Escambia County Graduations Are This Week At The Bay Center. Here’s The Schedule.
June 22, 2020
Graduations are this week for schools in Escambia County.
The graduation schedule is below. Doors will open one hour before ceremony time.
Monday, June 22, 2020
- 9:30 a.m. Escambia Virtual School & George Stone at Pensacola High School
- 4:00 p.m. Escambia High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
- 9:00 a.m. West Florida High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 2:00 p.m. Pine Forest High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 7:00 p.m. Tate High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
- 9:00 a.m. Pensacola High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 2:00 p.m. Northview High School at Pensacola Bay Center
- 7:00 p.m. Booker T. Washington High School at Pensacola Bay Center
Important safety measures will be added to these graduation ceremonies from those held in the past. In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the following information was provided by the Escambia County School District:
- Participation in graduation ceremonies is voluntary
- Face masks are encouraged
- Bags of any kind (tote bags, backpacks, etc.) are discouraged.
- All cameras are allowed, but no tripods or large camera bags.
- Seating is general admission, with six (6) tickets provided to each graduating student and distributed by their school
- Absolutely no replacement of lost tickets
- Graduation times have been scheduled to allow the Pensacola Bay Center to be sanitized after each ceremony
- No congregating after graduation ceremonies; graduates and families should go directly to their vehicles and exit the property promptly
- Graduates will be allowed to keep their cap and gown, and return these items to schools at a later date. This allows families to celebrate and take pictures with their graduates
- Graduates and guests will maintain social distancing while in the Pensacola Bay Center
- Anyone who has recently traveled outside of the country, had a fever within the last 14 days, or in contact with someone who was COVID-19 positive will be asked not to attend.
- All graduations will be live streamed for the general public for family members and friends who cannot attend, or to watch at a later time.
NorthEsambia.com file photo.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady, Could See An Increase Of A Few Pennies This Week
June 22, 2020
Florida gas prices have basically held steady the past 10 days, according to AAA, and this week could bring an increase of a few pennies.
The average price at the pump is $2.02 per gallon. The state average price for regular gasoline is 15 cents more than last month and 26 cents more than the lowest price this year. Despite the recent uptick, Florida drivers are still paying 42 cents per gallon less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was an even $2 on Sunday, up from $1.97 a week ago and $1.77 a month ago.
The lowest price per gallon Sunday in North Escambia was $1.94 at a Highway 29 station. In Pensacola, the lowest price was $1.79 at a station on North Ninth Avenue.
“Drivers may see a slight uptick at the pump this week, due to a small increase in the wholesale price of gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The increase in wholesale prices was likely driven by continued strength in demand for summertime gasoline. As a result, drivers could see an increase of a few pennies at the pump.”
Pictured: A gallon of regular unleaded gas was $1.94 Sunday at this Cantonment station. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Work Begins This Week To Pave Highway 87 In Santa Rosa County
June 22, 2020
Work will begin this week to pave Highway 87 from south of Clear Creek to north of Highway 4 in Berrydale in northern Santa Rosa County.
The $4.5-million project includes 14 miles of milling and resurfacing, replacement of damaged side drains and guardrail, and placement of new signs and pavement markings. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions.
Lane closure restrictions will not be allowed near Allentown Road Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. during active school periods. The 14-mile improvement project is anticipated to be complete winter 2020.
Escambia County, Alabama, Records Another COVID-19 Death, Cases Climb
June 22, 2020
An additional COVID-19 death has been reported in Escambia County, Alabama, as the number of positive cases continues a steady climb.
There have now been six fatalities in the county with a total of 148 confirmed cases as of Sunday night, according to the Alabama Department of Health. There have been 60 cases reported in the past two weeks out of 480 tests, a positivity rate of 12.5%.
Pictured: Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rotary Awards $5K To Manna Food Bank, Presents Grants To Other Groups
June 22, 2020
The Rotary Club of Pensacola has made a $5,000 donation to the Manna Food Bank to help provide food for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of their jobs.
Each year the club awards community grants by selecting several non-profits who submit applications for grants to help their organization with annual operating expenses. Applicants are chosen based on how they address the Rotary goals of improving the lives of people and the community.
A total of $15,000 was distributed to the following organizations: Thirty Million Words Sailing Regatta Pensacola Yacht Club Satori Foundation, Gulf Coast Kids House, AMI Kids, Rotary Youth Camp, ECARE, Ronald McDonald House, Council on Aging, YMCA NW FL, Emmaus Road Outreach, and Alfred Washburn Center.
Woman Airlifted To Hospital After Motorcycle Accident In Walnut Hill
June 21, 2020
A woman was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Walnut Hill.
The woman laid down her bike on South Highway 99 about a mile and a half south of Highway 97 about 7:30 p.m. She was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital by MedStar Air Care helicopter.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Dead, One Injured In Diving Accident South Of Pensacola Beach
June 21, 2020
One man is dead another injured after a diving incident south of Pensacola Beach on Saturday.
One 28-year-old male was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, and one 48-year-old male was pronounced deceased by a local coroner.
Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report Saturday at about 8:30 a.m. of a diving incident approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Pensacola Beach.
After reportedly ascending too quickly during a dive, the 48-year-old male went into cardiac arrest and failed to resurface. The 28-year-old diver went into the water and found him unconscious at the bottom. Upon resurfacing with the unconscious diver, the 28-year-old diver also began experiencing symptoms requiring medical attention.
Coast Guard Station Pensacola’s 45-foot rescue boat responded to the divers’ location. The crew embarked both divers and took them to Pensacola Pier. The 48-year-old was pronounced deceased, and the 28-year-old male was transferred via LifeFlight to Springhill Medical Center in Mobile in stable condition.
File photo.
Injury Crash Saturday Evening On Pine Forest Road At Wilde Lake Boulevard
June 21, 2020
At least two people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday evening on Pine Forest Road.
The crash between a Ford pickup and Jeep Cherokee happened about 7 p.m. on Pine Forest Road at Wilde Lake Boulevard. Minor extrication was required to free the occupants of the Jeep.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Free Food Distributions This Week In Cantonment, Molino And Walnut Hill
June 21, 2020
Three food distributions will take place this week in North Escambia at locations in Cantonment, Molino and Walnut Hill.
Annie Jones United Methodist Church – Tuesday, Walnut Hill
Annie Jones United Methodist Church will hold a free food giveaway on Tuesday, June 23, at 5040 Arthur Brown Road (just west of Highway 97). The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and continue while supplies last. There will be enough food for 150 families.
The event is for Escambia County, Florida, residents only. Everyone must have proof of residency.
Cantonment Improvement Committee – Tuesday, Cantonment
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a food distribution on Tuesday, June 23 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. There will be 10,000 pounds of food distributed, including meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. Line up on Webb Street facing north.
Highland Baptist Church Molino – Wednesday, Molino
Highland Baptist Church will host a free fresh produce box giveaway again this Wednesday.
It will take place from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last at the church, 6240 Highway 95A in Molino. It is limited to one box per vehicle. The produce is being provided in conjunction with the USDA and Gulf Coast Produce. For more information, call (850) 587-5174.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots, Including Highway 29, Nine Mile Road
June 21, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in 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 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 21:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 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)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 & Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.)) to U.S. 29 – Cove Avenue north of Nine Mile Road will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m. beginning Tuesday, June 23. Drivers may use 9 & Half Mile Road and Bowman Avenue as an alternate route. The temporary closure is anticipated to take seven to ten days.
- 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 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.
- Theo Baars Bridge Utility Operations- There will be daily eastbound shoulder closures across the bridge starting Monday, June 22, and continuing for approximately four weeks as Quanta Communications Services hang new communications lines below the bridge. No lane closures are anticipated, operations will be suspended during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The new pedestrian actuated crosswalk signal at the Flora-Bama will become operational around 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25. The signal is currently in flash mode to acquaint motorists with its location.
- · 9th Avenue, Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291), Alcaniz Street (S.R. 289), Wright Street (U.S. 98) Underground Sewer Line Videography- Traffic may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, June 30 as crews inspect sanitary sewer lines.
- · 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 lane restriction from 8 pm. to 6 a.m. 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 improvement. No lane closures anticipated at this time.
- · 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 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 21:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 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. 87 Resurfacing from South of Clear Creek to North of S.R. 4- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions to begin the week of June 22. Lane closure restrictions will not be allowed near Allentown Road Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. during active school periods. The 14-mile improvement project is anticipated to be complete in winter 2020.
- · 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. 98 Overpass Routine Maintenance in Gulf Breeze- There will be eastbound and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.
- · U.S. 90 over CSX RR Routine Bridge Maintenance- There will eastbound and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 25.
- · U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over White River- there will be intermittent eastbound lane restrictions from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 25.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and 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.