Palafox Street In Downtown Pensacola Will Be Pedestrian Only For Mother’s Day
May 9, 2020
A section of Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola will be converted to pedestrian traffic only on Mother’s Day to promote safe outdoor retail and restaurant activities for businesses and individuals visiting downtown for the Mother’s Day holiday.
Palafox Street from Garden Street to Main Street will be open to pedestrians only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Visitors are asked to maintain a six foot separation and to not gather in groups of more than 10.
“We know the Pensacola community is eager to support local businesses and restaurants as we begin to enter into an economic recovery period from COVID-19,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the public to show their support in a safe way. We are very excited we will be able to open Palafox for our citizens to celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful for all that the mothers of Pensacola have done to make our community great.”
Limiting the street to pedestrian traffic only will provide additional space for downtown visitors to more easily practice social distancing while supporting local businesses.
2-Year Old Accidentally Shot In Escambia County
May 9, 2020
A two-year old was accidentally shot in Escambia County Friday night.
The toddler was shot when a gun accidentally went off while the owner was cleaning it, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. It happened near Binnacle Place and Marlinspike Drive off Gulf Beach Highway.
The child was shot in the hip area and is expected to recover. No charges were filed.
Florida Department Of Health Launches New COVID-19 Mobile App
May 9, 2020
The Florida Department of Health has launched a new mobile app, StrongerThanC19.
The free app complements the community action survey website of the same name that launched on April 3. These cutting-edge tools are giving residents the power to unite in the fight to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida.
Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said, “The participation from the website has been very promising so far with over 300,000 surveys submitted, and we’re hopeful that this app will help to build on the submissions and data that has already been gathered. Together, the information collected from the StrongerThanC19 mobile app and website will be used to help further inform and improve the state’s response to COVID-19.”
Florida residents are encouraged to do their part in helping Florida flatten the curve by anonymously answering questions that range from age and residency, to recent travel, to potential COVID-19 contact. The app allows users to go back and update their answers as symptoms and information change, providing officials with up-to-the minute information to help improve the distribution of resources in response to COVID-19. With the app, users will also have access to information in real-time as it’s gathered from users across the state via the Community Action Survey Report.
Once the brief survey is completed, users will also have the opportunity to sign-up to receive notifications for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida from the Department of Health. The brief survey is available in both English and Spanish.
The free StrongerThanC19 app is available to both iOS and Android users and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google app stores.
The StrongerThanC19 app and website are designed to gather information to help the Department of Health track and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida; they are not intended to be used as a symptom checker designed to dispense medical advice.
Escambia Man’s Dump Truck Goes Off I-10 Into The Blackwater River
May 8, 2020
Shortly after I-10 in Santa Rosa County reopened Friday, an Escambia County man and his dump truck ended up in the Blackwater River.
The unloaded dump truck drive by a 42-year old Pensacola man was driving west on I-10 approaching the Blackwater River Bridge when his front left tire failed and came apart, according to a preliminary FHP investigation. The vehicle traveled toward the grassy median, collided with a steel guardrail between the two bridge spans and became airborne. FHP estimates the dump truck fell about 55 feet when it crashed into the river.
The driver was rescued by four FHP troopers. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
I-10 from Avalon Boulevard to Highway 87 had been closed since Wednesday due to smoke from a massive wildfire.
Water Supply To Century Prison Has Failed; Emergency Measures Taken
May 8, 2020
The Town of Century water well serving Century Correctional Institution has failed, and emergency measures have been implemented to supply water to the prison.
The well failed on Thursday and water in the town’s elevated tank located at the prison continued a supply of water until Friday.
Friday afternoon, an emergency interconnect using two, two-inch fire hoses was made from Central Water Works fire hydrants on the south side of Tedder Road to the Town of Century’s fire hydrants on the north side of the road. That, according to Century Interim City Manager Vernon Prather is supplying adequate water to the prison.
Florida Sen. Doug Broxson told NorthEscambia.com that the Department of Corrections is providing bottled water to inmates and a supply of potable water; he said there is currently no human consumption of the water from the temporary emergency supply.
Construction on a permanent solution to the water crisis will begin next week. Tedder Road will be closed from Highway 29 to the prison due to the fire hoses across the road and the construction process.
The Town of Century’s well at the prison did not supply water to the town and the downtime will have no impact on local residents, Prather said. Likewise, Central Water Water Works officials said they have the capacity to supply the prison, and their customers should see no impacts.
Central Water Works was founded in 1965 and provides water for about 1,000 members in Byrneville, McDavid and outside the municipal service areas of Century and Flomaton.
NorthEscambia.com will have ongoing coverage and more information.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Health Advisory Issued Due To Smoke From Beulah Wildfire
May 8, 2020
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a health advisory due to smoke from the over 1,000 acre brush fire in Beulah.
From FDOH Escambia:
Smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause scratchy throat or irritated eyes and nose. According to the CDC, breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including coughing, difficulty breathing, scratchy throat, irritated eyes and nose, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. Smoke can also worsen conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions. Dust generated from fire response activity may also worsen these conditions.
Protect yourself and your family from smoke:
· Pay attention to local air quality reports, news coverage, or health warnings related to smoke.
· Use common sense when outside conditions are smoky. Avoid outdoor activities, particularly for children and persons with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease.
· While inside, residents should close windows and run their heating or cooling system, if possible. Keep the fresh air intake closed and change or clean the system’s filter as needed to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
· Help keep particle levels lower inside. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles. Do not vacuum, which stirs up particles already inside your home. Also, do not smoke tobacco.
· Follow your doctor’s advice about taking medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Persons experiencing respiratory symptoms, including those with severe or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic lung disease, should consult their doctor for treatment and stay inside their homes. For questions related to health problems or symptoms you may be experiencing related to the smoke, please contact your doctor. For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Hair Salons, Barber Shops Can Open Monday In Florida, With Safety Restrictions
May 8, 2020
Barber shops and beauty salons in Florida will be allowed to open with safety restrictions on Monday.
Friday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted a video with the announcement by Orlando barber J. Henry.
“We are ready to get back to work and make some money,” Henry said in the video. “Getting back to work, we want to be safe and continue to wear our gloves wear masks, book by appointments and continue to keep the community safe. We want to keep one thing in mind, safety is always first.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made a similar announcement about her state Friday.
Restaurants, Hair Salons, Gyms And Churches Can Open Monday In Alabama
May 8, 2020
Restaurants, hair salons and gyms can open on Monday in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday morning .
Restaurants will be allowed to reopen at a 50% occupancy rate with a six foot spacing between tables and other guidance that has been agreed upon by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.
Barber shops, hair and nail salons and other similar-type establishments will be allowed to open up with restrictions, again with guidelines that were developed by the State Board of Cosmetology.
A similar announcement about barber shops and hair salons was made Friday by Gov. Ron Desantis.
Gyms can reopen subject to social distancing and sanitation rules. Hair salons and other close-contact providers can also open Monday subject to social distancing and sanitation rules.
“Today’s order will hopefully provide another round of hope for all of us,” Ivey said.
“I know this has been tough on you; it hasn’t been a joy ride for us either. I so appreciate the personal sacrifices you’ve made to keep yourself and others healthy,” she said.
More information is in the graphic below, click to enlarge.
Beulah, Santa Rosa Fires Grow; Winds To Switch And Push Fires And Smoke North; I-10 Is Now Open
May 8, 2020
Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are working to monitor, improve, and widen containment lines around the perimeter of the 5 Mile Swamp Fire which is about 2,180 acres and 35% contained.
I-10 is now open in Santa Rosa County. Future closures between Avalon Boulevard and Highway 87 may become necessary depending on fire fighting needs, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Hurst Hammock Fire is Beulah is about 1,100 acres and 40% contained. While the Florida Forest Service is battling the fire, Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are standing by to assist.
Crews observed minimal fire activity on both fires throughout the night due to a decrease in wind speed and an increase in relative humidity. Friday’s weather predictions are for a switch in wind direction and a drastic increase in wind speeds. Winds will now prevail from the south/southwest at 13-18 mph gusting up to 25 mph which will increase fire activity on the north/northeast perimeter of fires. Also, smoke will now impact communities north of both fires. Florida Forest Service helicopters will continue concentrated water bucket drops on both fires as wildfire activity increases during the day.
Additional Florida Forest Service personnel and equipment from throughout Florida are still arriving to assist with the firefighting efforts. There are two medium helicopters assigned to both of these wildfires.
Santa Rosa County Specific Information:
Evacuations/Re-Entry
- Closed – Everything on Garcon Point Road east to the Blackwater Bay from I-10 to Mary Kitchens remains closed.
- Level 1 - Everything south of Mary Kitchens Road on Avalon and Garcon Point Road, and on the west side of Avalon is at a Level 1 evacuation, meaning residents can return to their homes but need to stay aware. Level 1 also extends up to Da Lisa Road
- Level 2 - Indian Bayou to Mary Kitchens Road and the houses along Mary Kitchens Road are a Level 2 evacuation and may return to home but must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Citizen Information Center
The Santa Rosa County Citizen Information Center is open. Those who have evacuated or who have questions may call 850-983-INFO (4636).
Pictured above: Firefighters battle the 5 Mile Swamp fire in Santa Rosa County. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Helping Each Other In A Time Of Need. Company Pays It Forward To Build New Porch For Century Woman.
May 8, 2020
Helen Mincy of Century lives in little wood frame house on a Century street that bears her last name.
When a powerful EF-3 tornado ripped through Century on the afternoon of February 16, 2016, Mincy Court was pretty much ground zero for the strongest winds — an estimated 152 mph.
Mincy is often front and center in Century, working to make sure the citizens are not forgotten. After the tornado, she worked tirelessly to make sure Century got the help it deserved. For Mincy, it was all about helping each other in a time of need.
When state lawmakers toured the damage a few days after the tornado, she met them in the street and made sure they heard what she had to say.
“I don’t have anything and government officials need to get out here and help us. We ain’t got nothing,” she told the late Senator Greg Evers as he put his arm around her shoulders.
Fast forward to 2020. Her little house stands tattered, paint peeling from the outside walls. And there was no stable front porch between the front door and the front steps. It was not a good situation for a woman as young at heart as Ms. Helen.
When Justyn Dulac heard about Mincy’s plight, he decided to step up and pay it forward through his company, DuLac Commercial Cleaning, and build her a new porch.
“Ms. Mincy would awake day to day stepping over rotten wood on her porch as she moved in and out of her house,” DuLac said. So he and a few partners decided to pay it forward and rebuild her porch.
Mincy literally danced with joy as her new porch came together.
“Remember friends, this is what uniting is all about,” DuLac said, “helping one another in a time of need.”
Pictured above and below: DuLac Commercial Cleaning and friends build a new front porch for Helen Mincy of Century. Photos by Trey Goldsmith for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured inset: Mincy talks with the late Senator Greg Evers after a February 2016 EF-3 tornado tore across Mincy Court. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
