‘All Individuals Should Wear Masks’ According To New Florida Health Advisory
June 21, 2020
The Florida Department of Health issued a Public Health Advisory on Saturday calling for everyone in the state to wear a face mask in response to increased COVID-19 cases in the state.
Also Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance.
The health advisory provides the following recommendations:
- All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following apply:
- A child is under two years of age;
- An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering;
- An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
- An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession; or
- An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place.
- All individuals over the age of 65 and all individuals of any age with high-risk health conditions should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All individuals should refrain from participation in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wearing a face covering.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will enforce the following guideless, all of which were already in place:
Restaurants, bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, excluding nightclubs:
- May operate at fifty percent of the establishment’s indoor capacity.
- May operate at full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing.
- Bar areas may operate with seated service.
Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades:
- May operate at fifty percent of the establishment’s capacity with appropriate social distancing between groups and proper sanitization protocols.
In-store retail businesses:
- May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing measures and proper sanitization protocols.
Gyms and fitness centers:
- May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization.
Personal services including but not limited to tattooing, body piercing, tanning and massage:
- May operate while adhering to appropriate safety guidelines outlined by the Florida Department of Health.
Barber shops, hair salons and nail salons:
- May continue to operate while adhering to safety protocols.
Phase 2 continued emphasis on preventative measures outlined by the CDC and OSHA:
- Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Individuals should avoid gathering in groups larger than 50.
- All persons who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
Wrong-Way Driver Kills Man In Head On I-10 Wreck In Escambia County
June 20, 2020
An Alabama man was killed in an early morning wrong-way driver wreck on I-10 near the westbound weigh station in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 46-year old female from McKinney, Texas, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when her SUV collided head on with a sedan driven by a 25-year old male from Theodore, Alabama. The vehicles collided head on about 1:45 a.m.
The male was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the woman was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A passenger in sedan, a 34-year old male from Theodore, was extricated and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Any charges in the crash are pending the results of a traffic homicide investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longers releases the names of any wreck victims.
Updated 11:55 am to reflect that there was a passenger in the sedan. The original FHP release did not indicate a passenger.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s Unemployment Rate Improved Just A Little. But It’s Still Bad.
June 20, 2020
The unemployment rate in Florida hit a record 14.5% in May due to coronavirus economic shutdown, as Escambia County’s numbers showed a very slight improvement.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 11.8% in May, down from 12.6% in April. That represents 16,109 people out of work out of a county workforce of 136,356. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was just 3%, or 4,432 people.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.5 percent in May, up 0.7 percentage point from the revised April rate of 13.8 percent, and up 11.3 percentage points from a year ago. There were 1,412,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,709,000.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in May.
Preliminary FAA Data Reveals Little About Fatal Atmore Crop Duster Crash
June 20, 2020
Preliminary Federal Aviation Administration data reveals little about a fatal crop duster plane crash Tuesday north of Atmore.
The crash about 7:30 a.m. behind a lake house on Gideons Lake Road just north of I-65 claimed the life of Eddie Gideons, a well-loved member of the local community.
The FAA report notes the plane was destroyed after crashing under unknown circumstances and offers no information about the cause of the crash as the investigation continues.
The plane was a 2013 year model Air Tractor AT-502 single turbo-prop engine crop duster. The company’s website describes the plan as the “world’s most popular ag plane”. It was registered to Wallace Flying Service, Inc. based at 1001 McMullough Road in the McCullough community north of Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
ECAT Cuts Routes, Service Hours Following Driver’s Positive Test For COVID-19
June 20, 2020
Following the revelation that a driver has tested positive for COVID-19, Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) has cut their service level because “many” employees are on quarantine, according to Escambia County.
Starting Monday, June 22 until further notice, ECAT and ADA Transportation will run peak service only, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This modified service will take place Monday through Saturday, without service on Sundays. Buses will run every two hours with the final route trips departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. ECAT will temporarily suspend routes 41, 59A and 59X. Beach Trolleys will run regular hours 4 p.m. to midnight, with limited service running two trolleys instead of three. Schedules are subject to change as more drivers return to work.
The change in service came after it was announced Wednesday that a driver tested positive, likely from a relative, Escambia County.
The employee was at work on Saturday, June 13 for the first time since April 8 and is home on quarantine.
The county said Friday that the employee did not drive any ECAT regular routes and did not have direct contact with any passengers. All staff members who had direct close contact with the employee have been notified, advised to test for COVID-19 and quarantined. ECAT facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts.
Additional COVID-19 Death Reported In Escambia County, Alabama; Cases Increase To 137 Total
June 20, 2020
An additional COVID-19 death has been reported in Escambia County, Alabama, as the number of positive cases continue a steady climb.
There have now been five fatalities in the county with a total of 137 confirmed cases as of Friday night, according to the Alabama Department of Health. There have been 55 cases reported in the past two weeks out of 499 tests, a positivity rate of 11%.
Atmore Community Hospital has reported 71 positive case tests, while 14 were tested and confirmed at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.
Pictured: Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cutting Held For Upgraded Fidelis Community Park
June 20, 2020
A ribbon cutting was held Friday morning at the Fidelis Community Center and Park in north Santa Rosa County.
The park at 13774 North Highway 87 underwent a major makeover to provide accessibility for all and to support growing sports program needs, including:
- Basketball court renovations
- Improved ADA parking
- ADA-accessible family restrooms
- All-inclusive playground improvements
- Baseball field renovations including bleachers, lighted two-lane batting cage and extended field
- Modifications and improvements to the tennis court
- Picnic facilities
The Fidelis Community Center and Park was originally constructed as a school house in 1925, with additions in the 1940-60s. In the mid-80s, the school closed and the building was converted into a community center. Over the years, the county has made a series of improvements to the 8.5-acre property, including the addition of three ball fields and playground equipment.
“After hearing ideas from the public, we were excited to revitalize Fidelis Community Center and Park so the current and future residents of northern Santa Rosa County have a beautiful park to use for recreation and sports,” said Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Don Salter, District 3.
The upgrades were funded by the Local Option Sales Tax.
Many residents in the area have used the facility for receptions, anniversaries, reunions and showers. The cafeteria has re-opened for reservations and picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Navy Honors Civilians, Military Members For Bravery During NAS Pensacola Attack
June 20, 2020
Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) conducted an awards ceremony Friday at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard NAS Pensacola, Friday to honor the bravery of both military members and civilians during the December 6 terrorist attack on the base.
The ceremony recognized the bravery and selflessness of those NETC Domain service members and federal servants involved in the Dec. 6 shooting at NAS Pensacola that left four dead, including the shooter, and eight injured.
Vice Adm. John Nowell, Jr., chief of naval personnel, provided opening remarks virtually from Washington, D.C.; Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, NETC commander, presided over the ceremony; and Cmdr. Daniel Balsinger, Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) executive officer, was the guest speaker.
Twelve civilians and service members from NASC and Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 23 were recognized during the event for their actions.
The awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor and Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal.
The awardees included:
NASC
- Ensign Blaine DaPra, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal-
- Ensign Breanna Thomas, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal/Purple Heart
- Ensign Kristy Lehmer, Purple Heart
- Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Carl Daniel, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Ronnie Moreno, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor
- Kevin Groff, Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Medal for Valor
- Raven Smith, Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal
MATSG-23
- Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Masel, Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullins, Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Pfannenstiel, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Fitzgerald, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Sgt. Kyle Armbruster, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Two service members, Marine Capt. Kyle Whitlock and Airman Apprentice Ryan Blackwell, were previously recognized in May during a private ceremony. Whitlock received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Blackwell received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart.
Airman Apprentice George Johnson and Jessica Pickett will receive their awards in separate ceremonies.
Johnson, who transferred from NASC, will receive the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. Pickett, who was unable to attend the ceremony, will receive the Secretary of Defense Medal of Freedom Award.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos To Host July 4th Movie And Fireworks Celebration
June 20, 2020
The annual Independence Day celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium will return in 2020 bigger than ever before with the addition of the American baseball classic film The Sandlot on the ballpark’s video board prior to a massive fireworks show on Saturday, July 4.
The movie is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks following immediately after. Gates at the stadium will open at 5:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are now on sale for $10 at BlueWahoos.com and the stadium box office and include both the movie and fireworks. A limited number of tickets will be sold to ensure proper physical distancing can be safely maintained throughout the event, and guests are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance as a sell-out is anticipated.
Guests will be welcome to sit in the stands at the ballpark to enjoy the movie and fireworks or on the field itself. Fans may bring blankets and pillows for their comfort, but chairs, strollers, and wagons are not permitted inside the ballpark. Concessions will be available throughout the stadium.
“As soon as we knew that other annual shows would be unable to be held, we jumped on doing this for the community,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We’re very excited and proud to be able to provide this for Pensacola and all of the out-of-town guests who will be visiting on the Fourth of July. This meets our mission statement to improve the quality of life in our community. We know how important, how meaningful, and how traditional a Fourth of July celebration has been in downtown Pensacola and we are glad to be able to provide one for the community.”
Area fireworks shows including the Sertoma 4 of July Fireworks Celebration in Pensacola and the Flomaton-Century show have all been canceled.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
15 People Injured In Pace 10-Vehicle Wreck; Driver Dies After Crashing At Saufley Field Gate; Three Injured In Highway 29 Wreck
June 19, 2020
Fifteen people were injured in an 10 vehicle crash in Pace, a driver died after crashing into a barrier at Saufley Field, and three people were injured in a Friday morning crash on Highway 29.
Pace Crash
The Florida Highway Patrol said a commercial tree trimming boom truck was traveling west of Highway 90 approaching Floridatown Road when the driver failed to slow as he approached traffic stopped at a signal.
The driver of a motorcycle saw the truck approaching and attempted to dismount the motorcycle to avoid injury, causing the truck to hit the left side of the motorcycle before striking the rear of a SUV. The truck then began to rotate into other vehicles, overturning on top of a pickup truck.
There were 15 people injured in the pileup, but all of the injuries were minor. They ranged in age from five to 68.
Saufley Field Crash
A 20-year old man failed to stop his vehicle for unknown reasons at the front gate checkpoint at NAS Saufley Field about 10:25 p.m. Thursday. His vehicle struck a barrier and overturned.
FHP said the man, whose name has not been released, died from his injuries.
Highway 29, Detroit Boulevard
Three people were injured in a wreck Friday morning on Highway 29 at Detroit Boulevard.
At least one person was extricated from a vehicle after the multi-vehicle crash just before 7 a.m. All three were transported to area hospitals, two of them under trauma alerts.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Pictured top: Part of a 10 vehicle pileup in Pace Thursday afternoon that injured 15 people. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.