Heads Up! Here Are This Weeks Road Construction Slow Spots
March 19, 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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 19 through Saturday, March 25 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing miscellaneous paving operations and working on the bridge’s wrong way detection system.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through April. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are 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 on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- · Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, March 19 through Thursday, March 23 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- 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 nighttime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, March 20 to Friday, March 24 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing drainage and shoulder widening work.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Navy Boulevard southbound, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, March 17 through Friday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be working on curb, gutters, and sidewalks.
- Pace Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue: The $4.2 million construction project to mill and resurface Barrancas Avenue from the Bayou Chico Bridge to Pace Boulevard, and Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue in Escambia County has been completed.
- S.R. 291 (North Davis Highway) Routine Utility Maintenance near Royce Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 20 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Routine Utility Maintenance at Ransley Station Boulevard – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound turn lane closures Tuesday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility maintenance.
- S.R. 29 (North Davis Highway) Routine Utility Maintenance at Copter Road – Motorists may encounter intermittent northbound turn lane closures Thursday, March 23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 19 through Saturday, March 25 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing miscellaneous paving operations and working on the bridge’s wrong way detection system.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through 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 S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, March 19, through Friday, March 24, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Campbell Lane – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 20 through Thursday, March 23 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
As It Turns Cold Again, Many Will Use Space Heaters. And That Can Be Dangerous.
March 19, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Need a free smoke detector in Escambia County? Call (850) 595-HERO.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Evidence Tampering, Littering For Tossing Out Pot At Starbucks
March 18, 2023
A Cantonment woman was charged with evidence tampering and cited for littering after she allegedly tossed pot out in front of a local Starbucks.
Savannah Boudreaux was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and felony tampering with evidence. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,000 bond.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed Boudreaux traveling on Highway 297A at 53 mph in a 45 mph zone. He initiated a traffic stop as the vehicle traveled west on Nine Mile Road through the Pine Forest Road intersection. While turning westbound, the deputy witnessed something being thrown out of the window, according to an arrest report.
The vehicle, occupied solely by Boudreaux, came to a stop just past Starbucks. The deputy walked back and located multiple marijuana buds in front of Starbucks, according to the report. Deputies also reported finding a rolled marijuana blunt inside the vehicle.
Escambia (AL) Sheriff’s Office Major Billy Blair Retires
March 18, 2023
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office Major Billy Blair has retired after 47 total years in law enforcement.
“I have known Bill my whole life and am glad I got to work along side him these last 4 years,” Sheriff Heath Jackson said. “People come and go, but this one is going to hurt! Congrats my friend, well deserved.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Child Killed, Two Children Injured In Pensacola House Fire
March 18, 2023
One child was killed and two other children were injured in a Pensacola house fire on Friday.
The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Police Department received reports from dispatch of three children trapped inside the home in the 700 block of Zarragossa Street.
Officers arrived on scene to find one child near the doorway, and they moved the child away from the home and began to provide medical care. Officers then broke a window in an attempt to locate the other two children in the home.
Firefighters arrived on scene soon after and entered the home through the front door in severe smoke and heat conditions, locating and removing the other two children after a thorough search.
First responders from PFD, PPD, and Escambia County provided medical assistance to the victims on scene. One child was pronounced deceased on scene, and two children were transported to a local hospital by Escambia County EMS. Two PFD firefighters were evaluated for mild burns.
“This is a tragic day in our city,” said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. “It is a tragedy for everyone involved, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Thank you to our Pensacola Fire, Pensacola Police and all first responders for their quick response and unwavering dedication, even when it means risking their lives for others as they did once again today. Our hearts are especially heavy as we grieve the loss of a precious child in our community,” Reeves said.
Pensacola Fire Department received a call at approximately 12:43 p.m. reporting the residential structure fire. Crews arrived on scene at approximately 12:47 p.m. to find heavy smoke showing from the residence. There was severe fire damage throughout the home.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigations is investigating the cause of the fire.
Want To Be A Firefighter? The Physical Abilities Test Is April 15
March 18, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue will hold a physical abilities test Saturday, April 15.
The test will take place at Pensacola Fire Department Station 4, at 1 North “Q” Street at 8 a.m. and is open to anyone interested in joining Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Certified firefighters with a certificate of completion must sign up for the certified test. Those without any fire certifications must sign up for the cadet test. The certified test is also open to volunteer firefighters needing a physical abilities test.
Click here to register for the certified test.
Click here to register for the cadet test.
In order to become an Escambia County Firefighter, participants must pass the test. Interviews for those who pass the test will take place the following day.
The certified test consists of:
- 1 3/4″ charged hose pull in 27 seconds
- Keiser sled in 60 seconds
- Tower evolution in six minutes
The cadet test consists of:
- 25 push-ups in two minutes
- 40 sit-ups in two minutes
- Run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes
- 1 3/4″ charged hose pull in 27 seconds
- Keiser sled in 60 seconds
- Tower evolution in six minutes
Certified Escambia County Firefighters receive a starting pay of $41,698 and numerous benefits including a $2,000 sign-on bonus, competitive pay and health benefits, a 48/96 schedule, 14 paid holidays, special teams’ incentive pay, and more.
Middle School Volleyball County Titles Go To Beulah Middle, Beulah Academy Of Science
March 18, 2023
In the Escambia County Middle School Volleyball Championships, the Beulah Middle School varsity (above) defeated the Ernest Ward Middle School varsity team (first below). And, the Beulah Academy of Science junior varsity (bottom) defeated the Bailey Middle School JV. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elementary Students Honored As Shining Stars
March 18, 2023
WSRE recently hosted the Shining Star Awards, honoring outstanding fifth grade students who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership, as well as demonstrating the core values of the Escambia County School District.
This is the 26th year that WSRE has hosted this awards ceremony, previously with the Greater Escambia Community Foundation and now in partnership with the Escambia County Principals Association which raised the funds to purchase the bicycles and also coordinated the event.
The 2023 Shining Stars are:
- Jim Allen Elementary — Bella Jenkins
- Bellview Elementary — Chloe Syverson
- Beulah Elementary — Mikayla Gill
- Blue Angels Elementary — Javier Perez
- Bratt Elementary — Jonah Carter
- Brentwood Elementary — Ashley Harrigan
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Annina Lathrop
- N B Cook Elementary — Ava Westley
- Cordova Park Elementary — Elijah Chaston
- Ensley Elementary — Mia Figueroa
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Kacey Hadley-Coble
- Global Elementary — Princena Saint Fleur
- Holm Elementary — Brandon Lester
- Kingsfield Elementary — Harper Hamilton
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Delcie Pasaska
- Lipscomb Elementary — Emery Truitt
- Longleaf Elementary — Braylen Fenelon
- McArthur Elementary — Amiir Thomas
- Molino Park Elementary — Lola Chavers
- Montclair Elementary — Kamari Pettiway
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Jesse Stripling
- Navy Point Elementary — Jada Bush
- Oakcrest Elementary — Sophia Gibson
- Pensacola Beach Elementary — Anna McPherson
- Pine Meadow Elementary — Levi Mccranie
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Dylan Roy
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Chloe Currie
- OJ Semmes Elementary — Amaya Scott
- Sherwood Elementary — Madeline Shank
- Suter Elementary — Joslynn Robins
- Warrington Elementary — Lianna Reed
- Weis Elementary — Terriona Fountain
- West Pensacola Elementary — Dumarian Hawkins
Suspect Arrested After Standoff, Shooting At SWAT Team
March 17, 2023
A suspect is in custody after a standoff with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and SWAT team Friday afternoon on Finley Drive.
Kyle William Faist, 26, was charged charged with firing a weapon in public or on a residential property and domestic violence related aggravated assault. Additional charges are pending for firing at the SWAT team. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The ECSO responded to a reported domestic violence related armed disturbance about 12:40 p.m. on Finley Drive, which is off Jernigan Road between Nine Mile Road and Johnson Avenue.
According to ECSO Commander Andrew Hobbs, at least one shot was fired prior to their arrival. There were no reported injuries.
Faist barricaded himself inside a home and refused to come out. Authorities said he was the only one inside the home, and there were no hostages.
Negotiators worked for two and a half hours in an effort to get Fasist to surrender, but he refused. Four tear gas canisters were deployed into the home.
The ECSO said Faist then fired at the SWAT team members, and they returned fire.
“The suspect surrendered immediately and was taken into custody. No one was injured during the exchange,” ECSO said in a statement.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Photos: 28-Wheel Truck Gets Stuck On Railroad Tracks In Cantonment
March 17, 2023
A 28-wheel truck became stuck on the railroad tracks at a Cantonment crossing late Friday morning.
It happened at the Eden Lane crossing at Highway 95A. The low-bottom trailer hauling concrete crushing equipment bottomed-out on the tracks.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
