The first tropical storm of the season formed off the southeast coast of Florida Saturday night, two weeks before the official start of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Tropical Storm Arthur is no threat to Florida, but could come close the North Carolina Outer Banks today. The strongest winds will be on the eastern side…… MORE
Category Archives: Uncategorized
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY DEATHS
The Florida Department of Health says of the 20 COVID-19 deaths in Escambia County, 14 have occurred in long-term care facilities. Five residents of Bayside Health and Rehabilitation Center on Langley Avenue have died; there have been five deaths at Southern Oaks Care Center on West Gregory Street – four residents and one staff member;…… MORE
DROUGHT CONTINUES
Drought conditions continue throughout the region. The U.S. Drought Monitor says drought conditions extend across northwest Florida. Severe drought conditions are being experienced in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties and moderate drought conditions are affecting Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties. Red Flag warning have been posted across the region by the Florida Forest Service and…… MORE
FLORIDA GYMS TO REOPEN TODAY
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says gyms can officially reopen in the state today, but CDC guidelines must be followed. Gyms will be disinfected and deep cleaned before opening and additional cleaning must take place throughout the day. While they will be allowed to operate with 50% capacity no one with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms…… MORE
VIRUS TESTING PROBLEMS
35,000 COVID-19 tests ordered by a Florida-based health care system and performed by a third-party lab are considered unreliable. Advent Health, a faith-based health care system, said the situation has created unacceptable delays, but did not name the third-party lab. Advent says they have terminated their contract with the laboratory and apologized for any inconvenience…… MORE
FANTASY FIVE WINNERS
The Florida Lottery Commission says two people won over $40,000 after buying Fantasy 5 tickets in Jay and Milton. The tickets sold at the Farmer’s Country Market on Highway 4 and the Milton Exxon on Caroline Street are two of five winning tickets for Friday night’s drawing.. Other winning tickets were sold in The Villages,…… MORE
ESCAMBIA COUNTY BURN BAN
Following action taken by other counties in Northwest Florida, Escambia County has issued a burn ban that is in effect until further notice. It prohibits open outdoor burning, including campfires, wildfires, bonfires, and trash burning, but allows outdoor cooking in barbecue grills, smokers or other outdoor stoves located at private residence or businesses. There are…… MORE
TRAFFIC FATALITY
The Florida Highway Patrol says one person was killed in a one-vehicle traffic crash yesterday morning in north Escambia County. Troopers say it happened just after 11am on Bogia (“Bo-Gee”) Road just off Highway 29 when the vehicle hit a tree. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, but the identity of the victim…… MORE
NATIONAL SEASHORE REOPENING
Starting Saturday Gulf Islands National Seashore is planning to reopen several recreational areas, including Fort Pickens, which will resume regular operating hours and lifeguards will be on duty. However, restrooms will be limited to Langdon Beach and the restrooms outside of the Discovery Center. Johnson Beach on Perdido Key will also resume regular operating hours…… MORE
NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF
A new reef for snorklers on Pensacola Beach has gotten final approval from Escambia County Commissioners. The contractor has until August to install the artificial reef at a cost of $59,500 which will be paid for with a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Robert Turpin, the county’s Marine Resource Division manager,…… MORE
