Monday Update: Escambia COVID-19 Cases Increase By Just Three
June 8, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE THE FRONT PAGE OF NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST UPDATE.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County increased by only three in the past day, according to the Monday report from the Florida Department of Health.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 891, and Santa Rosa County is at 258.
Of the 36 deaths in Escambia County, 28 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 64,904 cases including 63,378 Florida residents. There have been 11,008 hospitalizations* and 2,712 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 — 891 (+3 since Sunday)
- Pensacola — 625
- Cantonment — 53
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 11
- Century — 3
- Hospitalizations: 65*
- Deaths — 36
- Male — 293
- Female — 411
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 258 (+0 since Sunday)
- Milton — 159
- Navarre — 41
- Gulf Breeze — 30
- Pace — 17
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 25*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 180
- Female — 73
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 64,904
- Florida residents — 63,378
- Deaths — 2,712
- Hospitalizations — 11,008*
*“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.
More Tropical Rain Monday Night From Cristobal
June 8, 2020
More tropical rain is possible Monday night due to Cristobal. The remains of the tropical storm continue to move inland.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
It’s Qualifying Week In Escambia County; We’ll Know By Friday Who Is Running For Office
June 8, 2020
It is qualification week for candidates that wish to appear on the 2020 ballot in Escambia County, the Town of Century and the City of Pensacola. Friday at noon is the deadline for candidates to qualify for the 2020 General Election.
Local offices up for election this year are:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Tax Collector
- Property Appraiser
- Sheriff
- Supervisor of Elections
- County Commission Districts 1
- County Commission District 3
- County Commission District 5
- School Board District 4
- School Board District 5
SPECIAL DISTRICT
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 1
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 3
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 5
- Santa Rosa Island Authority
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 1
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 3
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 5
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Mayor
- City Council Seat 1
- City Council Seat 2
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City Council District 1
- City Council District 3
- City Council District 5
- City Council District 7
The primary election will be held on August 18, and the general election will be November 3.
Here’s A List Of The Road Construction Delay Spots For This Week
June 8, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · 9th Avenue, Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291), Alcaniz Street (S.R. 289) , Wright Street (U.S. 98) Underground Sewer Line Videography- Traffic may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, June 30 as crews inspect sanitary sewer lines.
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 7:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- · S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29 – Side streets and driveways on Nine Mile Road between Pine Forest Road and Ashland Avenue will experience intermittent closures beginning the week of Monday, June 8, as crews pave the westbound lanes. The intermittent closures will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Traffic flaggers will be on hand to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to alternate routes.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Drainage Improvements at the intersection of Perry Avenue- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of Perry Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 8 through Friday, July 10.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- Crews are performing signalization work during daytime hours. Drivers will encounter lane closures from 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11 to 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 12 as crew perform paving operations.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating lane restriction from 8 pm. to 6 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent nighttime lane closures on Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90), between the Eleven Mile Creek and I-10 from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12. One lane in each direction will remain in place. The lane closures will allow crews to place asphalt. In addition, a portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 7:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – There will be temporary shoulder and lane closures throughout the project limits.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter nighttime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Fountain Correctional Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
June 8, 2020
A staff member at the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Alabama Department of Corrections was informed of the positive test through self-reporting. The individual promptly self-quarantined under the direction of their health care provider.
The ADOC’s Office of Health Services (OHS) has initiated an investigation to determine which, if any, ADOC inmates or employees may have had direct, prolonged exposure to the staff member. Upon completing the appropriate follow-up interviews and due diligence, OHS will advise any exposed staff members to contact their health care providers and self-quarantine for the recommended 14-day period, or as advised by their health care providers.
Endangered Man, 81, From Atmore Found Safe
June 7, 2020
Update: A missing and endangered 81-year old man from Atmore was located safe Sunday night north of Brewton. Police said 81-year old Verbin L. Kemp was located on Lowery Landing Road near the Appleton community in northern Escambia County, Alabama.
Previous story:
A Missing and Endangered Person Alert has been issued for an Atmore man by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The Atmore Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Verbin L. Kemp, an 81-year old black male that may be living with a condition that may impair his judgement.
He was last seen about 5:10 p.m. Sunday wearing blue jeans, an orange shirt, a black heavy jacket with orange lining and brown boots in the area of Jack Springs Road in Atmore. He may be traveling in a green 2002 Ford Ranger Alabama tag 30CA358.
His direction of travel is unknown at this time.
He 5-foot, 10-inches tall, 185 pounds with brown eyes and is bald.
If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Verbin L. Kemp, contact the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141 or call 911.
Pictured: Verbin Kemp. Photo below is from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; the photo above was provide to NorthEscambia.com by family.
Tropical Storm Cristobal Makes Landfall; More Local Impacts Tonight
June 7, 2020
A tropical storm warning is in effect, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. A flash flood watch is also in effect.
The center of Tropical Storm Cristobal has made landfall in southeast Louisiana. Hazardous weather conditions will continue to spread inland across portions of the northern Gulf Coast through tonight. There is a high risk of rip currents at local beaches, with coastal flooding.
Heavy rain is likely and flooding is possible through Monday morning with several inches of rain possible. Rainfall totals will likely be higher south of I-10, but heavy rain is likely inland.
Below is the official North Escambia area forecast. Rain chances and wind speeds will be slightly higher south of I-10.
Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 75. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Click any graphic to enlarge for additional information.
Love Thy Neighbor: Peaceful March Held In Atmore
June 7, 2020
“Can’t breathe. Can’t breathe.”
The chants from a peaceful march echoed off the old hardware on Main Street in downtown Atmore Saturday morning.
Dozens of people marched in unity just under a mile from the Atmore City Hall to Heritage Park.
The group includes individuals of different races and backgrounds. They didn’t have a permit for the event, but that did not matter. The police chief, mayor and city council members joined in the march, along with several religious leaders from across the town.
“No justice; no peace. No justice; no peace.” The chants continued as they held signs and many wore shirts or held signs that said “Black Lives Matter”.
And then there was the t-shirt wore by a local pastor.
“Love Thy Neighbor.”
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gaetz Announces Florida’s First District Congressional Art Competition Winners
June 7, 2020
Congressman Matt Gaetz has announced the winners of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Students from across the First Congressional District of Florida submitted artwork for the competition pertaining to the theme “Scenes of Northwest Florida.”
Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. High school students from across Florida’s First Congressional District submitted their artwork for the competition, and a panel of local art professionals judged the pieces. The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the exhibit in Washington will also include artwork from participating districts across the country.
The winners of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition were:
1st Place: Gabriella Lanza, South Walton High School, “Ocean Layer”
2nd Place: Rhianna Cooley, Pensacola Catholic High School, “The Great Sea Witch”
3rd Place: Brooke Rorer, Pace High School, “Dimitri the Pensacola Fisherman”
Runner Up Winners:
1st Runner Up: Mary Claire Brown, South Walton High School, “Sunrise Trees”
2nd Runner Up: Jamie Harrison, Jay High School, “Equestrian Elegance”
3rd Runner Up: Rayne Henry, Gulf Breeze High School, “Thank You For Your Service”
Pictured top: “Ocean Layer” by Gabriella Lanza of South Walton High School, winner of Florida’s First District Congressional Art Competition. Pictured below: “Equestrian Elegance” by Jamie Harrison of Jay High School, second runner-up in the competition. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola: The Future Home Of U.S. Space Command?
June 7, 2020
Pensacola is already the Cradle of Naval Aviation. So why not the home of U.S. Space Command?
U.S. Space Command is currently based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but the Department of Defense is seeking a permanent home.
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson has submitted letter expressing Pensacola’s interest in becoming the command’s home. Pensacola meets the minimum criteria as announced to date for possible selection.
The Department of the Air Force is providing communities who meet the screening criteria an opportunity to nominate themselves as potential candidate locations by following the process outlined in a letter from the Department of the Air Force to the nation’s governors which includes a nomination form and screening and evaluation criteria.
A preferred U.S. Space Command headquarters location is expected to be selected in early 2021. It is expected to take about six years to construct the necessary facilities.
Pictured: Downtown Pensacola, with an added U.S. Space Command logo. NorthEscambia.com graphic.