Week Begins Dry, Sunny And Warm
February 26, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southwest wind around 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Tate FFA Gets “MOOving” With Literacy In Local Elementary Schools
February 26, 2024
The Tate High School FFA Chapter helped get National FFA Week “MOOving” through literacy programs at local elementary schools.
The Tate FFA Chapter got things “MOOving” by sharing a story about Florida’s dairy industry to local first grade students. Tate FFA officers, students from the agriculture communication class, and agriculture teachers and FFA advisors partnered with Jim Allen and McArthur Elementary schools to introduce the agriculture literacy program through Ag in the Classroom.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Students read and shared “Moovers, Shakers, and Milk Makers,” a book which highlights dairy production in Florida. The first grade students learned about the dairy cow breeds, the practices used to care for dairy cows, and how a dairy operates.
After reading, the FFA students worked with the first graders on activities that focused on “Moovers, Shakers, and Milk Makers”.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Claims $26K Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold At Nine Mile Road Publix
February 26, 2024
We now know who had a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold at a Nine Mile Road Publix.
The ticket sold at the Publix on Beulah Road at Nine Mile Road was one of two winning tickets in the February 20 midday drawing and was worth $26,645.74. The other winning ticket was sold in Sarasota.
According to the Florida Lottery, the cash option on the winning ticket was claimed by Linda Jean Zelius of Cantonment.
Sunday’s midday winning numbers were 4-20-25-26-28.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
February 26, 2024
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. 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 the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (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 daytime lane closures and intermittent nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 1 as crews perform concrete and striping work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until 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) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from Atmore Highway to North of Champion Drive – Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 1 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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 Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, February 25, through Friday, March 1, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and 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 Friday, March 1 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing – Drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound inside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the Blackwater River Bridge eastern approach, Sunday, Feb. 25 to Thursday, Feb. 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge end slab replacement. Drivers are reminded that the I-10 westbound travel lanes are currently shifted slightly toward the outside of the roadway. This configuration is expected to remain in place through March 2024 while crews work in the construction zone behind the barrier wall.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from North of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 (Spanish Trail) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, between S.R .87 and Hwy. 178, Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- U.S. 98 (Gulf Breeze Parkway) Routine Utility Maintenance East of Bergren Road in Gulf Breeze – Motorists will encounter nighttime eastbound lane closures Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for power pole replacement.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Routine Utility Maintenance East of S.R. 399 in Navarre – Motorists will encounter nighttime eastbound lane closures Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for power pole replacement.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower After Reaching New 2024 High
February 26, 2024
Florida gas prices moved higher last week, but evened out by the weekend. Sunday’s state average of $3.31 per gallon was one cent more than the week before, according to AAA.
Two weeks ago, the state average jumped 21 cents per gallon. Then last week, the state average fell 5 cents before jumping another 8 cents. By mid-week, the state average reached a new 2024 high of $3.37 per gallon, before falling another 5 cents. Last year’s high was $3.85 per gallon.
Pensacola was still the cheapest metro area in the state with a $3.07 per gallon average. In North Escambia, a low of $2.94 could be found on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while a Pensacola low of $2.87 was available Sunday night on Nine Mile Road.
“The recent increases are attributed to rising oil prices, as refineries conduct seasonal maintenance,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Florida’s gas prices are likely to face continued upward pressure through the next month as the presence of winter residents and spring breakers contributes to strong fuel demand.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Patricia Ann “Rissie” Bray McNeel
February 26, 2024
Patricia Ann “Rissie” Bray McNeel, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on February 24, 2024, in Mobile, Alabama. She was born on May 8, 1935, in Louisville, MS. Rissie was preceded in death by her husband, Joe W. McNeel, Jr., and her daughter JoAnne McNeel Key. She is survived by her son Joe W. McNeel III (Kate) of Fairhope, AL; four grandchildren, Andrew Key (Chelsea) of Marrietta, GA; Stella Key of Chicago, IL; Morgan McNeel Waters (Sam) of Oxford, MS; Alex McNeel of Fairhope, AL; great-grandchildren, Annie Key and Walter Key; and son-in-law Mark (Xan) Key of Tuscaloosa, AL.
Rissie was a great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was the youngest of 8 children, and she truly realized how fortunate she was to have so many brothers and sisters. She was given the “Most Outstanding” designation in her graduating class at Lawrence County (AL) H. S., and she then went on to become an official court reporter.
She moved to Century, Florida, in 1957 when her family moved there for her father to run the sawmill at Alger Sullivan Lumber Co. It was there where she met her husband, Joe, who had accepted a job as the company bookkeeper and accountant. They eloped six weeks later and were married for 46 years until Joe passed away in 2003.
Rissie was well read, sharp, spunky and witty. She will be missed for her fun, energetic personality and her fabulous cooking talent that she generously shared with so many. She was constantly preparing gourmet meals and deserts for friends and family. She dearly loved all her friends, and she was especially fond of her Pensacola friends who she spent many happy times with in the latter years of her life. She was a member of the Century United Methodist Church for 60 years from 1957-2017 and then became a member of the Pensacola United Methodist Church.
A graveside service will be held on February 28, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rissie’s memory may be made to your favorite charity.
Sold! Hundreds Attend 49th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 25, 2024
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held their 48th annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year on the last Saturday of February.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more. Saturday, a record of over 800 lots were auctioned off.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECSO Locates Missing Molino Man
February 25, 2024
UPDATE….THIS INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN SAFELY LOCATED
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered Molino man.
Victor Bruce Hinderer, 43, was last seen about 6 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of HIghway 196. He is 5’11, 239 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket with fur lining, a brown polo shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to all the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Ernest Ward Middle FFA Celebrates National FFA Week With Breakfast
February 25, 2024
During National FFA week, the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA celebrated with an appreciation breakfast.
Friday morning, the FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist, 26, Dead After Rear-Ending Pickup At High Speed
February 25, 2024
A 26-year old motorcyclist from Escambia County was killed when he collided with a pickup truck at a high rate of speed Friday night on I-110 in Pensacola.
The crash happened on I-110 northbound just north of Cervantes Street about 8:15 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle was traveling at “high rate of speed” when it rear-ended a pickup truck driven by a 48-year old Pensacola man. The pickup truck driver was not injured.