Worshipers Gather For Easter Sunrise Services
March 31, 2024
Worshipers gathered for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
The largest sunrise service in Escambia County was the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Other services included the a Beulah Community Sunrise Service at the Navy Federal Recreation Park on Nine Mile Road.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured top and bottom: The 2023 Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium.. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
March 31, 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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts near the I-10/Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5):
- The inside lanes of Nine Mile Road, between the I-10 ramps at Exit 5, will be closed Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform median work.
- Traffic on I-10 near Exit 5 is shifted slightly to the right so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
- 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. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- 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) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (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. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers on Scenic Highway, between I-10 and Davis Highway, may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, March 31 through Thursday, April 4 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- 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 daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 as crews perform earthwork, concrete, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Monday, April 1 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound inside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound inside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3. The I-10 westbound outside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound inside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge:
- Sunday, March 31 and Thursday, April 4 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- 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, March 31, through Friday, April 5, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 1 through Thursday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Photos: Runamuck Ranch Family Day In Bratt
March 31, 2024
Saturday was Family Day at Runamuck Ranch in Bratt.
The ranch, known for thousands of lights and goats in pajamas at Christmas, opened Saturday for families to enjoy a beautiful spring day.
Visitors were able to see and pet miniature cows, miniature donkeys, goats and other small farm animals. There were also games and activities, roasted marshmallows, vendors, hayrides and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Cheerleaders ‘Egg’ Yards Across North Escambia
March 31, 2024
Kids across North Escambia found eggs hidden in their yards Easter morning with the help of the Tate High School cheerleaders.
Tate Cheer held an “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. For donations that started at $20, the cheerleaders hid pre-filled eggs Saturday night in yards north of Nine Mile Road.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Softball Honors Miracle League Players
March 31, 2024
The University of West Florida softball team invited the players of the Miracle League of Pensacola to their game Saturday afternoon. The Argos honored the Miracle League placers and organization.
It was a quick and decisive game three at the UWF Softball Complex as UWF Softball (23-12, 12-6) run-ruled the Shorter Hawks (2-32, 1-20) by a 10-0 score Saturday afternoon.
The bats for West Florida continue to light up the scoreboard in recent weeks, as the run-rule marks the sixth victory in that manner in the last nine games. Since the March 15 series against Christian Brothers, UWF has outscored opponents 95-20 in that time.
It is also third-straight series sweep in conference for UWF. The victory marks their 23rd win of the year, surpassing the total from last year with 17 regular season games remaining. With a month till the GSC Tournament, UWF sits at fourth in the conference standings.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Happy Easter! Clouds And Possible Fog Overnight
March 31, 2024
Happy Easter! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 42.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Here’s A Big List Of Easter Services And More
March 31, 2024
Here are Easter services and events planned in the North Escambia area:
To submit your event, email news@northescambia.com, or click here for our contact form. This list will be updated Sunday morning.
Beulah Community Sonrise Service
The First Baptist Church of Beulah and other area churches will host a Community Sonrise Service at 6:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday at the Navy Federal Recreation Park on Nine Mile Road.
Community SonRise Service
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church will host the annual Community SonRise Service Easter Sunday at 6:15 a.m. at the Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Easter Sunday At Ray’s Chapel
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church at 170 West Bogia Road will hold Easter Sunday services at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Pinewoods Presbyterian Church Easter
Pinewoods Presbyterian Church at 2198 Highway 297A in Cantonment will hold and Easter Morning Worship Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 31.
Highland Baptist Molino Easter Celebration
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold an Easter Worship Celebration on Sunday March 31 at 10:45 a.m. Connect Groups begin at 9:30 a.m.
Dogwood Park Baptist Easter Service and Egg Hunt
Dogwood Park Baptist Church will have an Easter Service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31, with an Easter egg hunt to follow.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Sunrise And Easter Services
Gonzalez Methodist Church will hold a Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast will follow at 8:30 a.m., and there will be contemporary service at 10:30 a.m.
Oak Grove Baptist Church Easter
Oak Grove Baptist Church will have an Easter Sunday service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 31, following Sunday School at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2600 Highway 99 in Oak Grove.
Harvert Christian Center Cantonment
Harvest Christian Center at 1095 Muscogee Road in Cantonment will hold an Easter Sunday celebration at 9:15 and 11 a.m.
Fairth Bible Baptist
Faith Bible Baptist Church will hold and Easter Sunday Communion Serivce at 10.a.m. and an Easter Service at 11 a.m. Please bring flowers to decorate the cross. No everning service on March 31.
Easter At Calvary Molino
Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle at 5591 Highway 29 North in Molino will hold an Easter Sunday Service at 10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt an candy rain.
Northstone Baptist Easter
Northstone Baptist Church at 2550 West Nine Mile Road will hold Easter Services. Sunday School meets at 9:15 a.m. with Jr. Church and Morning Worship At 10:30 a.m. In the morning service, “The Easter Lily” program will be presented.
Lathram Chapel UMC Easter
Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church at 2690 Jacks Branch Road in Cantonment will hold an Easter Service at 10:30 a.m. Brunch and Easter egg hunt to follow.
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church Easter
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church at 699 South Highway 95A in Cantonment will hold an Easter Celebration at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday with Holy Eucharist followed by a special reception and a children’s Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m.
Easter at Hillcrest
Easter Services at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Nine Mile Road will be held on March 31 at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Birth to 4-year-old Preschool Ministry available all services; Kids Ministry for K-5th grade during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold an Easter Sunday Service with a special start time of 10:15 a.m.
Little Rock Church Robinsonville
Little Rock Baptist Church at 9312 Robinsonville Road, Atmore, will hold Resurrection Sunday services at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 30. A “candy rain” will be held following the service for kids age 5 and up.
Abundant Life Assembly of God Century Easter
Abundant Life Assembly of God at 8040 North Century Boulevard will have an Easter Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 31. An egg hunt will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Egg The Park Held In Century (With Gallery)
March 31, 2024
Egg the Park, a community Easter egg hunt, was held Saturday afternoon at Showalter Park in Century.
The Century Chamber of Commerce event featured free snacks, Easter Bunny photos, prize eggs, a bounce house and more.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Beulah Dash Held Saturday
March 31, 2024
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Beulah hosted Beulah Dash Saturday at the Escambia County Equestrian Center.
The family-friendly event featured a color run 5K, egg hunts including a special needs hunt, inflatables, food trucks, the Easter Bunny and more
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Kids Take Part In Nursing Facility Egg Hunt, Visit Easter Bunny
March 31, 2024
Students at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center were recently invited to take part in an Easter egg hunt at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center. Students were also visited at the center by the Easter Bunny.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
