Weight Limits Lowered On Kingsfield Road Bridge, And That’s A Problem For School Buses
February 7, 2025
New weight restrictions have been implemented on a West Kingfield Road bridge, and that’s going to have a big impact on school buses.
According to Escambia County, the weight limit on the bridge over Eleven Mile Creek has been temporarily reduced to the following:
- 13 tons for single unit (SU) truck (e.g., garbage truck)
- 19 tons for combination (C) truck (e.g., large moving truck)
- 25 tons for semi-tandem (ST-5) trucks (e.g., delivery truck with trailer)
The county said the bridge will be rehabilitated, and that is expected to take about 90 days, weather permitting.
School buses are rated at 15 tons, meaning that they can no longer cross the bridge, which is located between Tate High School to the east and Kingfield Elementary and Ransom Middle School to the west.
NorthEscambia.com has learned this will impact the majority of the buses from Tate and Ransom, plus a few of the buses from Pine Meadow Elementary, Pine Forest High, McArthur Elementary and Escambia Westgate. We are told that on any given school day, there are 139 bus trips across the bridge at least once a day, with some buses crossing the bridge up to eight times per day.
For some bus routes, detouring around the bridge will add 15 to 20 minutes to some bus route times.
The bridge, which has a woodrn support structure, was constructed in 1968.
Aldi VP Says Nine Mile Store Will Open ‘In The Spring’
February 7, 2025
For the first time, Aldi is providing a little more insight in the grand opening on their new store, a converted Winn Dixie, on Nine Mile Road.
In March 2024, the Germany-based Aldi completed the purchase of all Winn Dixie stores.
The former Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road closed for renovations in late September.
Thursday, Heather Moore, Loxley Division Vice President at ALDI told NorthEscambia.com that the store will open sometime in the spring. “We are excited to share that our store in Pensacola is expected to open this spring,” she said, promising updates as they are made available. A potential opening date posted online was not confirmed.
For the first time, however, the Nine Mile Road Aldi store is listed on the company’s website under “Grand Openings, New Grocery Stores Coming Soon”, but without a specific date.
In Escambia County, Aldi operates standalone stores on South Blue Angel Parkway and Mobile Highway. There is also a store in Pace.
Meanwhile, Aldi is not saying which, if any, other Winn Dixie stores in Escambia County will be converted to Aldi stores in the future.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Community Park In Gonzalez Opens Monday
February 7, 2025
Thursday, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry announced that a ribbon cutting will be held soon for the new Jennings-Gonzalez Park.
The small community park in Gonzalez is under construction at the site of the former Escambia Charter School at 319 90 & 9 Ranch Road, just behind Gonzalez Utilities on Old Chemstrand Road. The park is named in honor of the Gonzalez community and the Jennings family from the Gonzalez Baptist Church area.
“We don’t’ have the space for everything you see behind me,” Barry said at the ribbon cutting for the new Paper Park in Cantonment. “But it’s going to be great. It’s going to be a great amenity for those folks that live in that Gonzalez community.
RELATED STORY: New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Is Now Open
Construction is continuing on the Jennings-Gonzalez Park. An exact opening date has not been announced.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The new Jennings-Gonzalez Park in Gonzalez will officially open Monday.
The park is located at 1552 Goldenrod Road and features a playground with a slide, numerous climbing structures, and additional play features for all ages. The park will be open each day from sunrise to sunset.
The park is named in honor of the Gonzalez community and the Jennings family.
It is the second new park to open this year in District 5; a ribbon cutting was held for the new Paper Park in Cantonment on January 30.
RELATED STORY: New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Is Now Open
“I’m very excited to add another park in District 5, providing even more opportunities for children and families to get outside and play,” said District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. “The immediate popularity of Paper Park demonstrates the growing need for new parks and playgrounds in our community, whether it’s a large regional park or a smaller neighborhood park that families can walk to and enjoy. I appreciate our Parks and Recreation team for continuing to add amenities like this that will enhance the quality of life for our residents, and I look forward to seeing this new park enjoyed by residents for many years to come.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Jennings-Gonzalez Park will be held at a later date.
Northwest Florida Community Land Trust Homebuyer Applications Now Open
February 7, 2025
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has opened homebuyer applications for the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust (CLT), bringing another affordable homeownership solution to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The CLT is a shared equity model designed to make homeownership attainable for low- income households. It is an effective alternative to renting for qualified households by separating ownership of the land from the home. Each homeowner in the CLT will own their house but not the land on which the house sits. Instead, they will sign a 99-year ground lease for the land. Removing the cost of the land from the mortgage creates affordability for buyers as they build shared equity.
“Our goal is to create and maintain affordable homeownership beyond a closing date,” said Alicia Popper, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s CLT program manager. “The stewardship of land through the CLT provides not just a solution today but creates permanent affordability for generations to come.”
Interested applicants will apply online via Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Programs Application Portal. Eligibility criteria include a minimum credit score of 640 and a minimum income of $35,000 for Escambia County homes and $30,000 for Santa Rosa County homes. Currently, CLT homes are available for purchase in Milton, Gulf Breeze, Ensley, and West Pensacola, providing an exciting opportunity for affordable homeownership in these communities.
To learn more about the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust and to start an application, visit pensacolahabitat.org/nfclt.
Pictured: The DeVilliers is a shotgun-style home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms with 1,218 square feet. Photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia, Alabama, Man Charged With Multiple Felonies After Walton County Traffic Stop
February 7, 2025
An Escambia County, Alabama, man is is now facing multiple felony charges in Florida after he was stopped in Walton County driving a stolen vehicle.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a stolen yellow Dodge Dakota pickup truck driving east on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. A felony stop was conducted and the driver, 31-year-old Antonio Quintez Hall was removed from the vehicle and detained.
While removing the suspect from the truck, deputies could see a clear bag with small white rocks individually wrapped within a small plastic bag on the floor near the driver’s seat. The substance tested positive for cocaine.
Upon searching the vehicle, a blue plastic container was located. Inside were clear bags with white residue and burnt pieces of tin foil that also tested positive for cocaine.
Additionally, a black and bronze Kel-Tec 9-millimeter pistol was found under the driver’s seat with an extended magazine. Fourteen rounds of miscellaneous ammunition were loaded into the magazine.
The last digit of the gun’s serial number was scratched off, preventing deputies from properly checking the firearm to confirm it was stolen.
During the investigation, it was found Hall had been driving on a suspended license out of Alabama since October of 2024, and an expired driver’s license out of Florida since July of 2020. He also had an active warrant out of Escambia County, Alabama.
Hall was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, removing a serial number from a firearm, dealing in stolen property, driving with a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating driver’s license law.
He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Over $12.5 Million In Projects Underway In Century, Including Freedom Road Bridge Replacement
February 6, 2025
About $12.5 million in grant and loan projects are underway in Century, including the replacement of a bridge on Freedom Road that has been closed for five years.
Freedom Road Bridge
On January 29, 2020, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure. Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or had extreme deterioration.
The town has received $1.297 million to replace the bridge. While there has been obvious work on the bridge over the last five years, the town says the replacement project is actually on schedule.
The current delay is the wait for a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers permit. The design and permitting process for the bridge is currently 90% complete, the town said. Century hopes to put the project out for bid in August and begin construction in December 2025. The anticipated completion date is October 2026.
Lift Stations
A $3,365,175 loan is funding the rehabilitation project is in the works for sewage lift stations at the prison, Century Woods, Highway 4 West, Jefferson Avenue and the lift station at Pond and Jefferson. Equipment is currently being ordered with completion expected by the end of 2025.
The town said they will qualify for a low interest rate and principal forgiveness for most of the $3.365 million.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
A $5,129,476 project is underway the town’s aging wastewater treatment plant. Bid negotiations are complete, and construction should begin in second quarter of 2025 with completion a year later. The town also expects most of this loan principal to be forgiven.
Water Well Rehabilitation
A $468,453 grant funded water wall rehabilitation project is underway at one of the town’s three water wells. The improvements needed at two other wells are currently unfunded.
Water Meter & Service Replacement
A $1.3 million state grant project to replace water lines and meters across the town’s system is underway. Bids were received in mid-January and are under evaluation. Construction is expected to start in March or April with competition by the end of the year.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Celebrates January Leaders Of The Month
February 6, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School celebrated their January Leaders of the Month.
The students showcase the fourth habit of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Habit 4 Think Win-Win.
Lipscomb said the students have “demonstrated exceptional teamwork, kindness, and the ability to create solutions where everyone benefits”.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Sailing With GL52 Southern Series Yachts On Pensacola Bay
February 6, 2025
The GL52 Southern Series will host two, three-day events in March and April in Pensacola. The regattas will be a mix of professional and amateur sailors that will be preparing in the waters off Pensacola the next couple of months.
Six of the 14 GL52 North American fleet teams will race in Pensacola Bay twic over the next couple of month. They will be racing 52-foot yachts that a are operated by more than a dozen crew members each.
Wednesday afternoon, NorthEscambia.com had a chance to take the waters of Pensacola Bay on one of those yachts.
For a photo gallery, click here.
A partnership between the City of Pensacola and American Magic includes the regattas. American Magic signed lease in 2024 to establish a high-performance sailing center at the Port of Pensacola.
Legendary sailor Linda Lindquist took part in Wednesday’s day on the water. She is first and only all-women’s team to complete for America’s Cup, and she is also the fleet manager.
“The talent on these boats and their discipline from Olympics, inshore offshore to literally hundreds of different programs at this point that they’ve raced on in their lives,” Lundquist said.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Cadets Undergo Inspection (With Gallery)
February 6, 2025
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face-to-face scrutiny with retired Marine captain.
The inspection was conducted by C Capt. Regan Kieff, USMS (Ret). Capt. Kieff went face to face with the cadets, asking them questions about their NJROTC experience.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The day’s events began with a command brief and included drill and personnel inspections, exhibition teams, and a pass in review.
Several cadets were promoted and received awards:
Promoted to E-3
- Antonio King
- Aliyah Reed
- Ja’keriyah Deonja Jacobs
Promoted to E-4
- Trinity Bryan
- David Edwards
- Eli Wiggins
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Wyatt Mooney
- Ryan Martin
- India Lyons
- Nicholas Long
- Logan Jordan
Promoted to E-5
- Hector Fernandez
- Camden Borelli
- Makennah Kimbrel
Promoted to E-6
- Brandon Odom
Promoted to E-8
- Asher Creighton
- Nicholas Kahalley
- Hayden Gipson
- Alexis Strength
- Mason Bodiker
- Xyria Martin
- Kaiden Hall
Exemplary Appearance Awardees
- Chase Smith
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Camden Borelli
- Rozalynne Mathis
- Asher Creighton
- Hayden Gipson
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment WWII Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Celebrates 108th Birthday
February 6, 2025
A Cantonment man celebrated his 108th birthday Wednesdayday at the Sodalis Senior Living Facility.
Army veteran Duane Brewton was born February 5, 1917. He was married for 78 years and has four children and a multitude of children and grandchildren.
Brewton has told facility staff that the secret to a long life is putting God first and taking care of your health.
He served in Europe during World War II. While serving in the Army infantry, Brewton was awarded the Purple Heart after an artillery shell exploded near him and caused critical injuries from multiple shrapnel wounds.
Brewton had a big birthday cake and celebrated the momentous occasion with family and friends.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
