Rain By Sunday
January 8, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 58. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Here Are Next Week’s Road Construction Slow Zones
January 8, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9 through Saturday, Jan. 15. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between A and N streets as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9 through Wednesday, Jan. 12 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 interchange to allow crews to place the thermoplastic striping and to perform worklist items.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, Jan. 10 through Friday, Jan. 14, as crews place a water main.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) –Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 10 through Friday, Jan. 14 as crews place final striping and complete final work items.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway) Routine Maintenance near Sorrento Road – Motorists will encounter north and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 14 as crews perform paving operations.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9 through Saturday, Jan. 15. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – The eastbound lane will remain reduced to one lane at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) until work associated with bridge approach construction is complete. Motorists can also expect intermittent lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the week of Monday, Jan. 10 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to a six-lanes with a raised median, safety, and drainage upgrades, resurfacing Avalon Boulevard from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Woodbine Road Intersection – Westbound Motorists will encounter turn lane closures at Woodbine Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan.10 through Friday, Jan 14 as crews replace utility poles and overhead lines. The merge lane on Woodbine Road at U.S. 90 westbound to Pensacola will also be closed intermittently during nighttime hours as crews perform utility maintenance operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Lindsey Jeremiah Selected As McArthur Elementary Teacher Of The Year
January 8, 2022
Lindsey Jeremiah has been selected as the McArthur Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She is a first grade teacher at the school. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Reschedules Three Council, Charter Review Meetings For January
January 8, 2022
The Town of Century has shuffled the schedule for three public meetings during the month of January.
The Century Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. following a 6:45 p.m. bill list review on Tuesday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 18 in council chambers at town hall. The first meeting was moved from January 3 to January 11 due to a council scheduling conflict, and the second meeting was delayed a day due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
A Century Charter Review Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 18 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the community center on West Highway 4. The change was to avoid a conflict with a rescheduled council meeting.
Pictured: Century council president Luis Gomez, Jr. discusses an agenda item during the council’s last meeting on December 20, 2021. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
By The Numbers: Escambia Had 3,701 New COVID-19 Cases Last Week
January 8, 2022
There were 3,701 new COVID-19 cases reported last week in Escambia County, according to a Florida Department of Health report. That compares to 2,417 in the previous week.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 60,828 (+3,701)
Positivity rate last week: 42.93%
Case Rate per 100k: 1,162.68
People vaccinated: 165,865 (+929)
Fully vaccinated rate: 52.2%
Partially vaccinated rate: 60.6%
Current hospitalizations: 144
Total deaths last 7 days: <10 (CDC data)
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 34,032 (+1,919)
Positivity rate last week: 27.0%
Case Rate per 100k: 1,040.08
People vaccinated: 96,424 (+503)
Vaccination rate (age 5+): 51.2%
New hospital admissions: 18
Total deaths last 7 days: 0 (CDC data)
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 4,562,954 (+397,114)
Case positivity rate: 31.2
Deaths: 62,688 (+44)
Driver’s License Clinic To Assist Participants In Restoring Driving Privileges
January 8, 2022
The First Judicial Circuit will host a Driver’s License Clinic on Friday, March 25 to assist individuals whose licenses have been revoked, suspended, or cancelled.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. Due to COVID-19, it is possible that restricted access to the courthouse could resume and impact the clinic. If changes do occur, notification and instructions will be sent to all registered participants prior to the clinic.
Registration will begin on January 14 at 9 a.m., and is open to the first 150 registered participants. To register, go to https://escambiacountydriverslicenseclinic2022.eventbrite.com.
Participants should closely monitor the email address provided at registration, as email will be the primary form of communication between participants and the clinic staff. Additional information may also be requested by email. Failure to provide requested information may result in cancelled registration.
Individuals who registered for previous clinics and failed to appear will be placed on the waiting list until all eligible participants have had an opportunity to register. Walk-ins will not be able to participate.
Staff from the Florida Department of Revenue, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Escambia County Clerk of Court, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the State Attorney, and the Office of the Public Defender, along with judges and court staff, will work together to assist registrants and provide individualized information relevant to each participant’s personal circumstances. The goal of the clinic is to provide “one-stop shopping” for citizens to interact with the appropriate state agencies and/or the court so they can determine how to regain their driving privileges. The clinic will not be able to assist individuals with licenses revoked, suspended, or cancelled due to out-of-state matters. Additionally, the clinic will not address pending criminal charges.
Driver’s licenses may be suspended for a variety of reasons, including failure to pay traffic tickets or child support, accumulation of too many points on one’s driving record, or designation as a habitual traffic offender. Licenses may also be revoked as a consequence of entering a plea to certain crimes, such as driving under the influence or certain drug-related offenses.
EREC Accepting Applications From High School Seniors For Annual Scholarships
January 8, 2022
Escambia River Electric Cooperative will award scholarships to graduating seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties whose parent or guardian is a member of the cooperative. Two $4,000 scholarships – awarded in honor of former director Herman D. Johnson – will be offered. Students must show proof of enrollment and maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 to continue to receive the funds each year.
For scholarship applications, seniors should check with their high school guidance counselors; contact EREC’s Marketing and Communications (850) 675-4521 or (800) 235-3848; or go online at www.erec.com. The deadline to submit applications is March 1. Winners will be announced at EREC’s Annual Meeting on April 30.
In the past, capital credits issued by EREC that were unclaimed had to be turned over to the state. Legislation now allows such funds to be deposited into a qualified educational charity fund. The EREC membership voted to use these funds in the form of scholarships for graduating seniors in EREC’s service area.
“Delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power is our top priority, but we are also invested in our communities,” says Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC. “For more than 24 years EREC has had the opportunity to provide these scholarships to deserving seniors in our local high schools.”
Pictured above: 2021 EREC scholarship winners Libby Pugh (left) from Northview High School and Andrea Moorer from Central High School. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Myrtle Frances “Grandma Fran” Elliott Snelson Fournier
January 8, 2022
Fran Fournier, 75, went to be with her Heavenly Father on December 30, 2021.
Mrs. Fournier was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Robert N. Fournier; daughter, Teresa Snelson; son, Terry Snelson; mother, Myrtle Elliott; sisters, JoAnn Reeves & Sybil Schachle.
Survivors include her grandchildren, Jesse (Austina) Snelson, Nicholas (Bailie) Snelson, Sydney (Jessi) Spears, Janna (Dan) Rubbert, Johanna (Cayleb) Clark, Lukas (Michelle) Snelson, Jared Snelson, Jamie (Brad) Snelson & Nate Phillips; Great-grandchildren, Airien Baker, Lauren Snelson, Gioia Ramswell, Aelianna Spears, Anthony Snelson, Adeline Rubbert & Canaan Clark; brother-in-law, John Schachle; cousin, Buddy Griffin; special friend, Beth O’Farrell; daughter-in-law, Tammy Spencer & faithful companions, Molly & Fetty (fur babies).
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cantonment and previous member of First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill. Fran was strong in her faith and looked to her Lord and Savior through good times & bad.
“Grandma Fran” was well known for her volunteer work throughout Escambia County. Many lives were touched in a positive way by Fran’s selflessness and dedication to helping others. Her cherished memory will live on in the lives of those she touched.
Family visitation will be at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32505 on Monday, January 10, 2022 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Visitation for friends will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Faith Chapel South on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Mike Faircloth officiating. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, FL 32526.
Audrey Faye Smelley Holder
January 7, 2022
Audrey Faye Smelley Holder was born to Ed and Leavy Smelley in Covington County, Alabama on June 13, 1934. She died surrounded by her family on January 6, 2022 in Pensacola, Florida.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings LC Smelley, Lillie Mae Still, and Eddie Lee Davis; her daughter Benita King; and her grandson Chad Williamson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Harold Holder, her brother Emmette Smelley, daughters Deborah Andrews, Teresa (Ronnie) Williamson, and Belinda (David) Perry; her grandchildren Melissa (Mike) Renacker, Bobby King, Tim (Heidi) Andrews, Joni (Andrew) Wills, Marissa (Lewis) Garvin, Austin Perry, and Moriah (Kevin) Polanco, along with eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Audrey worked at Monsanto from 1957 to 1989 as the plant’s first female mechanic. After retiring from Monsanto, she and Harold operated Crossroads Service Center in Molino, Florida, hosting friends for coffee and conversation throughout the years. She was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church for over 60 years. Audrey enjoyed taking trips with her family, travelling to stay in the mountains, seeing Disney World, and visiting family members across the country. She enjoyed hard work and spent her life helping many people, whether it was by her husband’s side or caring for her loved ones.
We take comfort in the knowledge that because of Audrey’s faith in Jesus as her Savior that she is resting in His arms, free from pain. She has left a legacy of faith for her family to follow. The family would like to thank the staff in the inpatient unit at Covenant Hospice for the compassionate care in Audrey’s last days on earth.
Services will be held Monday, January 10, 2022, at Highland Baptist Church in Molino, Florida. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with the funeral immediately following at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Highland Baptist Church to purchase Gideon Bibles in memory of Audrey Holder.
Cantonment Homicide Suspect Dies Days After Hanging Himself In The County Jail
January 7, 2022
The man accused of the homicide of an elderly Cantonment woman died Thursday night after hanging himself earlier this week in the Escambia County Jail.
Friday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of 24-year old Lukas Mackenzie Snelson. He was being held on charges of second degree homicide, grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death. The jail is operated by Escambia County, not the Sheriff’s Office.
On December 30, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the end of Candy Lane in Cantonment for a death investigation. The victim was found deceased, seated in a recliner with two dog leashes wrapped around her neck, according to an arrest report obtained Monday. Her name and exact cause of death have not been released, but neighbors identified her as Snelson’s grandmother.
It was determined her 2018 Hyundai SUV was missing from the driveway. A family member told Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators that they were in contact with Snelson, who was claiming that he was currently with the victim in her vehicle, the report states. The family knew his claim was false because she was found deceased inside her home.
ECOS investigators located the vehicle and observed Snelson entering and exiting the vehicle in the parking lot of the Talecris Plasma Center at the intersection of Barrancas Avenue and Kincaid Street. Snelson was detained after a brief struggle in which he tried to pull away and run.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
