Three Additional COVID-19 Deaths Reported In Escambia, Santa Rosa For Third Straight Day
July 21, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Three additional COVID-19 deaths were reported Tuesday in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for the third straight day.
Escambia County’s death was an 88-year old female long-term care facility. The Santa Rosa County fatalities were a 37-year old male and a 70-year old male.
Escambia County cases increased 174 to 6,074. An additional 44 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 2,018.
Of the 1,085 tests results returned on Sunday in Escambia County, 12.6% were positive and 9.8% were positive from 412 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 12.2%.
There were 244 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County as pf Tuesday, according to data from the three local hospitals
Of the 62 deaths in Escambia County, 44 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 13 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 369,834 cases including 365,244 Florida residents. There have been 21,780 hospitalizations* and 5,206 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 — 6,074 (+174 since Monday)
Non-Florida residents — 714
Pensacola — 4,707 (+134)
Cantonment — 423 (+13)
Molino— 66 (+2)
Century — 46 (+2)
McDavid — 29 (+1)
Bellview — 9
Walnut Hill — 8
Perdido Key — 4
Gonzalez — 4
Current hospitalizations: 244 (+27)
Deaths — 62 (+1)
Male — 2,342
Female — 2,866
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 2,018 (+44 since Monday)
Non-Florida residents — 13
Milton — 849 (+16)
Gulf Breeze — 380 (+9)
Navarre — 325 (+7)
Pace — 191 (+3)
Jay — 69 (+1)
Bagdad — 3
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 113*
Deaths — 17 (+2)
Male — 966
Female — 1,009
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 36
Florida cases:
Total cases — 369,834
Florida residents — 365,244
Deaths — 5,206
Hospitalizations — 21,780*
*“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.
Century Approves $56K Contract To Replace Gas Meters, Can’t Account For 28% Of Their Natural Gas
July 21, 2020
The Town of Century has awarded a contract to replace 283 gas meters in an effort to increase revenue due to improved billing accuracy. Last month, the town could not account for 28 percent of the natural gas they purchased for resale. That’s not due a leak; it’s due to billing and meter inaccuracies, according to town officials.
Florida Gas Utility received bids on behalf of the town, with only one bid submitted from Precision Meter Repair, Inc. of Plant City, Florida.
The council approved the purchase of new gas meters in early 2019 for a system with 615 connections. City staff and contractors replaced 265 meters during the winter of 2019, while the other meters remained in storage.
Precision Meter will now replace 283 meters and regulators at $160 each for a total of $45,280. Numerous meters will require a regular replacement at $38 each, with the contract allocating up to an additional $10,754. The company said it will take about 45 to 60 days to complete the job once they begin.
There are 67 inactive meters that will not be replaced at this time. They will be changed out when service is requested by the customer.
The meter replacements will be funded by Local Option Sales Tax funds.
In 2018, the town could not account for nearly 60% of their bulk purchased natural gas.
Dr. John Lanza Retiring As Escambia Health Boss; Marie Mott Named As His Successor
July 21, 2020
Dr. John Lanza is retiring after 25 years as the health officer and director of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, and the state has named his replacement.
Marie Brady Mott will take over as the health officer and administrator for the FDOH-Escambia on July 24. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in the health field with 13 years working at FDOH-Escambia, currently as the public health services manager.
In her new role as the health officer and administrator, she will be responsible for ensuring that FDOH-Escambia continues to address state and local public health priorities and provide population-based partnerships with community stakeholders to protect, promote, and improve the health of county residents.
“In her service as the Public Health Services Manager, Ms. Mott has proven to be a strong and effective leader for the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to provide excellent public health resources and guidance to the people of Escambia County.”
“With nearly 20 years of experience in a variety of public health, clinical and hospital settings, Ms. Mott is a proven public health leader whose experience and talents are well suited to the challenges and great opportunities with leading the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County,” Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees. “With Ms. Mott at the helm, the people in Escambia County will continue to be served well.”
“Ms. Mott is dedicated to public health and committed to the community with many years of experience,” said Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated public servant continue this service, especially during this time of a public health emergency.”
Mott began her career with the department in 2007 as the senior public health nutritionist for FDOH-Escambia. She became the department’s public health communications manager until 2019. Prior to entering the public health field, Mott practiced clinical dietetics in the areas of critical care nutrition, nutrition support, and medical nutrition therapy for chronic disease management and prevention.
Mott holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences. She maintains her credentials of attorney and counselor at law, registered dietitian, licensed dietitian/nutritionist, and certified specialist in sports dietetics.
Food Distributions Wednesday At Highland Baptist Molino, Epps Christian Center Pensacola
July 21, 2020
Food distributions will be held Wednesday at Highland Baptist Church in Molino and Epps Christian Center in Pensacola.
Highland Baptist Church
Highland Baptist Church will host a free fresh produce box giveaway for the next two Wednesdays, July 22 and 29.
It will take place from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last at the church, 6240 Highway 95A in Molino. It is limited to one box per vehicle. The produce is being provided in conjunction with the USDA and Gulf Coast Produce. For more information call (850) 587-5174.
Epps Christian Center
A food distribution in cooperation with Farm Share will be held Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. while supplies last at Epps Christian Center at 2202 North Pace Boulevard. The distribution will include fresh produce, canned goods and water.
Blue Angels Take Their New Fat Albert On A First Test Flight
July 21, 2020
The Blue Angels took their new Fat Alert for a test flight Monday.
Pilots and crew performed their first functional check flight over England. It’s not brand new; it’s a used Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules. The flight checks are in preparation for the transatlantic trip to the United States.
Blue Angels fans may notice a couple of changes to the paint scheme compared to the previous Fat Albert. The flight surfaces now have yellow tips, similar to the Blues’ F/A-18s, two stripes run down the side of the aircraft and the iconic white top has been changed to a tear drop design.
And the paint scheme also has the Blue Angels team name in gold lettering rather than blue.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hot, Increasing Rain Chances
July 21, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
All Of These Major Retailers Are Now Requiring Face Masks, And Winn Dixie Reverses Course
July 21, 2020
Several major retailers have implemented face mask mandates. And Winn Dixie, which said they would not require masks, has reversed course.
Face masks are now required at:
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Publix
- Lowe’s
- BJ’s Wholesale
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Kohl’s
- PetSmart.
Face mask mandates will go into effect at Home Depot on Wednesday and at Target on August 1.
Southeast Grocers, parent company of Winn Dixie, first said they would not require shoppers to wear face coverings. But Monday the grocer said that due to customer feedback face masks will be required beginning Monday, July 27.
Face masks are required at all businesses within the city limits of Pensacola and across the state of Alabama.
Pictured: Publix Super Market at Nine Mile. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Swears In New Council Member, Makes Other Appointments After Councilman Resignation
July 21, 2020
A new council member was sworn in Monday night in Century as other appointments were made due to the resignation of a council member in June.
Brenda Spencer was appointed to the town council through the end of the year to fill the seat left vacant after Ben Boutwell resigned to run for Mayor.
Boutwell was also chairman of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board and was the town’s representative to the Community Action Program Committee (CPAC).
Councilman Louis Gomez was appointed the CRA chairman; he was serving as vice-chairman. Council President Ann Brooks was appointed the vice-chair to replace Gomez. The council sits as the CRA board, which will receive it’s first round of tax funding this year to improve a blighted section of the town.
Spencer was appointed by council vote as their representative on the Community Action board.
Spencer is a Century native who retired in 2012 after 21 years as a legal secretary and co-office manager for the Escambia County attorney and deputy attorney. She has previous experience as medical secretary and was secretary to the plant manager at Wayne Dalton Corporation in Century from 1980-1988.
Pictured above: Brenda Spencer was sworn in to the Century Town Council during a meeting that was partially held on Zoom. Pictured inset: Brenda Spencer. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
School District: Online Superintendent Candidate Survey Is ‘Bogus’, But Organizers Say It’s Just Public Input
July 20, 2020
The Escambia County School District says an online superintendent survey is “bogus”, but the creators say it’s just a chance for public input.
Posts on social media are asking people to read about the six finalists for the Escambia school superintendent job and take a survey. The ECSD said in a Facebook post of their own — in all caps — that the “SURVEY IS BOGUS”.
The creators of the survey updated their posts Monday morning to clarify that the “community based” survey is not endorsed by the school district. They said the results and comments will be emailed to school board members as form of public comment on who is “a great candidate”.
“It was created by community members to provide everyone a voice pertaining to the hiring process. It does not guarantee a certain candidate will be hired,” Donte Sheppard said in an updated Facebook post. As of about 9 a.m. Monday, he said about 200 people had completed the survey, which does not ask for any personally identifiable information.
Voters decided the next school superintendent in Escambia County will be appointed. Last week, the Superintendent Search Citizens Advisory Committee narrowed a field of 27 applicants to their top six. Next, the school board will name their semi-finalists.
Read more about the candidates by clicking or tapping here.
Three Additional COVID-19 Deaths, 135 New Cases Reported Monday In Escambia County
July 20, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
Three new COVID-19 deaths and 135 new cases were reported Monday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Escambia County’s deaths were a 53-year old male, 79-year old female and a 40-year old male. One was a long-term facility resident.
Escambia County cases increased to 5,900 and Santa Rosa case county was up 67 to 1,976.
Of the 880 tests results returned on Sunday in Escambia County, 12.5% were positive and 16.4% were positive from 347 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 12.2%.
There were 217 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County, according to data from the three local hospitals.
Of the 61 deaths in Escambia County, 43 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 13 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 360,394 cases including 355,899 Florida residents. There have been 21,263 hospitalizations* and 5,072 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 — 5,900 (+135 since Sunday)
Non-Florida residents — 655
Pensacola — 4,573 (+106)
Cantonment — 410 (+12)
Molino— 64 (+1)
Century — 44 (+2)
McDavid — 28 (+2)
Bellview — 9
Walnut Hill — 8 (+1)
Perdido Key — 4
Gonzalez — 4 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 217
Deaths — 61 (+3)
Male — 2,284
Female — 2,786
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 1,976 (+67 since Saturday)
Non-Florida residents — 13
Milton — 833 (+29)
Gulf Breeze — 380 (+9)
Navarre — 318 (+6)
Pace — 188 (+9)
Jay — 68 (+6)
Bagdad — 3
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 103*
Deaths — 15
Male — 941
Female — 985
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 36
Florida cases:
Total cases — 360,394
Florida residents — 355,899
Deaths — 5,072
Hospitalizations — 21,263*
*“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.