Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
December 16, 2024
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. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating and intermittent lane closures Sunday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 19 between 9 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 Dec. 15, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., as crews perform paving operations.
- 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, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 19, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform guardrail installation. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone. Additionally, a minor traffic shift is currently in place on Scenic Highway southbound, between Baywoods Drive and Scenic Court, where crews are performing stormwater drainage improvements.
- 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. Signage is 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 inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Sunday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., as crews construct a temporary traffic shift.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Dec. 15 through Friday, Dec. 20:
- Friday, Dec. 20, the I-10 eastbound travel lanes will be shifted into the median area of the roadway between mile markers 8 and 10, to allow crews to build a new alignment for the interchange.
- 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 Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- S.R. 291 Routine Underground Utilities Maintenance near East Scott Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound and northbound lane closures Monday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utilities maintenance.
- S.R. 289 Routine Underground Utilities Maintenance from East Jackson Street to East Wright Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound and northbound lane closures Monday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utilities maintenance.
- S.R. 95 (North Palafox Street) Routine Underground Utilities Maintenance from East Moreno Street to East Blount Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound and northbound lane closures Monday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utilities maintenance.
- U.S. 90 (East Cervantes Street) Routine Underground Utilities Maintenance from North Spring Street to North Haynes Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures Monday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utilities maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over East Bay Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 20 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction operations.
- 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, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 19, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions on U.S. 90 over the Simpson River Bridge:
- U.S. 90 westbound lane closure Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge.
- On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the U.S. 90 westbound travel lanes will be temporarily shifted to allow crews to complete guardrail installation and shoulder work. Signage will be in place to alert westbound drivers of the traffic shift.
- Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- 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, Dec. 15, through Friday, Dec. 20, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures west of S.R. 87 Sunday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine inspection.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Up A Couple Of Pennies
December 16, 2024
Florida’s average gas price is up a couple of cents over last week, according to AAA.
Sunday’s state average was $3.12 per gallon.
In Escambia County, the average was $2.83. A low price of $2.61 was available at the warehouse clubs in Pensacola Sunday, while the North Escambia low price was $2.69 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Despite the modest uptick, gas prices remain within the same range they’ve been in since early September,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “During the past three months, the state average has bounced between $2.99/gallon and $3.20/gallon. Oil prices have remained low during that time, which has prevented any significant jump at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Woman Critically Injured In Highway 4 Crash At Escambia River Bridge
December 15, 2024
One person was critically injured in crash at the foot of the Escambia River Bridge in Century Saturday afternoon.
Authorities said a loaded utility trailer that detached from a SUV struck a Toyota Camry about 2:40 p.m. The Camry then struck a guardrail.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to remove doors and the roof in order to free the adult female driver of the Camry in about 15 minutes. She was airlifted to a Pensacola Hospital by LifeFlight.
The driver of the SUV was not injured, nor was the driver of a third vehicle that suffered minor damage.
The crash happened on East Highway 4 near the Escambia River Bridge. The bridge and Highway 4 were closed for over an hour in both directions by the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The Century, McDavid and Molino Stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Thousands Attend Annual Beulah Fest (With Photo Gallery)
December 15, 2024
Thousands of people attended the third annual Beulah Bash Saturday at the Escambia County Equestrian Center.
The family friendly event included over 100 craft vendors, entertainment, car show, food trucks, kids’ face painting, inflatables, photos with Santa, sleigh rides, pony rides, and even “snow”.
For a photo gallery, click here.
(Looking for the cars show photos? They are at the end of the photo gallery.)
Beulah Fest is a project of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Beulah.
“It’s an opportunity to explore a Hallmark movie-esque Christmas come to life in a small town atmosphere,” Campus Pastor Mike Moulton said. “It connects the church to the community and the community to the church.”
“The is a focus on the community and the family aspect of it all,” Moulton added. “But the real reason is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Announce Friday, Dec. 20 Will Be A Half-Day For Students
December 15, 2024
Escambia County Public Schools has announced that Friday, December 20 will be a half-day for students as Christmas break begins.
“We will be implementing a half-day schedule on Friday, December 20,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “We hope all of our students, staff and their families can get some much-deserved rest and relaxation and we look forward to seeing everyone after the new year.”
On all half days, schools will serve lunch and regular transportation will be provided. For more information or questions about your school’s specific release time, please contact the school.
Teachers return to work on Monday, January 6, 2025, and students return on Tuesday, January 7.
Over 27,000 Wreaths Placed At Barrancas Cemetery During Wreaths Across America Program
December 15, 2024
Over 27,000 wreaths were placed Saturday at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola as part of the national Wreaths Across America initiative.
Youth-centric organizations, religious groups and citizens across the country volunteer to place wreaths on the gravesites of individuals interred at national cemeteries across the nation, including the 100 acres at Barrancas.
For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used to symbolize honor and a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.
Pictured: Wreaths were placed Saturday morning at Barrancas National Cemetery, including at the grave of Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan “J.R.” Spears of Molino (top and first below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission Tables Discussion Of Policy Governing Their Internet Communications
December 15, 2024
The Escambia County Commission was set to discuss a technology policy Thursday night that would govern commissioners’ use of internet communications.
During a meeting that continued into early morning, the commission tabled any discussion just before adjourning at 12:15 a.m. Friday.
The draft policy was being brought to the board at the request of Commissioner Mike Kohler.
A previous technology policy for commissioners was rescinded by the board in May 2019.
“The purpose of this policy is to establish rules for how the County Commissioners communicate about County business in order to promote public trust, maintain the reputation and goodwill of Escambia County government, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act,” the new draft policy states. The BOCC will discuss the policy at their meeting on Thursday.
If the draft policy is approved, commissioners won’t be able to have a social media presence, a blog, or similar communications for county business. County business would be limited to email.
Commissioners would be allowed to post a comment or response on a third party website or social media account, unless it is is response to another commissioner, as long as they forward a copy of hte comment to a county-maintained email account.
The use of text messaging or other instant communication would be “discouraged”, regardless of ownership of the device, and encouraging to disable text or other instant messaging on a county-owned devices. If they do use text or other messaging, they would be required to forward a copy of the communication to a county-maintained email account or otherwise retain copies in order to comply with Sunshine Law.
Commissioners would not use private email accounts to conduct county business, forwarding any such emails received from their personal email to a county email. Likewise, they would not use county email for personal business.
During a board meeting, commissioners would not be allowed to use cell phones, computers or other device to transmit any message or email during a board meeting, regardless of who owns the device. They could sue a device for personal emergencies, wbut would be required to leave the board chamber or room where a meeting was being held.
Photo Gallery: Hundreds Attend Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 15, 2024
Hundreds of people lined the streets for the annual Flomaton Christmas Parade Saturday morning.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The parade featured dozens of entrées from the Flomaton area and North Escambia, the Flomaton Highway School band, area fire departments, church floats and, of course, Santa Claus.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
SEC Soccer Tourney Remaining In Escambia County Through 2026 And Perhaps Beyond
December 14, 2024
The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will remain in Escambia COunty through 2026, with a possible extension to 2029, following a successful partnership since 2022, according to Pensacola Sports.
This year’s tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Park off 10 Mile Road, which saw Texas win its first SEC title, drew increased attendance compared to 2023.
Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park features 13 full-size soccer fields and a stadium complex with modern locker rooms across its 103 acres. This facility, combined with Pensacola’s beaches and hospitality, has established the city as a premier destination for collegiate soccer, Pensacola Sports said.
“Pensacola has provided an outstanding experience for our teams and SEC soccer fans,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Similarly, Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer expressed enthusiasm about the extension, noting their commitment to enhancing the tournament experience each year.
“Each year, we strive to enhance the tournament experience for everyone involved, and this extension shows the confidence the SEC has in Pensacola as a host city,” said Palmer. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters back through 2026 and possibly beyond.”
For soccer championship action photos, click here.
For Fan Fest photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Without Headlight On Seriously Injured In Tate Road Crash
December 14, 2024
A motorcyclist without his headlight on was charged after crashing into a vehicle Friday night on Tate Road.
The motorcyclist, a 23-year-old male, was traveling north on Tate Road about 7:20 p.m. with no headlight in a dark, unlit area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. as a sedan was traveling south and Tate Road and made a turn onto Pompano Road. The motorcycle collided with the side of the sedan and overturned.
The driver of the motorcycle was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious, but not non-life threatening injuries. Five teens in the sedan were not injured.
The driver of the motorcycle was cited by FHP for driving with a suspended license, no registration, and no headlights.