Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
May 10, 2020
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 Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 10:
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- 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.
- 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 will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, May 10:
o 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 (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers can expect intermittent and alternating lane closures between Beulah Elementary School and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, May 11 as crews perform operations for an upcoming traffic shift.
In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Striping/ Pavement Marking Operations- There will be east and westbound intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the locations on the following dates:
- From Rothschild Drive to Nine Mile Road Sunday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 12
- From A Street to Pace Boulevard Wednesday, May 13
- From Nine Mile Road to Blue Angel Parkway Thursday, May 14
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Underground Utility Maintenance – Drivers will experience traffic impacts at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15.
- The westbound and eastbound, outside lanes will be closed from A Street to Devilliers Street.
- The eastbound and westbound, inside lanes will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and E Street to the intersection of Garden Street and I Street.
- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from the intersection of Garden Street and B Street to the intersection of Garden Street and D Street.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The contractor has installed the drill shaft and is awaiting cure time before returning to the project. There are no lane closures or impacts to traffic at this time.
- 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 perform paving operations. There will also be ongoing turn lane, widening, and median work at various locations on the project.
- 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, May 10:
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. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions throughout town as crews perform paving operations and bridge work.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Community Health Northwest Florida Patients Can Get Financial Assistance With Bills
May 10, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is now able to offer assistance to current patients who may be struggling financially due to job loss, reduction in hours or other circumstances directly related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Through a grant from the United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund which included a significant contribution from Gulf Power, Community Health of Northwest Florida is able to offer assistance with rent, mortgage, utility bills and other patients.
The applicant or a household member must be a current patient of Community Health Northwest Florida. Grant funds will be used to provide assistance only to those clients who have been furloughed, lost a job or had work hours reduced by 50% on or after March 17. Money will be disbursed only to vendors such as a landlord, mortgage company, or utility.
For more information, click below:
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application Cover Letter
UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund Application
Or look for the links on this page.
One Reported Injured In West Roberts, Pine Forest Road Wreck
May 9, 2020
One person was reported injured in a Saturday afternoon wreck in Cantonment.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 12:18 p.m. at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Pine Forest Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County EMS and the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded. ‘
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Travel Trailer Destroyed In Early Morning Highway 97 Crash
May 9, 2020
A travel trailer was destroyed in a crash early Saturday morning near Walnut Hill.
The travel trailer and a truck went off Highway 97 near Howell Road about 1:20 a.m.. There was no word of any serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Wildfire Tops 1400 Acres; Santa Rosa Fire 2100 Acres; Both Are 50% Contained
May 9, 2020
Both the Hurst Hammock Fire in Beulah and the 5 Mile Swamp Fire in Santa Rosa County were reported as 50% contained.
The Beulah fire grew to 1,405 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. Helicopters made total of 120 water drops on the west perimeter of the fire. Crews also spent time Friday widening and establishing new fire containment lines in that same area of the Hurst Hammock Fire.
The Santa Rosa County fire expanded to 2,153 acres as crews focused their attention Friday on creating 30-40-foot-wide containment lines on the north and northeast perimeter.
Firefighters continue to improve, monitor, and hold all containment lines around both wildfires as well as reduce critical hot spots in the residential areas.
The Forest Service said the Santa Rosa County fire has destroyed 14 homes and damaged seven others. There were also eight outbuildings destroyed and five damaged.
Saturday’s weather calls for winds out of the north and northwest with gusts up to 20 mph and another drop in humidity .
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Tax Collector Offices Open Monday With Limited Access And Services
May 9, 2020
All Escambia County Tax Collector offices will be open beginning Monday with limited access and services.
To limit the number of people in the lobbies, services are limited to Escambia County residents only.
Transactions and customers will be pre-screened prior to entering the building. Only the customer directly involved in the transaction will be admitted to further comply with CDC social distancing guidelines. To ensure a successful visit and transaction, citizens are encouraged to visit the “What Do I Bring” page at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. After confirming all document requirements have been met, Escambia County
residents may “Join the Line” for service.
After joining the line, customers will receive an estimated wait time by text. Wait times may be longer than normal. Customers should remain in their vehicles until called for service. When called, their
transactions will be pre-screened prior to entering. Customers will have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer and be screened prior to entering the lobby. Customers will be required to supply and wear a mask while in tax collector buildings and will take the mask off only if required for an official photo.
Driver licenses and identification cards that expired from March 16 to May 30 have been automatically extended.
The vision requirements have not been waived for driver license transactions, so a vision test will be given. If customers are uncomfortable with the vision machine, they can request a vision form be sent via email that can be taken to an eye care professional and completed before the customer visits an office.
Driving exams are being offered by appointment only for Escambia residents who have held their learner permit for at least one year. Parents are encouraged to contact the office to schedule the appointment. We are unable to offer walk-in, medical or special driving exams at this time.
“We feel these steps will help keep both our customers and our employees safe while still assisting our citizens to the best of our ability,” said Lunsford. “We continue to ask our customers to have patience, understanding and grace as we all navigate this new normal. Our employees are happy to serve and continue to do so in a kind, efficient and safe manner.”
The following transactions are available at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s website and will not be processed in the lobbies:
- Registration (Tag) Renewal
- License plate or tag renewals MUST be renewed online using the RenewExpress system. Choose same-day pick up available at one of three drive-thru locations or choose to have the registration mailed after next-day processing.
- Business Tax Receipt
- The Payment Center allows customers to create an original or renew or edit a current record. It’s a great way to locate a business in the county. Searching by keywords such as plumbing will create a list of licensed plumbing businesses.
- Property Tax
- Pay property tax, review full payment history, research and print prior years receipts and search ownership by name or address.
- Hunting and Fishing License
- Purchase or renew a hunting and fishing license.
Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com/payment.
Full payment of fees is required at time of service, and payment may be made by eCheck, debit, or credit cards. Payments made by eCheck are fee-free. Credit and debit transactions are subject to convenience
fees charged by the payment vendor(s).
Palafox Street In Downtown Pensacola Will Be Pedestrian Only For Mother’s Day
May 9, 2020
A section of Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola will be converted to pedestrian traffic only on Mother’s Day to promote safe outdoor retail and restaurant activities for businesses and individuals visiting downtown for the Mother’s Day holiday.
Palafox Street from Garden Street to Main Street will be open to pedestrians only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Visitors are asked to maintain a six foot separation and to not gather in groups of more than 10.
“We know the Pensacola community is eager to support local businesses and restaurants as we begin to enter into an economic recovery period from COVID-19,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the public to show their support in a safe way. We are very excited we will be able to open Palafox for our citizens to celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful for all that the mothers of Pensacola have done to make our community great.”
Limiting the street to pedestrian traffic only will provide additional space for downtown visitors to more easily practice social distancing while supporting local businesses.
2-Year Old Accidentally Shot In Escambia County
May 9, 2020
A two-year old was accidentally shot in Escambia County Friday night.
The toddler was shot when a gun accidentally went off while the owner was cleaning it, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. It happened near Binnacle Place and Marlinspike Drive off Gulf Beach Highway.
The child was shot in the hip area and is expected to recover. No charges were filed.
Florida Department Of Health Launches New COVID-19 Mobile App
May 9, 2020
The Florida Department of Health has launched a new mobile app, StrongerThanC19.
The free app complements the community action survey website of the same name that launched on April 3. These cutting-edge tools are giving residents the power to unite in the fight to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida.
Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said, “The participation from the website has been very promising so far with over 300,000 surveys submitted, and we’re hopeful that this app will help to build on the submissions and data that has already been gathered. Together, the information collected from the StrongerThanC19 mobile app and website will be used to help further inform and improve the state’s response to COVID-19.”
Florida residents are encouraged to do their part in helping Florida flatten the curve by anonymously answering questions that range from age and residency, to recent travel, to potential COVID-19 contact. The app allows users to go back and update their answers as symptoms and information change, providing officials with up-to-the minute information to help improve the distribution of resources in response to COVID-19. With the app, users will also have access to information in real-time as it’s gathered from users across the state via the Community Action Survey Report.
Once the brief survey is completed, users will also have the opportunity to sign-up to receive notifications for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida from the Department of Health. The brief survey is available in both English and Spanish.
The free StrongerThanC19 app is available to both iOS and Android users and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google app stores.
The StrongerThanC19 app and website are designed to gather information to help the Department of Health track and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida; they are not intended to be used as a symptom checker designed to dispense medical advice.
Escambia Man’s Dump Truck Goes Off I-10 Into The Blackwater River
May 8, 2020
Shortly after I-10 in Santa Rosa County reopened Friday, an Escambia County man and his dump truck ended up in the Blackwater River.
The unloaded dump truck drive by a 42-year old Pensacola man was driving west on I-10 approaching the Blackwater River Bridge when his front left tire failed and came apart, according to a preliminary FHP investigation. The vehicle traveled toward the grassy median, collided with a steel guardrail between the two bridge spans and became airborne. FHP estimates the dump truck fell about 55 feet when it crashed into the river.
The driver was rescued by four FHP troopers. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
I-10 from Avalon Boulevard to Highway 87 had been closed since Wednesday due to smoke from a massive wildfire.