scott is ensuring that state and local government has ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm.
Governor Scott said, “As we continue to monitor Subtropical Storm Alberto’s northward path toward Florida, it is critically important that all Florida counties have every available resource to keep families safe and prepare for the torrential rain and severe flooding this storm will bring. Today, I have declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties to make sure that our state and local governments are able to coordinate with federal partners to get the resources they need. Yesterday, I directed the State Emergency Operations Center activate to Level 2 and I will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials as this storm approaches Florida.
“If any Florida family doesn’t have an emergency preparedness plan, now is the time to act. Remember, the track of these storms can change without notice. Do not think that only areas in the cone will be impacted – everyone in our state must be prepared. I encourage every Floridian to visit FloridaDisaster.org and get your plan before this storm hits so you can keep your family safe. We will continue to provide updates to Florida’s residents and visitors and do everything to prepare for and respond to this storm.”
Scott said the Florida National Guard has 5,500 members available for deployment if needed, and state agencies are actively monitoring Alberto and standing by to respond as needed.
Free Beans And Rice Saturday
May 25, 2018
Rain or shine, St. Monica’s Episcopal Church will be distributing free dried beans and rice at the church on Saturday, May 26 from 9 to 11 a.m.. Anyone who needs them can pick up rice and beans as long as supplies last. St. Monica’s is located at 699 S. Hwy 95-A in Cantonment.
Escambia County Declares State Of Emergency, Other Local Storm Info
May 25, 2018
Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution due to Subtropical Storm Alberto.. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
For the latest storm forecast information, click here.
Other essential information:
- The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on Subtropical Storm Alberto, which formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning and is expected to approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday.
- Other than rainfall, Escambia County likely will not see impacts from Alberto until late Sunday or early Monday.
- Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system, and staff are on call to respond as needed. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media (including NorthEscambia.com) for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.
- Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
- Scattered to numerous showers and storms are possible tonight, which could produce brief strong wind gusts and frequent lightning in some areas.
- The National Weather Service is emphasizing the rip current dangers associated with this storm, which are already present and could linger for days afterward. In Escambia County, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico when red flags are flying. Dangerous rip currents can also be present in yellow flag conditions. Learn more here.
- NWS also urges residents not to underestimate the rainfall and flooding threats. Do not focus strictly on the storm track or wind speeds.
- Alberto is forecast to potentially bring dangerous rip currents, heavy rainfall and flooding, including potentially life-threatening flash floods.
- Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches, with localized higher amounts
- Moderate to major flooding along area rivers and creeks
- Widespread flash flooding
- Life-threatening rip currents through Monday night
- High surf of 5-plus feet Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
- Coastal flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level along low-lying areas of the coast, bays and sounds during periods of high tide
Current advisories from NWS Mobile for Escambia County
- High Surf Advisory in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Tuesday
- Coastal Flood Watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
- Flash Flood Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Tuesday evening
Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Fort Pickens day use will end at noon Saturday. The Fort Pickens gate will be locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all campers and day users must be out of the park.
- Opal Beach complex/ picnic area day use will end at noon Saturday, and gates will be closed and locked at 5 p.m.
- Park officials will keep an eye on Highway 399 between Navarre and Pensacola beach for possible closure. Watery battery barrels are in place on side of road if a closure is needed.
Office Closures
- Escambia County Animal Services, ECAT and West Florida Public Libraries will be open on Saturday, May 25 for normal operating hours.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Escambia County Property Appraiser, Escambia County Tax Collector, Escambia County Area Transit administrative offices, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office, Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office, Escambia County Animal Shelter, West Florida Public Libraries (All locations) will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, May 29.
- At this time, all University of West Florida locations are scheduled to remain open on Tuesday, May 29. University officials will continue to monitor the storm and update the campus community, as conditions change.
Sand Bags
Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St.
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
- Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4
Preparation Tips
As June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season, residents should take the time now to double check their storm supplies and preparations so that if and when a confirmed threat develops, they are ready. The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:
Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- Knowing your evacuation zone is one of the most important hurricane preparation steps you can take. It is very important that you look up your evacuation zone each year to find out if and when you should evacuate, even if you have looked it up in the past, as zones can change. Most importantly, don’t rely on previous storm experience. Just because you weathered the last storm, doesn’t mean you will weather this one. Look up your address online at myescambia.com/knowyourzone.
- Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds. Find a list of shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly, here.
- Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.
- Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra three to 10 days stock of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.
- Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when.
- Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site, thumb drive or keep on your mobile device.
Get a kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies.
Stay informed – A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.
Prep your yard – As we are entering hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.