Need Free Sand For Storm Prep? Here’s Where To Find It
August 15, 2021
Escambia County is offering free sand for residents living in flood-prone areas in advance of possible heavy tropical rain due to tropical system Fred. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are usually available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
These Are This Week’s Road Work Trouble Spots
August 15, 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 Monday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound remains closed at Bayfront Parkway. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and 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 work to replace the southbound portion of the structure. There will also be intermittent lane closures to allow crews to mobilize materials and equipment.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 20 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – The inside lane will be closed between North Pace Boulevard and J Street as crews perform median improvement work. Drivers are reminded the speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 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 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) 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 the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Aug. 16 as crews place a water main.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Monday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) 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 traffic impacts currently.
- 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. Monday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 19 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Price Gouging Hotline Is Active Ahead Of Fred
August 15, 2021
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline as Tropical Depression Fred approaches the state. The activation follows Governor Ron DeSantis’s state of emergency declaration for Escambia, Santa Rosa and 21 other counties in the Panhandle.
Floridians can now report instances of extreme price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency.
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of the event.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. The Attorney General’s No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
“With Tropical Depression Fred approaching our shores, I’m urging all Floridians to be prepared. I’ve activated the state’s price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases of essential goods in areas covered by the declared state of emergency. Help us protect consumers—if you suspect price gouging, report it to my office,” Moody said.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. In addition to the civil penalties for price gouging, state law criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of a business tax receipt.
Conine Hits MiLB Leading 31st Home Run, But Wahoos Fall 7-2 To Montgomery
August 15, 2021
Montgomery scored five times in the top of the first inning against Will Stewart (L, 5-6) and Pensacola never recovered as the Biscuits won 7-2 Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was a nightmarish beginning to the ball game as the first five Biscuits all reached safely to open the game. After back-to-back singles, Ruben Cardenas belted a three-run homer to put the Biscuits ahead 3-0. After a walk and a double, Montgomery used a pair of economical groundouts to score two more, which made it 5-0 before the Wahoos took their first swing of the night.
Peyton Burdick delivered Pensacola’s first hit in the top of the fourth inning against Easton McGee (W, 4-0) with a line drive to left field. Unfortunately, after a fielder’s choice, the Blue Wahoos hit into a double play to end the inning. In the fifth, Griffin Conine got Pensacola on the board with a no-doubter to right field, which at the time made it a 6-1 game. In the following inning, JJ Bleday clubbed an RBI triple off the right field wall that scored Galli Cribbs, who doubled earlier in the inning.
Because of the turbulent first inning, Stewart only pitched 3.2 innings. Jackson Rose replaced him in the fourth and was impressive in his 2.1 relief innings. Alexander Guillen also made his return to the Blue Wahoos after being activated prior to the game as the right-hander pitched a scoreless seventh inning before Dylan Bice hurled two hitless innings to close out the game.
Pensacola will look for a series split in the finale on Sunday, with the game now starting a 1:05 p.m. due to the possibility of weather later in the evening.
Escambia County Declares Local State Of Emergency
August 14, 2021
On Saturday, Escambia County declared a local state of emergency due to the potential threat from tropical system Fred.
For the latest details and forecast for Fred, click or tap here.
A local state of emergency allows the county administrator to spend operational funds if necessary for emergency needs. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Escambia and 22 other counties in the Panhandle to ensure state and local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare.
As a reminder, residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.
There are currently no evacuation orders issued for Escambia County residents.
Sentencing Delayed For Cantonment Man Convicted Of Hit And Run That Killed One Juvenile, Injured Another
August 14, 2021
Scheduled sentencing was delayed Friday for a Cantonment man that hit two juveniles with his SUV last year on Quintette Road, killing one of them.
Robert William Etheridge II, 59, was found guilty on July 8 of one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Sentencing was delayed after the withdrawal of Etheridge’s attorney. Judge Jennie Kinsey granted the motion and provided Etheridge with time to find a new attorney.
He’s expected to be back in court on September 3, and a sentencing date may be set at that time.
About 8 p.m. on April 6, 2020, 12-year old Hailey Locke and 13-year old Rylee Simmons, both students at Ransom Middle School, were on Quintette Road approaching Carrington Lake Boulevard when they were struck by a Ford Escape driven by Etheridge. Troopers said he fled the scene and called the FHP about 24 minutes later to say he thought he had hit a deer.
The windshield was cracked in the crash, but not enough to obscure the driver’s view, according to an arrest report. The area in which the collision occurred was lit with multiple overhead lights, the weather was clear and there was a full moon, FHP said.
When law enforcement responded to his home, Etheridge showed signs of intoxication. The jury determined by their verdict that Etheridge knew, or should have known, that he had collided with people and left the scene of the crash.
Rylee was removed from a life support a little over a week later after his organs were donated.
Pictured top: Rylee Simmons, 13. Photo provided by family for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: The crash scene on April 6, 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Funeral Services Set For NWE Youth Football Coach
August 14, 2021
Services have been set for a North Escambia youth football coach that passed away Thursday morning due to COVID-19.
Funeral services for 41-year old Gregory Elbert Gibson will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Bradberry Park football field in Walnut Hill. Burial will follow at Poarch Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Gibson served as president of Northwest Escambia (NWE) Chiefs Football and Cheer since 2013 and had coached most years since 2002.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Sylvia “Jodi” Gibson, son Justin Elliott Gibson, and daughters Olivia Gibson, Caitlyn Gibson and Presley Gibson.
For the complete obituary, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Santa Rosa Commits $1 Million To Help Fund $3 Million Park In Jay
August 14, 2021
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The Santa Rosa County Commission has committed $1 million toward a new $3 million Bray Hendricks Park in Jay.
The town has raised about $1 million so far, including a $300,000 legislative appropriation, $260,000 from the American Rescue Plan and a $50,000 donation from Maverick Natural Resources.
“As we are raising a million dollars, we are asking you guys to match the million dollars,” Mayor Shon Owens told commissioners. “Then we would probably move forward, potentially, a loan for the other million dollars to the town. That’s why we are here; we’ve been working on this for years. I think everyone here has a very clear understanding of where we are headed. We understand the growth in our county, we understand the amount of people that are moving north. We want to be proactive in a situation that we can provide those amenities for the community that’s coming.”
He said over 500 new homes are on the way for northern Santa Rosa County.
The park plans call for a new outdoor fitness center, two t-ball fields, five little league fields (four 200-feet and one 300-feet), two concession stands, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, one football field, a splash pad, amphitheater, bathrooms and a maintenance building.
Owens said the current Bray-Hendricks Park is over 40 years old and has seen few improvements in decades.
“By the end of this year, we will be ready to be able to go to work,” Owens said. He said they expect to have about $1 million in about six months toward the $3 million price tag. About $1 million will go to civil work such as drainage in the beginning, making it unrealistic to build the park in a phase approach.
A verbal commitment for the million dollars is expected to be ratified at an upcoming meeting of the Santa Rosa County Commission.
It’s expected work could begin after the 2022 Fourth of July Fireworks show in the park.
Sacred Heart Reopens Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Due To Demand
August 14, 2021
With the resurgence of COVID-19 in the area, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart is resuming its drive-thru COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday.
Justin Labrato, chief operating officer for Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, said there has been a significant demand for COVID-19 testing at Ascension Sacred Heart’s emergency rooms, urgent cares centers, pediatric and primary care offices over the past couple of weeks.
“We decided to re-open the Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart COVID-19 drive-thru testing center in Pensacola to help our residents get reliable COVID-19 testing that they need quickly and conveniently,” he said.
No appointments are needed. Sacred Heart will offer the commonly used PCR testing to those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms and the rapid COVID-19 tests to those exhibiting symptoms of the virus. After Saturday, the hours of operations for the center off Bayou Boulevard will be each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pensacola International Airport Tears Down Former Air Traffic Control Tower
August 14, 2021
This week, Pensacola International Airport said goodbye to the former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building, clearing the way for future expansion as the airport continues to see record-breaking numbers. Located on the north end of the terminal, the building was for decades the work area of air traffic controllers, technicians, and support staff has now been demolished.
This structure was built in the 1960s and was designed to accommodate all the Federal Aviation Administration activity at the airport. Operations housed within included air traffic control tower, terminal radar approach control facility or TRACON, flight service station, communications equipment, and administrative spaces. In 1994, a new stand-alone tower was constructed to give controllers the ability to view the airfield without obstruction, which is still in use today.
All other FAA activity remained at the north end location until 2007, when the new facility was completed next to the tower and operations at the old TRACON were closed. There have been discussions over the years about converting the structure into office space or other uses, but airport directors have always agreed the location would someday be required for the growth of the airport and the terminal.
“This week marks a milestone that many airport directors before me would be excited to see happening,” said Airport Director Matthew Coughlin. “The demolition of this structure, along with other enabling projects, paves the way for future expansion outlined in our master plan.”
Pensacola International Airport’s master plan goes out 20 years and includes several projects that enable the addition of a new concourse. Some of these projects include removal of the old TRACON structure, additional parking facilities, redesign of curbside, and other airfield projects. Most recently, PNS completed the construction of an airside remain overnight aircraft ramp that will afford additional capacity to park commercial service aircraft.
“In order for us to achieve the expansions outlined in the master plan, we will need to complete the smaller enabling projects systematically,” said Assistant Director for Planning and Engineering Ken Ibold. “Our engineering and financial teams are working now to develop and set into motion that timeline.”
This summer, Pensacola International Airport experienced exponential growth in passengers in comparison to 2019. This growth has accelerated expansion plans. According to the master plan, PNS will be able to add 10 new gates to the terminal in the next three to five years. This will support continued air service expansion and flight options for the Gulf Coast residents and visitors.
Pictured above and below: A former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building at Pensacola International Airport was demolished. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell. Pictured bottom: An earlier look a the demolition, courtesy City of Pensacola.
