Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
November 4, 2019
Here is the schedule of public meeting set for this week in Escambia County:
Monday, November 4
District 5 Town Hall with Commissioner Steven Barry – 5:30 p.m., Milestone Baptist Church, 3800 Pine Forest Road, Cantonment
Northwest District 1 Advisory Committee – 6 p.m., Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road
Tuesday, November 5
Planning Board – Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395, Public Works #1332 Collective Bargaining Session, 10 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Education Committtee Meeting – 3 p.m., 207 E. Main St.
Wednesday, November 6
Contractor Competency Board Committee Meeting - 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Contractor Competency Board Public Meeting – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Technical Committee – 10 a.m., 4101 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395, Public Works #1332 Collective Bargaining Session, 10 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Policy Board Meeting – 1:30 p.m., 4099 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board Meeting – 5 p.m., 1 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, November 7
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FDOT Weekly Traffic Alert: Where To Expect Delays This Week
November 4, 2019
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.
Escambia County:
- · State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway) Westbound Closure at Alcaniz Street Special Event- Starting at South Alcaniz Street the westbound lane of Bayfront Parkway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 3 for the Gulf Coast Arts Festival.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) – Northbound motorists may encounter nighttime lane closures on U.S. 29 as crews continue paving operations. Also, both northbound and southbound traffic may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews perform median work. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic the week of Sunday, Nov. 3.
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating east and westbound lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
o U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 ½ Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Nov. 3.
- · S.R. 292 (South Palafox Street) Half Marathon from east of U.S. 90 (Cervantes Street) back to South Palafox Street- The outside lane on South Palafox Street will be closed Sunday, Nov. 3 from 4:30 a.m. to noon from east of Cervantes Street back to South Palafox Street for the Pensacola women’s Half Marathon race.
- · S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Driveway Operations at intersection of Ninth Avenue- The southbound right lane on Bayou Boulevard at the intersection of Ninth Avenue will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 as crews install a driveway.
- · S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29 – Ashland Avenue will be closed at the intersection Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 for drainage operations. Traffic will be detoured to Stefani and 9 1/2 Mile roads.
-
- Intermittent and alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound between 17th Avenue in Pensacola and Fairport Drive in Gulf Breeze Sunday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 4 at 5 a.m. In addition, all U.S. 98 travel lanes will be closed for approximately 30 minutes between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- 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.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- All piles have been driven and pile caps poured for the new bridge. Crews are currently working on placing rebar reinforcement for the bridge deck in preparation of pouring the deck slab. Traffic will remain shifted on the temporary diversion until construction of the new bridge has been completed.
Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. The roadway is temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- Motorists may encounter daytime lane restrictions as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities continue near Villa Woods. Motorists may encounter lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Nov. 3.
- Intermittent and alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound between 17th Avenue in Pensacola and Fairport Drive in Gulf Breeze Sunday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 4 at 5 a.m. In addition, all U.S. 98 travel lanes will be closed for approximately 30 minutes between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- 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.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter southbound intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts. Vessel traffic will be maintained along the Yellow River during construction. There will be signage and buoy-type channelization devices directing boaters through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays between Nicholas Lake Road and Vonnie Tolbert Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, Dec. 31 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Average Florida Gas Price Jumps A Nickel
November 4, 2019
Florida gas prices are up a nickel over last week, according to AAA with the average price per gallon at $2.44.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.39. One Cantonment station was at $2.31 Sunday night.
“Although the state average has seesawed since the summer, it has mostly held between $2.40-$2.50 since July,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers could see the state average rise a few pennies this week, based on recent adjustments in the price of wholesale gasoline.”
Compared to this time last year, drivers are paying 20 cents per gallon less at the pump.
Jodi Woods Named Ransom Middle School Teacher Of The Year
November 3, 2019
Jodi Woods is Ransom Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. She is a mathematics instructor. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview To Host Jay In First Round Of 1A Playoffs Friday Night
November 3, 2019
The Northview Chiefs will be at home Friday night against the Jay Royals in the first round of the Florida High School Athletic Association 1A state championship series.
The Florida High School Athletic Association released final rankings and playoff brackets Sunday morning.
The Baker Gators remain the top ranked team in Region 1-1A and have a bye Friday night, along with Vernon, the No. 2 ranked team. The Chiefs are ranked No. 3, while Jay is ranked No. 6. Only the top six teams in the region make the playoffs.
The Chiefs (7-2) are coming off a 40-7 win just this past Friday night over Jay (4-6). The winner of the Northview vs. Jay regional quarterfinal game will advance to face Vernon (7-3) on November 15 in the regional semifinal round. Baker will face the winner of next Friday night’s Graceville at Freeport game.
Northview’s only two losses this season were 14-12 to Baker and 34-26 to the defending Alabama 3A state champion Flomaton Hurricanes. Baker’s 38-game regular season win streak came to an end Saturday night as Blountstown beat the Gators 33-7.
Kickoff for Friday night’s game is 7:30 p.m.
Final Region 1-1A final rankings are as follows:
- Baker 0.665 (9-1)
- Vernon 0.629 (7-3)
- Northview 0.625 (7-2)
- Freeport 0.574 (6-3)
- Graceville 0.573 (7-3)
- Jay 0.502 (4-6)
- Holmes County 0.484 (5-5)
- Chipley 0.446 (2-8)
- Cottondale 0.418 (2-7)
Teams are ranked based upon a RPI formula. RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index. In short, it is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules.
Final four play is November 29, and the 1A state championship is in Tallahassee on December 7.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Walnut Hill VFD Honors Firemen, Community Member During Fish Fry (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2019
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 50th annual fish fry Saturday.
Austin Snyder was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his fellow firefighters. Gerry Steege was named Officer of the Year and recognized for his service to the department.
Former Northview High School school resource officer Ronnie Gill received the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the community. He now volunteers with multiple school organizations and sports; he missed Saturday’s event and is not pictured because he was at a Northview Cross Country competition.
There were 694 catfish or grilled chicken plates sold, and another 16 people made donations. Proceeds will be used to provide assistance to displaced fire victims in the area. A blood drive and a car show were also part of the event.
Pictured: Walnut Hill Fire Chief Chris Brown presents the Firefighter of the Year award to Austin Snyder (above) and the Officer of the Year award to Gerry Steege (below). Also pictured below: Scenes from the 50th Annual Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Fishy Fry. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Burns After Crashing Into Utility Pole On Highway 95A
November 3, 2019
One person was injured after their car crashed in a utility pole and burst into flames Saturday night.
The crash happened about 8:15 p.m. on Highway 95A near Old Chemstrand Road. The pole was snapped by the collision.
The driver was transported to an area hospital with unspecified injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Photos: Beulah Craft & Sausage Festival
November 3, 2019
The Beulah Craft & Sausage Festival was held Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Beulah.
Over 50 vendors took part, and there as plenty of food, fun for the entire family and live music. The Pine Forest High School NJROTC also assisted with the event.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Ashland Avenue To Be Closed This Week
November 3, 2019
Ashland Avenue will be closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road in Escambia County from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.
The closure will enable crews to place drainage pipes across the roadway as part of the drainage improvements associated with the Nine Mile Road widening project. Traffic will be detoured to Stefani and 9 1/2 Mile roads. Signs and variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded by the Florida Department of Transportation to obey the 35-mph speed limit and to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone.
Escambia County Employees Receive 3% Pay Increase
November 3, 2019
Most Escambia County employees have received a 3% wage increase recently.
All employees hired by the Board of County Commissioners, except seasonal, temporary, contract and student workers, received the raise.
Escambia County fire, corrections and EMT employees received the raise even as their unions continue bargaining talks over other issues.. The International Association of EMTS and Paramedics Local, International Association of Firefighters Local 4131, and Florida Police Benevolent Association signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Escambia County in order to receive the immediate raises.