Escambia County Reports 3,067 New COVID-19 Cases, 367 Hospitalizations
August 28, 2021
There were 3,067 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 367 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Friday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 45,904 (+3,067)
Positivity rate last week: 25.1%
Current total hospitalizations: 367
Over age 18 and over hospitalizations: 356
Under age 18 hospitalized: 11
Escambia County Vaccinations
People vaccinated: 140,187
Total Population of Escambia County Partially Vaccinated: 49.4%
Total Population of Escambia County Fully Vaccinated: 40.1%
*These numbers are the percent of total Escambia County population vaccinated. Not the percentage of hospitalized individuals.
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 26,301 (+2,101)
Positivity rate last week: 28.3%
People vaccinated: 81,486
Partial vaccination rate (age 12+): 51%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 3,179,714 (+151,749)
Case positivity rate: 20.3%
Deaths: 43,979 (+389)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate The number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities is no longer provided.
Lawmakers To Seek Funding For Elevated Walkway Over Nine Mile Road At Beulah Middle School
August 27, 2021
Local leaders plan to work together to seek funding for a walkway over Nine Mile Road at Beulah Middle School.
Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh and Escambia County School Board Member Kevin Adams are set to make the official announcement on Monday.
“This will be my main priority, garnering funding for this overpass, as I enter the next legislative session in January,” Salzman said.
They plan to seek funding for the design and construction of the elevated walkway and work for increased pedestrian access and connectivity in the growing community via expanded sidewalk construction on the north and south side of Nine Mile Road near the school.
“I am interested in dramatically expanding the amount of sidewalks in my growing district and will be bringing a plan to do this to this press conference on Monday, including a commitment of up to $500,000 in D1 lost funding to support the effort,” Bergosh said.
Adams added, “I look forward to making this school and this surrounding area a model for safe walking conditions for our students by working closely with my elected counterparts on the county commission and in the state house — together we can make this much better for everyone.”
Escambia Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud, Money Laundering
August 27, 2021
The owner of an Escambia County insurance agency has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering offenses as the FBI seeks more potential victims.
John Michael Thomas, 51, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges related to selling fraudulent insurance policies to his clients in exchange for approximately $4.8 million in insurance premium payments.
Court documents reflect that between September 2013 and February 2021, Thomas operated an insurance business known as Thomas Insurance, LLC. and defrauded customers through a type of insurance fraud known as premium diversion. Thomas executed this scheme by collecting insurance premiums from customers and keeping the funds for personal use instead of producing insurance policies. To conceal his acts, Thomas gave the customers fraudulent documents referencing insurance policies that did not exist.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud. W
Thomas’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 29 at the United States District Courthouse in Pensacola before District Judge T.K. Wetherell. Thomas faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment for wire fraud, a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment for money laundering, and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment for money laundering to conceal proceeds of specified unlawful activity.
Work is ongoing to ensure all alleged victims are identified. If you are a client of Thomas Insurance, LLC. and wish to speak to an investigating agent regarding your policy, you are asked to contact FBI Jacksonville at (904) 248-7000 or email FLinsurancefraud@fbi.gov, and reference “Thomas Insurance.” An FBI representative will respond with additional instructions.
I-10 Wrong Way Driver Enters Plea To DUI Manslaughter, DUI Bodily Injury
August 27, 2021
A wrong-way driver entered plea for the death of a man on I-10 in Escambia County early the morning of June 20, 2020.
Theresa Bernadette King entered a no contest plea to DUI manslaughter and DUI causing serious bodily injury. King, age 47 of McKinney, Texas, remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond awaiting a sentencing hearing on October 28.
The Florida Highway Patrol said King was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when her SUV collided head on with a sedan driven by a 25-year old male from Theodore, Alabama. The vehicles collided head on about 1:30 a.m. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in sedan, a 34-year old male from Theodore, was extricated and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Prosecutors said an open bottle of wine was located on the floorboard of King’s vehicle. Her blood alcohol level was 0.132, well above the legal limit of 0.08. Additionally, prosecutors said the prescription drug alprazolam (Xanax) was found in her system.
King faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Lights: Tonight’s Area High School Football Schedule
August 27, 2021
Here is tonight’s North Escambia area high school football schedule:
FLORIDA
- Northview at Flomaton
- Pensacola High at Tate
- Jay at South Walton
- Escambia at West Florida (Canceled/COVID concerns)
- Catholic at Gulf Breeze
- University Christian at Washington
- Crestview at Milton
- Fort Walton at Navarre
- Choctaw 41, Pace 35 (Thursday p.m.)
ALABAMA
- Escambia County (Atmore) at T.R. Miller
- Escambia Academy at Glenwood
Pictured: The Tate Aggies and Pace Patriots faced off August 20 in a preseason classic game. NorthEscambia.com photo by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Increasing Rain Chances Into The Weekend
August 27, 2021
For the latest tropical forecast on Ida, click or tap here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: 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 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 83. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Jerry Halfacre
August 27, 2021
Jerry Halfacre, age 66, of Cantonment, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 22,2021.
Jerry was loved by many and never met a stranger.
Jerry loved his 3 children and adored his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by so many. He was the best DAD, Grandpa, G-Paw and GP to all of us. DAD was our best friend and our rock.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Doris Halfacre, his mom and dad Ernie and Louise Halfacre, and his brothers Bobby and John Halfacre. He is survived by his three kids, Amanda (Correy) Pritchett, Baranda (Chance) Hawthorne, and Jerry (Amber) Halfacre. His Grandsons Tyler Knowles, Austin (Jess) Halfacre, Levi Kirkpatrick, Keaton Halfacre, and Cooper Halfacre. One granddaughter Harper Halfacre and a great grandson Ira Halfacre. His beloved brother Raymond Halfacre and sisters Teeny Hanners and Cindy Halfacre. Pall Bearers: Tyler Knowles, Austin Halfacre, Keaton Halfacre, Levi Kirkpatrick, Cooper Halfacre, Correy Pritchett, Ryan Spikes, Bo Brown.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Highland Baptist Church, 6240 County Highway 95a, Molino, FL 32577. A Funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Highland Baptist Church. A procession to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Jamey Jess Kahalley
August 27, 2021
Jamey Jess Kahalley passed away on August 25, 2025 at the age of 62.
He preceded in death by his father Eugene Kahalley and his sister Brenda Kahalley. Jamey is survived by his mother Patricia (Morgan) Powell, his brother David Mears, his wife Brenda (Baker) Kahalley, son Sean Kahalley and Rachel Kahalley and daughter Jamie Lea Jester and Stephen Jester. His grandsons were his greatest joy, Ryan Kahalley, Nicholas Kahalley, Gavin Jester, Brandon Jester and Wyatt Jester.
Jamey was active in his children’s sports with coaching at Don Sutton Ball Park for many years at all levels. He coached football when they played for the Cantonment Cowboys and Ensley Chiefs. After retiring from coaching you could find him umpiring games all around the county. He supported Tate Wrestling with his son and Northview Girls Softball and Volleyball with his daughter.
Jamey was a lifelong resident of Molino Florida, graduating from Tate High School Class of 1976. He worked a variety of jobs before he found his calling in law enforcement. He began his career with Milton Police Department for two years and moved to Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office in 1999. Sgt. Jamey Kahalley was known for this years as a FTO and his commitment to helping junior officers become deputies. He took great pride in this work and was committed to the citizens of Santa Rosa County. He received multiple Citations of Merit and Deputy of the Quarter in 2014 and 2016. He received the Life Saving Award in May 2007. Jamey retired in 2019 he was a trustee for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and embraced the country life with big toys and grand plans.
Visitation and a celebration of life will be held Tuesday, August 31 from 5-7 p.m. at Faith Chapel North.
Deborah Carolyn Jackson
August 27, 2021
Mrs. Deborah Carolyn Jackson age 57, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in Atmore, AL. She was a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. and a member of the United Methodist Church of Atmore. She worked with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for several years.
Mrs. Jackson loved her kids and grandchildren. She was an avid Alabama Football Fan. She loved to travel with her husband, but enjoyed going to the casinos with her mom. She would do anything for her kids and her mother. She was raised up by a wonderful man that she considered to be dad, Runt Bryant. Along the road, she met Ronnie, the love of her life and that was the best thing that had ever happened, she loved him dearly.
She is preceded in death by her father, Eubie W. Davis and one brother, Joey Davis.
She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Olivia Bryant (Runt) of Atmore, AL; her loving husband of twenty plus years, Ronnie Ray Jackson of Atmore, AL; two sons, Randon Watson (Sarah) of McDavid, FL; William Cook, of Walnut Hill, FL; one step- son, Scott Jackson (Tammy) of Wetumpka, AL: two daughters, Sharley Cook (Trent) of Atmore, AL; Nioma Till (Shawn) of Excel, AL; twelve grandchildren, Raycer Waston, Landon Watson, William Watson, Crimson Cook, Arabella Cook, Elianna Cook, Koby Styron, Braxton Styron, Brantlee Till, Gabe Till, Haylee Jackson, Dalton Jackson, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday August 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. with Rev. Ray Ward officiating.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 6 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Randon Watson, William Cook, Raycer Watson, Landon Watson, William Watson, Travis Daughtry.
Family request that masks be worn.
M-Braves Postpone Remainder Of Series Against Blue Wahoos
August 27, 2021
The Mississippi Braves have postponed their series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
The M-Braves said the following in a released statement:
“As we continue testing and contact tracing for members of our organization, we have postponed our games against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos through Sunday. We will continue to use caution, follow health and safety protocols, and listen to medical experts.”
There were no additional details provided.