These Are The Road Constructions Spots That Might Slow You Down This Week
January 16, 2023
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:
- Garden Street (U.S. 98) Pensacola Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade – Motorists will encounter a road closure between A Street and Tarragona Street Monday, Jan. 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Martin Luther King Day Parade.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The middle car parking lot at the Escambia County I-10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, is temporarily closed for construction. The front car parking lot and truck parking area remain open. As work progresses, sections of the sidewalk will continue to be closed to allow crews to upgrade the sidewalks and curbs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Directional signage will be in place to guide pedestrians while the sidewalks are under construction.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Jan. 15 through Saturday, Jan. 21 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, Jan. 15 through Thursday, Jan. 19 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 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, Jan. 15 through Thursday, Jan. 19 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 from U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 20 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers may encounter intermittent alternating lane closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night as crews place construction signage near the roadway.
- Saufley Field Road (S.R. 296), from the Naval Air Station Entrance to west of Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) - Work has been completed to improve pedestrian safety and mobility along Saufley Field Road, from the Pensacola Naval Air Station entrance to west of Mobile Highway. Crews upgraded and replaced sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improved drainage, and made enhancements to signing and pavement markings
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90, from West of Avalon Boulevard to East of Stewart Street – Work will begin Monday, January 16 on a $7.5 million project to resurface a 2.5-mile segment of U.S. 90. The project also includes curb and sidewalk improvements constructed to comply with ADA requirements, traffic signalization upgrades, and placement of new signs and pavement markings. During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and intermittent lane closures between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. seven days a week. The project is estimated for completion in spring 2024
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Jan. 15 through Saturday, Jan. 21 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:
- The median crossover at the intersection of Bayshore Road and U.S. 98 will be closed to perform necessary road widening activities. This closure will be in effect for approximately seven days beginning Sunday, Jan. 15.
- 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, Jan. 15, through Friday, Jan. 20, 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.
- Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians be advised that construction crews will be actively working during Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Patricia Faye Billingsley
January 16, 2023
Mrs. Patricia Faye Billingsley, age 57, passed away, Thursday, January 12, 2023, in Atmore, AL. She was a lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL. She attended the Gospel Light Temple for many years.
Mrs. Billingsley loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed listening to music, and dancing. She was very artistic, loved to draw and loved making beaded jewelry. She enjoyed going to the mountains, and the creek. She always opened her home up to anyone in need and enjoyed taking care of many babies over the years.
Mrs. Billingsley is preceded in death by her parents, James McLain and Betty Hall McLain, two brothers, Kenneth Dewayne McLain, Donnie Lee McLain, grandparents, Jesse Lambert, and Allen Sutton.
She is survived by her aunts, Kathy (Raymond) Rolin, of Atmore, AL; Mary (Scott) Hardin, of Pensacola, FL; one step-daughter, Carrie Coleman, of Brewton, AL; half-sister, Vanessa Tillman, of McDavid, FL; step-mother, Patsy McLain, of McDavid, FL; a special friend, Maegen Ferrera, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Bro. Clarence Rolin and Bro. Raymond Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at Pollard Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Matt Lee, Jeffery Lambeth, Johnathan Watson, Eduardo Rosales, Jared Anderson, and Justin Anderson.
Two People Injured In Cantonment Rollover Crash Involving Two Vans
January 15, 2023
Two people were injured in a crash involving two vans on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Saturday.
The vans crash on Highway 29 in front of the Grocery Advantage, just north of the Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
The crash involved a commercial Nissan NV200 cargo van and a Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that overturned. The Caravan came to rest on its side in a median crossover.
Both occupants of the Caravan were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were considered serious but not life-threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment Station of ECFR and the Escambia Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue, Forest Service Battle Brush Fires Saturday
January 15, 2023
Firefighters battled several brush and small outside fires Saturday in the North Escambia area.
On Highway 29 near Cedartree Lane, a fire that appeared to have started on the shoulder of the road spread into a nearby wooded area. The Florida Forest Services responded, along with Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Firefighters also responded to a reported vegetation fire on Neal Road and another on North Highway 99 in Bratt.
Pictured: A brush fire on Highway 29 near Cedartree Lane Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Beulah Elementary Teacher Of The Year Is Sara Smith
January 15, 2023
Sara Smith was named the Beulah Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She is a fifth grade teacher.
NorthEscambia.com spotlighting Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area. The county’s overall teacher of the year will be named in late January.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Heath Jackson Sworn In For Second Term As Sheriff In Escambia County, AL
January 15, 2023
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson took the oath of office Friday for his second term.
Jackson was the first-ever Republican sheriff in the county.
“I can’t thank the citizens of Escambia County enough for allowing me to serve them. I’m proud of the hard work our staff has put forth in moving the sheriff’s office in a positive direction and look forward to that continuing,” Jackson said.
Before his election in 2018, Jackson was a sergeant at the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and served as the team leader of the agency’s Hostage Negotiations Team.
The T.R. Miller High School graduate’s nearly two decades of law enforcement experience includes service with the Brewton Police Department, the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Alabama. At the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, he also worked in the Narcotics Division, the Robbery/Homicide Division and the Public Information Office.
Pictured: Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson was sworn in for a second term Friday by District Judge Eric Coale at the Escambia County (AL) Courthouse in Brewton. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Teen Karson Brown Earns Eagle Scout Rank
January 15, 2023
Karson Brown of Troop 430 in Molino has achieved Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the boy Scouts.
He received his Eagle Scout badge Saturday afternoon during a ceremony at the Barrineau Park Community Center. The West Florida High School senior’s service project was building five wooden picnic tables that were placed at the playground outside the community center last year.
Brown has also earned 32 merit badges in the Boy Scouts.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ruby Lois Cooper
January 15, 2023
Mrs. Ruby Lois Cooper, age 88, passed away, Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. She resided most of her life in Cantonment, FL. She retired from health care with many years of service. She was a member of Farmhill Holiness Church.
Mrs. Cooper enjoyed working in her vegetable garden, she also shared her crop of vegetables and loved to cook the fresh vegetables that she gathered. She enjoyed gospel music, and Christian Television Network. She really enjoyed going to the mountains and attending church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Archie (Emma Presley) Ardis, husband, Johnny Cooper, one son, Warren Dean Cooper, and one brother, Grady Ardis.
She is survived by her two sons, John (Lisa) Dale, of Atlanta, GA; Daniel (Debra) Cooper, of Seminole, AL; two daughters, Wanda Massey, of Cantonment, FL; Pamela Cooper, of Cantonment, FL; two brothers, Hubert (Alice) Ardis, of Wimberly, TX; Danny (Renee) Cole, of Baton Rouge, LA; one sister, Emogene (Johnny) Wood, of Talladega, AL; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Bro. Clyde Hughes officiating.
Burial will follow at Presley Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Clifford Buck, Joseph Snow, Donny Thompson, Michael David, Daniel Cooper, and Johnny Cooper.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chance Coleman, and Clay Coleman.
Warming Into The 60s Sunday
January 15, 2023
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. East wind around 5 mph.
M.L.King Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Special Election Dates Proposed For Two Century Council Seats
January 14, 2023
Dates have been proposed for a special election in Century for two town council seats that no one ran for during last year’s elections.
At a meeting on January 2, the sitting council temporarily appointed Shelisa McCall Abraham to Seat 3 and Alicia Johnson to Seat 4. Their positions are temporary until winners are determined in the special election.
The town charter states that the election will be held between 60 and 90 days after the vacancy occurs. The town and Supervisor of Elections David Stafford have now formulated dates for the election.
If there are three or more candidates for any one of the seats, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 14. Any necessary runoff and the general election will be held on Tuesday, March 28.
Qualifying will be open from noon February 21 until noon February 24 at the Supervisor of Elections Office or the Century Town Hall on February 22. Any registered voter that lives in the town limits can seek election and pay a $50 qualifying fee.
The election will be certified by the Escambia County Canvassing Board.
The Century Town Council will consider an ordinance to finalize the election details at an upcoming meeting.
Pictured: Shelisa Abraham (center) was sworn in January 2 as an interim member of the Century Town Council, serving until a special election is held. Alicia Johnson, also appointed to the council, will be sworn in on January 17. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.