Century Reopens Town Hall; Masks Required
October 21, 2020
The Century Town Hall has reopened on a restricted basis after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to the small lobby of the building is limited to two people at a time, and masks are required. Masks are available at no charge for anyone that does not have one.
“No Mask, No Service, No Exceptions,” a sign on the door of the building reads, while another sign tells maskless individuals to use the drive- thru window.
The drive-thru is open to anyone for utility payments and other town business.
Pictured: The Century Town Hall Tuesday afternoon, the first day in months that the building lobby has been open to the public. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Middle 80s Today; Rain Chance On The Way Up By Week’s End
October 21, 2020
A burn ban remains in effect for Escambia County.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Blue Wahoos Stadium Airbnb Rentals To Be Featured On NBC’s Today Show
October 21, 2020
The children led the way, toting bright-colored luggage while beaming with excitement, as they entered the Blue Wahoos home team clubhouse.
They traveled cross-country from Salt Lake City and Dallas with their fathers, who were brothers and sports fans living their own dream with the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb experience.
The eight-member group – two dads and six children ages 3 to 13 — planned the trip in June.
Inside, a veteran production duo from NBC News in New York had a camera and audio rolling. A perfectly kind of made-for-television moment.
The cameras captured the kids’ joyous shrieks. Showed the excitement among cousins who likely never imagined what they would find in a clubhouse area set up for a team’s next game. A Christmas morning type reaction.
“Oh my gosh, this is the best. It’s awesome,” said Michael Hutchings, a Verizon president from Dallas, who was joined by his brother Steven from Draper, Utah, where both men grew up in a community near Salt Lake City. “I mean, look at the kids. They love it.”
So did NBC.
The segment on the Hutchings’ family stay at the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb is expected to be shown this Saturday (Oct. 24) during a time slot from 6 a.m. (CST) and 8 a.m. on Weekend Today program. The NBC production duo of Bill Angelucci and Anthony McGowan filmed hours of video in two days last week during the guests’ stay.
They were joined by veteran NBC news correspondent Catie Beck, who interviewed the brothers and met with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer.
“It takes something special for a story to make it to this level and the fact this did is pretty remarkable,” said Beck, who pitched the story to NBC executive producers, after reading about the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb setup earlier in the summer. The Weekend Today program allows longer video feature segments.
“It just had all the right elements,” she said. “And it is sometimes really hard to strike that perfect balance like this has.”
Beck kept pushing for the story after various circumstances caused NBC’s team in the summer to cancel previous trips to Pensacola to film.
The Blue Wahoos made history when launching their Airbnb in late May as the first Airbnb at a sports venue in America. Since then, there have been 52 different guest stays at Blue Wahoos Stadium representing 23 different states.
The Blue Wahoos recently won Minor League Baseball’s Golden Bobblehead Award for Best Overall Promotion and Best Non-Gameday Experience during the 10th annual MILB Innovators Summit.
It occurred during a year when all of minor league baseball had 2020 seasons cancelled and operations shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Blue Wahoos were among the few in minor league baseball not to furlough or lay off staff. Instead, co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer decided to utilize the year to pivot into being an events company with the Airbnb as part of that portfolio.
“I think it just signifies how hard our team has worked to receive this kind of recognition,” said Bailie Tate, the Blue Wahoos group sales manager, who transitioned to manage the Airbnb experience since its launch.
“I hope it also brings more awareness to Pensacola and what the Blue Wahoos do for the community here,” Tate said. “The (Hutchings) families really exemplify the whole aspect of this.
“It’s the fun, family experience that we seek to provide whether we are doing it at a Blue Wahoos baseball game or with the Airbnb. The mission is the same.”
Tate worked with NBC’s Katie Primm throughout the summer to help ensure the visit could happen. After Hurricane Sally struck Pensacola on Sept. 16, the Blue Wahoos staff worked to restore the field and clean up the stadium area for events and potential Airbnb stays.
The Hutchings brothers learned of the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb through the national attention it received when launched in May.
“I heard of it on ESPN’s show, ‘Around the Horn.’ At the end of the show, they mentioned the Blue Wahoos Double-A team in Pensacola was renting out their stadium,” said Michael Hutchings.
“We have a group chat with others where we are always talking sports, so we threw it up there. And I thought this would be really cool,” said Steve Hutchings. “We had planned to go to Orlando during the kids’ fall break (Utah schools) this weekend (Oct. 15-18) so we added this stay to the trip.”
While at the stadium, the families were treated to a dinner from Blue Wahoos executive chef Travis Wilson. The kids played ping pong and the X-Box setup in the clubhouse.
They explored the playground area behind the stadium at the Community Maritime Park.
The next morning, the group enjoyed a catered breakfast on the field.
“It’s amazing,” said Michael Hutchings, describing their stay. “The way I had looked at this experience is that you will never get time back with your kids, so go for it. This is cool.”
It was the kind of experience that attracted NBC programming decision-makers to agree when Beck and Primm continually pitched the idea of traveling to Pensacola.
“No one has ever seen a family sleeping in a baseball stadium. So, if you have not seen it on TV before, it’s likely to get bought,” Beck said. “(NBC production executives) love a visual story, but this one also has an underlayer of hard news with the COVID pandemic, which is why you guys (Blue Wahoos) had to close (baseball season cancelled).
“It’s about being innovative as a business, but also you’ve got this warm and fuzzy part with the Airbnb and kids. So, it kind of has everything you look for.”
The Blue Wahoos will continue operating their Airbnb, which includes the option of the visitors’ clubhouse for larger groups, through the rest of this year and beyond.
The success has led to deciding how to maintain the Airbnb around the baseball schedule.
“It’s been a great challenge for us and a great opportunity to showcase what Pensacola has to offer,” Bailie Tate said. “What this Airbnb has done is shown you can still have baseball when there is no baseball. You can run out on the field and feel like a kid again. All in one place.”
by Bill Vilona, senior writer for the Blue Wahoos.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month For September And October
October 21, 2020
Northview High School has named Students of the Month for September and October.
They are Ava Gurganus and Cameron Patrick for September, and Kailyn Page Watson and William Anthony (Tony) Antrim for October.
Tate High School Names Varsity And JV Soccer Teams
October 21, 2020
Tate High School named their 2020-2021 varsity and junior varsity soccer teams Tuesday night.
Aggie Soccer team members are:
VARSITY
Calen Arnevik — Senior #6
Nathan Bailey — Senior #10
Owen Jacobs — Senior #2
Caleb Thompson — Senior #1
Logan Tyree — Senior #7
Zac Clary — Junior
Sam Megginson — Junior
Chase Mills — Junior
Cody Raiter — Junior
Joe Thrower — Junior
Alex Barrera — Sophomore
Javaun Bolden — Sophomore
Kyle Cagle — Sophomore
Riley Coleman — Sophomore
Jace Fryman — Sophomore
Doanh Le — Sophomore
Levi Penfold — Sophomore
Caleb Wise — Sophomore
JUNIOR VARSITY
Cooper McKinney — Junior
Gianlucca Valpara — Junior
Thuan Vo — Junior
Brayden Clarke — Sophomore
Sean Jensen — Sophomore
Jonathan Levin — Sophomore
Jaiden Odom — Sophomore
Levi Penfold — Sophomore
Jaxon Reedy — Sophomore
Ethan Sanz — Sophomore
Gavin Buris — Freshman
Kadin Macks — Freshman
Cole Menkhoff — Freshman
Micah Schelling — Freshman
Dal Songput — Freshman
Gavin Spiekermann — Freshman
Thong Vo — Freshman
Pictured: Last season’s Tate High School soccer team. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOH Reports 33 New Positive COVID-19 Cases In Escambia County On Tuesday
October 21, 2020
THIS STORY IS OUTDATED. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST UPDATE.
There were 33 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Escambia County on Tuesday and 14 more in Santa Rosa. There was also one new death reported in Santa Rosa County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 13,030 (+33)
Non-Florida residents: 1,261
Total deaths: 269
Long-term care facility deaths : 125
Current hospitalizations: 42 (+7)
Number of tests last day: 653
Percent positive last day: 4.3%
Percent positive last week: 4.5%
Escambia County cases by location:
Pensacola: 9,514 (+26)
Cantonment: 960
Century: 935
—-including 773 Century prison inmates
Molino: 152 (+1)
McDavid: 75 (+1 data adjustment)
Walnut Hill: 18
Bellview: 19 (+2)
Perdido Key: 9
Gonzalez: 7
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 5,739 (+14)
Non-Florida residents: 61
Total deaths: 86 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 19
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 347*
Number of tests last day: 163
Percent positive last day: 9.0%
Santa County cases by location:
Milton: 2,936 (+6)
Gulf Breeze: 825 (-1 data adjustment)
Navarre: 747 (+6)
Pace: 484 (+1)
Jay: 159
Bagdad: 12
Florida cases:
Total cases: 760,389
Florida residents: 750,739
Deaths: 16,105
Hospitalizations: 47,352*
*“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.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Names New CEO
October 21, 2020
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has a new CEO.
Sam Young came to Pensacola Habitat from Tilton Fitness in New Jersey, where he oversaw eight fitness clubs’ operations as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, Tilton Fitness was recognized by Club Industry Magazine as one of the top 100 health and fitness facility companies in the United States.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to join this amazing and critically important organization,” said Young, “Providing families a hand up in their quest for homeownership is a noble mission and one in which I am completely committed.”
Young served the Atlantic City community in New Jersey as the board chair of both the National Aviation Research & Technology Park and the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Young also served as a captain in the Navy.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry whose purpose is to improve communities through sustainable partnerships. Pensacola Habitat has served over 1,400 families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties since 19981 with the support of local sponsorships, donations, and volunteers.
Rueben Earl Allen
October 21, 2020
Mr. Rueben Earl Allen, age 79, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020, at his home in Perdido, Alabama.
Mr. Allen was a native of Davisville, FL and had resided in Perdido, AL for the past 40 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a fisherman, loved guitar and was of the Holiness Faith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Allen; two sons, Joel “Joey” Allen and Woodrow Judge Allen and daughter, Marsha Beverly Allen.
He is survived by one son, Tommy (Wanda) Allen of Hahnville, LA; two daughters, Wanda Kersey of Perdido, AL and Tammy Sherrill Allen (Paul Claywell) of West Virigina; two sisters, Linda Stewart of Stockton, AL and Ann Brooks of Pine Grove, AL; ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Dean’s Holiness Church with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at the Dean Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Dean’s Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Allen, Jason Wilson, Barry Stewart, Barry Stewart, Jr., Nick Chadwick and Mike Keleys
Willie C. Banks Jr.
October 21, 2020
Willie C. Banks Jr., born on March 21, 1980, in Atmore, to Willie C. Banks Sr. and Donna M. Banks, departed this life on Wed., Oct. 14, 2020 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
He leaves behind his father and mother; two brothers, Joshua D. Banks Sr. and Andrew T. Banks; and sister in law, Jammie Banks.
Those that will forever cherish him are his six children, Willie C. Banks III of Atmore, Zania Banks, DaeQuan Banks, Marquis Banks, Jamarion Brown and Isaiah Banks of Century; mothers of children, Ula Spencer and Meka Brown; special friend, Joann Ewing, Ato and Van; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other relatives and special friends.
Pallbearers and flower bearers included family and friends, and arrangements were entrusted to Mayberry Funeral Home of Atmore with interment in Fairview Cemetery.
Deadly Escambia County Deputy Involved Shooting Under Investigation
October 20, 2020
A deadly duty involved shooting on Perdido Key by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is under investigation.
The ECSO responded to an adult male threatening suicide on the beach in the 1300 block of Sandy Key Drive about 12:30 p.m. Deputies arrived to find the man with a firearm.
“Deputies attempted to talk to the male, at which time he opened fire on the deputies who returned fire striking the male,” the ECSO said.
There were no injuries to deputies. The man died.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded as is standard procedure in officer involved shootings.