Over 31,000 Have Voted Early Or By Mail In Escambia County
March 15, 2020
Over 31,000 people have already cast their ballots in Escambia County in advance of Tuesday’s presidential preference primary election.
Early voting ended Saturday with 11,856 ballots cast at nine locations in Escambia County. Another 19,434 voters had cast their ballots by mail as of Saturday, for a total of 31,390 votes cast so far.
On Election Day, Tuesday, March 17, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to verify their Election Day polling location by checking their Voter Information Card, sample ballot, the Where Do I Vote? feature on EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting us by phone or e-mail prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Voters may track the status of their mail ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
As a reminder, Florida holds closed primary elections. The Presidential Preference Primary is open only to registered Democrats and Republicans. Voters registered without party affiliation (NPA) or in a minor political party are ineligible and will not receive a ballot. Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID to vote.
These Aren’t Just Your Grandma’s Old Quilts. Check Out This Local Quilt Show In Photos.
March 15, 2020
The Pensacola Quilters’ Guild held their biannual show and sale Friday and Saturday at the Pensacola Fairgrounds.
Over 150 quilters took part in the 2020 Quilt Show “Portal to the Future” with over 200 quilts made by members over the last two years on display.
The show included traditional handcrafted quilts, art and modern quilts with intricate computerized designs. Organizers said the show covered the spectrum of quilting today and showed just how far quilting has advanced into a textile art form.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Announces New COVID-19 Cases; All Nursing Home Visitations Banned For 30 Days
March 15, 2020
Florida now has 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Florida Department of Health said during early morning hours Sunday.
There were no new cases announced recently in the immediate Florida Panhandle. There is a previously announced case in Okaloosa County, and a Santa Rosa County man previously died at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola from COVID-19.
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed the death of a 77-year old male in Lee County who had previously tested positive for COVID-19, and a Florida resident died in California.
DeSantis on Saturday also issued an order banning visits to nursing homes in the state for the next 30 days. The emergency order to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes. He said there may be exemptions in what he described as “compassionate” cases.
Super Sunday Weather, Not A Bad Monday Either
March 15, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind.
Monday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Two Motorcyclists Critically Injured In Escambia County Wreck
March 15, 2020
Two motorcyclists were critically injured in a crash Saturday in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 63-year old Patricia Cote failed to yield on Michigan Avenue at West Shore Drive, causing two Harley Davidson motorcycles to strike his Kia Forte.
Both motorcyclists — 37-year old Christopher Roan and 27-year old Kyle Arthur –were transported to area hospital in critical condition.
Cote was cited by the FHP for failure to yield at an intersection.
Walmart, Publix And Winn Dixie Cut Hours Due To Coronavirus
March 15, 2020
Walmart and Publix have cut back on their hours in response to the coronavirus.
All Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. until further notice. The company said this will allow employees to restock stores and perform cleaning and sanitizing. Walmart employees will continue to work their regular hours and shifts as scheduled.
Publix has adjusted store and pharmacy hours to close at 8 p.m. until further notice. The company said this will allow additional sanitation efforts and more time to restock shelves.
Winn Dixie has announced that all locations will close at 9 p.m. each day until further notice to allow for store cleaning.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Here Are The Traffic Delay Spots To Expect This Week
March 15, 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:
- 9th Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289), Martin Luther King/Alcaniz Street/Davis Highway (S.R. 291) and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Video Underground Sewer Lines- Drivers may experience intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, March 31.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Mar. 15:
- Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet 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).
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Nile Mile Road, between Salt Grass Drive/Heritage Oaks Drive and Navy Federal Way will be reduced to one lane Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for crews to install traffic delineators. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers through the work zone. The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound 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 and will be in place through spring 2020.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10 / U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts for the week of Sunday, March 15:
- Southbound U.S. 29: The outside, southbound lane will be closed.
- Nine Mile Road: All traffic will be directed to the on and off-ramps at the U.S. 29 overpass. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct motorists. The following detour will be in place:
- Eastbound Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane, directed to U.S. 29 southbound, U-turn at West Hood Drive, and return to Nine Mile Road.
- Westbound traffic will perform the same operation at West 9 1/2 Mile Road.
Additionally, U.S. 29 traffic between Interstate 10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures the week of Sunday, March 15 as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound 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 and will be in place through spring 2020.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. The roadway remains temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews continue to work on various items. The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed within the next two weeks, weather dependent.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements at Sanford Street during daytime hours. Drivers should watch for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. No lane closures anticipated.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Crews continuing work at all seven locations within the project limits. No lane closures anticipated.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay- There will be intermittent lane closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn Lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations are taking place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Wind Creek Closing All Alabama Properties Until March 30 Due To COVID-19
March 15, 2020
Wind Creek is closing all properties in Alabama for two weeks due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The announcement came Sunday, one day after Wind Creek said they learned a person that visited the Wind Creek Resort in Wetumpka during the third week of February had tested positive for COVID-19. They said there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Wind Creek Atmore or Wind Creek Wetumpka.
Wind Creek has committed to continue paying its employees during the closure, which is set to continue until March 30.
Patient Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Bay Minette, Hospital Says
March 14, 2020
A person in Bay Minette, Alabama, has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the hospital there.
North Baldwin Infirmary said the patient is currently isolated in their home, and the staff who cared for the patient exercised universal precautions to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. They are working with the Alabama Department of Public Health on the case.
This is the first case of COVID-19 reported in Baldwin County.
The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed the case Saturday night, one of 12 cases as of that time in the state of Alabama.
UWF Moves To Remote Operations; All Students To Leave Dorms By Sunday; Most Employees Work Remotely
March 14, 2020
The University of West Florida is asking all students in university housing to leave campus by 5 p.m. Sunday, as all dorms will close and instruction will be online until March 30.
Here is the statement from UWF:
Instruction
All courses will be offered remotely from March 16 until March 30, 2020.
Housing and Residence Life Closure
All students living in university housing must return to permanent home residences or a non-campus alternative housing arrangement, effective immediately, today March 14 until March 30, 2020.
If you need to visit campus to gather personal belongings, you may do so until 5 p.m. on March 15, 2020.
We understand that there will be extenuating circumstances. Housing and Residence Life will work with students who are not able to return home during this time period on an individual basis. Please contact Housing and Residence Life at housing@uwf.edu by 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Campus Services
Limited campus services will be available to those students who are authorized to stay in campus housing, including dining services and residence assistance. Counseling, Psychological Services and Health Services will move all appointments to telephone.
All other campus facilities, including but not limited to Health, Leisure, and Sports Facility, Aquatic Center, University Libraries, the Education Research Center for Child Development and athletic facilities will be closed.
Employees Reporting to Work Changes
Only essential personnel are expected to report to work from 12 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2020. Employees who are unsure of their status must seek guidance from their supervisor.
Non-essential personnel, including OPS and student employees, are expected to work remotely during this time period. Supervisors are expected to provide assignments to employees. Employees working remotely are expected to:
- Fulfill all of their normal duties and work hours.
- Ensure that they are connecting securely and following all University policies related to access, data security and data confidentiality. Employees should contact ITS for IT-related questions.
- Review Continuity Tools provided by ITS.
If employees are in roles that do not traditionally accommodate remote work, supervisors must assign other work, projects or professional development that can be performed remotely.
Faculty who need to visit campus in order to utilize university tools to continue to fulfill the academic mission must notify their dean and department chair before visiting campus. Faculty that need in-person services from Global Online may visit campus. Virtual training bootcamps are also available to faculty through the Global Online website.
During emergency and adverse situations, supervisors are encouraged to allow employees to fulfill family care responsibilities due to illness or closing of schools, daycares, assisted living facilities, etc. during telecommuting if the employee can effectively balance family care and work.
An employee who is unable to work due to a family care emergency may use one of the following types of time off to account for time away from work, with supervisory approval:
- Accrued leave
- Leave without Pay
All employees are still required to submit leave reports and time sheets by the appropriate deadlines. Please contact Human Resources with any questions hr@uwf.edu.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing refers to measures that are taken to increase the physical space between people to slow the spread of the virus. By maintaining a distance of six feet from others when possible, people may limit the spread of the virus. Social distancing also minimizes the number of interactions that provide the opportunity for the disease to spread.