Florida Gas Prices Spike
March 18, 2019
Florida gas prices increased an average of 15 cents per gallon last week. This was the second-largest weekly increase among any other state in the country, behind Kentucky at 16 cents.
Florida drivers are paying an average price of $2.62 per gallon for regular unleaded. The state average is the highest so far this year, and 10 cents per gallon more than this time last year. So far this year, the state average has increased 46 cents per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.48, up 8 cents from last week and 30 from one month ago.
“Drivers saw a jump at the pump last week, due to rising demand, reduced refinery output, and lower gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although it appears the state average is leveling out for now, the springtime surge may not be over quite yet. The highest prices of the year can arrive anytime between now and Memorial Day weekend.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
FDOT Weekly Traffic Alerts – This Week’s State Road Project Slowdowns
March 18, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Continental Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic from Sunday, March 17 until Sunday, March 24 as crews install a well point system and install drainage across the roadway. Residents may enter and exit the neighborhood via Atlas Street, Montego Drive, and El Dorado Drive. Detour signs are in place to notify motorists and residents of upcoming work.
Drivers traveling north on Fairfield Drive can expect intermittent lane closures from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 17 through Sunday, March 24. Crews will be removing existing asphalt and placing base material for future roadway widening.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 17 until Saturday, March 23.
- Temporary Closure of W. Hood Drive at US 29: W. Hood Drive at US 29 will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 through 6 a.m. Monday, Mar. 25 as workers widen the intersection. Motorists may use W. Hannah Street or Nine Mile Road to Palafox Street as an alternate route. Detour signs and Variable Message Boards are in place to alert drivers about the upcoming work and detour.
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 17 until Sunday, March 24:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions near the intersection the week of Sunday, March 17 as paving operations continue. There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Drivers may encounter lane restrictions from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road as crews complete paving operations. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. until Sunday, March 17.
- U.S. 98 (E. Chase Street) Resurfacing from N Palafox Street to Bayfront Parkway- Drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions to occur from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 27 as crews complete construction activities on the project.
- U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah to Pine Forest Road- The Nine Mile Road eastbound ramp to Interstate 10 (I-10) eastbound will be restricted to one access ramp location beginning the week of March 25. The western access ramp will be closed and drivers will enter to I-10 eastbound via the second, eastern most on-ramp at this location. The temporary closure is expected to be in place for several weeks as crews complete ramp reconstruction work.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities have begun. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 from Blackwater Bay to East of S.R. 87 (Exit 31)-Traffic may encounter alternating and intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, until Thursday, March 28 as crews remove and replace pavement markings. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter minor delays at the following locations Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, April 25 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 17 until Sunday, March 24:
- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, March 17:
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
- 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, March 17 through Friday, March 22 as crews work to widen the roadway.
- Drivers will encounter new traffic pattern(s) on I-10 eastbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue through spring 2019.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled 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.
This Week: Nice Sunny Days, Cool Nights
March 18, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Paul B. Akins
March 18, 2019
Paul B. Akins, 80 of Atmore, AL, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, in Century, FL. He was a local football coach and teacher. He was born in Booneville, AL, on March 13, 1939, to the late Harry and Annie Clyde Still Akins. He was a member of Booneville Baptist Church, a Mason and a member of Huxford Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jack Akins, Leon Akins and Mary Zelm.
Survivors include one daughter, Leighannah Akins of Toledo, Ohio; two brothers, Bruce Akins of Booneville, AL and Clarence (Bobbie) Akins of Robertsdale, AL; and one sister, Peggy Helton of Milton, FL.
Services will be held Thursday, March 21, 2019, at 11 a.m. from Booneville Baptist Church with Bro. Jesse Wood and Bro. David Atchison officiating.
Interment will follow in Booneville Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Harry Akins, Mickey Akins, Andy Akins, Medor Akins, John Akins, Joe Helton, Tim Akins, and Daniel Akins.
Family will receive friends, Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Booneville Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Byron Delbert Tims
March 18, 2019
Byron Delbert Tims, 91 of Walnut Hill, FL passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019, in Atmore, AL. He had worked in retail sales for Fred’s Department Store. He was born on August 28, 1927, in Riderwood, AL to the late Odie Mancel and Rilla Ruller Tims. He served in the U.S.Army.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Vernell Kimbro Tims; grandson, Randall Helton and sister, Almogene Culpepper.
Survivors include two sons, Dale Tims of Virginia Beach, VA and Clark (Debra) Tims of Robertsdale, AL; one daughter, Michelle Helton of Oak Grove, FL; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. from Oak Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Butch Brown officiating.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Winning $179K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold In North Escambia
March 18, 2019
Someone is over $179,000 richer this morning after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Davisville.
The ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop, 11208 Highway 97, was the only winning ticket sold for Sunday night’s drawing and is worth $179,443.81
The 273 tickets matching four numbers won $106 each. Another 8,351 tickets matching three numbers are worth $9.50 each, and 80,915 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Sunday’s winning numbers were 4-6-10-15-36.
Pictured: The State Line Gift Shop on Highwy 97 in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Amanda Hope Lee Presley
March 18, 2019
Amanda Hope Lee Presley, age, 43, born in Pensacola, FL died Friday, March 15, 2019 at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.
She is survived by her children, Brittney (Brad) Presley Naylor of Tupelo, MS, Cortney Presley, Shane Presley and Janey Presley all of Bay Minette, AL; the father of her children, Jeffrey Presley of Bay Minette, AL; her father and stepmother, Allen and Debbie Lee of Pensacola, FL; her siblings, Matt Lee, Cyndie Snipes, Christopher Creighton, Chelsey Lee, Hunter Lee, Darla Edmonson, Danny Ray Griffith and Kim Hall all of Pensacola, FL and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Roxanne Griffith; her maternal grandparents, Howard and Valerie Mason and her paternal grandparents, Chesley and Edna Lee.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Church, Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, AL 36507 with Reverend Steve Burton officiating.
Prison System And Workers Deal With Michael Aftermath
March 18, 2019
After Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle, a key portion of the state’s corrections system was crippled, leaving nearly 300 prison employees displaced and more than 5,000 relocated inmates packing facilities across Florida.
New figures obtained by The News Service of Florida show a significant problem in a region where a sizable part of the workforce is employed by the corrections system and a good chunk of the state’s inmate population is housed.
“In these districts, other than Leon County and Gadsden County, it is school boards first and prisons second,” Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, said about the employers that fuel the region’s economy.
It has taken months to know exactly how bad the Oct. 10 storm has impacted the region’s 23 prisons. But officials with the Florida Department of Corrections said this week that in addition to tens of millions of dollars in damage to facilities, the storm also displaced 284 prison employees, increased job vacancies and forced shifting 5,000 inmates to facilities across the state.
Nearly 800 prison employees who lost or sustained severe damage to their homes in the storm have also received a total of $450,000 in assistance from the Corrections Foundation, a non-profit organization established to aid the Department of Corrections.
“It generally takes one to three days between the time the information is received and the time the checks are generated,” said Michelle Glady, a Department of Corrections spokeswoman.
Overall, the foundation has provided $8.3 million in financial assistance to correctional staff since 1999, Glady said.
The department is also struggling to fill vacancies in the hurricane-impacted areas. Before the hurricane hit, the region’s 23 prisons had a vacancy rate of 12 percent. As of Feb. 22, that vacancy rate had ticked up to 14 percent, with vacancies for prison guards and probation officers.
The probation-officer vacancies in Panama City, for example, increased from nine to 14.
“It is not the most pleasant job to have, and so we are always looking for corrections officers, but now when you have a housing challenge it makes it even more so,” Montford said.
The relocation of thousands of inmates has also impacted facilities in other areas of the state, some of which are dealing with staffing shortages as the department struggles to retain and recruit guards.
“Rather than overcrowd any nearby facilities, inmates were dispersed across the state to their new permanent facilities,” Glady said.
Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico Beach as a Category 4 storm and caused massive damage as it barreled north into Georgia. Part of that damage was in the Panama City area, but rural communities were also hard hit in places such as Gulf, Liberty, Calhoun and Jackson counties.
State lawmakers have not crafted an exact plan about how to address the storm’s impact on the prison system. The hurricane also caused more than $50 million in storm damage to corrections buildings.
When asked, Montford said he does not have an answer as of yet.
“This is a long, long-range problem,” Montford said. “We are facing a very complex and long-range problem.”
by Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida
Mattie Nadine Minchew McCurdy
March 18, 2019
Mrs. Mattie Nadine Minchew McCurdy, age 88, of Jay, Florida, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, after a brief illness in a Jay, Florida nursing facility. She was a native of Conecuh County, Alabama and a long time resident of Jay, Florida. Nadine graduated from W.S. Neal High School in 1950 and married Robert McCurdy that year. She lived the rest of her life in Jay and Mt.Carmel. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer, an active member of the willing workers and choir member. Nadine worked at Jay High School as a secretary for 26 years. During her tenure she made many friends and was a positive influence for staff and students alike. Her favorite hobby was working in her yard and caring for her flowers.
Survivors include many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Minchew; husband, Robert McCurdy; three brothers, Lavon, Clifton, Carson; and three sisters, Annie, Pauline, Lillian.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Mt. Carmel Church in Jay, Florida.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Carmel Church with Rev. Mark Barfield officiating.
Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Jay with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.
Tate High School Hosts District Special Olympics (With Photo Gallery)
March 18, 2019
The 22nd Annual Escambia County School District’s Special Olympics Spring Games were held last week at Tate High School with about 600 athletes from about two dozen schools and hundreds of Tate student volunteers assisting as “buddies” and event workers.
The event began with Special Olympic athletes running with the Special Olympics Torch around the track. There was also an Olympic Village with plenty of fun and games for the athletes to enjoy after they completed their track and field events.
Athletes received the traditional gold, silver and bronze medals for top finishes.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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