Train Collides With Semi-Trailer Loaded With Hot Dogs
May 18, 2026
A CSX freight train collided with a semi-trailer of hot dogs on Sunday evening in Canoe, Alabama, just north of the Florida–Alabama state line.
The crash happened just after 6 p.m. on Tumbling Lane at Highway 31 east of Atmore.
There were no injuries reported to the truck driver or train crew.
The semi and trailer had reportedly become stuck on the tracks, and the truck was separated from the trailer prior to the collision. The cargo — lower fat Chuck Wagon Chicken Franks — was scattered along the tracks.
Photos by Virginia Harley-Johns for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
May 18, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects n Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- State Road (S.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Mobile Highway to Isaacs Road, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete flatwork and striping operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, May 17, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, May 17, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at E Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, May 17 through Friday, May 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, May 17, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent inside lane closures, between mile markers 6 and 8, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for access management improvements and installation of high-tension cable barrier in the median.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- North and southbound drivers will encounter a temporary traffic shift to one lane at S.R. 97 and S.R. 95.
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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, May 17 through Friday, May 22, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Drainage work on Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino, part of an overall resurfacing project on Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward Just A Bit
May 18, 2026
AAA said Florida gas prices are moving slightly lower a week ahead of Memorial Day weekend as nearly 2.6 million Floridians prepare to travel.
Over the last week, Florida gas prices declined 20 cents per gallon. The state average fell from $4.43 a gallon to $4.23 a gallon on Sunday. The average price travelers paid on Memorial Day 2025 was $3.06 per gallon.
The least expensive metro market on Sunday was Pensacola at $4.07 a gallon. In North Escambia, a low of $3.83 was available on Sunday night on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Memorial Day travelers will pay about $17 more than last year to fill an average sized tank of gas,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Global supply concerns regarding the conflict with Iran has kept upward pressure on fuel prices. This could continue through the summer months unless a resolution is reached.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Tuesday
May 18, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution on Tuesday, May 19, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid form of identification, and there is a limit of three recipients per vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Brendan Jones’ Two Homers Not Enough In Series Finale
May 18, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped the series finale against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday by a final score of 5-3 at Erlanger Park.
The Wahoos struck first in the third, when leadoff hitter Brendan Jones smacked his 5th home run of the year over the wall in right field off of Lookouts starter Javi Rivera. That 1-0 lead would quickly be matched though, when back-to-back doubles from Dominic Pitelli and Carlos Jorge would knot things up at 1-1 in the bottom of the third.
That score would remain until the 5th, when Jones would repeat his success from his first at-bat, knocking out his second homer of the game and his 6th of the season to put Pensacola back on top with a 2-1 score. They would add one more in the 6th, when Ian Lewis Jr. would be awarded home on a balk from Lookouts reliever Johnathan Harmon (W, 4-1) and extend their lead to 3-1.
Blue Wahoos starter Luis Moreno would pitch 5.0 complete innings, allowing just 2 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, and striking out 4. He would first be relieved by Jack Sellinger (BS, 1) who would pitch the next 1.2 innings and surrender the lead. Chattanooga would cut the lead to 3-2 on a Leo Balcazar longball. An inning later, they would tie things up when Austin Hendrick would follow up a Shane Sasaki triple with a run scoring single to make it a 3-3 game.
The Lookouts would deal the deciding blows off Logan Whitaker (L, 2-2) in the bottom of the 8th after Balcazar would lead things off with a double and Cam Collier would follow up with a double of his own, scoring Balcazar and bringing the score to 4-3. A Shane Sasaki RBI single later, Chattanooga had a 5-3 lead, and would hold onto it for a three up, three down 9th.
The Lookouts only used two pitchers, with Rivera going the first 4.0 and Harmon going the final 5.0. Pensacola still ended up with a series victory, taking 4 of the 6 games played and hitting 13 home runs while doing so.
The Blue Wahoos begin their home series against the Clingstones on Tuesday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Multi-Million Dollar Safety Overhaul Slated For Highway 95A, Quintette Road Intersection
May 17, 2026
A dangerously misaligned North Escambia intersection is finally getting a multi-million dollar safety makeover with funding now finalized.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has approved a state-funded grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), securing $850,000 in Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) funding to overhaul the intersection of Highway 95A and Quintette Road.
The intersection is a high-traffic hub, particularly for heavy commercial vehicles. According to recent FDOT traffic counts, Highway 95A just south of the intersection sees an annual average daily traffic volume of 9,700 vehicles, while East Quintette Road carries 5,700 vehicles daily.
Public-Private Funding Realizes Project
Because there is no available right-of-way to shift the intersection on the western side, engineering plans call for a major northerly shift on the eastern side, which boasts an accommodating 100-foot wide right-of-way.
The total cost for the construction improvements stands at $2.375 million, realized through a unique mix of public and private funding that includes $850,000 from the FDOT TRIP Grant, $1,275 million in Escambia County Local Option Sales Tax Transportation and Drainage funds, and a $250,000 private contribution from Circle K.
A summer 2023 warrant study confirmed that a traffic signal was justified at the location even before the planned addition of a new Circle K convenience store and fueling station on the northeast corner. As part of a separate agreement approved in February 2025, Circle K contributed a quarter-million dollars toward the intersection upgrades.
In addition to the new alignment and traffic signal, a new westbound right-turn lane will be constructed on Quintette Road. This addition is specifically designed to alleviate severe traffic backups caused by heavy logging trucks slowing down to turn onto Highway 95A.
Next Steps
The project is currently at the 30% design phase. With the BOCC’s recent approval, Escambia County Engineering staff will transmit the executed agreement and authorizing resolution back to FDOT to finalize the funding. A timeline for the intersection construction work has not been announced.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphics, click to enlarge.
Dedria’s Gift Awards Annual Scholarships To Three High School Graduates
May 17, 2026
Dedria’s Gift recently presented 3 Flomaton High School graduates with scholarships.
The recipients were Ja-Ni’Yah Thomas, Ava Flores, and Noah Flores.
Dedria’s Gift honors the memory of 11-year-old Dedria Robinson, who was killed in a 2005 automobile accident. Her parents, Reginald and Rita Robinson, established Dedria’s Gift to keep her memory alive.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Expands School Guardian Program To Colleges, Universities
May 17, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a school safety bill allowing armed, trained guardians on college and university campuses in Florida.
The bill was sponsored by members of the local Northwest Florida delegation, Rep. Michelle Salzman and Sen. Don Gaetz.
“We’ve made historic strides to implement school safety measures that are working to protect our schools. Today, I was proud to build on these efforts by signing HB 757, which enhances campus security requirements and best practices at our colleges and universities throughout Florida,” DeSantis said Friday. “We can have the highest academic standards, the strongest workforce programs, and the most innovative pathways for students, but must also continue our focus on the safety of our students and educators.”
“Sadly but undeniably, institutions of learning have become targets of violence in our state and other states,” Gaetz said. “As parents and grandparents, we want our students to be safe and secure when they are on campus. This legislation ensures our institutions will use common sense safeguards as well as high-tech systems to prevent violence where possible and respond quickly and effectively when needed.”
“I’m very grateful for Representative Salzman’s sponsorship of the House companion and for her effective advocacy of the bill,” Gaetz added.
The bill:
- Expands participation in the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program to include Florida’s public postsecondary institutions.
- Strengthens protections near schools by creating a second-degree felony charge for discharging a weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.
- Requires public postsecondary institutions to develop active assailant response plans, threat management teams to identify and address potential safety risks, and family reunification procedures in the event of an emergency.
- The Guardian Program was created in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act following the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The program allows trained individuals to serve as armed guardians on school campuses to deter and respond to active assailant incidents. Under the program, guardians must undergo extensive screening and training requirements provided by local sheriffs’ offices, including psychological evaluations, drug screenings, and at least 144 hours of rigorous training.
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has set the national standard for school safety, and House Bill 757 builds on that strong foundation by extending critical protections to our state colleges and universities,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “By extending the Guardian Program to higher education institutions, we are equipping campuses with additional tools to help safeguard students and professors. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment, and this legislation reinforces Florida’s unwavering commitment to protect our schools.”
Pictured: Guardians train for positions in Escambia County Public Schools prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Senior And Intermediate Teams Win State Meat Judging Contest
May 17, 2026
Escambia County 4-H brought home a double victory from the 2026 Florida State 4-H Meat Judging Contest, securing first place finishes in both the intermediate and senior divisions.
The state competition, held at the University of Florida in Gainesville, challenged participants across several rigorous categories. Competitors were required to identify forty retail meat cuts, evaluate and place retail, primal, and carcass classes, deliver oral reasons, and complete a comprehensive written test.
In addition to the team victories, Escambia County members dominated the individual standings. Charli McClendon earned the title of Senior High Individual, while Rhett Harcourt was named the Intermediate High Individual, making them the top-ranked meat judging 4-H members in the state of Florida.
Other notable individual performances in the senior division included Tucker Padgett in second place, A.T. Bridgers in fourth place, and Andrew Wiggins in fifth place. In the intermediate division, Mallory Mahoney secured second place and Ella Gilmore took third place, while Rahlina Dodson finished in sixth place.
The senior team—comprising Bridgers, McClendon, Padgett, and Wiggins—previously competed at the Western National Roundup in Denver in January 2026. Following their state success, they have now qualified to represent Florida at the National 4-H Meat Judging Contest this coming October. This national event will take place at Kansas State University, with the formal awards ceremony hosted at the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri.
Sponsored locally by the UF/IFAS Extension, the 4-H meat judging program is designed to develop critical life skills through activities related to the processing of beef, pork, and lamb. Participants learn to evaluate retail identification, factors affecting meat quality, and various cooking methods, gaining a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind nutritional value and consumer appeal.
According to organizers, the program also emphasizes foundational life skills, including effective decision-making, critical thinking, goal setting, and teamwork.
Ernest Ward Middle School FFA Holds Annual Banquet
May 17, 2026
The annual Ernest Ward Middle School FFA banquet was held Friday evening at the school.
The FFA recognized outstanding members, incoming and outgoing officers, and presented several recognitions.
Photos courtesy of NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
