COVID-19 Testing Now Available Five Days A Week In Cantonment, Brownsville
October 6, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now offering COVID-19 testing five days a week at two locations.
Drive-thru testing is available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at:
- Community Health Northwest Florida Cantonment Pediatrics at 470 South Highway 29, Cantonment.
- Brownsville Community Center at 3200 West DeSoto Street, Pensacola
No pre-screening is required at the Cantonment or Brownsville locations, and the tests are available for all ages. A photo ID and insurance (if insured) are requested.
COVID-19 rapid testing is also available in partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart by appointment only for Escambia County residents three months and older who are experiencing Covid symptoms. Patients desiring rapid testing must call the Ascension Sacred Heart call center at (850) 746-2684 to be pre-screened and scheduled if eligible.
Escambia County Offers Free Sand For Storm Prep
October 6, 2020
Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Skanska Says They Are Keeping A Close Eye On Hurricane Delta
October 6, 2020
Bridge contractor Skanska says they are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Delta.
During Hurricane Sally, over 20 Skanska barges broke free. Several hit the Pensacola Bay Bridge, severely damaging and closing it. Others hit different bridges, several were grounded around the Pensacola Bay area and several sank to the bottom of the bay.
In a statement, Skanska said they are continually monitoring the progress of Hurricane Delta, and they “are in close communication with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local authorities. We are making all preparations necessary to best ensure the safety of the surrounding community and our construction team members. Given the storm’s projected path at this time, we are preparing our project site and equipment for a potential hurricane-force impact should landfall occur in or near Pensacola.”
The company said they are continuing to make progress on retrieving the barges lost during Hurricane Sally. As of Monday, they had recovered and sectured 12 of the 23 barges that ran aground.
Escambia Residents Encouraged To Monitor Delta This Week
October 5, 2020
Escambia County officials say they are closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Delta as it moves toward a forecasted landfall as a hurricane, and they are urging local residents to do the same.
While it’s still too early to determine potential impacts to Escambia County, the latest forecast shows the storm tracking west of the area, with possible tropical storm-force winds forecast to arrive in the western Panhandle Friday morning. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of the storm on NorthEscambia.com — check back several times each day.
“We’re treating this storm as if it’s going to be making landfall here, and forecasts are predicting this will likely be a wind event for us,” Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. “We’re encouraging everyone to make their preparations now, and even if this turns out to be a non-even, we’re prepared.”
Residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year’s disaster kit might need to look a little different if you’re planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
With the possible approach of Tropical Storm Delta, the county is focusing debris management collections in the low lying areas that are susceptible to flooding such as Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.Contractors will still be collecting debris in all areas of the county and have been approved to work additional hours; however, this storm is predicted to make landfall on Friday and residents are encouraged to use the debris collections sites that have been advertised. If residents would like to drop off vegetation, they can do so from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the following locations:
- Lexington Terrace
- Baars Field
- Equestrian Center
- Park East, Pensacola Beach
- John R. Jones Park
- Oak Grove Convenience Center
- Brent Athletic Park
Follow These Tips to Prepare for a Storm
- Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com.
- Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer.
- Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before dark Thursday evening.
- Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
- In the event of a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. Stay away from windows.
- Turn around, don’t drown: In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road. Water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.
Flomaton Elementary Grieving Loss Of Student Killed In Saturday Wreck Near Walnut Hill
October 5, 2020
Flomaton Elementary School is remembering a sixth grade student that lost his life in a wreck Saturday on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill. The crash also injured three other members of his family.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 16-year old driver from Molino attempted to pass other traffic in a no passing zone and crashed his pickup truck into a Mitsubishi Outlander occupied by a family of four.
The crash claimed the life of 11-year old Jaden James, a sixth grader at Flomaton Elementary. His mother, 42-year old Lashelby James, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition. She is also part of the Flomaton Elementary family, working in the school’s cafeteria. Jaden’s 9-year old sister and his father were also seriously injured.
“Jaden James described in one word – CHRISTIAN! He unapologetically loved the Lord and wanted to be a preacher when he grew up,” Blaire Singleton, one of Jaden’s teachers said. “He had a heart of gold and the sweetest, most humble spirit. Jaden was shy but when he smiled, he would light up a room. He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him.
“He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him. He is THE shining example of our school motto- respect others, work hard, make good decisions, smile a lot, and love other people. That was Jaden James everyday!! I am forever grateful for knowing him because to know him was to love him,” Singleton continued.
Leslie Wedgeworth, Jaden’s third grade teacher, said he was always smiling and had a servant’s heart, always willing to serve.
“All the kids loved him and he was a teacher’s dream. I would always joke with Lashelby at lunch because he was honestly just too good to be true! He was smart, kind, happy, and funny. Jaden had a bright future ahead of him, but Heaven needed him more,” Wedgeworth said.
“I could not describe him better. Flomaton Elementary is a better place because Jaden was a part of it. He will forever be one of us,” Flomaton Elementary Principal George Brown said.
Additional counselors will be on hand Monday at Flomaton Elementary to assist students and staff as they grieve.
For more on the wreck, click or tap here.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Up About A Dime
October 5, 2020
Florida gas prices jumped an average of 10 cents per gallon last week. This was the fourth consecutive month that begin with higher gas prices; each one with an average increase of 7-12 cents.
Sunday, Florida drivers were back to paying $2.19 per gallon on average. Despite the recent increase, drivers are still paying 30 cents per gallon less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.13. North Escambia drivers could find as low as $2.05 at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment, while the warehouse clubs in Pensacola dipped to $1.90.
“It’s not uncommon for gas prices to suddenly jump at the end/beginning of the month,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s because many retailers enter into new monthly contracts on fuel deliveries, which can come with a higher price tag. When retailers pass the added cost to the consumer, they do it at the start of the month, then allow the market to dictate the direction of prices from there. The good news for drivers is that during the past few months, we’ve seen fuel prices trickle lower as the month progresses.”
Prices at the pump could follow the same trend as last month, according to AAA. September began with the state average suddenly rising to $2.20 per gallon. By the end of the month, the state average slid back down to $2.09.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Endorses Chip Simmons For Escambia Sheriff
October 5, 2020
Chip Simmons, Republican candidate for Escambia County Sheriff, has received the endorsement of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“As Florida’s Attorney General, I understand the importance of law and order to the safety and strength of our communities. I proudly endorse Chip Simmons for Sheriff of Escambia County and trust that his qualifications and dedication to service and the rule of law will make him an incredible sheriff,” Moody, said.
After nearly 30 years with the Pensacola Police Department, Simmons stepped down as police chief in 2015 to become an assistant county administrator for Escambia County. He joined the Sheriff’s Office as the chief deputy of operations in December 2016. He is responsible for running the patrol, investigations and SWAT divisions.
Submitted photo.
Want To Get Involved In County Government? Here Are This Week’s Meetings
October 5, 2020
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Tuesday, October 6
Planning/Zoning Board – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Planning Board Regular Meeting – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Wednesday, October 7
Coffee with the Commissioner, Jeff Bergosh, District 1 – 6:30 a.m.,
Contractor Competency Board Exam Review Committee – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Contractor Competency Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Thursday, October 8
Board of Adjustment – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room
Friday, October 9
ATU 1395 ECAT Negotiations – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government B
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two Suspects Charged In Saturday Murder
October 4, 2020
Two suspects have been charged with a shooting death Saturday in Escambia County.
Kentavius Oliver, 30, and Samuel Maurice Young, 26, are both charged with murder and being held in the Escambia County jail without bond.
Two black males wearing ski masks shot a man at an apartment at the corner of Mobile Highway and Klondike Road about 1:30 p.m. before fleeing.
The ECSO has not released the name of the victim found dead at the scene or the motive, but authorities did say they believe the shooting may have been drug related.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: The scene of a murder Saturday afternoon at Mobile Highway and Klondike Road in Escambia County. Photos courtesy Al Showers/WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Stealing From Local Church, Pawning Items
October 4, 2020
A Cantonment man has be arrested on outstanding warrants for stealing from a local church.
Matthew David Moore, 52, was charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
Moore worked for the Pine Forest Assembly of God Church and took home three heaters valued at $400 in order to fix and return them to the church, according to an arrest report. He also borrowed a lawnmower value, valued at $345. His employment was later terminated, but he never returned any of the items.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Moore later pawned the lawnmower at a pawn shop on Pensacola Boulevard. At the same time, he also pawned an air compressor that had “Pine Forest A/G” written on it. It was determined to also belong to the church, but they were not yet aware that it was missing, the report states.
The total amount of items taken from the church totaled $909.10.
Moore remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday with bond set at $12,500.