Weekly Traffic Report: Those Troublesome Construction Slowdowns
July 4, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, on Tuesday, July 5 as crews install pedestrian fence.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform asphalt work.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Tuesday, July 5 for placement of watermain.
- I-10 Eastbound Routine Maintenance near U.S. 29 Exit 10A and 10B – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 5 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guardrail repairs.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Local July 4 Holiday Closures, Trash Pick Up Information
July 4, 2022
On Monday, July 4, the following will be closed and sanitation schedules will be as listed below.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – all departments
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Waste Services Administration
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices
- ECAT will only operate routes 59X, 64 Beach Jumper and the Pensacola Beach Trolleys on Monday, July 4. Normal operations will resume Tuesday.
EMERALD COAST UTILITIES AUTHORITY (ECUA)
- ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday.
- Residential sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for more information.
- All ECUA commercial sanitation collections scheduled for Monday, July 4, were made on Saturday, July 2.
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Century Town Hall will be closed. For utility emergencies, call (850) 256-3208.
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
- Roger Scott Tennis Center
Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course
CITY OF PENSACOLA SANITATION
- Customers will experience a change of schedule the week of Monday, July 4, which applies to garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup. This applies only to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers.
- Customers who normally receive service on Mondays will receive service on Tuesday, July 5.
- Customers who normally receive service on Tuesdays will receive service on Wednesday, July 6.
- Customers who normally receive service on Wednesdays will receive service on Thursday, July 7.
- Customers who normally receive service on Thursdays will receive service on Friday, July 8.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A Rollover Crash
July 3, 2022
Everyone walked away from a vehicle crash with no serious injuries Saturday.
The wreck happened on Highway 95A near North Chipper Road. Three adults and a properly restrained toddler were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released their official report, but flooding conditions on the road were believed to have led to the two vehicle crash.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Fireworks Sales Brisk At Stand Near State Line
July 3, 2022
Business has been brisk this year at an Alabama roadside fireworks store on Highway 31 west of Atmore, less than a mile north of Florida line.
Just three years ago, it was illegal to set off many types of fireworks in Florida. But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that allows consumer fireworks of most any kind to be used on July 4, December 31 and January 1. Not just the sparklers, noisemakers and the like Floridians had been restricted to for years, but real fireworks that explode or shoot into the sky.
“Class ‘C’ consumer fireworks are legal for the Fourth,” Fireworks Distributors owner Greg Odom said. “That means anything in the store is legal in Florida for the Fourth of July.”
The law signed by DeSantis does not supersede any local regulations governing fireworks.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July
July 3, 2022
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations from the USDA:
When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Frozen food can also be used as a cold source.
- Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
When cooking on the grill:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
- Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures
- Beef, Pork, Lamb, & Veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 °F with a 3 minute rest time
- Ground meats: 160 °F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, & ground poultry: 165 °F
- Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
When serving food outdoors:
- Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140 °F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
ECSO Seeks Missing, Endangers Girl, Age 7, Who May Be With Her Father
July 3, 2022
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said late Saturday night that Tonisha Knight has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing and endangered child last seen on Wednesday, June 29.
Tonisha Knight, 7, was last seen in the 6900 block of Pensacola Boulevard, the ECSO said in information released Saturday night. There was no known clothing description.
Deputies said Tonisha may be in the company of her father, 56-year old Leslie Toney Knight.
Those Daily Scattered Showers And Storms Continue
July 3, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms i nth evening. Patchy fog after 4am. Low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Wahoos Split Twin Bill With Montgomery
July 3, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos split their doubleheader against the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night, winning the first game 2-0 but falling in the nightcap 5-4.
In game one, Jeff Lindgren (W, 3-1) pitched a complete game seven-inning shutout while allowing only four hits. It was the first complete game of Lindgren’s professional career, and the first solo shutout for a Pensacola pitcher since 2017.
Pensacola’s offense didn’t do much against John Doxakis (L, 0-2), but got back-to-back RBI singles with two outs in the third from Troy Johnston and J.D. Osborne to provide all the offense Lindgren would need.
Game one was played in a brisk 1 hour and 36 minutes, the fastest game for the Blue Wahoos of any length since a 1:32 seven-inning game in Mississippi on August 19, 2019 and their fastest at Blue Wahoos Stadium since a rain-shortened six-inning game in 1:34 on April 14, 2014.
In game two, Zach King (L, 0-1) was greeted rudely in his Double-A debut by former Blue Wahoos outfielder Kameron Misner, who blasted a two-run homer in the first inning to put the Biscuits ahead 2-0. The Blue Wahoos answered back in the bottom of the first with four runs, highlighted by RBI singles from Johnston and Paul McIntosh, but the 4-2 lead did not last long.
Montgomery began the third inning by reaching five straight times against King, with RBI singles from Roberto Alvarez and Jacson McGowan causing an early exit for the young lefty and putting the Biscuits ahead 5-4. Zack Leban, Eli Villalobos and Colton Hock provided 5.0 scoreless innings of relief, but Chris Gau (W, 3-0) and Justin Sterner (S, 2) were just as effective in relief for the Biscuits as they salvaged the split.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday night.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Century Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks, Food Trucks (With Photo Gallery)
July 2, 2022
Fireworks lit up the night Friday with an early Fourth of July celebration in Century.
Hundreds of people gathered in Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods Friday night. Several food trucks offered everything from po’boys to loaded fries and ice cream, while vendors offered their wares before fireworks lit up the night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Make ‘Ocean Layer Jars’ This Month At Your Local Library
July 2, 2022
All ages are invited to make “Ocean Layer Jars” with STEAM at West Florida Public Libraries this month.
Participants can explore a summer of oceanography by building their own ocean layer model at the library.
Here is the schedule:
Saturday, July 2, 1 – 3 p.m. – Century Library
Tuesday, July 5, 3 – 4 p.m. – Westside Library
Tuesday, July 12, 3 – 4 p.m. – Tryon Library
Thursday, July 14, 3 – 4 p.m. – Southwest Library
Saturday, July 16, 1 – 3 p.m. – Genealogy Library
Thursday, July 21, 3 – 4 p.m. – Molino Library
Thursday, July 28, 3 – 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Stock photo for illustrative purposes only.