Pensacola Council Asks Escambia County To Implement Mask Mandate
July 17, 2020
The Pensacola City Council Thursday night approved a resolution asking the Escambia County Commission to pass a mask mandate.
The council has approved a similar mask mandate, but the city is suggesting the county pass an ordinance requiring face coverings in all public settings. The city’s order is only for inside businesses.
The resolutions states, “…the City Council of the City of Pensacola does hereby respectfully encourage the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to pass Legislation making mandatory the wearing of face coverings in public settings.”
Councilman P.C. Wu voted against the resolution sponsored by Council President Jewel Cannada-Wynn, saying he felt it was not his place to tell another governmental entity how they should operate.
To read the full resolution, click or tap here.
The Escambia County Commission is not obligated to act upon the request.
Selection Committee Recommends Six Candidates For Escambia County Superintendent
July 17, 2020
The list of candidates to be the next Escambia County School superintendent was narrowed to six recommendations Thursday night by the Superintendent Search Citizens Advisory Committee.
The six names will go next to the Escambia County School Board for discussion at a July 20 workshop. The board can remove any of the six form the list, or add back any of the 21 others that applied as they create their own semi-finalist list.
The candidates recommended by the search committee are:
Click or tap any applicant’s name to load their resume.
Only one of the six candidates is local. Keith Leonard of Cantonment is the current assistant superintendent of Human Resource Services and spent 13 years as the Escambia County School District director of Human Resource Services.
Sen Broxson Urges Blood Donations To Help COVID-19 Patients; Donate At OneBlood Centers, Or Saturday In Molino
July 17, 2020
Senator Doug Broxson is calling on everyone who has recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood or plasma.
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus and serve as a treatment for patients with serious or life-threatening COVID-19 infections. Donating blood takes just one hour, and one pint of blood can save up to three lives of patients.
“We are currently at war against the coronavirus. I want to encourage everyone, who is physically able, to join me in taking the pledge to donate blood or plasma every 60 days during the pandemic. I appreciate all our elected officials and community leaders joining me and leading by example to help win this war,” Broxson said.
Broxson took his plea to the Escambia County Commission meeting on Thursday.
“This is a wonderful way to help support our community during this unprecedented time. I want to personally thank Senator Doug Broxson for bringing Escambia County this pledge to support,” Commission Chairman Steven Barry said. “I am confident that it will generate many more units of donated blood or plasma in the near future, thereby saving additional lives.”
Blood and plasma donors at OneBlood must be in good health (free of allergy, flu, cold and nausea symptoms for at least three days), 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be well-hydrated, eat a healthy meal within four hours before donating, and bring a form of ID.
OneBlood donation centers are located at 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 North Ninth Avenue. The OneBlood bus will be at the Molino Branch Library on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the FDAand will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Appointments to donate are required at the donation centers, and masks are required.
Donors must be symptom free for 14 days.
Lower Rain Chances, Hot Afternoons
July 17, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91
Alabama’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Is Underway
July 17, 2020
Alabama’s 15th annual back to school sales tax holiday is underway.
It ends at midnight Sunday, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.
Most individual cities and counties are also waiving local sales taxes.
Exempt items include:
- clothing priced at $100 or less per article;
- school supplies valued at $50 or less per item;
- books that cost $30 or less per book; and
- tablets, laptops, computers and printers with a selling price of $750 or less.
For a detailed list, click or tap here.
Forida’s school tax holiday is August 7-9.
Escambia County Celebrates 199th Birthday; Escambia Was One Of Florida’s Two Original Counties
July 17, 2020
Escambia County turned 199 years old Friday, July 17. Created on the same date in 1821, Escambia and St. Johns counties were Florida’s two original counties, covering the entire territory within modern state boundaries. The Suwannee River was the border between Escambia and St. Johns counties, which follows a winding path from the northern border of the state to the Gulf of Mexico. Essentially, the Escambia County government had jurisdiction over the “panhandle” and “big bend” areas, and St. Johns over the remainder of the entire state.
“We would like to wish Escambia County, Happy 199th!,” said Escambia County Chairman and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. “We are looking forward to a year-long celebration where we can all learn more about what it was like when Escambia County was founded in 1821.”
A new logo was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary, which includes a map of the state with the original boundary between Escambia County and St. Johns Counties, an American flag, the dates of 1821 and 2021, a banner showcasing the 200th Anniversary, and Escambia County and the City of Pensacola written around the outside. The colors of the logo include red, white and blue to represent the colors of the American flag with St. Johns County in purple.
“I’d like to wish a very happy 199th birthday to Escambia County and join them in celebrating our area’s rich history,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I’m looking forward to celebrating the county’s 200th birthday in 2021 and hoping it will be a momentous year for our entire community.”
Terry Desmond Linam
July 17, 2020
Mr. Terry Desmond Linam, age 55, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Linam was a native and life long resident of the Atmore, AL. Desmond was owner and operator of Snappy Car Wash and Linam’s Electric. Mr. Linam loved his children, mother and grandson. He was a member of the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his dad Yuell Linam, stepfather Pete Helton, grandparents Hubert and Laverta Rounsaville and uncle Donnell Rounsaville.
He is survived by his mother Barbara Helton of Atmore, AL; two sons, Ryan Linam of Atmore, AL and Nolon Linam Atmore, AL; two daughters, Gabby Linam of Atmore, AL; and Claire Linam and (Dalton Tolbert) of Uriah, AL; four brothers, Alan Helton of Atmore, AL; Roger Helton and Beverly of Atmore, AL; Osborn Linam and Kathy of Spanish Fort, AL. and George Linam of Columbia, TN; four sisters, Linda Farr and Billy of Atmore, AL; Dawn Turner and Tim of Atmore, AL; Cindy Linam of Spanish Fort, AL. and Sonja Crowel and Mark of Daphne, Al. one grandson Braxton Tolbert of Uriah, AL; nine nephews, Brandon Whitehead, Craig Helton, Cody Helton, Dustin Helton, Nate Turner, Cullen Pierce, Logan Pierce, Gavin Primm and Trent Linam; six nieces, Shane Spence, Brooklyn Turner, Mary Katherine Crowel, Haley Witherow, Hannah Linam, Maggie Linam and special friends, Karen Matthews, Roy Tolin, Jackie Lee, James Pettway, David Kirby and Dave Kinam.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM at the Petty Funeral Home with Dr. Dale Patterson officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Demo Nichols, Trent Linam, Nate Turner, Steve Jernigan, Cody Helton, Roberto Love, Roger Helton and Dustin Helton,
Reita Wearren Irwin
July 17, 2020
Mrs. Reita Wearren Irwin, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at her home in Bratt, Florida.
Mrs. Irwin was a native of Atmore, AL; former resident of Louisiana and had resided in Bratt, FL for the rest of her life. Mrs. Irwin, was a 1972 graduate of Ernest Ward High school and was a 1976 graduate of Troy State University. She was retired, secretary with the Florida State Correction Department. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Larry Irwin, her parents Frank and Levetia Wearren.
She is survived by her one brother Arther Hollis Wearren of Navarre, FL; one sister Donna Sue Dowdy of Navarre, Fl; nephew Jace Hall (Tasha) of Shalimar, FL; great nieces Arianna Hall, Ember Hall and a great nephew Gavin Hall.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Godwin Cemetery with Bro. Doug Sanders officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 9:00 AM till 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Combined 449 New Combined Cases, Two Deaths In Escambia And Santa Rosa Counties
July 16, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties had a combined 449 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death each reported Thursday by the Florida Department of Health.
The Escambia County death was a 76-year old male long-term care facility resident. The Santa Rosa County death was an 83-year old female, the first in a Santa Rosa County long-term care facility.
Escambia County cases increased 309 to 5,054 and Santa Rosa cases were up by 111 to 1,523.
Of the 2,337 test results returned on Wednesday, 10.9% were positive in Escambia County and 10.9% were positive from 1,147 tests in Santa Rosa County. Over the past week, the overall average positivity rate for Escambia County is 12.2%.
As of Thursday, there were 196 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Escambia County, according to data from the three local hospitals.
Of the 56 deaths in Escambia County, 40 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 12 deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and on in a long-term care facility.
Statewide, there were 315,775 cases including 311,632 Florida residents. There have been 19,825 hospitalizations* and 4,667 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 — 5,054 (+309 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 630
Pensacola — 3,879 (+247)
Cantonment — 353 (+28)
Molino— 60 (+2)
Century — 35 (+3)
McDavid — 20 (+3)
Bellview — 9 (+1)
Walnut Hill — 6
Perdido Key — 4
Gonzalez — 2 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 196
Deaths — 56 (+1)
Male — 1,997
Female — 2,381
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 1,663 (+140 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 11
Milton — 694 (+66)
Gulf Breeze — 296 (+14)
Navarre — 279 (+22)
Pace — 158 (+9)
Jay — 53 (+1)
Bagdad — 2 (+1)
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 90* (+5)
Deaths — 12 (+1)
Male — 809
Female — 818
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 35
Florida cases:
Total cases — 315,775
Florida residents — 311,632
Deaths — 4,677
Hospitalizations — 19,825*
*“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.
Wild Ride: Woman’s Vehicle Soars Across Highway 97, Travels Nearly 100 Yards Into Peanut Field
July 16, 2020
A woman’s vehicle literally went airborne over Highway 97 and continued nearly the length of a football field into a muddy field of peanuts in Walnut Hill late Wednesday afternoon.
The driver was southbound on North Highway 99 at an apparent high rate of speed when she failed to stop at stop sign. Her Hyundai Tucson became airborne and soared over Highway 97. It landed on the opposite side of the roadway with the windshield striking a road sign. The vehicle became airborne a second time, landed in a peanut field and bounced up into the air again. It then continued nearly 100 yards into the field.
First responders arrived about 6 p.m. to find the female driver apparently unresponsive in the vehicle. She was later transported out of the field using an ATV and walked to an ambulance. She was transported by Escambia County EMS to Atmore Community Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released further information. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
