Tornado Relief: Free Food And Services, Donation Information
February 19, 2016
- The Salvation Army will be at the Century Community Center on Friday, Feb. 19th during lunch time to serve meals. They will also drive through neighborhoods to serve those that cannot come to the Center.
New Life Christian Center, Friday:
- The New Life Christian Center at 5416 North Century Boulevard will provide hot meals and will give away free clothes and toiletries to tornado victims on Friday, February 19 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Farm Share, Saturday:
- Farm Share is partnering with Senator Greg Evers and Representatives Doug Broxson, Mike Hill, and Clay Ingram to sponsor a disaster relief food distribution on Saturday, February 20, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Century Business Center on Pond Street (new location!). Families in need after the devastation of the tornado earlier this week will be given food and supply bags free of charge from Farm Share. Each household will receive a variety of fresh produce, canned & dried food, water, juice, paper products, and other needed essentials.
- Supplies are very limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis to tornado victims.
Century Little League, Saturday
- Century Little League will provide hot dogs and hamburgers Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. for tornado victims and cleanup workers at Showalter Park.
- Additional Resources available at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church. They are providing food, water and clothing for anyone in need. Donations accepted
- The church cannot accommodate additional clothing donations at this time. The Town is working to identify another organization that might be able to receive and distribute donations.
Florida Baptist Convention Disaster Relief
- Donations can be made to the Florida Baptist Convention and designated for “Century Tornado” for direct use to assist Century area residents. Contact any Southern Baptist Church for more information.
Small Business Development Center:
- The Florida Small Business Development Center will be in Century Friday, Feb. 19th with their Mobile Assistance Center (MAC) unit to assist any local small businesses. They will be located outside the Century Chamber as well as making site visits.
- LSNWFL will be at the Century Business Center on Pond Street Friday, Feb. 19th from noon – 4:00 p.m. assisting residents with property related legal issues.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Amtrak Train Rolls Into Atmore This Afternoon Early
February 18, 2016
Residents of Atmore and the North Escambia area are encouraged to meet an Amtrak inspection train as it rolls into Atmore this afternoon in advance preparation for the possible return of passenger rail service to cities like Pensacola and Atmore.
The train is set to arrive at 2:11 p.m. (20 minutes earlier than first announced) at the Atmore Train Station downtown. They will greeted by music from the Escambia County High School Jazz Band, and the VIP’s will walk through a ceremonial sword arch provided by the Northview High School NJROTC.
The train will leave the passengers behind as it departs at 2:41 p.m., just before speeches from Atmore Mayor Jim Staff, Amtrak Chairman Joe Boardman and Southern Rail Commission Chairman Gregory White. The passengers will then be bused to the Wind Creek Casino for a press conference and a reception, and many will spend the night in the Wind Creek Hotel.
The passengers will then board buses to Pensacola to an 8 a.m. departure on February 19, with stops later that day in Crestview, Chipley and Tallahassee before an arrival that night in Jacksonville.
Pictured: Today’s Amtrak train in Gulfport, MS, (top), Gulfport, MS, (inset) and New Orleans (bottom). Photos by David Gehman for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Have ‘Coffee With A Cop’ Today In Cantonment
February 18, 2016
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host a “Coffee With a Cop” this afternoon at 5:30 at the Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment.
The Coffee with a Cop event provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about what the ESCO is doing in their neighborhood.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state police forces strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between law enforcement and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
Pictured: A previous “Coffee With a Cop” event in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Another Sunny Day
February 17, 2016
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 42. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 70.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 48.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Donations Needed For Tornado Victims; Item Giveaway Set For Wednesday AM
February 16, 2016
The Abundant Life Assembly of God on North Century Boulevard is accepting donations for tornado victims in Century.
Items needed include food, water, cleaning supplies, clothing of all types and sizes, toys and other household items. There will be an open trailer in the back parking lot of the church were donations can be left after hours.
At 9 a.m. Wednesday, items will be distributed to those in need at the church.
Tornado Updates: At A Glance
February 16, 2016
5 p.m. Update from Escambia County on Century/McDavid tornado
Essential Information
· Residents are going to be allowed to re-enter closed roads on foot with proof of residency Escambia County is working with the Town of Century and various agencies today to complete damage assessments and remove downed trees.
· Search and Rescue was completed Monday evening, however teams rechecked homes this morning in the daylight ECSO to work with Red Cross to establish areas for Red Cross ERV to set up for distribution of food, supplies
Damage Assessments
· The National Weather Service determined the tornado that hit Century to be a strong EF2, weak EF3.
· They will post updates throughout the day on Twitter (@NWSMobile) An estimated 40-50 residences/business were affected by the storm Governmental and not-for-profit agencies are working to complete damage assessments
Shelter Information
· The Century Community Center (6001-A Industrial Boulevard) is open as the shelter and the Red Cross is on scene for assistance
Red Cross
· Meals being delivered by Emergency Response Vehicles Clean-up kits/comfort kits will be available soon A family service team is being assembled Red Cross has served 300 meals Wind Creek is bringing meals in again tonight
Relief Resources
· Century Clerk: Visit Century Community Center and let Red Cross know you are here for one of the following purposes:
o To register for assistance (such as debris removal and salvage of belongings)
o Disaster volunteer check-in (Do not self-deploy. Please register at the community center)
o Red Cross Shelter (for temporary shelter relief)
o Food (provided by Atmore Poarch Creek Indians)
· Additional Resources available at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church. They are providing food, water and clothing for anyone who needs it. Donations accepted. 8040 Century Blvd. 850-256-5227
Power Companies
· As of 12:50 p.m., EREC reported that all power had been restored to those areas able to receive electricity.
· Gulf Power has 150 poleman on scene trying to restore power; estimated time of restoration for structures that can receive power is between 10 p.m. and midnight tonight tentatively.
Schools
All Escambia County, Fla., public schools are open at their regular times on Wednesday.
Road Closures
· Pond at Highway 29
· Hecker at Highway 29
· Salters Lake at Highway 29
· Front at Highway 29
· Bradley at Highway 29
· Alger at Highway 29
· Freedom at Jefferson
· Jefferson
· Ramar at Highway 29
First Responders
· Early estimates are that there were 120 first responders on scene Monday night.
Debris Pickup
· Special debris pickup has not been determined yet but will be addressed in the immediate future.
Electrical Issues
· If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off.
· Never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
· Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard and it may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.
Reentering Buildings
· Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. You may want to wait to return to buildings during daylight hours, when it is easier to avoid hazards, particularly if the electricity is off and you have no lights.
· Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure may fall or if you smell gas or suspect a leak. If you smell gas, notify emergency authorities and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
· Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
Chain Saw Safety
· Become familiar with the recommended safe operational procedures before attempting to work with a chain saw.
· Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery.
· Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chain saws.
· Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing.
· Always avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
· Don’t stand on a log and saw between your feet.
· Always stand to one side of the limb you are to cut, never straddle it.
· Always keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks; never position yourself or other people in line with the chain.
· Keep the chain out of the dirt; debris will fly, the teeth will be dulled and the chain life shortened considerably.
Cleaning Up Safely
· Always wear gloves and work boots when cleaning or removing debris.
· Discard unsafe food.
· Open windows to provide ventilation.
· Remove wet contents including carpet, furniture and building materials.
· Do not allow children to play in or around debris piles. Check play areas for hazards.
· Do not try to move any displaced propane tanks. Get in touch with fire officials to provide them the location of these tanks.
· Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners; mixing can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
Sunny Skies Today
February 16, 2016
Here is your official NorthEscambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Today Is Voter Registration Deadline For The March Presidential Primary
February 16, 2016
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office will hold extended hours on Tuesday to allow voters to register or change parties before the book closing deadline for the Presidential Preference Primary.
Office hours will be 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. New registrations and party changes must be completed and received or postmarked no later than February 16, in order for them to be effective for the March 15 election. Address changes can be made after the books close. If you are unsure of your registration status, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click “Am I Registered?”.
For more information, please contact the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections at (850) 595-3900, soe@escambiavotes.com or visit EscambiaVotes.com.
Four North Escambia Schools Closed For Tuesday
February 15, 2016
Four North Escambia area schools are closed for Tuesday due to the tornado damage in the area. The closed schools are Northview High, Ernest Ward Middle, Byrneville Elementary and Bratt Elementary.
The schools will be closed for students and staff.
Any student that lives in the Northview or Ernest Ward attendance zone but attends another school in the county (such as West Florida High) is also excused from school on Tuesday.
A decision about Wednesday will be made at a future time and posted on NorthEscambia.com.
Tornado Watch In Effect; Showers And Thunderstorms
February 15, 2016
There is a Tornado Watch in effect until 9 p.m. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Washington’s Birthday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9pm, then a chance of showers between 9pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 43. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.