Weekly Traffic Report: Those Troublesome Construction Slowdowns
July 4, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 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 – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, on Tuesday, July 5 as crews install pedestrian fence.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (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 Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 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 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform asphalt work.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Tuesday, July 5 for placement of watermain.
- I-10 Eastbound Routine Maintenance near U.S. 29 Exit 10A and 10B – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 5 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 Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 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:
- Temporary 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, Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 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 Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A Rollover Crash
July 3, 2022
Everyone walked away from a vehicle crash with no serious injuries Saturday.
The wreck happened on Highway 95A near North Chipper Road. Three adults and a properly restrained toddler were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released their official report, but flooding conditions on the road were believed to have led to the two vehicle crash.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Fireworks Sales Brisk At Stand Near State Line
July 3, 2022
Business has been brisk this year at an Alabama roadside fireworks store on Highway 31 west of Atmore, less than a mile north of Florida line.
Just three years ago, it was illegal to set off many types of fireworks in Florida. But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that allows consumer fireworks of most any kind to be used on July 4, December 31 and January 1. Not just the sparklers, noisemakers and the like Floridians had been restricted to for years, but real fireworks that explode or shoot into the sky.
“Class ‘C’ consumer fireworks are legal for the Fourth,” Fireworks Distributors owner Greg Odom said. “That means anything in the store is legal in Florida for the Fourth of July.”
The law signed by DeSantis does not supersede any local regulations governing fireworks.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July
July 3, 2022
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations from the USDA:
When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Frozen food can also be used as a cold source.
- Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
When cooking on the grill:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
- Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures
- Beef, Pork, Lamb, & Veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 °F with a 3 minute rest time
- Ground meats: 160 °F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, & ground poultry: 165 °F
- Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
When serving food outdoors:
- Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140 °F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
Wahoos Split Twin Bill With Montgomery
July 3, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos split their doubleheader against the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night, winning the first game 2-0 but falling in the nightcap 5-4.
In game one, Jeff Lindgren (W, 3-1) pitched a complete game seven-inning shutout while allowing only four hits. It was the first complete game of Lindgren’s professional career, and the first solo shutout for a Pensacola pitcher since 2017.
Pensacola’s offense didn’t do much against John Doxakis (L, 0-2), but got back-to-back RBI singles with two outs in the third from Troy Johnston and J.D. Osborne to provide all the offense Lindgren would need.
Game one was played in a brisk 1 hour and 36 minutes, the fastest game for the Blue Wahoos of any length since a 1:32 seven-inning game in Mississippi on August 19, 2019 and their fastest at Blue Wahoos Stadium since a rain-shortened six-inning game in 1:34 on April 14, 2014.
In game two, Zach King (L, 0-1) was greeted rudely in his Double-A debut by former Blue Wahoos outfielder Kameron Misner, who blasted a two-run homer in the first inning to put the Biscuits ahead 2-0. The Blue Wahoos answered back in the bottom of the first with four runs, highlighted by RBI singles from Johnston and Paul McIntosh, but the 4-2 lead did not last long.
Montgomery began the third inning by reaching five straight times against King, with RBI singles from Roberto Alvarez and Jacson McGowan causing an early exit for the young lefty and putting the Biscuits ahead 5-4. Zack Leban, Eli Villalobos and Colton Hock provided 5.0 scoreless innings of relief, but Chris Gau (W, 3-0) and Justin Sterner (S, 2) were just as effective in relief for the Biscuits as they salvaged the split.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday night.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Century Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks, Food Trucks (With Photo Gallery)
July 2, 2022
Fireworks lit up the night Friday with an early Fourth of July celebration in Century.
Hundreds of people gathered in Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods Friday night. Several food trucks offered everything from po’boys to loaded fries and ice cream, while vendors offered their wares before fireworks lit up the night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Make ‘Ocean Layer Jars’ This Month At Your Local Library
July 2, 2022
All ages are invited to make “Ocean Layer Jars” with STEAM at West Florida Public Libraries this month.
Participants can explore a summer of oceanography by building their own ocean layer model at the library.
Here is the schedule:
Saturday, July 2, 1 – 3 p.m. – Century Library
Tuesday, July 5, 3 – 4 p.m. – Westside Library
Tuesday, July 12, 3 – 4 p.m. – Tryon Library
Thursday, July 14, 3 – 4 p.m. – Southwest Library
Saturday, July 16, 1 – 3 p.m. – Genealogy Library
Thursday, July 21, 3 – 4 p.m. – Molino Library
Thursday, July 28, 3 – 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Stock photo for illustrative purposes only.
FWC’s Operation Dry Water Targets Boating Under The Influence This Weekend
July 2, 2022
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement will be promoting awareness and conducting heightened enforcement targeting boating under the influence as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign this weekend.
FWC officers will be enforcing Florida’s boating under the influence laws and educating boaters about safe boating practices, which includes boating sober.
The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays all over the U.S., including here in Florida. In 2021, the month of July had two fatalities and 53 people injured due to BUI related boating accidents.
Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher — the same as it is to operate a vehicle.
“Boating while impaired endangers not only yourself, but your family, friends and other boaters on the water,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section leader. “FWC officers will be actively patrolling statewide looking for impaired boaters. Our mission is to ensure the safety of all those enjoying the state’s vast and diverse waterways. That is why the FWC is joining other states and agencies across the country to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing accidents related to boating under the influence.”
Alcohol is a leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths, and a major contributor to accidents. Last year in Florida, 20% of fatal accidents were related to alcohol or drug use.
If a person decides to have alcohol on their vessel, FWC said it is important to designate an operator who isn’t drinking alcohol and will remain sober to ensure everyone gets home safely. The FWC encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season to its full extent by boating sober, wearing a life jacket and taking a boating education course.
A Batman Backpack, Gun And 752 Grams Of Meth: ECSO Says Man Facing Multiple Charges
July 2, 2022
An Escambia County man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly threatening a woman and fleeing with a Batman backpack with a stolen gun and drugs.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 35-year old Courtney Jamal Johnson became involved in an altercation with a woman at home on Kyle Drive, pulled out a handgun and threatened to hit her. He told her that if he actually had bullets in the gun, he would shoot her, deputies said. The woman fled to a neighbor’s house and called for help.
Johnson fled the scene with two backpacks, discarding them along the way. Deputies recovered both, one of which was a Batman backpack that contained a stolen firearm. Deputies also reported recovering 752 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, scales, plastic bags, and four Mason jars “full” of marijuana.
Johnson was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Saturday morning with bond set at $91,000.
AAA: Florida Fourth Of July Weekend Road Trips Expected To Be At Record Levels
July 2, 2022
AAA is predicting AAA predicts 2.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more during the Independence Day holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4). That’s 4% more than last year’s holiday, and just shy of 2019’s numbers.
AAA forecasts 2.3 million Flordians will take a holiday road trip – the most on record, dating back to 2001.
“The volume of travelers expected over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”