These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
March 31, 2024
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) at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts near the I-10/Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5):
- The inside lanes of Nine Mile Road, between the I-10 ramps at Exit 5, will be closed Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform median work.
- Traffic on I-10 near Exit 5 is shifted slightly to the right so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers on Scenic Highway, between I-10 and Davis Highway, may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, March 31 through Thursday, April 4 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing 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 will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 as crews perform earthwork, concrete, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Monday, April 1 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound inside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound inside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3. The I-10 westbound outside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound inside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge:
- Sunday, March 31 and Thursday, April 4 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- 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 31, through Friday, April 5, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 1 through Thursday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
University Of Alabama Tag Vouchers Are Buy One, Get One Free In Escambia County
March 29, 2024
University of Alabama tag vouchers are buy one, get one free for the first 100 purchasers in Escambia County.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said a donor has agreed to match 100 University of Alabama vouchers sold through EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Additional vouchers may be used for another vehicle, including trailers and RVs, or to offset the renewal fee in a future year.
Click https://county-taxes.net/fl-escambia to buy your UA voucher and the tax collector will put a second one on the record of the first 100 purchasers.
Tate Tennis Boys And Girls Both Defeat Escambia 7-0
March 1, 2024
Tate 7, Escambia 0 (Boys)
Tate 7, Escambia 0 (Girls)
Tate High School boys and girls tennis teams both defeated the Escambia Gators 7-0 Thursday afternoon
Up next, Tate will be at Washington on March 5.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fill Arena, Fall To Birmingham
February 3, 2024
By Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Ice Flyers had a filled arena Friday on their special 15th anniversary weekend, created plenty of scoring chances, had strong goaltending and evoked crowd reaction from several hard checks.
But a too-familiar, empty feeling, became the final narrative.
The Birmingham Bulls got a deflected goal midway through the second period and made it stand in a 1-0 victory against the Ice Flyers before a sellout crowd of 8,049 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“(Bulls) made one more play than we did and that’s what the game came down to,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “Tip your hat to Birmingham, they’re the top defensive team in the league for a reason. They are very structured. They defended very well.”
It was the Bulls sixth consecutive win against the Ice Flyers, further burnishing their position atop the SPHL standings. Birmingham backup goaltender, Drennan Atherton, a Winter Haven native, who played a game earlier this season for the Ice Flyers, earned his first shutout by stopping all 34 Ice Flyers shots.
His performance included several big stops in the first period and kept the packed arena from having a goal dance celebration to start the annual $5 ticket weekend. The Ice Flyers will get another opportunity Saturday in a sold-out game against the Macon Mayhem to complete back-to-back discount games.
“I’m disappointed for the guys, because again, I know how badly they wanted to get a win for the big crowd,” Graham said. “But I told them (afterward), we get back here, we’ll have a big crowd (Saturday), we have to get points.
“The urgency of this group, they have to start playing with a desperate, killer instinct. And will it happen? That’s the million-dollar question.”
The Ice Flyers (15-17, 2 OT losses, 32 points) had three power play chances in the game. They were only whistled for one penalty. They were able to pull goaltender Stephen Mundinger with 2:46 remaining and a timeout with a faceoff in the Bulls zone.
But even with chances in that final sequence, they could not get a shot into the net and Birmingham (24-6, 6 OT losses, 54 points) improved to 7-3 in the series with Pensacola this season.
“I go back to the first period all the scoring chances, Grade-As, that we had in the slot and we don’t bear down,” Graham said. “We missed the net a lot. And didn’t create enough second chances, greasy goals around the net. That is the issue for our team. We’ve talked about it this year, we have a forward group that we want it the easy way.
“We’ve gone through this in this season about crashing the net, getting positioning around the net front and scratching and clawing for goals.”
The game’s only goal came on what started as a pass. Birmingham’s Dillon Radin was created for a goal when his play in the goal crease area led to the puck bouncing off a skate and into the net.
“Unfortunately, bounces didn’t go our way,” Mundinger said. “We’re right there. One of those things where we ran into a hot goalie, he played well, but I think if a couple bounces go our way, that game is 5-0. It’s frustrating, but we’re playing good hockey.”
Mundinger was awed by scene in the arena where people were literally sitting in the final row near the Bay Center roof. From ice level to rafter left, the seats were filled. And it will occur again Saturday.
“I feel like every week here, you think like you get the best and it just keeps more and more,” Mundinger said. “Nothing but great things about playing here… more than I could have ever dreamed of when coming here. This is a special weekend. You want to win for everyone that’s there. “
For more photos, click or tap here.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Macon Mayhem vs. Ice Flyers
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch Next Week
January 20, 2024
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:
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R.) 298) Resurfacing 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 will encounter daytime lane closures and intermittent nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 26 as crews perform concrete and striping work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from north of Interstate 10 (I-10) to Davis Highway- Drivers will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures, between I-10 and Davis Highway, Sunday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 25 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers may encounter daytime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Monday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- I-10 Routine Utility Maintenance from the Alabama state line to Exit 22 (Avalon Boulevard) – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures Tuesday, Jan. 23 through Thursday, Jan 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair overhead lights.
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, January 21, through Friday, January 26, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent S.R. 87 single-lane closures, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for turn lane construction and paving operations.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from North of S.R. 87 to Highway 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, between S.R .87 and Hwy. 178, Monday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as crews perform turnout widening and paving work.
- I-10 Westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, Jan. 21 to Thursday, Jan. 25, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the Blackwater River Bridge eastern approach:
- Intermittent single-lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations and to place low-profile barrier wall.
- A slight shift of the I-10 westbound travel lanes toward the inside of the roadway. The new configuration will provide space for crews to work in the construction zone behind the barrier wall and is expected to be in place through Feb. 2024.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Elijah Ray Ramos
January 12, 2024
Elijah Ray Ramos, of Molino, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 19. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on March 11, 2004 to Ray and Crystal Ramos. After high school, Eli went to work for the family business where he worked until his passing. Eli was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and hanging out with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Faye Campbell; grandfather, Billy Ray Campbell; grandmother, Juanita Ramos; and his great uncle, Raul Ramos, Jr.
Eli is survived by his father, Ray Ramos; his mother, Crystal Ramos; grandmother, Kay Campbell; grandfather, Raul Ramos, Sr.; his aunt/sister, Ciara (Codie) Callaway and their boys, Lawson and Fletcher; great-grandparents, Billy and Joyce Campbell; his uncles, Roy Ramos and Rodney Ramos; aunts, Wanda Ramos and Wendy Ramos; great aunt, Trudy Campbell; great uncle, mentor, and buddy, Tim Thomasson; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and many friends.
The family of Elijah Ray Ramos will receive friends for visitation at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Philip Dean officiating. Burial will follow at McCurdy Cemetery (Fannie Road) in Century, Florida.
Pallbearers include Trey Campbell, Kody Lee, Tyler Swauger, Caleb Banks, Chad Sims, and Eddie Brown.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. Y
Thomas Clayton Ward Jr
January 1, 2024
Mr. Thomas Clayton Ward Jr. age 80 passed away at his residence in Century FL. Wednesday December 13, 2023.
Mr. Ward was a life-long resident of Century FL. and was of the Baptist faith. He was a retired owner/operator of Thomas Ward Trucking, and retired Veteran of The United States Army where he served during the Vietnam era, serving alongside his late brother James L. “Booter” Ward.
In his spare time, Mr. Ward enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren which his love was unsurpassed.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years Kathy Ward of Century FL; stepson Scotty Hagan of Pensacola FL; daughters Debbie (Dennis) Finegan of Green Cove Springs, FL. Karen (Andy) Layton of Milton FL; brother Bennie (Jenny) Ward of Cantonment FL; Sisters Delois Brown of Bratt FL. Joyce Burkett of Byrneville FL. Barbara (Donnie) Kilcrease of Byrneville FL; grandchildren that were the light of his life Andrew (Taylor Hendrieth) Howell, Christina Finegan, Wesley (Brooke) Layton, Ashley Finegan, Delaney Hagan, Ian Hagan; several nieces and nephews, and a friend like family Jeff (Junia) Fisher of Flomaton, AL.
Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his father and mother Thomas Clayton Ward Sr. and Ruby Flowers Muse; first wife Margeret Ann Ward: brothers Byron “Bit” Martin, James L. “Booter” Ward.
Visitation will be held Sunday December 17, 2023, from 1P.M. until 2 P.M. service time at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Clayton Ward Jr. will be held Sunday afternoon December 17, 2023, at 2 P.M. from the chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home with Brother Tim Floyd officiating. Interment will follow in Byrneville Cemetery with Flomatn Funeral Home Directing.
Jennifer Smith Is Kingsfield Elementary’s Teacher Of The Year
December 28, 2023
Jennifer Smith was named the Kingsfield Elemenatary School Teacher of the Year.
NorthEscambia.com is wrapping up 2023 by honoreing the Teacher of the Year from North Escambia schools over the next several days. Escambia County’s overall Teacher of the Year will be named in January.
Cantonment Man Caught During Traffic Stop Gets Five Years In Prison For Fentanyl Trafficking
December 13, 2023
A Cantonment man was sentenced this week to state prison on drug charges that resulted from a seat belt violation traffic stop.
Samuel Lee Purifoy, Jr., was sentenced to five years in state prison, with credit for 52 days served, for possession of fentanyl.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Purifoy’s vehicle in the area of North S and Delano Street. Purifoy smelled strongly of marijuana and appeared to be under the influence of marijuana, according to an arrest report.
A search of his vehicle uncovered marijuana and 86.3 grams of drugs in the vehicle, and $1,710 in cash was in his pocket, the report states.
Want To Have Your Say In The Future of Beulah? Two Master Plan Meetings This Week
December 3, 2023
Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, county staff and Sigma Consulting invite the public to the Beulah Master Plan Design Charette Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Beulah Senior Citizens Center, 7425 Woodside Road.
This two-day charrette will allow county staff and Sigma Consulting to further engage with citizens and learn more about planning for Beulah. From 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 5, Sigma Consulting will hold a short presentation followed by activities designed to provide Sigma with residents’ preferences for design improvements to the Beulah Master Plan. From 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 6, Sigma will use an open design studio format to quantify and consolidate data collected from the previous day. A presentation will follow the open design studio from 6-7 p.m.
The Beulah Master Plan is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the RESTORE Act program