Escambia Ups CARES Act Family Grants, Using Money From Business Relief Program
October 16, 2020
The Escambia County Commission has approved increasing the amount of CARES Act grant funding for individuals, using money that was first allocated for business relief.
The board voted to increase the award amount from $2,000 to $3,000 for the Escambia CARES Family Assistance Grant Program and from $3,000 to up to $7,500 for the Rent and Mortgage Grant Program. The application for both has closed.
ESCAMBIA CARES FAMILY ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
Each qualified household applicant will receive $3,000 as part of the Escambia CARES Family Assistance Grant Program, and applicants should receive confirmation emails within the next three weeks. The additional amount will come from the reassignment of funds earmarked for the Escambia CARES Business Assistance Grant Program and from the third phase of funds that the state has allocated to the county but has yet to distribute. The Board increased the award amount and the total pool of money in order to impact the county’s residents in the best possible way.
In total, more than 9,000 applications were received for the Escambia CARES Family Assistance Grant. The Board expects to have more than 5,000 approved applications once all duplicated, incomplete or ineligible applications are vetted. Please keep in mind the award is per household so if there are duplicate emails or addresses that were submitted, only one may be approved and other duplicate applications will be denied. As of Thursday’s board meeting, 1,500 applications have been approved and prepared to send to the Escambia County Clerk of Court’s Office for payment with another 1,500 under a second review for approval.
“We just need everyone to have patience as we process the incredible volume of applications we received,” said Clara Long, director of Neighborhood and Human Services. “Within the next three weeks, we will have the majority of the applications processed and sent for approval. We intend to reach out to those who may have had trouble filling out their applications so we can help as many residents as possible in our county; however, we ask those applicants to be patient while we quickly work on getting assistance out to those who are clearly qualified.”
Those who haven’t received approval or denial of their application in the next three weeks are those applicants who are in a lengthier approval process. Long said that applicants who are in this longer approval process will be contacted and made aware of their status by the end of this three-week period.
ESCAMBIA CARES BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The Escambia CARES Business Assistance Grant Program received 490 applications. Distribution of this grant has begun with 76 applications moved forward to funding, all of which were approved for $7,500 of aid. The Board anticipates that most of the approved applications will be funded with the $2.8 million that is allocated for this grant program.
ESCAMBIA CARES RENT AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The Rent and Mortgage Assistance Grant was made available by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to cover rent and utilities or mortgage or utilities in arrears due to a direct loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19. The Board decided to increase the ceiling on the grant to $7,500 to help residents of Escambia County avoid eviction or foreclosure.
Motorcyclist Critically Injured In Highway 97 Crash In Molino
October 16, 2020
A motorcyclist was critically injured in wreck Thursday night in Molino.
The motorcycle reportedly collided with a dog on Highway 97 between Highway 29 and Highway 95A, near the Escambia County Farm Bureau office.
The rider was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola as a trauma alert.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and has not released further details. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FDOT: 2 Of 3 Barges Removed From Under Pensacola Bay Bridge, Reopening Targeted For March 2021
October 16, 2020
The Florida Department of Transportation says the Pensacola Bay Bridge repairs could be complete by March 2021.
Progress at the bridge continues and one damaged span of the bridge has been removed while crews continue to carefully remove damaged portions from additional spans in order to minimize impacts to the existing structure. Two of the three barges under the bridge have also been removed, accelerating demolition efforts. As of Thursday, 15 of the 27 barges have been removed from the area.
Three bridge contractors are on site, increasing equipment resources to include:
- 50 additional personnel to expedite demolition.
- Additional dive teams have been deployed, bringing the total to eight, to assist with the final inspection.
- Five barge mounted cranes, including two 300-ton cranes, have been brought in to replace existing cranes that were damaged or lost to assist in the process.
- A specialty barge designed to take large damaged sections away from the bridge for demolition or to be delivered to an artificial reef site. This will allow repair work to proceed without having to wait for deck demolition to be complete.
FDOT has been continuously working to improve the traffic flow along the Pensacola Bay Bridge detour routes. To date, FDOT has
- Installed a new temporary traffic signal at the I-10 westbound ramps at State Road (S.R.) 281
- Delineators have been installed to provide a free flow southbound movement from the I-10 eastbound ramp onto southbound S.R. 281
- Additional temporary traffic cameras have been installed that have significantly improved travel time.
- The Road Ranger service that was previously on the Pensacola Bay Bridge has been relocated to the Garcon Point Bridge to help with minor incidents and to keep traffic flowing as much as possible.
- Developing plans to temporarily widen 2,000 feet of northbound and southbound S.R. 281 south of the I-10 interchange.
- Developing plans to temporarily widening the eastbound I-10 off ramp at eastbound S.R. 281 off ramp to two lanes to better facilitate traffic movement leaving the interstate.
FDOT continues to develop and improve alternative transportation solutions to move people and goods safely and efficiently through the region while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired. Examples include:
- Exploring all funding avenues available to implement a ferry service between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola.
- Funding Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route to help transport passengers between the Pensacola Bay Center Park in Escambia County and the Tiger Point Community Center City in Gulf Breeze.
- Gathering information such as potential ridership, times of operation, and duration of service as well as reviewing existing facilities that would be necessary for the safe operation of a ferry or additional bus routes.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of early March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions and at the same condition as expected for new construction. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.
The design is underway for the permanent repairs and reestablishment of four lanes of traffic on the bridge with a focus on substructure repairs which includes the piers. Durability, and ensuring there is absolutely no reduction in the bridge’s strength as a result of the repairs, remains paramount in the design plans.
FDOT is assessing the final total number of the spans/piers that will ultimately need to be replaced. The contractor has already fabricated 25 beams and the piers needed to begin repairs. The contractor has also begun constructing more replacement beams and piers at its offsite yard and has reached out to other facilities to assist in production. This aggressive effort will allow the installation of these items to commence as soon as demolition of the damaged items are complete.
Further preliminary inspection findings include:
- To date, FDOT divers have inspected 202 underwater footings while top side inspection teams have assessed 105 spans, 202 piers and 525 beams.
- The number of spans requiring full replacement remains at five and FDOT has identified an additional two that will require partial replacement.
- A minimum of twelve pedestrian spans have been identified for replacement.
- FDOT will have to replace a number of beams and is still determining the specific number needing replacement.
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a 500-yard buffer zone for all Pensacola Bay Bridge construction activities. Vessels may use only low or idle speeds within the buffer zone. Due to the potential for underwater hazards, boaters are advised to use caution near the bridge. The navigational channel has been inspected and is free of hazards. For this reason, crossing beneath the bridge should be done only at the navigational channel.
Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through 6 a.m., Friday, October 23.
Woman Arrested In Connection With 2007 Escambia County Cold Case Murder
October 15, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with a cold case murder from 2007.
Cheryl Burgett (pictured right), 54, is charged with accessory after the fact. She is being held on a $276,000 bond.
On July 27, 2007, the body of 42-year old Carolyn Whitney Antrim (pictured left) was found in a wooded area on Lola Lane, not far from Gulf Beach Highway and Patton Drive.
Carolyn’s mother had reported her daughter missing to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day. She told deputies that Carolyn had not been seen since July 20, 2007. The van Carolyn was traveling in had been towed from the same area on July 21 as an abandoned vehicle. When the family retrieved the van on July 27, they noticed blood inside.
Years went by, with no arrest in the murder.
During an annual review of this case, ECSO investigator James Lee re-interviewed several people, but it was new interviews he conducted that led to Burgett’s arrest.
Anyone with information about the homicide of Carolyn Antrim is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
17-Year Old Charged With Attempted Murder For Escambia Shooting
October 15, 2020
An 17-year old was arrested Thursday for a shooting a man Tuesday night.
Asontae Mason is charged with attempted homicide for the shooting in the 4400 block of Whisper Drive, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim walked into a convenience store on Creighton Road at Spanish Trail just before midnigh Tuesday. He had a gunshot wound to his neck and was transported to the hospital.
An update on the victim’s condition has not been made available.
How Many COVID-19 Cases Have Been Reported At Your Child’s School? Here Are The Numbers.
October 15, 2020
New data from the Florida Department of Health details the number of COVID-19 cases by school across the state.
Pensacola Christian Academy has recorded the most cases in Escambia County at seven during the period September 6 to October 10. The highest number of cases in Santa Rosa County is 45 total at Pace High School, which is also the highest number at a single school in Florida.
The table at the bottom page details the number of cases per school in Escambia and Santa Rosa County September 6 through October 10 and also details the numbers by totals, students and staff for the time period.. Schools not listed have reported zero cases through October 10.
Parents may have received phone calls about COVID-19 at other schools not on the list. Officials say that’s due to contact tracing where students or staff had contact with a known case that’s outside the school, such as a family member.
Escambia County schools with one current case each as of October 10 are:
- Cordova Park Elementary
- East Hill Christian
- Escambia High
- George Stone Technical College
- Jim C. Bailey Middle
- Longleaf Elementary
Santa Rosa County school with at least one current case each as of October 10 are:
- Bagdad Elementary (2)
- Central School
- Gulf Breeze High
- Gulf Breeze Middle
- Jay Elementary
- King Middle
- Martin Luther King Middle
- Navarre High (2)
- Pace High (8)
- Pea Ridge Elementary
- S.S. Dixon Primary (6)
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Northview High School FFA Names Officer Team
October 15, 2020
The Northview High School FFA has named their officer team for this year.
“This year is shaping up to be a great one for Northview FFA. We have a fantastic group of officers that are ready and willing to serve not only their chapter, but their community as well,” said Brandon Korinchak, Northview agriscience teacher.
The officers are:
- President: Amber Gilman
- Vice President: Meredith McGhee
- Secretary: Paige Gibbs
- 2nd Vice President: Leah Wood
- Sentinel: Briar Weaver
- Chaplain: Caleb Hassebrock
- Treasurer: Riley Dawson
- Reporter: Sky Williams
- Parliamentarian: Samantha Kimmons
- Historian: Judson Lee
- Public Relations: Ryan Andrews
- Photographer: Audrey Goetter
Pictured are: (front, L-R) Audrey Goetter, Paige Gibbs, Meredith McGhee, Sky Williams, Riley Dawson, (back, L-R) advisor Brandon Korinchak, Caleb Hassebrock, Briar Weaver, Judson Lee, Amber Gilman, Ryan Andrews, Samantha Kimmons, and Leah Wood. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Second Lady Karen Pence Visits Pensacola, Addresses Military Spouses
October 15, 2020
Second Lady Karen Pence met with military spouses Wednesday in Escambia County and watched a Blue Angels demonstration at NAS Pensacola.
At the Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park,Pence delivered remarks to military spouses thanking them for their important contributions to the United States Armed Forces.
She recognized the many sacrifices they make through their families’ service to our country, including the challenges they face in finding and sustaining a meaningful job. Military spouses face unique barriers to employment opportunities due to their frequent moves and varying occupational licensing state requirements, she said.
During her remarks, Pence outlined the Trump Administration’s efforts to create employment solutions for military spouses. The accomplishments include increased funding for a transition assistance curriculum for military spouses, a doubled relicensing reimbursement amount for spouses who relocate due to PCS orders, and meetings with governors to address occupational licensing reforms on a statewide level.
At NAS Pensacola, she participated in a senior leadership briefing and received an overview of the mental health and military spouse programs. Representatives of the mental health and military spouse programs gave an overview of NAS Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Support Center.
Following the briefing, Pence visited the Blue Angels practice area and viewed a flight demonstration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Angels had to cancel their public appearances and airshows. Earlier this year, they teamed up with the Air Force Thunderbirds to fly over communities including Pensacola to salute healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential workers. Pence thanked them for these special flyovers and for providing encouragement throughout the pandemic. The Blue Angels pilots met with Pence and talked about their team, their new aircraft, and how they’ve been modifying their season due to the pandemic.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Arrests Escambia County Man On 25 Child Porn Counts
October 15, 2020
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested an Escambia County man on child pornography charges Wednesday.
Stacy Paul Wilson, 51, was charged with twenty-five counts of obscene material possession depicting child sexual conduct.
FDLE agents served a search warrant Wednesday morning at Wilson’s residence and found a desktop computer that contained the child pornography. The images and videos depicted children as young as four years old engaged in sex acts.
Wilson’s mugshot was not immediately made available by the Escambia County Jail.
Hurricane Sally Damage? Escambia County Says You Can Apply For SBA Loan
October 15, 2020
After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to Escambia County:
If you are referred to SBA, you should submit an SBA disaster loan application.
If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan but failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and other expenses.
SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. In planning your recovery, give yourself the widest possible set of options. Submitting the application makes it possible for homeowners and renters to be considered for additional FEMA grants, and if you qualify for a loan you will have that resource available for disaster repair needs.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or they may email FOCE-Help@SBA.gov for more information on SBA’s disaster assistance program.
For businesses, SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; and Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Business owners can meet with SBA representatives and get help applying for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Dec. 1, 2020. The deadline to return working capital applications is July 2, 2021.