Escambia County Hiring 50 New Employees To Staff New Correctional Facility
February 1, 2021
Escambia County is currently hiring for 50 positions to staff the new Escambia County Correctional Facility that is slated to open this spring.
The county is hiring correctional officers, detention assistants and medical professionals for the new facility. For more information on how to apply, click or tap here.
Open positions in Escambia County Corrections and the number of positions available as of Friday are:
- Corrections Officer (Certified) — 5
- Corrections Officer Trainee/School — 20
- Detention Assistant — 18
- Emergency Medical Technician — 1
- Licensed Practical Nurse — 3
- Paramedic — 1
- Registered Nurse — 2
Available benefits include health, dental, life, vision, employee assistance program, flexible spending, long-term disability, legal services, vacations, deferred compensation, retirement and other voluntary insurance products.
For more information about the new facility and a photo tour, click or tap here.
ECUA Warns Of Scammer Claiming To Be Their Contractor In North Escambia
February 1, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is warning customers about someone falsely claiming to work for the utility in the North Escambia area.
“The ECUA has received a report of a person or persons in the area north of Ten Mile Road claiming to be contractors hired by ECUA to install energy-saving water meters,” said Nathalie Bowers, ECUA public information officer. “This is certainly a scam and an attempt to potentially obtain access to the resident’s home.”
ECUA is urging all residents to be vigilant and aware and to never allow persons claiming to be an ECUA employee into their home. Bowers said ECUA employees rarely enter customers’ homes, and if need be, will only enter upon a request from the customer. Usually, this is because ECUA is responding to a service call initiated by the customer to the utility.
“Our community’s and employees’ safety are our greatest priority,” Bowers said.
According to ECUA:
- Most ECUA employees wear uniforms bearing the ECUA logo, and all ECUA employees have identification badges, which they will gladly present.
- Many ECUA employees drive vehicles that bear the utility’s logo.
- ECUA field employees are not authorized to collect payments at any time. Customers are warned not pay any persons claiming to be employees of the ECUA, saying that they have performed work on their property and need the payment for the “service.”
Residents should call the ECUA Customer Service line at (850) 476-0480 to verify any claims made by persons asking for access to their home. ECUA recommends closing the door and letting the person wait outside while making the call. If it is after hours, residents may call (850) 476-5110.
Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward A Couple Of Cents
February 1, 2021
Florida gas prices on average trended downward a couple of cents last week, according to AAA. Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $2.38, two cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.34 for a gallon of regular unleaded, unchanged since last week.
The lowest price Sunday night in North Escambia was $2.25 per gallon at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. The bottom dollar per gallon price in Pensacola was $2.21 at a convenience store on East Olive Road.
“Drivers got a break from rising prices at the pump, last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices have lost upward momentum, due to lingering concerns about how rising cases of coronavirus will hamper global fuel demand. Gas prices should hold steady or even slip a little lower this week, unless oil prices rise again.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Century Library Is Closed For The Next Three Weeks For Remodeling
February 1, 2021
The Century Branch Library will be closed for the next three weeks for an extensive interior remodel.
The remodel will feature an expansion of the children’s area by reducing on-site storage. There will also be improvements to the public service desk for increased accessibility, an improved adult reading area, new carpet, new paint, new lighting and new furnishings.
An additional sidewalk, benches, bicycle area and tables have already been added outside the library.
While the library will be closed, Feeding the Gulf Coast youth meals will be available for the week each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Library materials that have been reserved through the library’s website will also be available each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Borrowed items can be returned during the closure by using the outdoor book drop on the south side of the building.
Pictured: Some of the outside improvements at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Healthy Kids Data Hacked
February 1, 2021
Floridians who were enrolled or applied for coverage from a children’s health insurance program between 2013 and 2020 are being urged to take steps to protect their finances after a cyber attack.
Florida Healthy Kids says a vendor, Jelly Bean Communications Design, experienced a cybersecurity incident. The company hosted the FHKC website at the time of the incident. The security incident involved the personal data of online applicants and enrollees. FHKC has no confirmation at this time that anyone’s personal information was removed from the system.
FHKC was notified that several thousand applicant addresses had been inappropriately accessed and tampered with. These addresses are collected as part of the online Florida KidCare application. FHKC engaged independent cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough review of the incident to confirm the scope and severity of the security incident.
The cybersecurity experts identified significant vulnerabilities in the hosted website platform and the databases that support the online Florida KidCare application
The tampering of applicant addresses, together with the potential exposure of personal information dating back to November 2013, constitutes a reportable data breach under Florida and federal law.
The types of information that may have been exposed include:
- Full Name and Date of Birth
- Email Address and Telephone Number
- Physical Address and Mailing Address, if different
- Social Security Number
- Financial Information, to include wages, alimony, child support, royalties, other income, and tax deductions
- Family relationships of those individuals included on the Florida KidCare Application (i.e. mother of child, sister/brother of applicant, etc.)
- Secondary Insurance Information
What Consumers Can Do To Protect Themselves
Individuals who applied or enrolled with Florida KidCare coverage between November 2013 – December 2020 are encouraged to take readily available steps to protect themselves from potential harm, including:
- Fraud alerts – Fraud alerts are a free service offered by all three national credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and requires potential creditors to contact an individual before any new account is opened. Fraud alerts remain in place for one year, and consumers only need to contact one credit agency for all three credit agencies to place a fraud alert on an account.
- Security freezes – Security freezes are beneficial tools for parents to protect children who have no need for credit accounts. A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is the best way to prevent new accounts from being opened without a person’s permission. It is a free service offered by all three national credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) that prevents new credit accounts from being opened under someone’s name without written authorization. Be aware that a security freeze will impact the ability to apply for new credit (such as a car loan, home loan, credit card, etc.). Unlike a fraud alert, consumers must contact each credit reporting agency separately to set up a security freeze.
- Monitoring – Close monitoring of all credit card, bank, and credit agency reports for any unusual activities is recommended. For additional information on how to protect one’s identity and to report identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov.
To set up a fraud alert or security freeze, contact the three national credit reporting agencies below:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Florida Legislature to expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance
Traffic Alert: Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
January 31, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route. The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Traffic impacts for the week of Sunday, Jan. 31 include:
- The U.S. 29 median crossover at Hood Drive will be temporarily closed until 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1 to adjust the elevation of the median crossover at this location. Motorists approaching U.S. 29 from Hood Drive will be required to turn right onto U.S. 29. The signal will be placed in flash-mode and signage will be in place.
- Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent right turn lane closures beginning Monday, Feb. 1.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (State Road (S.R.) 297) to U.S. 29 -Drivers will experience intermittent traffic stoppages at the intersection of Nine Mile and Pine Forest roads from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 through Wednesday, Feb. 3 as crews pave the intersection. Traffic control officers will be on-site to direct traffic. Additionally, the Nine Mile Road westbound right turn lane to access Pine Forest Road will be closed during these same hours as crews reconstruct the turn lane.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities including utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements have begun. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities are anticipated to begin summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/Pensacola Bay.
- S.R. 87 Mardi Gras Parade From Stewart Street in Milton between Raymond Hobbs Street and Elva Street – Motorists will encounter lane closures Saturday, Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the Mardi Gras parade.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over Saltman Bayou – Motorists will encounter a westbound lane closure from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 for bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Pond Creek – Motorists will encounter a westbound lane closure from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 while crews perform bridge repair work.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Maintenance over East Bay River – Motorists will encounter a southbound lane closure from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 for bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over East Bay River – Motorists will encounter a northbound lane closure from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 while crews perform bridge repair work.
- U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) Turn Lane Construction for New Discount Tire Store – Motorists will encounter nighttime, intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Feb. 3 and continuing to Thursday, Feb. 18 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions through Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Approaching the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road as seen on Thursday. NorthEsambia.com photo.
NAS Pensacola, Whiting Field Conducting Anti-Terrorism Exercise
January 31, 2021
Naval Air Station Pensacola and Whiting Field will hold an annual force protection exercise February 1-12.
Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2021 will be conducted on Navy installations in the continental U.S. It is a regularly scheduled exercise and is not a response to any specific threat.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.
Photo: U.S. Navy.
ECSO K-9 Sadie Visits Molino Cub Scout Pack
January 31, 2021
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tommi Lyter, K-9 Sadie and Deputy Matthews recently visited Molino Cub Scout Pack 430 Tuesday evening at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
The visit allowed members of the pack to work towards their Hometown Heroes requirements, Safe and Smart belt loop and Building a Better World pin. K-9 Sadie also helped the pack earn their Critter Care requirements.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service: The Trials And Joys Of Trees
January 31, 2021
|submitted by the Florida Forest Service|
Trees often are low on priority lists – unless you had tree damage as a result of Hurricane Sally. However, you might be surprised to learn that trees played a beneficial, if somewhat behind the scenes, role for good this year and every year. And celebrating the good, while not ignoring potential problems, is important when making decisions involving trees.
Often trees are disparaged, especially after a severe storm. Many trees fell during Sally, causing costly clean up and often significant damage. Some trees were damaged: causing hazardous conditions, opportunities for the tree disease and insect infestation, or simply aesthetically unpleasant disfigurement. Even without storms, trees require care, can interfere with utilities and foundations, and require extra clean up certain times of year. Yet, healthy well-maintained trees might reduce wind speeds and damage for property underneath or on the leeward (downwind) side of trees. Trees also significantly reduce erosion and absorb stormwater.
Trees often give more than they take. Many studies have been done on the effects of green space on a person’s well-being, including lowering blood pressure, speeding up recovery times, and lessening depression and anxiety. Other social benefits include lowering crime rates, increasing property values, creating beauty and space for recreation and relaxation, and lowering cooling bills. They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. We haven’t even begun to mention the material benefits such as fruit, nuts, wood, and the 5,000 plus commercial products made from trees (wood, roots, leaves, and saps).
So, celebrate trees this year! Winter is a great time to improve existing trees and to plant new ones. Florida Arbor Day is celebrated the on the third Friday in January – January 15, 2021. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. While you might not be able to attend a public event, you still can get out and celebrate trees. Below are some ideas.
Existing Trees
- Care for storm damaged trees.
- Contact an arborist for evaluation of potential hazards
- Properly prune out broken limbs to create a smooth surface
- Some trees may not be able to be successfully treated and need removal
- o Most trees will recover, but might need time and/or multiple treatments
- Learn about proper pruning techniques to take care of smaller trees yourself
- When hiring a professional is required, hire a reputable company with a certified arborist on staff. Ensure the company has both Personal and Property Damage Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture can be found at http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx.
- Take care of tree roots. Don’t compact the soil by parking or piling things in the root zone. Use caution when applying any chemicals (fertilizer, herbicide, pesticides) to the soil or lawn. Read the label to ensure it will not harm your tree.
New Plantings
- • Decide what species of tree is right for you, considering the soil type, size of opening, climate, and eventual size of tree.
- • Plant the tree at the right depth, not too deep or too shallow.
- • Keep it simple. Soil amendments, fertilizers, and staking are usually unnecessary, especially for small native trees.
- • Mulch lightly over the root zone, but not against the trunk.
- • Water regularly until the tree is established. (Three gallons per inch of tree diameter weekly – applied slowly at the root ball)
Celebrate!
- Take a photo of your favorite tree to post on social media. Tag the Florida Forest Service!
- Take a hike in the woods or a nearby park.
- Have a picnic with friends or family by a tree.
- Be grateful for your tree and its benefits.
- Teach a child about trees. There are many activities that can be used. Check out Project Learning Tree Activities for Families – Project Learning Tree (plt.org) or the Arbor Day Foundation www.ArborDay.org for a few ideas.
- Plant a new tree.
For more information on the benefits of trees, visit healthytreeshealthylives.org or www.vibrantcitieslab.com.
Flomaton Man Violently Fights With Deputies And K-9 During Arrest, ECSO Says
January 30, 2021
A Flomaton man is accused of violently fighting with deputies and a K-9 after attempting to illegally enter an occupied vehicle and illegally enter an occupied home.
Eric Tyler Mathis, 25, was charged with attempted carjacking, attempted burglary of an occupied residence, three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and battery on a police dog.
A caller told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that a man, later identified as Mathis, was walking in and out of traffic in the area of North 50th Avenue and State Street and had attempted to grab their steering wheel.
A man returned to his home on State Street to find Mathis on his front porch and attempting to enter the home while his daughter was inside.
When deputies arrived moments later, they found Mathis sitting on the steps to a carport door and hiding behind a tarp. He refused to comply with multiple orders from deputies to get on the ground, according to an arrest report.
The report states Mathis then took steps toward deputies in an aggressive manner. He was taken to the ground but continued to resist commands and efforts to place him in handcuffs. He began to push off the ground with multiple deputies on top of him. Two deputies delivered multiple strikes to Mathis’s head and face, ultimately knocking him unconscious.
Mathis regained consciousness as four deputies attempted to place his hands behind his back, and he continued to fight with deputies. Deputies delivered several more strikes to his head and face, knocking Mathis unconscious a second time.
Mathis regained consciousness again and continued to fight back. Deputies tased him, but the taser was ineffective.
Deputies then deployed K-9 Zeek on Mathis, the report states. While Zeek was holding Mathis, Mathis grabbed Zeek around the neck. Deputies were able to regain control over both of Mathis’ hands and placed him in handcuffs after the dog was removed.
“We are glad the vehicle occupant was not harmed and we are glad the homeowner was not harmed,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “We are also glad neither the deputies or K-9 Zeek were seriously injured. A person cannot illegally enter another person’s occupied vehicle, cannot illegally enter another person’s occupied home, and cannot fight the efforts of law enforcement officers. Let’s not forget about the victims of these crimes and how terrifying it must have been for them. We value the lives and safety of our residents. I would rather our deputies not have to use any force. I also wish criminals did not put our citizens and deputies in harm’s way.”
Mathis was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment and then booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $136,000.
K-9 Zeek was uninjured.