AAA: Fewer Americans Forecast To Travel This Thanksgiving
November 26, 2020
AAA is forecasting that fewer Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health concerns and unemployment are the key factors in what is expected to be the lowest Thanksgiving travel volume in four years, and the largest yearly decline since the Great Recession.
AAA projects 50 million Americans will travel this long Thanksgiving weekend. In Florida, the expectation is 2.8 million travelers. However, these figures could be even lower as Americans monitor the public health landscape, including rising COVID-19 positive case numbers, renewed quarantine restrictions and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) travel health notices.
“AAA acknowledges that the decision to travel is a personal one,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The CDC says staying home is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19. For those who still decide to travel, we urge you to take every precaution possible to protect yourself and others.”
Those who decide to travel are likely to drive shorter distances and reduce the number of days they are away. This makes road trips the dominant form of travel this Thanksgiving. Travel by automobile is projected to fall 4.3%, to 47.8 million travelers and account for 95% of all holiday travel.
AAA anticipates Thanksgiving air travel volume will be nearly half of last year – at 2.4 million Americans. This would be the largest one-year decrease on record. For these travelers, AAA notes holiday airfares are the lowest in three years. If flying, AAA reminds air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverage services, may not be available. Also, as a precaution, wipe down your seat, armrest, belt buckle and tray table using disinfecting wipes.
Travel by “other modes” is forecast to hit record lows. This field – which includes buses, trains and cruises – is expected to decline 76%, to 353,000 travelers. The decline comes as cruise ships remain docked and more travelers opt for car trips instead of taking buses or trains.
Wednesday was expected to be the busiest travel day of the long weekend.
Jacob Oryan Bailey
November 26, 2020
Mr. Jacob Oryan Bailey, age 34, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Bailey was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. He was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians where he was an active member of HVOSSV TVLLVHVSSE (Ceremonial Grounds). He was a loving husband, devoted father and loved all his family. He was a carpenter, farmer, and a spiritual person. He was a PowWow dancer in grass dance and traditional. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Verlie Bailey; maternal grandfather, Eugene Blackwelder; maternal grandmother, Marie McAnally; uncle, Jerry Bailey and cousin, Joey McGhee.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Liesl O. Bailey of Atmore, AL; one son, Elijah William Bailey of Atmore, AL; two daughters, Kadence Marie Bailey of Atmore, AL and Poarcha Estehulwe Bailey of Atmore, AL; parents, Cheryl and William Bailey, Sr. of Atmore, AL; mother-in-law, Nancy Olkjer of Pensacola, FL; his beloved Pinky Bailey; one brother, Billy (Cheyanne) Bailey of Walnut Hill, FL; nieces and nephews, Kyiah Bailey, Sophia Bailey and Carson Bailey and countless aunts and uncles, Robin & Larry, Kathy & Joe, Cecelia & Rodney, Mackey & Russell, Ruth, Sabrina & David, Donna, Sonja & Rusty, Gary & Christine, and David McGhee.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 27, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Restoration Poarch Community Church with Bro. Jerry Sanchez officiating.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 26, 2020 from 6:00 PM until service time at 10:00 AM at the Restoration Poarch Community Church.
Pallbearers will be Carson Bailey, Timmy Bailey, Timmy Barber, Thomas Banda, Burle Wiggins, Sr., and Chance Baggett.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Boone McGhee, Slick Corey, Trent Rayborn, Bo Slate, Chad Godwin, Stoney Dawes, Isaac Bernal, Bubba O’Barr, Paul Bell, Cedo Coon, Stephen Ledkins and Larry Bailey, Jr.
Escambia Records Two New COVID-19 Deaths, 122 New Cases
November 26, 2020
There were 122 additional COVID-19 cases and two new deaths in Escambia County as reported Wednesday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Total cases: 16,223 (+122)
Non-Florida residents: 1,739
Total deaths: 299 (+2)
Long-term care facility deaths : 138 (+2)
Current hospitalizations: 90 (+1)
Number of tests last day: 952
Percent positive last day: 10.1%
Percent positive last week: 8.6%
Escambia County cases by location:
Pensacola: 11.914 (+79)
Cantonment: 1,229 (+22)
Century: 953
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Molino: 195 (+3)
McDavid: 97
Bellview: 25
Walnut Hill: 18
Perdido Key: 14
Gonzalez: 8
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 7,192 (+104)
Non-Florida residents: 92
Total deaths: 100 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 22
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 421*
Number of tests last day: 262
Percent positive last day: 27.8%
Santa Rosa County cases by location:
Milton: 3,854 (+34)
Gulf Breeze: 1,218 (Monday) (+14)
Navarre: 1,178 (+12)
Pace: 595 (+8)
Jay: 184 (+3)
Bagdad: 17
Florida cases:
Total cases: 991,676
Florida residents: 946,956
Deaths: 18,254
Hospitalizations: 54,133*
*“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.
James Gladyn Mothershed
November 26, 2020
Rev. James Gladyn Mothershed of Atmore, AL passed away on November 23, 2020, and is now at home with his Heavenly Father. He was born on July 16, 1935, in Atmore, AL to the late William Addison and Lila Mae Lambert Mothershed. He was a minister for over 50 years with West Side Baptist Church and later became a member of Mennonite Christian Fellowship in Atmore, AL. He was instrumental in bringing many to know Jesus Christ as
their Lord and Savior.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Dorothy Willene Mothershed Hall, Charles Raymond Mothershed, Eleanor Ernestine Mothershed Davis, Mary Audene Mothershed Sharpless, William Fred Mothershed, Carl Houston Mothershed and W.D. Mothershed.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lancaster Mothershed of Atmore, AL; his daughter, Lisa Mothershed James of FL and his granddaughter, Alyssa McCoy of FL.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 30, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Blaine Copenhaver officiating.
Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Over 3.6 Million Cubic Yards Of Hurricane Sally Debris Collected In Escambia; Final Pass Begins Next Week
November 25, 2020
Escambia County contractors have collected over 3.6 million cubic yards of Hurricane Sally debris, and the final collection pass begins next week.
That’s 70,040 loads, which equals 564 football fields piled three feet high or enough to fill over 78% of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
The third and final Hurricane Sally debris collection pass will begin on December 1, with a goal to finish all collections by Christmas.
To help expedite the process, separate debris for service. Vegetative debris like tree limbs need to be separate from construction and demolition materials like drywall and carpet. Keep debris away from storm drains, low power lines, other utilities and mailboxes.
Curbside Residential Debris Pickup Instructions
Escambia County residents, that can safely do so, are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right of way (the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement).
- Commercial-generated waste will not be accepted.
- Businesses should contact their waste collection service provider or a debris removal contractor. Business and commercial material is not eligible to be removed curbside by Escambia County.
- Nonprofits are allowed to place debris on public right of way for pickup.
Debris that was generated by Hurricane Sally should be placed and sorted on the area immediately adjoining the road in front of your home.
Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:
- Vegetative Debris - whole trees and large limbs should be cut into lengths of four feet or less, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material
- Construction and Demolition Debris - damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings and fixtures
- Appliances and White Goods - refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters
- Electronic Waste - computers, televisions, office electronic equipment, etc.
- Household Hazardous Waste - materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc.
Do not place debris within four feet of:
- Mailboxes
- Water meters
- Fire hydrants, or any other above-ground utility
Escambia County contractors will make multiple passes through neighborhoods and along county right-of-way for debris removal. If your debris is not removed, please be patient. The crews will make additional passes along your road.
The county contractors have dedicated pieces of equipment for different debris streams (vegetation, C&D and stumps). Please understand that if vegetation is collected and C&D or stumps are left behind, they are not “missed,” but rather assigned to different trucks dedicated to that debris stream. Contractors cannot commingle debris streams in a single truck load.
Drop Off Instructions for Residential Vegetative Debris Drop Off Sites
In addition to curbside removal of debris for residents, residential drop off sites are accepting vegetative debris generated by Hurricane Sally. This is for private, residential use only, NO COMMERCIAL DEBRIS. Hurricane Sally debris drop off sites are open for Escambia County residents only and will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice. Residents need to bring ID and proof of residency.
Drop Off Locations:
- Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway
- John R. Jones Athletic Complex at 555 East Nine Mile Road
- Oak Grove Convenience Center at 745 North Highway 99
- Baars Field at 13020 Sorrento Road
- Lexington Terrace at 900 S Old Corry Field Road
- Park East at 1233-1235 at Fort Pickens Road
If residents would like to drop off construction and demolition debris, they can do so at the following locations (ordinary fees apply):
- Perdido Landfill (Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Oak Grove Convenience Center (Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Pictured: Debris pick up on North Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Man Inappropriately Touched Girl While Vacationing Locally, FDLE Says
November 25, 2020
A Florida man has been charged with sending inappropriate messages and touching a teen girl while on vacation in Escambia County.
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Rame Thomas Baetens, 37, of New Port Richey, on one count of lewd and lascivious conduct on a person under 16 years of age, one count of online solicitation of a minor, four counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor and one count of illegal use of a two-way communications device, all felonies.
FDLE’s investigation began at the request of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, who had been contacted by the victim. FDLE agents learned that Baetens had inappropriately touched the minor victim, who he personally knew, on multiple occasions while on vacation in Pensacola. Baetens had also sent numerous sexually suggestive images and messages to the victim via the Snapchat social media app.
Baetens was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail on $160,000 bond.
What’s The Cost Of A Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner? It’s A Little Cheaper This Year.
November 25, 2020
While Thanksgiving make look a little different this year for some, the tradition is continuing with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual cost survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table.
Farm Bureau’s 35th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving feast for 10 remains affordable at $46.90 or less than $5.00 per person. This is a $2.01 decrease from last year’s average of $48.91.
“The average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is the lowest since 2010,” said AFBF Chief Economist Dr. John Newton. “Pricing whole turkeys as ‘loss leaders’ to entice shoppers and move product is a strategy we’re seeing retailers use that’s increasingly common the closer we get to the holiday,” he explained.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs less than last year, at $19.39 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.21 per pound, down 7% from last year. The survey results show that retail turkey prices are the lowest since 2010.
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
In addition to turkey, foods that showed slight price declines include whipping cream and sweet potatoes. Foods showing modest increases this year included dinner rolls, cubed bread stuffing and pumpkin pie mix. After adjusting for inflation, the cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is $18.01, down slightly from last year.
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes ham, potatoes and frozen green beans. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $13.21, to $60.11. This updated basket of foods also declined slightly in price (4%) compared to 2019.
Although it’s difficult to predict if panic purchasing will again become a concern due to the pandemic, “Turkeys – and other staples of the traditional Thanksgiving meal – are currently in ample supply at grocery stores in most areas of the country,” Newton said.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers were encouraged to check prices online using grocery store apps and websites due to the pandemic. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Northview High School Names November Students Of The Month
November 25, 2020
Northview High School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Blake Yoder and Sarah Bailey, pictured with Principal Mike Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Rain Sticks Around Through Sunday
November 25, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy dense fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 50.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 57.
Tate Softball’s Courtney Lundquist And Sophia Jones Commit To Northwest Florida State College
November 25, 2020
Tate High School Softball’s Courtney Lundquist and Sophia Jones have verbally committed to Northwest Florida State College.
“I am beyond blessed to receive this opportunity and I want to thank every coach, friend, and family member that has helped me reach this point in my life,” Lundquist posted in her announcement.
“I want to thank every coach, family member, and friend/teammate that have been here with me through my softball journey. I absolutely cannot wait to see what these years hold,” Jones posted.