Three-Quarters Of Escambia County COVID-19 Fatalities Are Long-Term Center Residents Or Staff
May 10, 2020
About three-quarters of the COVID-19 deaths in Escambia County have been in local long-term facilities, according to recently released data from the Florida Department of Health.
There have been 18 coronavirus deaths in Escambia County, with 13 of those tied directly to local long-term care facilities. Twelve of the deaths were residents, while one staff member has also died.
According to FDOH data:
- Bayside Health And Rehabilitation Center has had four resident deaths, 33 positive residents and 15 infected staff members.
- Brookdale Pensacola has had four resident deaths one infected resident and six positive staff members.
- Southern Oaks Care Center has recorded three resident deaths, one staff member fatality, 94 positive residents, four positive residents transferred to other facilities and three infected staff members.
- Arcadia Health & Rehabilitation Center has seen on resident death. The latest FDOH report does not indicate any other cases at the facility.
A total of 656 patients and eight employees have died at long-term care facilities across Florida — nearly 40% of of the state’s confirmed 1,715 COVID-19 deaths.
Nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to their nature and a resident population that is often older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions.
Pictured: Southern Oaks Care Center on West Gregory Street. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clear Skies Tonight, Lows In The Lower 50s
May 10, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
May 10, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia 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, May 10:
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- 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.
- 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 will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, May 10:
o 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.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers can expect intermittent and alternating lane closures between Beulah Elementary School and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, May 11 as crews perform operations for an upcoming traffic shift.
In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Striping/ Pavement Marking Operations- There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the locations on the following dates:
- From Rothschild Drive to Nine Mile Road Sunday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 12
- From A Street to Pace Boulevard Wednesday, May 13
- From Nine Mile Road to Blue Angel Parkway Thursday, May 14
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Underground Utility Maintenance – Drivers will experience traffic impacts at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15.
- The westbound and eastbound, outside lanes will be closed from A Street to Devilliers Street.
- The eastbound and westbound, inside lanes will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and E Street to the intersection of Garden Street and I Street.
- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and B Street to the intersection of Garden Street and D Street.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The contractor has installed the drill shaft and is awaiting cure time before returning to the project. There are no lane closures or impacts to traffic at this time.
- 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 perform paving operations. There will also be ongoing turn lane, widening, and median work at various locations on the project.
- 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.
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, May 10:
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 – Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions throughout town as crews perform paving operations and bridge work.
- 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 daytime 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.
Community Health Northwest Florida Patients Can Get Financial Assistance With Bills
May 10, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now able to offer assistance to current patients who may be struggling financially due to job loss, reduction in hours or other circumstances directly related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Through a grant from the United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund which included a significant contribution from Gulf Power, Community Health of Northwest Florida is able to offer assistance with rent, mortgage, utility bills and other patients.
The applicant or a household member must be a current patient of Community Health Northwest Florida. Grant funds will be used to provide assistance only to those clients who have been furloughed, lost a job or had work hours reduced by 50% on or after March 17. Money will be disbursed only to vendors such as a landlord, mortgage company, or utility.
For more information, click below:
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application Cover Letter
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application
Or look for the links on this page.
Northview Class Of 2020 To Return Items, Pick-up Yearbooks And Gifts Wednesday
May 10, 2020
The Northview High School Class of 2020 will drive-thru the school bus loop Wednesday to returns items and pick up yearbooks and a special gifts.
Here is the announcement from the school:
We have some exciting news for our seniors! On Wednesday, May 13th, we will be hosting a drive-through in the school’s bus loop for you to pick up and drop off items. Included in this will be some very special gifts for you! You will also be able to pick up your already purchased yearbooks and be the first to purchase a yearbook if you would like. Yearbooks will be $65, cash only, no checks. Also, you will be able to drop off library books, dual enrollment textbooks, and uniforms, along with anything else you need to return to the school at this time (Chromebooks and other textbooks will be collected at a later date). The schedule is as follows-
9:00 – 10:00 Last names A – C
10:00 – 11-00 Last names D – L
11:00 – 12:00 Last names M – R
12:00 – 1:00 Last names S – Z
When possible, to help with the traffic flow, we encourage seniors to ride separately unless they live together, and please come at your appointed time. If you show up outside of your appointed time, you will need to come back at the appropriate time. No one will be allowed to get out of their car; this is for your safety as well as the safety of those who are distributing in the loop.
We are excited to see you all!
Judith Alberta Diehl
May 10, 2020
Judith Alberta Diehl, 83, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. She was a mother of four daughters and attended St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic Church. Judith dedicated her life to helping others as a Parish Nurse and taught LPN students at Reed State College. She was also an accomplished writer for LPNs. If you asked Judith what the most important thing in her life was, she would say, “God and family.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Diehl; father, Albert Ve Depo; mother, Inze Miller Ve Depo; and sister, Janice Kafer.
Judith is survived by daughters, Becky (Clifford) Griffith, Vickie Tanton, Cindy Diehl, and Theresa (John) Kittrell; grandchildren, Wayne Griffith, Kelly Wood, Mandy Hiller, Chad Tanton, Kattie Rule, John Kittrell, and Kimberly Fuqua; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Johnny Ve Depo; sister, Jane Ross; and best friend, Frances Johnson.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 8, 2020, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Father George Thekku officiating.
Burial was in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Molino, FL.
Pallbearers were Wayne Griffith (grandson), Chad Tanton (grandson), John Kittrell, III (grandson), Clayton Kittrell, Jason Wood, and Josh Hiller.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Bennie Lane Fretwell
May 10, 2020
Bennie Lane Fretwell, born March 17, 1940, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Bennie was a simple kind of man. He was always a hard worker and provider for his family. In his younger years, Bennie enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered for his charismatic and witty personality.
Bennie is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nelda Fretwell. He leaves behind his three daughters, Diane (Harvey) Smith, Sissy (Randy) Richardson and Cindy Venable; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 12, 2020, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with funeral services to follow at 1:30 p.m.
Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Harvey Smith, Brandon Smith, Kevin Flynn, Michael Flynn, Michael Flynn, Jr., and Joseph Venable, Jr.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Mose Burkett
May 10, 2020
Mr. Mose “Buddy” Burkett age 86, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in Jay, Florida.
Mr. Burkett was a native of Moyeville, AL, former resident of the Flomaton, Century area and had resided in Jay, FL for the past 44 years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Navy, retired maintenance worker with Monsanto Corp with 36 years of service and a member of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall of Brewton, AL. He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Ruby Jo Burkett; wife and mother of his children, Birdie Ann Burkett and Helen Burkett; three sons, Tommy Adkins, Jerry Adkins and Randy Burkett; two daughters, Victoria Pierre and Joann Ridderbjelke; two sisters, Susie Mae Penton and Rochelle Macks Bankston and four brothers, Shep Burkett, Charles W. Burkett, Joe Burkett and Dempsey Burkett.
He is survived by his son, Rodney (Dana) Burkett of Century, FL; two brothers, Robert Burkett of Flomaton, AL and Arthur Burkett of Panama City, FL; six sisters, Frances (Ed) Hayles of Atmore, AL, Reaatha Emmons of Pineview, AL, Edwina “Red” (Alton) Calloway of Flomaton, AL, Essie Amodeo of Milton, FL, Mary Daniels of Milton, FL and Natasha Burkett; 12 grandchildren, Michele Adkins, Becky Adkins, Jennifer Adkins, Maegan Barras, Shannon Elizabeth Lirette, Lisa Ann Fitzpatrick, Brigitte Marie (Brandon) Ward, Wesley Michael Pierre, Heath Warren Burkett, Marinda Burkett, Mazie Burkett and Jessie Ridderbjelke; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were held Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the Moyeville Cemetery with Bro. Richard Ash officiating.
Pallbearers were Charlie Brown, Luke Brown, Logan Brown, Tom Harrington, Charles Cash and Richard Ash.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
One Reported Injured In West Roberts, Pine Forest Road Wreck
May 9, 2020
One person was reported injured in a Saturday afternoon wreck in Cantonment.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 12:18 p.m. at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Pine Forest Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County EMS and the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded. ‘
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Travel Trailer Destroyed In Early Morning Highway 97 Crash
May 9, 2020
A travel trailer was destroyed in a crash early Saturday morning near Walnut Hill.
The travel trailer and a truck went off Highway 97 near Howell Road about 1:20 a.m.. There was no word of any serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
