COVID-19 Cases Increase By 26 In Escambia, Santa Rosa
May 9, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties increased by 26 in the Saturday data release from the Florida Department of Health.
There were 16 new cases reported in Escambia County Friday for a total of 634 positive people. The Santa Rosa County total increase by 10 to 172.
Of the 18 deaths in Escambia County, 13 were long-term care facility residents. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, all outside long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 40,001 cases including 38,926 Florida residents. There have been 7,093 hospitalizations and 1,715 deaths.
- Total cases — 634 (+16 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 487
- Cantonment — 41
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 48*
- Deaths — 18
- Male — 228
- Female — 315
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 172 (+10 since Friday)
- Milton — 95
- Navarre — 33
- Gulf Breeze — 24
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 116
- Female — 54
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 40,001
- Florida residents — 38,926
- Deaths — 1,715
- Hospitalizations — 7,093*
*“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.
Beulah Wildfire Tops 1400 Acres; Santa Rosa Fire 2100 Acres; Both Are 50% Contained
May 9, 2020
Both the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah and the 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County were reported as 50% contained.
The Beulah fire grew to 1,405 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. Helicopters made total of 120 water drops on the west perimeter of the fire. Crews also spent time Friday widening and establishing new fire containment lines in that same area of the Hurst Hammock Fire.
The Santa Rosa County fire expanded to 2,153 acres as crews focused their attention Friday on creating 30-40-foot-wide containment lines on the north and northeast perimeter.
Firefighters continue to improve, monitor, and hold all containment lines around both wildfires as well as reduce critical hot spots in the residential areas.
The Forest Service said the Santa Rosa County fire has destroyed 14 homes and damaged seven others. There were also eight outbuildings destroyed and five damaged.
Saturday’s weather calls for winds out of the north and northwest with gusts up to 20 mph and another drop in humidity .
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walk-up COVID-19 Testing Next Week In Century; No Pre-screening Call Needed
May 9, 2020
Walk-up COVID-19 testing will be available next week in Century.
Community Health Northwest Florida will conduct the testing on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 440 East Hecker Road. There is no pre-screening required.
The testing is available for Escambia County, Florida, residents only.
The walk-up testing is intended for residents of Century and the surrounding area 18 and older who are symptomatic, or for other reasons feel the need to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19). Test kit quantities are limited.
According to Community Health:
- The tests are no-cost to the individual. If you have health insurance, your insurance will cover cost If you do not have insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can still be tested free of charge.
- Testing is not a doctor visit. You will not receive a medical examination. Community Health will only be collecting a specimen to send to a lab for processing, and then you will be free to go.
- Once your test is complete, is it critical that you go home and self-isolate, wear a face covering and keep way from other people (including family members) to the best of your ability until results are known.
- Community Health will call to share test results when they are available along with instructions on what to do next. They should have a good working contact number for you. They will not leave test result information on a voicemail message.
Escambia Tax Collector Offices Open Monday With Limited Access And Services
May 9, 2020
All Escambia County Tax Collector offices will be open beginning Monday with limited access and services.
To limit the number of people in the lobbies, services are limited to Escambia County residents only.
Transactions and customers will be pre-screened prior to entering the building. Only the customer directly involved in the transaction will be admitted to further comply with CDC social distancing guidelines. To ensure a successful visit and transaction, citizens are encouraged to visit the “What Do I Bring” page at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. After confirming all document requirements have been met, Escambia County
residents may “Join the Line” for service.
After joining the line, customers will receive an estimated wait time by text. Wait times may be longer than normal. Customers should remain in their vehicles until called for service. When called, their
transactions will be pre-screened prior to entering. Customers will have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer and be screened prior to entering the lobby. Customers will be required to supply and wear a mask while in tax collector buildings and will take the mask off only if required for an official photo.
Driver licenses and identification cards that expired from March 16 to May 30 have been automatically extended.
The vision requirements have not been waived for driver license transactions, so a vision test will be given. If customers are uncomfortable with the vision machine, they can request a vision form be sent via email that can be taken to an eye care professional and completed before the customer visits an office.
Driving exams are being offered by appointment only for Escambia residents who have held their learner permit for at least one year. Parents are encouraged to contact the office to schedule the appointment. We are unable to offer walk-in, medical or special driving exams at this time.
“We feel these steps will help keep both our customers and our employees safe while still assisting our citizens to the best of our ability,” said Lunsford. “We continue to ask our customers to have patience, understanding and grace as we all navigate this new normal. Our employees are happy to serve and continue to do so in a kind, efficient and safe manner.”
The following transactions are available at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s website and will not be processed in the lobbies:
- Registration (Tag) Renewal
- License plate or tag renewals MUST be renewed online using the RenewExpress system. Choose same-day pick up available at one of three drive-thru locations or choose to have the registration mailed after next-day processing.
- Business Tax Receipt
- The Payment Center allows customers to create an original or renew or edit a current record. It’s a great way to locate a business in the county. Searching by keywords such as plumbing will create a list of licensed plumbing businesses.
- Property Tax
- Pay property tax, review full payment history, research and print prior years receipts and search ownership by name or address.
- Hunting and Fishing License
- Purchase or renew a hunting and fishing license.
Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com/payment.
Full payment of fees is required at time of service, and payment may be made by eCheck, debit, or credit cards. Payments made by eCheck are fee-free. Credit and debit transactions are subject to convenience
fees charged by the payment vendor(s).
Palafox Street In Downtown Pensacola Will Be Pedestrian Only For Mother’s Day
May 9, 2020
A section of Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola will be converted to pedestrian traffic only on Mother’s Day to promote safe outdoor retail and restaurant activities for businesses and individuals visiting downtown for the Mother’s Day holiday.
Palafox Street from Garden Street to Main Street will be open to pedestrians only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Visitors are asked to maintain a six foot separation and to not gather in groups of more than 10.
“We know the Pensacola community is eager to support local businesses and restaurants as we begin to enter into an economic recovery period from COVID-19,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the public to show their support in a safe way. We are very excited we will be able to open Palafox for our citizens to celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful for all that the mothers of Pensacola have done to make our community great.”
Limiting the street to pedestrian traffic only will provide additional space for downtown visitors to more easily practice social distancing while supporting local businesses.
2-Year Old Accidentally Shot In Escambia County
May 9, 2020
A two-year old was accidentally shot in Escambia County Friday night.
The toddler was shot when a gun accidentally went off while the owner was cleaning it, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. It happened near Binnacle Place and Marlinspike Drive off Gulf Beach Highway.
The child was shot in the hip area and is expected to recover. No charges were filed.
Tucson E. Amerson
May 9, 2020
Tucson E. Amerson, 80 of Bratt, FL. passed May 7, 2020 in Bratt, FL. He was born in Bratt, FL. on August 6, 1939 to Floyd Armstrong and Inez Amerson. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in United States Navy for over 13 ½ years. He retired from the Bag Plant at St. Regis, Champion, International Paper Company with over 27 ½ years of service. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Linda Amerson. Tucson enjoyed spending time with his family and going to Lake Talquin. He also enjoyed riding his Harley 77 Low Rider Harley and attending various bike rallies. He was loved by all who met him.
He is survived by his three daughters Adrianna (Barry) Sager of Bratt, FL; Michelle (Allen) Driskell of Byrneville, FL. and Tammy Amerson of Bratt, FL. His fiancée Tonya Lambert; six grandchildren John Maughon (Bonnie), Colton Maughon (Carli), Hannah Ellis, Blaize Parrish, Drake Driskell, and Maddie Driskell; his best friend/brother Fred Strauss; three step- children Dellon Creel, Danielle Creel, Daniel Creel; twelve great grandchildren and many other family and friends; twelve great grandchildren and many and many other family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11 AM at the Bratt-Godwin Cemetery with Bro. Dillon Parham officiating.
Due to the current health care crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
Active pallbearers will be Anthony Black, Toby Boutwell, Carl Gandy, Corey Parrish, Bernard Conway and Dillon Sager.
Florida Department Of Health Launches New COVID-19 Mobile App
May 9, 2020
The Florida Department of Health has launched a new mobile app, StrongerThanC19.
The free app complements the community action survey website of the same name that launched on April 3. These cutting-edge tools are giving residents the power to unite in the fight to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida.
Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said, “The participation from the website has been very promising so far with over 300,000 surveys submitted, and we’re hopeful that this app will help to build on the submissions and data that has already been gathered. Together, the information collected from the StrongerThanC19 mobile app and website will be used to help further inform and improve the state’s response to COVID-19.”
Florida residents are encouraged to do their part in helping Florida flatten the curve by anonymously answering questions that range from age and residency, to recent travel, to potential COVID-19 contact. The app allows users to go back and update their answers as symptoms and information change, providing officials with up-to-the minute information to help improve the distribution of resources in response to COVID-19. With the app, users will also have access to information in real-time as it’s gathered from users across the state via the Community Action Survey Report.
Once the brief survey is completed, users will also have the opportunity to sign-up to receive notifications for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida from the Department of Health. The brief survey is available in both English and Spanish.
The free StrongerThanC19 app is available to both iOS and Android users and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google app stores.
The StrongerThanC19 app and website are designed to gather information to help the Department of Health track and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida; they are not intended to be used as a symptom checker designed to dispense medical advice.
Great Weekend Weather; No Chance Of Rain, North Winds
May 9, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Escambia Man’s Dump Truck Goes Off I-10 Into The Blackwater River
May 8, 2020
Shortly after I-10 in Santa Rosa County reopened Friday, an Escambia County man and his dump truck ended up in the Blackwater River.
The unloaded dump truck drive by a 42-year old Pensacola man was driving west on I-10 approaching the Blackwater River Bridge when his front left tire failed and came apart, according to a preliminary FHP investigation. The vehicle traveled toward the grassy median, collided with a steel guardrail between the two bridge spans and became airborne. FHP estimates the dump truck fell about 55 feet when it crashed into the river.
The driver was rescued by four FHP troopers. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
I-10 from Avalon Boulevard to Highway 87 had been closed since Wednesday due to smoke from a massive wildfire.