Highway 29, I-10 And More — This Week’s Construction Delays
April 29, 2018
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:
· Interstate 10 (I-10) Routine Maintenance between U.S. 29 and Davis Highway- There will be alternating east and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Thursday, May 3 as crews replace overhead lights and signs lights.
· U.S. 29 Construction Activities north of E. Kinsfield Road- The northbound outside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Sunday, April 29 to 5 a.m. Monday, April 30 as crews construct a paved shoulder for the O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store.
· State Road (S.R.) 742 (Creighton Road) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Scenic Highway (U.S. 90)- Alternating and intermittent lane closures on Creighton Road between Davis Highway and 9th Avenue and on 9th Avenue at the intersection of Creighton Road from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Saturday, May 5 continue as crews perform milling, paving, sidewalk and curb replacement.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Saturday, May 5 as follows:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations. U.S. 29 lane restrictions are Monday through Saturday.
· U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 29 north and southbound, from Muscogee Road to West 9 ½ Mile Road, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday, May 3 as crews pave the roadway.
· I-10 / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Thursday, May 3:
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- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Alternating east and westbound, lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Thursday, May 3 as crews perform construction activities.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road – Pine Cone Drive near Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one lane from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 1 as crews relocate utilities. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
· S.R. 292 (Perdido Key Drive) Turn Lane Construction just east of River Road-The Traffic shift on Perdido Key Drive, just east of River Road, will continue through 8 a.m. Friday, May 4. The temporary shift will allow crews to construct an eastbound, left and westbound, right turn lane. Lane width will be reduced to 11-feet and the speed limit will be lowered to 35 miles per hour within the construction zone.
· Mobile Highway at Beulah Road Intersection Project- Work to improve the intersection of State Road 10A (Mobile Highway) at County Road (Beulah Road) in Escambia County is scheduled to begin the week of Monday, May 21. To help minimize traffic impacts, much of the construction work will take place behind a low-profile concrete barrier wall. No lane closures will be allowed Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, no lane closures will be scheduled during special school events.
· Cervantes Street over Bayou Texar Routine Bridge Maintenance- The east and westbound inside lanes of Cervantes Street over Bayou Texar in Pensacola will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 2 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Thursday, May 3 as crews perform construction activities.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 29 through Friday, May 4 as crews work to widen the roadway. Additional impacts to traffic include:
o Alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, as crews continue reconstructing the roadway.
o Traffic shift Sunday evening, April 29 on the I-10 westbound off-ramp to Avalon Boulevard. The shift will be in place for the remainder of the spring so that crews may widen the off-ramp.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) in Milton between Rosasco Street and Magnolia Street- The southbound lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, April 30 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 1 as crews perform utility work.
· S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Southbound traffic will be shifted to the outside travel lane from the Eglin Air Force Base boundary to two-miles south of the Yellow River the week of Monday, April 30 so crews can work in the median and inside lanes. Northbound traffic will remain in its current configuration with traffic remaining on the outside northbound lane. Additionally, traffic between C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Flomaton Lions To Host Pancake Supper Monday
April 29, 2018
The Flomaton Lions Club will host a pancake supper Monday evening.
Pancakes, sausage and more will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Flomaton Community Center at 628 McCurdy Street for only $5 per plate.
The Flomaton High School Jazz Band will perform during the event.
File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century High School All-Class Reunion Held (With Photo Gallery)
April 29, 2018
A Century High School reunion for all graduating classes was held Saturday at Lake Stone.
Graduates from 1946 on attended.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Jim Stanton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Volunteer Firefighters Train At Florida State Fire College
April 29, 2018
Several volunteer firefighters from Escambia County attended the Florida State Fire College’s Volunteer Weekend in Ocala.
They were Will Mallet, Andrew Howell, Reed Moss, Michael Deane (pictured) and Yoshimi “CMC” Core. They are working to complete the requirements to become state certified volunteer firefighters.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Shrimp Sink The Wahoos
April 29, 2018
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp belted two solo home runs, while the Blue Wahoos could muster just one in a 2-1 final Saturday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Aristides Aquino belted his first home run of the season off Cody Poteet (W, 2-1) in the second inning. It was the Wahoos first hit of the game and it put Pensacola up 1-0. That would prove to be the only offense of the game for the visitors as Poteet settled in to work seven innings for the Shrimp while allowing just two hits and the one run.
Vladimir Gutierrez (L, 0-4) made a strong start for the Blue Wahoos also, but he made two mistakes which proved to cost him and the Wahoos the game. In the third inning he served up a leadoff home run to Brian Schales which tied the game at 1-1. In the seventh, it was a lead off blast from John Norwood that was the difference maker.
Gutierrez took the loss despite allowing just the two runs with six strikeouts over 6.1 innings. It was his fourth consecutive start without a walk.
The Blue Wahoos will look to bounce back and even the series on Sunday afternoon with RHP Jesus Reyes (0-4, 5.65) on the mound. The Jumbo Shrimp are still undecided on their starter.
Motorcyclist Killed, Cantonment Woman Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Crash
April 28, 2018
A motorcyclist was killed and a Cantonment woman was seriously injured in wreck Friday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 41-year old Joshua Hinsley of Pensacola was northbound in the center lane of Highway 29 when 25-year old Ciara Thomas attempted to cross from Oakfield Road. The the front of Hinsley’s motorcycle collided with a Kia Spectra driven by Thomas.
Hinsley was pronounced deceased following the crash; Thomas was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Council Member Seeks Donations To Rebuild Batting Cages
April 28, 2018
Century council member Ben Boutwell wants to rebuild a batting cage at the town’s Showalter Park, but he wants to accomplish the task without spending town funds.
He is looking for monetary and material donations of about $7,000 to make it happen.
To offer materials or volunteer, contact Boutwell at (850) 685-0380.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Places In Top Five At State Meat Judging Contest
April 28, 2018
Two meat judging teams with members from Escambia County 4-H placed third and fourth recently at the the state meat judging contest at the University of Florida. This was the first time Escambia County 4-H has competed in over 20 years.
The senior team (ages 14-18) was included Jessica Conti, Blake Stevenson, Ethan Thorne and Hannah Thorne. Alan Bray-Crews from Escambia County was a member of the junior team. Individually, Conti placed ninth and Thorne placed 10th in the state.
Participants had to identify 50 retail cuts, place six retail, primal and carcass classes, identify parts on a beef and pork carcass and answer questions relating to the meat industry.
The 4-H meat judging program develops life skills through activities related to the processing of beef, pork, and lamb, including retail identification, factors relating to meat quality, and cooking methods. Participants developed an understanding and appreciation of the basic scientific principles involved in eating and cooking quality, nutritional value, and consumer appeal of meat. 4-H members on the team also learned life skills such as effective decision-making, critical thinking, goal setting, and teamwork.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Outwit and Outlast Those Troublesome Armadillos
April 28, 2018
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
Have you ever discovered your once beautiful green lawn looking like the surface of the moon, full of craters? If so, then you may have been visited by an alien-looking creature known as the armadillo.
Armadillos originated in South America. They are mammals. They are neither rodents nor marsupials and are not related to the opossum. Their closest living relative is the anteater and sloth.
The most easily recognized feature of an armadillo is its shell. Their common name, armadillo, is derived from a Spanish term meaning “little armored one”. All armadillos have shells, made of true bone, that cover their backs. Most armadillos also have bony rings or plates that protect their tails.
Digging machines
Armadillos are built to dig. They rely on this ability to escape danger and survive. They prefer sandy or loam soils that are relatively easy to excavate. Therefore, they are well adapted to Northwest Florida soils.
Armadillos typically rest in deep burrows during the day and become more active during the late evening, night, or early morning. These burrows are usually located under brushpiles, stumps, dense brush, or concrete patios, and are about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and can be up to 15 feet long. They often have several burrows throughout their territory.
Food sources
Armadillos feed primarily on insects. They also eat earthworms, scorpions, spiders, snails, and small vertebrates and their eggs. They consume large amounts of armyworms, cockroaches, ants, wasps, flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. They have been known to dig up entire yellow-jacket nests.
Some consider the armadillo a beneficial creature because they eat potential pests. Many consider the armadillo a pest because of their destructive ways. Armadillo can burrow under driveways and patios causing structural damage. Burrows in pastures can pose a potential hazard to livestock. And because armadillos usually search for food by rooting or digging in the ground, they can damage large areas of the lawn or garden.
Control measures
If you find that you cannot live with these creatures, the University of Florida recommends four ways to deal with armadillos.
- reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you apply to your lawn
- creating barriers (e.g., fences),
- live-trapping
- shooting offending individuals (check local ordinances)
The best solution (and the most expensive) is a stout fence to keep the armadillos out. If you take this route, make sure the fence is buried at least 18 inches into the ground, or they might just burrow under it.
Reducing the water and fertilizer applications to your lawn may help reduce armadillo damage. A moist lush landscape is perfect for earthworms and insect larvae. Armadillos love earthworms. Sometimes watering adjacent areas may attract armadillos away from a site.
Trapping can be frustrating and may require some ingenious thinking. Some tried and true trapping techniques are discussed at length in an online University of Florida publication by Dr. Russ Mizell at http://ufinsect.ifas.ufl.edu/armadillo.htm.
Remember that poison baits are illegal and ineffective. No chemical repellents or fumigants are registered for use in Florida.
Armadillos are very happy in Northwest Florida and are here to stay. If they have become unwelcomed house guests, put your thinking cap on and be committed to outwitting and outlasting this prehistoric-looking creature.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Convicted In 2017 Shooting
April 28, 2018
An Escambia County man has been convicted in a 2017 shooting.
Therall Williams. 28, was convicted by an Escambia County jury of aggravated battery with a firearm with discharge and great bodily harm and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
On April 16, 2017, deputies responded to a shooting at Forest Creek Apartments. The victim stated that two people tried to rob him and then shot him. A witness identified Williams as the shooter. The victim later told law enforcement that Williams and another individual were arguing about a gun before Williams shot him. The victim identified Williams out of a photo line-up. Surveillance video shows three people begin to fight. The fight goes to the ground and fire from a gun is seen, then a male resembling Williams runs toward a camera at another angle.
The jury deliberated for approximately 35 minutes before finding the defendant guilty as charged. Sentencing is set for June 5 before Circuit Judge John Miller. Williams qualifies as a habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender. He faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison with a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years as a prison releasee reoffender. The 30 years sentence will be served day for day with no gain time.