On Easter Morning The Tomb Was Empty. And So Were Most Local Church Services.
April 12, 2020
On that very first Easter morning, the tomb was empty. “He is not here: for he is risen,,” the Bible says about Jesus.
Easter morning church services across Escambia County were also empty Sunday morning, due to coronavirus social distancing.
At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.
It was scene repeated at most churches – the pastor a few staffers with an Easter morning service streamed live on the internet while tens of thousands of people watched from their homes. A few churches held drive-in service, with families socially distanced inside their vehicles in the church parking lot.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured above and below are the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at an empty Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s Mayor Wrongly Claims Escambia County Has The Most COVID-19 Cases In Florida
April 12, 2020
UPDATE: The mayor issued an update to his Saturday letter on Sunday morning, after the publication of this story. The content of that letter is included below.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wrongly claimed in a letter Saturday afternoon that there are more COVID-19 cases in Escambia County than anywhere else in Florida.
“Escambia County has the largest reported cases in Florida,” Hawkins wrote in a signed letter that was emailed to multiple media outlets, his town council and others. A few hours later, he posted the same letter on his Facebook page.
As of Saturday night, the Florida Department of Health said there were 14 counties in Florida with higher case counts than Escambia County’s confirmed 210, including Miami-Dade with 32 times more cases at 6,758, Broward County with 2,844 and Palm Beach County with 1,499. A slight older version of the statewide case data listed by county was attached to Hawkins’ letter.
Century council member Ben Boutwell replied to all that received the emailed letter pointing out the wrong information.
“Escambia County does not have the highest numbers in the state of Florida. Agree with participating in social distancing but please check your numbers before sending out information to anyone,” Boutwell said.
About 9 a.m. Sunday, a second letter from the mayor was updated to say, “Escambia County has the largest report cases in the westernmost area of Florida,” which is a true statement.
Both of the mayor’s letters opened with a statement that “we have 1 confirmed and 1 suspected” COVID-19 case “here in Century”. The Florida Department of Health has not, and will not, confirm the exact location of the one case that has been reported in the 32535 Century zip code. The Century zip code reaches some 15 plus miles from Highway 97 in Davisville east through Century to Escambia River.
In both letters, he encouraged anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical attention “at your preferred local healthcare facility for evaluation”. The state health department and numerous agencies have repeatedly stressed that anyone with symptoms should call, not visit, a healthcare provider or call a local testing number.
“Call, do not visit, your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 patient,” the Florida Department of Health said. “It is important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation.”
The mayor also stressed the importance of keep six feet away from other people and no gatherings of more than 10 people – “this includes parks, stores, or any city facilities such as recreation centers”.
Easter Sunday: Severe Weather Likely, Very Windy
April 12, 2020
A severe weather outbreak is likely across the area early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Potential threats include strong long-track tornadoes, damaging winds in excess of 70 mph and large hail.
There is a wind advisory in effect for winds gusting to around 45 mph outside the storms.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 65. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
COVID-19 Last Week In Escambia County: Two Died, Cases Increase By 85; 27 Long-Term Care Cases Reported
April 12, 2020
Two people died from COVID-19 during the past week in Escambia County.
Also during the past week in Escambia County:
- One death was a 78-year old male that had contact with a previous case but no travel, and the second ws a 91-year old female with no travel history and no contact with a known case. A 75-year old female passed away a week prior.
- The number of cases in the county increased from 125 to 210. During the week, the number of cases in Pensacola increased from 84 to 155, and the number in Cantonment went from 19 to 26.
- The number of cases in residents or staff of long-term care facilities increases from just one to 28. Health officials will not name the facility or facilities involved.
- The first cases were reported in Molino and McDavid.
Virus Cases Continue Climb At Milton Prison; Still Only One Reported Case In Century Prison
April 12, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases reported at a Milton prison increased to 40 on Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
There are now 34 positive inmates and six infected employees or staff members at the Blackwater Correctional Facility. Blackwater is privately operated by the Geo Group, Inc. under a contract with the state and has a capacity of 2,000 inmates.
Just over a week ago, the count was three workers and no inmates.
A staffer at the Century Correctional Institution has also tested positive for coronavirus. No CCI inmates were positive as of Saturday’s report.
There are a total of 44 employees and contact staff positive at Florida Department of Corrections facilities, including Blackwater. Outside Blackwater in Milton, the only other positive inmate in the state is at Sumter Correctional Institution west of Orlando.
USDA To Allow Florida SNAP Recipients To Purchase Groceries Online
April 12, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Florida’s request to allow SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online.
SNAP recipients are not currently allowed to purchase groceries online; they must appear in person and present their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
The approval will allow the Florida to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date later this month.
“Allowing Florida families to purchase groceries online instead of venturing into a public store is a sound practice during this public health emergency and yet another step that will help Florida flatten the curve,” DeSantis said.
The USDA has an online shopping pilot program in several states, including Alabama, with shoppers limited to certain websites.
“Through this innovative pilot program, SNAP households can purchase food online and pay using their EBT card at pickup, among other options. This reduces shopping risk from COVID-19, helps fulfill consumer demand, and keeps Florida-grown products moving to families,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said.
Nearly 3 million Floridians participate in SNAP administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families, which will ultimately determine how the online program will work.
Grab-And-Go Easter Giveaway Provides Over 1,000 Meals, Easter Goodies
April 12, 2020
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, retired NFL guard Josh Sitton, retired professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. and retired NFL defensive tackle Fred Robbins hosted a grab-and-go drive-thru Easter event for children Saturday at Legion Field.
Parents and children received a free boxed lunch, fresh vegetables and fruit. A free Easter goody bag was also given to children.
“The last few weeks have been a difficult time for all of us as we adjust to the new normal of limiting gatherings and social distancing amid COVID-19,” Commissioner May said. “We wanted to give kids and families a sense of normalcy and provide a fun way to get out of the house and still celebrate the holiday.”
The even was sponsored by the Sitton family and other local residents.
UWF Coach Is Running Seven Marathons In Seven Days To Help Feed The Community
April 12, 2020
Inspired by an ultrarunner in Palm Bay, Florida, who ran 100 miles in one day to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts, University of West Florida cross country coach Caleb Carmichael laced up his Nike running shoes and left his home at 5 a.m. on Monday, April 6. He returned about 3½ hours and nearly 27 miles later, one step closer to his admittedly “crazy” goal.
The 35-year-old Carmichael is running seven marathons in seven days to raise money for Argo Pantry, which provides food to UWF students in need of assistance, and for Feeding the Gulf Coast, a food bank that serves 24 counties throughout the Florida panhandle, South Alabama and South Mississippi. He set up a crowdfunding page through Feeding the Gulf Coast. Argo Pantry asks that donations be made through its wish list on Amazon or by visiting the student support webpage and selecting Argo Pantry as the designation.
“As a community we’re going to have a lot of people lose jobs and not be able to feed their kids and we need to do something about it,” said Carmichael, who is in his seventh year as the UWF men’s and women’s cross country head coach and will complete his fundraiser on Sunday, April 12. “It needed to be something crazy enough for people to take notice. Doing seven in a row is a monumental task.”
Since the spread of COVID-19, Feeding the Gulf Coast reports over a 500% increase in people seeking food assistance. From April 1-7, the organization distributed over 100,000 pounds of food during its mobile panty distributions and distributed 4,000 meals and 4,000 snacks to children in the community. The demand put on food banks nationwide increases each day as the unemployment rate skyrockets from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, the largest network of food banks with over 200 affiliates, projects a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months.
Those grim projections motivate Carmichael each morning to lace the Nikes back up and hit the pavement. Last month, he ran 100 miles in a week, capped by a marathon, but seven marathons in seven days—a total of about 186.2 miles—marks a first for him.
“It’s been hard no doubt about it, but I’m just inspired to do something for somebody else,” said Carmichael, after completing his fourth consecutive marathon on Thursday, April 9. “Each day I start off very sore, very tired and kind of work through it. Halfway in I feel better and then toward the end I get tired and worn out. I spend most of the day then resting and eating and getting hydrated so that I’m ready for the next day.”
For more information about Argo Pantry, visit uwf.edu/argopantry.
Escambia, Santa Rosa COVID-19 Cases Increase By 11 Total On Saturday
April 11, 2020
Only 11 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Saturday by the Florida Department of Health.
There are now 210 total COVID cases in Escambia County. The number of cases in Santa Rosa County increased Saturday by just one to 106. Both counties have had thee deaths each.
The number of coronavirus cases in residents or staff of long-term care facilities remained at 28 in Escambia County.
Statewide, there were 18,986 cases including 18,445 Florida residents. There have been 2,607 hospitalizations and 446 deaths.
Escambia County cases:
- Total cases — 210 (+6 since Friday)
- Long-term care cases — 26
- Pensacola — 155
- Cantonment — 26
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 2
- Molino – 1
- Century — 1
- Residents: 188
- Nonresidents — 16
- Hospitalizations: 17
- Deaths — 3
- Youngest: 2
- Oldest: 95
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 106 (+1 since Friday)
- Long-term care cases — 1
- Milton — 56
- Navarre — 27
- Gulf Breeze — 13
- Pace — 9
- Jay — 1
- Residents: 105
- Nonresidents — 0
- Hospitalizations — 13
- Deaths — 3
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 84
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 18,986
- Florida residents — 18,445
- Deaths — 446
- Hospitalizations — 2,607
Overall Crime Rate Falls In Escambia County As Murders More Than Double
April 11, 2020
The overall crime rate in Escambia County dropped 4.1% from 2018 to 2019 while the number of murders more than doubled, according the 2019 Uniform Crime Report released Friday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office crime rate was down 4.7%, and the Pensacola Police Department’s was down 5%.
The number of murders in Escambia County increased 12 in 2018 to 27 in 2019, robberies increased from 293 to 337, aggravated assaults were up from 1.769 to 1.828, and burglaries increased from 1,769 to 1,828.
Rapes decreased from 224 to 186, larcenies were down from 7,203 to 6,724 and motor vehicle thefts slipped from 679 to 650.
The clearance rate, the percentage of crimes solved, improved from 31.9% in 2018 to 32.5% in 2019
Of the 27 murders in 2019, 24 were in the county and three were in the City of Pensacola.
Across the state, the crime rate in Florida fell by 6.3 percent, marking the 49th consecutive year the state has seen a drop in its crime rate. The report also shows a 4.6 percent decrease of total index crimes, with 26,128 fewer reported offenses compared to 201