Here Are This Week’s Road Work Slow Spots
June 24, 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.
In preparation for the Independence Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning at 9 a.m. CST Wednesday, July 3 and ending at 12:01 a.m. CST Monday, July 8.
Escambia County:
- 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, June 23 through Saturday, June 29.
- 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 southbound bridge. 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- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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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).
- State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Traffic on Fairfield Drive from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place was shifted from its current alignment to the west Tuesday, June 18 to allow crews to complete the installation of the box culvert under the roadway. The north entrance to Usher Circle will also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drainage operation. Residents will utilize the south entrance of Usher Circle. The temporary lane shift and road closure is anticipated to take place for approximately three weeks.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) at Fairfield Drive- Motorists will encounter northbound lane restrictions between Fairfield Drive and the I-110 interchange from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform drainage repairs.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) at Texar Drive- The southbound, outside lane of Ninth Avenue in Pensacola will be closed at Texar Drive from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform maintenance activities.
- U.S. 29 Utility Operations between 9 1/2 Road and Ten Mile Road- There will be intermittent northbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 27 as crews perform utility maintenance work.
- County Road (C.R.) 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Activities associated with the bridge replacement project on C.R. 168 over Unnamed Branch, northwest of Century, continue. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 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 continue. 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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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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).
- I-10 Widening from the 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 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, June 23:
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews work to place final striping, rumble strips, and to finish work list items.
- I-10 over Blackwater Bay Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Blackwater Bay from 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 24 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- I-10 over Garcon Point Road Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Garcon Point Road, about five miles west of S.R. 87, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday, to Thursday, July 30 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
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road– All north and southbound travel lanes, between Hickory Hammock Road and two miles south of the Yellow River are now open and the speed limit is now 65 mph. Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete construction activities and the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph through the active work zones.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete striping operations. Work will take place at night during off peak hours.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
ECSO Searching For Suspect After Sunday Shooting Death
June 24, 2019
UPDATE — The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect after a Sunday shooting death.
The Sheriff’s Office first announced they were looking for Jredreck Vonshia Reese on charges of second degree homicide and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Several hours later, the Sheriff’s Office announced they had withdrawn the homicide warrant, but the weapon possession warrant was still active.
The ECSO responded to a shooting victim on Trenton Drive near Edison Drive about 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his neck and later died from his injuries.
Reese allegedly fled the scene on a bicycle.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reese is asked to Call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Gas Prices Likely To Rise This Week As Oil Spikes
June 24, 2019
Florida gas prices are currently the lowest in four months, but that could change soon. Crude oil prices surged nearly $5 per barrel last week, which means higher gas prices are likely on the way.
Crude oil and gasoline futures prices rebounded last week due to factors includng rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the downing of a U.S. drone on Thursday and a massive fire at a Philadelphia refinery – the largest refinery on the U.S. East Coast, which could require supplies to be redirected from other regions.
“Florida drivers could see gas prices rise 5-10 cents this week, due to both domestic and international issues that caused oil prices to spike,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, it’s unclear just how long this upward pressure will stick around, and whether things will worsen or get better this week. Even if the state average rises above $2.50, drivers would still be paying 20 cents per gallon less than this time last year.”
Florida drivers are paying an average price of $2.43 per gallon at the pump – the lowest daily average price since February
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon on Sunday for $2.41, down 3 cents from a week ago and 20 cents from one month ago. In Cantonment Sunday night, states were as low as $2.34 per gallon.
New Circle K Convenience Store Planned For Beulah
June 24, 2019
A new Circle K convenience store is planned for Beulah.
The 4,968 square foot store will be built at Nine Mile and Beulah roads, directly north of an existing Tom Thumb.
Circle K tells NorthEscambia.com that the store will be the most modern Circle K facility in Northwest Florida. At 4,968 square feet, along with 16 fueling positions, it will also be among the company’s largest locations in the area.
The Beulah location will include the standard Circle K beverage offers, hot prepared foods, a seating area and more.
Construction is expected to begin after the permitting process is complete.
Tate Offensive, Defensive Lines Place Second In USA’s Lineman’s Challenge
June 24, 2019
The Tate High School offensive and defensive lines brought home the second place trophy from the University of South Alabama Lineman’s Challenge. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Some Storms, Otherwise Hot Again
June 24, 2019
Temperatures on Monday will top out in the 90s yet again with the heat index well over 100°F in the late morning through afternoon hours. But there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms that will bring a little heat relief for some.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
NEP Gold 7U Finishes Second In League Championship Game
June 24, 2019
The NEP Gold 7U All-Star team placed second Sunday in the league championship game at Gulf Breeze. NEP fell 8-7 to Pace in nine innings. Pictured (L-R): Bottom row – Parker Jarman, Brogan Turley, Paul Lawrence, Frederick Woods, Brantley Rutledge; Middle row – Daniel Simpler, Braden Biggs, Maddox Pitts, Peyton Jarman, Braydon Noack, Camden Woodside; Top row: Coaches Will Rutledge, Ben Pitts, Robert Turley and Brian Noack. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jacksonville Evens Series 7-1 Over Wahoos
June 24, 2019
The Blue Wahoos past games this season against Jacksonville have been some of their most upbeat performances.
They’re hoping Sunday was the anomaly.
After starter Jorge Alcala was rocked for five runs in two innings, the Blue Wahoos were unable to generate any offense until the ninth inning in a 7-1 loss against the Jumbo Shrimp, which evened the teams’ series at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos (40-34, 2-2 in second half), who had won 10 of the previous 13 games against Jacksonville (31-43), will try and generate a different experience Monday night (6:05 p.m.) in the deciding, series finale to begin the second-half schedule.
The Blue Wahoos were outhit 12-3 Sunday and struck out 15 times.
Jacksonville righthander Cody Poteet (5-3) continued his own performance surge, allowing just one hit in seven complete innings Sunday, while striking out 11 Blue Wahoos batters.
Poteet, a fourth round pick in 2015 by the Miami Marlins, after a solid collegiate career at UCLA, picked up his third win in his last six starts. His only rough outing occurred June 3 against the Blue Wahoos in Pensacola, when he gave up four runs in a no-decision.
He left no doubt this time.
Poteet faced the minimum 12 batters in the first four innings. After the Blue Wahoos’ Aaron Whitefield, who joined the team Thursday in promotion from High-A Fort Myers, hit a two-out single in the third inning, Poteet picked him off first base to end the inning.
That became the only Blue Wahoos hit until the ninth inning. Their only baserunners in the next five innings occurred from two walks and a fielding error.
Meanwhile, Alcala (5-5) struggled from the outset and sustained his third consecutive loss. He entered the game in the second inning, after Minnesota Twins’ reliever Adalberto Mejia pitched a scoreless first inning in a rehab assignment start.
Alcala gave up a lead-off single to J.C. Milan, but seemed in good shape to get out of the second inning with a pair of strikeouts.
Following a passed ball that allowed Milan into scoring position, Alcala walked Anfernee Seymour then gave up an RBI single to Corey Bird. On a double-steal play that caught Alcala off-guard, Seymour beat the throw home for the second run.
In the third inning, Joe Dunand hit a one-out double. Milan followed with a two-run homer. Stone Garrett made it back-to-back bombs with his shot to right field and suddenly the Blue Wahoos trailed 5-0.
The Jumbo Shrimp added two more runs in the sixth inning off Alcala on Seymour’s double and Riley Mahan’s single. Hector Lujan, who joined the Blue Wahoos earlier this week from Fort Myers, pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving up four hits.
In the ninth inning, Blue Wahoos newcomer Lewin Diaz, who had multiple hits in each of his first three Double-A games, broke an 0-for-3 day with an RBI single. He scored Travis Blankenhorn, who led off the ninth with a single.
Following Monday’s game, the Blue Wahoos will travel back to Pensacola and prepare for a nine-game homestand, beginning Tuesday with a five-game series against the Biloxi Shuckers at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
James Richard Strickland
June 24, 2019
James Richard “Ricky” Strickland, 67, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. He was born in Atmore, AL on October 3, 1951, to the late James Howard Strickland and Vera Mae Daniels Strickland.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Julie Nell O’Farrell and Bobbie White.
Ricky is survived by his wife, Brenda Strickland; sister, Gloria Faye (Jerry) Kent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Friday, June 21, 2019, at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL.
Pallbearers were Wade Kent, Hal O’Farrell, Chad Kent, Harvey Bradberry, Carl Bowman, and Freddy Pitts.
Ellis O’Farrell, Matt Lambert, Jerry Kent, Kenny Lloyd, and Jack White as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Cowboy Church or the American Heart Association In Memory of Ricky Strickland.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dylan Wayne Baxter
June 24, 2019
Dylan’s life was taken in a tragic accident on June 15, 2019. Dylan was born on September 1, 1995. He was a lifelong resident of Pensacola, attended Pensacola Christian Academy and Beulah Academy of Science. Dylan received his GED from George Stone Vocational School-something he was very proud of. He possessed a loving heart and kind nature towards others. He loved rap music and began writing lyrics at a very young age. Dylan was a star athlete at Bellview Ballpark in football and baseball. He then discovered basketball-this was his love. Dylan was an avid Gator fan. Dylan had trials during his short lifetime but always knew how much unconditional love his family had for him. We will always be grateful that he understood this.
Dylan is survived by his adoptive parents and grandparents, Leon and Betty Baxter; Kenzie Alpin, his partner of seven years; their daughter, Miya Baxter; father, Richard D. Baxter; mother, Michelle Ard Baxter; sisters, Ricki Rene Baxter and Stephanie McSwain; grandparent, Sandra Mathenay; great-grandparent, Monroe Mathenay; and great-grandparent, Melba Ard, whom he loved dearly and many other beloved family members who will miss him greatly.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Bellview Baptist Church.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements.