Douglas Whitfield
June 10, 2020
Douglas Whitfield was granted his legs on June 5th, 2020. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Douglas had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet very memorable life.
Douglas was a native of Pensacola and graduated from Tate High School. He went on to become one of the finest residential and commercial painters Pensacola had to offer.
Douglas’ life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His gentle smile, soft touch and warm hugs meant so much joy to our family.
Although he was so frail in his later years, he gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. He loved to work whenever he could and would pester those doing work for him. He could spend hours making those around him laugh with jokes and stories from his past. He truly was the life of the party, when he wasn’t there, something was missing. He’ll be remembered for loving his family, friends, southern heritage, and Alabama football.
Douglas is survived by his loving parents, Douglas Whitfield, Sr. and Shirley Shaw of Pensacola, Fl. ; wife, Sandra Whitfield; sons, Bryan Whitfield and Brett Whitfield; daughters, Whitney Whitfield and Kelly Rogers; grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah and Chandler Rogers, Jaylen Lites, Kylie, Camden and Carter Whitfield of Pensacola Fl.
Funeral services will be held 1PM on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating. The family will receive friends at 12 noon prior to services.
42-Year Old Cold Case Murder Solved; Real Estate Agent’s Body Was Found At Cantonment Home
June 9, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has solved the 42-year old cold case murder of a real estate agent found dead at an empty home in Cantonment.
On April 7, 1978, the body of 47-year-old Carolyn Cox Rose was discovered in a house in the Pine Forest Hills subdivision off Highway 297A. Rose, who was vice president of Better Homes Realty, received a call to show the empty home. When she did not return, coworkers went to the home to check on her and discovered her body.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators launched a full investigation, several suspects were interviewed and investigated thoroughly. DNA evidence was collected on scene, but lack of technology made it impossible to use for an arrest.
As DNA technology advanced, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigator Kevin Coxwell partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Parabon NanoLab. Their research revealed Julius William Hill Jr. as Rose’s killer.
In 2007, Hill died in the Victorville United States Penitentiary in California, while serving a 30-year sentence for two different bank robberies.
“We are extending our heartfelt sympathy to the family and descendants of Mrs. Rose. While nothing fills the void of a lost loved one we can at least finally bring closure in knowing justice was served,” Escambia County Sheriff’s David Morgan said.
Semi Truck Hauling Frozen Chicken Overturns On I-10 Bridge
June 9, 2020
A semi-truck hauling frozen chicken overturned on an I-10 bridge Tuesday morning.
The crash happened on the bridge over the Perdido River at the Florida/Alabama state line, just inside Alabama. There were no injuries reported.
Emergency crews from both states responded. Alabama State Troopers are investigating the crash that closed eastbound I-10.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tuesday Update: Escambia COVID-19 Cases Up By 16
June 9, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County increased by 16 since Monday, according to the Monday report from the Florida Department of Health.
The number of cases in Escambia County is now 907, and Santa Rosa County increased by three to 261..
Of the 36 deaths in Escambia County, 28 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 66,000 cases including 64,448 Florida residents. There have been 11,185 hospitalizations* and 2,765 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 — 907 (+16 since Monday)
- Pensacola — 637
- Cantonment — 53
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 12
- Century — 3
- Hospitalizations: 65*
- Deaths — 36
- Male — 301
- Female — 415
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 261 (+3 since Monday)
- Milton — 159
- Navarre — 42
- Gulf Breeze — 31
- Pace — 17
- Jay — 4
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 25*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 180
- Female — 73
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 66,000
- Florida residents — 64,448
- Deaths — 2,765
- Hospitalizations — 11,185*
*“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.
Boutwell Resigns From Town Council To Run For Century Mayor: Incumbent Hawkins Prefiles
June 9, 2020
Ben Boutwell resigned from the Century Town Council Monday and qualified to run for mayor. Henry Hawkins, the incumbent mayor, prefiled Monday to seek reelection.
Under Century’s charter, the existing council is responsible for filling the immediate vacancy on the council until a successor is elected. Candidate qualifying is currently underway for state and local offices, including the Town of Century. Anyone wishing to run for the vacant Seat 3 must qualify no later than noon on Friday, June 12. The office of mayor and council seats 1 and 2 are also on the ballot.
Candidates may qualify at the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office in Pensacola during regular business hours, until qualifying closes at noon on Friday. In addition, a member of the supervisor of elections staff will be at Century Town Hall on Wednesday, June 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to receive and process paperwork for candidates wishing to qualify for office.
Pictured: Ben Boutwell (above) and Henry Hawkins. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured inset: Boutwell’s resignation letter. Click to enlarge.
International Paper Accepting Applications For $65K In Community Grants (With List Of Last Year’s Winners)
June 9, 2020
International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $65,000 in grants in 2020.
Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com through Monday, July 6. In 2019, the foundation awarded $65,000 in grants to area non-profit organizations (list is below).
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measureable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available at www.ipgiving.com.
Application Process & Procedures
An eligible non-profit organization with a program in an area that the foundation supports must apply online by visiting http://www.ipgiving.com. Applications are routed to the local IP facility and must be completed in its entirety to be considered. If you have questions about the grant guidelines or process, contact Whitney Fike at (850) 968-3076 or via email at whitney.fike@ipaper.com.
Local International Paper Foundation grant award winners in 2019 were:
- Autism Pensacola – Kids For Camp Summer Learning Lab
- Bright Bridge Ministries – Cold Storage, Warm Hearts
- Capstone Adaptive Learning – Tell Me Early Learning Literacy Program
- Council On Aging Of West Florida – Ways To Go Green Project
- Creative Learning Academy – Strengthening Literacy by Empowering Young Readers
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Pollinators Promote Sustainability and Hydroponics
- Escambia County 4-H Foundation – Escambia County 4-H Team Challenge Course
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation – Grants for Excellence
- Every Child A Reader – Books for the Break
- Feeding The Gulf Coast – Weekend Backpacks for Children at Carver Park
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House – Getting Families Back Together
- Institute For Human And Machine Cognition (IHMC) – Hands-On Science Saturday
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Leveled Readers Lead The Way to Literacy
- Kingsfield Elementary – Flocabulary for Fundamental Fabulous Readers
- Manna Food Bank – Healthy Kids Initiative
- Molino Park Elementary School – Classroom Literacy Leap
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center – Light Boxes and Educational Displays
- Pace Band Boosters – Pace Band Polish and Shine
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus – Inaugural Preparatory Choir
- Pensacola Little Theatre – Teaching an Old Dog New (Dramatic) Tricks
- Pensacola Mess Hall – Questioning Corner
- Pensacola State College Foundation – PSC Milton Campus Food Pantry
- Chain Reaction – Teens Impacting Literacy and Learning
- Quintette Community Park Association – Senior Citizen and Youth Programs
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Of Northwest Florida – Home for Dinner Program
- Studer Community Institute – Brain Bags
- The Arc Gateway – Tools For Developmental Screening: Helping All Children Be Ready for Kindergarten
- United Way of West Florida – Born Learning Trail
- University of West Florida Foundation – Argo Pantry, Community Garden, National Writing Project and B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition
Pictured: 2019 IP grant recipients Ernest Ward Middle School (top), Molino Park Elementary School (below), Feeding the Gulf Coast (second below), Escambia County 4-H Foundation (third below) and the Ronald McDonald House (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Votes To Cancel Fireworks Show With Century; Century Council Can’t Vote Without Quorum
June 9, 2020
It now looks certain that the annual Century-Flomaton fireworks show won’t happen this year for the Fourth of July.
The show is funded by both communities, and it alternates locations each year from Showalter and Anthony Pleasant parks in Century to Hurricane Park in Flomaton. This year’s show was set to be in Century.
Century Council President Ann Brooks called a special council meeting for Monday morning to discuss the future of the show, but only one other council member – Ben Boutwell – joined the teleconference meeting. Council members Louis Gomez, Sandra McMurray-Jackson and James Smith were virtual no-shows for the meeting\. Without a quorum of the members on the call, the meeting could not progress.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said Monday afternoon said he would be waiting to see what Flomaton wanted to do, possibly still contributing Century’s portion of the cost to Flomaton.
But Monday evening, the Flomaton Town Council voted not to take part in a fireworks show this year.
Barring any drastic last minute action by the Century Town Council at their next meeting on June 15, the fireworks show will not happen this year.
This year’s Sertoma 4 of July Fireworks Celebration in Pensacola has also been canceled due to the coronavirus, permitting issues, and a lack of funding.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms Continue
June 9, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Northview High Creates Senior Honors Video For The Class Of 2020
June 9, 2020
Northview High School created a video to honor the 70 members of the Class of 2020 that would have been recognized during the annual Senior Honors Night.
Gulf Power Donates $300K For Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grants; Application Deadline Is Friday
June 9, 2020
A second round of grants from the Florida SBDC at UWF will be available for eligible businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to an additional $300,000 contribution from Gulf Power through its economic development fund. The Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program assists for-profit businesses in Northwest Florida with their immediate cash flow needs as a result of a demonstrated economic impact due to COVID-19.
“Once again we are grateful for Gulf Power’s support to continue this grant program that will benefit small businesses,” said Kelly Massey, Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at UWF. “We know that many businesses across Northwest Florida continue to suffer, and a grant program like this can help a local small business make it through these challenging times.”
Gulf Power initially contributed $250,000 earlier this spring, which provided 50 local businesses with grants of up to $5,000. The application period for the second round of grants opens next week.
“We are honored to be able to provide additional assistance to our local businesses as we continue to navigate this pandemic together,” said Gulf Power President Marlene Santos. “Gulf Power is dedicated to continuing to find innovative ways to support our customers and our communities during these unprecedented times.”
The application period for the second round of grants will be open until 5 p.m. Friday, June 12. Only grant applications submitted during this timeframe will be eligible for review. Grant awards will be up to $5,000, and some of the eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a for-profit, privately held small businesses established on or before January. 1, 2019.
- Must maintain a place of business, including a physical location (commercial building), within eligible Northwest Florida counties (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Calhoun and Bay).
- Must have 11 to 29 employees.
- Must have a demonstrated reduction in sales revenues of 25% or more due to the loss of business income related to COVID-19.
- Can’t have been awarded another recent local grant facilitated by the Florida SBDC at UWF (Such as the Escambia County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant)
The Florida SBDC at UWF will receive these applications, and send eligible applications to a third-party review board created to approve the award of grant funding to each applicant on a case-by-case basis. UWF will distribute the appropriate funds to businesses who have been awarded grant funds.
The full list of eligibility requirements, steps to apply, and grant application can be found by scrolling down to the grant information link found at https://sbdc.uwf.edu/