Escambia Ballots For Military And Overseas Voters On The Way; Not All Voters Eligible For Primary Ballot
July 3, 2020
The first vote-by-mail ballots for the August 18 primary election were sent to military and overseas voters Thursday. The mailing of civilian ballots will begin next week to those who requested them. Federal and state laws require military and overseas ballots voters to be sent no later than 45 days prior to a federal election. Florida law establishes a window for mailing civilian ballots between 40 and 33 days prior to election day.
However, not all registered voters in Escambia County are eligible to receive a ballot in the primary election, as a result of Florida’s closed primary system and Escambia County’s single-member districts. This impacts nearly 50,000 of Escambia County’s 223,000 registered voters in the primary election.
All registered Republican voters are eligible in at least one contest due to the countywide primary for the U.S. House of Representatives nomination. Registered Democrats, No Party Affiliation voters, and minor party voters in some but not all precincts are eligible, depending on the district in which they are registered.
Registered Democratic voters in the following precincts do not have any contests in which they are eligible to vote in the primary, and as a result will not be issued a ballot:
- 1, 3, 15, 24, 30, 35, 40, 41, 42, 46, 49, 50, 54, 58, 64, 67, 71, 72.1, 77, 82, 83, 94, 97, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110.1
Voters in the following precincts with No Party Affiliation or registered in a minor party do not have any contests in which they are eligible to vote in the primary, and as a result will not be issued a ballot:
- 1, 3, 15, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 58, 60, 63, 64, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 77, 80, 82, 83, 90, 91, 94, 97, 98, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 113
Any Florida voter can choose to vote by mail. If you have not already made a request and wish to receive your ballot in the mail, visit EscambiaVotes.com/vote-by-mail or call us at (850) 595-3900. The request deadline is August 8.
The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation before the August 18 Primary Election is July 20. Visit EscambiaVotes.com/register-to-vote for more information. A sample ballot will be mailed to all registered voters prior to the start of early voting and will be posted at EscambiaVotes.com. Voters with questions about their eligibility should call (850) 595-3900 or visit EscambiaVotes.com/am-i-registered for more information.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
David W. Timberlake
July 3, 2020
Captain David W. Timberlake (USN Retired), passed away on June 27, 2020, at age 88. He lived a long and full life, and had a significant impact on his country, his community, and his family. Capt. Timberlake was born in Hope, AR, and grew up in the nearby rural community of Nashville. His early years were spent on the family farm, where he was actively involved in local FFA and 4-H clubs, both of which would have a significant influence on his life. After high school, he attended the University of Arkansas, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
In his 20’s, Capt. Timberlake completed Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned in the United States Navy in 1955. While attending flight school in Pensacola, he met and married Sylvia Grant Timberlake, and they began their family. During this time he also completed his Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Hawaii.
In his 30’s, he continued his career as a skilled aviator, logging thousands of flight hours with several different airplanes, including the A-1, A-4, and A-6E Intruder. Capt. Timberlake was assigned to duty stations and squadrons from Florida to Hawaii, as well as four different aircraft carriers. He served his country in Vietnam, earned many awards and commendations, including the Navy Commendation medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, and he eventually became the Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron VA-85 in Chesapeake, VA.
In his 40’s, he transitioned to non-flying duties, and helped establish mentoring and community outreach programs at NAS Pensacola, as well as leading the NROTC unit at the University of West Florida. He ended his Naval career with a position at the Pentagon before retiring from active duty in 1979.
In his 50’s, Capt. Timberlake began his second career in higher education, and became the Executive Director of Development for (then) Pensacola Junior College and also University of West Florida’s Foundation departments. Through his fundraising efforts, many deserving students were able to receive scholarships to attend college. In addition to his work responsibilities, he also was very active in leadership roles in committees and advisory boards in the community, which continued for the rest of his life. There are too many to mention them all, but among the most significant were serving as chairman for the Pensacola/Escambia Human Relations Commission, president of the Tate High School Athletic Council, member of the Escambia County Republican Executive Committee, and delegate to the Alabama/West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was heavily involved with local 4-H clubs, both as a leader and as a coach for various District events. He was the principal architect for creating the Escambia County 4-H Foundation, which now has assets of over $1,000,000, and is one of the largest 4-H Foundations in the nation. For these efforts he received the prestigious “Partner in 4-H Award, and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002.
In his 60’s and 70’s, the former military man became “Granddaddy”, and was devoted to his five grandchildren. They all share cherished memories of their time with him on the farm, including riding horses, feeding the animals, gathering eggs, going on hay rides, and being pulled behind the tractor in what came to be known as “tractor surfing”. He built them everything from stilts, to swings, forts, playhouses, and even zip lines. He and Grandma in his 80’s, he “retired” from country life, and moved to Azalea Trace, but still kept busy serving in volunteer positions on Azalea Trace committees, as well as at St. Luke UMC and the Pensacola Naval Air Museum, which has several of his donated military items on display. He attended all the grandchildren’s high school and college graduations, weddings, and welcomed two great-grandchildren into the family.
Capt. Timberlake will be dearly missed by his wife of over 63 years, Sylvia, as well as his two children, Steve Timberlake (Candy) and Shari Timberlake Szalwinski (Duane). He will be thought of with love by his five grandchildren, Tiffany Timberlake Myers (Michael), Sarah Timberlake Watson (Joseph), Alex Szalwinski (fiancée Christy), Christopher Szalwinski (fiancée Morgan) and Anna Szalwinski, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Jonathan Myers and Katherine (Kate) Watson, (and a third great-grandchild on the way.) He is survived and mourned by his brother-in-law, John Grant, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and family friends.
David Timberlake was a well-respected man of intelligence, integrity, and commitment, with a strong love of God, country, and family. A private military service was held in his honor at the Barrancas National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The family requests no flowers, but if desired, donations may be made in his name to the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum, or to St. Luke UMC in Pensacola.
2020 Pensacola Beach Air Show Canceled Due To COVID-19 Concerns
July 2, 2020
The 2020 Pensacola Beach Air Show originally scheduled for July 8-11 has been canceled. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels team informed the Santa Rosa Island Authority of their decision to cancel their performance late Thursday afternoon.
“After much discussion and consideration regarding the current rise in COVID cases in our hometown, we have come to the conclusion that canceling our flights during the Pensacola Beach air show is the only way we can ensure the safety of our community we love so much,” the Blue Angels said in a statement.
“Each year we look forward to the opportunity to fly for our friends, family and neighbors here in Pensacola. This was not an easy decision to make. Unfortunately, we are navigating very uncertain and unpredictable times. We felt this was the necessary decision to make in effort to keep our community safe.”
Plans had called for the airshow viewing area to be significantly expanded from Pensacola Beach to Orange Beach.
Next year’s show is scheduled for July 9-10.
Police Arrest Protester Carried Across Pensacola Bay Bridge On SUV’s Hood
July 2, 2020
Pensacola Police have arrested the protester carried three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge on the hood of a SUV.
Jason Uphaus of the 800 block of South Highway 29 was charged Thursday with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
One Jun 6, group of protesters had walked the short distance from the Graffiti Bridge on 17th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway, locking arms and temporarily blocking access to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Ford Flex drove at a slow speed through the group, with Uphaus jumping onto the hood of vehicle.
The driver continued slowly, with Uphaus on the hood, three miles across the Pensacola Bay Bridge where the vehicle was stopped by Gulf Breeze Police.
After about 20 minutes, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson arrived to speak to the group, and they left the roadway a short time later.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Postpone July 4th Movie And Fireworks Celebration
July 2, 2020
The Independence Day celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium scheduled for Saturday, July 4 has been postponed due to public health concerns about COVID-19 cases in Escambia County and the state of Florida.
“The health and safety of our fans and staff always comes first,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “The Fourth of July at the ballpark is a day our staff looks forward to each year and we know our fans do too. We’re very disappointed and this decision wasn’t made lightly. We surveyed every employee at the stadium and came to the collective agreement that, although we were confident in our enhanced safety protocols, this event simply would not be worth the risk to our community’s health. We look forward to rescheduling and celebrating Independence Day at the ballpark in the future.”
Fans with tickets to Saturday’s event can hold them and exchange them for a ticket to the rescheduled Independence Day celebration or request a refund by contacting the Blue Wahoos box office by email at Tickets@BlueWahoos.com or by phone at (850) 934-8444.
All additional events at the ballpark this week including stadium dining, trivia, and bingo have also been postponed.
The Sertoma 4 of July Fireworks Celebration in Pensacola and the Flomaton-Century show have also been canceled.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thursday Report: Escambia COVID-19 Cases Up By 194; One Additional Death Reported
July 2, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Escambia County COVID-19 cases were up by 194 in the Thursday report from the the Florida Department of Health.
A 45th death was also reported; the fatality was a long-term care facility resident.
Escambia County cases increased to 2,240. Santa Rosa cases were up by 59 to 676.
Of the 721 test results returned on Wednesday, 19.4% were positive in Escambia County and 15.2% were positive from 335 tests in Santa Rosa County.
Of the 45 deaths in Escambia County, 35 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been nine deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 169,106 cases including 166,303 Florida residents. There have been 15,150 hospitalizations* and 3,617 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 — 2,240 (+194 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 370
Pensacola — 1,642 (+156)
Cantonment — 135 (+14)
Molino— 22
Century — 12 (+1)
Bellview — 7 (+1)
McDavid — 6 (+1)
Walnut Hill — 3 (+2)
Perdido Key — 3 (+1)
Hospitalizations: 98* (+4)
Deaths — 45 (+1)
Male — 815
Female — 1,054
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 676 (+59 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 8
Milton — 297 (+27)
Navarre — 102 (+8)
Gulf Breeze — 133 (+11)
Pace — 72 (+6)
Jay — 17 (+4)
Residents: 129
Nonresidents — 1
Hospitalizations — 38* (+5)
Deaths — 9
Male — 363
Female — 304
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 98
Florida cases:
Total cases — 169,106
Florida residents — 166,303
Deaths — 3,617
Hospitalizations — 15,150
*“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.
Three Escambia County Jail Inmates, 12 Correctional Officers Test Positive For COVID-19
July 2, 2020
Three Escambia County Jail inmates and 12 correctional officers have tested positive for COVID-19.
Escambia County Corrections Chief Rich Powell said another 13 correctional officers are awaiting results.
The county said over 30 inmates have been tested over the last four months, and these are the first inmates to test positive.
The three inmates are in a medical unit and are not presenting medical concerns, according to the county. The three units where the inmate were housed are being offered testing and will remain in their units collectively pending the results.
“Our priority remains the safety and health of our inmates and employees,” Powell said. “We have procedures in place for infectious disease whereby we have been separating the population who may have had contact with these inmates to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the jail. These are the first positive cases in the four month span of the pandemic. We ask the public to remain calm and trust that we are following our infectious disease processes to keep inmates and employees as safe as possible.”
The names of the inmates will not be released due to medical privacy laws. Persons with questions about inmates can call (850) 536-9650.
Updated 11:50 a.m. to reflect correctional officer cases not originally revealed by the county.
Only Three Adult ICU Beds Vacant In Escambia County; COVID-19 Hospitalizations Doubled In A Week
July 2, 2020
Only three adult ICU beds in Escambia County were available as of Wednesday night as data from the City of Pensacola showed that the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has doubled in just a week.
On June 1, there were 13 COVID-19 patients in Escambia County hospitals. On June 18, there were 37, and by June 25 there were 36. On Wednesday, July 1, there were 77 COVID-19 patients in Escambia hospitals. Those numbers and those in the graphic above are actual hospitalizations by date; the numbers are not cumulative.
“One of the COVID-19 stats I’ve been paying most attention to when making decisions for our city is the number of hospitalizations each day between our three local hospitals,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “…I don’t share this information to alarm anyone, but just to show that we are seeing a shift in the numbers and to encourage you to continue taking preventative action against COVID-19.”
There are 118 ICU beds in Escambia County with 115 (97.5%) of them full Wednesday night according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA). All of the intensive care beds at Baptist Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital were occupied. There were two available at Ascension Sacred Heart and one at West Florida Hospital.
Two days prior, there were 16 ICU beds available in Escambia County hospitals.
There are an additional 16 pediatric ICU beds in the county, with 10 (62.5%) of them available.
It is important to note that not all of the ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. The numbers also include patients that have suffered trauma, had surgery and other critical medical issues.
Of the 1,014 hospital beds in Escambia, 330 or 24.55% were available Wednesday night, according to AHCA.
Tate Graduate And Her Boyfriend, A Couple Of Pastors’ Kids, Win UWF’s Songs Of Impact Contest
July 2, 2020
Unable to fall asleep as the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic weighed on her, University of West Florida senior mathematics major and Tate High School graduate Delaney Beal decided to clear her mind by jotting down a few lyrics. As it turns out, those lyrics resonated with a significant number of voters in the UWF Songs of Impact contest.
Inspired to support their fellow Argonauts amid COVID-19, the UWF community answered the call through Songs of Impact. For three weeks in June, the public voted on their favorite songs and donated to UWF initiatives that help students in need. Beal and her boyfriend Nathan Keeton, a junior management information systems major, placed first with 1,221 votes for their inspirational song, “Home is Where the Heart is.”
“One night I couldn’t sleep and I wanted to write a song, and I thought, well, there’s that Songs of Impact contest, so I’ll try to write an impactful song,” Beal said. “It was right at the start of coronavirus and everything was up in the air. Some friends we’re connected with at UWF and Baptist Collegiate Ministries had to go back home, and UWF is like a second home so that’s what made me think of the song. Home is where your heart is, not necessarily a specific place. I wrote it in about 15 minutes.”
Beal and Keeton, who was homeschooled, share a passion for music rooted in their upbringings as pastors’ kids. Both serve on worship teams at Circle Community Church, where her father is the lead pastor, and Solomon’s Porch, where his father is the lead pastor. As the grand prize winners, the couple earn an opportunity to perform “Home is Where the Heart is” at UWF Homecoming, free studio time at the WUWF recording studio to professionally record their song, the possibility of their song being distributed to WUWF listenership or used in UWF promotional items, and a $300 gift card to the UWF Bookstore.
Tilden Whitfield, a UWF alumnus and program specialist for the Office of Student Retention Initiatives, performed a duet with his wife, Thapelo, to finish second with 689 votes for their song, “We Can Be.” The couple earned a $100 gift card to the UWF Bookstore. Music major Tris Weeks earned a $50 UWF Bookstore gift card for placing third with 671 votes for her cover of “Stick Together” by Staying Apart.
The three prize-winning entries beat out an impressive field of competitors. UWF received more than 50 submissions from faculty, staff, students and alumni after the call to submit songs and lyrics went out in April. After thorough vetting, 25 submissions advanced to the voting phase. The Songs of Impact campaign generated more than 6,300 votes from the public.
“We listened to all the people and saw there were some pretty talented people in the competition that we were intimidated by,” Keeton said. “Everyone we heard back from, though, said they loved our song, which surprised me.”
The winning couple chose the Student Emergency Relief Fund as their cause for the public to support. Other UWF initiatives chosen by those who submitted music included Argo Pantry and scholarship funds.
To learn watch more videos from the entrants, visit uwf.edu/songsofimpact.
Rain Chances High Into Next Week
July 2, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 88. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.