FEMA Reimburses Escambia County 75% Of $18.3 Million Hurricane Sally Debris Removal Costs
December 21, 2021
Escambia County has received a $13,715,504.13 reimbursement payment from FEMA for the federal government’s portion of $18,287,338.83 in total costs for Hurricane Sally debris removal.
FEMA reimburses at 75%, while the county and state are responsible for splitting the remaining 25%. That put the cost to Escambia County at just under $2.3 million for Sally debris removal.
Escambia County utilized contract workers following Hurricane Sally’s arrival on September 16, 2020, until April 30, 2021, to remove and dispose of 689,477 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 201,863 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 854 hazardous leaning trees, 8,283 hazardous hanging limbs and 1.85 tons of hazardous household waste debris from public rights of way.
“Millions of dollars were spent on debris clean-up from Hurricane Sally,” said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “We are grateful for FEMA approving this reimbursement grant. This grant is critical for Public Safety as we continue to recover from Hurricane Sally and prepare for future disasters.”
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Sailor On USS Harry S. Truman Wishing Family A Merry Christmas
December 21, 2021
A Cantonment native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate the holidays with his fellow sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman.
Haley wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season.
“Wish I could be home for the holidays,” said Haley. “Miss you everyday and hope you have a great Christmas and start to the new year.”
Haley has a special message for one family member.
“I would like to tell my brother Kody to stay safe out there on the streets patrolling Pensacola, and that I hope you have a great holiday with family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Haley, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Haley. “From our sacrifice of being away from our families during the holidays to missing special events, it is is worth it to protect the ones we love. I’m having experiences that I will tell stories about for years to come.”
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
December 21, 2021
Tate High School recently named Students of the Month for November. They are Evan Meyer and Shyla McRoy. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Welfare Fraud
December 21, 2021
A Cantonment woman has been charged with public assistance fraud.
Katherine Adar Golden, 33, was charged with welfare fraud for failing to disclose information.
The charge against Golden was filed directly against Golden by the State Attorney’s Office.
A court document states Golden received food stamp and Medicaid benefits illegally after failing to report the income of another individual between March 4, 2019, and April 2, 2020. Additional details have not been released.
Golden was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
Woman Shot And Killed After Confrontation Over Dead Dog, Another Man Wounded
December 20, 2021
A woman was shot and killed Sunday night and another man wounded in Escambia County after a confrontation over a dog that had been shot dead.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a man and woman were working on their car while outside their residence in the 3700 block of Lloyd Street in Brownsville. Their dog ran and started barking at three men as they walked down the road, and one of the men shot and killed the dog.
The man and woman got into a vehicle, according to investigators, and went looking for the three men. An argument followed after they found them, and one of the men opened fire on the car. Both the man and woman were struck, and they drove to the 1100 block of T Street to call 911 about 11:25 p.m.
Both victims were transported to the hospital where the woman was pronounced dead.
No names have been released.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Ninth Red Bulb Added To Fire Safety Wreath After Another Residential Blaze
December 20, 2021
A ninth red bulb has been added in Escambia County’s “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign following a Sunday night fire.
A single story home on Omega Court was damaged by the fire about 10:35 p.m., and the occupant is being assisted to temporary arrangements by the American Red Cross. There were no injuries.
The fire was limited to the front part of the home, with smoke damage throughout. Officials says the home is repairable.
Each time in December that Escambia County firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green bulb is replaced with a red one of the “Keep the Wreath” green wreaths on display at county fire stations and other public buildings.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Stole SUV In Walnut Hill, Sold It For Scrap In Less Than Day: ECSO Says
December 20, 2021
An Atmore man is charged with allegedly stealing a SUV in Florida before selling it for scrap less than a day later.
Johnny Wayne White, 39. was charged with felony grand theft of a motor vehicle.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, he stole a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder valued at $3,000 from a residence in Walnut Hill. The victim located the vehicle at Atmore Recyclers in Atmore. A photo was taken of White as he sold the vehicle for $363.60, according to an arrest report.
The theft occurred in October, with White just recently arrested on an outstanding warrant. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Escambia Fire Capt. Craig Ammons Retires After 41 Years Of Service
December 20, 2021
Escambia County Fire Rescue Capt. Stephen Craig Ammons has retired after 41 years of faithful and dedicated service as a first responder, with the last 36 years of his career with Escambia Fire Rescue.
Ammons began his career with Escambia County as a paramedic in 1985 and moved to the fire department in 2000 where he began as a firefighter and worked his way through the ranks to captain.
During his career with Escambia County, he has worked through emergencies that included hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, floods, the oil spill, the recent pandemic and more.
“We joined Craig and his family in celebration of a long and successful career in public safety today,” said ECFR Deputy Chief Paul Williams during a retirement ceremony last Friday. “We want thank all of our special guests, other agencies, and first responders who came out to celebrate with us and wish Craig well. ECFR and Escambia County were fortunate that Craig established roots here with our community, and we wish him and his family a bountiful and healthy retirement.”
During the retirement ceremony, Rep. Michelle Salzman presented a certification of recognition to Ammons. He was honored with a proclamation presented by Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender, with Commissioner Steven Barry also in attendance.
“I’m honored today that everybody took the time to come by,” Ammons told those in attendance. “I wish everyone good luck, be safe, enjoy what you have and keep making progress to protect the citizens of Escambia County.”
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
December 20, 2021
Northview High School recently named their November Students of the Month. They are Chase Pugh and Doria Beach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Free Parking In Downtown Pensacola Through December 26
December 20, 2021
Fees for city-owned street parking in downtown Pensacola are waived through December 26 during Parking Amnesty Week, allowing downtown visitors to shop, dine, and enjoy the holiday lights and attractions without paying for parking.
The free parking applies only to city-owned on-street parking, identified by teal blue ‘PARKPensacola’ signage. The free parking excludes parking lots, garages and privately managed parking spaces.
“Parking is a self-funded public enterprise that isn’t paid by taxpayers but is paid only by those who use the service,” said Parking Manager Lissa Dees. “Offering a free week of parking gives the city an opportunity to support small businesses downtown while giving a little something back to our community in the process.
Free or 2-hour parking is available throughout downtown Pensacola, and city-owned parking is always free on Sunday. In addition to Parking Amnesty Week, free parking is available daily at the following locations:
Community Maritime Park
Bayfront parkway – surface lot
Belmont-DeVilliers – surface lot
South Palafox Marina – surface lot