These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
October 17, 2022
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 front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime and nighttime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street. The closures will allow crews to work on the irrigation system and landscaping. In addition, the seven mid-block crossing signals will be activated on Cervantes Street.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets, between Cervantes Street and Barrancas Avenue Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will continue for several weeks as crews work to adjust manholes, and mill and pave the roadways. In addition, pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), while crews make sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the following ramps from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 as crews install thermoplastic pavement markings:
- I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound.
- I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound.
- I-110 northbound ramp to Davis Highway.
- Davis Highway on-ramp to I-110 southbound.
- I-10 eastbound ramp to I-110 southbound.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers will encounter the following lane closures Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.:
- Reduction to one lane and traffic flagging operation from Innerarity Point Road to Bauer Road as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- Reduction to one lane and traffic flagging operations between Doug Ford Road and Bauer Road as crews perform shoulder widening and drainage work.
- · Barrancas Avenue Routine Maintenance from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Daytime single lane closures on the Bayou Chico Bridge as crews remove and replace the striping on the bridge. The closures will be in place several days until the work is complete.
- Alternating lane closures on Barrancas Avenue, between Manchester Street and the Bayou Chico Bridge, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 20. The closures will allow crews to work on the manholes and place thermoplastic striping on the roadway.
- East Nine Mile Road. (U.S. 90A) 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 will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will now share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Sunday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 14 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for construction operations.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – The Ninth Avenue northbound bridge over Carpenter’s Creek is slated to open next week. Four travel lanes, two in each direction, will be open when traffic is placed in final configuration Tuesday, Oct. 18. Drivers will continue to encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures as crews continue to place the final layer or “friction course” of asphalt and perform final work activities.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29), from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to north of I-10 – Traffic has been slightly shifted to the outside in both directions. The traffic shift will be in place for several weeks as crews repair the median barrier wall.
- West Garden Street (U.S. 98) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near G Street – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. for utility maintenance.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia Bay Bridge – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews will temporarily shift eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River Wednesday, Oct. 19. 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.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime and daytime lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21 for 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 S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, Oct. 16 through Friday, Oct. 21 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. This closure will remain in effect for approximately 30 days. 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.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Inspection over Yellow River – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.
- S.R. 4 Roadway Maintenance East of Magaha Road in Jay – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21 for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction at Rosewood Avenue – Motorist will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures Saturday, Oct. 22 through Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Climb 7 Cents On Average In The Last Week
October 17, 2022
Florida gas prices averaged $3.40 a gallon on Sunday. That’s 7 cents per gallon more than a week ago, 22 cents more than this time last year, yet 3 cents less than last month.
The average in Escambia County was $3.25. Sunday night, a low of $3.22 could be found in Cantonment, while Pensacola was as low $3.03 on Nine Mile Road.
“Drivers faced another round of rising gas prices last week, as retail prices at the pump continued to adjust to the big jump in oil prices which occurred more than a week ago,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The 17% oil price hike was largely in response to OPEC’s announcement that it would cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day in effort to raise oil prices. The resulting gas price hike effectively erased any discounts created by the state gas tax holiday. Fortunately, oil prices took a step back last week, which should ease upward pressure at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Woman Shot In The Face In Cantonment, Suspect Later Shot Himself, ECSO Says
October 16, 2022
A woman was shot in the face and the suspect died after being found with a gunshot wound early Sunday morning in Cantonment.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unknown problem at 12:45 Sunday morning on Fishhook Lane, near the Perdido River west of Jacks Branch Road.
According to ECSO Sgt. Melony Peterson, the victim reported that she was shot in the face and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. She is expected to recover.
Peterson said she had gotten into an argument with a man believed to be her cousin.
About an hour later, the adult male suspect shot himself near the original crime scene and was transported to an area hospital where he later died, according to the ECSO.
The incident remained under investigation and further details were not immediately known.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Children Found Safe, Suspect Arrested After Kidnapping, Amber Alert
October 16, 2022
UPDATE: At 3:35 a.m., the children were found safe and the suspect was arrested in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
An amber alert was issued late Saturday night for a 2-year old kidnapped from Pensacola.
According to the Pensacola Police Department, 22-year-old Alyanna Gully is wanted for the kidnapping of 2-year old Jazarah Stallworth at about 10:47 p.m. from 6115 North Davis Highway. Gully also took her own 2-year old child Aila Jones and a 17-year old. The teen was dropped off in the Cantonment area at Highway 29 and Roberts Road. Investigators said Gully may have been heading to Atlanta, driving a 2014 white Ford Fusion with Florida tag #05DFWD.
Jazarah Stallworth was last seen wearing a pink shirt, Minnie Mouse shorts and white socks. Aila Jones was last seen wearing pink pajamas with unicorns.
Gully was described as a 22-year old black female, about 5-foot 5 inches tall, 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Gully or the children is asked to call 911 immediately.
Century Blackcats Celebrate Homecoming (With Photo Gallery)
October 16, 2022
The Century Blackcats youth football team celebrated homecoming Saturday.
For a game action photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Heritage Festival Celebrates The Community’s History (With Photo Gallery)
October 16, 2022
Under beautiful blue skies with an 1880’s log schoolhouse as a backdrop, the Walnut Hill Heritage Festival on Saturday celebrated the community’s history.
The event sponsored by the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club featured historical displays, vendors, food, live entertainment, and over 30 vendors. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, their mounted posse and K-9 Sadie were on hand, and there were bounce houses and other activities for the kids.
The one-room log schoolhouse was built around 1880 at a cost of $40. It was flattened by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and rebuilt at its current home by the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97.
For more festival photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Student Arrested With Loaded Handgun At Escambia County Middle School In Atmore
October 16, 2022
An Escambia County Middle School student in Atmore was arrested with a loaded gun on campus Friday.
Law enforcement responded to the school after receiving a report that a student might be armed, and the school was placed on lockdown.
Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson said the student was in a classroom and found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic handgun. The student was arrested and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Byrneville Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
October 16, 2022
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their September Students of the Month.
They are:
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
County Seeks Volunteer For Tourist Development Council
October 16, 2022
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment as an “Interested in Tourism” representative on the Escambia County Tourist Development Council.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Tourist Development Council are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve on the council by the close of business on Friday, Octorber 28, 2022. Resumes should be submitted to Jose Gochez, Program Coordinator, Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, FL 32502, or emailed to boardapply@myescambia.com.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council was created to review each proposal for expenditure of funds to determine if it complies with the Tourist Development Plan as outlined by ordinance. The ordinance provides that the council is to review all expenditures of revenue from the trust fund; expenditures that the council believes to be authorized are to be reported to the county commission and the Florida Department of Revenue.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
No. 9 UWF Flies Past Shorter, 50-26, For 13th Consecutive Road Win
October 16, 2022
Peewee Jarrett had 287 yards of total offense and David Durden finished with 111 receiving yards as ninth-ranked UWF defeated Shorter, 50-26, at Historic Barron Stadium on Saturday.
Jarrett did a little bit of everything for UWF (5-1, 3-1 Gulf South) as he completed 18-of-29 for 189 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 98 yards on six carries and another score. His rushing total was a UWF record for a quarterback.
The Argonauts scored on eight of their 11 possessions, with one of the two punts directly leading to a safety.
Durden had his third 100-yard game in the last four and opened the scoring, returning a punt 58 yards following a 3-and-out by Shorter. He also caught a career-high-tying nine passes.
Following a Hawks punt on the next possession, Jarrett led an 80-yard drive that saw him complete four-consecutive passes after a Shomari Mason run to put UWF at the 12. Two plays later he finished off the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead.
Shorter got on the scoreboard early in the second with a 24-yard Nicholas Pope field goal, before UWF’s Griffin Cerra made a 24-yarder to send the teams into the locker room with a 17-3 Argo lead.
Cerra added a 27-yarder on the opening possession of the third quarter to extend the lead to 20-3. Another 3-and-out gave UWF the ball 55 yards from paydirt. Jarrett ended the 8-play march with consecutive completions to Durden, including a 13-yard slant into the end zone for a 27-3 advantage.
Shorter got a score back near the end of the third when Aeneas Dennis completed a 10-yard pass to Trevon Dirden.
Then the teams started lighting up the scoreboard in the final 15 minutes.
Tra’quan McNair got to Dennis in the end zone and forced the Hawk to intentionally ground the ball for a safety. UWF took the next possession on the free kick and had excellent field position when Da’quan Bailey-Brown returned it 45 yards to the Shorter 30. From there, Jarrett broke off a 25-yard scamper and Shomari Mason went in untouched from the 10 for a 36-10 lead.
The Argos added a pair of touchdowns from C.J. Wilson, including a 40-yarder that pushed the margin to 50-18.
UWF outgained Shorter 441-335 and continued its balanced attack, running for 222 and passing for 219.
The Argos will return to Pen Air Field for the next two weeks, starting next Saturday, Oct. 22 against Mississippi College (4-3, 3-1) at 4 p.m.
Photo: Morgan Givens