No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A, Tate School Road Crash
January 31, 2018
There were no serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon at Highway 95A and Tate School Road. Three people involved in the crash refused transport to the hospital. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northwest Florida Senators Oppose Plan To Move Area To The Eastern Time Zone
January 31, 2018
Senators from Northwest Florida are speaking out against a proposal that would move the Florida Panhandle into the Eastern time zone.
The Senate Affairs Committee has voted in favor of a proposal by Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, to put Panhandle counties in the same time Eastern time zone as the rest of the state and for Florida to observe daylight-saving time all year.
Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), and Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) expressed serious concerns to the proposed legislation
“Senator Gainer, Senator Montford, and myself represent people who live and work in the Central time zone and we adamantly oppose any move to change to Eastern time zone. We have heard our constituents loud and clear that they want to us to maintain our historical place in the Central time zone,” Broxson said.
“This is a much bigger issue than the convenience for my constituents. Parents, understandably, do not want their children waiting for the bus in the dark, just as one example. It becomes a safety issue for our school districts,” said Senator Montford. “We need to look at this issue from a more comprehensive standpoint, because there will much more far-reaching implications than I think people realize. I have constituents in both time zones and if we look closely at this issue, we might see that it could cause more problems than remembering to reset your watch when you come across the river.”
Under the bill, dubbed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” the U.S. transportation secretary would have to initiate rulemaking to redesignate the portions of Florida that currently lie within the Central time zone to the Eastern time zone. Congress would have to approve legislation to allow the state to remain under year-round daylight-saving time.
“We do not need the state legislation to tell us what time it is. Anything of this magnitude that affects our daily lives should be put to a vote by the people,” said Senator Gainer.
A Bit Warmer Today, Sun Gives Way To Showers Tomorrow
January 31, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Locals React To State Of The Union Address
January 31, 2018
Local residents had a favorable response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Monday night.
Here are some reader comments to an informal NorthEscambia.com Facebook question “What did you think of the State of the Union Address?”
- Lisa Franklin, Walnut Hill — He did a fantastic job! Proud of him!
- Pamela Cohron, Milton — Proud to be an American under a strong enthusiastic president that really believes in the people of this country. America the Great!!
- Jessica Ingram, Walnut Hill -Fantastic, Trump is bringing jobs back and cutting taxes. Keeping his word to the American people. Now if the Democrats and Republicans can get on board with what the people need.
- Michele Dixon , Century — He is an excellent leader. Our president of the United States makes me proud to be an American!
- Lindsay Cameron, Pensacola — Didn’t watch it, don’t care, that’s what I thought about it.
- Willene Bryan, Century — I think it was a great speech. He spoke of everything that has taken place sense he got in office which is great and the plans of what he wants to do for our country. I pray that he gets all the backing he needs to do everything he wants to make America Great Again. He was awesome.
- Randy Bell — Something for both sides to applaud.
- Sandy Campbell, Pensacola — Fake News. There were so many lies in it I almost turned it off. I didn’t because I wanted to see how far he would go. He was campaigning not being a president. I am proud of the Democrats that did not attend and the ones who did who quickly left after the farce.
- Micheal Lenhart — It was better than anything Bernie or Hillary would have had to say, particularly with respect to the economy. Before anyone throws a partisan insult, I voted for Gary, so there’s that.
- Laura Cauley – I thought he was amazing! The democrats on the other hand, the rude ones, should be ashamed of themselves. And all those sour faces Nancy Pelosi was making, I hope she’s embarrassed!
- Scott Gilley, Cantonment — The SOTU was a personal and inspirational series of stories woven with principles and plans of triumph for Americans and the Nation’s of the world.
- Donna Burkemo, Pace — Loved every word of his speech. He doing what the American voter wanted him to do.
- Debbie Ballard — Outstanding! Very seldom did you hear “I” it was always “we, us, and the people” also pretty comical watching the liberal democrats pout and Nancy chew her cud!
- Cucka Stamoulis, Pensacola — Love our president making America first …great job in spite of sour grape democrats lack of reaction
- Sarah Alfred – Love our president making America first …great job in spite of sour grape democrats lack of reaction.
- James Virgin — Very inspirational. Much respect to our president. I hope our country goes in the direction he says it will. It will span across our future.
- Robert Boothe, Pensacola — What a GREAT speech. I’m proud of how far our President has brought our country in a year. Shame on the disrespectful democrats. They stand for nothing but obstruct.
- Stephanie Carlisle — I think it was an awesome speech and that everyone should respect him and feel privileged to live in this great country.
- Sheila Harrison –Great Speech!! He touched on a lot of very important issues, he honored his guests an the things they’ve battled over the past year, and recognized even the smallest of individuals, a young boy who showed compassion for this country by making sure flags were placed in a cemetery filled with veterans, Mr. President, you did an outstanding job..Keep America greater than the day before.
- Tommy Hagren — I liked that he kept the tone both solemn and still inspirational. He didnt put democrats on the spot to look bad, he didnt put republicans on too high of a pedestal. The president didnt toot his own horn alot and kept to the message he wanted to convey. America is coming back, bigger, stronger, greater than ever and the rest of the world is on notice…Gitmo is open for business.
Pictured top: Northwest Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz takes a selfie with President Donald Trump following Monday’s night’s State of the Union address.
Lions Club Eyeglass Donations Accepted at Tax Collector Offices
January 31, 2018
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s office is partnering with the Lions Club to change lives, one pair of glasses at a time.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford announced that all four Escambia County Tax Collector offices are drop off locations for prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames.
In just about any home, a person can find a pair of glasses no longer being used. That same pair of glasses may change someone else’s life.
“It can be a catch 22,” Lunsford said. “Someone needs a driver license to be able to get a job but does not have a pair of glasses to be able to pass the vision test. By donating your unused glasses, you can help a person find gainful employment. Your donation of unused glasses can help provide our community with more opportunities to grow and thrive.”
Citizens can drop off their glasses through the drive thru or night drop boxes, in the drop box located in the lobby of each office or give the glasses to any tax collector employee. Offices are located downtown, Marcus Pointe, Molino and Warrington.
Bratt Elementary Celebrates ‘Winter Wonderland’ For Literacy Week
January 31, 2018
Bratt Elementary School celebrated a “Winter Wonderland” For Literacy Week.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Update In Photos: I-10, Highway 29 Interchange Project
January 31, 2018
Here’s an update on the work at at the I-10 – Highway 29 interchange project currently underway. Scroll down…information is below each photo from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Above: A view of I-10 eastbound near U.S. 29 in Pensacola, the team completed the new wider I-10 eastbound bridge (center) and wider roadway last fall. Since then, the left-hand merge from U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound has been eliminated. Drivers now have a standard right-side merge from U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound.
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Above: Now, the team is preparing the new Exit 10 (I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 north and south) for its “grand opening.” Once opened, drivers on I-10 westbound destined for U.S. 29 north (Cantonment) and south (Pensacola) will use the new Exit 10 (where the current Exit 10B to Cantonment is located).
Above: An aerial view looking north on U.S. 29. Once Exit 10 is open, traffic destined for U.S. 29 north will merge onto U.S. 29 (top) and traffic destined for U.S. 29 south will use the new exit ramp and traffic signal (middle).
After the new Exit 10 opens, the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south ramp (depicted in this picture) will be closed and removed. The closure represents the final phase of work for this construction project. For now, lane closures, on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange, will continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. Please drive carefully and refrain from texting while driving.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Elementary Holds Donuts For Dads (With Photo Gallery)
January 31, 2018
There were plenty of dads at Molino Park Elementary School Monday morning as the PTA held its annual Donuts with Dads event. Donuts with Dads gives dads a chance to stop by and be involved with their children and find out the latest school information.
Photos by Kristi Barbour and Molino Park PTA for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHSAA Approves Playoff Series Changes For 1A-4A Teams
January 31, 2018
The Florida High School Athletic Association’s board of directors has unanimously approved a playoff change for 1A-4A high school football, including Northview and Jay High schools.
Six teams will now qualify for state series play from each region in class 1A-4A beginning with the 2018 season.
The first and second seeds will receive a bye to the second round. In the first round, the third seed team will host the sixth seed and the fourth seed will host the fifth seed.
Previously four teams from each region qualify for the playoffs. There was no district play, forcing teams to often play much tougher schedules. This change will allow the top 50 percent of each region to have a real playoff. Allowing the third and fourth seed to teams to host a playoff game will also earn more revenue for those schools.
The bye week before the state championships will eliminated for 1A-4A with the additional of the extra playoff round.
Pictured: Action from last year’s 1A Northview at Jay game. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mary Louise Salter Sheffield
January 31, 2018
Mary Louise (Salter) Sheffield was born on May 1, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama. She entered into rest on January 27, 2018, at her home with family by her side. She was 78 years old.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Exie Lee Thompson; father, Warner Salter; sisters, Marie Holmes, Wanda Corner, and Evelyn Alford; brothers, Warner Salter, Jr. and Billy Coursey; and her son, Michael Sheffield.
She is survived by her husband, Wesley Lavon Sheffield,; daughter, Phyllis (Mike) Freisinger; son, Steven Sheffield; granddaughter, Heather Sheffield; grandson, Bradley (Samantha) Pitts; six great-granddaughters; one great-grandson;
brother, James (Kathy) Coursey; and sisters, Loanna Lyons, Patsy (Richard) Belinoski, and Diane Wood.
Louise worked at Monsanto for a few years, but her greatest achievement was homemaker most of her life and loved taking care of her husband, kids, and grandkids teaching them to love along the way.
Visitation for Louise will be at Faith Chapel North on Friday, February 2, 2018, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel North Saturday, February 3, 2018, starting at 11 a.m.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Regency Hospice for all the care provided over the past 18 months. Special thanks to Elizabeth Fayard for all the support and Patty Bossa for going above and beyond her job duties to comfort the family in our time of need.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
