A Helping Hand: Thousands Of Pounds Of Food Distributed At Olive Baptist, Molino Church
May 3, 2020
Food giveaways were held Saturday at Olive Baptist Church on Davis Highway and at a Molino Church.
Ministry Village At Olive Baptist Church
The Ministry Village at Olive Baptist Church distributed over 30,000 pounds of free food to those in need Saturday. Over 85 volunteers, wearing masks and gloves, helped to sort and pack the food items for the distribution. They packed over 1,200 bags in 2.5 hours.
There was no paperwork to complete or guidelines to meet to receive the food from Farm Share though Patriot Emergency Response Team.
Beacon of Hope – Molino
A “Hope 4 Molino” drive-thru food distribution was held Saturday at Beacon of Hope Church of God on Molino Road.
Pictured above: A food giveaway Saturday at Olive Baptist Church. Pictured first two photos below: Food distribution Saturday at the Beacon Hope Church of God in Molino. Pictured bottom: A few more shots from Olive. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Students In Need Benefit From Laptops, Food, Financial Help
May 3, 2020
As the COVID-19 virus challenges University of West Florida students in ways never imagined, the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs is continuing its mission to support their personal development and academic success.
“Our students are facing a new normal and in this environment new challenges sometimes arise,” said Dr. Kim LeDuff, UWF chief diversity officer and vice president for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. “We continue to serve our students by providing traditional support, but we also realize that students and their families may be facing unique challenges. Staff in my division have been very innovative and quite successful in their efforts to support our campus community at this difficult time.”
The division, in coordination with University Advancement, developed a campaign that in less than a month has raised nearly $19,000 in donations for the Student Emergency Support Fund. The fund assists students with emergent needs including housing, utilities, minor vehicle repairs and food. The division has partnered with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to ensure students’ needs are met by leveraging its resources with the emergency grant funds offered through financial aid.
Case Management Services has assisted students with food through the Argo Pantry, emergency assistance, including housing, laptops and travel, connections to resources at UWF and in the community, along with communicating with faculty and staff about various situations which may impact students’ academic progress.
“Case Management has seen an increase in the number of students requesting financial assistance due to the recent impact of COVID-19,” said Dawn Rockey, assistant dean of students. “Students have reported an unexpected loss of income resulting in difficulty maintaining stable housing and acquiring food and other resources. We are thankful for the recent support from our UWF community and are currently in need of ongoing financial support and virtual donations.”
The Argo Pantry remains open on a limited basis from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each Monday to provide food to students in need of assistance. Students unable to visit the pantry during that time frame are asked to contact Case Management to schedule an appointment at an alternative time. The Argo Pantry is in need of donations to provide students and accepts items through a wish list created on Amazon.
A Sunny, Middle 80s Kind Of Spring Sunday
May 3, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Becoming sunny, with a high near 85. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Monday: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Tuesday: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
May 3, 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:
- 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 3:
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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 3:
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 will experience alternating lane closures between Patrick Lane and Navy Federal Way the week of Sunday, May 3 from 8 p.m.to 6 a.m. as crews make repairs to the roadway. One travel lane will be maintained during the work. Traffic Flaggers will be on-site to safely direct drivers through the work area. 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.
- 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 3:
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 shoulder closures throughout the project limits as crews perform paving 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 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. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Escambia County Office Buildings To Reopen On Monday
May 3, 2020
Escambia County’s Central Office Complex, the Ernie Lee Magaha building, the Parks and Recreation Department office and West Florida Public Libraries will reopen to the public Monday and will operate at 25% capacity under the Phase 1 Plan announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Here’s information on the reopening from Escambia County:
Escambia County Buildings, Offices and Enclosed Facilities
- Services at each Escambia County government building and enclosed facility have been evaluated to determine the public’s need for access in order to conduct county business and/or to facilitate the private sector’s return to work. Common areas and lobbies should remain uncongested.
- Public access to Escambia County government buildings and facilities will be limited based on safe distancing guidelines. Escambia County will monitor the areas of public access to ensure enough space is available to meet social distancing standards, which may result in time periods when people have to wait outside the building until enough people have exited in order to maintain the necessary space for social distancing. Such metering will be monitored based on the number of public entering and exiting the facility, if necessary. Any individual dry coughing or otherwise exhibiting symptoms similar to the CDC listed COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed entrance to the government facility.
- Some facilities may offer appointments only, or phone consultation for certain functions. Citizens should call the department in which services are being sought to determine if appointments are available.
- Some Escambia County buildings or enclosed facilities normally accessible to the public require further evaluation prior to allowing re-entry to the public (for example community centers). Information regarding this process will be made available once safe operations can be determined.
- Plexiglass or similar separation devices have been installed at many interaction points where an employee serves a member of the public. Any documents or form of payment will be exchanged at the bottom of the plexiglass. Employees will use hand sanitizer with 60% or higher alcohol content after each exchange. Employees are encouraged to use a face mask if contact with the public is within the proper social distancing boundaries or outside of the separation devices.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office
- Residents can access most services at EscambiaVotes.com, by phone at 850-595-3900, by email soe@escambiavotes.com, or by mail.
- Voter registration and record updates are available through RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
- Voter services will be available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and document drop-off is accessible at the Palafox Street entrance to the downtown Tax Collector’s office, 213 Palafox Place.
- Advance appointments are preferred, if in-person services are required.
- Access to the elections office will be through the main county office building.
- Six-foot “social distancing” is required, and the number of customers allowed in the office at a time will be limited.
Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office
- Citizens should visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com for the most current information regarding Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office operations.
Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller First Judicial Circuit
The MC Blanchard and Theodore Bruno Juvenile Justice Building will remain open, at this time, but have limited public access. The Clerk’s office will continue to process the following emergency court services:
- Petitions for Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Sexual Violence or Stalking Injunctions
- Baker Act petitions
- Marchman Act petitions
- Vulnerable Adult petitions
- Adult Protective Services petitions
- Emergency guardianship appointment
- Family Law and Dependency cases in which the imminent safety of children is at issue
Clerk’s Official Records, Treasury, Finance, and Clerk to the Board Offices will reopen at 25% public capacity effective Monday, May 4. Passport services remain suspended until further notice.
The following Clerk’s offices will remain closed for in-person services until further notice.
- Traffic Office, MC Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St.
- Marriage Office, MC Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St.
- Century Courthouse office
- The Public Records Center, 120 E. Blount St.
To make payments and access other online services, please visit our e-services page here. For further information visit escambiaclerk.com.
Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office
- Citizens should visit www.escpa.org for the most current information regarding Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office operations.
West Flora Public Libraries
For more information on the West Florida Public Libraries, click here for a previous story.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County, Alabama, Coronavirus Cases Increase
May 3, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases is up to 30 in Escambia County, Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Health.
There are now 30 positive cases with two deaths in the county. There have been 564 tests administered in the county, according to ADH, a 5.3% positive rate.
The Alabama Department of Health reported 7,611 total positive cases in the state out of 91,933 tests, a 8.3% positive rate. There have been 288 deaths and 1,031 hospitalizations reported statewide.
Update: Missing Nine-Year Old From Okaloosa County Has Been Found, Amber Alert Canceled
May 2, 2020
UPDATE: A missing nine-year old from Okaloosa County has been located and the Amber Alert has been canceled.
Previous story:
A Florida Amber Alert has been issued for a nine-year old girl abducted from Fort Walton Beach by a man that may be headed to Escambia County.
Alliarra Williams, last seen in the area of the 20 block of NW Robinwood Drive in Fort Walton Beach. She was last seen wearing a pink Adidas jacket, pink shorts, and black tennis shoes. The child may be in the company of 30-year old Frankie Williams, who was last seen wearing a grey hat, a black hoodie, grey ripped jeans, and red shoes. He has a tattoo on his throat, possibly of Benjamin Franklin.
No vehicle description was provided.
The Florida Department of law enforcement said they may be headed to the Pensacola area.
Call the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at (850) 833-9546 or 911 if you have any information.
Click images to enlarge.
Another Long-Term Care COVID-19 Death Confirmed In Escambia County
May 2, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
Another COVID-19 long-term care death has been reported in Escambia County.
The victim was an 85-year old male with confirmed contact with a previous case and no travel history.
Escambia County cases were up six on Saturday to 538 with 13 total deaths. Santa Rosa county’s count decreased by one on Saturday due to a data adjustment. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County.
Statewide, there were 35,463 cases including 34,555 Florida residents. There have been 5,945 hospitalizations and 1,364 deaths.
- Total cases — 538 (+6 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 407
- Cantonment — 40
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 46*
- Deaths — 13
- Male — 204
- Female — 258
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 157 (-1 data adjustment since Friday)
- Milton — 83
- Navarre — 32
- Gulf Breeze — 24
- Pace — 15
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 22*
- Deaths — 8
- Male — 105
- Female — 51
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 35,463
- Florida residents — 34,555
- Deaths — 1.364
- Hospitalizations — 5,945*
*“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.
Updated: Two Killed In Jacks Branch Road Wreck
May 2, 2020
A head-on crash Friday afternoon claimed two lives in Cantonment.
The crash happens about 2:45 p.m. on Jacks Branch Road near Fargo Road, just north of Muscogee Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 65-year old male driver of a SUV was traveling south on Jacks Branch Road when he veered into the northbound lane and struck a passenger car head-on. The SUV came to rest upside on it roof.
The 29-year old male driver of the car and his female passenger were both pronounced deceased at the scene. They were not wearing their seat belts, according to troopers.
The restrained SUV driver was airlifted to an area hospital by LifeFlight helicopter.
The Cantonment, Ensley and Beulah stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
The Florida Highway Patrol has implemented a new policy. As of April 24, the FHP no longer releases the names of anyone involved in a traffic crash.
NorthEscambia.com, photos, click to enlarge.
New Escambia County Nursing Home Data Released. Eight Deaths In Two Facilities. One Reports 44 New Cases.
May 2, 2020
New data just released for the first time by the Florida Department of Health shows two Escambia County long-term care facilities have had four COVID-19 deaths each and reveals a coronavirus outbreak at a third facility in the county.
The eight total COVID-19 deaths among staff and patients of long-term care facilities is a majority of the 12 total corona virus fatalities in Escambia County as of Friday.
As we previously reported, Southern Oaks Care Center has had four deaths. Three of those were residents and one was a staff member. Southern Oaks has a total of 94 patients that have tested positive, plus four positive residents that have been transferred out for care and six infected staff members. Southern Oaks has a maximum capacity of 210.
Brookdale Pensacola on University Parkway has also recorded four patient deaths. As of Friday, the assisted living facility had three infected residents and six positive staff members. The facility is licensed for 60 beds.
A FDOH report shows Bayside Health and Rehabilitation Center on Langley Avenue has 44 positive patients and 13 positive staff members. Bayside is licensed for 120 beds.
There have been no long-term care facility deaths recorded in Santa Rosa County.
Pictured: Bayside Health and Rehabilitation Center on Langley Avenue has 44 positive patients and 13 positive staff members as of Friday with no deaths. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.