Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
November 29, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no lane closures on state roads from through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. These lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – closed until 2021.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures the week of Sunday, Nov. 29:
- Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage, median and pavement operations.
- Gregory Street (U.S. 98) and Bayfront Parkway (S.R. 196) Interchange Improvement at 17th Avenue- The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will close to all vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic beginning Monday, Nov. 30 as construction activities advance for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The new interchange will include a flyover from the new westbound Pensacola Bay Bridge and a roundabout. The intersection will remain closed until the Pensacola Bay Bridge repairs are completed in spring 2021. The Visitor’s Center will remain accessible using 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street will remain open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue as a detour route.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter daytime lane restrictions as crews perform drainage and paving operations. The eastbound right turn lane will be closed intermittently during daytime hours. Westbound traffic will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures at Chemstrand Road for median removal.
- I-10 Pavement Coring Operations West Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) – There will be intermittent eastbound lane closures from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30 through Thursday, Dec. 3 as crews perform pavement testing.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect north and southbound closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 4 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – closed until 2021.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews perform paving operations.
- I-10 Emergency Improvements at Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/ Exit 22)- Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 4, motorists will encounter nighttime shoulder closures and traffic shifts on the eastbound I-10 exit ramp as crews construct improvements for accommodating additional traffic due to the closure of Pensacola Bay Bridge. Alternating and intermittent lane restrictions will take place on Avalon Boulevard at the I-10 intersection from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. as crews perform widening and turn lane extensions.
FEMA May Be Able to Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Some Disaster Expenses
November 29, 2020
FEMA can’t duplicate insurance payments for Floridians with losses from Hurricane Sally, but it might be able to help with some expenses that aren’t covered fully by insurance. It’s a good idea to register with FEMA even if you have insurance.
FEMA may be able to provide grants in these circumstances:
- If the cost of your damage does not reach the level of your insurance deductible.
- If you have received the settlement from the insurance company but you still have unmet needs.
- If you have exhausted the settlement for Additional Living Expenses (for loss of use) and you need disaster-related temporary housing.
- If your settlement does not cover disaster-related needs such as medical, dental and funeral costs, emergency home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
If your settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days, you may write to FEMA to explain your situation. Provide insurance documentation to prove you’ve submitted your claim, including the claim number, the date you applied and how long you estimate it will take for the company to settle and mail your letter. Mailing address:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-70155
Or fax it to 800-827-8112
The deadline to register with FEMA is Dec. 1, 2020. Residents of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties can register 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.
Homeowners and renters may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which can cover uninsured losses. Dec. 1, 2020 is the deadline homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations to apply to the SBA for disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications for small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations is July 2, 2021.
For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.
Deadline Is Monday For Discount On Real Estate, Tangible Property Taxes
November 28, 2020
An available 4 percent discount on payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends Monday, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
To receive the 4 percent discount, payments must be:
- mailed with a November postmark;
- left by midnight, November 30, in a 24-hour drop box available at all locations; or
- made online by midnight, November 30, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit our virtual office at EscambiaTaxCollector.com to pay online 24 hours a day. Our online services allow customers to pay their taxes, search records, print receipts, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services. Customers who decide to visit one of our four convenient offices can drop off their payment in the drive thru or in one of our convenient drop boxes.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Receive Money from FEMA? Keep Your Receipts To Show How You Used It
November 28, 2020
If you received Hurricane Sally recovery money from FEMA, the federal agency is reminding you to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep receipts for three years.
Disaster assistance is intended to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.
If applicants spend the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, they may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA may ask that the money be returned.
Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts for their disaster spending for three years to document that the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If recipients receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, they must reimburse FEMA. Audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.
Disaster survivors in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties with uninsured losses can 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.
Pictured: A Hurricane Sally damaged home in Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Free Food Distribution Monday Morning In Molino
November 28, 2020
A 5,000 pound food giveaway will be he held on Monday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino.
The parking lot will open at 8 a.m. and the distribution will take place from 10 a.m. until noon (while supplies last). The event is first come, first served for Florida residents only, and an identification is required. Participants will stay in their vehicles.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church is located at 6915 Highway 29 in Molino, just south of Highway 97.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
5A Regional Semifinals: Baker County Tops Pine Forest
November 28, 2020
5A Regional Semifinals
(9) Baker County 28, Pine Forest 19.
The Pine Forest Eagles ended their season at 4-5.
It’s The Holiday Season, And Gulf Power Says You Can Save Energy With These Tips
November 28, 2020
It’s the holiday season, and Gulf Power is offering tips on how to keep your utility bill from soaring.
Cooking
- Oven preheating is usually not required and wastes energy. When preheating is required, avoid preheating longer than necessary. Preheating takes about eight minutes.Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking is finished. Retained heat will complete the job.
- Use the microwave whenever possible, it’s the most efficient way to cook or reheat food.
- Don’t use your range or oven to heat the kitchen. It’s inefficient and can be a safety hazard.
- Choose pots and pans that have wide flat bottoms that just cover the burner. They will absorb all the heat and cook food more evenly. Aluminum pans with flat bottoms, straight sides, and tight fitting lids are best for energy savings.
Dishwasher
- Proper loading is important. Operate only when it is filled to capacity.
- If manufacturer’s instructions permit, open the door of your dishwasher after the last rinse cycle to allow moisture to escape and the dishes to dry as they cool. Some units have a “power-saver switch” that automatically eliminates the drying cycle.
Refrigerator
- Keep the refrigerator between 37º and 40º and the freezer setting at 0º.
- Keep condenser coils clean. Vacuum the coils at least twice a year.
- Make sure the door gasket seals tightly. To test, close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If you can slip the bill out easily, or, worse, if it falls out on its own, the door needs to be adjusted or the gasket needs to be replaced.
- Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Position the refrigerator away from heat sources. If the unit has back coils, position it at least 4″ from the wall.
- Plan ahead and remove all ingredients at one time, and avoid keeping the refrigerator door open. Each time the door of a refrigerator or freezer is opened, its compressor has to run a bit longer to replace the cold air that spills out.
- Think about getting rid of your extra refrigerator or freezer as they generally are inefficient and can cost two to three times more to operate per month.
Thermostat
- If you’re having people over, make sure to adjust the thermostat before guests arrive.
- If it’s cold outside, lower the thermostat a degree or two. The body heat from guests as well as the heat from cooking will raise your home’s temperature without having to run the heater.
Deadline Is Tuesday To Apply For FEMA, SBA Assistance For Uninsured Sally Damages
November 27, 2020
Just over a week remains to apply for federal Hurricane Sally assistance from FEMA and SBA.
The FEMA application deadline for Escambia County residents with uninjured losses is Tuesday, December 1.
Survivors can register with FEMA:
- By visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA App for smartphones
- Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available.
December 1 also is the deadline for homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications for small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations is July 2, 2021.
For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.
For in-person assistance with an SBA disaster loan, visit the Business Recovery Centers, open 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez Street, Pensacola.
Ascend Cares Helps Feed Escambia County Homeless
November 27, 2020
A group from Ascend Performance Materials in Cantonment stepped up to feed the homeless this week.
The Ascend Cares group cooked and served warm bowls of taco soup at the Alfred Washburn Center, an Escambia County homeless shelter. Volunteers also prepared 200 to-go bags with a sandwich, drink, chips and snacks for each person.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Drivers Getting A Road Construction Break Until Monday
November 27, 2020
Drivers are getting a little break from road construction in Florida during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there will be no lane closures on state roads from 7 a.m. Wednesday thought 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. The lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
Pictured: Recent road construction activities on Nine Mile Road just west of Pine Forest Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.