Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July

July 4, 2018

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:

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.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Escambia County Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

July 4, 2018

Escambia County is offering fireworks safety tips to make the most out of the holiday.

Most fireworks are illegal in the state of Florida. It is unlawful for any person to set off fireworks without a permit. A good rule of thumb is if it flies or explodes, it is not legal in Florida. Using illegal fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor and is a crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

What is illegal in Florida?

Personal aerial fireworks
Personal explosive fireworks
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an average of 18,500 reported fires each year. Sparklers account for roughly 25 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries.
There were four firework-related deaths in 2016, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2016.

What is legal in Florida?

Over 2,000 state approved sparklers, trick noise makers, and fountains. These products have “emits a fountain or shower of sparks” on the package. These are legal anytime of the year. Read the approved list here.
Permitted public fireworks displays

The safest way to enjoy fireworks with your family is to enjoy a public fireworks show.

If you decide to celebrate the Fourth of July at home with sparklers, it’s important to know sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Here are some helpful tips to minimize your chance of accident or injury:

Only purchase state approved sparklers from licensed vendors.
Prior to use, be sure to read and follow all warnings and instructions.
Only light sparklers on a flat smooth surface away from combustible materials. Do not light them on grass.
Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies.
Never have any portion of your body directly over the sparkler when lighting the fuse.
Never allow children to play or use any sparkler or novelty device without supervision.
Do not use any unwrapped item that may have been tampered with.
Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a “dud.” Discard of all products safely.
Submerge used and “dud” sparklers in water prior to placing in household trash receptacles.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Fireworks: Terrifying For Pets

July 4, 2018

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. Please follow these 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, post and search for lost pets at myescambia.com/animalshelter or call 850-595-3075.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Showers And Thunderstorms For The Fourth

July 4, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph. 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 and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Showers, Thunderstorms

July 3, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Morristown Road Near Jay Closed

July 3, 2018

Morristown Road near Jay has been closed for drainage work prior to resurfacing.

Santa Rosa County Public Works is replacing a dilapidated pipe prior to resurfacing the road.

“Once the pipe is changed out, we expect the resurfacing to commence within two to three weeks, depending on the weather and other factors,” said Stephen Furman, Santa Rosa County Public Works director.

Morristown Road runs north and south between Highway 4 just east of the Escambia River Bridge to Chumuckla Highway.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Gas Prices Increase Before Independence Day

July 2, 2018

Gas prices face upward pressure as Independence Day quickly approaches. AAA forecasts nearly 47 million Americans will travel for the holiday. The 39.7 million – who will drive – will find gas prices 50-60 cents more than last year.

“Gas prices should inch higher before July 4, on renewed concerns of global oil supply shortages,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices are back to multi-year highs. So another 5-10 cent increase at the pump would not be out of the question this week, but prices will not rocket high enough to ruin travel plans.”

Gas prices in Florida rose 2 cents during the past week, ending a 34-day decline of 24 cents. Sunday’s average of $2.72 is 56 cents more than this time last year.

The average price per gallon in Escambia County Sunday was $2.71 per gallon, just less than the state norm.

Motorists will find the most expensive Independence Day gas prices in four years. However, prices will remain well below the $3.60 average from July 4, 2014.

Pictured: Gas was $2.69 Sunday at this station on Highway 29 at West Roberts Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Widespread Showers And Thunderstorms

July 2, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 87. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph 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. Calm wind.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

More Showers And Thunderstorms Likely For Sunday

July 1, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.