Rain Moves In Thursday Afternoon

November 13, 2019

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 37. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 51. North wind around 5 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Rain likely, mainly between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of rain before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Calm wind.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66.

Ready To Get Started: Century Charter Review Committee Meets

November 13, 2019

The Century Charter Review Committee met Tuesday evening with no real discussion taking place about specific elements of the charter.

Chairperson Mary Hudson Bourgeois told Interim City Manager Buz Eddy that the committee needs agendas prepared in advance. Brief mention was made that attorney Gerald McKenzie has volunteered to offer free advice to the committee. Member Evelyn Hammond said she would like to see better attendance by committee members; only six of 10 members have attended the last two meetings.

The committee heard a presentation on meeting procedures and Robert’s Rules of Order. They also reviewed paper copies of a Powerpoint presentation presented to the town council last May by Lynn Tipton with the Florida League of Cities that explained charters.

But during the hour-long meeting, the committee held no specific discussion of Century’s charter.

“I’m tired of dragging it out,” vice-chair Shelisa Abraham said. “I just want to get started.”

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Tips To Beat The Cold Snap, Lower Energy Costs And Stay Warm

November 13, 2019

With our early season cold snap, Gulf Power is offered tips to save money on your energy bill and stay warm:

  • Set your thermostat at a constant temperature. Almost half of the energy in your home goes to heating and cooling. In the winter, set it at 68 degrees and leave it. For every degree above 68 that you set your thermostat, you’ll pay 10 percent more in heating costs.
  • Find and seal leaks so cold air can’t sneak in through doors, walls or a poorly insulated attic. Make sure there are no tiny holes in your ducts that could cause your heater to work harder. Install weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows. Increase attic insulation to save 30 percent on cooling and heating costs.
  • Reverse the setting on your ceiling fan to push warmer air down to the floor level.
  • Maintain your heating system so it runs more efficiently. Change or clean your air filter monthly since dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Check out available incentives from Gulf Power’s Heating and Cooling page.
  • Use an electric blanket or heated mattress cover. These are more economical than heating the entire house. To prevent a fire hazard, avoid using ones that are older than 10 years. Don’t run cords under your mattress. More safety tips.
  • Use the sun to heat your home by opening draperies and blinds on the sunny side of your house. Close them on the shaded side of your house and at night.
  • Get a free Energy Checkup, one of the easiest ways you can identify measures to conserve energy. You can access a free online checkup from anywhere at any time on a laptop, tablet or mobile device, or you can schedule an in-home energy checkup. The checkup provides a report that’s personalized for you, based on your home’s actual energy use and can be accessed whenever you want to look for ways to save money and energy.
  • Use portable electric heaters only in small areas. Buy newer models that are thermostatically controlled and carry the UL label.

Need help paying your power bill? These agencies can help:

Pensacola

  • United Way referral line, call 2-1-1 from any phone.
  • United Ministries (only provides assistance to families w/children) 257 E Lee St., Pensacola, (850) 433-2333
  • Catholic Social Services, 222 E Government St., Pensacola, (850) 436-6425
  • Community Action Program (Tuesdays 8:15-9:15 am), 1308 W Garden St., Pensacola, (850) 607-2088
  • Salvation Army, 1501 North Q St., Pensacola, (850) 432-1501
  • First Baptist Church, (850) 438-8907
  • Olive Baptist Church, (850) 473-4466

Funeral Services Held For Fire Chief Dwain Bradshaw

November 12, 2019

FOR AN UPDATED STORY AND PHOTO GALLERY, CLICK HERE.

Funeral services will held Tuesday for Escambia Fire Rescue District Chief Dwain Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, 41, lost his life last week in the line of duty on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. He was a volunteer district chief at the Bellview Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, volunteer assistant district chief for the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, a career firefighter for NAS Pensacola, and an Air Force veteran.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Nine Mile Road, followed by a procession to Pensacola Memorial Gardens for a graveside service.

NorthEscambia.com will have complete coverage and photos upcoming.

Pictured: A portion of the 6.5 mile funeral procession for Dwain Bradshaw Tuesday afternoon along Nine Mile Road near Palafox Street. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Governor Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Escambia District Chief Bradshaw

November 12, 2019

Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags be lowered to half-staff until sunset Tuesday in Escambia County in honor of Escambia Fire Rescue District Chief Dwain Bradshaw.  He passed away last week after being struck by a vehicle while on a call on the Muscogee Bridge.

Bradshaw’s funeral is today.

Click image to enlarge.

Pictured below: The flag at half-staff Tuesday morning at the Beulah Fire Station. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Big Chill: Freeze Warning, Wind Advisory; Temperatures Falling All Day

November 12, 2019

There is a freeze warning and a wind advisory in effect.

Overnight, temperatures will fall to record or near-record lows in the mid to upper 20s. Inland locations will experience temperatures below freezing for nearly 14-15 hours. In addition to the unseasonably cold temperatures, wind chill (this is a measure of how cold people and animals feel outside) will plunge into the teens to low 20s inland by Wednesday morning.

Here is the official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 54. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 35. East wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 51. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Showers likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 37. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66.

Northview High Names Students Of The Month

November 12, 2019

Northview High School has named Students of the Month for October. They are Lillian Worden and Tyler Kite, pictured with Principal Mike Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Fire Chief Funeral Today; Traffic Delays Expected

November 12, 2019

Click to enlarge memorial procession route map.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday for Chief Dwain Bradshaw, who lost his life last week on a fatal wreck call. Traffic will be delayed or stopped for hours due to the memorial procession.

The community is invited to pay their respects Bradshaw on Tuesday when he will be honored with a service and memorial procession before being laid to rest.

Bradshaw, age 41, a Volunteer District Chief at Escambia County Fire Rescue Station #1 in Bellview and Volunteer Assistant District Chief for ECFR Station #2 in Beulah, was killed Nov. 6 while on scene at a multi-vehicle accident on the Muscogee Bridge.

Tuesday’s procession will begin immediately following the funeral service, which is at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Members of Escambia County Fire Rescue will be joined by firefighters, law enforcement, service members and first responders from the local area and across the region to pay tribute to Chief Bradshaw.

Those wanting to pay their respects along the route are asked to please follow these safety rules:

  • Procession route will begin at Hillcrest Baptist Church proceeding West on Nine Mile Road to South Pine Forest Road ending at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
  • Do not set up on Hillcrest Baptist Church property or block entrances and exits.
  • Anyone near the route, please be aware traffic will potentially be stopped and delayed approximately 45-60 minutes. Procession traffic may impact the funeral route from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.You may want to avoid the area altogether.
  • All exit ramps from I-10 at Exit 7 for Pine Forest Road will be temporarily closed during the procession.
  • Always follow direction of law enforcement.
  • Drivers are asked to be patient as the route will be temporarily blocked for the procession.
  • For people paying respects, please stay away from roads edge and look both ways before crossing any road.
  • Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Winds could be 20-25 miles an hour with temperatures dropping throughout the day.
  • Personal aircraft or drones will not be allowed in the airspace around Pensacola Memorial Gardens during services.

Services for Chief Bradshaw are scheduled as follows:

  • Visitation: 10-11 a.m.
    Hillcrest Baptist Church
    800 E. Nine Mile Road
  • Funeral services: 11 a.m.
    Hillcrest Baptist Church
    800 E. Nine Mile Road

    • General public attending the funeral, but not part of the procession must park at the John R. Jones complex. ECAT will transport attendees to and from the services.
  • Grave site: Immediately following funeral services
    Pensacola Memorial Gardens
    7433 Pine Forest Road

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, those interested in donating to the Bradshaw family may do so through the Chief Dwain Bradshaw Memorial Fund GoFundMe. All donations will be given to the family.

Century Gets Jump On Renewing Permits To Operate Water Wells

November 12, 2019

Century is getting a head start on renewing  permits to operate wells that provide water to the town.

The town has approved up to $10,000 for Municipal Engineering Services, Inc. to file the renewal applications for permits on all three wells maintained and operated by the town. The permits must be renewed by July 2020.

Municipal Engineering will reviewing the existing permit, discuss future needs with town staff, facilitate a meeting with Northwest Florida Water Management District staff, complete the renewal application including supporting data and respond to reasonable questions from District permitting staff.

If the required documentation for the last five years is available from the town, Municipal Engineering said the process should take 30-45 days.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Ashland Avenue To Remain Closed Longer Than First Anticipated

November 12, 2019

The closure of Ashland Avenue at the intersection of Nine Mile Road has been extended due to inclement weather. First expected to open November 9, officials now expect it to reopen November 20.

During the closure, crews are placing drainage pipes across the roadway as part of the drainage improvements associated with the Nine Mile Road widening project. Traffic is detoured to Stefani and 9 1/2 Mile roads.  Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded by the Florida Department of Transportation  to obey the 35-mph speed limit and to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone.

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