If 4th Graders Wrote Their Own Constitution, What Would It Say? (Hint: There’s Food And Naps)
September 20, 2021
If kids could write their own classroom constitution what would it say?
The Byrneville Elementary School fourth graders of Room 43 celebrated Constitution Day last Friday by writing their own “Classroom Constitution”.
It started with great virtues like being fair, being kind, and working hard to the very best of their abilities.
And then there were a few perfect world clauses…the right to eat whenever they want, naps everyday at 1:30 (well, except for music days), free time and free talk time (freedom of speech, you know).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arrr Matey! Century Library Celebrates Talk Like A Pirate Day
September 20, 2021
The Century Branch Library celebration National Talk Like a Pirate Day on Saturday.
Children were able to create their own pirate crafts and practice using their pirate vocabulary. (And no one had to walk the plank.)
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Hires New Facilities Management Director
September 20, 2021
Escambia County has hired Rob Hogan as the director of facilities management.
Hogan’s first day on the job will be September 28. He brings more than 24 years of management experience and more than 20 years of progressive facility management and construction experience. Hogan most recently has served as the director of facilities and interim director of purchasing for Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey, since 2016.
“I am really excited by the possibilities presented with this opportunity and serving the Escambia County community,” said Hogan. “Having been life-long residents of New Jersey, Kath and I are looking forward to relocating to the sunny gulf coast of Florida.”
The Facilities Management Department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and security of county-owned and leased buildings, along with utilities, capital lease management, space needs planning and oversight of capital improvement and renovation projects at all county facilities. Its divisions include Custodial Services, Design & Construction Administration Team, Maintenance, and Utilities.
Hogan earned an MBA and a bachelor’s in science degree in business management from Rowan University as well as associate in science degrees in chemistry, hazardous materials management, and chemical engineering from Gloucester County College. He also earned the following certifications: Facilities Management Professional from International Facilities Management Association, Educational Facilities Manager and Educational Transportation Supervisor from Rutgers University/NJ Department of Education, FEMA-LS363 Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education.
Florida Gas Prices Up Average 10 Cents As Production Remains Lower
September 20, 2021
Florida gas prices are now holding steady after unexpectedly jumping 10 cents last week. The state average price of $3.10 per gallon is a new 2021 high, seven cents more than the previous high, set back in early August.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $3.04, up two cents from a week ago and the same as a month ago. Several stations in Cantonment were at the $2.99 price point Sunday night, while one of the Pensacola wholesale clubs came in at $2.86.
Pump prices increased alongside rising crude oil and gasoline futures prices. The price of crude increased 4% last week on reports that Gulf of Mexico energy infrastructure is still recovering from Hurricane Ida.
Most of the onshore oil refineries — that went offline because of the hurricane — have reportedly already or are in the process of restarting. However, weekly EIA data showed that offshore oil production remained low. Weekly figures from the EIA show US crude production dropped 13%, to hit a 2-year low of 10 million barrels per day. That figure improved by 1% to 10.1 million barrels per day last week.
One Injured When Pickup Flips Near Oak Grove
September 19, 2021
One person was injured when a pickup truck rolled over near Oak Grove Sunday morning.
The driver of the Ford Super Duty lost control in double curves on North Highway 99 south of Breastworks Road about 7:45 a.m. The truck overturned, coming to rest upright on the shoulder of the road.
The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: 30,000 Pound Food Giveaway Next Saturday In Cantonment
September 19, 2021
A 30,000 pound food giveaway will be held next Saturday, September 25 in Cantonment.
The event will take place on a first come, first served basis from 8-10 a.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. The giveaway is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Cantonment Improvement Committee and Trailer Parts Plus of Florida.
Organizers say they plan to hold the large food distribution once per quarter.
Cantonment Lodge Adopts Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher
September 19, 2021
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 has adopted Ernest Ward Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teacher Alexander Fitzgerald (pictured in brown jacket). The Lodge presented Fitzgerald with a $250 donation and a donation of supplies recently. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
By The Numbers: Escambia Reports 1,233 New COVID-19 Cases
September 19, 2021
There were 1,233 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 224 COVID-19 hospitalizations..
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 51,382 (+1,233)
Positivity rate last week: 17.3%
Current total hospitalizations: 224
Over age 18 and over hospitalizations: 220
Under age 18 hospitalized: 4
Total deaths last 7 days: 26 (CDC data)
Escambia County Vaccinations
People vaccinated: 147,016 (+1,680)
Total Population of Escambia County Partially Vaccinated: 52.7%
Total Population of Escambia County Fully Vaccinated: 43.7%
*These numbers are the percent of total Escambia County population vaccinated. Not the percentage of hospitalized individuals.
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 30,625 (+811)
Positivity rate last week: 18.9%
People vaccinated: 85,784 (+1,088)
Partial vaccination rate (age 12+): 53%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 3,485,163 (+75,906)
Case positivity rate: 11.2%
Deaths: 51,240 (+384)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate The number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities is no longer provided by FDOH.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Spots To Watch
September 19, 2021
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
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 25. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- 17th Avenue interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound is closed at Gregory Street. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and the boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. In addition, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and approximately D Street as crews perform median improvement work. Motorists are reminded the speed between Dominguez Street and A Street is 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 to allow crews to pave driveway tie-ins and place the final layer of asphalt.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane closures and traffic shifts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations and other construction activities.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Sept. 20 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from South of Muscogee Road (C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 24 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- S.R. 298 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20 Thursday, Sept. 21 as crews perform paving operations and other construction activities
- Burgess Road (S.R. 742) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, as crews repair a gas line.
- Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) Construction Activities at Sorrento Road – There will be southbound intermittent lane closures at the intersection of Sorrento Road 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 23 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 29 Turn Lane Construction at the new Circle K Store – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures between West Roberts Road and Crowe Lane 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 23.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 24. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no anticipated traffic impacts.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the Blackwater River bridge 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 23 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Nine Mile Road at the North Palafox intersection, as seen from the Highway 29 overpass. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sneak Peek: Planting Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families
September 19, 2021
Every November, NorthEscambia.com takes you to Farm City Week, and this year we are giving you an early sneak peak.
During Farm City Week, a couple of hundred or so student volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties work for a day in the fields near Jay to harvest collards, bag sweet potatoes, and more that will feed needy families at Thanksgiving.
This week, the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay planted collards donated by Wendt Farm and Nursery. They collards be ready just in time to harvest for Thanksgiving meals for about 1,000 families in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast and Waterfront Rescue Mission.
At the bottom of the page, you can see the harvested collards in 2019.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
