Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch Next Week
July 16, 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:
- State Road (S.R.) 292 (Sorrento Road /Perdido Key Drive) Resurfacing from Theo Baars Bridge to South of Bauer Road – Canal Drive at Perdido Key Drive is closed through Friday, July 22 as crews reconstruct Canal Drive. Motorists may utilize Innerarity Point Road and Monterrey Drive as a detour route. Signs are in place to alert drivers of the temporary road closure and detour.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, July 17 through Saturday, July 23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, July 19, 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, as crews adjust manholes and pedestrian fencing.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 22 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, July 17 through Thursday, July 21 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, July 17 through Thursday, July 21 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound as crews perform asphalt work.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to Davis Highway and the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound as crews place high friction surface treatment on the ramps.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, July 18 for placement of watermain.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance Near I-110 – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures west of exit 12 Monday, July 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guardrail repairs.
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, July 17 through Saturday, July 23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, July 19, 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. 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, July 17 through Friday, July 22 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Monday, July 18 through Thursday, July 21 for construction activities.
- I-10 Between Exit 31 (SR 87) and 45 (Holt) Maintenance Activities– Motorists can expect intermittent eastbound lane closures between S.R. 87 (Exit 31) and Holt (Exit 45) Tuesday, July 19 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. as crews take soil samples.
- S.R. 87 Routine Utility Maintenance from North of Montalban Street to Segura Street – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Friday, July 15 through Tuesday, July 19, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to perform routine maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Lookouts Beat The Wahoos 9-3
July 16, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos could not overcome a five-run first inning on Friday night, falling 9-3 to the Chattanooga Lookouts as their four-game winning streak came to a close.
Bubba Hollins provided the lone offensive highlight after a 53-minute pregame rain delay, his first home run of the season in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Lookouts ambushed Pensacola starter Zach King (L, 0-2) in the first, scoring five runs on six singles to take an early 5-0 lead. They did the same in the fifth inning, as an Allan Cerda two-run homer anchored a four-run effort to put Chattanooga ahead 9-1.
Carson Spiers (W, 1-3) pitched well for the Lookouts, working 6.2 solid innings to earn his first Double-A win in 16 starts. The righty departed after allowing the Hollins homer in the seventh, but was given ample run support to pitch with ease all evening.
Pensacola’s bullpen was able to keep the Lookouts in single digits, as Eli Villalobos, Sean Reynolds and Jefry Yan combined for 4.2 scoreless innings of relief.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Saturday.
Century Woman Charged With Battery Of Her Ex-Boyfriend And His New Girlfriend
July 15, 2022
A Century woman is facing charges after allegedly striking her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend before damaging his windshield.
Alliyiah Quarille Henderson, 26, was charged with two counts of battery domestic violence and criminal mischief.
It happened on Hecker Road in Century.
The victim, who is three months pregnant, told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she was attacked while in the bed sleeping. She stated that she was struck several times by Henderson in the face and stomach.
Henderson also attacked her ex-boyfriend, who is the father of her child, after he separated her from the female victim, an arrest report states. After hearing a noise outside, he discovered the windshield of his 2003 Nissan Altima had suffered $300 in damage. Deputies reported finding a broken vase on the busted windshield.
The victims suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention.
Henderson remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Alabama Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Underway (But You’ll Still Pay Tax In Some Locations)
July 15, 2022
Alabama’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is underway until midnight Sunday. But you may not see the full savings, depend on where in Alabama you do your shopping.
The state’s 4-percent sales tax will be waived on certain school supplies selling for $50 or less, computers and software up to $750, clothing selling for $100 or less, and books up to $30.
But in some cities, however, you’ll still get charged local taxes.
Escambia County, Alabama, isn’t taking part, so in that county you will still be charged the 2-percent county tax. Brewton and Flomaton shoppers will also pay city sales tax, while Atmore is waiving their local tax.
In Baldwin County, all eligible sales will be completely tax-free, except in the small town of Silverhill. In Mobile County, the full exemption applies everywhere, except there will be city tax in Saraland.
For the complete, detailed list of eligible items, click or tap here.
Florida’s two-week Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is July 25-August 7.
Source: Alabama Department of Revenue.
FavorHouse Names New Executive Director
July 15, 2022
Tracie Hodson has been named the new executive director of FavorHouse of Northwest Florida.
Hodson will manage all day-to-day operations for the only certified domestic violence center in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.. She will also lead the organization’s fundraising, marketing, and community engagement initiatives.
Hodson joins FavorHouse with over 22 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. She has a rich history of serving children, families, and survivors of intimate partner abuse including 10 years as the executive director for a domestic violence service provider in Indiana.
“I am both humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as FavorHouse’s executive director,” said Hodson. “Being a voice for those who have lost their voice due to abuse is a calling! I look forward to working with the board, staff and community Stakeholders to build upon FavorHouse’s foundation of excellence as we strengthen and grow the organization for the benefit of the people we serve and the community as a whole. Intimate partner violence can happen to anyone. We want to make sure they know FavorHouse stands ready to support survivors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”
‘Stupid Mistake’ — Motorcyclist Charged With Fleeing From Traffic Stop In Cantonment
July 15, 2022
A motorcyclist has been charged with fleeing from a traffic stop in Cantonment.
Brandon Martin Spivey, 34, was charged with fleeing and eluding an officer in a marked patrol vehicle with lights and sirens activated, and knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
Earlier this week, an Escambia County deputy was behind a blue motorcycle with no license plate on Jacks Branch Road near Green Tree Circle. The deputy activated the emergency lights on his marked patrol vehicle as the motorcycle turned onto Green Tree.
Spivey accelerated, coming back out onto Jacks Branch Road and turned down Fargo Road as the deputy followed, according to an arrest report. The deputy was able to follow the tire tracks on Fargo Road to locate the motorcycle behind a house. When backup arrived, the deputy knocked on the front door. Spivey immediately walked out and and was taken into custody.
“Spivey was apologetic and said he made a stupid mistake,” the arresting officer wrote in his report.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,500 bond.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Welcomes 14 New Firefighters
July 15, 2022
Escambia County Fire Rescue has 14 new state certified firefighters.
The new recruits received over 200 hours of classroom lectures and hands-on training during a five week course.
“ECFR is proud of our recent fire cadets that have transitioned to certified firefighters,” said Deputy Fire Chief Paul Williams. “These firefighters went on to receive more than 200 hours of training that is beyond the minimum standards requirement. Our training division coordinated and scheduled an excellent training curriculum consisting of numerous ECFR instructors. These officers are the best at what they do and provide invaluable insight and training to these recruits. Rest assured, these firefighters have been prepared for the next leg of their journey. We hope they spend their career with us and realize this job requires that you continue to train and learn the entire time.”
The new firefighters have each been assigned to fire stations across the county.
“It’s always a good day when new faces join the team. It was a long road for them to get certified, and they put in a lot of effort and dedication,” said Fire Chief Jason Catrambone. “The learning has not stopped for them as they have chosen a career that requires constant training. They are now part of a family that will continue to support their journey and guide them to success.”
The newly-certified firefighters are:
- Brett A. Boudreaux
- Connor J. Creel
- Jordan R. Ewing
- Kenneth M. Fike
- Niels H. Frage
- Joseph M. Graczyk
- Eli O. Jackson
- Donovan J. Murphy
- Brent A. Nesmith
- Channin P. O’Connor
- Joshua M. Reeves
- Nicholas B. Speer
- Jacob F. Stevenson
- Jonathan T. Welch
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Get 7-3 Win Over The Lookouts
July 15, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored seven early runs headed to a 7-3 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Thursday night, their fourth win in a row.
Jeff Lindgren (W, 4-1) was dependable as always, allowing three runs over 5.2 innings to earn the win.
After a pregame 90-minute rain delay, the Blue Wahoos jumped on Chattanooga starter Connor Curlis (L, 2-8) right away in the first inning with four quick runs. With two outs, a two-run single from Bubba Hollins was followed by a two-run double from Cobie Fletcher-Vance for an early 4-0 lead.
The Blue Wahoos added three more in the second on a two-run double from Troy Johnston and run-scoring out from Griffin Conine, more than enough for Lindgren. The righty allowed a pair of home runs to Allan Cerda for the only Chattanooga runs of the night, striking out eight batters and falling just one out shy of his eighth quality start.
Though the Blue Wahoos did not score after the first two innings, a strong bullpen effort from Dylan Bice, Zack Leban and Colton Hock kept the Lookouts at arm’s length.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday.
ECUA Issues Boil Water Notice For Part Of Woodrun Subdivision
July 14, 2022
UPDATE: THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority has issued a precautionary boil water notice for a portion of the Woodrun Subdivision off Nine Mile Road due to a broken 3 -inch water main.
The boil water notice is in effect for 9015 to 9229 Woodrun Road, along with Woodrun Circle, Woodrun Lane, Woodrun Place and Woodrun Court.
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Escaped Work Detail Inmate Back In Custody
July 14, 2022
A work release inmate that escaped Tuesday is back in custody.
Escambia County said 48-year old Matthew David Shelters was taken into custody about 1:10 Thursday afternoon. He was charged with escape.
Shelters escaped Tuesday from a work detail on Colby Lane and Feldor Drive in Myrtle Grove.
Shelters was previously jailed in December 2021 on a burglary charge.