Escambia County’s Vaccination Rate Lagging Behind State Average
July 13, 2021
Escambia County’s coronavirus vaccination rate is lagging behind the state average, according to recently released data from the Florida Department of Health
Statewide, 58% of Floridians have received at least one dose.
In Escambia County 117,425 people, or 42% of the population over age 12, have received at least one dose. There were just 833 people vaccinated in Escambia County last week.
IP Accepting Applications For $80,000 In Foundation Grants Through July 26
July 13, 2021
The International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $80,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2021, in honor of the mill’s 80th anniversary.
Grant applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com through Monday, July 26.
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measureable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available on the website.
An eligible non-profit organization with a program in an area that the foundation supports must apply online by visiting http://www.ipgiving.com. Applications are routed to the local IP facility and must be completed in its entirety to be considered.
For more information about the grant guidelines or process, contact Whitney Fike, communications manager at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or (850) 968-3076.
DeSantis Makes Local Appointment To State Board Of Optometry
July 13, 2021
Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed an Escambia County woman to the Board of Optometry.
Katie Spear is a licensed optometrist and owner of The Visual Performance Center. She is a member of the Florida Optometric Association, American Optometric Association and is a past co-editor of Women in Optometry. Spear earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University, master’s degree in public health and doctorate of optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her juris doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Crestview Murder Suspect Killed In Shootout With Escambia County Deputies (With Bodycam Video)
July 12, 2021
An Okaloosa County murder suspect was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with Escambia County deputies early Monday morning
Johnny Ray Kirk, 22, was wanted for the July 10 shooting death of an 80-year old man at a park in Crestview. He was also accused of kidnapping two 16-year old girls in DeFuniak Springs earlier that day.
Kirk was located about 2:45 a.m. Monday by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He was a passenger in a white Ford Escape they stopped at Inez Road and Carrick Avenue, off Fairfield Drive.
He “jumped out of the passenger seat and immediately fired multiple rounds at the two deputies. The deputies returned fire striking him twice,” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Kirk was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. No deputies were injured during the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded to investigate the shooting, as is standard procedure. Both deputies that fired have been placed on administrative leave. ECSO said the incident was captured on body cameras and in-car video.
Bodycam video is below. It may be disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
On Sunday, the 80-year old murder victim’s pickup truck was found in off Linda Lane near Defuniak Spring in Walton County (pictured bottom).
Cantonment Man Charged With Theft Of Water Tank Trailer, Construction Tools
July 12, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged in connection with the theft of water tank trailer and multiple tools from a local construction site.
William Ashton Cook, 19, was charged with grand theft, burglary of an unoccupied structure, felony grand theft, and criminal mischief with property damage.
On June 18, Cook allegedly took a 14-foot trailer with a 500 gallon water tank valued at $6,500, several tools from inside a storage container and a generator from a construction site at Nowak Dairy Road and Highway 97. The potable water tank received an estimated $1,500 in damage after diesel fuel was poured into it, according to an arrest report.
On June 23, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recovered the stolen trailer attached to Cook’s pickup on Vantage Road, along with two reciprocating saws in the front seat of jos Ford F250 that were taken from the construction site, the report states.
Cook had allegedly walked to a relative’s property on Vantage Road after parking the pickup and water tank trailer. As a search warrant was being prepared for the property, the owner gave deputies consent to search. They reported finding a pressure pump and tamping machine also taken from the construction site.
Cook was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Pictured top: This 500 gallon water tank and trailer were recovered on Vantage Road June 23. Pictured below: Deputies search a nearby property a short time later. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pfizer Vaccine Available In Century Tuesday
July 12, 2021
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination will be available in Century Tuesday from Community Health Northwest Florida.
The vaccine will be available to anyone ages 12 and up from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Century Pediatrics at 501 Church Street.
Walk-ins are welcome, or call (850) 439-3358 for available appointment times.
Century Woman Charged With Cocaine Trafficking
July 12, 2021
A Century woman was charged with trafficking cocaine after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant last week.
The warrant was served in the 7500 block of Cobb Lane off Diamond Dairy Road where 391 grams of powdered and crack cocaine were found in a bedroom occupied by 28-year old Coral Diahn Bowman, according to the ECSO. Deputies also reported finding scales, baggies and firearm.
Bowman was charged with first degree felony trafficking cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $116,000 bond.
Register Now For Tate Youth Football Camp
July 12, 2021
Registration is open now for the 2021 Tate Youth Football Camp, which will be held July 19-20 from 5-8 p.m.
The camp will be directed by the Tate coaching staff, assisted by Tate football players. This is an opportunity to work on fundamentals, practice agility, run through drills and learn about being part of a team.
The cost is $50 in advance, or $60 on the day of the camp. Attendees will receive a t-shirt. No football equipment will be needed. Cleats are recommended but not required.
To register, click or tap here. For more information, click the graphic on this page to enlarge.
Summer Toy Giveaway Saturday In Walnut Hill; Parents Must Register Now
July 12, 2021
A summer toy giveaway will be held Saturday in Walnut Hill, but parents must register now.
The Toys for Tots event will be held Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Walnut Hill Community Center at 7850 Highway 97 for children ages 2-17. Children must be present and accompanied by a parent.
Parents must register in advance by calling Chandra Fountain at (850) 501-8217.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady Over The Past Week
July 12, 2021
Florida gas prices held steady during the past week, with drivers paying an average of $3.01 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.99. In North Escambia, a low of $2.83 could be found at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment. In Pensacola, the lowest price Sunday night was $2.83 at the two warehouse clubs and a station on Nine Mile Road.
“Crude oil prices fluctuated last week, but ultimately evened out. So it’s likely these elevated gas prices will hang around for the near future,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group.