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Today Is The Last Day Of Early Voting At Nine Locations In Escambia County

Today is the last day of early voting for the Tuesday, March 17 Presidential Preference Primary Election.

Below is a list of the nine locations throughout the county and times of operation:

• Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• University of West Florida, Building 90, Campus Lane (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Main Library, 239 Spring Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

On Election Day, Tuesday, March 17, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day.  Voters are encouraged to verify their Election Day polling location by checking their Voter Information Card, sample ballot, the Where Do I Vote? feature on EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting us by phone or e-mail prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Voters may track the status of their mail ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.

As a reminder, Florida holds closed primary elections. The Presidential Preference Primary is open only to registered Democrats and Republicans. Voters registered without party affiliation (NPA) or in a minor political party are ineligible and will not receive a ballot. Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID to vote.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Here’s The Latest COVID-19 Update From Escambia County

Here is the latest information from Escambia County on COVID-19:

Health Information Provided by the Florida Department of Health

Currently, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Escambia County.

• The COVID-19 test is not designed to be a screening tool for asymptomatic people.  If you meet the screening criteria for COVID-19 (experiencing symptoms, have a travel history, or exposure to a COVID-19 patient), contact your healthcare provider. Call, do not visit, your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. They will determine if you meet the criteria for testing.
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Department recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
  • Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The Department of Health updates Florida’s COVID-19 information page daily. Please visit www.flhealth.gov/covid-19 for the latest information.
• For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Escambia County

• Escambia County and the City of Pensacola are canceling all publicly-permitted events with 500 or more people starting Monday, March 16 in an abundance of caution related to COVID-19
• Escambia County is taking additional preventative action to ensure public facilities such as community centers, libraries and public buildings are sanitized.
• Staff and contractors are increasing the disinfecting of restrooms, customer service areas, exterior entrances, door knobs, hard surfaces and other high-traffic areas.
• Escambia County staff continue to follow the general cleaning and precautionary guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health organizations. The contracted custodial provider has been informed of CDC recommendations and ensures their process is in line with those recommendations. Commercial hospital-grade disinfectant is being used with each cleaning following the manufacturers recommendation for dwell time.
• Sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout various high-traffic buildings such as the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building.
• Additional sanitizer dispensers have been ordered for high-volume buildings like community centers and the ECAT facility. CDC signage has been placed in bathrooms in county facilities.
• The library will continue to offer hand sanitizer at all help desks and Lysol wipes to wipe down computers. Library staff will continue to use Lysol wipes on all computers before the library opens each day, and they have increased wiping down work surfaces throughout the day. Library staff sprays door knobs with Lysol multiple times per day as an additional precaution.
• ECAT’s fleet maintenance team is constantly working to make sure vehicles and facilities are continuously sanitized. All revenue service vehicles are disinfected daily. Commercial grade disinfectant is currently being used every night by ECAT bus cleaners, which was added as part of the enhanced comprehensive bus cleaning process. The county has communicated with the contracted paratransit provider to relay CDC information and has ensured the steps they are taking are sufficient.
• Escambia County has established a Joint Information Center to streamline distribution of public information regarding COVID-19. The JIC is located in the Escambia County Public Safety Building, 6575 N. “W” St. The Emergency Operations Center is not currently activated. Escambia County will disseminate coordinated releases around 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, consisting of any updates from all partner agencies related to COVID-19 preventative actions, cancellations, or preparedness activities. Individual organizations will continue to send their own news releases.

City of Pensacola Actions

• The city has increased the frequency at which public facilities are cleaned.
• Public access at City Hall has been limited to the automatic doors on the east side of the building. The front entrance has been locked in order to limit public contact with door handles.
• City departments have continuity of operations plans in place to ensure essential services will be maintained if the city’s workforce is impacted.
• Based on guidance from the state, Pensacola Fire Department and the Pensacola Police Department have temporarily stopped fire station and police station tours in an effort to protect first responders and maintain critical public safety infrastructure.
• The Pensacola Police Department Citizens Academy has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.
• Home smoke alarm installations are still available for city residents by calling PFD at 436-5200.
• Below is a listing of city-permitted events that are canceled due to the Escambia County and the City of Pensacola’s decision to cancel all publicly-permitted events with 500 or more people starting Monday, March 16. The action was taken in an abundance of caution and in response to a recommendation from Gov. Ron DeSantis that municipalities consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in the state of Florida.
• Battle of the Badges – March 22
• Blues on the Bay – March 29
• Ciclovia – March 28
• Deluna Du Youth Duathlon – March 29
• East Hill Neighborhood Association Fish Fry – March 21
• Gallery Night – March 20
• Gulf Coast Science Festival – March 27-29
• Palafox Market – Saturdays through the end of March (including Saturday, March 14)
• Pensacola VegFest – March 28
• Smokin’ in the Square – March 20-22
• Walk the Talk for Epilepsy – May 2
• Please note that some events on this list were canceled at the discretion of event organizers.
• Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials will reassess the situation after two weeks (Monday, March 30) and determine whether to continue or lift the cancellation of publicly-permitted events.

Pensacola International Airport

• Pensacola International Airport continues to monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) and stay in regular contact with state and local partners to ensure a coordinated approach for any necessary response.
• 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. Some airlines are waiving cancellation fees due to the public health concerns in regard to COVID-19. Please check with your airline to confirm if this is an option for your flight.
• 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.

Escambia County School Board
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas announced on March 12 that in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Escambia County School District will take the following measures to restrict students and employees traveling within and outside of our district, and specifically, out-of-state:

• Effective immediately, all out-of-state school-related travel for both students and staff members is suspended for the remainder of the school year.
• All student and staff school-related in-state travel is suspended for the next thirty (30) days, at which time, requests may be re-evaluated to determine feasibility of travel within the state of Florida.
• All student field trips will be suspended for a period of 30 days, and future requests will be evaluated after that time.
• Outdoor sporting events will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Events involving teams traveling here from other counties will be canceled if that county has had any incidents of COVID-19. Example: The Aggie Classic has been cancelled.
• Based on current guidelines from the Department of Health: Anyone (students/faculty/staff/etc.) who travels to any foreign country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Anyone (students/faculty/staff/etc.) who goes on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.

University of West Florida

• University of West Florida students resume classes Monday, March 16 with instruction from faculty delivered remotely. Last Wednesday, the State University System of Florida mandated all universities transition to remote instruction. Face-to-face instruction at UWF is currently set to resume on March 30.
• All university-sponsored events scheduled from March 16 until March 30 taking place on campus, at other UWF instructional sites or off-campus must be postponed, canceled or virtually conducted.
• Faculty and staff business meetings will continue as scheduled unless notified otherwise. Faculty and staff should consider hosting meetings virtually, when possible.
• UWF Athletics: The Gulf South Conference has suspended all athletic competition, countable athletic-related activities, and off-campus recruiting for an indefinite period. This decision was made after thorough collaboration between the conference office, university presidents and chancellors, and the league’s athletic directors.
• All university-sponsored domestic and international travel (business-related travel, study abroad, exchange, faculty-led programs) is prohibited until further notice unless approved by a University vice president. Only travel deemed essential by a vice president will be approved.
• Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions are available at uwf.edu/coronavirus.

Recreational Cancellations

• Escambia County and the City of Pensacola are canceling all publicly-permitted events with 500 or more people starting Monday, March 16 in an abundance of caution related to COVID-19.

ECUA

• ECUA is closely monitoring this dynamic situation and following guidance from public health officials and government agencies, most specifically the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health.
• There is no effect on the water system due to the coronavirus, regardless the chlorination process ECUA utilizes in its water system is effective in inactivating the coronaviruses therefore, we are confident that the potable water supply is unaffected by COVID-19.
• In addition to our regular cleaning procedures, ECUA has implemented increased sanitizing measures at all office locations, with extra attention to customer service and high traffic areas in our corporate office.
• ECUA’s professional employees are critical to our ability to serve the community.  For their sake and that of our customers’, we have directed our staff to limit face-to-face meetings in favor of communication via email or conference calls, encouraged diligent attention to proper hand washing and hygiene, and to stay home if they are not feeling well.  We intend to continue to focus on prevention and do everything in our power to maintain quality services with little or no interruption.

Visit Pensacola

• Visit Pensacola, Inc. is closely monitoring statements from the Florida Department of Health, MyEscambia, Visit Florida, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Travel, and the World Health Organization regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to keeping our partners and stakeholders informed of the latest updates and to following the guidelines from these agencies and local departments.

• While the risk remains low, we encourage our area tourism partners, residents, and visitors to take any appropriate preventative measures. The federal government has not recommended limiting domestic travel but has encouraged those with underlying health issues to avoid non-essential travel.

• Showcase Pensacola, Visit Pensacola’s marketing agency is redirecting current marketing dollars to target travel-intenders in our standard drive markets and emphasize the areas wide-open beaches and spaces, including outdoor activities and things to do. These marketing tactics will include standard digital, paid social media, native, and email.

• The visitor centers within Escambia County remain open and continue to be provided with the latest COVID-19 information and resources to help keep the traveling public informed. We ask that all Visit Pensacola stakeholders and partners, please report cancellations of activities, events, and accommodations so we can better track and report the impact to our area.

Florida Courts Suspend Jury Trials, Including Naomi Jones Murder Trial

Criminal and civil jury trails in Florida have been temporarily suspended by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, including locally the Naomi Jones murder trial that was set to begin next week.

Chief Justice Charles T. Canady announced the suspension through at least March 27  in the interest of public health due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Local judges are authorized to conduct non-jury proceedings remotely using technology.

Clerks of court and court administrators are acting immediately to cancel summonses for jury service.

The work of Florida’s courts and clerks of court goes on. Hearings, filings, and other work of the judicial branch and clerks of court continues. Only jury trials are suspended by the order.

Trial was set to being Monday, March 16 in Escambia Count for Robert Howard, the man accused of kidnapping and murdering 12-year old Naomi Jones in 2017. Prosecutors say Howard kidnapped, murdered and dumped the body of the 12-year old.

Howard is convicted sex offender. He was convicted in 1999 on two counts of first degree rape to  two adult females in Escambia County, AL. One of the victims was  19-years old at the time. He served 15 years.

The City And County Canceled Large Permitted Events. Here’s The List.

Escambia County and the City of Pensacola recently announced the cancelation of all publicly-permitted events expected to have an attendance of 500 or more people.

There were no events canceled in Escambia County, but multiple large events were canceled by the City of Pensacola. They are listed below, along with a few large events that were canceled by the event organizers.

• Battle of the Badges – March 22
• Blues on the Bay – March 29
• Ciclovia – March 28
• Deluna Du Youth Duathlon – March 29
• East Hill Neighborhood Association Fish Fry – March 21
• Gallery Night – March 20
• Gulf Coast Science Festival – March 27-29
• Palafox Market – Saturdays through the end of March (including Saturday, March 14)
• Pensacola VegFest – March 28
• Smokin’ in the Square – March 20-22
• Walk the Talk for Epilepsy – May

Cher postponed her “Here We Go Again” tour, with the Pensacola show now set for September 10. Fans can use their current tickets, or can chose a refund at the original point of purchase.  Mercy Me has rescheduled their Pensacola show to October 15.

Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials will reassess the situation after two weeks (Monday, March 30) and determine whether to continue or lift the cancellation of publicly-permitted events.

This only applies to events that are permitted through Escambia County or the City of Pensacola. It does not include schools, churches, or other private events. Event organizers are encouraged to use their discretion and follow the directions of officials from the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if event cancellations are necessary.

The city will work with event organizers to reschedule events as needed.

Residents are encouraged to use their discretion when it comes to attending public events.

Great Warm Weekend, North Escambia Highs In The 80s

Weekend highs in North Escambia will be in the lower 80s. Note that if you head to the, highs will be several degrees coolder.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

Monday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.

John D. Handrop, Sr.

On Friday March 13, 2020, John D. Handrop, Sr., loving father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 87.

“Johnny” was born in Pensacola, Florida, on September 16, 1932, to Vallie Shelby. His father, John Corbet, passed away and he was raised by his mother and uncle Elijah Shelby. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy where he served four years for his country while traveling over 176,268 miles on Navy ships . He then returned to Pensacola to marry his high school sweetheart, Elouise Gates. Together they raised one son, John David, Jr. and two daughters, Tammi and Marilyn.

“Johnny” moved his young family to McDavid, Florida, to live a relaxed country life. He enjoyed cow farming and tending to his many acres of land. He was also a huge fan of FSU football- a passion he passed on to many of his family members. He retired from many years of working at Monsanto. He was loved by everyone he met and was known for his handsome looks, beautiful hair, charming words, compassionate heart, loving mind and at times for being a bit stubborn. He had a passion for dancing at the American Legion and loved being with his treasured partner Vicki Smith.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elouise, mother Vallie Shelby, father (uncle) Elijah Shelby, five brothers, Cecil Handrop, Jack Handrop, Ralph Handrop, James Handrop (died as infant), Everett Handrop (died as infant), and one sister Catherine “Lucille” Perdue Brown.

He is survived in death by his son, John “David”, Jr.; daughters Tammi Hill (Matt) and Marilyn Clifton (Brian); treasured partner of seven years Vicki Smith; grandchildren Danette Wiggins, John Lewis Handrop, Latasha Carraway, Jennifer Marn, Travis Clifton, Tanner Clifton; very special nephew Cecil Handrop; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at the Faith Chapel North Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with family gathering at 1 p.m.

It’s Getting Warmer, But It’s Not Time To Fertilize The Lawn Yet

Days may be getting warmer, but that does not mean your lawn is ready for nitrogen fertilizer, according to the Escambia County Extension.

Roots are not growing well enough to absorb the fertilizer until much later in the spring. Research found that nitrogen fertilizer applied to turf before mid April was lost though the soil, eventually making its way into local bodies of water.

“Work on other parts of your landscape but wait to apply fertilizer until at least mid April or early May. You are not getting a jump on a healthy lawn by fertilizing now,” the Extension Service said.

Mary Lee Gibbs

Mrs. , age 84, passed away Monday, March 9, 2020 in Monroeville, Alabama.

Mrs. Gibbs was a native of Atmore, AL, former resident of Monroeville, AL and had resided in Gantt, AL for the past 5 years. She was a Teacher’s Associate with the Escambia County Florida School System from 1966 to 1999 and was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church of Andalusia, AL. She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Robert Lee Gibbs; parents, Allen and Clara Lee; four brothers; one sister and grandson, Scott Gibbs.

She is survived by her three sons, Tony (Wanda) Gibbs of Walnut Hill, FL, Bob (Pam) Gibbs of Monroeville, AL and Sammy (Annette) Gibbs of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Cheryl Gibbs of Gantt, AL; four grandchildren, Amanda (Greg), Eric (Kirsten), Jessica (Ryan) and Caroline (Michael); eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Diane Everette officiating.

Burial will follow at the Canoe Freewill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews, Greg Babiak, Eric Gibbs, Ryan Lowell, Michael Sonen, Ed Johnson and Russ Johnson.

Bicyclist Hit By A Bus And Killed In Escambia County

A bicyclist was killed early Friday morning when he was hit by a bus in Escambia County.

The commercial passenger tour bus with no passengers was travelling south in the outside lane of Pace Boulevard and had a green traffic light at Massachusetts Avenue. The bicyclist, 66-year old Larry Cooper, traveled from Massachusetts Avenue into the path of the bus, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Cooper was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 1:16 a.m. crash.

How Are Escambia County, Pensacola Preparing For Coronavirus? Top Officials Explain.

So far, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) found in Escambia County, but agencies are in full preparation mode.

An Escambia County Commission meeting was paused Thursday for a 24-minute press conference to update the media on what steps are being taken in Escambia County.

County Administrator Janice Gilley said dealing with a pandemic is different that dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes and other issues that the county has dealt with in the past.

“There may be people walking around in our community that we don’t yet have already contracted the virus; that’s what makes it a little different. When we have the other things, we do see damage to infrastructure, tangible things we know how to prepare for, respond and recover,” Gilley said. “I do think this is something that is going to change on an hour by hour basis.”

“If you are a praying person, I think you should pray for our community,” Gilley added. “I think you should pray for any community or particularly for the state of Florida and the country so that we don’t necessarily have an expansion of this disease to the extent that we have issues that shut down all of the operations and things like that.”

Dr. John Lanza, director of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, provided an update to the commission, but his superiors did not allow him to participate in the health conference. He said any question would have to go to his public information staff, which would in turn send the question to Tallahassee for an answer.

“We do not have any cases in Escambia County,” Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. “If we did start to have transmission, then you would see the activation of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) to a Level 2. We would take direction under the Department of Health. They are the lead agency.”

A coronavirus case was found last week in Santa Rosa County. The 71-year old man was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola where he later died, one of two deaths to date in Florida.

Escambia County and the City of Pensacola  followed a state recommendation and announced that all public-permitted events with more than 500 people expected are canceled until at least March 30. This does not include school, churches or other private events.

“If you don’t feel comfortable (attending public events) for reasons of age or a variety of other issues like an immune system deficiency,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said, “…then I would understand you making the decision. That’s really on you. Everybody’s got to be aware of what their own conditions are and what they feel comfortable…It’s going to depend on individuals and their immune system.”

Interim Public Safety Director John Dosh said 911 operators are asking key questions of callers — not only about their symptoms and condition but also about travel. That, he said, allows first responders to be aware of any high risk activities so the first responders can take the appropriate action to protect themselves.

Escambia County School superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district, at this point, plans to continue with regular face-to-face classes when students return from spring break on March 23.  The district announced limits on out of county travel by staff and students, and canceled all field trips.

“We are doing a deep disinfecting and sanitizing of all of our vehicles every night,” ECAT Director Tonya Ellis said. “We have increased the comprehensive level of that cleaning, which includes commercial grade, hospital grade disinfectant for all of our buses.”

Director of Facilities Management Cassie Boatwrite Fsaid the county is continually working to sanitize facilities.

At the Escambia County Jail, Director Rich Powell said visitations are already conducted remotely. “We deal with health concerns on a continuous basis. The virus change anything particular that we are doing knowing that people are in close proximity. We are in a continuous state of cleaning in the jail.”

The Pensacola International Airport remains open and is fully operational, and has increased the frequency that points touched by the public are cleaned. Hand sanitizer stations are also located throughout the terminal.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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