Florida Sets COVID-19 Increase Record For Third Straight Day; Escambia Cases Increase By 43
June 20, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST.
There were 43 new positive COVID-19 cases reported Saturday in Escambia County, as Florida again set a new record high for the most cases reported in a single day.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 1,170 and Santa Rosa County increased by 12 to 342.
Of the 41 deaths in Escambia County, 32 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been nine deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida jumped by 4,049 on Saturday, a record for a daily increase.
Statewide, there were 93,737 cases including 91,670 Florida residents. There have been 12,939 hospitalizations* and 3,144 deaths. The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 1,170 (+43 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 819
- Cantonment — 66
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid — 2
- Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 16
- Century — 7
- Perdido Key – 1
- Hospitalizations: 73*
- Deaths — 41
- Male — 373
- Female — 516
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 342 (+12 since Friday)
- Milton — 189
- Navarre — 56
- Gulf Breeze — 46
- Pace — 24
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 26*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 211
- Female — 114
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 98
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 93,737
- Florida residents — 91,670
- Deaths — 3,144
- Hospitalizations — 12,939
*“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.
Wrong-Way Driver Kills Man In Head On I-10 Wreck In Escambia County
June 20, 2020
An Alabama man was killed in an early morning wrong-way driver wreck on I-10 near the westbound weigh station in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 46-year old female from McKinney, Texas, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when her SUV collided head on with a sedan driven by a 25-year old male from Theodore, Alabama. The vehicles collided head on about 1:45 a.m.
The male was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the woman was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A passenger in sedan, a 34-year old male from Theodore, was extricated and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Any charges in the crash are pending the results of a traffic homicide investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longers releases the names of any wreck victims.
Updated 11:55 am to reflect that there was a passenger in the sedan. The original FHP release did not indicate a passenger.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s Unemployment Rate Improved Just A Little. But It’s Still Bad.
June 20, 2020
The unemployment rate in Florida hit a record 14.5% in May due to coronavirus economic shutdown, as Escambia County’s numbers showed a very slight improvement.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 11.8% in May, down from 12.6% in April. That represents 16,109 people out of work out of a county workforce of 136,356. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was just 3%, or 4,432 people.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.5 percent in May, up 0.7 percentage point from the revised April rate of 13.8 percent, and up 11.3 percentage points from a year ago. There were 1,412,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,709,000.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in May.
Preliminary FAA Data Reveals Little About Fatal Atmore Crop Duster Crash
June 20, 2020
Preliminary Federal Aviation Administration data reveals little about a fatal crop duster plane crash Tuesday north of Atmore.
The crash about 7:30 a.m. behind a lake house on Gideons Lake Road just north of I-65 claimed the life of Eddie Gideons, a well-loved member of the local community.
The FAA report notes the plane was destroyed after crashing under unknown circumstances and offers no information about the cause of the crash as the investigation continues.
The plane was a 2013 year model Air Tractor AT-502 single turbo-prop engine crop duster. The company’s website describes the plan as the “world’s most popular ag plane”. It was registered to Wallace Flying Service, Inc. based at 1001 McMullough Road in the McCullough community north of Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
ECAT Cuts Routes, Service Hours Following Driver’s Positive Test For COVID-19
June 20, 2020
Following the revelation that a driver has tested positive for COVID-19, Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) has cut their service level because “many” employees are on quarantine, according to Escambia County.
Starting Monday, June 22 until further notice, ECAT and ADA Transportation will run peak service only, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This modified service will take place Monday through Saturday, without service on Sundays. Buses will run every two hours with the final route trips departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. ECAT will temporarily suspend routes 41, 59A and 59X. Beach Trolleys will run regular hours 4 p.m. to midnight, with limited service running two trolleys instead of three. Schedules are subject to change as more drivers return to work.
The change in service came after it was announced Wednesday that a driver tested positive, likely from a relative, Escambia County.
The employee was at work on Saturday, June 13 for the first time since April 8 and is home on quarantine.
The county said Friday that the employee did not drive any ECAT regular routes and did not have direct contact with any passengers. All staff members who had direct close contact with the employee have been notified, advised to test for COVID-19 and quarantined. ECAT facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts.
Additional COVID-19 Death Reported In Escambia County, Alabama; Cases Increase To 137 Total
June 20, 2020
An additional COVID-19 death has been reported in Escambia County, Alabama, as the number of positive cases continue a steady climb.
There have now been five fatalities in the county with a total of 137 confirmed cases as of Friday night, according to the Alabama Department of Health. There have been 55 cases reported in the past two weeks out of 499 tests, a positivity rate of 11%.
Atmore Community Hospital has reported 71 positive case tests, while 14 were tested and confirmed at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.
Pictured: Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cutting Held For Upgraded Fidelis Community Park
June 20, 2020
A ribbon cutting was held Friday morning at the Fidelis Community Center and Park in north Santa Rosa County.
The park at 13774 North Highway 87 underwent a major makeover to provide accessibility for all and to support growing sports program needs, including:
- Basketball court renovations
- Improved ADA parking
- ADA-accessible family restrooms
- All-inclusive playground improvements
- Baseball field renovations including bleachers, lighted two-lane batting cage and extended field
- Modifications and improvements to the tennis court
- Picnic facilities
The Fidelis Community Center and Park was originally constructed as a school house in 1925, with additions in the 1940-60s. In the mid-80s, the school closed and the building was converted into a community center. Over the years, the county has made a series of improvements to the 8.5-acre property, including the addition of three ball fields and playground equipment.
“After hearing ideas from the public, we were excited to revitalize Fidelis Community Center and Park so the current and future residents of northern Santa Rosa County have a beautiful park to use for recreation and sports,” said Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Don Salter, District 3.
The upgrades were funded by the Local Option Sales Tax.
Many residents in the area have used the facility for receptions, anniversaries, reunions and showers. The cafeteria has re-opened for reservations and picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Navy Honors Civilians, Military Members For Bravery During NAS Pensacola Attack
June 20, 2020
Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) conducted an awards ceremony Friday at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard NAS Pensacola, Friday to honor the bravery of both military members and civilians during the December 6 terrorist attack on the base.
The ceremony recognized the bravery and selflessness of those NETC Domain service members and federal servants involved in the Dec. 6 shooting at NAS Pensacola that left four dead, including the shooter, and eight injured.
Vice Adm. John Nowell, Jr., chief of naval personnel, provided opening remarks virtually from Washington, D.C.; Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, NETC commander, presided over the ceremony; and Cmdr. Daniel Balsinger, Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) executive officer, was the guest speaker.
Twelve civilians and service members from NASC and Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 23 were recognized during the event for their actions.
The awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor and Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal.
The awardees included:
NASC
- Ensign Blaine DaPra, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal-
- Ensign Breanna Thomas, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal/Purple Heart
- Ensign Kristy Lehmer, Purple Heart
- Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Carl Daniel, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Ronnie Moreno, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor
- Kevin Groff, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor
- Raven Smith, Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal
MATSG-23
- Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Masel, Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullins, Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Pfannenstiel, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Fitzgerald, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Sgt. Kyle Armbruster, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Two service members, Marine Capt. Kyle Whitlock and Airman Apprentice Ryan Blackwell, were previously recognized in May during a private ceremony. Whitlock received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Blackwell received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart.
Airman Apprentice George Johnson and Jessica Pickett will receive their awards in separate ceremonies.
Johnson, who transferred from NASC, will receive the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. Pickett, who was unable to attend the ceremony, will receive the Secretary of Defense Medal of Freedom Award.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Day Of Summer
June 20, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Blue Wahoos To Host July 4th Movie And Fireworks Celebration
June 20, 2020
The annual Independence Day celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium will return in 2020 bigger than ever before with the addition of the American baseball classic film The Sandlot on the ballpark’s video board prior to a massive fireworks show on Saturday, July 4.
The movie is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks following immediately after. Gates at the stadium will open at 5:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are now on sale for $10 at BlueWahoos.com and the stadium box office and include both the movie and fireworks. A limited number of tickets will be sold to ensure proper physical distancing can be safely maintained throughout the event, and guests are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance as a sell-out is anticipated.
Guests will be welcome to sit in the stands at the ballpark to enjoy the movie and fireworks or on the field itself. Fans may bring blankets and pillows for their comfort, but chairs, strollers, and wagons are not permitted inside the ballpark. Concessions will be available throughout the stadium.
“As soon as we knew that other annual shows would be unable to be held, we jumped on doing this for the community,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We’re very excited and proud to be able to provide this for Pensacola and all of the out-of-town guests who will be visiting on the Fourth of July. This meets our mission statement to improve the quality of life in our community. We know how important, how meaningful, and how traditional a Fourth of July celebration has been in downtown Pensacola and we are glad to be able to provide one for the community.”
Area fireworks shows including the Sertoma 4 of July Fireworks Celebration in Pensacola and the Flomaton-Century show have all been canceled.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
