These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
September 5, 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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County I-10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until fall when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to east of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- 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 September as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (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 alternating daytime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 8 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform drainage work. In addition, drivers will encounter nighttime lane closures, between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform widening and driveway 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.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform sidewalk work.
- 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, Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of specific areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- 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 Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 8, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to east of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- 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 Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews receive delivery of construction materials. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance Near the S.R. 87 Ramp – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Tuesday, Sept.5 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for striping operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Fall Over The Last Two Weeks
September 5, 2023
Florida gas prices have followed a downward trend through the past two weeks with the state average declining 17 cents per gallon.
On Monday, the state average price for regular gasoline was $3.70 per gallon.
In Escambia County, the average was $3.46 Monday night. A low of $3.35 could be found in North Escambia at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $3.22 on Nine Mile Road.
“Although gas prices have recently declined, Florida drivers paid the most expensive Labor Day gas prices since 2012,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Where pump prices go from here is unclear, because oil and gasoline futures prices are moving in opposite directions.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic Cow Show Winners Announced
September 5, 2023
The fifth annual Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic Cow Show was held at the Escambia County 4-H agriculture facility on Highway 99 in Molino.
Youth from Northwest Florida, Central Florida and Alabama showed their cows including prospect steers, market steers and heifers, highlighting the hard work put into them.
Winners included:
- Prospect Steer: Sarah Alexander of Pensacola Grand Champion: A.T. Bridgers of Cantonment Reserve Grand Champion
- Market Steer: A.T. Bridgers of Cantonment Grand Champion; Mallory Mahoney of Cantonment, Reserve Grand Champion.
- Heifers: Jack Trejo of Walnut Hill Grand Champion; Tucker Padgett of Molino, Reserve Grand Champion
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Gets Probation For Trying To Run Over Man He Thought Was Convicted Sex Offender
September 4, 2023
A Century man was sentenced to probation for trying to run over a man he thought was a convicted sex offender walking out of a liquor store.
Kinte Hassan Franklin, 45, was originally charged with felony aggravated battery using a deadly weapon. He pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery and was sentenced to 12 months probation by Judge John Simon.
In January 2023, the victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that Franklin was the driver of a maroon car with the window partially down outside the Fusion Liquor store next door to the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard.
The driver, Franklin, told him “I’m going to kill you because you are a convicted child molester,” according to an ECSO arrest report. He then turned the car around and struck the victim in the legs, the report continues. The victim’s wife was with him at the time. She told deputies that another occupant of the vehicle told Franklin, “You just need to run over this [expletive] you just need to kill him”.
According to the ECSO, surveillance video showed Franklin circle the parking lot multiple times and pull up to the victim and say something. Deputies said the video then shows Franklin pull into a parking spot in front of the store, back out, and then pull forward, striking the victim with the vehicle multiple times.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry, the victim is not a convicted sex offender.
Second Florida Disaster Sales Tax Holiday Continues This Week
September 4, 2023
The second of two Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays continues through this Friday, September 8. Floridians are expected to save an estimated $144 million on the purchase of tax-free items.
Eligible items include flashlights, batteries, tarps, generators, fuel containers, and coolers. Some new items included in this year’s list are toilet paper, paper towels, soap, sunscreen, cleaning products and trash bags.
A complete list of items is below.
Bratt Elementary Honors August Leaders Of The Month With Pizza Party
September 4, 2023
Bratt Elementary School recently held their first “Pizza With the Principal” party of the year. The party honored Bratt Elementary’s August Leaders of the Month. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Troopers Stop Highway 29 Speeder, Charge Him With Drugs, Weapons
September 4, 2023
Troopers arrested an Escambia County man on drug and weapons charges after a short chase on Highway 29 Sunday.
Jaylin Anthony Green, 22, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding with property damage, reckless driving, hit and run, possession of a weapon during a felony, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was northbound on Highway 29 near Boone Street when he observed a white Dodge Challenger southbound at a high rate of speed. After clocking the Challenger at 74 mph in a 45 mph zone, the trooper initiated a traffic stop.
According to FHP, Green “recklessly accelerated at a high rate of speed, crossing multiple lanes of traffic from the inside lane to the outside lane, nearly sticking another vehicle while doing so. Approximately after 600 feet the vehicle began braking excessively before attempting to turn right onto West Michigan Avenue. While attempting to negotiate the turn at a high rate of speed, the front left wheel struck the curb, ultimately disabling the Challenger, preventing it from fleeing any longer. The Challenger finally came to a stop at Hansen Boulevard and Yoakum Court in the roadway.”
Troopers reported finding “well over” 20 grams of marijuana in the car, a loaded Ruger handgun under the driver’s seat, a Glock handgun with an extended magazine, and a “large sum” of cash.
Green was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Appointee Sought For Escambia Board Of Electrical Examiners
September 4, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking two Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by the close of business on Friday, Sept. 8. Resumes should be submitted to Jennifer Hampton, Division Manager, Escambia County Building Services Department, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, Florida 32505 or emailed to jahampton@myescambia.com.
Possible opening for the Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners is as follows:
- One Electrical Contractor (applicant must possess a current and active license)
- One Layperson
Established by a local ordinance, the duties of the board are to attend meetings to review applications, administer written examination of applicants, issue certificates of competency as electricians and maintain official records of all transactions. The board is to consider any charges against certificate holders for willful violations or incompetence. Members serve a three-year term of office and meet the third Tuesday of each month for approximately two hours.
Wahoos Wait Out Rain, Beat Lookouts 5-3
September 4, 2023
A long day and tough week ended in a gratifying way for the Blue Wahoos.
After the start of Sunday’s game at Blue Wahoos Stadium was pushed back nearly two and a half hours, the Blue Wahoos jumped to an early lead, then had their bullpen hold under pressure in a 5-3 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts. A good portion of the crowd of 3,425 waited out the weather and remained at the end of the game.
It earned the Blue Wahoos (70-54) a series split against a team they may see again in the Southern League playoffs. This year’s Blue Wahoos team now becomes the fourth in franchise history to attain 70 or more wins. The club record is 81 wins.
The Blue Wahoos won a championship last year with just 68 wins.
The Lookouts (68-57), the Cincinnati Reds affiliate, won the first half North Division in the Southern League. Their deep lineup of hitters enabled wins in nine of the 12 games in regular-season meetings this season with the Blue Wahoos.
Sunday’s game was to start at 4:05 p.m. By the time it finished, the time was 9:35. Continuous bands of rain kept pushing back the start time and forcing the Blue Wahoos grounds crew of staff members into extra duty to keep the field dry with tarp pulls. It was the fifth time in the week that inclement weather affected either pregame workouts for each team, or the game itself.
Once Sunday’s game began, the Blue Wahoos gained an early edge.
Victor Mesa Jr. continued his strong production with a two-run homer in the first inning that followed a leadoff walk from Nasim Nuñez.
Will Banfield made it 3-1 in the third with a solo homer, his 20th of the year.
Mesa later produced a 4-1 lead with successful gamble on the basepaths. He was on second when an errant pickoff attempt from Lookout catcher Matheu Nelson bounced away from shortstop Jose Torres. Mesa raced around third and made a terrific slide to avoid Nelson’s tag at the plate on Torres’ throw.
The Blue Wahoos got their fifth run when Paul McIntosh reached on a walk, went to second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on an errant throw.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer picked up his seventh win by working into the sixth. He got out of a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning with a 95 mph fastball to strike out Torres.
In the sixth, with two runners on, Blue Wahoos reliever Brady Puckett recorded a strikeout to end that inning. In the eighth inning, after two out, reliever Zach McCambley allowed three consecutive walks before freezing Torres with a fastball to escape another jam.
And in the ninth, after a leadoff homer by Blake Dunn and a single that followed, closer Luarbert Arias recorded his second save with a pair of strikeouts, including the final out against Quincy McAfee.
The win pushed the Blue Wahoos’ second half record to 29-27 with 12 games to play. They will leave late Monday morning for Madison, Alabama, to begin a six-game series against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Tuesday.
Their final series of the regular season will be at home, beginning on September 12 against the Mississippi Braves. The Southern League divisional playoffs begin September 19 with the Blue Wahoos having home field in the final two games of the best-of-three series against either Biloxi or Montgomery.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Labor Day Closures, Trash Schedule Info
September 3, 2023
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
In observance of Labor Day, the following Escambia County offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 4.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - all departments including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration and the Perdido Landfill
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices and customer service
Special Notes:
- ECAT will only operate Pensacola Beach trolleys Monday, Sept. 4. Buses and UWF trolleys will not run service. Regular service will resume Tuesday, Sept. 5.
- Due to infrastructure updates, the Perdido Landfill will be closed Saturday, Sept. 2, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
TOWN OF CENTURY
Town of Century offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.
ECUA
ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. ECUA offices, including our Customer Service Department, will re-open on Tuesday, September 5, at 8:30 am. Residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual
CITY OF PENSACOLA
The following City of Pensacola offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course and Roger Scott Tennis Center will remain open.