FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts – Where To Expect Delays
August 27, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter the following traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Thursday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Thursday.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Paving operations continue between Muscogee Road and West 9 ½ Mile Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exit 10):
- From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25
- Alternating east and westbound I-10 nearing U.S 29 interchange (Exit 10) as crews perform striping operations.
- From 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30:
- Alternating east and westbound I-10 and north and southbound U.S. 29 lane closures.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
- U.S. 29 Routine Maintenance from Alabama State line to north of McCall Road- Intermittent lane closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the following locations as crews make repairs to the roadway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounteralternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30.
- State Road (S.R.) 750 (Airport Boulevard) from S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) to S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) – There will be alternating lane closures, between Davis Highway and 9th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30 as crews perform paving operations.
- S.R. 295 (Navy Boulevard) Routine Maintenance at intersection of W. Street- East and westbound lane closures at the intersection of W. Street from 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Aug. 28 as crew make repairs to the roadway.
- U.S. 29 Routine Maintenance from Alabama State line to north of McCall Road- Intermittent lane closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the following locations as crews make repairs to the roadway.
- U.S. 29 at the Florida/Alabama State line.
- U.S. 29 just north of S.R. 4.
- U.S. 29 north of McCall Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22) – Drivers traveling I-10 and Avalon Boulevard will encounter the following traffic impacts from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard as crews widen the roadway.
- Alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, as crews reconstruct the travel lanes.
- Drivers will encounter new traffic pattern(s) on I-10 east and westbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue throughout the summer.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounteralternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 30.
- S.R. 87 Widening from the Eglin AFB Boundary to two miles south of the Yellow River Bridge- New travel lanes on S.R. 87, from the Eglin AFB boundary to two miles south of the Yellow River Bridge are open and the speed limit has been raised to 65 mph. Drivers are reminded the speed limit may be temporarily reduced to 45 mph should any lane closures be needed to complete final construction activities. Weather permitting, all work on this 5.3-mile segment is scheduled for completion later this month.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) – Traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Pictured: Workers place the first layer of asphalt for future eastbound travel lanes on Nine Mile Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gas Prices Decline Headed Toward Labor Day
August 27, 2018
Gas prices are declining as Americans prepare for the final holiday of the summer travel season.
“Pump prices are 40-50 cents higher than a year ago, but that spread will be erased by Labor Day,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Holiday travelers will find pump prices at around the same level as last year. In 2017, gas prices spiked before Labor Day, after Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast. This year, motorists should benefit from a relatively quiet hurricane season along the east coast. Although pump prices may fluctuate with surging holiday demand, AAA does not forecast a significant hike, unless there is an unexpected disruption in supply.”
Gas prices in Florida dropped 4 cents last week. The state average declined for the 16th consecutive day on Sunday, for a total of 9 cents. Sunday’s state average of $2.73 per gallon is 42 cents more than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia Count was $2.71, down from $2.78 one month ago.
Florida’s state average currently sits just 4 cents above last year’s average price on Labor Day.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Three Candidates On Primary Ballot For One Century Council Seat
August 27, 2018
Three people will face each other on the ballot during Tuesday’s primary election for a seat on the Century Town Council.
Mary Hudson Bourgeois, Brian Johnston and James Smith, Jr. are seeking Seat 4, currently held by Gary Riley. If no candidate receives one vote more than 50 percent, there will be a runoff in November.
Incumbent Gary Riley tearfully announced in May that he would not seek re-election to the seat he has held for 20 years.
Incumbent Ben Boutwell will face challenger Amanuel Onell Dubose on the general election ballot on November 6.
James Windham Norris
August 27, 2018
James Windham Norris, 83 of Atmore, AL, passed away August 24, 2018, in Atmore. He was born on November 1, 1934, in Atmore, AL. to the late Johnnie Ervin and Cassie Dean Hobbs Norris. He worked in sales with Alabama Power and R.P. McDavid Company. He was retired from the Army National Guard. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Bobby Norris.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nan Reia Wise Norris of Atmore; three daughters Tina (Scott) Brooks of Atmore, AL, Rene` (Lamar) Godwin of Oak Grove, FL, and Michelle Norris of Milton, FL; grandchildren, Zachary Brooks, Norris (Rebecca) Brooks, Ethan (Katie) Brooks, Allie Brooks, Cassie (Stephan) Skelton and Olivia Godwin; great-grandchildren Riley Brooks, Wyatt Brooks, Blakely Skelton, Sanders Skelton and Evee June Miller.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 26, 2018, from the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Bro. Robert Heard officiating.
Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Scott Brooks, Zach Brooks, Norris Brooks, Ethan Brooks, Lamar Godwin and Terre McGill.
Honorary pallbearers will be Floyd Adams, Ted Clayton, Gerald Davidson, Carl Madison, I. G. Nichols and Lowell McGill.
Johnson-Quimby is in charge of arrangements.
Humid, Afternoon Showers
August 27, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Wahoos Come Up Empty
August 27, 2018
After the Wahoos’ 11-run outburst the night before, Pensacola’s offense dried up Sunday night. Mitch Ghelfi’s solo home run in the seventh inning broke a scoreless tie and the BayBears held on for a 1-0 win at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Tony Santillan (L, 4-3) pitched 6.2 innings and allowed seven hits while striking out eight. For most of his night, the right-hander avoided trouble from the BayBears offense. Ghelfi led off the seventh and pulled a home run just inside the right-field foul pole to give Mobile a 1-0 lead. Ryan Clark pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth for his fifth save of the year.
Pensacola had plenty of chances with runners on base but simply couldn’t produce any runs. Pensacola had baserunners in eight of the nine innings; however, only three times did the Wahoos have runners in scoring position. Mobile outhit the Wahoos 10-5 a night after the Wahoos piled on 15 hits and 11 runs against the BayBears.
The Wahoos tried to nick the game late after Jose Siri walked with one out in the ninth. With Friedl batting, Siri stole second base, and then a pitch later advanced to third on a wild pitch. Unfortunately, Clark struck out Friedl, and after a walk to Mitch Nay, Gavin LaValley struck out looking to end the game.
With Mississippi’s 2-0 win over the Shuckers, the Wahoos now trail the M-Braves by a game in the second-half standings. Should the M-Braves win the second-half, both the Wahoos and BayBears would be eliminated from the postseason.
RHP Daniel Wright (6-10, 4.30) will try even the series for the Wahoos with a win on Monday. Mobile hopes to hand Pensacola their fifth consecutive series loss when RHP Matt Ball (1-1, 5.40) takes the bump for the visitors.
Bicyclist Struck By Passing Truck On Highway 29
August 26, 2018
One person was injured when the the mirror of a passing vehicle reportedly struck a bicycle midday Sunday on Highway 29 north of Archer Road.
The driver of a Ford pickup truck stopped a short distance away after the 11:50 a.m. accident.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hill Wants To Bring Trump’s Hollywood Star To Pensacola; Bydlak Keeps On Knocking
August 26, 2018
The two leading candidates for the Republican nomination for Florida House District 1 have taken two very different approaches to their campaign in the final days leading up to Tuesday’s primary election.
Mike Hill, a former state representative looking to return to the legislature, took to Facebook Live with a giant replica of Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame plague.
In the video, Hill stands in front of a Confederate monument in downtown Pensacola and vows to “bring the Trump Hollywood star” to “the first settlement in America.”
“We have President Trump’s Hollywood Star! Pensacola is America’s first settlement – where it all began. Fitting that we have our President’s star rejected by leftists. We will honor and protect it,” Hill posted.
Trump’s sidewalk star — which has been destroyed twice — probably isn’t going anywhere, but the West Hollywood City Council reportedly passed a unanimous resolution this month calling for the onetime reality-show host’s marker to be permanently removed.
The video of Hill — who’s captured on camera directing his photog to scootch a little to the left and a little closer to frame the shot — is a contrast to the slickly produced campaign ads bombarding Floridians in the mail, on TV and over the internet in the days leading up to Tuesday’s primary elections.
Almost as an aside, at the end of the nearly two-minute video, Hill holds up a giant sign with his own name on it and asks voters to support his bid in state House District 1. The video as received over 7,000 views since it was posted Wednesday, and it has made political news across the country.
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Meanwhile, Rebekah Bydlak has just kept on knocking.
In additional to all the traditional campaign tactics, Bydlak said Saturday that she has personally knocked on the doors of a over 6,000 voters across a District 1, a conservative stronghold.
“I have personally talked with hundreds of people in our community every day, hearing their concerns and sharing my conservative agenda to support President Trump, fighting for jobs and against illegal immigration, protecting our gun rights, and standing for life,” she said.
Bydlak has received the endorsement of current District 1 Rep. Clay Ingram, who is term-limited.
Friday night, Bydlak and her husband joined Ingram and his family at Pete Gindl Stadium to watch Tate High School Aggie football…and meet voters.
“My campaign has been about the people and our community. I want to do things differently than career politicians,” Bydlak said Saturday – as she was out knocking on more doors of voters and meeting them face to face.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sen. John McCain Passes Away; He Held Fond Memories Of North Escambia
August 26, 2018
Sen. John McCain, American statesman and POW survivor, has passed away at age 81 after a battle with brain cancer.
NorthEscambia.com interviewed McCain in a personal one-on-one phone interview as he was campaigning for Mitt Romney.
He addressed what an area like North Escambia needs from the federal government.
“We need to give businesses large and small the kind of certainty about the future that they need to invest and light a fire in your communities,” he said. “But that’s not happening now. They never know when the next regulation is coming down from Washington.”
“It’s the same with the smalls cities and towns; there’s too much regulation,” McCain said.
McCain said he felt a special bond with Escambia County where he and other McCain family members attended flight training in Pensacola.
And had expressed fond memories of rural North Escambia, where during his time at NAS he would head north to the country on the weekends to ride the area’s dirt roads.
Early Voting Closes With Over 12K Ballots Cast
August 26, 2018
Early voting for the 2018 primary election ended Saturday with 12,101 votes cast in Escambia County. That’s the most ever for a regular primary – 36 percent higher than the previous records. . Combined with returned mail ballots, the unofficial turnout is already at 14 percent.
Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.