Lane Closures Wednesday Night For Bridge Work On West Highway 4 At Canoe Creek
July 7, 2021
Drivers can expect lane closures tonight on one or both bridges on West Highway 4 at Canoe Creek, between Bratt and Byrneville, west of Century. The Florida Department of Transportation did not provide a timeframe for the closures. Drivers should use caution when approaching the area. These photos were taken about 8:40 p.m. Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Last Chance To Save: Florida Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday Ends At Midnight
July 7, 2021
Florida’s new Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday ends today with tax savings on 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.
More Showers, More Thunderstorms Likely Wednesday
July 7, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 85. East wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. West 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 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: 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.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely For Monday
July 6, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast 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 after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. 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 84. 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 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Elsa Moving Toward Florida West Coast Landfall
July 6, 2021
Tropical Storm Elsa is continuing on a path toward a landfall on the western Gulf Coast of Florida, with high confidence that Elsa will track east of our local area.
Elsa will move northward across the far eastern Gulf through Tuesday night then turn northeast
Heavy rain combined with already saturated soil condition will lead to the potential of flash flooding in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. There is also a high risk of rip currents is now in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday evening for the Alabama and western Florida panhandle beaches.
Complete details on Hurricane Elsa are in the updated graphics on this page.
Tropical Storm Elsa Continues Toward The Gulf; No Serious Local Impacts Expected
July 5, 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.
Direct local impacts are not 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 possible locally heavy rainfall. An increase in waves and rip currents is possible by Wednesday.
Complete details on Hurricane Elsa are in the updated graphics on this page.
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.