FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
February 5, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street), State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway), (U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge through Gulf Breeze) Double Bridge Run- Drivers will encounter lane closures on the following from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 for the Double Bridge Run. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 29 north and southbound, from Muscogee Road to West 9 ½ Mile Road, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10 as crews pave.
- State Road (S.R.) 742 (Creighton Road) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway – Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Davis Highway and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10 continue as crews perform milling, paving, sidewalk and curb replacement.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- The exit ramp from I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south (Exit 10A) will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured to U.S. 29 north (Exit 10B).
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north (Exit 10B).
- I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge – Intermittent and alternating lane closures on I-10, between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17), and on Scenic Highway, between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway, from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8 as crews perform construction activities. The speed limit on I-10 will be reduced to 60 mph during nighttime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 11 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10 as follows:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: Eastbound traffic will continue to be shifted on to the westbound inside lane as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck. Lane restrictions are Sundays through Fridays.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures as crews perform drainage work and prepare for upcoming traffic shifts. Lane restrictions are Mondays through Saturdays
- Upcoming traffic shift: Southbound U.S. 29 traffic between Hannah Street and I-10 will be shifted west onto temporary pavement Sunday, Feb. 11 as crews construct drainage improvements. This traffic shift will remain in place for many months.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Traffic on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange has been shifted to the east so crews can reconstruct the southbound lanes of Avalon Boulevard. The shift will be in place through spring 2018. Drivers will also encounter alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Friday, Feb. 9 as crews work to widen the roadway. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, will also be encountered as crews reconstruct the overpass.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 11 as crews perform construction activities.
- Garcon Point Bridge Routine Maintenance Operations- Crews will perform striping operations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 through Wednesday, Feb. 7. This will be a slow-moving operation, drivers are reminded to use caution and to watch for workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic on from the north end of the Yellow River Bridge to just south of Hickory Hammock Road, will be shifted to the newly constructed travel lanes Wednesday, Feb. 7. Variable message boards will alert drivers of the new traffic pattern. In addition, traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled 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.
Tate Aggie Cheerleaders Take Third In State Finals
February 5, 2018
The Tate High School Aggie varsity cheerleaders took third in the state cheerleading finals Sunday at the University of Florida in Gainesville. During their season, the varsity Aggies place first in the region and finished first at every competition leading up to state. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
February 5, 2018
Monday, Feb. 5
Escambia County Fire Rescue Firefighter Interviews – 8 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. “W” St.
Selection Committee, Facilities Management Director Short List of Applicants – 3 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Escambia County Fire Rescue Firefighter Interviews – 8 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. “W” St.
Planning Board – Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Planning Board – Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Contractor Competency Board – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Thursday, Feb. 8
4-H Foundation and Financial Committee Meeting – 5 p.m., Langley Bell 4-H Center, 3730 Stefani Road
Friday, Feb. 9
Value Adjustment Board Regular Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Monday, Feb. 5
Escambia County Fire Rescue Firefighter Interviews – 8 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. “W” St.
Selection Committee, Facilities Management Director Short List of Applicants – 3 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Escambia County Fire Rescue Firefighter Interviews – 8 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. “W” St.
Planning Board – Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Planning Board – Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Contractor Competency Board – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Thursday, Feb. 8
4-H Foundation and Financial Committee Meeting – 5 p.m., Langley Bell 4-H Center, 3730 Stefani Road
Friday, Feb. 9
Value Adjustment Board Regular Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Spring Book Fair This Week At Ernest Ward Middle School
February 5, 2018
The Ernest Ward Middle School Spring Book Fair is going on this week.
The book fair will be open from 9 a.m. until 2:52 p.m.
Students may visit the fair during lunches, according to the following schedule, and at their teacher’s discretion:
Monday, 2/05— All PE classes
Tuesday, 2/06– All elective classes
Wednesday, 2/07– All social studies classes
Thursday, 2/08– All science classes
Friday, 2/09– All language arts classes
Students may also shop with their parents during lunches. However, parents and all visitors must first sign-in with the front office and complete the visitor process.
Century Joins West Florida Regional Planning Council
February 5, 2018
The Town of Century is joining the West Florida Regional Planning Council.
The $500 annual membership fee includes a seat on the planning council’s board of directors.
The mission of the West Florida Regional Planning Council is to provide professional planning, coordinating and advisory services to local governments, state and federal agencies and the public to preserve and enhance the quality of life in northwest Florida, according to their website.
Attempted Murder Suspect Captured Sunday
February 5, 2018
An attempted murder suspect was captured after a manhunt Sunday morning not far from 5 Flags Speedway.
Barry “B” Locklear III was captured at the corner of Pine Forest and Stratford Roads after he was tracked down by a K-9.
Locklear was named as a suspect in a shooting that left 21-year-old Darmichael Vershawn Turner critically injured on January 27.
He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond on multiple charges, including attempted first degree murder, robbery, vehicle theft, grand theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, using a weapon during a felony, kidnapping/hostage, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
Turner was found on the porch of a home on Forest Park Drive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital. The victim’s current condition is not known.
Northview’s Walker Places In State Weightlifting Championship
February 5, 2018
Northview High School’s Natasha Walker placed 14th overall in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Weightlifting State Championship in the Class 1A Unlimited Division. Walker set a personal maximum of 190 pounds in the bench press and had 165 pounds as her best clean/jerk. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Aggies Name 2018 Baseball Teams
February 5, 2018
The 2018 Tate High School baseball teams were recently named. Team members are:
2018 Varsity Baseball Team
- Blake Anderson
- Justin Barnett
- Steven Bates
- Ethan Bloodswoth
- Gabe Castro
- Jace Dunsford
- Cole Fryman
- Ryan Green
- Reid Halfacre
- Zach Hyatt
- Trent Jeffcoat
- Kaden King
- Trey LaFleur
- Mason Land
- Darrien McDowell
- Hunter McLean
- Michael Potss
- Hunter Riggan
- Jesse Sherrill
2018 JV Baseball Team
- Cameron Bailey
- Will Clary
- Brantley Culbertson
- Ben Farina
- Brett Fillingim
- Ethan George
- Grant Gill
- Jordan Jarman
- Patrick Lascell
- Adam Nisewonger
- Aaron Noach
- Treveor Norton
- Bryant Orr
- Easten Sidner
- Cody Simpson
- Chase Tolbert
- Josh Turner
2018 9th Grade Baseball Team
- Sean Banks
- Dalton Bowen
- Carson DeFerriar
- Jaydon Fryman
- Dylan Godwin
- Brennon Graham
- Zakry Licastro
- Jacob McBride
- Trenton Norton–
- Joseph Pusateri
- Jacori Simpkins
- Jonah Smith
- Tryler Swauger
Sunday Morning Fire Damages Church, Fire Marshal Investigating Cause
February 4, 2018
The Florida State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a church fire Sunday morning in Jay .
About 8 a.m., a passerby noticed smoke coming from the eaves of the Concord Primitive Baptist Church on Highway 89 about two miles south of Jay High School. Firefighters arrived to find fire in the attic space of the main building, according to Jay Fire Chief Tony Simmons. He said they were able to pull down the ceiling and extinguish the fire. He said the church suffered fire damage in the attic, plus additional water damage.
There was no one at the church at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
The Jay, Allentown, Berrydale, Century and Flomaton fire departments responded to the blaze.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Graduation Rate Increases; West Florida, Northview, Tate On Top
February 4, 2018
West Florida, Northview and Tate high schools led the pack as the graduation rate in Escambia County increased last year.
“State-wide graduation rates were released last week and everyone in Escambia County should be proud of the fact that our 2016-2017 high school graduation rate increased again this year, to reach a new high of 79.5 percent,” said Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said of the ninth annual increase. “This graduation rate represents students who have graduated in four years. This means better opportunities for our students and our community.”
“In 2008 we were at 55% for our overall graduation rate and only 44% for our graduate rate for African American students,” Thomas said. “This year we are at 79.5% for our total graduation rate and 70.9% for our African American students.”
The 2016-2017 high school graduation rate for each school in Escambia County was as follows:
- West Florida High School 99.0%
- Tate High School 84.7%
- Northview High School 83.9%
- Pensacola High School 80.9%
- BT Washington High School 79.2%
- Escambia High School 77.4%
- Pine Forest High School 76.3%
“A student doesn’t become a high school graduate overnight, or even over the course of their senior year. We begin working toward graduation as soon as they arrive in kindergarten,” Thomas said.