Middle 70s Monday Night
August 21, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.
Nearly $1 Million FEMA-Funded Drainage Project Underway In Century
August 20, 2023
A nearly $1 million major drainage project funded by FEMA through Escambia County is underway in Century.
The Front Street Drainage Repairs FEMA Project is designed to replace and improve a failing stormwater drainage outfall system located on private property by routing around it. Improvements consist of a new stormwater system, roadway improvements, concrete curbs, valley gutters, and ditch-bottom inlets.
During Hurricane Sally in 2020, flooding “supercharged” the existing drainage system in Century, overtopping Front Street at flooding yards on Front Street and Jefferson Avenue, according to the county. An existing 18-inch concrete pipe cracked, and an existing six-inch cast iron pipe became plugged with debris.
The lowest and responsible bid received for the project was $993,312.98, to Chavers Construction.
According to Escambia County, it is anticipated that $943,647.33 (95%) of the entire cost, will be reimbursed by FEMA and the State of Florida, and Escambia County would be responsible for the remaining 5% of the entire cost, or $49,665.65.
The project is set for completion in February 2024. Portions of Front Street, Jefferson Avenue and Church Street are closed and detoured during the construction.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate And Washington To Play In Wahoos Stadium’s First Ever Regular Season Prep Football Game
August 20, 2023
The Tate Aggies and Washington Wildcats have inked a deal to face off in the first-ever regular season high school football game to be played at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The inaugural First City Bowl prep football game will be played Friday night November 3.
During the second inning of Saturday’s Wahoo game, Tate head coach Rhett Summerford and Washington head coach Ryan Onkka participated in a short signing ceremony on the field.
“What a great environment it’s going to be,” Summerford said about playing on the waterfront in Wahoos Stadium.
The Wahoos plan to make the First City Bowl and annual event.
Photos by Maryjane Gardner for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
District 5 Cantonment, Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Wednesday
August 20, 2023
Residents of a portion of Cantonment and Farm Hill can dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge during a District 5 Neighborhood Cleanup next Wednesday, August 23.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 6,139 tons (12,278,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Hot. Like Very, Very Hot For The Week.
August 20, 2023
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
August 20, 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:
- 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 fall when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- 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 has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road, Sunday, Aug. 20 through Thursday, Aug. 24 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.
- 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 alternating daytime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, Aug. 20 through Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform drainage work. In addition, drivers will encounter alternating lane closures, between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, from 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 to 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25 as crews pave the roadway.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane Sunday, Aug. 20 through Thursday, Aug. 24 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing sidewalk work.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 20 through Saturday, Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews work on the lighting system. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers may encounter lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Aug. 20 to Friday, Aug. 25 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- Routine Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, Aug. 22 through Saturday, Sept. 2 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole rehabilitation at the following locations:
- S.R. 291 (North Davis Highway) east of Lloyd Street
- U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) at North Reus Street intersection
- U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) at North Coyle Street intersection
- U.S. 98 (West Garden Street) at North Donelson Street intersection
- SR 292 (North Pace Boulevard) at West Wright Street, West Belmont Street, West Strong Street, West La Rua Street, West Jackson Street, U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street), and West Gadsden Street intersections.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near Tippin Avenue – Motorists will encounter alternating lane closures Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for routine maintenance on a gas line.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 20 through Saturday, Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews work on the lighting system. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of specific 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 lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- 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 Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Aug. 20, through Friday, Aug. 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to east of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 21 and Thursday, Aug. 24 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Monday, Aug. 21 and Thursday, Aug. 24 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Crews will be placing concrete for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction West of Tiger Lake Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 27 for the constructing of a new turn lane.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless Returns Home To Pensacola After Patrol
August 20, 2023
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless (WMEC 624) returned to their homeport in Pensacola Saturday following a 42-day patrol in the Windward Pass.
Operating under the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry and Homeland Security Taskforce — Southeast, Dauntless’ primary mission was deterring dangerous, illegal migration.
Notably, Dauntless’ crew contributed to the protection of life at sea by detecting an overloaded 60-foot vessel with 274 persons aboard. Dauntless worked with other Coast Guard assets to safely interdict the vessel at sea and handle the subsequent care and repatriation of the individuals.
In addition, the Dauntless crew also supported the Coast Guard’s counterdrug mission by detecting one go-fast vessel suspected of carrying illegal narcotics in Haitian waters.
“I am extremely impressed with the crew’s excellent performance during the ship’s first patrol in more than nine months following an extended maintenance period,” said Cmdr. Aaron Kowalczk, commanding officer of Dauntless. “The Dauntless’ crew continues to provide for the safety of mariners and the enforcement of maritime laws and treaties.”
Dauntless is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-narcotics operations, migrant interdiction, living marine resource protection, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Story/photos by Ensign Olivia Gonzalez for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Berry Homers, But Wahoos Fall 4-3 Saturday
August 20, 2023
After taking an early-inning lead, the Montgomery Biscuits held on behind lefty reliever Antonio Jimenez and his dominating performance for a 4-3 victory to clinch the series against Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos had nine hits and baserunners in seven innings, including two on in the ninth, but were unable to get a big hit. In the ninth, Norel González hit a one-out double and Cobie Fletcher-Vance reached on a two-out walk.
Newcomer Tanner Allen, a Mobile native, worked a 3-2 count, but couldn’t connect on another slider from Jimenez for a game-ending strikeout. The sliders Jimenez threw in four innings of work were often swing-and-misses. He struck out five of the 14 batters he faced.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer overcame a tough start. He gave up four runs, but only one was earned. The fielding mistakes continued Saturday and they were decisive.
A fielding error by Dalvy Rosario, playing third base Saturday, resulted in one run, then Mason Auer followed with a 2-run homer.
The Blue Wahoos got a run back on Jacob Berry’s solo blast in the first. They loaded the bases with none out in the third – a pivotal moment – when Berry grounded into a double play, scoring a second run. Rosario’s RBI single in the fifth inning trimmed the deficit to one run, but that was it for scoring.
The final game of the homestand is set on Sunday.
The Blue Wahoos will have Jonathan Bermúdez (3-4, 5.02 ERA) making his second start this week against the Biscuits’ Patrick Wicklander (3-2, 4.58).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Fire Marshal Investigating Century Mobile Home Fire
August 19, 2023
The Florida State Fire Marshal is investigating after fire damaged an unoccupied mobile home Friday night.
The fire was reported about 10:35 p.m. on Hartley Lane, just off Jefferson Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the mobile home and threatening a neary shed.
Firefighters had the fire under control within 10 minutes with no injuries.
The mobile home reportedly did not have power.
The Century, McDavid and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Jay Fire Department, Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Unemployment Rate Up Slightly; Area Has State’s Fastest Growth In Financial Jobs
August 19, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that Florida’s private sector job growth increased five times the national rate in July — 0.5% in Florida versus 0.1% nationally.
The Escambia County unemployment rate increased slightly, according to data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The local area’s labor force increased by 6,882 in July 2023, a 2.9% increase over the year.
In July 2023, the Pensacola metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate among all metro areas in financial activities, increasing by 5.4%. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were education and health services, increasing by 2,400 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,600 jobs.
In March 2023, Florida’s unemployment rate was 2.7% in July 2023, up 0.1 percentage point from the June 2023 rate, and unchanged from a year ago. There were 295,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,081,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5% in July.