Escambia County’s Vaccination Rate Lagging Behind State Average
July 13, 2021
Escambia County’s coronavirus vaccination rate is lagging behind the state average, according to recently released data from the Florida Department of Health
Statewide, 58% of Floridians have received at least one dose.
In Escambia County 117,425 people, or 42% of the population over age 12, have received at least one dose. There were just 833 people vaccinated in Escambia County last week.
Rain Is Likely Again Today
July 13, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
IP Accepting Applications For $80,000 In Foundation Grants Through July 26
July 13, 2021
The International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $80,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2021, in honor of the mill’s 80th anniversary.
Grant applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com through Monday, July 26.
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measureable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available on the website.
An eligible non-profit organization with a program in an area that the foundation supports must apply online by visiting http://www.ipgiving.com. Applications are routed to the local IP facility and must be completed in its entirety to be considered.
For more information about the grant guidelines or process, contact Whitney Fike, communications manager at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or (850) 968-3076.
Lynnette Miller Spinks
July 13, 2021
Lynnette Miller Spinks passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021 at the age of 69. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, she became a resident of Molino, Florida in 1983. Lynnette was well-known and loved by everyone in the area. A wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, Nanny, and friend, her passing is felt by so many. She had a great passion for life, cooking, old time country music, old time church hymns, the Florida State Seminoles, and the 2020 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Lynnette loved taking care of her family, friends, church family, and those in need.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister.
She is survived by her husband and love of her life Stephen Spinks; her children John Miller (Susie), Michael Beard (Karen), and Kendra Molchanoff (Joseph), as well as her sister Carolyn Miller and brothers Howard Miller (Edna) and Lee Miller. Lynnette loved all of her 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Even now we can hear, “Kiss those grandbabies for me.”
A celebration of her life will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, Florida on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 1:30 PM. Casual dress, please.
DeSantis Makes Local Appointment To State Board Of Optometry
July 13, 2021
Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed an Escambia County woman to the Board of Optometry.
Katie Spear is a licensed optometrist and owner of The Visual Performance Center. She is a member of the Florida Optometric Association, American Optometric Association and is a past co-editor of Women in Optometry. Spear earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University, master’s degree in public health and doctorate of optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her juris doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr.
July 13, 2021
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr. was born on March 14th, 1936, in Albany, NY to Marion Margaret Brand and John F. Murphy. He served 3 years in the Army as an engineer including 10 months in a combat zone in Korea where the cease fire was signed while he was on a troop ship headed for the war zone with the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion. He returned to the U.S. to complete his enlistment and later returned to Albany. He eventually went to work for Niagara-Mohawk Power Company.
Jack and his first wife Helene Jane Van Beusichem were married on April 12, 1958 and settled in Claverack, NY. They adopted three children, Thomas John (Kelly), Linda Jean Turner (Bruce), and James Matthew (Jayne).
Jack served his community as a member and leader of several organizations including the A.B. Shaw Fire Company, St. John’s and St. Thomas’ Lutheran Churches, the Hudson Elks, VFW, American Legion, Hudson Power Boat Association, and Hudson Whalers Pop Warner Football. He also served 10 years as a member of the Hudson City School District Board of Education including two years as president and liaison to the NY State Schools Boards.
Jack retired from NiMo as the superintendent of transmission and distribution for the Hudson service area after 35 years. His wife Jane preceded him in death in August 1986. Jack remarried Joan Steineke and they later retired in North Fort Myers, FL, where he remained active in civic organizations. After many years in Florida, Jack returned to the Hudson, NY, area.
After his second wife passed away, he met his second “soul mate” in Rose (Betty) Taylor and they split time between Crossville, TN, and East Greenbush, NY. Betty passed away in 2019 and Jack moved to Pensacola, FL, and was a proud member of American Legion Post 240 where he was the eldest of four generations of Post and Sons of the American Legion members, the youngest being his great grandson, Seamus.
Jack loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers and their wives, Kenneth Pleat (Clarice) and George Pleat (Georgette).
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Summer Vista assisted living facility (particularly Kerrianna, Danielle, and Holly) and Vitas Healthcare (particularly Stephanie, Jasmine, Ellen, and Kelly). Jack requested his family have “a big party” instead of a funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. or the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.
Annola Margaret Hall
July 13, 2021
Annola Margaret Hall, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She passed from this life suddenly on July 9, 2021 at 76 years of age. Born in Beeville, Texas, she was raised in Corpus Christi, where she met the love of her life, Claude Stuard Hall. Married for 56 years, they traveled the world together, as he served our country. As mom to Gina, Kristine, and step-mother to Belinda, this military wife still pursued higher education. Annola completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Hawaii and earned a Masters degree in Mathematics from University of West Florida.
Annola was loved by many and blessed all those she touched. Her life’s passion was education, where she taught upper-level mathematics at Escambia High School and J.M. Tate High School for 43 years. ‘Mrs. Hall,’ was a favorite of students and peers. She was a trusted counselor, mentor, friend, and continuing to substitute-teach even in retirement. Mrs. Hall’s pride was in her school and students, and she shared her passion for learning with thousands of students over the years. One of her favorite titles, however, was ‘Gran.’ She loved her grandchildren, affectionately known as ‘Gran’s Sugars,’ Taylor (Sugar-Booger), Michael (Sugar-Bum), John (Sugar-Cube), Danielle (Sugar-Dumpling) , and Nathan (Sugar-Baby), with all of her heart and she spoiled them accordingly.
Annola was an avid reader, gardener, and loved to crochet and play games. She was often seen in the yard with Claude, in the kitchen canning vegetables, or in her chair with a book, a ball of yarn, or a sudoku puzzle. Of course, whenever there was a need for family fun, she was gathered around the Parcheesi Board.
Annola was preceded in death my her mother, Lenola Lavenia Ferguson, and her father William James Ferguson.
Survivors include her beloved husband Claude Stuard Hall; two beautiful daughters, Gina Nola Howard with husband William Davis Howard and Kristine Margaret Scapin, with husband Deamon John Scapin II; grandchildren Taylor Leann, Michael, John, Danielle, Nathan, Taylor, Olivia, and Blakely; her brother Bill Ferguson with wife Jan and nephew Ryan.
A celebration of Annola’s life will include a visitation on Wednesday, July 14, 5p-7p and Memorial Service on Thursday, July 15, 10:30am at Fatih Chapel North, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment, Florida. A brief Graveside will follow the service at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery, 1pm.
Crestview Murder Suspect Killed In Shootout With Escambia County Deputies (With Bodycam Video)
July 12, 2021
An Okaloosa County murder suspect was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with Escambia County deputies early Monday morning
Johnny Ray Kirk, 22, was wanted for the July 10 shooting death of an 80-year old man at a park in Crestview. He was also accused of kidnapping two 16-year old girls in DeFuniak Springs earlier that day.
Kirk was located about 2:45 a.m. Monday by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He was a passenger in a white Ford Escape they stopped at Inez Road and Carrick Avenue, off Fairfield Drive.
He “jumped out of the passenger seat and immediately fired multiple rounds at the two deputies. The deputies returned fire striking him twice,” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Kirk was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. No deputies were injured during the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded to investigate the shooting, as is standard procedure. Both deputies that fired have been placed on administrative leave. ECSO said the incident was captured on body cameras and in-car video.
Bodycam video is below. It may be disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
On Sunday, the 80-year old murder victim’s pickup truck was found in off Linda Lane near Defuniak Spring in Walton County (pictured bottom).
Cantonment Man Charged With Theft Of Water Tank Trailer, Construction Tools
July 12, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged in connection with the theft of water tank trailer and multiple tools from a local construction site.
William Ashton Cook, 19, was charged with grand theft, burglary of an unoccupied structure, felony grand theft, and criminal mischief with property damage.
On June 18, Cook allegedly took a 14-foot trailer with a 500 gallon water tank valued at $6,500, several tools from inside a storage container and a generator from a construction site at Nowak Dairy Road and Highway 97. The potable water tank received an estimated $1,500 in damage after diesel fuel was poured into it, according to an arrest report.
On June 23, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recovered the stolen trailer attached to Cook’s pickup on Vantage Road, along with two reciprocating saws in the front seat of jos Ford F250 that were taken from the construction site, the report states.
Cook had allegedly walked to a relative’s property on Vantage Road after parking the pickup and water tank trailer. As a search warrant was being prepared for the property, the owner gave deputies consent to search. They reported finding a pressure pump and tamping machine also taken from the construction site.
Cook was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Pictured top: This 500 gallon water tank and trailer were recovered on Vantage Road June 23. Pictured below: Deputies search a nearby property a short time later. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pfizer Vaccine Available In Century Tuesday
July 12, 2021
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination will be available in Century Tuesday from Community Health Northwest Florida.
The vaccine will be available to anyone ages 12 and up from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Century Pediatrics at 501 Church Street.
Walk-ins are welcome, or call (850) 439-3358 for available appointment times.