School Bus Driver Ticketed After Highway 95A Accident
January 30, 2018
A school bus driver was ticketed after a minor accident on Highway 95A near Crowl Lane Monday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 70-year old Vaughn Lowe was driving the school bus northbound on Highway 95A when he made a left turn in front of a Nissan Senta driven by 37-year old Karianna Siple of Pensacola. Siple was unable to stop in time and collided with the bus.
There were no passengers on the bus. Lowe and Siple were not injured.
Lowe was cited for an improper left turn by the FHP.
Innovative Steel Bridge Opens On Arthur Brown Road In Walnut Hill
January 30, 2018
The Arthur Brown Road (Hwy. 99A) Bridge over Freeman Springs Branch has reopened after the full demolition and replacement of the previous bridge.
The Florida Department of Transportation ordered the closure of the bridge on November 8 after a failed inspection, and bridge replacement work began December 6 after the completion of preparatory requirements. The new 24-foot wide steel bridge arrived in three major pieces on January 5 and was installed on January 6.
Escambia County Administrator Jack Brown led the charge for the faster pre-fabricated steel replacement versus traditional concrete bridge due to the number of residents facing lengthy detours of many miles.
The steel bridge saved several months of construction time and cost about $400,000 as opposed to $1 million for a concrete bridge.
“I believe this is a great example of the County Administrator Jack Brown understanding that we needed some alternative methods of working both quickly and less expensively,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “Additionally, I am very excited for the residents and those who commute through the affected area”
County officials have said they hope to use more of the steel bridges on future county funded bridge replacements.
Eight other North Escambia bridges remained closed for replacement construction.
“I understand many residents are still inconvenienced by the many bridge closures, and I am diligently working to get all the bridges open as quickly as is safely possible,” Barry said.
To read more about the steel replacement bridge and see additional photos, click here for an earlier article “Escambia County Explores How To Build A Bridge Faster, Smarter And Cheaper“.
Pictured: The Arthur Brown Road bridge over Freeman Springs Branch reopened Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 97 Crash In Davisville
January 30, 2018
There were no serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Monday night on Highway 97 in front of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, jus south of the Florida/Alabama state line.
A Chevrolet pickup truck and Chevrolet Equinox were involved in the accident, which remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the 7:40 p.m. accident, which shut down Highway 97 in Davisville for a brief period.
NorthEcambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sacred Heart To Build New $7 Million Medical Park On Nine Mile
January 30, 2018
Sacred Heart will soon begin construction of a new 28,000 square-foot outpatient medical park next to Publix on Nine Mile Road at Pine Forest Road.
The $7 million outpatient facility will include at three physicians and a nurse practitioner, physician specialists including cardiologists and OB/GYNs, outpatient rehabilitation, a medical lab and diagnostic services such as mammography, CT, X-ray, MRI and ultrasound.
The new facility is slated to open in December of this year.
“As the Milestone area grows, so does the community’s need for specialized medical care. Sacred Heart is committed to meeting that need,” said Susan Davis, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System. “Our promise to provide personalized, compassionate care begins in our physician offices. By bringing healthcare closer to where people live and work, we can provide services that are more timely, which ultimately leads to better outcomes and quality of life for our patients.”
Updated: Owl Recovering After Rescue From Tangled Fishing Line
January 30, 2018
A barred owl — better known as a hoot owl — rescued near Century Saturday is recovering from his injuries.
The owl was hanging by a wing that was tangled in fishing line at Salter’s Lake. After being rescued by a group of local residents, the owl was picked up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and transported to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.
Wildlife Sanctuary Director Dorothy Kaufmann said Monday afternoon that the owl was examined by Dr. Tommy Knight at the Westside Animal Clinic. She said the biggest concern right now is the left wing tip from which the owl was dangling.
“We will see how things heal over the next six to seven days,” Kaufmann said. “The shoulder will also be a time situation to see how much he can recover the range of motion.”
The owl was rescued by local duck hunters Ben Preston and Lakelynn Parker…click here to read more.
Photos by Ross Daughdrill and Tammy Parker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Ernest Ward Middle Defeats Beulah Academy Of Science (With Photo Gallery)
January 30, 2018
The Ernest Ward Middle School varsity and JV volleyball games both improved to 2-0 Monday night with wins over the Beulah Academy of Science Bobcats.
The Ernest Ward varsity Eagles beat Beulah in two sets (25-13, 25-20) and the JV Eagles topped the Bobcats in two (25-17, 25-14).
Last Thursday, Ernest Ward’s varsity beat Ferry Pass 25-22, 25-21. The JV EWMS Eagles defeated Ferry Pass 25-18, 25-18.
On Thursday, Ransom Middle will travel to Ernest Ward, and Beulah will be at Woodham. JV games begin at 5:30 and varsity takes the court at 6:15 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Highway 29 Hit And Run Driver Arrested
January 29, 2018
A hit and run driver was arrested Monday morning, thanks to a tip from a NorthEscambia.com reader.
Jimmy Ray Burkett, 27, was charged with felony driving while license suspended/revoked, misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident and making an improper left turn. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $3,500 bond.
On Wednesday, January 24 Burkett was traveling south in a 2011 Toyota Scion on Highway 29 and entered a left turn lane at Hood Drive as 23-year old Hannah Fiellin was traveling northbound on Highway 29 in a 2009 Honda Accord. Burkett made a left turn directly in front of Fiellin, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Burkett then fled the scene.
Acting on a citizen’s tip, troopers were able to locate the vehicle and identify Burkett.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Get Ready For Bigger Power Bills: Gulf Power, EREC Set Demand Records In Cold Weather
January 29, 2018
Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative are reporting record energy demands during our recent arctic blast.
Weather plays the biggest role in the amount of energy customers use and how it impacts their power bill, according to Gulf Power. Customers typically see their highest bills after the hottest months of the summer and coldest of the winter.
With the rounds of Artic blasts tumbling temperatures into the teens and 20s across Northwest Florida this month, Gulf Power and EREC experienced the highest energy demand ever from customers trying to stay warm.
The severe winter weather experience in January resulted in Gulf Power setting an all-time high system peak demand of 2,817 megawatts on January 18, compared to an expected system peak demand of 2,202 megawatts under more typical weather conditions. This winter’s peak is 28 percent higher than forecasted and surpasses the all-time peak of 2,694 megawatts in January of 2014.
At 6:30 a.m. on January 18, EREC experienced a peak demand of 63.04 megawatts, which was about 24 percent higher than forecasted, according to Nick Jackson, EREC spokesperson.
“What this means is our customers should prepare for higher than normal power bills,” said Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. That thought was echoed by Jackson.
“It’s going to mean higher bills for our members,” he said.
Gulf Power company offers a budget billing program. With budget billing, pay about the same amount each month with their bill averaged out based on their previous 12 months’ electrical usage. That eliminates the drastic spikes from extreme weather events.
An immediate fix to avoid higher bills – get in the habit of leaving your thermostat at a constant temperature, Blair said. “Almost half of the energy in your home goes to heating and cooling. In the winter, set it at 68 degrees and leave it. For every degree above 68 you set your thermostat, you’ll pay 10 percent more in heating costs.”
For those who may struggle to the pay their higher bill, the Salvation Army has a program called Project SHARE those that need help with energy bills, repairs to heating and air-conditioning equipment, and other energy-related needs. The program assists the elderly, the disabled, the sick and others who are experiencing financial hardship. Project SHARE is available to help Gulf Power or EREC customers.
Other community agencies also offer help with utility payments.
Both utilities companies encourage proactive actions now to help alleviate high bills later including energy checkups, programmable thermostats, finding and sealing leaks, maintaining heating systems and using fluorescent or LED lighting. Also, the use of an electric blanket at night is recommended — it’s more economical than heating the entire house all night long.
Here is a full list of where to get help paying an electric bill. The availability of help from a listed agency may depend on the customer’s utility company.
Escambia County
* United Ministries (only provides assistance to families w/children) 257 E Lee St., Pensacola, 850-433-2333
* Catholic Social Services, 222 E Government St., Pensacola, 850-436-6425
* Community Action Program (Tuesdays 8:15-9:15 am), 1308 W Garden St., Pensacola, 850-607-2088
* First Call For Help, 1800 N Palafox St, Pensacola, 850-595-5905
* Salvation Army, 1501 North Q St., Pensacola, 850-432-1501
* First Baptist Church, 850-438-8907
* Olive Baptist Church. 850-473-4466
Santa Rosa County
* Interfaith Ministries — Santa Rosa County residents, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, 850-934-8385
* We Care Ministries (United Methodist Church — Santa Rosa County residents, Navarre) 850-939-1005
* Family Resource Center, 850-626-2054
* Salvation Army, Santa Rosa County, 850-623-4099
* Tri County Community Council, 6607 Elva St., 850-981-0036
Branden Penegar Car Show Funds Youth Building, Next Show Set For March
January 29, 2018
After Branden Penegar passed away in 2013, relatives decided to do something in his honor for the youth program at Gonzalez United Methodist Church, and they decided to work to fund a new youth building.
The first Brandon Penegar Memorial Car Show was held in March of 2014 to raise money for the building.
The building was delivered last month to the church grounds, thanks to the funds from four annual car shows.
“The excitement of see our work payoff, well, words can’t describe. The emotions didn’t sink in until I️ got home,” said Branden’s father Bert Penegar.
“While we now have the building, but there is still a lot to do. The outside is finished, but the inside is not,” he said.
The next Brandon Penegar Memorial Car Show is scheduled for March 17, and proceeds will be used to help finish the building.
Any make, model or year car is welcomed for the show. Car registration will be from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on March 17th. The fee is $15 to only display a car, $25 to enter the car in the show. Spectator admission is free. Click here for a printable flyer (pdf) with more information.
Branden Penegar, known asthe “Gentle Giant” was a 2011 graduate of Tate High School, an assistant coach for the freshman Tate Aggies’ football program and varsity tennis team, and a member of the Tate High School Student Hall of Fame. He passed away in March 2013 at the age of 20. Penegar was a active member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church and youth program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
January 29, 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. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Alternating north and southbound lane restrictions from Muscogee Road to West 9 ½ Mile Road, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Feb. 3 as crews perform paving operations.
- 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, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Feb. 3 continue as crews perform milling, paving, sidewalk and curb replacement.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – Traffic impacts planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 through Thursday, Feb. 1:
- 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, Jan. 28 through Thursday, Feb. 1 as crews perform construction activities. The speed limit on I-10 will be reduced to 60 mph during nighttime lane closures.
- S.R. 292 (S. Pace Boulevard) Drainage Operations Temporary Road Closure at Barrancas Avenue- The north and south travel lanes on S. Pace Boulevard just north of Barrancas Avenue will be closed to traffic from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29 through Friday, Feb. 2 as the city of Pensacola performs drainage work. Traffic will utilize Government Street and Barrancas Avenue as a detour route. Variable message boards and signs are on site to assist the public.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road – Foxtail Loop will be closed from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 as crews install new storm water drainage. Drivers entering and exiting Nature Trail Subdivision must use Salt Grass Drive to access Nine Mile Road.
- 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, Jan. 28 through Thursday, Feb. 1 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 p.m. Sunday, Jan 28 through Saturday, Feb. 3 as follows:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass-Lane restrictions will be in effect Sunday through Friday. Eastbound traffic will continue to be shifted onto the westbound inside travel lane as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Lane restrictions will be in effect Monday through Saturday. Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures as crews perform drainage work and place temporary pavement in preparation for upcoming traffic shifts.
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, Jan. 28 through Friday, Feb. 2 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, Jan. 28 through Thursday, Feb. 1 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 184 (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.