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Renaming Part Of I-10 For Deputy Killed 30 Years Ago Under Consideration

An effort is underway to rename a portion of I-10 in Escambia County for an Escambia County deputy killed in the line of duty over 30 years ago.

On December, 3, 1988, Deputy Donald Ray Cook was on his way to an off duty job in his patrol car.  While monitoring his police radio, Cook learned of a high speed pursuit of armed robbers on I-10 headed into Escambia County from Santa Rosa County.

Cook responded to I-10 where he set up a roadblock in the west bound lane between the off ramp to Highway 29 and the I -10 spur near the railroad trestle. Cook exited his vehicle and the pursuit continued toward the roadblock where he was struck and killed. The suspect were taken into custody several miles away after their vehicle was disabled.

Cook was a five-year veteran of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

“His name is engraved on the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., and he is recognized at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but we have reached a point in time where our citizens need to be reminded daily of the sacrifice our officers make, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One way we could do this is to name an appropriate section of Interstate 10 in memory of Deputy Donald Ray Cook,” retired FDLE Agent Ed Hudson of McDavid wrote in an email to Senator Doug Broxson’s Office.

On Thursday, the Escambia County Commission will vote on a resolution to support renaming I-10 between Davis Highway and Highway 29 for Deputy Don Cook. If approved the resolution will advance to Broxson’s office the Legislature.

Florida Gas Prices Decline Over The Last Week

Florida gas prices continue to decline, with an average drop of 7 cents at the pump last week.

The current state average is $2.37 per gallon, down from a high in January of $2.56 per gallon. The state average has since dropped a total of 18 cents per gallon in the past 17 days.

The average price in Escambia County was $2.29, while two Cantonment stations had the lowest price in North Escambia Sunday night at $2.19 per gallon.

“The state average should trend even lower this week, as strong gasoline supplies continue to outpace low winter fuel demand,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “In addition to those seasonal factors, it now appears that the coronavirus is heaping even more downward pressure on fuel prices. Marketwatchers are concerned that the mysterious virus could lead to even less global fuel demand. The growing concerns led to lower crude prices last week, which lowers the cost of producing gasoline. If current wholesale gasoline prices hold, the state average could approach $2.30 per gallon by the end of the week.”

Escambia County, Pensacola Encouraging Census Participation

Escambia County and the City of Pensacola are encouraging all residents to participate in the 2020 Census to ensure everyone in the community is accurately counted during the nation’s once-in-a-decade headcount of every person in the United States.
The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities including Escambia County and the City of Pensacola every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community throughout the U.S., from highway planning and public transit to educational programs and housing assistance.

Census Day 2020 is April 1, but many households should expect to hear from the U.S. Census Bureau as early as March.

Some important Census dates include:

• March 12 – 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
• March 30 – April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
• April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
• April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
• May – July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
• December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.

What is the Census and how do I respond?
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire online, by phone or by mail.

NAS Pensacola, Whiting Field Conducting Anti-Terrorism Exercise

NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field are taking part in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise through February 14.

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2020 will take place on all Navy installations in the continental U.S.

“Our number one responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, equipment and installation,” said Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola. “This exercise allows us to test our security protocols and work together as partners with our local law enforcement.”

The exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners. The exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise, according to the Navy.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise.

Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.

Photo: U.S. Navy.

Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots

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 Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, Feb. 2.
  • Nine Mile Road will be closed at the U.S. 29 overpass from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Feb. 2 through Tuesday, Feb. 4 as crews place the beams for the final section of the new southbound bridge deck. The following detour will be in place:
    • Eastbound Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane, directed to U.S. 29 southbound, U-turn at West Hood Drive, and return to Nine Mile Road.
    • Westbound traffic will perform the same operation at West 9 1/2 Mile Road

o   Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass:  Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.

o   U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.

• Detroit Boulevard will be closed west of U.S. 29 at the railroad tracks from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 to 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 for railroad reconstruction. Detroit Boulevard between Untreiner Avenue and U.S. 29 will be open to local traffic only. All other traffic will be directed to Hannah Street, Untreiner Avenue, and Broad Street.

• U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 2.

1. U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
2. North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.

• ·         S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29 – Milestone Boulevard will be closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 as crews continue drainage work. Traffic remains detoured via Littleton Street and Oldenburg Boulevard.
• ·         I-110 Bridge Maintenance on Cervantes Street On Ramp- The northbound Cervantes Street on ramp will be restricted to one lane from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Tuesday, Feb. 4 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
• ·         I-110 Bridge Maintenance on Gregory Street On Ramp- The northbound Gregory Street on ramp will be restricted to one lane from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Wednesday, Feb. 5 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
• ·         I-110 Bridge Maintenance on Cervantes Street Off Ramp- The southbound Cervantes Street off ramp will be restricted to one lane from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Thursday, Feb. 6 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
• ·         S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for through March 2020.
• ·         U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work.  Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
• ·         Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. The roadway remains temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.

• C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Weather permitting, traffic will be transitioned to the new bridge Saturday, Feb 1. Crews will then begin removing the temporary acrow bridge.  Drivers reminded to watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

Santa Rosa County:

• ·            U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 2.
• ·            U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements. Motorists may encounter lane closures East and West bound at Bostic Lane from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• ·            U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities continue along the following seven locations: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive. Crews continue curb and gutter, traffic separator, roadway work, and irrigation repairs.  Motorists may encounter lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• ·            S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
• · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound, outside lane closures as crews perform expansion joint work.
• · S.R. 87 Turn lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations will take place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.

1. U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
2. North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Milestone Boulevard Is Closed At Nine Mile. Here’s A Look At The Work.

Milestone Boulevard is closed at Nine Mile Road for drainage work that is part of the Nine Mile widening project.

Crews have demolished a section of the roadway. After digging a trench that is about 4-feet deep, 30-inch pipes will be put in place. The roadway will then be repaved and reopened.

The target date to reopen Milestone Boulevard is on or before Friday, February 7.

Traffic is currently being detoured to Littleton Street and Oldenburg Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and alternate route. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Pictured: Drainage work at Milestone Boulevard and Nine Mile Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Sunny And Warm Today, Rain Chances Increase Tuesday To Thursday

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 7am. High near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 60. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 65. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 65.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule

Monday, February 3

Florida International Association of Firefighters Bargaining Session – 11 a.m., Public Safety Building, 6575 N. “W’ St.

Tuesday, February 4

Planning Board-Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place

Planning Board-Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place

Nine Mile Road Closed At Highway 29 Tuesday Night

Nine Mile Road will be closed at the Highway overpass from 8 p.m. to midnight  Tuesday as crews place the beams for the final section of the new southbound bridge deck.

Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct motorists, and the following detour will be in place:

• Eastbound Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane, directed to Highway 29 southbound, U-turn at West Hood Drive, and return to Nine Mile Road.
• Westbound traffic will perform the same operation at West 9 1/2 Mile Road.

Additionally, Highway 29 traffic between Interstate 10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.

Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Cloe Smith Named Miss NHS 2020 (With Photo Gallery)

Cloe Smith was crowned Miss NHS 2020 Saturday night at Northview High School.

Amber Gilman was named first runner-up, while Taylor Levins was named second runner-up. Other members of the Top 5 were Ayiana Courtney and Payton Jackson.

Other awards were Miss Congeniality Cloe Smith, Miss Hospitality Amber Gilman, Miss Physical Fitness Nevaeh Brown, and Miss Poise and Appearance Cloe Smith.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery click here.

Pictured top: Miss NHS 2020 Cloe Smith. Pictured below: First runner-up Amber Gilman, Miss NHS Cloe Smith and second runner-up Taylor Levins. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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