Miracle League In Desperate Need Of Volunteers To Help Repair Field For Fall Season
August 19, 2019
The Miracle League of Pensacola is in need of numerous volunteers to help them prepare a damaged field in time for their fall season.
The field is covered with hundreds of tiles to create a safe playing surface. All of the tiles must be removed, pressure washed and replace. This will require a “massive” number of volunteers and hours of service, according to league officials.
They will be working each evening this week, weather permitting at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers may need gloves, but no other tools are required.
The park is located at 555 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of Nine Mile and Airway Drive.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Nearing A New Summertime Low
August 19, 2019
Florida gas prices are nearing a new summertime low. Sunday’s average price of $2.427 per gallon is one-tenth of a cent above the current low, set back in June.
On average, Florida drivers have paid nearly 20 cents per gallon less than last summer. Since Memorial Day, gas prices have averaged $2.56 per gallon. The highest price this summer was $2.70 per gallon in July; 21 cents per gallon less than the highest price last summer. The highest daily average price so far this year was $2.80 per gallon, in April.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.43. At least two Cantonment stations were at $2.24 a gallon Sunday night.
Compared to all other states in the U.S., Florida has the 14th lowest daily average price. It also had the second-largest monthly decline of any other state (-27 cents), and the fourth-largest yearly decline of (-34 cents).
“Florida drivers continue to benefit from oil prices that remain lower than last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Fortunately, the highest gas prices of the year, are likely far behind us. As long as economic and global demand concerns continue, it’s unlikely drivers will see a significant jump at the pump anytime soon.”
Pedestrian Struck By SUV, Seriously Injured On Pine Forest Road
August 19, 2019
A 42-year old Pensacola woman was seriously injured when she was hit by a SUV on Pine Forest Road near Godwin lane Saturday night.
Michelle Phillips, 52, was traveling north on Pine Forest Road when she changed lanes and struck the pedestrian, Angela Schmidt of Pensacola. Phillips failed to observe Schmidt in the roadway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Schmidt was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. Phillips was not injured.
Schmidt was cited for failing to yield right of way to traffic.
Here Are This Weeks Construction Delay Traffic Hotpots (Including A Highway 29 Closure)
August 19, 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. 98 from Lillian Highway (State Road/S.R. 298) to West of Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, Aug. 22 as crews finish paving the final layer of asphalt.
- 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 Sunday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 24:
- Nine Mile Road will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 at Highway 29 as crews place concrete for the center pier footer. Alternating lane shift traffic on Nine Mile Road as crews construct the new southbound bridge, end bents, and center pier.
- 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 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 25.
- 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 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) - 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.
- · S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) Drainage Improvements from Usher Circle to Hestia Place- Crews have completed the installation of the box culvert under Fairfield Drive and paved the mainline roadway. Fairfield Drive is currently in its final configuration, which includes a newly constructed center turn lane. Workers will continue grading ditches, installing sod, signs, and final pavement markings. Motorists are reminded to travel with caution.
- · C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews continue driving production piles. Traffic will remain shifted onto the special detour until the new bridge is constructed and reopened to traffic.
- · 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 is 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 may require the following lane closures 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 25:
- 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).
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Drivers can expect alternating and intermittent lane closures on I-10 from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug. 22 as crews finish final work list items.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River- Traffic will be reduced to one lane over Blackwater River Bridge, .5 miles east of S.R. 87, from 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 as crews perform maintenance work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist drivers through the work area.
- S.R. 87 Utility Operations over Yellow River Bridge- Southbound motorists may encounter daytime lane closures Monday, Aug. 19 through Saturday, Aug. 24 on the Yellow River Bridge as utility crews perform adjustments to their facilities.
- S.R. 281(Redfish Point Road) Bridge Maintenance- Traffic will be reduced to one lane, .7 miles north of U.S. 98, from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 as crews perform bridge maintenance.
- I-10 Bridge Maintenance Over Blackwater River- The westbound lane over Blackwater River Bridge, four miles west of S.R. 87 (Exit 31), will be closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 to 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23 as crews make deck repairs.
- S.R. 399 Bridge Maintenance over U.S. 98 in Gulf Breeze- Northbound lane closure from 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 to 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23 as crews perform bridge maintenance.
- 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.
ESPN Pensacola Radio Expands Coverage Area Today
August 19, 2019
ESPN Pensacola, the local sports radio station currently heard on 94.5 FM, is expanding its listening area.
Beginning Monday, August 19, ESPN Pensacola will be heard on AM 1330 and FM 99.1.
According to station owner Dave Hoxeng, “adding AM 1330 will greatly increase ESPN’s daytime coverage area. At 25,000 watts, AM 1330 is the strongest AM radio signal between Jacksonville and New Orleans.”
On the FM dial, FM 99.1 will broadcast the same programming as the current ESPN Pensacola FM 94.5.
The station will continue to broadcast on FM 94.5 through September. ESPN Pensacola is also broadcast on WYCT-98.7-HD2 and is now being added on WYCT-98.7-HD4.
ESPN Pensacola will continue to air the same popular weekday ESPN programs as are currently broadcasting on FM 94.5, including Golic & Wingo, from 5-9 a.m. 5-; Dan LeBatarad and Stugotz, from 9 a.m. until noon ; and Paul Finebaum, from 2-5 p.m..
Locally, Chad Brillante will continue to host ‘The Sports Drive’” from 5-7 p.m along with ‘Talk Football” with Coach Kay Stevenson’ from noon until 1 p.m. weekdays. Both are live local shows.
“SportsCall” with ESPN Pensacola’s Davis Allen broadcasts live every Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The station will again broadcast the UWF Argo football games every Saturday, and the high school football game of the week on Friday nights at 7 p.m. And, the station is also the broadcast home of Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos.
ESPN Pensacola is locally owned and operated by Pensacola residents Dave and Mary Hoxeng. The Hoxengs also operate sister stations CatCountry 98.7 and NewsRadio 92.3 ▪ AM1620.
Frank Reeder Road Area Boil Water Notice Lifted
August 18, 2019
UPDATE: THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS CANCELED ON AUGUST 18.
A Precautionary Boil Water Notice -PBWN- issued by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority on August 13 for customers located in the following area has been lifted:
- From 6626 Frank Reader Road, west to Windy Hill Road
- Bridlewood Road from Frank Reeder Road, north to the end of Bridlewood Road
- Bridlewood Circle
This notice was issued after repairs were made to a broken 12-inch water main, damaged by a private contractor working in the area. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Florida Dept. Of Ag Charges Cantonment Man With Felony Grand Theft
August 18, 2019
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has charged a Cantonment man with grand theft for allegedly taking money to repair a boat but never doing the work.
Jeffrey Dale Phillips, 43, was charged with third degree felony grand theft. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
According to an arrest report, Phillips received $7,978.84 in payments at Affordable Marine Service to remanufacture a boat engine but the work was never performed. The victim also paid an additional $2,322.16 for storage of their boat, the report states, for a total loss of $10,301. According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Phillips is owner of the company on South “L” Street in Pensacola.
The victim told state investigators that they contracted Affordable Marine in August 2017 and received their vessel back in January 2018. On a test ride, the boat did not perform correctly, and the victims said they tried for months to get Phillips to correct the problem.
The victim has since paid another unrelated company $10,325.38 to fix nonexistent or improper work by Affordable Marine, according to the Department of Agriculture.
National Thrift Store Day: Waterfront Mission Store Has Served Cantonment Since 2011
August 18, 2019
Saturday was National Thrift Store Day.
The first Waterfront Rescue Mission Thrift Stores was founded in 1963 to support the work of the Mission. Today, there are eight Waterfront Rescue Mission Thrift Stores, including a North Escambia location in Cantonment that opened in March 2011 at 732 North Highway 29, next to the Grocery Advantage.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Escambia Men Sentenced To 30 Years For Robbing Pizza Delivery Drivers
August 18, 2019
Two 19-year old Escambia County residents have been sentenced to prison for robbing three pizza delivery drivers last year
Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh sentenced Michael Anthony Christian, Jr., and Keith Ramone Walker, Jr., to 30 years in state prison. Christian will be required to serve a 10 year minimum mandatory sentence.
On June 17, 2018, Christian and Walker called Domino’s Pizza with a prepaid phone and gave a false address after ordering some pizza. When the driver arrived, they ambushed him and a gun was put to his head as he was ordered to the ground. Multiple items were stolen from his person and vehicle.
On June 20, 2018, Christian and Walker called Domino’s Pizza again from another prepaid phone and once again ordered pizza to a false address. When the driver arrived, he once again had a gun pointed to his head and was forced to the ground while they robbed him. As they were leaving, the driver was kicked in the head as he was laying on the ground.
On June 21, 2018, Christian and Walker called Papa John’s and again ordered pizza to a false address. When the driver arrived, she had a gun put to her head as she was robbed. Christian also put his hand inside of the female driver’s bra. Christian’s DNA was found on a swab of her breast.
After they were developed as suspects, law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence. They located several items that were stolen during the robbery, including a pizza delivery bag and a vape mod. Both Christian and Walker had also broken into several cars and had stolen several firearms and numerous other items.
Christian had previously entered a plea of no contest on March 27 to three counts of robbery armed with a firearm, three counts burglary of conveyance armed with explosives or dangerous weapon, two counts of grand theft, two counts of principal to burglary of unoccupied conveyance, two counts of battery, fraudulent use of a credit card, unlawful possession of a stolen credit card or debit card, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, three counts of criminal mischief, two counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance, and petit theft.
Walker previously entered a plea of no contest on May 30, 2019 to three counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with great bodily harm or with a deadly weapon, battery, two counts of burglary of conveyance armed with explosives or dangerous weapon, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, two counts of criminal mischief, burglary of unoccupied conveyance and petit theft.
Gulf Power Foundation Awards Grant To Big Brothers Big Sisters
August 18, 2019
Gulf Power Foundation awarded an Amplify Grant in the amount of $30,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBS-NWFL).
The Amplify Grant is designed to provide non-profits with a one-time capacity building grant to enable them to reduce costs, increase revenues or generate stronger results. “As one of the 36 organizations who received an award, we are so excited to maximize our operations and make improvements.” says Paula Shell, president and CEO of BBBS-NWFL.
The grant will go towards the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Bold Steps 30th Anniversary Campaign and will provide new technology for the BBBS-NWFL offices from Pensacola to Panama City. This technology will help with program improvements and expansion, and will allow stronger communications between offices.
“Our project will boost our agency capacity at just the right time in our history, said Shell. “Moving into our own building and raising the bar on programs and services, the upgrade to our technology is a must. From a new phone system, to computers, to better connectivity to our outlying offices and our matches. having up to date technology so that business can be conducted efficiently and effectively is critical and will greatly help us reach our goal of achieving high quality, long lasting match relationships along with serving more children each year.”
This year, the Gulf Power Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million dollars in grants to 36 organizations across their service region.