FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
July 30, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
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· Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3.
· Alternating lane closures on I-10 and on U.S. 29.
· Intermittent closure of the U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp and the U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound ramp. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
· Intermittent closure of the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south ramp (Exit 10A) and the I-10 westbound to U.S 29 north ramp (Exit 10B). Traffic will be detoured to the open ramp to access U.S. 29.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Alternating lane closures between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17) from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 as crews widen the roadway. In addition, the outside lane of Scenic Highway north and southbound on the Scenic Highway overpass will be closed during this time as crews install new railing.
· State Road (S.R.) 95 (U.S. 29) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- East and westbound 9 Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass will be reduced to one lane from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Sunday, July 30. Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the westbound, inside travel lane nightly as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct traffic. Drainage work continues on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m…
· S.R. 30 (U.S. 98) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Alternating east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 between 17th Avenue and the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 5. Tuesday, Aug. 8 lane closures will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be clearing and grubbing in the state owned right-of-way, removing existing curb, setting barrier wall, and placing temporary pavement.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road- Bell Ridge Drive near Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 as crews relocate utilities. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
· Creighton Road (S.R. 742) 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. continue as crews perform sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Jack and bore operations continue on Untreiner Avenue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures.
Santa Rosa County
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures on the Gulf Breeze approaches to the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 5. Tuesday, Aug. 8 lane restrictions will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be clearing and grubbing in the state owned right-of-way, removing existing curb, placing temporary pavement and setting barrier wall.
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) –Drivers reminded east and westbound I-10 traffic is now shifted to the new inside travel lanes and overpass near Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22). There will be alternating lane closures from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), and on Avalon Boulevard near the interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 as crews work to widen the interstate. Lane closures on Avalon Boulevard will be in effect from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 30.
· 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 under 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place through the completion of the project.
· U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Underground Utility Work at Celle De Cantabria-Westbound, right turn lane to Calle De Cantabria will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 as crews replace a valve under the roadway.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Hazmat Teams Set Up Emergency Air Quality Monitoring
July 29, 2017
An Escambia County (FL) Hazmat team set up air quality monitoring on the Florida side of the state line Saturday morning due to a chemical plant fire in Atmore.
The fire at Sunbelt Chemicals (click here for the latest update) sent a potentially toxic smoke plume into the air, prompting the evacuation of nearby Alto Products Corp. A shelter in place and stay indoor order was issued for Atmore residents in an unspecified area around the plant.
There were no reports of any hazardous readings on the Florida air quality monitors.
Pictured: Escambia County (FL) Hazmat sets up an air quality monitoring at the Piggly Wiggly in Davisville due to a chemical plant fire in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Major Fire At Atmore Chemical Plant
July 29, 2017
Firefighters battled a major chemical fire in Atmore Saturday morning.
The Atmore Fire Department was called about 5:30 a.m. to a sulfur fire at Tiger Sul (formerly Sunbelt Chemicals) on Highway 31 near the Country Club. Sulfur was reportedly burning inside a large warehouse at the facility. Firefighters reported that fire was through the roof of the warehouse and the building was in danger of collapse.
There were no Tiger-Sul employees working at the time of the fire and no employee injuries. A few firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion.
The Poarch Creek Fire Department, Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, Rabun Fire Department and others from Baldwin County, and the Walnut Hill Station and McDavid stations of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue also responded to the fire. Fire units from as far away as Saraland and hazmat team from CSX responded, while the Flomaton Fire Department stood by to answer other call in the city.
Nearby Alto Products Corp. was evacuated as a precaution. A shelter in place order was issued for residents near the plant. The caustic smoke was said to be a danger to those with asthma and other breathing problems. Residents were being advised to stay indoors. The shelter in place order was lifted by 11 a.m.
As of 11 a.m. firefighters had back off the fire, letting remaining sulfur burn. Florida firefighters were released and returning.
Highway 31 was closed from James Road in Nokomis to Industrial Drive in Atmore.
Emergency air quality monitoring was put into place in Florida (read more).
NorthEscambia.com photos by Tim Doerr and others, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Sentenced For Video Voyeurism At Target, Child Porn
July 29, 2017
A Cantonment man was sentenced to prison for shooting videos up women’s skirts and possessing child pornography.
Christopher Dreyer pled no contest to the charges of two counts of video voyeurism, vattery, and five counts of possession of child pornography.
Dreyer was sentenced today by Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford to 24 months in state prison to be followed by 24 months community control, followed by six years of probation. Shackelford also designated Dreyer as a sexual offender and he will be required to register as such.
In July 2016, Christopher Dreyer was arrested for placing a video camera under the skirt of the victim and touching her leg while shopping at Target on Nine Mile Road. A female customer inside the Target on Nine Mile Road told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she was standing in a store aisle when she felt something touch her leg. She turned around and saw Dreyer bending down at a bottom shelf. She said she asked Dreyer what he was doing at which time he replied that he was picking something up.
According to deputies, Dryer can clearly be seen on store surveillance video as he approached the victim from behind with what was identified as a micro-camera. He is clearly seen, deputies said, placing the camera device between the woman’s legs under her skirt. The victim was clearly startled when Dryer touched her inner leg. According to an arrest report, the victim’s statements were clearly corroborated by the store video.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for the video camera and for Dreyer’s residence. A search of the video camera revealed additional victims of video voyeurism. During the search of Dreyer’s residence, images of child pornography were also found.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Northview Names New Cross Country Coach, Sets Student Meeting For Monday
July 29, 2017
Friday, Northview High School name Ronnie Gill as the new girls and boys cross country coach.
Gill will hold a meeting for interested cross country runners on Monday afternoon at 3:00 in the Northview media center. Parents are welcome to attend.
Gill is a a retired school resource officer.
Century ‘Test Drives’ Vacuum Truck
July 29, 2017
The Century Town Council and several employees took a “test drive” of sorts Friday morning on a vacuum truck.
Mayor Henry Hawkins said the town is in need of such a vehicle for sewage spill and overflow emergencies, plus general maintenance duties. The truck demonstrated Friday by Vacuum Truck Sales & Service of Gonzalez, LA, was a Model 2100 FreightLine with a rebuilt 2104 “Vactor” body — with a sticker price around $249,000.
Any discussion on purchasing the demonstrated truck or a similar piece of equipment was not held Friday; that discussion will come at a future council meeting. The truck
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Busted: Couple Asks For Help In Locating Beulah Thief
July 29, 2017
UPDATE: Saturday afternoon, the items were recovered and the trailer recovered in Baldwin County, AL. One arrest was made. Further details have not been released.
A Beulah couple is asking for the public’s help in locating the thieves that stole thousands of the dollars worth of lawn care equipment sometime early Friday morning.
The items stolen were taken from a lot in the northwest corner of Rebel Road and Nine Mile Road, at the future site of the Pensacola Seed and Garden North location. About 2 a.m. Friday, the thieves broke into the lot and stole several thousand dollars worth of lawn care equipment, a pressure washer, air compressor and many other tools. The thieves then returned around 4 a.m. and removed the gate to the facility and stole a 18-foot enclosed trailer.
The job was captured on surveillance cameras along with images of the pictured Chevrolet Trailblazer. The vehicle was last seen leaving the lot and heading north on Rebel Road.
The longtime Beulah residents are asking anyone in the area with surveillance cameras to review the footage between 2-4 a.m. Friday and report any matching vehicle or trailer.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Ends Soon
July 29, 2017
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program will accept applications from non-industrial, private forest landowners through Monday, July 31.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. In 2016, 222 SPB infestations were reported in Florida, killing trees on over 1,100 acres. Those numbers are small compared to the last major outbreaks that occurred in Florida from 1999 to 2002, which resulted in an estimated $59 million in timber losses.
The program, supported through a grant by the United States Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than the loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species.
Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has supported these practices on more than 167,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle. Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/SouthernPineBeetle/Prevention.
Weekend Gardening: Spots On Your Crape Myrtles Can Be A Problem
July 29, 2017
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
As the heat and humidity increases in Northwest Florida, expect to see some diseases appear in the landscape. One problem that is popping up on crape myrtles is Cercospora leaf spot. While not a deadly problem, it can greatly detract from the beauty of crape myrtles.
The initial symptom on crape myrtles is the appearance of tan to dark brown spots randomly scattered on yellow to red discolored leaves. The spots develop first on the lower leaves and progress upward in the canopy. Spots will continue to develop from mid-summer through fall. The color change is due to the production of a toxin by the fungal pathogen.
Infected leaves will drop prematurely and serve as a source to spread the pathogen causing further disease development. As the summer progresses, many infected trees will have dropped all but the newest leaves.
Older varieties of crape myrtles are more susceptible to this disease than newer varieties. The crape myrtle varieties most tolerant to Cercospora leaf spot are Natchez, Muskogee, Basham’s Party Pink, Sioux and Tonto.
Long term, this disease is not detrimental to a tree, although it will slow down growth on younger plants. Plants growing in conditions that are not ideal will be more affected by the leaf spot disease.
The best control is selecting a planting site with good air circulation so that the foliage will dry quickly. Thinning interior branches will also promote air flow.
The use of fungicides to control this disease has not been very effective because they would have to be applied repeatedly on a regular basis throughout the growing season. If used, fungicide applications should be started in early summer when the spots are first noticed and continued at one to two week intervals when the weather is warm and wet. Consult your local Extension office for fungicide recommendations.
As always, be sure to read and follow all label directions. Fungicides can be classified by how they work on the fungus or how they work on the plant. Products that work in a similar way on fungi have the same mode of action (also referred to as chemical family or class).
Contact fungicides are sprayed onto plants and act as a protective barrier from pathogen infection. They prevent infections from occurring when applied before symptoms are visible, but infections that have already occurred will continue to develop.
Systemic fungicides move into the plant, but movement inside the plant is limited. The vast majority of fungicides only move upward in the plant vasculature, but not down. Some fungicides only move locally into the plant part treated. Some systemic products exhibit curative action, which means the disease is stopped during its development. For managing fungicide resistance, products with different modes of action should be used in rotations.
Since this disease will result in early defoliation or the loss of leaves, it is critical to practice good sanitation. Raking and destroying fallen leaves should be a routine practice in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Wahoos Beat Biloxi
July 29, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos third baseman Nick Senzel hit a triple, a solo homer, a single and missed hitting for the cycle by a few feet when his line drive landed just foul down the right field line in his last at bat.
The Cincinnati Reds top prospect’s 4-for-4 night and Pensacola starter Jose Lopez’s fifth straight quality start led Pensacola to a, 4-3, victory Friday over the Biloxi Shuckers in front of 4,567 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Pensacola clinched the series, 3-1, and has now won 10 of its 11 homestands this season. The only series loss from the first half Southern League South Division champions was to Biloxi at the end of April.
Senzel knew he had a chance to hit for the cycle, which was last done by former Blue Wahoos first baseman Donald Lutz on April 21, 2014. No Southern League hitter has hit for the cycle this season. It was Senzel’s fourth four-hit game of his two-year professional career.
“I saw it and knew it was going foul,” he said. “I was just a few feet short. I knew what the situation presented. I was glad my teammates were there to support me.”
Senzel put Pensacola on top, 2-0, with a triple to dead center that bounced off the wall and drove in center fielder Gabriel Guerrero and a solo homer he crushed to left field out of the ballpark. It was his fourth homer in 32 games since being called up from High-A Daytona Tortugas, where he had four homers in 62 games.
Pat Kelly said Senzel, who is hitting .331 in the Southern League, is still improving.
“I’m sure there are a few things. We can all get better,” Kelly said. “But he sure swings the bat extremely well.”
Senzel said he was just happy that Pensacola could jump out to a 4-0 lead and let Lopez concentrate on pitching. In 19 games head-to-head, Pensacola has won 11 and 12 games have been decided by two runs or less.
“He has been really good,” Senzel said of Lopez. “His hard work is paying off, which is great for us. It was nice to get out front and let Jose do his job.”
The 23-year-old Pensacola right-hander started off in Double-A by giving up four runs in his first three starts and six in his fourth start. But he has turned his season around, pitching his fifth straight solid start in his ninth game for the Blue Wahoos. Against Biloxi, he completed seven innings, allowed one run on four hits and two walks, and struck out five.
Over his last five starts, Lopez has been stingy, giving up only five earned runs in 34 innings for a 1.32 ERA. He’s only walked six in that stretch. Lopez improved to 5-1 with Pensacola and has a 2.95 ERA on the year.
In Pensacola’s rotation, he follows starter Deck McGuire, who has a 0.98 ERA in his last seven starts.
Kelly said he likes have McGuire and Lopez pitching back-to-back in the middle of the Blue Wahoos rotation.
“It allows us a little more leeway on the ends,” Kelly said. “When he first came up, he gave the hitters too much credit. Now, he’s more aggressive with his fastball in the zone and he’s getting ahead of hitters.”
In the fourth inning both left fielder Josh VanMeter and right fielder Aristides Aquino reached first base, stole second base and continued to third base on throwing errors by Biloxi catcher Rene Garcia, and scored on wild pitches by the Shuckers pitcher Freddy Peralta, putting Pensacola on top, 4-0.
Biloxi finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning to pull within, 4-1, when Peralta squared to bunt and then slapped the ball that glanced off Pensacola first baseman Gavin LaValley’s glove and rolled into right field to allow Shuckers third baseman Javier Betancourt to score. It was Peralta’s first professional hit and RBI in nine at bats this year.
Weiss made his 11th appearance and gave up a two-run homer to Biloxi first baseman Dustin DeMuth that bounced off the top of the left field wall to pull the Shuckers within, 4-3. It was DeMuth’s seventh homer this season. Despite giving up the two runs, Weiss earned his seventh save this season for Pensacola.
“It’s all about getting three outs before giving up three runs,” Kelly said.
Biloxi 21-year-old right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta, the No. 11 ranked Milwaukee Brewers prospect by MLBPipeline.com, made his sixth Double-A start for Biloxi and gave up all four Pensacola runs to take the loss, falling to 1-3 with a 3.06 ERA.
Photos courtesy Barrett McClean Photography/Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
