State Approves Escambia County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan
May 19, 2020
Tuesday ,the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation approved Escambia County’s plan to reopen short-term vacation rentals.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that counties could submit their own plans to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval. In March, DeSantis suspending short-term vacation rental bookings.
The ban was extended indefinitely under his first phase reopening plan. But he left the door open for individual counties.
“What we’re doing is telling counties, if you want short-term rentals, you request it to be authorized through the state and provide your safety plan,” he said in Jacksonville Friday as he announced his “Full Phase One” reopening plan.
“We are thankful Governor DeSantis recognized the importance of short-term vacation rentals to our community yesterday during his press conference,” said County Administrator Janice Gilley said Saturday. “This short-term vacation rental plan was created with input from county commissioners and members of ESF-18 such as the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Visit Pensacola and the DMO. ”
Under Escambia County’s plan, reservations and stays will be allowed from U.S. states with a COVID-19 case rate less than 700 cases per 100,000 residents as of May 15. Reservations from COVID-19 hotpots identified by the governor, such as New York, New Jersey and New Orleans, will be avoided for the next 30-45 days, and no reservations from international travelers will be allowed.
To read Escambia County’s complete plan, click here.
Escambia County COVID-19 Deaths Increase To 21; Dozen New Cases Reported
May 19, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. VISIT NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
The Escambia County death toll from COVID-19 has increased to 21, and 12 new cases were reported in the county on Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The latest death was a 92-year old male. The FDOH reported does not indicate that he was a resident of a long-term care facility.
The number of cases in Escambia County increased by 11 to 719, and Santa Rosa was up by one to 186.
Of the 20 deaths in Escambia County, at least 15 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 46,944 cases including 45, 684 Florida residents. There have been 8,494 hospitalizations and 2,052 deaths.
- Total cases — 719 (+12 since Monday)
- Pensacola — 533
- Cantonment — 48
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 60*
- Deaths — 21
- Male — 249
- Female — 348
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 186 (+1 since Monday)
- Milton — 103
- Navarre — 35
- Gulf Breeze — 26
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 123
- Female — 60
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 46,944
- Florida residents — 45,684
- Deaths — 2,052
- Hospitalizations — 8,494*
*“Hospitalizations” 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.
Hurst Hammock Fire Now 100% Contained; Santa Rosa Fire At 97% Containment
May 19, 2020
After nearly two weeks, the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah is now 100% contained, the Florida Forest Service said Tuesday morning. The fire has burned since May 7 and consumed 1,191 acres.
The 2,215 acre 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County is 97% contained.
More than an inch of rain fell on both fires but widespread heat sources throughout the area of the 5 Mile Swamp Fire warrant monitoring and mop up. With previous dry conditions, the fire has burned deep into the vegetative matter that lies below the surface. While the rains have helped, more is needed to reach those pockets of lingering heat. More rain is forecast for the area this evening and tomorrow.
Today will be an evaluation and assessment day as engine crews continue to patrol the area of known hot spots and see if smoke returns as afternoon sun and winds dry out surface fuels. Residents are likely to witness what’s known as reburn as trees that were affected by the fire but not completely burned will drop their remaining leaves and needles as they begin their recovery process. These needles and leaves could land in lingering hot spots that are well inside the fire lines and flare up.
Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have enacted burn bans and the Florida Forest Service is not issuing burn authorizations. Residents are asked to call the non-emergency line for their respective area to report violations and 911 for emergency situations only.
Motorists are encouraged to be on the lookout for smoke on the road anytime there’s a wildfire nearby. Drivers should treat the smoke as fog, turn on low-beam headlights and slow down. If conditions worsen, drivers should pull safely off the side of the road and turn on their hazard lights while waiting for visibility to improve.
Pictured:The Hurst Hammock fire in Beulah on May 7. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Applies For Grant To Finish Updates To Land Development Code
May 19, 2020
The Town of Century is applying for a $30,000 grant to update the town’s land development code (LDC).
The town council voted Monday to approve apply for a Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant for fiscal year 2020-2021. If the town receives the grant, it will be used to update portions of the LDC that were adopted in 1991, prepare a zoning map and offset the cost of publishing the changes.
Portions of Century’s land development code were previously updated. The $30,000 grant will allow them to finish the project.
In 2016, the town received a $25,000 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity that was used to updated five chapters of the LDC. They applied for another grant in 2018, but did not receive funding.
Pictured: Century Assistant Clerk Kristina Wood, Peggy Fowler of Peggy Fowler and Associates and consultant Debbie Nickles at a 2017 land development code workshop in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
State Appeals Court Tosses Convicted Sex Offender’s Appeal Because It Was Filed Too Late
May 19, 2020
A state appeals court has denied an appeal filed by a convicted sex offender.
In February, Jason James Vazquez, 40, was sentenced by Escambia County Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford to 29 years after he entered a plea to four counts of sexual battery while in the position of familial or custodial authority, two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and three counts of battery. Vazquez was designated a sexual predator and will be required to register as a sexual predator and comply with all statutory requirements.
The Florida First Court of Appeals tossed Vasquez’s appeal because it was not filed within the statutorily required 30 days, noting that he can file a proper petition seeking a belated appeals.
In May 2019, the 14-year old child disclosed to a family member that Vazquez had been abusing her for several years. Tthe Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Gulf Coast Kid’s House launched an investigation that led to Vazquez’s arrest.
Donate Blood At OneBlood And Find Out If You Have The COVID-19 Antibody
May 19, 2020
If you donate blood with OneBlood you will find out if you have the coronavirus antibody.
That’s because the non-profit OneBlood is testing all donations for the COVID-19 antibody.
The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating by logging into their donor portal.
“The testing brings many benefits. In addition to donors learning if they have the antibody, OneBlood will be identifying additional people who can be COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors”, said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president for of corporate communications and public relations.
Convalescent plasma donors have a special ability to help critically ill coronavirus patients. By transfusing plasma that is rich with coronavirus antibodies into a patient still fighting the virus it can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.
“OneBlood is working closely with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees M.D., to provide de-identified data on the number of people testing positive and the geographical location. This information will help in decision making for reopening the economy”, said Forbes.
OneBlood is one of the first blood centers to begin testing for the coronavirus antibody and plans to provide the antibody testing for the foreseeable future.
Due to social distancing measures that OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment to donate. Appointments can be made online at www.oneblood.org or by calling 1-888-9DONATE
Hungry? Check On The Food Trucks Tuesday And Saturday At Equestrian Center
May 19, 2020
Food trucks will be at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Tuesdays and Saturdays through May 26.
Here’s the schedule for this Saturday:
Saturday, May 23
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Who Cut the Grilled Cheese and Cake
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ & Grill
- 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Fantastic Foods Sweets and Snacks
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Jordan Valley Mediterranean
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Chick-fil-A
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Rubens Concessions
- 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. The Po Boy Shack
Arrest Made In Escambia County (AL) Murder; Victim Was Found Shot To Death On Porch
May 19, 2020
An Escambia County, Alabama, man has been charged with murder.
On May 9, the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3600 block of William Cook Road where 22-year old Tyer Lisenby found deceased from a gunshot wound on the front porch of the home.
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson said 54-year old Rufus Evens of Brewton was developed as a suspect and later arrested for murder. He remains in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Further details have not been released as the investigation continues.
Editor’s note: The “INMATE” label was placed on mugshot by the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center at the time of booking.
Century Parks To Remain Closed At Least Two More Weeks Due To COVID-19
May 19, 2020
Public parks in the Town of Century will remain closed for at least two more weeks.
Monday night, the Century Town Council discussed the parks but there was no action to open them. Instead, the council will consider the park closures at the next meeting on June 1.
Escambia County and City of Pensacola parks never closed during the pandemic, and youth sports leagues are once again offered in the county. Beaches and the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Escambia County have also reopened.
Just across the state line from Century, Flomaton reopened their parks two weeks ago.
At Least A Chance of Rain Each Day For The Rest Of The Week
May 19, 2020
A burn ban remains in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Memorial Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.