Mose Burkett
May 10, 2020
Mr. Mose “Buddy” Burkett age 86, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in Jay, Florida.
Mr. Burkett was a native of Moyeville, AL, former resident of the Flomaton, Century area and had resided in Jay, FL for the past 44 years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Navy, retired maintenance worker with Monsanto Corp with 36 years of service and a member of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall of Brewton, AL. He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Ruby Jo Burkett; wife and mother of his children, Birdie Ann Burkett and Helen Burkett; three sons, Tommy Adkins, Jerry Adkins and Randy Burkett; two daughters, Victoria Pierre and Joann Ridderbjelke; two sisters, Susie Mae Penton and Rochelle Macks Bankston and four brothers, Shep Burkett, Charles W. Burkett, Joe Burkett and Dempsey Burkett.
He is survived by his son, Rodney (Dana) Burkett of Century, FL; two brothers, Robert Burkett of Flomaton, AL and Arthur Burkett of Panama City, FL; six sisters, Frances (Ed) Hayles of Atmore, AL, Reaatha Emmons of Pineview, AL, Edwina “Red” (Alton) Calloway of Flomaton, AL, Essie Amodeo of Milton, FL, Mary Daniels of Milton, FL and Natasha Burkett; 12 grandchildren, Michele Adkins, Becky Adkins, Jennifer Adkins, Maegan Barras, Shannon Elizabeth Lirette, Lisa Ann Fitzpatrick, Brigitte Marie (Brandon) Ward, Wesley Michael Pierre, Heath Warren Burkett, Marinda Burkett, Mazie Burkett and Jessie Ridderbjelke; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were held Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the Moyeville Cemetery with Bro. Richard Ash officiating.
Pallbearers were Charlie Brown, Luke Brown, Logan Brown, Tom Harrington, Charles Cash and Richard Ash.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
One Reported Injured In West Roberts, Pine Forest Road Wreck
May 9, 2020
One person was reported injured in a Saturday afternoon wreck in Cantonment.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 12:18 p.m. at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Pine Forest Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County EMS and the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded. ‘
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Travel Trailer Destroyed In Early Morning Highway 97 Crash
May 9, 2020
A travel trailer was destroyed in a crash early Saturday morning near Walnut Hill.
The travel trailer and a truck went off Highway 97 near Howell Road about 1:20 a.m.. There was no word of any serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
COVID-19 Cases Increase By 26 In Escambia, Santa Rosa
May 9, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties increased by 26 in the Saturday data release from the Florida Department of Health.
There were 16 new cases reported in Escambia County Friday for a total of 634 positive people. The Santa Rosa County total increase by 10 to 172.
Of the 18 deaths in Escambia County, 13 were long-term care facility residents. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, all outside long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 40,001 cases including 38,926 Florida residents. There have been 7,093 hospitalizations and 1,715 deaths.
- Total cases — 634 (+16 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 487
- 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 — 172 (+10 since Friday)
- 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 — 40,001
- Florida residents — 38,926
- Deaths — 1,715
- Hospitalizations — 7,093*
*“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 Wildfire Tops 1400 Acres; Santa Rosa Fire 2100 Acres; Both Are 50% Contained
May 9, 2020
Both the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah and the 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County were reported as 50% contained.
The Beulah fire grew to 1,405 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. Helicopters made total of 120 water drops on the west perimeter of the fire. Crews also spent time Friday widening and establishing new fire containment lines in that same area of the Hurst Hammock Fire.
The Santa Rosa County fire expanded to 2,153 acres as crews focused their attention Friday on creating 30-40-foot-wide containment lines on the north and northeast perimeter.
Firefighters continue to improve, monitor, and hold all containment lines around both wildfires as well as reduce critical hot spots in the residential areas.
The Forest Service said the Santa Rosa County fire has destroyed 14 homes and damaged seven others. There were also eight outbuildings destroyed and five damaged.
Saturday’s weather calls for winds out of the north and northwest with gusts up to 20 mph and another drop in humidity .
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walk-up COVID-19 Testing Next Week In Century; No Pre-screening Call Needed
May 9, 2020
Walk-up COVID-19 testing will be available next week in Century.
Community Health Northwest Florida will conduct the testing on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 440 East Hecker Road. There is no pre-screening required.
The testing is available for Escambia County, Florida, residents only.
The walk-up testing is intended for residents of Century and the surrounding area 18 and older who are symptomatic, or for other reasons feel the need to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19). Test kit quantities are limited.
According to Community Health:
- The tests are no-cost to the individual. If you have health insurance, your insurance will cover cost If you do not have insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can still be tested free of charge.
- Testing is not a doctor visit. You will not receive a medical examination. Community Health will only be collecting a specimen to send to a lab for processing, and then you will be free to go.
- Once your test is complete, is it critical that you go home and self-isolate, wear a face covering and keep way from other people (including family members) to the best of your ability until results are known.
- Community Health will call to share test results when they are available along with instructions on what to do next. They should have a good working contact number for you. They will not leave test result information on a voicemail message.
Escambia Tax Collector Offices Open Monday With Limited Access And Services
May 9, 2020
All Escambia County Tax Collector offices will be open beginning Monday with limited access and services.
To limit the number of people in the lobbies, services are limited to Escambia County residents only.
Transactions and customers will be pre-screened prior to entering the building. Only the customer directly involved in the transaction will be admitted to further comply with CDC social distancing guidelines. To ensure a successful visit and transaction, citizens are encouraged to visit the “What Do I Bring” page at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. After confirming all document requirements have been met, Escambia County
residents may “Join the Line” for service.
After joining the line, customers will receive an estimated wait time by text. Wait times may be longer than normal. Customers should remain in their vehicles until called for service. When called, their
transactions will be pre-screened prior to entering. Customers will have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer and be screened prior to entering the lobby. Customers will be required to supply and wear a mask while in tax collector buildings and will take the mask off only if required for an official photo.
Driver licenses and identification cards that expired from March 16 to May 30 have been automatically extended.
The vision requirements have not been waived for driver license transactions, so a vision test will be given. If customers are uncomfortable with the vision machine, they can request a vision form be sent via email that can be taken to an eye care professional and completed before the customer visits an office.
Driving exams are being offered by appointment only for Escambia residents who have held their learner permit for at least one year. Parents are encouraged to contact the office to schedule the appointment. We are unable to offer walk-in, medical or special driving exams at this time.
“We feel these steps will help keep both our customers and our employees safe while still assisting our citizens to the best of our ability,” said Lunsford. “We continue to ask our customers to have patience, understanding and grace as we all navigate this new normal. Our employees are happy to serve and continue to do so in a kind, efficient and safe manner.”
The following transactions are available at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s website and will not be processed in the lobbies:
- Registration (Tag) Renewal
- License plate or tag renewals MUST be renewed online using the RenewExpress system. Choose same-day pick up available at one of three drive-thru locations or choose to have the registration mailed after next-day processing.
- Business Tax Receipt
- The Payment Center allows customers to create an original or renew or edit a current record. It’s a great way to locate a business in the county. Searching by keywords such as plumbing will create a list of licensed plumbing businesses.
- Property Tax
- Pay property tax, review full payment history, research and print prior years receipts and search ownership by name or address.
- Hunting and Fishing License
- Purchase or renew a hunting and fishing license.
Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com/payment.
Full payment of fees is required at time of service, and payment may be made by eCheck, debit, or credit cards. Payments made by eCheck are fee-free. Credit and debit transactions are subject to convenience
fees charged by the payment vendor(s).
Palafox Street In Downtown Pensacola Will Be Pedestrian Only For Mother’s Day
May 9, 2020
A section of Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola will be converted to pedestrian traffic only on Mother’s Day to promote safe outdoor retail and restaurant activities for businesses and individuals visiting downtown for the Mother’s Day holiday.
Palafox Street from Garden Street to Main Street will be open to pedestrians only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Visitors are asked to maintain a six foot separation and to not gather in groups of more than 10.
“We know the Pensacola community is eager to support local businesses and restaurants as we begin to enter into an economic recovery period from COVID-19,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the public to show their support in a safe way. We are very excited we will be able to open Palafox for our citizens to celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful for all that the mothers of Pensacola have done to make our community great.”
Limiting the street to pedestrian traffic only will provide additional space for downtown visitors to more easily practice social distancing while supporting local businesses.
2-Year Old Accidentally Shot In Escambia County
May 9, 2020
A two-year old was accidentally shot in Escambia County Friday night.
The toddler was shot when a gun accidentally went off while the owner was cleaning it, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. It happened near Binnacle Place and Marlinspike Drive off Gulf Beach Highway.
The child was shot in the hip area and is expected to recover. No charges were filed.
Tucson E. Amerson
May 9, 2020
Tucson E. Amerson, 80 of Bratt, FL. passed May 7, 2020 in Bratt, FL. He was born in Bratt, FL. on August 6, 1939 to Floyd Armstrong and Inez Amerson. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in United States Navy for over 13 ½ years. He retired from the Bag Plant at St. Regis, Champion, International Paper Company with over 27 ½ years of service. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Linda Amerson. Tucson enjoyed spending time with his family and going to Lake Talquin. He also enjoyed riding his Harley 77 Low Rider Harley and attending various bike rallies. He was loved by all who met him.
He is survived by his three daughters Adrianna (Barry) Sager of Bratt, FL; Michelle (Allen) Driskell of Byrneville, FL. and Tammy Amerson of Bratt, FL. His fiancée Tonya Lambert; six grandchildren John Maughon (Bonnie), Colton Maughon (Carli), Hannah Ellis, Blaize Parrish, Drake Driskell, and Maddie Driskell; his best friend/brother Fred Strauss; three step- children Dellon Creel, Danielle Creel, Daniel Creel; twelve great grandchildren and many other family and friends; twelve great grandchildren and many and many other family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11 AM at the Bratt-Godwin Cemetery with Bro. Dillon Parham officiating.
Due to the current health care crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
Active pallbearers will be Anthony Black, Toby Boutwell, Carl Gandy, Corey Parrish, Bernard Conway and Dillon Sager.