Northview Beats PHS; Tate Freshmen Over Navarre
March 5, 2021
Northview 17, Pensacola 4
The Northview High Chiefs beat the Pensacola High Tigers 17-4 Thursday night in Pensacola.
Bryce Korinchak drove in four runs on two hits. He had runs on a second inning single, a walk in the fifth and a sixth inning single.
Luke Bridges, Jamarkus Jefferson and Rustin Pope each had two hits for the Chiefs. Kaden Odom and Trent Knighton had a hit apiece.
Jefferson pitched five innings, allowing six hits with four runs and striking out seven. Josh Landis was on the mound for a single inning, sitting down two with no hits
Tate 12, Navarre 5 (Freshmen)
The Tate Aggies Freshmen defeated Navarre 12-5 Thursday.
Joseph Polk went three innings on the mound for Tate, allowing four runs on five hits and striking out three.
Cole McNair pitched two innings, allowing one run, one hit and striking out three.
Conner Hassell had three hits for the Aggies, while McNair had two. Trey Rebber, Ketch King, and Damian Cullen had one hit each.
Pictured: Jamarkus Jefferson on the mound for Northview. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Two Additional Deaths, Another 65 COVID-19 Cases Reported In Escambia County
March 5, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 65 new COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths in Escambia County reported Thursday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,959 (+65)
Non-Florida residents: 3,505
Recovered: 33,116*
Total deaths: 635 (+2)
Long-term care facility deaths: 27 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 81
Number of tests reported last day: 1,266
Percent positive reported last day: 4.4%
Percent positive reported last week: 6.0%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 25,307 (+52)
Cantonment: 3,063 (+12)
Century: 1,159 (+2)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 481
McDavid: 201
Bellview: 56
Walnut Hill: 51
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,252 (+32)
Non-Florida residents: 217
Total deaths: 267 (+5)
Long-term care facility deaths: 79 (+1)
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 805*
Number of tests reported last day: 598
Percent positive reported last day: 5.4%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,246 (+11)
Navarre: 3,544 (+16)
Gulf Breeze: 3,213 (+1)
Pace: 1,369 (+2)
Jay: 531 (+1)
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,930,232
Florida residents: 1,894,722
Deaths: 31,387
Hospitalizations: 80,338*
*“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.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***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 is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Cynthia Diana Kimberl
March 5, 2021
Cynthia Diana Kimberl was born January 14, 1955, in Pensacola, Florida, and was a lifelong resident. She went home to the Lord peacefully on March 1, 2021, with her husband and three daughters by her side. She was a graduate of Escambia High School. She was employed with Faith Chapel Funeral Home for the past 15 years. Cindy married Steve, the love of her life, on July 6, 1973, celebrating 48 years of marriage this year. Cindy loved being a mother to her three girls and nana to her six grandchildren. She loved being involved in her girls’ activities of Tate colorguard, Tate softball and many other activities. Her hobbies were crafting, antiquing, shopping and knitting. Our mamma struggled for the past several years to breathe on her own and now leaves a void in our family but she is able to breathe her own “Heavenly Air” now.
Cindy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Steve Kimberl; daughters, Rene’ Jones, Maureen & Justin Walker and Bridget Allen; six grandchildren, Makayla Levins, Zacharie Jones, Bailey Allen, Brooklynn Allen, Jaxon Walker, Blake Allen and her two sisters, Rose Ellen Pace and Janet Duncan and too many more loved ones to list.
Pallbearers will be Donald Brewer, Neil Jones, Spencer Lowe, David Milsted, Justin Walker and Bryan Webb. Honorary pallbearers will be Senior Chief Duncan USN, Chris Kimberl, Joey Kimberl, Mark Kimberl, and Capt Robert Williams USN.
Visitation will take place at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Monday, March 8, 2021, 9-10 a.m. with funeral services starting at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Homeowner Shoots Suspect During Home Invasion; Six Charged
March 4, 2021
Six people were arrested after a home invasion in which one suspect was shot, and the homeowner’s granddaughter is accused of orchestrating the crime.
During the early morning hours Thursday, ECSO deputies were called to the 7400 block of Jackson Street.
Pensacola Bay Bridge Probably Won’t Reopen In March; More Damage Found
March 4, 2021
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is unlikely to open on March 22 as previously announced by the Florida Department of Transportation because more damage has been found.
As FDOT contractors were conducting repairs to the Pensacola Bay Bridge, it was determined that additional repair work was needed for one of the bridge’s trophy pieces. FDOT said the full replacement of the trophy piece will uphold FDOT’s commitment to provide the safe and efficient reconnection of the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola and the delivery of a bridge that has a 75-year design life.
FDOT is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the replacement to determine how it will affect the current reopening schedule. FDOT previously announced its goal to re-open the Pensacola Bay Bridge in phases beginning with restoring two lanes of traffic by the week of March 22.
Trophy pieces, when placed atop piles, constitute bridge piers that are mounted at the end of each span to support the superstructure and transfer loads to the foundations.
Multiple crews are working around the clock to complete repair projects critical to the opening of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
To date, completed repairs include:
- 30 piles driven.
- Five trophy pieces installed.
- Twenty of 36 beams set.
- Five of eleven partial decks replaced.
- One of two full decks replaced.
FDOT’s phased approach will open two lanes of traffic (one in each direction) for the first 4,000 feet on the Pensacola side. The remaining approximate two miles of the bridge will be open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction). During this initial phase, the speed limit will be temporarily set at 35 mph and emergency refuge areas will be available on the bridge. The second phase consists of opening the remaining 4,000 feet to four lanes of traffic.
All Florida Teachers Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccinations Regardless of Age
March 4, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations are now open to all Florida teachers and staff, along with child care workers, regardless of age.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the new policy on Thursday following a Biden administration mandate. An order previously issued by DeSantis allowed vaccines for only those educators age 50 and over.
“The federal government put that order in,” DeSantis said from a press conference early Thursday. “So they’ve made the teachers, regardless of age, eligible. So they are eligible to get vaccinated per that order.”
But DeSantis said Florida will continue to push for the vaccination of seniors.
“Our view is just if your are 25, you are at less risk that somebody that’s 80. That’s just the bottom line,” the governor said. “The age based approach, we think, is the most effective to reduce mortality. At the same time, the federal government is one sending us the vaccine. If they want it to be for all ages, then they have the ability to go and do that.”
“But one our number one goal right now is to get through the senior population.”
Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about teacher vaccinations at a press conference in Crystal River Thursday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alabama Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Mandate One Final Time, Says It Will Be Lifted For Good April 9
March 4, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the state’s mask mandate for another five weeks, but after that it will end, she announced during a press conference Thursday morning in Montgomery.
“Let me be abundantly clear. After April 9, I will not keep the mask order in effect,” Ivey said.
“Folks, we are not there yet, but goodness knows we are getting closer,” Ivey said. “If we keep it up and get through Easter, I think we will be in much better shape.”
Other changes announced by the governor included:
- Outdoor programs will be allowed at senior centers within guidelines
- Summer camps will be able to resume operations this year
- Seating limits at restaurants will be lifted
- Up to two caregivers will now be allowed to visit people in nursing homes and hospitals
“We are finally rounding the corner,” Ivey said.
Newly Renovated Century Branch Library Reopens (With Photo Tour)
March 4, 2021
The Century Branch Library reopened Tuesday after being closed for a month for renovation.
One of the most notable features of the new library design is a much improved use of space. The children’s area has been expanded, now incorporating what was formerly a storage room. The adult area, shelving and the circulation desk have been rearranged, creating a large open reading area that can be used for events and library programs.
And, it’s like a park inside the library.
That’s how Escambia County Director of Library Services Todd Humble describes the newly renovated library.
“We are pleased to present a bright, open and airy space for our residents to enjoy within the Century Branch Library. The design concept behind this renovation was to represent nature,” Humble said as he describe the new, modern look of the library. “The paint color on the walls is blue to simulate the sky and the carpet pattern was chosen to simulate a patio. The color of the furniture was selected for a bright contemporary look, which will include orange, green and light blue colors.”
There will be two aquariums in the library on North Century Boulevard, one of which will include fish that might be caught in the Century area.
“The adult section will incorporate flowers and trees in the artwork. The lobby will include artwork of squirrels. The idea is to create a peaceful and inviting experience for residents to enjoy nature within the library.”
And then there’s the pod chair, likely to become very popular with library patrons. It’s comfy, with soft fabric inside. The hard dome-shaped outside shell provides sound isolation, making for a quiet reading spot.
Due to shipping and other delays, the renovation project is not quite compete. An official grand opening ceremony will be scheduled for a later date.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Reschedules COVID-19 Grant Hearing After Oversight Leads To Wrong Address In Public Notice
March 4, 2021
The Town of Century has rescheduled a grant application public hearing after a simple oversight led to public notices that listed two different locations for the meeting.
The public hearing will allow the town to apply for coronavirus funding through a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $200,000 to $5 million for neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, economic development, public service, planning or housing.
A public notice distributed in the council’s agenda pack and a public notice posted on the front door of Century Town Hall both listed the location of Monday’s night’s public meeting as Century Town Hall on North Century Boulevard. However, the town council voted in January to move all of their meetings to the Century Community Center on West Highway 4 beginning February 1 in order for more social distancing space and to allow for more public participation.
Town planner Debbie Nickles told the council that a public notice submitted for publication in a local weekly printed newspaper had the correct meeting location of the community center, which is where the council meeting was being held.
An improper public notice would be in violation of the Florida Sunshine Law and might invalidate Century’s grant application.
“I believe we will need to have another public hearing because the address is incorrect, although a number of people obviously figured out where the meeting was,” interim City Manager Vernon Prather said. “It is listed at 7995 North Century Boulevard (town hall). We’re not there so we have enough, we need to re-advertise. We’re trying to make transition from the old address to the new address.”
“Make sure we are all on the same page at the same time because people came by tonight with questions and concerns,” council member Sandra Jackson said in comments directed to town staff. “One person print, the next person proofread so we can go on and conduct the town’s business in a professional manner.”
The public hearing has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Century Community Center on West Highway 4. The public is encourage to attend to offer input on how the funds could be spent if the town is awarded a grant.
Pictured: Consultant Robin Phillips discusses a Community Development Block Grant. Pictured below: Members of the public attended the Town of Century council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Greater Pensacola Chamber Honors Community Excellence At 61st Annual PACE Awards
March 4, 2021
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards Wednesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The following winners were announced:
Spirit of Pensacola: Dave and Mary Hoxeng, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 92.3, ESPN-94.5, WEBY-99.1
Advocate Leader: Brian Wyer, CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
Leader in Education: Shannon Nickinson, Director of Early Learning, Studer Community Institute
Professional Leader: Dr. David Josephs, Clinic Director, Lakeview Center
Business Leader: Norris Ayvazian, Operations Manager, Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical
Community Leader: Lisa Lyter, Creative Strategist, Red Iron Design House
Emerging Leader: D.C. Reeves, Co-Founder/CEO, Perfect Plain Brewery
“My congratulations go to this year’s PACE Award honorees,” stated Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce President Todd Thomson. “After such a trying year, it is wonderful to come together and celebrate our community’s excellence.”
Pictured: Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards winners. Photo Cat Country 98.7 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.