Here Are Next Weeks’ Road Work Slow Down Areas
March 19, 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 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26. 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 – The bus stop on the north side of Cervantes Street at N Street will remain temporarily closed through Friday, March 25 as crews perform construction activities associated with the safety improvement project. E-Cat has been notified of this temporary closure so accommodations to the stops can be made. Riders may use alternate bus stops on the north side of Cervantes Street at L and Q streets. In addition, drivers will encounter the following:
- Inside lane closures and shifts between D and Q streets as crews perform median improvements, signalization installation and construct curb and gutter and sidewalk.
- Outside intermittent lane closures will occur at various locations along West Cervantes, between Dominguez and A Streets, to allow crews to construct Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps and traffic pole foundations.
- 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 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25, as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) Maintenance from West of Palafox Street to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, March 21 as crews perform concrete operations.
- I-10 Pavement Marking at the Pensacola Weigh Station – The westbound weigh station will be closed beginning Thursday, March 24 through Thursday, March 31 as crews perform restriping operations.
- S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near East Blount Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 as crews work on underground gas lines.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26. 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 – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to six-lanes with a raised median, safety, and drainage upgrades, resurfacing S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect daytime eastbound shoulder closures at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) the week of Monday, March 21 as crews perform construction activities on the barrier wall.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Child Neglect After Young Child Found Running Around Near Nine Mile Road Traffic
March 18, 2022
A Cantonment woman is facing charges after her young child was allegedly found running around alongside Nine Mile Road.
Hannah Louise Rolin, 24, was charged with child neglect and resisting arrest.
The incident happened back on March 10. Drivers in the 400 block of Nine Mile Road, in the area across from Home Depot, saw a small child running “extremely close” to traffic with no adults around. The good Samaritans were unable to locate the child’s parent, so they called law enforcement while taking care of the child.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the child appeared exhausted and slept for an hour while under their care before Rolin was located. The child had small cuts on his feet and a larger cut on the palm of his hand that appeared to be a day or two old. His diaper was completely full of feces and leaking from the top and bottom.
Deputies purchased diapers and EMS assisted in changing the child. The child was evaluated on scene by EMS and released to the Department of Children and Families.
As deputies were on scene, a representative of the property owner arrived to board up the house because transients were sleeping inside.
Deputies made contact with Rolin, who first told them the child was with a friend she thought was named Jason. She was placed under arrest, but began to resist once one wrist was handcuffed, according to the report.
The deputy called for backup, as she attempted to headbutt the deputy. He pushed her toward a vehicle, and her head hit the windshield causing it to crack, the report continues. Both the deputy and a witness inside the vehicle stated it appeared Rolin intentionally slammed her head into the windshield out of anger.
According to an arrest report, ECSO had contact with Rolin at the property two days prior to the incident. Multiple transients ran from the house while others were found inside. Deputies reported Rolin walked out holding the child. She told deputies that she lived in Cantonment but was present only to see if her friends needed food.
Deputies described the home as being full of clothes, garbage and food to the point that the floors could barely be seen.
“The house did have power but was extremely filthy with flies and strong odors throughout. This house was a health hazard and not safe for an adult let alone a small child to reside in,” a deputy wrote in the report.
Rolin remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $10,000.
Tate Aggies Win Aggie Classic Championship (With Photo Gallery)
March 18, 2022
The Tate Aggies won the Aggie Classic Thursday night as they shut out Broken Arrow of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 7-0.
Josiah Glodfelter earned the championship win for Tate. He allowed no hits and no runs while striking out 10 in six innings. Drew Reaves tossed one inning in relief, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Bray Touchstone hit a homer in the first inning for the Tate.
Frankie Randall went 2-3 to lead the Aggies at the plate. Reavers, Touchstone, Madox Land, Clif Quiggins, and Cade Kelley each added an Aggie hit.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Laura Glodfelter, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Derelict Vessels, Deer Violations
March 18, 2022
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Senior Officer Specialist Pettey completed two derelict vessel investigations. Both vessels are owned by the same individual. The owner failed to bring the vessels in compliance after being cited twice for leaving the vessels in an at-risk status. Officer Pettey determined the vessels were now derelict per Florida Statue and issued the owner Notice to Appear citations for both vessels. If the vessels are not brought into compliance within 21 days, they will be removed from the waters of the state. The owner will be responsible for the cost of the removal.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Roberson was on patrol at Quintette Boat Ramp when he observed a vessel pulling up to the ramp on Escambia River. Officer Roberson contacted three individuals who had a legal buck on their boat. Officer Roberson asked them if they had killed anymore deer this year, and one of the subjects stated they killed a four-point buck off the river. Officer Roberson asked if they had any pictures of it and the subject showed him the four-point. Officer Roberson noticed that the antlers did not have three points on one side and neither of the main beams seemed to be at least 10 inches in length which is the legal requirements for any antlered deer taken north of Interstate 10. Officer Roberson met the subject at their house where the antlers were located, and he measured them and found they were under 10 inches. Officer Roberson issued the subject a Notice to Appear.
Officer Roberson received information that two individuals had killed two deer off Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Upon further investigation neither of the deer had been logged or reported within the 24-hour time frame from when they had killed the deer. K-9 Officer Hutchinson and Officer Roberson went to the first individual’s location, and they admitted to not logging their deer and they were issued citations. Both officers then went to the second individual’s location, and they admitted to not logging their deer. They had killed three other deer this season and one of them was not logged or reported. K-9 Officer Hutchinson and Officer Roberson also found that the meat from the two deer from Escambia River were at this location as well in a cooler. The deer had been in two coolers going on eight days, one of the coolers with the deer meat was spoiled and had no ice in it. The other cooler had ice, but the meat was spoiling as well. Upon further investigation, this subject had their relatives’ antlers and they had not logged or reported that deer as well. Officer Roberson cited the subject for not logging or reporting the deer, no hunting license, and issued a Notice to Appear for the willful and wanton waste of the deer meat.
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree; Escambia Sailor Reenlisted By His Father
March 18, 2022
“I was a freshman in high school when I realized that I wanted to serve my country,” said Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Melvin, from Escambia County, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) media department. “We had just moved to Washington state when my father had commissioned in the Navy as a chaplain and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). I knew I wanted to have a career that I could look back at and be proud of.”
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Melvin, Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30’s wing chaplain, based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, reenlisted his eldest son Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Melvin, on Ford’s flight deck March 9, 2022.
“It was never a question of if I should serve, but rather, when I should serve,” said Zachary. “I knew that I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father and his father before him. I look forward to continuing that service.”
Zachary said he was not sure what branch he wanted to join and wanted to wait until he finished college to make the decision.
“I realized that the Navy was going to be the best direction for me,” said Zachary. “I began speaking with a recruiter towards the end of my senior year at Pensacola Christian College where I ended up getting my degree in theology.”
Zachary Melvin reported to the Ford in May of 2019. Since reporting, he has participated in many ship milestones, including post-shakedown availability, post-delivery test and trials, carrier qualifications, independent steaming events, Full Ship Shock Trials and a Planned Incremental Availability. Zachary said that he sees himself making a career out of the Navy and has been influenced heavily by his father’s drive and discipline.
“’He has definitely motivated me to push through various obstacles and challenges in life,” said Zachary. “It helps that he has been where I am now and I know that I would not be where I am today without his leadership. I am so inspired by my father’s dedication to our family. He has always been there for me and my siblings alike.”
Eric said that Zachary is well spoken, principled and compassionate. Saying that he has always been a leader at home.
“Zach is a man of strong character,” said Eric. “I believe his empathy for the underdog story has stemmed from having a younger brother with Down syndrome. Without Zach’s leadership and care for his siblings, it would have been difficult to make it through multiple hospital visits and near-death situations with his brother. Our family dynamic would have suffered greatly without him.”
Zachary said that his favorite thing about serving on the Ford has been working with junior Sailors. Seeing them go through some of the same struggles that he endured when he first arrived onboard.
“I have been given the opportunity to have a positive, direct impact on the lives of my junior Sailors,” said Zachary. “Coming from being in various leadership roles in college to being an E-3 on an aircraft carrier has been humbling. Learning to be a good follower has prepared me for being a good leader.”
In the Melvin household military service has been a family tradition going as far back as the civil war. Zachary Melvin’s grandfathers and step-grandfather all served in Vietnam, Chief Quartermaster Robert Melvin (USN Ret.), Ronald Kirkbride (USMC Ret.) and David Curtis (US Army Ret.)
“Military life has been a family tradition for our family for over sixty-five years,” said Eric. “I raised all of my children to love our country and the Navy as a whole. Zach was exposed to Navy life for most of his childhood. I would frequently wake the children up in the morning by proclaiming ‘reveille, reveille, up all hands, heave up and trice out!”’
Eric Melvin began his military career as a machinist mate (nuclear) on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in April 1989.
“I was serving on the Roosevelt as a nuke when Zach was born,” said Eric. “The ship was scheduled to get underway on January 21, 1995. With the help of the ship’s chaplain, I was able to stay behind on leave to be at his birth. He was born two days later. With our family’s Naval heritage, I knew there was a strong chance that Zach would follow in my footsteps. I am very proud that he has chosen to become a U.S. Navy Sailor.”
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Riley McDowell.
U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Angel Thuy Jaskuloski for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Teachable ‘Operation’ – Byrneville Elementary Students Perform Surgeries
March 18, 2022
Students at Byrneville Elementary School performed surgery last week as they studied the human body in science.
In the “Room 41 Surgical Center’, students wore full surgical gear and called each other “doctor” as they were tasked with several surgeries. The organs were created out of playdough and the tools were toothpicks, but students were able to learn and have fun doing it.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Startup Hopes To Provide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation In North Escambia
March 17, 2022
A startup business plans to offer non-emergency medical and other transportation services in portions of the North Escambia area.
Metro Rapid Transport plans to operate 18 hours a day, six days a week, according to their business plan and be based in the “northern Pensacola area”.
According to state, Metro Rapid Transportation, LLC has a principal address is 10251 Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, a building (pictured page bottom) that’s been used in the past for the Davisville Country Store, other retail businesses and a restaurant.
This week, owner Trina James-Tanner approached the Century Town Council seeking a 1,000 square foot office space and a place to securely park vehicles at the town-owned Century Business Center on Pond Street. She told the council she had hoped to be in the space by early April.
No dollar amounts were discussed at the council meeting. The council voted to have their attorney create a lease at an agreeable rent. The council could consider the agreement as soon as their next meeting, which is set for April 5.
Proposed rates for the service are $2.50 “in town” or $5 round trip. For “out of town” trips, it will be $45 for the first 30 miles ($90 round tip) plus 20 cents per additional mile, according to the company’s undated business plan submitted to the town.
Metro Transit estimates nearly $4.2 million is needed to establish and maintain the service for three years. The plan states they have been able to generate about $8,000 in home equity from the owner, they are applying for state funding, and they are working to establish a line of credit at Navy Federal Credit Union.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Disc Golf, Dog Park Added At Santa Maria Plaza/Farm Hill Park
March 17, 2022
Escambia County Parks and Recreation has added two new disc golf practice goals and a dog park area at the Santa Maria Plaza/Farm Hill Park.
The three acre park also has a ballfield, playground, paved walking track and a covered picnic area.
Santa Maria Plaza/Farm Hill Park is located 199 Madrid Road, about a half mile north of Muscogee Road.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Property Tax Reminder Bills Are In The Mail
March 17, 2022
Property tax reminder bills began to arrive in mailboxes across Escambia County on Wednesday, according to Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
If you have not yet paid your 2021 taxes, you can avoid interest and penalties by paying before April 1.
“If you have already paid your property taxes but received a reminder notice, it is possible that your payment was received after we began the process of creating the bills,” according to Lunsford.
To check the status of your payment, or pay online, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Northview, Tate Release Football Schedules. And Yes, The Coaching Brothers Will Face Off.
March 17, 2022
The Northview Chiefs and the Tate Aggies have announced their 2022 football schedules. And, yes, the coaching brothers will face off.
It’s the first season for Rhett Summerford as the new head football coach for the Aggies. Rhett’s brother Wes is the current head football coach at Northview.
And it will be brother versus brother on September 9 when the Tate Aggies host the Northview Chiefs.
Complete schedules for both teams are below.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
