These Are Next Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
February 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 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 19. 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 will encounter the following temporary intermittent lane closures:
- Inside lane closures between Q and A streets as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- Outside lanes at various locations along West Cervantes for crews to construct Americans with Disabilities Act compliant sidewalk ramps and traffic pole foundations.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18, as crews place a watermain.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- The Ninth Avenue travel lanes over Carpenters Creek are now expected to be shifted to the southbound portion of the bridge no earlier than Tuesday, Feb. 15. One lane in each direction will remain open. The traffic shift will allow crews to construct the northbound side of the bridge.
- 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, Feb. 14 as crews perform concrete operations.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Turn Lane Constriction North of East 10 Mile Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound inside lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews perform paving operations.
Santa Rosa County
- S.R. 87 City of Milton Mardi Gras Parade – The road will be temporarily closed between Raymond Hobbs and Elva streets from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 for the Milton Mardi Gras Parade.
- 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, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 19. 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 a 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.
- U.S. 90 Simpson River Bridge Project: Motorists can expect intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews perform paving operations for the temporary road widening.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – The eastbound lane will remain reduced to one lane at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) until work associated with bridge approach construction is complete. Motorists can also expect intermittent lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 14 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Woodbine Road Intersection – Westbound Motorists will encounter turn lane closures at Woodbine Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 18 as crews replace utility poles and overhead lines. The merge lane on Woodbine Road at U.S. 90 westbound to Pensacola will also be closed intermittently during nighttime hours as crews perform utility maintenance operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday, February 26
February 12, 2022
The 47th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held Saturday, February 26, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
The sale takes place at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The deadline for adding lots is 8:00 the morning of the auction.
This is an open, no reserve sale. Ten percent of the price will be assessed to the buyer for all lots sold, with a $500 maximum. There is a $5 minimum fee per lot, and sellers must be present to “no sale” a lot. Settlement must be made the day of the sale with cash, check, cashier’s check or credit card. All sellers will be paid by a check in the mail.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 294-0395 or (850) 380-9973.
Hall Returns To Escambia County As Finance Director
February 12, 2022
Stephan Hall has returned to Escambia County as finance director in the Office of Management and Budget.
Hall was most recently the budget manager for the City of Pensacola where had worked since May 2020.
Hall has over 19 years of experience in local government, starting his career with Escambia County as a budget analyst in 2002.
Five years later, he was promoted to budget manager, then interim finance director 10 years after that. Hall was responsible for the overall financial health of the Escambia County government. He oversaw the financial management of over 41 separate funds totaling approximately $850 million and increased total available reserves from 8% to over 12% within a six-year timeline. He has in-depth knowledge of county expenditures, including discretionary spending and the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds.
“I started my career in finance with Escambia County, and I’m happy to see it come full circle,” Hall stated. “There really is nowhere else like Escambia County. I’m fortunate to live and work here. I’m looking forward to returning to the county’s management and budget office and hitting the ground running. It’s going to be a great year.”
Escambia County Records 1,541 Additional COVID-19 Cases
February 12, 2022
There were 1,541 new COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths reported over the last week in Escambia County, according to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. There were 1,805 cases and no deaths reported during the previous week..
Here is the latest data from FDOH and the CDC:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 76,707 (+1,541)
Positivity rate last week: 21.8%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 471.1
People vaccinated: 169,968 (+206)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 55%
New hospital admissions: 196
Current hospitalizations (as of Friday): 154
Total deaths reported last 7 days: 29
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 47,464 (+1,450)
Positivity rate last week: 28.7%
Current Case Rate per 100k: 775.4
People vaccinated: 98,709 (+141)
Full vaccination rate (age 5+): 56%
New hospital admissions: 35
Total deaths last 7 days: <10
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 5,732,798 (+103,022)
Case positivity rate: 14.3%
Case Rate per 100k:603.5
Deaths: 67,572 (+195)
Data sources: CDC, Florida Department of Health, Escambia County
Atmore Man Charged With Shooting His Brother In Money Dispute
February 11, 2022
An Atmore man was charged with shooting his brother during a dispute over money Thursday night.
Aquarius Dejan Taylor, 21, was charged with first degree assault following the incident about 9:30 p.m. at the Atmore Garden Apartments on East Laurel Street.
According to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks, Taylor allegedly shot his brother, identified as 24-year old Ladarus Quamane Smith of Brewton, once with handgun.
Smith was transported by private vehicle to nearby Atmore Community Hospital and then airlifted to a Mobile hospital. His injuries were not considered to be life threatening, Brook said.
Taylor was arrested at the scene and booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton without bond.
Escambia BOCC Moves Toward First Development On OLF-8 In Beulah
February 11, 2022
The Escambia County Commission took a major step forward Thursday in the development of the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road in Beulah.
The commission declared 84.47 acres of the property as surplus (indicated by hatch marks in the graphic above), allowing the county to sell it for a “town center” with mixed-use commercial, high-density residential and more — essentially jumpstarting development on the project.
Commissioner Steven Barry said, receiving support from other commissioners, he would entertain any unsolicited offers for the entire 500 plus acres.
“Let’s stick the for sale sign in the ground and divest it,” Barry said. “Let’s see what the private sector has to offer out there.”
“I’d be all ears,” Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said.
He said commissioners could make decisions based upon not just current offers, but the future benefits and taxable value of development offers.
The commission unanimously approved a motion to declare the 84.47 acres as surplus and name the board and as the selection committee to review offers.
Flood Warning Continues For Escambia River Through Sunday
February 11, 2022
A flood warning for the Escambia River continues through Sunday morning.
Minor flooding is forecast.
Thursday night the stage was 17.9 feet.
The river is expected to rise to a crest of 18.1 feet early Friday afternoon. It will then begin to fall, falling below flood stage of 17 feet on Sunday.
At 17 feet, there is considerable flooding of lowlands.
ECSO Investigating After 6-Year Old Approached By Man In ‘Suspicious Incident’
February 11, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information about a man that approached a 6-year old in their yard on February 9.
It happened in southern Escambia County in the 10800 block of Lillian Highway. But we are sharing the information because, according to the sheriff, parents need to talk to their children about stranger danger.
Deputies are now looking for any information about a 6-foot tall, black male in his early to mid-30’s who was wearing a black jacket and jeans walking in that area.
“We want to make sure people understand what is suspicious and what is not,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “Parents can have those conversations with their children. To report something suspicious, to alert adults and if by chance you are taken — fight. Or if you are grabbed — to fight like hell and never give up.”
If you have any information involving this incident call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
February 11, 2022
Tate High School has named their Students of the Month for December. They are Brennen Stegall and Autumn Carruthers. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Night Hunting, Illegal Deer Harvests
February 11, 2022
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Ramos was on patrol targeting night hunting violations. He observed a truck pass his location and intermittently shine a spotlight into fields and areas known to hold deer. After watching the truck shine various locations, Officer Ramos conducted a traffic stop and identified the three persons inside. The occupants stated they were just out shining for deer, and they were in possession of a rifle with ammunition. The passenger who was shining a light was confirmed to have an active warrant out of Santa Rosa County. Officer’s Allgood and Long arrived and assisted in the investigation and collection of evidence. The man with the warrant was arrested and transported to the county jail. He was also charged with attempting to take deer with gun and light, and possession of concealed weapon without a permit.
Officers with the Missouri Department of Conservation contacted FWC officers about a hunter that illegally harvested several deer and was heading home to Escambia County. Officer McHenry and Pettey were able to contact the subject and found him in possession of the three deer that were illegally harvested in Missouri. The officers also found that the individual had brought the deer heads across state lines that did not meet the requirements of laws pertaining to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The subject was cited for the violations and the deer were seized.
Officer Allgood checked a hunter in Cantonment and found him in possession of a freshly cleaned deer. The hunter claimed it was a legal four-point but had no sex evidence to confirm it. The hunter also failed to log the deer on Harvest Report. Officer Allgood followed the hunter to where he cleaned the deer and found the buck antlers were under the legal-size requirement. The hunter was cited for the violation.
Area officers responded to the Pensacola Beach area in search of a missing boater. The boater left the beach in a kayak and was swept out into the gulf by the currents. After two hours, FWC was notified he was missing. FWC Pilot Tolbert was able to locate the missing boater six miles offshore. Officer Tolbert relayed the boater’s location to FWC Officers M. Cushing and M. Land, and Coast Guard units that were searching. The boater was rescued unharmed.
While on patrol working reported night hunting activity, Officer Specialist Cushing observed someone shining a light from a vehicle in an area with high numbers of deer. Officer Cushing stopped the vehicle and found the two occupants were in possession of two loaded rifles. After questioning both subjects, they admitted to attempting to take deer at night. Officer Cushing issued notice to appear citations to both individuals and seized the weapons involved.
Officer Allgood was on patrol and checked a hunter that was in possession of two freshly cleaned deer. The hunter had no sex identification attached to the deer and did not properly log the deer on Harvest Report. Officer Allgood requested to see the remains of deer. The hunter took Officer Allgood to where he had dumped the deer carcasses. Both deer were doe deer, which at the time they were harvested the season was closed. Officer Allgood issued a notice to appear citation to the hunter and seized his weapon. The deer meat was seized and later donated to a local charity.
Officer Allgood was on patrol and checked a hunter leaving private hunting land. He found him in possession of a freshly cleaned deer. The hunter did not have sex identification with the deer but claimed it was a buck. Officer Allgood requested to see the horns of the deer, but the hunter claimed he did not remember where he had disposed of the carcass. After further interviewing of the hunter and searching a large area for an extended period, he admitted killing a doe deer. Officer Allgood informed the hunter it was doe weekend, which allows a hunter to harvest doe on private land. After inspecting the doe carcass, Officer Allgood issued the hunter a citation for not having the proper sex identification attached to a deer carcass and for not logging the harvested deer.
Officer Allgood and Manning were on patrol and worked together near the state line checking hunters. They found two hunters in possession of deer that were harvested in Alabama. Officers found that the meat from both deer was not deboned as required due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The deer also were not checked or logged as required in Alabama. Officers Allgood and Manning contacted an Alabama Conservation Officer and advised him of the violations. After receiving warnings for the importation violations both hunters agreed to return to Alabama to properly debone the meat and to meet with the Alabama Conservation Officer. Both hunters were cited in Alabama for not properly tagging the deer they harvested
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While on patrol Officer Mullins received information of four shots being fired near a field. Two all-terrain vehicles (ATV) were observed fleeing the area. Officer Mullins and Santa Rosa County deputies searched the area. Officer Mullins received more information that the same two ATVs returned, were shining, and trespassing in a farm field. Officer Mullins caught up to the ATVs which were shining and searching for a deer they previously shot. Officer Mullins stopped and detained three subjects on a side-by-side ATV, while a Sherriff Deputy assisted recovering an ATV and subject that was hiding in the woods. A loaded 9mm handgun was discovered on scene – the gun was thrown out by the subjects to conceal it. It was discovered that all four subjects were shining deer with the intent to shoot a deer. While shining they took turns driving the two ATVs and one subject fired four times at a doe standing near the road. The subjects were trespassed and issued misdemeanor citations to appear in court for night hunting and shooting from a county road. The handgun, ammunition, and a light were seized.
Following the initial stop, Officer Hutchinson and K-9 Zara searched the area for additional evidence. K-9 Zara located one live 9mm round, and four empty 9mm shell casings along the road where the subjects were night hunting. No deer or blood was located at the scene. Additional charges are pending for the case.
Lieutenant D. Berryman and Officer R. Bower were conducting a license and game check point in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA), when they encountered two subjects exiting the area. While conducting the inspection, blood was observed in the bed of the truck. A brief investigation revealed that the subjects had shot a doe in the WMA the day before, loaded it up and took it home to be cleaned. Officers recovered the remains of one doe that had been dumped in the woods and retrieved the meat from one of the subjects’ homes. Both subjects were charged with taking and possession of antlerless deer with no quota hunt permit. Both subjects also received warnings for failure to log a Harvest Report, littering, and possession of alcohol by persons under 21.