Flu-Like Illnesses Widespread; Vaccine Soon
September 30, 2009
Almost 20 percent of all emergency room visits in Alabama are patients suffering from flu-like symptoms, and health officials are reporting a high number of cases in Florida. The Escambia County (Fla.) Health Departments says that most forms of influenza currently being diagnosed in the county are H1N1 — commonly known as swine flu. Santa Rosa County has not been spared from the swine flu, with the county’s health department reporting Tuesday that a 52-year old man died from H1N1 earlier this month.
About 18 percent of emergency room patients and 9 percent of patients presenting in doctors’ offices in Alabama reported having flu-like symptoms, according to reports from physicians and hospitals participating in Centers for Disease Control surveillance programs. Eight Alabama residents who were positive for H1N1 influenza have died this year, and other potential deaths are being investigated.
H1N1 vaccine should be available in early or mid-October, according to health officials. In Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, it will eventually be available at area colleges, hospitals, participating doctor’s offices, health department offices and in public schools. Public school students will not be vaccinated without written permission from a parent; permission forms will be sent home with each child from their school.
The vaccine currently offered at locations such as grocery stores and drugstores is for the seasonal flu, not H1N1 or swine flu.
The Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. Persons age 65 and older are believed to have a lower risk of getting the H1N1 virus, so vaccination for this age group is not recommended until more at-risk groups have been vaccinated.
For more information on the H1N1 flu, click here to visit the CDC web site.
Video Surveillance Systems Planned For Ernest Ward, Jim Allen
September 30, 2009
The Escambia School district will spend $112,739.15 to install video surveillance systems at four schools, including Ernest Ward Middle and Jim Allen Elementary.
The system will also be installed at Workman Middle and Lincoln Park Elementary.
The systems will be integrated into the district-wide system that will allow the video to be viewed from any designated department.
The contract was awarded in the amount of $44,933.35 to Advanced Control Concepts of Pensacola and $67,805.80 to VT MILCOM of Pensacola. The systems are being funding by half cent sales tax and maintenance funds.
FNB&Trust Earns 5-Star Stability And Strength Rating
September 30, 2009
The First National Bank & Trust in Atmore has been awarded a 5-Star Superior Rating for the fifth consecutive quarter.
The 5-start rating for financial strength and stability is the highest rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s bank rating firm for over a quarter century. The rating is based upon the overall financial strength of the bank; the 5-Start rating denotes the First National Bank & Trust as been among the strongest banks in the nations, according to BauerFinancial.
“There’s an old adage that says no press is bad press, but if you’ve seen the banking news over the past year or two, you know this isn’t always true,” notes Karen L. Dorway, president of BaeurFinancial. “That’s why it’s so important today to share some good banking news, and First National Bank & Trust makes it easy. First National Bank & Trust is a model community bank. You should be proud to call it your bank.”
First National Bank & Trust was established in 1915 and has been serving the banking needs of Atmore and surrounding areas for 94 years. It operates through four conveniently located offices in Atmore and Excel and can also be found on the internet at www.fnbandt.com.In addition to earning the 5-Star designation for five consective quarters, the bank has received “recommended” status for 81 consecutive quarters.
BauerFinancial is an independent bank and credit union ranking and research firm. Financial institutions do not pay for their ratings.
Northview Cross Country Meet: T.R. Miller, PCA And Jay Take Top Spots
September 30, 2009
About 120 runners took part in a cross country meet Tuesday afternoon at Northview High School. T.R. Miller took the top spot among the girls, and Pensacola Christian was first among the boys. The Jay Royals took second in both categories.
The fastest time on the 5K course belonged to T.R. Miller High School’s Brandon Nelson at 18:20, followed by two Jay High School runners: Drew Kennedy at 18:35 and Dylan Nadsady at 18:43. The three fastest female runners were all from T.R. Miller: Karisa Nelson 19:34, Katie Nelson 20:22, and Shelby Youngblood 20:43.
Complete overall results and the top runners from Northview and Jay are below:
For a photo gallery from the meet, click here.
Girls Overall
1st – TR Miller 22
2nd – Jay High 42
3rd – Pensacola Christian 75
4th – East Hill Christian School 120
5th – Northview 147
1st- TR Miller Karisa Nelson 19:34
2nd -TR Miller Katie Nelson 20:22
3rd -TR Miller Shelby Youngblood 20:43
Northview’s Top 5 Girls
Georgia Geotter 25:04
Autumn Bobo 31:48
Angel Mitchell 33:17
Harley Caraway 33:33
Jessica Bloodsworth 37:58
Jay’s Top 5 Girls
Leely Trevino 23:18
Robin Blackman 23:29
Gloria Ramey 24:22
Allison Blaire 24:26
Caristyn Golden 24:28
Boys Overall
1st – Pensacola Christian 37
2nd – Jay High 37
3rd – TR Miller 68
4th – Northview High 163
5th – Central 199
1st TR Miller -Brandon Nelson 18:20
2nd Jay High -Drew Kennedy 18:35
3rd Jay High -Dylan Nadsady 18:43
Northview’s Top 5 Boys
Josh Scott 21:25
AJ Lambert 21:36
Jackson Smith 23:44
Dillian Crutchfield 25:04
Blake Luker 25:45
Jay’s Top 5 Boys
Drew Kennedy 18:35
Dylan Nadsady 18:43
Dusty Kennedy 19:05
Micah Kemp 20:03
Eric Trevino 20:34
Sheriff To Lead Northview Parade In New Tahoe; Crown Victorias On The Way Out
September 30, 2009
The days of seeing deputies on the roads in North Escambia in Ford Crown Victorias are coming to an end, with Ford phasing out the car and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department purchasing a fleet of new Chevrolet Tahoes.
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan will make the North Escambia debut of the new ESCO Tahoe this Friday as he leads the first annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade.
The last Ford Crown Vic will roll off the assembly line in 2010, forcing law enforcement agencies across the nation to find another vehicle for their men and women on the streets. Some are choosing the Dodge Charger, currently used on a limited basis in our area by the Florida Highway Patrol.
But for the Escambia Sheriff’s Department, the higher price of the Charger — and tires that $185 each — the Tahoe SUV was a better fit.
The base price of a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is $23,146, but nicely equipped with all the needed police options — like a handling package that puts it two inches closer to the ground than the standard model — the out-the-door price for the sheriff’s office Tahoes is $38,957 each. That’s less than an extra $250 over the Crown Vic with a police package.
There will be a slight gas savings on the Chevy Tahoe, at 15 city miles to the gallon compared to 14 for the Ford Crown Victoria.
The 52 police-equipped Chevrolet Tahoes will cost the sheriff’s department $1.9 million of local option sales tax money. Most will go to patrol and K-9 officers, phasing out older Crown Victories, some of which have well over 100,000 miles on the odometer.
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade will be held on Highway 4 at 12:30 Friday from Bratt Elementary School to Northview. There is still plenty of time to enter the parade, call the school at (850) 327-6681 ext. 254. There is no charge to enter, but all entries must be approved by the sponsoring Northview DCT class.
Pictured above and below: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Ted Roy shows up new ESCO Chevrolet Tahoe. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christian Coalition Gives Evers Top Marks
September 30, 2009
State Rep. Greg Evers has received the “Faith and Family Award” from the Christian Coalition of Florida.
The award was presented during the 20th annual “God and Country” banquet in Orlando. Evers received a score of 100 percent during the 2009 Legislative Session for his work on behalf of the Christian organization.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by the Christian Coalition of Florida as a recipient of its 2009 Faith and Family Award,” said Representative Evers. “As a man of faith serving in the Florida Legislature, I hold very seriously my duty to uphold our Northwest Florida values, faith and traditions in Tallahassee. I am glad that my votes reflect my commitment to God and our community.”
Evers, a farmer and small businessman from Baker, represents District 1, which includes parts of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties — including North Escambia. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2001.
He serves as chairman of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee of the Florida House & Florida Senate and serves on the Economic Development Policy Committee, the Agriculture & Environmental Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture Policy Committee.
Santa Rosa Man Dies From Swine Flu
September 29, 2009
A 52-year old man is Santa Rosa County’s first confirmed death associated with H1N1 Swine Flu, according to the county’s health department.
The man died September 11, according to information released Tuesday from the Santa Rosa County Health Department. Health officials were notified of his death September 28, when the results of additional lab tests were received. The man had hypertension and GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease). In keeping with Florida Department of Health policy, no additional information was released.
“The death of a loved one under any circumstances is always a tragedy,” said Sandra Park, A.R.N.P., interim administrator for the health department. “Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
The man was admitted to the hospital on September 4. At that time, a rapid flu test for H1N1 was performed and the result of that test was negative. Additional testing, however, confirmed that the man was ill with H1N1.
The health department is continuing its surveillance of the H1N1 virus and encourages the public to practice good hygiene precautions as the most effective method of preventing the spread of not only H1N1 but seasonal flu as well. These methods consist of washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, covering sneezes and coughs and, most importantly, staying at home if they are sick. If they have questions about how to care for someone who may have the flu, they should call their health care provider.
Although the health department has not yet received the H1N1 vaccine, seasonal flu vaccine is available and health officials are encouraging residents to get their annual flu shot.
For more information on H1N1 flu, log onto the Department of Health’s H1N1 website at myflusafety.com or call the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.
Rabies Alert Extended For North Escambia; More Rabid Animals Found
September 29, 2009
A rabies alert for NorthEscambia has been extended after three more animals have been found with rabies.
The original alert, issued at the end of August was issued after one person was bit by a rabid fox and two raccoons that bit dogs tested positive for rabies. But now that three more rabid animals have been found in North Escambia, the rabies alert has been extended until November 29.
The Escambia County Health Department received laboratory-confirmation of rabies in a skunk and two raccoons. The skunk and raccoons were sent for testing after interacting with pets and, in one case, a pet owner. These positive tests are in addition to the rabid animals that prompted the August alert.
The rabies alert is for all of North Escambia, from Muscogee Road north to the Alabama state line, including all areas between the Escambia and Perdido rivers north of Musocogee Road.
“Rabies will kill humans and their pets if it is not treated,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “I urge residents to keep their pets vaccinated, to stay away from wild animals, and to take basic precautions to keep wild animals from coming to your home.”
Escambia residents should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in North Escambia, according to the health department. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.
An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and humans should avoid all wildlife contact, especially with raccoons, bats, and foxes.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is usually fatal to warm-blooded animals and to humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
The following advice is issued:
- All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
- Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, and foxes.
- All persons with any unusual exposure incident, or bites, with a wild animal should be evaluated by a physician to determine their need for treatment.
- For general questions pertaining to rabies in animals, contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
- Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Do not leave pet food outside as this practice also attracts other animals.
- For questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian.
- Veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/diseases.htm or contact the Escambia County Health Department, Environmental Health office at (850) 595-6700.
Insurance Benefits Reduced For Escambia Teachers, School Employees
September 29, 2009
The Escambia County School Board voted Monday to cut back on health care benefits for about 4,300 teachers, staff members and retirees.
The biggest change comes to doctor’s visit co-pays. This year, it costs a teacher or educational staff member $30 to see a doctor. Starting January 1, that co-pay will change to $20 plus 20 percent of the doctor’s total bill. The co-pays do not apply to preventative doctor’s visits and screenings.
The new plan will keep hospitalization co-pays at the current 20 percent.
The school district was facing a $6.4 million budget deficit in its self-insured insurance trust fund. The change to doctor’s co-pays is projected to save the district about $3.5 million next year.
Under the next year’s health benefits plan, school district employees will see no change to their health insurance premiums or prescription cost. And the district will pay a $100 bonus to full-time permanent employees that take part in a health risk assessment program.
The Escambia School District Health Plan changes were approved Monday on a 5-0 vote by the school board at a special meeting. The changes will be on the district’s Choice Plan.
Century Man Arrested Monday On Battery Charges
September 29, 2009
A Century man was arrested Monday on battery charges at an apartment complex where he lives.
Gregory Joseph Matthews, 24, of 20 West Highway 4, Century, was arrested by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies after a domestic incident at the Century Woods Apartments.
Matthews was booked into the Escambia County Jail where he remained Tuesday morning without bond.