State Officials Warn Stay Alert To Gas Pump Skimmers During Holiday Travel
December 26, 2019
During the busy holiday travel period, state officials are offing tips for consumers to avoid fraud by gas pump skimmers:
Take a close look at the pump: Avoid using pumps that are open or unlocked, have had the tamper-evident security tape cut or removed, or otherwise appear unusual. If anything seems cracked, loose, or tampered with, use a different pump. Some newer pumps may also have encrypted credit card readers — look for an illuminated green lock symbol near the credit card reader.
Pay with a credit card: If a credit card number is skimmed, you’re protected by the card issuer’s zero-liability policy — but a stolen debit card number could be far more damaging. If you must use a debit card, choose to use it as credit, instead of selecting debit and entering your PIN. Use a credit card chip reader if it is available.
Pay inside instead of at the pump: It takes just seconds for criminals to place a skimmer in a gas pump — but it’s far less likely that a skimmer has been placed on the payment terminal in front of the clerk inside the gas station or convenience store. Take the few extra minutes to pay inside with cash or a credit card to protect yourself from fraud.
Choose gas pumps closest to the physical building: Don’t use gas pumps out of the attendant’s line of sight, such as those around a corner or behind a building. Thieves placing skimmers are less likely to put them in pumps where the store attendant may catch them in the act.
Check your card statements and sign up for fraud alerts: Nearly every credit card issuer offers fraud alerts, and many will email or text you when your card is used at a gas station. Check your credit card and debit card transactions regularly to make sure no fraudulent activity has occurred. Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
When in doubt, consumers should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — all consumer complaints will be investigated. To file a consumer complaint, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (for Spanish speakers).
The Big Fix: Friends Of The Escambia Animal Shelter Now Has Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit
December 26, 2019
The Friends Of The Escambia County Animal Shelter now has the area’s first mobile spay/neuter unit thanks to a grant
Animal Aid USA spent 250 hours over six months putting the unit together in a refurbished travel trailer. Last Chance Ranch donated equipment to be used in the mobile unit, and many other organizations donated toward the project.
The nonprofit Friends will be announcing cost, schedule and other details soon.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Ends Season At No. 1 In Final AFCA Coaches Poll
December 26, 2019
The University of West Florida’s football national championship was confirmed in the latest coaches poll.
The UWF football team was voted number one in the final coaches poll as announced by the American Football Coaches Association this week.
UWF finished the season 13-2 after winning the program’s first national championship, 48-40 over Minnesota State, on Saturday night. The Argonauts rose 19 spots from 20 at the end of the regular season as they completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in NCAA history, defeating three number one seeds and four-consecutive undefeated teams for the first time ever en route to the University’s 10th team national championship.
UWF received all 31 first place votes and is ranked number one in the coaches poll for the first time in history. The previous best was number two at the end of 2017 following the run to the title game that season, and during the first two rankings of 2018.
The Argos beat each of the other four teams in the top five during their 2019 run. MSU finished second, followed by Ferris State at No. 3, Lenoir-Rhyne at No. 4 and Valdosta State at No. 5. Wingate, UWF’s opening round opponent, ended the year at No. 19.
UWF was playing in it’s second NCAA Championship Game in four seasons of football. The team improved to 35-17 all-time after starting in 2016. The Argonauts are 9-1 in NCAA postseason games and own the highest winning percentage in D2 history among teams who have played a minimum of 10 playoff games.
Mobile Home And Heavy Truck Registrations Due December 31
December 26, 2019
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, reminds those residents who own mobile homes, heavy trucks, nine-passenger, for hire and commercial vehicles to renew their registrations by December 31.
Mobile homes not taxed as real property are subject to annual registration fees. Each section of the mobile home requires a separate registration that must be displayed and visible from the roadway. Registration fees are based on the length of the mobile home and must be renewed by December 31. A delinquency fee will be charged if the registration is not renewed by January 10, 2020. Mobile homes taxed as real property (RP) must display a permanent RP decal.
Florida law requires that registrations for all trucks with an empty weight of 5,000 pounds or more expire in December. The registered owner is required to declare a gross vehicle weight (GVW). Registration fees are determined by the gross vehicle weight.
Citizens are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com, click the “Express Lane – Same-Day Vehicle/Vessel Registration Renewal and Pick Up” button to renew online fee free with eCheck. Renewals processed before 3 p.m. Monday through Friday can be picked up the same day. Renewals after 3 p.m. can be picked up the next business day.
Customers who do need to visit our offices can join the line online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com and manage their time their way. Citizens select an office location and type of service, receive a message with approximate service time and then continue their regular activities until the service time approaches.
Boil Water Notice Issued In Kingsfield, Highway 297A Area
December 25, 2019
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED.
Previous story:
A precautionary boil water notice (PBWN) was issued Wednesday morning by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority to customers located in the following area:
Bentley Oaks Drive to Kingsfield Road, North of Kingsfield Road west of 297A to include: Kahuna Way, Bentley Oaks, Waterbury Way, Waterbury Court, Tall Oak Drive, Bur Oak Drive, Flintstone Drive, Natalies Way, Avalon Street, Slate Drive, Quartz Avenue, Granite Lane, and Brightleaf Circle, and Dolan Drive on the east side of 297A.
This notice was issued after repairs were made to a broken 12-inch water main. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Residents located in the specified PBWN area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the PBWN area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2019
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Christmas Eve Fire Leaves Two Without Home In Atmore
December 25, 2019
Two people were left without a home Christmas Eve after a house fire in Atmore.
The fire on Brooks Lane was apparently sparked by a space heater in a front room of the home, according to Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles.
Two people resided in the home, but only one person was at home at the time of the blaze and was able to escape without injury.
The Atmore Fire Department and the Poarch Creek Indian Fire Department battled the blaze, which was reported about 3:15 p.m. The Atmore Police Department also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Just Call Them Angels: Firefighters Respond In A Big Way To Make Christmas Special For Local Kids
December 25, 2019
Call them first responders.. Call them firefighters. Or just call them Christmas angels.
Christmas was fast approaching, but there were still multiple children in need on the My Father’s Vineyard church Angel Tree. It began to look like they might not get the help with the Christmas presents they needed.
But Escambia County firefighters stepped up in a big way to help those local children this Christmas, including an extra special delivery for a family that lost everything in a Cantonment house fire.
NorthEscambia.com photographer Kristi Price worked her magic behind the scenes to help it all come together.
One by one the firefighters came to help. The volunteers and career firefighters from the Cantonment, Molino, Ensley, Brent and West Pensacola fire stations reached deep into their own pockets to purchase gifts or make a donation. The Escambia County Professional Firefighters Local 4131 was also quick to help, donating hundreds of dollars for the Christmas cause.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Emerald Coast Dragway held a two-day toy drive last weekend, even though their races were rained out. The race collected enough toys to sponsor multiple children.
Other individuals chipped in to complete the Angel Tree sponsorships.
The firefighters also came together to make Christmas a little extra special for a family that lost everything in a house fire October 27 just two blocks behind the Cantonment Fire Station. The family of four escaped uninjured, but needed some extra help at Christmas time.
The firefighters got in touch with Santa, and gave him a ride to the family’s current home this past Monday night. They came bearing the gifts donated by the firefighters for the two children (and yes, there was even a stuffed dalmatian in true firefighter style). The firefighter’s union also donated $500 to help the family.
Many of the gifts were reserved to open Christmas morning, including shiny new bicycles.
Monday night was one child’s birthday, so Santa even brought a birthday cake donated by Publix at University Town Center.
The Cantonment fire crew that visited the family Monday night was the same crew that responded as the family crawled out of windows to escape the burning home. And that did not go unnoticed by one of the children.
“You are one of the ones that helped save our life last time, right?”, the child asked one of the firefighters.
“Yes,” he said.
You can call them first responders. Or firefighters. Or just call them angels.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
A Christmas Miracle: The Miracle League’s Annual Christmas Party
December 25, 2019
Santa visited with Miracle League players at their recent Christmas party at Tate High School.
Numerous Tate High student organizations and volunteers came together to put on the party, including the Student Council, Beta Club, American Sign Language Club, Early Childhood Education, Diamond Girls, Drama Department, Yearbook and Community Care Givers.
The Miracle League players were able to visit Santa, enjoy dinner, watch a special performance of The Polar Express, take part in numerous activities including a snowball fight and sing Christmas carols in American Sign Language.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above and below:: Miracle League players visit with Santa Claus during the league’s annual Christmas party at Tate High School. Pictured bottom: A party goer signs “I love you” when Santa Claus arrived. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Church Gives To The Community With Toys, Christmas Hams
December 25, 2019
Pastor Toy Arnez and the congregation of St. Luke Missionary Baptist in Century provided toys and hams to the community on Christmas Eve. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
