Florida Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday Continues; Here’s What You Can Buy Tax Free
July 5, 2021
The new Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday in Florida continues for outdoor recreation, live events, museums and more.
Through July 7, purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 – December 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted. (For a complete list, click here for a printable pdf.)
The Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday also applies to sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, and sports equipment.
Boating and Water Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks.
Camping Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights.
Fishing Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together.
General Outdoor Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles.
Sports Equipment: The tax holiday applies any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms Likely For Monday
July 5, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Local July 5 Holiday Closures, Trash Pick Up Information
July 5, 2021
With Monday, July 5 being a federal holiday, the following will be closed and sanitation pick ups will be as listed below.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – all departments
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Waste Services Administration
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices
Exceptions:
- ECAT buses and trolleys will run on a modified Independence Day schedule. ECAT will only operate Route 59X and Route 64 Beach Jumper. The Pensacola Beach Trolleys will run from 4 p.m. to midnight. Regular service will resume Tuesday, July 6.
- Perdido Landfill will be open Monday, July 5.
EMERALD COAST UTILITIES AUTHORITY (ECUA)
- ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday.
- Residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for more information.
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Century Town Hall will be closed. For utility emergencies, call (850) 256-3208.
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course
- Roger Scott Tennis Center
CITY OF PENSACOLA SANITATION
- Customers will experience a change of schedule the week of Monday, July 5, which applies to garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup. This applies only to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers.
Customers who normally receive service on Mondays will receive service on Tuesday, July 6.
Customers who normally receive service on Tuesdays will receive service on Wednesday, July 7.
Customers who normally receive service on Wednesdays will receive service on Thursday, July 8.
Customers who normally receive service on Thursdays will receive service on Friday, July 9.
Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2021
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting. Here are some quick tips:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet becomes lost, search for lost pets at the Escambia County Animal Shelter or call (850) 595-3075.
Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July
July 4, 2021
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations from the USDA:
When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Frozen food can also be used as a cold source.
- Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
When cooking on the grill:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
- Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures
- Beef, Pork, Lamb, & Veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 °F with a 3 minute rest time
- Ground meats: 160 °F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, & ground poultry: 165 °F
- Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
When serving food outdoors:
- Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140 °F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
Happy 4th Of July! Our Forecast Calls For More Afternoon Showers And Storms
July 4, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Tropical Storm Elsa Continues On A Path Toward Florida; No Serious Local Impacts Expected
July 4, 2021
Tropical Storm Elsa is continuing on a path toward the Gulf of Mexico, but is not expected to have any major impact on Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
Elsa is forecast to move in a west-northwest to northwestward direction towards the extreme southeast Gulf through early next week, then turn to a northerly direction.
No local impacts are expected through the holiday weekend. Direct local impacts are no expected if Elsa continues on the current forecast path. The main local concern in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will be scattered to numerous storms each day with locally heavy rainfall. An increase in waves are rip currents is possible by Wednesday.
Complete details on Hurricane Elsa are in the updated graphics on this page.
Elsa Weakens Slightly To A Tropical Storm
July 3, 2021
Elsa weakened slightly to a tropical storm Saturday morning and is continuing on a path toward the Gulf of Mexico.
It will approach Jamaica and Cuba over the weekend.
As of the 10 a.m. advisory, Elsa became a tropical storm as winds dropped below 74 mph.
Elsa will continue moving rapidly to the west-northwest through Saturday night, after which a gradual turn to a northward movement is expected.
No local impacts are expected through the long holiday weekend. It is still not certain if any local impacts will occur next week given the uncertainty of the long range forecast.
Complete details on Hurricane Elsa are in the updated graphics on this page.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms For The Fourth Weekend
July 3, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Independence Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Where To Find Fireworks Shows On The Fourth (And The Third)
July 3, 2021
Here’s a guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows and events in the North Escambia area. Note that the Jay show is on Saturday, July 3, and the Flomaton-Century show was canceled.
JULY 3
Jay Fireworks
The annual Jay fireworks show will be at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Bray-Hendricks Park on Booker Street. Events will begin at 5 p.m. on the tee ball field with a Jay Elementary School Junior Beta Club cash only fundraiser for a Washington, D.C. trip. There will be a bounce house, glow items, face painting, boiled peanuts, drinks and cotton candy.
JULY 4
Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola
For the 32nd year, area Sertoma organizations are again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Sunday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
The festivities are going to be different this year. Organizers decided to focus on holding the largest fireworks show ever for the Fourth. The celebration will return to the full day of festivities for 2022.
There will be live music on the main stage on Bayfront Parkway at Bartram Park, with Not Quite Fab taking the stage at 4:30 with their Beatles show and Still Standing from 6:30 until 9 p.m. with a tribute to Elton John.
The fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at 9 p.m. will be synchronized with music on CatCountry 98.7. You’ll need an actual FM radio — there is too much of a delay when using a device or app.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Sparks & Stars Performance
There will be a free performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring your blanket to enjoy the show on the lawn. This orchestra concert will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 92.3 / AM 1620, on BLAB-TV and in Wahoos Stadium from 7:30 until 9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Fireworks show will be at 8:30 p.m. Sunday along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The best viewing spots are from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Downtown Milton Riverfest
Celebrate the 4th of July along Willing St. in Milton. in Historic Downtown Milton from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a family-friendly event featuring the Firecracker Bike Show, car show, food and retail vendors, live entertainment, and the Great Mill Town Duck Race. The night will end with a firework display over the Blackwater River at sundown.
NorthEscambia.com photos.