Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 12, 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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 12 through Saturday, June 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 14, 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 – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, as crews install pedestrian fence.
- The new traffic signals on Cervantes Street at the J Street, L Street, and R Street intersections are now activated.
- 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 Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – The sidewalks on the eastern side of Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and Navy Boulevard, are closed as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the western 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, June 12 through Thursday, June 16 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night as crews work on guardrail improvements.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Pavement Coring Operations near Manolete Steet – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Monday, June 13 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for pavement coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near Addison Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Wednesday, June 15 from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. for underground fiber improvements.
- North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Maintenance North of Langley Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Monday, June 13 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
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, June 12 through Saturday, June 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 14, 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:
- 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, Sunday, June 12 through Friday, June 17, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Portside Drive to North College Parkway as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities on the outside lane.
- 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 the week of Sunday, June 12 for construction activities. In addition, road closures at the overpass from 11 p.m. Thursday, June 16 to 5 a.m. Friday, June 17, traffic will be diverted to the westbound off ramp and will re-enter the interstate on the westbound on ramp.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Coring Operations from East Bay Road to Vonnie Tolbert Road in Navarre – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 13 through Thursday, June 17 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for pavement coring operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Blue Wahoos Fall 5-1 To The Barons In Birmingham
June 12, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos took a 1-0 lead to the bottom of the eighth inning in their game against the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night, but uncharacteristic bullpen struggles cost the club in a 5-1 loss.
Jeff Lindgren tied a career high with 7.0 innings of scoreless work in his start for the Blue Wahoos, his fourth quality start in six Double-A appearances this season.
The Blue Wahoos maintained their 4.0-game lead in the South Division with 13 to play in the first half, as every other team in the division also lost.
Troy Johnston provided Pensacola’s only run-scoring hit of the night with an RBI double in the third against Birmingham starter Emilio Vargas to put the Blue Wahoos up 1-0. Pensacola managed just three hits in the game, and none after the fourth inning as a Barons bullpen effort from Kyle Kubat, Declan Cronin, Garrett Davila (W, 2-0) and Fraser Ellard kept the Blue Wahoos in check.
Birmingham was stymied by Lindgren through seven innings, but pounced on Andrew McInvale (L, 0-1) in the eighth. A leadoff walk to Craig Dedelow was followed by a game-tying RBI triple to Yoelqui Cespedes, who was then brought home on an Alex Destino sacrifice fly to put the Barons up 2-1. Three hits, two walks and a hit batsman followed as the Barons eventually stretched the lead to 5-1.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series and road trip against the Barons on Sunday.
Written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Family Believes 18-Wheeler May Have Caused Fatal Molino Crash; FHP Says They Will Investigate
June 11, 2022
Family members believe an 18-wheeler may be what caused a wreck that claimed the life of a Cantonment man Friday afternoon on Highway 29. And the Florida Highway Patrol says they will investigate that possibility.
The crash happened about 12:40 p.m. on Highway 29 between Highway 196 and Chance Road in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver lost control as his southbound Ford F150 pulling a utility trailer crossed over the median and overturned multiple times, coming to rest into the northbound lanes. Lance Smith, 39, was ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County EMS. A 16-year male passenger from Molino was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
The initial investigation indicated that it was a single vehicle crash; but, family members are offering a cash reward for information about a big truck that may have caused Smith to lose control of his pickup.
“We can’t confirm at this time that an 18-wheeler was actually involved,” FHP Lt. Jason King told NorthEscamia.com. He said troopers will follow up as their investigation continues. “This is a very, very sad time for the family and early stages of our investigation. We hope we can discover every contributing factor we can.”
“We are definitely open to receiving information regarding an 18-wheeler that may have been involved in this fatal crash. Anything we can gain to follow up on to solidify its involvement or even eliminate its involvement will be most helpful,” King said.
Anyone with additional information on the crash can call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP.
Pictured: A fatal crash on Highway 29 in Molino Friday afternoon. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Christian College Locked Down After Unfounded Report Of Person With A Gun
June 11, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Pensacola Christian College Friday after a report of a person possibly armed with a weapon on the campus.
The ECSO was able to clear the campus and determine that the threat was unfounded.
“Pensacola Christian College received a report of a perceived threat,” PCC said in a statement. “The campus was placed on lockdown while the report was investigated. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly and the report was found not to be credible.”
File photo.
Semi Overturns In I-10 Wreck, Spills Frozen Chickens Across The Road
June 11, 2022
Frozen chickens were scattered across I-10 in Escambia County following a semi wreck .
The 21-year old driver of a pickup truck entering I-10 at Scenic Highway lost control about 6:10 p.m. and collided with a semi-truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The semi collided with a concrete center median, causing the trailer loaded with frozen chickens to overturn and hit the Scenic Highway overpass. The chickens were spilled into the westbound lanes of I-10.
The pickup truck also collided with the wall of the overpass.
The occupants of the pickup truck were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The semi driver was not injured.
Photos: WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Married Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Employees Arrested For Elderly Exploitation And Fired
June 11, 2022
Two members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office — a husband and wife — have been arrested and terminated
Carl Scheel III, a deputy, and Alicia Marie Scheel, a civilian clerk, were both charged with one felony count of exploitation of the elderly.
After a month-long investigation, investigators found the Scheel’s moved a pickup truck and money from his father’s name into their names without consent, according to arrest reports.
“Agency employees will always be held to high standards, both on and off duty. Although an arrest has been made, we are continuing this investigation and it remains very active,” said SRSO Sheriff Bob Johnson.
Mug shots of law enforcement officers are exempt from release in Florida.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Tahoe Collides With A Prius
June 11, 2022
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office unit collided with a Toyota Prius Friday.
The marked ECSO Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling northbound on Highway 295 with its lights and siren activated as a white Toyota Prius was traveling southbound. The Tahoe experienced a mechanical failure while negotiating a curve, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, and traveled across the median.
The ECSO Tahoe collided with the Prius. Neither driver was transported to the hospital, and only minor injuries were reported.
FHP said no citations were issued.
Blue Wahoos Overcome Early Deficit in Comeback 9-8 Win Over B’ham
June 11, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were undaunted by an 8-1 deficit in Birmingham on Friday night, scoring eight unanswered runs for a comeback 9-8 win over the Barons.
Josh Simpson (W, 3-0), Dylan Bice and Colton Hock (S, 5) combined for 6.0 innings of one-hit, shutout relief that allowed the offense to chip away at the Barons bullpen.
The Blue Wahoos extended their lead in the South Division by 4.0 games with 14 to play in the first half.
Griffin Conine opened the scoring for Pensacola in the first against Birmingham starter Scott Blewett, grounding an RBI single up the middle for a 1-0 lead. Blue Wahoos starter Bryan Mitchell allowed a two-run double to J.J. Muno in the second before things unraveled in the third inning.
Birmingham scored six runs against Mitchell in the third, though three errors from the Blue Wahoos made five of the runs unearned. The big inning was capped by a three-run homer from Luis Curbelo to put the Barons ahead 8-1.
Luis Aviles Jr. hit a solo homer to lead off the fourth and kick off the comeback effort, and Ray-Patrick Didder hit an RBI triple later in the inning to cut the deficit to 8-3. In the fifth, a two-out throwing error from Barons third baseman D.J. Burt made the score 8-5.
The Blue Wahoos completed the comeback in the sixth, scoring four runs against Taylor Broadway (L, 1-2). Paul McIntosh laced a two-run double to left-center and scored the tying run on a wild pitch before an Aviles sacrifice fly brought home the eventual winning run.
Simpson, Bice and Hock held the lead, facing just one over the minimum over the final four innings.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Saturday.
written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Escambia Looks At $40 Higher Fire Fee, But Lower Property Tax To Fund Fire Services
June 10, 2022
Escambia County property owners may see a $40 increase in a fire fee, but see their property tax rate decrease at the same time.
It’s the latest solution being considered as a way to increase funding by $6 million to meet the county’s fire services next year.
Chairman Jeff Bergosh pitched the “tax swap” during a Thursday workshop meeting of the Escambia County Commission. That, he said, “leaves the Escambia County tax paying property owner without a property tax increase…even though he will pay more if his property (value) went up.”
The $40 increase will raise the fire MSBU from $125 to $165 per year.
Ultimately, Bergh said he believes a sales tax increase is the way to fund Escambia County Fire Rescue, but the timetable to place the plan on the ballot means it can’t happen until 2024.
Bergosh also proposed cutting 125 jobs from a pool of 400 positions that are currently vacant to save millions more.
Commissioner Doug Underhill took the idea a big step further, recommending that 200 vacant positions be eliminated.
“We are clearly able to conduct government business without them,” Underhill said. “We are clearly able to run this government with 400 fewer people than what we’ve got on the books.”
“Keep in mind, none of this discussion means going to somebody in any of our offices and saying, ‘you’ve got to go home’. This simple means eliminating the billets that are clearly not needed….because the staff we’ve got is doing the same job,” Underhill continued.
Commissioner Steven Barry said little during the board’s discussion, stating ““put this on the agenda next week, we’ll solve the problem” when pressed for comment by Bergosh.
“I agree with our chairman about it being a good day for the taxpayers of Escambia County,” Barry told NorthEscambia.com following the meeting. “I support, and expect based on the conversations we have had at board meetings, that there will not be any type of rate increase of any kind recommended by board, whether MSBU or ad valorem. Also, I do believe Commissioner Bergosh’s long term idea of funding fire services through a sales tax voted on by the taxpayers and removing the MSBU altogether seems to make a lot of sense.”
Century Man Gets Life In Prison For 2020 Century Shooting Death
June 10, 2022
A Century man has been sentenced to life in prison for a November 2020 shooting in Century that left one man dead and two others injured.
Tacorius Cordale Stallworth was convicted by an Escambia County jury of first degree murder for the death of Joseph Christopher Smith and two counts of aggravated battery for two others that were shot and survived.
In addition to the life sentence, Judge John Simon also sentenced Stallworth to an additional 15 years in prison to run concurrently for each of the aggravated battery counts.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting about 11:35 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020, in the 8200 block of Alger Road, just off North Century Boulevard.
The victim, Joseph Christopher Smith, was found shot to death outside a shed near the mobile home. Multiple shell casings were found near the body, in the shed and leading away from the body. The inside of the shed had a couch, several chairs, tables and a lamp. The items were in a state of disarray with the lamp glass shattered.
Two other adult males were sitting near the mobile home when deputies arrived; both had been shot.
Suspect Jaran Britt Myles was recently sentenced to 45 years in state prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of his probation on a 2015 conviction for manslaughter with a firearm. After the November 2020 shooting, deputies arrested Myles at the Liquor Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez. He attempted to hide a gun on the store shelves. He is awaiting trial on the murder and aggravated battery charges.
A third suspect, Emonee Demontae Long, is also awaiting trial and is due back in court in August.
Pictured: Deputies look for evidence at the scene of a of a triple shooting on Alger Road Century the night of November 30, 2020. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
