Amtrak Service Returning Next Year To The Gulf Coast. But Not To Pensacola Or Atmore.
March 1, 2021
Daily Amtrak service will return to the Gulf Coast next year, but stops will not include Pensacola or Atmore.
Amtrak has confirmed it intends to begin passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile in 2022. The daily passenger rail service will feature two business friendly round trips each morning and evening, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.
“Having worked tirelessly with federal, state, and local officials on this project, we are thrilled that a departure time is in sight for passenger rail service on the Gulf Coast,” said Wiley Blankenship, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission. “Since the 2016 inspection train, which brought out thousands of citizens across the Gulf Coast demonstrating enthusiastic support for passenger rail, this is one of the major milestones we have been working toward.”
While the Amtrak inspection train was enthusiastically welcomed to Pensacola and Atmore, Mobile will be the end of the line. That will leave Atmore, which was designated by the Alabama Legislature as the state’s official rail welcome station, without passenger train service. And service will not return to Florida.
The SRC has been uniquely successful in securing multiple federal grants to enable the Amtrak trains roll next year between New Orleans and Mobile, including full federal support of operating costs for the first year of service and continued federal support in the second and third year ($11.2 million), and a federal grant and local matching funds for improvements to area railroad infrastructure for passenger and freight service ($66 million) to cities along the route for planning, upgrading, and constructing their rail stations ($2 million).
Pictured: An Amtrak inspection train rolls in Atmore (top and bottom) and Pensacola (inset) in February 2016. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Motorcyclist Killed In Jacks Branch Road Crash
March 1, 2021
A Cantonment crash claimed the life of a motorcyclist Sunday afternoon.
The crash happened about 2:15 p.m. when a 74-year old Cantonment man was traveling southbound on Jacks Branch Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said a 19-year old Cantonment man headed northbound on Jacks Branch Road turned his Chevrolet Tahoe left at the intersection of Old Bridge Road, directly into the path of the motorcycle. The vehicles collided at the intersection.
The motorcyclist was airlifted by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation. FHP no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward FFA Presents ‘Golden Cow Dung Award’ To Assistant Principal
March 1, 2021
Ernest Ward Middle School Assistant Principal Tyvanna Boulanger received the annual “Golden Cow Dung Award” from members of the Ernest Ward FFA recently. The award features a large piece of cow dung, painted a golden color and mounted on a board painted in school colors.
Boulanger received the award during National FFA Week as a “thank you” for supporting FFA.
(Cow dung, in case you didn’t know for sure, is what you are probably thinking it is. It’s that natural byproduct that cows drop in the field. The award is 100% real dung spray painted a golden color. The golden piece is actually the original award piece created and painted in 2009.)
Pictured: Assistant Principal Tyvanna Boulanger received the annual “Golden Cow Dung Award” from the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lifeguards Return To Pensacola Beach This Week
March 1, 2021
Lifeguards will return to their towers on Pensacola Beach this week.
Initially, one to three towers at Casino Beach will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, shifting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 14. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to provide coverage at up to 10 towers, including the towers at Gulf Islands National Seashore, which begin staffing Memorial Day weekend.
In preparation for the 2021 season, Pensacola Beach hired 19 new lifeguards and welcomed 56 returning lifeguards to a rigorous training program, including 80 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more.
Last season, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards performed 104 rescues from drowning and 128 assists to swimmers experiencing moderate distress, also attended to 35 major medical incidents and assisted 31 patients for EMS transport. Lifeguards made contact with beachgoers 157,633 times during the 2020 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and other safety tips.
“This season is looking to be a busy one,” said Escambia County Public Safety’s Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood. “We’ve got a great crop of vigilant lifeguards prepared to respond to the needs of our residents and visitors. We encourage beachgoers to be safe, aware and to have fun!”
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards have maintained a presence on Casino Beach throughout the winter since the 2020 season ended last October, primarily through patrol vehicles.
Century Charter Review Committee Application Deadline Is Thursday
March 1, 2021
Century seeking volunteers to help rewrite the town’s charter, and the deadline to apply is Thursday.
The previously appointed 11-member Century Charter Review Committee is now down to just six people.
The Century Town Council appointed the committee in August 2019 to explore the town charter — the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The charter has not been updated in almost 40 years, and that often creates problems in the operation of the town.
The committee held their first meeting in October 2019, two months after it was established. The early meetings were spent learning about the Sunshine Law, orderly meetings and background information. Most of the discussion at the committee’s sporadic meetings then centered around one central topic — the form of government and the possible addition of a permanent city manager.
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed regular meetings for the charter committee and any chance of moving forward in 2020, preventing any charter change from making the ballot.
The Century Town Council is accepting applications for volunteers for their Charter Review Committee until March 4, 2021. All applicants must reside with the town limits.
To download an application, click or tap here. Applications are also available at the Century Town Hall.
Pictured top: Century Charter Review Committee Chairperson Mary Hudson Bourgeois (right) and member Evelyn Hammond at a 2019 meeting. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Gas Prices Average Highest Since July 2019, AAA Says
March 1, 2021
February was the most expensive month at the pump in Florida since July 2019, according to AAA. Throughout the month, gas prices increased an average total of 24 cents per gallon.
Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $2.61 per gallon.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $2.65. The lowest North Escambia price to be found Sunday night was $2.55 at stations on Highway 29 and on Muscogee Road. A low of $2.54 could be found at several Pensacola area stations.
“Last month’s jump at the pump was largely driven by refinery issues — caused by arctic weather in Texas,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Other factors were tightening global fuel supplies and continued optimism that the COVID-19 vaccine and stimulus money would help boost fuel demand. Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump in the coming months as refineries enter maintenance season and prepare to switch to summer gasoline.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Design Firm To Present New OLF-8 Hybrid Concept At Tuesday Town Hall
February 28, 2021
The design firm that is working to create an master plan for the OLF-8 site in Beulah will hold a virtual town hall on Tuesday to present their latest mixed use concept.
On February 18, DPZ CoDesign presented the new plan to the Escambia County Commission with a combination of commerce, residential and amenities (click or tap image to enlarge). The “Adjusted Hybrid Plan” allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
DPZ will present the plan and allow residents a chance to ask questions or provide feedback due the virtual town call on Tuesday, March 2 at 6 p.m. Interested participants are invited to register online.
The Escambia County Commission and DPZ have been at odds over project design and behind the scenes emails. DPZ previously presented four concepts that included high density residential use, along with commerce, amenities and green space. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who represents the Beulah area, has pushed for much more commerce on the property.
“We are optimistic this new compromise plan will have the political support to move forward into the next phase of the project,” said Marina Khoury, of DPZ CoDesign. “We value continued public engagement and community input.”
Bergosh said he is still skeptical about DPZ after more emails have come to light between DPZ and others including Navy Federal and the “Beulah Coalition,” some of which were disparaging toward the commission. Commissioners have received dumps of external emails from DPZ, but he company wants to charge the county, their client, $189 per hour to fulfill a commission request for internal emails.
The county commission will discuss OLF-8 again at their next meeting on March 11.
Walnut Hill Ruritan Holds 46th Annual Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 28, 2021
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held their 46th annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year on the last Saturday of February.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed In Front Of 5 Flags Speedway
February 28, 2021
A pedestrian was struck and killed on Pine Forest Road Saturday night in front of 5 Flags Speedway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 31-year old man from Kunkletown, Pennsylvania was walking northbound near the white line by the shoulder of Pine Forest Road. He was struck by a pickup truck driven by a 70-year old Fountain, Florida, man that was traveling south in the outside lane of the roadway. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 6:10 p.m. crash. The pickup truck driver was not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Here’s Where To Expect Road Work Delays This Week
February 28, 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:
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a
- detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, 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.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- Both northbound travel lanes of North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) will be closed approaching the Carpenters Creek Bridge Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5 as crews work on the drainage system in the vicinity of the bridge.
- W. Cervantes Street Underground Utility Operations- Drivers may encounter lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent right turn lane closures beginning Monday, March 1.
- I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 5 as crews set barrier wall and perform operations associated with the bridge repair project.
- I-10 Escambia County Welcome Center Water Main Repair – Wednesday, March 3 water services at the Escambia County Welcome Center will be temporarily shut down for approximately four to six hours as crews make repairs. Portable toilets and message boards will be on site.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities including utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements have begun. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities are anticipated to begin summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – A partial reopening of the bridge is planned for late March.
- U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Palmetto Lake Road to Whispering Pines Boulevard – Motorists will encounter an eastbound lane closure from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Thursday, March 4 as Gulf Power performs utility operations.
- U.S. 98 Tree Trimming from Gulf Breeze to the beginning of National Seashore and to the beginning of Bob Sikes Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 1 through Friday, March 26 as crews trim trees over the roadways and in medians. Operations will begin on the east end working westward toward Gulf Breeze.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction West of Bell Lane in Pace– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 5 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions until Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.