Escambia Reported 544 New COVID-19 Cases Last Week
December 26, 2021
There were 544 new COVID-19 cases reported last week in Escambia County, according to a Florida Department of Health report.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 54,968 (+544)
Positivity rate last week: 11.8%
People vaccinated: 163,824 (+1,051)
Vaccination rate (age 5+): 53%
New hospital admissions: 23
Total deaths last 7 days: <10 (CDC data)
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 33,130 (+547)
Positivity rate last week: 8.7%
People vaccinated: 95,248 (+697)
Vaccination rate (age 5+): 54%
New hospital admissions: 3
Total deaths last 7 days: <10 (CDC data)
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 3,864,213 (+125,201)
Case positivity rate: 13.8%
Deaths: 62,342 (+28)
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2021
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s a story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Firefighters Battle Cantonment Residential Fire Into Early Christmas Morning
December 25, 2021
A structure fire late Christmas Eve night damaged a Cantonment home.
The fire on Wild Turkey Road off River Annex Road was reported about 11:40 p.m. Friday. Firefighters worked well into Christmas morning to fully extinguish the fire.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries, and no word on the cause of the fire.
The Cantonment, Ensley, Molino, Beulah, Brent, Bellview and Ferry Pass stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were among those dispatched to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Shop With A Cop Makes Christmas A Little Brighter For Local Kids (With Photo Gallery)
December 25, 2021
Christmas was a little brighter this year for 42 children across Escambia County, thanks to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s annual Shop with a Cop.
The Escambia County School District identified the children with families that need a little extra help.
Each child submitted a wish list, and a deputy shopped for them. Their gifts were wrapped and placed in a winter wonderland at the ECSO. The children rode with their deputies to the ECSO where they met Rudolph, the Grinch, the Escambia County Mounted Posse, and received their gifts.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Quintette Sailor Wishes Family A Very Merry Christmas
December 25, 2021
A United States Navy sailor from the North Escambia community of Quintette is celebrating Christmas is Paris.
“Holidays mean the world to me because I get to spend precious time with my family, and friends while enjoying great food,” said Seaman Joi McCants. “My most special memory thus far is getting engaged on Thanksgiving, and it would not have happened without the Navy.”
McCants wants to wish family back home a happy holiday season.
“I would like to wish all of my family and friends a happy holiday,” said McCants. “Eat and be merry! I love you all bunches. I miss you all dearly. Without you, this journey would not be possible.”
“If you would like to get in touch with me then reach out to my mother and father,” said McCants. “They will get you the information you need. Christmas gifts and cards are more than welcome! I really appreciate you all. Be blessed.”
McCants serves as a retail service specialist aboard USS Harry S. Truman. As a member of the U.S. Navy, McCants, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
“Serving in the Navy means that I not only get to travel the world, but I also get to serve the country that I love the most,” added McCants.
First Responders Put On Christmas Light Show For Children’s Hospital Patients
December 25, 2021
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
He will bring us goodness and light.
First responders gathered outside the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Christmas Eve night. Children and families inside watched as the first responders gathered outside waving, every emergency light flashing. A few minutes to say they care about the children inside and show love and support.
The Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia Fire Rescue, tow truck drivers and more made Christmas a bit brighter for those the children’s hospital.
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
Photos courtesy Pensacola Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employees Deliver Smiles For Christmas
December 25, 2021
Amanda Guillot and her family have experienced more than their fair share of challenging times the last few months, including losing their home to a fire, facing homelessness, and overcoming near-death medical scares. Putting gifts under the tree for her kids was not going to be possible this year.
That was until Seth Daily, Contact Center supervisor at Navy Federal Credit Union, gave Amanda a call to share his team would be fulfilling her family’s wish list through Project Neighbors, the credit union’s 18th annual employee-driven holiday giving program. The Guillot Family is one of more than 100 local families who were adopted this year by Navy Federal team members.
“It’s been crazy trying to manage everything,” said Amanda. “We’ve been doing everything we can to get back on our feet. It’s hard to put it all into words. Christmas literally would not have been possible without Navy Federal. It’s such a blessing!”
Tears in her eyes, Amanda shook the hands of a half-dozen Navy Federal team members and expressed gratitude as they recently delivered gifts and all the holiday food trimmings for her family of seven to enjoy come Christmas morning.
“Delivering smiles to families in our community is what it’s all about for us,” said Seth. “Being able to give back with my Navy Federal team and help these families make memories is why it’s so special to us.”
Families selected for Project Neighbors were identified in partnership with teachers across Escambia and Santa Rosa County School districts. Team members from Navy Federal’s Headquarters and Winchester Operations Center in Virginia also participated in Project Neighbors, supporting more than 130 families.
In addition to the Project Neighbors program, Navy Federal annually hosts a drive to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. This year, the credit union had a record year by collecting $20,000 in donations and more than 20,000 toys to bring joy to families who need it the most this holiday season.
About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 11 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all branches of the armed forces and their families. Dedicated to its mission of service, Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 20,000 and has a global network of 350 branches.
FHP’s Stuff The Charger Campaign Benefits Ronald McDonald House
December 25, 2021
The Florida Highway Patrol made a large donation of food items to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida this Christmas season. The food was collected during FHP’s annual “Stuff the Charger” campaign. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s New Utility Contract With Prison System In Effect; $180K Annual Increase Expected
December 24, 2021
Century is expected to see an annual revenue increase of over $180,000 from a new utility agreement for the Florida Department of Corrections’ Century Correctional Institution. The contract, approved about a month ago, has now been fully executed by the town and state.
The Florida Department of Corrections is Century’s largest utility customer, and the town was providing water, sewer and natural gas to the prison under a 2008 agreement. It’s estimated the town underbilled over $330,000 due to a faulty gas meter and the town’s failure to adjust the contract annually to match the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, most of the underbilling was beyond a contractual two-year limitation. The town agreed to forgive the full amount with the new agreement.
Billings under the new five year contract, which has a three year renewal option, are anticipated to total nearly $615,181 plus the actual cost of gas each year — $181,121 more than the 2008 contract.
The new rates were applied retroactively to March 2021, and the Department of Corrections has been billed for the difference to date.
Going forward, annual CPI increases will be added each March.
FDOC has also agreed to pay $1,120 per month to cover expenses if the town installs a “bar screen” – machinery that will keep large items like sheets out of the town’s pumps and wastewater treatment plant.
Pictured: An elevated water storage tank belonging to the Town of Century stands just outside the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
The Grinch Arrested In Escambia County; Held Without Bond Until After Christmas
December 24, 2021
“Christmas has been saved!” — that’s the word from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office after they arrested the Grinch in their parking lot.
“Rudolph found the Grinch lurking in a parking lot dressed as Santa this morning and called us immediately,” the ECSO said. “We hope he thinks through his actions, and his heart will grow three sizes.”
The Grinch is being held without bond until December 26. According to records, he is from a cave on Mount Crumpit, a steep mountain just north of Whoville. The Grinch has a criminal history of trying to steal Christmas that dates back to 1957.
He was taken into custody by Deputy Howard Enderson of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.
Photos for all the Whos down in Whoville and NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
