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No Mask Mandate: County Launches ‘Mask Up, Escambia!’ Ad Campaign, Distributing Free Masks
July 3, 2020
Escambia County has launched a public health campaign urging residents and visitors to follow CDC guidelines, and the county is distributing tens of thousands of face masks for free.
The “Mask Up, Escambia!” campaign will include online, TV, billboard, and other advertising, along with social media efforts, a postal mailer to residents and the face mask distribution. It’s all being funded by the CARES Act, which provided money for local governments to deal with COVID-19 impacts.
The county stopped short of implementing a mask mandate like the City of Pensacola, but the commission did unanimously vote Thursday night to encourage citizens to follow CDC guidelines including the wearing of masks, social distancing and proper hand washing.
Free reusable cloth masks are available to Escambia County citizens at the following locations while supplies last:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road
- Molino Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Century Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Pensacola Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Tryon Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Genealogy Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Southwest Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Brownsville Community Center 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Ebonwood Community Center 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Note that all of the locations above are closed Friday, July 3 due to the Independence Day holiday.
In addition, disposable paper masks will be available on Pensacola Beach at lifeguard Tower 4 or directly from any lifeguard.
Comments
43 Responses to “No Mask Mandate: County Launches ‘Mask Up, Escambia!’ Ad Campaign, Distributing Free Masks”
REGARDING:
“Can someone please tell me exactly what constitutional right is being violated by the requirement to wear masks?”
I am not saying I agree since public health is separate from civil liberties. For example you have a right to own a weapon but not to randomly shoot people with it.
You have a right to speak, including other forms of speech such as wearing black armbands or yellow ribbons or masks to indicate you believe you are being gagged, deprived of the right to speak.
If you can wear a mask to make a statement, it could be reasoned you would have a right to NOT wear a mask as long as you were certain you were not endangering other people. In fact, if you could do that, you would not really need masks — nobody would, just avoid those who are infected.
Since you do NOT know who is infected/infectious, you go back from freedom of speech to public health concerns, but they figure public health is of no concern to them for a number of reasons.
They possibly don’t care if they might be harming others. It is like shooting a gun into a crowd but knowing only one bullet in a hundred would kill anyone.
Or a working prostitute who is HIV+.
Some have convinced themselves you are going to get sick eventually, so them being the ones who infected you didn’t affect the final result. This is a bit like deciding since we all die eventually, it won’t matter if they kill us themselves because in the end we would be dead anyway. This is true, but they have given themselves the right to shorten other people’s lives.
And then there are those who are still convinced it is all a HOAX, FAKE NEWS, DEEP STATE. They just think the entire world pandemic with 543,647 deaths (and counting) is just a political ploy against one man. There is little hope for them until they look at it more closely. (On a totally unrelated matter, many Germans finally realized Adolph Hitler was not a nice man.)
David for freedom of speech
RENIA A. PHEIFFER, Do you not wear a seatbelt either? By your logic, that would be showing a spirit of fear, also. God gave us a brain for a reason; so we could use common sense.
right on confused.
Can someone please tell me exactly what constitutional right is being violated by the requirement to wear masks?
Speed limits are constitutional.
Building codes are constitutional.
Restrictions on carrying guns in certain places are even constitutional and the right to bear arms is literally spelled out in the constitution.
Let’s allow food servers the freedom of not washing their hands before fixing those meals.
@MASK THIS !!!!
WHIP IT OUT. WHATEVER “THIS” IS.
Don, fear the Lord with reverence. do not fear what man can do for he can only take your life. fear what God will do if you do not accept Jesus as your savior.
Some things need to be feared. It appears even Jesus feared…
Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
T0 WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, your comments make no sense at all. using your logic I might as well walk down the interstate with a blindfold on. you seem to think it is your right to infect or cause some one to get sick and you do not care. you are definitely paranoid. you have the right to drive your car off a bridge but let me out first. please do not use the Bible to back you up when you do not understand it.
“those that are afraid or worried about it keep wearing their masks” I am not afraid or worried but I do use common sense.
Going forward I’m afraid the mask issue is going to really divide us to the point of violence. We’re already divided enough. I hope I’m wrong.
Personally according to the word we are to walk by faith and not by sight, not to mention God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind and once again I personally don’t believe in wearing masks bumping hands or elbows to each their own I’m not afraid to die today and I believe and I think to wear a mask means that I’m afraid worried concerned which goes against walking by faith. To not touch somebody means that I’m afraid and therefore I’m not walking by faith and for believers and Christians that say they believe and are Christians and believe in the word of God and walking by faith I don’t see that happening anywhere and is taking my rights away. I don’t see where someone else has the authority to take my rights away as an individual a human being a person at any given time in regards to this epidemic people have been dying for thousands and thousands of years and it’s going to continue to happen regardless how we die we’re going to die each and every one of us so I think that those that don’t want to wear masks shouldn’t have to wear a mask .,and those that are afraid or worried about it keep wearing their masks this mandatory thing is gotten way out of hand
Wearing a mask due to illness was actually a command by God to the Hebrews.
Leviticus 13:45-46
….. and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.
So was a Quarantine…
[46] ….he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be
Strange, never heard of a mask killing someone who wore it
If the Covid-19 smelled like poop..people would be begging to wear one
Then if someone told them they could not…
They would tout their right to wear a mask
Human frailty in true from and obtuse thought process
Here’s some easy to grasp statistics for all those who are mask challenged. In Taiwan, a country with almost 24 million people, they’ve had around 400 Covid cases and 7 deaths with new cases almost flat. In Florida, a state with 21.5 million people, we’ve experienced 190,000 cases and 3,683 deaths with new cases growing exponentially. Taiwan chose a proactive approach using masks, testing, tracking and personal quarantine. They didn’t shutdown businesses or schools and the virus had a minimal impact on their economy. In Florida, first we ignored it, then shutdown, then reopened and now selectively ignore it. The virus is only getting started and it’s already had a huge impact on our economy. So far, the infection rate is below 1%, what do think is going to happen when it hits 10% or more. Just keep ignoring it, you’ll soon find out.
How many people who say masks do no good are going to tell medical professionals to just toss them when they or a loved one needs surgery? How many are willing to wear a mask when visiting a friend or family member undergoing chemo? How about to keep an expectant mom or newborn from getting sick? What if we could get back to something closer to normal if everyone who can wears a mask in public for the next few weeks? We don’t know what circumstances other people are dealing with, so why not do what we can to help, by assuming no one wants to get sick? What made America great has nothing to do with slogans; it’s been the willingness of our citizens to look out for one another. It’s about willingness to do what needs to be done even when it’s not convenient or comfortable. At a time when our standing in the world is slipping and other countries are looking at us in disbelief as our infection numbers rise and our economy plummets, we need real patriots. Not whiners, not science naysayers, not political parties, not people out to make a buck on misery. Just as many people as possible willing to put thir own interests aside long enough to give masks a chance to work. Happy 4th of July. Hoping next year is one to truly celebrate.
Jesus would wear a mask! Love life! He gave his life for us, let’s wear a mask of others.
Thinking that masks don’t slow down the spread of germs, is pathetically ignorant. You don’t need scientific data to tell you that a mask will help to filter the air – it’s just common sense. People who refuse to wear masks, and who are choosing to turn this into a political, “nobody is going to tell me what to do” issue, are the reason why this pandemic has come roaring back. It’s not about your freedom, it’s about giving a rip about other people, and not about your own selfish agenda. But if you want to make it about freedom, fine, you can whatever the you want to do, right up until the point where your freedom infringes on, or puts my health at risk; that’s where your freedom ends, things called rules and laws kick in. You don’t want to wear a mask, ok then you stay home! Stop telling me that I have to stay home, because you won’t wear stinking mask! So many people decided they were done with Covid, when Covid clearly wasn’t done with people, and now, we are paying the price. You shouldn’t have to be told to wear a mask, people should do it out of respect for their fellow countryman.
MASK THIS !!!!
REGARDING:
“I served over 20 years in the navy and had a lung removed because of cancer”
You might luck out and have a mild case or not even get infected.
I noticed one COVID-19 victim had to have a double lung transplant but survived. (Probably didn’t need both but they are usually both available IF available.) Maybe you’ll get lucky some other way.
David for those depending on luck, it’s all they have
I served over 20 years in the navy and had a lung removed because of cancer and I did not ever smoke. If you want to wear a mask knock your self out, if you don’t fine. Don’t be forcing others to your comfort zone, if laws are made the proper way, fine but don’t give up freedoms they are so hard to get back.
@Jennifer I was in Walmart in Milton /Pace yesterday and most people had masks on. In a business that is that big things can change in an hour, minute or day. The most important thing is to wear a mask for everyone, especially yourself. The Walmart in Pace is my favorite Walmart. I live in Pensacola and it is worth the drive.
how many of you that are complaining about your rights have fought for your country or even served in the military. I served for 24 years and actually fought for your precious rights. because of that service I have two types of cancer due to agent orange. I wear a mask to continue to protect me and you, I am sure that the protection of a mask is not 100%, but even if it is 30% that is better than nothing. I risked my life for you. is it asking too much for you to wear a mask for me. that is just a few minutes a day while inside a building, not 24/7. there are many of us old veterans that would appreciate your help. but if your precious right to not wear a mask is that important then by all means kill a vet today.
Since they want to make us wear masks, why not make everyone attend a Fundamental Bible believing church for a month or two and learn about accepting Jesus.. He is the only way to heaven and acceptance to a Holy God. Every other way is false and leads to permanent place in hell once they die. That is more important than telling about wearing a mask.
It seems so ironic when people use the word “sheep.” It’s not an original thought, just something you heard someone else say.
But, since we’re talking about our forefathers that would hate our communist ways…are we talking about the ones who said slaves were legal and counted as 3/5 of a person? Or the ones who were drafted by an overreaching government and forced to do inconvenient things?
@Bard, you are right, they should have saved that 175,000 and made the mask mandate. I don’t understand all you people that think it’s your right. You wear a seat belt and it only protects you. You do it because if you don’t you will be fined! Does that mean your rights have been infringed on? Your mask doesn’t seal all germs but cuts down on transmission from 8 feet down to 2 feet. That’s not science, it’s more like math! Just suck it up and wear the mask people.
@Cope Cheryl…you must be the ring leader of the idiot circus. You deserve the president you have. Good luck with keeping yourself healthy with this “fake” disease…its only a matter of time before you see, first hand that it doesn’t discriminate against the uneducated and the “I have rights too, ‘Mericans.”
Who do you get your information from, the CDC, Trumps’ own heath team and almost ALL doctors and nurses: if so, they say wear a mask. What is so hard about that? Why does it feel like you are having some great freedom taken away, this is just temporary. I am willing do it for you and our fellow human beings. Come-on you can do it, Its not hard.
The government has so overreached their authority (that they don’t have) and people have complied so look for more of your RIGHTS to be taken. This is a ”scamdemic” and most people realize it. All the experts have been wrong on every single thing they have said. If you are still listening to ANY major network news they are pushing fear to keep your voice censored and keep you in a panic! You will continue to see more red flags because they haven’t been able to get rid of TRUMP. Be your own advocate and start doing your on research of the correct information on COVID. Totally insane!
This is really a waste of $175K. Yes, that’s right – $175K that they are spending on this advertising campaign. They could put a story on their facebook page showing where you can pick up a free mask if you so choose – do a public service announcement on our local television station – things that do NOT add up to $175,000. When our County already claims they have no money to pay our firefighters a decent wage – or to ensure their equipment is functioning properly – they spend $175,000 on an advertisement campaign??? Time to vote the County Commissioners that approved this out of office!
@ Rasheed Jackson your words regarding Milton are too generous. Employees of various businesses ARE donning masks, very few customers are.
I went to the Walmart on Creighton and it was nearly 100% participation of mask wearers. Later on that day I went to the Milton/Pace Walmart and you were definitely in the minority if you had a mask on. Milton/Pace is business as usual and in my opinion always has been – meaning most of the folks here don’t think there is a problem.
Do some research morons. Masks do nothing. It’s like trying to keep mosquitoes out with a chain link fence. Not wearing a mask. Not taking a vaccine. Take your masks and vaccines and guess where you can shove them. No submission here.
No one has a problem with clothes being mandated but, lordy, a mandate to wear a cloth over your lower face FOR SAFETY REASONS (like mandated seatbelts) drives everyone ballistic. Even Vice President Pence got the message.
Being in the public without mask during this time when thousand of people are dying every day is like driving under the influence in a public ….
I will bet the forefathers that fought in all these wars would wear a mask to protect their countrymen. I fought in a war and I will wear a mask to protect you whether you like it or not. some people just need others to look after them. may GOD bless you and yours and keep them safe as you exercise your rights.
I never would have believed that we as a county would have so many folks that’s willing follow a cult leader. It doesn’t seam to matter how many facts are showed, hospitals full and so many deaths and they still follow their cult leader willingly to death , if that’s what you want for yourself that’s okay, but to take family and friends with you that’s not okay. Then the choice is NOT yours to make. SO SAD, THAT YOU KEEP DRINKING THAT COOLAIDE. PLEASE, WAKE UP.
I am all for social distance and hand washing which is something everyone should be doing anyway. Now as far as the mask thing those paper mask are not really a whole lot of protection. I put my little paper mask on that is made in China when I need to but is that going to protect me or someone else who really knows. I go by all laws that are implemented but people should not be forced to do things that goes against their freedom. If you want to use them you should have a choice and you should not be made to feel guilty if you don’t.
If masks work so great then who cares if others aren’t wearing them as long as you are? Wear your mask and you will be just fine. 3 months ago the same idiots including the brilliant Dr. Fauci said there was no need for everyone to wear them.
This seems like a waste of money. I’m pretty sure everyone knows about the pandemic and the fact mask may help slow the spread. There is no mandate in the county so it’s up to person to decide if they want to use one. I do not agree with the mandate but I choose to wear a mask due to my contact with immune compromised and elderly family members.
They have cancelled everything I hope that includes the protest. If I have to be forced to mask up which is against my freedom to do what I want with my body then there should be no freedom to stand in a huge crowd to protest. We are now having all of our rights taken away . Everyday is a new thing and as far as CNN the biggest fake news channel in the nation that is a joke.
The mask is the new tin foil hat.
I’m so grateful I live in Santa Roaa County. I wont go to Pensacola or do any business in Pensacola as long as this mandatory mask enforcement is in place. At almost 50 years old, I know how to stay away from people and wash my hands. I dont need a government babysitter.
Great that Escambia is supporting the wearing of masks and not mandating them. I listened to the mayor of Milton on CNN the other day and her reasoning for the mandate made no sense. They went from 5 known cases to seven and she called the justification for a mask mandate. Sounds to me like the good people of Milton have been doing their due deligence in bieng cautious, distancing and sanitizing. She should have expounded on that and encouraged them to continue with the good job rather than trying to force them all to wear a mask. Good job Milton keep up the good work.
One more thing when CNN does a story about a sleepy little town in Florida they may want to use picture of the actual town and not shots of a board walk on the beach with towering palm trees and people roller skating. Looked like a shot of Miami.
don’t try to tell me what to do. you hope to make a buck fining people. Mr. Reynolds says be nice so i will not express any real opinion on this, as decorum must be maintained. you are trying to turn people into sheep. just like drug testing, if people had shown some backbone it would have went away. the communist approach of “get in line, do what we say” is Unamerican and just a real shame. Our forefathers against the Brits, and our ancestors in the World Wars did not fight so you could come along and tromp on The Constitution. i hope all of you are voted out of office.