Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
November 3, 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. 98 Road Closure for Pensacola Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival – Motorists will encounter a temporary road closure on Bayfront Parkway from 9th Avenue to Government Street from 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1 through 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 for the Pensacola Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions, Monday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 7, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., while crews perform concrete work at the following locations:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
- Gregory Square westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, Nov. 3, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street near North Pace Boulevard, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Thursday, Nov. 7, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary traffic shift.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Nov. 3:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Beginning the week of Nov. 4, U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard), between Rudolph Street and Green Street, will reopen to four travel lanes (two travel lanes in each direction). Resurfacing construction activities will continue through the end of the year and drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and to allow crews to remove low-profile barrier walls. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) and S.R. 291 (North Alcaniz Street) Routine Railroad Maintenance – Motorists may encounter road closures at the railroad crossing near East Wright Street starting 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4 to 5 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 for routine railroad maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Coring Operations from U.S. 90 to South of Clear Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Nov. 6, Thursday, Nov. 7 and Monday, Nov. 11 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- 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, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 8, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Property Tax Bills Are In The Mail, And There Are Available Discounts
November 2, 2024
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, has announced the collection of the 2024 real estate and tangible personal property taxes is underway. This year’s rolls include 185,133 accounts totaling over $464 million. Bills were delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing.
Florida Statutes provides discounts for early payments as follows:
- November payments are discounted 4%
- December payments are discounted 3%
- January payments are discounted 2%
- February payments are discounted 1%
- March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2025. Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
Many options are available:
- online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com – Pay by eCheck. There is never an extra fee. Once your payment has posted, proof of payment may be printed online.
- 24–hour drop box
In addition, help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Lunsford also encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Payment Installment Plan. By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one lump sum payment. Each quarterly bill will receive a different discount for early payment as prescribed by Florida Statutes. The quarterly payments are due by the last day of June, September, December, and March. The Installment Payment Plan application deadline for 2025 property taxes is April 30, 2025.
Property owners can apply online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Lunsford said, “The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time.”
Find more information on the installment plan by clicking here.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – $226 million
- District School Board – $165 million
- City of Pensacola – $32.3 million
- Sheriff MSTU – $15.3 million
- Escambia Children’s Trust – $12.4 million
- Library MSTU – $11 million
- Northwest Florida Water Management – $683,200
- Downtown Improvement Board – $839,200
- Town of Century – $55,000
MSBU collections are detailed as follows:
- County Fire Protection – $21.3 million
- City Stormwater – $4.8 million
- Other MSBUs – $1.9 million
If you do not receive your tax bill by November 12, visit, EscambiaTaxCollector.com for the amount due or to print a copy. You can also call (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252.
Molino and Cantonment Head Start Fall Festival -Thursday
October 23, 2024
Ouida Louise Troutman McGill
October 23, 2024
Mrs. Ouida Louise Troutman McGill, age 88, passed away, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Atmore, AL, surrounded by her family. She was a native of Atmore, and a dedicated member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with a bright spirit that reflected her love for life. She retired as a telephone operator for Southland Telephone Company with many years of service.
Mrs. McGill enjoyed tending to her yard, where her hard work showed in the beautiful lawn she maintained. Watching her sons and grandchildren play sports brought her great joy, and she cherished quiet moments with a good book and her favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune and Brenda Gannt Cooking. Known for her delicious cooking, she made the best cornbread, lima beans, pound cake, and biscuits, and she never missed a chance to prepare a special cake for her family’s birthdays. With her morning coffee in hand, she also loved cheering for Alabama football and softball. Above all, Mrs. McGill adored spending time with her family, embodying the warmth and charm of a true Southern lady.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl (Maggie Mason) Troutman; husband, Lowell Stephen McGill, Sr; two brothers, Fredrick “Shorty” Troutman and Leon Troutman; and three sisters, Margaret Lockwood, Mary Mayson and Doris Cooper.
She is survived by her three sons, Lowell Stephen “Steve” (Janet) McGill, Jr; of Atmore, AL; Mark (Suzanne) McGill, of Atmore, AL; Bryan Wade (Farrah) McGill, of Atmore, AL; six grandchildren, Whitney Maholovich, Jordan Jones, Amanda Strawbridge, Haden McGill, Rease McGill, Wade McGill; seven great-grandchildren, Grady Jones, Will Strawbridge, Corbin Strawbridge, Thatcher McGill, Molly Jones, Jase Maholovich, Norah McGill; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Tim Tew officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Rease McGill, Haden McGill, Will Strawbridge, Jacob Maholovich, Lewis Jones, and Marion Cooper.
Clifton Herman Dunsford
October 18, 2024
Mr. Clifton Herman Dunsford, age 79, passed away, Friday, October 18, 2024 in Century, FL, surrounded by his family. He was born January 14, 1945, in Jay, FL, and has resided most of his life in Century. He was a retired supervisor with Wayne Dalton Doors with many years of service.
Mr. Dunsford was a man of many passions. He loved fishing and hunting, often spending his weekends outdoors, enjoying nature. As a skilled boat mechanic, he spent countless hours tinkering with engines and fixing up boats, which brought him a lot of joy. Gardening was another one of his favorite activities; he found great pleasure in planting and nurturing his plants. Most importantly, Mr. Dunsford cherished the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories together in the great outdoors.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Richard (Euceder Simmons) Dunsford; wife, Barbara Holley Dunsford; son, Christopher Allen Dunsford; three brothers, Wade Dunsford, James Dunsford, and Gene Dunsford; two sisters, Mollie Dunsford and Sadie Burkette; daughter-in-law, Sherry Dunsford.
He is survived by a daughter, Becky (Jamie) Cobb of Century; sister, Josie Driver of McDavid; four grandchildren, Marc Dunsford, Mitch Dunsford, Kolbi Cobb, and Kendal Payne; seven great-grandchildren, Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, Wesley Dunsford, Boe Payne, Jeremiah Dunsford, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Glenn Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Joey Gunter, Roger Burkette, Doug Dunsford, and Stephen Flowers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, and Wesley Dunsford.
James L. Weatherford
October 18, 2024
James L. Weatherford, 74, of Cantonment, passed peacefully on October 16, 2024 after a lengthy medical battle.
Services will be held at Pine Forest Assembly of God Church in Cantonment on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating.
A luncheon will be held afterwards.
Gloria Jean Sanspree
October 17, 2024
Mrs. Gloria Jean Sanspree, age 76, passed away, Thursday, October 17, 2024 in Canoe, AL; surrounded by her family. She was born May 2, 1948 in Bay Minette, AL; and has resided most of her life in Canoe. She attended Canoe First Baptist Church and retired as a administrative assistant for the Board of Education for many years.
Mrs. Sanspree was a woman of many passions. She loved spending her time in the garden, planting and nurturing beautiful flowers that brightened her home. In the kitchen, she shared her love through cooking, always preparing delightful meals for her family. Known for her professional appearance, she cherished her jewelry, adding a special touch to her outfits. Her heart was filled with love for her husband, and they enjoyed attending church together. Mrs. Sanspree made it a priority to ensure her children and grandchildren could join them, creating a warm family tradition centered around faith and togetherness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Owen (Roberta Florence Lewis) Glass, husband, Hosea Harrison Sanspree, Sr; two sons, Anthony Todd Sanspree, Hosea “Sandy” Sanspree, one brother, Dewayne Glass, one sister, Betty Loop and one niece, Sherry Lucas.
She is survived by her one daughter, Anna Tingle, Perdido, AL; two brothers, Rusty (Janet) Glass, of Castleberry, AL; David (Anita) Glass, of Wawbeek, AL; five sisters, Barbara Ann Dixon, of Flomaton, AL; Brenda (Wayne) Bell, of Brewton, AL; Roberta Strickland, of Walnut Hill, FL; Diane (Ronnie) Byrd, of Semmes, AL; Susanne Glass, of Foley, AL; twelve grandchildren, Brannon Sanspree, Tyler Sanspree, Gloria Santanna Tingle, Jessica Sanspree, Cole Sanspree, Savannah Tingle, Nick Sanspree,Tanner Sanspree, Breanna Sanspree, Anna Claire Sanspree, Ben Tingle, Bryar Tingle, nine great-grandchildren, Isabella Sanspree, Sophia Ikner, Caden Sanspree, Kalli Ikner, Trinnity Sanspree, Baxlee Sanspree, Kaison McCall, Gatlin Rolin, Gavin Rolin, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Sardis Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Brannon Sanspree, Tyler Sanspree, Tanner Sanspree, Danny Sanspree, Caden Sanspree, and Cole Sanspree.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Tingle, Bryar Tingle, and Nick Sanspree.
Brenda Bowers Tarin
October 9, 2024
Brenda Bowers Tarin, age 72, of Cantonment, Florida passed away from cancer on October 5, 2024. She was born on July 14, 1952, in Pensacola, Florida to William Roy and Barbara Bowers.
She grew up in Pensacola but spent a lot of time in Texas. Brenda worked at several places and was always busy wherever she was working. She had a love of Mexican food and fixed her super hot sauce for friends. It made their mouth’s burn, but they all laughed about it and still enjoyed every bite. She also liked to look at Christmas decorations, throw surprise parties for people, and she loved dogs. One of her favorite pastimes was watching TV. Brenda also loved talking to people, going out to eat with friends, and driving to the beach. She had a generous heart and helped people in need, even when she didn’t have much. She loved her family and they will miss her greatly. Her friends and neighbors were helpful and kind. When she got sick, they brought her much comfort.
Brenda is survived by her dad, William Roy Bowers; brother, William Paul Bowers; sister-in-law, Karen; her niece, Alexia Borden (Gray); and her nephew, Ariston Bowers (Fati).
She is preceded by death by her mother, Barbara Jean Bowers.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Sacred Heart in Brenda’s name.
A Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Ted Traylor officiating.
Pensacola Police Seek Missing Navy Pilot
August 21, 2024
UPDATE: This missing person has been located.
Pensacola Police are searching for Joshua David Carpenter, a 24-year-old Navy pilot stationed at Whiting Field. Carpenter went missing on August 20 around 7:20 p.m. after leaving his home on Forrest Glenn Drive.
Carpenter is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6′2″ tall and weighing 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue or green long-sleeved shirt and brightly colored shorts.
Carpenter was driving his 2017 silver Honda Civic hatchback with a Texas license plate number of TKH-227.
Additional information was not released.
Anyone with information on Carpenter’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (85) 435-1845.
Jim Taylor, Candidate Escambia County School Board District 5
August 17, 2024
Current occupation
Retired Educator
Previous occupations
Teacher, Coach, School Social Worker, 6 times Pensacola News Journal “Carrier of the Year”
Civic, church and other community involvement
I am Christian and attend several men’s bible study groups, including Band of Brothers, Highland Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church, and several other bible studies. I have worked in numerous food drives. I attend County Commission and School Board meetings.
Education
I have 3 college degrees as well as graduate work in 3 other fields, and I hold 5 current teaching certifications.
Previous offices held, previously sought
ECUA – unsuccessfully; County Commission – unsuccessfully; Superintendent – filed and withdrew when incumbent decided to run for third term.
Why are you running for the Escambia County School Board and what qualifies you for this position?
I am running for this position because I believe Escambia County deserves to be a Top 10 School System, not #57th in the State. I have 44 years in education with 3 degrees and 5 teaching certifications.
What are the three most important issues facing the Escambia County Public Schools?
(1) Teacher pay and retention; (2) Discipline; (3) Dealing with the dirty books
What is the school district going right at the current time, and what needs to be fixed?
Morale has improved with the appointment of Superintendent Keith Leonard. We must have better teacher pay and retention, along with improved discipline. We must reduce waste and administrative positions. We must get rid of the dirty books.
How would you address teacher pay, recruiting and retention and attract and retain more qualified candidates to Escambia County?
I will work with State and local governments to improve teacher pay and bonuses. I will also try to recruit higher paying businesses to improve the tax base and lower taxes.
How do we address issues surrounding book challenges?
I have been leading the charge against dirty books and I was the only District 5 candidate to be invited to Governor DeSantis’ bill signing on the dirty books. I suggest we follow the
guidelines of Governor DeSantis.
How should cell phones/devices in schools be addressed?
They should be placed in the child’s book bag and only allowed at lunch and after school.
What are the unique issues facing District 5 schools in Escambia County? What makes District 5 different?
Long bus rides — District 5 is over half the County in size but only receives 1/5 of the funding. We have rural, urban, and extremely rural areas, and problems to deal with. We also have wide extremes of wealth and povert