I-10 Wrong Way Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide
June 24, 2020
A wrong-way driver has been arrested for the death of a man on I-10 in Escambia County early last Saturday morning.
Theresa Bernadette King was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury and vehicular homicide. King, age 46 of McKinney, Texas, remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $301,000.
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 1:45 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.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely Wednesday
June 24, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Cantonment Improvement Committee Holds 10,000 Pound Food Giveaway
June 24, 2020
The Cantonment Improvement Committee held a 10,000 pound food distribution Tuesday afternoon at Carver Park in Cantonment. The food included meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
U.S. Attorney Tests Positive For COVID-19
June 24, 2020
U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida has tested positive for COVID-19. He believes he contracted the virus while dealing with a family emergency in Charleston, South Carolina.
A spokesman said Keefe is doing well and is self isolated while remotely directing the activities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He said he feels as if he is dealing with the onset of a cold and is following all protocols recommended by medical experts.
Keefe gathered with his family in Charleston after his youngest son, Patrick, a recent graduate at The Citadel, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago. The family rented a large private home, within walking distance of the Medical Center of the University of South Carolina, where Patrick had surgery last week.
Among those who visited or stayed at the home from June 14-21, one person learned that they had tested positive for COVID-19. When Keefe was informed of this Monday afternoon, he noticed symptoms himself – including the loss of taste and smell. He immediately took steps to get tested and learned that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. He quickly notified the Justice Department in Washington, as well as his office.
State Approves UWF’s Fall Reopening Plan. This Is How It Will Work.
June 24, 2020
The Florida Board of Governors approved the University of West Florida’s Fall 2020 Reopening Plan during its meeting on Tuesday.
The plan was previously approved last week by UWF’s Board of Trustees.
“We look forward to welcoming back our Argos while providing a safer and healthier environment,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “At UWF, we strive to preserve the highest standards of quality in our teaching and research and this plan ensures our students receive the same top-rate education from UWF while maintaining health and safety protocols.”
The plan requires all individuals on campus wear a face covering except when in a private office/residence hall room, a work area separated by six feet from others or in an outdoor area separated by at least six feet from others. UWF will provide one reusable cloth face covering and a bottle of hand sanitizer for every student and employee. Visitors will be provided a disposable face covering. Accommodations will be provided for individuals whose disabilities may prevent them from wearing face coverings.
All students and employees will be required to complete a daily return to campus pre-screening before visiting a University location, in addition to completing a COVID-19 training.
UWF will continue honoring housing contracts for the fall semester and reserve spaces for COVID-19 isolation. In the event a residential student tests positive, they will be moved immediately to an isolation/quarantine space. If someone comes in one-on-one contact with that student in their living space, that unit will be quarantined until test results are available.
UWF is expanding course delivery options for students for the fall semester with more courses offered online. The course delivery framework includes face-to-face, online and hybrid courses developed by the college deans with input from stakeholders, including department chairs and faculty members. Students will be notified of course changes via email by July 1, 2020.
- Lower-division courses (undergraduate courses offered at the freshman or sophomore level) will be delivered with face-to-face components unless faculty opt to teach the full course or sections of the course online or the course is historically offered online.
- Upper-division courses (undergraduate courses offered at the junior level or higher) will primarily be delivered online. Exceptions include courses faculty identify as experiential with significant face-to-face components, capstone, clinical/internship that requires faculty supervision and courses that serve as a practicum experience.
- Graduate courses will be delivered with face-to-face components unless they are part of an online program or students are enrolled in synchronous online instruction offered as part of a face-to-face course.
The maximum room capacity for all classrooms in use for the fall semester will be updated based on the square footage of space with an allowance of 36 square feet per person in accordance with current CDC guidelines. Classroom facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and include signage showing where students can sit based on the guidelines.
Immediately following Thanksgiving break, all courses will be arranged so that instruction, review and final exams are delivered remotely for the rest of the semester.
The plan is subject to change based upon federal, state or local guidance. In the event of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, re-implementation and mitigation procedures will be executed immediately.
To see the full plan, click or tap here.
Navy Federal Once Again Named A Best Place To Work In IT
June 24, 2020
For a second year in a row, Navy Federal Credit Union ranks in the top 10 for IDG’s Computerworld 2020 Best Places to Work in IT. This is the credit union’s sixth consecutive year to make the list, ranking ninth among 52 large organizations. Navy Federal remains the only credit union among the large organizations.
Navy Federal’s Information Services Department provides support for the credit union’s 21,500 employees and over 9.2 million members.
“Technology is critical in our mission to deliver the best service for our members and employees,” said Tony Gallardy, Chief Information Officer for Navy Federal. “Whether you’re a member connecting with us through our mobile app or an employee teleworking from home, our ISD team has played a major role in making sure the credit union provides an incredible experience.”
Computerworld, in partnership with IDG’s Insider Pro, compiles its Best Places to Work in IT list based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, career development, training and retention. Additionally, IT professionals are surveyed and their responses are factored heavily in determining the rankings.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Leonard Dean Roberson
June 24, 2020
Mr. Leonard Dean Roberson, age 76, of Flomaton, AL, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at his home.
Mr. Roberson was born in Brewton, AL, and was a life-long member of the Flomaton community where he enjoyed Alabama football, fishing, ATV’s and four wheeling, and gardening. During his working years, he worked as Market Manager in the meat department of Green’s IGA Grocery Store. He loved his Maggie Mae with all his heart. Mr. Roberson was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith and was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Eldra Barnes Roberson; brothers, Jimmy Ray Roberson and Barney Roberson.
He is survived by his sons, Ricky Rydell Roberson and Roger Darrell Roberson, both of Flomaton, AL; brother, William B. (Trudy) Roberson, Jr. of Odenville, AL; grandchildren, Amy A. Roberson (William Arnold) Bell, II of Flomaton, AL, Angela Denise Roberson of Flomaton, AL, and Riley Roberson; great -grandchildren, Maggie, James, and Kevin; five great-great-grandchildren; special family members, Shannon Roberson, Judy Towery, Malcolm Colvin, Mandy Wright and Sheila Brown.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 10 A.M. until a 11 AM service time with Rev. Rusty Burnham officiating.
Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery, Brewton, AL.
Pallbearers will be Jason Windham, Darrell Harvell, Ronnie Harvell, Malcolm Colvin, Randy Roberson, Kevin Bell.
VIDEO: Tate High School Class Of 2020 Graduation
June 23, 2020
Watch the Tate High School Class of 2020 graduation held June 23 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
International Paper Investigating After Supposed Noose Found At Mill In Cantonment
June 23, 2020
International Paper is responding and has launched an investigation after a supposed noose was found at their Cantonment mill.
The rope was found hanging against a steel support on the property, and the company says they will not tolerate any racist or threatening acts.
“Upon learning of the situation, we immediately launched an investigation,” International Paper said in a statement released to NorthEscambia.com. “We condemn the offensive nature of this incident. Individuals involved in such behavior will not work at International Paper. We do not tolerate threatening acts, racism, or bigotry. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and engaged and have the opportunity to contribute their best every day.”
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two New Deaths, 42 New COVID-19 Cases Reported Tuesday In Escambia County
June 23, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
There were two more deaths and 42 new positive COVID-19 cases reported Tuesday in Escambia County.
The fatalities were a 53-year old female and a 100 year-old female. One was a long-term care facility resident.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 1,244 and Santa Rosa County increased by five to 355.
Of the 42 deaths in Escambia County, 33 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been nine deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 103,506 cases including 101,306 Florida residents. There have been 13,318 hospitalizations* and 3,237 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 1,244 (+42 since Monday)
- Pensacola — 877
- Cantonment — 69
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid — 2
- Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 16
- Century — 8
- Perdido Key – 1
- Hospitalizations: 80*
- Deaths — 43 (+2 since Monday
- Male — 417
- Female — 576
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 355 (+5 since Monday)
- Milton — 195
- Navarre — 56
- Gulf Breeze — 45
- Pace — 26
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 26*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 220
- Female — 130
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 98
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 103,506
- Florida residents — 101,306
- Deaths — 3,237
- Hospitalizations — 13,319
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.