This Week’s Road Construction Worries
May 17, 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 Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning 9 a.m. Friday, May 22 and ending 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.
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 17:
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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 17:
o U.S. 29 between Broad Street and the westbound I-10 on-ramp- beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, May 17 the southbound lanes will be shifted toward the left to provide room for crews to continue the construction of the future southbound lanes.
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- 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)- Wednesday, May 20 motorists will be shifted to the newly constructed eastbound roadway between Allegheny Avenue and the Leisure Lakes RV Park to allow crews to construct the new westbound lanes. Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent lane closures between the Leisure Lakes RV Park and Eleven Mile Creek from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19 as crews prepare for the transition.
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.
- 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. 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.
- Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) Utility Operations at Gimble Street- The southbound lane will be closed at Gimble Street Wednesday, May 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform underground utility work.
- 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 currently no lane closures or impacts to traffic.
- 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 17:
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).
- U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations through Thursday, Aug. 27.
- 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 nighttime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work through Saturday, May 16.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Wildfire Update: Beulah Fire 98% Contained; Santa Rosa Fire Closes Interstate, Causes Wrecks
May 16, 2020
Smoke from the 2,215-acre 5 Mile Swamp Fire forced the Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation to close a portion of Interstate 10 for several hours. The interstate was closed between exits 22 and 31 from just before 2 a.m. to about 5 a.m. and FHP reported eight vehicles were involved in accidents.
With nearly 100 active wildfires throughout the state, motorists are encouraged to be on the look for smoke on the road. Drivers should treat the smoke as fog, turn on low-beam headlights and treat it as fog. If conditions deteriorate, drivers should pull safely off the road and turn on their hazard lights while waiting for visibility to improve.
Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol both Five Mile Swamp and the Hurst Hammock Fire looking for any remaining hot spots to douse and keeping the fire within containment lines. The Hurst Hammock Fire is 1,191 acres and 98% contained. Five Mile Swamp Fire remains 97% contained.
As patrol operations continue, residents are likely to witness what’s known as reburn as trees that were affected by the fire but not completely burned will drop their remaining leaves and needles as they begin their recovery process. These needles and leaves could land in lingering hot spots that are well inside the fire lines and flare up. Crews have been mopping up hot spots within 50 feet of the fire line for several days so any reburn that occurs should pose minimal risk to containment but could create an increase in smoke in some areas.
Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have enacted burn bans and the Florida Forest Service is not issuing burn authorizations. Residents are asked to call the non-emergency line for their respective area to report violations and 911 for emergency situations only.
Tentative Graduation Dates Set For Escambia, Santa Rosa County Schools
May 16, 2020
Tentative graduation dates have been set for schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County
The Escambia County School District has released a tentative graduation schedule. Three dates have been reserved for each school’s graduation ceremony pending approval by state and local authorities. The final date and time of graduation for each school will be determined and published as soon as possible.
June 23, July 14 or July 27
- Tate High School
- Northview High School
- Pine Forest High School
- West Florida High School
June 24, July 15 or July 28
- Pensacola High School
- Escambia High School
- George Stone Technical College/Escambia Virtual/Success Academy/Camelot
- Washington High School
Santa Rosa County
All dates are pending Santa Rosa County School Board approval on June 4.
June 19-20, July 16-17 and July 29-30 at Pensacola Bay Center
- Pace High School 11 a.m.
- Navarre High School 2:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze High School 6 p.m.
June 23, July 14 or July 31
- Jay High School in the gym at 5 p.m.
- Central High School 7 p.m. in the gym.
June 18, July 14 or July 28
- Milton High School at 8 p.m.
Escambia County, Alabama
Complete details are being finalized and information provided to graduates.
- Escambia County High School – May 21, 7 p.m , limit four guests.
- Flomaton High School – May 19 in the football stadium, limit four guests.
Pictured: The Tate High School Class of 2019 graduation at the Pensacola Bay Center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
COVID-19 Testing Site To Remain Open Two More Weeks At UWF With No Pre-screening Required
May 16, 2020
A mobile COVID-19 testing site with no pre-screening required will remain open for two more weeks for Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents at the University of West Florida.
The drive-through test site will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles.
The site was opened at the request of the Governor’s Office under the direction of the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and assistance from the Florida National Guard.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Prison Inmate Tests Negative For COVID-19; 128 Inmates Released From Quarantine
May 16, 2020
A Century Correctional Institution inmate’s COVID-19 test has come back negative, and 128 inmates have been released from medical quarantine, according to the Florida Department of Corrections data.
The inmate was placed in medical isolation earlier this week pending test results. FDC shows a total of three inmates have been tested for the virus at CCI, and all have been negative.
One staff member at CCI tested positive for COVID-19 in March.
Pictured: Inmate medical facilities inside the Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
No Burning This Weekend: Burn Ban In Florida, Fire Advisory In Alabama
May 16, 2020
There is a burn ban in effect in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties until further notice.
Outdoor burning is prohibited in both counties, including campfires, bonfires and burning trash. Enclosed outdoor cooking, such as on a grill, is allowed. The burn bans in both counties will remain in effect until lifted by local government after significant rainfall.
The Florida Forest Service is not issuing an burn permits at this time for Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
There is also a Fire Danger Advisory in effect in Escambia County, Alabama. Although Alabama is not under any type of burn restriction, the Alabama Forestry Commission urges residents to delay outdoor burning until conditions improve
Need To Donate Some Stuff? Itching To Shop? Waterfront Thrift Stores Reopen
May 16, 2020
Waterfront’s thrift stores have reopened, ready for shoppers and donations.
Stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., including locations in Cantonment and Pensacola. Item donations have resumed and are accepted at each store during operating hours or can be scheduled by calling 850.607.8340 or by visiting www.pickupmydonation.com.
“Our homeless neighbors get food and shelter and other vital help thanks to those who donate to and shop at our stores,” said Jason Grizzard, who oversees Waterfront’s mission services. “It’s a win-win because while shoppers experience great thrift finds, someone who is hopeless and homeless gets life-transformative assistance.”
Waterfront Thrift Stores are following CDC guidelines. Employees are wearing masks, shopping carts and high traffic areas are being disinfected and social distancing is being followed.
Program Pays Ag Producers To Improve Florida Forests
May 16, 2020
Agricultural producers in Florida can apply for financial assistance until June 15 for a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project to improve forested lands from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and landowners for conservation practices that improve forest ecosystems through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
For more information contact your local USDA service center:
Molino Service Center
Natural Resources Conservation Service Office
(850) 587-5404
josh.mcelhaney@usda.gov
Jay Service Center
Farm Service Agency Office
(850) 675-6696 Ext 2
june.weinmann@fl.usda.gov
Gyms In Florida Can Open Monday; Restaurants And Retailers Can Increase Capacity
May 15, 2020
Gyms in Florida can reopen on Monday, and restaurants and retailers will be able to increase capacity, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday.
‘“Don’t we want people to get in shape? That’s gonna help you fight the virus,” the governor said. “Don’t we want people to be getting in shape?”
On Monday, retailers and restaurants will be able to increase their capacity of 50 percent; they are currently limited to 25%. Museums and libraries can also open at 50%.
Social distancing rules still apply.
Indoor movie theaters and bars still can’t open under what the governor called the “full Phase One” reopening that begins Monday, and individuals still cannot visit nursing homes.
As for moving on to Phases Two of reopening, DeSantis said the state will have to wait. That will happen “once the Governor determines it is suitable to continue re-opening and after fully considering medical data in consultation with state health officials”, according to a FAQ sheet from the Governor’s Office.
Large Bear Spotted Near University Of West Florida Entrance
May 15, 2020
A large bear was spotted near the front entrance of the Pensacola Campus in the early hours of Friday, May 15, 2020. The bear was seen alone and was not approaching humans.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified immediately. UWF Police have increased their presence on campus, especially near the location of the bear sighting.
If you see a bear, please stay away and contact UWF Police immediately at (850) 474-2415 or 911. Please use caution if you are outside on the Pensacola campus.