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Hurricane Sally Update from Escambia County Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.

Published Sep 24, 2020
  • President Trump has declared a major disaster exists in Florida from Hurricane Sally, including Escambia County, Florida, for all public assistance, including direct federal assistance, for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Individual assistance is still under review. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state as warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

    Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington Counties are approved for Public Assistance Category B (emergency protective measures), including direct federal assistance. All areas in the State of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. 

    If you have sustained damage to your home or business, please send photos of the damage, along with your address or neighborhood and a brief description of the damage (200 words max) to news@pensacolachamber.com.

    To view the designated areas in this declaration, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4564/designated-areas.

    Read More: President Donald J. Trump Approves Florida Disaster Declaration

  • The previous curfew for the county and city expired at 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21 and the Perdido Key curfew expired Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 a.m. Effective 10 p.m, Monday, Sept. 21 a curfew exists from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the unincorporated areas of Perdido Key, which will expire Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 a.m. The order shall apply only to the Perdido Key barrier island, which is south and west of the Theo Baars Bridge The violation of an emergency order is a second degree misdemeanor, which is a max 60 days jail/$500 fine.
  • On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, Ala. at 4:45 a.m. as a Category 2 with sustained winds of 105 mph and gusts 120+ mph.
  • Escambia County is working closely with State and Federal partners to assist in response and have requested multiple assets and personnel.
  • The Citizen Information Line is available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for residents to call with questions or concerns at: (850) 471-6600
  • Everyone is encouraged to follow BeReadyEscambia Facebook and Twitter sites for the latest Hurricane Sally information.
  • Emergency Management has also engaged voluntary organizations active in disaster and the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief has a full response team coming to our area for relief.
  • Success Academy is closed as a shelter. The shelter at the Pensacola Bay Center is officially closed as of 12 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 22. The American Red Cross will work on transitions plans with those at the shelter.

  • The county is currently working on infrastructure assessments. Preliminary estimates are approx. $182.6 million of damage to public and private property in the county and city of Pensacola.
    • County employees are expected to report into work on Monday, Sept. 21 at your normal location and to work your normal hours unless otherwise instructed by your supervisor. All buildings have water, however, not all have been cleared for drinking purposes so please bring drinking water to work.
    • County offices will only be open to the public at the Central Office Complex for building permits.
  • Lake Stone campground has been reopened as power has been restored and fallen trees handled. Interested campers for Lake Stone should call the campground directly at 850-256-5555.
  • The Equestrian Center is available for horse owners from effected areas.  For stall information, interested horse owners should contact the Equestrian Center directly at 850-941-6042 in which owners will be briefed on the required paperwork for the horses to be stalled at the facility.
  • We would like to thank all our media partners for getting information to residents during Hurricane Sally. A few residents who lack power have reminded us that radio updates are the best for them. WUWF 88.1 FM has been airing all our press conferences in their entirety.
  • Contractors can get building permits at the COC, 3363 West Park Place, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
  • Escambia County will begin curbside removal of debris generated by Hurricane Sally on Wednesday, Sept. 23. 
    • Debris that was generated by Hurricane Sally should be placed and sorted on the area immediately adjoining the road in front of your home.
    • The county has divided its jurisdiction into three zones and contracted with three separate companies to accomplish the debris removal in 90 days.
  • If you need assistance with debris cleanup, mucking, tarp installation and mold remediation, please contact Crisis Cleanup at 800.451.1954
  • Florida Baptist Disaster Relief is also available to assist with debris cleanup, mucking, tarp installation and mold remediation – 904.253.9924 
  • Building Services – has provided over 1,200 assessments of private structures and is continuing to work over the weekend.
  • Engineering/Roads – We have opened 500 roads since mid-day Wednesday
  • Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, county building services will also be available at the Santa Rosa Island Authority building, 1 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
  • The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will hold a budget hearing to discuss approving the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5:31 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, Board Chambers found on the first floor of 221 Palafox Place. Click here to view the agenda.
  • The Northpointe Neighborhood Cleanup originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 due to Hurricane Sally. Only hazardous waste and large appliances will be collected due to other debris removal efforts taking place.
  • The Escambia Pensacola Human Relations Commission Meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place is CANCELED.
  • There have been over 11,350 cars that have gone to the PODS for ice, water, food and tarps. All PODS are now closed as of Sept. 22. due to more infrastructure returning. There will continue to be feeding resources in the community. 
  • Over 40,187 meals have been served in our community at county feeding sites.
  • Residents in Molino, Carver Park and Cantonment who need food and water can contact the Citizen Information Line at 850-471-6600 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to put in a request. Please provide your name, phone number and address to be contacted to schedule logistics while supplies last.
  • The media is invited to attend a press conference, Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Public Safety building, 6575 N. "W" St., inside the media room regarding the latest updates on Hurricane Sally. The press conference will take place at 3 p.m. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Escambia County Emergency Management Facebook page.

Council on Aging of West Florida Feeding Sites:
Council on Aging of Northwest Florida will be distributing free shelf-stable meals to seniors on Thursday, Sept. 24  from 11 a.m. until noon at the following city community resource centers.

  • Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St.
  • Cobb Resource Center, 601 E. Mallory St.
  • Fricker Resource Center, 900 N. F St.

Participants will receive five shelf-stable meals per person eligible for the senior meal site program. Council on Aging will distribute five additional shelf-stable meals on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the same time and locations. 

Meals will be available for pickup only. Seniors must contact Council on Aging at 432-1475 in advance to reserve their meals for both weeks.

Known County Damage and Closures

  • A section of the Three Mile Bridge has been damaged and is being accessed by the Florida Department of Transportation, Emergency Management and county officials.
  • At this time, the Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of initial damage assessments at our Escambia County parks. While in this process, we are strongly encouraging the public to refrain from park use until initial clean up and safety efforts are made. 

Feeding Sites

Mercy Chefs Feeding: Brownsville Community Center – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 (this will be the last day)

Salvation Army Feeding locations

Point Church: A fixed feeding site has been established at Point Church at 13801 Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola, FL 32507. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.

AMC 
A fixed feeding site has been established at AMC at 161 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32526. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.

350 West Herman St
A fixed feeding site has been established at 350 West Herman Ave. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.

Olive Baptist 
A fixed feeding site has been established at Olive Baptist at 103 Winthrop Ave., Pensacola, FL 32507. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.

Park near The Salvation Army ~ Pensacola 
A fixed feeding site has been established at Park near The Salvation Army Corps. Hours are 1-4 p.m. 

Westminster Village 
 A fixed site has been established at Westminster Village. Hours are noon to 1 p.m.

Corner of Mobile Hwy/Fairfield Ave
A fixed site has been established at Corner of Mobile Hwy/Fairfield Ave. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. 

Red Cross Mobile Feeding Areas

The American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV's) will be out during mealtimes between 11:00 and 2:00 and then for dinner between 5:00 and 7:00 at the following locational areas:

Area Around

Street

Holly Hills Estates

1880 Hollyhill Rd.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

1212 E. Moreno St.

Carver Park, (Cantonment Improvement Committee)

208 Webb St.

Lucas Creek Apartments

7815 Lilac Lane

Apartment Complex

1319 N. J Street

Bayview Senior Center

2000 E Lloyd St

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

2601 West Strong


Traffic Signals

  • All signalized intersections are operational.

  • Traffic signal just restored at Pensacola Beach. About half-dozen traffic signals system-wide to restore, teams are working hard to restore all signals.

National Weather Service- Mobile

  • Coastal Flood Advisory -  Remains in effect from early this afternoon through late Thursday morning. During the time of high tide by early this evening, 1 to 2 feet of inundation above normally high ground is possible. This will result in minor coastal flooding. Since there has been significant erosion, and local storm clean-up is still underway, we want to continue to message for this potential. Please see this product for more specifics: here
  • Rainfall Threat - Forecasters will maintain a limited threat of localized flooding rains mainly late tonight and into Thursday. As a warm front lifts to the north across the Central Gulf of Mexico, a deep tropical plume of moisture intersects that front at the same time Beta's remnant surface low lifts northeast out of Louisiana and through central Mississippi. We mainly want to make sure that rains do not become focused on those areas hit hardest by flash and river flooding associated with Sally last weekForecasters continue to see a steady eastward progression of the rains in the latest weather model guidance, which may be fast enough to prevent anything too impactful. Even so, it must be watched in the event it slows. Generally most areas should see between 1-2 inches with perhaps a few areas seeing locally higher amounts.
  • Severe Weather - Atmospheric conditions will support a marginal risk of severe weather especially tonight and into Thursday.  A tornado or two is not out of the question.

Baptist Health Care

  • All Baptist Health Care facilities are back to normal operations. For all locations, patients are being contacted directly to reschedule cancelled appointments. We thank you for your patience as we worked through the challenges presented by Hurricane Sally. 

    The regular Jay Hospital phone number has been restored. To reach Jay Hospital, please call 675-8000.

    Debris removal is ongoing at many of our campuses, so please be cautious if you visit. Please visit facebook.com/BaptistHealthCare for updates.  

City of Pensacola

Recovery Updates

  • City of Pensacola staff have been working diligently to clear downed trees from city roadways, restore traffic signals, clear stormwater ponds, assess damages and more since Hurricane Sally made landfall. City Public Works and Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Inspection Services and Sanitation Services staff began recovery work as soon as it was safe to do so after Hurricane Sally, and the city has also hired several contractors to help expedite the recovery efforts. 
  • The public's patience is appreciated as crews continue to work throughout the city.

City Hurricane Sally Recovery Summary as of 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21:

  • All of the city's 92 signalized intersections are working, and all city roadways should now be open to traffic. For a real-time road closure map, click here.
  • All major stormwater ponds have been pumped down successfully, and storm inlets/pipes are being cleared by city crews.
  • Damage assessments of city building facilities have been completed. The current damage estimate for city building facilities is at approximately $10 million. 
  • City Parks and Recreation facilities are currently being assessed for damages. All city community centers have been assessed for damages, along with Osceola Golf Course. The damage assessments will continue this week.
  • All 353 trees that were reported blocking city roadways have been cleared. If there is a downed tree blocking your street (within City of Pensacola limits) and it has not been cleared, please call Parks and Recreation at 850-436-5670.
  • Damage assessments of city parks and waterfront assets are currently taking place. Preliminary damage estimates are expected to be complete within the next 24 hours. The current damage estimate for city parks and waterfront assets is at approximately $10 million - $12 million.
  • Now that all reported trees have been cleared from city roadways, Parks and Recreation staff are turning their attention to cleaning up parks and athletic fields, along with working to get community centers back open. 
  • All city community centers have been assessed for damages, along with Osceola Golf Course. The damage assessments will continue this week.
  • A total of 15 crews (10 city crews and five contractor crews) began picking up debris today. More crews will be added later this week to expedite debris pickup.
  • As of Monday, Sept. 21, city crews and contractors picked up approximately 4,000 cubic yards of yard debris.
  • City staff went out with FEMA's Damage Assessment Team Monday, Sept. 21 and Tuesday, Sept. 22. The city's damage assessments with FEMA have been completed. 
  • The city distributed over 1,000 tarps Sunday, Sept. 20 at Fire Stations 1 and 6 and Monday, Sept. 21 at several city community centers. 
  • Private property damage assessment is currently at $15 million in the City of Pensacola.
 311
  • The City of Pensacola’s 311 phone line is down. The city is working to restore service as soon as possible. Non-emergency requests for city services can still be made here.

Pensacola Energy

  • Pensacola Energy has completed all emergency calls for service from Hurricane Sally.
  • If you smell natural gas or see a damaged gas line, please call Pensacola Energy at 474-5307.

City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation

  • The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department has implemented recovery efforts to assist citizens due to the impacts of Hurricane Sally. City parks, several city community resource centers and facilities were affected by the storm resulting in the following changes:

Scheduled Programming

  • All city parks will remain closed until further notice.
  • Roger Scott Tennis Center hard courts reopened Monday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m., Clay courts will remain closed.
  • Osceola Golf Course will remain closed until further notice. Nine holes on the course and driving range are expected to reopen mid-week.
  • Exchange Park Adult Sports Leagues and Youth Sports activities at Roger Scott Athletic Complex will be postponed until further notice.
  • Vickrey Resource Center will remain closed to the public until further notice. Exception: YMCA after school programming
  • Mask distribution resumed Monday, Sept. 21, while supplies last. The locations, days and times of mask distribution are as follows (Limit five masks per household):
    • Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St.: Monday-Friday from 8-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. (drive-through only)
    • Cobb Resource Center, 601 E. Mallory St.: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Fricker Resource Center, 900 N. F St.: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon
    • Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail: Monday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.
    • Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St.: Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (drive-through only)
    • Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive: Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m. 
  • After school snack distribution will resume Monday, Sept. 21, Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m. at the following sites:
    • Cobb Resource Center, 601 E. Mallory St.
    • Fricker Resource Center, 900 N. F St.
    • Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail
    • Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive 
  • All senior meal sites have been temporarily suspended until further notice. Impacted sites include: Bayview Senior Center, Cobb Resource Center and Fricker Resource Center. Staff will continue to work with Council on Aging to determine future dates to resume. Announcements will follow upon determination. Seniors are encouraged to contact Council on Aging at 432-1475 for alternate programming.
  • Parks and Recreation is hiring five local contractors to begin tree work in the most impacted city parks, City Hall, and medians.
  • Osceola Golf Course clearing is ongoing, with a goal of reopening nine holes and the driving range by the end of the week or this weekend.
  • Roger Scott Tennis Center has reopened the 18 hard courts and is working on getting eight of the clay courts back open.
  • Parks and Recreation is working to get Exchange Park and Roger Scott fields back in playable condition and reopened.

City of Pensacola Sanitation Services

City of Pensacola Sanitation Services will be modified this week so that every customer will receive garbage pickup twice. Customers will receive garbage pickup only (no recycling) the week of Sept. 21.

  • City of Pensacola Sanitation began garbage pickup on Monday, Sept. 21. As of Tuesday, Sept. 22, crews had collected 63 loads of garbage totaling 593 tons. 
  • City Sanitation customers who did not receive garbage pickup as scheduled may call City of Pensacola Sanitation Services at 850-435-1890 for assistance.

Garbage pickup this week will be as follows (applies to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers only):

o   Monday, Sept. 21: Monday and Tuesday customers will receive garbage pickup only.

o   Tuesday, Sept. 22: Wednesday and Thursday customers will receive garbage pickup only.

o   Wednesday, Sept. 23: Monday and Tuesday customers will receive garbage pickup only.

o   Thursday, Sept. 24: Wednesday and Thursday customers will receive garbage pickup only. 

  • The Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26 has been rescheduled due to Hurricane Sally recovery. The cleanup that was in a portion of the Scenic Heights neighborhood and Spanish Trail area will now take place on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Debris Pickup

  • Starting Monday, Sept. 21, City of Pensacola Sanitation began to pick up yard debris on  residents' curbside.
  • Please do not place yard debris in plastic garbage bags. Yard debris that is already bagged at the curb will be collected, but the plastic bags prevent the debris from being processed as yard waste. Yard debris should be placed curbside either loose or in paper bags.  
  • If items are not collected on the first pass, please push them to the curb and they will be collected on the second pass. 
  • In order to remove debris as efficiently as possible, City of Pensacola Sanitation is requesting that residents separate debris into six different categories on the curb: 
  • Electronics such as televisions, computers, stereos, phones and DVD players.
  • Large appliances such as refrigerators, washer/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters and dishwashers.
  • Hazardous waste such as oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies and compressed gas. 
  • Vegetative debris such as tree branches, leaves, logs and plants.
  • Construction debris such as building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture and plumbing.
  • Household garbage such as bagged garbage, discarded food, paper and packaging. 
  • As of Tuesday, Sept. 22, crews have picked up 226 loads of yard debris totaling over 9,000 cubic yards since Monday.
  • Debris pickup area maps are being added to the City of Pensacola's Facebook page as they are finalized with contractors.

Debris should not block the roadway and should avoid trees, poles, and other structures. The public's patience is appreciated during this time, as crews will be working diligently to remove debris as safely and efficiently as possible. 

This only applies to City of Pensacola sanitation customers. 

Recycling

  • Due to significant damage from Hurricane Sally at the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority's Materials Recycling Facility, recycling for City of Pensacola Sanitation customers is temporarily on hold.
  • City of Pensacola Sanitation Services Department uses ECUA's recycling facility to process recyclable materials from City Sanitation customers, and the facility is not accepting recyclables until further notice due to the damage sustained during the storm.
  • City of Pensacola Sanitation customers are asked to only use their black garbage cans until further notice since materials will not be recycled.
  • Recycling is expected to resume late October, but will be dependent on when repairs to the facility are completed and ECUA is able to accept recyclable materials.

Pensacola International Airport

  • Pensacola International Airport reopened at noon on Friday, Sept. 18, to commercial air traffic. The PNS operations team has worked with all airport partners to ensure the airport is safe and secure in order to resume normal operations.
  • This determination comes after extensive coordination with TSA, airlines, parking, Air Traffic Control and security teams.
  • While the airport facilities are open, passengers will need to work with their airline to determine flight schedules and availability. Many flights may still be canceled, and it may take a couple of days for the airlines to resume their normal operations.
  • Passengers are reminded to continue to adhere to the safety precautions put in place due to COVID-19. Masks are still required to be worn, and passengers are asked to maintain appropriate distancing while at the airport.
  • For more information about Pensacola International Airport, visit flypensacola.com.

Port of Pensacola

  • Following Corp of Engineer's surveys of the Pensacola pass and Caucus Channel, the Port of Pensacola was opened to vessel traffic Sunday, Sept. 20. Landslide operations resumed Thursday, Sept. 17, with power restored to all terminals and facilities on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Community Health Northwest Florida

All Community Health Northwest Florida sites will be open for patient care 9/21 and Tuesday 9/22, resuming regular business hours with the following exceptions:

  • Pediatric Convenient Care and Jordan Street Walk-in Care will close at 6PM.
  • CHNWF Pediatric Care Clinic at C.A. Weis Elementary School will remain closed.
  • CHNWF Adult Care Clinic at Waterfront Rescue Mission will remain closed.
  • Monday's COVID-19 mobile testing at W. Jackson Street is cancelled.
  • Community Health Northwest Florida’s Covid-19 mobile testing events on Wednesday 9/23 at Cantonment Pediatrics and Friday 9/25 at Brownsville Community Center have been suspended.  All regularly scheduled M, W, F mobile testing sites are expected to resume operations next week.

Cox Communications

  • Cox crews from around the Southeast have restored services to thousands of Cox customers since Hurricane Sally made landfall. Teams are reconnecting our network around the clock, and we will have more than 90% of Gulf Coast customers restored by the end of the day.  The large majority of customers that still don’t have service are located in Myrtle Grove and along Lillian Highway in Southwest Escambia County, portions of Cantonment, Perdido Key and other small pockets where our infrastructure was more heavily damaged and, in some cases, are not easily accessible. We are currently on scene of the damaged fiber optic network areas and expect more customers to come online over the next several hours.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller

  • The MC Blanchard Judicial Building remains closed through Friday September 25th due to damage from Hurricane Sally.  Clerk of Court personnel are working and answering phones with all systems operational.  Access to the Theodore Bruno Juvenile Justice Building remains restricted due to COVID-19.  All other Clerk offices are open to walk-in customers.  Refer to our website, escambiaclerk.com, regarding COVID-19 restrictions and to obtain department phone numbers. Clerk’s e-services are also available on our website. 
  • Mon. Sept. 28, 2020 – Observance of Yom Kippur  Due to the First Judicial Circuit courts being closed in observance of Yom Kippur, the Clerk’s court offices at the MC Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Juvenile Justice Building, Public Records Center, and the Century Courthouse will be closed Monday, September 28, 2020. Clerk’s Official Records, Finance and Clerk to the Board offices, located at 221 Palafox Place, will be open. 
ECAT
  • ECAT began running regular modified service starting Tuesday, Sept. 22. The following routes will be temporarily suspended until further notice:

    • Route 41, East Pensacola Heights

    • Route 59A, NAS Pensacola, airport

    • Route 59X, NAS Pensacola, downtown, Cordova Mall

    • Route 61, Pensacola Beach

    • Route 64, Beach Jumper

    Buses may experience possible traffic delays due to  detours and debris. Buses will run every two hours, with the final routes departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. The same modified schedule will run Saturdays. UWF Trolley Service will resume service on Thursday, Sept. 24. 

  • Escambia County Community Transportation Paratransit  services resumed Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. 
  • Effective immediately, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is issuing a system-wide Precautionary Boil Water Notice (PBWN) to its water system customers. This notice is in response to the significant and wide-spread damages sustained from Hurricane Sally. ECUA crews are already out in the field working to locate, isolate, and repair main breaks in order to restore service as quickly as possible. Although the majority of our customers remain in service, there are too many main breaks that require a PBWN for it to be practical to issue separate notices during this initial emergency response. Once the number of pending repairs is significantly reduced, the ECUA will revert to issuing separate notices for individual areas. We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding as we work to repair hundreds of breaks, giving priority to our hospitals, dialysis centers, and other critical care facilities.
  • Residents are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes.
  • More information on precautionary boil water notice and key guidelines are available on the ECUA website at ecua.fl.gov/live-green/our-water-supply
  • The Water Reclamation Plant on Pensacola Beach is back online. Our crews are working to locate, isolate, and repair water and sewer main breaks on the beach in order to fully restore services.  The system-wide precautionary boil water notice will apply to Pensacola Beach once water service is restored.
  • We ask all residents to make sure their garbage cans are not full of storm water.  Please take a few minutes to check them and empty them out.  The water makes them too heavy for the automated truck arm to pick them up.
  • The ECUA water system is now pressurized to the point that allows us to begin our sampling protocol, with approval from our partners at FDEP.  We have several sampling teams that have begun an aggressive sampling program throughout our service area. 
  • This effort is usually completed over the course of one month but our teams will be working to complete this over the course of  approximately 72 hours, to expedite the process required to lift the Precautionary Boil Water Notice. 
  • At this time, our expectation is to begin clearing portions of our system within 3 to 4 days. As our sampling effort unfolds, we will have more accurate projections and issue that information as it becomes available.
  • There are approximately 98 lift stations without power.
  • Water Boil notices will be rescinded when within FDEP limits. 
  • ECUA phones are finally back in service but are experiencing an extremely high volume, which may make it difficult to get through.  Customers are urged to check the Call Center Activity Counter on our  website to determine the best time to call by following this link: https://ecua.fl.gov/ecua-call-center-stats Our customer service number at (850) 476-0480, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 pm. and the emergency after hours number is (850) 476-5110.  Thanks to Cox Communications for working hard to get us back up and we are extra grateful for all the volunteers in the Citizens' Information Center at the County's EOC for handling calls while our phone lines were down.

  • As residents work to clean up their properties and put storm debris out for collection, whether by City or County contractors, we urge you to please remember to place all debris well away from their water meter. This will help protect it from being damaged or impaired by the mechanical equipment used to collect the debris. 
  • ECUA is on a normal trash collection schedule. Recycling is temporarily suspended and debris pickup efforts will start Wednesday, Sept. 23.
  • The separately-issued Precautionary Boil Water Notice –PBWN- for the Kings Road Subdivision has been lifted.

  • Sanitation collection is back on normal schedule for garbage collection. Recycling collections are on hold; Yard waste collections are limited and we ask that customers bag their yard waste or place it in a designated yard waste can.  We are using yard waste trucks to collect excess bagged garbage while our garbage trucks are being used to pick up and empty garbage cans.  The separate trucks will not necessarily be collecting from your home at the same time.  We are also resuming pickup of usual bulk items if they are placed at the curb.  This is for usual bulk household items and NOT for household storm debris. Storm debris is being coordinated and picked up by contractors working on behalf of Escambia County.  Please visit their website for specific storm debris collection information.

  • Our Recycling Facility sustained approximately $800K of damage, which is substantial and will require some time for recovery.  The building contractor is already on site, has completed inspections, and is ready to begin rehabilitation work.  At this time, our early estimates point to having the facility back in service at the end of October.

  • Effective immediately, the Precautionary Boil Water Notice-PBWN- issued by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority on 9-21-20, as a result of Hurricane Sally for the following area has been LIFTED. Results of all independent bacteriological samples have returned as clear.

  • E. Mallory St. between N. 16th Ave. & N 20th Ave.

  • E. Lloyd between N. 16th Ave. & N. 20th Ave.

  • E. Moreno St. between N. 16th Ave. & N 20th Ave.

  • E. Blount St. between N. 16th Ave. & N 20th Ave.

  • E. Lee between N. 16th Ave. & N 20th Ave.

  • N. 16th Ave. between E. Mallory St. and E. Lloyd St.

  • N. 17th Ave. between E. Mallory St. and E. Lloyd St.

  • N. 18th Ave. between E. Mallory St. and E. Lloyd St.

  • N. 19th Ave. between E. Mallory St. and E Lloyd St.

  • N. 20th Ave. between E. Mallory St. and E. Lloyd St.

Escambia County Animal Services

  • The state ESF-17 and Escambia County Animal Services has requested and received all of the assistance we need from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). We do not need further assistance from other organizations.
  • Beware of scams. We would encourage people not to donate to any animal rescue organizations for this event. It is common for people to solicit donations for assisting animals during disaster, post photos from the area that are not theirs and never even be in the area.

  • With the help of the Humane Society and the Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter, the Escambia County Animal Shelter was able to successfully relocate close to 100 animals who were available for adoption.

  • Because these animals are being relocated as they search for their forever homes the Escambia County Animal Shelter has space to keep lost animals safe until their owners come to reclaim them. Overall, the Manager of Animal Services John Robinson would like to say “Well done” to all residents of Escambia County for the amount of responsibility shown in properly caring for their four-legged family members throughout Hurricane Sally.

Escambia County School District

  • Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced all schools and offices will be closed Monday September 21 and Tuesday September 22.
  • Maintenance, Custodial and Facilities staff members have been busy assessing all schools. This is a dynamic situation with focus on power, water and road conditions. The Special Board meeting (Budget meeting) will happen Monday at 5:01 in Room 160 in the J. E. Hall Center and the Regular Meeting will start at 5:30. Mr. Thomas is planning to participate in today’s County press conference at 4:00 pm.
  • Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced that all schools and district administrative buildings will resume normal operations on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. All district employees are to report to their work sites at their normally scheduled time on Wednesday. “The timely return of staff members and students has been made possible by the hard work of dedicated district employees, in partnership with local agencies,” states Superintendent Thomas, “while many district facilities sustained substantial damage, repairs are being handled safely and expeditiously.”
  • Currently an inspection of all athletic facilities and fields is being conducted by district administrators, high school principals, coaches and athletic directors. For those campuses with viable athletic facilities and fields, high school athletic practices may resume after 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.
    Superintendent Thomas will continue to provide updates via automated calls to parents and employees, and also via local media sources and the district website.

Escambia County Tax Collector's Office

  • All four Escambia County Tax Collector offices are OPEN regular business hours.

Supervisor of Elections

  • The Supervisor of Elections Office reopened to the public on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. You may visit us in person at 213 Palafox Place, second floor, by phone at 850- 595-3900, via email at soe@EscambiaVotes.com, or on the web at EscambiaVotes.gov.
  • Check our website and follow us on social media for updates.

The Property Appraiser

  • The Property Appraiser’s offices are OPEN for our regular business hours.

Feeding the Gulf Coast

  • 9/21/2020 8:30 AM Pensacola Caring Hearts 2105 W Gregory Street Pensacola 32502 FL Escambia
    9/22/2020 9:00 AM Career Source Gulf Coast 733 N Highway 231 Panama City 32405 FL Bay
    9/22/2020 3:00 PM Cantonment Improvement Committee 208 Webb Street Cantonment 32533 FL Escambia
    9/23/2020 9:00 AM Talbot Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church 425 North Reus Street Pensacola 32501 FL Escambia
    9/24/2020 11:30 AM Eastgate Christian Fellowship 7145 Highway 98 Panama City 32407 FL Bay
    9/26/2020 8:00 AM Ferry Pass Community Corporation 8350 Caminitti Lane Pensacola 32514 FL Escambia
    9/26/2020 8:00 AM Bethel AME 511 Woodlands Drive Pensacola 32503 FL Escambia
    9/26/2020 9:00 AM Christ Church Parish 500 N. Guillemard Street Pensacola 32501 FL Escambia
    9/26/2020 12:00 PM Crosspoint United Methodist Church 214 Partin Drive South Niceville 32578 FL Okaloosa
    9/28/2020 10:00 AM Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC 6915 Highway North Molino 32587 FL Escambia
    9/29/2020 10:00 AM Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC 5983 Dogwood Drive Milton 32570 FL Santa Rosa
    10/1/2020 10:00 AM Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC 301 E Winthrop Avenue Pensacola 32507 FL Escambia
    10/5/2020 10:00 AM Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC 4540 Chumuckla Hwy Pace 32571 FL Santa Rosa
    10/6/2020 5:00 PM CDAC Behavioral Healthcare 3100 W De Soto Street Pensacola 32505 FL Escambia
    10/6/2020 5:00 PM CDAC Behavioral Healthcare 5629 Byrom Street Milton 32570 FL Santa Rosa
    10/8/2020 9:00 AM Christ Church Parish 500 N. Guillemard Street Pensacola 32501 FL Escambia
    10/10/2020 8:00 AM Eastside Baptist Church 3385 Roche Ave Vernon 32462 FL Washington

First Judicial Circuit

  • ESCAMBIA COUNTY

    The M.C. Blanchard Building will be CLOSED Thursday, Sept. 24.  However, Domestic Violence Injunction hearings which were previously scheduled for Sept. 16 will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 101 at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building.

    First appearance hearings will be held Thursday and Friday at the Juvenile Justice Center at 1:30 p.m.

    Felony arraignments which were previously scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, are now scheduled for FRIDAY, Sept. 25 at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 101 at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. 

Florida Department of Transportation

Chipley – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is providing an update on state road and bridge closures and restrictions in Northwest Florida due to Hurricane Sally.

Escambia County

·       The Pensacola Bay Bridge on U.S. 98 is closed to all traffic.

Jackson County

·       State Road (S.R.) 166 (Caverns Road) from Russell Road to S.R. 71 is closed due to flooding. 

·       The outside eastbound lane of U.S. 90 from east of the Chipola River Bridge to Old U.S. Road is closed due to shoulder erosion.

Santa Rosa County

·       S.R. 89 is closed at the Alabama State line due to road damage in Alabama.

For the latest closures and updates, travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines and online at www.FL511.comFor more information visit the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on the web at www.nwflroads.comfollow us on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.

Infrastructure Branch

FDOT cleared the following bridges for traffic and are functioning:

  • Longleaf at Bayou Marcus
  • Marcus Pointe at Crescent Lake 
  • Bauer Rd at Unnamed Branch 
  • Beula Rd at Unnamed Branch 
  • Cantonment Athletic at Unnamed Branch 
  • Fairground Road at Wilder Branch
  • Schaag Rd at Branch of Jacks Brand 
  • Theo Baars bridge is open to residents.

  • County officials are mobilizing crews for Bob Sikes bridge reconstruction efforts and hope to start early this week. Traffic will continue within one lane in each direction along the northbound bridge with restricted speeds until further notice. Southbound bridge will remain closed until further notice.

  • Florida Department of Transportation FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. has directed Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) to further extend the toll suspension on the Garcon Point Bridge, pursuant to Executive Order 20-225. The extended suspension is in effect until 6 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2020.

  • Out-of-town Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key property owners should wait to check on their properties due to limited access, power and water. Very few stores or retail establishments are open. Law enforcement is patrolling the areas.
Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 

Florida Division Of Emergency Management

  • The Division has deployed 50 trucks with light towers to support power restoration efforts and traffic movement through overnight hours.
  • The Division has deployed 972,000 bottles of water and 179,000 meals to provide critical relief to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Sally.
  • The Division supported nine general population shelters with PPE shelter kits and has established five non-congregate shelters for individuals with underlying conditions or who are COVID-19 positive.
  • The Division has staged more than 200 generators and 100 pumps that are being deployed into impacted areas to assist with power outages and flooding.
  • The Division is coordinating with the Florida Highway Patrol to provide law enforcement escorts for fuel trucks and utility crews as they move into Escambia County today.
  • More information regarding the Division’s response is available here.
  • Overnight, the Division arranged law enforcement escorts for 50 fuel trucks that delivered 450,000 gallons of fuel. Another 52 trucks are coming into the area throughout the day today and will receive law enforcement escorts.

  • The Division of Emergency Management is also working with FHP to provide law enforcement escorts for utility crews.

  • To date, power has been restored to more than 120,000 homes in the area – 45% of homes impacted have had their power restored.

  • Florida Division of Emergency Management/ FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency field personnel are teaming up with Escambia County staff to assist with damage assessments. 

  • Engineering design will be completed today. Construction is expected to start Tuesday with debris removal, followed by reconstruction starting on north side of bridge. 

Gulf Power

  • For the latest outage map and to report an outage visit https://map.gulfpower.com/ and 800-487-6937. News releases are at https://www.gulfpowernews.com/. There are approximately 142,000 households without power.
  • Gulf Power has safely restored service to essentially all of its customers who were affected by Hurricane Sally, completing restoration ahead of original estimates.
  • Customers who still do not have power should first check their breakers. If this is not the issue, they should report the outage on the Gulf Power App, online at GulfPower.com or using the automated system at 1-800-GU-POWER (800-487-6937).

Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  • Power restoration to the EREC membership following Hurricane Sally is now complete. Every member able to receive electricity has had their power restored. We thank our membership for their patience and tremendous show of support as our line crews worked to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. We thank our fellow cooperatives who sent their line crews to assist us in our time of need to rebuild our battered system. We are proud to be a part of the cooperative family. Together, we are cooperative strong.

Governor's Press Office

  • Governor Ron DeSantis announced the approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Sally from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The declaration can be found here.

  • The declaration includes public assistance for all categories in Escambia County and public assistance Category B (emergency protective measures) for Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties. The Florida Division of Emergency Management remains in close contact with FEMA to help additional counties receive the declaration for full public assistance.

  • FDEM is continuing to conduct damage assessments in the 12 counties that did not receive all categories of Public Assistance. The Division is also conducting damage assessments at individual residences and businesses and will continue to work with FEMA to apply for Individual Assistance.

  • Yesterday, Governor DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sally. More information can be found here.

  • For more information on Hurricane Sally and available resources, visit floridadisaster.org/info.

  •  On Sept. 23,  Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sally. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity administers the Emergency Bridge Loan program that provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced physical damage or economic injury during Hurricane Sally. The application period opened today and runs through November 14, 2020, or until the available funds are expended.

  • DEO administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Centers Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The short-term, zero-interest loans help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when long-term funding is secured, including Small Business Administration or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources. Up to $5 million has been allocated for the program.

  • Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties affected by Hurricane Sally can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000, or in special cases $100,000, if warranted by the needs of the business.

  • DEO is currently surveying businesses in the affected counties through the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey. To access the survey, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Sally” from the drop down menu. Response to the damage assessment is not an application for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.

  • To apply or to learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL

  • For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan program, contact DEO at 833-832-4494 or email EmergencyBridgeLoan@deo.myflorida.com

NAS Pensacola

  • Following the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, Naval Air Station Pensacola is currently at Condition of Readiness (COR) V as of Thursday, Sept. 17. 
  • Access to the base remains only for mission essential personnel or base residents until further notice. COR V is the lowest condition of hurricane readiness. Destructive force winds (50 mph) are not expected. 
  • Damage assessment continues onboard NAS Pensacola following the hurricane and more information will be provided in the near future.
  • Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast dispatched 11 civilian personnel and one military officer from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, today, as part of a CERT to help survey damage caused by Hurricane Sally onboard NAS Pensacola.
  • There is currently a boil water notice for NAS Pensacola and Corry Station until further notice.
  • NAS Pensacola opened an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) at noon on Monday, September 21, at the Corry Chapel. Afterwards, the EFAC will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.
  • Representatives from Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, Red Cross, Legal, Housing, Balfour Beatty, Chapel, Fleet and Family Support Center, and others can assist with emergency case management needs to augment services provided by NFAAS case managers. For more information, please call the FFSC at 850-452-5990 or the Corry Chapel at 850-452-6376.  Face coverings are required.

Pensacola Area Chamber Of Commerce

Operations at the Pensacola fuel terminal are fully staffed and operating but still not fully effective due to some long loading terminal lines, some road traffic and bridge closures. Florida Highway Police/local police escorts were provided last night for one site due to street closure. Our facility has power and media indicates they are expecting power to be mostly restored for Pensacola by Monday.

For businesses having issues with insurance claims, visit PrepareFL.com for information or call the CFO Helpline at 1-877-693-5236. To report price gouging, call the Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

If you have received damage to your homes, businesses or properties due to Hurricane Sally, we encourage you to send any pictures of damage to news@pensacolachamber.com and leave your name and address.

Store openings/closings

  • All Targets are open until 7 p.m. and have limited dry groceries.
  • All Publix stores are open. Hours vary depending on location and supplies.
  • All Lowes and Home Depot stores are open operating from 6 a.m. until curfew.
  • All Wal-Marts and Wal-Mart Markets are open.
  • Walgreens 6314 N 9th Ave Open 24 hours · (850) 479-2544 Pharmacy: Open ⋅ Closes 1:30AM
  • Walgreens 700 N Pace Blvd Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 432-3307
  • Walgreens 870 E Cervantes St Open ⋅ Closes 12AM · (850) 434-5561 Pharmacy: Closed
  • Walgreens 1841 E Olive Rd Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 478-5241
  • Walgreens 4497 Mobile Hwy Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 453-4848
  • Walgreens 5995 Mobile Hwy Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 454-0254
  • Walgreens 20 W 9 Mile Rd Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 479-2354
  • Walgreens 2237 W 9 Mile Rd Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 473-0286
  • Walgreens Pharmacy at Sacred Heart Hospital 5149 N 9th Ave Ste 1137 Open ⋅ Closes 6PM · (850) 477-7568
  • Walgreens Pharmacy 6314 N 9th Ave Open ⋅ Closes 1:30AM · (850) 479-2544
  • CVS 3880 N 9th Ave Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 433-6794 Pharmacy: Open ⋅ Closes 8PM
  • CVS 2100 W Cervantes St Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 438-1156
  • CVS 1101 Scenic Hwy Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 438-0776 Pharmacy: Open ⋅ Closes 8PM
  • CVS 6888 N 9th Ave Open 24 hours · (850) 476-0710
  • CVS 8100 N Davis Hwy Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 477-2466
  • CVS 6025 Mobile Hwy Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 458-9818
  • CVS 811 North W Fairfield Dr Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 453-3208
  • CVS 1 E 9 Mile Rd Open ⋅ Closes 9PM · (850) 475-1000
  • CVS Gulf Breeze, FL · In Dolphin Square Open ⋅ Closes 12AM · (850) 934-0030 Pharmacy: Open ⋅ Closes 10PM
  • CVS 13430 Innerarity Point Rd Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (850) 492-3800
  • CVS Pharmacy 6888 N 9th Ave Open 24 hours · (850) 476-0710
  • FloridaDisaster.Biz Open/Close Status: https://www.floridadisaster.biz/BusinessOpenCloseStatus

For more information about assignment of benefits, Go to Preparefl.com or call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). Make sure you read and understand anything in writing before you sign any document. You may potentially be signing away certain rights with decisions by insurance companies.

Peoples Water Service Company of Florida

  • Peoples Water Service Company of Florida, Inc. has rescinded/canceled the system wide Precautionary Boil Water Notice after receiving confirmation that of the samples collected and tested indicated No presence of harmful bacteria. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact (850) 791-4127

The Santa Rosa Island Authority 

  • The Santa Rosa Island Authority regular scheduled committee meeting for Wednesday, Sept. 23, has been postponed to Wednesday, Sept. 30.
  • The Santa Rosa Island Authority will be opening to the leaseholders/public on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
  • The Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center resumed normal business hours Sept. 21, however it will be in a virtual setting for the week. Beginning Monday, September 28th, the office will be open to the public once again.

Waste Services
As Escambia County continues its recovery process in the wake of Hurricane Sally, Escambia County residents that can safely do so are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right of way. 

The public right of way is the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:

  • Vegetative Debris (whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material)
  • Construction and Demolition Debris (damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, and fixtures)
  • Appliances and White Goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters)
  • Electronic Waste (computers, televisions, office electronic equipment, etc.)
  • Household Hazardous Waste (materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc.)

Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right of way.  Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines.

Do not place debris within four feet of:

  • Mailboxes
  • Water meters
  • Fire hydrants
  • any other above-ground utility

Only debris placed on the public right of way will be eligible for collection until further notice.

If all debris is not picked up during the initial pass, please continue to push remaining debris to the right of way for collection on subsequent passes. 

West Florida Public Libraries

  • West Florida Public Libraries are closed on Wednesday, Sept. 23 for cleanup after Hurricane Sally. Please continue to check our website at MyWFPL.com for a future opening date.
  • All libraries are open as of Thursday, Sept. 24 except for Pensacola Library. Pensacola Library located at 239 N Spring St. will still be closed for cleanup due to Hurricane Sally. 

  • For a list of library branches and hours, please visit https://mywfpl.com/visit/locations

The American Red Cross

  • The American Red Cross has advised that disaster survivors may call 1-800-REDCROSS to access their immediate unmet needs from Hurricane Sally.


United Way

  • For people living outside the northwest Florida area seeking information on resources for friends and family members post Hurricane Sally may access the direct dial number to reach 211 Northwest Florida - regardless of where they live!
  • They can either dial the toll free number of 855-420-8689 or visit www.211.org and enter the city and state for the area they are seeking information on.

UWF

  • The University will resume operations at 5 a.m. Sept. 24. All courses, including online courses, will resume at this time.
  • Academics: All courses, including online courses, are cancelled until Thursday, Sept. 24. All assignments, exams, virtual and in-person courses are suspended during this time. 

  • Power has been restored in all residence halls and the Villages on UWF’s Pensacola Campus. The University remains closed through Thursday, Sept. 24, at 4:59 a.m. to complete cleanup efforts.

Pensacola State College

  • All classes and class activities at Pensacola State College have been suspended until Monday, Sept. 28. 
  • Employees are asked not to come on any PSC campus unless they have been notified to do so by their supervisors.
  • Academic leadership is working on plans that will allow all faculty and students to resume classes no later than Monday, Sept. 28. 
  • Further updates will be sent as we know more or if recovery occurs sooner than expected. For updates, go to PensacolaState.edu

    Generator Safety Tips and Precautions

    • Do not attempt to move downed power lines. Please contact Gulf Power at 1-800-GU-POWER  (1-800-487-6937)
    • Unless you are in a life-threatening situation, please shelter in place and do not venture out.
    Chain Saw Safety
    • Become familiar with the recommended safe operational procedures before attempting to work with a chain saw.
    • Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery. Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chain saws.
    • Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing.
    • Never make cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
    • Don’t stand on a log and saw between your feet.
    • Always stand to one side of the limb you are cutting; never straddle it.
    • Always keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks; never position yourself or other people in line with the chain.
    • Keep the chain out of the dirt; debris will fly.

    Storm Debris Burning

    • Burning large debris left from a hurricane can be dangerous. Many residents open windows to get air circulation in their homes due to power outages, and burning large trees and limbs as well as other debris, creates large amounts of smoke which can travel into homes.
    • Burning insulation and roofing creates very toxic smoke.
    • Burning large trees and limbs and branches can also create sparks that go airborne and land on your home.
    • Burn laws are still in place before, during, and after a hurricane. Know your local burn ordinance.
    • Children should never be allowed to burn debris and should leave any type of burning to an adult.

    Tips on choosing a contractor:
    News release encouraging residents to be cautious of unlicensed contractors  

    No permitting is required for emergency storm repairs. Emergency repairs are for achieving a basic level of safety for occupancy of a structure.

    • Ask to see their license and call the appropriate licensing agency – Escambia County Contractor Licensing Section for a county license or DBPR for state license to verify the status and insurance.
    • Contractor Search
    • Ask for and verify references from past customers.
    • Check with the local Better Business Bureau
    • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Be sure that the estimate includes all work to be done by the contractor, the materials involved, date of completion and the total cost.
    • Don't simply take the lowest bid. An abnormally low bid could lead to trouble later on. 
    • If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insurance company before you sign a contractor to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs.
    • An occupational license is not sufficient in the construction trades.
    • Beware of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front.

    Submitting A Flood Insurance Claim Tips

    • Take Photos: Before you start cleaning up after a disaster, take photos of all storm-related damages to your home.
    • Make A List: During the cleaning process, take note of lost or damaged items and gather any original receipts for these items.
    • Call Your Insurance Agent: After gathering necessary documentation, call your insurance company to submit a claim.

    Report Price Gouging

    • Report fraud by calling the Price Gouging Hotline at 866-9 - NO-SCAM (866-966-7226. Visit www.MyFloridaLegal.com to find consumer tips or to file a complaint.

    Helpful Links and Contacts

    Outages:

    • Gulf Power:  1-800-GU-POWER  (1-800-487-6937)
    • Escambia River Electric Cooperative: 1-877-OUT-EREC  (1-877-688-3732)
    • ECUA General Customer Service: (850) 476-0480

    Law Enforcement:  All emergencies: 911

    Utilities

    How You Can Help

    • United Way of West Florida (UWWF) will open a relief fund for those affected by Hurricane Sally.
    • UWWF will accept financial contributions to the fund to provide support to these households.
    • UWWF will accept financial contributions to help victims of Hurricane Sally.
    • BRACE strongly encourages Cash, Confirm, and Connect through cash donations the affected can receive the aid they need. 
    • At this time, there are no needed items for those impacted by Hurricane Sally. ESF 15 encourages cash donations to UWWF.
    • You can help aid in the recovery by donating to UWWF’s Hurricane Sally Relief Fund. Text 850RELIEF to 41444 or visit www.uwwf.org/850RELIEF.

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