All Students At 44 Escambia Schools Will Receive Free Lunch, Breakfast This Year
July 23, 2020
Breakfast and lunch will be free for all students, regardless of income, during the upcoming school year at 44 schools in Escambia County.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program means that parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the Free and Reduced Meal program at that school. However, siblings attending schools not on the CEP list will need to apply for eligibility.
The free meal schools are selected based upon income levels.
This program has been in place since 2015 in Escambia County and is not related to the current pandemic.
Participating schools are:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Bellview
- Bratt
- Brentwood
- Byrneville
- C.A. Weis
- Ensley
- Ferry Pass
- Global Learning Academy
- Holm
- Jim Allen
- Lincoln Park
- Lipscomb
- Longleaf
- McArthur
- Molino Park
- Montclair
- Myrtle Grove
- Navy Point
- Oakcrest
- Pine Meadow
- Pleasant Grove
- Scenic Heights
- O.J. Semmes
- Sherwood
- Warrington
- West Pensacola
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bellview
- Beulah
- Ernest Ward
- Ferry Pass
- Jim Bailey
- Warrington
- Workman
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Escambia
- Northview
- Pensacola
- Pine Forest
- Washington
OTHER SCHOOLS AND CENTERS
- Camelot
- Capstone
- Escambia Westgate Center
- Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
- Lakeview Center
- Success Academy
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County, Alabama, COVID-19 Cases Increase By One-Fourth In One Week; Three New Deaths
July 23, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County, Alabama, are up by one-fourth in the past week.
As of Wednesday night, there were 697 confirmed cases in the county, up 24% from 562 a week ago. There have also been three additional deaths in the past week, brining the county’s total to 15 since the pandemic began.
In the past two weeks, 259 of 1,443 tests have been positive, a rate of 18%, compared to 13.5% statewide.
The latest data from the Escambia County Healthcare Authority shows 335 of the positive tests were from Atmore Community Hospital, and 81 were from D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton.
Pictured: Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Old Flomaton Road, Campbell Road Intersection Closed This Evening In Century
July 23, 2020
The intersection of Old Flomaton Road and Campbell Road in Century will be closed Thursday from 5 p.m. until about 10 p.m. for water system repairs. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 23, 2020
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period from May 15-May 28 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
(FWC fell behind in issuing reports during the pandemic. An additional update will be posted in the coming days.)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing and Land were on patrol in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola in the offshore patrol vessel NW Fincat. They conducted a boarding with multiple people onboard and located eight red snapper and three gray triggerfish. The season is currently closed for both species. The appropriate action was taken reference the violations.
Officers Cushing and Land were on water patrol near Bayou Texar. They observed an individual beach his vessel at the public boat ramp. The operator fell as he stepped out of his vessel, got up, and began staggering to his vehicle in the parking lot. Officer Land stopped the individual before he could leave to drive his vehicle. Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were conducted and the operator was arrested for BUI.
Officers Cushing and Land were on patrol in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola in the offshore patrol vessel. They conducted a resource inspection on a vessel with multiple people on board and located eight red snapper and three gray triggerfish. The season is currently closed for both species. The appropriate action was taken in reference to the violations.
Officers Cushing, Land, Matechik, Allgood, Graves, and Manning were on patrol in several different vessels, including an unmarked vessel and offshore patrol vessel. They patrolled waters targeting illegal harvest of red snapper and located many vessels and individuals possessing red snapper in closed state waters. They issued 18 citations for possession of red snapper, multiple fishing license citations, interference with a Fish and Wildlife Commission officer, multiple boating citations and 35 warnings.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While on patrol in the Shorebird Nesting Zone on Navarre Causeway, Officer Wilkenson observed several subjects fishing within the bird nesting area under the bridge. A resource inspection was conducted and revealed two undersized red drum. The subject was issued a notice to appear for the violation.
K9 Handler Officer J. Hutchinson was patrolling at night on state owned land near a boat ramp and observed a truck travelling towards him with its headlights off. A stop revealed the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. The glove compartment contained a loaded pistol and the driver informed Officer Hutchinson there were possible illegal drugs inside of the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine were in the driver’s pants pocket and a check revealed the passenger was a convicted felon. Two Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and assisted with the search of the vehicle. The driver was arrested for the drugs, paraphernalia and driving while license suspended. The passenger was arrested for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Both subjects were booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Officer Ramos was on patrol when he observed a man and woman fishing from a public pier. A license and resource inspection were conducted. The non-resident woman didn’t have a fishing license and the man admitted that he pulled someone else’s blue crab trap out of the water, retrieved a pinfish and placed it on a hook as bait. The female was issued a citation for not having a fishing license and the man was issued a criminal notice to appear for removing or taking possession of the contents of another harvester’s blue crab trap.
Good Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms
July 23, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Community Health Northwest Florida Receives $50,000 COVID-19 Emergency Grant
July 23, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida recently received $50,000 in emergency grant funding from the medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers.
Community Health Northwest Florida was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding through Direct Relief’s $25 million Covid-19 Fund for Community Health, which recognizes the profound effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the finances, services, staff, and patients of community health centers.
Community Health Northwest Florida will utilize the funds to ensure the continued safety of their healthcare workers through acquisition of additional personal protective equipment for front line clinical teams, physical building modifications and additional training for staff. The funds will also enable the health center to continue to provide walk-up and drive-through Covid-19 testing in addition to Covid-19 health education and outreach to the communities they serve, including Cantonment and Century.
“We are grateful for this critical and immediate support as we work to keep our communities safe and healthy during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Chandra Smiley, chief executive officer of Community Health Northwest Florida.
“Access to primary care is what keeps people healthy and out of the hospital, and the frontline work of Community Health Northwest Florida and other nonprofit community health centers across the U.S. is more
critical than ever with the onset of Covid-19,” said Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe. “Direct Relief is doing everything possible to bolster the work and support the staffs at the safety-net health facilities on which so many patients and their families rely for excellent care and trust for advice in this public health emergency.”
Two Men Steal Safe After Throwing A Brick Through The Door Of Century Liquor Store
July 22, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two men that threw a brick through the front door of a Century liquor store and stole the safe.
It happened sometime between about 4 and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Fusion Fine Wine and Spirits store at 9515 North Century Boulevard, adjacent to the Food Giant.
The ECSO said the safe was taken during the burglary, and surveillance images show the men toting the safe outside.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9650 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 436-STOP.
Record Setting Tropical Storm Gonzalo Forms In The Atlantic; Disturbance In The Gulf
July 22, 2020
Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed Wednesday in the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and the Lesser Antilles.
It set a record for the earliest seventh named storm — the earliest “G” storm — on record to form in the Atlantic basin. Gonzalo is forecast to strengthen over the next few days, possibly becoming a hurricane before reaching the Windward Islands this week. It’s too early to tell if Gonzalo might make it to the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are watching Tropical Storm Gonzalo out over the Atlantic, but for now it’s way too early to tell if it will hold together once it reaches the Caribbean and way too early to tell if it could potentially impact us. Just know that it’s out there and it’s being monitored,” the National Weather Service in Mobile said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Eight is in the Gulf of Mexico to the south of Pensacola. It is headed toward the Texas coast and forecast to stay well to the south of the local area. There is, however, a good risk of rip currents at our local beaches through Friday, along with increased chances of rain.
Two New COVID-19 Deaths Reported In Escambia, Santa Rosa
July 22, 2020
Two additional COVID-19 deaths were reported Wednesday in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County’s death was an 89-year old male, and the Santa Rosa County fatality was an 85-year old male. Neither were long-term care facility residents.
Escambia County cases increased 228 to 6,302. An additional 72 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 2,090.
Of the 1,336 tests results returned on Tuesday in Escambia County, 13.6% were positive and 11.3% were positive from 583 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 12.6%.
There were 230 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as of Wednesday, according to data from the three local hospitals. That is down from 244 on Tuesday.
Of the 63 deaths in Escambia County, 44 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 18 deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and two in a long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 379,619 cases including 374,920 Florida residents. There have been 22,243 hospitalizations* and 5,345 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
Total cases — 6,302 (+228 Tuesday)
Non-Florida residents — 733
Pensacola — 4,891 (+184)
Cantonment — 441 (+18)
Molino— 68 (+2)
Century — 47 (+1)
McDavid — 31 (+2)
Bellview — 9
Walnut Hill — 8
Perdido Key — 4
Gonzalez — 4
Current hospitalizations: 230 (-14)
Deaths — 63 (+1)
Male — 2,434
Female — 2,984
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 2,090 (+72 since Tuesday)
Non-Florida residents — 15
Milton — 879 (+30)
Gulf Breeze — 412 (+32)
Navarre — 333 (+8)
Pace — 192 (+1)
Jay — 73 (+4)
Bagdad — 3
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 121*
Deaths — 18 (+1)
Male — 998
Female — 1,042
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 36
Florida cases:
Total cases — 376,619
Florida residents — 374,920
Deaths — 5,345
Hospitalizations — 22,243*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals 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. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
Traditional, Remote Learning Or Virtual School? Here’s What Escambia Parents Picked
July 22, 2020
Escambia County parents were asked to choose from three options for their child’s education when students return to class in August.
Here’s what parents picked (definitions of each are at the end of the article):
- Traditional learning: 12,463 (34%)
- Remote Learning: 11,559 (31%)
- Virtual School: 3,481 (9%)
- Unknown: 9,753 (26%)
Because twice the number of parents chose the remote learning option, the school district has delayed the start of school by two weeks to better prepare.
RELATED: ESCAMBIA SCHOOLS DELAY START DATE, MANDATE FACE COVERINGS
“The number of students participating in the Remote Learning/Virtual School option means additional training for a number of our current instructors,” Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said, “pushing the student start date to August 24, 2020 is necessary to provide our educators with the professional development required for quality virtual instruction. This also means students returning to Traditional School can improve social distancing within the classroom and school buses.”
The district is attempting to contact the parents that did not make a choice by the July 20 deadline (listed as “Unknown” above). Parents can also call their child’s school to make a change in their selection.
The three options, in more detail, are:
Traditional -
This model represents a return to the school campus and the classroom where students will interact directly with their teacher(s) and classmates. If an option is not selected in FOCUS for a student, then this will be the default selection. The school day will follow the standard bell times and standard schedule that includes all the core classes and other subject areas. In short, it represents a return to the traditional school environment – with several significant changes involving enhanced health and safety precautions.
Remote Learning -
The remote learning model is designed for families who would like to maintain their connection to their enrolled school, but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August. Students will attend school remotely, following the standard school schedule and bell times. The lessons, assignments and grading will be similar to traditional school.
Virtual School -
The virtual model is ideal for students who wish to have more control over their learning path and pace, and for whom a flexible daily schedule is important. In this learning model, students often work on assignments in a virtual environment during non-traditional hours and maintain contact with their teacher and classmates using web-based class sessions, email, text messages and telephone calls.