One COVID-19 Death, Another 45 Cases Reported In Escambia County
February 16, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DETAILS.
There was one COVID-19 deaths and 45 additional cases in Escambia County reported Monday by the Florida Department of Health.
(Note than an unusually low number of tests were reported in Escambia County on Monday.)
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 32,788 (+45)
Non-Florida residents: 3,396
Recovered: 30,856*
Total deaths: 594 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 257
Current hospitalizations: 123 (-2)
Number of tests reported last day: 422
Percent positive reported last day: 8.5%
Percent positive reported last week: 8.9%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 24,415 (+33)
Cantonment: 2,965 (+5)
Century: 1,135 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 448
McDavid: 193
Bellview: 56
Walnut Hill: 49
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 12
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 16,516 (+19)
Non-Florida residents: 211
Total deaths: 243
Long-term care facility deaths: 74
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 753*
Number of tests reported last day: 262
Percent positive reported last day: 6.8%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 7,930 (+9)
Navarre: 3,333 (+3)
Gulf Breeze: 3,100 (+4)
Pace: 1,306 (+2)
Jay: 507 (+1)
Bagdad: 31
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,830,988
Florida residents: 1,797,728
Deaths: 28,9
Hospitalizations: 76,109*
*“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. Most of these people are longer be 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.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***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 is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Using A Space Heater? Here Are Quick Need To Know Safety Tips
February 15, 2021
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for four out of five home heating fire deaths.
“As cold air rushes into our area, space heaters and fire places will be used. Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following simple tips,” said Ray Melton, Escambia County Fire Rescue fire and life safety specialist. “ECFR wants to remind our citizens that space heaters, furnaces and fire places should all be checked prior to use. Last year during a cold period, ECFR responded to several chimney fires that displaced residents.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
EREC Asking Customers To Conserve Electricity During Frigid Cold On Tuesday Morning
February 15, 2021
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is asking customers to conserve electricity during the frigid cold tomorrow morning.
“When you use electricity can be as important as how much electricity you consume,” EREC’s Sabrina Owens said.
Electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand, and EREC must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy demands of members during times of highest energy use, also known as “on-peak hours.” Early morning hours, when people start their day, and evening hours, when people return to their homes after work, are common times for on-peak hours.
An electric utility’s rates are set by their highest on-peak demand. Using less on-peak power means lower costs for the co-op, and ultimately, keeps rates low for members. During a hard freeze, increased use of heating systems coupled with other electricity demands can create higher usage during on-peak hours for the cooperative.
During the frigid temperature tomorrow morning, EREC said you can help keep energy demand peak lower by using less electricity during that time. Don’t do any tasks that use a significant amount of energy such as washing or drying clothes or running a dishwasher Tuesday morning. Wait until later in the day when the temperatures are higher, and heating systems are not having to work so hard. If you have electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, or printers connected to a power strip, turn it off during those peak hours.
“You may think those small tasks do not amount to much. But when we all work together to shave the peak, it will make a big difference. A difference that will translate into savings on future power bills,” Owens said.
Pictured: A power substation on Highway 99A near Oak Grove that serves the Walnut Hill area. NorthEscambia.com photo.
All ECUA Collections Delayed By One Day This Week
February 15, 2021
All ECUA sanitation collections this week are delayed by one day. Tuesday collections will be made on Wednesday and the remaining pick ups for the week will be delayed by one day until completed on Saturday.
The delay was caused by Escambia County’s closure of the Perdido Landfill on Wednesday due to concerns over potential black ice on the roadways.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Freeze Warning, Low Around Upper Teens, Low 20s; Wind Chill Around 10 Tuesday Morning
February 15, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
There is a hard freeze warning in effect for tonight across the area. There is also a wind chill advisory for wind chills Tuesday morning between 0 and 10 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Showers. Low around 47. East wind around 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. South wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 34.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Monday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
All Escambia County And Century Offices, Services Closed Tuesday Due To Ice Threat
February 15, 2021
Escambia County and Century offices will be closed for all nonessential personnel, Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to severe weather
The offices listed below will reopen Wednesday, Feb. 17, at their regular times. All employees should report to work as scheduled.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - All departments, including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (All locations)
- The Escambia County Animal Shelter
- Waste Services Administrative Offices
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller – Finance Offices
- Escambia County Area Transit administrative offices
- Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) will suspend all bus and UWF Trolley service from Tuesday, Feb.16 until noon due to cold weather conditions on the road. Escambia County Community Transportation (ECCT) will also suspend paratransit service on Tuesday, Feb. 16, until noon.
- If weather and road conditions are deemed safe, ECAT will tentatively start bus service at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 16
- If the severe weather and road conditions are still deemed unsafe, ECAT and ECCT will continue suspended bus and trolley service for the remainder of Tuesday, Feb. 16. ECAT will notify the public as soon as possible when the decision is made to continue or cancel service for Wednesday, Feb. 17.
- If you have any questions regarding ECAT bus service, residents may contact ECAT at (850) 595-3228 or visit www.goecat.com
Other Offices
- Escambia County District Schools closed Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to weather.
- Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart will close its COVID testing locations in Pensacola and Tiger Point on Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to the weather.
- All town of Century offices will also be closed on Tuesday, and will reopen on Wednesday, according to Mayor Ben Boutwell.
Bridge Closures/Openings
- Potential bridge closures are difficult to anticipate, but law enforcement will continue to monitor bridge conditions and make determinations based on public safety.
- To check real-time road and bridge closures in Escambia County 24/7, click here. For the City of Pensacola road and bridge closures, click here.
Cold Weather Shelters
- Women and Children (children under 18) tonight and most likely tomorrow: Ensley First Baptist Church, 50 West Johnson Pensacola FL 32534. No pets are allowed; check-in is from 6 p.m. -8:30 p.m. check-out is at 7 a.m.
- Men: Waterfront Rescue Mission, 380 West Herman Street Pensacola FL 32505. There is no fee tonight.
Stay Off The Roads: Black Ice Threat Tonight; Escambia Sanding Bridges; FDOT In Winter Weather Mode
February 15, 2021
Drivers are being urged to stay off the road tonight and Tuesday morning.
Patchy black is possible across the entire area overnight, according the National Weather Service in Mobile, and Escambia County will be sanding bridges as an extra precaution.
North Escambia area temperatures will drop to around the 20 degree mark by Tuesday morning. While rain has ended, any residual water on area roadways and bridges will quickly freeze tonight.
Escambia County Public Works Director told NorthEscambia.com that road crews will be sanding bridges.
The Florida Department of Transportation will go into winter weather operations mode at 9 p.m. in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions. FDOT crews will deploy various tankers, bridge deck sprayers and other equipment to apply anti-icing products on bridges and overpasses to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement surface. The anti-icing products allows any potential ice layer to melt more quickly and reduces the amount of time required to restore the roads to a clear, dry state.
FDOT will collaborate with state and local law enforcement to evaluate roads for closure if icy conditions make it challenging to maintain a drivable roadway. Motorists are encouraged to use all available information and follow law enforcement closure announcements until weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle.
Temperatures will remain below freezing through much of Tuesday morning, but sunshine will return to the area and help to dry out those roads that are not shade covered. Shade covered roads may take longer to improve depending on the degree of black icing that forms, according to the weather service.
Chumuckla Elementary School Struck By Lightning
February 15, 2021
Chumuckla Elementary School was struck by lightning on Monday.
The Allentown Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm at the northern Santa Rosa County school about 11:15 a.m., and smoke was reported in the building.
The smoke was traced to heat and cooling system as the result of the lightning strike. There were no other issues reported.
There were no students at the school due to the President’s Day holiday.
Photos: Brad Baker, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia And Santa Rosa Schools, UWF, PSC, PCA Closed On Tuesday Due To Possible Icy Road Concerns
February 15, 2021
Escambia (Florida and Alabama) and Santa Rosa county schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the frigid weather and the potential for black ice on the roadways. Most other schools and colleges are in the area are also closed.
All schools, district offices, and afterschool activities including indoor and outdoor athletics, have been canceled for Tuesday in both counties.
“We anticipate that normal operations will resume on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. This decision has been made with the safety and security of students and staff in mind,” Escambia County Superintendent Timothy Smith said.
Escambia County (AL) Schools will be closed Tuesday. All after schools events are also canceled. School is expected to resume on Wednesday.
The University of West Florida will close at 9 p.m. tonight, Monday, Feb. 15 through 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
- All courses, including online courses, are cancelled. All assignments, exams, virtual and in-person courses are suspended during this time.
- All virtual or in-person meetings, activities and services are suspended during this time.
- Essential employees must report to work, as assigned. If you are essential personnel and required to report to work, your supervisor will notify you.
All Pensacola State College offices and in-person classes are canceled for Tuesday until 1 p.m.
Pensacola Christian Academy classes and all activities are canceled for Tuesday, February 16, because of anticipated winter weather conditions. Regular school schedules are expected to resume on Wednesday, February 17.
Any updates will be posted on NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Protect Your Pipes Now From Freezing Temperatures
February 15, 2021
There are steps that will protect household pipes from freezing temperatures External, exposed pipes are naturally the most vulnerable to freezing. Here are tips from ECUA:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This prevents the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and/or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually, this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.