Biden, Trump Win Florida Primaries And Escambia County; Voter Turnout About 31%
March 18, 2020
Voter turnout in Escambia County on Tuesday was 31.11% as Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective party primaries.
The local vote in Escambia County closely mirror the totals across Florida.
- In the Democratic Primary, Biden took 66.72% of the vote in Escambia County and about 62% of the statewide vote. Bernie Sanders received 21.34% of the Escambia County vote and 22.8% across the state.
- In the Republican Primary, Trump received 94.4% of the vote in Escambia County and about 94% of the statewide vote.
Pictured: Escambia County Precinct 22 at the Century Town Hall on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
So What’s This Social Distancing Thing We’re Hearing About?
March 18, 2020
Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events.
The graphics below explain:
NorthEscambia.com graphics, adapted from the Florida Department of Health.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Suspends Some Functions Due To COVID-19
March 18, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has suspended several functions to support the statewide initiative of social distancing. Beginning Wednesday morning, March 18, the following changes are being implemented:
- Training Division: All agency training and travel for training purposes has been canceled.
- Civil: As of today, there will be no suspension of services provided. Civil processes will continue as normal, until an order is issued by Court Administrators or the Chief Judge.
- Warrants: As of today, there will be no suspension of any services provided.
- Patrol: There will be no interruption of services to the public. Deputies have been provided guidelines for citizen contact. Reports where there is no immediate threat to life or safety can be made via the E-Reports section on the ECSO website. All citizen RideAlong programs have been suspended.
- School Resource: School resource deputies have been reallocated to areas within the agency.
- Investigations: There will be no interruption of services to the public.
- Victim Services: Victim Advocates have suspended face-to-face contact; assistance is being provided via telephone.
- Human Resources: All interviews and polygraphs have been suspended and none are currently being scheduled. HR is available by telephone for any questions.
- Community Relations: All community events have been suspended.
- Communications: Dispatchers will ask specific questions to identify risk factors for responding deputies.
- Records/Public Records: Records may be requested by telephone or via the records request center on the ECSO website. (escambiaso.govqa.us)
- Citizen Complaints: If you wish to file a complaint on a Sheriff’s Office Employee please follow the link below. All complaint forms must be signed and returned to the Sheriff’s Office.
- Property/Facilities: All deliveries will be accepted without vendors entering the physical building.
- Front Lobby: The lobby will remain open. Fingerprinting has been suspended.
- Evidence: All activities with the public are suspended, the office will be open and we are requesting that business be conducted by phone.
EREC Closes Office Lobbies, Scales Back Walnut Hill Post Office Services
March 18, 2020
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has closed their lobbies in Walnut and Jay, and they have scaled back services offered at their contract post office due to the coronavirus.
At the main EREC office in Jay, the drive-thru only will be open.
At the EREC Walnut Hill Office, which also includes the Walnut Hill contract post office, the lobby will be closed. The post office mail receptacle area will remain open with limited service. Individuals can still check their post office boxes, and drop-off small mail or packages. Purchasing postage and large package shipping will not be available and must be handled at a full-scale post office facility.
EREC accept payments by mail, online, by phone or using a night depository drop. Services such as opening or closing an electric, water or internet account; making changes to services; balance inquiries and service orders can be accomplished b phone or email. Contact memberservices@erec.com or call (850) 675-4521 or (800) 235-3848 for assistance.
Pictured: The Walnut Hill post office. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Town Hall Closes Lobby; Payments, Business Conducted At Drive-Thru
March 18, 2020
The lobby of the Century Town Hall has been closed to the public due to COVID-19.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said that town business — such as utility payments — can be conducted at the building’s drive-thru window during regular business hours.
The town has not made any changes to utility service due dates. Century does not offer online payments.
For more information, call the town hall at (850) 256-3208 or email Mayor Henry Hawkins at hhawkins@centuryflorida.us.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Bars, Nightclubs Closed For 30 Days; Restaurants Operating Under COVID-19 Restrictions
March 18, 2020
Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced new restrictions on restaurants and ordered all bars and nightclubs closed due COVID-19.
Restaurants must stay below 50 percent of their total capacity in dining areas, parties must be seated at tables must be at least six feets apart, and all employees must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms using a series of questions. DeSantis also encouraged restaurants to stay open offering takeout and delivery services.
Bars and nightclubs must remain closed for the next 30 days.
Pictured: All Whataburger restaurants have closed their lobbies, including this location on North Century Boulevard. The Century location remains open offering drive-thru service and curbside pick-up. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employee In Pensacola Tests Presumptive Positive For COVID-19
March 17, 2020
Navy Federal Credit Union learned today that an employee working at its campus in Pensacola tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), the company said in a statement. The employee last reported to work on Saturday, March 14 before seeking medical treatment.
Across its operation, Navy Federal said it has strict protocols and policies in place to help prevent the spread of the virus, including:
- Instructing employees who don’t feel well to stay home from work
- Promoting social distancing and virtual meetings to limit exposure between employees
- Regularly disinfecting work stations and common areas
- Expanding telework (work from home) capabilities
Navy Federal is working with health officials in this case and will continue to follow CDC guidance to best protect the health and well-being of our employees.
Editor’s Note: It is not clear if this is a second case in Escambia County or just additional details about the first case. Updates will be posted.
Escambia To Limit Group Sizes On The Beach; Sheriff Says Stop Hoarding
March 17, 2020
Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials upd
Escambia County will limit groups on the beach to 10 or fewer people, Commissioner Robert Bender said during afternoon press conference, keeping with CDC guidelines for public gatherings.’
Signs will be posted as the beach alerting the public, and the county will monitor.
Escambia County Health Department Director Dr. John Lanza would not provide any additional information about the one positive case in Escambia County, other than to say he traveled internationally, returned and was tested. He said the health department is performing “contact tracing” to find out who came into contact with the patient. Those persons are being contacted for evaluation.
“Stop hoarding,” Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said. He encouraged residents to follow voluntary guidelines to avoid more “draconian” measures that have been implemented in other states. “Stop hoarding, be compliant, make sure we don’t end up with involuntary quarantines in Escambia County.”
“This is not going to be the zombie apocalypse,” Morgan said in response to reports that residents are stockpiling ammunition.
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district is working on plans in case students can’t return to class after two weeks. Students were already scheduled to be out for spring break this week, and that was extended through next week under a state order.
NorthEscambia.com images.
Body Found Along Road Near The Escambia River Bridge
March 17, 2020
A body was found about noon Tuesday in the area of the Escambia River Bridge on Highway 90.
The body was found by Florida Department of Transportation workers about noon on the Santa Rosa County side.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigatin.
“More information will be released as it becomes available,” Sgt. Rich Aloy said. “This is he only information being released at this time.”
UWF Extends Online Instruction Through Semester; Cancels Spring Commencement
March 17, 2020
The University of West Florida has extended online instruction through the end of the semester and canceled spring commencement.
Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the State University System of Florida directed all Florida universities to conduct the rest of the Spring 2020 semester remotely.
UWF’s traditional in-person Spring 2020 commencement will not be held in May.
“We understand this is very disappointing to our seniors and we are working with student leaders to discuss creative ideas to ensure our students are celebrated,” UWF said in a statement. “We plan to honor our students while still keeping our community safe. More details will be provided as soon as possible.”
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any University of West Florida campuses or locations.