Wildfire Update: Beulah Fire 98% Contained; Santa Rosa Fire Closes Interstate, Causes Wrecks
May 16, 2020
Smoke from the 2,215-acre 5 Mile Swamp Fire forced the Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation to close a portion of Interstate 10 for several hours. The interstate was closed between exits 22 and 31 from just before 2 a.m. to about 5 a.m. and FHP reported eight vehicles were involved in accidents.
With nearly 100 active wildfires throughout the state, motorists are encouraged to be on the look for smoke on the road. Drivers should treat the smoke as fog, turn on low-beam headlights and treat it as fog. If conditions deteriorate, drivers should pull safely off the road and turn on their hazard lights while waiting for visibility to improve.
Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol both Five Mile Swamp and the Hurst Hammock Fire looking for any remaining hot spots to douse and keeping the fire within containment lines. The Hurst Hammock Fire is 1,191 acres and 98% contained. Five Mile Swamp Fire remains 97% contained.
As patrol operations continue, residents are likely to witness what’s known as reburn as trees that were affected by the fire but not completely burned will drop their remaining leaves and needles as they begin their recovery process. These needles and leaves could land in lingering hot spots that are well inside the fire lines and flare up. Crews have been mopping up hot spots within 50 feet of the fire line for several days so any reburn that occurs should pose minimal risk to containment but could create an increase in smoke in some areas.
Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have enacted burn bans and the Florida Forest Service is not issuing burn authorizations. Residents are asked to call the non-emergency line for their respective area to report violations and 911 for emergency situations only.
No New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties On Saturday
May 16, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
There were no new COVID-19 cases reported in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties on Saturday.
The Escambia County total remained at 682, and Santa Rosa held steady at 182 cases.
Of the 20 deaths in Escambia County, 15 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 44,811 cases including 43,607 Florida residents. There have been 8,146 hospitalizations and 1,964 deaths.
- Total cases — 682 (+0 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 513
- Cantonment — 47
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 59*
- Deaths — 20
- Male — 244
- Female — 333
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 182 (+0 since Friday)
- Milton — 101
- Navarre — 34
- Gulf Breeze — 26
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 120
- Female — 60
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 44,811
- Florida residents — 43,607
- Deaths — 1,964
- Hospitalizations — 8,146*
*“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.
Tentative Graduation Dates Set For Escambia, Santa Rosa County Schools
May 16, 2020
Tentative graduation dates have been set for schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County
The Escambia County School District has released a tentative graduation schedule. Three dates have been reserved for each school’s graduation ceremony pending approval by state and local authorities. The final date and time of graduation for each school will be determined and published as soon as possible.
June 23, July 14 or July 27
- Tate High School
- Northview High School
- Pine Forest High School
- West Florida High School
June 24, July 15 or July 28
- Pensacola High School
- Escambia High School
- George Stone Technical College/Escambia Virtual/Success Academy/Camelot
- Washington High School
Santa Rosa County
All dates are pending Santa Rosa County School Board approval on June 4.
June 19-20, July 16-17 and July 29-30 at Pensacola Bay Center
- Pace High School 11 a.m.
- Navarre High School 2:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze High School 6 p.m.
June 23, July 14 or July 31
- Jay High School in the gym at 5 p.m.
- Central High School 7 p.m. in the gym.
June 18, July 14 or July 28
- Milton High School at 8 p.m.
Escambia County, Alabama
Complete details are being finalized and information provided to graduates.
- Escambia County High School – May 21, 7 p.m , limit four guests.
- Flomaton High School – May 19 in the football stadium, limit four guests.
Pictured: The Tate High School Class of 2019 graduation at the Pensacola Bay Center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
COVID-19 Testing Site To Remain Open Two More Weeks At UWF With No Pre-screening Required
May 16, 2020
A mobile COVID-19 testing site with no pre-screening required will remain open for two more weeks for Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents at the University of West Florida.
The drive-through test site will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles.
The site was opened at the request of the Governor’s Office under the direction of the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and assistance from the Florida National Guard.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Prison Inmate Tests Negative For COVID-19; 128 Inmates Released From Quarantine
May 16, 2020
A Century Correctional Institution inmate’s COVID-19 test has come back negative, and 128 inmates have been released from medical quarantine, according to the Florida Department of Corrections data.
The inmate was placed in medical isolation earlier this week pending test results. FDC shows a total of three inmates have been tested for the virus at CCI, and all have been negative.
One staff member at CCI tested positive for COVID-19 in March.
Pictured: Inmate medical facilities inside the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
No Burning This Weekend: Burn Ban In Florida, Fire Advisory In Alabama
May 16, 2020
There is a burn ban in effect in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties until further notice.
Outdoor burning is prohibited in both counties, including campfires, bonfires and burning trash. Enclosed outdoor cooking, such as on a grill, is allowed. The burn bans in both counties will remain in effect until lifted by local government after significant rainfall.
The Florida Forest Service is not issuing an burn permits at this time for Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
There is also a Fire Danger Advisory in effect in Escambia County, Alabama. Although Alabama is not under any type of burn restriction, the Alabama Forestry Commission urges residents to delay outdoor burning until conditions improve
Chance Of Rain Sunday And Monday
May 16, 2020
A burn ban remains in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Need To Donate Some Stuff? Itching To Shop? Waterfront Thrift Stores Reopen
May 16, 2020
Waterfront’s thrift stores have reopened, ready for shoppers and donations.
Stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., including locations in Cantonment and Pensacola. Item donations have resumed and are accepted at each store during operating hours or can be scheduled by calling 850.607.8340 or by visiting www.pickupmydonation.com.
“Our homeless neighbors get food and shelter and other vital help thanks to those who donate to and shop at our stores,” said Jason Grizzard, who oversees Waterfront’s mission services. “It’s a win-win because while shoppers experience great thrift finds, someone who is hopeless and homeless gets life-transformative assistance.”
Waterfront Thrift Stores are following CDC guidelines. Employees are wearing masks, shopping carts and high traffic areas are being disinfected and social distancing is being followed.
Program Pays Ag Producers To Improve Florida Forests
May 16, 2020
Agricultural producers in Florida can apply for financial assistance until June 15 for a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project to improve forested lands from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and landowners for conservation practices that improve forest ecosystems through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
For more information contact your local USDA service center:
Molino Service Center
Natural Resources Conservation Service Office
(850) 587-5404
josh.mcelhaney@usda.gov
Jay Service Center
Farm Service Agency Office
(850) 675-6696 Ext 2
june.weinmann@fl.usda.gov
Eula Mae (Godwin) Lynn
May 16, 2020
Eula Mae (Godwin) Lynn, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 13th, 2020. Eula peacefully passed away in her daughter’s home in Walnut Hill, Florida. She was born February 18th, 1940 in Perdido, Alabama. Eula joyfully served school children lunch for over 20 years at Bratt Elementary School. She retired as the beloved cafeteria manager. Eula loved her co-workers, and each child that came through the lunch line. She even had the joy of serving lunch to her very own grandchildren. Eula shared her love of Jesus to everyone she met. She was a faithful member of New Life Fellowship in Walnut Hill, Florida. Eula was also a glorious talent in the gospel singing group, Restoration, which included vocalists; Kevanah and Betty Hare, Carolyn Thortis, and Glen Thrower. One of Eula’s favorite scriptures that she hung on a wall in her house was Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The way she lived her life should be an example for all of us. She made sure that as a mother, all five of her children were raised in church, and that the Word of God was instilled in them. Eula loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She lived life knowing that when her time on this earth was over, she would be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are to celebrate this day with overflowing joy in our hearts knowing that Eula is also celebrating with her Lord in Heaven. She will truly be missed.
She is preceded in death by her father James Calvin Ramer, and mother Leona Bryars Ramer. Her first husband Hilery Lamar Godwin passed away August 20th, 1997 at the age of 58. They were married for 38 years and had 5 beautiful children. Her son Reginald Lamar Godwin born on June 26th, 1963 passed away on January 1st, 2010. In 2006, she then married Loyd Lowell Lynn of Barnet, Texas. They were married for 13 years when he went to be with the Lord on March 16th, 2020. She is also preceded by her siblings Otis Ramer, Aubrey Ramer, Norman Ramer, Curtis Ramer, and a sister Edith Marie Ramer. Eula is survived by her siblings Vertis Ramer of Bay Minette, Alabama; Robert (Doris) Ramer of Perdido, Alabama; Willie (Ola Mae) Ramer of Perdido, Alabama; Arthur (Sheila) Ramer of Atmore, Alabama and Vernon (Sheila) Ramer of Perdido, AL. Her two sons Jefferey Keith Godwin and Hilery Lamont Godwin of Bratt, Florida. Her two daughters Rhonda Lynn (Tommy) Holifield of Atmore, Alabama and Cathy Madonna (Christopher) Scott of Walnut Hill, Florida; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 2:30 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ray Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL. Active pallbearers will be Nick Moore, Joshua Scott, Codye Dauson, Collin Howard, Ryan Stabler and Jamie Ramer.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 1:30 PM until service time at 2:30 PM at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.