Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
January 7, 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:
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297) - Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- 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 end of the year as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct 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 intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 12 as crews perform signing 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.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Turn Lane Operations at Legends at Pine Forest – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for turn lane operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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 Tuesday, Jan. 9 through Thursday, Jan. 11 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.
- 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, Jan. 7, through Friday, Jan. 12, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent S.R. 87 single-lane closures, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 12 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for turn lane construction and paving operations.
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing – Drivers will encounter intermittent single-lane closures on I-10 westbound, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (exit 28) to the Black Water River Bridge eastern approach, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For Fleeing Traffic Stop, Meth Trafficking
January 7, 2024
An Escambia county man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for drug trafficking and other charges after a pursuit and multiple crashes.
Charles Ingmire, Jr. was sentenced by Circuit Judge Coleman Lee Robinson to 25 years, including a 3 year minimum mandatory, in state prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of fentanyl, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, and driving while license suspended or revoked third conviction.
On December 15, 2022, law enforcement officers attempted to pull Ingmire over for a traffic infraction at which time he fled at high speed and drove recklessly through heavy traffic areas. Ingmire struck another vehicle and continued to flee while driving on a rim. He eventually bailed out of the vehicle after crashing through a residential fence and striking additional vehicles. Prosecutors said Ingmire left drugs, identification, credit cards, his cell phone, and social security card in the vehicle.
Ingmire has a lengthy criminal history and served time in state prison on three prior occasions. He was convicted after a jury trial held on October 31, 2023.
Flomaton Counterfeit Cash Suspect Charged With Burglary At Century Business
January 6, 2024
We are learning more about the Flomaton conterfeit cash suspect arrested for burglary in Century.
Aaron Tyrone Madison, 40, was charged with larceny, felony unarmed burglary of a conveyance, attempted burglary, and attempted grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Madison allegedly stole a battery out of a pickup truck at the NAPA Auto Parts on North Century Boulevard. According to an arrest report, Madison was caught on surveillance video outside the connected Jasper Engines and Transmissions checking multiple vehicles to see if they were locked, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, before taking the battery.
Madison was positively identified from a photo lineup. Deputies noted that he lives within walking distance of the business.
Flomaton Police said Madisonhas warrants in Alabama for counterfeit bills, failure to appear, second degree criminal mischief, and first degree theft of property.
Madison’s bond was set at $125,000 at the Escambia County (FL) Jail as he awaits extradition to Escambia County, Alabama, on the counterfeit charges.
Free Winter Jackets Available For Children In Century; Register Now
January 6, 2024
Through the support of Subaru of America, Inc, United Way of West Florida and Anderson Subaru have partnered to provide brand-new winter jackets to youth in Century. The gift of a brand-new jacket will provide warmth, and build confidence and hope to the youth of Century.
To receive a free coat and atten the event, parents or guardians should complete the form here by Monday, January 8.
Emails will be sent if your child is approved to receive a coat during an event on January 15. Availability is based on a first come first serve.
For assistance, call (850) 912-8168.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Convicted Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 55 Years For New Violations
January 6, 2024
An Escambia County drug trafficker has been sentenced to over half a century in prison.
Judge Coleman Lee Robinso sentenced Jeremiah Antwoine Frye to 55 years in state prison.
Frye was released from prison on May 2, 2022, and placed on 24 months of community control for prior criminal charges. On May 3, 2023, the he was found in possession of trafficking amounts of
cocaine (approximately 248 grams), about 132 grams of oxycodone and (over 800 tablets of fentanyl). At a contested hearing on November 15, 2023, he was found guilty of violating his supervision based on the new law violations.
Sheriff Pushes ‘Ladarius Clardy Act’ With Tougher Penalties For Drive-By Shootings
January 6, 2024
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons is calling for the Legislature to pass a bill providing tougher penalties for drive-by shootings.
House Bill 807 and Senate Bill 1050, dubbed the Ladarius Clardy Act, have been filed in an attempt to prevent and reduce drive-by shootings in Florida.
Simmons has also recommended naming the legislation after Ladarius (LD) Clardy. In July of 2021, LD Clardy was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting, though he was not the intended target.
Simmons approached the local legislative delegation with the idea and Repr. Michelle Salzman was able to get a sponsor for the potential legislation. Currently, House Bill 807 and Senate Bill 1050 are working their way through the Legislature. These similar bills, if passed, would create the Ladarius Clardy Act and provide for appropriate penalties.
Feeding the Gulf Coast Launches Millie, the Mobile Market, With Grand Opening Celebration In Jay
January 6, 2024
Feeding the Gulf Coast launched its newest initiative designed to help people living in “food deserts” Friday morning in Jay.
Millie, a mobile Market, held a grand opening celebration this Friday, January 5, at the Jay Farmers’ Market. A variety of fresh produce, including eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, corn, and oranges, was available for purchase during the event.
Millie will travel routes throughout Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Florida service area, addressing pockets of low food access (food deserts) where supermarkets are scarce, to provide community members the opportunity to buy affordable fresh produce and other nutritious foods at a significantly discounted rate. As the program progresses, the Mobile Market aims to become a SNAP-authorized retailer, enabling families to use their SNAP benefits for purchasing nutritious food.
“We are thrilled to launch this exciting new program as an extension of the food bank,” says Michael Ledger, Ppesident and CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast. “There are many obstacles to healthy food access within rural, hard to serve communities. This vehicle will help broaden the availability of nutritious and affordable food to those we serve, bringing hope and health to our Florida communities.”
Feeding the Gulf Coast collaborates with local farmers to purchase produce specifically for the Mobile Market.
Ice Flyers Struggle With Scoring Chances, Fall 2 – 1 Against Peoria
January 6, 2024
By Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers. correspondent
The Ice Flyers didn’t lack for opportunities in Thursday’s game against Peoria.
But they left with another frustrated feeling.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Ice Flyers failed on six power play chances, including a 5-on-3 situation in the second period, then couldn’t answer in the final 10 minutes after a go-ahead goal led to the Peoria Rivermen skating off with a 2-1 victory at the Pensacola Bay Center.
It became the Ice Flyers fourth consecutive loss.
“When we’ve gotten down in these third periods, we have fallen completely flat,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “When that happens, you need guys to elevate and become even more desperate, more hungry. We have a lack of desperation in our team right now and that is a concern.”
A crowd of 3,609 in the Ice Flyers fourth home game in 12 days watched the Ice Flyers get stymied without a goal in the first two periods. That changed when Mitch Atkins scored 18 seconds into the third period when getting a loose puck, making a quick move and firing into a wide-open net.
That lift brought energy back into the Bay Center on Hometown Heroes Night sponsored by Kia Autosport-Pensacola. The theme night honored area first responders, health care workers and teachers, all of whom in attendance received a loud ovation when asked to stand and be recognized.
People working in either of those three fields were able to purchase discounted tickets at the Bay Center box office.
The game itself contained a unique element after the Rivermen and Ice Flyers agreed upon a six-player trade on New Year’s Day with the Ice Flyers getting veteran forward Joseph Widmar and rookie Adam Keyes, along with defenseman Dale Deon. Widmar had six goals and league-high 24 assists for the Rivermen, pushing him to second in league scoring prior to the game.
Deon, in his third season with Peoria, will join the Ice Flyers this weekend.
In exchange, Ice Flyers winger Dante Zapata and defensemen Meirs Moore and Jayson Dobay switched benches and dressing rooms at the Bay Center to join Peoria.
The Ice Flyers started slow. They were outshot 11-1 in the first 10 minutes.
“It didn’t seem like anybody was really going early on,” Graham said. “Actually I thought Widmar had really good pace. You could tell he wanted to play against his former team.”
In addition to Widmar, Ice Flyers goaltender Stephen Mundinger continued making terrific saves throughout the game and kept it a one-score opportunity through two periods.
“I thought Dinger was the first star of the game,” Graham said. “That’s great when you can get great goaltending like that. It could have easily been a 3-1 or 4-1 game without Dinger playing so well.
“Just offensively, anemic. And a lot of stemmed from our inability to win faceoffs early on. When you are having to bring pucks out every shift under heavy forecheck, it allows the other team to get their game going. (Rivermen) are very consistent in getting pucks in deep. Their top players were consistent doing it.”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Ice Flyers (13-12) had four power play chances in the second period. They gained a 5 on 3 advantage for 1 minute, 24 seconds on consecutive Rivermen penalties less than four minutes into the period.
But the Ice Flyers couldn’t get the right shot.
“The story of the game was our anemic power play,” Graham said. “The power play is just an absolute abomination right now. Key guys are not executing, not winning battles and just unwilling to shoot the puck.
“It has hurt the team when you are struggling, you are just way overthinking things, instead of just keeping it simple and putting things to the net right now. Unfortunately, as a coach, there are only so many things you can help a player out with.”
After Atkins tied the game in the third period, Peoria’s Alec Baer scored on a rebound with 8:18 remaining that Mundinger had no chance to stop. From that point, the Ice Flyers had few chances, even when Mundinger was pulled for an extra attacker with 1:33 left to play.
“It’s been the same all year… It seems like it takes us for awhile to get going,” Graham said. “And once we get going it’s like, ah-ha, everybody just wakes up on the bench and wait, we just scored a goal? And we start playing better hockey.”
The Ice Flyers will now seek to alter their slide on the road Friday against the Macon Mayhem, then will travel to face first-place Birmingham on Saturday in the fourth matchup between these teams in two weeks.
“It’s just urgency and desperation,” said Graham on what his team needs to change. “We need to see a huge heartbeat from the team.”
Angela Rose Named Ransom Middle Teacher Of The Year
January 6, 2024
Angela Rose is the Ransom Middle School Teacher of the Year.
A photo of Rose was not made available by the school.
NorthEscambia.com is welcoming 2024 honoring the Teachers of the Year from North Escambia schools over the next several days. Escambia County’s overall Teacher of the Year will be named in February.
Man With A Cane, 74, Charged With Robbing Bank
January 5, 2024
An Escambia County man with a cane has been charged with robbing a bank Friday in Pensacola.
Randall Lawrence Digsby was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The robbery occurred at 9:47 a.m. at the Synovus Bank at 125 West Romana Street. Police said he was armed with a knife.
Digsby didn’t get far after the holdup. Pensacola Police officers arrested him two minutes later just outside the bank.
PPD said a small amount of cash was taken and recovered.