UWF Unveils Plan For Fall 2020 Reopening
June 19, 2020
The University of West Florida has developed a draft reopening plan for Fall 2020.
Approved Friday by the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the plan will then presented to the Board of Governors for approval at the their June 23 meeting.
UWF said the plan was developed while keeping the safety, security and well-being of students and employees at the forefront of every decision.
To form the plan, UWF President Martha D. Saunders established a Return to Campus Task Force and five subcommittees to focus on specific key areas that align with the reopening blueprint provided by the Board of Governors. The task force, which included representatives from all areas of the institution, addressed and monitored the repopulation framework during weekly meetings.
Here are the key takeaway points from the plan:
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
A disposable or cloth face covering will be required everywhere on campus and other UWF locations except when in a private office, 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 made for people with disabilities that 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.
All facilities will adhere to CDC guidelines and safety protocols for on-campus residents will be enhanced. The maximum room capacity for all classrooms in use for Fall 2020 will be updated based on the square footage of space with an allowance of 36 square feet per person. Classroom facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and include signage showing where students can sit based on social distancing guidelines.
In the event of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, re-implementation and mitigation procedures will be executed immediately.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The University is expanding its course delivery options with more online to ensure students receive the top-rate, quality education they expect from UWF.
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 course delivery framework was developed by college deans with input from stakeholders, including department chairs and faculty members. Department chairs are working with faculty members to review and restructure course delivery modalities as appropriate.
Students identified as high-risk will be directed to academic advisors, who will work with them to facilitate other delivery methods.
Students will be notified of course changes via email by July 1, 2020.
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.
HOUSING
UWF will continue honoring housing contracts for the fall semester.
UWF will reserve spaces for COVID-19 isolation. A student who tests positive 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.
Escambia County Awards $848K Contract To Pave Ashcraft Road In Bratt
June 19, 2020
Thursday, the Escambia County Commission awarded a contract to pave another North Escambia dirt road.
Low bidder Roads, Inc. of NWF was awarded the $848,214.28 contact to pave the 1.24 mile dirt road that connects Bratt Road at the rear of the Travis Nelson Park to North Highway 99. The new asphalt roadway will include associated drainage improvements. Proposed drainage improvements include sodded swales, upgraded cross drains and subsurface storm water pipe.
Utility relocation will be required for the existing Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) potable water main, EREC ’s utility poles and buried Frontier Communications telephone lines.
The waterline relocation will include upgrading the existing 3-inch water line with a 6-inch main. EREC will provide the materials, while Roads, Inc. will be required to provide the labor and equipment required for installation.
An invitation to bid was publicly noticed to 189 vendors, and the solicitation was downloaded by 28 firms. There were six bids submitted ranging up to $1.23 million. The second lowest bid on the project was $903,780.43 by J. Miller Construction.
Once work begins, Roads, Inc. has up to 250 days to complete the project.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Warm Into The Weekend, Mostly Dry
June 19, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%
Pictured: Thursday’s sunset and scattered showers. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Check Fishing Regulations, ID Your Fish With New FWC App
June 19, 2020
Out fishing and need to check the rules for your location?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced a new partnership with the Fish Rules App to make that easier.
Right now, the app only contains Florida saltwater fishing rules, by FWC says freshwater information should be added later this summer.
Fishing regulations change depending on your location. Enable location services in Fish Rules App and the app will automatically show you regulations for your actual location. The app is also partnering with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council that manage fisheries off Florida in federal waters.
Unsure of what species you’ve caught? The app also helps with fish identification. Swipe left or right on pictures of fish to see more pictures and clues on how to identify a fish. You can even sort fish by name or by picture.
‘A Question of When,’ Exhibition Reflecting On The World During COVID-19 Pandemic Opens At Museum Of Art
June 19, 2020
On Saturday, June 20, the Pensacola Museum of Art will open a new exhibition in response to our changing world during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Throughout history, art has played a unique and crucial role in times of change. Featuring works by Marc Chagall, Walker Evans, Joan Miró and other artists from the museum’s permanent collection, “A Question of When” is a visual representation of the collective grief and ongoing sense of hope felt by many as this situation unfolds.
The museum was originally set to host a permanent collection show to feature recent museum acquisitions, but due to the pandemic, the show has evolved with the crisis to reflect both the strangeness of a new reality and the unique role of art in times of change.
The objects in the show represent over 100 years of art making across a variety of media.
“Some works evoke the isolation of social distancing through their imagery,” said Anna Wall, chief curator of the museum. “Others demonstrate how artists reflect larger societal shifts through abstraction and the dissolution of form.”
Though the selections in this show represent a small fraction of the nearly 700 artworks held by the museum, they illustrate the breadth of the museum’s holdings and highlight the institution’s mission to preserve, interpret and share diverse artworks and artists from the past 150 years of visual culture.
“Exhibiting our permanent collection feels appropriate on the heels of a stay-at-home measure,” Wall said. “Spurred by funding cuts and decreased access to artists and artworks, many museums will undoubtedly look inward and showcase a larger percentage of their collection over the coming years.”
“A Question of When” is on display at the museum, which is located at 407 S. Jefferson St. in historic downtown Pensacola, until Sept. 6, 2020. For more information about the Pensacola Museum of Art, call (850) 432-6247 or visit pensacolamuseum.org.
Charles Edward “Eddie” Gideons, Jr.
June 19, 2020
Charles Edward “Eddie” Gideons, Jr. 56, of Atmore, AL passed away June 16, 2020. He was born on February 21, 1964 in Atmore, AL. Eddie worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Atmore from 1995 until 2004 when he then began what at that time was his dream job, working in the woods as a forestry technician along side his mentor, Big Hoop Matthews, until his death in 2006. In 2003, Eddie then began his life passion, flying. He was mentored by J.W. Wallace of Wallace Flying, Inc.
Eddie was an avid turkey and deer hunter and fisherman and cherished all his time with his extended outdoor family. And watched a many of sunrise’s with them. His dedication to outdoors inspired others to achieve the knowledge he obtained. Family, friends, farmers, hunters and pilots alike always wanted to be around him. He enjoyed life to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his father Charles Edward Gideons, Sr. and maternal grandparents T. Onree and B. Marie Owens and paternal grandparents Shelby C. and Lydia Gideons.
He is survived by his wife Tammy Smith of Atmore, AL; mother Marilyn Owens Gideons-Davidson of Atmore, AL. His children Charles Edward “Bo” Gideons, III. of Waterford, TX; Levi Trest Gideons of Auburn, AL; Heath Smith of Milton, FL; Tanner Gideons of Atmore, AL; Holly (Ervin) St. Germain of Pensacola, FL and Ande Marie (Ricky) Smith of Spanish Fort, AL. Three siblings Bub Gideons of Atmore, AL; Ondrea Marie Gideons Williamson of Atmore, AL; Monica (Jeff) Gideons Sharp of Carrollton, GA. and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 10 AM at McCullough Christian Center with family friends Hooper Matthews, Blaine Chastang and Bro. Wayne Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, FL.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Mack, Shawn Linam, Doug Kaiser, Steven Brantley, Jeff Parker, Mac McMillian, Joe Barber and Dan Symms.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Coker, Aubrey Peacock, Clyde Helton, Thomas Qualls, Ray Singleton, David Smith, Thomas Miller, Jimmy Crook and Billy Rolin.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 22, 2020 from 5 PM until 8 PM at McCullough Christian Center.
Due to the current health care crisis it is not required of you to wear a facial mask but is asked if you feel that it is necessary it will be acceptable for the safety of you and others.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Oscar Ruel Davis
June 19, 2020
Oscar Ruel Davis, 89, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
He was born in Clay County, Alabama to Lillie Lowrey Davis and Edgar Ross Davis. He was a resident of Shelton Manor at the time of his passing. He had previously been a member of Plainview Baptist but was a Charter Member of Hillcrest Church at the time of his passing.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lois Bell Davis, daughter, Roberta (Robbie) Davis; grandson, Troy Wilson and sister, Miriam (Mickey) Davis Fowler.
He is survived by his two daughters, Miriam (Mickey) Neese and her husband, Joseph H. Neese; Vicki Marian Sharp and her husband, David Sharp; brother, Timothy Ross Davis; two granddaughters, Christine (Jeff) Nieves and their two children, Bianca and Enzo; Kimberly (Chad) Joylin Nelson and their son, Chase. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Jo Ann (Tommy) Presley and numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.
He led a full life enjoying writing, painting and telling stories. He loved to work and met many friends throughout his years in various jobs. Oscar worked for Betsy Ross Bread, Southern Bread, Sunbeam Bread and Pepperidge Farm Bread companies.
He also worked for Borden Dairy, Red Diamond Coffee and Davis Coffee Services. Later, he worked for the Division of Blind Services, downtown Pensacola and at Pensacola NAS. His last request was to be buried in a RED DIAMOND COFFEE CAN!
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 with visitation from 4:00-5:00pm and service at 5:00pm at Hillcrest Church, 800 N. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida 32514.
Two More COVID-19 Deaths, 37 New Cases In Escambia County; Florida Sets New Single Day Increase Record
June 18, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
Two more COVID-19 deaths and 37 new positive cases were reported Thursday in Escambia County, as Florida once again set a new record high for the most cases reported in a single day.
The deaths were a 76-year old male and a 92-year old female, both of which were long-term care facility residents.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 1,089, and Santa Rosa County increased by 14 to 319.
Of the 40 deaths in Escambia County, 31 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.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida jumped by 3,207 on Thursday, a new record for a daily increase.
Statewide, there were 85,926 cases including 83,854 Florida residents. There have been 12,577 hospitalizations* and 3,061 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 — 1,089 (+37 since Wednesday)
- Pensacola — 758
- Cantonment — 62
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid — 2
- Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 16
- Century — 5
- Hospitalizations: 72*
- Deaths — 40
- Male — 349
- Female — 480
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 319 (+14 since Wednesday)
- Milton — 180
- Navarre — 52
- Gulf Breeze — 42
- Pace — 22
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 26*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 199
- Female — 100
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 98
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 85,926
- Florida residents — 83,854
- Deaths — 3,061
- Hospitalizations — 12,577
*“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.
Former Nanny, Porn Actress Now Charged With Human Trafficking
June 18, 2020
A former nanny and foster care provider arrested in April on child sex charges has now been charged with human trafficking.
Nicole Lynn Walter, age 27 of 10071 Foxrun Road, was previously charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition with a victim under 16, possession of child pornography, battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Walter, according to investigators, is a porn actress.
“We continued our investigation and determined there was an exchange of money for a video that was made involving some minor children,” said Chief Deputy Chip Simmons. “This was an individual from out of state that engaged with Walter.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained at least three videos filmed by Walter between 2017 and 2018 in which she allegedly performed sexual acts in front of small children as they were crying and playing the background, the report states. The children are now ages 3 and 6, but the youngest was 15 months old when the videos were recorded.
According to an arrest report, investigators interviewed at least one person that paid Walter for videos. He told investigators that she had price rates for videos with or without the children, and she offered live Skype video calls with a child seen on camera for $8 per minute.
Simmons said Walter was paid at least $100 for one video.
Walter has also used the names Nicole Steff and Nicole Stearns, according to investigators. She remained in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
According to a tip received by the Florida Abuse Hotline, Walter is self-employed porn actress that makes videos of herself masturbaing in public locations. Investigators were given a thumb drive containing three video files depicting Walter in various public places masturbating in the presence of the underage victims.
A three-year old female told investigators that Walter touched her privates and took photographs, according to an arrest report.
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement K-9 located a micro SD card underneath drawers in the bedroom that contained child pornography depicting female approximately 10-13 years old nude and posing in sexual positions, the report states. A laptop seized as evidence contained a videos of a completely nude Walter masturbating and engaging in conversation with two children and a third person whose name was redacted from the arrest report.
Toddler Run Over By Pickup Truck Wednesday Evening
June 18, 2020
A toddler girl was run over by a vehicle Wednesday evening in the Quintette community.
Witnesses said a wheel of a full-size pickup truck passed over the young girl on a private drive or lane off the 2000 block of Stacey Road about 7:30 p.m.
A medical helicopter responded to the nearby Quintette Ballpark, but the girl was transported to a local hospital by ambulance as a non-trauma alert.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
Further details have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.