From staff reports

Costa Enterprises McDonald’s served 9,056 free combo meals to medical workers as a part of their “Free Meals for Heroes” initiative which launched March 18 and ended March 31.

Costa Enterprises McDonald’s created the initiative as a way to say “thank you” to all of the men and women who have been dedicating their time and putting themselves at risk to work in their medical professions during this global pandemic. While most of the population is self-quarantining or practicing social-distancing, hospital workers have been continuing to work diligently and operating normal and extended hours.

The offer was originally created with hospital workers in mind. However, after the initial announcement, the Costa family decided to expand the offer to all professionals in the medical field including hospice nurses, pharmacists, nursing home employees, and other various healthcare workers. The offer was valid for one free combo meal of choice per customer that presented a valid hospital ID badge or medical ID per day.

Over the course of two weeks, a total of 9,056 meals were served from the 24 Costa Family McDonald’s locations in the Southeast. Costa Family McDonald’s locations include all Navarre locations.

Visit https://costamcd.com for details.

Escambia provides mobile hand-washing stations to homeless centers

Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services staff have placed mobile hand-washing stations at Waterfront Rescue Mission, 380 W. Herman St., and the Alfred Washburn Center, 31 Murphy Lane, through utilization of Community Development Block Grant funding.

The hand-washing stations have been placed in strategic areas surrounding the buildings to allow homeless individuals to practice good hygiene and hand-washing techniques.

Waterfront Mission is currently open and providing limited day services, walk up lunch, and limited overnight stay for men. The Alfred Washburn Center is also open and providing to-go meals, showers and laundry facilities for homeless individuals.

Find more information about these agencies, visit www.waterfrontmission.org and www.alfredwashburn.org. The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County Coronavirus Call Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-779-6121 or via email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Visit floridahealth.gov for the most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For Escambia County specific COVID-19 questions call the Citizen Information Center at 850-471-6600 or email covid19@myescambia.com.

Neighborhood Cleanup collects over 88 tons of bulk waste

The latest Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup collected over 88 tons (177,120 pounds) of bulk waste, along with 134 tires and 1,155 gallons of paint. The cleanup took place March 28 and included over 2,100 houses in the cleanup area.

The Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup allows residents in the cleanup areas to leave eligible items at the curb on cleanup day to be picked up by City of Pensacola Sanitation Services. The cleanup includes bulk items such as household appliances, furniture and mattresses, bicycles and toys, tires and old paint.

Through the program, all city neighborhoods have a cleanup once a year during the months of January through October. In addition to Sanitation Services collecting items left at the curb, Code Enforcement conducts a sweep of the cleanup area and addresses any code violations.

Chamber, BRACE and Hillcrest Baptist offer medical supply donations site

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce is partnering with BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) and Hillcrest Baptist Church to offer a continuous site for medical supply donations.

Donations can be made from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at both Hillcrest Baptist Church campuses (800 E. Nine Mile Road or 3960 Spanish Trail Road). Donation sites at this location will be available at least until April 20.

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce is thankful for all community and faith-based partners assisting in responding to the community’s needs during this unprecedented time.

Call 850-356-8735 or email slefevers@pensacolachamber.com for details.

2020 Whataburger scholarship opens application period

Pensacola Sports has announced the renewed partnership with Whataburger restaurants to sponsor the Pensacola Sports Senior Scholar Athlete program. The event is currently scheduled for May 12 at Olive Baptist Church.

For the seventh consecutive year, Whataburger and Pensacola Sports will award one male and one female student-athlete with a $500 scholarship to be used toward their first semester’s book expense. Additionally, the two awardees will win “Whataburger for a Year.” Any senior in Escambia and Santa Rosa County is eligible to apply.

The annual banquet presented by Ascension Sacred Heart recognizes approximately 225 senior athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools based on their academic performance combined with the student’s athletic skills.

Senior student athletes may visit pensacolasports.org/whataburger-books-scholarship-application/ to complete and submit the scholarship application form. April 28 is the deadline to submit a scholarship application.

Call 434-2800 or visit pensacolasports.org for details.