DeSantis Actives State Emergency Ops Center After Coronavirus Deaths
March 8, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center following the death of two Florida residents from coronavirus, including one that died at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
The Level II activation is to coordinate the state’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19) and provide critical support to the Florida Department of Health and county health departments.
The governor’s directive follows Friday night’s announcement from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) that two individuals have died and two new presumptive positive cases were confirmed in Broward County. Additionally, Saturday DOH announce new presumptive positive cases in Lee and Charlotte counties. The individual is isolated and receiving appropriate care.
The COVID-19 patient that died Friday in the Pensacola hospital was a 71-year old man from Santa Rosa County who traveled to the Dominican Republic. Officials said he had underlying medical conditions and had traveled internationally.
“I have directed the Division of Emergency Management to activate to Level II to ensure our state has all the necessary resources engaged as we respond to COVID-19,” said Governor DeSantis. “It is critical that we proactively coordinate all state resources to mitigate the threat and contain COVID-19. I urge all Floridians to take necessary precautions and follow hygiene guidelines issued by the Surgeon General and Florida Department of Health.”
On March 1, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51, which directed Surgeon General Rivkees to declare a public health emergency to better equip Florida with the resources needed to handle the public health threat. The Governor has requested $25 million from the Florida Legislature to be appropriated in this current year for the Florida Department of Health to be used immediately to assist with the COVID-19 response.
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Fire Rages Through Storage Shed In Walnut Hill
March 8, 2020
Fire destroyed a storage shed in Walnut Hill late Saturday afternoon.
The fire in the 3000 block of Mayhaw Road, between North Highway 99 and Highway 164, was reported about 5:40 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find the approximately 200 square foot shed fully involved. A wooden fence was also damaged, but a nearby home was not. There were no injuries.
The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Highway 29, Nine Mile Closed Sunday Night Into Early Monday Morning
March 8, 2020
Drivers traveling Highway and Nine Mile Road in Escambia County will experience the following lane and road closures from 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday as crews pour the deck for the final section of the new bridge.
- Southbound Highway 29: The outside, southbound lane will be closed.
- Nine Mile Road: All traffic will be directed to the on and off-ramps at the U.S. 29 overpass. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct motorists. The following detour will be in place:
- Eastbound Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane, directed to Highwya 29 southbound, U-turn at West Hood Drive, and return to Nine Mile Road.
- Westbound traffic will perform the same operation at West 9 1/2 Mile Road.
- Additionally, Highway 29 traffic between Interstate 10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers should use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone, and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Pictured: Highway 29 southbound at Nine Mile Road Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Meet The Pensacola Chamber’s 60th Annual PACE Awards Winners
March 8, 2020
The Greater Pensacola Chamber announced its 60th annual PACE Award recipients during a special one-night event at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. Each year, the PACE Awards are presented to outstanding individuals in our area who have made significant contributions to Greater Pensacola’s economic, educational, and community progress.
“Pensacola has no shortage of amazing people who work every day to make our community a better place,” said Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Justin Beck. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to specifically recognize the special individuals and the work they do.”
The 2020 PACE Award winners are:
Emerging Leader of the Year: Robin Zimmern, Major Gift Officer at the University of West Florida, was named Emerging Leader of the Year. A little over two years ago, Zimmern has found herself in a leadership role with the University of West Florida managing to double her fundraising goals each year. Along with consistently surpassing the goals set for her in her professional life, Zimmern serves on several local non-profit boards and volunteers with many other community organizations. She possesses the ability to serve as a leader of a group when needed, but also serve as a productive and hard-working member of a group under the leadership of others.
Business Leader of the Year: Will Condon, President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, was named Business Leader of the Year. Born and raised in Pensacola, the 2020 Business Leader of the year is an individual who could be described as a business visionary. Condon is a graduate of Pensacola Catholic High School and then chose to further his education at the University of West Florida for both his bachelors and master’s degree. In his current role as President of Studer Family Children’s Hospital, Condon oversees the operations and continuous growth and development of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital and led the move from the old children’s hospital to their new facility. Condon’s focus has been on patient experience and under his leadership, Sacred Heart was voted the nation’s best pediatric emergency department.
Professional Leader of the Year: Don Snowden, Department Head of the Performing Arts Department, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Pensacola State College, was named Professional Leader of the Year. Since 1987, Snowden has developed a strong relationship within our community and has assisted Pensacola State College in raising over $500,000 in support of the programs, faculty, and students in the Performing Arts Department. Snowden’s professional reach goes beyond just Pensacola State College. He has made an impact on the Pensacola Symphony, the Pensacola Civic Band, Pensacola Little Theater, Gulf Breeze High School, and many other programs throughout our community.
Community Leader of the Year: Brent Lane, radio personality at Cat Country 98.7, was named this year’s Community Leader of the Year. Since moving to Pensacola in 2005, Lane has made a positive impact on the Pensacola community by dedicating his time, energy, and talents to this community and its citizens. He supports over twelve non-profit organizations throughout the community and touches the lives of thousands of people each year through his volunteer efforts. Along with presenting a top-rated morning radio show, he has dedicated himself to Manna, where he has served on the board of directors for the past eight years, including serving as Board President as well as chairing several committees.
Advocate Leader of the Year: Dr. Kim Krupa, Executive Director of Achieve Escambia, was named Advocate Leader of the Year. In her role as Executive Director at Achieve Escambia, Krupa has tripled the volunteer base, doubled the fundraising revenues, and elevated the profile of a community-based organization that is unique to Florida. She has led the charge at Achieve Escambia in improving kindergarten readiness by 10% points at C. A. Weis Community School where they are making a long-term investment in the 3-year-old preschool program. Under her direction, Achieve Escambia has won two most-improved statewide awards as a result of their first-ever Escambia County FAFSA Challenge to connect more high school seniors to financial aid for college.
Leader in Education: Dr. Kim LeDuff, Vice President for Academic Engagement and Student Affairs at the University of West Florida, was named Leader in Education. Dr. LeDuff became an educator because she recognized the doors that were opened for her as a result of her educational experiences. She is an individual with a stellar record of education service through outstanding contributions to advancement, mentorship, and encouragement of students in or outside of the classroom. LeDuff has made a lasting impact on the University of West Florida by building a strong diversity program that infuses inclusion in all that they do and establishing a new division dedicated to academic engagement and student success.
Pioneer Award: John Appleyard, Pensacola historian, was named as the recipient of this year’s Pioneer Award. John Appleyard has been a pioneer in the Pensacola community for two generations, having dedicated his life to sharing Pensacola’s rich history daily. Beyond founding the Appleyard Agency in 1959, he is an avid historian who has authored dozens of books about Pensacola’s past. Appleyard was named director of the Florida Quadricentennial Celebration in 1958 and has been involved with numerous local historic preservation efforts. Appleyard’s 15-minute films about Pensacola’s history are viewable Tuesdays through Saturdays in the Appleyard Storytelling Cottage, located in UWF’s historic village.
Spirit of Pensacola: Carol Carlan, President, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, was named as the recipient of the Spirit of Pensacola Award. As a businesswoman and community leader, Carlan has served and bettered our community through her roles in business, education, and philanthropy. Carlan is known for her heart-felt commitment to education and social issues, and has served on more than 35 not for profit organization boards during her career including: the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Pensacola State College, the Institute of Human & Machine Cognition, and the PACE Center for Girls. Under Carlan’s leadership as President of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation she has helped raise $50 million in assets.
Students Learn About Ag During Fresh From Florida Event (With Gallery)
March 8, 2020
About 1,000 elementary school students attended the annual Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” agricultural advocacy program Friday morning at the school in Bratt.
Formerly known as the “Food For America program”, the event gave students a chance to learn about agriculture first hand, up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more to learn how food gets from the farm to their tables. Students were even able to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter.
The Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program has been honored as the number one program in the state multiple times, and the chapter was recently name one of the best in the United State by the National FFA Organization.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny For Sunday; Clouds Return By Monday Followed By Tuesday Rain
March 8, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Northview High School Girls Weightlifting Presents Awards
March 8, 2020
The Northview High School Girls Weightlifting team recently held their annual year-end banquet.
MVP (Most Valuable Lifter) award winners were Taylor McMinn, Naudia Carach, De’ Janique Lowery (pictured top)
The Spirit Award went to Maggie Amerson, and the Leadership Award to Reba Rhinehart.
Scroll down for additional award winners listed below each photo.
First year letters: Dakota Gideon, Caitlyn Gibson.
Second year: Shelby Cotita, Miyanna Davidson, Taylor McMinn.
Third year: Ayianna Courtney, Naudia Carach, Maggie Amerson.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: These Are This Week’s Trouble Spots
March 8, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- 9th Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289), Martin Luther King/Alcaniz Street/Davis Highway (S.R. 291) and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Video Underground Sewer Lines- Drivers may experience intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, March 31.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10 / U.S. 90A)– The bridge deck pour will take place Sunday, March 8. Traffic on U.S. 29 and
Nine-Mile Road can expect lane restrictions and temporary road closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pour the deck for the final section of the new bridge.
o Southbound U.S. 29: The outside, southbound lane will be closed.
o Nine Mile Road: All traffic will be directed to the on and off-ramps at the U.S. 29 overpass. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct motorists. The following detour will be in place:
§ Eastbound Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane, directed to U.S. 29 southbound, U-turn at West Hood Drive, and return to Nine Mile Road.
§ Westbound traffic will perform the same operation at West 9 1/2 Mile Road.
Additionally, U.S. 29 traffic between Interstate 10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures the week of Sunday, March 8 as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Pensacola Bay (U.S. 98) Bridge Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, March 8.
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- · I-10 Reflective Pavement Marking Replacement from the Alabama line to the Florida Welcome Center- There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restriction from the Florida/Alabama state line to the Florida Welcome Center from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 8 through Tuesday, March 10.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place through spring 2020.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. The roadway remains temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews continue to work on various items. The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed within the next two weeks, weather dependent.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, March 8.
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements at Sanford Street during daytime hours. Drivers should watch for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Crews continuing work at all seven locations within the project limits. No lane closures anticipated.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay- There will be intermittent lane closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn Lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations are taking place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- · U.S. 98 Mutli-Use Path Paving Operations Between Reagan Road and Serosa Drive in Navarre- The westbound outside lane will be closed Wednesday, March 11 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Firefighters Respond to Reported House Fire In Bratt
March 7, 2020
First responders were dispatched to a reported structure fire in Bratt Saturday morning.
When they arrived in the 5000 block of West Highway 4, just west of Highway 4, they found a small smoldering fire in a heating unit.
There were no injuries and no major damage reported.
The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Fire Department and Escambia County EMS responded. Additional fire stations were dispatched and canceled prior to arrival.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Train Carrying Military Equipment Derails At Alabama-Florida State Line
March 7, 2020
About five cars of a CSX train hauling military equipment derailed Saturday morning at the Alabama-Florida state line.
The cars left the track coming out of the railyard in Flomaton, just a few feet north of a street known as Alley 5 in Century. There were no injuries reported.
The entire train was carrying military vehicles and equipment on flatbed railcars. The derailment blocked the railroad crossings at Old Flomaton Road and East Cottage Street in Century.
This was the second train derailment in Flomaton in less than two weeks. On February 26, two empty cars of northbound CSX train derailed at the College Street crossing, not far from Flomaton Elementary School. [Read more...]
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
