Sacred Heart Reopens Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Due To Demand
August 14, 2021
With the resurgence of COVID-19 in the area, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart is resuming its drive-thru COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday.
Justin Labrato, chief operating officer for Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, said there has been a significant demand for COVID-19 testing at Ascension Sacred Heart’s emergency rooms, urgent cares centers, pediatric and primary care offices over the past couple of weeks.
“We decided to re-open the Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart COVID-19 drive-thru testing center in Pensacola to help our residents get reliable COVID-19 testing that they need quickly and conveniently,” he said.
No appointments are needed. Sacred Heart will offer the commonly used PCR testing to those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms and the rapid COVID-19 tests to those exhibiting symptoms of the virus. After Saturday, the hours of operations for the center off Bayou Boulevard will be each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pensacola International Airport Tears Down Former Air Traffic Control Tower
August 14, 2021
This week, Pensacola International Airport said goodbye to the former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building, clearing the way for future expansion as the airport continues to see record-breaking numbers. Located on the north end of the terminal, the building was for decades the work area of air traffic controllers, technicians, and support staff has now been demolished.
This structure was built in the 1960s and was designed to accommodate all the Federal Aviation Administration activity at the airport. Operations housed within included air traffic control tower, terminal radar approach control facility or TRACON, flight service station, communications equipment, and administrative spaces. In 1994, a new stand-alone tower was constructed to give controllers the ability to view the airfield without obstruction, which is still in use today.
All other FAA activity remained at the north end location until 2007, when the new facility was completed next to the tower and operations at the old TRACON were closed. There have been discussions over the years about converting the structure into office space or other uses, but airport directors have always agreed the location would someday be required for the growth of the airport and the terminal.
“This week marks a milestone that many airport directors before me would be excited to see happening,” said Airport Director Matthew Coughlin. “The demolition of this structure, along with other enabling projects, paves the way for future expansion outlined in our master plan.”
Pensacola International Airport’s master plan goes out 20 years and includes several projects that enable the addition of a new concourse. Some of these projects include removal of the old TRACON structure, additional parking facilities, redesign of curbside, and other airfield projects. Most recently, PNS completed the construction of an airside remain overnight aircraft ramp that will afford additional capacity to park commercial service aircraft.
“In order for us to achieve the expansions outlined in the master plan, we will need to complete the smaller enabling projects systematically,” said Assistant Director for Planning and Engineering Ken Ibold. “Our engineering and financial teams are working now to develop and set into motion that timeline.”
This summer, Pensacola International Airport experienced exponential growth in passengers in comparison to 2019. This growth has accelerated expansion plans. According to the master plan, PNS will be able to add 10 new gates to the terminal in the next three to five years. This will support continued air service expansion and flight options for the Gulf Coast residents and visitors.
Pictured above and below: A former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building at Pensacola International Airport was demolished. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell. Pictured bottom: An earlier look a the demolition, courtesy City of Pensacola.
Escambia Reports 2,217 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week; Hospitalizations Increase To 357
August 14, 2021
There were 2,217 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 357 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Friday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 40,411 (+2,217)
Positivity rate last week: 24.9%
Current total hospitalizations: 357
Over age 18 and over hospitalizations: 345
Under age 18 hospitalized: 12
Escambia County Vaccinations
People vaccinated: 133,048
Total Population of Escambia County Partially Vaccinated: 47%
Total Population of Escambia County Fully Vaccinated: 38.5%
*These numbers are the percent of total Escambia County population vaccinated. Not the percentage of hospitalized individuals.
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 22,659 (+2.295)
Positivity rate last week: 31.9%
People vaccinated: 76,991
Partial vaccination rate (age 12+): 48%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,877,214 (+151,415)
Case positivity rate: 19.3%
Deaths: 40,766 (+286)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Evie Lou Baggett
August 14, 2021
Mrs. Evie Lou Baggett, age 75, was called home August 7, 2021 at her home in Atmore, AL. She has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. and was a member of the Martinville Baptist Church.
Mrs. Baggett loved shopping and traveling with her late husband Mr. Roy Baggett. They both loved traveling with the Poarch Creek Seniors. She loved traveling so much that she, loved to talk with her son Rex, to find out about all the different places he had been traveling to being an airline pilot.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Williams (Ellen Miller Williams), husband Roy Baggett, one brother, Louis Zangas, two sisters, Elizabeth Williams and Polly Hicks.
She is survived by her son, Rex Baggett (Stephanie) of Atmore, AL; one sister, Marie Lynn of Atmore, AL; two grandchildren, Lindsey Baggett and Clay Dall.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Earl Harrison officiating.
Burial will follow at Little Rock Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Rex Baggett, Doug Murphy, Clay Dall and Cameron Murphy.
Sarah Virginia (Cool) Schachle
August 14, 2021
Sarah Virginia (Cool) Schachle 97 of Molino, FL, died August 12, 2021, at home.
A native of Pennsylvania, she lived in Biglerville, PAc before moving to the Pensacola, FL, area in 1951 with her husband and children. She helped manage S & R Egg Ranch with her husband, while raising 11 children with love and care.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George William Schachle Jr.; daughter, Virginia K. Druding; son, Timothy L. Schachle; and grandson, Joseph Flowers. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Grace Cool; and numerous brothers and sisters.
Sarah is survived by her children, George W. (Cindy) Schachle of Montana, Paul F (Margaret) Schachle of Molino, Vincent P. (Becky) Schachle of Molino, John M. Schachle of Pensacola, Pastor Anthony L. (Jane) Schachle of Tennessee, Susie S. (Wes) Conner of Molino, Donna M. Sanders of Molino, Charles D. Schachle of Molino, and Joseph E. Schachle of Molino. Along with 22 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; and her brothers, John Cool and Danny Cool of Pennsylvania.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, August 17,2021. Visitation will be 12-1PM
Funeral service will follow at 1PM with Pastor Tony Schachle Jr. and Pastor Jim officiating.
Interment will follow in Morgan Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Schachle, Charlie Schachle, Matthew Milstid, Benny Porter, Josh Allen, and Brian Darbyshire. Honorary bearers will be Aaron Gaff, Conner Schaefer and Wes Conner.
The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care they gave mother in her last days.
Blue Wahoos Strike Out 17 Biscuits But Fall 3-1
August 14, 2021
Seaver Whalen hit a go-ahead three-run home run against CJ Carter as the Wahoos fell to the Biscuits 3-1 Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In another abbreviated outing for the Wahoos, Jake Eder pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in which the left-hander surrendered only one hit. He walked two and struck out three while throwing a total of 56 pitches on the night.
Once Eder departed, the bullpen shouldered most of the game and pitched remarkably well. Andrew McInvale was the first name out of the bullpen and turned in his best outing as a professional. He pitched 2.1 perfect innings, including an immaculate fifth inning when he struck out the side in nine pitches.
After McInvale, CJ Carter (L, 0-1) made his long-awaited Blue Wahoos debut and recorded three strike outs in his only inning of work. Unfortunately, he also allowed a walk and three hits, one of which was a two-out, three-run homer to Whale to erase what was a 1-0 lead. After Carter’s lone inning, Jefry Yan pitched two perfect innings and struck out five. In total, the Wahoos struck out 17 Montgomery Biscuits, which ties a Biscuit season-high for most strike outs in a game.
Offensively, Pensacola was held to a total of two hits on the night, both off starter Jayden Murray. The first hit was a J.D. Orr double with two outs in the third. The second hit was a solo home run from Brian Navarreto in the fifth, which put Pensacola ahead 1-0 at the time.
The nwzrof the series is Saturday at 6:00 PM CT at Blue Wahoos Stadium. LHP Will Stewart (5-5, 3.90) will start for Pensacola and he will be opposed by RHP Easton McGee (3-0, 4.44).
Ascension Sacred Heart Offering Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19
August 13, 2021
In response to the surge of COVID-19 cases, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola is offering an investigational medical treatment in which monoclonal antibodies are given to patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
Patients who are already in the hospital or requiring oxygen because of COVID-19 infection are not eligible for the outpatient treatment.
Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, through the Florida Department of Health, has received doses of casirivimab/imdevimab, an investigational monoclonal antibody for early treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. The drug combination is administered via a one-time intravenous infusion.
Casirivimab/Imdevimab has been granted an Emergency Usage Approval (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on research data. Clinical trials have shown monoclonal antibodies have likely benefit in preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. The FDA has not given full approval of Casirivimab/Imdevimab.
Clinical trials have shown that patients who receive the antibody therapy have less severe symptoms from COVID-19 and recover sooner. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus.
To be eligible for the outpatient treatment, individuals must have at least one condition that puts them at high risk for major complications or death from COVID-19. The high-risk categories include:
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Older age (for example 65 years and older)
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Obesity or being overweight
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Pregnancy
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Chronic Kidney Disease
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Diabetes
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Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment
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Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure
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Chronic lung diseases
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Sickle cell disease
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Neurodevelopmental disorders
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Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation – not related to COVID-19)
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Other medical conditions of factors that place patients at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19
“Timing is really important for this therapy. It is not approved for use in patients who are already so sick they need hospital care,” said Dr. Peter Jennings, chief medical officer at Ascension Sacred Heart. “Rather, this is a treatment option for some high-risk patients that may keep them out of the hospital.”
The antibody to neutralize the virus has to be given to patients in a narrow window of time – within 10 days of when they start showing symptoms, but before they’re sick enough to be hospitalized. Ideally, the drug should be given within three days of a positive test for COVID-19.
Patients will be required to provide a copy of their COVID-19 test results. The infusions will be given Monday-Friday while supplies of casirivimab/imdevimab remain available. For more information about monoclonal antibody therapy, contact your healthcare provider or call 850-416-LUNG (5864).
High Chance Of Afternoon Showers Again Today
August 13, 2021
For the latest tropical weather update, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 106. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 106. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%
Escambia School Superintendent Apologizes For Racial Diversity Training Video Seen By Some As ‘Divisive’
August 13, 2021
Escambia County School Superintendent Tim Smith apologized Thursday for a diversity training video that all district employees were required to watch.
The video’s intent was to train teachers and staff on how to educate and interact with students of a different race. The video depicted several scenarios in which white teachers and adults showed perceived racial bias against African Americans before stating that staff members and teachers should be aware of their biases. (A link to the video is at the bottom of this article.)
“This video was not intended to offend, anger or divide our employees, or anyone,” Smith said, reading from a prepared statement. “I apologize.”
“The idea of the video was mine, and I asked that it be shared with all district employees. Our goal as a district is to close the achievement gap between our white and black students in both English and math. That gaps are 34% and 35%. This video has no impact or ties to curriculum. We are in full, 100% compliance with the State Board of Education’s recent decision on critical race theory.”
“We must begin to close the achievement gap. The question is how? Clear answers may not be readily available, but we can only do it together on one accord…My hope is that we can move forward united and dedicated to reaching all students,” Smith stated.
Only black and white races were included in the video.
Board member Kevin Adams said he saw the video at a bus driver in-service training.
“It stunned me. Thirty-eight years with the Department of Defense with the United States Navy taking training every year in diversity, I’ve never seen nothing like that,” Adams said. “I think it should be pulled back. I don’t think that video should be shown anymore. It was divisive, and we don’t need that. We all need to come together as a team.”
Adams said he wants future policy related items to come to a school board workshop before being distributed throughout the county. “That’s not the place to make policies; the policies should be made here (before the school board). Unless my board attorney is going to tell me otherwise, we don’t make policy at training.”
“I think the video is definitely not the right tact for us to take,” board member Paul Festsko said. “I would appreciate, sir, if it was taken down and no longer mandatory.”
“I am the godmother of 47 children, and they’re not depressed” community member B. Thomas told the board. “I was very disturbed about this video. It was setting a view like we have a problem in the school system.”
“It is improper. We are not oppressed,” Thomas, who is African American, continued. “Yes, I’m angry about it. I think it’s a race theory you want it to be in the system, but it’s not going to work.’
Alice Downs, a 20-year elementary school teacher is Escambia County said the video was a mandatory “watch party” for employees, and they were required to sign a Google form that they had watched it. She said there were “seven scenes of completely racist white people depicted in the video … You are taught to be racist. These kids are not racists. They love each other.”
“I really, really hope this video was not shown to the students from Montclair Elementary School where it was filmed and are show participated in making the video,” Downs continued. “What kind of impression do you think that left on them? They got to watch scene after scene and after scene of white racists. What kind of conditioning is that? And also what kind of impression did it give to the two white child actors in the video that had to practice that scene multiple times. Practicing being racist. The overall message is a valid one, but the way they were pitting us against each other, I don’t believe it. You totally missed the mark on this, superintendent, and you have a lot of teachers of all races upset. No Asians were in this video; no Hispanics were in this video.”
Mike Hill, an insurance agent and former state representative, said the video was demeaning to both black children and to teachers. He said the attempt to close the achievement gap between black and white students is applaudable, but the video does not accomplish the task.
“It gives too many black children the idea that they are victims, that they have a victim mentality,” he said.
Hill said a portion of the video about linguistics was especially appalling as it suggested teachers should try to communicate with students using Ebonics.
“Ebonics is nothing more than poor English,” he said. “English is the international language for finance. The better you are with writing and speaking English, the more money you make. We should be teaching these children how to improve their English skills, not accept when their English skills do not meet the correct level.”
To watch the 22 minute video, posted by Escambia County citizen Larry Downs, click or tap here.
Pictured: Scenes from “Diversity, Equity, and Closing the Achievement Gap,” required viewing for all Escambia County School District teachers and staff.”
Gregory Elbert Gibson
August 13, 2021
Mr. Gregory Elbert Gibson, age 41, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in Atmore, AL. Greg was born in Louisiana. He lived in Atmore, AL, but has spent most of his life in the Walnut Hill, FL, area, and he was a member of the Holy Ground Holiness Church.
Greg was president and cheer coordinator of Northwest Escambia Youth Football League “NWE”. He enjoyed swimming, camping, fishing, and weightlifting He was an avid Alabama football fan.
Greg loved, NWE Football and Northview High School. He spent long hours and put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the new field at Bradberry Park.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Donald W. Gibson and Mrs. Atricebea Presley Gibson, grandmother Faye Wilson, grandfather Elbert Gibson, and grandparents Rena and Hosea Presley.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Sylvia “Jodi” Gibson of Atmore, AL; one son, Justin Elliott Gibson, of Atmore, AL; three daughters, Olivia Gibson, of Atmore, AL; Caitlyn Gibson, of Atmore, AL; Presley Gibson, of Atmore, AL; one brother, Donnie W. Gibson, of Waynesboro, GA; and one sister, Joy Gibson, of Mobile, AL.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday August 18, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Bradberry Park football field with Bro. Justin Morse, Sis. Kathy Stophel and Rev. Ted Bridges officiating.
Burial will follow at Poarch Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Spizzirro, Scooter Edwards, Josh Godwin, Rick Pierce, Donnie Gibson, and Josh Greenwell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Mclaughlin, Tim Crenshaw, and John Madison.