Escambia To Host Bristol Park Area Flooding FEMA Grant Public Meeting
January 5, 2021
Escambia County will hold a public meeting next week to update progress on the efforts to address flooding in the Bristol Park area.
The county is applying for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to further the county’s acquisition and floodplain restoration initiative in this area. The county is looking to voluntarily acquire properties in the Bristol Park and Ashbury Hills neighborhoods from willing homeowners.
“Unfortunately, the Bristol Park area experienced substantial flooding againduring Hurricane Sally,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “This meeting will provide a venue for homeowners to ask questions and gain additional information about an option that may be available to help them with their individual situation.”
The purpose of the meeting is to further gauge interest of homeowner willingness to participate and to address frequently asked questions and concerns about the grant application.
The meeting will me held at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 11 at the Escambia County Extension Office at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
After the presentation, homeowners will have the opportunity to ask further questions in small groups or individually, and the county would like to make appointments for these time slots. Residents are asked to contact either Kelli Reddick (kelli.reddick@arcadis.com) or Rob McCracken (rob_mccracken@myescambia.com) prior to the meeting to schedule an appointment, ask questions about the grant application and/or see a pre-application package.
Pictured: Household items piled outside a home in the Bristol Park area that flooded during Hurricane Sally. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics To Open Wednesday For Persons 65 And Older; All Appointments Filled
January 5, 2021
Ascension Sacred Heart plans to open two community clinics on Wednesday in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County that will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to local residents who are age 65 and older.
All available appointments for the 1,000 vaccine shots at each clinic were filled Tuesday morning.
“Ascension Sacred Heart plans to hold additional vaccination clinics for seniors as soon as more COVID-19 vaccine is available from the state. We anticipate that will happen next week, and we will announce plans on our website and on social media once plans are confirmed,” the hospital said in a statement.
The clinics were organized in coordination with the Florida Department of Health and officials from each county.
In Escambia County, the first series of clinics in January will take place in the gym of Olive Baptist Church at 1836 East Olive Road from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In Santa Rosa County, the vaccination clinic will be located in the basketball gym of Milton Community Center at 5329 Byrom Street in Milton. Appointments are required. Walk-ups will not receive a vaccine.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced a new executive order directing that the next priority group for vaccinations in Florida should be persons age 65 and older. The seniors group follows the first priority group, which is healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents and staff.
After receiving a supply of the Moderna vaccine, Ascension Sacred Heart recently began to vaccinate its hospital staff and healthcare personnel in the community. To support the Florida DOH as it develops a long-term, comprehensive approach to community vaccinations, Ascension Sacred Heart also will assist the state health department and collaborate with other community partners to deploy vaccines to other priority groups.
Because of the limited amount of vaccines available in the U.S., it will likely be months before the state is able to successfully vaccinate all the individuals in priority categories, according to Ascension Sacred Heart. There are almost five million people in Florida who are 65 and older.
“Our hospitals are continuing to provide clinically excellent, safe, compassionate care for every patient and loved one whether for COVID-19 or for any other health condition and need,” said Tom Van Osdol, president and CEO of Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast. ”
“At the same time, we are working hard to vaccinate our own hospital employees, physicians, community health care workers and those aged 65 and older throughout our communities, in accordance with Governor DeSantis’ executive order. We are blessed that we have the resources of our Ascension Medical Group to assist the two local counties in vaccinating and helping to protect our senior citizens and those most potentially at-risk against COVID-19.”
New COVID-19 Quarantine Procedures Begin In The Escambia County School District
January 5, 2021
It’s the first day back in class, and the first day of new COVID-19 quarantine procedures, for the Escambia County School District.
Students will now be able to return to school on the 11th day following an exposure, provided they have no symptoms of COVID-19. Students may return as early as the eighth day after an exposure, if they are having no symptoms and have obtained a negative PCR Molecular COVID-19 test administered on the sixth day (or later) following exposure.
However, students will need to observe the full 14 days of quarantine from extracurricular activities and athletics, according to Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith. He said there may be additional school situations which require students to observe the full 14 days of quarantine from school.
The school district said the changes are to align the school system with the Florida Department of Health an recent COVID-19 quarantine information released by the CDC.
Keep The Wreath Green: 10 Residential Fires In Escambia County During December
January 5, 2021
The 2020 “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign ended with 10 red bulbs on the fire safety wreath to represent 10 residential fires in Escambia County during December.
The first of those fires was December 3 in the North Escambia area, injuring a resident as they rescued their cat from the blaze in the 600 block of East 10 Mile Road.
The majority of homes impacted during the 2020 campaign had no fatalities or serious injuries, but most did not have working smoke alarms present, according to county fire officials. The leading causes of fires in Escambia County for this year’s campaign were from candles, unattended cooking and electrical fires. There was also an increase in garage and shed fires during 2020.
“I would like to thank the citizens for making fire safety a priority,” said Paul Williams, Escambia County interim fire chief. ”This year’s campaign ended with fewer red bulbs than the previous year likely due to residents being diligent about practicing fire safety, but we should not stop there. If we continue to work together, we can eliminate both the personal and property loss due to fire. Almost all of the homes impacted during this year’s campaign did not have working smoke alarms.”
To receive a free smoke alarm contact Escambia County Fire Rescue at (850) 595-HERO (4376) or (850) 436-5200 for city of Pensacola residents to schedule an appointment for smoke alarm installation.
The 2019 Keep the Wreath Green campaign ended with 13 residential fires in the county.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Interior photo: Escambia Fire Rescue.
Cool Temps In The 30s Tonight
January 5, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Showers, mainly before noon. High near 61. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Frances Harrelson Baggett
January 5, 2021
Frances Harrelson Baggett, age 84, of Atmore, AL passed away on December 21, 2020. She was born on November 1, 1936, in Red Level, AL to the late Grady Harrelson and Kathleen Glidwell. She retired with over 27 years of experience as a manager with Wind Creek Casino and Smoke Shop.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon Baggett and her son, Wayne Harris.
She is survived by her sons, Michael (Sandy) Harris of Gaithersburg, MD and David (Shelle Walters) Harris of Canoe, AL; her daughters-in-law, Lora, Sandy, Shelle, Sue Ann, Cindi and Annette; her brothers, Jerry Harrelson, Benny Harrelson and Melvin Harrelson; her grandchildren, Michael Harris, Jacob Harris, Taylor O’Neil and Brittany McElroy and her great-grandchildren, Will McElroy and Henry Harris.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 8, 2021, at 1 p.m. with Bro. Peyton Williams officiating.
Inurnment will be in Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirement, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Kenneth Ralph Jones
January 5, 2021
Kenneth Ralph “Kenny Ray” Jones, age 72, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020, in Poarch, AL. He was a native of Excel, AL and had resided in Poarch, AL for the past 46 years. He was born October 15, 1948, to Melba and Vernell “Sterl” Jones in Excel, AL.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith Allen McGhee; siblings, Tony Mac Jones, Douglas Jones, Annell Brooks and Carolyn Jaye.
He is survived by his former wife, Clara Jones, Poarch, AL; daughter, Suzi (Patrick) Graham of Port Charlotte, FL; son, Frankie “Boochie” Jones of Poarch, AL; sisters, Judy (Roy) Owen of Excel, AL and Brenda (Donnie) Johnson of Goodway, AL; brother, Tracey Jones of Excel, AL; eight grandchildren, James Huhman of Port Charlotte, FL, Stephan Graham of Fort Irwin, CA, Caleb and Joshua Graham of Port Charlotte, FL, Bailey Jones of Brewton, AL and Macey, Adilyn and Laikyn Jones of Poarch, AL and great grandson, Sterling Graham of Fort Irwin, CA.
He retired as a self-employed truck driver for Jones Trucking and currently operated his own mobile home park. He was an avid farmer and motorcyclist. He also had a lifelong love of horses and loved country living.
Special thanks to Tatum Lee, Caregiver and Jonathan Martin’s Home Care Services.
Funeral service were held Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim James officiating.
Burial was at Excel Cemetery in Excel, AL.
Active pallbearers were Randy Fretwell, Jr., Tyler McGhee, Kevin Andrews, Xan McGhee, Corey Flowers and Aubrey “Tinker” Rolin.
Honorary pallbearers were Odell McGhee, Alex McMillian and Ronnie Jaye.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Mark Carpenter
January 5, 2021
Mark Carpenter, at the age of 59, passed away in a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident on December 30, 2020, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born in Oktibbeha County, Starkville, Mississippi on April 12, 1961, to his parents David Cresswell Carpenter and Olga Ann Thompson Carpenter. Mark lived his primary years in Clinton, Mississippi with his mother and stepfather. Growing up young, wild, and free, Mark and his older brother Tommy Carpenter eventually came to Pensacola to live near their father. The boys found a whole new family awaited them here and developed bonds that lasted a lifetime.
Mark worked as a surveyor and traveled extensively across the USA. He enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, fishing, and spending time at Pensacola beach. Mark had accepted Christ into his life and like many of us, wrestled daily with the failures of the past but he always maintained a hopeful outlook that things were going to get better any minute now. He enjoyed socializing and had a heart for the local homeless community. Mark had spent some of his time being homeless and shared stories and experiences of the people he met and their effect on him. He made friendships that would last.
He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather, and mother.
He is survived by two sisters, his stepmother, one brother, six nephews, two nieces, and one son.
Sylvia Diane Barlow Elkins
January 5, 2021
Doll entered this world on March 17, 1949. Born to Walter and Bessie Barlow in Nokomis, Florida, she was number 15 of 19 children. As a child, she attended Davis School in Davisville, FL and Earnest Ward in Walnut Hill, FL. Being one who was called by her Daddy as his “China Doll” because of her beauty, the name stuck and still today is lovingly known as Doll.
She went on to marry Terry Elkins and birthed two daughters Erica (Donald) Little of Atmore, AL and Kimberly (Rodney) Johnson of Perdido, AL. The children really didn’t stop there as every one of their friends adopted her as their mother also calling her “Mom”. She has a host of nieces and nephews (of course she did, with 18 siblings!) and her close friend Peggy Moore of New Castle, KY had eight children who adopted her as their aunt also. She went by the name of Diane, who in a child language sounded like Di-nan. From that came the nickname Nanny. The name stuck when the grandchildren started to come along.
Grandchildren : Joshua Husband of Atmore, AL; Meredith (Mark) Morrow of Perdido, AL; Joseph (Whitney) Husband of Atmore, AL; Paul Lawson Jr of Foley, AL; and Matthew Lawson of LaGrange, KY. With the second marriage of Erica, she was able to gain another grandchild Kerven (Casey) Little of Pensacola, FL. Her grandchildren’s friends, like her children’s friends, adopted her as their Nanny also. So there are many “adopted” grandchildren not mentioned here.
Great grandchildren in birth order include Keegan Little of Pensacola, FL; Naomie Lawson of McDavid, FL; Mark Jr, Mia, and Marie Morrow of Perdido, AL; and Zayne Lawson of Foley, AL.
After living in KY for over 30 years, she retired and moved back to her hometown of Atmore, AL where she was a member of Nokomis Baptist Church. Her passions aside from spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren involved gardening. She often tended to her vegetable garden and multiple fruit trees and flower beds. In the yard was where she felt at peace. Now, as of New Year’s Eve, her peace is found in the arms of her Lord and Savior.
She is preceded in death by her parents and 11 siblings.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, two daughters, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and seven siblings: Walter “Tobe” (Bobbie) Barlow Jr of Shepherd, TX; Margaret Ann (Larson) Bryars of Perdido, AL; Judy Rathsack of Atmore, AL; Donald Barlow of Nokomis, FL; Frank “Dunky” (Shirley) Barlow of Nokomis, AL; Debbie Barlow of Nokomis, FL; Theresa “Reese” Barlow of Atmore, AL; and a special Sister-in-
law Jackie Barlow of New Caney, TX.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home.
The funeral will be Wednesday January 6, 2021, at 10 a.m.
Her pastor, James Hill, will be officiating the service.
The burial is to follow the service at Serenity Gardens in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Escambia Reports One Additional Death, 172 New COVID-19 Cases
January 5, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 172 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death is Escambia County as reported Monday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 23,378 (+172)
Non-Florida residents: 2,526
Total deaths: 384 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths : 169 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 248 (+50)
Number of tests reported last day: 719
Percent positive reported last day: 18.1%
Percent positive reported last week: 17.8%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 17,113 (+126)
Cantonment: 2,044 (+23)
Century: 1,028 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 281 (+1)
McDavid: 145 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 40 (+1)
Bellview: 33
Perdido Key: 17
Gonzalez: 10
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 11,772 (+116)
Non-Florida residents: 155
Total deaths: 130
Long-term care facility deaths: 25
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 561*
Number of tests reported day: 330
Percent positive reported last day: 24.1%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 5,725 (+41)
Navarre: 2,314 (+29)
Gulf Breeze: 2,086 (+22)
Pace: 904 (+11)
Jay: 327 (+6)
Bagdad: 26
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,376,692
Florida residents: 1,352,222
Deaths: 22,090
Hospitalizations: 63,505*
*“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.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.