All Weekend Visitations Canceled At All Florida Prisons Due To Irma
September 7, 2017
The Florida Department of Corrections has canceled all visitations for this weekend due to Hurricane Irma, including those at Century and Santa Rosa correctional institutions.
All weekend visitations are canceled, according to FDOC, due to travel restrictions and to ensure staff resources can be maximized for hurricane response.
The cancellation includes all major institutions, work camps, community release centers and annex facilities.
Department staff are working around the clock to make necessary precautions for inmates in facilities statewide, according to a press release. Water and food supplies are being brought in and evacuation determinations will be made in the best interest of the inmates and public safety.
In the event of an evacuation, announcements will be made upon completion. Inmate locations will be posted on the website approximately 24-hours after relocation, per the Florida Department of Corrections standard protocol.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Braces For Massive Hurricane Irma
September 6, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott warned Floridians on Tuesday that powerful Hurricane Irma will start impacting the state by the end of the week — it’s just not clear where.
“I think right now everybody’s got to assume that you’re going to get impacted,” Scott said after receiving a 5 p.m. update at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
“This is a big storm — 185 mph. And if you look at all the projections, it’s not getting smaller, it’s getting bigger,” he added.
While commending officials in South Florida for starting to issue evacuation orders and making additional storm preparations, Scott said people will get more direction as the storm nears about where they should travel after evacuating.
The center of the potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm, with 185 mph maximum sustained winds, was still west of the northern Leeward Islands — about 1,400 miles from Florida — Tuesday afternoon, but on a projected path that would take it just south of the Florida Keys before turning north.
Scott, who had already issued a state of emergency because of the threat of the storm, asked Tuesday for pre-landfall assistance from the federal government, ordered state offices closed on Friday, started to activate members of the Florida National Guard and called for tolls to be lifted statewide to help evacuees.
“They (tolls) will be suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “Ensuring the safety of Florida families and visitors is our top priority and suspending tolls statewide will help people quickly evacuate and make it easier for all Floridians to access important hurricane supplies to ensure they are fully prepared.”
Scott’s comments and directives came as Irma grew into the strongest storm ever recorded by the National Hurricane Center in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center said the odds are growing that Irma will directly affect the Florida Keys and portions of the Florida peninsula later in the week and this weekend.
While too soon to estimate the timing and magnitude of the impacts, “Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place,” the center said in Tuesday forecast discussions.
Monroe County has already taken action, mandating tourists leave the Florida Keys on Wednesday. Residents of the Keys must leave on Thursday.
“Now is a good time for tourists and residents to fill their tanks with fuel and complete their evacuation plans,” the county said in a release.
Schools, parks and government offices in Monroe County will also shut down starting Wednesday.
Monroe County’s three hospitals — the Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier — began plans to evacuate patients on Tuesday.
School districts in other counties made plans to close later in the week or were reviewing their options. A number of high-school football games were rescheduled from Friday to Thursday. The Florida State League canceled its minor league championship series.
Scott on Tuesday activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard while directing 7,000 more members of the guard to report to duty on Friday. More will be activated over the weekend.
Other preparations Tuesday included:
— The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had search and rescue teams on standby, including members who deployed to Texas for Hurricane Harvey.
— All weight and driver restrictions for highways were lifted to speed water, food, fuel and emergency supplies.
— The American Red Cross established a disaster relief operation in Orlando.
— Scott asked electric utilities to identify staging areas and for updates on all nuclear facilities in the event of a necessary shutdown.
— Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam suspended requirements involving the intrastate transportation of animals from areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma. Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi have waived rules related to bringing in Florida pets and livestock.
“By suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals, we can ensure that Floridians and visitors can quickly and safely move their pets and livestock out of harm’s way,” Putnam said in a prepared statement.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, and Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, advised lawmakers on Tuesday that they are watching the storm. Lawmakers are scheduled to start holding committee meetings Sept. 12.
“As the path of the storm becomes more clearly defined, we will, in consultation with the Senate, make a final decision regarding the status of House committee and subcommittee meetings scheduled for next week,” Corcoran wrote.
“Hurricane Irma currently poses a serious threat to our state, and I encourage all senators and staff to use the next few days to ensure your home and family are prepared,” Negron said in a memo.
On Monday, Scott placed all of Florida under a state of emergency. The declaration was intended to give local governments in the 67 counties time to prepare, the governor’s office said.
Also Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi activated the state’s “price gouging hotline.”
“Floridians need to prepare now, and they should not be inhibited by unlawful price increases on supplies necessary to brace for a major hurricane strike,” Bondi said in a release.
People who suspect businesses are taking advantage of residents in need of hurricane supplies — food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment — can make reports by calling 1-866-966-7226 (866-9-NO-SCAM).
by The News Service of Florida
Irma: Escambia County’s ‘What You Can Do Now’ Tips
September 6, 2017
Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring Hurricane Irma. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring local media for the most up-to-date forecasts daily.
According to the National Hurricane Center, there is an increasing chance that the Florida Peninsula and Florida Keys will see some impacts later this week and weekend. However, it is still too early to determine what direct impacts Irma might have on Escambia County and Northwest Florida as there is no reliable way to forecast potential impacts to an area that is more than about five days away from a specific location.
While Hurricane Irma may not come our way, our residents should take the time now to double check their storm supplies and preparations so that when a confirmed threat develops, they are ready. The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:
- Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- Knowing your evacuation zone. Check your zone online by clicking here.
- Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds.
- Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.
- Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra three day supply of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.
- Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when. Learn more by clicking here.
- Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site or keep on your mobile device.
- Get a Kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies. Click here to see our latest disaster guide shopping list.
Deputies Searching For Wanted Cantonment Felon
September 6, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a wanted Cantonment man.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Anthony Antonio Purifoy Jr. has two active warrants for two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He is a current or former resident of the 400 block of Robinson Street in Cantonment, according to county records.
If you see Anthony Purifoy Jr. or know his whereabouts, contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 6, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending August 31 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Environmental Investigator Hughes was contacted by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Manager and a Solid Waste Compliance Inspector to discuss a complaint involving ads placed online advertising clean fill materials that could be deposited on-site free of charge. An additional ad advertised the disposal of yard trash debris onsite for $20 per ton. The location of the complaint was determined to be private property in Escambia County. Investigator Hughes was informed the site location was not permitted by DEP to receive solid waste materials. During a two-week period, crew members of the commercial land clearing / tree trimming company disposed approximately 11 truckloads of yard trash debris and 3 loads of mulch from various job sites at the unpermitted facility. Investigator Hughes issued the property owner a written warning and a manager of the commercial land clearing / trimming company a notice to appear citation for disposing solid waste at an unpermitted facility.
Lieutenant Hahr was on foot patrol in the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area when he saw two men and a woman who appeared to be smoking cannabis. When he met them in the parking area, he smelled the odor of cannabis and addressed the group. One of the subjects attempted to discard a bundle of cannabis and methamphetamine. The man was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of not more than 20 grams of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Captive Wildlife Investigator Nelson charged an individual for unlawful possession of a Class II serval without a permit and the unlawful importation of the serval into the state.
Officer Lewis responded to a complaint that a couple were smoking marijuana at a popular swimming area in the Blackwater State Forest. When he arrived, he spotted the couple in the parking area. After smelling the odor of cannabis, he found both to be in possession of cannabis and paraphernalia. Both were given notices to appear for the violations.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Firemen Aid Three Adults, Two Babies In Distress On Perdido River
September 6, 2017
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue came to the aid of three adults and two babies who had been in a canoe on the Perdido River Tuesday afternoon. The group had ended up further downstream than intended and in distress, near the Muscogee Road bridge. There were no injuries. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Drug Ring Leader Gets 20 Years After Wiretap Investigation
September 6, 2017
An Escambia County man is headed to prison for drug trafficking.
Alfred Hayes entered a no contest plea to conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to traffic in oxycodone and trafficking in methamphetamine. Hayes was sentenced by Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh to 20 years in state prison to be followed by 10 years of probation.
The charges stem from a wiretap investigation from March to May of 2016 which identified an organization that distributed significant quantities of narcotics in Escambia County. Alfred Hayes was arrested on May 8, 2016, and was found to be in possession of one kilogram of methamphetamine and $32,000 in cash.
The investigation revealed that Alfred Hayes was the primary leader of a drug distribution ring in Escambia County.
Supreme Court Won’t Reconsider Slots Decision On Poarch Creek Gretna Track
September 6, 2017
The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to reconsider a high-profile ruling that blocked a Poarch Creek Indian managed pari-mutuel facility in Gadsden County from offering slot machines.
Justices, as is common, did not explain their reasons for turning down a request by Gretna Racing for a rehearing. The decision was unanimous, though Justice Peggy Quince was recused.
Gretna Racing argued that it should be able to offer slot machines because Gadsden County voters approved allowing slots in a referendum. But the Supreme Court, in a May ruling, said the decision about allowing pari-mutuels to offer slot machines rests with the Legislature, not voters.
The case had broad implications because voters in seven other counties — Brevard, Duval, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Washington — also have approved allowing slot machines in referendums.
by The News Service of Florida
Tolls, Livestock Restrictions Lifted As Irma Threatens Florida
September 6, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend tolls across the state as residents and tourists evacuate areas that could be in the path of powerful Hurricane Irma. Scott said he made the move to keep traffic flowing and that the suspension will continue for the “duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida.” Also Tuesday, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced the suspension of rules on moving livestock and pets within the state. “By suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals, we can ensure that Floridians and visitors can quickly and safely move their pets and livestock out of harm’s way,” Putnam said in a prepared statement. Also, Putnam said Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi have waived requirements related to moving livestock and pets from Florida.
Three People, Including Toddler, Injured In Crash Near Barrineau Park
September 5, 2017
Three people, including a toddler, were injured in single vehicle crash Monday night near Barrineau Park.
The vehicle left the roadway about 9:15 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 196 and struck a large tree. Two adults, ages 27 and 79, and a 3-year old were transported by by ambulance to an area hospital with injuries that were no considered serious.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
