FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
April 17, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia County and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
· Interstate 10 (I-10)/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – Alternating lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 16 through Thursday, April 20 as crews perform barrier wall work. In addition, intermittent lane closures on the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 north ramp (Exit 10B) during this time. Traffic will be detoured to Exit 10A for access U.S. 29.
· Nine Mile Road (from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road) Widening – Traffic will be reduced to one lane on the West Woods Apartments driveway Monday, April 17 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. as crews relocate utilities in preparation for roadway widening. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
· Fairfield Drive (State Road 295) between Davis Highway and 12th Avenue Routine Maintenance- Eastbound outside lane closure from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21 as crews clean and video ECUA sewer line.
· Nine Mile Road Turn Lane Construction south of Scenic Hills Drive – East and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 17 through Thursday, April 20 as crews construct two eastbound, right turn lanes on the south side of Nine Mile Road, just east of Westside Drive and add a westbound, left turn lane across from Scenic Hills Drive.
· Perdido Key Drive (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State line to the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge) – Drivers can expect intermittent, isolated daytime lane restrictions Monday, April 17 as crews complete miscellaneous construction activities on the project. Drivers can expect minor delays.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge – Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound, between Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291/Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (U.S. 90/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, April 17 as crews perform paving work.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations.
Santa Rosa County:
· S.R. 87 Widening from Eglin Air Force Base Boundary to 2 miles South of Yellow River Bridge – Intermittent lane closures near Choctaw Field Road from 6 p.m. Monday, April 17 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 18 as crew perform paving operations.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Man Gets 86 Months Federal Prison On Firearms Charges
April 17, 2017
An Escambia County man is headed to federal prison on firearms charges.
Awald Edward Pokrant Jr., 50, was sentenced to 86 months in prison after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered firearm.
In October 2016, law enforcement officers who responded to an armed disturbance observed Pokrant fleeing the scene. After a high-speed chase, the officers pulled Pokrant over and transported him back to the location of the incident. At the scene, an injured and bleeding victim told officers that Pokrant had struck her with a hammer. Law enforcement officers observed blood splatter in several locations in the house and recovered a hammer.
A search of the house revealed firearms and ammunition. The victim later told officers that Pokrant might have moved additional firearms to a friend’s house. Law enforcement officers recovered eight firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition from this other location.
The case resulted from investigations by the ATF Gun Crime Response Team, which includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pensacola Police Department.
Florida House Ready To Take Up Workers’ Comp; Ridesharing
April 17, 2017
In an issue closely watched by business, legal and labor groups, the House on Tuesday is scheduled to take up a bill that would revamp workers’ compensation insurance laws.
The bill (HB 7085), filed by Insurance & Banking Chairman Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, is one of numerous high-profile issues the House and Senate are expected to consider next week during floor sessions. Lawmakers are grappling with the workers’ compensation system after regulators approved a 14.5 percent insurance rate increase that started taking effect Dec. 1.
House and Senate bills about revamping the system differ on key issues, including the heavily lobbied issue of limits on fees for injured workers’ attorneys. While the House could approve its version during the coming week, the Senate bill (SB 1582), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, needs to clear the Rules Committee before it can go to the full Senate.
Among the other high-profile issues next week, the Senate is expected Tuesday to take up a measure (SB 340) that would create statewide regulations on app-based ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft.
The industry has backed such a statewide approach, rather than being faced with varying local regulations. The Senate has balked at similar bills in the past, but this year’s version, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, has easily moved through committees. The House has already approved its version of the bill (HB 221). The annual legislative session is scheduled to end May 5.
by The News Service of Florida
Sunny, Warm And Dry Week
April 17, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Pictured: An iris bloom in the North Escambia arear. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
April 17, 2017
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for March. They are Maverick Cole (left) and Emily George. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two-Run Homer Leads Wahoos To Win Over Biloxi
April 17, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson smashed his first home run this season in the third inning to give his team a 2-0 lead and the win over the Biloxi Shuckers Sunday afternoon at MGM Park.
Pensacola took four of the five games from Biloxi and shut the Shuckers out twice.
With Cincinnati Reds 2014 All-Star catcher Devin Mesoraco doing his rehabilitation in Pensacola, the Blue Wahoos have three catchers. It’s meant less playing time for Hudson, who was playing in only his second game this season.
However, Hudson got all of the pitch thrown by Taylor Jungmann. His blast to center field also scored third baseman Taylor Sparks, who singled on a soft grounder back to the pitcher.
Meanwhile, Pensacola righty Austin Ross threw eight scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, two walks and struck out three. He picked up his first win for the Blue Wahoos and is now 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA.
Jimmy Herget saved his fifth game in five appearances, striking out two. He’s only allowed one hit and one walk in six scoreless innings on the year and struck out 13.
Pensacola’s pitching staff has been dominant this season. It leads the Southern League with a 2.18 ERA, has the second most strikeouts with 90 and has allowed the second least amount of hits at 59.
After the first two series of the 2017 season, the Blue Wahoos are in first place in the South Division at 7-3.
At Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, last year’s Blue Wahoos starter Sal Romano made his big leg debut Sunday. Romano got the loss, allowing a two-run homer to Ryan Braun and a solo homer to Travis Shaw in the third inning. Romano pitched three innings, allowed three runs, two earned, gave up three hits, walked four and struck out two. Relieving Romano was former Blue Wahoos pitcher Tim Adleman, who in his first game this season with Cincinnati pitched four innings, allowing two hits, including a home run and struck out five.
Driver Flips Vehicle Off East Kingsfield Road Bridge
April 16, 2017
A driver was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after running off a bridge Saturday in Cantonment.
In was the third time in less than a year that a driver ran off the East Kingfield Road bridge over Eleven Mile Creek. It appeared the driver lost control of her vehicle, hit a concrete curb and traveled over the bridge guardrail. The vehicle came to rest upside down below the bridge, but not in the creek.
The driver was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to an area hospital.
The accident happened about 6:30 p.m. Multiple stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, including a special operations rescue team.
The wreck remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details, including the name and condition of the driver, has not been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Photos: Easter Bunny Visits Molino Branch Library
April 16, 2017
The Molino Branch Library recently held a pajama story time with the Easter Bunny. Children were invited to bring a blanket, share in a story and pose for photos with the Easter Bunny.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Faithful Celebrate Resurrection
April 16, 2017
Easter morning services were planned at many locations across the area Sunday morning.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured: The Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola early on Easter morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Special Easter Services Planned
April 16, 2017
Here is a list of Easter activities planned in the North Escambia area on Sunday:
Community Sunrise Service — Molino
A Molino Community Sunrise Service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Highway 29, just south of Highway 97.
Community Sonrise Service — Blue Wahoos Stadium
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church will present the 2017 Community Sonrise Service at the Blue Wahoos Stadium in downtown Pensacola on Sunday at 6 a.m. It is Pensacola’s Easter tradition in a state of the art stadium. PensacolaChurch.org
Trinity Lutheran Church – LCMS
Trinity Lutheran Church at 2385 Highway 297A in Cantonment will hold a 7 a.m. Easter sunrise service, 8 a.m. breakfast and 10 a.m. Festival service. Bring fresh cut flowers to be placed at the cross. Speaker is Rev. Sanford Stanton.
Gonzalez United Methodist Church
Gonzalez United Methodist Church at 2026 Pauline Street in Cantonment will hold a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service at the pond, Easter breakfast at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. traditional service in the sanctuary, 10 a.m. contemporary service with praise band in the Community Life Center. Nursery provided for all services. GonzalezMethodist.org
Walnut Hill Baptist Church
Walnut Hill Baptist Church at 5741 Arthur Brown Road will hold a sunrise service at 6 a.m. Praise and worship service at 10:30 a.m. No Sunday School or evening worship service.
Brooks Memorial — Atmore
Brooks Memorial Baptist Church in Atmore will hold a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. an worship at 10:30 a.m. with a choir cantata.
Atmore Easter Sunday Service
Easter Sunday Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord Sunday at 9 a.m. at St. Robert Catholic Church, South Main Street, Atmore.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church – McDavid
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church at 170 West Bogia Road in McDavid will hold Easter Sunday morning worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Highland Baptist – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a Kids Egg Hunt at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and a 10:45 a.m. Easter Worship service.
Bratt Assembly of God
Bratt Assembly of God at 5150 West Highway 4 will present an Easter service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Special music, message, fellowship, dinner on the grounds and an egg hunt.
First Baptist Church of Flomaton
The First Baptist Church of Flomaton will hold an Easter Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. No Sunday School, no evening worship.
Enon Baptist Church Easter Cantata
Enon Baptist Church will present their Easter Cantata, “Our God Reigns”, on April 16, at 11 a.m. The church is located at 7121 County Road 97A in Walnut Hill
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.