Escambia County To Begin Sanding Bridges Monday Afternoon
January 20, 2025
Escambia County will sand bridges across the county beginning Monday afternoon in advance of anticipated winter precipitation on Tuesday.
Sand improves traction in the event of ice on a bridge.
Pictured: Escambia County work crews sand bridges in 2021. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Finish Best Weekend With Series Win Against Marksmen, Gain In Standings
January 20, 2025
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
In summoning a resolve and determined effort, the Ice Flyers just celebrated their best weekend of the season.
They answered three times Sunday with tying goals, then took over the third period for a 6-3 win against the Fayetteville Marksmen to win the three-game series, gain five points, and change the vibe throughout the Pensacola Bay Center.
It was something that had been missing until now.
“It’s a huge step in the right direction with these guys,” said Ice Flyers team captain Jake Hamilton, who twice brawled in Saturday’s blowout win to fire up the crowd and teammates, then helped defensive effort Sunday.
“This is the time to start jelling together and that time is starting to happen now,” Hamilton said. “The hockey gods are taking our side with some of the puck luck and some of these timely goals.
“The biggest thing I am proud with this group is we’ve learned to battle adversity. We learned to battle bad reps and we learned to battle from behind.
“Hockey is not a perfect game. That’s what makes it entertaining too. You never know what is going to happen. Just how we responded has been night and day from the team we used to be.”
The Ice Flyers produced a pair of tying goals in the first period, added another in the second period, then followed a go-ahead goal by Sam Dabrowski with 9:46 remaining to seal the game with two empty net goals in the final three minutes.
“Obviously, we knew it was a big weekend for us… three games all on home ice,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “We haven’t played great on home ice, we want to reward the fans. Friday night (an OT shootout loss), I thought we deserved a better outcome.
But we played well enough to get a point that night. And we set that goal right away. We wanted to get five out of six points. What’s rewarding for me is that we are going to have to set some goals to make the playoffs down the stretch.
“That was a goal they set … to get five of six points, but as simple as that may sound, it’s not easy, right? You still have to go out and work hard and it’s never easy to beat any team in this league. We are trying to keep everything in segments here and keep (players) hungry, because that’s what we have to do.”
In winning Sunday, the Ice Flyers moved just one point behind the Macon Mayhem to escape last place in the Southern Professional Hockey League standings. They are now six points behind the Evansville Thunderbolts for eighth place – the final playoff spot – and will play at Evansville on Friday and Saturday.
“It puts us back in the hunt and that’s what it’s always been about for me,” said Ice Flyers goalie Brody Claeys. “We have some much talent in that locker room. There are so many guys who can play hockey at an extremely high level and coach (Graham) has all the right details for us and it’s really been about executing.
The Ice Flyers will leave early Tuesday, likely in advance of a potential winter storm for Pensacola, traveling to Evansville where they will work out on Wednesday and Thursday before playing back-to-back games. They will complete a vital road trip by facing first-place Huntsville Havoc next Sunday.
A quick recap of the latest win.
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers twice got tying goals in the opening period and headed to intermission with the game tied 2-2.
Fayetteville’s Alex Gritz began his three-goal night with a wrist shot through some traffic with 13:55 left.
The Ice Flyers Matt Wiesner answered on a rebound that occurred from a wrap-around attempt with 8:38. On the play, the puck caromed free off the goaltender’s pads and Wiesner had an easy finish into the open net.
But a minute later, Gritz had a two-on-one situation down the left side, chose to shoot and the puck skirted through Claeys pads into the net.
The Ice Flyers got an equalizer with their first of two power play goals in the game. Blake Tosto gained the rebound off Ivan Bondarenko’s one-timer attempt from the other faceoff circle and buried the second chance with 4:50 remaining.
SECOND PERIOD
Gritz completed his hat trick for the Marksmen seven minutes into the period for a 3-2 lead at the time. Again, it was a 2-on-1 situation where Gritz’ wrister eluded Claeys and into the net.
The score remained that way until 3:04 left in the period when Bondarenko again helped the tying goal with a pass to Doug Elgstam, who uncorked a one-timer past Ryan Kenny, trying the game a third time.
A minute later, multiple penalties ensued from the game’s only true scrum. The Ice Flyers’ Sam Dabrowski was whistled for shoving a Marksmen player from behind after the dust settled. It gave Fayetteville a power-play to end the period, but the Ice Flyers penalty kill thwarted any good look and went into intermission deadlocked again.
“I think we really added some grit that we needed, and it has gone a long ways,” Claeys said. “We have a lot of guys who have just bought in and wanted it more than the other team.”
THIRD PERIOD
Just one second after the Ice Flyers Doug Elgstam emerged from the penalty box, the Ice Flyers finished a penalty kill as Sam Dobrowski gained the puck off the boards and created a two-on-one situation. He rifled a wrist shot into the net with 8:46 remaining for the team’s first lead.
Fayetteville called timeout with 3:02 remaining and the Marksmen opted to pull their goaltender for an extra attacker. The Ice Flyers twice one puck battles and finished the play with empty net goals. Tosto scored his second goal with 2:44 remaining and Bondarenko finished his big night with the final one with 48 seconds left.
Graham credited Houston Wilson for his effort in creating Tosto’s goal.
“He has relentless pursuit of forecheck,” Graham said. “That is what he brings to the table. He is relentless forechecker, Houston was able to get u there and caused the chaos.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Evansville Thunderbolts
WHEN: Friday-Saturday (Jan. 24-25), both games at 7:05 p.m.
Florida (Yes, Florida) Has Snowplows, Salt, Spreaders Ready For Tuesday
January 20, 2025
The Florida Department of Transportation has snowplows, salt and spreaders for use in Northwest Florida.
Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as FDOT maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions on bridges and roadways. FDOT crews will deploy various ice and snow removal equipment including snowplows and salt and chemical spreaders throughout the area.
FDOT’s winter weather plan has been developed to keep Florida’s highway system safe and operational in all types of weather conditions.
Road Rangers in northwest Florida will are operating 24/7 patrolling through Wednesday, Jan. 22 or until needed, to assist with monitoring travel conditions and respond quickly to any roadway issues or motorists stranded due to possible winter weather forecast in the area.
If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Schools Are Closed On Tuesday
January 19, 2025
Schools in Escambia County in Florida and Alabama are closed on Tuesday, and those in Alabama have also announced that they are closed on Wednesday. Santa Rosa County Schools are also closed.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard has announced that schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21. due to possible extremely low temperatures and wintry weather in the area.
The National Weather Service forecasts severe cold weather moving through the area on Tuesday, with the possibility of dangerously low temperatures and wind chills. In an abundance of caution, all schools, district offices, and afterschool activities, including indoor and outdoor athletics, have been canceled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Tuesday night’s School Board meeting is cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Updates will be posted here on NorthEscambia.com.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Due to extremely cold temperatures and winter weather potential, all Santa Rosa County Schools and district offices will be closed on both Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22. All district afterschool activities for Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 are cancelled as well.
“This decision was made with the safety of our students and staff as our top priority, in collaboration with the National Weather Service of Mobile and the Santa Rosa Emergency Management Office,” the district said.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, ALABAMA
Escambia County (AL) Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22.
All sports practices, games, and extracurricular activities scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are canceled.
The safety of our students, staff, and bus transportation is our top priority,” Superintendent Michele W. Collier said. “Based on the latest forecasts and potential hazards, we believe this is the best course of action to ensure everyone’s well-being. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary regarding any further changes to school operating schedules.”
Updates will be posted here on NorthEscambia.com.
Three People Apply For Appointment To Empty Century Town Council Seat
January 19, 2025
Three people applied for an appointment to a vacant seat on the non-partisan Century Town Council.
Seat 4 was left open when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr. resigned.
The council plans to choose one of the candidates at a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday; however, there is a chance that the meeting may be rescheduled due to ice or snow (we’ll let you know here on NorthEscambia.com.)
The three applicants are:
- Constance Brookhart, who described herself as a very detailed person that is a supervisor at a water utility with over 20 years’ experience in dealing with people and finances. She would love to see Century “as a vibrant business area” that should be clean and decorated.
- Kathryn Fleming, who previously worked as a mental health case manager for about two years in Brewton that describes herself as a problem solver. She said Century is a gateway to Pensacola beaches and aviation that should draw tourists, and the county is growing north. She served on the Century Charter Review committee from 2022-2023.
- Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison, who has lived and worked as a director of PSC Century Center for two years that is “driven by the desire to help others and enhance the quality of life for all who call Century home. She attached a cover letter and a three-page “Vision Plan for Century” to the town’s basic application.
To read the applications, click here. (Editor’s note: While part of the public record provided to us by the town, we have redacted addresses and personal contact information from this pdf.)
Winter Storm Watch: Snow By Tuesday
January 19, 2025
A WINTER STORM WATCH AND AN EXTREME COLD WARNING ARE IN EFFECT.
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 24. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Snow, mainly after noon. High near 32. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 45.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
MLK Day Parades, Celebrations Planned For Monday
January 19, 2025
Martin Luther King. Jr. parades and a celebrations are planned for Monday in Century, Cantonment and Atmore.
The Pensacola parade has been canceled due to weather.
CENTURY
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be held on Monday, January 20 in Century. The main program begins at 10 a.m. indoors at the Century Community Center on Highway 4 featuring music and food. Parade will follow the program with line up at 12:30 p.m. and the motorcade at 1 p.m. from the community center to the old Carver Middle School. Call Melvin Whatley for more information (850) 530-3160.
CANTONMENT
The 18th annual MLK Parade will roll at 4 p.m. in Cantonment. Line up begins at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, 308 Webb Street. There were about 70 units scheduled to take part. For more information, contact Dr. Mary Floyd at (850) 390-1912.
PENSACOLA
The City of Pensacola has canceled the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade originally scheduled for Monday, January 20 due to cold weather.
ATMORE
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will roll at 10 a.m. on Monday from Houston Avery Park.
Today Is The Day To Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures
January 19, 2025
Today is the day to take steps to protect your pipes again extreme freezing weather this week.
There are steps that will protect household pipes from freezing temperatures. Lows around 20 are forecast for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday And Wednesday nights with daytime highs only in the 30s after Sunday. 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.
All West Florida Library Book Drops Closed Until After Special Election
January 19, 2025
All West Florida Libraries book drops are closing until after the January 28 special primary election.
Materials can be returned to the service desk at any WFPL library.
All WFPL book drops will reopen on January 29 according to the library system.
The Pensacola, Southwest and Bellview libraries will be early voting locations through January 25. The main Pensacola and Bellview libraries are both early voting and election day polling locations; however, Southwest is not a regular polling place. (There is also early voting near the Molino Library in the Molino Community Center, but not in the actual library.)
Pictured: The book drop outside the Molino Branch Library during the November 2024 election cycle. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cold Weather Shelters Available For Escambia County Residents
January 19, 2025
Unfortunately, there are no public cold weather shelters in North Escambia, but there ware shelters available to Escambia County residents in Pensacola to provide relief from frigid temperatures.
Escambia County (FL):
- Waterfront Rescue Mission
- Men and women
- Open 24 hours, with expanded capacity and no charge during cold weather events
- 348 W. Herman St., Pensacola
- REAP Max-Well Respite Center
- Women with children
- Open daily, with expanded capacity during cold weather events
- Intake is from 4-6 p.m. (after 6 p.m. if accompanied by law enforcement)
- 2200 N. Palafox St., Pensacola
- My Father’s Vineyard
- Men and women (no children)
- Intake is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (must leave by 7 a.m., with ECAT providing free transportation to Waterfront starting at 7 a.m.)
- Open Sunday, Jan. 19 through Wednesday night (Jan. 22), with operations continuing if temperatures continue to be 32 degrees or below
- 7895 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola
Escambia County Area Transit will provide free transportation between My Father’s Vineyard and Waterfront Rescue Mission, which allows those seeking shelter to easily travel between the overnight shelter at the church and the designated warming center at Waterfront Rescue.
Through the county’s cold weather sheltering plan, Waterfront Rescue Mission is the central receiving point for anyone in need of emergency shelter when the temperature drops to 40 degrees or less. Waterfront then coordinates with other partner agencies to ensure anyone needing cold weather shelter can be accommodated.
Escambia County (AL):
- Restoration House of Atmore, 1010 East Nashville Avenue.
- Shelter will be open, Florida residents are welcome.
Santa Rosa County:
- Ferris Hill Baptist Church
- Intake from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (After 8:30 if accompanied by law enforcement)
- 6848 Chaffin St., Milton.