Animal Control
-
All interactions with the Animal Shelter will be by appointment only. The staff will determine each day how many appointments will be available and what time they will begin.
-
Lost Pet
If you have a missing pet. Please check Petharbor.com under the Escambia County Animal Services. If we have or you think we have your pet please email us at animalshelter@myescambia.com and someone will reach out to you. We will prioritize our appointment schedule to make sure that lost pets are returned to their owners as quickly as possible.
-
Adoption
If you are interested in adopting a pet that is currently on Petharbor.com under the available/adoptable pets please reach out to us at animalshelter@myescambia.com and we will respond as opportunities for adoptions become available. Please be mindful that due to this temporary change in operations appointments could be severely limited or not available at all some days. Adoptions are very important to all of our staff and we will work diligently to provide as many opportunities as possible each day and we hope to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
-
Owner surrenders and strays
We are currently not accepting owner surrenders at this time and any stray that enters the facility will only be by Animal Control Officers. They can be reached at animalcontrol@myescambia.com, or 595-0097, option 2, to speak to the dispatcher.
- Submit an online Animal Control complaint here.
Bars, nightclubs and restaurants
- Executive Order 20-246. Restaurants and other establishments, and bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, may operate at full capacity as Florida has moved to Phase 3 of its re-opening plan.
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
City of Pensacola
- Sanders Beach park and boat launch, Bruce Beach Park and Wayside Park remain closed.
- Bayview Park is open, but boat launches and pier are closed after sustaining damage.
- Roger Scott Tennis Center is open, but two clay tennis courts on site are unavailable.
- Portions of Plaza de Luna remain inaccessible.
- Please check the city's website for the latest information.
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT)
- Since Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, ECAT has resumed running a regular schedule on most routes and reinstated fares.
- On Jan. 21, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order requiring mask wearing on all modes of public transportation including intercity buses and trains. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order which requires people to wear masks while on all public transportation and conveyances (trains, airplanes, ferries, etc.) and at transportation hubs. On Jan. 31, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a security directive to implement President Biden’s Executive Order and support enforcement of the CDC’s Order with an effective start date on Feb. 2, 2021. Read the detailed information on the President’s Order and the CDC’s Order, including definitions and instructions on wearing masks.
- Face masks have been required to ride ECAT since Dec. 21. Free face masks have been provided since June 1 and will continue to be available.
Escambia County Community Transportation (ECCT)
- Escambia County Community Transportation will temporarily suspend all paratransit services after 7 p.m. for weekday and Saturday services. All medical necessary trips will be honored. Sunday service is temporarily suspended. All expired eligibility will be extended for 90 days. In-person eligibility interviews will be rescheduled or completed over the phone. Please call ECCT Customer Service at 850- 595-0501 if you need assistance.
- ECCT Paratransit subscription trips will continue to be pre-screened for COVID-19 and may be modified.
- For everyone’s safety, schedulers are booking passenger trips throughout the day on vehicles to accommodate social distancing. Vehicles are disinfected and cleaned frequently.
- For the safety of our riders and drivers, we are asking riders to help by wearing a protective cloth face covering, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you find it necessary to use ECCT Paratransit. Drivers have been instructed to wear Personal Protective Equipment..
- ECCT drivers will not be entering businesses, medical clinics and other facilities to pick up paratransit riders. Please be ready outside or at the door when the vehicle arrives.
- Please always cover your coughs and sneezes, keep your hands washed and make sure your mobility aid is sanitized and free of excess baggage.
- Starting Monday, June 22 until further notice, ECAT and ADA Transportation will run peak service only, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This modified service will take place Monday through Saturday, without service on Sundays. Buses will run every two hours with the final route trips departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. ECAT will temporarily suspend routes 41, 59A and 59X. Beach Trolleys will run regular hours 4 p.m. to midnight, with limited service running two trolleys instead of three. Schedules are subject to change as more drivers return to work. Additional details here.
NOTICE: These procedures may be revised due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Posted 4/21/20
Escambia County Fire Rescue, Office of Fire Prevention
- Scheduled smoke detector installations have resumed regular operations. Smoke Detectors Save Lives! Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376).
Escambia County Property Appraiser's Office
- For the safety of its employees and the public, the Escambia County Property Appraiser's Office encourages the use of a face mask when visiting the office.
- Customers may be assisted via email, pidept@escpa.org, telephone, 850-434-2735 or website – escpa.org.
- All BCC employees entering the building will undergo a security temperature check prior to entering.
Escambia County Tax Collector
All Tax Collector offices are open.
Protocols for COVID-19 still are in place and all customers are required to wear masks.
To ensure a successful visit and transaction, citizens are encouraged to visit our “What Do I Bring” page at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. After confirming all document requirements have been met, Escambia County residents may “Join the Line” for service.
After joining the line, customers will receive an estimated wait time by text. Wait times may be longer than normal. Customers should remain in their vehicles until called for service. When called, their transactions will be pre-screened prior to entering. Customers will have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer and be screened prior to entering the lobby.
Driver licenses and identification cards that expired from March 16 to May 30 have been automatically extended; we ask customers to take advantage of the additional time to allow our offices to assist customers who must be served immediately.
Vision requirements have not been waived for driver license transactions, so a vision test will be given. If customers are uncomfortable with the vision machine, they can request a vision form be sent via email that can be taken to an eye care professional and completed before the customer visits our office.
Driving exams are being handled on a walk-in basis only. The queue for driving exams opens at 7:30 a.m. Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com/skills.
The following transactions are available at our Online Payment Center only and will NOT be processed in the lobbies:
- Registration (Tag) Renewal
License plate or tag renewals MUST be renewed online using our convenient RenewExpress system. You can choose same-day pick up available at one of our three convenient drive thru locations or choose to have the registration mailed to you after next-day processing.
- Business Tax Receipt
Our Payment Center allows you to create an original or to renew or edit a current record. It is a great way to locate a business in our county. Searching by keywords such as plumbing will create a list of plumbing businesses.
- Property Tax
Pay property tax, review full payment history, research and print prior years receipts and search ownership by name or address.
- Hunting and Fishing License
Purchase or renew your hunting and fishing license.
Full payment of fees is required at time of service, and payment may be made by eCheck, debit, or credit cards. Payments made by eCheck are fee-free. Credit and debit transactions are subject to convenience fees charged by the payment vendor(s).
For more information on tax collector services, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
First Judicial Circuit
During the unprecedented circumstances presented by the pandemic, the judges of the First Judicial Circuit have handled hundreds of cases through electronic means, and will continue to do so in many cases. Most face-to-face hearings remain limited at this time. For those cases which must be handled face-to-face, extraordinary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the public, court staff, and other agency partners within our facilities. Processes will continue to evolve as circumstances warrant.
To help ensure that no person infected with COVID-19 enters the court facilities, temperature scanning devices have been installed at the M.C. Blanchard Building and the Theodore Bruno Building. Effective Monday, June 1, any person attempting to enter either of these facilities will undergo a non-invasive temperature scan by walking through a defined area. The installed devices will automatically record the temperature of each individual. Any individual who registers a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be denied access to the building. Individuals attempting to enter the courthouse should also expect to be asked a series of questions regarding potential symptoms or prior exposure to COVID-19. Refusal of the temperature screening or refusal to answer screening questions will result in denial of access to the building. At this time, courthouse access remains limited to those persons who are required for court proceedings, or those individuals with other official business within the courthouse facilities. Those entering the facilities will be required to wear a mask at all times while entering and while within the building.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, Gulf Islands National Seashore is increasing recreational access at the Florida areas. The National Park Service is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning on Saturday, May 16, Gulf Islands National Seashore will initiate Phase Two access at:
- The Fort Pickens Area
- The Perdido Key Area
- Regular operating hours resume
- Lifeguards will be on duty at Johnson Beach
- The Okaloosa Area
- The Naval Live Oaks Area
- Pensacola Bay Cruises
Beginning on Saturday, May 23, additional services will resume including:
- Free tram service at the Fort Pickens Area
- Pensacola Bay Cruises will drop-off and pick-up passengers at the Fort Pickens Area
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
- Langdon Beach pavilion (closed due to damage, but portable restrooms are in place)
- Opal Beach day use loops A, C, E and F. Parking lots B and D are open, along with Pavilion D facilities.
- The Fort Barrancas Area
- Perdido Key/Johnson Beach Road beyond the main parking lot remains closed to cars.
- The Nature Trail Boardwalk
- Ship Island Pier
- J. Earle Bowden Way, Highway 399 (closed to commercial vehicles and oversized vehicles, including RV's, trailers of any kind, buses and delivery trucks due to ongoing repairs)
- The Fort Pickens Campground, Discovery Center, and bookstore
- William M. Colmer Visitor Center
“Park staff, in coordination with public health officials continue to monitor health data from local and regional areas to determine when gating criteria is met,” said Superintendent Dan Brown. “As the areas evaluated continue to move through the required criteria the park is working hard to increase recreational access in a safe and responsible way.”
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Gulf Islands National Seashore, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services will be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/guis and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus
Parks
- Outdoor athletic leagues have resumed in Escambia County. We encourage participants along with attendees to social distance when and if possible.
- Neighborhood Parks, park restrooms where available and Boat Ramps are open to the public with social distancing encouraged when using the parks, facilities, and open spaces.
- Park pavilion, community center and field rentals are being handled by the Parks and Recreation Department. For those interested, please contact the Parks and Recreation front desk at , (850)-475-5220
- The Parks and Recreation and Road Department offices located at 1651 E. Nine Mile Road are open during regular business hours. Social Distancing measures are set up for visitors at this location.
Pensacola Beach
- Pensacola Beach Annual Pass sales desk re-opened within the Santa Rosa Island Authority building on Monday, June 22 at 8:30 a.m.
- The Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center opened to the public on Monday, June 22. With the safety of staff and guests in mind, plexiglass guards have been installed at all front desks and increased cleaning protocols have been put in place. When visiting the information centers, guests should follow CDC guidelines and follow safe social distancing practices. Visitors are required to sanitize hands before entering the building with provided hand sanitizer outside of the entrance. If guests do not feel well, please refrain from entering.
- Monday - Friday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Escambia County Commission Votes to Amend Beach Executive Order
- The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted Thursday, May 21, to amend Executive Order 20-6, creating Executive Order 20-8 regarding Escambia County public beaches.
- Effective Thursday, May 21 a noon, Escambia County public beaches are now fully open to the public. Camping on the beach is not allowed per county ordinance 74-36 and consistent with the “Leave No Trace” protections for nesting sea turtles. Other Escambia County parks, including public access points on Perdido Key remain closed from sunset to sunrise.
- The new all-electronic tolling system on Bob Sikes Bridge to Pensacola Beach went live on March 20, 2020, which was earlier than anticipated to adhere to social distancing for toll booth workers. The toll will remain $1, and cash and coins will no longer be accepted at this location.
- The Pensacola Gulfside pier is closed due to Hurricane Sally damage.
Pensacola International Airport
- At this time, the airport is open and fully operational. Airport staff will continue to work to provide a safe and easy travel experience for passengers and will update as directives come from the Florida Department of Health.
- Travelers who are not feeling well are encouraged to please stay home and reschedule travel plans.
- All airlines are requiring passengers to wear face coverings to board the aircraft. For more information or if you have questions, please reach out to your airline.
- The airport has increased the frequency at which public touch points are cleaned, such as elevator buttons, escalator handrails, chair armrests, counter tops and other high-traffic public areas. Hand sanitizer stations are also located throughout the terminal for the public's use.
- Pup Patrol activity in the terminal will cease until further notice
- Airport USO center is closed until further notice.
- Check the airport website or an airline's website to see current offered flights. Flight schedules can change throughout the day.
Pensacola and Perdido Key Visitor Centers
The Visit Pensacola visitor information centers opened on Monday, June 22 to the public. With the safety of staff and guests in mind, plexiglass guards have been installed at all front desks, and increased cleaning protocols have been put in place. Masks will be available for use. When visiting the information centers, guests should follow CDC guidelines and follow safe social distancing practices. If guests do not feel well, please refrain from entering.
The visitor information centers will operate at the following hours:
Pensacola Visitor Information Center
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Perdido Key Visitor Information Center
Sunday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information on the visitor information centers and destination information, visit www.visitpensacola.com.
Santa Rosa Island Authority
- Pensacola Beach Annual Pass sales desk opened within the Santa Rosa Island Authority building on Monday, June 22 at 8:30 a.m.
School District and Colleges
Escambia County School District
University of West Florida
-
University leadership has developed a plan to return to campus while keeping the safety, security and wellbeing of the University community at the forefront of every decision. This plan includes a phased return for employees that will begin in June and a student return for the fall semester.
-
The Florida Board of Governors provided a blueprint for all State University System institutions to utilize in developing their reopening university campuses framework that will be presented to the Board of Governors on June 23.
-
President Saunders established and assigned subcommittees to focus on specific areas to form the Fall 2020 return to campus framework. These subcommittees are focused on specific key areas, aligned with the Board of Governors’ Blueprint.
-
To view a list of the Return to Campus Task Force and subcommittees, please visit uwf.edu/taskforce.
Pensacola State College
-
Pensacola State College re-opened for on-campus learning with a robust plan, which included in-person learning, hybrid classes and asynchronous on-line classes.
Supervisor of Elections
- Residents can access most services at EscambiaVotes.com, by phone at 850-595-3900, by e-mail soe@escambiavotes.com, or by mail.
- Voter registration and record updates are available through RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
- Voter services will be available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and document drop-off is accessible at the Palafox Street entrance to the downtown Tax Collector’s office, 213 Palafox Place.
- In-person services are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Access to the elections office will be through the main county office building.
- Six foot “social distancing” and masks are requested.
- Hand sanitizer is conveniently located inside the lobby entrance.
West Florida Public Libraries
West Florida Public Libraries is pleased to announce patrons will be able to browse shelves again beginning, Thursday, April 15. The Virtual Shelf and online order pickup options are still available.
The Virtual Shelf is a great resource if your desired title has a lot of Holds. For non-fiction titles the Virtual Shelf works by showing titles with similar subject matter.
• Go to MyWFPL.com
• Top right in "Catalog" type in a title or author (example: Stephen King)
• Click on any title
• Click "Browse Virtual Shelf" that appears below the item’s title and author’s name, just to the right of the "Place Hold and Add To List buttons."
Online order pickup is still available. Requests for library materials placed prior to arrival will be ready for pickup at your vehicle. Designated online order pickup spaces will be marked. Drive-thru services are closed.
West Florida Public Libraries also increased eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine titles for electronic access during COVID-19.
Please also see the following tips for using West Florida Public Libraries amenities:
- Below is a list of library sites and times:
- Century Branch Library - 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century, 850-256-6217.
Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Genealogy Branch Library - 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola, 850-494-7373
Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.mywfpl.com to place reservations online or call 850-494-7373
- Molino Branch Library - 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino, 850-435-1760
Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.www.mywfpl.com to place reservations online or call .
- Pensacola Library - 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, 850-436-5060
Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.mywfpl.com to place reservations online or call 850-436-5060.
NOTE: The Children's department will not be opening on April 15 due to Hurricane Sally damage.
- Southwest Branch Library - 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy., Pensacola, 850-453-7780. Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tryon Branch Library - 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola, 50-471-6980
Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Westside Branch Library - 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola, 850-595-1047
Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
To place holds visit www.mywfpl.com to place reservations online or call your branch library.