Here Are This Week’s Traffic Slow Down Construction Spots
February 10, 2025
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:
- Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – The week of Sunday, Feb. 9, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, from Creighton Road to Olive Road, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Feb. 9 through Thursday, Feb. 13, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Tarragona Street, from East Chase Street to East Wright Street, will encounter daytime alternating, intermittent lane closures Friday, Feb. 14 for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – The week of Sunday, Feb. 9, drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, for paving operations and thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions Sunday, Feb. 9 through Thursday, Feb. 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- S.R. 742 Routine Underground Maintenance at Audubon Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 10 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for maintenance on underground utilities.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance near O’Reilly Auto Parts – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over City Streets Overpass – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Sunday, Feb. 9 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia Bay Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Tuesday, Feb. 11 and Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures Sunday, Feb. 9 and Monday, Feb. 10 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Feb. 9 through Thursday, Feb. 13, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 westbound may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, Feb. 9 through Thursday, Feb. 13 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Feb. 9, through Friday, Feb. 14, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 10 through Friday, Feb. 14 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Up A Dime Since Last Week
February 10, 2025
Florida gas prices are up about a dime since last week on average, according to AAA.
On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.17 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than a week ago, 6 cents more than last month, and 2 cents more than this time last year.
“Florida gas prices continue to follow the same pattern of rising and falling within about the same range every week or two,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices showed some weakness this past week, but not to a degree that would signal any significant relief at the pump.”
In Escambia County, the average price was $2.86 per gallon Sunday in Escambia County. A low of $2.69 was available in North Escambia at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment. In Pensacola, the low price was $2.59 at stations on West Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two, Dressed As Workers, Charged With Stealing AT&T Phone Cable In Century
February 9, 2025
Two men have been charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of AT&T phone lines in Century.
Kenneth Wayne Gibbons, 55, and David Lee Gibbons, 40, were each charged with first degree felony theft of copper.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of State Line Road and Shady Lane in Century after a the ECSO was notified that a GPS tracker alarm attached to AT&T phone lines was sending an active tamper alert. The tracker was attached after a previous tampering incident in January.
A deputy arrived to find two men, later identified as Kenneth and David Gibbons in orange and yellow traffic standing near a Dodge Ram with a strobing orange light and an attached trailer. The trailer contained 780 feet of 400 pair and 200 pair telephone wire that had been cut into transportable lengths according to an arrest report. AT&T said the wire was valued at $12,314.
Both suspects were released from the Escambia County Jail on bonds of $10,000 each. The arrest report does not state the familial relationship, if any, between the two men.
Pictured: David and Kenneth Gibbons were arrested for copper theft along State Line Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Southeastern Grocers Buying Back About 170 Winn-Dixie, Harvey’s Locations From Aldi
February 9, 2025
Southeastern Grocers is buying back about 170 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s locations from Aldi.
Aldi completed the purchase of Southeastern Grocers and their Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket stores in the Southeast back in March 2024, including all Winn-Dixie stores in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Friday night, a consortium of private investors, spearheaded by the current CEO and President of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), Anthony Hucker, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, announced it has acquired Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket banners, including about 170 grocery stores in five southern states, including Florida.
Aldi still plans to complete its previous conversion plan with a total of approximately 220 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket stores to be converted to the ALDI format over a multi-year conversion process that began in March 2024, and is expected to conclude in 2027.
Earlier this week, an Aldi vice president told NorthEscambia.com that the former Winn-Dixie on Nine Mile Road, which closed for renovations in later September 2024, will reopen as an Aldi “sometime in the spring”. The Germany-based Aldi has not announced any other store conversions in Escambia County. It was not known after Friday night’s announcement exactly which local Winn-Dixie Stores will be part of the Southeastern Grocers acquisition.
Aldi said Friday it expects to open 225 new stores in the U.S. during 2025, partly by converting some of the Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s locations.
“Weare profoundly grateful and deeply honored to continue serving the communities we cherish. Our culture and path forward are firmly grounded in our 100-year legacy—a legacy built on strong values and a shared purpose of caring for one another, said Anthony Hucker, chair, CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers. “Throughout this transformational journey, our commitment to thoughtful, purpose-driven growth remains strong and propels us forward with renewed momentum. As we reinvest in the store fleet, we are inspired by listening loudly to the voices of our customers, to elevate and revolutionize our customer experience and store offerings, so that each step we take will reflect our dedication to our people and our communities.”
Pictured top: The Winn Dixie store in Cantonment.
Escambia Man Convicted Of Manslaughter For Shooting Cantonment Man In Lounge Parking Lot
February 9, 2025
A man has been convicted of shooting a Cantonment man in the summer of 2023 at a Pensacola lounge.
Michael Andrew Rodriguez, now 40, was originally charged with second degree murder but was convicted by an Escambia County jury of a lesser offense of manslaughter.
Rodriguez is being held without bond as he awaits sentencing on February 20.
He shot victim Damon Caldwell in the neck at Sam’s Lounge on Old Corry Field Road on July 21, 2023. Video surveillance showed a confrontation between Rodriguez and Caldwell outside the lounge before Rodriguez draws a firm and shoots Caldwell, who falls to the ground. Rodriguez then backs away, firing multiple additional shots toward the crowd near Caldwell. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies noted in their report that Caldwell never presented a firearm or any other weapon and did not utilize any other form of deadly force against Rodriguez.
Rodriguez later contacted law enforcement and told deputies that he planned to turn himself in, but he failed to do so. The ECSO tracked Rodriguez him and arrested him, as he told them he “knew he messed up”.
An Escambia County woman is awaiting trial and an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Rodriguez, her boyfriend, after the shooting. According to investigators, Deomi Polyzos drove to the lounge and picked Rodriquez up after the murder before making stops ” presumably to dispose of evidence/the firearm utilized”, an arrest report states
Polyzos remains free on a $75,000 bond with a schedule court appearance in late February.
Emergency Dispatcher Gerry Steege Named Escambia Employee Of The Month
February 9, 2025
Gerry Steege, emergency communications dispatcher in the Escambia County Emergency Communications Division has been named the county’s February 2025 Employee of the Month.
“Thank you for recognizing my hard work,” said Steege. “I’m honored to be chosen as Employee of the Month. I’m so glad to be part of Emergency Communications. I appreciate the recognition and will continue to push for excellence. It’s motivating to see my contributions valued. Thank you so much again.”
As an emergency communications dispatcher, Steege dispatches fire and EMS units while maintaining constant communication with responders, processing 9-1-1 calls, and providing lifesaving pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
Steege has served as a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Walnut Hill Fire Department. Due to his service and extensive knowledge of Walnut Hill and the surrounding communities, Steege was able to provide vital information to Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS during the recent snowstorm that helped fire rescue and EMS units navigate hazardous roadways.
“Throughout the heavy snowstorm that blanketed Escambia County, Gerry’s knowledge of the North Escambia communities and its roadways proved critical as EMS and fire crews responded to emergency calls,” said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “His years of service as a firefighter in Walnut Hill extended to his role as a first responder in Emergency Communications as a dispatcher. We are grateful for his steadfastness to the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of his normal dispatch and volunteer firefighting duties, Steege has taken on additional equipment replacement projects, including his research, procurement, and installation of the necessary replacement parts for outdated Emergency Communications consoles resulting in significant cost savings for Escambia County taxpayers.
“Gerry’s dedication and extra effort in researching and installing replacement parts for Emergency Communications consoles not only saved Escambia County money but also highlighted his value as a team member who goes above and beyond,” said Emergency Communications Chief Andrew Hamilton. “We are proud to recognize one of our own who contributes so much behind the scenes.”
Pictured top: Gerry Steege with his family, alongside Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore (second from left) and Communications Deputy Chief Mark Carter (left). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2025 Tate Lady Aggies Softball Rosters Announced
February 9, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies have named their 2025 varsity and junior varsity teams.
The rosteras are as follows:
VARSITY
- Jordyn Banks
- Kinzlee Biggs
- Blakely Campbell
- Carlyn Ham
- Aubree Jordan
- Amburleigh Laird
- Kaylie Mitchell
- Mykamia Padgett
- Taylor Robinson
- Tristen Showalter
- Madison Smillie
- Jordan Smith
- Lacy Wilson
- Kara Wine
- Peyton Womack
JUNIOR VARSITY
- Gracyn Campbell
- Aubree Gorum
- Sarah Mitchell
- Brelynn Morris
- Carmen Morris
- Emorie Nelson
- Bailey Parden
- Kierstyn Phillips
- Kaylyn Relstab
- Ke’Anna Smith
- Tatianna Yahle
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ice Flyers Rough Start Again Decisive In Series-Ending Loss To Macon Mayhem
February 9, 2025
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers faced another three-goal hole early into Saturday’s series finale against the Macon Mayhem.
This time, they could not produce any late-game suspense.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Mayhem twice answered the Ice Flyers brief points of momentum with insurance goals, then played tight defense in the final minutes to produce a 5-3 victory at the Pensacola Bay Center and claim both final meetings this season between the teams.
Saturday’s game attracted a crowd (5,619) that nearly filled every seat in the lower bowl for Toy Story Night with the Ice Flyers wearing custom designed purple jerseys to match the theme. There was also a live auction for game-worn jerseys following the game.
The back-to-back losses pushed the Ice Flyers four points behind Evansville and Birmingham for the last two playoff qualifying spots. The Ice Flyers (13-22, 5 OT losses) have 16 games remaining, eight apiece home and away.
With their wins, Macon (17-20, 3 OT losses) climbed from ninth to seventh place in the league standings.
After trailing 3-0 Friday night, closing to within a goal and failing to get an equalizer in the final minutes of 3-2 loss to Macon, the game Saturday began even rougher for the Ice Flyers.
They gave up three goals in the first nine minutes, forcing Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham to remove starting goaltender Brody Claeys for Cody Karpinski.
Only 28 seconds later, a jolt of good vibe occurred when Matt Wiesner poked in the puck through traffic to trim the deficit.
Macon then got the first goal of the second period to extend the lead, then a goal less than seven minutes into the third period to again answer an Ice Flyers lead-trimming score.
With more than three minutes left in the game, following a timeout, Graham pulled Karpinski for the extra attacker, but the Ice Flyers struggled with puck control in those closing minutes and were thwarted from getting numerous chances.
Pensacola played without team captain Jake Hamilton, suspended for his role in a fight Friday night. Also following last night’s game, winger Michael Herrera was placed on a 14-day injured list.
Once again the Ice Flyers managed more shots on goal (35-29), including an overwhelming edge in the second period (12-3), but could not generate more goals.
With the Bay Center transformed as the center venue for the ultra-popular Pensacon week, the Ice Flyers will travel to face the Birmingham Bulls next Friday and Saturday with an opportunity to close ground if they can win those back-to-back games.
They will then play Evansville at the Bay Center for three consecutive games the following week (Feb 21-23), so there are opportunities for this team to gain ground in a quest for a playoff spot.
Here’s a quick recap from Saturday.
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers struggled to gain puck possession following the opening faceoff and got pinned in their zone. That turned into Macon’s first goal just 2-minutes, 52 seconds into the game by Justin Kelly.
The Ice Flyers didn’t get their first shot on goal until nearly four minutes into the period.
The Mayhem then answered with two goals just 39 seconds apart to expand the lead and force the goaltender change.
Matt Wiesner’s goal put some energy back for the remainder of the period, following assists by teammates Greg Susinski and Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira.
SECOND PERIOD
Sam Dabrowski converted a pass from Ivan Bondarenko with 5:13 left in the period to provide another lift. Bondarenko had massed on a backhand attempt as he swooped on net, but regained control of the puck on after circling the cage and found slid the puck to Dabrowski for ninth goal of the season.
Bondarenko and Wiesner then just missed converting on a two-on-one during a penalty kill situation, after the Ice Flyers were whistled for too many men on the ice.
Macon got called for the same penalty with 1:21 left, but the Ice Flyers couldn’t capitalize and Macon took intermission with a 4-2 lead.
THIRD PERIOD
Blake Tosto poked in puck amid traffic in front of the crease to cut the deficit to 4-3 with 17:57 left in the game and suddenly thoughts of comeback were returned.
But following a game timeout and a faceoff in the Macon zone, the Mayhem gained possession and Jake Goldowski scored the game’s biggest goal on a rush by flipping the puck past Karpinski with 13:10 left. It gave the Mayhem a two-goal edge they kept.
GAME NOTABLES
Following the game, many of the Ice Flyers players participated in a post-game skate with fans.
The jersey auctions and uniform design were popular with proceeds going to Covenant Care.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Friday-Saturday (Feb. 14-15)
WHERE: Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Alabama.
FHP Seeks Passenger That Fled Following Fatal Escambia County Crash
February 8, 2025
A fatal crash early Friday morning on Millview Road has left one man dead and authorities searching for answers.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 36-year-old Pensacola man was driving a Ford pickup north on Millview Road when the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a guardrail on the west shoulder. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries.
Investigators are now looking into the circumstances surrounding a passenger who fled the scene without rendering aid or notifying law enforcement.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or troopers at *FHP.
File photo.
One Developer Drops $45 Million Bid For OLF-8, Another Ups Offer To $50 Million
February 8, 2025
Friday, Beulah Town Center (BTC) withdrew their $45 million offer for the 540 acre OLF-8 property owned by Escambia County in Beulah, expressing disappointment with a 30 day negotiation period that was ending.
“After dedicating the past eight years to working toward an agreement for the purchase of OLF-8, we are disappointed that a resolution could not be reached. While we had hoped for a different outcome, we respect the County’s position and the process. Though this chapter is closing, we remain committed to pursuing meaningful opportunities that reflect our experience, expertise, and long-term vision,” Beulah Town Center managing member Chad Horne said in a letter Friday to Escambia County commissioners.”
During a Thursday night commission meeting, commissioners would not extend the negotiation period.
“We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come. We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come, Horne continued in BTC’s Friday letter.
Last month BOCC unanimously approved negotiations for 30 days with BTC, mandating that the DPZ Master Plan would be a deed restriction with 270 acres for light industrial, 61 acres for residential and 47 acres for a mixed use center.
After debate, commissioners voted 4-1 for a motion by District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger and seconded by District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry to complete the initial 30 day negotiation period with BTC, and then consider any other offers that come in. District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger cast the lone dissenting vote.
Ryan Bell and Beulah Ranch, LLC have upped their offer to $50 million for the property on West Nine Mile Road. A copy of a written offer from Beulah Ranch was not available from the county on Friday.
The county had received a $42.5 million offer from TRI-W Development, but the group walking out of an early January meeting, rescinding their offer.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.