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.
One New Death, 89 New COVID-19 Cases Reported Friday In Escambia County
August 21, 2020
There was one additional death and 89 new COVID-19 cases reported Friday in Escambia County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The Escambia County death was a 76-year old female that was not a long-term care facility resident.
Escambia County cases increased to 10,684. An additional 44 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 4,385.
Of the 941 tests results returned on Thursday in Escambia County, 7.8% were positive, and 11.3% were positive from 360 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 10.6%.
There were 152 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Thursday, 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 50 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 593,286 cases including 587,023 Florida residents. There have been 35,997 hospitalizations* and 10,168 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 — 10,684 (+89 since Thursday)
Non-Florida residents — 943
Pensacola —7,807 (+65)
Century — 894 (+5)
—-including 761 Century prison inmates
Cantonment — 741 (+6)
Molino— 121 (+2)
McDavid — 58
Walnut Hill — 15
Bellview — 11
Gonzalez — 7
Perdido Key — 5
Current hospitalizations: 152 (-9)
Deaths — 171 (+1)
Male — 4,722
Female — 4,907
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 39
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 4,385 (+44 since Thursday)
Non-Florida residents — 39
Milton — 2,402 (+27)
Gulf Breeze — 642 (+6)
Navarre — 531 (+5)
Pace — 337 (+4)
Jay — 115
Bagdad — 9
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 241*
Deaths — 53
Male — 2,470
Female — 1,869
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 40
Florida cases:
Total cases — 593,286
Florida residents — 587,023
Deaths — 10,168
Hospitalizations — 35,997*
*“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 Double Threat In The Gulf: Tropical Storm Laura Forms; Second Tropical Storm To Form
August 21, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION.
All eyes are on a tropical double threat as there will likely be two tropical storms, or possibly hurricanes, in the Gulf of Mexico by early next week.
Tropical Storm Laura in the tropical Atlantic headed west-northwest and continues to not be well organized this morning. The current track brings this system into the eastern Gulf as a hurricane early next week. There remains too much uncertainty at this point to pin down potential local impacts, outside of an increasing ripcurrent risk.
Tropical Depression #14 is currently moving northwest near the coast of Honduras and is expected to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico later this weekend. Again, it’s too early to determine impacts here locally (if any) at this point.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the track and intensity of these systems. It’s tough to pinpoint specifics at this point. Rain chances and winds will be driven significantly by the track of these systems.
The latest specific information is the graphics on this page.
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
Free School Supply Giveaway Friday Afternoon At Bratt Church
August 21, 2020
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold a school supply giveaway on Friday.
“We will have drawstring bags filled with supplies for elementary school students and serve Kona Ice, all on us,” said Courtney Lambert, First Baptist Church Bratt Children’s Committee chairperson. “Just drive into our parking lot anywhere between 4-6 and pick up your free supplies and a nice treat.”
There is a limited quantity of school supplies available. The church is located at 4570 Highway 4, just west of the Travis Nelson Park.
File photo.
Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms
August 21, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 85. East wind 5 to 10 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. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, 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 88.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
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.