Atmore Runoff Election: Incumbent Harrison Defeats Gideons For Council Seat
October 7, 2020
Incumbent Chris Harrison was reelected to a third term on the Atmore City Council during a Tuesday runoff election.
With 121 votes, Harrison defeated challenger Bub Gideons with 100 votes for the District 5 seat.
“There are no words to express my gratitude for your support,” Harrison wrote on social media Tuesday night. “I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve as your councilman. I will strive to do my best in the efforts to make this city even better. Serving you is priority.”
In August, Gideons was on top with 124 votes in a three-way race that included Harrison with 106 votes and Sandra Gray with 98. A runoff was forced since no candidate received a majority of votes cast.
There will be two new council members –Eunice Johnson in District 3 and Shawn Lassiter in District 4 — when the Atmore council is sworn in next month. In addition to Harrison, incumbents Web Nall in District 1 and Jerome Webster in District 2 were also reelected for another term.
Atmore Mayor Jim Staff was also reelected in August for a third term.
Pictured: Atmore council member Chris Harrison listens to a speaker during a council meeting. NorthEscamba.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Here’s The Deal With The Pensacola Bay Bridge, Those Barges And Hurricane Delta
October 7, 2020
The Florida Department of Transportation says they are actively monitoring Hurricane Delta, and they are preparing for possible impacts including heavy rain, flooding and storm surge in Northwest Florida. And those Skanska barges.
“FDOT has made clear it expects the contractors on the Pensacola Bay Bridge to properly secure all equipment ahead of the storm,” according to a statement Tuesday.
A statement released by Skanska USA said, “We continue to closely monitor Hurricane Delta’s path and remain in communication with key partners. Due to the impending hurricane, we are actively securing the project site and all floating equipment. Our main priority remains the safety of the surrounding community and our workers.”
Bridge inspection teams are at the ready to monitor the possibility of bridge closures in the region and crews stand prepared to respond to damage resulting from the storm.
FDOT and its partners have made the reopening of the Pensacola Bay Bridge a top priority with numerous efforts underway. Additional dive teams have been deployed, bringing the total to eight, to assist with the final inspection.
Demolition is focused on three of the spans with the purpose of removing the damaged portions while preventing any further damage to the structure. In the interest of safety, crews are also utilizing remote controlled jack hammers on portions of the structure.
The contractor has ordered three additional cranes to replace existing cranes that were damaged or lost to assist in the process. Two additional subcontractors are also on site with additional equipment and 40 additional personnel to expedite demolition.
Recommended repairs to the damaged areas of the Pensacola Bay Bridge will take approximately six months to complete.
“FDOT recognizes that businesses impacted by the closure of the bridge are concerned about the extended time this critical connection will be out of use,” the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
Pictured: A remote controlled jack hammer being used to demolish a collapsed portion of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
Four Injured In Highway 29 Wreck
October 6, 2020
Four people were injured in a two vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon on Highway 29 in front of the paper mill in Cantonment.
One person was taken to the hospital as a trauma alert, and three others suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening in the crash involving a Dodge Ram 2500 and a Hyundai Genesis about 12:45 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Issues State Of Emergency, Preparing For Hurricane Delta
October 6, 2020
Escambia County has declared a local state of emergency due to the threat of Hurricane Delta.
During a morning news conference, Escambia Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said the county is preparing as if Hurricane Delta is headed directly for the county, just in case.
“We are taking this as if we are going to get impacted, that were are going to have a landfall here in Escambia County,” Gilmore said. “We want to scale up as much as we can to be prepared ahead of the storm, and we’ll scale back as needed.”
“Take this time right now to prepare,” he said speaking to the Escambia County citizens. “It’s always best for you to scale up as well, and then we can scale back as needed if we don’t get impacted.”
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center was already activated at a level 2 due to Hurricane Sally recovery and will continue to be activated due to Hurricane Delta.
Escambia County is urging residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.
There are currently no evacuations orders issued for Escambia County residents. However, conditions can change rapidly. It is vital that residents monitor local media, including NorthEscambia.com, for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day and follow any safety directives from Escambia County Emergency Management officials.
Residents should also know their evacuation zone in advance of any possible orders to leave, and know their evacuation plan and route.
Century Grants Late Approval To Budget, Increases Property Taxes And Gives Employee Raises
October 6, 2020
The Century Town Council granted late approval to their annual budget, increased property taxes and handed out employee raises during a Monday night meeting.
The town was required to approve their budget prior to its implementation on October 1, but they were unable to do so at a September 28 special meeting due to the absence of two council members.
With all council members present Monday night, the council approved a property tax increase with a millage rate of .9204, about 5% greater than the rolled-back rate of .8759.T he rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by Florida law as a tax increase.
They also signed off on a $4.14 million budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, up from $3.63 million during the previous fiscal year that ended September 30.
The town council also voted Monday night to grant raises to town employees, in additional to their 3% annual cost of living increase.
Employees received a raise between 1% and 3% based upon the results of a performance review. Eight employees with an “outstanding” review received a 3% increase, four employees with a “very good” review received 2%, and one employee that had a “good” review received 1%.
Two other employs with an “outstanding” review received higher raises.
Kevin Merchant received a 6% raise due to exemplary performance, extra duties due to COVID-19 and fixing water leaks, and Kristina Wood received a 4% raise due to to exemplary performance along with extra duties due to leave taken by another employee and COVID-19.
The cost of living increase went into effect with the passage of the budget, and the performance raises were approved retroactive to the beginning of the current pay period last Friday, October 2. The town had budgeted up to 3% for the performance raises; their approvals Monday night averaged 2.87%.
COVID-19 Testing Now Available Five Days A Week In Cantonment, Brownsville
October 6, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now offering COVID-19 testing five days a week at two locations.
Drive-thru testing is available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at:
- Community Health Northwest Florida Cantonment Pediatrics at 470 South Highway 29, Cantonment.
- Brownsville Community Center at 3200 West DeSoto Street, Pensacola
No pre-screening is required at the Cantonment or Brownsville locations, and the tests are available for all ages. A photo ID and insurance (if insured) are requested.
COVID-19 rapid testing is also available in partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart by appointment only for Escambia County residents three months and older who are experiencing Covid symptoms. Patients desiring rapid testing must call the Ascension Sacred Heart call center at (850) 746-2684 to be pre-screened and scheduled if eligible.
Escambia County Offers Free Sand For Storm Prep
October 6, 2020
Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Skanska Says They Are Keeping A Close Eye On Hurricane Delta
October 6, 2020
Bridge contractor Skanska says they are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Delta.
During Hurricane Sally, over 20 Skanska barges broke free. Several hit the Pensacola Bay Bridge, severely damaging and closing it. Others hit different bridges, several were grounded around the Pensacola Bay area and several sank to the bottom of the bay.
In a statement, Skanska said they are continually monitoring the progress of Hurricane Delta, and they “are in close communication with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local authorities. We are making all preparations necessary to best ensure the safety of the surrounding community and our construction team members. Given the storm’s projected path at this time, we are preparing our project site and equipment for a potential hurricane-force impact should landfall occur in or near Pensacola.”
The company said they are continuing to make progress on retrieving the barges lost during Hurricane Sally. As of Monday, they had recovered and sectured 12 of the 23 barges that ran aground.
Escambia Residents Encouraged To Monitor Delta This Week
October 5, 2020
Escambia County officials say they are closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Delta as it moves toward a forecasted landfall as a hurricane, and they are urging local residents to do the same.
While it’s still too early to determine potential impacts to Escambia County, the latest forecast shows the storm tracking west of the area, with possible tropical storm-force winds forecast to arrive in the western Panhandle Friday morning. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of the storm on NorthEscambia.com — check back several times each day.
“We’re treating this storm as if it’s going to be making landfall here, and forecasts are predicting this will likely be a wind event for us,” Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. “We’re encouraging everyone to make their preparations now, and even if this turns out to be a non-even, we’re prepared.”
Residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year’s disaster kit might need to look a little different if you’re planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
With the possible approach of Tropical Storm Delta, the county is focusing debris management collections in the low lying areas that are susceptible to flooding such as Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.Contractors will still be collecting debris in all areas of the county and have been approved to work additional hours; however, this storm is predicted to make landfall on Friday and residents are encouraged to use the debris collections sites that have been advertised. If residents would like to drop off vegetation, they can do so from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the following locations:
- Lexington Terrace
- Baars Field
- Equestrian Center
- Park East, Pensacola Beach
- John R. Jones Park
- Oak Grove Convenience Center
- Brent Athletic Park
Follow These Tips to Prepare for a Storm
- Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com.
- Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer.
- Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before dark Thursday evening.
- Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
- In the event of a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. Stay away from windows.
- Turn around, don’t drown: In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road. Water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.
Flomaton Elementary Grieving Loss Of Student Killed In Saturday Wreck Near Walnut Hill
October 5, 2020
Flomaton Elementary School is remembering a sixth grade student that lost his life in a wreck Saturday on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill. The crash also injured three other members of his family.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 16-year old driver from Molino attempted to pass other traffic in a no passing zone and crashed his pickup truck into a Mitsubishi Outlander occupied by a family of four.
The crash claimed the life of 11-year old Jaden James, a sixth grader at Flomaton Elementary. His mother, 42-year old Lashelby James, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition. She is also part of the Flomaton Elementary family, working in the school’s cafeteria. Jaden’s 9-year old sister and his father were also seriously injured.
“Jaden James described in one word – CHRISTIAN! He unapologetically loved the Lord and wanted to be a preacher when he grew up,” Blaire Singleton, one of Jaden’s teachers said. “He had a heart of gold and the sweetest, most humble spirit. Jaden was shy but when he smiled, he would light up a room. He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him.
“He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him. He is THE shining example of our school motto- respect others, work hard, make good decisions, smile a lot, and love other people. That was Jaden James everyday!! I am forever grateful for knowing him because to know him was to love him,” Singleton continued.
Leslie Wedgeworth, Jaden’s third grade teacher, said he was always smiling and had a servant’s heart, always willing to serve.
“All the kids loved him and he was a teacher’s dream. I would always joke with Lashelby at lunch because he was honestly just too good to be true! He was smart, kind, happy, and funny. Jaden had a bright future ahead of him, but Heaven needed him more,” Wedgeworth said.
“I could not describe him better. Flomaton Elementary is a better place because Jaden was a part of it. He will forever be one of us,” Flomaton Elementary Principal George Brown said.
Additional counselors will be on hand Monday at Flomaton Elementary to assist students and staff as they grieve.
For more on the wreck, click or tap here.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
