This Week’s Traffic Alert – These Are The Spots To Expect Delays
May 24, 2020
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 Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning 9 a.m. Friday, May 22 and ending 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, May 27 for the duration of the week:
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Motorists will encounter alternating and intermittent lane closures between the Leisure Lakes RV Park and Eleven Mile Creek from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27 as crews prepare for the upcoming traffic shift between Allegheny Avenue and the Leisure Lakes RV Park. In addition, the far-right portion of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Construction Operations at the intersection of E. Avery Street- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of E. Avery Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 29 as crews unload equipment.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- Work will resume after the holiday. There are currently no lane closures or impacts to traffic.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating lane restriction from 8 pm. To 6 a.m. in the area of the CSX RR crossing in Cantonment Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29 and Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4 as crews construct improvements to the railroad crossing.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, May 27 for the duration of the week:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- Garcon Point Bridge (S.R. 281) Routine Bridge Maintenance over East Bay- Traffic will be reduced to one lane from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, June 5. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers through the work area
- S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – There will be temporary shoulder and lane closures throughout the project limits.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Turn Lane Construction for Aldi’s Development- Intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 through Thursday, May 29.
- U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter nighttime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
After A Week With No New COVID-19 Cases, One New Positive Reported In Escambia County, Alabama
May 24, 2020
After a week with no new cases, an additional COVID-19 positive has been reported in Escambia County, Alabama.
The total number of cases now stands at 40 in the county.
Atmore Community Hospital diagnosed 34 cases while six were positive at D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton.
There have been 431 total tests administered at Atmore Community, with 387 negative and nine pending. D.W. McMillan has given 234 tests with 220 negative and eight pending.
Across the state, Alabama has recorded 13,938 confirmed case out of 182,676 tested. There have been 546 deaths and 1,589 cumulative hospitalizations.
The Alabama Department of Health is now reporting a number of presumed recovered patients, which now stands at 7,951.
50,000 Pounds Of Food Given Away Saturday
May 24, 2020
Feeding the Gulf Coast and Crown Church held a food giveaway Saturday at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. Over 50,000 pounds of food were give away.
The church, which is located on North Palafox Street just north of Nine Mile Road, estimated there was enough food to feed 650 families.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
John William Spence
May 24, 2020
Mr. John William Spence, age 82, passed away Friday, May 22, 2020 in Stockton, Alabama.
Mr. Spence was a native of Nokomis, FL and had resided in Walnut Hill, Florida for most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. Mr. Spence also known as PopPop was an avid outdoorsman, partner in the Spence Logging Company, retired supervisor from Gulf Power with 20 years of service and a member of the Bratt First Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice Rebecca Spence; brother, Alton Spence and three sisters, Annie Mae Cook, Doris Payne and Marie Locke.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann Spence of Walnut Hill, FL; two sons, Scott (Sandra) Spence of Walnut Hill, FL and Kenneth “DJ” (Dianna) Spence of Molino, FL; four daughters, Robin (Joey) McCall of Walnut Hill, FL, Shannon (Chris) Kinley of Century, FL, Kathryn (Barry) Sumrall of Atmore, AL and Regina (Brian) Simpson of Pensacola, FL; one brother, J.D. “Dink” (Jean) Spence of Pineville, FL; thirteen grandchildren and one on the way; eighteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sis. Helen Stewart and Bro. John C. Spence officiating.
Burial will follow at the Spence Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be DJ Spence, Jake McCall, Rusty Hodges, Don Spence, Cole Norton and Nathaniel Nelson.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Romeo Coleman, James Ed Gilman, Robert Gilman, Clark Ziglar, Jim Bolerjack, Phillip Kelly and Bobby Amerson.
Sabrina White Godwin
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Sabrina White Godwin, age 50, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Godwin a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She is preceded in death by her father, Billy White; daughter, Kayla Godwin and sister, Traci White.
She is survived by her mother, Louise White of Atmore, AL; one son, Justin Daniel White of Atmore, AL; one brother, Bill White of Atmore, AL; one sister, Melissa (Steven) Carpenter of Atmore, AL; two nieces, Shyla O’Barr of Perdido, AL and Camryn O’Barr of Perdido, AL; one great niece, Elliana Allen of Perdido, AL; and special aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 23, 2020, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Ronald Hall officiating.
Burial was at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Pallbearers were James Lloyd, Brian Roye, Jason Roye, Steve White, Gage White and Steven Carpenter.
Carolyn Yvonne McCall Lambeth
May 24, 2020
Mrs. Carolyn Yvonne McCall Lambeth, age 81 of Flomaton, AL, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at her home.
Mrs. Lambeth was born in Century, FL, and had been a life-time member of the Flomaton community. During her working years, she worked at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital as a LPN. She enjoyed being a nurse, and taking care of her family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Hoarce McCall and was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by her husband, John J. Lambeth of Flomaton, AL; son, Johnny (Telina) Lambeth of Flomaton, AL; brother, Freddie W. (Margie) McCall of Century, FL; sister, Marilyn (Cecil) Nelson of Byrneville, FL; grandchildren, Jessica (Richard) Meacham of Lillian, AL and Jeffrey (Erin) Lambeth of Flomaton, AL; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Finley and Madeline; numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro Glenn Johnson officiating.
Interment was in Flomaton Cemetery in Flomaton, AL.
Escambia Reports One New COVID-19 Death For A Total Of 26
May 23, 2020
The number of reported COVID-19 deaths in Escambia County increased by one on Saturday to 26 as the number of cases increased by nine, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The fatality was an 85-year old long-term care facility resident that had contact with a known case.
The number of cases in Escambia County increased by nine to 740,, and Santa Rosa was up by eight to 207.
Of the 26 deaths in Escambia County, at least 18 have been long-term care facility residents or staff. There have been eight deaths in Santa Rosa County, seven of those at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility and none in long-term care facilities.
Statewide, there were 50,127 cases including 48,814 Florida residents. There have been 9,310 hospitalizations and 2,232 deaths.
EscambiaCounty cases:
- Total cases — 749 (+9 since Friday)
- Pensacola — 550
- Cantonment — 48
- Bellview — 6
- Perdido Key — 1
- McDavid/Walnut Hill — 1
- Molino – 4
- Century — 2
- Hospitalizations: 63*
- Deaths — 26
- Male — 255
- Female — 360
- Youngest — 0
- Oldest — 105
Santa Rosa County cases:
- Total cases — 207 (+8 since Friday)
- Milton — 123
- Navarre — 35
- Gulf Breeze — 27
- Pace — 16
- Jay — 2
- Residents: 129
- Nonresidents — 1
- Hospitalizations — 23*
- Deaths — 9
- Male — 143
- Female — 61
- Youngest — 2 months
- Oldest — 94
Florida cases:
- Total cases — 5,127
- Florida residents — 48,814
- Deaths — 2,232
- Hospitalizations — 9,310*
*“Hospitalizations” is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. These people may no longer be hospitalized. This number does not represent the number of COVID-19 positive persons currently hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized.
One Person Injured, Three Vehicles Wrecked When Driver Hits Cow On Highway 97
May 23, 2020
One person was injured and three vehicles were wrecked when a driver a hit a cow Friday night on Highway 97 near Molino.
The first vehicle hit the cow on Highway 97 near Gibson Road just before 9 p.m. The front seat passenger in the vehicle was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital. The driver and other passengers, both juveniles, were not injured.
The driver of a Nissan Versa slowed or stopped to avoid the cow in the roadway and was rear-ended by a Chevrolet passenger car. Neither driver was injured.
The cow did not survive.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
What About High School Graduations? Here’s The Tentative List On Ceremony Dates.
May 23, 2020
School is now officially out for summer. But what about high school graduations?
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties both still plan to have graduation ceremonies and have scheduled tentative dates. Once dates are finalized, more details will be mail available.
Escambia County
June 23, July 14 or July 27
- Tate High School
- Northview High School
- Pine Forest High School
- West Florida High School
June 24, July 15 or July 28
- Pensacola High School
- Escambia High School
- George Stone Technical College/Escambia Virtual/Success Academy/Camelot
- Washington High School
Santa Rosa County
June 19-20, July 16-17 and July 29-30 at Pensacola Bay Center
- Pace High School 11 a.m.
- Navarre High School 2:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze High School 6 p.m.
June 23, July 14 or July 31
- Jay High School in the gym at 5 p.m.
- Central High School 7 p.m. in the gym.
June 18, July 14 or July 28
- Milton High School at 8 p.m.
Pictured: The Tate High School Class of 2019 graduation at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Vehicle Burns By Pumps At Local Gas Station
May 23, 2020
A vehicle erupted into flames Friday night next to the fuel pumps at a local gas station.
The vehicle burned under the gas canopy at the Tom Thumb on Chemstrand at the intersection of East Kingsfield Road. The Ensley and Cantonment Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire.
There were no injuries reported.
Pictured top: A vehicle burns under the gas canopy. Pictured first below: Someone attempts to use a fire extinguisher to put on the blaze, but they were unsuccessful. Pictured below: Escambia Fire Rescue arrives. Reader submitted cellphone photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
