Delayed By Weather: Highway 4 Bridge Now Expected To Be Completed In September
July 30, 2024
The Florida Department of Transportation has notified Escambia County that completion of the Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek has been delayed due to weather.
The estimated completion date for the nearly $4 million bridge is now September 1, an Escambia County official said Monday.
The new bridge will replace an 81-year-old structure that was closed on July 10, 2023. At that time, it was estimated it would take 330 days to complete the project and reopen the bridge by early June 2024.
The project includes drainage improvements and reconstruction of the roadway approaching the bridge. This will include milling and resurfacing the pavement, widening travel lanes, and placing new signage and pavement markings.
The state budget included $3,837,105 to replace the structurally deficient bridge. The bridge and roadway are owned by Escambia County, but the work is being done under a locally funded agreement with FDOT.
Traffic remains detoured along Pine Barren and Bratt roads during construction.
Pictured: The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek late Monday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lane Closures Begin For I-10 Between Highway 29 and I-110
July 30, 2024
I-10 between Highway 29 and I-110 has been reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
The Highway 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound will also be closed. Traffic on Highway 29 northbound will be detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 eastbound.
The work is part of a $236 million construction project that is improving capacity and safety for the 62,000 daily drivers who travel the I-10/Highway 29 interchange. The project is estimated for completion in 2030.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
For more information on the project, click here for a previous NorthEscambia.com story.
Cantonment Man Charged With Battery Of Two Women
July 30, 2024
A Cantonment man has been charged with the alleged battery of two women
Riley Lucien Perreault was charged with felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery.
One victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s’ Office that Perreault went into a rage because his wife was leaving him, according to an arrest report. She stated that Perreault shoved her and became angrier, shattering a glass door when he hit it with his head. He later choked her until she passed out, the report continues.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim had marks on her neck consistent with being choked and a bloody nose.
A friend of the victim told deputies that Perreault shoved her when she attempted to intervene.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,500 bond.
Florida Highway Patrol Rockets To Victory In National Best-Looking Cruiser Contest
July 30, 2024
For the second year in a row, Florida Highway Patrol has won the American Association of State Troopers annual America’s Best Looking Cruiser Competition.
“This year, we took the competition to new heights and were able to showcase Florida’s Space Coast,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “I am proud of my team and grateful for the incredible support we have seen from our public safety partners, state leaders, and most importantly, our citizens. Thank you for backing the black and tan.”
For the contest, FHP was able to secure a photo taken at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex on April 18, 2024, during the final liftoff of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy.
The competition, which kicked off on July 15, 2024, saw a record 49 states participate. Over the course of two weeks, each state rallied its citizens to cast their votes.
Upper 70s Tonight
July 30, 2024
A heat advisor is in effect for Tuesday, with heat index values as high as about 110 degrees.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Escambia County Man Charged with Mother’s Murder
July 30, 2024
An Escambia County mans was arrested after allegedly killing his 70-year-old mother Sunday night.
Christopher Douglas Booth, 44, was charged with murder following the incident on Fremont Avenue. He is being held without bond.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, the ECSO were alerted to the crime by the Pensacola Police Department after they received a call from out of state. The caller claimed Booth had admitted to killing his mother.
Deputies went to the home on Fremont Avenue about 8:30 p.m. and saw bullet holes in the windows. Simmons said Booth answered the door, and when deputies went inside, they found his mother dead from at least one gunshot wound and over a dozen stab wounds.
A motive or other details have not been released.
Mark Your Calendars For Upcoming School Orientations
July 30, 2024
Mark your calendars; here is the schedule of upcoming orientations for public schools in Escambia County.
The first day of school in Escambia County is Monday, August 12.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Escambia County elementary schools will hold orientations on Wednesday, August 7 at 9 .m. At most schools, students will be able to meet their teachers, drop off supplies and see their classrooms.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Sixth grade and new student orientations:
Ransom Middle — Wednesday, August 7 — 10 a.m. – noon
Ernest Ward — Thursday, August 8 — 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Beulah — Wednesday, August 7 — 10 a.m. noon
Bailey — Wednesday, August 7 — 1-2:30 p.m
Bellview — Wednesday, August 7 — 1-2:30 p.m.
Brown-Barge — Wednesday, August 7 — 10 a.m. – noon
Ferry Pass — Wednesday, August 7 — 1-2:30 p.m.
Workman — Wednesday, August 7 — 11:30 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Ninth grade and new student orientations:
Northview — Thursday, August 8 — 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tate — Thursday, August 8 — 1 – 3 p.m.
West Florida — Saturday, August 10 — 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Pine Forest — Saturday, August 10 — 9 a.m. – noon
Escambia — Thursday, August 1 — by last name: A-L, 9-10 a.m.; M-Z, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pensacola — Tuesday, August 6 — 9 a.m.
Washington — Monday, August 5 — 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Pine Forest will hold a back t0 school orientation for other grades Saturday, August 10 — 9 a.m. – noon. Washington will hold a back t0 school orientation for other grades on Monday, August 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mary Lou Irene Shaw
July 30, 2024
Mary Lou Irene Shaw, 89, of Pensacola, FL died peacefully after a long hard fight with dementia and CHF on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
She was born on March 28, 1935, in Port Huron, MI to the late Arthur and Madeline Stanyer. She grew up and spent most of her life in the Lake Port and Port Huron areas. In the last 4 years of her life, she moved to Pensacola, FL to live with her daughter.
Mary Lou had a true love for children. She worked for the Foster Grandparent program in Port Huron for over 11 years. She was honored with the annual Emperor Penguin Award in 2012 for her exceptional work in the Foster Grandparent program. The Penguin Award is given to foster grandparents who sustain the goal of providing excellence in children’s education. She loved to teach etiquette to the younger children so that they would grow up and be polite adults. She loved to dance as well. You could catch her on any dance floor…weddings, senior dances, at her senior independent living facility, etc. She loved to grab folks who may have been wallflowers and get them to dance with her. Even people in wheelchairs she would love to spin them around to make sure that they participated in the dances. Mary Lou loved to travel with her daughter to just about anywhere. She was able to travel to Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico…and her favorite spot Kauai – Hawaii.
She is survived by her four children Gordon Albert Shaw (Debra), Frederick Arthur Shaw, Rodney Alan Shaw (Cristina) and Laura L. (Lorie) Shaw, 5 grandchildren – Whitney Provost (Adam), Jenna George (David), Aubrey Shaw, Leslie Ann Shaw-Shef (Nik), Rodney Allan Shaw II (Monica), and 9 great-grandchildren (Ashley, Kaylah, Rodney III, Hunter, Collette, Gabrielle, Brooks, Kyra, and Kalista).
There will be a memorial service in Pensacola, FL on August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Faith Chapel – North, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, FL 32533. A meal will be provided at the conclusion of the memorial service at the event center at Faith Chapel North. The memorial service will be live-streamed for those who can’t make the service.
There will be a final resting place memorial service held in Port Huron, Mi September 28th, 2024. The grave site memorial will be held at 11 AM at the Ruby Cemetery, North Street, Michigan. A meal will follow at the Dorsey House, North Street, MI.
Marjorie Sue Martin
July 30, 2024
Marjorie Sue Martin, born to Robert Newton and Neca Allgood in Lexington, Alabama, on August 7, 1935, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 26, 2024. Known for her spunky personality and boundless energy, Marjorie lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.
Her journey took her from Alabama to Pensacola, FL, where she worked at the old Chemstrand plant (now Ascend). It was there that she met the love of her life, Francis Lee Martin. After leaving Chemstrand to raise her family, she later attended cosmetology school and became a hairdresser, bringing beauty and smiles to many.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband Frances and her son Jeffery O’Neal, Marjorie is survived by her son Pistol (Vi), daughter-in-law Ann, son Matt and grandchildren Nicole (David) Snyder, Stephani (Steven) Pyron, Kristen (Blake) Holcombe, Bradley (Heather) Martin, and Kelly (Corey) Strange. She also leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, each a testament to the loving family she nurtured.
Marjorie had a passion for gardening and flowers, working for several florists over the years. She was also a dedicated softball player, continuing to play well into her 70s. Her creative talents shined in her quilting; she made countless quilts for children’s hospitals and nursing homes, each stitch a labor of love.
A faithful member of Gonzalez Methodist Church for over 50 years, Marjorie found joy and community in her church family.
Though her greatest happiness came from working in the shop with her family and going to many craft shows throughout the years.
Marjorie was also known for her cooking, especially her famous cubed potatoes, a dish she tried to teach her family to make but one that remained uniquely hers. She loved fishing and camping and cherished taking her grandchildren on trips to North Alabama and Bonifay, creating memories they will hold dear forever.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Muriel Fingers Sitters Services for their compassionate care.
Marjorie’s zest for life and her unwavering love for her family will be remembered with smiles and fondness by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A celebration of life will be held at Gonzalez Methodist Church on August 7, 2014. Visitation will begin at 10 am service to follow at 11.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gonzalez Methodist Church to assist in the purchasing of a new HVAC system.
Nora La Verne Nobley White Hunsucker
July 30, 2024
Nora La Verne Nobley White Hunsucker passed away on July 26, 2024, and went home to Heaven to be with Jesus and to join many precious loved ones and dear friends. Nora was born on July 12, 1946, at home, in Jay, FL. Nora was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Ray White, Sr. (married almost 35 years), and their beloved son, Donald “Ray” White, Jr. Nora was also preceded by her second husband, Robert “Bob” James Hunsucker, Sr. After losing their first spouses due to extended illness, lovebirds Bob and Nora found that love the second time around was even sweeter, and they were blessed with 13 precious years together. Nora’s life changed dramatically from being the wife of a Produce Manager and Pastor (New Hopewell Baptist Church) to becoming the wife of a very jolly retired Navy sailor who loved NASCAR. Nora was also preceded by her parents, Daniel Harris Nobley and Vera La Verne Nelson Nobley Bowman Nall Stanton, along with her siblings: Curtis Harris Nobley, Gladys Annie Nobley, and Brady Eugene Nobley.
Nora is survived by her daughter, Susan White Powell (and husband Ron), her daughter-in-law, Nelda Campbell White, and her dear grandchildren: Brittany, Brandon, and Bethany White. Nora is also survived by numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, along with many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends and neighbors. Nora will also be missed by her “grand-cats” and “grand-chickens,” from the Powell farm, most especially her namesakes, Hen La Verne and Hen Nora, who were often blessed with treats and toys from Grandma.
Nora graduated from Jay High School in 1964 and Pensacola Junior College in 1966. She worked at Southern Bell Telephone, several sewing plants (Judy Bond, Shapely, Dixie Apparel, Vanity Fair, and Russell Corporation), and Touch One Communications. Her final career was her favorite, working as an Exemptions Specialist at the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser’s Office. She enjoyed helping customers, especially the challenging ones! Nora had a great sense of humor. No matter where she was working, she made the workplace more fun for her co-workers, whom she considered to be her extended family.
Nora’s love for Southern gospel music and hymns was demonstrated through her piano playing, which began in her teenage years. She added her personal “pep” to the songs as she played for local singing conventions, revivals, her home church, and impromptu family singings. Nora was a talented seamstress, she enjoyed crocheting, and she loved to cook (and eat) especially anything chocolate. Nora’s motto was, “Life is short. Eat dessert first.” Nora loved God and loved people. She never met a stranger, and she was generous, thoughtful and encouraging to others. She was a member of Harold First Baptist Church. She touched many lives throughout her life on this earth and will be greatly missed!
A very special thanks to numerous medical professionals and first responders who cared for Nora in recent months and years, especially Dr. Messe, Dr. Foreman, Milton Fire Department, Munson Fire Chief John King, Lifeguard Ambulance, VITAS Hospice, and her guardian angels at her final rest stop, Silvercrest Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Services will be held at the chapel of Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton, FL on Sat., Aug. 3, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m.. Pastors Brian Deida and Willie Oglesbee will be officiating. Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetary (next door). Chapel service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Floral tributes are appreciated, but Nora would also encourage you to bless someone else instead.