FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
November 26, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities next week:
Escambia County
- 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, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21:
- 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 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- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. beginning Friday, Nov. 17 as crews perform paving work.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound near Scenic Highway Friday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21.
- The on-ramp from Scenic Highway to I-10 westbound will be intermittently closed Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21. Traffic will be detoured on I-10 eastbound to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) to access I-10 westbound.
- The I-10 eastbound off-ramp to Scenic Highway will be intermittently closed Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21. Traffic on I-10 eastbound will be detoured to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) to access I-10 westbound to Scenic Highway.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 (Bayfront Parkway), between 14th Avenue and the bridge, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21 as crews place temporary lane separators and barrier wall.
Santa Rosa County
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 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.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
West Florida High Grad One Of Three Sailors Lost In Navy Plane Crash At Sea
November 25, 2017
One of three Navy sailors lost at sea earlier this week was from Pensacola.
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso was a 2017 graduate of West Florida High School. He joined the Navy immediately after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father.
Grosso, a native of Florida was assigned to Ronald Reagan. His previous duty stations include the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon.
He was aboard a C-2A Greyhound that crashed en route to the USS Ronald Reagan Nov. 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew and passengers at the time. Eight personnel were recovered on scene after the crash by U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 12).
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Sailors,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet. “Their service and sacrifice will be lasting in Seventh Fleet and we will continue to stand the watch for them, as they did bravely for all of us.”
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Over the course of two days of continuous search efforts for the Sailors, ships and aircraft covered nearly 1000 square nautical miles.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire team onboard Ronald Reagan go out to the families and friends of our fallen shipmates,” said Capt. Michael Wosje, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5). “We are thankful for our professional search and rescue teams and their incredible bravery. The entire Navy team is working together to investigate the cause of this mishap and we will remain focused on our mission to operate forward in a safe and professional manner to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
FHP: Sen Greg Evers Not Under Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs Before Fatal Crash
November 25, 2017
Former Florida Sen Greg Evers was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a fatal crash August 21.
A report released Friday by the Florida Highway Patrol said the driver’s toxicology report indicated no alcohol or narcotics were found. The report only indicates prescribed medication for ongoing health issues. With the report, the FHP’s investigation is now closed.
An autopsy released earlier this month listed Ever’s official cause of death as drowning, with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a contributing factor.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Evers ran off Griffith Mill Road near Baker sometime late in the day August 21. He apparently missed a curve and his vehicle was found submerged in Penny Creek after going through a guardrail. The vehicle was discovered the following day.
A native of Milton, Evers, a Republican, served nine years in the Florida House before his election to the Senate in 2010. Evers left his Senate seat last year to make a bid for the U.S. House but lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Related: Greg Evers Remembered As Champion For Florida, North Escambia
Pictured top. Sen. Greg Evers.
Two Injured In Highway 29 Crash
November 25, 2017
At least two people were injured in a two vehicle crash Friday night on Highway 29 near Quintette Road.
The accident happened about 10:45 p.m., shutting down southbound Highway 29 for nearly an hour. One driver was trapped and freed using the Jaws of Life.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
Photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
West Florida Wins 5A Regional; Blountstown Beats Baker In 1A Semi Final
November 25, 2017
West Florida 24, Trinity Christian 14 (5A)
The West Florida Jaguars won the Regional 1-5A championship Friday night be defeating Trinity Christian 24-14 at Woodham Middle School.
The game remained scoreless headed into halftime, with Trinity first on the board with 7:44 to go in the third quarter. The Jaguars answered with a 6-yard touchdown run drom Devin Abrams with 5:54 in the third quarter. Both teams took it home again the third, including an 13-yard West Florida rushing touchdown from senior Bryant Johnecheck.
The fourth quarter began with the teams tied 14-14. West Florida dominated the fourth, with a 19-yard field goal from Dylan Bredesen and 35-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Jordan to Keyshawn Helton with 1:25 left to play.
Up next, West Florida (12-1) will host Baker County (12-1) at 7:30 at Woodham Middle in the 5A state semifinals.
Blountstown 41, Baker 21 (1A)
Blountstown beat the Baker Gators 41-21 Friday night to advance to the 1A state title game. Blountstown was leading 21-13 at the half before outscoring the Gators 20-8 in the second half for the win in Baker.
Blountstown will face Madison for the 1A state championship in Orlando on Thursday, December 7.
Register Now For Molino Christmas Parade
November 25, 2017
The 15th Annual Molino Christmas Parade is set for next Saturday, December 2 at 11 a.m.
The parade route starts at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and ends and the Molino Ballpark were Santa Will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
To participate in the parade, preregister at Jimmy’s Grill or register the day of the parade and be in line by 10:15 a.m.. Registration fees are $30 for floats; $20 for vehicles, motorcycles, tractors or golf carts; and $10 each for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts. All proceeds go directly back to the community to help children in need.
For more information, contact Karen Odom at (850) 281-4748 or Jimmy’s Grill at (850) 754-0041. Donations such as toys and non-perishable foot items can be dropped off at Jimmy’s Grill.
The rain date will be Sunday, December 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: Scenes from the 14th Annual Molino Christmas Parade in 2016. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
No Road Construction Lane Closures This Weekend In Florida
November 25, 2017
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office has suspended construction-related lane closures across Northwest Florida for the Thanksgiving Holiday. There will be no work on the interstate or state roads requiring lane restrictions through Sunday, Nov. 27. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect and drivers may encounter construction workers and reduced speed limits. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and online at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.
Florida Government Panel Eyes Vaping Restrictions, Patient Rights
November 25, 2017
Vaping could be banned in workplaces, and nursing-home and assisted-living facility residents could be guaranteed certain rights — including the ability to sue without limitations — as part of a series of health-care related proposals being considered by a Florida panel that has the power to place proposed constitutional amendments on the 2018 ballot.
Former state Sen. Lisa Carlton, the sponsor of the measure on vaping, said her goal is to amend the Florida Constitution to make clear that the state’s existing ban on smoking in workplaces also incorporates vaping, such as the use of electronic cigarettes.
“The goal is, if you cannot smoke there, you cannot vape there,” Carlton said, noting that electronic cigarettes weren’t available when the original ban was passed by Florida voters in 2002.
After e-cigarettes started to become available, she expected the Legislature to tackle the issue, but it didn’t.
In retrospect, Carlton said she thinks it’s better the Legislature didn’t address the issue because voters could get the opportunity to put a vaping ban in the Constitution. More than 70 percent of voters approved the original workplace smoking ban in 2002.
“It’s the perfect opportunity because it should be alongside smoking,” she said, adding, “I feel like this (vaping) has put a cloud over our clean air, and it’s time for us to recognize it and update it.”
Carlton’s proposal would amend a section of the Constitution currently titled “Workplaces without Tobacco Smoke” to read “Workplaces without Tobacco Smoke or Vapor.”
Carlton is part of the 37-member Florida Constitution Revision Commission which meets every 20 years to evaluate possible changes to the Constitution. The panel can put issues before voters without having to gather petition signatures or get proposals approved by the Legislature.
Commission members proposed 103 amendments, and the panel is expected to whittle that number in the coming months. The commission’s General Provisions Committee could take up Carlton’s proposal Tuesday.
In all, the commission is expected to consider seven health-care related proposals, including a controversial proposal about nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Commissioner Brecht Heuchan has offered a proposal that would establish a “bill of rights” for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Heuchan’s proposal, in part, would require nursing homes to carry liability insurance — which is not a requirement today — and includes a right of access to courts and legal remedies, “without limitations,” in cases involving issues such as abuse, negligence or exploitation.
Emmett Reed, executive director of the Florida Health Care Association, the state’s largest nursing-home group, issued a scathing news release attacking Heuchan for the proposed amendment. Reed accused Heuchan, who is a lobbyist for the Florida Justice Association trial-lawyers group, of ignoring “his broader obligations in order to serve the narrow interest of his clients.”
Reed called the state Constitution the “core document” that sets out the structure of Florida’s government and said that “some things simply do not belong in the Florida Constitution.” He also said that the proposal would “add nothing to the quality of life for our state’s frailest elders, nor would it solve the real issues of keeping nursing home residents safe during disasters. It would only serve the interests of greedy trial attorneys who continually attempt to cash in by suing nursing homes.”
But Heuchan fired back at the nursing home organization. In a letter he sent to The News Service of Florida, Heuchan said the Constitution is “a place where rights of the individual are protected, especially when it comes to the rights of the vulnerable.”
“I cannot count the number of times I have been told one issue or another does not belong in the Constitution,” he wrote in the letter, adding that when the argument comes from special-interest groups, it’s “code” for something else.
“What they really mean,” the letter said, is “they think they have other forums wired in their favor, (or) … they know if voters have a chance to consider the proposal, it would pass.”
Heuchan disputed the allegation that his amendment would help his clients or is a potential conflict of interest. Before filing the amendment he reviewed the rules, which make clear that he cannot file an amendment that would result in a special gain for him or a principal of his.
“What they are saying is speculative at best,” he said adding that if a lawyer successfully sues a nursing home on behalf of a resident, the attorney is paid from the damages the resident is awarded. “It’s not a gain to me personally, and it’s not a special gain to anyone I work for,” he said.
“This is just part of their campaign to discredit me personally because they don’t have a good answer to the proposal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Heuchan isn’t the only member of the Constitution Revision Commission wanting to create a patient’s bill of rights.
Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher has proposed an amendment that, if approved by voters, would require the Legislature to guarantee patients “transparency in health care.” That transparency would apply to such things as medical costs and information needed to help patients make informed decisions about treatment.
Health-care transparency has been a priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who appointed Kruppenbacher to the commission.
Kruppenbacher also has offered another health-care proposal that aligns with Scott’s priorities.
That proposal would eliminate “certificate of need” laws, which the state can use to restrict the addition of new hospitals and nursing homes. Certificates of need are licenses that Florida requires before new health care facilities can be built.
Proponents of so-called CONs argue that they help keep health-care costs lower by preventing facilities from being overbuilt. Critics, such as Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, maintain that CONs are artificial barriers to the marketplace that prevent competition and provide monopolies for companies that already have the licenses.
Scott and the House have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate certificate of need laws but have faced opposition from hospitals and nursing homes that don’t want to see the restrictions lifted.
by Christine Sexton, The News Service of Florida
WSRE Invites Viewers To Participate In Legislative Review Program
November 25, 2017
WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, is now accepting viewer questions for the upcoming broadcast of “Legislative Review: Dialogue with the Delegation” on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Questions may be submitted in advance by email to questions@wsre.org. Every question must be accompanied by the person’s name and city of residence.
The following legislators of the Northwest Florida delegation are expected to participate: Sens. Doug Broxson (District 1) and George B. Gainer (District 2); and Reps. Clay Ingram (District 1), Frank White (District 2), Jayer Williamson (District 3) and Mel Ponder (District 4). The program will be moderated by Jeff Weeks.
WSRE presents “Legislative Review” before and after each legislative session as a community service. Questions will also be accepted by phone during the live program, which will be simulcast by NewsRadio 92.3 FM & 1620 AM
Escambia Deputies Exchange Fire With Wanted Suspect
November 24, 2017
Shots were fired overnight as Escambia County deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant.
The incident started about 3:45 a.m. in the area of Louise Avenue and East Nine Mile Road when the suspect began shooting at deputies. Deputies returned fire, hitting the suspect as he fled.
The still-armed white male was found a short time later hiding behind a dumpster behind the Taco Bell at Nine Mile and Chemstrand Roads. Deputies demanded he drop his weapon several times. Reports indicate the man dropped the weapon and was taken into custody.
The suspect, who has not yet been identified, suffered a non-life threatening injury during the gunfire. No deputies were injured.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident is now under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is standard procedure in every officer-involved shooting.