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Bicyclist Struck And Killed In Santa Rosa County

A bicyclist was fatally injured when he was hit by two vehicles in Santa Rosa County Monday night.

The Florida Highway patrol said bicyclist Anthony Hill, 63, was in the center turn lane of Woodbine Road near Fawnwood Drive, attempting to cross Woodbing from west to east about 6:30 p.m.

Debra McBride, 62 of Milton, attempted to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone, according to FHP.  She struck Hill with her Nissan Frontier, knocking him into the northbound travel lane where he was struck by a Kia Forte driven by 23-year old Clayton Fischer of Flomaton. Hill was pronounced deceased at the scene.

McBride and Fischer were not injured.

Any charges are pending the outcome of further investigation.

Bank Robbery Suspect Behind Bars In Escambia County

A bank robbery suspect is now behind bars in Escambia County.

Timothy James Langford, age 57 of Colorado, is charged with the robbery of the Synovus Bank at the northwest corner of Nine Mile Road and University Parkway about 10:20 a.m. on January 7.  He presented a note demanding money and walked out of the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

He is also  suspected of a bank robbery Friday in Knoxville, and FBI Knoxville said he may be responsible for similar robberies in Colorado and middle Tennessee.

Langford is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail with holds from multiple agencies in Colorado.

Pictured: A January 7  bank robbery suspect inside the Synovus Bank on Nine Mile Road. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Beulah Master Plan, Century Wastewater Plant, Other RESTORE Projects Public Comment Meeting Today

A master plan for Beulah and wastewater treatment facility improvements for Century are two of eight projects in Escambia County’s RESTORE Act funding requests. The plan was released for a 45 day public comment period that ends Thursday, February 6, and there is a public meeting scheduled for today.

Escambia County will receive approximately $70 million through 2031 in RESTORE Act Direct Component (Pot 1) funds as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The RESTORE Act requires a Multi-Year Implementation Plan (MYIP) be approved by the Treasury Department prior to submittal of individual project Grant Applications and dispersal of funds.

The county also removed a funding request for an OLF8 Master plan, replacing the funding ask with a campus expansion at the Pensacola International Airport.

Public comment can be submitted as follows:

• Online public comment form
• In person: MYIP Amendment 1 Public Comment Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m., Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104
• By email to RESTORE@myescambia.com
• Postal mail: Attention – Escambia County Natural Resources Management-RESTORE, 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502

Beulah Master Plan
$300,000 to develop a master plan for the Beulah area

Escambia County will procure the services of an urban/land-use planning firm to develop a master plan for approximately 30,000 acres in the Beulah community of Escambia County. The master plan will be based on the University of West Florida HAAS Center Citizen Survey, an existing conditions analysis, technical analysis, and on stakeholder engagement and community participation.

The Beulah Master Plan will establish a vision for allowing for the continued growth in the area while preserving the quality of life and sense of place enjoyed by the current residents. The final deliverable will be a master plan and/or zoning overlay district and implementation plan, dependent on the technical guidance provided by the procured consultant and concurrence provided by Escambia County Developmental Services staff.

The Beulah community has experienced extensive growth resulting from improved economic conditions and the expansion of Navy Federal Credit Union’s Beulah campus, which is expected to employ over 10,000 people by 2022. Subdivision development orders in Beulah have increased exponentially, with 7,000 residences permitted for development since 2010. Beulah does not currently have a master plan nor zoning overlay district to effectively plan or manage growth. Development of the Beulah Master Plan will balance the highest and best land uses of the subject area with the needs of the County, region, and the Beulah community in creating a plan for sustaining growth while preserving the character of the community.

—-

Town of Century Wastewater Improvements
$500,000 to design and permit repairs to Century’s failing wastewater treatment facility

The wastewater treatment and collection system has fallen into disrepair as the town has struggled financially for the last decade to keep pace with maintenance and replacement activities.

Direct Component funds will be utilized to fund planning, design, and permitting associated with wastewater treatment and collection system improvements, including lift station, treatment plant, and piping repairs and replacements.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has strict requirements for the proper operation and maintenance of the utility system, and Century is responsible for meeting these requirements. Funding design and permitting of wastewater treatment and collection system improvements will allow the town to work with FDEP to secure funding to implement the improvements from the State’s Revolving Loan Fund as a rural, disadvantaged community.

OTHER PROJECTS:

Pensacola International Airport Campus Extension — $1.524 million, replaces OLF8 Master Plan on funding request
Perdido Bay Boat Ramp — $2.5 million for the construction of a boat ramp
Brownsville Community Center Renovation — $300,000 to renovate the interior and exterior, add incubator retail space
CRA Community Center – $500,000 for a community center in a yet to be determined CRA but likely in the Palafox CRA
CRA Economic Development Program -- $1.5 million to institute the complete streets program in CRAs
Little Sabine Bay Restoration Program – $2 million for a multi-tiered restoration effort

Pictured top: The Century Wastewater Treatment Facility, NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge. Pictured below: The Navy Federal campus in Beulah.

Driver’s License Clinic To Assist Participants In Restoring Driving Privileges

The First Judicial Circuit will host a Driver’s License Clinic on Friday, March 6 to assist individuals whose licenses have been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building in Pensacola.

Staff from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office, Florida Department of Revenue, Escambia County Clerk of Court, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the State Attorney, and the Office of the Public Defender, along with judges and court and community corrections staff, will be on hand to assist registrants and provide individualized information relevant to each participant’s personal circumstances. The goal of the clinic is to provide “one-stop shopping” for citizens to interact with the appropriate state agencies and/or the court, so they can determine how to regain their driving privileges.

Drivers’ licenses may be suspended for a variety of reasons, including: 1) failure to pay traffic tickets; 2) the accumulation of too many points on one’s driving record; 3) failure to pay child support; 4) failure to pay or work off fines, fees, and costs imposed as part of a criminal sentence; 5) failure to maintain automobile insurance; 6) failure to register a vehicle or keep or renew the registration; 7) failure to obtain, renew, or return a car tag; or designation as an habitual traffic offender. Licenses may also be revoked as a consequence of entering a plea to certain crimes, such as driving under the influence or certain drug-related offenses.

Clinic eligibility is outlined on the Escambia County Driver’s License Clinic event page at https://escambiacountydriverslicenseclinic2020.eventbrite.com. Availability is limited, so interested persons should register as soon as possible. Participants must be pre-registered in order to receive service at the clinic; walk-ins will not be accepted. A list of frequently asked questions is available at www.firstjudicialcircuit.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closures For Escambia County, Century Offices

Here are closures in Escambia County and the Town of Century in observance of the  Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 20.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Escambia County offices and departments closed Monday, Jan. 20:

Exceptions:

TOWN OF CENTURY

All town of Century office will be closed. A council meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 21.

Reading Is Snow Much Fun: Bratt Elementary Students Receive Free Books Thanks To IP Grant

First graders at Bratt Elementary were recently treated to “Reading is SNOW Much Fun,” Books for Ownership Event. This is the second year Bratt Elementary has received the “Books for Ownership” grant from International Paper and Reading is Fundamental (RIF). This grant provides first graders with three new books to own and enjoy.

The first grade team planned a snowy themed event for the celebration.

Students enjoyed story time, retelling the story, and choosing their books to own.

Then all first graders participated in STREAM snowy activities. Students constructed snowflakes using marshmallows and toothpicks and made snowballs from snow. Students designed snowy pictures using Geoboards and created snowflake artwork. Students practiced science and math by using magnifying glasses to identify snowflakes and used snowflakes to measure their heights. Students also enjoyed a snowflake snack while practicing sight words and reading their new books.

Escambia Fire Rescue Responds To Reported Mobile Home Fire In Cantonment

Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a mobile reported kitchen fire in Cantonment Monday afternoon.

There were no injuries and no major damage reported in the 1600 block of Old Bridge Road.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Attorney General Barr Says Pensacola NAS Shooting Was Act Of Terrorism As Investigation Details Are Released

The deadly shooting December 6 at Naval Air Station Pensacola was an act of terrorism, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Monday afternoon as findings from the investigation were released.

Saudi Arabian Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, was “motivated by jihadist ideology”, Barr said, adding he posted a message last September 11 that “the countdown has begun” and visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Thanksgiving weekend. He made additional posts on social media, including one just two hours before the attack.

Barr said reports were not accurate that Alshamrani was accompanied by other Saudi cadets during the attack, but several were in the area and took video of erupting chaos and cooperated with investigators.

The attorney general said 21 Saudi students were being expelled back to Saudi Arabia on Monday for derogatory sentiments, including anti-American messages posted on social media.  Some also possessed child pornography. The 21 are not facing charges at this time.

Barr praised two U.S. Marines — Sgt. Ryan Maisel and Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullin — for their response to the shooting. They were outside Building 633 when they heard the gunfire and ran inside to confront the shooter. Their only weapon was a fire extinguisher pulled from a wall. They also performed CPR on victims.

The attorney general also praised the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their response; Alshamrani was ultimately shot and killed by ECSO deputies.

Navy Airman Ryan Blackwell, who was shot five times, was also praised by Barr.  “Ryan still managed to jump on top of a fellow sailor to keep her from being shot. He further assisted other students and helped them escape, while taking additional fire from the shooter,” he said.

Barr said Apple has not provided substantive assistance in unlocking two iPhones used by the shooter.

FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said over 500 interviews were conducted during the investigation. He said the shooting lasted about 15 minutes, with Alshamrani engaged by military law enforcement about eight minutes after the first shots were fired. Alshamrani has 180 rounds of ammunition remaining.

Joshua K. Watson, Mohammed S. Haitham and Cameron S. Walters were killed and either others were injured in the attack.

Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Escambia County:

• U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic the week of Sunday, Jan 12.

o   Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass:  Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.

o   U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.

• U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 12.

• U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
• North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.

• ·       S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- Due to utility conflicts, the temporary closure of Littleton Street at Nine Mile Road has been extended through 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 as crews perform drainage work. Traffic will be detoured to Milestone Boulevard and Oldenburg Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
• ·       U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- The far right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers will be able to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for approximately three months.
• ·       U.S. 29 Construction Activities just north of W. Burgess Road- The northbound, outside lane just north of W. Burgess Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13 through Thursday, Jan. 17 as crews reconstruct a deceleration lane.
• ·       U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work.  Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
• ·       I-10 Maintenance Operations at U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17)- The westbound outside lane will be closed at Scenic Highway from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 as crews perform maintenance work.
• ·       S.R. 10A (Mobile Highway) Turn Lane Construction east of Beulah Road intersection-  East and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 through Thursday, Jan. 16 as crews make pavement repairs.
• ·       Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue.  Crews are currently pouring the east side approach slab.  The roadway is temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.

• C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews have poured the bridge deck. Efforts are now focused on pouring the bridge railing, and constructing the roadway approaching both ends of the new bridge.  Traffic will remain shifted on the temporary diversion until construction of the new structure is complete.

Santa Rosa County:

• ·          U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- There will be construction activities from Lewis Funeral Home to Downtown Motors. Motorists can expect shoulder closures.
• ·          U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities are underway along the following seven locations along the corridor: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive.  Crews will continue working on drainage near the Days Inn through Sunday, Jan. 19.  Motorists may encounter lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• ·          U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 12.
• ·          S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
• ·           S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound, inside lane closures as crews begin expansion joint work.
• ·           S.R. 87 Turn lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Northbound left turn lane and median modifications work has begun. Operations will take place in the median area of the roadway. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.

• U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
• North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

Florida Gas Prices Begin Slow Decline

Pump prices in Florida are retreating after logging the most expensive start to a new year since 2014. Florida gas prices reached an average price of nearly $2.53 per gallon last Tuesday, but have since declined a total of 4 cents to $2.49 per gallon.

The average price per gallon was a bit higher in Escambia County at $2.52 Sunday night, while one station in Cantonment was at $2.45.

Rising crude prices dragged gas prices higher in recent weeks. However, oil prices quickly sank as tensions between the US and Iran began to ease. Last week, the price for a barrel of WTI crude dropped nearly $5; going from $64/b on Monday to $59/b on Friday.

“Drivers normally see some of the lowest gas prices of the year in January, but prices have remained elevated compared to recent months, due to the rising price of crude,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Cooling geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran has alleviated some of the upward pressure on gasoline, and now drivers are beginning to see lower prices at the pump. The state average could dip another few pennies this week. Seasonal factors like low gasoline demand and growing supplies should allow gas prices to slip even lower this month. However, seasonal factors will be at play again in the spring. Gas prices are forecast to bounce 20-30 cents higher in the coming months as refineries conduct maintenance and switch to summer gasoline.”

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