Escambia Reports Six New COVID-19 Deaths, Another 82 Cases
February 27, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
Six new COVID-19 deaths and 82 new cases were reported Friday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,556 (+82)
Non-Florida residents: 3,470
Recovered: 30,840*
Total deaths: 628 (+6)
Long-term care facility deaths: 266 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 87 (-10)
Number of tests reported last day: 1,347
Percent positive reported last day: 5.0%
Percent positive reported last week: 6.2%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 25,003 (+62)
Cantonment: 3,028 (+4)
Century: 1,142 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 475 (+2)
McDavid: 198
Bellview: 56
Walnut Hill: 51
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 12
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,020 (+48)
Non-Florida residents: 213
Total deaths: 257 (+1)
Long-term care facility deaths: 77
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 786*
Number of tests reported last day: 538
Percent positive reported last day: 8.8%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,145 (+29)
Navarre: 3,482 (+11)
Gulf Breeze: 3,174 (+3)
Pace: 1,350 (+2)
Jay: 525 (+1)
Bagdad: 31
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,898,223
Florida residents: 1,863,453
Deaths: 30,624
Hospitalizations: 79,021*
*“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.
Alice Ruth Kelly Higginbothem
February 27, 2021
Alice Ruth Kelly Higginbothem, 87 of Pensacola, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 25, 2021. She was born November 16, 1933 in Bratt to Ora & Vina Kelly. Alice married Ward Henry Higginbothem June 13, 1964 in Ellis County Texas and worked many years in different roles as a Civil Service employee until she retired. Quilting, gardening, watching baseball (especially when her Grandson Trent played), watching Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune were just a few of the things she truly enjoyed and over the last month she discovered a new love of playing Bingo after moving in to Carpenter’s Creek Assisted Living. Throughout her life she served faithfully in children’s ministry including teaching children’s church and working in the church nursery. She loved children and was passionate about serving Jesus.
Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Ward Henry, her son Donald Wayne, her parents Ora & Vina Kelly and many siblings.
She is survived by her two sons, Eddy (Jenifer), Scott (Lawanda) her grandchildren, Trent (Monica), Robby, Justin (Hanna) Holcomb, Brittany Harrison and Allie Harrison and was excited to learn she was expecting two great grandbabies in a few months. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, amazing friends and a loving church family.
Services for Alice will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment. Visitation for family will begin at 10:30, visitation for friends at 11:00 and the funeral service will begin at Noon. Her brother, Charles Kelly and her Pastor, JB Shoumaker will be officiating. Pallbearers will be her son Scott, her 3 grandsons, Trent, Robby and Justin as well as Jamie Arthur and Charlie Coon. Honorary Pallbearers will be her son Eddy and her brothers, Sylvester and Charles. Immediately following there will be a short prayer at the graveside in Bratt at Godwin Cemetery.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Angie and the staff at Northwoods Apartments for all you did for her during her 15+ years as a resident. Also to Tanya and her wonderful team at Waterford Carpenter’s Creek for helping Alice make a smooth transition from living alone to being welcomed with open arms into their beautiful facility. Your ability to make her feel at home and become involved in so many wonderful activities in her short time there brought her so much joy. Finally, thank you to the PICU staff and Palliative Care Team at Baptist Hospital and especially to Naomi, her nurse. The compassion, grace and sincere concern for Alice and for our family means more to us than words will ever be able to express. You were all truly angels in disguise.
How do you sum up a life so well lived and someone who is loved by so many? You don’t because it is impossible. There is nothing left to do but to cherish the beautiful memories, let the legacy Alice has left speak for itself, and get your heart and life right with God so that you can know you will see her again one day. That is all she ever wanted for everyone she loved.
Gween Dale “Pop/Big Daddy” Findley
February 27, 2021
Mr. Gween Dale “Pop/Big Daddy” Findley, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at his home in Flomaton, Alabama.
Mr. Findley was born in Century, FL and had resided in Flomaton, AL for most of his life. He was an employee with St. Regis Paper Company, a salesman with Turner Chevrolet in Brewton and G&G Motors in East Brewton, AL. His hobbies were working, spending time with his family, loving his grandchildren, going on vacation with his family, fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Pleasant Home Holiness Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Voncille Findley; brother, Russell Findley and grandson by love, James Fuqua.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elvennia Findley of Flomaton, AL; three sons, Greg Findley (DeAnna Ross) of Flomaton, AL, Destry (Tammy) Findley of Flomaton, AL and Jack Taylor of Montgomery, AL; two daughters, Kris (Todd) White of Pollard, AL and Katie Findley of Flomaton, AL; one sister, Judy (Woodrow) Courtney of Flomaton, AL; sister-in-law, Karen Cash of Flomaton, AL; special aunt, Beulah Nisewonger; four grandchildren, Blakelee (Bo) Ramer, Peyton (Tyler) Smith, Cade White and Paige Findley; special great-great nieces, Lyla Rolin and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, brothers and sisters-in-law and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Johnson and Bro. Brian Richburg officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pleasant Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, February 26, 2021 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Cade White, Marion Cooper, Gene Carpenter, Jack Taylor, Wendell Richburg and David Nisewonger.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ed Richburg, Guin Butler, Woodrow Courtney and Tony Richburg.
Mary E. Coleman
February 27, 2021
ln Loving memory of our Mother Mary E. Coleman
Mary E. Coleman went home to be with God, Jesus and Dad on February 24, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Buel Coleman; mother, Ollie Sapp; sister, Edith Commins; and brother, Curtis Broadway.
Mary is survived by her children: Rick (Margie) Coleman, Bobby (Julie) Coleman, Tammy Coleman, Andy (Linda) Coleman, John (Theresa) Coleman, and Denise (Randy) Burkett; grandchildren: Stephanie (Arnold) Gilmore, Katie Richards, James (Jenna) Coleman, Jeffrey Coleman, Wesley (Victoria) Coleman, Cassie Coleman, and Autumn Burkett; great-grandchildren: Cash Wilson, Thia Richards, Lane Coleman, Marcus Coleman, Logan Coleman, and Kyler Myrick; siblings: Helen Harlow, May Ramsey, Janice Sellers, Tommy Broadway, and Thaxton Broadway; and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.
Mom will be missed by many that loved her like a second Mom, Sister, Best Friend or the Angel that touched their lives. She always had the best hugs that soothed the souls that she touched or kind words for everyone that she met.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2O2I at 11:00 am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00am prior to the services with Family Visitation from 9am-10am.
Pallbearers will be James Coleman, Jeffrey Coleman, Arnold Gilmore, Willie Ramsey, Fred Tomberlin, and Cash Wilson.
One Injured In Highway 29 Jeep Rollover
February 26, 2021
On person was injured in a single vehicle rollover crash Friday afternoon on Highway 29 south of Quintette Road.
The driver of a Jeep lost control and overturned. He was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
The driver stated he was ran off the road by a white pickup truck traveling in a reckless manner.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Stealing Boat And Gun, Fleeing From Deputies Twice
February 26, 2021
A man has been charged for allegedly stealing a boat and gun from Cottage Hill and fleeing from deputies on two different occasion.
Randall Lamar Boyett, 19, was charged with grand theft, grand theft of a firearm, two counts of fleeing and eluding, resisting an officer without violence, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.
On January 3, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to arrest Boyett on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in criminal mischief case. They found him sleeping in a vehicle parked in front of a residence on Parker Road. A deputy banged on the window several times until Boyett woke up, and he crawled into the driver’s seat. The deputy gave multiple orders for him to step out of the vehicle, which he acknowledged by saying “just a second,” according to arrest report.
The report states Boyett had a blanket across his lap and refused to show his hands after verbal commands. Since he refused to comply, the deputy used his flashlight to break the driver’s window. Boyett then cranked the vehicle and fled at a high rate of speed north on Parker Road. He was last seen headed westbound on McKenzie Road.
On January 20, Boyett allegedly stole a boat, 40 horsepower outboard motor, and boat trailer valued at $4,500 from Clymil Drive in Cantonment. A .22 caliber revolver that was in the boat was also reported stolen.
The victim told deputies that Boyett had contacted him numerous times through Facebook asking to buy the boat but he had rejected the offer. Deputies went to Boyett’s home a short distance away on Handy Road and could see the stolen boat in plain view. The boat was recovered and returned to the owner, but the firearm was still missing. Boyett was not at the residence.
On February 24, a deputy spotted a Cadillac Escalade believed to be occupied by Boyett traveling southbound on Nicholson Drive in Molino and activated his lights and siren. The Cadillac Escalade continued onto Betts Avenue and then north on Highway 95A. The deputy called off the traffic stop when he realized the vehicle was not going to stop.
Boyett was later taken into custody in the 6000 block of Hagen Road in Century. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $38,500.
Gulf Power Foundation Contributes Nearly $84,000 To Community Organizations
February 26, 2021
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation is one of several local charitable or nonprofit organizations to receive grants from the Gulf Power Foundation during the fourth quarter of 2020. The Gulf Power Foundation distributed $83,950 to support communities throughout Northwest Florida.
“Even as we continue to work through this pandemic, Gulf Power’s mission will always remain to support our communities where we live and work, and our quarterly grants through the Gulf Power Foundation are one way we can help build strong and sustainable communities,” said Sandy Sims, executive director for the Gulf Power Foundation. “The Foundation’s goal is to improve the lives of Northwest Florida residents, and during times like we currently face, we are honored these grants can help our community.”
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation grant will help with their mission of enhancing education in the future of Northwest Florida children.
“Our Foundation works with school leaders to determine how and where private-sector investment and volunteer involvement can have the greatest impact on student success,” said Kristie Kelly, executive director for the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. “We are grateful for the partnership between our organizations.”
Helping more than 40,000 students, during the 2019-2020 school year the Escambia Foundation was able to share funding with 25 schools in the country – out of 58, distributing 14 collaborative grants of $89,287 and providing 21 teacher opportunity grants for a total of $18,953 – just to name a few.
The fourth quarter grant recipients for the Tregion are:
- Central Gulf Coast CDF Freedom Schools – Freedom School Summer 2021 – Harambee! At Global Learning Academy: $7,500
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation: $25,000
- Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association – First Tee Gulf Coast: $1,500
- Manna Food Bank – Manna’s Monthly Senior Program: $10,000
- The Nature Conservancy – Rainwater Perdido River Preserve Stewardship: $15,000
- Pace Center for Girls – Girls Earning Diplomas: $5,000
- United for a Good Cause – Hope Squad to Peer Suicide Prevention Program for Schools: $5,000
- UWF Foundation – Monitoring Gopher Tortoise Abundance, Distribution and Burrow Activity: $9,950
- Waterfront Rescus Mission – Homeless to Home-Working Homeless Program: $5,000
The Gulf Power Foundation has operated for 30 years as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, partnering and investing in communities throughout Northwest Florida. The Foundation is one of the region’s largest corporate foundations, funded entirely through resources independent of Gulf Power’s customers.
Pictured: Teachers like Maren Leonard at Molino Park Elementary School will benefit for the Gulf Power Foundation’s grant to the Escambia County Schools Foundation. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday High In The Middle 70s, Small Chance Of Afternoon Shower
February 26, 2021
Here is your official north Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 66.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 54.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Escambia County Father And Son Charged With CARES Act Fraud
February 26, 2021
An Escambia County father and son have been charged with CARES Act fraud.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit charged 34-year old Antonio Raychouni Slocum Sr. and 19-year old Antonio Raychouni Slocum Jr. in the scheme.
Investigators have been investigating the father/son duo since Slocum Jr. was arrested in December 2020. Slocum Jr. was arrested with his mother Megan Slocum for their involvement in a scheme to defraud Navy Federal. Slocum Jr. and Slocum Sr.’s most recent charges are related to obtaining a CARES ACT loan from the Small Business Administration by using another individual’s stolen identity; which Slocum Sr.’s younger brother Ari’obasi Jenkins was also charged with back in December.
Slocum Jr. is charged with fraud and swindle of $50,000 or more, fraud-use ID of another without consent of $50,000 or more, fraud-money laundering $20,000 less than $100,000, and fraud-illegal use of a credit card. Slocum Sr. is charged with fraud and swindle of $50,000 or more, fraud-use ID of another without consent of $50,000 or more, fraud-money laundering $20,000 less than $100,000, and fraud-uttering a false instrument. Both remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Investigators said more arrests are expected.
Tate Boys Tennis Comes From Behind To Beat Washington
February 26, 2021
Tate High School Boys tennis earned a come from behind 4-3 victory over Washington High School Thursday. Tate had key victories from Barry Harberson, Alex Grace, and Peyton Herrington. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.