Here Are Next Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
January 28, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties next week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Travel lanes have been shifted to accommodate construction activities in the work area. These shifts will remain in place through the end of May. 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 will be temporarily closed for construction beginning Monday, Feb. 6. The parking lot will remain closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Jan. 29 through Saturday, Feb. 4 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews place barrier wall and perform striping work. In addition, traffic on the Pensacola Bay Bridge will be slowed on Monday, Jan. 30 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for demolition of a submerged pier from the old (1960-era) bridge. Drivers may experience increased congestion. Law enforcement personnel will be available to control traffic on the bridge during the work.
- Pace Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Sunday, Jan. 29 through Thursday, Feb. 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will allow crews to perform paving operations as well as sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- 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, Jan. 29 through Thursday, Feb. 2 from 9 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 closures from U.S. 98 to Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 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 may encounter outside southbound lane closures on Navy Boulevard, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, Jan 27 through Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. while crews remove and replace existing concrete curb and gutter.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures and lane shifts at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection as crews install drainage pipe. Flagging operations will be in place to direct drivers.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance from Bellview Ave to Saufley Field Road – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 30 through Friday, March 10 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Jan. 29 through Saturday, Feb. 4 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews place barrier wall and perform striping work. In addition, traffic on the Pensacola Bay Bridge will be slowed on Monday, Jan. 30 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for demolition of a submerged pier from the old (1960-era) bridge. Drivers may experience increased congestion. Law enforcement personnel will be available to control traffic on the bridge during the work.
- 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, Jan. 29, through Friday, Feb. 3, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98) Turn Lane Operations at the Corner of S.R. 399 – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 10 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane construction at the new Cefco.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Tate Lady Aggies Name 2023 Varsity, JV Teams
January 28, 2023
The Tate High School Lady Aggies have named their 2023 varsity and junior varsity softball teams.
Varsity
- Mackenzie Cook
- Charli Vinson
- Kate Balagbagan
- Kylea Gibbs
- Olivea Latner
- Elizabeth McVay.
- Blakely Campbell
- Miranda Gaut
- Amburleigh Laird
- Tristen Showalter
- Jordan Smith
- Lacy Wilson
- Kara Wine
- Peyton Womack
JV
- Carlyn Ham
- Aubree Jordan
- Caidance Peterson
- Abby Ward
- Jordan Banks
- Kinzlee Biggs
- Aubree Gorum
- Carmen Morris
- Madison Smillie
- Gracelyn Smitherman
- Kacie Tolbert
- Peyton Wilson
- Tatianna Yahle
File photo.
Haylee Linam Named Escambia County 4-H Coordinator
January 28, 2023
Escambia County 4-H has named Haylee Linam as 4-H coordinator.
In her position, she will work out of the Langley Bell 4-H Center with 4-H online, clubs and volunteers. She will also present 4-H programs.
Linam grew up in Molino and participated in FFA at Ernest Ward Middle School and Northview High School. She also showed livestock at the GCA/NRYO Spring Livestock show all four years of high school.
After graduating from Northview in 2016, she received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Tennessee in 2019.
Did You Feel It? Seismic Expert Says Friday Rumble Was Not An Earthquake
January 28, 2023
Did you feel the rumble Friday morning? Experts say it was not an earthquake.
There is no official confirmation about what caused a rumble or a ground shake. NorthEscambia.com received over 1,000 reports, and 911 operators took several reports.
The event was recorded on an official seismic monitor in Brewton, Alabama, at 11:09 a.m. (You can see the recorded event in the graphic above where the black line “jumps”.)
Geological Survey of Alabama Geologic Investigations Program Director Sandy Ebersole, PhD, reviewed the data along with the USGS and told NorthEscambia.com that it was not an earthquake.
“The data is messy and noisy,” she said. “It definitely does not have an earthquake signature.”
Ebersole said the rumble was likely caused by aircraft.
The Navy did not confirm anything from their bases, nor did the Air Force.
Escambia County officials confirm there was no explosion or other event in the county that caused the rumble. A large column of smoke was visible in southern Escambia County. The smoke was from a controlled burn at the Jones Swamp south of Highway 98 and was in no way related to the rumble, according to county officials.
EREC’s Plans For North Escambia Fiber Internet Moves Forward
January 27, 2023
Plans are moving forward for high speed fiber internet in North Escambia, and residents can now check future availability at their residential or business address.
Earlier this month, the Escambia County Commission selected member-owned Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) with their partner firm Conexon Connect to provide high speed broadband in the area.
The Connect, powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, network will span approximately 600 miles of fiber network in Escambia County reaching over 4,000 electric member locations with an estimated cost of $24 million.
The network is expected to be complete to all 4,000 locations by mid-2024, with initial service availability targeted as early as the third quarter of 2023.
“I applaud the decision of the Escambia County Commission to make broadband connectivity to its unserved residents a priority,” said Conexon Partner Jonathan Chambers. “With funding from the county, we will be able to accelerate the construction of areas that were part of the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. In addition, if EREC is successful in its grant application to the state, we will be able to build a fiber-optic network to the rest of EREC’s members in Escambia County. I want to thank Ryan Campbell for his leadership. Soon, Escambia County will lead the state in fiber connectivity.”
Three basic speed tiers will be available:
- 100 Mbps/100 Mbps — $49.95/month
- 1 Gig/1Gig — $79.95/month
- 2 Gig/2Gig — $99.95/month
Qualifying households can receive a $30 per month discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Ryan Campbell, EREC’s CEO, said installation will be free for customers that sign up when fiber is being installed on their road. After that, installation will be $100. Residents can learn more about plans here and check availability for their address here.
The company will also offer optional phone service and streaming programming packages from Directv.
The fiber will bring smart grid capabilities to EREC’s electrical infrastructure, including improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery and more, according to the cooperative. Additionally, fiber connections to county facilities will also be provided.
“EREC has made great strides since the 1930s when we first brought electricity to this area. We continue to seek out and bring much-needed services to the rural areas, and high-speed internet is now a necessity,” Campbell said. “As a not-for-profit cooperative, we are excited about bringing this critical service to our members.”
Conexon and Conexon Connect work with electric cooperatives to provide fiber broadband to their members. With its clients, the company has designed more than 200,000 miles of fiber, builds more than 50,000 miles of fiber annually and has connected more than 500,000 rural Americans to fiber to the home.
“We’re thrilled to expand our partnerships in the state of Florida, continuing our efforts of serving unserved and underserved rural residents across the U.S.,” Conexon Founding Partner Randy Klindt said. “Bringing fiber to those who need it most is why we started Conexon and why we work daily to close the digital divide in communities like those served by EREC.”
Work Begins In Century On $4.7 Million Highway 29 Reconstruction
January 27, 2023
The first lane closures happened Thursday in Century as part of a $4.7 million safety project to resurface Highway 29.
The Florida Department of Transportation. Project includes a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
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.
During construction, drivers may encounter temporary traffic shifts and daytime and nighttime intermittent lane closures. Access to adjacent businesses and other properties will be maintained at all times.
FDOT estimates the project will be completed in late 2024.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Danielle O’Connor Is Beulah Middle School Teacher Of The Year
January 27, 2023
Danielle O’Connor was named the Beulah Middle School Teacher of the Year.
O’Connor has taught for seven years — five years as a math teacher and two years as a pre-engineering teacher. She also coaches volleyball, sponsors the Robotics Club, and loves to help out with the FFA.
NorthEscambia.com is continuing to spotlight Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area during January.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friends Of The Library Big Winter Book Sale Underway Through Sunday
January 27, 2023
The Friends of West Florida Public Library’s Big Winter Book Sale is going on through Sunday at the downtown library on Spring Street.
Thousands of hardcover, paperback and collectible books will be available for purchase, plus a variety of DVDs, CDs, puzzles and other items. Books will be sorted into different genre categories to make it easier to find favorites. Proceeds are used to fund programs and enhancements at West Florida Public Library (WFPL) branches.
On Saturday, the book sale will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with free admission and half off Friday prices.
Sunday, admission is free for the popular $7 bag sale from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. As much as will fit into a provided brown paper bag will be just $7.
Credit cards, cash and check are all welcome as payment. Carts will be available to assist in carrying bags.
Book Sale items include thousands of generous donations from the public and some library books retired from circulation, many of them now out-of-print. Novels and mysteries are sorted by author or into genres like Science Fiction and Westerns. Other book categories include arts and entertainment, children’s, cookbooks, history, holidays, home and hobbies, literature, foreign language, military, modern living, nature and gardening, religion, science, sports, technical, and travel. There are also recorded books, magazines and other media for sale.
The Collector’s Corner will feature an assortment of signed books, pre-1950s books, books by local and Florida authors and other special books that are great for gifts. These items are priced as marked and must be checked out separately, so shoppers paying by check should bring at least two of them.
DeSantis: Florida Will Remain The ‘Law And Order’ State
January 27, 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced a “law and order’ legislative proposal that he says will push back against the abolishment of cash bail, increase penalties for drug-related crimes, step up human smuggling interdictions, strengthen the punishment for child rapists, prevent the early release of sex criminals, and make it more feasible to administer ultimate justice to those facing the death penalty.
“Other states endanger their citizens by making it easier to put criminals back on the street. Here in Florida, we will to continue to support and enact policies to protect our communities and keep Floridians safe,” said DeSantis. “Florida will remain the law and order state.”
DeSantis said the legislation will bolster Florida’s blueprint for fighting crime by:
- Reforming Florida’s death penalty statute to ensure that those convicted of the most heinous crimes are punished accordingly. Current law requires a unanimous jury recommendation to impose a death sentence. This proposal reduces the number of jurors required for a recommendation of death from unanimity to a supermajority jury recommendation.
- Addressing the ongoing fentanyl crisis that is plaguing our country by imposing additional penalties on fentanyl and other drug-related crimes when the drug’s appearance resembles a piece of candy, including making it a first degree felony to possess, sell, or manufacture fentanyl and other controlled substances that resemble candy and adding a mandatory life sentence and $1 million penalty for trafficking such substances that target children. Additionally, Governor DeSantis is allocating $20 million in local support funding for law enforcement agencies to increase efforts to interdict and apprehend the illicit sale and trafficking of fentanyl. This builds upon last year’s increase in fentanyl trafficking mandatory minimums and will protect vulnerable children who might be deceived by what has been dubbed “rainbow fentanyl.”
- Strengthening Florida’s bail laws by limiting who is eligible for release prior to first appearance, making sure that a judge is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to detention, and requiring a detention hearing be held prior to trial for dangerous crimes.
- Petitioning the Florida Supreme Court to establish a uniform bond schedule that all state courts must follow.
- Requiring convicted child rapists to serve at least life in prison and exploring options to make them eligible for the death penalty.
- Toughening penalties for sex criminals by expanding the list of crimes ineligible for gain time by adding all inchoate offenses (attempted crimes) of sexual misconduct, such as attempted sexual battery.
- Requiring law enforcement to report missing persons to the National Missing and Unidentified Person’s System. Currently, they are only required to report it to the Florida Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center.
- Dedicating $5 million in the upcoming budget recommendations to continue the successful interdictions by the strike force announced last year. To date, these interdictions have resulted in more than 200 felony charges, nearly 40 human smuggling charges, 66 drug charges, and more than $625,000 worth of illicit drugs seized.
Atmore Police Investigating After Multiple Shots Fired Near Local Park
January 27, 2023
Atmore Police are looking for a suspect after shots were fired near a local park.
About 7:35 Wednesday night, the Atmore Police Department responded to a shots fired call in the area of Westside Park on Wilson Avenue. They arrived on scene to find several spent casings in the street.
While they were working the scene, a bond agent contacted officers stating that he might know who was involved, according to police.
Officers were also notified that a residence on West Nashville Avenue was also struck by gunfire, as was a vehicle.
“Investigators are working to determine who fired the shots,” Sgt. Darrell McMann said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Atmore Police at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.