Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
November 27, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/(State Road (S.R.) 95) from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – A portion of the right turn lane from northbound North Palafox Street to Brent Lane will be temporarily closed Monday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 1 as crews construct a retaining wall and pour concrete. Drivers will still be able to access most of the right turn lane.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) - Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Monday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Nov. 30 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound 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 end of the year as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct 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 lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 30 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform concrete work.
- 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.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway - Northbound traffic, between Pelican Lane and Scenic Ridge Drive, is shifted to the inside so crews can perform construction activities. The shift will remain in place until the work on the shoulder is completed. During construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction and left turns will be permitted.
- S.R. 727 (West Fairfield Drive) Routine Maintenance from 69th Avenue to U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Monday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Nov. 30, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- 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 Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Monday, Nov. 27, through Friday, Dec. 1, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Motorists accessing Whisper Bay Boulevard from U.S. 98 will encounter a new traffic configuration. Travel lanes will be shifted slightly west and reduced to one entry lane, and one exit lane, to allow for crews to perform roadway reconstruction activities on the north side of the westbound lanes.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Drivers Found The Lowest Thanksgiving Gas Prices In Three Years, AAA Says
November 27, 2023
Florida gas prices inched lower last week, even as millions of Americans hit the road for Thanksgiving. AAA forecasted nearly 2.8 million Floridians would take a road trip for the holiday weekend. While this year’s actual traveler totals will not be released until next year’s holiday report, Thanksgiving gas prices were officially the lowest in three years.
Florida gas prices are on the verge of falling below $3 a gallon for the first time since December 2022. Sunday’s state average was $3.01 per gallon. That’s 3 cents less than last week, 31 cents less than a month ago, and 84 cents less than this year’s high of $3.85/g – recorded in August.
The average per gallon on Sunday in Escambia County was $2.84 and as lowas $2.66 on Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia prices were as low as $2.69 at a Tom Thum in the 300 block of South Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“More than half of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While there could be some fluctuations in the coming weeks, AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike.”
Bill Won’t Be Filed To Allow Perdido To Join Century and Pensacola As Escambia County’s Municipalities
November 27, 2023
A push to incorporate Perdido as Escambia County’ third city has hit a a major roadblock.
State Representative Alex Andrade announced Monday that he will not be filing a local bill to place the question of Perdido’s incorporation on the ballot in 2024.
“I will not be filing a local bill to the place the questions of incorporation on the ballot this Session,” Andrade said. “After reviewing We Are Perdido’s feasibility study in depth, and consulting with the Florida Department of Revenue and Florida House staff members, we determined the significant changes would be required to the proposal. Because, at this stage, these changes would need to be made by a single legislator instead of residents of the affected area, I have made the decision to not file and sponsor the bill.
“I have informed We Are Perdido of the decision, and encouraged them to spend this next year engaging in additional due diligence and public outreach if they decide to pursue this initiative in the future,” the state representative continued.
There are currently two municipalities in Escambia County — the cities of Century and Pensacola.
During an October legislative delegation meeting., Andrade, Sen. Doug Broxson and State Rep Michelle Salzman decided to put the issue of incorporation on the ballot in 2024.
Woman Shot Sunday Night In Cantonment
November 27, 2023
A woman was shot Sunday night in Cantonment.
The incident occurred about 8:25 p.m. in the area of Sheppard and Lincoln streets, a few blocks west of Carver Park. The woman was reportedly in a vehicle when she was shot.
The woman was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital. An update on her condition was not available.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation and has not released additional information.
File photo.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Derelict Vessel, Dumped Deer
November 27, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Senior Officer Lewis concluded the investigation of a derelict vessel. The derelict vessel’s owner/responsible party resided out of state so a warrant for their arrest was issued for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hahr located a baited site in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area. He observed a truck arrive at the site and drop off a hunter and leave. Officer Hahr found the subject hunting the baited area a short time later. He was charged with hunting over bait in a WMA.
Senior Officer Lewis received a complaint about a deer that was dumped on a roadway. The officer was able to locate a subject who admitted to harvesting and dumping the deer. The officer cited the individual for the violation.
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.
Monday Night Low Dipping Into The 30s
November 27, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
November 26, 2023
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt is open again this year with tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display three years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There are always plenty of “oohs and awes” over the goats in pajamas and a mini donkey.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small footbridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions are available, and only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4951 Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open each Thursday-Saturday in December from 5:30 until 9 p.m. The gate closes at 8:30 p.m., and the last hayride is at 8:15 p.m. each night.
Pictured: A recent night at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: First Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade
November 26, 2023
The First Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon, complete with a visit from Santa.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from entry fees were donated to a local family in need in coordination with Jim Allen Elementary School.
Photos by Megan Zornes, Kristi Barbour and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Killed In I-65 Crash Near Atmore
November 26, 2023
A two vehicle crash on I-65 near Atmore claimed two lives early Saturday morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:16 a.m. Saturday and claimed the lives of a Texas man and a Georgia man. Augustine R. Beene, 29, of Livingston, Texas, was fatally injured when the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder he was driving collided head-on with the 2023 Kia Niro driven by Antonio L. Minniefield, 49, of Decatur, Georgia.
Both Beene and Minniefield were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash occurred on I-65 near the 51 mile marker, approximately three miles south of the Jacks Springs Road exit.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
File photo.
Escambia School Choice Application Deadline Is December 8
November 26, 2023
The school choice application deadlne in Escambia County is fast approaching.
The middle and high school open enrollment period, which runs from October 30 – December 8, 2023. The open enrollment period for elementary schools runs from January 29 – March 8, 2024.
or questions about open enrollment, please contact Chris McFarland, Coordinator of Enrollment Services at (850)469-5580. For questions about career academies, contact Steven Harrell, Director of Workforce Education, at (850)469-5357. Families are encouraged to apply while attending the School Choice Expo, as technology to apply will be made available.