Local Hospitals Encourage Blood Donations From Recovered COVID-19 Patients
July 24, 2020
Local hospitals are asking recovered COVID-19 patients to donate blood plasma.
Baptist Health Care, Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and West Florida Hospital encourage those who have recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 to consider donating blood plasma for convalescent plasma therapy in critically ill patients. Such plasma is currently in short supply locally.
“People who recover from coronavirus infection may develop antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. In convalescent plasma therapy, the plasma that contains the antibodies is transfused into a person still fighting the virus and can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover,” Baptist Hospital Public Relations Specialist Kathy Bowers said in an email.
Locally, donations are accepted by OneBlood, where all blood donors will receive free results from COVID-19 antibody donations.
OneBlood donation centers are located at 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 North Ninth Avenue. Due to social distancing measures that OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment to donate. Appointments can be made online at www.oneblood.org or by calling 1-888-9DONATE.
Increased Rain Chances Into The Weekend
July 24, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
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. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. 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. Chance of precipitation is 60%
Escambia Teachers, Staff To Have Face Shields As An Option
July 24, 2020
“When you are teaching kids to read, they need to see the words, hear your voice and see you form the sounds with your lips,” according to the Escambia County School District.
That’s why schools in Escambia County will have face shields as an option to teachers and staff.
“We are dedicated to finding what will work the best in different circumstances,” the school district said in a statement.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Audrey Fay Brock Upton
July 24, 2020
Mrs. Audrey Faye Brock Upton, age 82, of Century, FL, passed away to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, after a lengthy illness. She was born to her loving parents, Virgie Lee and Lucille White Brock, on May 21, 1938.
Faye married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Upton in 1955. Upon her graduation, Faye joined Thomas where he was stationed with the U.S. Army in Kenai, Alaska. Faye often shared stores of their dependence on one another, not seeing or talking to family for two years.
She is survived by Thomas, and they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this September. He was the love of her life, and their romance was a ’50s love song.
Faye is also survived by daughter, Cindy (Sam) Copeland and grandson, Scott (Janice) Lowery; siblings, Bobby Brock, Michael (Cynthia) Brock, Jimmy (Brenda) Brock, and Donna Sue (Marshall) Hudson; sister-in-law, Betty (Russell) Lowery; brothers-in-law, Jerome (Sylvia) Upton, and Leo (Anita-deceased) Upton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Faye was a proud 1956 graduate of Century high School and always looked forward to the annual alumni gathering at Stone Lake and her monthly luncheons with her classmates.
Faye will be remembered for her love of the simple life, flowing creeks and gravel lakes, family gatherings, searching for new recipes, preparing delicious Southern dishes, and planting flowers and a vegetable garden every spring and anticipating the joy they brought to her.
Faye loved her years of being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, caring for her husband, raising her daughter and helping raise her grandson. She enjoyed creating enduring memories with her extended family and making each of them feel special. As the matriarch of he family, she will be missed greatly by al who loved her.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at McCurdy Cemetery on Fannie Road in Century, FL.
Flomaton Funeral Home is in charge of the service.
James Arnold Turberville
July 24, 2020
James Arnold Turberville, 80, of Atmore, AL, passed away on July 19, 2020. He was born on May 12, 1940, in Mineola, AL.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Rachel Turberville; his father, Martin D. Turberville and his mother, Edna Hall White.
He was a member of the Alabama National Guard and retired from Hendrix Tractor Company in Atmore, AL.
He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Eloise Rachel Sullivan of Pace, FL and Marion Rachel Stephens of Milton, FL and cousins.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL with Bro. Lester Peavy officiating.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Aubrey Eugene Roberson
July 24, 2020
Aubrey Eugene Roberson, 67, of Atmore, AL, passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, AL.
Aubrey was born in Atmore, Alabama on February 7, 1953. He was a proud member of the Atmore Apostolic Church. He retired from Masland Carpets after 44 years of service. Upon retiring, Aubrey spent his time at home doing things he enjoyed such as gardening and hunting. He served as a member of the Bell-Eddy Hunting Club. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Aubrey was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Aubrey is survived by his wife of 47 years, “Pug” Shirley Roberson of Atmore, AL.; one daughter, Marlene (David) McNairn of Atmore, AL.; one son, James (Drummon) Roberson of Atmore, AL., a sister, Mattie Robbins of Brewton, AL.; two grandsons, Reece and Micah McNairn of Atmore, AL.; and a special cousin, Jack Knowles. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and a world of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl Eugene and Mary Moye Roberson of Flomaton, AL.; and an infant son, Chuck Roberson.
Special Recognition
The Roberson family would like to thank family and friends for all the love, prayers, and support you have shown during these difficult times. Although these times are different, we know your hearts and gain strength from your support.
We would also like to extend a special recognition to Atmore Community Hospital staff, Jackson Hospital staff, and Dr. Thrasher, Medstar and PCI Tribal Chair and Council. Your efforts and sacrifices are greatly appreciated.
Private family services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church with Rev. Tim James, Bro. Hunter Richardson and Mr. Arthur Mothershed officiating.
Burial will follow at the New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 1:30 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church.
Pallbearers will be Destry Findley, Leprell Bodiford, Ronnie Baggett, Tracy Sutton, Josh Brown and Ben Roe.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Sheila Denise Hall
July 24, 2020
Sheila Denise Hall, 52, of Munson, FL, passed away Friday, July 17, 2020. She was born in Milton, FL, on December 26, 1967, to W.D. and Venita R. Bradley. She grew up in Bradley, AL, SW North Dakota, and Pensacola, FL, where she met the love of her life and her husband of almost 30 years, Michael Hall. She settled in the Munson community with Michael and her eldest son, Dustin Bradley. She truly loved the country life they established. In 1993 she realized her calling and graduated salutatorian of her class as a Registered Nurse from Jefferson Davis college in Brewton, AL. She worked for many years as a home health care nurse which was a true passion for her. Her patients were extended family to her.
Sheila and Michael welcomed Seth in 2005, and her little family was complete. Sheila was a proud member of Blackwater Baptist Church. When at home she enjoyed gardening and spent a lot of time planting flowers and watching them blossom. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, family get togethers, spending time in the woods with their hunting family, and having her nieces and nephews out for the weekend. Having the people she loved around her was her happy place.
Sheila is preceded in death by her father W.D. Bradley; her sister, Sharon Smith; and her father-in-law, Dale Hall.
She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Hall; sons, Dustin (Miranda) Bradley and Seth Hall; her mother, Venita Bradley; sisters, Lisa (Wayne) Jordan, Laurie (Paul) McGee, and Jaimie Bradley; adoring mother-in-law, JoAnn Hall; brother-in-law, Steve (Bonnie) Hall; grandbabies, Logan and Piper Bradley, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom will miss her dearly. Heaven has gained a lovely angel with Sheila’s passing.
Visitation is Sunday, July 26, 2020, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton.
Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2020, at Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton.
Burial is at Crain Cemetery in Milton, Florida.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Bradley, Chris (Petey) Bradley, Wade Hatten, Allen McLin, Stewart Baxley, and Stewart Mulford.
Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Wolfe, Les Hughlin, Chad Brazwell, Vernon Borders, Michael Mulford, Melvin Wolfe, and Taylor Vaughn.
Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.
High School Fall Sports Delayed; First Day Of Practices Moved To August 17 In Escambia County
July 23, 2020
The Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has delayed the start date for practices for fall high school sports.
The first day of practices has been moved to Monday, August 17 as a result of the first day of school being delayed two week to August 24.
Fall sports played at the high school level which will be impacted include football, volleyball, golf, cross-country, track, swimming and diving. Contest schedules for all fall sports are being adjusted accordingly and information will be released at a later date.
Athletic conditioning may continue following the Escambia County School District guidelines for Safe Return to Athletic Training, utilizing social distancing protocols and proper sanitation measures for training equipment.
“Social distancing protocols will be followed, as well as the proper sanitation steps by district personnel,” Thomas said. “This will be a team effort by all participants.”
Pictured: The first day of 2019 spring practice for the Northview Chiefs on April 22, 2019.. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
10 New COVID-19 Deaths In Escambia County; One In Santa Rosa
July 23, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Ten COVID-19 deaths were reported Thursday in Escambia County, along with one in Santa Rosa County.
There were 173 deaths reported Thursday across the state, the largest number one day. The 10 Escambia County deaths were also a single-day local record.
The Escambia County deaths were males ages 63, 69, 70, 75, 80, 92, and 99; and females ages 77, 77, and 94. Four were long-term care facility residents. The Santa Rosa County fatality was a 79-year old male.
Escambia County cases increased 159 to 6,461. An additional 57 cases brought the Santa Rosa County total to 2,147.
Of the 966 tests results returned on Tuesday in Escambia County, 12.6% were positive and 13.6% were positive from 482 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 Thursday, according to data from the three local hospitals.
Of the 73 deaths in Escambia County, 48 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been 19 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 389,868 cases including 385,091 Florida residents. There have been 22,644 hospitalizations* and 5,518 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 — 6,461 (+159 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 741
Pensacola — 5,020 (+129)
Cantonment — 456 (+15)
Molino— 73 (+5)
Century — 47
McDavid — 31
Bellview — 9
Walnut Hill — 8
Perdido Key — 4
Gonzalez — 5 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 230
Deaths — 73 (+10)
Male — 2,494
Female — 3,064
Youngest — 0
Oldest — 105
Median Age — 37
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases — 2,147 (+57 since Wednesday)
Non-Florida residents — 15
Milton — 916 (+39)
Gulf Breeze — 414 (+2)
Navarre — 340 (+17)
Pace — 196 (+4)
Jay — 76 (+3)
Bagdad — 3
Cumulative Hospitalizations — 121*
Deaths — 19 (+1)
Male — 1,035
Female — 1,063
Youngest — 2 months
Oldest — 101
Median Age — 36
Florida cases:
Total cases — 389,868
Florida residents — 385,091
Deaths — 5,518
Hospitalizations — 22,644*
*“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.
Second Person Charged With Allegedly Breaking Both Of A Four Month Old Baby Girl’s Legs
July 23, 2020
A second person has been charged with allegedly breaking both of a four-month old baby girl’s legs.
Ashley Anne Mack, age 26 of Red Level, Alabama, was charged with first degree felony aggravated child abuse. She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $50,000. Dustin Raymond McCurdy, age 27 of Century, was previously charged with first degree felony aggravated child abuse in the case and released on a $100,000 bond.
X-rays showed baby girl had femur fractures on each side of her body. A Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that the hospital determined the injuries were consistent with child abuse and had possibly been caused by the pulling on the child’s legs.
“The type of fractures this child has sustained is the most specific fracture seen in child abuse, and is the result of violent shearing (pulling),” an arrest report states.
DCF described McCurdy and Mack as illicit drug users, according to arrest reports.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office alleged the fractures occurred during an altercation between McCurdy and Mack.