ECUA: Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures
January 6, 2025
There are steps that will protect household pipes from freezing temperatures forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. External, exposed pipes are naturally the most likely to freeze. Here are tips from ECUA:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This prevents the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and/or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually, this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
Teachers Head Back To School Today; Students Return Tuesday
January 6, 2025
Escambia County teachers head back to school today after Christmas break, while students return on Tuesday.
The next holiday for teachers and students will be MLK Day on January 20, followed by spring break March 17-21.
File photo.
Church In Molino Destroyed Twice By Fire Decades Ago Suffers Another Fire
January 6, 2025
A church in Molino that was destroyed by fire decades ago suffered heavy damage from another fire on Sunday afternoon.
The fire was reported shortly before 3 p.m. at the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in the 5600 block of Highway 95A, just north of Cedartown Road.
A portion of the roof collapsed in the fire.
The church building was destroyed by fire blamed on arson on April 5, 1991. The church had previously burned down in fire sparked by electric heater on April 29, 1980, according to historical reports.
For photo gallery, click here.
There was no immediate word on the cause of Sunday’s fire. There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
January 6, 2025
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:
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Jan. 5, drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
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- Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the I-10 eastbound outside travel lane will be closed intermittently between mile markers 8 and 10 as crews place barrier wall.
- Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The westbound travel lanes of the U.S. 90 bridge over Simpson River will be temporarily shifted the week of Sunday, Jan. 5, to allow crews to complete guardrail installation and shoulder work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout 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 Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 10, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, motorists will encounter a new traffic configuration on S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) as lanes will be shifted slightly west to allow the contractor to perform permanent widening activities on the east side of the roadway.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices In 2024 Were Slightly Lower Than 2023
January 6, 2025
Florida gas prices are beginning the near year slightly more expensive than this time in 2024. On Sunday, the state average was $3.11 per gallon. That’s four cents more than the same day in 2024.
“Although the daily average price is slightly more expensive, Florida gas prices remain within the same range they’ve been in for the past four months,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
On average, Florida drivers paid slightly less at the pump in 2024 than they did the year before. In 2024, Florida gas prices averaged $3.29 per gallon. In 2023, gas prices averaged $3.41 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County Sunday night was $2.82. A North Escambia low price of $2.77 could be found on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $2.55 on West Nine Mile Road.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Demolition Of Old Beulah Fire Station Underway
January 6, 2025
Demolition is underway of the former Beulah Fire Rescue Station 2 on West Nine Mile Road.
The former station was constructed after fire destroyed the original Beulah Fire Station in 1977. It was replaced by a new $8.5 million state-of-the-art Bradshaw-McNair Beulah Fire Station that opened in July.
The new Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station pays tribute to two individuals who greatly contributed to fire service in the Beulah area. The late Escambia County Fire Rescue District Chief Dwain Bradshaw, 42, lost his life in the line of duty during the early morning hours of November 6, 2019, while on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. He was a volunteer district chief at the Bellview Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, volunteer assistant district chief for the Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and lived a life of public service. Retired ECFR District Chief Steve McNair served the Beulah community as a volunteer firefighter for over 50 years. He also help construct the old fire station in 1977.
Submitted photo (above) and NorthEscambia.com photos (below), click to enlarge.
Marine Ryan Sconiers, Northview Graduate, Stands Guard Over Jimmy Carter’s Casket
January 6, 2025
Marine Ryan Sconiers, a 2019 graduate of Northview High School, had the solemn and prestigious duty Sunday morning as part of the military Guard of Honor standing watch over the casket of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
The Honor Guard, representing the pinnacle of military professionalism, comprises members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Sconiers, represented the Marine Corps, exemplifies the discipline and dedication that earned him this role.
Before joining the Marines in 2019, Sconiers was a member of Northview High School’s NJROTC program, where he honed the leadership and values that prepared him for his military career.
Carter, the nation’s 39th president, will lie in repose for mourners to come and pay their respects from through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7. . Throughout public repose, the military will maintain a guard of honor.
Gladys Kimmons Brown Smith
January 6, 2025
Gladys Kimmons Brown Smith, age 83, a long-time resident of Seminole, AL passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Mrs. Smith was a member of Seminole Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and doing things for others. She had a special place in her heart for her 1967 Mustang Coupe that she owned for a long time.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Kimmons; husband, Doyle Smith; children, Kelly Lynn Brown and Michael Brown; and her siblings, Mary Garrett, Edward Kimmons, Talbert Kimmons, Katie Lou Lee, and Annie Ruth Hall.
She is survived by her son, Rodney “Shorty” Brown (Patsy); step daughter, Laura Winkles (Kevin); brother, Ramond Kimmons; granddaughter, Kyle Lynn Neese (Zach); two great grandchildren, Leland Neese and Nolan Neese; three step grandchildren, Jordan Winkles, Crystal Harbin, and Ashley Kee; and very special friends, Wayne and Carla Givens; Wesley and Samantha Givens and the “little people”; and Ashley and Dane Ellison.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Seminole Baptist Church with Pastor Wesley Givens officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 9-10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Little Pine Barren Cemetery in Molino, FL. Flowers may be sent to the church for the funeral or memorials may be made to St. Jude.
Northview Chiefs Family Mourns Passing Of Their Beloved Toby Weaver
January 5, 2025
The Northview Chiefs and local community are mourning the loss of Toby Weaver, a permanent fixture on the sidelines of football games for many years.
Thomas William “Toby” Weaver passed away Friday evening at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. He was 49.
He was the son of former Northview High School Principal Gayle Weaver and her late husband Tommy Weaver, an assistant coach who was honored with the dedication of Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in 2014.
Toby was big part of the Northview family, an avid fan always there for games, always cheering (or sometimes offering coaching critiques when needed).
When Northview won their first, and only, state football championship in 2012, Toby was there to celebrate the win with his team and bring the trophy back to the school in Bratt. He held the trophy practically the entire trip from Orlando, napping with it in the back of the car and keeping it overnight in his room.
“Many of my favorite memories include him on the sideline of every football game,” Northview 2012 championship team senior player Chad Smith said Saturday. “He cheered hard and loved harder. Rest in peace, old friend.”
He was also an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers, taking each loss personally. He loved his Atlanta Braves, being their biggest fan each year. He loved watching almost any type of movie, and he loved listening to almost any type of music, singing along for his own entertainment. His hobby was putting puzzles together. He loved to travel, even spending thirty days each on two trips to France.
“Toby has always been the love of our lives,” Gayle Weaver said on behalf of her and the late Tommy Weaver. “He gave so much more than he took.”
When the Escambia County School Board voted to name the Northview football stadium in honor of Toby’s father Tommy Weaver, affectionately known as “Papa Weave” to students, Toby had just one word to say about his dad.
“Proud,” Toby Weaver leaned into the microphone and said of his beloved dad.
Toby Weaver is survived by his mother, Gayle Weaver of Walnut Hill, his sister Tara Nikki “Sissy” Walden, and numerous other family members.
Funeral services for Thomas William “Toby” Weaver will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 6 at Petty-Eastside Chapel in Atmore. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Old Town Cemetery in Evergreen, Alabama.
For the complete obituary, click here.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Need To Get Rid Of A Christmas Tree? You Can Still Recycle It For Free
January 5, 2025
You can still recycle your natural natural Christmas tree in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
In Escambia County:
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) will pick up Christmas trees from customers for free with the regular collection of yard waste.
Customers are asked to remove all decorations from their trees and cut the trees so that no portion is longer than six feet. Trees can be placed at the curb with other yard trash, and should not be placed in the regular garbage container or recycling cans.
For more information, call ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480.
In Santa Rosa County:
Santa Rosa County Public Works offers an environmentally friendly option for disposal. Residents who would like to “treecycle” their tree for mulch may drop off their clean Christmas trees in the designated areas listed below by Jan. 20
- Jay Transfer Station – Transfer Station Road, Jay
- Central Landfill – Household Hazardous Waste facility, 6337 Da Lisa Road, Milton
- Pace Fire Rescue District – 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd., Pace
- Navarre Beach Boat Ramp Parking Lot Recycle Area – Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach
- Tiger Point Recreation Area – Gulf Breeze, east of Walmart
Residents who wish to drop off their live tree will need to remove any tinsel, lights, and ornaments from the tree before dropping it off.