These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
March 1, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between Interstate 10 (I-10) and U.S. 98, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, March 1, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, March 1, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, March 1, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, March 1 through Friday, March 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge construction activities. 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 the week of Sunday, March 1:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 eastbound near the U.S. 29 interchange, Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for bridge construction activities.
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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, March 1, through Friday, March 6, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- U.S. 90 Coring Operation over the White River Bridge – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 2 through Friday, April 10, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for coring operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Ice Flyers Fall Short To Birmingham Saturday Night
March 1, 2026
The Ice Flyers were unable to find the equalizer Saturday night, falling 2-0 to the Birmingham Bulls on Saturday night at the Hangar.
After a scoreless first period, Birmingham broke through late in the second when Drake Glover opened the scoring to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame. Pensacola pushed to get back even in the third, but could not solve Birmingham down the stretch.
With the Ice Flyers net empty in the closing moments, Kolten Olynek buried an empty-netter in the final seconds to seal the 2-0 result.
Pensacola will regroup and turn the page as the team prepares for a road trip next weekend to face the top-seeded Peoria Rivermen.
Michele Ann Turner
March 1, 2026
Michele Ann “Nana” Turner, age 62, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on July 26, 1963, in Fairmont, West Virginia. She later made her home in Alabama, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and simple joys.
Michele had a servant’s heart and a love for caring for others. She enjoyed cooking, specially making her famous lasagna, talking on the phone with loved ones, and spending time with family and friends. She loved watching soap operas, Auburn football, and treasured traveling with her husband. Michele also had a special fondness for animals and enjoyed seafood, especially oysters. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Michele will be remembered for her warm spirit, her love for her family, and the comfort she brought to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph L Cooley Jr. and Emma Louise Cooley; son, Blake Michael – Allen Turner; sister, Evelyn Owens, sister in-laws, Shirley Turner Cathy Hill; and nephew, Joey McGhee..
Michele is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Allen Turner of Huxford, Alabama; her son, Josh Turner (Brooke) of Spanish Fort, Alabama; her daughters, Brittany Powell (Andy) of Pensacola, Florida, and Heather Merchant (Erik) of Flomaton, Alabama; ten grandchildren, Kymberlee Victor, Emmalee Victor, DJ Victor, Blake Hagen, Emma Catherine Turner, Lizzi Turner, Ford Turner, Elli Cooper Turner, McGhee Turner, and Mary Caroline Turner. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and her “Fur Baby Rocki” and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Rev. Ray Ward officiating.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy McGhee,, Clint Ramer, Olan Albritton, Ronnie Jay, Tim Albritton, Michael McGhee and Buzzy Jordan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Turner, Eddie Ramer, Ronnie McGhee and Matthew McGhee.
A “special thanks” to her caregivers Kathy Lambert and Debra Riley.
Debra Ann Dawkins Ramsey
March 1, 2026
Debra Ann Dawkins Ramsey, 71, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 9, 1954, in Brewton, Alabama, Debra lived a life marked by steadfast faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her. She carried herself with grace, compassion, and a quiet strength rooted deeply in her love for Christ.
Debra was married to Michael Ramsey, with whom she shared the blessing of children, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Michael Ramsey; her children, Ashley (Joseph) Pollard and Stacy Ramsey; her granddaughters, Shelby and Sophia Pollard; her sister, Dianne (Toney) Clements; her dearest cousin, Linda Gale Franklin; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, near and far, all of whom she loved dearly.
Professionally, Debra was a gifted and highly respected seamstress for interior designers and decorators throughout the greater Pensacola area. She worked alongside her mother for many years, learning the art and discipline of the craft, and later took over the business after her mother’s passing. She maintained the highest standards in her work and was known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep pride in the finished product. Every piece she created reflected not only her talent but her integrity and commitment to excellence.
Debra was preceded in death by her father, Ruperd Eugene Dawkins; and her mother, Joy Lindsey Dawkins.
Her life was a testimony of perseverance through an incredibly difficult disease process. Even in suffering, her faith never wavered. She endured with dignity, courage, and an unshakable trust in God, serving as a witness to all who observed her journey. Scripture reminds us in James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Debra lived this promise daily.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her compassionate caregivers at VITAS Hospice, especially Jillian and Shauna, whose kindness, tenderness, and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to Debra in her final days. Their care was a true blessing to our family.
A celebration of Debra’s life will be held on March 8 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at her sister Dianne Clements’ home, located at 1418 Knollwood Drive in Cantonment, Florida. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited. We would love to see everyone as we gather together to honor her life, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Though her family grieves her earthly absence, they find peace in knowing she is whole, restored, and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion will continue to shine through the lives she shaped and the hearts she touched.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Luman Ray Biggs
March 1, 2026
Luman “Ray” Biggs, 88, of Atmore, AL, passed away February 19, 2026, in Savannah, GA. He was born on July 8, 1937, in Lottie, AL, to Ernest Biggs and Neoma Green. Ray was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose faith redirected the course of his family for generations to come. His life was anchored in a deep love for God and a sincere love for others, expressed through daily prayer, faithful study of God’s Word, and a quiet generosity that touched countless lives. He leaves behind a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly possession and a legacy of many lives transformed by the Savior he loved and served so faithfully.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Biggs and Neoma Green Biggs; his spouse, Duane Gunnels Biggs; his grandson, Cory Ladd Jones; his three sisters, Nell Presley, Dorothy Little, and Ernestine Raspberry; and his six brothers, Leroy Biggs, John Thomas (J.T.) Biggs, Gladden Biggs, Otha Biggs, Lloyd Biggs, and Melvin Biggs.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Felicia Carlton; his grandson, Eric Jones; his two daughters-in-law, Carmon Jones and Dana Jones; his five great-grandchildren, Kennedy Jones, Dagan Jones, Addison Jones, Madelyn Jones, and Garrick Freese; all of his many nephews and nieces that he loved with all his heart; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, AL, with Bro. John Loper and Bro. Richard Daniels officiating.
Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until service time at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Joan Mae Johnson
March 1, 2026
Joan Mae Johnson, born on April 12, 1934 in South Dakota, entered eternal rest on February 23, 2026, after a life well-lived and full of love and laughter. She was raised around the Colton, South Dakota area, where she learned the values of hard work and kindness that she carried throughout her days.
Joan dedicated numerous years to working at the Avon Manufacturing facilities, where she retired to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Her favorite pastime after retirement was bird watching, finding joy in the colorful cardinals and red roses that she lovingly tended, creating a beautiful view that reflected the beauty she carried within.
Her faith and spirituality were a guiding light in Joan’s life, providing her with strength and solace in both moments of happiness and times of sorrow. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Johnson; her son, Robert Stark; and her stepson, Randy Johnson.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Pam Neal (Wayne); and son, Darin Johnson (Lucy); as well as her loving sister, Dorothy Reurink. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Mike Neal (Olivia), David Neal (Melissa), Aaron Neal (Tammie), Lori Edgington (Tony), Brandy Enright (William), Kylie Johnson, Katie Vargas (Andy), Kevin Johnson, Nicole Chavez (Adrian), Drew Johnson (Toni), Colleen Thake; along with multiple great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
As we bid farewell to Joan Mae Johnson, we celebrate a life of love, and a deep connection to nature. May her spirit soar high with the birds she cherished, forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date in Colton, South Dakota.
50th Anniversary Celebrated: Tate Aggies 1976 State Champion Baseball Team
February 28, 2026
Before Friday night’s matchup between the Tate Aggies and Escambia Gators at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 1970s state championship teams from both schools were honored.
Tate was the home team and celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 1976 Class 4A team. Escambia honored its 1972 and 1974 Class 4A championship teams. At the time, 4A was the highest classification in Florida.
Ronnie Stryker, who was a senior on the 1976 state championship Tate Aggie team, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
There were 21 players from the Tate team committed to attend the 50-year anniversary, along with former coaches. One of those former players was a sophomore named Mike Killam, now the longtime metro director of the Northwest Florida chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
It was Killam’s brainchild to honor the 1976 team he played on.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“I got to thinking, hey, Tate is playing Escambia in this game. Let’s invite former players from Escambia’s 1972 and ’74 championship teams,” said Killam, whose FCA leadership has enabled thousands of area high school kids to get recognized at awards banquets, a golf tournament, and other special events his organization has staged.
“I figured, let’s make this really special,” Killam said. “Let’s just have a big night to celebrate these teams and these schools and all the baseball accomplishments.
“I’m so honored to have the response we’ve had.”
The former players first reunited Friday at the Pensacola Yacht Club with a luncheon event.
1976 Tate High Class 4A State Championship Team
Seniors
- Scott Madison
- Ronnie Stryker
- Ray Conti
- Steve Webb
- Bruce West
- Jimmy Dunlap
- Wes Connor
Juniors
- Keith Conley
- Richard Waters
- Randy Kitrell
- Johnny Wells
- Rocky Peoples
- Danny Minton
- Herb Brewer
Sophomores
- Danny Karp
- Mike Killam
- Robert Hicks
- Ken Cannon
- Mike Bennett
- Freddy Killam
Freshman
- John Dunlap
Staff & Coaches
- Equipment Manager: Lester (Killer) Rawls
- Head Coach: Danny Burke
- Assistant Coach: Floyd Adams
- Assistant Coach: Woodrow McCorvey
A list of names for the Escambia High teams was not available at publication time early Saturday morning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Arrested For Lewd Act Near Cantonment Bus Stop 11 Days After Jail Release For Sex Crime
February 28, 2026
An Escambia County man was arrested on Friday for a lewd act near a Cantonment school bus stop, just 11 days after he was released from jail for another sex crime.
Errice Lewis Rutledge, 36, was charged with indecent exposure and lewd and lascivious behavior in the presence of a victim under the age of 16.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a juvenile and their mother witnessed Rutledge perform a lewd act not far from a school bus stop on Milestore Boulevard. He was arrested walking into a thrift store on Nine Mile Road a short time later.
“These are felony charges as a result of a similar arrest and conviction in December of 2025,” the ECSO said in a statement.
In 2025, Rutledge was convicted of exposure of sexual organs after he was caught pleasing himself in the lobby of Dunkin’ Donuts on Nine Mile Road while in public view of a 3-year-old child under age 16 and three adults. He was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 179 days credit for time served. He was released from jail on February 16, just 11 days before Friday’s alleged school bus stop incident.
According to jail and court records, Rutledge has been arrested 21 other times in Escambia County since 2010 on a multitude of charges.
Final Night For Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical (With Gallery)
February 28, 2026
Tonight is the end of a six-performance run of Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical.
The production is a showcase of student talent and dedication. Every aspect of the show has been created entirely by students, including set construction, costume design, props, lighting, makeup, and wigs. The result is a fully student-designed theatrical experience that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of Tate’s thriving theatre program.
In addition, the production features double casting for the roles of Fiona, Dragon, Pinocchio, and Gingy. Each cast will perform on alternating nights, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy unique interpretations of these beloved characters.
Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door (cash only).
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spring-Like Warmth Continues Through Monday With Highs Near 80
February 28, 2026
A warm and mostly sunny weekend is ahead with highs approaching the 80s. A light breeze and clear skies continue into early next week before a slight chance of showers returns by Thursday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Areas of dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.