Food Distribution Set For Saturday In Gonzalez

March 6, 2023

A food distribution is set for Saturday in Gonzalez.

The distribution will begin at 8 a.m. and continue while supplies last at the Gonzalez United Methodist church. Vehicles can begin lining up at 7:30 a.m., and organizers say there will be enough food for at least 300 families.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed getting out into the community and being able to help our friends in District 1 get what they need”, said Rep. Michelle Salzman. “Along with Farm Share and the Gonzalez United Methodist Church, these events have become an amazing asset to help us provide food once every quarter to this part of the county that needs it so much. Especially with prices rising as they have been, it’s comforting to know that we’ve helped ensure some food on their tables every few months.”

‘“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.’,” said Gonzalez United Methodist Church Pastor Andy Perry, quoting Matthew 25:40. “As a Church, we cannot live isolated from our community. Rather, what Jesus and even the season of Lent reminds us of is that we are to be truly engaged in caring for those who do not have the means that many others have. Being involved in this food distribution allows us to engage and connect with the people in North Escambia county in a very real and tangible way, as the hands and feet of Jesus to help our neighbor. This is truly an opportunity to fulfill the commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.”

The food distribution is intended to provide supplemental help for families who may be struggling through a hard time.

The distribution will be made possible by Farm Share, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Commissioner Steven Barry, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Kevin Stephens with ECUA District 5, International Paper, the Marine Corps League, Gonzalez United Methodist Church, Aaron Erskine, Thompson Trucking, and other community partners.

Pictured: A food distribution at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church last November. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Susan Hendrix Named Escambia County Employee Of The Month

March 6, 2023

The Escambia County Commission has recognized Susan Hendrix as the March 2023 Employee of the Month. She is a director’s aide for Extension Services.

Hendrix began her career with Escambia County on November 16, 2004. As the director’s aide, she is responsible for managing day-to-day operations for the Extension and 4-H offices. She addresses challenges with ease while verifying and approving department payroll, hiring, training and employee evaluations.

She collaborates with other county departments for several tasks, including scheduling work crews, maintenance for three buildings, personnel matters, a multitude of reporting needs throughout the year and preparing the department’s annual budget. She also works with the county to acquire funding to support departmental team-building exercises and frequently recognizes county staff’s strong work ethics and skills.

Hendrix’s colleagues have also recognized her commitment to Escambia Extension and 4-H. She has worked tirelessly to connect with more 4-H volunteers and youth in Escambia County to champion the growth of the 4-H program and regularly works with agents and staff in all stages of program planning to help 4-H shine. She also works closely with the 4-H bookkeeper to maintain Escambia County’s 4-H Foundation, the largest such foundation in Florida. The foundation aids in connecting programs and 4-H volunteers and youth throughout the county.

“Susan is a true champion of our office,” said Nick Simmons, Escambia Extension Services director. “She is a morale booster and a hard worker who is always willing to step up and accommodate her colleagues without compromising her professionalism. Her passion for 4-H and Extension Services shines through in her work. She is most deserving of the Employee of the Month award, and we are all proud to recognize her outstanding leadership and contributions to 4-H, Extension Services and Escambia County.”

Outside of her duties with the county, Hendrix is an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where she is involved with her Connect Group serving in ministries such as meal prep and delivery for families in need.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News

EREC Crews Head To Kentucky To Assist With Power Restoration Follow Big Storms

March 6, 2023

Crews from Escambia River Electric Cooperative departed early Sunday morning to help Farmers RCCC in Kentucky restore power.

Storms with near hurricane force winds moved through Kentucky on Friday, leaving 16,000 Farmers customers without power in Glasgow and other communities east and northeast of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

By Sunday, about 10,000 customers had been restored, according to Farmers.

Pictured: (L-R) EREC’s Ken Blair, Christian Kent, Jacob Polk, Tyler Prescott and Kyle Strickling depart early Sunday morning for Kentucky. Kevin Macht (not pictured) also traveled to assist. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Pine Meadow Elementary Holds School Carnival

March 6, 2023

Pine Meadow Elementary School held their school carnival Saturday on the Tate High School football field.

The event featured games, door prices, bounces houses, face painting, a basket auction, food trucks, vendors and more.

For more photos, click or tap here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News

AAA: Florida Gas Prices Down 36 Cents From 2023 High

March 6, 2023

Florida gas prices declined 8 cents per gallon last week. On Sunday, the state average was $3.22 per gallon.

The state average has declined 12 cents within the past 10 days. That’s 36 cents less than the highest price of this year.

“Florida gas prices are at their lowest level since late January,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The recent dip was driven by falling oil prices. Unfortunately, that downward trend ended last week, and oil prices are back up, which means gas prices are likely to get more expensive soon.”

In Escambia County, gas prices averaged $3.14 Sunday night. The low price in North Escambia was $3.05 at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment, while Pensacola saw a low of $2.92 on Nine Mile Road.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Traffic Alert: Where To Expect Road Construction Delays This Week

March 6, 2023

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 the following alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing miscellaneous paving operations and work on the wrong way detection system.
U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through April. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
Pace Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street, Friday, March 3 through Friday, March 10 as crews perform striping, and final work list items.
East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.

· Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:

- Alternating lane closures Sunday, March 5 through Thursday, March 9 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.

- Asphalt repairs will require closure of sections of North W Street and U.S. 29 Sunday, March 5 through Thursday, March 9. The work will close W Street northbound at the U.S. 29 intersection, along with the left turn lane from U.S. 29 northbound to W Street southbound. Drivers will be detoured to Marcus Pointe Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, or Industrial Boulevard to access U.S. 29 and W Street. Detour signage will be in place to alert drivers of the closures.
Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers may encounter daytime lane and shoulder closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Friday, March 3 and Monday, March 6 through Friday, March 10 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crews will be performing shoulder reconstruction and paving work.
Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Navy Boulevard southbound, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, March 3 through Friday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be paving and working on curb, gutters and sidewalks.
Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Klondike Road, Sunday, March 5 through Friday, March 10 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound lane closures near East Scott Street Wednesday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine maintenance.

Santa Rosa County:

U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter the following alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing miscellaneous paving operations and work on the wrong way detection system.
U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- 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 Sunday, March 5, through Friday, March 10, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance West of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 6 through Thursday, March 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.

All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Fog Possible Overnight, Low Around 66

March 6, 2023

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: A slight chance of a shower. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Wednesday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 10 mph.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Warm Week Ahead

March 5, 2023

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Sunday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Roy Hyatt Environmental Center Holds ‘Night of Nature’ (With Gallery)

March 5, 2023

The annual Roy Hyatt Environmental Century Night of Nature was held Friday night.

Visitors were able to meet owls with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, peer through telescopes into the beautiful night sky with the Escambia Amateur Astronomy Association, observe aquatic animals in their different aquatic habitats, learn about exotic creatures, visit with the resident reptiles in the Reptile Room, stroll through the butterfly house, and more.

The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is located at 1300 Tobias Road in Cantonment. The facility is owned and operated by the Escambia County School District.

For more photos, click or tap here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.