Gilley Proposes Warning To Anyone Contacting Escambia County By Email Or Online
June 14, 2021
Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley is proposing a warning to anyone contacting the county by email that their IP address may be public record.
The move comes after an anonymous Escambia County employee made an anonymous public records request in an apparent effort to potentially reveal the identity of the person that made an anonymous email records request for documents. The county received an email request in late April from an email address with no name — an email that on the surface appears to not identify the sender.
“The IT Director (Siders) believed it would be unethical, and a violation of the anonymity provisions in Chapter 119 (Florida public records law) as a public entity, to effectively identify that person making the request through providing their IP address. I agreed with his decision,” Gilley wrote.
Escambia County Attorney Alison Rogers disagreed, saying the header containing IP addresses is part of the email and thus public record.
“Under Florida law, a public record must be disclosed unless there is a specific exemption,” Rogers told NorthEscambia.com. “We consulted with the Attorney General’s Office. They found no exemption and advised that it was a public record that must be disclosed.”
This Thursday, Gilley is asking the county commission for new warnings to the public that their IP address might be disclosed.
“This will provide further notice to the public,” Gilley said in a written memo.
“It is common knowledge that providing a specific IP address is similar to providing the location or name of the person who sent the message. IP addresses are unique, and disclosing the IP address of the anonymous citizen in question could ultimately reveal that person’s identity and render them anonymous no more — which could be in violation of the law. So the County will change the disclaimers to appropriately notify the public,” Gilley continued.
In part, Gilley is proposing the following disclaimer additions:
- On the county’s public records request system — “To submit a public records request to better ensure anonymity, you will not be able to use the online service or email.”
- On the county website — “If you do not want your email address or IP address released in response to a public records request, do not send your request electronically but make your request via phone.”
- And on all county email taglines: “Under Florida law, both the content of emails, email addresses and IP addresses are public records. If you do not want the content of your email, your email address, or your IP address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.”
The Escambia County Commission will consider Gilley’s disclaimer requests at their next meeting on Thursday.
In the case of the IP address of the anonymous email requester that was later requested by an anonymous county employee, NorthEscambia.com and an independent cybersecurity expert determined the IP address was not unique and did not disclose any identifying information about email sender. For more information, read “NorthEscambia.com Investigates: Escambia Employee Makes Anonymous Records Request To Identify Anonymous Citizen (And Why It Won’t Work)“.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
New Signal At Highway 29, Molino Road Becomes Operational Tuesday
June 14, 2021
The new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 29 and Molino Road is set to become operational at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15.
The signal is currently in flash mode to acquaint motorists with the new location. The Florida Department of Transpiration said drivers are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Jay High’s Carson Walters, First National Merit Finalist In School History, Receives Auburn Scholarship
June 14, 2021
Jay High School Class of 2021 graduate Carson Walters has been awarded the National Merit Auburn University Scholarship. Walters is the first National Merit Scholar finalist to graduate from Jay High.
College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners are a part of a distinguished group of about 7,500 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth a total of nearly $30 million. Walters lists his probable career field as orthopedic surgery and will be attending Auburn University in the fall.
AAA Says Florida Gas Prices Are The Highest Since 2014
June 14, 2021
Florida gas prices increased as projected last week, with the state average jumping 12 cents. The increase was following significant gains in the prices of crude oil and gasoline futures, as the recovery in global fuel demand outpaces supply, according to AAA.
The average price per gallon in Florida is now $2.97, the most expensive since 2014.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was also $2.97 Sunday night. The lowest price to be found in Cantonment was $2.87 on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while in Pensacola two warehouse clubs were at $2.72.
“Fortunately, futures prices flattened out last week, so drivers should not face another round of rising prices this week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Land Being Cleared For New Dollar General Store In Century
June 13, 2021
Work is underway at the planned location for a new Dollar General store in Century.
Land is currently being cleared for the store in the 7000 block of North Century Boulevard, on the west side of the road between Highway 4A and West Hecker Road.
According to plans for the proposed store, it will be 9,291 square feet on about 1.5 acres. It will have 31 total parking spaces, with entrances from North Century Boulevard and West Hecker Road. The developer has told the town that they will remove 17 trees from the property. They plan to replant those 17 trees at the site, along with five flowering trees and 15 shade trees in the Nadine McCaw Park on North Century Boulevard, just northeast of the planned store.
The new Century Dollar General will employ about 6-10 people. It will include the new “DG Fresh” concept that offers fresh produce and healthier grocery options.
Angela Petkovic of Dollar General Corporate Relations told NorthEscambia.com said the new store will not replace the current Dollar General just over a mile and a half away on North Century Boulevard near the state line, the Food Giant and a Family Dollar. The existing Century Dollar General opened in July 2002 in a building that was constructed in 1970.
The new Century Dollar General will employ about 6-10 people.
Pictured: Land is being cleared for a new Dollar General store in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alerts – What To Expect On The Road This Week
June 13, 2021
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:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge has reopened. Drivers will encounter nighttime lane restrictions on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, June 11 through Thursday, June 17 as crews work to restore four travel lanes for the length of the bridge.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – There is a new, temporary traffic configuration in place for the 17th Avenue interchange in Pensacola. Traffic exiting the Pensacola Bay Bridge now has direct access to both 17th Avenue northbound and Gregory Street westbound. 17th Avenue southbound is currently closed at Bayfront Parkway while work on the interchange continues. Access to the Pensacola Visitors Center and boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue. Westbound access to the bridge is available via Bayfront Parkway, however, there are no left turns permitted from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway. These drivers should detour to Ninth Avenue southbound, turn east onto Chase Street, and then continue east to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Drivers will encounter brief, intermittent lane closures as crews mobilize materials and equipment. The brief, intermittent lane closures and traffic configuration will continue through the end of the year.
- Pile driving work is also underway. Crews will be driving piles during the daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- During the week of June 14, Ninth Avenue will be temporarily closed near Carpenters Creek during nighttime hours for approximately 10-15 minutes to allow crews to move a crane.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent day and nighttime lane closures, Monday through Friday, throughout the limits of the project for striping operations, signal work, and other miscellaneous items needed complete the project.
o A new traffic signal on U.S. 29 at Molino Road (County Road 182) will become fully operational around 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15. The new signal is mounted horizontally on mast arms. Motorists with color weakness problems will need to remember red is on the left and green on the right. The signal is currently in flash mode to acquaint motorists with the new location. Drivers are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers are encountering inside day and nighttime lane closures between Dominguez Street and Shoemaker Street as crews perform median improvement work. One lane in each direction will be maintained. The median work and lane closures will progress eastward on Cervantes Street until the end of the year. The speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 18.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter lane closures and shifts between I-10 and Surrey Drive between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Monday, June 14 as crews pave and repair the asphalt.
- In addition, the new traffic signal on Nine Mile Road at I-10 will be placed in a flash mode at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15. Drivers exiting I-10 eastbound to Nine Mile Road eastbound will encounter a flashing red light telling them to stop, then proceed once traffic is clear. East and westbound Nine Mile Road traffic will encounter a yellow flashing signal meaning slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. Tuesday, June 22 around 10 a.m. the traffic signal will become fully operational. The new signal is mounted horizontally on mast arms. Motorists with color weakness problems will need to remember red is on the left and green on the right.
- S.R. 292 (Sorrento Road) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)– Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 13 through Thursday, June 17 as crews restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of low-profile barrier wall.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge has reopened. Drivers will encounter nighttime lane restrictions on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, June 11 through Thursday, June 17 as crews work to restore four travel lanes for the length of the bridge.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. Sunday, June 13 to 6 a.m. Monday, June 14 as crews perform paving operations.
Jay Man Critically Injured After Being Ejected, Pinned Under His Van
June 13, 2021
A Jay man was critically injured when he was ejected from his van and pinned under it Saturday afternoon.
The 19-year old was eastbound on Old Pollard Road about a mile west of Highway 89 when he drove through standing water and lost control about 2 p.m. The vehicle rotated, struck a mailbox and a drainage ditch before becoming airborne. The passenger side of the van struck a tree and continued to rotate, ejecting the man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
State troopers said he was ejected and pinned under the van.
The man was airlifted to an area hospital by Shands Cair 6 medical helicopter. The Jay Volunteer Fire Department and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office were among those that responded.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Deadline Is June 18
June 13, 2021
Applications close Friday, June 18 for the 2021 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa.
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. In addition, it offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate SPB activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres. The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program promotes forest management practices that reduce the risk and impacts of SPB infestations. Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has been implemented on more than 197,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
NWE 8U Baseball Wins District Championship
June 13, 2021
The Northwest Escambia 8U Baseball All-Stars won the district championship Saturday with a 9-3 win over Flomaton. With the win, NWE advances to the state tournament in Theodore, Alabama on June 26. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Offense Sputters In 6-1 Loss At Chattanooga
June 13, 2021
The Blue Wahoos offense sputtered again for the Wahoos as they fell 6-1 to the Lookouts on Saturday night at AT&T Field.
In another highly anticipated pitching matchup, neither starter turned in the performance many expected.
Jake Eder (L, 1-2) battled with his command early in his start and was tagged with a pair of runs in the first inning. Chattanooga would add another run in the second inning to make it 3-0. Eder finished the night with six innings pitched and allowed four runs (3ER) with two walks and five strikeouts. He tied his career-high with 88 pitches.
Eder—who entered today’s start with the lowest ERA in the Double-A South—now has an ERA of 1.26, which is the second-lowest in the league.
Chattanooga starter Nick Lodolo looked poised to turn a solid inning up until an injury derailed his outing. Lodolo had seven strikeouts 3.1 innings before a 2-1 slider to J.D. Osborne forced the former first round pick to exit the game due to injury.
After Lodolo left the game, the Lookouts used four different relievers to hold the Blue Wahoos to one run despite having 10 hits on the night. Pensacola went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 14 men on base.
Offensively, JJ Bleday led the way for the Wahoos tallying three hits on the night while Nick Fortes went 2-for-5. Pensacola avoided being shutout for the second night in a row courtesy of a sac fly to right field by Jerar Encarnacion in the top of the ninth inning.
The series concludes tomorrow afternoon before the Wahoos return home to Pensacola. LHP Brandon Leibrandt (1-3, 8.17) gets the green light for the Wahoos and he will be opposed by Randy Wynne (1-1, 6.14). First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 PM CT.
by Chris Garagiola, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
