Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots
May 29, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Due to the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads beginning ending at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 30.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Grand Fiesta 2023 – Drivers will encounter a road closure between A Street and Tarragona Street Friday, June 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Pensacola Grand Fiesta.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, May 30 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and from Wednesday, May 31 through Saturday, June 3 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The Welcome Center located at mile marker four will be closed for construction from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 4 through Thursday, June 8. In addition, the outside lane of I-10 eastbound near the Welcome Center and the on- and off-ramps to the Welcome Center will be closed. Drivers may use the I-10 eastbound rest area at mile marker 29 during these times. The Welcome Center, along with the front and middle parking lots, will remain open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., but the truck parking area will remain closed until work concludes this summer.
- 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 (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and intermittent turn lane closures Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place thermoplastic pavement markings on the roadway and perform final work list items.
- 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 will encounter shoulder and lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be performing drainage and shoulder construction.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers may encounter alternating nighttime lane closures, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews mill and resurface the roadway and perform striping work.
- 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 June. 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.
- S.R. 295 (West Fairfield Drive) Routine Maintenance from North P Street to North L Street – Motorists will encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for storm hardening operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures beginning Tuesday, May 30 from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, May 30 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and from Wednesday, May 31 through Saturday, June 3 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures on U.S. 90 eastbound near the Simpson River Bridge Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform asphalt work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout 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 Tuesday, May 30, through Friday, June 2, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning the week of Tuesday, May 30, eastbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from west of College Parkway to east of Portside Drive as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities.
- Beginning the week of Tuesday, May 30, westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Portside Drive to Green Briar Parkway as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2 for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Thrilling Comeback Falls Short As Blue Wahoos Drop Braves Finale
May 29, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos came agonizingly close to completing a dramatic comeback on Sunday night, but fell 6-5 to the Mississippi Braves in their series finale.
Trailing 6-3 going into the ninth, the Blue Wahoos rallied back as Nasim Nuñez narrowly missed a game-tying three-run homer, instead settling for an RBI single off the right field wall. Nuñez was stranded as the tying run at third as Victor Mesa Jr. lined out to right field to end the game.
In an uncharacteristically shaky outing, Patrick Monteverde (L, 5-1) allowed six runs over 3.0 innings to take his first loss of the season.
The Blue Wahoos took two early leads against Luis De Avila (W, 2-4), as Cody Morissette and José Devers hit RBI singles in the second and third innings, but the Braves answered back against Monteverde each time. Mississippi took the lead for good with a four-run third, capped by an RBI single from Beau Philip.
In a rarity, each team finessed a steal of home on a double steal attempt. Pensacola brought home Mesa from third on a Devers steal in the third inning, marking their second steal of home in a week but just their sixth in team history. The Braves returned the favor in the bottom of the third as Justin Dean came home on a Luke Waddell steal.
With two on and two out in the ninth in a one-run game, the Braves called upon Trey Riley (S, 1) to go after Mesa. The Pensacola center fielder blistered a liner to right-center, where it was caught by Jesse Franklin V to end the game.
The Blue Wahoos remain 5.0 games ahead of second place Biloxi and Montgomery in the South Division with 24 games to play in the first half.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos continue their road trip on Tuesday as they travel to Biloxi to take on the Shuckers.
written by Erik Bremer, photo/Blue Wahoos
Betty Straughn
May 29, 2023
Betty Straughn, 91, of Cantonment, FL, outran us to the Heavenly Father’s House, May 23, 2023. A lifelong resident of Escambia County, she graduated from Pensacola High School in 1949. After high school she married her high school sweetheart, Malcolm Straughn, Jr.
She was a homemaker and took great pride in raising her family. Many have described her as a “True Southern Lady”.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Nettie (Abrams) Poston; husband of 64 years, Malcolm C. Straughn, Jr.; and son-in-law, Rev. Alton Moore, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Moore, sons, Kirk (Jackie) Straughn, and Ray (Angela) Straughn. She had nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
Survivors also include her sister, Mary Alice Barnes and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
It was her wish to be cremated. Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Update: Three Shot As Hundreds Gather For ‘May Day’ Event In Cantonment, ECSO Says
May 28, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said three people were shot Saturday night during a community gathering known as “May Day” in Cantonment.
The victims were two females both age 18 and a 21-year old male. Sgt. Melony Peterson said the victims were transported to the hospital in Pensacola with injuries that were not life-threatening. All are expected to recover.
The shootings were reported about 9:10 in the area of Carver Park on Webb Street where the suspect opened fire into a crowd, striking the victims.
Peterson said no information on a suspect was provided by bystanders.
Hundreds of people had gathered Saturday night in the area of the park and in the area of Muscogee Road and Highway 29 during the “May Day” event, according to witnesses. The ECSO said they estimated about 2,000 people were in attendance.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Several Reported Injured In Cantonment Wreck
May 28, 2023
As many as five people — including children — were reported injured in a wreck Saturday night in Cantonment.
The crash was reported about 9:15 p.m. on Muscogee Road and preliminary information indicated it was a hit and run.
The injured were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS. An update on their conditions was not available, but the injuries were not considered life threatening.
The crash is under investigation and further details have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Take Stock In Children Awards $287K In Scholarships
May 28, 2023
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded $287,000 in scholarships recently.
The event honored 21 graduating seniors who received four-year tuition scholarships and a laptop computer. Also recognized were all of the volunteer mentors of our students as well as scholarship donors.
The 2023 Take Stock in Children graduates are:
- Northview High: Johnnie Howell, Jr.
- Tate High: Calvin Brewer, Tyler Hurley, Avery Leventhal, Loghan Zellers
- Pine Forest High: Bobbie-Sue Jarrell, Bricen Kelly, Jayla Rudolph, Aiden Wilson
- Washington High: Kelsey Bolling, Briana Coates, Kiana Hollis, Teddy Robinson III, Shiriell Watson
- West Florida High: Alonna Brown, Patrick Delcour, Efrain Escarfullet III, Kiara Mullins, Kendall Poston, Ty’QuJuan Stallworth-Horne
- Escambia Virtual: Trinity Weaver
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. The program provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school, and comprehensive services continue through high school and include the students’ transition into college. Students receive college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, and college readiness skills.
Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private fundraising model in which local scholarship donations are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased each year. Laptops were donated through a program founded by Nick & Nathan Gupta and currently coordinated by Walton Buckley.
District 1 Commissioner Bergosh To Discuss Beulah Master Plan, OLF-8 At Town Hall
May 28, 2023
Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh will hold a town hall early next month in Beulah.
Bergosh is expected to address the Beulah Master Plan and upcoming development of OLF-8. Commissioner
He will also utilize “agree” or “disagree” cards so residents can answer questions posed during the town hall. Comment cards will be available for county staff to address residents’ concerns.
The town hall will take place June 5 from 6-8 p.m. at Beulah Middle School, 6001 West Nine Mile Road.
AAA Is Forecasting Record Memorial Day Weekend Travel
May 28, 2023
AAA is forecasting record travel for Floridians on this Memorial Day weekend.
According to AAA’s 2023 Memorial Day Travel Forecast, nearly 2.4 million Floridians will journey 50 miles or more. That’s 172,000 more than last year and 96,000 more than before the pandemic, in 2019.
Florida travel numbers are set to reach new record highs in both the auto and air travel categories. An estimated 2.1 million Floridians will drive, which is 137,000 more than last year. Meanwhile, 208,000 are forecast to fly, which is 25,000 more passengers than last year’s holiday.
“Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to what promises to be a very busy summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite various inflationary pressures, consumer spending is strong, and Americans still want to travel. Because of that, we’ve seen demand come roaring back, beyond pre-pandemic levels in Florida.”
Although state holiday travel figures are poised to reach record highs, overall national travel numbers are still slightly below pre-pandemic levels.
Total Travelers – AAA projects a total of 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend*. That’s 2.7 million (+7%) more travelers than last year, but fewer people than what was reported in 2019 (42.8 million) and 2005 (44 million).
Memorial Day road trips are up 6% from last year. An estimated 37.1 million Americans will drive to their destinations. That’s 2 million more than last year, but 500,000 fewer than 2019 numbers. Driving remains the preferred mode of transportation for 88% of holiday travelers.
For purposes of the AAA forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29. The five-day holiday length is consistent with previous holiday periods.
Small Chance Of An Isolated Shower Sunday Night
May 28, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Blue Wahoos Battered By Braves In 10-1 Loss
May 28, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos suffered their most lopsided defeat of the season on Saturday night, falling 10-1 to the Mississippi Braves.
After a pregame rain delay, the Blue Wahoos managed just one run on three hits as the Braves rode a six-run fourth to a blowout victory.
Troy Johnston led off the fourth inning with a double against Scott Blewett (W, 2-2), and scored on a José Devers sacrifice fly to give Pensacola a brief 1-0 lead.
M.D. Johnson (L, 0-2) cruised through 3.0 hitless innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth. The righty loaded the bases with a hit batsman and a pair of walks, and Drew Lugbauer made the Blue Wahoos pay with a three-run double. Three batters later, Landon Stephens capped the big inning with a three-run homer.
Tyler Tolve added an RBI single in the fifth, and Beau Philip hit a homer of his own in the sixth. The Braves ended their night with two more runs in the eighth against Noah Gotsis in his first Blue Wahoos relief appearance.
The Blue Wahoos lost a game in the standings, and are now 5.0 games ahead of second place Biloxi in the South Division with 25 games to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Braves on Sunday.
by Erik Bremer