Replacement Of Dawson Road Bridge Nearing Completion, And The Cost Is Rising
September 17, 2023
Less than 10 months after construction began, work is nearing completion on a bridge replacement project just south of Century, and the cost is rising.
Dawson Road closed in early February for the replacement of the county-owned bridge over Pritchett Mill Creek.
The cost was originally set at $1.7 million, but once work started, needed changes were discovered. A $34,103 CEI (construction, engineering and inspection) change order was already approved due to an additional length of piling, and a $38,248.05 change order is pending for county commission approval next Thursday due to additional pilings needed to construct the bridge.
The new total construction cost stands at $2,142,203. The Florida Department of Transportation is picking up 75% of the cost, while Escambia County has a 25% match commitment.
The previous county-owned wooden-support bridge was constructed in 1965. It is being replaced with a 76-foot long concrete structure. The project also includes replacement of about 270 feet of roadway, curb and gutter, guardrail improvements and ditch grading. The bridge work was being coordinated with utility companies due two a 3-inch water main and a 3/4 inch Town of Century gas main.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
For more photos of the old bridge before demolition, click or tap here.
Pictured top: The Dawson Road bridge over Pritchell Mill Creek as seen Wednesday, September 13. Pictured below: The original 1965 structure prior to demolition. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Drugs Along The Perdido, Boating And Fishing Violations
September 17, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Waters and Hahr were patrolling Perdido River Wildlife Management Aea and found three groups of recreators using marijuana and methamphetamine. Two people were charged with use of medical marijuana in a public place, one was charged with possession of cannabis, and two men were charged with possession of methamphetamine. One of the subjects was also arrested for two felony warrants.
Officers Waters and Hahr checked a boat leaving Mahogany Mills Boat Ramp and were told by the two subjects they had caught 50 almaco jacks. Upon conducting a resource inspection of their cooler, the officers discovered the subjects had harvested 49 greater amberjack measuring between 10.5 and 14.5 inches. The minimum size limit for greater amberjack is 34” and the bag limit is one fish. Both subjects were charged with taking over the bag limit and undersized greater amberjack.
Officer Ramos concluded a five-month investigation of a derelict vessel abandoned in Bayou Chico by an individual who resides out of state and indicated he had no intention of removing the vessel from the water. Officer Ramos filed a warrant for the individual’s arrest and proper paperwork to have the vessel removed from local waters. In addition to an arrest, the responsible party of the vessel will also be required to reimburse the state of Florida for the removal costs of the derelict vessel after it has been removed and destroyed.
Officer Ramos received a complaint of a hook-and-line fishing vessel operating recklessly near another vessel engaged in scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico on a natural reef. The scuba diving vessel was properly displaying a divers-down flag and it was apparent the captain of the offending vessel knew divers were in the water. A verbal altercation ensued and then the fishing vessel rapidly accelerated on plane and made a series of sharp turns in the water above the divers before fleeing the scene. Officer Ramos was able to determine the vessel registration and subsequently located and interviewed the operator of the vessel, who was discovered to be a commercial charter boat captain running a charter trip with paying customers during the time of the offense. After compiling additional witness interviews, Officer Ramos obtained an arrest warrant for reckless operation of a vessel.
Officer Ramos was on joint enforcement agreement patrol and conducted a resource inspection on a vessel that had been offshore fishing. A large gag grouper was discovered on board; however, the season for this species was closed when the fish was harvested. The harvester of the illegal fish was issued an appropriate citation for the violation.
Officers Wilkenson and Ramos were on patrol and observed a recreational fishing boat returning from the Gulf of Mexico. The officers conducted a boating safety and resource inspection and discovered an undersized gray triggerfish. The appropriate citation was issued to the individual who harvested the illegal fish.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Ramos and Ates were on night patrol and observed two subjects gigging and attempting to take flounder. The fishing vessel did not display required navigational lights. The officers conducted a boating safety and resource inspection and asked the subjects if they had any fish. One of the subjects replied they had a flounder and he showed it to the officers, implying it was the only fish on board. Officer Ramos continued investigating and discovered the subjects were also in possession of a red drum that they had gigged, which is an illegal method of take for that species. Officer Ates issued the subject a notice to appear for gigging the red drum and a warning for the navigation lights violation.
Officers Ramos and Ates were on night patrol and observed two subjects gigging and attempting to take flounder. The vessel they were using did not display required navigational lights. The officers conducted a boating safety and resource inspection and asked the subjects if they had any fish. One of the subjects replied they had a flounder and took it from a small cooler and showed the officers, implying it was the only fish on board. Officer Ramos continued investigating and discovered the subjects were also in possession of a red drum they had gigged, which is an illegal method of harvest for this species. Officer Ates issued the subject a notice to appear for gigging the red drum and a warning for the navigation lights 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.
Inmate Serving Life For Attempted Murder Of Police Officer Accused Of Assaulting Century Correctional Officer
September 17, 2023
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Jack Holt assaulted an officer. He is serving a life sentence for a 2004 attempted first degree murder in Miami-Dade County after he shot and wounded a female police officer with an AK-47.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said.
Sign At Century Cemetery Honors Work And Life Of Willie Dortch
September 17, 2023
A sign at the Century Cemetery honor the life and work of Willie Dortch.
Dortch passed away September 10, 2022. A proclamation from the town described him as a “pillar” in the town. A heavy equipment operator by trade, he spent his own time and materials as groundskeeper at the Century Cemetery and worked to serve his community in any way that he could.
The Century Cemetery is located off Kelly Field Road on the north side of Showalter Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Commission Cancels COW Meeting Again
September 17, 2023
The Escambia County Commission has canceled the Tuesday, September 19 planned Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting.
The COW is a workshop type meeting held for commission discussion, but no votes are taken.
Canceling the meeting has been the norm this year.
The BOCC will hold their regular meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 9 a.m.
Bermúdez Brilliant In 3-0 Shutout Win
September 17, 2023
His well-traveled professional career has taken Blue Wahoos pitcher Jonathan Bermúdez across the country with three different organizations, pitching in more than 100 games.
He provided great reason to always remember the one Saturday night.
The 27-year-old lefthander from Puerto Rico worked a career-long seven complete innings, allowing just three hits with nine strikeouts, helping lead Pensacola to a 3-0 win against the Mississippi Braves.
A sellout crowd on the final Saturday home game of the season watched Bermúdez out-dazzle M-Braves starter Hurston Waldrep, the former Florida Gators star, who was the first-round pick in July by the Atlanta Braves in the 2023 Draft.
Waldrep pitched four innings, the longest of his brief pro career, giving up four hits, a run and striking out five.
The crisply-played pitching showcase was completed in just 2 hours, 15 minutes.
In making his 18th start, Bermúdez faced just two batters above the minimum in seven innings. He did not allow a walk. Bermúdez was signed by the Miami Marlins on April 26 as a free agent, after being with the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros organizations – reaching the Triple-A level in each one.
Of the three singles he allowed, one was erased when the M-Braves’ Cody Milligan was thrown out on a perfect throw by Jake Thompson trying to stretch the hit into a double.
Relievers Chandler Jozwiak and Luarbert Arias followed behind Bermúdez to complete the shutout. The M-Braves had a single in the eighth off Jozwiak before Arias retired them in order in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos chose to wear the Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok uniforms, which became instantly popular with the players when introduced before the season as part of the team’s participation the Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión program to honor the game’s Latin American history.
Pensacola got its first run in the third inning when Cobie Fletcher-Vance led off with a double, then scored on Victor Mesa Jr.’s single.
The score remained that way until the seventh inning, when Josh Zamora doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sacrifice fly from Norel González. Pensacola added its third run in the eighth inning when Paul McIntosh led off with a walk, then later scored on Bennett Hostetler’s RBI single.
The Blue Wahoos (78-57), extending their mark with the second-most wins in franchise history, will now end their regular-season schedule on Sunday, trying to even the series against the M-Braves. The Blue Wahoos’ team record for season wins was 81, set in 2016 as a Cincinnati Reds affiliate in a 140-game season.
Sunday’s finale will also be a special POW-MIA commemoration game to honor the 50-year anniversary of the return of U.S. POW service members and the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Attending Sunday’s game will be two area men who were former POWs at that time. They will be honored with ceremonial first pitches, then more recognition between innings of the game.
Sunday’s afternoon game will feature the second rehab start this week by the Miami Marlins’ Sixto Sánchez, who was once the No. 1 prospect in the organization before a series of injuries the last three years stalled his career. Sánchez will be on a limited pitch count and is expected to be followed by M.D. Johnson.
Pregame activities will begin at 3:45 p.m., including ceremonial first pitches and special guest introductions. The official first pitch of the game will be at 4:05 p.m.
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off before traveling on Tuesday to face the Montgomery Biscuits for Game 1 of the Southern League Division Series. Game 2 of the best-of-three series will be in Pensacola on Thursday, September 21 at 6:05 p.m. at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A deciding Game 3, if necessary, will be at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Friday, September 22.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Traffic Shuffled Again In $4.7 Million Highway 29 Project In Century
September 16, 2023
There has been another big shift in a Highway 29 construction zone in Century.
North and southbound traffic on North Century Boulevard has been shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street
The shift will be in place through September as crews perform drainage improvements, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The complete $4.7 million project has an anticipated completion target date in January 2024. FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: Lane closures on Highway 29 in Century as seen on Saturday, August 5. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Approves Lower Millage Rate, $797.5 Million Budget
September 16, 2023
The Escambia County School Board has approved a lower millage rate and a high budget for the 2023-2024 year.
The millage rate will drop from 5.274 to 5.144, but is still considered a tax increase because it exceeds the rolled back rate by 9.6%. The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase.
The budget is $797.5 million, up $15 million from the last fiscal year budget of $782 million.
The budget and millage rate passed on a 4-0 vote with District 1 board member Kevin Adams absent.
No Place Like Home: Northview Gets 35-0 Senior Night Shutout Over Lighthouse (With Gallery)
September 16, 2023
There’s no place like home for a big win.
After dropping the first three games of the season on the road, the Northview Chiefs got a big 35-0 senior night win at home over Lighthouse Private Christian Academy Friday night. Northview is now 5-0 against Lighthouse across all meetings.
For a photo gallery click here. Look for a gallery with cheerleaders, the band and more in the next few days.
“It was just a great senior night at Northview,” head coach Wes Summerford said. “We’ve played three great teams, then Lighthouse came up here, and it’s just great to get a win. That’s important for our guys right now, and we get to work off that. That’s going to be our message. Our kids…we’ve got to rebound off this, and we’ve got to work on this win and be positive…feed off it and keep going.”
The penalty flags were flying all night against the Chiefs with five — that’s five — touchdowns called back on penalties.
But it was the five that hit the scoreboard that counted.
Senior Devin Kelly had two senior night touchdowns in the first half from seven yards and one yard out. Senior Joe Wright had a one-yard rushing TD with 2:12 to go in the half and added another in the third quarter.
Northview (1-3) will sit out next Friday night with a bye before they gas up the bus and hit the road again for their next two games against Elberta on September 29 and Baker on October 6. Homecoming will be October 13 as the Jay Royals head to Bratt.
“We have a bye week to get healthy. We were short a few guys tonight,” Summerford said. “Get those guys healthy, and work on not having those penalties.”
For a photo gallery click here. Look for a gallery with cheerleaders, the band and more in the next few days.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Navarre Tops Tate 45-42 In Late Night District Battle
September 16, 2023
The Tate Aggies fell to the Navarre Raiders 45-42 in a late night battle in Navarre.
The game kicked off about 8:30, an hour late, due to a lightning delay. Then the real fireworks began in the District 1-4S matchup.
The Raiders were first on the board early in the game. Tate’s Laquarius Bradford returned the ensuing kickoff down to the 14-yard line, leading to the first touchdown for the Aggies from Andre Colston. Colston added another short TD run to put the Aggies on top 14-7 in the first.
Navarre answered to tie it up 14-14. The Aggies rolled ahead 21-14 with a touchdown run from Nathan Case before Navarre tied it up 21-21.
Tate scored again on a Carson Secchiari run that made it 35-28, Navarre still on top. Colton added another short touchdown run with 5:33 to go in the third, and it was all tied up 35-35. Navarre took the lead 38-35 with a field goal before the Aggies took the lead 42-38 with a touchdown from Demoarion Clay.
Navarre scored again with about nine and half minutes in the game, 45-42.
With just seconds to go in the game and facing fourth down, the Aggies decided to try a 50-yard field goal. The ball had barely left the foot of Tate’s Jackson Clarke when it was blocked by a Navarre player from around the outside.
The Navarre raiders took a knee to end the game about 11:30 p.m.
At 2-2, the Aggies are still having their best season in five years — it’s the first season with two wins since 2018. The Aggies will have next Friday night off before looking for win number three as they host the Milton Panthers on September 29.
Pictured: Northview’s Taite Davis hands off to Andre Colston Friday night in Navarre. Image courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.