Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
May 28, 2024
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:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle will be closed at the bridge over Eight Mile Creek starting the week of Sunday, May 26 as crews replace the Eight Mile Creek bridge. Traffic will be detoured to Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road. Signage will be in place to direct drivers around the work zone. The detour will be in place through mid-2025.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30 as crews place barrier wall.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform median work:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until early 2025.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until mid-2024.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving operations:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway, Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving and striping operations. Traffic flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Westbound over Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge, Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for crews to install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, May 31 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, May 27 through Thursday, May 30 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
- 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 Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Gas Prices Up A Few Cents Over Past Week
May 28, 2024
Florida gas prices were up a bit into the Memorial Day weekend. By Monday night, the average was at $3.51 per gallon, up from $3.45 a week ago.
Florida gas prices averaged $3.41 per gallon on Memorial Day 2023. This year, nearly 2.3 million Floridians were forecast to take a road trip for Memorial Day weekend.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.27, up from $3.24 a week ago.
A low of $2.99 could be found Monday in Pensacola at the warehouse clubs. In North Escambia, a low of $3.18 was available at a station on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Photos, List: Northview High Senior Awards
May 28, 2024
Just before the end of the school year, Northview High School presented the following senior honors and scholarships.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- Hamilton, Kaylee
- Mills, Caden Thomas
- Kennedy, Kallista Grace
- Ferguson, Brandon Lee
- Jay, KayLeigh Anne
- Gaskey, Skielah Marie
- Hooks, Ja’Niya I’Yonna
- Decker, Gloria Elizabeth
- Wilson, Ava McKenzie
- Leatherberry, Darrin Thomas
- Smith, Mandell Levan
- Wright, Joe
- Irby, Amber Lorraine
- Morris, Chloe Layne
- Thomas, Isaiah Jamar
- Peterson, Caden Luke
- Long, Sarah Kate
Magna Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- McElhannon, Chance Avery
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Abbott, Rabekah Danielle
- Bush, Olivia Peyton
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
- Helton, Joshlynn Diane
Summa Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Glick, Kaylie Brooke
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Dawson, Riley Elizabeth
- Dortch, Carsyn Laine
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabriel
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Parker, Heath Samuel
- Ragsdale, Chloe Adele
- Doyle, Emma Lynn
- Lytton, Brooke Cay
- Beach, Doria Renee
- Minchew, Austin Allen
- Gibson, Raleigh Sienna
- Edwards, Mayson Claire
- Mason, Leila Ann
- Coker, Kinslee Abigail
- Alvare, Kendall Anne
- St Louis, Julius Christian
- Golson, Makayla Jane
- Criswell, Chloe Faith
- Scruggs, Wyatt Alexander
- Spence, Jacob Andrew
- Williams, Skyler Marie
Northview’s 2024 Valedictorian:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
Northview’s 2024 Salutatorian:
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
District Academic Awards:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine: Top 5
- Godwin, Maggie Rose: Top 5
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler: Top 5
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn: Top 5
- Gurganus, Ava Kate: Top 5
- Scruggs, Wyatt: Career & Technical
- Beach, Doria: English
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabriel: Foreign Language
- Doyle, Emma Lynn: Mathematics
- Irby, Amber: Science
- Smith, Mandell: Social Studies
District MIRA Awards:
- Ferguson, Brandon: Instrumental Music
- Pullen, Jordan: Band
- Criswell, Chloe: Digital & Physical Design
- Scruggs, Wyatt: Photography
- Bailey, Sarah: Yearbook
- Riggs, Tyler: Debate
- Findley, Ar’mya: Culinary Art
- Gibson, Raleigh: Chocolatier Mastery & Cake Decorating
- Hooks, Ja’Niya: Culinary Management
- Dortch, Carsyn: Chocolate Sculpting
Beta Club:
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Dawson, Riley
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Edwards, Mayson
- Gibson, Raleigh
- Glick, Kaylie Brooke
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabroel
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
University of West Florida:
- Ferguson, Brandon
- Beach, Doria
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
Coastal Alabama:
- Alvare, Kendall Anne: Golf Scholarship
- Hooks, Ja’Niya I’Yonna: Principal’s Scholarship
- Dawson, Riley Elizabeth: Golf Scholarship
- Criswell, Chloe: Cross Country
Twisted Motorcycle Club Pensacola
- Ava Gurganus
Twisted Motorcycle Club Pensacola
EREC’s Herman D. Scholarship
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
EREC Trade/Vocational Scholarship:
- Mason, Leila Ann
Take Stock in Children:
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
PHP Realty:
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
Atmore Community Hospital:
- Mason, Leila Ann
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Beasley, Kendal Brooke
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Hall, Berklee Savanna
Lil Angels Development Center:
- Kelly, Devin
Daniel’s Mission Scholarship:
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Hall, Berklee Savanna
Kara Santorelli Memorial Scholarship:
- Criswell, Chloe Faith
Jim/Jumi Ross Memorial Scholarship:
- St Louis, Julius Christian
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
FFA Awards:
- Franklin, Jayden
- Pugh, Cody
- Riggs, Tyler
- Williams, Skyler
- Judson Lee
Bright Futures FAS:
- Raegan Abbott
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Parker, Heath Samuel
Bright Futures FMS:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Dortch, Carsyn Laine
- Ferguson, Brandon Lee
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
Bright Futures GSV:
- Dawson, Riley
Bright Futures CAPE:
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Long, Sarah Kate
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
- Smith, Mandell Levan
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
AA Degrees from PSC:
- Abbott, Raegan
- Bailey, Sarah
- Dawson, Riley
- Godwin, Maggie
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Hetrick, Leah
Poarch Creek Scholarships:
- Helton, Joshlynn Diane
- Morris, Chloe Layne
- Gibson, Raleigh Sienna
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award:
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
National Society of High School Scholars:
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Kennedy, Kallista
- Doyle, Emma Lynn
- Hixon, Saniyah
Barrineau Park Historical Society, Linda Minchew Memorial Scholarship:
- Berklee Hall
Advance Auto Parts and the Institute of International Education–2024-25 OTS Founder’s Scholarship:
- Tyler Riggs
Nova Southern University:
- Jaquez Moorer
Millsaps College, Presidential Scholarship:
Makayla Golson
University of Alabama
Mississippi State University
University of South Alabama:
- Raegan Abbott
Pensacola Charitable Foundation
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Flagler College
Harriet Wilkes Honors College
University of West Florida
University of Alabama
University of South Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Florida
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Mississippi:
- Ava Gurganus
LA Department:
- Williams, Skyler HAA: English 4
- Criswell, Chloe HAA: English 4 Honors
- Smith, Mandell Exemplary: English 4
- Kennedy, Kalista Exemplary: English 4 Honors
Math Department:
- Beasley, Kendal HHA: Math for College Algebra
- Long, Sarah Exemplary: Math for College Algebra
- Stallworth, Shakira Exemplary: ACT/SAT Pre
Science Department:
- Lytton, Brooke Cay: Exemplary: Anatomy and Physiology Honors
Social Studies Department:
- Smith, Mandell Exemplary: Economics
- Gibson, Raleigh Exemplary: Economics Honors
- Shabazz, Dequan Exemplary: US Government
- Parker, Heath Exemplary: US Government Honors
- Hooks, Ja’Nya HHA: Economics
- Criswell, Chloe HHA: Economics Honors
- Parker, Jackson (Mac) HHA: US Government
- Scruggs, Wyatt HHA: US Government Honors
ROTC:
- Neal, Allison Exemplary: Naval Science 4
- Parker, Jackson Jonny-Mac HHA: Naval Science 4
ROTC Cords:
- Holmes, Trystan Joan
- Long, Sarah
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
- Seelig, Kaleb James
- St Louis, Julius Christian
Band:
- Holmes, Trystan Exemplary: Eurhythmics
- Decker, Nathaniel Exemplary: Instrumental Techniques
- Abbott, Rabekah HHA: Music Technology & Sound Engineering
Yearbook:
- Bailey, Sarah HAA: Journalism 5 Honors
Ag:
- Riggs, Tyler Exemplary: Ag Directed Studies
- Bossard, Destiny HHA: Ag Directed Studies
- Edwards, Mayson HHA: Agritechnology 2
Ag Program Completer:
- Andrews, Hunter
- Bingham, Ethan
- Bodiford, Jarrett
- Bossard, Destiny
- Decker, Gloria
- Edwards, Mayson
- Leatherberry, Tommy
- Lee, Judson
- Mason, Leila
- Pedicord, Evin
- Peterson, Caden
- Pugh, Cody
- Riggs, Tyler
- Shabazz, Dequan
- Smith, Aydan
- Williams, Skyler
- Wilson, Ava
Building Construction Program Completer:
- Andrews, Hunter Layne Program Completer: Building Construction
- Beach, Doria Renee Program Completer: Building Construction
- Beasley, Kendal Brooke Program Completer: Building Construction
- Mills, Caden Thomas Program Completer: Building Construction
- Wright, Joe Program Completer: Building Construction
Culinary:
- Findley, ArMya Exemplary: Culinary 4
- Wright, Joe HHA: Culinary 3
- Dortch, Carsyn HHA: Culinary 4
Culinary Program Completer:
- Bailey, Sarah
- Courtney, Areonna
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Findley, Ar’Mya
- Gibson, Raleigh
- Godwin, Maggie
- Gurganus, Ava
- Hall, Berklee
- Hixon, Saniyah
- Hooks, Ja’Niya
- Lambert, Quinton
- Moorer, Jaquez
- Mumaw, Flora
- Neal, Allison
- Parker, Heath
- Smith, Mandell
- Thomas, Isaiah
- Wiley, Bailee
- Wright, Joe
Graphic Arts:
- Alvare, Kendall Exemplary: Digital Design 1
- Spence, Jacob Exemplary: Digital Design 2
- Gibson, Raleigh HHA: Digital Design 1
- Scruggs, Wyatt HHA: Digital Media Production
- Jones, Allyson HHA: Career Tech Principle
Graphic Arts Program Completer:
- Abbott, Rabekah
- Criswell, Chloe
- Dawson, Deandre
- Dawson, Riley
- Long, Sarah
- McElhannon, Chance
- Minchew, Austin
- Scruggs, Wyat
Principal’s Award:
- Riggs, Tyler
- Moorer, Jaquez
- Beasley, Kendal
Photos by Mary Catherine Hughes and Colton Criswell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrancas National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance Ceremony Held Monday
May 28, 2024
A Barrancas National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance Ceremony was held Monday on Naval Air Station Pensacola.
There are more than 50,000 individuals interred at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of the month of May, for honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces
U.S. Navy Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Pickup On Pine Forest Road
May 27, 2024
A pedestrian was struck and killed on Pine Forest Road late Sunday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the pedestrian, a 21-year-old Pensacola woman, walked into the path of a Ford pickup truck on Pine Forest Road near Interstate Circle at 11:42 p.m.
The pickup, driven by an 82-year-old Cantonment man, was traveling south when the woman entered the travel lane and crossed the path of the truck. She was pronounced deceased after being hit by the truck.
The driver of the truck was not injured.
FHP has not released any names.
Graffiti Bridge Painted In Memory Of Tate Student Bradley Ellertson, 17
May 27, 2024
The Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola was painted Sunday in memory of Bradley Ellertson, a 17-year old Tate High School student who died January 26, 2024, when a semi-truck collided with a Kia Soul at the intersection of County Road 196 and Highway 29 in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of the Kia Soul, a 16-year old female from Pensacola, was traveling eastbound on Highway 196 when she stopped at the stop sign at Highway 29 but failed to yield to an oncoming semi-truck. The driver and a 16-year old passenger from Gulf Breeze were seriously injured.
Ellertson was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Bradley attended Tate as freshman, went to high school in Arizona as a sophomore while living with family in Mesa and returned to Tate for the 2023-24 school year. He played football for the Tate Aggies during his freshman year,, and played his sophomore year in Arizona.
Sunday, friends, and family members joined local artist Rod Leisure is painting The Graffiti Bridge.
“Live Like Bradley”, the artwork stated.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
‘Biggest Thing We Need Right Now Is Jesus’ – Cantonment Community Revival Next Week At Carver Park
May 27, 2024
“The biggest thing we need right now is Jesus. He is the fixer.”
That’s what Josh Womack said as he described the Cantonment Community Revival is planned for June 3-8 at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Womack, Cantonment resident and member of the Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC), worked with the North Escambia Fellowship of Churches and Pastor Andy Perry of Gonzalez Methodist Church to organize the event the revival.
“Sunday is the most segregated day of the week,” Womack said, “I met with Pastor Perry, and we worked to see we could get the churches together. We have eight so far.”
“We always wait until something bad happens and the first thing you see is the ministers and politicians come out. We are not being proactive; we are being reactive.”
After 12 years with CIC, the biggest thing Womack sees as missing in Cantonment is Jesus and church backing.
“We need out politicians and leaders, but to go ahead we need Jesus’ love at the forefront,” he said.
The Cantonment Community Revival will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Carver Park on Webb Street:
- Monday, June 3: Pastor Anthony Perry, Gonzalez Methodist Church
- Tuesday, June 4: Rev. Leon Bell, Associate Pastor Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment
- Wednesday, June 5: Pastor Gene McCants, Providence Baptist Church
- Thursday, June 6: Brother Vincent Wilson, Deliverance Tabernacle
- Friday, June 7: Pastor Robert Gross, Back to the Cross Christian Center
- Saturday, June 9: A Family and Friends Fellowship Day will wrap up the week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m..
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
May 27, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for April. They are (L-R) McKenzie Norton, Payton Coon, and Allie Penton. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 97 Driver Injured After Hitting Tree Downed During Storms Two Weeks Ago
May 27, 2024
One person was injured when she crashed into a downed tree on the side of Highway 97 south of Tungoil Road, between Molino and Walnut Hill Sunday morning.
The woman apparently lost control of her vehicle ran off the roadway for an unknown reason and collided with a pine tree that had been down on the side of the road since storms two weeks ago.
The driver was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bender Appointed To Judicial Nominating Commission
May 27, 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Amy Bender, wife of Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender, to the First Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC).
Bender, of Pensacola, is senior counsel and assistant general counsel at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctorate from the University of Georgia
Bender was appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.
There are 28 separate JNCs: one for the Florida Supreme Court; six for each of the district courts of appeal; 24 for each circuit court and the county courts contained in that circuit; and one Statewide Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims. The JNCs are required to operate in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Procedure applicable to each level of JNC. JNC members serve four-year terms, except when an appointment is made to fill a vacant, unexpired term. A JNC member may hold public office other than judicial office.