FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
June 18, 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:
· Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Turn Lane Construction at Woodside Road- Construction of a westbound, left turn lane on Mobile Highway to Woodside Road. There will be no lane closures within the school zone Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Work is anticipated to be complete fall 2017.
· 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, June 18 through Thursday, June 22 as crews perform paving, guardrail, and shoulder work.
· Alternating lane closures on I-10 eastbound.
· The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
· The U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured south to make a U-turn at Diamond Dairy Road to access I-10 eastbound.
· Arthur Brown Road (County Road (C.R.) 99A) Bridge Replacement over Boggy Creek- Activities will begin the week of Monday, June 19. The new bridge will consist of 11-foot travel lanes, six-foot shoulders, and a solid concrete barrier railing. Traffic will be diverted to a temporary onsite road and bridge. Construction is estimated to take eight months.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 as crews paint barrier wall and perform paving work.
· Intermittent east and westbound lane closures between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and the approach to Escambia Bay Bridge.
· Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway.
· Creighton Road (S.R. 742) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway– Intermittent and alternating lane closures between 9th Avenue and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. continues as crews perform sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades. The following changes in traffic patterns will take place on Creighton Road and 9th Avenue the week of June 19, and will remain in effect through multiple phases of the project.
· Creighton Road- The westbound, outside lane will be closed from east of the 9th Avenue intersection to the traffic signal at the entrance to Walmart.
· 9th Avenue- The southbound right-turn lane will be combined with the outside through lane at the intersection.
· Creighton Road- The eastbound, inside lane will become a left-turn/through lane and the current bi-directional/dedicated left-turn lane will be closed.
· Road Ranger Service Patrol on the Pensacola Bay Bridge- Service patrol vehicles are stationed on each of the bridges between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. At other times, at least one unit is on-call and available to respond within 30 minutes. Road Ranger assistance on the Pensacola Bay Bridge is available by dialing the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347).
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
· 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.
· U.S. 29 North of Archer Road- Northbound drivers are reminded to use caution from 8 p.m. Friday, June 23 to 2 a.m. Saturday, June 24 as the Florida Highway Patrol performs activities in the area.
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Test pile driving for the new bridge is underway. While there are no direct traffic impacts, persons nearby may detect noise and the possibility of vibration. Pile driving work is scheduled during daytime hours, seven-days-a-week.
Santa Rosa County
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard- Alternating lane closures on I-10 from the Escambia Bay Bridge to just east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22 as crews continue widening work. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews reconstruct the Avalon Boulevard overpass.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating closures between the S.R. 87 interchange (Exit 31) and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22 as crews complete construction activities on the project.
· Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) Bridge Maintenance over Indian Bayou- North and southbound right lane closed over Indian Bayou, approximately one mile south of I-10, from 8 p.m. Monday, June 19 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 20 for routine bridge maintenance.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of County Road 189 (Holt/ Exit 45) to west of Yellow River- Intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 as crews mill and pave eastbound shoulder and other construction activities.
· S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Maintenance over West Coldwater Creek- Alternating lane restrictions, 3.3 miles east of S.R. 89, from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 to 5 a.m. Thursday, June 22 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
· U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Intermittent east and westbound, right lane closure on the Gulf Breeze approaches to the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 19 through Saturday, June 24 as crews demolish existing curb, clear and grub in state owned right-of-way, and place temporary pavement. Test pile driving for the new bridge us underway. While there are no direct traffic impacts, persons nearby may detect noise and the possibility of vibration. Pile driving work is scheduled during daytime hours, seven-days-a-week.
· S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFT Boundary to Hickory Hammock Road-(C.R. 184)-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.
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.
Pictured: Bridge construction to widen Nine Mile Road across Eleven Mile Creek. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos And Jacksonville Rained Out
June 18, 2017
The scheduled Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game Saturday was rained out for the third time this series.
The Southern Division champion Blue Wahoos and Jumbo Shrimp are slated to start a seven-inning doubleheader at 12:05 p.m. CST Sunday.
Pensacola leads the five-game series, 2-1.
What FFA Means To Me: Northview FFA Member’s Essay Is Best In State
June 18, 2017
Raeleigh Woodfin of the Northview High School FFA was the statewide first place winner of the “What FFA Means to Me” Alumni Essay Contest.
Woodfin received a Washington Leadership Conference scholarship of $500 and was recognized on stage Friday during the 89th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Raeleigh Woodfin’s award winning esscay “What FFA Means to Me” is reprinted below:
A family of people who love and understand you, a place to be yourself and connect with others like and different than yourself, and a big family of people spreading nationwide that bond with you in a way no other organization can. This and much more is what FFA means to me.
The feeling of accomplishment and honor when you walk out of the classroom into a world of endless possibilities reminds you why you participate in FFA. The long nights and weekend adventures make it hard yet fun work. Staying up late to memorize everything from your opening and closing ceremony parts to the FFA Creed, there is an abundance of time spent on learning the craft that you care for so deeply.
After sub districts, districts, state, and national accomplishments, you feel a bond with the people you have shared it all with.
Years of dreaming of becoming a state officer like the idols you did and still do look up to.
In the process of doing what you love, you meet people from other chapters and befriend them, whether it be a neighboring chapter you met at state convention or a chapter from northern states you met at national convention. FFA changes the way you look at life. Looking at a sandwich and thinking of what it had to go through to get to your plate. Along with agriculture, FFA provides much more. It provides the ability to know more academically, physically, and mentally. The gifts of public speaking and giving presentations are skills that FFA has given and will forever be useful.
FFA teaches life skills and abilities that can be used even in your alumni days.
A new t-shirt for every event you partake in, year as a member, and year as an officer leaving you with a closet full of t-shirts and memories. Spending the night in hotels with friends and pulling pranks all night just to wake up with nothing but energy for the exciting day ahead. Attending Ag On the Hill, Fresh from Florida programs, Food for America, and Ag in the Classroom give you experience and the ability to grow and educate the young and the old about agriculture education and provide for those in need when they cannot provide for themselves.
Standing for something bigger than yourself and changing the future is what FFA does and I am glad to be a part of it.
Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve is the FFA motto and it explains so much.
The struggles of former years has brought us to this point in history and right now is the best time to be alive. FFA is a call to action. Make a big impact in your community. Your SAE is a big part of FFA. Your SAE, if chosen properly, can make all the difference in what you get out of FFA.
Being a leader does not take much. FFA makes it easy and fun.
Man Gets 25 Years For Assaulting Juvenile Lured From Bus Station
June 17, 2017
Don Ricardo Byrd, III, 36, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford to 25 years in state prison. Since there is no parole in Florida, Byrd will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. At the completion of his prison sentence, Byrd will serve 10 years of sexual offender probation. He was also designated as a sexual predator as a result of his convictions, and he will have to register as as sexual predator for the rest of his life.
A
n Escambia County Jury convicted Byrd of sexual battery, unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, and battery on a child by expelling certain fluids.
In October 2015, Byrd approached the teenage victim at the ECAT depot on Fairfield Drive. He led the girl away from the bus station and sexually battered her. The victim was unable to identify her attacker, but she was able to give a general
description of the suspect. The victim sustained injuries from the attack, and DNA evidence was collected during her sexual assault examination. As a result, Byrd was developed as a suspect, and his DNA sample was submitted for analysis.
Byrd’s DNA matched the DNA found during the victim’s sexual assault examination.
Local Unemployment Holds Steady
June 17, 2017
The latest job numbers released Friday show the employment rate holding steady of the last month in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County’s seasonably adjusted unemployment rate held steady from 4.0 percent in April to 4.0 percent in May. There were 5,690 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 4.6 percent.
“The Pensacola area added more than 3,000 new jobs over the last year, which means more opportunities are available for families in Northwest Florida. Over the past six and a half years, more than 1.37 million jobs have been created across our state and we will keep fighting to make Florida the top destination for job growth,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
The industry with the highest growth over the year in Pensacola was leisure and hospitality with 1,500 new jobs. The Pensacola area had 5,550 job openings in May, including 1,794 openings for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations.
Santa Rosa County unemployment rate was steady at 3.7 percent from April to May. Santa Rosa County had a total of 2,843 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 4.1 percent.
Florida’s jobless rate fell to 4.3 percent in May, down 0.2 percentage points from the prior month, representing 435,000 people out of work from the state’s labor force of 10.15 million. The rate is the lowest in Florida since August 2007 and matches the national unemployment mark. Gov. Rick Scott continued his focus on private-sector job creation, noting in a prepared statement that “nearly 22,000 jobs were created across our state last month.”
The jobless numbers released by the state do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Concealed Weapon License Fees Reduced
June 17, 2017
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, has announced that fees to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license have been reduced.
Effective, July 1, an original application fee will be $119, which includes fingerprinting, photo and tax collector service fees. The renewal fee will be $57, which includes tax collector service fees. Fees have decreased a total of $15 since last year.
“We are proud to offer these services locally for our residents and are glad the Legislature worked to make the license more affordable,” Lunsford said. “We strive to serve our customers well and help them to obtain and renew their concealed weapon licenses.”
Services included in the concealed weapon license process include fingerprinting and photos. While renewal licenses for Florida residents have same day service and will be printed in the office, new applications still will be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for final approval. The statutory turnaround time for this process is within 90 days. Licensees who are not Florida residents or who need to submit documentation of a name change will not be eligible to receive a renewal license on site. The applications still can be submitted through the tax collector’s office, but FDACS will print and mail the new license.
Concealed weapon licensing services are available at Lunsford’s Warrington office, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A. Appointments for concealed weapon license applications and renewals can be made here, by visiting EscambiaTaxCollector.com or by downloading the QLess app from iTunes or Google Play.
For additional information on concealed weapon licenses, visit freshfromflorida.com/#Concealed-Weapons.
For more information about other tax collector services, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com or email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Singleton Named FFA Area VP; Northview FFA Receives More State Honors
June 17, 2017
The Northview High School FFA chapter and members received several additional honors on Friday, the final day of the 89th Florida FFA State Convention and Expo in Orlando.
Graduated senior and former Northview FFA President Mitchell Singleton hs been name the Florida FFA Area 1 State Vice President.
Raeleigh Woodfin placed first in the state in the Alumni Essay contest.
The Northview FFA Alumni and Friends placed fifth in the Outstanding Alumni Affiliate Awards.
Tabitha Chavers, Brandon Korinchak and Mitchell Singleton received their Florida State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Assocation.
Four alumni Northview FFA members returned to the state convention this year to be recognized. They will receive the prestigious American FFA Degree at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, in October. They are: Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Bethany Reynolds, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley. The American FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization. The degree is presented after the FFA member graduates from high school.
Earlier this week: Northview FFA’s Singleton won a first place speaking award (click here); the Northview Chapter was honored as one of Florida’s Finest FFA chapters (click here) and Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was named the first place program in the state (click here).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
National Dairy Month Is A Reminder Of Milk’s Contribution To A Good Diet
June 17, 2017
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
A glass of milk packs a nutritious punch, a reminder of the importance of dairy in our diets as we enter National Dairy Month, a University of Florida nutrition expert said.
“Basically, cow’s milk helps to meet nutrient needs, and some research suggests it may help to protect against some of the major chronic diseases,” said Gail Kauwell, a professor in food science and human nutrition.
Dairy food nutrients play many important roles in maintaining good health, so Kauwell encourages milk as part of a healthy eating pattern. Some key nutrients in milk include calcium, vitamins D and B12, potassium and protein. These nutrients build strong bones and teeth, maintain and improve bone mass, make red blood cells, synthesize DNA and maintain healthy blood pressure, said Kauwell, a faculty member at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
For example, studies support an association between higher dairy food intake and lower risk for type 2 diabetes, said Kauwell, although she cautions that these studies do not prove cause and effect.
All sorts of “milk” fills the grocery store dairy case. So how do consumers distinguish between them? Further, what do you do if you cannot consume a certain type of dairy product?
Kauwell explained that several of the key vitamins and minerals naturally present in cow’s milk are only present in soy, almond, rice and coconut beverages if they are added to the product. And when it comes to protein, only soy beverages provide an amount equal to that of cow’s milk.
People who are lactose intolerant may be able to drink small amounts of milk without experiencing any symptoms but may prefer to drink lactose-free milk or a fortified soy beverage. On the other hand, some people cannot drink cow’s milk because of a food allergy. Those with a food allergy to milk, and those practicing a vegetarian or vegan diet also may choose to drink a fortified soy beverage, said Kaley Mialki, a UF/IFAS graduate and registered dietitian.
“If individuals are watching their weight, switching from full-fat milk, cheese and yogurt to low-fat or fat-free milk products can reduce calorie and fat consumption but still allow for intake of other important nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals,” Mialki said.
Jay High FFA Recognized At State Convention
June 17, 2017
The Jay High School FFA Chapter was recognized for several accomplishments during this week’s Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
Amanda Hachtel placed third in the state in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event after competing against the top 12 speakers in the state on Monday.
Ally Ashworth and Amanda Hachtel represented the Jay FFA Land Judging team on stage to receive their trophy for placing fifth in the state at the contest this past March in Plant City.
Madelyn Godwin received her State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association.
Photos for NortEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Split Double Header With Jumbo Shrimp
June 17, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos made sure it decisively won its fourth consecutive Southern League half.
Both second baseman Alex Blandino and catcher Adrian Nieto clobbered home runs, as Pensacola downed the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, 9-3, in the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader Friday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Blue Wahoos fell in the second game to the Jumbo Shrimp, 1-0.
Pensacola’s victory in the first game was historic. It ensured that the Blue Wahoos joined the Tennessee Smokies, who also won four consecutive halves from 2009 to 2011. There was no celebration after the first game just high fives as the team remained focused on playing the second game of the seven-inning doubleheader.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he was pleased with his team.
“It’s great,” he said. “The players deserved it they’ve played extremely well all year. They’ve been in first place every day but about six. Just a terrific performance. Again, good pitching and we got some really timely hitting in that first game.”
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brandon Finnegan made his second MLB rehab assignment for Pensacola with the first half title on the line. He’s recovering from a strained left trapezius, which he sustained April 15.
The 24-year-old threw four scoreless innings, allowed one hit and struck out four Jacksonville hitters Friday. In his two starts for the Blue Wahoos, Finnegan has thrown seven scoreless innings, given up two hits, walked one and struck out five.
Pensacola split Friday’s doubleheader and is 40-28 on the year. The second place Biloxi Shuckers (34-31) scheduled seven-inning doubleheader Friday with the Mobile BayBears was rained out.
Before his injury, Finnegan, a first round pick in 2014, was 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and had 14 strikeouts in 10 innings. In his three seasons with the Reds, he is 13-13 in 38 starts with a 3.94 ERA.
Pensacola middle reliever Ariel Hernandez earned the victory in one inning of relief of Finnegan and is 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA.
Nieto hit his third homer of the season, a solo shot to left center field. He was 3-4 in the game with two runs scored. Blandino smashed a two-out, three-run bomb in the fifth inning and now has 30 RBIs. He is second on the team behind right fielder Aristides Aquino, who singled in a run in the first game Friday and has 34 this season.
In the second game, Pensacola ace Tyler Mahle started the game. He pitched three innings and gave up the only run in the game on four hits and struckout three. Mahle took the loss and is 7-3 with a 1.59 ERA in the first half of the season.
Mahle gave up a two-out triple to right field to Jacksonville third baseman Brian Anderson in the bottom of the third innings. The extra-base hit scored Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Mike Kickham, who had singled to center, for a 1-0 lead. Kickham earned the win and is 4-3 with a 2.26 ERA. He is also 5-13 at the plate, hitting .385.