Escambia County Reports 52 New COVID-19 Cases, No New Deaths
March 1, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 52 new COVID-19 cases and no additional deaths in Escambia County as reported Sunday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,681 (+52)
Non-Florida residents: 3,485
Recovered: 30,836*
Total deaths: 629
Long-term care facility deaths: 266
Current hospitalizations: 72 (-15)
Number of tests reported last day: 931
Percent positive reported last day: 4.7%
Percent positive reported last week: 6.0%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 25,099 (+43)
Cantonment: 3,040 (+4)
Century: 1,142
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 475
McDavid: 199
Bellview: 56
Walnut Hill: 51
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 12
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,108 (+50)
Non-Florida residents: 214
Total deaths: 262
Long-term care facility deaths: 78
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 790*
Number of tests reported last day: 357
Percent positive reported last day: 12.0%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,184 (+27)
Navarre: 3,507 (+15)
Gulf Breeze: 3,189 (+4)
Pace: 1,358 (+3)
Jay: 525
Bagdad: 31
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,909,221
Florida residents: 1,874,154
Deaths: 30,852
Hospitalizations: 79,344*
*“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.
Darwyn Keith Owens
March 1, 2021
Darwyn Keith Owens, age 64, of Cantonment, FL was born on May 21, 1956, at NAS Pensacola to the late Dale Owens and Shirley Hayes. He was a graduate of J.M. Tate High School and retired from Veolia North America.
Mr. Owens is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judith (Judy) Owens; daughter, Melissa (Dale) Gill; grandsons, Wesley Curtis, Brandon Curtis, and Junior Gill; granddaughter, Angel Gill; sisters, Cathy (Nathan) Burns and Myra McCormick; step-grandchildren, Roger and Courtnee Gill; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He loved fishing, collecting knives, gaming, and spoiling his family.
A celebration of Darwyn’s life will be held later for family and friends. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Edward E. McFarland
March 1, 2021
Edward E. (Ed) McFarland, 88, of Pensacola Florida, passed away unexpectedly on February 24th after a brief illness. He was surrounded by friends and family.
Ed was born May 21, 1932, in Burlington Junction, Missouri to Harry and Lucy McFarland. On Christmas Eve 1951, Ed and a few buddies, as a group, enlisted into the US Navy where he served honorably until 1971. These same men remained lifelong friends.
In 1956 Ed met and married Darlene, the love of his life. They were married for 49 years. Together they raised two children. After his retirement, Ed and Darlene both became Real Estate brokers and owned American Properties many years. As a talented businessman as well as a skilled craftsman and builder he remained active after retirement. He obtained a Machinist Degree and became a gunsmith. Later, he contracted the building of his retirement home where many family memories were made.
He was a faithful member of the Pace Church of Christ family. He volunteered his time to maintain the grounds there weekly until he was well into his eighties. He called it “working for God”.
He is survived by his sister, Norma Hughes, his children, Michael McFarland and Marlynn West; grandchildren, Jeanette Baker, James Johns, Jessica Glisson and Ryan McFarland; and four great-grandchildren.
Above all, he will be remembered as a loving and loyal patriarch. His home was a mecca to his family, filled with music and laughter and storytelling on the back porch. He will be forever missed.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor David West officiating.
Family will receive friends at 1 p.m. prior to services.
Private burial be in Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, Florida.
Andrea Cumbie Boutwell
March 1, 2021
Mrs. Andrea Cumbie Boutwell, age 49, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at her home in Flomaton, Alabama.
Mrs. Boutwell was a native of Fairhope, AL and had resided in Flomaton, AL for most of her life. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a retired school bus driver with the Escambia County Alabama School Board with 21 years of service and was on the Board of Trustee with Traveler’s Rest Cemetery. She was of the Baptist Faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ila Faye Cumbie and numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and many friends.
She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Phillip D. Boutwell of Flomaton, AL; one daughter, Shea LeAnn (Aaron) Beasley of Flomaton, AL and two grandchildren, Mason Keith Baxter and Zoey LeAnn-Faye Baxter both of Flomaton, AL.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Harris officiating.
Burial will follow at Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Whitney Cross, Anthony Boutwell, Scott Boutwell, Jamie Boutwell, Dustin Boutwell and Richie Thomas.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Scotty Stewart and Wayne Sullivan.
Design Firm To Present New OLF-8 Hybrid Concept At Tuesday Town Hall
February 28, 2021
The design firm that is working to create an master plan for the OLF-8 site in Beulah will hold a virtual town hall on Tuesday to present their latest mixed use concept.
On February 18, DPZ CoDesign presented the new plan to the Escambia County Commission with a combination of commerce, residential and amenities (click or tap image to enlarge). The “Adjusted Hybrid Plan” allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
DPZ will present the plan and allow residents a chance to ask questions or provide feedback due the virtual town call on Tuesday, March 2 at 6 p.m. Interested participants are invited to register online.
The Escambia County Commission and DPZ have been at odds over project design and behind the scenes emails. DPZ previously presented four concepts that included high density residential use, along with commerce, amenities and green space. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who represents the Beulah area, has pushed for much more commerce on the property.
“We are optimistic this new compromise plan will have the political support to move forward into the next phase of the project,” said Marina Khoury, of DPZ CoDesign. “We value continued public engagement and community input.”
Bergosh said he is still skeptical about DPZ after more emails have come to light between DPZ and others including Navy Federal and the “Beulah Coalition,” some of which were disparaging toward the commission. Commissioners have received dumps of external emails from DPZ, but he company wants to charge the county, their client, $189 per hour to fulfill a commission request for internal emails.
The county commission will discuss OLF-8 again at their next meeting on March 11.
Walnut Hill Ruritan Holds 46th Annual Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 28, 2021
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held their 46th annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year on the last Saturday of February.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed In Front Of 5 Flags Speedway
February 28, 2021
A pedestrian was struck and killed on Pine Forest Road Saturday night in front of 5 Flags Speedway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 31-year old man from Kunkletown, Pennsylvania was walking northbound near the white line by the shoulder of Pine Forest Road. He was struck by a pickup truck driven by a 70-year old Fountain, Florida, man that was traveling south in the outside lane of the roadway. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 6:10 p.m. crash. The pickup truck driver was not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Here’s Where To Expect Road Work Delays This Week
February 28, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a
- detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- Both northbound travel lanes of North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) will be closed approaching the Carpenters Creek Bridge Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5 as crews work on the drainage system in the vicinity of the bridge.
- W. Cervantes Street Underground Utility Operations- Drivers may encounter lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent right turn lane closures beginning Monday, March 1.
- I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5 as crews set barrier wall and perform operations associated with the bridge repair project.
- I-10 Escambia County Welcome Center Water Main Repair – Wednesday, March 3 water services at the Escambia County Welcome Center will be temporarily shut down for approximately four to six hours as crews make repairs. Portable toilets and message boards will be on site.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities including utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements have begun. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities are anticipated to begin summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – A partial reopening of the bridge is planned for late March.
- U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Palmetto Lake Road to Whispering Pines Boulevard – Motorists will encounter an eastbound lane closure from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Thursday, March 4 as Gulf Power performs utility operations.
- U.S. 98 Tree Trimming from Gulf Breeze to the beginning of National Seashore and to the beginning of Bob Sikes Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 26 as crews trim trees over the roadways and in medians. Operations will begin on the east end working westward toward Gulf Breeze.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction West of Bell Lane in Pace– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 5 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions until Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
COVID-19 Vaccines Offered At Winn Dixie Cantonment, Nine Mile Road
February 28, 2021
Two Escambia County Winn Dixie stores will now offer the COVID-19 vaccine.
The stores are at 1550 South Highway 29 in Cantonment and 312 East Nine Mile Road in Pensacola.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to visit www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine to schedule appointment and for timely updates including vaccine availability details and participating store locations.
File photo.
Town Of Jay To Begin Paving Project This Week
February 28, 2021
The Town of Jay will begin a paving project this week.
Beginning Monday, March 1, Panhandle Grading and Paving will resurface the following streets:
North Commerce Street
Arthur Avenue
Pine Street
South Cherry Street
Magnolia Street
Oak Street
Rosetta Lane
North Cherry Street
Booker Lane
Edeker Circle
There may be some traffic delays along these streets as the company completes the paving project. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
The town has applied for a grant to pave the remainder of streets in the town. Town officials are hopeful that will happen by late summer.