Local Publix Stores Offering COVID-19 Vaccines Beginning Thursday; Register Online Wednesday
January 19, 2021
Publix stores in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will begin taking appointments early Wednesday morning for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Starting Wednesday, January 20 after 6 a.m., eligible residents can access COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability beginning Thursday, January 21. Vaccination appointments are scheduled online only. Appointments cannot be made by calling Publix or the Publix Pharmacy.
CLICK OR TAP HERE TO REGISTER.
The following persons are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, by appointment only:
- healthcare personnel with direct patient contact
- residents and staff of longterm care facilities, and
- adults aged 65 years and older
A limited number of vaccines are available at the following local Publix stores:
Escambia County
- 13390 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola
- 5055 North 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 9251 University Parkway, Pensacola
- 5998 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- 2180 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- 1100 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola
Santa Rosa County
- 852 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze
- 1430 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
- 8244 Navarre Parkway, Navarre
- 4739 Highway 90, Pace
- 5580 Woodbine Road, Pace
Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.
You cannot make or confirm an appointment by making a comment on this story. You must follow the link above.
Pictured: The Public store at 2180 West Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Over $1.5 Billion Up For Grabs As Lottery Jackpots Soar
January 19, 2021
More than $1.5 billion is up for grabs ther week as America’s dueling jackpots, Mega Millions and Powerball, continue to climb.
Tuesday, the Mega Millions jackpot increased to an estimated $865 million and on Sunday, the Powerball jackpot rolled to an estimated $730 million.
Jackpot winners have the option to receive their winnings in 30 annual installments or as a one-time, lump-sum cash option of approximately $638.8 million for Mega Millions and $546 million for Powerball. In addition to the jackpot prize, players can win lower-tier prizes of up to $2 million with Powerball and up to $5 million with Mega Millions.
The next Mega Millions drawing will be held Tuesday night, January 19, at 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m.
The next Powerball drawing will be held Wednesday at 9:59 p.m., but tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m.
Jay Couple Arrested On Child Sex Charges; Sheriff Described Victim As The Youngest He Has Seen
January 19, 2021
A Jay couple has been accused of sex crimes against a child that Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Bob Johnson described as “what is probably the youngest victim I’ve ever seen in 38-years of law enforcement.”
Brandi Nacole Harper, 38, and her boyfriend, 35-year old John David McKenzie were described as “mutts” by Johnson during a press conference Tuesday morning.
“If I had my way, I’d take them to the vet and have them put down like a dog. But that’s just me,” Johnson said.
McKenzie, 35, was charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Harper, 38, was charged with two counts of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12. If convicted, she faces two consecutive life sentences.
Johnson said Harper’s adult son was going through his mom’s bedroom and found McKenzie’s unlocked phone that contained multiple images of what the sheriff described as obvious child pornography. He turned the phone over to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office where investigators download the phone’s contents and found multiple images of child pornography.
The sheriff said Harper appeared in “a very disturbing video” with the young child.
“One of the platforms that I ran on was zero tolerance for crimes involving our most vulnerable victims — whether they’re juveniles, elderly individuals or those involved in human trafficking,” State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden said.
“I do anticipate and expect to go full force on these types on crimes,” Bowden said. “I think that these are the most egregious types of crimes that we deal with, and unfortunately, it’s much more prevalent than we would like to acknowledge. But it’s there.”
Johnson said more charges against McKenzie are expected in the near future.
“It just make s me sick to my stomach when you realize what human beings are capable of doing to other human beings, especially human beings that can’t take of themselves,” the sheriff said.
McKenzie remained in the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $75,000, while Harper was held in the jail without bond.
Pictured below: Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson listens as Stat Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden speaks about the arrests of Brandi Nacole Harper and her boyfriend, John David McKenzie, during a press conference Tuesday morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
U.S. Marshals In Texas Nab Atmore Man Wanted For Teen’s Murder
January 19, 2021
A man wanted for the shooting death of a teen last November in Atmore has been arrested by U.S. Marshals in Austin, Texas.
Rodarious Tyrig Dailey, 22, is awaiting extradition back to Alabama to face a murder charge.
Just before 4:30 p.m. on November 27, 2020, , the Atmore Police Department received a 911 call reporting that one person had been shot at 163 Harris Street. Atmore officers arrived to find the 17-year old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body area, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks.
The teen was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital where he later died.
Witnesses told police that the Atmore teen was sitting in the back seat of a vehicle parked at the residence when a lone suspect entered the property. Police were told the gunman then fired into the car, striking the victim.
The shooting happened less than two months after Dailey was released on bond from the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center after being charged with five counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, six counts of theft of property third degree and give counts of theft of property fourth degree. Those charges stemmed from citizen complaints after personal items were taken during vehicle burglaries July 24, July 25 and August 4, 2020.
Heads Up – Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
January 19, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route. The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Crews continue road widening and drainage improvements.
- Motorists can expect nighttime intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Beginning Sunday, Jan. 17 crews will be working in the median. Lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · Interstate Circle Pavement Soil Testing for Bridge Replacement over Eight Mile Creek- Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 22.
- · I-10 Routine Maintenance Operations between Mile Marker 5 (U.S. 90A) and Mile Marker 16 (west of U.S. 90/Scenic Highway)- Motorists will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 22.
- · Fairfield Drive (S.R. 295) Turn Lane Construction near N S Street- The eastbound, inside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 to 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22 for construction of a turn lane.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are slated to begin January 25, 2021. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 98 Utility Work from Palo Alto to Whispering Pines Boulevard – The eastbound, outside lane will be closed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, Jan. 29 as utility crews perform operations.
- State Road (S.R.) 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions as crews perform construction activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Tuesday Afternoon At Carver Park In Cantonment
January 19, 2021
The Cantonment Improvement Committee and the First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold a food distribution on Tuesday, January 19 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. There will be 10,000 pounds of food distributed.
The food distribution will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. Line up on Webb Street facing north. An identification is required.
Pictured: A 10,000 pound food giveaway last year at Carver Park in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Give The Gift Of Life: It’s National Blood Donor Month
January 19, 2021
The Escambia County has proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month to encourage residents to give the gift of life.
“OneBlood has served as the sole blood supplier for every local hospital in the Pensacola area, and the Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize OneBlood for their great work in the community,” said District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry. ”I encourage residents to give blood to help others in need.”
“When we teamed up with OneBlood this summer to encourage everyone to make a pledge, they were in dire straits,” Florida Senator Doug Broxson said. “People don’t realize they get most of their donations from students at universities. Universities being shut down basically throughout Florida really impacted them. What OneBlood developed was convalescent plasma, which we know has saved people’s lives in this area. My fear is that I’ll be standing here next year making a similar plea for OneBlood. We’ve got to stand together to do everything we can as citizens, as Americans.”
To find a OneBlood donor center or blood drive, click or tap here.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny Tuesday, High In The Upper 60s
January 19, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Rain likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 49. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.
Florida Gas Prices Remain Around 10-Month Highs
January 19, 2021
Florida gas prices are still hovering around 10-month highs, according to AAA.
The state average of $2.30 per gallon is slightly higher than last week and 10 cents more than a month ago. Despite that, drivers are paying 23 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Monday in Escambia County was $2.34, up 17 cents from a month ago. The lowest price to be found in North Escambia Monday night was $2.33 at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers are still paying less money at the pump than they did this time last year, but pump prices have certainly climbed in recent weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The price hikes reflect the gains made in crude oil prices, which have been propped up by optimism that Covid-19 vaccines will eventually lead to more global fuel consumption.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Officials Report 151 New COVID-19 Cases In Escambia, No Additional Deaths
January 19, 2021
THIS IS ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 151 new COVID-19 cases and no additional deaths reported in Escambia County Monday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 27,606 (+151)
Non-Florida residents: 2,968
Recovered: 22,947*
Total deaths: 448
Long-term care facility deaths : 188
Current hospitalizations: 276
Number of tests reported last day: 805
Percent positive reported last day: 15.2%
Percent positive reported last week: 17.4%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 20,312 (+124)
Cantonment: 2,472 (+13)
Century: 1,082
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 350 (+3)
McDavid: 171 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 47
Bellview: 43
Perdido Key: 18
Gonzalez: 11
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 13,853 (+50)
Non-Florida residents: 174
Total deaths: 177
Long-term care facility deaths: 50
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 647*
Number of tests reported last day: 268
Percent positive reported last day: 15.5%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 6,596 (+14)
Navarre: 2,752 (+19)
Gulf Breeze: 2,516 (+7)
Pace: 1,118 (+5)
Jay: 425 (+5)
Bagdad: 29 (+2)
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,579,281
Florida residents: 1,550,444
Deaths: 24,274
Hospitalizations: 68,170*
*“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.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations as a result, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***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 is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.