These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
July 5, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and ending 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 6.
Escambia County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures beginning Monday, July 6 from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. and resume nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297)- A portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to the Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The signal will become operational Monday, July 6 around 10 a.m. There are no scheduled nighttime lane closures.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Construction Activities at Shoppes– Motorists will encounter westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 through Thursday, July 9 as crews perform ditch grading, driveway connection, and roadway work.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Drainage Improvements at the intersection of Perry Avenue- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of Perry Avenue weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday, July 10.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating nighttime lane restriction at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) at Mobile Highway and Memphis Avenue- Construction activities have begun on the safety improvements. The contractor will be working during daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures are possible.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road
(S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures beginning Monday, July 6 from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. and resume nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
o Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay –There will be a slow-moving vehicle used to perform striping operations. There will also be intermittent shoulder closures throughout the project.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: New entrance and exit ramps recently opened at Nine Mile Road and Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Farmers Eligible For Assistance After Alabama Counties Declared Drought Disaster Areas
July 5, 2020
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Baldwin and Mobile counties who suffered losses due to recent drought, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
Producers in the contiguous Alabama counties of Clarke, Escambia, Monroe, and Washington, along with Escambia County, Florida, and George, Greene, and Jackson counties in Mississippi, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.
The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is Feb. 10, 2021.
FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
Pictured: This map shows drought conditions across the area in mid-May. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Local Earns Wings Of Gold At Whiting Field
July 5, 2020
Lt.j.g. Lucas J. Zalar earned his wings of gold at Naval Air Station Whiting Field recently.
“Growing up in Pensacola definitely had an influence on me,” Zalar recalls.
“Between the Blue Angels shows, and the TH-57s that would fly low over Pensacola Beach, it would always make me think about how cool it would be to fly for a living.”
While the influence of his hometown was apparent, Zalar had even more influence at home. “My father who is still active duty was prior enlisted in the Air Force then became a Navy officer. Therefore, growing up I always had a strong affiliation and appreciation for the military.”
Being able to observe the opportunities and camaraderie that come from military service in his father all but assured his own desire to serve. While Zalar knew he wanted to serve, he went back and forth about whether naval aviation was right for him. In the end, he remarks that he was “lucky enough” to be selected as a student naval aviator (SNA) and given the chance to earn his wings of gold as a Navy pilot.
Zalar enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics, graduating and commissioning in 2018. His days of being a student would be far from over, however, because after commissioning Zalar went to NAS Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API). API is an intensive ground-school portion of flight training that takes place prior to SNA’s getting inside the cockpit of military aircraft.
Following API, Zalar began primary flight training in Training Squadron Six (VT-6), flying the T-6B Texan II onboard NAS Whiting Field. Zalar continued his training at NAS Whiting Field after being selected for helicopter advanced training, flying the TH-57 Sea Ranger in Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18).
“The experiences that we are able to participate in during flight school and the Navy in general are things that many people dream of doing but never will in their lifetime,” Zalar stated. 2
“Whether it be flying aerobatics in primary, using night vision goggles to fly your own route in advanced, traveling, and the friendships that I have made, these experiences are hard to find in any other occupation. Though these opportunities require a lot of training and are not just given to us, they make the hard work worth it,” he said.
Zalar is headed to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2), the “Fleet Angels,” to learn to fly the MH-60S.
“I am excited to be able to use the skills I have been developing as a pilot to actually complete the missions we train for in support of our nation’s goals,” Zalar remarked on his future in the Fleet.
Zalar plans on making a career for himself in the Navy, but one thing that he has become accustomed to in aviation training is the necessity to adapt when life throws curveballs. “Whether it be the flight schedule, a flight plan, or weekend plans, things are constantly changing on short notice and you need to be prepared and adapt.”
While some aspects of the future may be cloudy, there are some certainties for Zalar. “At the end of the day, I just hope to be the best officer and Navy pilot I can be so whenever I walk away from the service, I will leave it knowing I made a positive impact,” he commented.
Fireworks Sales Skyrocket After Florida Legalizes Use For The Fourth. And The Pandemic Means More Business Too.
July 4, 2020
Business has been brisk this year at an Alabama roadside fireworks store west of Atmore, less than a mile north of Florida line.
A year ago, it was illegal to set off many types of fireworks Florida. But this year is different, after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that allows fireworks of any kind to be used on July 4, December 31 and January 1. Not just the sparklers, noisemakers and the like Floridians have been restricted to for years, but real fireworks that explode or shoot into the sky.
“Class ‘C’ consumer fireworks are legal now for the Fourth,” Fireworks Distributors owner Greg Odom said. “That means anything in the store is legal in Florida for the Fourth of July.”
That new Florida law has led to an uptick in sales to customers to both Florida and Alabama for Odom, but so has the COVID-19 pandemic that has many people not wanting to be out in crowds. And the cancellation of most area public fireworks shows has meant even more business.
“This season has been phenomenal; I’ve never seen anything like it,” Odom said. “People don’t want to get out in crowds. They would rather stay home. Families want to be families again.”
Odom’s fireworks store is located at the corner of Highway 31 and Pineville Road. He said they are offering masks to customers and working to follow recommended CDC guidelines.
The new law signed by DeSantis does not supersede any local regulations governing fireworks.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP: Supposed Noose Found At Mill In Cantonment Was Just A Rope Used To Hold Cables
July 4, 2020
International Paper has determined that a supposed noose found at their mill in Cantonment last month was not a noose but simply a rope used in the industrial setting.
A third party investigative team found the rope was used to hold up cables but had been knocked down by a storm.
“The team discovered photographs from as far back as 2012 that showed the rope was used to elevate cables that were knocked to the ground by a storm,” IP Director of Marketing Thomas Ryan told NorthEscambia.com in an email. “The team ultimately found no evidence of racist conduct or intent. The company remains committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce and a workplace where all employees feel welcomed and able to contribute their best every day.”
He said more than 60 employees and contractors were interviewed during the investigation.
“The knot on the end of the rope was a ‘heaving line knot’, typically used to add weight so it could be thrown. The loop and the heaving line knot were not attached, and therefore, it was determined not to be a noose,” IP found. A graphic provided by IP is below.
In a statement issued in June after the rope was alleged by some to be a noose, IP said in a statement to NorthEscambia.com, “We do not tolerate threatening acts, racism, or bigotry. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and engaged and have the opportunity to contribute their best every day.”
Pictured top: The original reader submitted image from June. Pictured below: Graphic submitted July 3 by IP. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
LEO Wives Hang ‘Hearts For Heroes’ At Escambia, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Offices
July 4, 2020
The Northwest Florida LEO Wives hung “hearts for heroes” at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to show their support and appreciation. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Employee Positive For COVID-19; Fire Department ‘Professionally Disinfected’
July 4, 2020
Flomaton confirmed Friday that a town employee has tested positive for COVID-19 and mandatory face masking has been ordered for town employees and volunteers.
In a statement, Flomaton said they learned the employee had become ill on Tuesday, June 30, and the employee was placed on paid leave and sent home to quarantine. A release from the town does not identity the department in which the person worked, but it does note that “after the exposure the fire department was professionally disinfected”.
Mayor Dewey Bondurant has directed the mandatory use of face masks in most circumstances by town employees and volunteers, including the fire department, “when two or more persons are present”.
All municipal buildings are being disinfected and are closed to visitors. A drive-thru window is open normal business hours for court or utility payments, which can also be made online.
The Alabama Department of Health is expected to do contact tracing and make any needed notifications to persons that may have been exposed to the infected employee.
Photo Archive: Local Fireworks Shows
July 4, 2020
Happy Fourth of July!
Since most public fireworks shows in the area are canceled or postponed, we decided to share a little fireworks show of our own from the NorthEscambia.com photo archives for you to enjoy.
Here’s a look back at several local fireworks shows:
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP, DEA Make Big Escambia Drug Bust, Recover Fentanyl, Over 2.5 Pounds Of Meth, Heroin And Cocaine
July 4, 2020
The Florida Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made a large drug bust in Escambia County, the FHP announced Friday night.
Troopers with the FHP Criminal Interdiction United conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Buick LaSabre near the intersection of Nashville Avenue and Michigan Avenue for a traffic violation.
After a K-9 alerted on the vehicle driver Bryant Marsh, 61, was searched. Troopers located 56.5 grams of methamphetamine in the cargo pocket of his pants.
Inside the vehicle, troopers located 12.9 grams of crack cocaine and .25 grams of fentanyl. Due to the amount of the narcotics, troopers contacted the DEA.
A subsequent search of Marsh’s residence was conducted. In total, 1.1 pounds of methamphetamine, 1⁄2 pound of heroin, 1.1 pounds of cocaine, 160 grams of pharmaceuticals, and 1 gram of fentanyl were seized.
FHP said a loaded handgun reported stolen in Escambia County was also found in his residence.
No Mask Mandate: County Launches ‘Mask Up, Escambia!’ Ad Campaign, Distributing Free Masks
July 3, 2020
Escambia County has launched a public health campaign urging residents and visitors to follow CDC guidelines, and the county is distributing tens of thousands of face masks for free.
The “Mask Up, Escambia!” campaign will include online, TV, billboard, and other advertising, along with social media efforts, a postal mailer to residents and the face mask distribution. It’s all being funded by the CARES Act, which provided money for local governments to deal with COVID-19 impacts.
The county stopped short of implementing a mask mandate like the City of Pensacola, but the commission did unanimously vote Thursday night to encourage citizens to follow CDC guidelines including the wearing of masks, social distancing and proper hand washing.
Free reusable cloth masks are available to Escambia County citizens at the following locations while supplies last:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road
- Molino Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Century Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Pensacola Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Tryon Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Genealogy Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Southwest Branch Library 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Brownsville Community Center 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Ebonwood Community Center 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Note that all of the locations above are closed Friday, July 3 due to the Independence Day holiday.
In addition, disposable paper masks will be available on Pensacola Beach at lifeguard Tower 4 or directly from any lifeguard.