Traffic Alerts: Here’s What Drivers Can Expect This Week
October 23, 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. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 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.
- Saufley Field Road (State Road (S.R.) 296), from the Naval Air Station Entrance to West of Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter single lane closures with traffic flagging operations on Parda Road as crews remove and reconstruct a portion of the roadway. The closures will continue for the next several weeks.
- 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 new pedestrian barrier fence and other miscellaneous final work activities. In addition, the seven new mid-block crossing signals on Cervantes Street are now in operation.
- 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. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 27 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. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 27 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 intermittent lane closures between Innerarity Point Road and Bauer Road from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 27. The closures will allow crews to mill and pave the roadway.
- · Barrancas Avenue Routine Maintenance from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between Manchester Street and the Bayou Chico Bridge from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 30. The closures will allow crews to work on 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 shoulder closures Sunday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 28 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 open with four travel lanes, two in each direction. Drivers will continue to encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures as crews 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 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Oct. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 27 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway. In addition, traffic on Pensacola Boulevard, from Brent Lane to north of I-10, 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.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Routine Utility Maintenance from Tractor & Equipment Co. to Avalon Apartments – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for power pole 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. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 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 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.
- 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. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 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. 23 through Friday, Oct. 28 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.
- S.R. 4 Roadway Maintenance East of Magaha Road in Jay – Motorists will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 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.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sheriff Says Molino Bicyclist Murder Does Not Appear To Be Random
October 22, 2022
Escambia County Sheriff Simmons says the murder of a man Thursday evening in Molino does not appear to have been random.
Authorities were first called about 5:40 p.m. to the report of a hit and run crash involving a bicyclist on Cedartown Road southwest of Jahaza Road near Wilder Branch.
They arrived to find the 54-year old male had been shot multiple times on the lonely stretch of dirt road with no nearby residents. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, and there have been no suspects named
“Our investigators have been on it since it was reported, but because of the remote location it is going to take a little more footwork,” Simmons told NorthEscambia.com on Friday. “Investigators are out there, starting with the scene and pushing outward.”
Anyone with any information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: A bicyclist was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds
Tate High Crowns Homecoming Queen McKenzie Alfred
October 22, 2022
Friday night, Tate High School crowned Homecoming Queen McKenzie Alfred. First runner-up to the queen was Savannah Guilford, and second runner-up was Emily Brabner.
Look for more bonus photo galleries by Monday with the entire homecoming court, homecoming parade and more.
Pictured top: Tate High School Homecoming Queen McKenzie Alfred. Pictured below: Second Runner-up Emily Brabner, Queen McKenzie Alfred and First Runner-up Savannah Guilford. Pictured below: Queen McKenzie Alfred is crowned by last year’s queen, Darby Phillips, as her father Chad Alfred looks on. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Fall To Gulf Breeze (With Photo Gallery)
October 22, 2022
The Gulf Breeze Dolphins defeated the Tate Aggies Friday night, 49-21.
The Aggies started strong on their homecoming night. Aldrew Colston was in for an 11-yard touchdown run to give Tate an early 7-0 lead.
Tate recovered an onside kick, setting up their second score of the night.
Quarterback Taite Davis found Jackson Perreyclear to put the Aggies down inside the five. Colston then added another Aggie touchdown, 14-0 with 5:05 on the big clock in the first quarter.
But Gulf Breeze came back to lead 35-14 at the half on their way to a win.
The Tate Aggies (1-7) will host Escambia (5-3) next Friday night before rounding out their regular season at home against Washington on November 4.
For a game action photo gallery, click or tap here. (Look for a gallery with cheerleaders, fans and more by Monday.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scores
October 22, 2022
Here are football scores from around the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Northview 43, Marianna 14
- Gulf Breeze 49, Tate 21 [Story, photos...]
- Pine Forest 36, Escambia 3
- Pensacola High 38, Lighthouse Christian 6
- Choctaw 44, Washington 7
- Pensacola Catholic 49, Munroe 33
- Crestview 49, Milton 28
- Navarre 23, Pace 21
- Baker 52, Freeport 35
- Graceville at Jay (Thursday, canceled)
- Bye: West Florida
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy 40, South Choctaw Academy 14
- Orange Beach 55, Escambia County (Atmore) 19
- Flomaton 46, Monroe County 14
- T.R. Miller 35, St. Michael Catholic 6
- Excel 27, W.S. Neal 14
Pictured: Gulf Breeze defeated Tate Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Funeral Service Held Saturday For ECSO Master Deputy Kevin Ray
October 22, 2022
A funeral service was held Saturday for Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Kevin Ray of Cantonment.
Ray passed away on October 15 when his vehicle was struck by an alleged drunk driver near Laurel Hill, Florida.
The graveside service took place Green Hills Memorial Cemetery in Troy, Alabama.
Ray’s daughter, Lauren, continues to recover in Florida hospital.
For the complete obituary, click or tap here.
Police Searching For Suspect In Second Bank Robbery Of The Week
October 22, 2022
Police are searching for the suspect in the second bank robbery of the week in Escambia County.
About 3:50 p.m. Friday, Pensacola Police responded to the robbery of the Wells Fargo on Bayou Boulevard.
A white male with short brown hair and brown eyes wearing a gray jacket robbed the bank, according to police. He was wearing a black mask
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1901 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
On Tuesday, the Hancock Whitney Bank on Creighton Road was robbed. A suspect was soon arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Ethics Commission Recommends Doug Underhill Be Removed From Office
October 21, 2022
The Florida Commission on Ethics Friday morning recommended that Gov. Ron DeSantis remove Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill from office and fine him $35,000.
The Ethics Commission found that Underhill misused his position by publicly sharing or publishing confidential transcripts, including minutes from Escambia County Commission shade meetings. A $10,000 fine was imposed for this offense.
The Commission recommended a fine of $6,250 for each of four ethics violations for soliciting donations from a county vendor or lobbyist, and gift disclosure laws.
The recommendation goes next to Gov. Ron DeSantis who can decide whether to enforce the order.
Underhill is expected to appeal.
Winning $57K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold At Beulah Store
October 21, 2022
Someone is over $57,000 richer today after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at a Beulah convenience store.
The quick pick ticket sold at the Circle K at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road was one of three winning tickets sold in Thursday night’s drawing and is worth $57,057.87. The other winning tickets were sold in Orlando and Odessa.
The 180 tickets matching four numbers won $153 each. Another 6,545 tickets matching three numbers are worth $11.50 each, and 66,642 ticket holders won a free ticket for picking two numbers.
Thursday’s winning numbers were 03-22-24-32-35.
Cantonment Man Arrested At Gunpoint After Ramming ECSO Vehicles
October 21, 2022
A Cantonment man was taken into custody at gunpoint after allegedly ramming his vehicle into two deputy vehicles in a Publix parking lot as they tried to arrest him on stalking warrants.
Russ Hines McNair, Jr., was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Unit was searching for McNair on outstanding warrants when they located him sitting in a Toyota Tundra in the parking lot of the Publix on Mobile Highway. Due to McNair’s previous history of fleeing from law enforcement, deputies pulled their vehicles in front of, and behind McNair’s vehicle, according to an arrest report. The emergency lights on both vehicles were activated.
McNair, 44, put his Tundra in reverse and rammed an unmarked ECSO Ford Explorer to the rear and drove forward into a marked ECSO vehicle, the report states. He then accelerated, causing his tires to spin, as he attempted to push the ECSO vehicle away.
McNair was then taken into custody at gunpoint.
He had multiple outstanding warrants for stalking and violating protective injunctions involving an adult female. Last Sunday and Monday, he sent the victim 42 text messages, called her 30 times and left several voicemails, according to court records. He also allegedly threatened to physically harm the victim.
McNair remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday without bond.