Here Are This Week’s Traffic Delay Spots To Watch
February 23, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Temporary Road Closure between A Street and Tarragona Street- The road will be closed from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22 for Mardi Gras Parades. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- 9th Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289), Martin Luther King/Alcaniz Street/Davis Highway (S.R. 291) and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Video Underground Sewer Lines- Drivers may experience intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, March 31.
- 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. 23.- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
- 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.
- Pensacola Bay (U.S. 98) 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 23.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Road Repairs west of Chemstrand Road-The westbound lane will be closed Monday, Feb. 24 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews make repairs to the roadway.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29- New Market Street will experience intermittent road closures through Saturday, Feb. 29 as drainage work continues. Traffic is detoured to Parkside Street and Milestone Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and alternate route.
- · I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Fairfield Drive (S.R. 295) - There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions, 3.6 miles south of I-10, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23 and Monday, Feb. 24 as crews repair bridge joints.
- · U.S. 29 Underground Utility Operations from Kenmore Road to West Hoper Road- There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 28.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – 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- Crews continue roadway earthwork and preparations for base material. 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- Crews are paving the final layer of asphalt, grading, constructing concrete ditch pavement, and striping the roadway. 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 23.
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements at Sanford Street. East and westbound lane closures will be in effect at Bostic Lane and Sanford Street 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 at 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 activities continue. Workers are preparing base material for paving to begin at the Days Inn moving westward. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Manning Creek- There will be northbound lane restrictions 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 for routine bridge maintenance.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn Lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations are taking place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- 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.
Local Students Selected For EREC Washington Youth Tour
February 23, 2020
Two area high school students have been selected to represent Escambia River Cooperative on 2020 Washington Youth Tour in June. They are Amber Gilman from Northview High School and Katelyn Mayo from Jay High School.
Judges from PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Andalusia, AL, and Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, AL, scored contestants in their interviews based on their knowledge of Escambia River Electric Cooperative and the history of rural electrification. Personal attributes of each candidate such as character, academic ability, personality and leadership skills were also considered.
Gilman and Mayo will also have the chance learn about the nation’s capital, rural electrification and more.
Pictured: Amber Gilman from Northview High School (left) and Katelyn Mayo from Jay High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Milton 4-2 In Saturday Afternoon Game
February 23, 2020
The Tate Aggie defeated the Milton Panthers 4-2 Saturday afternoon.
Ethan George tossed took the win for the Aggies allowing no hits, no runs and striking out one. Cole Fryman tossed two innings allowing one hit and striking out four. Josiah Glodfelter pitched four innings, allowing two runs and striking out three.
At the plate for the Aggies: Jadon Fryman 2-1, R; Chase Tolbert RBI; Jordan Jarman R; Adam Nisewonger 1-2, RBI; Drew Reaves R, Frankie Randall, R.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Crystal Tolbert, click to enlarge.
Nice Sunday, Rain Returns By Monday
February 23, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9am. High near 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 31.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
James (Jimmy) Dean
February 23, 2020
James (Jimmy) Dean entered the gracious home of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of February 22, 2020.
He was born on June 27, 1966 in Atmore, AL to Shelvia Keel Dean and Robert Earl Dean. He attended Escambia County High School where he lettered in baseball and football. He was a member of the 1983 state championship football team. The Blue Devils went 13-2 that season to take the 3A state title, an accomplishment that Jimmy was forever proud to be a part of. After graduating in the spring of 1984, Jimmy pursued a collegiate baseball career that began at Patrick Henry Junior College, where he led the team in hitting his freshman year. He then transferred to the University of Montevallo for a short time before finishing his career at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). He was named Offensive Player of the Year while at AUM.
Jimmy was a respected law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience, serving the city of Atmore, the state of Alabama, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. In 1995, he became a graduate of the Alabama State Trooper Academy Class 94-A. He served the State of Alabama for 22 years, retiring in 2016. Shortly following his retirement, he continued to serve his community as a Tribal Police Officer with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Jimmy played many roles in many lives. Aside from his role within his family, Jimmy was a friend, coach, and servant of God, something he proclaimed until his death. His personality, selflessness, and genuine care for others attracted so many over the years. His ability to make people laugh will forever be remembered. The stories are endless and will forever be held dear to our hearts.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Dean; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Carolyn Louise Keel and J.C. Keel; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Edna Earl Sadler and Robert Comer Sadler, Jr.; daughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway; and father-in-law, John A. McGhee.
He is survived by his mother, Shelvia Keel Dean of Atmore; one brother, Ricky Dean of Atmore; one sister, Jena (Perry) Duke of Mobile; wife, Kimberly Dean of Atmore; three sons, Jon (Malori) Dean of Atmore, James (Emily) Dean of Atmore, and Mason (Catie) Dean of Atmore; one daughter, Miranda (Brandon) Hudson of Atmore; two grandchildren, Porter James Dean and Carson Elizabeth Johnson, both of Atmore; and numerous other extended family members, close friends, and his Alabama State Trooper Family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the McCullough Christian Center with Rev. Josh Long and Bro. Don Davis officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 6 to 9 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Doug Darby, John Fields, Willie Locke, Brian McGill, John Stallworth, Justin Williams, Craig Helton and Norman McCallister.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department and all other Law Enforcement and First Responders.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Alabama.
Benjamin A. Austin
February 23, 2020
Benjamin A. Austin, 93, of Cantonment, FL, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Mr. Austin was born August 7, 1926, in Opp, AL, to the late Benjamin and Josephine Austin. He worked at Gulf Power for 42 years; and Gulf Power Credit Union and Pfeffer Drugs. He was a long-time member of East Brent Baptist Church and loved to fish.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughters, Diane and Linda, a brother and a nephew.
He is survived by his wife, Laureta; Daughters, Carol, Frankie (Richard), Patrice (Monte), Jeralyn (Roc); grandchildren, Ben(DaLisa), Sonya (Marty), Rachel (Ron), Amy, Erin (Cole), Anna (Nick), Ro, Noah; Great grandchildren, Kara (Tyler), Arianne (Skylar), Elijah, Ezra, Delilah; son-in-law, Jim; Aunt, Louise; nieces, Darlene (David), and Vivian (David).
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tues., February 25, 2020, at East Brent Baptist Church with Dr. Dale Patterson and Dr. Roc Collins officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will take place in Bayview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
Correctional Officers In Century Assaulted In Two Separate Incidents
February 22, 2020
Correctional officers in Century were recently assaulted by inmates in two separate incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
On February 18, Century Correctional Institution inmate Jamal Harris assaulted officers by pushing and striking them. Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries.
On February 13, Century Work Camp Inmate Christian Lee assaulted an officer by striking them in the shoulder with a closed fist. There were no reported injuries to the officer.
In all both cases, FDC said staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Two Vehicle Crash In Front Of Highway 29 Grocery Store
February 22, 2020
At least one person was reported injured in a two vehicle crash Friday night on Highway 29 in front of the Cantonment Winn Dixie.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the 6:06 p.m. and has not released any more details.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Beat Rocky Bayou 16-1 In No-Hitter (With Photo Gallery)
February 22, 2020
The Northview Chiefs tossed a no-hitter Friday night in a 16-1 win over Rocky Bayou Christian School in four innings.
Bradley Freeman earned the win for the Chiefs, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out nine in three and two-thirds innings. Ben Wilson threw the last third of the fourth inning, striking out one.
At the plate: Bryce Korinchak 1-2, 2R, 2RBI; Logan Bryan 2R; Dalton Burke 1-2, 2R, RBI; Logan Misner 1-1, R, 2RBI,2B; Jamarkus Jefferson 1-2, 2R, 2RBI, 3B; Adam Aliff 1-2, RBI; Kaden Odom 1-2, 2R; Rustin Pope 2R; Ben Wilson 1-2, 3R, RBI.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Gonzalez Rollover Crash
February 22, 2020
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover crash Friday night.
The passenger vehicle came to rest on its roof in a ditch at Jennings Street and Old Chemstrand Road. about a half mile east of the Gonzalez Post Office.
Escambia County EMS transported one to an area hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
