Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
December 14, 2021
Tate High School recently announced their October Students of the Month. They are Juneau and Ge Gao. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Health Holding Vaccination Clinic On Saturday
December 14, 2021
On Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Health Northwest Florida, in partnership with Escambia County, will hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic inside Brownsville Community Center for individuals ages 12 and older. The Brownsville Community Center is located at 3200 West DeSoto Street.
The clinic is open to:
- Individuals 18 and older who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series, including the required wait time, and desire to receive a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster shot. These individuals should consult with their healthcare provider regarding the timing of the booster dose.
- Individuals age 12-17 who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
- Individuals 18 and older who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (one-dose) vaccine.
Persons wishing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this event must call the Community Health Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment.
Other important information:
- Participants desiring the COVID-19 booster should bring their COVID-19 vaccination card to their appointment.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- All adult participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment.
- Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine and should not enter clinic facility.
- Individuals who have had the monoclonal antibody infusion treatment should wait at least 90 days before receiving any COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional information on Community Health Northwest Florida COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available through the Community Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358.
Convicted Cantonment Felon Facing Drug, Weapon Charges
December 13, 2021
A convicted felon from Cantonment is facing drug and weapon charges after it was reported that she walking down an Escambia County street waving a gun in the air.
Laurie Ann Dixon, 32, was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance (heroin).
A caller reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that a female was walking down Briese Lane waving a firearm in the air and acting aggressive toward a man. Deputies arrived to find Dixon standing at a bus stop.
A 9 mm handgun was located in her jacket pocket, and a bag with a substance that tested positive for heroin was located in her backpack, according to and arrest report.
The report states Dixon said she thought the handgun was a BB gun.
Records indicate Dixon has previous felony convictions for fraud and possession of a controlled substance. She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $17,500.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Still Available For Escambia County Residents
December 13, 2021
Escambia County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19 can still apply for help from the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
The application portal is now open and available clicking or tapping here. Call (850) 403-6044 to make an appointment for in-person assistance, or see a list of libraries below.
Emergency rental assistance may be provided to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Have total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have not received any other rental assistance for the requested months
Both the renter and the landlord must submit an application through the portal. Reimbursement will be paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. View eligibility requirements and see if you qualify here.
The program can cover up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County. Additional details for rental assistance for landlords and renters can be found at MyEscambia.com/erap.
Escambia County has received the following allocations:
- $9,611,771 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- $7,605,344 from the American Rescue Plan
Escambia County ERAP Policies and Procedures are in alignment with the U.S Treasury Department’s guidelines (full policies and procedures).
Email ERAP@myescambia.zendesk.com or call (850) 403-6044 with any questions.
Citizens may use the computers at the following public libraries to complete their application:
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
Sunny Skies, Warming Trend For This Week
December 13, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 53.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Big 30,000 Pound Food Giveaway Planned For Saturday In Cantonment
December 13, 2021
A 30,000 pound food giveaway will be held this Saturday, December 18 in Cantonment.
The event will take place from 8-10 a.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. Vehicles can line up no earlier than 7:30 a.m., and there will be a designated area for walk-up. There are no eligibility requirements; the event is open to all in need.
The giveaway is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and community partners including Farm Share, Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Cantonment Improvement Committee, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Trailer Parts Plus.
Organizers say they plan to hold the large food distribution once per quarter.
Tate High Cheerleaders Win Several Top Awards At Chipley Competition
December 13, 2021
The Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders earned several awards during a weekend competition at Chipley High School.
The junior varsity cheerleaders were runner-ups in the game day competition.
The Aggie varsity cheerleaders won the first place game day, grand champions game day, first place traditional, grand champion traditional, best stunt, and best choreography awards.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gordon Willard Howell
December 13, 2021
Gordon Willard Howell passed away Friday, December 10, 2021, at age 90. He was born in Century, Florida. He met the love of his life, Juanita Bondurant Howell of Flomaton, Alabama while in high school. He enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1948, and was initially stationed in San Diego, CA. He married Juanita March 25, 1951, and she joined him in San Diego. Gordon was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1952, after which Gordon and Juanita settled in Pensacola, FL.
After working for Gulf Power Company for a short time, Gordon was accepted into the apprentice program aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station as an electrician. He continued to work for Naval Air Rework Facility and the Naval Aviation Depot until his retirement in 1989, ultimately rising to the rank of GS-15 Department Head. Following his retirement, Gordon co-founded MHM enterprises, a real estate investment firm.
Gordon was very active in the Myrtle Grove community and in Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. He served as Secretary Treasurer of the Myrtle Grove Youth Sports Program and as a football coach for several years. Gordon and Juanita have been members of Myrtle Grove Baptist church for 56 years, where Gordon served in many capacities, including Deacon.
Gordon was a loving husband and father who enjoyed boating, fishing and spending time with his large extended family. He and Juanita also had the opportunity to travel all over the United States in their motorhomes. As his own children got older, he especially enjoyed playing with and keeping his grandchildren.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Phoebe Howell; two brothers, Farrel Howell and Cordell Howell; and two sisters, Millie Howell Long and Doris Howell Hancock.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita; their three children, David and Peggy and their family, Kevin, Krisse, Colton, Tinley, Kyndell, LeAnn, and Carl; Phillip and Tammy and their family, Dachie, Tannah, Lexie, Anna, and Kaylee; Cyndi and Bill and their family, Courtney, Avery, Shelby, Brody, Kelsey, and Haley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 15, from 11:00 am—12:30 pm, with service immediately following. Burial will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church or Lentine’s Outreach Ministries, Inc. in lieu of flowers.
James Neil Wright, Jr.
December 13, 2021
James Neil Wright, Jr., age 56, of Cantonment, FL passed away on December 7, 2021.
He was born May 8, 1965 in Panama City, FL.
James is preceded in death by his father, James Neil Wright; mother, Pansy Chambers Wright; and brother, Jonathan H. Boland.
He is survived by his sisters, Virginia N. Wright and Neila W. Halter of Cantonment, FL.
James worked for many years at Ventilated Awnings. He enjoyed fishing, vacations with family and spending time with his family and their children.
He was loved by his nieces and nephews and will be missed by all.
Graveside services will be held at 1PM on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery, Chumuckla, FL. Pastor Gene Hudson officiating services.
Florida Gas Prices Still Declining; Several Escambia County Stations Below $3 Now
December 13, 2021
Florida gas prices are still declining, but may not fall as far as originally projected, after oil prices regained strength last week, according to AAA.
The state average slipped 3 cents last week and a total of 10 cents in the past 23 days. Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $3.27 per gallon.
The average price in Escambia County was over a dime less at $3.18. in North Escambia, at least four stations were below $3 Sunday night, as were several in the Pensacola area. The low price was $2.87 at the warehouse clubs..
Two weeks ago, AAA began calling for a potential discount of 20-30 cents at the pump, after oil prices plummeted 16% after Thanksgiving. The crude price drop was based on concerns about the severity of the emerging omicron variant and whether it would potentially impact global economic growth and limit mobility.
However, about half of that price drop was erased last week as omicron concerns seemed to ease. After falling from $78 per barrel down to $65 two weeks ago, the price of crude settled back up at $71.67 on Friday. Despite the increase, oil prices are still lower than they were two weeks ago, and pump prices have still not yet fully adjusted.
“After plunging two weeks ago, the crude market regained strength last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As a result, that 20-30 cent drop we were anticipating, could be more like 10-20 cents. Oil prices remain the main drivers of prices at the pump. So if oil prices increase again this week, drivers will again need to adjust their expectations.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.