Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
October 20, 2025
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) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for drainage improvements, milling and paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on the I-110 northbound on-ramp from Cervantes Street (U.S. 90), Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews perform drainage improvements.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for drainage improvements and concrete flatwork.
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Oct. 19, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road (C.R.) 292A east) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with east and westbound travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Oct. 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for stormwater management upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at D Street and Barrancas Avenue. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 24:
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete roadway construction. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- 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.
- I-10 Bridge Rehabilitation over Escambia Bay – Motorists will encounter intermittent inside eastbound lane closures Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23:
- Outside lane closures between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for utility work and sidewalk improvements.
- Intermittent lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
o Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
o Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 24.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Luke Graham: Tate FFA Leader With a Servant’s Heart
October 19, 2025
The Tate High School FFA has been featured on the National FFA website.
The phrase “Living to Serve” is one that FFA members know well. It has been engraved into their minds since they zipped up their blue jackets for the first time. But what does “Living to Serve” look like in action? For Luke Graham, vice president of the J.M. Tate FFA Chapter in Cantonment it looks like serving through action and inspiring others to do the same in the process.
Graham shows that leadership begins with service. Since joining FFA, he has immersed himself in every opportunity to grow, learn and serve by attending conferences, conventions, and competitions. However, what sets Graham apart is how he uses his experiences to give back to others.
Last year, Graham’s chapter competed in the environmental science and natural resources career development event (CDE). The team started from scratch, without study materials. That’s where Graham stepped in. Knowing his chapter needed help, he jumped into action, creating practice exams for his team.
After the prelim, his team advanced to state. Although this was an exciting step in the right direction, Graham wanted to do more to help. He created a course to help his chapter study not only the CDE but also their AP environmental science and biology classes as well. The course included slideshows, quizzes and projects to build skills. “I knew that I had to uplift and assist my fellow members as the state competition was fast approaching,” Graham says. His team went on to place sixth.
Knowing Their Names
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Graham’s service to others. Stepping into his officer role, he remembered how a connection with a past FFA officer during their service encouraged him to continue his experience. So, he made it his goal to make meaningful connections in his chapter. Graham says that something as simple as knowing someone’s name makes it easier to connect with the chapter. His simple acts of friendly conversation make members feel seen and show them they are valued members of the chapter.
“Turtle-y” Awesome Acts of Service
Graham’s acts of service don’t stop within the walls of a classroom — they reach far out into his community. At one of his first events as a senior chapter member, Graham helped clean up trails, install bird houses and repair tortoise habitats at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center. Graham remembers how rewarding it was to help with this project, as it gave him the chance to give back to the place where he made so many great childhood memories on field trips.
Why Does He Live to Serve?
For Graham, “Living to Serve” means being the shoulder you can always lean on. He hopes to inspire new FFA members to pursue their passions while serving others. His actions demonstrate a heart of service, and with three more years left in this organization, his future is certainly bright.
The National FFA feature article about Luke Graham was written by Abbygael Whitehead, vice president of the Dixie Sr. FFA Chapter in Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Council Schedules Workshop To Discuss Goals, Infrastructure
October 19, 2025
The Century Town Council will host a workshop next Tuesday, October 21 to discuss goals and infrastructure needs.
The workshop meeting was scheduled after council member John Bass expressed an interest in seeing the body develop a list of goals that could be used to measure their progress.
“We should be having goals that we are working for,” Bass said at the council’s last meeting. “When you have goals that you are working for, then you have something at the end of the year to say, ‘I accomplished this outcomes.’”
In addition, he said clear goals will allow any future council members to continue working for the betterment of Century.
“I leave tomorrow,” Bass said about a hypothetical scenario, “then everything I am working on doesn’t leave with me.”
The workshop will be held at 5:15 at town hall, prior to a regular council meeting.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
October 19, 2025
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their September Students of the Month.
They are:
Kindergarten: Lillie Levins and Dean Barrow
1st Grade: Emberly Johnson and Bennett Little
2nd Grade: Nevaeh Carnley and Brooklynn Tamondong
3rd Grade: Kenzie Burkett and Annalee Faulk
4th Grade: Myah Gill and Harper Ellis
5th Grade: Grace McKenna and Evin Levins
Art: Cali Cottrell
Music: Kipton Little
PE: Jonah Levins
Perfect Start: Ice Flyers Win Season Opener in Shootout Thriller (With Gallery)
October 19, 2025
Amidst a night of celebration featuring multiple arena upgrades, a fresh coaching staff, and an energetic crowd of 5,274 fans, the Ice Flyers found a way to grind out a victory in what proved to be a hard-fought battle.
Ice Flyers forward Matt Wiesner opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period. The second period remained scoreless. In the third period, Macon forward Matteo Ybarra tied the game. The contest remained tight through regulation and overtime, ultimately requiring a shootout to decide the winner.
For a photo gallery, click here.
I
n the sixth round of the shootout, Lukas Jirousek stepped up and delivered the game-winning goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving the Ice Flyers a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Mayhem. It was the perfect way to christen the new era of Ice Flyers hockey as the team celebrates 30 years of hockey in Pensacola.
The Ice Flyers will travel to face the Huntsville Havoc on Friday, October 24, before returning home to host the Birmingham Bulls on October 25 .
Scoring Summary
First Period
MAC 0, PEN 1
13:08 Matt Wiesner (1) – Zack Bross, Ethan Price
Shots on goal: MAC 8, PEN 10
Second Period
No scoring.
Shots on goal: MAC 8, PEN 13
Third Period
MAC 1, PEN 1
8:45 Matteo Ybarra (1) – Unassisted.
Shots on goal: MAC 16, PEN 7
Overtime
No scoring.
Shots on goal: MAC 2, PEN 1
Shootout
6th Round Lukas Jirousek (1)
Total Shots: MAC 34, PEN 32
27 Lot Subdivision Planned For Clymil Drive Drive In Cottage Hill
October 19, 2025
A new 27-lot single family subdivision is planned for Clymil Drive in Cantonment.
The 27-lot subdivision on 9.4 acres at 1150 Clymil Drive would have an average density of 2.87 lots per acre. Plans call for the subdivision, located about two-tenths of a mile west of Wisghbone Road, to be constructed in a single phase.
The application, filed by Hammond Engineering on behalf of Alex Stierwalt, said there will be no wetland impacts, and each lot will have a septic system. Cottage Hill Water will provide water service.
The subdivision is set for a pre-application meeting at 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
No More Paper: Lipscomb Elementary Adopts Online Report Cards
October 19, 2025
There’s a big change coming to report cards at Lipscomb Elementary School.
Beginning Monday, October 20, report cards will be available online through the Focus Parent Portal. The report cards will no longer be printed and sent home.
Schools in Escambia County have had the option of online-only report cards since the pandemic.
UWF Now 7-0 With Win Over West Alabama
October 19, 2025
The University of West Florida football team stayed unbeaten on the season with a thrilling 23-16 win over West Alabama on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. The Argonauts improved to 7-0 overall off a late fourth-quarter drive to remain perfect on the year.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes led the UWF offense with 327 passing yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-36 passing. His final touchdown, an 11-yard strike to Tyree Holloway with just 56 seconds remaining, capped a clutch 89-yard scoring drive and put the Argonauts ahead for good. TJ Lane followed with a two-point conversion run to make it a seven-point game.
UWF struck first early in the second quarter when Stokes connected with Javon Swinton on a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving the Argos a 6-0 lead that they would take into the half. In the third quarter, Lane extended the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run, and Brogan Woeber added a 29-yard field goal to make it 15-7 entering the final quarter.
West Alabama fought back, cutting the lead to two with a touchdown early in the fourth and taking a 16-15 lead on a 23-yard field goal with 3:20 left. However, Stokes and the Argos responded under pressure, leading the game-winning drive in just over two minutes to secure the victory and keep their perfect record intact.
UWF’s offense posted 458 total yards, including 327 through the air and 131 on the ground while controlling the ball for more than 37 minutes. Lane led the Argos in rushing with 101 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Corey Scott led all receivers with 118 yards on six catches. Swinton added five receptions for 85 yards and a score.
The Argonaut defense turned in another strong performance, forcing two interceptions and holding West Alabama to just 75 rushing yards. Walker Robinson led the unit with 10 tackles, and Roderick Webb sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.
Man Killed In Pickup Crash Near Atmore
October 18, 2025
A single vehicle crash near Atmore claimed the life of a Mobile County man early Friday afternoon.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said 84-year-old Edward Lambert of Irvington, Alabama, lost control of his 2003 Dodge 2500 pickup truck, which left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Lambert was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash happened on Jacks Springs Road, just outside Atmore.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Jobs Report: Escambia County Area Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly
October 18, 2025
The Escambia County area unemployment rate increased over the past month, according to data released Friday by FloridaCommerce.
The area’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in August 2025, a 0.8% increase from the August 2024 rate of 3.9%.
FloridaCommerce said that the local metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate in professional and business services among all metro areas, adding 700 jobs in August 2025. The Pensacola metro area added 800 jobs (+0.5%) in the private sector over the year in August 2025. The area also gained the most jobs over the year in the education and health services sector, adding 800 jobs in August 2025.
Florida’s statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8%t in August 2025, up 0.1% from the July 2025 rate, and up 0.4% from a year ago.
“Data in the month of August continues to indicate there are jobs available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 459,000 jobs posted online,” the state said about the overall state job availability.