Pensacola MESS Hall Brings Science Fun To Bratt, Jim Allen Elementary Students
March 4, 2019
Pensacola MESS Hall brought science-powered fun to Bratt and Jim Allen elementary schools recently.
Children and parents had a chance to participate in hands-on interactive activities and experiments.
The Pensacola MESS Hall will take part in the Gulf Coast Science Festival in Seville Square in Pensacola March 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
For more photos from Bratt and Jim Allen elementary schools, click here.
Pictured: Science activities at Bratt Elementary School (above) and Jim Allen Elementary School (below). NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
March 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.
- U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from State Road (S.R.) 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- The dedicated, eastbound bike lane on between Surrey Drive and U.S. 29 is closed to accommodate widening activities. Bicyclists and motorists will share the eastbound travel way until the completion of the project.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 2 until Saturday, March 9.
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- 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 construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Mardi Gras Parade at Palafox Street (Downtown Pensacola) - East and westbound traffic to seek alternate routes Saturday, March 2 from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. in association with the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Mardi Gras Parade.
- 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, March 3 until Sunday, March 10:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- The northbound lane on Fairfield Drive from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place will be closed from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. until Sunday, March 10 as crews remove the existing asphalt to prepare for roadway widening.
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions near the intersection the week of Sunday, March 3 as paving operations continue. There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Drivers may encounter lane restrictions from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road as crews complete paving operations. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, March 4 until Sunday, March 10.
- S.R. 742 (Creighton Road) Utility Operations between Tippin Avenue to Forest Glenn- The eastbound outside lane between Tippin Avenue and Forest Glenn will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, March 4 until Wednesday, March 6 as crews perform utility work.
- I-10 over C.R. 191 (Garcon Point Road)- Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions as crews take core samples from the bridge approaches. Lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 6.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue 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 have begun. 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.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 from Blackwater Bay to East of S.R. 87 (Exit 31)-Traffic may encounter alternating and intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, until Thursday, March 28 as crews remove and replace pavement markings. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter minor delays at the following locations Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, April 25 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- I-10 Joint Repair over S.R. 87 (Exit 31)- Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane over S.R. 87 from 8 p.m. to noon Sunday March 3 as crews repair joints on the bridge.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 3 until Sunday, March 10:
- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 89 (Dogwood Drive) Routine Maintenance from Chestnut Street to Starhill Drive- There will be intermittent lane restrictions between Chestnut Street and Starhill Drive as utility crews trim trees. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Saturday, March 2.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, March 3:
- I-10 westbound from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard will be shifted to the outside. Shifting as crews construct the inside shoulders before placing the westbound travel lanes in final configuration later this month.
- I-10 alternating lane closures from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 3 through Friday, March 8 as crews work to widen the roadway.
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday evenings as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- There will be intermittent eastbound lane closures near Thresher Drive from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews construct a right turn lane.
- Drainage work is underway at Newport Street and Thresher Drive.
- Construction activities continue from Sunrise Drive to east of Cotton Bay Lane. Lane Closures will be in effect Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform concrete operations in the median.
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.
West Hecker, Highway 4A Intersection In Century To Be Closed For Two Days
March 4, 2019
The intersection of West Hecker Road and Highway 4A in Century will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to road work, according to the Town of Century. Drivers are asked to find an alternative route. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Flomaton Hurricanes Receive State Championship Rings
March 4, 2019
The Flomaton Hurricanes football team received their state championship rings Saturday night during a ceremony at the school.
In December, the Flomaton Hurricanes beat Piedmont 23-12 to win the Class 3A state championship in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. It was the first trip to the state championship in the 94-year history of the Flomaton football program.
To relive the win, click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Barn, RV, Two Tractors And A Truck
March 3, 2019
Fire destroyed a large pole barn along with a recreational vehicle, two tractors and a truck inside the barn Sunday morning in McDavid.
The fire was reported about 8:20 a.m. in the 2300 block of South Pine Barren Road near Bogia Road.
The fire was believed to have been caused by the RV, which had been parked in the barn a short time before the fire.
There were no injuries reported.
The McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill, Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department were dispatched to the fire.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies 3-1 In Florida USA Challenge
March 3, 2019
The Tate Lady Aggies went 3-1 Friday and Saturday in the Florida USA Challenge in Panama City Beach.
The Aggies open with a 4-3 win over Lincoln and beat Daphne 2-1 on Friday.
On Saturday, Tate beat Dale County 6-3 and suffered a 2-0 loss to Marianna.
Air Force Special Tactics 830-Mile Memorial March Passing Through Escambia County
March 3, 2019
Two Special Tactics Airmen trekked across Escambia County Sunday in the name of their fallen brethren killed in combat.
They are among 20 airmen rucking from Medina Annex at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, to Hurlburt Field to pay tribute to Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, a Special Tactics combat controller, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 27, 2018, and in honor of the other 19 Special Tactics Airmen who have been killed in action since 9/11.
Elchin, along with U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Ross and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Emond, were killed in action when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2018, while deployed in support of OPERATION Freedom’s Sentinel. U.S. Army Sgt. Jason McClary died later as a result of injuries sustained from the IED.
Another of the fallen includes Staff Sgt. Forrest Sibley of Pensacola, Special Tactics Combat Controller, killed on August 26, 2015. Sibley, 31, was one of two special tactics airmen deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan. They were at a vehicle checkpoint when two individuals wearing Afghan National Defense and Security Forces uniforms opened fire on them. NATO service members returned fire and killed the shooters.
The Special Tactics Airmen departed Texas on February 22 and are scheduled to arrive at Hurlburt Field, March 4 at 1:00 p.m.
Monday at 3 a.m., they will depart the Gulf Islands National Seashore. For live tracking, click here.
What most people won’t see, is the Individual Duty Medical Technicians putting moleskin on painful blisters, or the communication Airman ensuring the operators are following the correct route, or supply Airmen servicing safety vehicles and the list goes on.
A support force of 19 Air Commandos from nine different career specialties are working around-the-clock, 24/7, behind the scenes of Air Force Special Operations Command’s Special Tactics Memorial March, as 10 two-man teams ruck 830 miles to Hurlburt Field.
“Mission support is the foundation that Special Tactics combat capability is built on,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Guilmain, command chief of the 24th Special Operations Wing and participant in the march. “As always, they have been pivotal in the accomplishment of this 830-mile, five state movement. My hat is off to all involved in the complex planning and execution of this incredible event.”
The 19 mission support Airmen consist of: IDMTs, a Special Operations Surgical Team emergency services physician, a vehicle maintenance technician, combat arms specialist, client systems technician, weather officer, office of special investigations representative, protocol and public affairs.
“I’m both incredibly humbled and fortunate to be a part of the team. It’s keeping guys in the fight, something small that we can give back to the community to show our support across the force.” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Billy Norad, the medical operations superintendent with the 24th SOW and an IDMT on the ruck. “The ruckers know that we’re here to make sure they succeed and they respect and rely on a level of expertise to help make that happen.”
When the support Airmen are not working their primary responsibilities, they can be found right alongside the 20 ST ruckers — turning steps into miles and honoring their teammates.
“There are two shifts of support folks, each on the road 12 hours a day,” said retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve Haggett, chief of protocol with the 24th SOW. “All the support teams, every day, are putting rucks on and rucking with the teams on the road.”
Special Tactics Airmen begin their training at Medina Annex, together, and become combat ready upon graduation of the Special Tactics Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, thus the march route mimics the training passage our Airmen endure. The journey takes the Airmen across five states and 830 miles.
Historically, Air Force Special Tactics plans a memorial march when a member is killed in action. This is the 5th Special Tactics Memorial March since 2009 and since it originated as the “Tim Davis Memorial March.” The march was renamed to honor all fallen Special Tactics Airmen in 2011 to the “Special Tactics Memorial March.”
A memorial baton inscribed with each of the fallen Special Tactics Airman’s names will be carried throughout the way to honor the fallen.
Today, there are about 1,000 Special Tactics operators who combine the core skills of special operations forces with the tactical integration of the world’s greatest airpower, working to find unique solutions to ground problems. They are the most decorated community in the Air Force since the end of the Vietnam War, with one Medal of Honor, ten Air Force Crosses, and 44 Silver Stars.
Special Tactics is U.S. Special Operation Command’s tactical air and ground integration force, and the Air Force’s special operations ground force, leading Global Access, Precision Strike, Personnel Recovery and Battlefield Surgery operations on the battlefield.
A disciplined special operations force of hand-selected Airmen leading joint operations, Special Tactics Airmen are deliberate in their thoughts and actions to deliver solutions to the nation’s most complex military challenges. They conduct global air, space, and cyber-enabled special operations across the spectrum of conflict to prepare for, fight, and win our nation’s wars.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Starla Weaver Named Miss NHS 2019 (With Photo Gallery)
March 3, 2019
Starla Weaver was crowned Miss NHS 2019 Saturday night at Northview High School..
Amber Gilman was named first runner-up, while Olivia Seals was named second runner-up from among nine contestants. Other members of the Top 5 were Gabrielle Kline and Madyson Moye.
Other awards were presented as follows:
- Miss Congeniality – Chloe Smith
- Miss Hospitality – Madyson Moye
- Miss Physical Fitness – Starla Weaver
- Miss Poise and Appearance – Olivia Seals
For a pageant photo gallery, click here.
Weaver, a senior, is the daughter of John and Lisa Weaver.
Pictured top: First runner-up Amber Gilman, Miss NHS 2019 Starla Weaver and second runner-up Olivia Seals. Pictured below: Weaver reacts to winning, the Top 5 contestants and the contestants open the “Enchanted Beauty” pageant. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Applying For Matching Grant For Cantonment, Century, Molino Bus Route
March 3, 2019
Escambia County will apply for a 50 percent match grant to fund the current Escambia County Area Transit bus route that serves Cantonment, Molino and Century.
The Section 5311 Non-Urbanized Area Formula Grant Program provides federal operating or capital assistance for the operation of public transportation service in non-urbanized areas.
The schedule for the Route 60 bus is below.
Pictured: The ECAT bus stop at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Youth Can Apply Now For Escambia Youth Employment Program Jobs
March 3, 2019
Escambia County is seeking youth ages 16-24 who are interested in an opportunity to get paid work experience this summer through the Escambia County Youth Employment Program. Applications are due Friday, March 8.
Qualified youth who are accepted into ECYEP will be able to work up to 30 hours a week at $8.46 per hour, with positions available in various county departments along with the Escambia County School District, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector’s Office and Supervisor of Elections Office. Participants will also receive job readiness training prior to job placement as well as post-employment briefings.
Last summer, 76 youth participated in the program, working in county departments including Public Works, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit, West Florida Public Libraries and more.
Limited positions are available. Requirements for the program are as follows:
- Must be age 16-24
- Must live in Escambia County, Florida
Click here to download an application. Applications can also be picked up during normal business hours at 221 S. Palafox Place, 4th floor reception desk. Incomplete application packets will not be accepted.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
