Gas Price Continue Their Decline. But How Low They Go Will Depend On OPEC Deal.
April 13, 2020
The dive at the gas pump continues last week with Florida gas prices falling another six cents. How low gas prices will go will depend on how the market responds to a historic deal made by OPEC and its oil producing allies over the weekend.
On Sunday, OPEC and its allies agreed to cut oil production by 9.7 million barrels per day — the single largest output cut in history. This effectively ends a price war that broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which caused an overnight 25% reduction in oil prices last month. From there, the downward trend continued as the effects of the coronavirus impacted the global economy and forced Americans to stay off the road.
“The OPEC deal should not cause gas prices to suddenly spike, but it will affect how low they can go,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Wholesale gas prices suggest the state average could eventually reach $1.50 or below, but that won’t happen if oil prices gain upward momentum.”
Since February 21, the price of crude plummeted from $53 per barrel to $23/b. Florida gas prices also dropped 56 cents. This deal is an attempt to help eliminate supply surpluses and strengthen the price of crude.
The state average of $1.85 per gallon is six cents less than a week ago, and 95 cents less than last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $1.75 per gallon. Three Cantonment stations were at $1.55 Sunday night, and Pensacola stations were as low at $1.49.
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Florida Prisons Extend Visitation Suspension at Correctional Institutions Statewide
April 13, 2020
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has extended suspension of visitation at all correctional institutions statewide.
“We are doing all we can to keep our inmates, staff, community and our families safe. We don’t take this decision lightly,” said Secretary Mark Inch. “During this state of emergency, it’s critical we take all precautions necessary to minimize the potential risk to the inmate population and staff charged with their care and custody. The current situation dictates that we extend this suspension.”
The visitation suspension will be in effect through April 30. The decision to reinstate the normal visitation schedule will be evaluated in consultation with public health experts.
Inmates will continue to have access to their loved ones through mail, phone calls and video visitation. Legal visits will not be impacted, although attorneys are encouraged to consult with their clients via phone, email or mail during this time.
Putting It On The Line — Celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day
April 13, 2020
Escambia River Electric is celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day on Monday to honor the men and women that work hard to keep power flowing in our neighborhoods.
Line crews work around the clock, sometimes in difficult and dangerous conditions to keep the lights on. Whether they’re restoring power after a major storm or maintaining critical infrastructure to the electric system, lineworkers are at the heart of the electric grid.
“Whether our community is facing a hurricane, an ice storm, or a medical emergency like COVID-19, our linemen are ready and willing to answer the call to provide for our community’s energy needs,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO of Escambia River Electric Cooperative. “They understand the critical nature of the job they do, and they are committed to be there for our members when it matters the most.”
The first National Lineman Appreciation Day was on April 18 as approved by the U.S. Senate. The National Rural Electric Cooperative later approved celebrating the day on the second Monday of April each year.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
On Easter Morning The Tomb Was Empty. And So Were Most Local Church Services.
April 12, 2020
On that very first Easter morning, the tomb was empty. “He is not here: for he is risen,,” the Bible says about Jesus.
Easter morning church services across Escambia County were also empty Sunday morning, due to coronavirus social distancing.
At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.
It was scene repeated at most churches – the pastor a few staffers with an Easter morning service streamed live on the internet while tens of thousands of people watched from their homes. A few churches held drive-in service, with families socially distanced inside their vehicles in the church parking lot.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured above and below are the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at an empty Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fourth COVID-19 Death Reported In Santa Rosa County; Two-County Cases Increase By 17 Sunday
April 12, 2020
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THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
The Florida Department of Health reported an 84-year old man became the fourth coronavirus death in Santa Rosa County on Sunday, as cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa increased by 17.
There are now 224 total COVID cases in Escambia County. The number of cases in Santa Rosa County increased Sunday to 109. Escambia County has recorded three deaths.
The number of coronavirus cases in residents or staff of long-term care facilities increase by one Sunday in Escambia County to 29.
Statewide, there were 19,895 cases including 19,337 Florida residents. There have been 2,6672 hospitalizations and 461 deaths.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 224 (+14 since Saturday)
- Long-term care cases — 27
- Pensacola — 167
- Cantonment — 27
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 2
- Molino – 1
- Century — 1
- Residents: 206
- Nonresidents — 18
- Hospitalizations: 17
- Deaths — 3
- Youngest: 2
- Oldest: 95
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 109 (+3 since Saturday)
- Long-term care cases — 1
- Milton — 57
- Navarre — 27
- Gulf Breeze — 14
- Pace — 9
- Jay — 1
- Residents: 105
- Nonresidents — 0
- Hospitalizations — 15
- Deaths — 4
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 88
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 19,895
- Florida residents — 19,337
- Deaths — 461
- Hospitalizations — 2,672
Century’s Mayor Wrongly Claims Escambia County Has The Most COVID-19 Cases In Florida
April 12, 2020
UPDATE: The mayor issued an update to his Saturday letter on Sunday morning, after the publication of this story. The content of that letter is included below.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wrongly claimed in a letter Saturday afternoon that there are more COVID-19 cases in Escambia County than anywhere else in Florida.
“Escambia County has the largest reported cases in Florida,” Hawkins wrote in a signed letter that was emailed to multiple media outlets, his town council and others. A few hours later, he posted the same letter on his Facebook page.
As of Saturday night, the Florida Department of Health said there were 14 counties in Florida with higher case counts than Escambia County’s confirmed 210, including Miami-Dade with 32 times more cases at 6,758, Broward County with 2,844 and Palm Beach County with 1,499. A slight older version of the statewide case data listed by county was attached to Hawkins’ letter.
Century council member Ben Boutwell replied to all that received the emailed letter pointing out the wrong information.
“Escambia County does not have the highest numbers in the state of Florida. Agree with participating in social distancing but please check your numbers before sending out information to anyone,” Boutwell said.
About 9 a.m. Sunday, a second letter from the mayor was updated to say, “Escambia County has the largest report cases in the westernmost area of Florida,” which is a true statement.
Both of the mayor’s letters opened with a statement that “we have 1 confirmed and 1 suspected” COVID-19 case “here in Century”. The Florida Department of Health has not, and will not, confirm the exact location of the one case that has been reported in the 32535 Century zip code. The Century zip code reaches some 15 plus miles from Highway 97 in Davisville east through Century to Escambia River.
In both letters, he encouraged anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical attention “at your preferred local healthcare facility for evaluation”. The state health department and numerous agencies have repeatedly stressed that anyone with symptoms should call, not visit, a healthcare provider or call a local testing number.
“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,” the Florida Department of Health said. “It is important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation.”
The mayor also stressed the importance of keep six feet away from other people and no gatherings of more than 10 people – “this includes parks, stores, or any city facilities such as recreation centers”.
Easter Sunday: Severe Weather Likely, Very Windy
April 12, 2020
A severe weather outbreak is likely across the area early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Potential threats include strong long-track tornadoes, damaging winds in excess of 70 mph and large hail.
There is a wind advisory in effect for winds gusting to around 45 mph outside the storms.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 65. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
COVID-19 Last Week In Escambia County: Two Died, Cases Increase By 85; 27 Long-Term Care Cases Reported
April 12, 2020
Two people died from COVID-19 during the past week in Escambia County.
Also during the past week in Escambia County:
- One death was a 78-year old male that had contact with a previous case but no travel, and the second ws a 91-year old female with no travel history and no contact with a known case. A 75-year old female passed away a week prior.
- The number of cases in the county increased from 125 to 210. During the week, the number of cases in Pensacola increased from 84 to 155, and the number in Cantonment went from 19 to 26.
- The number of cases in residents or staff of long-term care facilities increases from just one to 28. Health officials will not name the facility or facilities involved.
- The first cases were reported in Molino and McDavid.
Virus Cases Continue Climb At Milton Prison; Still Only One Reported Case In Century Prison
April 12, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases reported at a Milton prison increased to 40 on Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
There are now 34 positive inmates and six infected employees or staff members at the Blackwater Correctional Facility. Blackwater is privately operated by the Geo Group, Inc. under a contract with the state and has a capacity of 2,000 inmates.
Just over a week ago, the count was three workers and no inmates.
A staffer at the Century Correctional Institution has also tested positive for coronavirus. No CCI inmates were positive as of Saturday’s report.
There are a total of 44 employees and contact staff positive at Florida Department of Corrections facilities, including Blackwater. Outside Blackwater in Milton, the only other positive inmate in the state is at Sumter Correctional Institution west of Orlando.
USDA To Allow Florida SNAP Recipients To Purchase Groceries Online
April 12, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Florida’s request to allow SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online.
SNAP recipients are not currently allowed to purchase groceries online; they must appear in person and present their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
The approval will allow the Florida to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date later this month.
“Allowing Florida families to purchase groceries online instead of venturing into a public store is a sound practice during this public health emergency and yet another step that will help Florida flatten the curve,” DeSantis said.
The USDA has an online shopping pilot program in several states, including Alabama, with shoppers limited to certain websites.
“Through this innovative pilot program, SNAP households can purchase food online and pay using their EBT card at pickup, among other options. This reduces shopping risk from COVID-19, helps fulfill consumer demand, and keeps Florida-grown products moving to families,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said.
Nearly 3 million Floridians participate in SNAP administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families, which will ultimately determine how the online program will work.