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FEMA Hurricane Sally Update: $33 Million Approved For Individual Assistance, How To Get More Info

Following Hurricane Sally, FEMA approved 7,986 individuals and households for $33 million in FEMA assistance, including $25.7 million approved for housing assistance and $7.3 million approved for other disaster-related needs.

Another $81.2 million in SBA loans were approved for 2,081 applicants. And 4,472 claims were filed with the National Flood Insurance Program with $121.1 million paid out.

How to check status of your FEMA application

Survivors in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties who registered with FEMA can check the status of their applications, ask questions and get information in several ways:

• By visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Using the FEMA App for mobile devices
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

DisasterAssistance.gov

Individuals and households that have registered with FEMA may check the status of their application and upload documents on DisasterAssistance.gov.

Hurricane Sally Florida Recovery Resources & Information Portal

After the immediate response to a disaster, the focus of disaster operations shifts to recovery. FEMA Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) helps communities plan long-term recovery and provides resources to help them build capacity.

Recovery after a disaster presents complex challenges that require coordination among federal, state, local, private and non-governmental partners. IRC helps communities develop strategies to recover from the economic, social and other impacts of Hurricane Sally.

IRC has developed the Hurricane Sally IRC Recovery Resources & Information Portal for important updates and guidance, grant opportunities, fast-track webinars, resources, links and much more. To access the portal, sign in as a guest here: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/dr4564sally/.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Traffic Alert: These Are This Week’s Trouble Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties 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 spring 2021.

• ·       U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Crews continue road widening and drainage improvements. Traffic impacts for the week Sunday, Jan. 10 include:

• • Nine Mile Road median crossovers at the U.S. 29 interchange will be temporarily closed Friday, Jan. 15 from 8 p.m. until Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 a.m. The temporary closures are required to adjust the elevation of the median crossovers at the interchange. Drivers will not be able to make left turns across the median during the temporary closure.  The following detour routes will be in place:
    • Eastbound Nine Mile Road to U.S. 29 northbound drivers should travel north on Cove Avenue, then east on Nine and a Half Mile Road, then travel north on U.S. 29.
    • Westbound Nine Mile Road to U.S. 29 southbound drivers should travel south on North Palafox Street, then west on Hood Drive, then south on U.S. 29.
    • Northbound U.S. 29 to westbound Nine Mile Road drivers will make a U-turn at Nine and a Half Mile Road to merge onto U.S. 29 southbound; then, exit onto Nine Mile Road westbound.
    • Southbound U.S. 29 to eastbound Nine Mile Road drivers will make a U-turn at West Hood Road, then travel north on U.S. 29 to exit onto Nine Mile Road eastbound.
  • Motorists can expect nighttime intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass the week of Jan. 10 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Westbound traffic can expect intermittent daytime right turn lane closures as crews continue paving operations.
• S.R. 296 (Brent Lane) (Service Roads Only) Paving Operations – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 through Wednesday, Jan. 13 as crews install asphalt at the widening areas.

Santa Rosa County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes construction of five stormwater ponds. 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 at all times. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin summer 2021.

• Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until spring 2021.
• I-10 Emergency Improvements at Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/ Exit 22)- Monday, Jan. 11 through Friday, Jan. 15, motorists may encounter nighttime far right, lane and shoulder closures and traffic shifts on the eastbound I-10 exit ramp as crews construct improvements to accommodate additional traffic due to the closure of Pensacola Bay Bridge. There will also continue to be alternating left and right nightly lane closures on both north and southbound S.R. 281. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• U.S. 98 Utility Work from Palo Alto to Whispering Pines Boulevard – The eastbound, outside lane will be closed Monday, Jan. 11 through Friday, Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as utility crews perform operations.

236 Escambia Residents Approved For CARES Act Grants Were Not Paid. Now The Checks Will Be Mailed.

Over 200 Escambia County residents will receive their payments from the Escambia CARES Family Assistance Grant program.

The county set aside $16.5 million in CARES Act funds for local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — enough to send $3,000 checks to 5,500 families. Escambia County announced at the end of December that the last checks had been issued to qualified residents.

But there were actually 5,736 applications marked approved, 236 more than the available funds. Those applicants would see the word “Approved” on their online applications, leading them to believe the check was in the mail. The program was actually contingent on available funds, so those residents received nothing when the approved applications were processed in the order received.

“We’ve got to make that right,” Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “We cannot tell someone they’re funded and then leave them hanging and never communicate with them again and pull the rug out from under them.”

The Escambia County Commission has voted to allocated another $708,000 to the program to cover the 236 families. Most will receive their $3,000 check without about two weeks after all the necessary paperwork is on file.

Want To Learn More About Growing Industrial Hemp In Florida?

The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is launching a virtual workshop with research and program updates, available online beginning Monday, January 11 for $40. The workshop consists of a collection of pre-recorded lectures and prepared documents available for on-demand viewing.

In addition to the virtual delivery, there are opportunities to engage with experts from UF/IFAS.

As the two-year pilot project ends and phases into the established research program, UF/IFAS faculty will share research outcomes, on-farm trial updates and more.

Sessions include:

• From Pilot Project to Program, Zack Brym, assistant professor of agroecology, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC).
• UF/IFAS Hemp Pilot Project Cultivar Approval Program, Jerry Fankhauser, assistant director of the UF/IFAS Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.
• On-farm trial updates, featuring the UF/IFAS Hemp Extension Team.
• Hemp physiology and management updates, featuring faculty from UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and several graduate student researchers
• Invasion risk updates, Susan Canavan, post-doctoral researcher and Luke Flory, associate professor, UF/IFAS agronomy.
• Pest and disease updates, featuring Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and new website resources.
• Insights into Building a Hemp Industry in Florida, Trent Blare, assistant professor of food and resource economics and statewide Extension specialist at the UF/IFAS TREC.

For more information, visit the UF/IFAS Hemp Program site. To gain access to the pre-recorded workshop presentations, register online.

Presentations will be available on demand from January 11 through November 1.

Pensacon 2021 Postponed Due To COVID-19 Spike

Pensacon has announced the postponement of its 2021 pop culture convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement, they say, came after careful consideration and consultation with state and local officials, medical professionals and venue partners.

“The safety, security and health of our attendees, guests, exhibitors, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us,” said Mike Ensley, founder and CEO of Pensacon. “After discussions with our venue teams, exhibitors, creators, guests and fans, we have decided to postpone. As an additional factor, numerous celebrities must travel from all over, and will not be able to participate due to travel restrictions. As such we do not see a way to move forward that would allow Pensacon to happen safely in February.”

Originally set for February 26-28, Pensacola’s premier pop culture gathering will return later in 2021. Pensacon staff is currently working with all partners to secure new dates, which will be announced as soon as possible.

The postponement of the event allows Pensacon to work diligently to ensure that fans receive a first-class event that is on the level they have come to expect over the past seven years.

“Pensacon is for Pensacola,” Ensley said. “We are continually grateful for the fierce passion and loyalty of our amazing fans, exhibitors, artists and our community. You deserve a celebration worthy of your passion.”

For those who have already purchased tickets for Pensacon 2021, your tickets will automatically roll over to the rescheduled dates. If you should find that you are unable to attend on the rescheduled dates, tickets can be rolled over to Pensacon 2022. As a token of thanks for all of the support, current 2021 ticket holders will receive an exclusive, limited-edition gift.

City Of Pensacola Implements New Event Restrictions Due To COVID-19

Due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, the City of Pensacola has issued new event restrictions.

• Effective immediately, the City of Pensacola will not issue new event permits for events at outdoor city venues. This will remain in effect through Feb. 28 and will be re-evaluated at that time based on current COVID-19 conditions.
• Events that have already been issued a permit or events currently in the permitting process between now and Feb. 28, located at outdoor city venues, will be allowed with the following restrictions:
  • No more than 100 in attendance
  • Must show control of crowd congestion and follow CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing (remain at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you)
  • Outdoor markets are allowed to continue above the 100-person cap, but must show control of crowd congestion and follow CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing (remain at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you)
• Indoor events at City of Pensacola venues are limited to 25% capacity or less, with COVID-19 protocols in place, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing . Indoor events also require Mayoral approval. This will remain in effect until Feb. 28.

The city will work with event organizers to reschedule events as needed.

These restrictions only apply to City of Pensacola-permitted events at city venues and do not apply to private events or churches.

Using A Space Heater? Here Are Quick Need To Know Tips To Be Safe

Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.

Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for four out of five home heating fire deaths.

“As cold air rushes into our area, space heaters and fire places will be used. Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following simple tips,” said Ray Melton, Escambia County Fire Rescue fire and life safety specialist. “ECFR wants to remind our citizens that space heaters, furnaces and fire places should all be checked prior to use. Last year during a cold period, ECFR responded to several chimney fires that displaced residents.”

Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.

For portable electric heaters:

• Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
• Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
• Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
• Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.

Heating Fire Facts:

• Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
• The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
• The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
• Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.

Suspect In Multiple Carjackings Shot After Trying To Run Over Officer North Of Atmore (With Photo Gallery)

FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

A suspect tied to multiple carjackings across south Alabama was shot by a Poarch Creek Police officer Friday morning north of Atmore, according to one Alabama police department.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Creek Travel Plaza located at I-65 and Jacks Springs Road, about a mile from the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation.

For a photo gallery, click here.

The man was shot by a Poarch Creek Tribal Police officer and transported to an area hospital for treatment. An update on the suspect’s condition has not been provided. No officers were injured.

According to Wetumpka (AL) Assistant Police Chief Earl Reeves, their first contact with the man was during suspicious persons call at 5:15 p.m. Thursday. The man told police officers he had just been discharged from a hospital and was waiting on a ride. Police said his story was verified, and he was told not to panhandle or harass anyone.

At 5:41 a man driving a Nissan Armada left his vehicle running as he went inside the Pace Car Gas Station in Wetumpka. The suspect jumped in and drove away with an assault rifle that had been left in the vehicle, according to AL.com.

The suspect took the Armada to Evergreen where it was discovered abandoned at 10:40 p.m. but the assault rifle was missing.. The suspect then reportedly then took another vehicle at gunpoint and drove to north to Greenville, Alabama.

The suspect then carjacked a vehicle at a gas station in Greenville near I-65, according to Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn. He then carjacked another vehicle at a Murphy gas station at the Greenville Walmart, also near I-65.

Lovvorn said Greenville Police pinged the location of vehicle and discovered it was near Atmore. Poarch Creek Police located the vehicle in the Creek Travel Plaza parking lot, where the suspected attempted to run over the officer, according to Greenville Police. The Poarch officer then fired at the suspect.

“After being approached by uniformed officers and marked patrol vehicles, an altercation ensued forcing officers to discharge their firearms,” Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson said.

A Chevrolet vehicle with the windows shot out was directly in front of the truck stop’s diner.  Multiple shell casings could be seen in the parking lot, and about a dozen bullet holes were in the windows of the diner.

An assault-style rifle was removed from the scene by the SBI.

Special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are investigating the officer involved shooting. SBI said the results of their investigation will be turned over to the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office for review.

The Creek Travel Plaza is owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, but is not located on the reservation.

The suspect’s name has not been released. Further details will be posted when they are made available.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

‘Going To Blow Tonight’ – Cantonment Man Charged With Arson For Setting House On Fire

A Cantonment man has been charged by state investigators with setting fire to a local house.

Andrew Christian Geoghagan was charged with felony arson of a structure by the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations in connection with a fire in the 600 block of Jacks Branch Road in Cantonment.

A state fire investigator found the structure fire was started Geoghagan by lighting his backpack containing his clothes and papers taken from the residence.

Before the fire, Geoghagan was seen taking a propane tank, and when confronted he stated, “that’s alright this [expletive] is going to blow tonight,” according to an arrest report. He was also seen in the area of the fire.

Geoghagan’s grandmother told investigators that he has issues with schizophrenia and was thought to be using methamphetamine, the report states. She also stated he had started other fires in the past.

After his arrest, Geoghagan refused to answer any questions. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.

The estimated damage to the structure was approximately $1,000.

Didn’t Receive Your $600 Stimulus Money? Prepaid Debit Cards Going Out This Week

Starting this week, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are sending approximately 8 million second Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) by prepaid debit card.

These EIP Cards follow the millions of payments already made by direct deposit and the ongoing mailing of paper checks that are delivering the second round of Economic Impact Payments as rapidly as possible.

For those who don’t receive a direct deposit, they should watch their mail for either a paper check or a prepaid debit card. To speed delivery of the payments to reach as many people as soon as possible the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service is sending payments out by prepaid debit card.

IRS and Treasury urge eligible people who don’t receive a direct deposit to watch their mail carefully during this period. The prepaid debit card, called the Economic Impact Payment card, is sponsored by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service and is issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank, N.A.

Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the second mailed EIP may be different than the first mailed EIP. Some people who received a paper check last time might receive a prepaid debit card this time, and some people who received a prepaid debit card last time may receive a paper check.

EIP Cards are being sent in a white envelope that prominently displays the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal. The EIP Card has the Visa name on the front of the Card and the issuing bank name, MetaBank, N.A. on the back of the card. Each mailing will include instructions on how to securely activate and use the EIP Card.

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