Escambia County Schools Will Be Fully Operational On Monday
August 23, 2020
Public schools in Escambia County will be fully operational on Monday and won’t be directly impacted by tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico.
“All Escambia County public schools and offices will be operating on a regular schedule for Traditional (face-to-face instruction), as well as Remote and Virtual instruction on Monday, August 24, 2020,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. “Current projections for (Hurricane) Marco indicate that our area will be fortunate, receiving rain and some wind.:
He said the school district will continue to monitor Marco and Laura along with Escambia County Emergency Management.
Any changes will be announced by school messengers calls and on NorthEscambia.com
One New Death, 101 New COVID-19 Cases Reported Saturday In Two County Area
August 22, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
There was one additional death reported in Santa Rosa County and 101 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday in the two county area, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The Santa Rosa County death was a 68-year old male that was not a long-term care facility resident.
Escambia County cases increased by 68 to 10,752. An additional 33 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 4,418.
Of the 909 tests results returned on Friday in Escambia County, 6.5% were positive, and 8.8% were positive from 415 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 10.6%.
There were 150 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Friday, according to data from the three local hospitals.
Of the 171 deaths in Escambia County, 84 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 54 deaths in Santa Rosa County, at least seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and nine in a long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 597,597 cases including 591,283 Florida residents. There have been 36,329 hospitalizations* and 10,274 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 — 10,752 (+68 since Friday)
Non-Florida residents — 956
Pensacola —7,863 (+56)
Century — 899 (+2)
—-including 761 Century prison inmates
Cantonment — 744 (+3)
Molino— 121
McDavid — 61 (+2)
Walnut Hill — 15
Bellview — 11
Gonzalez — 7
Perdido Key — + (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 150 (-2)
Deaths — 171
Male — 4,758
Female — 4,940
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 39
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 4,418 (+33 since Friday)
Non-Florida residents — 39
Milton — 2,424 (+22)
Gulf Breeze — 644 (+2)
Navarre — 538 (+7)
Pace — 337
Jay — 119
Bagdad — 9
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 244*
Deaths — 54 (+1)
Male — 2,482
Female — 1,890
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 40
Florida cases:
Total cases — 597,597
Florida residents — 591,283
Deaths — 10,274
Hospitalizations — 36,329*
*“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.
Tropical Storm Watch Issued Along Alabama Coast As Marco Forecast Moves East
August 22, 2020
THIS IS AN ARCHIVE STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
The path of Marco has changed in the latest forecast.
A tropical storm watch is now in effect from the Mississippi/Alabama border eastward to the Alabama/Florida border. A hurricane watch has been issued from Intracoastal City Louisiana eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama border, including cities like New Orleans and Biloxi.
The forecast track (graphic below) for Marco has shifted more to the east. It is expected to make landfall in southern Louisiana on Monday. The cone of uncertainty, which currently includes Mobile and Baldwin counties, is still subject to change.
Laura continues to move toward the Gulf and a Wednesday landfall is looking likely and is currently forecast for southern Louisiana,
This weekend is a good time to prepare and make sure you have needed supplies.
You also need to figure out if your plans changed at all due to the ongoing pandemic (Things to think about – Were you planning to shelter at a friends house? Were you planning to evacuate with extended family? Were you planning to go to a shelter? Have any of your answers to those questions changed due to the pandemic?).
The latest specific information on both tropical storms is the graphics on this page.
Escambia County Printing Business Owner Sentenced On Federal Charges For Fake Invoices
August 22, 2020
An Escambia County printing company owner has been sentenced on federal charges.
United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida, said business owner Gerald Mandel, 52, was sentenced to three years’ probation on federal charges of theft of government money and submitting false claims for overpayment to the United States. Mandel, owner and operator of DLUX Printing, in Pensacola, filed approximately nine fraudulent invoices to the Government Publishing Office (GPO), resulting in over $47,000 of fraudulent payments. In addition to probation Mandel was ordered to pay full restitution as well as a $25,000 fine, for a total of $72,255.48.
“Gerald Mandel took advantage of the control he had over the direct mail services process to steal almost 50,000 taxpayer dollars from the federal government,” said Keefe. “His sentencing today sends a message that we expect, and demand, our government employees and contractors act with integrity and follow the law. Greed will not go unchecked in the Northern District of Florida.”
Mandel submitted approximately 115 invoices to GPO for payment between January 1, 2013, and May 15, 2018. According to the GPO’s Office of Inspector General, 33 of those invoices were submitted for direct mail services. Contracts for direct mail services require the contractor to print items for a government agency and then mail the majority of those items directly to individual consumers. Mandel schemed to receive overpayment for direct mail contracts by printing only about half the number of items ordered by the consumer. Mandel then falsified shipping documents to reflect that the orders were actually complete so that he would receive full payment from the GPO. Investigators identified 11 shipments containing falsified mailing documents which Mandel used to file nine fraudulent invoices.
“The Government Publishing Office, Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of GPO contracts and financial expenditures,” said Inspector General Michael P. Leary. “We take allegations of false claims, overbilling and theft of government funds very seriously and will aggressively investigate these matters to ensure efficiency and effectiveness throughout GPO programs. We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing these allegations and will continue our collaboration with the DOJ to investigative those who seek to defraud agency programs.”
Escambia County Distance Learners Can Pick Up Meals At These School Locations Each Day
August 22, 2020
Escambia County students enrolled in distance learning can receive meals through curbside service each school morning beginning Monday.
Families may pick up one breakfast and lunch per student each day school is in session at any location of their choice, regardless of the student’s assigned school. The meals for distance learners are designed to be carried away and consumed off campus (cafeteria/dining rooms remain closed for distance learners). Food items should be consumed when received or quickly refrigerated for consumption at a later time.
Distribution sites and times are listed below.
When parents arrive to pick up meals they will be asked for their students’ names and school ID numbers. Families with students that pay full or reduced price for meals, should put money on their student’s account online at myschoolbucks.com to cover the cost of the breakfast and lunch.
“Based on the feedback we received from families, we created a list of the most frequently selected locations and times,” explained ECSD School Food Services Director, Jaleena Davis. “We are now asking parents to check this list and find the site most convenient for them. All pick-up times are before school to avoid an interruption in the middle of the distance learning school day.”
From 6:15 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Jim Allen Elementary School, 1051 Hwy. 95A North
- Kingsfield Elementary School, 900 West Kingsfield Rd.
From 6:30 – 7:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Bellview Elementary School, 4425 Bellview Ave.
- Bratt Elementary School, 5721 North Hwy. 99
- Brentwood Elementary School, 4820 N. Palafox St. (Hwy 29)
- Ensley Elementary School, 501 E. Johnson Ave.
- Ferry Pass Elementary School, 8310 N. Davis Hwy.
- Global Learning Academy, 100 North P St..
- Lipscomb Elementary School, 10200 Ashton Brosnaham Road
- L.D. McArthur Elementary School, 330 East Ten Mile Rd.,
- Molino Park Elementary School, 899 Highway 97
- Montclair Elementary School, 820 Massachusetts Ave.
- Myrtle Grove Elementary School, 6115 Lillian Hwy.
- Navy Point Elementary School, 1321 Patton Dr.
- Oakcrest Elementary School, 1820 N. Hollywood Blvd.
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School, 3000 Owen Bell Lane,
- Scenic Heights Elementary School, 3801 Cherry Laurel Dr
- O.J. Semmes Elementary School, 1250 E. Texar Dr.
- Sherwood Elementary School, 501 Cherokee Trail
- Warrington Elementary School, 220 N. Navy Blvd.
- C.A. Weis Elementary School, 2701 North Q St.
- West Pensacola Elementary School, 801 North 49th Ave.
From 6:45 – 7:30 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Escambia High School, 1310 N. 65th Ave.
- Pensacola High School, 500 W. Maxwell Street
- Pine Forest High School, 2500 Longleaf Dr.
- Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Pkwy.
From 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Northview High School, 4100 West Highway 4
From 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School, 4110 Bauer Rd.
- Bellview Middle School, 6201 Mobile Hwy.
- Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Rd.
- Ferry Pass Middle School, 8355 Yancey Ave.
- Warrington Middle School, 459 South Old Corry Field Rd.
- Workman Middle School, 6299 Lanier Dr.
From 7:30– 8:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Ernest Ward Middle School, 7650 Hwy. 97
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate On The Upswing
August 22, 2020
The local unemployment rate locally in Escambia County declined in June but increased in July, according to data released Friday.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 9.2% in July, up from 7.9% in June. That represents 13,167 people out of work out of a county workforce of 142,520. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was just 3.5%, or 5,126 people.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the Pensacola area private-sector employment decreased by 7,100 jobs (-4.5%) over the year. The industry losing the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality (-3,100 jobs). Construction was the only major industry that gained jobs over the year in July 2020 (+100 jobs).
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11.3 percent in July 2020, up 1.0 percentage point from the revised June 2020 rate, and up 8.2 percentage points from a year ago. There were 1,125,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,975,000.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in July.
Chance Of Afternoon Showers And Thunderstorms Today
August 22, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 85. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
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.