Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots
August 5, 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:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic Sunday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 10:
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue removing the old southbound bridge. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
o U.S. 29 traffic between Interstate 10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- · U.S. 98 from State Road (S.R.) 298 (Lillian Highway) to West of S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway)- There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7 as crews finish paving the final layer of asphalt. Paving is expected to take approximately one week to complete. There are no lane closures anticipated for Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 16.
- · S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Traffic from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 10 as crews perform paving operations.
- · S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) D.U.I./Safety Checkpoint- The northbound, outside lane on 9th Avenue at Fairfield Drive in Pensacola will be closed from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 31 as law enforcement conducts a D.U.I./Safety Checkpoint.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Post mounted delineators have been erected between the Thrift Store and Cross Roads Dollar General to prevent cut-through traffic from Molino Road. Workers are clearing trees and shrubs and excavating for roadway widening at the Molino Road intersection. Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions as crews and heavy equipment enter and exit the roadway.
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 11:
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- Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, 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. 98 eastbound traffic (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) will be shifted to the new Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 4 and U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) Thursday, Aug. 8. The temporary configuration for the new bridge will provide two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. A multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists is expected to be operational approximately two-months after the traffic shift.
- From 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 to 6 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 17th Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Gregory Street and the CSX Railroad overpass. Drivers will be detoured using Ninth Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90). Access to the visitor’s center, boat ramp, and the Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier will be maintained for local traffic via 17th Avenue.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Traffic was recently shifted to the temporary acrow bridge. Activities associated with the bridge replacement project continue and are anticipated to be complete late 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road continues to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be 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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 11:
- Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, 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. 98 eastbound traffic (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) will be shifted to the new Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 4 and U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) Thursday, Aug. 8. The temporary configuration for the new bridge will provide two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. A multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists is expected to be operational approximately two-months after the traffic shift.
- From 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 to 6 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 17th Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Gregory Street and the CSX Railroad overpass. Drivers will be detoured using Ninth Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90). Access to the visitor’s center, boat ramp, and the Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier will be maintained for local traffic via 17th Avenue.
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for Interstate 10 and Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 through Thursday, Aug. 8:
o Alternating lane closures, Sunday through Thursday, on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews perform construction activities.
o Alternating lane closures on I-10 from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22), Sunday through Thursday, as crews work to place final striping and to finish work list items.
- 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.
Pictured: Curbing and drainage are almost complete for the new northbound Highway 29 on-ramp from Nine Mile Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward
August 5, 2019
Florida gas prices declined an average of six cents per gallon last week, according to AAA. Global oversupply concerns and rising tension in the U.S.-China trade war has kept oil prices low, and as a result, downward pressure on prices at the pump.
Florida drivers are paying an average price of $2.52 per gallon for regular unleaded. The state average is 6 cents per gallon less than a week ago, 16 cents less than last month, and 24 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.54, down 3 cents from a week ago. However, on gas station at Cantonment was at $2.38 a gallon, while two in Cantonment were at $2.39.
“Continued weakness in the oil market has allowed for the cheapest summertime gas prices in two years,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So far this summer, Florida drivers are paying nearly 20 cents per gallon less than last summer. As we approach the end of summer driving season, gas price hikes should be few and far between. When students go back to school, gasoline demand dips, because fewer families are taking extended roads trips. The demand drop, normally helps keep downward pressure on prices at the pump through the rest of the year. However, the threat of a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico always carries the potential for causing a gas price spike.”
Tate Orientation, Schedule Pickups Wednesday; Elementary And Middle Orientations Thursday
August 5, 2019
The first day of school will be Monday, August 12. Orientations and other events are scheduled this week as follows:
Tate High School
Tate High School will hold orientation and schedule pickup on Wednesday.
Ninth grade orientation and schedule pickup will be held in the Fryman Gym at 9 a.m.
Schedule pickup for grates 10, 11 and 12 in the Godwin cafeteria from 1-3 p.m.
Escambia County Elementary School Orientations
Elementary school orientations will be held Thursday, August 8 from 9-11 a.m.
Escambia County High School Orientations
Middle school orientations will be held Thursday, August 8 at from 1-3 p.m.
Hit And Run Driver Destroys Brick Mailbox In Molino
August 5, 2019
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a hit and run driver that destroyed a brick mailbox in Molino Saturday morning.
The driver struck the mailbox on Mathison Drive about 300 feet from Highway 29. The type of vehicle is unknown, but it will have obvious damage.
Anyone with information can call the FHP at (850) 484-5000.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Work Underway On Highway 29, Molino Road Intersection Improvements, New Traffic Signal
August 4, 2019
Work is underway on intersection improvements and a new traffic signal at Highway 29 and Molino Road.
Construction is happening now on turn lanes in both directions on Molino Road. There will eventually be new northbound and southbound turn lanes on Highway 29, and the median crossover at the Dollar General store will be closed.
The work is part of a Highway 29 resurfacing project from Highway 29 just south of Muscogee road in Cantonment to Highway 97 in Molino.
In addition to the work at Molino Road, improvements in the almost $8.8 million transportation project will include:
- At Barrineau Park Road, new northbound and southbound turn lanes will be added on Highway 29.
- New Highway 29 northbound and southbound turn lanes will be added into the Florida Division of Forestry (fire tower)
- A new southbound right turn lane will be added at Booth Lake Road.
- At Quintette Road, new turn lanes will be added on Highway 29 in both directions. There will not be a traffic signal installed.
- At the Highway 29 and Muscogee/Becks Lake Road, the turning radius will be improved on all four corners and the signal will be reconstructed.
- The railroad crossing signals on Highway 29 just south of Muscogee Road will be replaced.
- Miscellaneous modifications, pedestrian feature upgrades, guardrails, new signage and pavement markings.
Motorists will encounter intermittent lane restrictions during construction. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2020.
Pictured: The Highway 29 and Molino Road intersection as seen Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Little Girl Reunited With Her Beloved Stuffed ‘Bubblegum Sprinkles’ And Inspires Stuffed Animal Drive
August 4, 2019
Bubblegum Sprinkles is back home thanks to a Nine Mile Road business, and he has inspired a community outreach that will help others.
The stuffed animal husky was accidently left behind about a week ago at Maynard’s Donut Company. Maynard’s knew he was something special, so they found the surveillance video of the young lady that left him behind and set out to find her on social media.
During his week around Maynard’s, Bubblegum Sprinkles visited with customers and helped out around the store. As time passed, they were able to find the girl and arranged with for a sweet reunion Saturday morning with 3-year old Nina English and her dad Michael.
Nina jumped for Joy seeing Bubblegum Sprinkles and embraced him with a big hug and an even bigger smile.
Maynard’s also announced the launch of “Operation Sprinkles”. They will be collecting brand new stuffed animals for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department, Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Ronald McDonald House and other community organizations.
Each person that donates a stuffed animal will receive a free doughnut.
Pictured top: Nina English reunited with her beloved Bubblegun Sprinkles Saturday morning at Maynard’s Donut Co. on Nine Mile Road. Pictured below: Nina accidently left Sprinkles behind during this visit about a week ago. Pictured second below: Maynard’s started collecting stuffed animals for several community groups Saturday. Pictured third below: During his week at Maynard’s, Sprinkles helped out around the store. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Want To Learn About 4-H Beef Project Nutrition And Enjoy A Good Burger?
August 4, 2019
What to learn about beef project nutrition and eat beef too? Escambia County 4-H has that chance coming up later this month at the 4-H Beef Project Nutrition Eat-n-Lean.
It’s $5 per person with a hamburger or hotdog meal provided.
Topics will include basics like average daily gain, factor impacting weight gain, identifying and selecting feeds to achieve weight gain, and proper nutrition.
The UF/IFAS Extension and Escambia County program will be held August 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Century-Flomaton Improvement Association Provides Free School Supplies
August 4, 2019
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association (CFIA) held a back to school event Saturday.
The event included door prizes, lunch, an educational presentation from CFIA President Melvin Whatley, and a giveaway of free book bags and school supplies.
Photos courtesy Tammy Amerson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Dies After Chumuckla Highway Crash
August 4, 2019
A 73-year old Escambia County man died when his vehicle crashed at noon Saturday in Pace.
Richard Barta of Pensacola was headed east on Education Drive near Sims Middle School when he traveled through the intersection with Chumuckla Highway and collided with a ditch, says the Florida Highway Patrol.
Barta was transported to Santa Rosa Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The FHP said it has not been determined if Barta’s death was caused by the crash or a medical condition.
Molino ‘Day Of Hope’ Provides Free School Supplies, Groceries, Haircuts And More
August 4, 2019
Victory Assembly of God held their Day of Hope Saturday in Molino.
Students were able to receive free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food bags and an encouraging word during the annual community outreach.
“We had a really big day,” Victory Assembly Pastor Jeff McKee said. “The turnout was great early on.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
