It’s Utility Scam Awareness Week. Here’s Why That’s A Thing And How To Protect Yourself.
November 17, 2020
Utility customers are frequent targets of scam attempts, and Utility Scam Awareness Week, Nov. 16-20, offers a chance to raise awareness and help educate customers on the tactics used by scammers.
Recognized annually, Utility Scam Awareness Week was created by Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a consortium of 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas companies and their respective trade associations. Gulf Power and Florida Power & Light are members of the UUAS.
“Protecting yourself against scams is a constant battle unfortunately, but we want to help make our customers aware of some of the more common tactics that scammers use so they can protect themselves,” said Marlene Santos, Gulf Power president. “Heightened awareness is one of the best defenses against these activities.”
UUAS and its member companies have seen an increase in scam attempts upon customers due to the pandemic. In fact, many tactics being used are claiming COVID-19 as a reason to gain access to personal information.
Although impostors continue to target utility customers, UUAS has succeeded in taking nearly 6,000 toll-free numbers out of operation with the help of customer reporting. UUAS advises customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer to contact their local utility or law enforcement authorities. Here are tips to protect yourself from falling victim to utility scams:
Signs of potential scam activity:
- Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell a customer their utility bill is past due, and service will be disconnected—usually within an hour—if a payment is not made.
- Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct a customer to purchase a prepaid card, cryptocurrency or to send funds via a mobile app to make a bill payment.
- Request for prepaid card: Customers are instructed to pay with a prepaid debit card. The impostor asks the for the prepaid card’s number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
How customers can protect themselves:
- Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service interruption. Utility companies do not ask for a prepaid card and always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill.
- If someone threatens immediate service interruption, customers should be aware. Customers with past due accounts receive multiple advanced notices, typically by mail or email and in their regular monthly bill.
- If customers suspect someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up, delete the email or shut the door. The utility should be contacted immediately at the number on the most recent monthly bill or on the utility’s official website, not the phone number the scammer provides. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.
It’s Operation Christmas Child Collection Week At First Baptist Bratt
November 17, 2020
Volunteers are busy this week at the First Baptist Church of Bratt during “National Collection Week” for Operation Christmas Child. Since 1993, the simple, gift-filled shoe boxes will bring Christmas joy and evangelistic materials to children in over 150 countries across the world.
National Collection Week for OCC continues through November 23. The First Baptist Church of Bratt is the official drop-off location/OCC Relay Center for the north end of Escambia County, FL.
Pastor Tim Hawsey, Relay Center coordinator, said the shoe boxes are distributed by trained local pastors and volunteers around the world…right where the children live. The children that receive the box are invited to participate in a twelve step bible study called The Greatest Journey translated into their native language and taught by local people the children know.
The First baptist Church of Bratt is located at 4570 West Highway 4, near the Travis M. Nelson Park. Collection hours will be:
Tuesday, November 17: 9 a.m. until noon
Wednesday, November 18: 9 a.m. until noon, 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Thursday, November 19: 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Friday, November 20: 9 a.m. until noon
Saturday, November 21: 9 a.m. until noon
Sunday, November 22: 4 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Monday, November 23: 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.
“This is about being a blessing and bringing God’s love and hope to children in poverty around the world that would not receive it otherwise. We have gone through the intense process of been approved as a church to be a Relay Center to collect the boxes from individuals, families, and churches of our area, document and pack them into special cartons and take them to the next level for Samaritan’s Purse,” Hawsey said.
Operation Christmas Child boxes should be packed in a specific manner. For more information, call Hawsey at the First Baptist Church of Bratt at (850) 327-6529, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ, or call (800) 353-5949. Resources are available for churches that wish to participate.
“If you are not able to pack a box but would like to make a contribution toward a box let me know,” Hawsey said.
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational non-profit organization that has mission’s opportunities all over the world.
Cantonment Man Charged In Incident Involving Two Guns And A Window Blind
November 16, 2020
A Cantonment man was jailed after an incident involving two guns and a window blind.
Exzavier Jamal Pritchett, 24, was charged with armed burglary of an occupied dwelling, two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and criminal mischief.
Pritchett allegedly got into an argument with a woman at an apartment on Lake Drive in Cantonment. He approached the apartment and stuck a handgun through the window, according to an arrest report. His actions resulted in $15 in damage to the window blind.
A male resident was later threatened by Pritchett with two pistols outside the apartment, he told deputies.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a K-9 were unable to locate the weapons. Pritchett told deputies he had been smoking spice with the male resident when they became involved in an argument, but he said he never had a gun.
Pritchett remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $55,000.
Escambia School District Keeping COVID-19 Restrictions In Place Until At Least January
November 16, 2020
The Escambia County School District will keep COVID-19 restrictions in place until at least January.
“The district planned to review restrictions concerning visitors, volunteers and mentors on November 13,” incoming school superintendent Dr. Timothy Smith said. “As much as we look forward to allowing parents and volunteers back on campus, we have to look at the data. That data indicates we should continue following the restrictions currently in place.”
As of Friday, there were 25 COVID-19 positive students and 25 positive staff members in the Escambia County School District. There were 645 students and 44 staff members excluded from school due to a positive COVID-19 test result, awaiting a test result or close contact to a positive case.
“We are aware of the COVID data which indicates an increase in our state over the last two-three weeks. Therefore, we will reevaluate in January 2021 after reviewing the data on current patterns and trends,” Smith said.
Now That FEMA Sites Are Closed, Here’s How To Apply For Hurricane Sally Help
November 16, 2020
FEMA mobile registration centers in Escambia County closed permanently on Saturday, but residents can still apply for Hurricane Sally assistance.
Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:
- Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
- Downloading the FEMA App; or by
- Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. 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.
The deadline to register is December 1, 2020.
Escambia Man Killed In Collision With Truck At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino
November 16, 2020
An Escambia County man was killed in a two vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on northbound Highway 29 at the Highway 97 intersection in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 44-year Pensacola man “failed to maintain awareness of stopped vehicle traffic directly in front of his vehicle”. He drove his Chevrolet Impala directly into the rear of a truck that was hauling a large commercial roll off dumpster.
The driver of the Impala was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 59-year old driver of the commercial vehicle and his 76-year old passenger were not injured.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Average Gas Price Dips Below $2 A Gallon In Florida
November 16, 2020
Florida gas prices inched lower last week by just a penny, the smallest weekly decline in a month.
Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $1.99 per gallon. The state average is 1 cent less than a week ago, 15 cents less than last month, and nearly 40 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.09, up a couple of pennies over last week. At least three North Escambia area stations in Cantonment were below $2 Sunday night, including $1.95 at one on Highway 29. Multiple stations were below the $2 mark in Pensacola — as low as $1.83 at two warehouse clubs.
“The gas price plunge stalled out last week, after news of a possible COVID-19 vaccine sent crude oil prices higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The announcement restored some optimism within the fuel market, that fuel demand could eventually rebound. With the vaccine’s widespread release likely months away, it’s likely that gas prices will remain low through the rest of the year.”
Crude oil prices rose $3 a barrel last week. It was an increase of 8% from the week before. Oil prices shot up early in the week upon news of a possible COVID-19 vaccine. However, that optimism cooled off toward the end of the week as reports of rising cases of coronavirus continued to roll in.
40-Year Old Suspect Killed In Cottage Hill Deputy Involved Shooting
November 15, 2020
A suspect was killed in a deputy involved shooting Saturday night in Cottage Hill.
About 9:30 p.m. deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were serving an arrest warrant when the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle. The incident happened at a house in the 2200 block of Handy Road, just off McKenzie Road.
“Deputies were positioned behind the truck when the suspect went in reverse, they quickly moved and the suspect began to drive forward towards the deputies, forcing deputies to fire to stop the suspect,” Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, told NorthEscambia.com.
Jake Settle, 40, was pronounced deceased on the scene.
No deputies were injured.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Help The Hungry: Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Underway
November 15, 2020
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is underway, coordinated by Escambia County Extension, to collect jars of peanut butter to be given to area food pantries this December.
Through November 25, you can donate unopened jars of peanut butter at several locations throughout Escambia County. Drop off boxes can be found at:
- UUF/IFAS Extension – 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau – 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety – 6575 N. W St., Pensacola
- Gilmore Services – 21 E. Fairfield Drive, Pensacola
- Holy Spirit Church – 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church – 13360 Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola
In His Own Words: Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas On Retirement
November 15, 2020
by Malcolm Thomas, Escambia School District Superintendent
This will be the last opportunity to write to you as the Escambia County School Superintendent. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Schools for the past 12 years.
In 2008 when I contemplated becoming the Escambia Superintendent of Schools, I knew I was facing a huge elephant, but I also realized that there is only one way to eat an elephant – one bite at a time. Transforming education is a huge undertaking, which requires systemic and methodical progress. Such transformation takes time, and does not occur in an instant.
Now, as I approach my final workday before retirement, the landscape is markedly improved in so many areas: student achievement, technological resources, facility improvements, and graduation rates – just to name a few.
Because of the support of so many, our district is in a much better position than when we began this journey twelve years ago. It has been the collaborative efforts of both district and community stakeholders, embracing the vision and assisting the push for progress, that has made the difference.
Together, our district has made incredible achievements in the pursuit of student excellence. The dedication and professionalism of district employees humbles me. It has been my honor to serve alongside so many consummate professionals. This district is blessed with many wonderful, dedicated, and talented people who put the best interest of students first.
The shared vision of creating a district where parents want to send their children, where students want to learn, where teachers want to teach and where employees want to work has been integral in moving our district forward. Continued efforts to move forward will mean even more amazing outcomes for our students.
There is much to celebrate. Simply look back to any School Board meeting or review the press releases on the district web site and you will see accomplishments that should make the entire community proud. Students are taking advantage of opportunities to become the best they can be. However, there is much work that remains to be done and new challenges are on the horizon.
As I leave the district, so many of the relationships and experiences will remain in my mind and heart as a new chapter of my life unfolds. The Escambia County Public School District will always have my support, and I look forward to watching the next period of progress.
Our students have brought me great joy and happiness. It is with them in mind that I encourage each of you to join me in supporting the next Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Timothy Smith. He will be assuming the Office of Superintendent while accompanied by a great district team, to begin the next phase of success for our students.
I wish each of you the best in the future.
May God bless you all!
Malcolm Thomas
Superintendent, Escambia School District
Pictured: Malcolm Thomas was selected as Florida’s 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.