Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 27, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, July 2, and ending
11:59 p.m. Monday, July 5.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Eastbound drivers will encounter alternating single lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, June 29 through Thursday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be working to complete repairs for the bicycle and pedestrian path.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue northbound is accessible for traffic exiting the bridge. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch is available from 17th Avenue northbound. Left turns remain temporarily prohibited from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway eastbound. Instead, these drivers should travel south on Ninth Avenue, then east on Chase Street, and continue eastbound 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 Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 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 day and nighttime lane closures on West Cervantes Street between Kirk Street and X Street and from S Street to North Pace Boulevard for paving operations. Drivers are reminded the speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street is 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 21 through Thursday, July 1, as crews perform paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Westbound motorists can expect intermittent lane closures between Heritage Oaks Boulevard and Pinecone Drive 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, June 28 for paving operations. Temporary traffic shifts between I-10 and Surrey Drive will also continue as crews remove and replace asphalt.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
There will be intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 27 through Thursday, July 1 as crews restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of low-profile barrier wall. - Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance at 17th Avenue – Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures on Cervantes Street at the 17th Avenue intersection 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 as utility crews perform operations.
- Palafox Street Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Brent Lane Intersection – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures at the Palafox Street and Brent Lane interstation 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 as crews repair manholes.
- Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent northbound right lane closures at Village Oaks shopping center, 8 p.m. Monday, June 28 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, as crews perform underground utility work.
- East Chase Street (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from North Jefferson Street to North Tarragona Street 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 28 through Thursday, July 1 for crews to repair manholes.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement -Eastbound drivers will encounter alternating single lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, June 29 through Thursday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be working to complete repairs for the bicycle and pedestrian path.
- Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures at Country Club Road 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 to 5 a.m. Thursday, July 1 as utility crews perform routine maintenance operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Wahoos Offense Stalls, Birmingham Wins 5-3
June 27, 2021
Pensacola never seemed to get their offense going as the Barons clipped the Wahoos 5-3, Saturday night at Regions Field.
Birmingham starter Kade McClure hurled five shutout innings in his ninth start of the season. He held the Wahoos to just two hits and one walk while striking out eight.
Jeff Lindgren (L, 2-4), despite giving up an early run in the second inning, pitched well enough for the Wahoos to be in the game for most of the night.
Entering the top of the sixth down by two, the Wahoos rallied for a pair of runs against Felix Paulino (W, 1-1). After Riley Mahan walked to start the inning, Peyton Burdick and JJ Bleday roped back-to-back singles to bring home one. Then, Encarnacion tied the game with an RBI single to make it 2-2. With the new found offense, it appeared as though Lindgren had the opportunity to try and turn in a quality start.
However, his night came to end in the in the bottom of the sixth when Micker Adolfo led off with a single before a walk to Craig Dedelow. With two on and nobody out the Wahoos brought in Zack Leban who was tagged for three consecutive singles before retiring the side. After the seventh, the Barons led 5-2, and would win despite allowing a RBI double to J.D. Osborne in the top of the ninth.
The series wraps up Sunday afternoon when Will Stewart (3-3, 4.17) and Konnor Pilkington (1-3, 3.11) face off for the second time since Tuesday.
Search By Flomaton Police Department’s New K-9 Boo Leads To Two Drug Arrests
June 27, 2021
The Flomaton Police Department’s new K-9 office Boo is being credited with a drug bust Friday night.
Erin Morgan Powell 27, was charged with possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and carrying a pistol without a permit. Tommy Ray Few, 51, was charged with possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lights.
The Flomaton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Few on Highway 31 near Old Fannie Road at 9:21 Friday night. After Boo alerted on the vehicle, officers found an estimated 16 grams of a clear crystal substance that field tested to be methamphetamine, unspecified drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun.
Flomaton Police said additional charges may be pending.
Few and Powell remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton without bond Sunday morning.
K-9 Boo joined Flomaton PD In May thanks to donations from local citizens. She recently started patrol duty, and she is used for both drug detection and tracking.
Donut Strike For Manna Aimed For 30,000 Meals (With Photos From Cantonment And Beulah)
June 26, 2021
First responders are back enjoying doughnuts today after a three-day strike against their sugary goodness.
During the time, they worked toward their goal of collecting enough food for 30,000 meals for local children and families in need. The exact total is not in yet, but we’ll keep you updated.
Participating agencies were Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
Pictured: Donut Strike for Manna at Winn Dixie in Cantonment and the Beulah Publix on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and ECSO, click to enlarge.
Winning $50K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold At Nine Mile Road Publix
June 26, 2021
Someone is over $50,000 richer this morning after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at a Nine Mile Road grocery store.
The quick pick ticket sold at the Publix at 2180 West Nine Mile Road, near Pine Forest Road, was one of four winning tickets sold for Friday night’s drawing and is worth $50,988.49. Other winning tickets were sold in Doral, Lakeland and Miami.
The 260 tickets matching four numbers won $126.50 each. Another 9,020 tickets matching three numbers are worth $10 each, and 87,984 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Friday’s winning numbers were 03-06-13-26-30.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms For Saturday
June 26, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Florida Sending 50 State Officers To Border In Texas, DeSantis Announces In Escambia County
June 26, 2021
Speaking at the I-10 Welcome Center in Escambia County, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Friday that state law enforcement officers have deployed to Texas to provide additional support in response to the security crisis at the southern border.
“When the Governors of Texas and Arizona reached out for help, Florida answered the call,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are witnessing a catastrophe at the southern border under the Biden Administration. In recent months, we have seen people from the terrorist watch list, known sex offenders and a flood of fentanyl cross over the border. This is a national security crisis, and we must get it under control.”
Resources from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) are deploying today, including more than 50 state law enforcement officers from FDLE, FHP and FWC and mission critical equipment. It is anticipated that personnel will be deployed for 16-day shifts.
Over 20 county sheriff departments — including Escambia and Santa Rosa have pledged support to provide staffing resources to cover duties typically filled by the deployed officers.
Last week during a press conference at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Governor Ron DeSantis answered the call for support and reinforcements following a letter from Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona requesting immediate assistance assist with the security crisis overwhelming law enforcement at the southern border.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is coordinating the deployment of law enforcement officers under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The compact is a national mutual aid system that allows states to share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission related costs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Your Florida Concealed Weapon License May Have Expired Saturday As Executive Order Ended
June 26, 2021
Your concealed weapon license in Florida may have expired Saturday.
During the pandemic, an emergency order extended the expiration of certain licenses until June 26, 2021. This included concealed carry, along with Class G and Class D security licenses.
“Any license that expired during the order period will no longer be considered valid after June 26, 2021,” said Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford. “You can not legally carry a concealed weapon with an expired license.”
Concealed weapon licenses can be renewed at the Escambia County Tax Collector Molino or Warrington location. Book an appointment by clicking or tapping here.
For questions about eligibility or specific questions about individual records, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).
Florida Ends Extra $300 Weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Payments Effective Today
June 26, 2021
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program has official ended as of today in Florida, ending extra $300 per week payments.
Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity said there are more than 460,000 online jobs posted online that are available throughout the state for job seekers.
“Florida’s employers are also seeing employment growth, as more Floridians, including some who completely left the workforce, are now eagerly reentering the workforce. Transitioning away from this benefit will help meet the demands of small and large businesses who are ready to hire and expand their workforce,” said Dane Eagle, secretary of the Florida DEO.
Florida businesses and employers are hiring across the state and need unemployed Floridians to return to the workforce, according to Florida DEO.
For the week beginning June 27, 2021, eligible reemployment assistance claimants will no longer receive the supplemental $300 weekly FPUC payment.
Escambia Reports 59 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week
June 26, 2021
There were 59 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,139 (+61)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 3.2%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,565 (+83)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 6.4%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,321,929 (+11,873)
Case positivity rate: 3.8%
Deaths: 37,772 (+44)