Voting By Mail? The Return Postage Will Be Paid This Year.
April 30, 2020
Voting by mail this year? The return postage will be paid.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford announced Wednesday that due to the unprecedented nature of the 2020 election cycle, voters who wish to cast their ballot by mail will not be required to pay postage on the return of their ballot.
“While election officials across Florida are working diligently to plan for the August and November elections amid a pandemic, we recognize there is uncertainty and unease among voters. We are working with federal, state and local officials to ensure the elections will be conducted in the safest and most accessible way possible,” said Stafford.
Stafford continued, “Regardless of the environment we find ourselves in later this year, any registered voter in Escambia County can take one simple step today to ensure their voice will be heard at the polls: request a vote-by-mail ballot. In recognition of these uncertain times, return postage on vote-by-mail ballots for the 2020 primary and general elections will be covered by the elections office.”
To request a vote-by-mail ballot:
- Complete the online form at EscambiaVotes.com/vote-by-mail
- Call (850) 595-3900
- Send a signed, written request to: Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591
Voters are required to provide their date of birth and address when requesting a ballot.
Ballots are mailed to voters approximately five weeks before the election. After completing the ballot, the voter must sign and date the return envelope and return it by mail or deliver it to the elections office or an early voting site. Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. All vote-by-mail ballots are verified prior to tabulation. Complete voter instructions are included in the vote-by-mail package.
Florida Reopening Begins Monday. Here’s What Opens, What Stays Closed.
April 29, 2020
Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the first phase of his plan to reopen Florida.
“We will get Florida back on its feet by using an approach that is safe, smart, and step by step,” the governor said.
Beginning Monday, May 4:
- Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity
- Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six foot spacing between tables, and indoor seating at 25% capacity
- Elective surgeries can resume
- No change for bars, gyms, movie theaters and personal services such as hairdressers (all remain closed)
- Schools remain with distance learning
- Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited
- Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside their home.
- All individuals should maximize physical distance from others in public
- Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
- Face masks are recommended for in close interactions without social distancing.
He said the next step will be data driven based upon key metrics and does not need to take months. The state will maintain health benchmarks, assure hospital bed capacity is maintained and the COVID-10 positive rate will be monitored.
Part of the Phase One strategy includes the expansion of testing. DeSantis announced a drive-thru testing site with no pre-screening requirements will be opening Friday at the University of West Florida.
DeSantis said Florida will take “small, deliberate, methodical” approach to reopening the state. His current reopening plan excludes Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties for now where the virus has been much worse than the remainder of the state.
“What is our biggest obstacle? Fear sparked by constant gloom and doom and hysteria that has permeated our culture for the last six weeks,” DeSantis said. “There’s been a lot that’s been done to promote fear, to drive worse-case scenario,”
Before announcing his plan, DeSantis noted all of life’s moments that citizens have missed over the last six weeks, including in his personal life.
“Our newborn daughter Mamie has yet to be held by any of her grandparents,” he said.
Rain Won’t Stop The Beulah Food Trucks Today. Here’s The Schedule For The Rest Of The Week.
April 29, 2020
Ran won’t damped the food trucks in Beulah today. The trucks will be parked in the covered arena of the Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7550 Mobile Highway, until 7 p.m.
Here’s the tentative schedule for the remainder of the week:
WEDNESDAY
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Po Boy Shack
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Joe’s Caribbean
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
THURSDAY
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Whacked Out Weiner
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 3-D Eats
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Joe’s Caribbean
- 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sneaky Tiki Shaved Ice
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Jordan Valley Mediterranean
FRIDAY
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
- 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Fresh Food Factory
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wacked Out Weiner
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Rolling Embers Pizza
SATURDAY
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fantastic Foods Sweets Snacks & More
- 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Dr Sno’s Shaved Ice
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Beck’s Jamaican Kitchen
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Arlene Williams BBQ and Grill
Ordinarily, the food trucks are in the parking lot. Both the arena and the parking lot provide ample room for residents to adhere to all CDC social distancing protocols, according to the county. Trucks will be spaced out in the lot and patrons will be asked to stay six feet apart and limit gathering to groups smaller than 10.
To participate as a food truck vendor, call (850) 941-6042 for a vendor application. All Equestrian Center vendor fees will be waived.
Pictured: Food trucks at the Escambia County Equestrian Center Monday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Beaches Reopen Friday. Here’s What You Need To Know.
April 29, 2020
Here’s what you need to know about the reopening of beaches in Escambia County:
- The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, April 28, to reopen county public beaches to allow citizens access to all beach activities beginning Friday, May 1
- Public county beaches, including the sound side, Gulf side, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset, daily.
- Beaches in the Gulf Islands National Seashore are not open.
- Pavilions, the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and the area around and under the fishing pier will remain closed.
- Pensacola Gulfside pier will reopen Saturday, May 2 for fishermen only – no pedestrians. Fisherman must maintain six-foot separation.
- Beach bathroom facilities will be closed and portable toilets will be used to maintain social distancing. Hand-washing stations will be provided.
- Dog parks will be reopened and permitted in designated areas.
- Groups are limited to 10 people or fewer. Beach goers should adhere to CDC social distancing measures by keeping a six-foot distance between others who are not in their immediate household.
- The toll on the Bob Sikes Bridge to Pensacola Beach is all-electronic. The new tolling system on the bridge went live on March 20, which was earlier than anticipated to adhere to social distancing for toll booth workers. The toll remains $1, and cash and change are no longer accepted at this location. Motorists can use either SunPass®, another interoperable transponder or be billed utilizing the TOLL-BY-PLATE system. TOLL-BY-PLATE customers will be charged a $1 toll, plus a monthly $2.50 administrative fee and will receive a bill by mail.
“The health of our citizens is our number one priority,” Commission Chairman Steven Barry said Tuesday. “The decision to reopen the beaches came primarily after thorough discussion with our health care professionals, including all three hospitals and probably most importantly, Dr. Lanza’s comments at the board meeting today. We believe, based on the public’s willingness to adhere to CDC guidelines and social distancing measures, that we can successfully open our public beaches and allow citizens to take advantage of this great resource while enjoying all beach activities.”
National Guard Deploys Medical Strike Teams To Escambia County; Southern Oaks Confirms Four Deaths
April 29, 2020
The National Guard has been deployed to assist with COVID-19 in Escambia County nursing homes.
The Florida National Guard ambulance strike teams were deployed to assist with specimen collection efforts in long-term care facilities in Escambia County, according to the county.
The county did not specify which facilities are being visited. According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the strike teams are medical professional able to ramp up testing.
As of Tuesday evening, the Florida Department of Health reported a dozen long-term care centers in Escambia County with active COVID-19 cases in the staff or patients (list below).
Southern Oaks Care Center has the greatest number of cases in all of Florida. The FDOH said 94 current Southern Oaks residents and 15 staff members are confirmed positive, and five positives were transferred out of the facility for further treatment.
In a press release, Southern Oaks said they have 94 patients that have tested positive, “but none are showing any respiratory symptoms or fever”, and of those that tested positive in April six required hospitalization. The facility said one remains in the hospital and two returned. They also confirmed four fatalities — three that died at the hospital and one that passed away in the facility.
Click here to read the entire Southern Oaks Care Center press release.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed eight total COVID-19 fatalities in Escambia County among residents or staff of long-term care facilities.
Pictured: A Florida National Guard member performs a COVID-19 test. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Threatening Wife With A Brick
April 29, 2020
A Cantonment man is facing charges after allegedly pulling his wife’s hair and threatening her with a brick.
Michael Demetera Kirkland, 51, was charged with felony aggravated assault, battery and resisting arrest.
His wife told deputies they were outside their trailer arguing when he grabbed her hair and pulled her toward him with a brick in his hand, according to an arrest report.
Kirkland ran away from the scene before deputies arrived, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The following day deputies receive a tip that Kirkland was on Calloway Street. When he spotted deputies, he ran and deputies pursued on foot. Deputies caught up with him behind a trailer in the 200 block of Sheppard Street and took him into custody.
Kirkland was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000.
Florida PSC Approves Gulf Power Plan To Lower Bills About 40% In May
April 29, 2020
The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved Gulf Power’s plan to lower May bills for customers by about 40%. Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease of approximately 40-55% in May, depending on usage and rate class.
In Florida, fuel savings are typically refunded to customers over the remainder of the year to provide level, predictable bills. However, given the emergent and significant financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, Gulf Power instead sought approval to give customers the total annual savings in their May bill, which will be reflected as a line-item fuel credit on their May bill.
“We are pleased that the Florida Public Service Commission has approved our request to deliver this savings to our customers when they need it most. We felt that this was the right thing to do, especially during times like these,” said Gulf Power President Marlene Santos. “Our customers and communities now more than ever count on the reliable and affordable energy we deliver, and we are pleased that May bills will reflect this additional, significant savings for our customers.”
Over 40,000 Pounds Of Free Food Will Be Distributed Saturday At Olive Baptist, No Questions Asked
April 29, 2020
The Ministry Village at Olive will hold a Community Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, May 2 beginning at 9 a.m.
Over 40,000 pounds of food will be distributed to those in need in the community.
The drive-thru food distribution will start at 9:30 am at 1836 E. Olive Road in the front parking lot of Olive Baptist Church and continue while supplies last. Traffic will be directed to allow staff and volunteers to provide the food while following CDC distancing guidelines. Enter the church parking lot from the Olive Road entrance (across from Walgreens). Watch for signs and volunteers who will be directing traffic.
There will be no paperwork to complete or guidelines to meet. The giveaway is open to all.
The food is provided by the Patriot Emergency Response of Quincy, Florida, and will be delivered by Butler Foods of Pensacola.
Cards From UWF Community Brighten Days For Nursing Home Residents
April 29, 2020
Greeting cards from the University of West Florida community recently brightened the days of residents in nursing homes, assisted facilities and senior centers throughout the Pensacola area.
The university mailed more than 3,500 cards to residents at 50 locations. Faculty and staff from 20 departments signed cards, featuring a pink camellia on the front and the words, “We hope you have a wonderful day! From your friends at the University of West Florida” written on the back.
“Residents are not only dealing with the fear of being infected by the COVID-19 virus, but they are doing so isolated from their loved ones,” said Betsy Bowers, vice president for finance and administration. “We sent these cards to let them know they are in our thoughts and UWF cares about them. We cherish the opportunity to brighten their day for just a few precious moments.”
Larissa Bell, activities director at Southern Oaks Care Center, said the residents appreciated the outpouring of support from the UWF community. She wrote a thank you note on behalf of Southern Oaks and its 190 residents.
“The residents and staff would like to thank each one of you that took the time to show your support and well wishes. It really brightened the residents’ day to know that they are not forgotten and are in your thoughts. They told me to tell you all thank you and may you all be blessed.”
Janet Suggs, activities director at Haven of Our Lady of Peace, expressed her gratitude in a note she wrote to the UWF community after the delivery cards to 110 Haven residents.
“The Haven residents and staff would like to thank each of you for taking your time to send cards! They were beautiful and heartfelt by all! Many thanks for being so thoughtful! Blessings to all of you.”
Play Ball? Escambia Commission Affirms Youth Sports May Move Forward Soon
April 29, 2020
The Escambia County Commission affirmed Tuesday that youth sports leagues can move forward with practice and play in ballparks owned by the county with restrictions, as long as it does not conflict with any state order.
The commission said practices would be allowed as early as Friday with two weeks before games to provide time to make any needed policy adjustments and to allow youth athletes needed practice time. The first games, such as baseball or softball, could begin as early as May 15.
Youth sports at each county ballpark are managed by independent organizations that will make the decision if they want to play and how they will accomplish required social distancing requirements. Bleachers may be marked off for social distancing, or may be remove altogether.
The commission made it very clear that a parent chooses for their child not to participate, they are entitled to at least a partial refund. Some parks may offer parents the option of rolling fees forward to next year.
Pictured: Opening Day 2019 at the Molino Ballpark. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
