Nine Mile Road Reopens After Being Closed By Sinkhole
July 4, 2022
UPDATE 2:25 pm: The Florida Department of Transportation has made repairs and reopened all lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Nine Mile Road in Escambia County was closed earlier Monday between University Parkway and Scenic Highway due to a sinkhole, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The sinkhole developed in the westbound lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Happy 4th Of July! Slight Chance Of Rain Tonight
July 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Health Officials Urge Awareness Of Bacteria Potentially In Local Waters
July 4, 2022
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Occurring naturally in the warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds, cuts, or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater or estuarine water. Also, Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.
There has been one confirmed case in Escambia County so far this year, according to FDOH.
Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering.
- In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe, life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
“It is important for people to be vigilant of these symptoms and seek immediate medical care,” said Marie Mott, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “Residents and visitors should also avoid consuming raw and undercooked shellfish as well as foods that have come into contact with raw seafood. Those with open wounds should not enter the water.”
Here Are Today’s Fireworks Shows In The North Escambia Area
July 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day! Here a schedule of the public fireworks shows in the North Escambia area today:
- Sertoma’s 4th of July Fireworks show and celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with live music and food trucks in Seville Square. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a fireworks show over the bay beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks show will be synchronized to music on Cat Country 98.7. (You’ll need an actual radio for correct timing. Any app will be delayed by several seconds.)
- Symphony Sparks & Stars is free at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hunter Amphitheater and will be live streamed on the stadium video board. The Sertoma fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Concessions available (no outside food). Bring a blanket.
- Pensacola Beach Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. along the boardwalk on the sound side.
- July 4th Riverfest on Willing Street from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Milton. This family-friendly event features the Firecracker Motorcycle Show, a car show, food vendors, retail vendors, a children’s activity area, live entertainment, and the Great Milltown Duck Race. The night will end with a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.
- Wind Creek Atmore fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Watch from the amphitheater or the surrounding area.
Note: There will be no fireworks show in Jay this year as Bray-Hendricks park closed July 1 for renovations and upgrades.
Man Struck And Killed By Disabled Vehicle Near Atmore
July 4, 2022
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a disabled vehicle early Sunday morning in Canoe, Alabama, east of Atmore.
A 2013 Dodge Ram pickup driven by 77-year old Jimmy E. Barnes of Panama City struck a vehicle that was broken down on the shoulder of Highway 31 near South Canoe Road.
Alabama State Troopers said the force of the collision pushed the disabled vehicle into 77-year old Ray L. Singleton of Fort Deposit, Alabama, as he stood nearby. Singleton was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was a former resident of Atmore.
A wrecker was in the process of removing the vehicle at the time of the 2:40 a.m. crash.
Troopers have not released further details.
Wahoos Fall 4-1 In Series Finale With Montgomery
July 4, 2022
Cody Mincey tossed five no-hit innings to open Sunday’s game and finished with a strong quality start, but Pensacola fell 4-1 in their series finale against Montgomery.
Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2022
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting. Here are some quick tips from the Escambia County Animal Shelter:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet becomes lost, search for lost pets at the Escambia County Animal Shelter or call (850) 595-3075.
Weekly Traffic Report: Those Troublesome Construction Slowdowns
July 4, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week 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 Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 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 – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, on Tuesday, July 5 as crews install pedestrian fence.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform asphalt work.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Tuesday, July 5 for placement of watermain.
- I-10 Eastbound Routine Maintenance near U.S. 29 Exit 10A and 10B – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 5 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guardrail repairs.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Local July 4 Holiday Closures, Trash Pick Up Information
July 4, 2022
On Monday, July 4, the following will be closed and sanitation schedules will be as listed below.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – all departments
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Waste Services Administration
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices
- ECAT will only operate routes 59X, 64 Beach Jumper and the Pensacola Beach Trolleys on Monday, July 4. Normal operations will resume Tuesday.
EMERALD COAST UTILITIES AUTHORITY (ECUA)
- ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday.
- Residential sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual. Customers may contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for more information.
- All ECUA commercial sanitation collections scheduled for Monday, July 4, were made on Saturday, July 2.
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Century Town Hall will be closed. For utility emergencies, call (850) 256-3208.
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
- Roger Scott Tennis Center
Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course
CITY OF PENSACOLA SANITATION
- Customers will experience a change of schedule the week of Monday, July 4, which applies to garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup. This applies only to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers.
- Customers who normally receive service on Mondays will receive service on Tuesday, July 5.
- Customers who normally receive service on Tuesdays will receive service on Wednesday, July 6.
- Customers who normally receive service on Wednesdays will receive service on Thursday, July 7.
- Customers who normally receive service on Thursdays will receive service on Friday, July 8.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A Rollover Crash
July 3, 2022
Everyone walked away from a vehicle crash with no serious injuries Saturday.
The wreck happened on Highway 95A near North Chipper Road. Three adults and a properly restrained toddler were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released their official report, but flooding conditions on the road were believed to have led to the two vehicle crash.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.