Ice Flyers To Host Round One SPHL Playoff Game Wednesday
April 9, 2024
The Pensacola Ice Flyers will host round one game one of the SPHL Playoffs.
The game, which is slated against the Peoria Rivermen, will take place on Wednesday, at 7:05 p.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center.
In what promises to be an electrifying matchup, the Ice Flyers are calling on fans to create a sea of white in the stands for a “white out” game.
Tickets are available for purchase online on Ticketmaster or in-person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.
FHP: Woman Fired Rifle At Vehicles During I-10 Eclipse Shooting Spree
April 8, 2024
Monday afternoon, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a report of an active shooter on I-10 in Holmes County. The suspect was reportedly a female who had recently checked out of a local hotel and told the staff she was going on a shooting spree, directed by “God” in relation to the solar eclipse.
The suspect, driving a purple Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates, entered Interstate 10 (I-10) at the 112-mile marker and traveled westbound.
Within five miles of entering the interstate, the suspect fired multiple shots into another vehicle traveling along the interstate, striking the passing car multiple times. FHP said.
The driver was struck by glass fragments from the window and grazed on the arm by a bullet; however, he was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, away from the suspect.
Continuing westbound on I-10, the suspect shot at another vehicle near the 107- mile marker, hitting the driver in the neck. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and was receiving treatment.
Responding Troopers located the suspect near the 96- mile marker and conducted a felony traffic stop. After the suspect was taken into custody, troopers recovered an AR-15 and a 9mm handgun within the purple Challenger.
The suspect, identified as Taylon Nichelle Celestine, 22, of Georgia, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Holmes County Jail where she was booked for attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of firearm
Te Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence (BCII) is conducting the investigation, which is ongoing. Further details will be released when available.
Photos: North Escambia Area Eclipse
April 8, 2024
It was all about location as Monday afternoon’s eclipse was eclipsed by clouds over much of the North Escambia area.
For a NorthEscambai.com reader photos gallery, click here.
Residents in the southern part of the county had a better look at the celestial show, which reached its peak at 1:55 p.m. with coverage ranging from 76.6% in downtown Pensacola to 78.7% in Century to 79.6% in Atmore. The local area did not experience totality.
Mark you calendars…today was the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044 in the northwest. There will be another one in 2045 — and good new there. The North Escambia area will be in the path of totality on August 12, 2045.
NorthEscambia..com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
County Approves $1 Million Project To Pave Molino Dirt Road
April 8, 2024
The Escambia County Commission has approved a contract of just over $1 million to pave a Molino dirt road.
The contract was awarded to Site and Utility, LLC for $1,076,908.75 to pave the 0.39 mile length of Four Star Farm Road that runs south off Molino Road. The project will include associated drainages work as part of the county’s ongoing Dirt Road Paving Program.
The county received nine proposals and one “no bid” response with Site and Utility, LLC, determined to be the lowest cost responsive bidder and recommended for award.
The project will take approximately 330 days to complete.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bedhead Ted Wins: Bratt Elementary Students Vote For Their Favorite Books
April 8, 2024
Bratt Elementary school students participated in the Sunshine State Young Reader Election late last week.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender and his team worked with librarian Shonna Gilmore on the election.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There were 122 students in third to fifth grade that voted on real election equipment.
Bedhead Ted was the first place book, followed by a second place tie between The Area 51 Files and The Curse on Spectacle Key.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Avoid The Slowdowns: This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
April 8, 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 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) - Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on I-10 westbound near Exit 10 as crews perform clearing and grubbing work. In addition, the speed limit on I-10 has been reduced to 50 mph and will remain lowered through 2030.
- I-10 at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform construction activities:
- Alternating lane closures on Nine Mile Road from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road will be shifted to the inside and will be in place until summer 2024.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until spring 2025.
- 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 fall 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:
- 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. Signs are 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 may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform earthwork, signalization, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, April 7 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound inside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound inside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 9. The I-10 westbound outside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound inside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge Tuesday, April 9 through Thursday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- 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, April 7, through Friday, April 12, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- 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 Hwy. 178, Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 8 through Thursday, April 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fell 12 Cents Last Week, But Upward Pressure Returns
April 8, 2024
Florida gas prices are on a 9-day streak of declines, falling a total of 15 cents. On Sunday, the state average was $3.47 per gallon, down 12 cents from a week ago.
The average per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $3.37, with a low of $3.12 available on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $3.25 at two Cantonment stations on Highway 29.
“Pump prices are once again below year-ago levels, but upward pressure has moved back into the market,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The U.S. price of oil surged to new 2024 highs last week, which could cause gas prices to move higher.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Beat M-Braves To Sweep Season-Opening Series
April 8, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hammered Mississippi Braves pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep on Sunday afternoon, coasting to a 9-1 victory to improve to 3-0 on the young season.
With a season-opening weekend sweep, the Blue Wahoos are one win shy of tying a record set in 2021 for their best start in team history.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early with three runs in the first, highlighted by a two-run single from Sean Roby that would have otherwise been a three-run homer if not for a cross-up on the basepaths.
Jacob Berry and Roby added RBI singles in the second inning to extend the lead to 5-0, and Diego Infante launched an opposite-field solo homer in the third. Harrison Spohn’s first Double-A hit added another run to the total, bouncing the Braves’ #2 pitching prospect with 11 hits allowed and a 7-0 lead.
That would be more than enough for Pensacola starter Paul Campbell, who pitched 5.1 innings of one-run ball in his first start in nearly two years. The righty fanned five in his comeback performance from 2022 elbow surgery, and was backed up with scoreless relief from Jeff Lindgren, Zach McCambley and Austin Roberts.
A sellout crowd of 5,038 – the third sellout in as many games – enjoyed a surprise flyover from the Blue Angels and support aircraft Fat Albert in the sixth inning as the ace flyers made their Sunday afternoon tour over downtown Pensacola.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos hit the road Tuesday for a six-game series in Montgomery against the Biscuits.
Western Gate Soccer Showdown Brings SEC Teams to North Escambia Area (With Gallery)
April 7, 2024
Escambia County residents had a chance to experience action Saturday between three top ranked Southeastern Conference schools as they competed in the Western Gate Soccer Showdown at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park off 10 Mile Road.
The inaugural Western Gate Collegiate Soccer Showdown featured matchups between the Florida Gators, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers with free admission.
Young soccer players and fans were thrilled to meet the soccer players during fan autograph sessions. The SEC players autographed team photos, jerseys, soccer balls and shoes as they interacted with fans.
For more photos, including the Mississippi State vs. LSU game, click here.
The 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will return to Escambia County November 3-10. The top 12 SEC women’s soccer teams will compete for their championship at the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 97 Davisville Crash
April 7, 2024
One person was injured when a Kia crashed in a culvert on Highway 97 in Davisville Saturday morning.
The crash happened south of the Piggly Wiggly and the Florida/Alabama state line at Atmore. The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.
FHP is continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
