Correctional Officers In Century Assaulted In Two Separate Incidents
December 15, 2020
Correctional officers in Century were recently assaulted by inmates in two separate incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Jamaal Dunbar assaulted an officer by striking them in the face.
Inmate Aaron Reyna assaulted an officer by striking them. The correctional officer was injured and evaluated by medical staff.
In both cases, FDC said staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Health Officials Report Increase Of 108 COVID-19 Positives In Escambia County
December 15, 2020
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
There were 108 new COVID-19 cases reported by the Florida Department of Health on Monday.
Here is the latest data:
Total cases: 18,869 (+108)
Non-Florida residents: 2,073
Total deaths: 332
Long-term care facility deaths : 154
Current hospitalizations: 146 (+13)
Number of tests last day: 749
Percent positive last day: 8.3%
Percent positive last week: 12.2%
Escambia County cases by location:
Pensacola: 13,770 (+78)
Cantonment: 1,541 (+19)
Century: 979 (+2)
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Molino: 235 (+2)
McDavid: 117
Walnut Hill: 36 (+3)
Bellview: 30
Perdido Key: 16
Gonzalez: 8
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 8,925 (+73)
Non-Florida residents: 113
Total deaths: 113 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 23
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 484*
Number of tests last day: 401
Percent positive last day: 15.8%
Santa Rosa County cases by location:
Milton: 4,537 (+36)
Navarre: 1,642 (+10)
Gulf Breeze: 1,539 (+10)
Pace: 700
Jay: 234 (+4)
Bagdad: 21
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,134,383
Florida residents: 1,115,446
Deaths: 20,003
Hospitalizations: 58,269*
*“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. Most of these people are longer be 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.
*The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Sgt. Ray Dykes II
December 15, 2020
Sgt. Ray Dykes II, age 43, passed away on December 9, 2020.
Ray Dykes is survived by his wife, Jennifer Dykes; children, Margi (Wesley) Cummings, Tyler Fuqua, Keaton Fuqua, Payton Fuqua; parents, Ray Dykes Sr., Peggy (Bill) Stephens. His sisters Candace Freeman and Tiffany Allen and many nieces and nephews also survive him.
Mr. Dykes was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Smith Jr; grandparents Clifton (Louise) Dykes and James (Myrtle) English.
He was a graduate of J.M. Tate High School, 1995, where he played football and wrestled through his high school career. After attending college, Ray decided to dedicate his life to Law Enforcement. Ray served with the Escambia County Sheriff Office as a Corrections officer before he joined the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department. Through his time with the Sheriff’s office, he was part of many heroic departments. He served with the GPS Special Operations Team, Property Crimes, Narcotics, Patrol, SWAT and U.S. Marshals. He loved his brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement and loved serving people.
When Ray was not at work, he was with his family doing what he loved. Whether it was hunting, fishing, hiking, or building stuff, you could see a smile on his face and hear his heart felt laugh . He loved his Runnamucka Ranch that he and Jennifer created with their kids. His time spent with family brought him great joy and he would do anything for them and all of the cows and chickens and dogs; but especially his dog Bandit.
The celebration of Ray’s life will be Wednesday, December 16th from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Faith Chapel North. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 17th at 11:00a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church with an additional visitation from 10:00a.m. until 11:00a.m. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery.
On behalf of Sgt. Dykes, to all officers past and present, with Santa Rosa County SO and US Marshals…Til Valhalla
Active pallbearers will be the Santa Rosa County Sheriff Department Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to End of Watch Foundation. https://www.eowf.org/donate.
Jerry N. Kelly
December 15, 2020
Jerry N. Kelly
November 2, 1946 – November 23, 2020
Jerry N. Kelly, 74, of Gonzales passed away November 23, 2020 in Pensacola, FL with his son and family by his side. Jerry was born on November 2, 1946 in Clanton Alabama. Jerry’s family moved to Pensacola where his father, Hubert Kelly, began work at Chemstrand later know as Monsanto.
Jerry attended Tate High School where he graduated in 1965. After graduating high school Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard. Jerry then began his long career as a lab technician at Monsanto. Jerry and his brother Mike both worked as lab technicians in the 707 lab.
During Jerry’s long career at Monsanto he developed a special talent for the game of golf. Jerry developed his golf skills at the Monsanto golf course and other local courses throughout the Pensacola area. Jerry was humble about his golfing talent. But the truth is that Jerry was an outstanding golfer who won many tournaments throughout the years. His house is filled with numerous golf bags full of drivers and putters and thousands of new golf balls all of which is only a portion of the proceeds of his many tournament wins.
Jerry also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many days in the woods deer hunting with his brother Mike and other friends. He and Mike also enjoyed fishing in the Gulf for Snapper and Cobia on their boat “Gotcha”. Their fishing trips supplied many fish fries enjoyed by friends and family. Jerry also loved to have a fish fry whenever his beloved Auburn Tigers were playing. Jerry and Mike were die hard Auburn Fans!
Jerry LOVED Tate! Working with Tate’s ball programs was one of Jerry’s biggest passions. To Jerry EVERYONE at Tate was his extended family. Jerry was 100% committed to helping in any and every way he could. From the coaches to the players to the playing field, Jerry’s heart was in them all! Jerry volunteered his time to the Tate ball programs for many years because he truly loved being part of the Tate Family.
I know if Jerry could he would thank everyone at Tate for allowing him to be part of their sports program for so many years. Being part of the Tate family brought Jerry much happiness and fulfillment.
Jerry is proceeded in death by his parents, Hubert Quentin and Mary Lou Kelly and brother, Michael Edward Kelly.
Jerry leaves to cherish his memories: son, Randall W. Kelly; sister Lisa (Randy) Ard; sister-in-law, Sylvia Kelly; niece, Tina Kelly, nephew Pat Kelly; niece Kari (Anthony) Rowland and Kelli Ard; nephew Chris (Hannah) Ard and many other nieces and nephews; long time girlfriend Pam Perry; and extended Tate Aggie Family and Friends.
A celebration of life will be held for Jerry Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Trahan Family Funeral Home on Industrial Blvd. Visitation at 6 p.m. Services at 7 p.m.
Mary Frances Turk
December 15, 2020
Mrs. Mary Frances Turk, age 72, passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 13, 2020, in Panama City Beach, Florida. She was a native of McDavid, Florida, and a longtime resident of Flomaton, Alabama. A retired bus driver with the Escambia County, Alabama School System, she was Baptist by faith.
Mrs. Turk is survived by two daughters, Chasity (Mike) Pettis of Brewton, Alabama, and Debra (Tony) Simmons of Panama City Beach, Florida; two brothers, Leroy Jernigan of Brewton, Alabama, and Troy Jernigan of Louisiana; one sister, Peggy Morris of Mobile, Alabama; son-in-law, Robby McCann; eight grandchildren, Nathan Simmons, Jessica Myers, Haley Fore, Ashlyn Pettis, Jennifer Zisa, Kimberly McCann, Megan McCann, and Leslie McCann; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clint Turk, and her daughter, Tammy McCann.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020 from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home of Brewton, Alabama, with Pastor Rob Woodrum officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow in the Flomaton Cemetery with Craver’s Funeral Home of Brewton directing. Pallbearers will be Tony Simmons, Nathan Simmons, Mike Pettis, and Robby McCann.
*Masks are required.
Everett Larue Mason
December 15, 2020
Everett Larue Mason
February 6, 1929 – December 12, 2020
Everett was born to Vernon and Eva Lee Mason on February 6, 1929 in Walnut Hill, FL. He was preceded in death, by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty; his son, Michael; and grandsons, Cory John, and Robert; brother, Howard; and sister, Annie Joyce.
Everett is survived by two daughters, Patricia Mason Ballard (Roy), and Peggy Mason Brown. He is further survived by five grandchildren, Betty Bowen, Pamela Brown, Kellee Dee Bullington, Timothy Mason, and April King; five great grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren; other survivors include sister, Verna Lee (Clayton), Besford Mason (Billie Jean), and Jerry Mason (Betty).
Pop was a simple man and appreciated the simpler things in life. His joy, and reason for living, was his family and any chance he might have to wet a hook! He retired as a printer from St. Regis/Stone Container in 1991 to enjoy his hard earned and well-deserved retirement.
Anyone that knew Pop knows full retirement was never in his plans. Having always worked two jobs to sustain his family and assure that mom was able to be a full-time mom, he always maintained extra jobs to supplement his income. That carried over into his retirement where he ran and operated Pop’s Lawn Service for 25 years until failing health no longer permitted.
Pop has earned his Angel wings and now flies high with no more pain. But dad was living proof that Angels DO walk among us on this wicked earth.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:30 pm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Parkview Baptist Church, 119 Rosalyn Way, Pensacola (Brentwood Park) with Rev. Cecil Chancery officiating.
Old Chemstrand Closed Near Pauline Street Due To Water Main Break
December 14, 2020
A portion of Old Chemstrand Road near is closed near Gonzalez Baptist Church due to a water main break Monday afternoon.
Old Chemstrand is closed between Pauline Street (near the railroad tracks) and 2nd Avenue (near the post office).
Motorist are being detoured on Pauline Street, 2nd Avenue and Bradley Boulevard. The detour is expected to remain in place for at least two days while Gonzalez Utilities works to repair the water main break.
Second Suspect Arrested For Attempted Homicide In June Drive-by Shooting
December 14, 2020
A second suspect has been arrested for attempted homicide in connection with an Ensley shooting in June.
Kei’yhaun DyWane Irby, 20, is now charged with attempted homicide, firing a weapon in a residential area, firing a weapon into a vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and using a weapon in the commission of a felony. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The shooting incident ended on Untreiner Avenue about 6:55 p.m. on June 16. It started on Aaron Drive when gunfire was exchanged between two vehicles. The vehicles chased each other, with one flipping over on Untreiner Avenue. One person was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the overturned vehicle and was transported to a local hospital.
The second suspect, 20-year old Kerrick Van Teamer, 20, was charged in June with attempted homicide, firing a weapon into a vehicle, firing a weapon in public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
80% Of Escambia County Remote Learners Failing To Make Adequate Progress, Should Return To Campus
December 14, 2020
A majority of Escambia County School District students enrolled in online learning are failing to make adequate progress, and the district is reaching out to inform parents that the students should return to traditional on-campus school.
Of the 9,475 students enrolled in remote learning in Escambia County, 7,541 (80%) are not making adequate academic progress, according to the school district.
Parents and guardians of those students are receiving letters and automated phone calls. Each letter will explain the principal’s concerns regarding the student’s lack of academic progress. Criteria utilized to determine “not making adequate academic progress” includes grades, assessments, attendance, and for high school students, GPA and graduation requirements.
Parents who choose not to return their students to face-to-face learning are required to sign and return the letter to the school district. In signing the letter, parents also agree to participate in a required Child Study Team meeting to discuss the academic risks associated with remaining in a remote learning model, as well as appropriate interventions available to help students.
“Most educators agree that face-to-face instruction is the best instructional model. We want to be sure every student has the best chance for success this year,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Steve Marcanio said.
Data from the Escambia County School District shows 82% of elementary, 89% of middle, and 70% of high school remote learners are failing to make adequate progress.
Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued as executive order requiring school districts to communicate with the parents or guardians of any student failing to make adequate academic progress as defined by the state.
Apartment Fire Damages Two Units
December 14, 2020
An apartment fire in Escambia County Sunday left two families without a home.
The fire was reported about 1:55 p.m. at the Dogwood Place Apartments in the 1700 block of Dogwood Place, not far from the New Warrington Spur and Mobile Highway. Two units were damaged in the fire that is now under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The two apartments did not have smoke detectors, according to officials. Escambia County Residents can get a free smoke detector installed by calling (850) 595-HERO.
The fire is represented by the third and fourth red bulbs in Escambia County’s Keep the Wreath Green fire safety campaign.
Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage in Escambia County, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.