Three Month Stacey Road Closure Scheduled To Begin Today
March 25, 2025
A three-month closure of Stacey Road is scheduled to being today for a drainage project.
Stacey Road between West Quintette and Coweta roads will be closed to through traffic starting Tuesday, March 25 while crews install a storm drain system and perform road improvements.
Traffic will be detoured along Highway 95A and Coweta Road. Motorists should use extra caution and follow posted signs when traveling along the detour. The road is expected to reopen by Tuesday, July 1.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
The $2.5 million project was awarded to Site And Utility, LLC last November. The purpose of this project is to replace the undersized drainage infrastructure from the northwest corner of Stacey Road and Quintette Road to the outfall approximately three quarters of a mile south on the east side of Stacey Road.
The project will replace the existing system with approximately 350 feet of 4-foot x 10-foot box culvert, and will include the installation of 100 feet of a 10-foot-wide paved concrete ditch upstream of the existing system,
reconstruction of three quarters of a mile of Stacey Road and the milling and resurfacing of the intersection of Stacey Road and Quintette Road, and the regrading of the existing downstream ditch.
The project is being funded by American Rescue Plan funding.
Fleeing Suspect Crashes Into House In Atmore
March 25, 2025
A suspect fleeing from a traffice top crashed into a house in Atmore March 14, according to information released Monday by the Atmore Police Department.
Atmore police responded to a hit-and-run at Spudds convenience store on Highway 21 where witnesses reported a red Ford Mustang fleeing the scene. Officers later spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop near Medical Park Drive and Church Street. The driver later identified as 24-year-old Eric Reed, of Daphne, Alabama, sped off at speeds reaching 80 mph on Church Street, according to police. Police said they did not pursue the vehicle due to danger to the public.
A short time , a citizen reported a red vehicle crashing into a residence at Church Street and Carney Street, with suspects fleeing on foot. Officers established a perimeter and later apprehended Reed and a a suspected accomplice, 15-year-old Mar’Kavion Dixon of Atmore, after they were picked up by a third suspect.
Police said a search of the vehicles and a black bag in Reed’s possession revealed a stolen firearm from Meridian, MS, several hundred grams of marijuana, an edible cannabis gummy bear, and drug packaging materials.
Reed faces multiple charges, including attempting to elude, drug possession, criminal mischief, and leaving the scene of an accident. Dixon was charged with receiving stolen property and hindering prosecution. The third suspect, a juvenile, will be charged in juvenile court.
Both Reed and Dixon were transported to the Escambia County Detention Center.
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Heavily Damages Mobile Home On Pine Barren Road
March 24, 2025
Fire heavily damaged a mobile home Monday afternoon near Bogia.
No one was home at the time of the fire, which was reported about 1:35 p.m. in the 1600 block of South Pine Barren Road, about a mile from West Bogia Road. There were no injuries.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Molino, McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with Escambia County EMS.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Semi Hydroplanes Across I-10 Median, Causes Crash That Injured Three
March 24, 2025
A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 left three drivers injured Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at mile marker 7.5, between the Highway 29 and Pine Forest Road exits, about 8 a.m.
FHP said a tractor-trailer driven by a 55-year-old Geneva, Alabama, woman was traveling eastbound when it hydroplaned, crossed the median, and collided with two westbound vehicles—a semi-truck driven by a 39-year-old Kissimmee man and a sedan driven by a 25-year-old Fairhope man. The sedan left the roadway and overturned.
The 39-year-old Kissimmee man and 25-year-old Fairhope man were both transported to the hospital with critical injuries. The 55-year-old Geneva woman was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
The crash closed I-10 westbound for nearly three hours.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Man Charged With Sexual Battery Of Teen Visiting Florida For Spring Break
March 24, 2025
A 27-year-old Beulah man has been arrested in Escambia County on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor visiting during spring break.
William Baughman was charged with felony sexual battery by a person over 24 on a victim 16 or 17 years of age.
The incident reportedly took place on March 19 at a residence on Frank Reeder Road. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was initially called to the location for a citizen assist after a woman reported that her daughter and a friend had been abandoned while on spring break from Texas. The report states they had been invited to stay at the home by a Snapchat friend that also lives at the home.
The victim told deputies that she engaged in sexual activity with Baughman multiple times at the residence, according to an arrest report. The victim stated that the encounters occurred over the course of their stay.
The homeowner provided security video that showed the victim and William Baughman walking into home, and she was able to describe his bedroom, according to the report. The victim was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital for evaluation.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Man Struck By SUV On Nokomis Road, Driven To Gas Station By SUV Driver
March 24, 2025
A man was struck by a vehicle on Nokomis Road Sunday night before being driven to a convenience store by the driver who hit him.
According to witnesses, the man was standing in a dark section of Nokomis Road, several miles west of Highway 97 in Davisville, when the side mirror of an SUV struck his arm. Due to the lack of street lighting and a small hill obstructing visibility, the adult female driver reportedly did not see the man in the roadway.
The driver, who was familiar with the man, called for help and transported him to the Marathon gas station at the intersection of Highway 97 and Nokomis Road.
The man sustained a non-life-threatening arm injury and was transported by Escambia County EMS to a nearby hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Schedules Virtual Meetings On Black Bear Hunting Proposals
March 24, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to gather feedback from residents on proposed regulations for black bear hunting in Florida. The feedback will be presented to Commissioners during a May meeting.
FWC previously consulted with stakeholder groups and the public in March to discuss potential hunting season options. The information gathered has been used to shape the current proposals.
The meeting dates and times are as follows:
- April 2 from 12-3 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 3 from 5-8 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
In December 2024, FWC provided a five-year update on the implementation of the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan. The presentation covered recent bear research and management efforts. Following the update, commissioners directed staff to return with options for a regulated bear hunt.
Century Basketball Association Hosts Annual Banquet, Celebrates Undefeated Teams
March 24, 2025
The Century Basketball Association held its annual banquet on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Century Community Center, drawing over 150 attendees, including Century Town Councilwoman Sandra McMurray-Jackson.
League President Tony Robinson led the evening’s program as master of ceremonies. The event featured a prayer by Elder Idainer W. Bradley, uplifting praise music performed by Mr. Kenneth Newton and his band, and a prayer delivered by Pastor and League Vice President Kris Chancery.
As the evening progressed, players received awards from their respective coaches in recognition of their hard work and achievements throughout the season. The coaches presenting awards included Pre-Training Coach Clay Hoffman, Training League Coach Charles Wesley, Junior Varsity Girls Coach Kris Chancery, Junior Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, Varsity Girls Coach Casey Price, Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, and Varsity Boys Assistant Coach Alex Bradley, who stood in for Coach Greg Bush.
This season marked an exceptional year for Century Basketball, with seven teams competing and four finishing with undefeated records. Championship rings were awarded to the Junior Varsity Girls (Chancery), Junior Varsity Boys (Robinson), Varsity Girls (Price), and Varsity Boys (Bush), celebrating their perfect seasons.
The evening concluded with a special dinner, planned and prepared by Coach Casey Price and her assistants, bringing the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
Looking ahead, the Century Basketball Association aims to expand its impact beyond sports. Plans are in motion to introduce a STEM program and a computer coding course, offering middle school students free access to valuable educational resources.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Hosting Plant Swap
March 24, 2025
The Molino Branch Library is hosting a March Plant Swap for the remainder of the month at the library.
The swap is open to both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to start their plant journey. In addition to exchanging plants, attendees can connect with fellow plant lovers, share gardening tips, and expand their collections.
It’s simple — just bring potted plants, cuttings or seeds that you’d like to share, and take home a new leafy friend during library hours.
Pictured: Just some of the plants available recently during the March Plants Swap at the Molino Library Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For This Week
March 24, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, March 23, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from South of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Monday, March 24 through Thursday, March 27, 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, Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28, 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.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, March 23, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- 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.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – The week of Sunday, March 23, drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and construction activities. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (North Davis Highway) – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures Monday, March 24 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 291 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Carpenter Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, March 25 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Bayou Texar – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures west of S.R. 289A Tuesday, March 25 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures east of U.S. 29 Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing, from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.
- 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, March 23, through Friday, March 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- The existing designated right-turn lane leaving the Walmart parking lot at S.R. 281 and U.S. 98 will be closed for construction activities beginning Sunday, March 23. Motorists can continue to turn right from the adjacent lane.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures west of S.R 87 Wednesday, March 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.