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FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

• 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, Feb. 24 until Sunday, March 3:

• • 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).

• 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, Feb. 24 until Saturday, March 2.

• • Temporary Closures: The northbound U.S. 29 on-ramp from Nine Mile Road and 9 ½ Mile Road at U.S. 29 in will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 to 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 as crews place drainage pipes across the roadway.
    • Nine Mile Road travelers wanting to head north on U.S. 29 will be redirected to northbound Palafox Street, Ten Mile Road, back to U.S. 29.
    • Travelers wanting access to 9 ½ Mile Road east of U.S. 29 may use Palafox Street.
  • 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.

• State Road (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, Feb. 24 as crews remove the existing asphalt to prepare for roadway widening.
• 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, Feb. 25 until Sunday, March 3.
• 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, Feb. 24 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 East Chase Street Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to Bayfront Parkway- Intermittent lane restrictions will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Monday, Feb. 25 until Thursday, Feb. 28 as crews pave and adjust manholes.  
• I-110 Routine Bridge Inspections- Motorists can expect minor delays due to intermittent lane restrictions under I-110 in downtown Pensacola from East Chase Street to East Gonzalez Street as crews perform routine inspections of the I-110 downtown bridges. Lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Saturday, Feb. 23.
• S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) from Fairfield Drive to Selina Street- The northbound, outside lane will be closed at various locations between Fairfield Drive and Selina Street as crews perform utility work and raise manhole covers.  The lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Feb. 28.
• Theo Baars Bridge Routine Inspection- Motorists may encounter intermittent lane restrictions on the Theo Baars Bridge on S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 until Thursday, Feb. 28 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
• 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
• U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 until Sunday, March 3:
  • 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. Monday, February 25 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, Feb. 24:
  • Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, Monday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
  • Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, Monday, Feb. 25 until Friday, March 1 as crews work to widen the roadway.
  • Drivers will encounter new traffic pattern(s) on I-10 east and westbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue through spring 2019.
• 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 5a.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 througha work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

Gas Prices Holding Steady After 11 Cent Rise

Gas prices in Florida are holding steady, after rising 11 cents last week – setting a new 2019-high of $2.34 per gallon on Saturday.

Sunday’s statewide average of $2.34 amounts to $35 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline. That is $10 less than what drivers paid last May, when prices were at their peak. However, drivers are still paying 18 cents per gallon less than this time last year.

In Escambia County Sunday, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.31, up from $2.16 one month ago but 30 cent less than one year ago.

Pictured: Gas was $2.35 this weekend in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Driver Crashes Into Brick Wall Sign In Cantonment

There were no serious injuries reported when a driver crashed into a brick wall sign in Cantonment Sunday morning.

The crash happened about 10:40 a.m. on Pine Forest Road at Trailwood Drive. The collision destroyed the sign at the entrance to Pine Forest Royale subdivison and knocked down a flagpole.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge

Flu Activity Sharply Increasing In Escambia County

According to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), flu activity is decreasing slightly statewide but sharply increasing in Escambia County.

The report shows flu activity in Escambia County was moderate.

“It’s not too late to get your flu shot,” said FDOH-Escambia director, John J. Lanza. “Everyone over six months of age should get the flu shot, especially those with increased risk for flu-related complications.”

People with increased risk for flu-related complications include children from birth to age 5, adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu.

Brush Fire Consumes Three Acres And Two Vehicles

A brush fire swept through about three acres and consumed two vehicles on Saturday afternoon near Century.

A southerly wind at about 15 mph pushed the fire through a pasture on Dawson Road just before noon. The fire spread to two junk vehicles on the edge of the pasture. There were no structures damaged, and the fires were quickly brought under control.

The Florida Forest Service was investigating the origin of the fire.

The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department responded.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Crowds Attend Annual Ruritan Auction (With Photo Gallery)

A large crowd attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Auction Saturday in Walnut Hill.

Farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, household items and more were sold at auction during the event, which is held each year on the last Saturday of February. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area.

For more photos, click here.

Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Tate Lady Aggies Win West Florida JV Showdown For Fourth Consecutive Year

The junior varsity Tate Lady Aggies won the 2019 West Florida Tech JV Showdown Saturday night. This was the fourth consecutive year the Lady Aggies have claimed the championship. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

North Escambia Beekeepers Association Holds Annual Seminar In Molino

The North Escambia Beekeepers Association held its annual seminar Saturday at the Molino Community Center. Courses were offered for participants of all skill levels, including lectures from University of Florida experts. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Escambia Commission Honors World Champ NEP Wildcats

Earlier this month, the Escambia County Commission honored the 2018 Northeast Pensacola Wildcats 9-Under team for winning their first World Youth Football Championship. The NEP Wildcats beat the Bonny Lake (Washington) Raptors 36-0 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on December 16. The Raptors were unable to to make a first down during the entire game.

Allowing just 12 points the during their season, the 9-U Wildcats were 14-0.

The NEP 11-Under team also played for a national championship in Canton, but fell to the Lousiville (Kentucky) Jaguars 37-8. They outscored their opponents 395-62 points during their season.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: A Sobering Reminder

Hate crimes are real. Just ask state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

Chicago’s police chief is accusing “Empire” star Jussie Smollett of using the “advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career” by paying two men to stage an attack on him last month.

The allegations concerning Smollett, who is black and gay, sparked an international avalanche of commentary and ignited concerns that reports of the bogus attack could have a chilling effect on victims of hate-related violence.

Smith, an Orlando Democrat who is gay, is turning the controversy into a teachable moment, by sharing his own experience as the survivor of an assault.

While a student at the University of Central Florida, Smith and his friend, Heath Frank, were beaten up at a keg party by a man who repeatedly called his two victims “faggots” after he was arrested, according to a police report.

“I decided to finally tell this very deeply personal story because the reality is that hate crimes are real. Homophobia is real. Bigotry is real. And hate violence is on the rise against many groups. Anti-Semitism is on the rise. Hate violence against transgender women of color is on the rise, especially in Florida,” Smith said in a telephone interview.

Smith took to Twitter on Thursday about his experience as a survivor of “senseless hate violence,” posting a picture of his battered face and a police report of the incident.

The attacker, identified as Eduardo Alessandro Mongio in court documents provided by Smith, was “lingering around” and “acting kind of weird” at a crowded keg party, Smith said.

After beating up Frank, the attacker confronted Smith.

“I didn’t know what was going on. But I got banged up pretty bad. When the dust settled, everyone was telling me about how the guy was making all these homophobic slurs about our group, because hey, listen, we travel in cliques. We queer people, we stick together,” Smith said. “I don’t remember if the guy was drunk or what his deal was, but he started lashing out. It was like a full-fledged gay-bashing.”

Smith said he “felt compelled to speak out” as the controversy around Smollett exploded.

“I don’t know what the outcome is going to become of the Jussie Smollett case. But I can already see there’s a narrative out there that hate crimes aren’t real. No. They are. And they’re on the rise. Especially with the election of Donald Trump, who wears hate for other groups on his sleeve,” he said.

SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM

Measures that would allow patients to smoke medical marijuana are headed to the House and Senate floors as legislative leaders iron out differences in their plans.

Lawmakers moved closer to agreement Thursday, after the House Appropriations Committee eliminated a proposal that would have restricted medical marijuana dispensaries to selling pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes with filters.

After making the change, the committee approved the House version of the smokable-marijuana bill (HB 7015). But unlike the Senate’s bill, the House version would not allow dispensaries to sell other whole-flower products.

The Senate proposal (SB 182) would require medical marijuana operators to sell at least one type of pre-rolled, filterless cigarette and allow them to sell other whole-flower products. It also would let patients buy equipment to smoke cannabis products from other retail outlets, such as smoke shops.

The House plan would ban children from smoking, while the Senate measure would allow minors to smoke medical marijuana if patients get a second opinion from a pediatrician.

Both proposals are ready for floor votes after the annual legislative session starts March 5.

Shortly after he was sworn into office last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave lawmakers until March 15 to address the smoking issue. If they don’t act, the Republican governor threatened to drop the state’s appeal of a court ruling that said the ban violates a voter-approved constitutional amendment broadly legalizing medical marijuana.

Leaders in both chambers remained confident they would finalize a deal in time to meet the governor’s deadline.

“At each committee stop, I believe the two chambers have moved closer. I think by the time we put the bills on the floor, we will have them aligned,” House sponsor Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, told reporters after Thursday’s meeting.

Rodrigues said he expects the full House to vote on the proposal by the end of the first week of session.

Whether patients under age 18 should be allowed to smoke remains the biggest sticking point for the House, according to Rodrigues.

“We don’t believe children should be smoking medical marijuana,” he said.

The Senate’s biggest issue, meanwhile, is allowing patients to access whole-flower products other than pre-rolled joints.

Rep. Ralph Massullo, a Lecanto Republican who is a dermatologist, pointed out that marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug under federal law and that a paucity of research exists related to smoking cannabis as a treatment.

By allowing smoking as a route of administration, “we’re basically letting the tail wag the dog,” he warned.

But, said Massullo, “It’s solving problems, and that’s what we need to do.”

“CHOICE” EDUCATION PLANS

Top Senate Republicans on Thursday released details of a package that would bring significant changes to the state’s education system, most notably through an expansion of school choice.

The package would expand private school options for students, bolster security measures in schools and overhaul a program for teacher bonuses.

The series of proposals, which will be filed next week, are aligned with what DeSantis has proposed, including a pitch for a new voucher-type program funded directly with public money rather than through a system that involves corporate tax credits.

The Senate and the Republican governor want to create the voucher program to help reduce a waiting list of roughly 14,000 low-income students in the existing Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. In that program, corporations receive tax credits for contributions to non-profit organizations, which, in turn, pay for children to go to private schools.

Senate Education Chairman Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said the eligibility requirements between the Senate and the governor’s proposals for the new program are “very similar.” But details will have to be worked out during the legislative session.

“My plan is to provide relief for these kids who are on a waitlist and those parents who want to provide a better education for their child,” Diaz said. “We start with the premise that every child is different … and what works for one child may not work for another.”

Senate Democrats slammed the package for putting taxpayer dollars into a voucher program that benefits private schools.

“The latest move is not only an abandonment of the traditional public-school system in Florida but an abandonment of the constitutional obligation to fully fund a ‘high quality system of free public schools’ that has been built over generations by the people, for the people,” said Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville.

STORY OF THE WEEK: The House and Senate are getting closer to agreement on a plan that would allow patients to smoke medical marijuana, a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “We really don’t know what we’re doing.” — Rep. Ralph Massullo, a dermatologist, referring to a lack of scientific research about the effects of smoking medical marijuana on patients.

by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida

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