Local COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continue To Decline
October 21, 2021
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Escambia County have fallen to their lowest level since mid-July.
On October 20, there were 58 people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist and West Florida hospitals. That compares to 181 one month ago.
The numbers in the graph indicate daily hospitalizations in Escambia County and are provided daily by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital and West Florida Hospital. The daily numbers are not cumulative.
Data sources: Escambia County, City of Pensacola, Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist and West Florida hospitals. Graphics: City of Pensacola.
Cantonment Man Charged With Drug, Weapon Offenses
October 21, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged with drug and weapon offenses after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at a Circle K.
James Douglas Snow, 61, was charged with possession of a control substance and possession of weapon while in the commission of a felony.
Snow was arrested this week on outstanding warrants for the incident that occurred July 20.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to South Gulf Manor and Michigan Avenue for a man reported down. They arrived to find Snow slumped over the wheel in a Circle K parking lot, but he was alert and conscious, according to an arrest report. He told deputies he was napping after a long day of work at the convenience store.
A deputy was able to see a pill bottle in plain view on top of the center console of the pickup truck. He asked to see the bottle, and Snow willing provided the bottle, which contained 19, .22 caliber bullets, the report states.
An ECSO K-9 responded and alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 2.9 grams of methamphetamine, three hydrocodone pills, a bag containing an unspecified amount of marijuana and a Walter .22 caliber handgun with an eight-round magazine and one round in the chamber, the ECSO said.
Escambia County Offering $2,000 Hiring Bonuses In Several Departments
October 21, 2021
Escambia County is offering $2,000 hiring bonuses for certain employees in several departments.
“We hope that by offering this pay incentive, we’ll be able to recruit some of the best possible candidates in corrections,” said Rich Powell, chief of Escambia County Corrections, one of the departments eligible for the bonus. ”We’re looking for applicants who will follow our core values: service, professionalism and vigilance. All dedicated professionals are invited to apply and help make a difference in their community.”
The fulltime positions listed below are eligible for the recruitment bonus:
Corrections
- Corrections Officer
- Detention Assistant
- LPN
- RN
- Mental Health Counselor
Development Services
- Urban Planner II
Facilities Management
- Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Worker
Mass Transit
- Bus Operator
- Cleaner
- Fueler
- Mass Transit Fleet Maintenance Technician
- Trolley Operator
Library Services
- Librarian
- Senior Librarian
Public Safety
- EMT
- Firefighter
- Paramedic
- Emergency Communication Dispatcher
Roads & Bridges
- Emergency Vehicle II & III
- Equipment Operator II
- Fleet Maintenance Technician
- Fleet Maintenance Worker
Solid Waste
- Equipment Operator II
- Equipment Operator III
The hiring bonus was approved by the Escambia County Commission as they amended a Recruitment Initiative Pay Policy originally passed in May.
If the new hire does not remain in the position for 12 months, they will be required to reimburse the county on a pro rata basis based up on the number of day remaining in the one year agreement.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Know A Veteran In The Cantonment Area? CIC Is Planning Special Program For Them
October 21, 2021
The Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC) will honor veterans from the community on Sunday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
Veterans interested in attending are asked to contact Mary at (850) 346-2797 by October 30.
Escambia May Spend $61.7 Million On Recovery Projects Including Broadband Internet, Emergency Vehicles, Parks
October 20, 2021
The Escambia County Commission will discuss a plan for spending $61.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds — a plan that includes revenue replacement, broadband internet in underserved areas, vehicles for public safety, parks and more.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) includes $61.7 million in direct local recovery assistance for Escambia County. The first half the County’s award has been received, totaling $30.9 million. The second half will be comparable and will arrive approximately one year after the first payment
Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno will make the following recommendations to commissioners on Thursday:
Escambia County Revenue Replacement — $28,358,185.52
The county lost $28,358,185.52 due to COVID-19 using ARP calculations. By putting these funds back into the county’s revenue stream, the money can be spent on a wider variety of projects.
County Broadband Fiber Project — $22,000,000
- The county will bear the full cost, but will seek investments from FDOT and grants to potentially lower the spend. A 10GB fiber backbone will be installed throughout the county, providing the ability to provide broadband internet to underserved citizens and businesses. A portion of the fiber can be leased to internet service providers, creating revenue streams. In addition, it’s estimated that using the fiber could save the county over $1.6 million per year by eliminating microwave contacts and leased circuits for the BOCC, 911, sheriff and tax collector.
Public Health and Safety Vehicles — $4,250,000
- Funds would purchase five ambulances, three pumper fire engines, three other fire apparatus, two other fire engines, and one ladder truck.
Parks and Recreation Upgrades — $3,302,546
- Spending would include $2 million for the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex for field lights, multipurpose room with lockers and other spaces, and upgrades to field turf and interior roads. Another $1,302,546 would be used in a project split evenly with the City of Pensacola to resurface a dozen 55-year old existing hard courts, create seven new clay courts, and create a 60 space parking area.
District 3 Library — $3,100,000
- Renovate the existing building at 3300 West De Soto Street as a library, along with fiber internet between the new building and Brownsville Community Center.
Universal Access — $1,000,000
- Retrofit infrastructure for ADA accessibility on both Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.
Perdido Bay Boat Ramp and Park — Heron Bayou — $2,500,000
- New public boat ramp on Perdido Bay for water access to alleviate overcrowding. The $2.5 million in ARP funds would be in addition to $2.5 million in grants already received.
Glynbroc Gulley, Ellyson Pond, Gatewood Ditch Project — $1,000,000
- This area was previously damaged by the April 2014 storms which was repaired through joint efforts of NRCS and Escambia County. The ARP funding would be used to mitigate damage from future flood events.
Under ARP terms, the county must allocate all funds prior to December 31, 2024, and complete all expenditures by December 31, 2026.
Escambia County Deputy Shot, Suspect Killed Tuesday Night
October 20, 2021
A man detained by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office shot a deputy Tuesday night, and the man was killed when a deputy returned fire.
It happened about 7 p.m. in the 3200 block of West La Rua Street, about a block off Jackson Street.
Sheriff Chip Simmons said the ECSO Gun Crimes Unit was searching for a homicide suspect in the area just before the incident.
The sheriff said deputies were speaking with a man unrelated to the homicide when he began to “fumble around” inside his waistband. A scuffle ensued between the man and deputy.
“During the scuffle, he reached into his waistband, retrieved a weapon and fired it at the deputy, striking the deputy in the leg,” Simmons said at the scene. “The deputy returned fire.”
The sheriff did not release the names of the deputy or the deceased man. He did describe the man that was killed as a white male who appeared to be in the mid-50s.
The injured deputy was expected to be released from the hospital as early as Wednesday.
“I just left the hospital; I spoke to him and his family,” Simmons said. “He was hit in the leg; the injuries do not appear life threatening. He will probably be admitted and just stay overnight for observation. At this point, he looks to be OK.
As is standard in all officer involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.
Two Injured In T-bone Crash Tuesday Night At West Kingsfield, Highway 97
October 20, 2021
Two people were injured in a two vehicle t-bone type crash Tuesday night at West Kingsfield Road and South Highway 97, not far from Ransom Middle School.
The crash happened about 8:20 p.m. between two passenger cars, one of which came overturned in a ditch.
The two injured individuals, one of which was a minor, were transported by Escambia County EMS. One other person refused medical transport at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released any details as they investigate.
The Cantonment, Ensley, and Bellview stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Both Fall In District Volleyball Semifinals
October 20, 2021
Both Tate and Northview were defeated in district volleyball play Tuesday night.
Tate Lady Aggies
Washington defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 3-0 Tuesday night in the District 1-6A semifinals.
Washington earned the win 25-22, 25-20, 25-18.
Tate finished at 14-8, 3-2 in the district.
Washington will face Gulf Breeze Thursday for the district championship.
Northview Lady Chiefs
Baker defeated the Northview Lady Chiefs Tuesday night in the District 1-1A semifinals.
The Lady Gators took the sweep 25-16, 25-8, 25-19.
Northview finished at 10-11 overall, 1-3 in the district.
Central and Baker will meet Thursday for the district championship.
Pictured top: Tate High seniors, NorthEscambia.com photo by Crystal Tolbert. Pictured below: Northview High seniors, NorthEscambia.com photo by William Reynolds. Click to enlarge.
Tate High, Beulah Middle And Ransom Middle Take Top Honors At FFA Forestry Event
October 20, 2021
The FFA District Forestry Career Development Event was hosted by the Florida Forest Service recently at Blackwater River State Forest.
Tate High School’s Synoma Perea took the top individual spot in the high school level as she and her teammates (Tate A) took home the top spot in the team competition. Tate B took second and Poplar Springs (Graceville) High placed third.
Tate “A” team members were Synoma Perea, Isabella Owens, Laynee Hubbell, and Jiana Dortch. Tate “B” team second place members were Kristen Gibbs, Ryan Grace, Piper Pfeuffer Ferguson and McKenzie Gray.
In the middle school competition, Abby Vernier from Beulah Middle School took top honors while Beulah A took top team honors, Ransom Middle B second and Beulah B third.
First place Beulah “A” members were Abby Vernier, Lawson Theisen, Ian Stinnett and JR Zeravsky. Second place Ransom “B” members were Samantha Storey, Carly Helmig, Parker White and Christopher Williams-McFarlain. Third place Beulah “B’ members were Gabriel Flores, Colin Shelton, Isabell Flores and Jazlynn Evans.
For the complete results from all teams and competitors, click here (pdf).
Seven high schools and three middle schools brought a total of 17 teams to participate in the competition, for a total of 87 students and agriculture teachers.
The contests allow students to test their knowledge and skills in various aspects of forestry and compete against students from other schools within their FFA District, with the winning schools advancing to state.
The event consisted of a forestry general knowledge exam and other stations where the students were tested on tree identification (dendrology), forestry equipment identification, forest disorders and timber cruising.
The competition promotes and facilitates the education of skills used in forest management and can serve as a great foundation to prepare students for a college forestry program and further enable them to pursue a career in forestry.
Florida Forest Service personnel and education professionals served as judges and graders and assisted with the day’s activities.
County Seeking Applications for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
October 20, 2021
The Board of County Commissioners is soliciting applications for persons interested to serve as representative to the Escambia-Pensacola Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) for the term Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2024. The committee was established per F.S. 420.9076 for the purpose of reviewing affordable housing incentives available within the county and to make recommendations concerning those incentives to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Pensacola City Council. The committee will also help in the development of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program.
The Board is seeking to fill seven slots with citizens actively involved from he following categories:
- residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing.
- banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing.
- representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.
- advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.
- for-profit provider of affordable housing.
- not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.
- real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.
- local planning agency pursuant to Florida Statutes, Sec. 163.3174.
- resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.
- represents employers within the jurisdiction.
- represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan.
The AHAC must have at least eight and no more than 11 members representing at least six categories identified in the statute.
The committee will meet monthly during review and development of the affordable housing incentives and the new LHAP and at least quarterly thereafter. Members will serve three-year terms. Positions will be recommended to the board for approval in December.
Citizens interested in serving should complete an application available online here, or request a form via email at NED@myescambia.com. Completed applications should be forwarded to:
Escambia County Neighborhood & Human Services Department
Neighborhood Enterprise Division/AHAC
Attn: Timothy H. Evans
221 Palafox Place, Suite 200
Pensacola, FL. 32502.
All applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov.10, 2021 for consideration.