RESTORE Advisory Meetings Scheduled
December 2, 2015
The Escambia County RESTORE Advisory Committee will meet during the following dates listed below at 4 p.m. in the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building Board Chambers, located at 221 Palafox Place in Pesnacola:
- Wednesday, Dec. 9
- Monday, Dec. 21
- Monday, Jan. 11
- Monday, Jan. 25
Meetings can be viewed live on MyEscambia.com/ectv, on channel 98 for Bright House, Cox Cable and Mediacom (Pensacola Beach) subscribers and channel 99 for AT&T U-verse subscribers and are available on ECTV On Demand.
Escambia County’s Keep The Wreath Green Fire Safety Campaign Begins
December 1, 2015
Escambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with City of Pensacola and Santa Rosa County, will be launching its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign beginning Tuesday, December 1. This initiative was designed to promote fire safety during the month of December, with officials hoping to reduce the number of fires during a time of serious fire danger with simple, life-saving tips.
During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 23 different county fire stations. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.
There were nine fires reported in Escambia County during the 2014 Keep the Wreath Green campaign.
Escambia County offers the following safety tips, one for each day of the month:
Dec. 1 - Prior to buying a live tree, test its freshness by pulling along a small branch. If the needles fall away in your hand, the tree is already too dry.
Dec. 2 - Prior to buying an artificial tree, make sure the tree bears a UL label of approval and be certain the tree is made of fire retardant materials.
Dec. 3 - To keep a live tree fresh, cut 1-2 inches from the bottom to expose fresh wood and place it in water. Make sure your tree stand can hold water. Check the water level every day, and add water as needed. Do not place trees near sources of heat like radiators, space heaters or heating ducts.
Dec. 4 - Use candles with care. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Burn candles inside a 1-foot circle of safety, free of anything that can ignite. Use sturdy candleholders that will not tip over. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Dec. 5 - Make sure all holiday lights are UL labeled and inspect them prior to use. If possible, use LED lights since they burn cooler. Check each set of lights for broken or crushed sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard all damaged lights.
Dec. 6 - When hanging holiday lights, either on your tree or outside, make sure you follow the manufactures guidelines on how many strands can be connected together. Usually it is not more than 3. Make sure you do not overload electrical outlets or circuits. Do not run power cords underneath rugs or carpets.
Dec. 7 - When decorating, remember not to block stairways, doors or windows. Remember to always unplug lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
Dec. 8 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 1– Design a plan for your home and your family. Make sure every one understands exactly what to do and where to go in an emergency. Also, make sure you have enough smoke alarms.
Dec. 9 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 2 – Know two ways out of every room and practice them to make sure you can do it.
Dec. 10 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 3 – Make sure you crawl low under smoke and feel closed doors for heat. If you come to a door that is warm, find another way out.
Dec. 11 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 4 – If you become trapped, close doors and stuff the door cracks to keep smoke out. Try to call 911 and let them know exactly where you are and signal for help from a window.
Dec. 12 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 5 – Pay special attention to young children, elderly people and the disabled. Be sure to include them in your plan.
Dec. 13 - Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 6 – Get out as fast as you can and stay out. Never go back inside. Once you’re safely outside have someone go to a neighbor’s house and call 911.
Dec. 14 - Remember, matches and lighters are tools for adults. Store them in a safe place above the reach of children. Also teach youngsters to never touch them, instead tell a grownup.
Dec. 15 - Have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home and make sure it is fully charged. Know how to use your fire extinguisher. Remember the PASS system:
- Pull the pin
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the trigger lever
- Sweep the stream side-to-side at the base of the fire
Dec. 16 - Have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional to make sure it’s clean and free of obstructions. Never burn paper or trash in the fireplace.
Dec. 17 - Be sure your fireplace is covered with a metal screen or glass doors to prevent the spread of sparks and fire.
Dec. 18 - Make sure to have a working smoke alarm outside of every bedroom and on every level of your house. Make sure to test monthly and change batteries every time you change your clocks.
Dec. 19 - With children out of school, people doing yard work, dry vegetation, high-winds and low-humidity, remember that wildfires can happen quickly.
Dec. 20 - If you are enjoying the great outdoors during the holidays, don’t leave campfires or warming fires unattended – make sure they are completely out!
Dec. 21 - Never leave cooking food unattended. Handles on stovetop pots should be turned away from the front, so they won’t be accidentally tipped or knocked over.
Dec. 22 - Before you cook that holiday dinner be sure that the oven and stovetop are clean, free of grease, and are in good working order.
Dec. 23 - Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging), which can catch fire easily.
Dec. 24 - Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because of the high flammability, dangerous sparks and possibility of flash fires.
Dec. 25 - Remember to be safety conscious and have a happy holiday.
Dec. 26 - When purchasing a space heater look for heaters that have safety features such as cut-off switches that turn the heater off if they accidentally tip over or overheat.
Dec. 27 - Space heaters need space. Make sure they are at least 3 feet away from combustible materials such as draperies, furniture, bedding, clothing and decorations. Also teach youngsters to keep away from them.
Dec. 28 - Use only UL labeled space heaters and follow the manufactured instructions. Never use stoves, ovens or other cooking appliances to warm your home.
Dec. 29 - Turn space heaters off when you leave the room. Also, remember to constantly supervise children and pets when space heaters are in use.
Dec. 30 - Don’t cut up and burn your tree in the fireplace. Burning evergreens give off tar and creosol, which can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Dispose of your tree by following the instructions of your local trash disposal service.
Dec. 31 - Don’t drink and drive, have a designated driver or call a friend
Pictured: A December 1, 2014, mobile home fire on Pine Forest Road. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Jay Elementary Teacher Named Discovery Education Program Champion
December 1, 2015
Jay Elementary School teacher Kristen Davis has been named a Discovery Education Program Champion for this school year.
Chosen through a competitive application process, Davis was selected based on her passion for science and exemplary use of Discovery Education’s programs. Davis joins 13 fellow Program Champions who will represent specific topic areas – including STEM, health and wellness, and social studies. These educators will share various resources and supporting programs – available at no cost from Discovery Education and its partners – with their colleagues and peers around the world. Champions will also represent Discovery Education and its partners at education events and virtual conferences, and help shape the development and implementation of future Discovery Education programs, to ensure optimal efficacy and classroom relevance. To kickoff this new initiative, Davis and the other Program Champions recently attended a two-day launch event at Discovery Education’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.
Davis will share her passion with others on the topic of science. Specifically, Davis will share information on The Good Egg Project: Education Station, an online destination offered by the American Egg Board and Discovery Education that teaches elementary and middle school students about the production process of fresh foods as well as sustainability concepts used on a working farm.
“Discovery Education’s programs have given my students many learning opportunities that they wouldn’t have had the chance to get otherwise,” said Davis. “I am so excited to share these resources with other educators in my district and I’m so thankful to be selected as a Program Champion!”
Scott Appoints Two Judges To First Judicial Circuit Court
December 1, 2015
Monday, Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointments of two judges to the First Judicial Circuit Court.
Judge Darlene Dickey, 45, of Molino, has served as an Escambia County Court judge since 2012. She previously served as the general counsel of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office from 2006-2012. She also practiced with Bozemann, Jenkins & Mathews, P.A. from 2003-2005. Dickey began her legal career as an assistant state attorney for the First Judicial Circuit in 2000. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and her law degree from Florida State University. Dickey fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge T. Michael Jones.
“Judge Dickey has a thorough understanding of the law and I am confident she will continue to serve honorably on the First Judicial Circuit,” Scott said.
Judge Thomas Dannheisser, 59, of Pensacola, has served as an Escambia County Court judge since 2010. He previously served as the Santa Rosa county attorney from 1986-2010, and as an assistant county attorney at the Escambia County Attorney’s Office from 1983-1986. Dannheisser also served as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1982-1983, and as an assistant state attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit from 1981-1982. He received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida. Dannheisser fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Terry D. Terrell.
Five Tips For Charitable Giving During the Holidays
December 1, 2015
This Giving Tuesday, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam offers five tips that consumers should consider before making a charitable contribution. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps Floridians make the most of their charitable contributions by providing detailed information, like how contributions are spent, on charities registered in Florida. You can find out more at FreshFromFlorida.com or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA.
“Today and during the holiday season, many generous Floridians contribute their hard-earned money to support important causes,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “But before giving, I encourage Floridians to follow a few simple steps to make sure they make the most of their contributions.”
Floridians should take the following simple steps when preparing to make a charitable contribution:
- Give with a Plan: Find a cause that is meaningful to you and your family, do some research and set priorities. Most effective donations are not spur-of-the-moment.
- Know Who You Are Giving To: Most charities in Florida are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about how contributions are spent. Check a charity’s status online at FreshFromFlorida.com or by phone at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, at 1-800-FL-AYUDA (1-800-352-9832).
- Maximize Your Gift: When deciding to make a gift, find out if an employer will match charitable contribution to maximize its value.
- Keep Track of the Work Your Donation Supports: Once a gift has been made, mark a calendar with important dates of the charity’s meetings and key events for the year.
- Understand the Tax Benefits: Most charitable donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to get the proper documentation to deduct at tax time. Keep a record of donations and make sure a receipt is provided from the organization. Don’t rely on a cancelled check to count as a receipt.
For more information about individual charities, you can also check out our Gift Giver’s Guide online.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Still Moving In Senate
December 1, 2015
Despite appearing to die in the House, a proposal that would change the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases is slated to go to the Senate Rules Committee this week.
If approved by the committee during a meeting Thursday, the bill (SB 344), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would be ready to go to the full Senate when the 2016 legislative session starts in January.
The issue stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling that said people who use the “stand your ground” defense have the burden of showing they should be shielded from prosecution.
The legislation, backed by the National Rifle Association, would shift the burden of proof to the state in “stand your ground” cases.
A House version of the bill (HB 169), filed by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, was defeated November 17 in a 6-6 vote in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. But after that vote, Bradley said “everything is in play” until the end of the legislative session.
Sidewalk, Pedestrian Improvements Underway Along Highway 29
November 30, 2015
Numerous pedestrian related improvements are underway over a 15-mile stretch of Highway 29 in North Escambia, most of them in Century.
The $893,000 project consists of guardrail upgrades, sidewalk replacement, pedestrian railing, ditch pavement, and signalized pedestrian crossings at various locations from north of Champion Drive in McDavid to the Alabama state line in Century.
In Century, the project will include “new sidewalk construction in areas where there is currently no sidewalk, removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk, installation of handrails, curb ramps for ADA, detectable warning ramps and replacement of pedestrian signal crossings,” Tanya Branton of the Florida Department of Transportation said recently.
Work is expected to be completed in about three months.
Pictured: Sidewalk work in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
November 30, 2015
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Nine Mile Road from west of I-10 to Heritage Oaks Drive, Escambia County – Eastbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4 through Tuesday, Dec. 8 as crews place the structural course on the eastbound shoulder and lanes of Nine Mile Road.
State Road 289 (9th Avenue), Escambia County- The week of Dec. 1 crews will perform paving operations at Airport Boulevard and Bayou Boulevard. Work is anticipated to take two to three days. When complete, crews will pave between Bayou Boulevard and Creighton Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for approximately two to three weeks. Motorists traveling between Bayou Boulevard and Cervantes Street will also encounter intermittent and alternating daytime lane closures the week of Dec. 1 as crews adjust manholes and valves.
I-110 Bridge Painting, Escambia County – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime restrictions on city streets under I-110 between Maxwell and Garden Streets as crews clean the bridges. The $2.6 million rehabilitation project is anticipated to be complete summer 2016.
U.S. 98 Resurfacing, Santa Rosa County – U.S. 98 between Live Oaks Village shopping center and the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Santa Rosa County. Alternating lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will begin Monday, Nov. 30 and continue through the end of the year as crews complete paving operations and work list items.
I-10 Six Lane, Santa Rosa County – Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 Interchange in Santa Rosa County will encounter alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 30 as crews begin bridge work. The closures will continue Sunday through Thursday nights until the end of 2015. Alternating lane closuring will start back Monday, Nov. 30 on I-10 east and westbound between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/ Exit 22). Lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights until the end of 2015 as crews perform construction activities.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone. All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
North Escambia Man Killed In Wreck Near Atmore
November 30, 2015
A McDavid man was killed in a single motorcycle crash north of Atmore Sunday morning.
According to Alabama State Troopers, 42-year old Christopher George Robbins lost control of his 2012 Suzuki motorcycle and struck a culvert on Robinsonville Road about 10:45 a.m. Robbins was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Further details have not been released as Alabama State Troopers continue their investigation.
Hurricane Season Ends; Florida Dodges Hurricanes – Again
November 30, 2015
The Atlantic hurricane season is coming to a close for the 10th consecutive year without Florida taking a direct hit.
Going from June 1 to November 30 without a hurricane making landfall — even though hurricanes can form outside the designated “season” — is once again great news for residents and for the insurance industry.
But emergency-management officials say there isn’t time to rest.
Cloudy patches from other kinds of disasters — storm-related flooding and tornadoes — could be on the winter and spring horizon.
“Don’t let your guard down just because hurricane season is at an end. There is a potential escalated level from these storms this spring,” said Bryan Koon, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “That’s the downside of an El Nino. It’s good for us on the hurricane side, bad for us on the severe weather side.”
Also, disaster officials and the insurance industry say they continue to prepare for hurricanes because eventually Florida will get hit.
“Nobody thinks we’re going to be hurricane-free for another decade,” said Lynne McChristian of the Insurance Information Institute.
The state has doubled its previous record hurricane-free period — 1980 to 1984 — based on records going back to 1851.
The current streak is made even more remarkable since Florida, with its 1,260 miles of coastline, has accounted for about 40 percent of hurricane landfalls on U.S. shores in that recorded time period, according to the National Weather Service.
The last hurricane to make landfall in Florida was Wilma on October 24, 2005.
Since that time, the state has been hit by eight tropical storms, which have caused significant flooding in parts of the state.
Koon said those tropical storms are good tests.
“The smaller disasters we have, like the flooding in Pensacola, the Northwest Florida floods and tropical storms, keeps things greased and allows us to practice and make sure we’re ready to go,” Koon said. “Even things like Tropical Storm Erika this year, that didn’t impact the state at all, but for which we activated for a few days, all of that helps us moving forward.”
The state has also continued to adapt its plans by studying storms that have hit other parts of the nation, Koon said.
“The next time we do have one, we will be better than we were in 2004 and 2005,” Koon said. “We won’t have had the real-life practical experience of a hurricane in Florida, but the systems will be better, the process will be better, the training, the education, the outreach.”
Gov. Rick Scott has proposed nearly $10 million for efforts to further prepare Florida for storms.
Scott’s $79.3 billion budget proposal released on Monday includes $3.4 million for residential construction mitigation intended to improve the ability of Florida homes to withstand the force of disasters like hurricanes.
There is $3 million for state and local emergency-management activities related to special-needs facilities that would be used during disasters and other emergencies.
Another $3.5 million is proposed to continue the development of an emergency statewide notification system, which would provide storm alerts and updates via text, email or phone calls.
The state put about $4.5 million into the program for the current year and hopes to start getting the program created and out to the public before the 2016 hurricane season.
Koon said the program, once fully active over the next few years, should also help property owners financially.
“As part of the National Flood Insurance Program, there is a component called the community ratings system, and by doing certain things to help prepare your community for a flood, you can take credit for it and reduce the flood insurance premiums that people are paying,” Koon said.
The insurance industry in Florida has already benefited from the hurricane lull.
The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance has shed hundreds of thousands of policies into the private market the past three years, while private insurers have been able to bulk up their coffers.
“The companies that have had 10 years to shore up the finances, 10 years to make sure they’ve adopted technology to monitor their exposures to risk, they’ve been able to get everything organized,” McChristian said. “But that doesn’t mean the Florida market is still not fragile.”
Florida has seen its population continue to explode, passing New York nearly a year ago to become the third most-populous state in the nation.
The population growth has spurred new waterfront developments that insurance industry officials say will mean the next storms will be more expensive than the last ones.
“Go down to South Florida. There are new high rises. That’s going to increase building costs, and there are more people living in some of those areas,” McChristian said. “The insurance industry is planning for losses being much larger than in the past.”
Even with such prognostication, the industry is expected to withstand at least the first major storm making landfall.
A month ago, the state Office of Insurance Regulation reported that the 112 property-insurance companies participating in an annual “catastrophe stress test” of financial resources could withstand a 1-in-100 year storm.
A 1-in-100-year storm is an event that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year. A 1-in-50-year storm has a 2 percent change of happening.