Escambia, Santa Rosa COVID-19 cases Increase By Five On Sunday
May 10, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties increased by five in the Sunday data release from the Florida Department of Health.
There were four new cases reported in Escambia County Friday for a total of 638 positive people. The Santa Rosa County total increase by one to 173.
Of the 18 deaths in Escambia County, 13 have been long-term care facility residents. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, all outside long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 40,596 cases including 39,514 Florida residents. There have been 7,171 hospitalizations and 1,721 deaths.
- Total cases — 638 (+4 since Saturday)
- Pensacola — 490
- Cantonment — 41
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 48*
- Deaths — 18
- Male — 228
- Female — 315
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 173 (+1 since Saturday)
- Milton — 95
- Navarre — 33
- Gulf Breeze — 24
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 116
- Female — 54
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 40,596
- Florida residents — 39,514
- Deaths — 1,721
- Hospitalizations — 7,171*
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
Beulah Fire Was ‘Human Caused’; Santa Rosa Fire Causes Estimated $1.9 Million In Damage; Both 65% Contained
May 10, 2020
The Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah and the 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County are now both 65% contained.
Hurst Hammock Fire
The Hurst Hammock Fire is now mapped at 1,248 acres and 65% contained. The Florida Forest Service announced Sunday morning that the fire was “human caused”. While firefighters and investigators have not pinpointed the exact cause, there was no lightning or other natural source for this fire to start.
There was an increase in fire activity on the southwest area of the fire yesterday that threatened several homes in the Hurst Landing area. Crews on scene quickly responded with dozers and quickly contained the spot fire to only one acre. Fire behavior on the rest of the fire area was quiet.
A Gyro Tract, which is a specialized piece of equipment used to mow vegetation, began work on the east side of the Hurst Hammock Fire yesterday. Reducing the buildup of hazardous fuel (vegetation) loads will reduce the potential damaging impacts from another possible wildfire, the Forest Service said.
Crews will continue to improve and hold the established containment lines.
5 Mile Swamp Fire
The 5 Mile Swamp Fire is now 2206 acres and 65% contained.
After a five-day, multi-agency response to the Five Mile Swamp Fire, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is pulling back structure fire equipment and personnel. The Florida Forest Service will retain command of the fire. The Florida Forest Service Blue Incident Management Team, which took command at noon on Thursday, is based out of the Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center.
Santa Rosa County’s damage assessment team has determined 14 residential structures were destroyed (seven damaged) with a total of 27 buildings destroyed. The estimated value for residential structure losses is $1,902,887. No responders or residents were injured. Monetary donations for long-term recovery efforts for residents who have lost their homes can be made to Safer Santa Rosa.
Crews were focusing Saturday on mopping-up hot spots in residential areas and on roadways as well as monitoring the containment lines. Minimal fire behavior with some creeping and smoldering was observed. A strike team of engines out of Tallahassee from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is now in place conducting mop up operations to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding neighborhoods such as Robinson Point and Garcon Point.
There are 117 personnel assigned to this fire. On Sunday, crews will continue to patrol, mop up hot spots, and monitor smoke impacts.
“Santa Rosa County has always had a strong working relationship with our state and regional partners,” said Santa Rosa County Public Safety Director Brad Baker. “We appreciate their timely and tireless support and we would like to thank everyone who pitched in to help – from firefighters on the ground and in the air, to the staff manning the citizens’ information line, to the restaurants providing meals for our evacuees.”
Agencies who have responded to Five Mile Swamp Fire include Allentown, Avalon, Bagdad, East Milton, Harold, Munson, Pace, Skyline, Whiting Field, Gulf Breeze, Midway, Holley-Navarre and Navarre Beach fire departments in Santa Rosa County along with Okaloosa Wildland Task Force, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Wildland Task Force, HZ-57 1302 Wildland Task Force, Escambia County (Florida) Fire, Escambia County (Alabama) Fire, Baldwin County Fire, Florida Forest Service, Lifeguard Ambulance, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management.
Century Man Charged With Cutting Woman With A Knife At Her Apartment
May 10, 2020
A Century man stands accused of cutting a female with a knife at her local apartment.
Brandon DeWayne Jackson, 34, was charged by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Escambia County deputies responded to a reported disturbance at Century Park Apartments on Second Street near the Century courthouse. They arrived to find “a lot” of splattered blood front of the door, on the ground, door, door frame and outside wall. The woman that answered their knock on the door had a 1.5 long cut on her thumb. She told deputies Jackson had already left. Inside, deputies found blood in the entryway, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom of the apartment.
The victim told deputies Jackson arrived at her apartment at 9:30 the night before and had knocked on the door throughout the night until 10:30 a.m. Jackson allegedly called the victim’s mother to say he just wanted to return her phone, so the victim eventually let him into the apartment believing everything was okay.
The two got into an argument and physical altercation in which Jackson punch her in the face twice, causing her to black out, according to an arrest report. The victim armed herself with a large kitchen knife and began to push Jackson toward the door. He grabbed the knife and turned it, causing the large cut on the victim’s hand, the report states. The victim claimed that Jackson’s hand was also cut by the knife during the altercation.
When Jackson exited the apartment, he reportedly struck the victim again in the face. At least three children were in the apartment at the time of the incident.
The victim was evaluated by Escambia County EMS but was not transported to the hospital.
Jackson was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond
Three-Quarters Of Escambia County COVID-19 Fatalities Are Long-Term Center Residents Or Staff
May 10, 2020
About three-quarters of the COVID-19 deaths in Escambia County have been in local long-term facilities, according to recently released data from the Florida Department of Health.
There have been 18 coronavirus deaths in Escambia County, with 13 of those tied directly to local long-term care facilities. Twelve of the deaths were residents, while one staff member has also died.
According to FDOH data:
- Bayside Health And Rehabilitation Center has had four resident deaths, 33 positive residents and 15 infected staff members.
- Brookdale Pensacola has had four resident deaths one infected resident and six positive staff members.
- Southern Oaks Care Center has recorded three resident deaths, one staff member fatality, 94 positive residents, four positive residents transferred to other facilities and three infected staff members.
- Arcadia Health & Rehabilitation Center has seen on resident death. The latest FDOH report does not indicate any other cases at the facility.
A total of 656 patients and eight employees have died at long-term care facilities across Florida — nearly 40% of of the state’s confirmed 1,715 COVID-19 deaths.
Nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to their nature and a resident population that is often older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions.
Pictured: Southern Oaks Care Center on West Gregory Street. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clear Skies Tonight, Lows In The Lower 50s
May 10, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
May 10, 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:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 10:
-
- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, May 10:
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers can expect intermittent and alternating lane closures between Beulah Elementary School and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, May 11 as crews perform operations for an upcoming traffic shift.
In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) 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.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Striping/ Pavement Marking Operations- There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the locations on the following dates:
- From Rothschild Drive to Nine Mile Road Sunday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 12
- From A Street to Pace Boulevard Wednesday, May 13
- From Nine Mile Road to Blue Angel Parkway Thursday, May 14
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Underground Utility Maintenance – Drivers will experience traffic impacts at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15.
- The westbound and eastbound, outside lanes will be closed from A Street to Devilliers Street.
- The eastbound and westbound, inside lanes will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and E Street to the intersection of Garden Street and I Street.
- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and B Street to the intersection of Garden Street and D Street.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The contractor has installed the drill shaft and is awaiting cure time before returning to the project. There are no lane closures or impacts to traffic at this time.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews perform paving operations. There will also be ongoing turn lane, widening, and median work at various locations on the project.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 10:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions throughout town as crews perform paving operations and bridge work.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Community Health Northwest Florida Patients Can Get Financial Assistance With Bills
May 10, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now able to offer assistance to current patients who may be struggling financially due to job loss, reduction in hours or other circumstances directly related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Through a grant from the United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund which included a significant contribution from Gulf Power, Community Health of Northwest Florida is able to offer assistance with rent, mortgage, utility bills and other patients.
The applicant or a household member must be a current patient of Community Health Northwest Florida. Grant funds will be used to provide assistance only to those clients who have been furloughed, lost a job or had work hours reduced by 50% on or after March 17. Money will be disbursed only to vendors such as a landlord, mortgage company, or utility.
For more information, click below:
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application Cover Letter
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application
Or look for the links on this page.
Northview Class Of 2020 To Return Items, Pick-up Yearbooks And Gifts Wednesday
May 10, 2020
The Northview High School Class of 2020 will drive-thru the school bus loop Wednesday to returns items and pick up yearbooks and a special gifts.
Here is the announcement from the school:
We have some exciting news for our seniors! On Wednesday, May 13th, we will be hosting a drive-through in the school’s bus loop for you to pick up and drop off items. Included in this will be some very special gifts for you! You will also be able to pick up your already purchased yearbooks and be the first to purchase a yearbook if you would like. Yearbooks will be $65, cash only, no checks. Also, you will be able to drop off library books, dual enrollment textbooks, and uniforms, along with anything else you need to return to the school at this time (Chromebooks and other textbooks will be collected at a later date). The schedule is as follows-
9:00 – 10:00 Last names A – C
10:00 – 11-00 Last names D – L
11:00 – 12:00 Last names M – R
12:00 – 1:00 Last names S – Z
When possible, to help with the traffic flow, we encourage seniors to ride separately unless they live together, and please come at your appointed time. If you show up outside of your appointed time, you will need to come back at the appropriate time. No one will be allowed to get out of their car; this is for your safety as well as the safety of those who are distributing in the loop.
We are excited to see you all!
Judith Alberta Diehl
May 10, 2020
Judith Alberta Diehl, 83, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. She was a mother of four daughters and attended St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic Church. Judith dedicated her life to helping others as a Parish Nurse and taught LPN students at Reed State College. She was also an accomplished writer for LPNs. If you asked Judith what the most important thing in her life was, she would say, “God and family.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Diehl; father, Albert Ve Depo; mother, Inze Miller Ve Depo; and sister, Janice Kafer.
Judith is survived by daughters, Becky (Clifford) Griffith, Vickie Tanton, Cindy Diehl, and Theresa (John) Kittrell; grandchildren, Wayne Griffith, Kelly Wood, Mandy Hiller, Chad Tanton, Kattie Rule, John Kittrell, and Kimberly Fuqua; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Johnny Ve Depo; sister, Jane Ross; and best friend, Frances Johnson.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 8, 2020, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Father George Thekku officiating.
Burial was in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Molino, FL.
Pallbearers were Wayne Griffith (grandson), Chad Tanton (grandson), John Kittrell, III (grandson), Clayton Kittrell, Jason Wood, and Josh Hiller.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Bennie Lane Fretwell
May 10, 2020
Bennie Lane Fretwell, born March 17, 1940, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Bennie was a simple kind of man. He was always a hard worker and provider for his family. In his younger years, Bennie enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered for his charismatic and witty personality.
Bennie is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nelda Fretwell. He leaves behind his three daughters, Diane (Harvey) Smith, Sissy (Randy) Richardson and Cindy Venable; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 12, 2020, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with funeral services to follow at 1:30 p.m.
Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Harvey Smith, Brandon Smith, Kevin Flynn, Michael Flynn, Michael Flynn, Jr., and Joseph Venable, Jr.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.