Donation Brings Pumpkin Patch Fun to Century Camp Fire Students (With Gallery)
October 28, 2024
The children at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch Friday.
Camp Fire was unable to transport the children to a pumpkin patch, so the pumpkin patch came to them.
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 5 board member Kevin Stephens made personal donation for the pumpkins, which were purchased from the Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch in Cantonment in order to benefit that group as well.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
October 28, 2024
Ransom Middle School has named their September Students of the Month. They are seventh graders Madison McCrary and Josh Samayoa. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alerts: What To Expect This Week
October 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:
- U.S. 98 Road Closure for Pensacola Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk – Motorists will encounter a temporary road closure on Bayfront Parkway from 9th Avenue to Jefferson Street Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Pensacola making strides against breast cancer walk.
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Michigan Avenue) Construction from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 27, drivers may encounter outside lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Scenic Highway, between south of I-10 and south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 31, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform drainage improvements. During the closures, traffic will be reduced to one lane with traffic flaggers directing drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions, Monday, Oct. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 31, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., while crews perform concrete work at the following locations:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
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- Gregory Square westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 27, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- 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 may encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, Oct. 28, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required 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 the week of Sunday, Oct. 27:
- 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.
- Traffic on North Palafox Street may be slowed near Hope Drive, Monday Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Oct. 29 at approximately 10 p.m. as crews relocate large construction equipment.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers will encounter a lane shift 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 late 2024. The speed limit is reduced to 25 mph, and signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
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, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and 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.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
NAS Pensacola Closed To Public October 31
October 28, 2024
Pensacola Naval Air Station is closed to the public October 31 as the installation prepares for the 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow.
Department of Defense (DoD) identification holders may enter through both the Main Gate and the West Gate.
The 2024 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show with the Air Force Thunderbirds will be November 1-2. Later this week, NorthEscambia.com will have complete coverage, previews and all the information you need to know.
Average Florida Gas Price Increases Slightly
October 28, 2024
Florida gas prices inched up again last week. The average price per gallon in the state Sunday was $3.15, up six cents from a week ago, according to AAA.
In Escambia County, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.82, a decrease from $2.88 last week.
In North Escambia, a low of $2.69 was available on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Sunday. In Pensacola, prices booned at $2.63 at a station on East Nine Mile Road.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Motorcycle Club Ceremony In Century Honors Those Killed In Action And Missing
October 27, 2024
A veterans’ motorcycle club honored held a small ceremony Saturday morning in Century to honor those missing in action and that have given their lives for this county.
The Viet Nam & Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club meets once a month to honor the veterans, usually at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Pensacola.
A veterans wall of honor was dedicated in Century on July 2, 2008 at the then Roadside Park, now known as Nadine McCaw Park, on North Century Boulevard at Hecker Road.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“This month we decided to visit the smaller, less-known memorial in Century, to bring honor to those Northern Escambia veterans,” member Kris Fleming said.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, a half dozen members of the motorcycle club highlighted two local soldiers that were killed in action at age 19:
Marine LCpl. Travis Nelson of Bratt was killed in action on August 18, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan. Nelson left behind a note — “Dear friends & family, If your reading this it seems I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you and I want you to know I have no regrets. I died doing something meaningful.”
Army Sgt. James Larry Ward of Cantonment was killed in action in Vietnam on February 7, 1969. “James Ward gave his all for his country. He was in my platoon in Vietnam and I remember vividly the circumstances of his death. He was a fine soldier and good friend. He was doing his job when he was killed. He was walking point on a SRP no more than 150 feet from hill that we were camped on. He and three others walked into an ambush by VC. I can still hear the firefight. What can you say when a good friend walks into that kind of situation? I think of him daily and will always keep his memory alive. After 32 years, I still remember him as if it was yesterday. Rest in peace, honorable warrior.” – from The Virtual Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Spooky Walk At The Molino Library
October 27, 2024
The Molino Branch Library hosted a Spooky Walk Saturday afternoon with silly, spooky games and activities around the walking track behind the library.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Observes Reb Ribbon Week
October 27, 2024
Tate High School is observing Red Ribbon Week and Bullying Prevention Month through Thursday. Each day, students are encouraged to participate in themed dress-up days that promote healthy lifestyles.
As part of the celebration, students are pledging to commit to health and wellness by signing a banner during lunch, which will be displayed at an upcoming football game. In addition, teachers are recognizing acts of kindness by distributing “Caught Being Kind” cards to students who demonstrate compassion and support toward their peers.
Students have adorned the campus with vibrant red ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to making positive choices and standing against bullying. The school said this week serves as a reminder for the entire school community to foster a culture of health, kindness, and respect.
Upcoming theme days are:
- Monday — Lei Off Drugs – Hawaiian Nice words are free. Compliment 5 people today.
- Tuesday — Be Smart Don’t Start-Nerd Day Make a new friend! Introduce yourself and say hello
- Wednesday — Team Up Against Drugs – Sports Teams-Write a “Thank you” note to someone.
- Thursday — Team Up Against Drugs – Sports Teams-Write a “Thank you” note to someone.
Pictured: Tate Leadership Clubs (Student Council, Senior Executive Board, and Junior Advisory Board) create a Red Ribbon. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No. 23 UWF Takes Down Shorter for Fourth Straight Win
October 27, 2024
A fast start for UWF’s football team on Saturday became solid enough.
The No. 23-ranked Argos scored three touchdowns in the first 14 minutes and went on to a 35-16 victory against the Shorter Hawks at PenAir Field, enabling UWF to sweep October with four consecutive wins.
“Obviously excited about a good win and to get another W in the column,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles. “There’s so many things to the outside eye that we’re focusing on to try and clean up and get better at.
“We got to celebrate the wins. I thought we played well on offense in the first half. We’ve got to finish better in the red zone (inside opponent’s 20-yard line) and we’ve got to improve and keep trying to find the best way to keep going in the red zone. I thought we played very well on defense.”
The Argos missed chances to extend the lead in the second quarter, including a 15-play drive that ended with UWF missing on eight plays inside the 10 to score a touchdown. Twice, Shorter was flagged for penalties that provided more chances.
UWF scored early in the third quarter, then added a final touchdown with 1:52 remaining.
“If we can figure out ways to score in the red zone on a couple of those drives in the second quarter, I think it changes things and gives a better feeling,” Nobles said. “We got to score and make the most of an opportunity when we get into the red zone.”
It’s something the Argos (5-2) plan to make a focal point as they head into the final three games of the season that will determine a post-season chance. Up next is a first-time trip next Saturday to Erskine College (1-5) in South Carolina for a game that will also count in the Gulf South Conference standings.
“It’s one guy on every play not doing his job and it affects the rest of the play,” Nobles said. “And so, when you get down near the goal line, everything is under a microscope, every block is important. If you’re not going to run the quarterback, you have a free guy (on defense) somewhere that the running back has to run through. It is small things that are definitely fixable if our guys will commit to understand they have to trust their teammates and do their job and not try to overthink things.”
UWF’s defense allowed just a field goal in the first half and yielded just 12 first downs. The group was led by junior Ja’Kobe Clinton with nine tackles, four of which were tackles for a loss, along with an interception later in the fourth quarter.
Clinton, a Sanford native, who transferred from Valdosta State after he joined the team last winter. He credits UWF defensive coordinator Kavell Conner with taking his game to a higher level.
“Coach Conner always tells us that we have to practice with urgency,” Clinton said. “I try to implement that every day in my mind. We play together as a collective unit and we when we step out on that field, we feel nobody can touch us. Every time we step on that field we just have to attack, attack.”
That’s what he did throughout Saturday’s game, along with Walker Robinson and Tyrence Crutcher, who had five tackles apiece. They were among 11 members of UWF’s defense that had multiple tackles.
Nobles’ concern, however, was UWF’s defense was on the field for 64 plays. He wants that number reduced in November with the Argos in the hunt for a GSC championship.
“I thought they did a phenomenal job,” Nobles said. “But you start getting out there for 65-70 plays, you’re eventually going to get tired. We had a couple guys banged up. Ralph Ortiz (second leading tackler) didn’t play. Traevon Mitchell (third leading tackler) didn’t play. Those two are two of the top guys in the country.”
Offensively, quarterback Marcus Stokes had another quality game, completing 20 of 33 passes for 271 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception.
Stokes threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jake Robinette in the first quarter, then hit Mikaiah Stephenson on a 43-yard score in the third quarter and finished the UWF scoring with a 29-yard catch-and-run by Jay Sharp in the fourth quarter.
TJ Lane was UWF’s top rusher with 75 yards.
Both Nobles and players credited the hot October streak to changing up things in practice as well as other preparation type of elements.
“I’m proud of how they have responded,” Nobles said. “There are certainly a lot of points and plays left out there that we could make moving forward.”
“Our backs were against the wall,” said Clinton, referring to the 1-2 start on the sesaon. “We had to come out swinging.”
The Argos have one final home game on Nov. 9 against North Greenville (4-3, 3-1) which won in four overtimes Saturday against Delta State – the team UWF last beat at home and then had the Statesmen knock off previously unbeaten West Alabama last week.
“We just try to come in every day and be 100 percent better,” Clinton said. “We’re not worried about the record, we’re not worried who we’re playing. All we are worried about is the Argos and what the Argos have to be and come out ready to play.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: UWF Argos vs. Erskine Flying Fleet
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. (Central Time)
WHERE: J.W. Babb Stadium, Greenwood, South Carolina
Photo: Emily Miller/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Sets Special Meeting, Cancels Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 2024
The Century Town Council has set a special meeting and a CRA meeting for this week, and canceled their first meeting of November.
A special meeting is set for Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. In a public notice, no reason for the meeting was specified. That meeting will be followed by a CRA Board meeting at 6:45 p.m.
The council sits as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board. The CRA area is 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
The town previously declared a portion of Century as “blighted” as part of the process to form the CRA.
A town council meeting that was set for Monday, November 4 has been canceled.
The council normally meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
The town had their first meeting for November set for November 5, but that is election day, and they won’t have access to use their council chambers. The meeting was first rescheduled for November 6, but council members voted recently to move it to November 4, which is now canceled and not yet rescheduled.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.