Major Work Now Underway On I-10, Highway 29 Interchange
May 2, 2016
Work is now underway on a $8.5 million project to improve the I-10/U.S. 29 intersection in Escambia County.
This week, crews are placing asphalt on the outside lane of I-10 westbound near the interchange. Lane closures are limited to between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize the impacts. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph during this time.
The work will include:
- Removing Exit 10A (I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 South).
- Constructing a new exit ramp adjacent to the current Exit 10B – New Exit: 10.
- Installing a traffic signal on U.S. 29 for I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 South traffic.
- Widening the bridge on I-10 eastbound to eliminate an immediate left-hand merge from U.S. 29 South.
The project is slated for completion in spring 2017.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Donates $7,500 To Tate FFA Alumni Foundation
May 2, 2016
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan presented a $7,500 donation to the Tate High School FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo. The money donated from the sheriff’s office comes from State Law Enforcement Trust Fund, which is money seized during drug arrests.
The 25th Annual Tate FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Equestrian Center. Tickets are are $8 in advance for adults, $3 for children, available at locations including Jimmy’s Grill in Molino Farm and Nursery Mart and Barnes Feed Store. Admission is $8 at the gate for adults, $5 for children. Children five and under are free.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
B’ham Beats The Wahoos
May 2, 2016
It appeared Pensacola would tie the game in the ninth with runners on second and third and one out.
However, Blue Wahoos second baseman Alex Blandino flew out to Birmingham left fielder Eudy Pina who threw a strike to catcher Jeremy Dowdy to get Pensacola’s Zach Vincej out at home for a game-ending double play. Vincej singled to start the ninth inning.
The Baron’s held on to win the game, 6-4, on the spectacular defensive play and clinched the five-game series, 3-1, at Regions Field.
The Barons went up, 6-2, in the seventh inning when DH Josh Richmond doubled to left field to score first baseman Nicky Delmonico.
However, Pensacola came right back in the eighth inning when right fielder Phillip Ervin hit a two-out, two-run home run to right center field to bring in Eric Jagielo and pull the Blue Wahoos within striking distance, 6-4.
Ervin was 1-4 on the day and hit his second homer in two days. He now leads Blue Wahoos with three on the year. Last season, he hit 14 home runs total between High-A Daytona Tortugas and Double-A Pensacola to lead all Cincinnati Reds minor leaguers.
Barons left-handed pitcher David Holmberg threw seven innings and gave up two earned runs on five hits and one walk, while striking out four. He won his first game this season and is 1-2.we
Birmingham improved to 10-14 on the year, while Pensacola fell to 13-11 on the year.
Meanwhile, Pensacola righty Nick Travieso pitched 4.1 innings, allowing five earned runs. He fell to 1-1 with a 4.50 earned-run average on the season. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out six.
Pensacola first baseman Brandon Dixon, who was 1-3, also homered to left field to lead off the seventh inning and pull the Blue Wahoos within, 5-2.
Pensacola left fielder Tony Renda went 2-4 with two doubles Sunday. His line drive double to right field in the first inning scored center fielder Beau Amaral to put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 1-0.
Barons catcher Jeremy Dowdy hit his second homer of the series when he hit a liner over the left field wall in the bottom of the third inning to tie the score, 1-1.
Birmingham scored two more runs after that when shortstop Eddy Alvarez singled to center field to score center fielder Adam Engel to put the Barons on top, 2-1. A passed ball allowed by Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson then allowed Alvarez to score, making it 3-1.
DH Josh Richmond hit a two-out single to left field in the fifth inning that drove in Engel and left fielder Eudy Pina, extending Birmingham’s lead to 5-1.
Driver Flips Vehicle Into Water-Filled Ditch
May 1, 2016
There were no injuries when a driver flipped his vehicle into a water-filled ditch sometime early Sunday morning near Davisville.
The vehicle was discovered by a passerby about 6 a.m. at the intersection of Nokomis Road and Meadows Road. The driver apparently failed to stop at the end of Meadows Road, crossed over Nokomis Road and flipped into the ditch. The vehicle was cold when first responders arrived; the accident had occurred overnight.
The driver reportedly went home without reporting the accident.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Greater Escambia Relay Raises Money For A Cure (With Gallery)
May 1, 2016
The annual Relay for Life of Greater Escambia was held Saturday the Pensacola Fairgrounds.
The event began with a special lap around the track for survivors and caregivers, and the evening included a Luminaria Ceremony to to remember people lost to cancer, to support people who are currently battling the disease, and to honor those who have won their battle.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
There were 44 registered teams that had raised just over $64,000 for the American Cancer Society before the event. The Relay for Life of Greater Escambia, formerly held at Tate High School, has raised well over a half million dollars for cancer research.
Pictured top: Relay teams in a game of musical chair. Pictured inset: Walking the track. Pictured below: The Greater Escambia Relay for Life at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
May 1, 2016
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. 29– Intermittent and alternating lane closures within the town of Century and from Champion Drive north continue.
- I-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements – Alternating lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) Sunday, May 1 through Thursday, May 5 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform resurfacing and shoulder work. The speed limit on I-10 will be reduced to 50 mph during this time.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Widening – Intermittent and alternating lane closures, between State Road (S.R.) 291 (Davis Highway/Exit 13) and U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and on Scenic Highway near Whisper Way from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, May 2 as work continues to widen these highways.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) –Eastbound lane restrictions on Cervantes Street between Palafox Street and 9th Avenue from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30 for a 5K race. Two-way traffic will be maintained. Eastbound traffic at intersection of Airport Boulevard and 12th Avenue may encounter minor delays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Motorists reminded to use caution in area.
- Bayfront Parkway (State Road (S.R.) 196) – Road closed both east and westbound from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 for a festival. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted detour route.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) and 9th Avenue- Westbound lane closure on Gregory Street, southbound turn lane on 9th Avenue, and the northbound turn lane on 9th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 3 as crews perform sanitary sewer inspections.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) –Westbound lane closure between 11th Avenue and 14th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 4 as crews perform sanitary sewer inspections.
- U.S. 98 (Chase Street) - Eastbound center lane closure between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 4 through Friday, May 5 as crews perform sanitary sewer inspection.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening – Alternating lane closures on I-10, between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 1 through Thursday, May 5 as work continues to widen this section of the interstate. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews perform bridge work.
- S.R. 399 over U.S. 98 – Overnight repairs to the S.R. 399 southbound overpass over U.S. 98 will be in place from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project. U.S. 98 will be reduced to one lane in each direction from Shoreline Drive to just east of S.R. 399 to allow westbound U.S. 98 traffic to be diverted to eastbound U.S. 98. Westbound U.S. 98 access to S.R. 399 will be closed. An on-site detour will direct traffic to turn left on Daniel Street, left on Shoreline Drive and then right on eastbound U.S. 98 to access S.R. 399 via the at grade on ramp.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
EREC Holds 77th Annual Meeting (With Gallery)
May 1, 2016
Escambia River Electric Cooperative members held their 77nd Annual Meeting Saturday at Northview High School.
Members enjoyed food and entertainment, vote for trustees and met in session.
In 1937, the first meeting was held to organize Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. at the Oak Grove Community House. By lamplight, several prominent community leaders laid out the blueprints for the formation and operation of EREC.
After Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which made loans available for the establishment of rural electric cooperatives, widespread rural electrification began. The formation of cooperatives in other parts of the country stimulated the interest of local leaders such as C. R. Walker, E. H. Lundy, J. L. Robbins and County Agent J. G. Hudson. They continued to move forward with their plans even though they were often met with opposition and skepticism.
On March 10, 1939, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. was born when the incorporators met at the American National Bank building in Pensacola to pass the bylaws, which would establish the cooperative and make their dream a reality. The cooperative’s first month of operation brought them 88 members. Since that time, the cooperative has grown to serve approximately 10,000 members in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with over 1,800 miles of energized line.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event.
Pictured top: Caleb Dennis performs at the Escambia River Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting at Northview High School. Pictured inset: The meeting included activities and goodies for the kids. Pictured below: Powersouth Energy Cooperative CEO Gary Smith explains how his $2 billion company provides electricity to EREC. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Olivia Britt, Bethany Reynolds Named EREC Scholarship Winners
May 1, 2016
Saturday, Escambia River Electric Cooperative awarded two $4,000 scholarships to local high school seniors. The Escambia County winner was Bethany Reynolds from Northview High School, and the Santa Rosa County winner was Olivia Britt from Jay High School.
This was EREC’s 19th year to offer the Herman D. Johnson Scholarship Awards to a graduating senior with a parent or guardian that is a member of the cooperative..
In the past, capital credits issued by EREC that were unclaimed had to be turned over to the state. But state legislation now allows such funds to be deposited into a qualified, educational charity fund. The EREC membership voted to use these funds in the form of scholarships.
Both students will receive $1,000 for each of four years provided they continue to meet the scholarship criteria.
Pictured top: EREC scholarship winner Olivia Britt from Jay High School. Pictured below: EREC scholarship winner Bethany Reynolds from Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Spring Livestock Show Results
May 1, 2016
The Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization’s annual Spring Livestock Show was held last weekend at the 4-H facility in Molino.
The show featured animal exhibits of swine, cattle, poultry, sheep, goats and more. Saturday’s show was the culmination of livestock projects by 4-H youth and FFA members, some lasting 100 days or longer, during which they raise their animals, monitor their health and nutrition, kept records and (in some classes) worked to obtain a buyer.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The results of the 2016 livestock show, by category, are:
Lightweight Swine:
- 1st place Amber Neal
- 2nd place Brady Rising
- 3rd place Nathan O’Neal
Middleweight Swine:
- 1st place Beulah Academy FFA Chapter
- 2nd place Jonathon Stier
- 3rd place Hannah Thorne
Heavyweight Swine:
- 1st place Bricen Iannone
- 2nd place Wesley Hardin
- 3rd place Kaley Lashley
Super Heavyweight Swine:
- 1st place Savannah Bradshaw
- 2nd place Wyatt Allen
- 3rd place Andrew Bosinger
Grand Champion Swine: Savannah Bradshaw
Reserve Champion Swine: Wyatt Allen
Showmanship (swine):
Senior:
- 1st place Erica Water
- 2nd place Allison Woodfin
- 3rd place Danielle Tinker
Intermediate:
- 1st place Jessica Conti
- 2nd place Chelsi Lashley
- 3rd place Kaley Lashley
Junior:
- 1st place Wyatt Allen
- 2nd place Savannah Bradshaw
- 3rd place Shelby Lashley
Lightweight Steers: 1st place Lane Booker
Middleweight Steers:
- 1st place Blake Worley
- 2nd place Ethan Cunningham
Heavyweight Steers:
- 1st place Haylee Weaver
- 2nd place Willow Foxworth
Grand Champion Market Steer: Lane Booker
Reserve Champion Market Steer: Willow Foxworth
Showmanship (steer):
Senior:
- 1st place Willow Foxworth
- 2nd place Haylee Weaver
- 3rd place Blake Worley
Intermediate:
- 1st place Lane Booker
- 2nd place Ethan Cunningham
Market Preview Steer 1st place, Grand Champion Preview Steer and Preview Steer Showmanship 1st place: Zachary Rutherford
Market Wether Goats, 9-12 months: 1st place Benjamin Roach
Grand Champion Market Wether Goats: Benjamin Roach
Meat Goat (Breeding), 0-6 months: 1st place Izzy Kent
Meat Goat (Breeding) over 6 months:
- 1st place Izzy Kent
- 2nd place Leah Rutherford
- 3rd place Reagan Roach
Grand Champion Meat Goat Breeding and Reserve Champion Meat Goat Breeding: Izzy Kent
Dairy Goat (Breeding), 0-6 months:
- 1st place Madison Fendley
- 2nd place Andrew Fendley
Dairy Goat (Breeding), over 6 months:
- 1st place Madison Fendley
- 2nd place Andrew Fendley
- 3rd place Dillon Conti
Grand Champion Dairy Goat Breeding: Madison Fendley
Reserve Champion Dairy Goat Breeding: Andrew Fendley
Showmanship (goats):
Senior: 1st place Dillon ContiIntermediate:
- 1st place Izzy Kent
- 2nd place Madison Fendley
- 3rd place Stewart Woodfin
Junior:
- 1st place Leah Rutherford
- 2nd place Andrew Fendley
- 3rd place Reagan Roach
Beef Breeding
Class I: Registered Angus: 1st place Tyler Simmons
Class II: Registered Angus:
- 1st place Tyler Simmons
- 2nd place Willow Foxworth
Grand Champion Registered Angus and Reserve Champion Registered Angus: Tyler Simmons
Registered Balancer: 1st place Izzy Kent
Grand Champion Registered Balancer: Izzy Kent
Registered Charolais:
- 1st place Izzy Kent
- 2nd place Zachary Rutherford
Registered Red Mott: 1st place Zachary Rutherford
Grand Champion Registered Red Mott: Zachary Rutherford
Registered Short Horn: 1st place Lane Booker
Grand Champion Registered Short Horn: Lane Booker
Grand Champion Registered: Izzy Kent
Reserve Champion Registered: Lane Booker
Commercial Class IX: 1st place Ethan Cunningham
Commercial Class X:
- 1st place Leah Rutherford
- 2nd place Zachary Stokes
- 3rd place Christian Feliberty
Commercial Class XI:
- 1st place Savana McGowin
- 2nd place Emily Dozier
- 3rd place Emma Stokes
Commercial Class XII:
- 1st place Colbie English
- 2nd place Travis Booker
- 3rd place Haylee Weaver
Grand Champion Commercial: Colbie English
Reserve Champion Commercial: Travis Booker
Grand Supreme Champion: Colbie English
Reserve Supreme Champion: Izzy Kent
Showmanship (beef breeding):
Senior:
- 1st place Zachary Rutherford
- 2nd place Savana McGowin
- 3rd place Zachary Stokes
Intermediate:
- 1st place Izzy Kent
- 2nd place Lane Booker
- 3rd place Jessica Conti
Junior:
- 1st place Leah Rutherford
- 2nd place Colbie English
Rabbits (Commercial California Class):
- 1st place Audrey Goetter
- 2nd place Stewart Woodfin
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Of Elementary Students Shine At Sunshine Math Competition
May 1, 2016
Hundreds of third, fourth and fifth graders from across Escambia County took part in the Sunshine Math competition Saturday morning at Washington High School. There were 57 teams in the Escambia County Council of Teachers of Mathematics competition. Complete results were not immediately available.
Pictured top: A Molino Park Elementary School fourth grade Sunshine Math team hard at work Saturday morning. Pictured below: Top award winners and hundreds of students took part in the annual event. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
