No Serious Injuries In Cantonment Highway 29 Wreck
February 12, 2018
There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon on Highway 29 at Morris Avenue in Cantonment. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Jay Residents Upset Over Dirty Water, Flushing Project Begins Tuesday
February 12, 2018
The Town of Jay will begin a flushing process on Tuesday in hopes of eliminating discolored water that has been a problem over the last several months. Several residents have express concerns over the unsightly water, wondering if it is safe to drink.
“The water in Jay is so bad you cannot even wash clothes in it. Please help get attention to our problem,” Jay resident wrote to NorthEscambia.com. “I can’t think Flint, Michigan looked worse than this. It’s terrible; please help”.
“This discolored water does not appear to be dangerous to the residents,” Jay Mayor Shon Owens said in a statement.
He said the town has consulted with its engineers and outside consultants to try to identify the cause of the discolored water while continued monthly testing as required by the state. Those tests have shown the town’s water fully complies with state guidelines, he said.
The discoloration, he said, is likely caused by cast iron in the water distribution system and iron sedimentation.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been working with the Jay water system to address the issue, according to Brandy Smith, FDEP external affairs manager.
“We have required the water system to sample the discolored water to confirm the iron levels and verify there are no drinking water standard exceedances that pose a potential health risk to customers. Those samples have been collected and delivered to the lab, and we are awaiting those results,” Smith wrote in an email response to a request for more information. “Iron occurs naturally in groundwater and is not hazardous to health. At higher concentrations, iron causes taste, odor, and staining problems. Even relatively low concentrations of iron can leave reddish brown stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry that can be very hard to remove. The discoloration can vary from pale yellow to dark brown and may include iron particles.”
Owens said the town is turning to an outside company to flush the lines, with work scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 13. As much work as possible will take place in the overnight hours.
She said flushing the water system will typical help reduce iron in the system. Flushing involves the use of high velocity water to scour the inside surfaces of the water mains. The process is necessary to flush out iron particles, but it intensifies the discolored water in the short term because it stirs up the water and sediment in the water line.
To be most effective, the water should be pushed from a clean source through the water system pipe and out in one direction, one segment at a time. This process scours out the sediment and discolored water.
“While the water system has been flushing lines, they have not yet been successful in completing a full one direction flush of the system. Changes in the water system over time, new lines, valves and hydrants have made directing the water through the system challenging,” Smith said.
Owens said the Town of Jay is researching other methods to remove iron sediment from inside pipes. And the town, he said, is working with state officials to find funding for the reconditionng or replacement of cast iron pipes in the Jay water system.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos by Catherine Jones, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Home Near Berrydale, Lightning Possibly To Blame
February 12, 2018
Fire destroyed a mobile home near Berrydale in northern Santa Rosa County early Sunday afternoon, and it may have been sparked by lightning.
Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Sutton Allen Road about 12:30 p.m. and arrived to find the residence full involved.
No one was at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office.
The Berrydale, Jay and Allentown volunteer fire departments, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Lifeguard Ambulance responded to the blaze.
Faith Christian Academy in Jay is collecting donations and gift cards to assist the family.
Photos courtesy Berrydale VFD for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Camellias 101′ Program Tuesday Night In Molino
February 12, 2018
Camellias were being sold in Pensacola in 1825 — that’s just one of the facts attendees will learn during a “Camellia 101″ program Tuesday evening at the Molino Branch Library.
Join Skip Vogelsang, vice president of the Pensacola Camellia Club as he presents an introduction to one of the South’s favorite flower at 6:30 p.m.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
February 12, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of February 12-16:
Monday, Feb. 12
Selection Committee Public Works Director Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395 Collective Bargaining – 10 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Marine Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Mass Transit Dependent Special District Town Hall – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Amalgamated Transit Union 1395 Collective Bargaining (if necessary) – 10 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Co:Lab Policy Board Meeting – 11 a.m., 418 W. Garden St., Pensacola
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – Audit Committee and Board Meeting – 5 p.m., 700 S. Palafox St., Ste. 310
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., 420 W. Chase St.
District 4/Ferry Pass Town Hall Meeting – 6 p.m., 8355 Yancey Lane
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Thursday, Feb. 15
Attorney/Client Session: Sheriff’s Budget Appeal – 8 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
BCC Agenda Review Session – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Friday, Feb. 16
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Century Fails To Comply With Required Fire Safety Requirements, Inspection Findings
February 11, 2018
A fire marshal inspection found multiple violations at a Century-owned community center, and the town failed to comply with required repairs, according county reports.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said at a recent town council meeting that he discovered buildings operated by the town of Century have not had required fire safety inspections since 2012 and community centers have been operated with the fire extinguishers removed. And he sad at that time extinguishers that remain are out of date and have not had required inspections in over five years.
NorthEscambia.com obtained the most recent fire inspection, dated November 6, on the “Ag Building” community center on West Highway 4. The fire inspection found the sprinkler system, fire alarm and fire extinguishers need to be inspected. The fire inspector also found emergency lights to be inoperative and ceiling tile that needs replacing in an electrical room.
The town was given two weeks from the November 6 report to correct the violations, and a follow-up inspection was scheduled for November 20.
According to Escambia Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Division, an inspector contacted the mayor’s office prior to the follow-up inspection date, but he was told the repairs had not yet been addressed. A compliance inspection was never performed.
“Generally when a business receives a violations notice, they are allotted 10 business days to address the violations. After that time, a compliance inspection is conducted to verify repairs have been made. In certain situations, the business is given additional time to have the repairs completed,” according to Escambia Fire Rescue.
According to a county spokesperson, other town-owned buildings such as the town hall and the Century Business Center have not had recent fire inspector visits.
At a Century Town Council meeting last week, Hawkins said he would be purchasing new fire extinguishers.
Pictured: A crowd attends Martin Luther King Day event inside the Ag Building in Center on Monday, January 15. According to the mayor, the building has not had a required fire safety inspection since 2012 and fire extinguishers were removed from the facility. Pictured below: The Century Business Center. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Good Times Roll With Pensacola Mardi Gras Parade (With Gallery)
February 11, 2018
The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade rolled through the streets of downtown Saturday before a crowd of tens of thousands.
For a photo gallery click here.
Photos courtesy City of Pensacola for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Students Celebrate 100th Day Of School
February 11, 2018
Bratt Elementary School recently celebrated the 100th day of school with activities that included dressing up as 100-year olds. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Where Will Road Construction Slow You Down This Week?
February 11, 2018
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 between A and Tarragona streets for Festivities- U.S. 98 between A and Tarragona streets will be closed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 for the 2018 Krewe of Lafitte Parade and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 for the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 29 north and southbound, from Muscogee Road to West 9 ½ Mile Road, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 17 as crews pave the roadway.
- State Road (S.R.) 742 (Creighton Road) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway – Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Davis Highway and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 17 continue as crews perform milling, paving, sidewalk and curb replacement. The following traffic pattern changes will also occur.
- Creighton Road at 9th Avenue: The week Monday, Feb. 12, east and westbound traffic patterns will change as a traffic separator is installed on the west side of the intersection.
- The eastbound, left-turn lane onto northbound 9th Avenue will be closed. The inside through lane will become a left-turn/through lane.
- The two westbound travel lanes will be shifted northward to utilize the recently widened portion of Creighton Road. These changes will remain in effect for two weeks and are weather-dependent.
- Creighton Road at 9th Avenue: The week Monday, Feb. 12, east and westbound traffic patterns will change as a traffic separator is installed on the west side of the intersection.
o Lanier Drive: The week of Monday, Feb.12, drivers will experience alternating lanes closures south of Creighton Road from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place asphalt.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 15:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- The exit ramp from I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south (Exit 10A) will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured to U.S. 29 north (Exit 10B).
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north (Exit 10B).
- I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge – Intermittent alternating lane closures on I-10, between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (Exit 17), and on Scenic Highway, between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway, from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 15 as crews perform construction activities. The speed limit on I-10 will be reduced to 60 mph during nighttime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 25 as crews perform construction activities
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 24 as follows:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: Eastbound traffic continues to be shifted to the westbound inside travel lane as crews prepare the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck. Lane restrictions are Sundays through Fridays.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may experience alternating lane closures as crews perform drainage work and make preparations for future traffic shifts. Lane restrictions are Mondays through Saturdays.
- Traffic shift: Southbound U.S. 29 traffic between Hannah Street and I-10 will be shifted onto the new temporary pavement Saturday, Feb. 10 by 6 a.m. to allow crews to place cross drains across the existing southbound lanes. This traffic shift will remain in place several.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29 – Alternating lane closures on Untreiner Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 12 as crews reconstruct the roadway between Nine Mile Road and Riley Road. The reconstruction will take approximately four to five days but is weather-dependent.
- I-10 Truck Parking Availability Systems- The FDOT will begin installing automated Truck Parking Availability Systems (TPAS) the week of Monday, Feb. 12 at I-10 rest areas and weigh stations in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Holmes, Jackson, Gadsden, Leon, and Jefferson counties. The Florida Welcome Center in Escambia County is also included in the program. Work is not expected to impact traffic on I-10 or within rest areas or weigh station facilities. No more than fifty-percent of available truck parking spaces will be closed at any time, and no closures will be permitted between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily. Pedestrian access in the rest areas will be maintained always.
- I-10 over Escambia Bay Routine Bridge Inspection – Westbound traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions across the Escambia Bay Bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 through Thursday, Feb. 16 as crews perform a routine inspection on the structure.
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Routine Maintenance- The East and westbound outside lane will be closed intermittently across the bridge between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 through Thursday, Feb. 15 as crews repair overhead lights
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Between Nevada Street and Laredo Street Drainage Pipe Operations- the northbound right lane will be closed between Nevada Street and Laredo Street from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Wednesday, Feb. 28 as crews perform drainage pipe operations.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Friday, Feb. 16 as crews work to widen the roadway. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, will also be encountered as crews reconstruct the overpass.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 25 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road -
Traffic between C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete.
- I-10 over Blackwater River Bridge Repairs- The westbound outside, right lane will be closed from 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 as crews repair expansion joints.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled 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.
West Florida Jaguar Cheerleaders Finish Second In State Finals
February 11, 2018
The West Florida High School Jaguar cheerleaders were runners ups in the recent Florida High School Athletic Association state cheerleading finals. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.