Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Advisories
December 5, 2022
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:
- 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. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 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. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations. 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 next summer.
- 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. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 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 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 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 lane closures and lane shifts at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection beginning Monday, Dec. 5 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews install drainage pipe. In addition, daytime shoulder closures will continue through Saturday, Dec. 10.
- West Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Turn Lane Construction at the new Cefco – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Memphis Avenue Tuesday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 16 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Routine Maintenance near Sharon Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside southbound lane closures Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drainage operations.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Turn Lane Construction at the new Publix – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Rosewood Avenue Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) City of Milton Christmas Parade – Drivers will encounter road closures from Cedar Street to Park Avenue Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Milton Christmas Parade.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 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. 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 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.
Salzman, Andrade Named To Florida House Leadership Positions
December 5, 2022
Two members of the Escambia County legislative delegation have been named to leadership positions by Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.
Rep. Michelle Salzman was named vice chair of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and whip of the Health & Human Services Committee.
Rep. Alex Andrade was appointed chairman of the House Infrastructure & Tourism Subcommittee.
“I am excited to announce and congratulate our new Chairs, Vice Chairs, Committee Whips and Majority Conference leadership,” said Renner. “Our historic majority has produced a talented and deep bench of lawmakers who are ready to serve and take action. Together, we will deliver on our promise to secure Florida’s future and leave our state better off than we found it.”
Florida Gas Prices Down, Lowest Since End Of Gas Tax Holiday
December 5, 2022
Florida gas prices dropped 11 cents per gallon last week for a total of 30 cents over the past three weeks.
On Sunday, the state average was $3.28 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since the state’s gas tax holiday was in effect on October 31.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.97. A low of $2.97 could be found Sunday night in North Escambia on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $2.71 on Nine Mile Road.
“Florida gas prices have plunged 30 cents in the past three weeks, due to low oil prices and strong gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The downward momentum should continue this week. Unless fundamentals change, the state average could drift below $3.20 per gallon by next weekend.”
Francesco Paolo Manzi (Franco)
December 5, 2022
, 64, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022 in the presence of family.
Born in Italy on December 18, 1957, Franco, who was known for his selfless and giving nature, dedicated his life to serving his family and community.
As a first-generation immigrant to America, Franco achieved his dream of owning his own restaurant with the opening of Franco’s Italian Restaurant in 1999, after managing Marchello’s Italian Restaurant for 17 years. He ran his family restaurant for almost 23 years with the help of his friends and business partners, Gennaro Intermoia and Giovanni Volpara, his family, as well as countless others who became like family. Serving authentic Italian food and his famous one-of-a-kind Italian dressing, Franco had a way of making everyone feel like family, and it was because of his caring and generous nature that Franco’s quickly became a special place to so many people in Pensacola.
He was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Manzi.
Franco is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kimberly; his three children, Michael Manzi, Francesca Thomas (Nathan) and Anthony Manzi; his grandson, Liam Thomas; granddaughter, Reese Thomas; his mother, Loreta DeLaurentiis; and four brothers Duilio, Bruno, Ettore, and Massimo.
A public memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. All are welcome to join in the celebration of his life at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Pensacola.
Hwy. 29 Crash Involves Car, Trailer Loaded With Hay; Truck Reportedly Fled Scene
December 4, 2022
One person was reportedly injured in a crash Saturday afternoon in Cantonment.
The wreck involved a passenger vehicle and a pull-behind trailer hauling round bales of hay. The truck pulling the trailer reportedly fled the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Varsity Cheerleaders Get Clean Sweep In Tampa; JV Gets National Invite
December 4, 2022
It was a clean sweep for the Tate Aggies varsity cheerleaders in Tampa.
The varsity squad took first place at the UCA Regionals, first place in the traditional routine out of 18 teams and first place in game day out of four teams.
Their performance earned the varsity two bids to Nationals — one in the game day division and one in traditional.
The Tate JV cheerleaders also competed and received a bid to Nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warming Week Ahead
December 4, 2022
.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
North Escambia Area Students Sweep County Spelling Bee
December 4, 2022
Can you spell “egocentricity”?
Three North Escambia area students took the top spots in the 47th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee.
The winners (listed with their prize and teacher) were:
1st Place — Evan Henderson – Ransom Middle School, $300, Teacher: Lori Johnson
2nd Place — Ian Ramos – Beulah Middle School, $200, Teacher: Brandee Burke
3rd Place — Brennan Keenan - Bratt Elementary School, $150, Teacher: Mandi Carter
The word that distinguished first and second places in the final round was “egocentricity”. The word “mortgage” was the last word of the bee to secure Henderson’s position in first place.
Pictured: (L-R) English Language Arts Specialist Dr. Nicole Everette; Evan Henderson, first place, Ransom Middle School; Ian Ramos, second place, Beulah Middle School; Brennan Keenan, third place Bratt Elementary; Director of Sandy Sansing Human Resources Jacquie Gray; Superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools Dr. Tim Smith. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Hundreds Turn Out For Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 4, 2022
Crowds lined the streets for the annual Flomaton Christmas Parade Saturday morning.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
(Our apologies to the Flomaton High band and cheerleaders, Flomaton fire and police and others that led the parade…our camera was just a little bit late in arriving due to traffic.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Suspect Sprints From Atmore Traffic Stop, Tosses Drugs Onto Roof, Police Said
December 4, 2022
The Atmore Police Department made a drug arrest after the suspect sprinted from a traffic stop and tossed illicit items onto the roof of a business.
Atmore Police attempted a traffic stop about 10:15 p.m. on December 1 due to a traffic violation.
The vehicle turned into the Walmart parking lot on North Main Street. As the vehicle slowly came to a stop, the front seat passenger, later identified as 31-year old Emmanuel Mandella Johnson, jumped from the vehicle and began running.
A second officer chased Johnson on foot as he ran across Highway 21. As the officer was pursuing Johnson on foot, he observed him throw a book bag and an object from his mouth onto the roof of a building, police said. The officer was able to take Johnson into custody just after he threw the items onto the roof.
The Atmore Fire Department responded to the scene with a ladder to assist officers to retrieve the items from the roof.
Police said they recovered a small plastic baggie that contained 3.3 grams of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
While searching the book bag the officers reported finding about 30 grams of spice in a clear plastic baggie, along with 14 Grams of marijuana that was separated into several smaller clear plastic baggies.
Johnson was charged with possession of marijuana first degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of Possession of a controlled substance for the meth and spice, and attempting to elude.
Johnson was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.