Traffic Alerts: What To Expect This Week
July 18, 2021
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
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze extending for approximately 3,500-feet from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, and Friday July 23. Crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure that remains under construction. In addition, drivers may encounter right lane closures for barrier wall painting Monday, July 19, Tuesday, July 20, and Thursday, July 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound remains closed at Bayfront Parkway. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch is open from 17th Avenue. Westbound access to the bridge is available via Bayfront Parkway, however, there are no left turns permitted from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway. These drivers should detour to Ninth Avenue southbound, turn east onto Chase Street, and then continue east to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 18 through Friday, July 23 throughout the limits of the project for striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. The speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Drivers can expect intermittent east and westbound lane closures between Beulah Road and Surry Drive 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Monday, July 19 for paving operations and other construction activities.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, July 19 as crews will perform drainage work. - Interstate 10 (I-10) Routine Bridge Maintenance over Eleven Mile Creek Bridge– Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures over Eleven Mile Creek Bridge, .5 miles west of U.S. 90, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 20 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway Overpass – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures over the railway overpass 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- Fairfield Road (S.R. 295) Routine Bridge Maintenance over the CSX Railway Overpass – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures over the railway overpass near the Pearl Avenue intersection 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 as crews perform routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction Wednesday, July 21, and Friday July 23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The lane restrictions will begin at the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze and extend for approximately 3,500-feet. Construction crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) bridge that remains under construction. In addition, drivers may encounter right lane closures for barrier wall painting Monday, July 19, Tuesday, July 20, and Thursday, July 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts currently.
- U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance East of S.R. 87 Between Luneta Street and Pullam Street – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 21 as crews perform routine maintenance along the roadway.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Blue Wahoos Fall Late To Chattanooga
July 18, 2021
Zach McCambley turned in a quality start in his Blue Wahoos Stadium debut; however, TJ Hopkins go-ahead homer in the top of the ninth gave the Lookouts a 3-2 win Saturday night.
Leading 2-1, Dylan Bice was brought in to close the ninth. After a single from Wilson Garcia, Hopkins belted a two-run homer to left to give Chattanooga the lead. Despite getting the tying run on the in the bottom of the inning, Hector Perez (S, 1) shut down the ‘Hoos to preserve the win.
The late-game dramatics from Chattanooga spoiled a dazzling home debut for McCambley. After allowing six runs and five walks in his Double-A debut on July 10, the right-hander rebounded with six solid innings against the best hitting team in Double-A.
McCambley allowed one run (zero earned) while scattering three hits and two walks while striking out six. The only run he allowed was due to a throwing error on a pickoff attempt before a base hit into center by Jay Schuyler.
Pensacola played very well against Nick Lodolo, who was making his first start since featuring in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. After a double and a walk to begin the second inning, Jhon Nunez grounded an RBI single to right to bring home J.D. Osborne, giving the Wahoos an early 1-0 lead. After Chattanooga tied the game in the top of the fifth, Pensacola scored on a bases loaded walk off Lookout reliever Michael Byrne.
Neither team was able to generate much offense throughout the night until Hopkins game-winning hit.
The series concludes Sunday afternoon.
Steven Arnold Brown
July 18, 2021
Steve Brown was a comedian who never met a stranger. He kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in the most mundane circumstances. He was an epic storyteller that would leave you wondering how much of the story was true. Even though his failing earthly body took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.
Steve had a passion for football, Century Blackcats and a heart for all kids. If you saw him in town, you were sure to see him with at least three kids or more. Kids gravitated to him like a magnet because of his love for them and his ability to relate to them. He was a father/grandfather figure for so many kids that did not have that example in their life.
Steve is survived by his wife of 33 years, Angie. His children Katie (Roger) Milam and Derek Brown. He was a proud Pawpaw to five grandkids: Kia, Cloe, Kaylynn, Kilo and Keanu. His parents Harold and Oleta Brown, brother Gerald Brown, sister Cynthia (Chris) Smith, numerous nieces, and nephews. His daily presence and bright smile will be missed at the football field where he coached Century little league since 1987.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. with Elder Michael Johnson officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 19, 2021 from 6PM until 7PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Tab Jernigan, Butch Jernigan, Shawn Emmons, Michael Stump, Chris Smith and Jackson Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Wilson, Tristan Pace and Aiden Maher.
Burial will follow at Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where he was a dedicated deacon.
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr.
July 18, 2021
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr. was born on March 14th, 1936, in Albany, NY to Marion Margaret Brand and John F. Murphy.
He served 3 years in the Army as an engineer including 10 months in a combat zone in Korea where the cease fire was signed while he was on a troop ship headed for the war zone with the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion. He returned to the U.S. to complete his enlistment and later returned to Albany. He eventually went to work for Niagara-Mohawk Power Company.
Jack and his first wife Helene Jane Van Beusichem were married on April 12, 1958 and settled in Claverack, NY. They adopted three children, Thomas John (Kelly), Linda Jean Turner (Bruce), and James Matthew (Jayne). Jack served his community as a member and leader of several organizations including the A.B. Shaw Fire Company, St. John’s and St. Thomas’ Lutheran Churches, the Hudson Elks, VFW, American Legion, Hudson Power Boat Association, and Hudson Whalers Pop Warner Football. He also served 10 years as a member of the Hudson City School District Board of Education including two years as president and liaison to the NY State Schools Boards. Jack retired from NiMo as the superintendent of transmission and distribution for the Hudson service area after 35 years.
His wife Jane preceded him in death in August 1986. Jack remarried Joan Steineke and they later retired in North Fort Myers, FL, where he remained active in civic organizations. After many years in Florida, Jack returned to the Hudson, NY, area. After his second wife passed away, he met his second “soul mate” in Rose (Betty) Taylor and they split time between Crossville, TN, and East Greenbush, NY. Betty passed away in 2019 and Jack moved to Pensacola, FL, and was a proud member of American Legion Post 240 where he was the eldest of four generations of Post and Sons of the American Legion members, the youngest being his great grandson, Seamus.
Jack loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers and their wives, Kenneth Pleat (Clarice) and George Pleat (Georgette).
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Summer Vista assisted living facility (particularly Kerrianna, Danielle, and Holly) and Vitas Healthcare (particularly Stephanie, Jasmine, Ellen, and Kelly). Jack requested his family have “a big party” instead of a funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. or the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.
Concealed Weapons Licenses Available In Molino, Warrington; Soon In Marcus Pointe
July 18, 2021
Concealed weapons licenses are available at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Molino and Warrington offices, and will be coming soon to Marcus Pointe, according to Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
The concealed weapons licenses will be issued at the Marcus Pointe office, located at 6451 North “W” Street, beginning July 26.
Appointments will be required for concealed weapons services at the Marcus Pointe location. Applicants may visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com to schedule an appointment.
In most cases, applicants renewing their concealed weapon license will be able to receive their renewed card the same day upon successful submission of their application. While renewed licenses will be printed in the office, new applications will be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for final approval. The statutory turnaround time for this process is within 90 days.
Applicants for a concealed weapon license should visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com for a list of document requirements.
William “Mike” Burkett
July 18, 2021
William “Mike” Burkett passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Molino, FL. He was born July 12, 1952, in Atmore, AL. He was raised in Walnut Hill and resided in Molino, FL prior to his death. He was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Victory Assembly of God. He loved his family and put them first in providing everything they could need and want.
He was married to his beloved wife, Cindy for forty-one years. He was a dedicated father and role model for his son, Justin, and the most loving grandfather to his grandkids, Blake, Norah and Colt. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He had a love for coaching and playing sports and was active in city and church softball leagues. One could also find him enjoying a game of pick-up basketball with friends. He was influential in the lives of many youth when he also coached his son, Justin, and his friends in little league. He enjoyed taking trips and going on vacations with his wife. Some of their favorites included visits to Tennessee, Alaska, and our very own Gulf Coast beaches. Mike served on a missionary trip to Haiti in the summer of 2012. Mike worked at International Paper, formerly known as Champion Paper, for 42 years until he retired. Some may even remember when he was a fire fighter when his son was a baby. Mike will always be remembered for his great smile, love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and his tireless work ethic.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Burkett and Mary Ethel Entrekin Burkett McElvoy.
Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy Burkett; sister, Charlotte (Edward) Giddins; brother, Randall (Denise) Burkett; son, Justin (Mona) Burkett; grandkids, Blake, Norah and Colt; nieces, Carmen (Stephen) Gindl, Autumn Burkett and Jennifer Gray; nephews, Chad Giddins, Michael Jordan and Timothy Jordan; many, many great nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Pallbearers will be Rocky Coffey, Stephen Gindl, Adam Gindl, Jason Dixon, Riley Dixon and Bobby Cutler.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan McGlothren and Daren Smith.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Service will be at Victory Assembly of God on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 12:00 PM. Pastor Glenn Vaughn and Pastor Avon Fowler will be officiating.
Larry W. Blum, Sr.
July 18, 2021
Larry W. Blum, Sr.
June 18, 1941 – July 11, 2021
Larry W. Blum, Sr. was born on June 18, 1941 in Pensacola, FL. A lifetime resident of Pensacola, he graduated from Escambia High School. After 36 years of service with Monsanto, he retired, enjoying many years on his farm in Davisville. His interests included raising cattle and peacocks, cars, tractors and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Henry Blum; mother, Edna Blum Dover; sisters, Louise Kane and Barbara Butler; and brother, Earl Blum.
He is survived by his son, Larry W. Blum, Jr. (Margaret); daughter, Lugina “Gina” Lee (John); sisters, Carolyn Small (Bill) and Paulette Dover; brother, Albert Blum (Faye); four grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Faith Chapel North at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Ted Bridges officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, July 16, 2021. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Larry W. Blum, III, Jeremy W. Hughes, Gary Small, Chris Favorite, Stephen Rushton, and Earl “Skip” Tarbes.
Here’s How To Join Escambia County’s 200th Anniversary Celebration Today
July 17, 2021
Florida’s Territorial Bicentennial and Escambia County’s 200th anniversary is being celebrated Saturday at the Historic Village Museum Plaza near 330 South Jefferson Street in Pensacola.
At 10 a.m., a formal program will take place in Museum Plaza, exactly 200 years after the exchange of Spanish and American flags. Remarks will be made by the following dignitaries in this order:
- Collier Merrill, Chairman, UWF Historic Trust
- Dr. Judy Bense, Committee Chair
- Reverend Freddie Tellis, Allen Chapel Church
- Chief Dan “Sky Horse” Helms, Santa Rosa Creek Indian Tribe
- Dr. Martha Saunders, UWF President
- U.S. Senator Rick Scott
- Captain Timothy Kinsella, Commanding Officer, NASP
- Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee
- Florida Senator Doug Broxson, District 1
- Florida Representative Michelle Salzman, District 1
- Florida Representative Alex Andrade, District 2
- Escambia County Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender
- City of Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson
After remarks, Caitlyn Moore from Sacred Heart Cathedral School will read her winning essay, “What it means to me to be an American.” Dr. Leo Day will sing “America! The Beautiful | God Bless America.” UWF Bands will play “The Star Spangled Banner,” and there will be a reenactment of the exchange of flags from the Spanish flag to the American flag concluding with a Navy flyover. Immediately after the event will be an unveiling of a historic marker by Robinson and Bender. A time capsule will be stored safely with UWF Historic Trust which will be reopened in 25 years.
Pensacola Village will be open to the public at no charge. Visitors can jon reenactors dressed in period attire throughout the Historic Pensacola Village on Saturday, July 17 to learn about historic events such as the 1812 exchange of flags, the War of 1812 and First Seminole War. Battle reenactments will occur in Fountain Park at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Aux Arc will be open for tours at Seville Harbor Marina from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional programs and performances taking place throughout the Village can be found at West Florida Days Living History Weekend event. Group Folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance program, will perform at noon on Saturday at Museum Plaza. Ayoka African Drum and Dance will perform on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the stage at Museum Plaza. At 1 p.m. on Saturday there will also be a scavenger hunt, and the winner will be announced at 2 p.m.
For more information click or tap here.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the event. Limited seating will be available.
Growth Will Mean Redistricting In Escambia County, But When Remains To Be Seen
July 17, 2021
Escambia County’s five district boundaries could be redrawn this year, but for now officials are waiting on census data.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford said he has not yet received the 2020 census data; he told the Escambia County Commission this week that he expects to see the raw data by the middle of August. That will allow the commission to start discussion on new district boundaries by late August or early September, if they choose to work on an accelerated schedule.
Florida law dictates districts must be drawn in an odd year; elections are typically held in even years. The board will be required to complete redistricting by December 31, 2021, or wait until 2023.
District lines are drawn based upon population, not registered voters. Stafford expects districts will average about 64,000 voters each, a growth rate of about eight percent.
Those Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms Continue Through The Weekend
July 17, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.