FDOT Wants Public Input On Potential I-10, Beulah Road Interchange
November 5, 2020
The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a study to consider the addition of a new I-10 interchange along I-10 in the vicinity of Beulah Road.
The project includes the widening of Beulah Road from West Nine Mile Road to Isaacs Lane, the realignment from Isaacs Lane to West Kingsfield Road, a new interchange at I-10 and the widening of I-10 from the Florida/Alabama line to the Pensacola weigh station.
The project encompasses an area that will see a significant amount of a future development.
As a result of planned growth, there is a need to provide connectivity from new areas of development to the surrounding regional transportation system, according to FDOT. Additionally, there is a need to provide an alternative route that will reduce travel times and congestion within the study area.
For a project update, virtual tour, interactive map and an interactive comment form, click or tap here.
FDOT is seeking public comment on the proposal with a deadline of Thursday, November 19.
Cantonment Man Charged With Pushing Fiancée, Breaking Her Rib
November 5, 2020
A Cantonment man was arrested after allegedly pushing his fiancée of five years into a chair, breaking her rib.
Eric Lamon Hurst, 45, was charged with felony aggravated battery causing bodily harm or injury. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $5,000.
The victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that Hurst had been drinking alcohol and began to video her with his phone while she was not dressed appropriately. Despite multiple requests, he would not stop, so she took his phone away. He became upset and bit her lip and hand, according to an arrest report.
Hurst then pushed the victim down into a wooden chair hard enough to break her rib and the chair, the report states. She was transported by Escambia County EMS to West Florida Hospital for treatment.
Hurst told deputies he was sleeping and did not touch the victim and he was video chatting with his sister. He also said that he was not sure why EMS transported the victim, the ECSOs reported.
Gulf Power Customers To See Slight Electric Rate Increase In January
November 5, 2020
Gulf Power customers will see a small rate increase on their bills in January.
Gulf Power residential customers that use 1,000 kilowatt hours in a month will see their bill increase by 19 cents from $140.43 to $140.62, according to the Florida Public Service Commission. The 1,000 kilowatt hours in an example; actual usage varies widely among consumers.
Customers of Florida Power & Light, the parent company of Gulf Power, will see a $2.62 increase for 1,000 kilowatt hours. Their total bill for example usage will increase to $99.05.
Escambia Property Tax Bills Are In The Mail. Here’s How You Can Get A Discount.
November 5, 2020
Collection of Escambia County 2020 real estate and tangible personal property taxes is underway, and there’s a way to get a discount.
This year’s tax rolls include 179,704 accounts totaling over $320 million, and bills are being delivered now by the postal service and should arrive by November 12.
Discounts are available:
- November payments are discounted 4%
- December payments are discounted 3%
- January payments are discounted 2%
- February payments are discounted 1%
- March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2021.
Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
In addition, help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Payment Installment Plan. By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one lump sum payment. Each quarterly bill will receive a different discount for early payment as prescribed by Florida Statutes. The quarterly payments are due by the last day of June, September, December and March. The installment payment plan application deadline for 2021 property taxes is April 30, 2021.
“The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time,” Lunsford said.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
By The Numbers: Escambia County COVID-19 Hospitalizations Increasing
November 5, 2020
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Escambia County is increasing.
As of Wednesday, there were 62 patients current hospitalized for COVID-19 in Escambia County, the highest number since September 17.
“The numbers are starting to increase,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “It’s too early to say whether that trend will continue, but please keep taking preventative actions, including wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands often.”
The numbers are still significantly below late July when over 240 were hospitalized.
The numbers in the graph indicate daily hospitalizations in Escambia County. They are not cumulative.
Sourc/graphic: City of Pensacola.
Three Injured In Highway 95A Wreck
November 4, 2020
Three people were injured in a two vehicle crash Tuesday on Highway 95A near East Roberts Road.
Two people were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS, and a juvenile was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle following the wreck.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Chip Simmons Wins Escambia County Sheriff
November 4, 2020
Republican Chip Simmons will win the race for Escambia County Sheriff.
Simmons received 63.48% (105,838) of the vote to 36.52% (60,881) for Democrat David Alexander III. Both men are former chiefs of the Pensacola Police Department, and Simmons currently serves as chief deputy for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“I think we need a way to increase service in the middle and northern end sections of Escambia County,” Simmons told NorthEsambia.com. “We are going to do a review of north end units and potentially look at reopening substations.”
“I really look forward to helping the neighborhoods that are being decimated by the violent crime,” Simmons said about the county as a whole, “violent crime that’s attached to the narcotics trafficking. I’m looking forward to being able to go to those neighborhoods and saying we are going to put our resources in this neighborhood. And we are going to do our best to make sure that the crime in this neighborhood is reduced. Then we are going to fill that up with a level of engagement that they have not yet seen.”
Simmons said he also wants to bring body cameras to the ECSO and increase training.
Simmons will take office in January. Current Sheriff David Morgan did not seek reelection.
Ben Boutwell Elected Century Mayor, Defeating Incumbent Henry Hawkins
November 4, 2020
Former council member Ben Boutwell was elected the new mayor of Century Tuesday, defeating incumbent Henry Hawkins.
Boutwell won by just 19 votes, according to complete but unofficial results. Boutwell had 340 votes (51.44%) while Hawkins received 321 votes (48.56%).
“I know I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. We are going to take it one day at a time and go from there,” Boutwell told NorthEscambia.com. “I really do know what’s inside the office until I can sit down in the chair and go through the books.”
“We have to work on infrastructure and (natural) gas problems; we all know that. We also need to beautify the town and clean it. We need the Blackcat Pride like we had years ago,” he continued. “Blackcat Pride” was a common term used in connection with the former Century High School’s Blackcats and pride in the community.”
“It’s about the community; I need ideas and comments,” Boutwell said. “We need to have a heart to hear and have a come to Jesus meeting. It’s time for us to come together in Century.”
Matt Gaetz Reelected To Congressional Seat
November 4, 2020
Republican Matt Gaetz was reelected to Congress Tuesday.
With about 65% of the vote, Gaetz handily defeated Democratic challenger Phil Ehr and NPA candidate Albert Oram.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the great people of Northwest Florida for the this overwhelming election win tonight,” Gaetz said Tuesday evening. “It’s always special to win an election and receive a positive performance review from my bosses, the voters of this great district.”
“For the last 10 years, it’s just been the honor of my life to serve this community in one capacity or another in representative government,” he continued. “And I am deeply, deeply thankful to everyone for their confidence and support.”
Michelle Salzman Wins Florida House District 1 Seat
November 4, 2020
Republican Michelle Salzman won the Florida House District 1 Tuesday be defeating Democratic challenger Franscine C. Mathis.
Salzman won with 65.4% (56,957) to 34.6% (30,151) for Mathis.
“My goal is to really show District 1 what a representative can do and make the district proud,” Salzman told NorthEsambia.com, saying she intends to rebuild bridges burned by Hill in Tallahassee. Hill failed to get get a single bill that he sponsored passed.
She said she has already been working with leadership across the state, working with state agencies like the Florida Department of Transportation and local entities like the Escambia County Commision to make sure her priorities are aligned.
“I look forward to serving everyone in District 1,” Salzman said.
In the August primary election, Salzman defeated incumbent Mike Hill with about 52.5% of the vote. In her campaign, Salzman highlighted the fact that Hill failed to get any bill that he sponsored passed.
Hill, a local insurance agent, was first elected during a 2013 special election in House District 2. He ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2016. In 2018, he ran for House District 1, defeating Rebecca Bydlak after releasing a video recorded at the Confederate monument in downtown Pensacola claiming that he would bring the Donald Trump Hollywood star to Pensacola. That never happened, and now the monument is being dismantled.
In the August Democratic primary, Mathis won with 68.20% of the vote to Barbara Schott-Shouse’s 31.80%.