Nell (Jernigan) Presley
October 6, 2020
It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Nell (Jernigan) Presley of Pensacola FL announce the passing of a loving wife, mother and Bebe on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the age of 84. Nell was a native of Pace, FL where she graduated from Milton High School. She was the daughter of Hazel (Stewart) Brewton and Charles Jernigan and step-daughter of Arthur Brewton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Doris (Jernigan) Nicholas and brother Carl Jernigan. She was married to Guy N. Presley for almost 65 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Guy and her two daughters B. Suzanne Shumate (Guy) and Deana K. Presley; one granddaughter, Brooke Peoples (Adam) and four great grandchildren Emma Madeiros, Bryhton Peoples, Padme’ Peoples and Lyric Peoples as well as numerous relatives and friends.
A funeral service and celebration of Nell’s life will be held at 12pm, October 8 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Highway 29, Cantonment FL 32533. Family visitation is at 10:30; public visitation at 11am. Interment ceremony will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2pm. Those attending the interment will be required to meet the procession at the Walmart parking lot (east side) on Blue Angel Parkway and Sorrento Road. The procession will then go through the Pensacola Naval Air Station security gate together.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made in Nell’s memory to Olive Baptist Church, 1836 E. Olive Road, Pensacola FL 32514.
Lawrence Creighton Amerson
October 6, 2020
Lawrence Creighton Amerson, Jr. 94 years old, known as L.C. or Ame to his friends and family, passed away on July 15, 2020 in Virginia Beach, VA. He was born January 17, 1926 to Lawrence and Dollie Amerson in Jackson, AL. He was one of fourteen children. The family moved to Bratt, FL, where he attended school. At the age of 19, he went into the Navy.
He was in World War II while serving aboard USS Mugford along with three other ships. During this time, his oldest brother was serving on another ship. He played basketball with the Amphibious Force, US Atlantic Fleet Team. They received several awards and medals. After serving 20 years, he began working for the Norfolk Navy Yard. He received many awards from the Mayor of Virginia Beach for his service to the group delivering medical supplies and food to the shut-ins.
He met his wife Thelma and shared over 44 years together. He loved fishing and enjoyed time with his family especially at the Bratt, FL reunions.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; his parents, Lawrence and Dollie Amerson; twelve of his siblings and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; two special friends, Tiny Rigby Bolton and Jenny Rigby and his baby sister, Shirley Amerson Whatley of Bratt, FL.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Escambia Residents Encouraged To Monitor Delta This Week
October 5, 2020
Escambia County officials say they are closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Delta as it moves toward a forecasted landfall as a hurricane, and they are urging local residents to do the same.
While it’s still too early to determine potential impacts to Escambia County, the latest forecast shows the storm tracking west of the area, with possible tropical storm-force winds forecast to arrive in the western Panhandle Friday morning. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of the storm on NorthEscambia.com — check back several times each day.
“We’re treating this storm as if it’s going to be making landfall here, and forecasts are predicting this will likely be a wind event for us,” Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. “We’re encouraging everyone to make their preparations now, and even if this turns out to be a non-even, we’re prepared.”
Residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year’s disaster kit might need to look a little different if you’re planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
With the possible approach of Tropical Storm Delta, the county is focusing debris management collections in the low lying areas that are susceptible to flooding such as Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.Contractors will still be collecting debris in all areas of the county and have been approved to work additional hours; however, this storm is predicted to make landfall on Friday and residents are encouraged to use the debris collections sites that have been advertised. If residents would like to drop off vegetation, they can do so from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the following locations:
- Lexington Terrace
- Baars Field
- Equestrian Center
- Park East, Pensacola Beach
- John R. Jones Park
- Oak Grove Convenience Center
- Brent Athletic Park
Follow These Tips to Prepare for a Storm
- Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com.
- Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer.
- Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before dark Thursday evening.
- Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
- In the event of a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. Stay away from windows.
- Turn around, don’t drown: In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road. Water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.
Flomaton Elementary Grieving Loss Of Student Killed In Saturday Wreck Near Walnut Hill
October 5, 2020
Flomaton Elementary School is remembering a sixth grade student that lost his life in a wreck Saturday on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill. The crash also injured three other members of his family.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 16-year old driver from Molino attempted to pass other traffic in a no passing zone and crashed his pickup truck into a Mitsubishi Outlander occupied by a family of four.
The crash claimed the life of 11-year old Jaden James, a sixth grader at Flomaton Elementary. His mother, 42-year old Lashelby James, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition. She is also part of the Flomaton Elementary family, working in the school’s cafeteria. Jaden’s 9-year old sister and his father were also seriously injured.
“Jaden James described in one word – CHRISTIAN! He unapologetically loved the Lord and wanted to be a preacher when he grew up,” Blaire Singleton, one of Jaden’s teachers said. “He had a heart of gold and the sweetest, most humble spirit. Jaden was shy but when he smiled, he would light up a room. He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him.
“He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him. He is THE shining example of our school motto- respect others, work hard, make good decisions, smile a lot, and love other people. That was Jaden James everyday!! I am forever grateful for knowing him because to know him was to love him,” Singleton continued.
Leslie Wedgeworth, Jaden’s third grade teacher, said he was always smiling and had a servant’s heart, always willing to serve.
“All the kids loved him and he was a teacher’s dream. I would always joke with Lashelby at lunch because he was honestly just too good to be true! He was smart, kind, happy, and funny. Jaden had a bright future ahead of him, but Heaven needed him more,” Wedgeworth said.
“I could not describe him better. Flomaton Elementary is a better place because Jaden was a part of it. He will forever be one of us,” Flomaton Elementary Principal George Brown said.
Additional counselors will be on hand Monday at Flomaton Elementary to assist students and staff as they grieve.
For more on the wreck, click or tap here.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny, About 80 For Monday
October 5, 2020
A burn ban remains in effect for Escambia County in Florida. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Breezy.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Columbus Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Three More Deaths, 30 Additional COVID-19 Positives Reported Sunday In Escambia County
October 5, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST REPORT.
There were three additional COVID-19 deaths reported Sunday in Escambia County, along with 30 new cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 12,478 (+30)
Non-Florida residents: 1,146
Total deaths: 243 (+3)
Long-term care facility deaths : 114 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 50 (+3)
Number of tests last day: 772
Percent positive last day: 2.8%
Percent positive last week: 2.7%
Escambia County cases by location:
Pensacola: 9,124 (+17)
Century: 933
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Cantonment: 932 (+2)
Molino: 149 (+2)
McDavid: 74
Walnut Hill: 18
Bellview: 16
Gonzalez: 7
Perdido Key: 7
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 5,430 (+10)
Non-Florida residents: 51
Total deaths: 78
Long-term care facility deaths: 17
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 322*
Number of tests last day: 276
Percent positive last day: 3.8%
Santa County cases by location:
Milton: 2,819 (+1)
Gulf Breeze: 788 (+5)
Navarre: 685 (+1)
Pace: 450 (+2)
Jay: 155
Bagdad: 12
Florida cases:
Total cases: 716,459
Florida residents: 707,751
Deaths: 14,671
Hospitalizations: 44,709*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
*The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Want To Vote In November? Today Is The Registration Deadline.
October 5, 2020
Monday is the last day to register to vote in the November 3 general election.
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections will hold extended office hours on Monday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. New registrations must be completed and received or postmarked no later than October 5 for them to be effective for the November 3 election. Address changes can be made after the books close. If you are unsure of your registration status, visit EscambiaVotes.gov and click Am I Registered? to check.
Florida Gas Prices Up About A Dime
October 5, 2020
Florida gas prices jumped an average of 10 cents per gallon last week. This was the fourth consecutive month that begin with higher gas prices; each one with an average increase of 7-12 cents.
Sunday, Florida drivers were back to paying $2.19 per gallon on average. Despite the recent increase, drivers are still paying 30 cents per gallon less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.13. North Escambia drivers could find as low as $2.05 at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment, while the warehouse clubs in Pensacola dipped to $1.90.
“It’s not uncommon for gas prices to suddenly jump at the end/beginning of the month,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s because many retailers enter into new monthly contracts on fuel deliveries, which can come with a higher price tag. When retailers pass the added cost to the consumer, they do it at the start of the month, then allow the market to dictate the direction of prices from there. The good news for drivers is that during the past few months, we’ve seen fuel prices trickle lower as the month progresses.”
Prices at the pump could follow the same trend as last month, according to AAA. September began with the state average suddenly rising to $2.20 per gallon. By the end of the month, the state average slid back down to $2.09.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Endorses Chip Simmons For Escambia Sheriff
October 5, 2020
Chip Simmons, Republican candidate for Escambia County Sheriff, has received the endorsement of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“As Florida’s Attorney General, I understand the importance of law and order to the safety and strength of our communities. I proudly endorse Chip Simmons for Sheriff of Escambia County and trust that his qualifications and dedication to service and the rule of law will make him an incredible sheriff,” Moody, said.
After nearly 30 years with the Pensacola Police Department, Simmons stepped down as police chief in 2015 to become an assistant county administrator for Escambia County. He joined the Sheriff’s Office as the chief deputy of operations in December 2016. He is responsible for running the patrol, investigations and SWAT divisions.
Submitted photo.
Want To Get Involved In County Government? Here Are This Week’s Meetings
October 5, 2020
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Tuesday, October 6
Planning/Zoning Board – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Planning Board Regular Meeting – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Wednesday, October 7
Coffee with the Commissioner, Jeff Bergosh, District 1 – 6:30 a.m.,
Contractor Competency Board Exam Review Committee – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Contractor Competency Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Thursday, October 8
Board of Adjustment – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room
Friday, October 9
ATU 1395 ECAT Negotiations – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government B
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.