Here Are This Week’s Traffic Slow Down Construction Spots
February 11, 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. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane are closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. One northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. The closures and traffic shift will be in place through April. Signage is 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 (I-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.
- Pace Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), Friday, Feb. 10 through Friday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The closures will allow crews to perform paving operations.
- 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 (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Feb. 16 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 may encounter intermittent lane and shoulder closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Feb. 13 through Friday, Feb. 17 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crews will be performing drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- 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, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, Feb. 10 through Friday, Feb. 17 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be working on curb and gutter and sidewalks.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter lane closures at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform guardrail work. Flagging operations will be in place to direct drivers.
- 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 Beulah Road Wednesday, Feb. 15 through Friday, Feb. 17 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- U.S. 29 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Canoe Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures north of S.R. 97 Sunday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 13 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 29 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Mitchell Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures north of S.R. 97 Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 97 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Little Pine Barren Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures south of S.R. 4 Thursday, Feb. 16 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- Palafox Street Routine Bridge Maintenance over I-10 Overpass – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures just east of U.S. 29 Friday, Feb. 17 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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:
- The median crossover at the intersection of Bayshore Road and U.S. 98 will remain closed to perform necessary road widening activities.
- 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, Feb. 12, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Drivers traveling along U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa County will encounter a road closure at Tiger Park Lane. This closure is necessary for emergency road repairs. Drivers are encouraged to utilize the west entrance and exit of the shopping center, closest to Walmart, or Tiger Point Park Road.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Routine Utility Maintenance near Lyons Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12 for power pole maintenance.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Routine Utility Maintenance from Ridge Crest Drive to Julia Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Feb. 14 through Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
February 11, 2023
This week, the Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity from October:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Specialist Pettey received information of two deer carcasses being dumped, oneof which had its head removed. Officer Pettey spoke to several landowners and discovered one individual had been using a deer depredation permit on a nearby field. The officer was able to speak with the individual, who admitted taking the antlered deer from the field, which is a violation of the depredation permit. The deer head was recovered and the individual was cited for the violations.
Officer Specialist Allgood observed an individual fishing. He conducted a resource and license inspection and determined the subject did not have a valid saltwater fishing license. In addition, he discovered the subject was a wanted fugitive in Henry County, Alabama. Officer Specialist Allgood arrested the subject and booked him the Escambia County jail.
Officer Specialist Allgood was on patrol and observed a commercial fisherman with a vessel in tow entering Florida from Alabama. The officer conducted a resource inspection. During the inspection, the officer asked the fisherman for the required documentation that allows a person to legally transport saltwater products into the state. The subject was unable to produce the required documents. The officer issued a notice to appear for transporting saltwater products into the state without an invoice or bill of lading.
Officer Specialist Allgood was on patrol and observed a man return from hunting. A resource inspection was conducted, and the officer found two recently harvested deer in the cooler of the subject’s truck. The hunter did not have a hunting license and was cited for possession of two deer during the closed season and possession of unlabeled deer meat.
Officer Specialist Allgood and Hahr checked three people hunting dove on a private, recently mowed millet field. Upon closer inspection, the officers located cracked corn spread in the middle of the field. Citations were issued for the violations.
Officer Lugg and Senst were on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico when they received a call referencing a commercial fisherman that ran from a National Park Service Officer by vessel. The Park Service Officer was attempting to stop him for commercially fishing in a closed area near Fort Pickens. Officer Specialist Cushing, McHenry and Robertson also responded to the area to assist. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers located the suspect on the north side of Pensacola Bay. The subject was detained and turned over to the National Park Service officer. Multiple federal charges are pending on the suspect.
Officers Lugg, Wilkenson, and Senst were on patrol conducting fisheries inspections in the Gulf of Mexico. They cited four individual vessel operators for the following violations: an undersized greater amberjack, several filleted vermillion snapper, undersized red snapper during closed season, harvested red snapper during closed season, and no saltwater licensing.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Cushing conducted a commercial fishing vessel inspection at Shoreline Park. While inspecting the commercial diving vessel, he determined two of the seven greater amberjack were undersized. The captain of the vessel indicated he speared the fish and said he believed they were at least the 36” minimum commercial size limit. Using the captain’s ruler and a state issued ruler, it was determined they were clearly less than the minimum size limit. He was issued a citation for the violation.
Officer Bower received information about individuals fishing on the Pensacola Fishing Pier keeping a cooler full of undersized mangrove snapper. The subject was seen leaving the pier and the complainant was able to describe the vehicle leaving the area. Officer Bower was conducting resource inspections at another fishing location and identified the subjects matching the description from photos that were provided. Officer Bower located 12 undersized mangrove snapper. The subject was issued a notice to appear for possessing undersized and over the bag limit of mangrove snapper.
Officers Bower, Corbin, and Oliver responded to a boating accident with injuries. A group of personal watercrafts (PWC) were operating in the middle of the Santa Rosa Sound, near the county line. Two of the PWCs collided with ach other. The operator of the striking vessel did not maintain a proper lookout, as he was looking to his right instead of the direction he was traveling. The vessel struck another PWC causing injury to the operator, who was transported by EMS and treated for multiple injuries. Charges were filed against the operator of the striking vessel. While on patrol in Blackwater State Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Officer Mullins located a couch and other items illegally dumped on management land. The officer gathered information and obtained a vehicle description. Officer Mullins and Roberson located the vehicle and subject at his nearby residence. The officers spoke with the suspect who admitted to illegally dumping the couch on Blackwater property. The officers followed the suspect back to the WMA where he loaded the couch and litter back into his truck and cleaned the area. The suspect was issued a notice to appear and multiple citations for several violations.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
EREC Members To See Lower Electric Bills
February 10, 2023
Escambia River Electric Cooperative members will see lower bills.
The “fuel cost adjustment” on member bills will drop to zero.
For EREC’s average resident customer using 1,450 kilowatt-hours per month, the savings will equate to about $30 a month.
According to EREC, about 40% of a member’s monthly bill goes toward fuel costs for PowerSouth – EREC’s wholesale power provider. PowerSouth uses that fuel to generate electricity which EREC then distributes to homes and businesses If the cost of that fuel goes up, the price EREC pays for electricity rises with it. In recent months natural gas, one of the most important fuel sources for PowerSouth, has reached its highest price in over a decade.
“Natural gas prices have nearly tripled, but we are continually looking for ways to keep costs down for our members,” said Ryan Campbell, EREC’s CEO. “We are able to cut certain costs and divert projects to a later date to help weather the storm.”
The cooperative said now that the cost of natural gas is decreasing, EREC is keeping their promise to pass the savings on to members and lower the cost of electricity.
“As a not-for-profit cooperative, we always work to provide reliable electric service at an affordable price,” said Campbell.
EREC serves about 10,000 members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with 1,800 miles of energized line.
Pictured: EREC’s Walnut Hill Office. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Council Member Dynette Lewis Completes Elected Officials Institute
February 10, 2023
Century Town Council member Dynette Lewis recently completed the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) from the Florida League of Cities.
The primary objective of the IEMO is to provide elected municipal officials with an intensive academic program that will assist them in effectively meeting the requirements of their elected role. The program offers a comprehensive overview of Florida municipal government, presented by a faculty of top professionals in the field.
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell presented Lewis with her completion certificate this week.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth Stepping Down
February 10, 2023
Scott Luth is stepping down as the CEO of the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, telling the board of directors that he is ready for a new challenge.
“When I first came to Pensacola, I saw a lot of opportunity to grow the region,” said Luth. “First with the Chamber and then FloridaWest — I knew with the right team we could make a difference, and we did.”
Luth has agreed to stay on for the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.
I’m so proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished,” said Luth. “We finished our 5-year strategic plan in 4 years and have helped companies like Navy Federal, ST Engineering, Pegasus Labs and Paradigm Parachute grow, add jobs and invest in our region. We have worked tirelessly to better Pensacola and Escambia County for those who live and work here. Now I feel the time is right to look for my next opportunity,” said Luth.
“We thank Scott for his years of service to the region and we wish him well,” said FloridaWest board chair Rick Byars. “We’ll begin a search right away and I’m grateful Scott will stay on for a bit to help with the transition.”
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May praised Luth and his team’s hard work to compete with other regions to recruit new businesses.
“Economic development is highly competitive and Scott and his team know what it takes to lure business to Pensacola and we have the track record to show it,” said May. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done and pledge to support the organization as they transition.”
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the economic development organization for Escambia County.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
February 10, 2023
Northview High School recently named their Students of the Month for December. They are Colton Criswell and Alysia Enfinger. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Tennis Boys And Girls Open Season With Wins
February 10, 2023
The Tate High School Aggies tennis teams opened their season this week with boys and girls wins over Pensacola High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jaran Myles Gets Life In Prison For 2020 Century Shooting Death
February 9, 2023
A second Century man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a November 2020 shooting in Century that left one man dead and two others injured.
An Escambia County jury on Wednesday found Jaran Britt Myles guilty of first degree murder for the death of Joseph Christopher Smith but found him not guilty on two counts of aggravated battery for two others that were shot and survived.
Judge John Simon then immediately sentenced Myles to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Myles was sentenced last year to 45 years in state prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of his probation on a 2015 conviction for manslaughter with a firearm. After the November 2020 shooting, deputies arrested Myles at the Liquor Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez. He attempted to hide a gun on the store shelves. He is awaiting trial on the murder and aggravated battery charges.
Last June, Tacorius Cordale Stallworth was also sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery. In addition to the life sentence, Simon also sentenced Stallworth to an additional 15 years in prison to run concurrently for each of the aggravated battery counts. He has since filed an appeal.
Charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery were previously dropped against E’Monee DeMontae Long in the case. And charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery against Kiaunna Shane Grice were dismissed in February 2021 due to insufficient evidence.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting about 11:35 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020, in the 8200 block of Alger Road, just off North Century Boulevard.
The victim, Joseph Christopher Smith, was found shot to death outside a shed near the mobile home. Multiple shell casings were found near the body, in the shed and leading away from the body. The inside of the shed had a couch, several chairs, tables and a lamp. The items were in a state of disarray with the lamp glass shattered.
Two other adult males were sitting near the mobile home when deputies arrived; both had been shot.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured: Deputies look for evidence at the scene of a triple shooting on Alger Road Century the night of November 30, 2020. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Seriously Injured In Bratt Crash
February 9, 2023
One person was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Wednesday night in Bratt.
The driver of Kawasaki Ninja was northbound on Still Road just north of Rigby Road when he lost control and crashed, coming to rest on the roadway.
The adult male was transported by Escambia County EMS to Atmore Community Hospital. There were no other vehicles involved.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Approves ‘Conceptual’ Lease With Foreign Manufacturing Company
February 9, 2023
The Town of Century has approved a “conceptual” lease for a town-owned building in their industrial park.
The foreign-owned company will set up their first domestic manufacturing and warehouse distribution facility serving the oil and gas industry in what is commonly known as the Helicopter Technology Building.
The company has agreed to pay the appraised value of the building — $7.833.33 a month or $94,000 annually. The lease will continue for five years with a 3% annual increase beginning in the third year. The company will accept the building “as-is” and pay all utilities, maintenance, insurance and taxes.
The conceptual lease, drafted by the town’s lawyer, will next go to the company for approval before returning for a final town approval. The company hopes to begin warehouse operations by the end of February with a forthcoming expansion into manufacturing.
According to FloridaWest, the company plans to hire five people initially, with a goal of 10 employees by the end of the year with an average salary of $46,570 — the average wage in the Pensacola area.
RELATED: It’s No Secret: Century’s Mayor Says New Industry Will Jump-start Growth
The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology company. The building has sat empty since then.
Council members and the mayor have met individually with the company and are familiar with their operations and plans. The company’s name is not yet known by the public. Florida law allows economic development discussions to remain private until deals are finalized. That’s to prevent other locales from potentially stealing away businesses, and to keep business competitors in the dark on potential expansion plans.
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the economic development organization for Escambia County. Most details about the new company and their plans remain confidential during discussions, as is allowed and is standard in economic development in Florida.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.