Slight Chance Of Saturday Showers
December 17, 2022
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. High near 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 54. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 37.
Here Are Next Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
December 17, 2022
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 Christmas and New Year’s holidays, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23 and ending at 12 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will allow crews to perform paving operations as well as sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete in summer 2023.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures and lane shifts through Dec. 22 at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection as crews install drainage pipe. In addition, daytime shoulder closures will continue through Thursday, Dec. 22.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- 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 Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
West Florida Public Library’s Genealogy Collection Has Moved
December 17, 2022
The West Florida Public Library’s Genealogy Library collection has moved.
The entire collection has been relocated from the Pensacola State College campus to the WFPL’s Main Library at 239 Spring Street in Pensacola.
“We are grateful to Pensacola State College for their partnership and to everyone who has enjoyed the Genealogy Library’s collection over the years,” said Todd Humble, Director of Library Services for West Florida Public Libraries. “The collection will be at home at the Pensacola Library. We welcome anyone who is interested in genealogy and local history to come by and make use of this community resource.”
Tate, Washington High Students Named Sunshine State Scholars
December 16, 2022
Students from Tate and Washington high schools have been named Escambia County Sunshine State Scholars for 2023.
They are Synoma Perea from Tate High School and Ge’Khiya Brown from Booker T. Washington High School.
Each year, each of Florida’s school districts selects their top 11th grade students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
The scholars and their parents will travel to Orlando in April for a program designed to bring together scholars from around the state, connect them with employers that specialize in the STEM fields, and create a networking opportunity between the scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System.
The two-day program honors each scholar for their significant academic accomplishments and celebrates the potential they represent for our communities and state. In addition to the honor the scholars receive from the Commissioner of Education, the Senior Chancellor and representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities meet with the students to discuss higher education opportunities available to them in Florida. This includes workshops for college applications and informational sessions on college funding for students and their parents.
The alternate nominee from Escambia County is Nolan McCrory from West Florida High School. Malcoln Chaney from Pine Forest High School was also nominated.
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Cantonment Man Wanted In Georgia Arrested Locally On Drugs, Weapons Charges
December 16, 2022
A Cantonment man wanted in Georgia was arrested in Escambia County on multiple drugs and weapons charges.
Martious Labara Williams, 30, was charged with two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a weapon by convicted felon, using or displaying a firearm during a felony, and fleeing law enforcement with lights and siren active. All of the charges are felonies.
After determining that Williams had an active arrest warrant, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to stop his vehicle at the intersection of Cervantes and “T” streets. The vehicle accelerated at a high speed, and deputies canceled the traffic stop. Deputies later located the black Mercedes and Williams parked behind a residence on Rue Max Street.
According to an arrest report, a search of the vehicle located a Kel-Tec PLR 22 and magazine of .22 caliber ammunition, a bag containing a magazine and 28 rounds of .233 ammunition, three pills that tested positive for meth, a bag with powder that tested positive for meth, two bag containing cocaine, two bags of marijuana, plastic sandwich bags and a digital scale with cocaine residue. On Williams’ person, deputies located a half pill of oxycodone and $3,270 in cash.
Williams was turned over to federal ATF agents pending further investigation. The black Mercedes was seized by ECSO.
Authorities said Williams also had an outstanding warrant for fleeing and eluding law enforcement, grand theft and driving without a license.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday without bond as he awaited pick up by U.S. Marshals.
See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
December 16, 2022
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt has tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display two years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
On our recent visit, children were running and giggling, stopping to stare in awe at the displays. A fire crackled in a fire pit, making it smell like Christmas as marshmallows roasted for s’mores.
The horses were a favorite stop, but there were more “oohs and awes” over the goats in pajamas — Princess, Black Beauty and friends.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small foot bridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions are available — hot cocoa, popcorn, cotton candy, hot tea, bottled water and more are mostly $1 each. A S’mores kit will set you back just $3. Only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4951 Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 22-24, from 5:30 until 9 p.m. The gate closes at 8:30 p.m., and the last hayride is at 8:15 p.m. each night.
Pictured: A recent night at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Tribal Beat Band
December 16, 2022
For a bonus photo gallery of the Northview Tribal Beat band’s performance last Saturday night, click or tap here.
The Tribal Beat performed during halftime of the 1R state championship game between Northview and Hawthorne in Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Info: Beulah Christmas Parade, Flomaton Movie; Santa With Atmore And Century Fire Depts.
December 16, 2022
From the Beulah Christmas Parade, to Santa on fire trucks, to The Polar Express, here are several events coming up in the North Escambia area:
Flomaton, December 16
The Flomaton police and fire departments will host a movie night on Friday, December 16.
The Polar Express will be screened on a big screen at 6 p.m. at the stage area next to the post office. There will also be hot dogs, drinks, hot cocoa — all free.
Santa will be there from 6-7 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
A Flomaton Police Department cruiser will be there as the department collects toys for local children in their “Fill The Cruiser” toy drive.
Beulah Christmas Parade
The 2022 Beulah Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at Windy Hill Baptist Church.
The Beulah Volunteer Fire Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and more will join floats, special vehicles and Santa Claus for the parade.
For a parade route map, click here. The parade will travel from Windy Hill Baptist Church, down Rebel Road, left on Nine Mile, right on Beulah Road, left on Helms, right on Woodside, through Woodside Estates, left on Mobile Highway to Nine Mile, to Vintage Creek, Tower Ridge back to Nine Mile, back on Rebel Road to Windy Hill Baptist.
Atmore. December 19-20, 21-22
Santa will travel Atmore on a fire truck nightly from 5-8 p.m. over four days.
Santa and the firetruck will be in the southwest quadrant on December 19, the southeast section on December 20, the northeast quadrant on December 22 and the northwest section on December 23.
The quadrants are the four sections of Atmore extending from the Main Street and Highway 31 intersection downtown.
Century and Byrneville, December 24
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will take a trip through Century and Byrneville on Christmas Eve morning with the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
For a detailed map of the route, click or tap here.
Along the way, Santa will make stops at the Byrneville Community Center and the vacant lot by Napa Auto Parts on North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: The 2021 Beulah Christmas Parade. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cool Days, Cold Nights; Slight Chance Of Rain Saturday
December 16, 2022
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
All Star High School Football Game Is Tonight (With Roster)
December 16, 2022
Pitting the best of the best against each other in four quarters of east vs. west, the Pensacola Sports High School All Star Football Game will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Washington High School football stadium.
Approximately 85 senior football players from schools across Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have been selected to participate in Friday night’s game. Pine Forest High football coach Ronnie Douglas will lead the West team roster, while Niceville High coach Grant Thompson will head the East roster.
Each eligible school in the three-county area is guaranteed at least one spot on the all-star team, given they have an eligible senior, and every player will play in the game.
Created in 2004 by community and sports leaders, along with Pensacola Sports, the inaugural All Star Game’s mission was to showcase Pensacola area seniors in one last football game of their high school career.
Tickets to Friday night’s All Star Football Game at Washington High are $10 general admission and $5 per student. To purchase tickets, click here.
WEST ROSTER
Head Coach: Ronnie Douglas , Pine Forest High School
- Kaden Odom — Northview — QB
- Ammiel Steele — Escambia — QB
- Aiden Byrd — Catholic — QB
- Pat O’Hara — Washington — LB
- Jamarkus Jefferson — Northview — RB
- Jaquan Kennedy — Pensacola — RB
- Ethan Lett — Catholic — OL
- Alfred Washington — Escambia — OL
- Tylon Nettles — Pine Forest — OL
- Isaih Jones — Escambia — OL
- Caleb Brown — Washington — OL
- Derick Whithurst — Escambia — OL
- Maliki Haynes — Northview — LB
- Will Smith — Washington — OL
- Jaydon Luster — Escambia — WR
- Camelo Campbell — Tate — WR
- BJ Jenkins — Washington — WR
- Bobby Green — Pcola High — WR
- Andre Coleman — West Florida — WR
- Pat Delcour — West Florida — WR
- Reed Robinson — Washington — WR
- Zeyvian Avery — West Florida — DL
- Oneal Daniels — West Florida — DL
- Ji’quz Minor — Escambia — DL
- Jeremiah Efird — Washington — DL
- Leon McClinton — West Florida — DL
- Marcell Mccants — Tate — DL
- Elijuah Gideon — Escambia — DL
- Luke Bridges — Northview — DB
- Malachi Gilbert — Washington — DB
- Cameron Kelly — Pine Forest — DB
- Tyrese Thomas — Pine Forest — DB
- Adrian Swanson — West Florida — DB
- Cameron Evans — Tate — MLB
- Ahmarion Moultrie — West Florida — MLB
- Mareese Bonner — Pcola High — MLB
- Deontae Reinhardt — Pine Forest — MLB
- Jaylen Lewis — Washington — MLB
- Caleb Westergreen — Tate — Punter/Kicker
EAST ROSTER
Head Coach: Grant Thompson, Niceville High School
- Jaden Reese — Navarre — WR
- Blake Garland — Choctaw — WR
- Cecil Purdue — Crestview — LB
- Jerome Brazen — Crestview — QB
- Simon White — Crestview — DB
- Jabari Smith — Crestview — WR
- Ryan Duncan — Crestview — CB
- Gio Matias-Ramirez — Pace — DB
- Jason Jones — Crestview — RB
- Marion Hawthorne — Crestview — LB
- Micah Turner — Niceville — QB
- Owen Burkes — Choctaw — DB
- Jayson Alford — Pace — RB
- Ethan Davis — Fort Walton — DB
- Joyden Sheppard — Niceville — DB
- Reice Griffin — Pace — K
- Darius Brundidge — Fort Walton — LB
- Carter Tobik — Fort Walton — LB
- Jacob Muse — Choctaw — LB
- Dwayne Clarke — Navarre — LB
- Demeriyen Williams — Niceville — DB
- Austin Zael — Niceville — DL
- Jaylon Knox — Crestview — DL
- Lliam Dorman — Fort Walton — DL
- Ashton Harrelson — Pace — OL
- Isaac Cole — Navarre — DL
- Jace Tolbert — Baker — DL
- Peyton Knight — Crestview — OL
- Rickey Riley — Navarre — WR
- Uriah Womack — Choctaw — OL
- David Pettway — Choctaw — DL
- Ethan Bondurant — Jay — OL/DE
- Jonathan Acuff — Milton — OL
- Brandon Comes — Pace — DL
- Nick Stiles — Pace — OL
- Levi Taylor — Niceville — DL
- Jaylen Day — Crestview — OL
- Landyn Cooley — Jay — DL/OL
- Allen Bellew — Pace — OL
- Ruben Bonevechio — Crestview — OL
- Brandon Beckham — Pace — DL
- Ethan Newman — Navarre — OL
- Hunter Allen — Baker — OL