These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
September 16, 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 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.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Sept. 15:
-
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 and on Palafox Street near the I-10 overpass between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- 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 will open Monday, Sept. 16. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction– Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary detour.
- 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 the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Brent Lane and West Scott Street, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to County Road (C.R.) 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 20 as crews install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- 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, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
- 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, Sept. 15, through Friday, Sept. 20, 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.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Highway 29 Southbound To I-10 Detour Scheduled To Start Today
September 16, 2024
UPDATE: Readers tell us this detour did not start Monday as announced by FDOT. We’ve reached out to FDOT for more information and a new schedule.
On Monday, September 16, drivers from Highway 29 southbound will be detoured to a temporary on-ramp to access I-10 eastbound. The temporary on-ramp will allow crews to reconstruct the interchange, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT reminds drivers that the Highway 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is also closed. Highway 29 northbound drivers will continue north and make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound. Directional signage is in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
The $236 million project to construct all-new I-10 travel lanes and about a dozen bridges is expected to be complete by 2030. FDOT said 62,000 commuters travel through the corridor daily.
This detour was schedule from begin September 9, but was delayed by weather.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Click graphic to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices are the Lowest Since January
September 16, 2024
Florida gas prices continue their downward march in response to falling oil prices. according to AAA. On Sunday, Florida’s average price was $3.11 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since January 23, 2024. The lowest state average price of 2024 was $2.988 on January 22.
“It has been 237 days since Florida gas prices were below $3 a gallon, but that streak could come to an end soon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices suffered big losses in recent weeks, due to global economic concerns and the belief that global fuel supplies could begin to outpace demand. This could enable the state average to fall below $3 a gallon before October.”
More than a quarter of Florida gas stations already have pump prices below $3 a gallon. The lowest 10% of unleaded gasoline prices averaged $2.82 per gallon. The highest 10% of regular unleaded gas prices averaged $3.47 per gallon.
In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $2.84. A low of $2.59 was available Sunday night in North Escambia at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Pensacola prices were as low as $2.58 at stations on Mobile Highway and Kenmore Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Man Charged With Shooting His Brother In The Quintette Community
September 15, 2024
A Cantonment man was arrested on Saturday afternoon for allegedly shooting his brother in the Quintette Community.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Horace Brown Jr. claimed he shot his brother to intervene in an altercation where the brother was allegedly hitting their mother.
The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, was transported to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition following the incident reported around 1:50 p.m. in the 2800 block of Highway 95, just north of Quinette Road.
Brown Jr. faces charges of attempted homicide and violating a domestic violence injunction by possessing a firearm or ammunition. He is currently being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Alcohol At The Pipes, Fishing Violations
September 15, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Master Officer Hahr was patrolling at the Pipes Recreation Area in Perdido River Wildlife Management Area when he observed subjects in possession of alcoholic beverages. While attempting to identify them, one subject provided a name and date of birth that turned out to be her sister. A record check on her real name showed a warrant for failure to appear. She was arrested on the warrant and charged with giving a false name to a law enforcement officer.
Master Officer Hahr was patrolling the Wilson Robertson boat ramp when he encountered a subject with an outstanding felony warrant for larceny. The subject was arrested and taken to Escambia County Jail.
The FWC received information of a possible derelict vessel located in the Santa Rosa Sound. Officer Wilkenson located the vessel, which was grounded near residence properties on Pensacola Beach. The owner was located and cited for the violation.
Investigator J. Pifer was on patrol when he observed a vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico with several individuals and fishing gear on board. Upon conducting a resource inspection, Investigator Pifer located an undersized red snapper and an undersized scamp grouper on board the vessel. The owner/operator of the vessel was issued a citation for harvesting/possession of undersized red snapper and a warning for undersized scamp grouper.
Investigator J. Pifer was on patrol when he observed a charter fishing vessel in Pensacola Bay with several individuals and fishing gear on board. During a resource inspection, six undersized red snapper were located on board. A check of the charter captain’s history with the FWC revealed he had been cited multiple times this year for fishing violations. The captain was issued a citation for harvesting/possession of undersized red snapper.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis responded a complaint from the Florida Forest Service about a subject camping at a primitive campsite in Blackwater River State Forest for more than the allowable 14 consecutive nights in a 30-day period. Officer Lewis and Officer Roberson located the subject and subsequently cited the subject for the camping violation and for littering.
Officer Wilkenson conducted a compliance check of an authorized gopher tortoise agent who was relocating gopher tortoises off private property, pursuant to a permit issued by the FWC. Upon inspection of the site and contact with the agent, several permit violations were discovered. The agent was cited for the violations.
Officer Lewis was on patrol in Blackwater River State Park when he observed a vehicle speeding in the park. Officer Lewis motioned for the driver to slow the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle slowed the vehicle then came to a stop to ask the officer a question. While the officer was answering the driver’s question, he observed the vehicle’s tag had been expired for about two years. A computer check for the tag and driver showed the subject’s driver license was suspended, there was a seize tag and seize order for the vehicle. The officer issued the driver citations for the traffic violations, seized the vehicle’s tag, and impounded the vehicle.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
The Tent Is Up In Cantonment. But When Will The Pumpkins Arrive?
September 15, 2024
The tent went up Saturday on Highway 29 in Cantonment. But when will the pumpkins arrive?
The Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch is a longstanding North Escambia fall tradition with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale each year.
If all goes as planned, the pumpkins are expected to arrive on Thursday, September 26, with sales starting the following day on Friday, September 27.
We’ll update you when the pumpkin patch is open.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dustin Burdette Crowned Tate Homecoming King (With Gallery)
September 15, 2024
Dustin Burdette was crowned the 2024 Tate High School King Saturday night at the school’s homecoming dance.
Dustin has a 3.8 GPA at Tate. He loves to be involved at the student section at Aggie games, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Friday night, Tate High School crowned Homecoming Queen Hailey Locke. First runner-up to the queen was Faith Etheridge, and second runner-up was Blakely Campbell.
Candidates for Tate Homecoming King are presented were presented during Friday night’s festivities, with the selection named at the Saturday night dance.
For more photos, click here.
Pictured: Tate High School Homecoming Queen Hailey Locke with Homecoming King Dusting Burdette at Saturday night’s homecoming dance. NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Early Morning Cantonment Fire Destroys Shed
September 15, 2024
An early morning fire destroyed a shed in Cantonment.
The fire was reported just before 3 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Calloway Street, north of Lincoln Street. Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived to find the approximately 10 x 10 shed fully engulfed in fire.
Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.
There were no injuries reported, and no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services Thursday In Century, Walnut Hill Soon
September 15, 2024
Mark your calendar…driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century this week and later this month in Walnut Hill.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, September 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Walnut Hill Community Center on Tuesday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
The Walnut Hill Community Center, also known as the “Ruritan Building”, is at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the fire department. The Billy G. Courthouse is at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center on June 11. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos’ Palacios Sets Franchise Win Record In Saturday Win
September 15, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
In both experience and performance, the Blue Wahoos made their final Saturday night of the season a memorable one.
With another capacity crowd riveted to the final out, closer Dale Stanavich delivered an emphatic save – stranding runners on first and third with none out – to preserve the Blue Wahoos’ 4-3 victory against the Montgomery Biscuits.
It was Pensacola’s first Saturday win at Blue Wahoos Stadium in three months, going all the way back to June 22.
That in itself made the post-game fireworks, a grand finale of displays this season, contain a bit more pop and sparkle.
But there is much more.
The crowd of 5,038 was the 26th sellout in 2024, the most since 2016. The win enabled the Blue Wahoos (70-65) to reach a coveted 70-win total as a consolation achievement despite missing the playoffs.
All of this in a game where Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios, aided by a two-run rally by teammates in the fifth inning, picked up his 10th win and set the franchise record for career wins (20).
Palacios, 24, a Venezuela native who earned his high school equivalency degree this year in Pensacola, passed former Major League pitcher Daniel Wright, who attained 19 wins as a Cincinnati Reds prospect when pitching three seasons (2015-16 and 2018) for the Blue Wahoos.
There was also another emotional “Home Run For Life” from sponsor Ascension Sacred Heart with a woman, who survived an auto accident in 2021 that claimed her daughter’s life, then had to overcome massive injuries, ran the bases with her smiling young granddaughter as the crowd roared.
Yes, it was this kind of night.
Stanavich reacted with emotion himself, pounding his glove and hugging catcher Joe Mack after getting a ground out to end the game, earn his fifth save and deliver a rare Saturday home win for this team.
The game began with a bang for the Blue Wahoos. Nathan Martorella homered for the second consecutive night, this time as the second batter in the bottom of the first, to provide the game’s first run.
It became 2-0 when Shane Sasaki homered in the third inning.
The Biscuits rallied for three runs in the fifth off Palacios, highlighted by a two-run triple from Jalen Battles. Palacios ended the inning without further damage and it proved pivotal.
The Blue Wahoos answered right back, something they had often been unable to do in the final portion of the season. Johnny Olmstead led off the bottom of the fifth with a single and went to third on Sasaki’s double. Olmstead scored on a ground out to tie the game.
With one out, Andrew Pintar singled to right field and Sasaki beat the throw home, which eluded catcher Dominic Keegan for the go-ahead run.
From that point, both teams’ bullpens took over. The Blue Wahoos trio of Matt Pushard, Justin King and Stanavich combined to throw four scoreless innings, allow just three hits and combine for nine strikeouts and no walks.
In the eventful ninth, Stanavich allowed a double and single to start the inning. He then struck out Dru Baker with a wicked breaking pitch. He struck out Mason Auer with a 97 mph fastball and got Willy Vasquez to ground out to third.
It became quite a way to end the final Saturday home game this season.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Final Game Of 2024 Season
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium