Rain Decreasing; Heat Increasing

July 7, 2010

Our wet weather patter is coming a gradual end, and summer’s heat is returning.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
  • Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph.
  • Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
  • Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
  • Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
  • Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
  • Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93.
  • Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
  • Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92.
  • Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
  • Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Wednesday Escambia Oil Update

July 7, 2010

Here is the latest BP oil spill information specific to Escambia County for Wednesday, July 7:

  • Report tar or oiled debris on the beach 1-877-389-8932 or #DEP from a cell phone.
  • DO NOT TOUCH oiled or injured wildlife. Report your finding to 1-866-557-1401.
  • Oil Impact Notice
  • Perdido Key reported an average coverage of 10 to 15 percent with an average width of 15 to 20 feet. The heaviest impact is at the state park. Product observed was sporadic to patch tar balls and patties.
  • Pensacola Beach reported an average coverage of 5 percent with an average width of 20 to 50 feet. The heaviest impact is just east of Portofino. Product observed was sporadic tar balls and surface oil residue.
  • Perdido and Pensacola Passes – Perdido Pass was reported clear this morning and a light sheen was reported in Pensacola Pass.
  • Forecast for tonight, temperature 77 degrees with east 15 to 20 knot winds with higher gusts. Seas will be 4 to 6 feet and rough in protected waters. Rain chance is 70 percent. Small craft should exercise caution. Thunderstorms may impact cleanup efforts both on the beaches and in the water. For safety reasons, if lightning is in the area, crews will be unable to continue working.
  • All aerial recon flights canceled today due to weather.
  • The Escambia County Health Department is posting an Oil Impact Notice for the Gulf beach waters in Escambia County, Florida. This notice will remain in place until Escambia County Gulf beaches are no longer impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This notice includes the beaches under the control of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the University of West Florida and Perdido Key Sate Park. (More Information)
  • The Escambia County Health Department has released information on what a person should do when an oily feeling or residue is present on skin. (More information)
  • The Escambia County Health Department has release information on avoiding oil and tar on the beaches. (More Information).
  • Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Beach Protection and Shoreline Cleanup Plan
  • The beaches are open for business.
  • Please be sensitive to the clean up efforts on the beaches. We understand curiosity, but officials are asking the public to avoid work areas and allow room for the workers and equipment needed to clean the beaches.
  • Please do not handle or walk through the tar balls and oil. This only spreads the product and makes cleanup more difficult.
  • Unified Command has released a fact sheet on “If Oil is Spotted on the Shore” that provides details on what happens after the oil reaches the shore. Details.
BP
  • BP claims in Florida total 27,771 with $23,571,988.93 paid.
  • There are 244 vessels are deployed in Florida for the Vessels of Opportunity program.
  • Incident Command has received reports that unknown individuals are attempting to scam people who would like to be beach cleaning workers for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response effort. Reports have come in from the states of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. These individuals reportedly state that workers must pay them for training before they can be employed. Legitimate beach cleaning contractors provide all required training free of charge. Individuals approached by anyone offering employment, only after you pay for the training, are encouraged to contact local law enforcement officials.
  • Do not sign any documents in return from money from BP or anyone else until you know the extent of your loss. BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
  • There are reports of a scam involving individuals falsely representing themselves as BP employees and offering applicants training and job placement for a fee. BP does not charge to train applicants.  If you or someone you know has been charged for training, please contact law enforcement.
  • BP’s Florida Gulf Response web site: www.floridagulfresponse.com.
  • File claims with BP online: http://www.bp.com/claims.
  • BP’s claims office is located at 3960 W. Navy Boulevard, Suite 16 & 17. The office is currently open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. BP claims categories. Call 1-800-440-0858 to help expedite the process. If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, call 1-800-280-7118.
  • The BP community outreach office is located at 435 East Government Street for questions on volunteering, vessels of opportunity program, or any other questions. Phone: 850-912-8640.
  • To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.
  • BP Vessels of Opportunity – see the master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com. To pick up or deliver completed Vessels of Opportunity packets, visit 435 East Government Street. For information, call 281-366-5511.
  • The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. Specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation. If you have wildlife training, call 1-866-557-1401.
  • Boaters are requested to report sightings of broken, disconnected or adrift boom and are asked to keep their distance from boom especially at night or in conditions of restricted visibility. Please report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom to: 1-866-448-5816. See details.
Federal
  • Latest information from NOAA Fisheries Service, including federal fisheries closure, regulation changes and quota increases: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
State of Florida
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued an executive order to provide additional oyster harvest days in the Pensacola Bay system. The order states that oysters may be harvested in conditionally approved oyster harvesting areas of Escambia and East Bay Shellfish Harvesting Areas in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from July 3 through September 30. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 3 and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on October 1. (Press Release)
  • The Department of Environmental Protection evaluated 10 different technologies for cleaning oil impacted beaches on Thursday morning on Pensacola Beach. The products and technologies were evaluated for effectiveness and efficiency of cleanup operations, deployment and disposal.
  • The Department of Environmental Protection is planning another technology review event in a couple of weeks. Citizens and companies with suggestions, ideas, or products can submit their ideas to Innovative.Technology@dep.state.fl.us for evaluation for use in Florida.
  • Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to Doug Suttles, Chief Operating Officer of Exploration and Production for BP America, Inc. requesting an additional $50 million for the second round of a tourism marketing and advertising campaign to assist business owners and families in counties affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Letter
  • Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to Doug Suttles, Chief Operating Officer of Exploration and Production for BP America, Inc. requesting the data needed to evaluate the claims process and measure the economic impact of the losses to all level of governments throughout Florida. Letter
  • Five skimmers were contracted by the state of Florida for this area with one skimmer designated for Escambia County.
  • See Florida Department of Health information and alerts about the health effects from oil.
  • See DEP’s Homeowner Tips for Protecting Florida’s Shorelines (PDF).
  • The Small Business Administration issued an economic injury Disaster Loan Declaration for the state of Florida. Pensacola office: 401 E. Chase Street, Suite 100. For more information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans visit the SBA website.
  • For information on the Florida Small Business Development Center’s Mobile Area Command units, visit www.floridasbdc.org/Special Programs/bcrm.asp.
  • Additional guidance to help small businesses survive a disaster can be found at www.MyFloridaCFO.com or by calling 850-413-3089 or toll-free 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
  • Submit innovative technology ideas, suggestions or products by completing this form. Send the form and supporting documentation to Innovative.Technology@dep.state.fl.us.
  • Video and audio public service announcements are available for download to educate the public on response, safety, coast watch and beach cleanup. See details.
  • Report boom vandalism to the 1-800-320-0519 or #DEP from your cell phone.
Escambia County
  • Escambia County is excited to announce that the second $700,000 for tourism advertising has been received. This money will be used solely for tourism advertising for Escambia County.
  • The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center is changing the operational schedule to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • A news conference will be held at 9:30 a.m. on operational days.
  • News releases and updates will be sent as needed on non-operational days.
  • County personnel continue to monitor the situation and will re-evaluate operations in the event circumstances change.
  • Cleaning stations have been placed on both Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach at the crossovers (between the crossovers and the roadways) to aid in the removal of tar and oil. Clean-up crews continue to work both beaches at night when temperatures are cooler.
  • “Hot shot” teams are responding to specific requests during the day as needed.
  • Staff continue to monitor clean-up efforts and skimming operations.
  • Skimmer vessels continue to respond as reports are received. Skimmers are working nightly.
  • A federal website is live providing real time information about the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil spill into one customizable, interactive map.
  • A  Recreational Vessel Decontamination Facility for local boaters is being established.
  • Reports vary widely throughout the day as heat from the sun brings subsurface oil to the top, and cooler temperatures at night tend to cause it to sink below the surface.
  • Anyone caught destroying, disturbing or stealing boom will be prosecuted. If you spot any illegal activity related to the booms, please call 1-800-320-0519.
  • See Escambia Inland Waterways Deployed Boom List.
  • Perdido Pass, Pensacola Pass and Bayou Texar are navigationally restricted during flood (incoming) tide and reopen during ebb (outgoing) tide as water flows out to the gulf. They are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic. (See NOAA tide predictions.)
  • Boaters are asked to be mindful of the boom and skimming operations, to use slow speeds so as not to produce a wake that may disrupt the boom, and to be aware of restricted areas.
  • A flashing light has been attached to all boom to increase visibility to boaters.
  • The Intracoastal Waterway remains open.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health, issued an executive order to temporarily close a portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Details.
  • The closure includes state waters from the beaches out nine nautical miles into the Gulf from the Alabama line east to the Pensacola Beach water tower. Interior bays and estuaries remain open to fishing. This area covers approximately 23 miles of Florida’s coastline in Escambia County. Map.
  • Recreational catch-and-release fishing is still allowed.
  • The Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge are open for sightseers and fishing, however fishing off the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is catch and release only.
  • Reconnaissance flights and ATV beach patrols are being conducted daily, weather permitting, to monitor Florida’s shoreline for impact.
  • Unified command continues to check, verify the condition and make repairs as needed to currently placed booms.
  • If citizens see anything unusual on the beaches, Escambia County has opened field offices on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key to assist in answering questions from the public and to also act as staging areas for the county monitoring teams.
    • The Pensacola Beach field office is located at 5 Via Deluna, Suite 8; phone: 934-6500.
    • The Perdido Key field office is located at 13578 Perdido Key Drive; phone: 791-6905
  • Staff continue to monitor and maintain boom. See Booming Locations and Booming Maps.
  • Hurricane season began June 1. See the Hurricanes and Oil Spill Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • On inland waters (bays, bayous, estuaries, rivers), private property owners may install oil absorbent material, booms or fences on private property above the mean high waterline (MHWL) only. No material may be installed or sprayed below the MHWL.
  • On gulf-front property, the use of silt fences, obstructions, hay bales, peat, surfactants or other material is not approved. DEP is the permitting agency for beaches and coastal systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
City of Pensacola
  • Boom has been added by city at the Escambia Bay entrance to Gaborone Swamp off Scenic Highway.
  • As requested by the city, additional boom has been placed at the mouth of Bayou Texar by the county to provide additional protection.
  • Boom has been added by city to protect aquatic vegetation just south of 17th Avenue boat ramp at Bayou Texar on west side.
  • DEP has boomed Project Greenshores Phase II from Muscogee Wharf to Hawkshaw Lagoon.
  • Boom has been added by the city across entrance to Pitt Slip Marina in the very near future, as warranted.
  • Boom has been added by the city to entrance of new Maritime Park bulkhead mitigation site immediately west of Crab Trap restaurant.
  • City is currently requesting/seeking approximately 1100′ of boom to secure and protect the rip-rap surrounding the Bruce Beach wetland mitigation site maintained by the Port of Pensacola.
  • Boom has been added by city to protect shoreline of Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones community center and waterfront park facility immediately east of Bayou Chico.
Volunteer Opportunities
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has determined volunteers cannot be used in any situation where they may come in contact with oiled shorelines or oiled wildlife.
  • To volunteer, visit www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
Safety Information

Wildlife

  • Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife as this may cause additional injuries.
  • If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call 1-866-557-1401. Provide location where the wildlife was sighted.

Boats

  • Boats should keep a safe distance from the booms. Do not drive boats over booms.
  • Do not drive boats through slicks or sheens.

Personal Safety

  • Gulf coast residents may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions, some may experience more severe symptoms. For Air Quality Reports, see http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/air.html.
  • Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
  • If you see or smell oil, leave immediately. Avoid skin contact with oil or oil-contaminated water. Do not swim or ski in areas affected by oil, and if you travel through the area by boat, take care when hoisting the anchor. Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
  • Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters. Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
Business Information
  • The U. S. Small Business Administration announces Independence Day closing of Business Recovery Centers in Florida. (More Information)
    • Business Recovery Center will close on Saturday, July 3 through Monday, July 5.
    • Centers will resume normal operations on Tuesday, July 6

    More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance to seek compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.

  • Florida emergency management and economic development staff are gathering information from businesses impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Please complete their survey and help shape Florida’s response to this event. The survey will be updated periodically.
  • Take detailed records of cancelled reservations. When cancellations occur, ask the party if the cancellation is related the oil spill. Keep the person’s name and contact information, and the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
  • Businesses negatively impacted due to the oil spill, are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records should a claim need to be presented. Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and have records, receipts and documentation to support your claim. Compare business to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
  • Make a detailed list of assets, including non-structural, and include supportive records. If your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach, the business’s assets could be damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure. Please record this depreciation.
Important Phone Numbers For Citizens

    • Report oil on the beach or shoreline: 1-877-389-8932 or #DEP from a cell phone
    • To report oiled wildlife: 1-866-557-1401
    • BP Claims: 1-800-440-0858
    • To report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom: 1-866-448-5816 or 1-800-320-0519
    • Escambia County Citizen’s Information Line: 471-6600
    • Florida Oil Spill Information Line: 1-888-337-3569

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Nokomis Road Closes Again Today

July 6, 2010

A short section of Nokomis Road will be closed again today, creating travel problems for residents in the Nokomis area.

The Escambia County Road Department will close Nokomis Road from Meadows Lane to Rockaway Creek Road from 6:30 am. Monday until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 9. A crossover pipe is being replaced by road crews during the closure.

First closed in late June, the road was temporarily reopened for the Independence Day weekend.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

More Rain Today

July 6, 2010

More showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast for this Tuesday, mainly in the afternoon. Rain chances will decrease as the week progresses, and temperatures will rise.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 87. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast.
  • Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Saturday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Sunday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Free Summer Reading Program Today At Library

July 6, 2010

All-American fun continues with the summer reading series this week at the Century Branch Library. Ross Mudge will lead today’s noon program with lots of patriotic songs.

The “Make A Splash” summer reading programs are going on each week at Century, Jay and Atmore libraries.

Schedules are listed below for each.

The Century Branch Library invites children to celebrate with summer library programs each Tuesday at noon.

  • July 6, Ross Mudge, sing patriotic songs
  • July 13, Beau Broomall, magician

For more information, contact the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.

The Atmore Public Library, will celebrate summer reading with six weeks of fun and reading. All programs listed below will be at 10 a.m.

  • July 9: Awards Day

For more information, call the Atmore Public Library at (251)  368-5234.

The Jay Library will present their “Make a Splash – Read” summer programs each Monday (except July 5) continue through July 19 at 11 a.m. for 3-5 years old that are able to attend without a caregiver and at 1 p.m. for students who have completed K-5th grade.

  • July 12 – Surf’s Up for preschoolers; Island Luau for K-5
  • July 19 – Rainy Days and Muddy Mischief for preschoolers;  The Little Mermaid performed by Jacksonville State Unversity’s Children’s Theater for K-5

For more information, contact the Jay Library at (850) 575-6293.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Tuesday Oil Update

July 6, 2010

Here is the latest BP oil spill information for Tuesday, July 5 from the Florida Department of Environmental Management.

(Editor’s note: We normally run information from Escambia County’s daily update, however, Escambia County has not issued an update since Friday.)

Tar balls, tar patties and sheen have been reported in Northwest Florida, though fewer impacts were reported over the weekend due to westward-moving winds and ocean currents.

Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72-hours, likely in the form of tar balls and tar patties.

Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s coastline remains unimpacted.

If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.

Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.

Due to the amount of boat traffic on the Fourth of July weekend, if oil is present in or near Little Sabine Pass, Escambia County will not be opening the boom for recreational vessels. If Little Sabine pass is clear of oil, the boom will be opened on the outgoing tide. This is an effort to protect Little Sabine from oil, mousse and tar balls.

Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.

There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.

There are currently three tropical waves being monitored for tropical cyclone development by the National Hurricane Center. A small tropical wave south of Louisiana has a 10% chance of development before it moves inland tonight. A tropical wave extending from northeast of the Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands through the eastern Caribbean Sea has a 10% chance for development as it moves west-northwest over the next few days. Environmental conditions near a tropical wave in the northwestern Caribbean Sea about 550 miles south of Key West are more favorable for development and this wave has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone by Wednesday.

On Site Actions:

Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Learn more.

BP is continuing its efforts to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of leaking oil from the use of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. Get daily oil collection numbers here.

BP continues efforts to drill two relief wells.

State Actions:

The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.

On July 2, the Florida Oil Spill Information Line activated Haitian Creole and Spanish call lines to serve as another resource providing Florida residents and visitors with up-to-date information. Call (877) 955-8707 for information in Haitian Creole and (877) 955-8773 for information in Spanish.

Five state-leased skimmers continue to operate in Northwest Florida to protect sensitive inland water bodies. These skimmers are operating at the passes in Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.

DEP has conducted and continues to conduct water sampling monitoring to establish baseline conditions throughout the state. Learn more about sampling and results at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/water.htm.

DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is conducting water sampling under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Learn more.

Real-time sampling data from statewide air quality monitoring can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/air.htm. Air quality reports for July 4 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Northwest Florida. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Boom Placement:

Approximately 419,600 feet of boom has been placed in Northwest Florida along the most sensitive areas. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans. As of July 4, 316,261 feet of supplemental boom has been deployed or staged by Florida contractors.

Health Effects:

There are Oil Impact Notices posted for all Escambia and Walton County Gulf beaches. Signs may remain in place until local authorities determine that beaches are no longer impacted by the oil spill. Learn more.

If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will not cause any harm, however it is not recommended. Learn more.

Fisheries & Seafood:

On July 4, NOAA revised the commercial and recreational fishing closure in the oil impacted areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The new closure measures 81,181 square miles. This federal closure does not apply to any state waters and still leaves approximately 66 percent of Gulf federal waters available for fishing. Learn more.

On July 2, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a plan to move sea turtle eggs that are within a week of hatching from the beaches in Northwest Florida to a facility on the central-east coast of Florida. Learn More.

A portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County is closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp. Learn more.

To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should only be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.

Visit http://bpdecon.com for a list of vessel decontamination locations for oiled boats within the U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Sector.

Learn More About Florida’s Response:

Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, sign up for daily updates, view tips for businesses and consumers, and much more.

For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers.

The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

More Rain Possible Tonight, Tuesday

July 5, 2010

Rain chances will remain high for Monday night and Tuesday before tapering off later tin the week.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 87. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Wednesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Saturday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Sunday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Monday Holiday Closings

July 5, 2010

The following will be closed Monday in observance of the Independence Day holiday:

  • City offices in Century, Flomaton, Jay, Atmore (The Century Town Council will meet at 7 p.m.)
  • Escambia County (Ala. & Fla.) offices
  • Santa Rosa County offices
  • West Florida Library branches, including Century
  • Santa Rosa County libraries, including Jay
  • University of West Florida, Pensacola State College closed
  • Retail windows at the U.S. Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivered or collected, except for Express Mail.
  • ECUA offices
  • ECAT buses will run on Monday, but they will follow a Saturday schedule
  • There will be no change in ECUA garbage collection.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Public Meeting: Century Town Council Could Consider ‘Junkyard’ Rezoning Tonight

July 5, 2010

The Century Town Council could consider if a Front Street property is a junkyard or if it should be rezoned as early as tonight.

A week ago, the council held a public workshop as they work to decide if a local man is operating a junkyard on his residential property and if what he claims to do for a living is or is not a business — all part of the process to determine if the council will vote to change the rezoning on his property to commercial.

George William Philyaw has been cited by Escambia County Code Enforcement for his property at 120 Front Street because it is zoned residential which does not allow his type of business to operate. He has told the town council that he simply collects metal for recycling until he has a “load” and then it is sold. Philyaw has petitioned the council to charge the property’s zoning to commercial.

While Philyaw says he is operating a recycling business, the Century Town Council has questioned if it is not actually a junkyard behind his privacy fence. And the council has also questioned if his money-making operation is even a business.

For details on the council’s recent public workshop on Philyaw’s property and more photos, click here.

The Century Town Council meets at 7 p.m. tonight at the Century Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Pictured top: The street view of the property at 120 Front Street, Century as seen June 28. NorthEscambaia.com file photo, click the enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

Rain For Monday

July 4, 2010

Most of the area had a dry Fourth of July, but it looks like Monday will be wet across the area with an 80 percent chance of rain.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast.

  • Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 72. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
  • Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Tuesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. East southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive 

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