Gulf Power Donates $250,000 To Help Those Impacted By COVID-19
March 27, 2020
United Way of West Florida has received a $250,000 donation from the Gulf Power Foundation to help member of the community impacted by COVID-19.
“Gulf Power has always been a leader in our region,” said United Way of West Florida President and CEO, Laura Gilliam. “During these unprecedented times, they are once again showing their commitment to the health and well-being of our community and the entire Northwest Florida region with this very generous contribution.”
Gulf Power’s contribution will be used to support those economically impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as local organizations providing critical services to those in need and most at risk.
Services supported by United Way of West Florida’s COVID-19 Relief Fund will include assistance with rent, utilities, food, childcare, as well as programs serving the elderly and disabled in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
For Gulf Power customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, Gulf Power has resources available at www.GulfPower.com/Help, or they can connect customers with resources available from federal, state, and local authorities. To further assist their customers, Gulf Power is also suspending disconnections and providing payment extensions for those facing hardships.
Individuals in need of immediate assistance accessing food, paying housing or utility bills, or other essential services are urged to dial 211 from their phones or visit www.211nwfl.org. 211 Northwest Florida, powered locally by United Way of West Florida, provides information and referral services to the following counties: Escambia, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Santa Rosa, and Washington.
To donate to this fund, text 850Respond to 41444 or visit www.uwwf.org/covid19fund.
Need A Job? CareerSource Escarosa Lists Local Companies Hiring Now
March 27, 2020
Multiple companies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are hiring people now, according to CareerSource Escarosa.
Companies include Walmart, Family Dollar, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Target, Chick-Fil-a, Winn Dixie, Mediacom Communications, Winn Dixie and many.
CareerSource Escarosa has a complete list on their website.
USDA Takes Actions To Help Rural Residents, Businesses And Communities Affected By COVID-19
March 27, 2020
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Actions include a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions for 60 days and numerous other individual and business changes.
For complete information, click here.
UWF Offering A Pass/Fail Option For All Spring Courses
March 27, 2020
The University of West Florida will make a temporary modification to the UWF grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester. All undergraduate and graduate students will have the option to convert courses to satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) grading, otherwise referred to as Pass/Fail.
Students can make the decision on a course-by-course basis and there is no limit on the number of courses students can convert to S/U grading for this semester.
Compete information from the University of West Florida:
All courses that receive satisfactory (S) grades will count toward degree requirements.
- Undergraduate: all grades of C- or better in a course for which students elect the satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade will convert to an S.
- Graduate: all grades of C or better in a course for which the students elect the satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade will convert to an S.
If you choose to remain with letter grades in all of your courses, you will not need to do anything. To convert a course/courses to satisfactory or unsatisfactory, students must complete the Grade Mode Change Request form by Friday, May 1, 2020. The form can be submitted by students beginning on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Before making this decision, students must consult with their academic advisor, department chairperson or faculty advisor to discuss available options. Students with any type of financial aid must consult with their financial aid counselor to discuss potential implications.
This decision was made after consultation with the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, Office of the Registrar and UWF executive leadership. The flexibility and exception to the existing grading policy is in response to this unprecedented situation and is meant to help our students succeed and successfully complete the semester.
UWF will provide a web page with detailed resources and information to students on Monday, March 30, 2020, to help students with the decision.
We expect all remote courses at UWF to maintain the highest quality instruction. We also expect students to continue to seek the most from their courses and faculty
Escambia COVID-19 Cases Rise To 20; Santa Rosa Up To 12
March 27, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. Check the frontpage of NorthEscambia.com for an update.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to the Florida Department of Health.
In Escambia County, the case count is now at 20. They range in age from 22 to 76 and include 12 men and eight women.
Fourteen of the Escambia County cases are in Pensacola, six are from Cantonment.
In Santa Rosa County, there are now 12 cases. They range in age from 2 to 76, with five hospitalized and a 71-year old man dead. Seven are from Navarre, three from Gulf Breeze, and two from Milton. Eight are men and four are women.
There are now 2,484 positive COVID-19 cases in Florida. Of those, 2,352 are Florida residents. There have now been 29 deaths.
Alabama Schools Will Be Closed For The Rest Of The Academic Year
March 26, 2020
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Thursday afternoon that Alabama students will not return to class this year.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” Ivey said. “However the virus continues to spread.”
Ivey ordered local school district to find “alternative methods of instruction” such as online courses by April 6 in order to finish the academic year. Academic work is optional for school districts prior to April 6.
“We must be serious about eliminating the spread of this virus,” the governor said.
“Nothing can replace the interaction between the teacher and the students in a classroom setting.” Ivey said. “However, access to high-quality instruction is crucial for our students to maintain their competitive edge academically.”
Ivey’s state of emergency order will have the following added:
“Beginning at the start of school on April 6, 2020, all public K-12 schools shall implement a plan to complete the 2019-2020 school year using alternate methods of instruction as established by the State Superintendent of Education.”
“Local school districts shall make staffing decisions and determinations related to access to school buildings in accordance with all applicable public health orders and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health.”
Baptist Hospital Caring For Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Patient In Pensacola, Two In Gulf Breeze
March 26, 2020
Baptist Hospital said they have two presumptive positive patients in their care at Gulf Breeze Hospital and one at their location in Pensacola.
A no visitation policy with limited entry doors was previously enacted at Baptist Hospital, Gulf Breeze Hospital and Jay Hospital. Visitor exceptions will be made for end of life and critical caregivers.
Baptist will open a second COVID-19 screening center on Friday in south Santa Rosa County to evaluate people with respiratory illness and COVID-19 symptoms.
The center’s focus is to provide a more comprehensive treatment program by screening those who may have COVID-19 and treating people with Flu-A, Flu-B, pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses. All individuals with respiratory symptoms – such as cough, fever and shortness of breath – can call 850 (434) 4080 to determine if they need an appointment with the screening center.
An appointment is required to visit this center. If they meet the criteria, an appointment will be scheduled for them. They will be given a phone number to call upon their arrival. Patients will be asked to remain in their vehicles, and a BMG team member will greet them and escort them to the clinic.
Couple Dead After Escambia County Murder-Suicide
March 26, 2020
A couple is dead after a murder-suicide Thursday afternoon in Escambia County.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home near East Shore Drive and West Michigan Avenue about 1:40 p.m.
The couple was described as elderly with health issues by the ECSO.
Additional details were not released as the investigation continues.
File photo.
Local Navy Federal Team Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
March 26, 2020
A team member based out of Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola has tested positive for COVID-19, the company said Thursday afternoon.
“On Wednesday we learned that a Navy Federal team member based out of Pensacola tested positive for COVID-19 according to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. We’ll continue to work with public health agencies and follow their guidance to minimize further impact of COVID-19,” spokesperson Bill Person said Thursday.
This positive result is different from the presumptive positive announced last week. That patient was cleared upon additional testing.
Civilian Contractor At Corry Station Tests Positive For COVID-19
March 26, 2020
On March 26, 2020 a civilian contractor assigned to Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station reported they tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The civilian contractor is currently in their residence in Pensacola, and is following medical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines.
The civilian contractor began experiencing symptoms on Wednesday, March 18. On Thursday, March 19 the civilian contractor visited Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola to test for COVID-19, then returned to self-isolation in residence. On March 26, the civilian contractor’s test results came back positive for COVID-19. Four service members, who had been in contact with the civilian contractor, have been in self-isolation since March 19. They were also recently tested for COVID-19. The service members will remain in self-isolation for the prescribed time of 14 days and/or when the test results are received. IWTC Corry Station is following the guidelines set forth by the Department of Defense.
“The Navy and IWTC Corry Station is committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of our force. We remain in close coordination with state and federal authorities, and public health authorities to ensure the well-being of our personnel and local population,” a statement said.