Escambia Raises School Bus Driver Starting Salary, Now Paying For Training
July 2, 2019
The Escambia County School District has raised the starting salary for bus drivers, and they are now paying for training.
The new hourly rate of pay begins at $12.16 per hour, and driver trainees will now be paid for the hours they dedicate to driver training beginning with the first day of class.
“To become a School Bus Operator (SBO) you will need to plan on 3-4 weeks for the training and placement, so we are encouraging those interested in driving this school year to come see us now to get the application started,” said Steve Harrell, ECSD’s director of Transportation. “We are here to help them take care of all of the requirements involved, including helping applicants prepare for the test required to obtain a CDL license from the DMV. Our process includes classroom training and on-the-road driver training.”
The district is accepting full time (36 – 40 hours per week) and substitute drivers for part-time employment. Their goal is to be fully staffed by the first day of school on August 12.
For more details, click here.
DeSantis Appointments Committees That Nominate Florida’s Judges
July 2, 2019
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced 66 appointments and reappointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions across the state.
The nomations included three people to the First District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission:
- Edward P. Fleming, of Pensacola, is a partner with McDonald Fleming. He received his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and his law degree from the University of Georgia. Fleming is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2023.
- Christine D. Graves, of Tallahassee, is the managing shareholder of the Carlton Fields’ Tallahassee office. She received her bachelor’s degree and law degree from Florida State University. Graves is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2023.
- Adam B. Brandon, of Jacksonville, is an attorney at Rogers Towers. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Brandon is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2023.
Cottage Hill Boil Water Notice Lifted
July 2, 2019
A boil water notice that was in effect for part of Cottage Hill has been lifted after tests show the water is safe to drink.
Cottage Hill Water Works issued the precautionary notice last week following a water line break on Williams Ditch Road.
Pictured: Water main repairs last Thursday afternoon on Williams Ditch Road near the Baptist and United Methodist churches. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 2, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending June 13 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Allgood was working fisheries enforcement and found one individual in possession of two red snapper during the closed season and another individual in possession of two undersized pompano. Both individuals were cited for the violations.
Officers Clark, Long and Lugg teamed up to work the opening day of red snapper season. They documented several violations including undersized red snapper and greater amberjack. Appropriate citations were issued for the fisheries violations. They also encountered one subject with a felony warrant out of Georgia. He was arrested and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
While checking fishing activity on the Bob Sikes Bridge, Officers McHenry and Pettey found two individuals in possession of two oversized red drum. The subjects were attempting to hide the fish behind a trash can. Both individuals were cited for the violations.
Officer Allgood was driving west on Interstate 10 when he saw a vehicle swerving across the center lane and off the edge of the road. He conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver. Officer Allgood saw signs of impairment and requested the driver complete standardized field sobriety tasks. The driver was arrested for DUI.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Ramos spent several days inspecting blue crab traps for compliance with the Blue Crab Effort Management Program. Nearly 50 traps were checked for compliance and several were not tagged as required by law. Officer Ramos contacted the responsible person and issued him a citation for the violation as well as several warnings related to his traps.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Eight Foot Alligator Captured Near Highway 4 In Bratt
July 1, 2019
An 8-foot alligator was captured in a stand of trees just feet off Highway 4 in Bratt late Sunday afternoon.
The gator was captured by Scott Porter, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) contracted nuisance alligator trapper. Estimated to be about 10 years old, the alligator was about 600 feet from a swampy area. He was captured less than 2,000 feet from several public locations such as the Travis Nelson Park, the First Baptist Church of Bratt and Bratt Elementary School.
Our NorthEscambia.com cameras were there beside Porter as he used snare pole to removed the gator from the wooded area. It was then loaded into the back of his truck with the help of a couple of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and bystanders.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The alligator was relocated to a more appropriate home off Highway 97 on Pilgrim Trail in Molino.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos and video, click to enlarge.
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Florida’s Tougher Texting And Driving Law Is Now In Effect
July 1, 2019
Florida’s new texting and driving law is now into effect.
The bill changed current enforcement of the ban from a secondary offense to a primary offense – enabling law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle solely for texting while driving. Drivers are also prohibited from using their handheld device while driving in active construction and school zones.
Went into effect at 12 a.m.t July 1, but only warnings will be issued until January 1. The first violation of the ban is a non-moving violation, carrying a $30 base fine plus court costs and fees. A second or subsequent violation committed within five years is a moving violation, carrying a $60 base fine plus court costs and fees.
Florida became the 45th state to enact a primary enforcement text messaging ban for all drivers.
“Throughout our state, we’ve seen far too many accidents where passengers are killed or severely injured as a result of distracted drivers,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “This bill gives law enforcement the ability to better enforce distractions behind the wheel. We cannot prevent all accidents on our roadways, but it is our hope that by taking action to address distractions today, we might be able to prevent a tragedy tomorrow.”
Gulf Power’s Surcharge Goes In Effect Today To Pay For Hurricane Michael Restoration
July 1, 2019
Gulf Power’s storm charge to pay for Hurricane Michael restoration goes into effect today, July 1.
The surcharge is $8 a month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours a month of electricity, which the company said would still make the average customer’s bill lower than January 2018. Commercial and industrial customers will see bills increase by 3 to 8 percent depending on their rate plan.
The increase will continue for five years.
“Hurricane Michael was the most destructive hurricane this region has ever seen, causing devastation that many in northwest Florida continue to recover from. We understand that restoring power following a major storm is a critical first step for the communities and customers that we serve,” said Marlene Santos, Gulf Power president, said in May when the Florida Public Service Commission improved the charge.
Gulf Power maintains a storm-recovery reserve to help offset expenses incurred after damages from storms like Hurricane Michael. For any expenses not covered by the storm-recovery reserve, Gulf Power must make a request before the FPSC.
When restoring power and hope to storm-devastated communities like those seen in the wake of Hurricane Michael, the energy provider incurs all of the upfront costs of power restoration and rebuilding, including out-of-town crews, plus their housing, meals and transportation, security and more. Costs also include fuel for trucks, tree trimming, poles, transformers and power lines and many other materials.
Gulf Power crews continue to reconnect customers as they have their homes and businesses repaired and work to return the company’s smart grid back to pre-storm reliability.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Schedule: Area Fireworks Shows, Other Fun Events
July 1, 2019
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July fireworks shows and events across the North Escambia area. Note that the Flomaton-Century show is on Wednesday, and Jay will split days with activities on Thursday and fireworks on Friday. The other shows and events listed are Thursday, July 4.
JULY 3
Flomaton/Century
The annual Flomaton-Century Fireworks show is July 3 at 9 p.m. at Flomaton’s Hurricane Park. Tip: Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
JULY 4
Jay
The Celebrate Freedom 5K is at 8 a.m. at Bray-Hendricks Park on Booker Lane; register beginning at 6:30 a.m. A youth kickball tournament follows in the park at 10 a.m. Vendors, live music, water slide, contests and games on Commerce Street beginning at 10 a.m. (Note: Jay’s fireworks show is Friday, July 5 in Bray-Hendricks Park.)
Pensacola
Sertoma 4th of July Celebration activities take place in Seville Square from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. over Pensacola Bay, synchronized to music broadcast on CatCountry 98.7. Best view: Along Bayfront Parkway.
Symphony Sparks and Stars featuring the Pensacola Symphony in the Community Maritime Park amphitheater beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fabulous patriotic and pops classics followed by a view of the Sertoma fireworks show at 9 p.m. Free, family friendly event.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach Fireworks on the sound side of the island at 8:30 p.m.
Milton
Riverfest 4th of July Celebration on the Milton Riverwalk, Willing Street. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and end with fireworks at dark over the Blackwater River.
East Brewton
East Brewton will have entertainment from 5-9:30 p.m. The annual Murder Creek duck race is at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin about 9:30 p.m.
Atmore
Fireworks at Wind Creek Casino at 9 p.m.
JULY 5
Jay
Fireworks over Bray-Hendricks Park on Booker Street at 9 p.m. (Note: Other Fourth of July festivities are on Thursday, July 4.)
Broxson Named Chair of the Florida Defense Support Task Force
July 1, 2019
On Friday, Senate President Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) named Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola) as Chair of the Florida Defense Support Task Force. Originally appointed to the Task Force by Senate President Joe Negron, Broxson will begin a one-year term as chair on July 1.
“I am pleased to appoint Senator Broxson as the Chair of the Florida Defense Support Task Force. Senator Broxson has always been a passionate advocate for Florida’s military bases and their critical missions, particularly during this challenging time where we are monitoring the restoration and modernization of Tyndall Air Force Base,” said Galvano. “Tyndall is critical to the economy of many of our Panhandle communities devastated by Hurricane Michael. As Chair of the Florida Defense Support Task Force, Senator Broxson will work diligently to make certain Tyndall is fully restored, modernized, and ready for the new role the base will take on in the coming years.”
The Florida Defense Support Task Force is a legislatively-mandated council whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance Florida’s military missions and installations. The position of Task Force Chair rotates annually between appointees of the Senate President and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force works with Florida’s Base Commanders to prevent encroachment from impacting mission capabilities for military forces based in Florida. The Task Force is also charged with maintaining and expanding the missions of Florida military installations, improving transportation access, and assisting installations in meeting Department of Defense renewable energy goals. Additionally, the Task Force works to strengthen state support for military families and veterans with a focus on education, health care, employment, and family programs.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts; Where To Expect Delays This Week
July 1, 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.
In preparation for the Independence Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning at 9 a.m. CST Wednesday, July 3 and ending at 12:01 a.m. CST Monday, July 8.
Escambia County:
- 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, June 23 through Saturday, June 29.
- 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 southbound bridge. 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 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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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).
- State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Traffic on Fairfield Drive from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place was shifted from its current alignment to the west Tuesday, June 18 to allow crews to complete the installation of the box culvert under the roadway. The north entrance to Usher Circle will also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drainage operation. Residents will utilize the south entrance of Usher Circle. The temporary lane shift and roadclosure is anticipated to take place for approximately three weeks.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) at Fairfield Drive- Motorists will encounter northbound lane restrictions between Fairfield Drive and the I-110 interchange from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform drainage repairs.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) at Texar Drive- The southbound, outside lane of Ninth Avenue in Pensacola will be closed at Texar Drive from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform maintenance activities.
- U.S. 29 Utility Operations between 9 1/2 Road and Ten Mile Road- There will be intermittent northbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 27 as crews perform utility maintenance work.
- County Road (C.R.) 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Activities associated with the bridge replacement project on C.R. 168 over Unnamed Branch, northwest of Century, continue. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 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 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.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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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).
- 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 I-10 and Avalon Boulevard between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, June 23:
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews work to place final striping, rumble strips, and to finish work list items.
- I-10 over Blackwater Bay Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Blackwater Bay from 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 24 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- I-10 over Garcon Point Road Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Garcon Point Road, about five miles west of S.R. 87, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday, to Thursday, July 30 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
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road– All north and southbound travel lanes, between Hickory Hammock Road and two miles south of the Yellow River are now open and the speed limit is now 65 mph. Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete construction activities and the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph through the active work zones.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete striping operations. Work will take place at night during off peak hours.
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: Road construction zone on Nine Mile Road as seen Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.