Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
February 27, 2023
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. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through April. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter the following alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.:
- U.S. 98 eastbound lane closures Sunday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, March 4 as crews perform striping work.
- U.S. 98 westbound lane closures Monday, Feb. 27 and Tuesday, Feb. 28 as crews perform work on the wrong way detection system.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- Pace Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), Friday, Feb. 24 through Friday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The closures will allow crews to perform striping and concrete operations.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Feb. 26 through Thursday, March 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- 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 may encounter daily lane and shoulder closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Feb. 27 through Friday, March 3 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crews will be performing shoulder reconstruction and shoulder paving.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Navy Boulevard, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, Feb. 24 through Friday, March 3 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be working on curb and gutter and sidewalks.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance under the I-10 Overpass (Exit 5) – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter the following alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.:
- U.S. 98 eastbound lane closures Sunday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, March 3 as crews perform striping work.
- U.S. 98 westbound lane closures Monday, Feb. 27 and Tuesday, Feb. 28 as crews perform work on the wrong way detection system.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The median crossover at the intersection of Bayshore Road and U.S. 98 will remain closed to perform necessary road widening activities.
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, Feb. 26, through Friday, Mar. 3, 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.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
4-H Members Learn About Managing Money, Living On Their Own
February 27, 2023
The “Cool Car Co.” was accepting checks or debit cards last week, as was the “Want it ALL Mall”.
Bill. Credit card interest. Childcare. Law Service, Groceries. TV service. Power.
The list of real adulting things just never ends, as Escambia County 4-H members learned last week during the “Living On My Own Simulation” in Cantonment.
4-H members learned about the dollars and cents, and sense, of the adult world of household finance.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
February 27, 2023
Northview High School recently named their Students of the Month for January. They are Wyatt Scruggs and Meleina McGavran. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Move A Little Bit Lower
February 27, 2023
Florida gas prices are moving lower again after a modest increase last week. The state average increased 4 cents per gallon early last week. However, those gains were mostly erased by the weekend.
Florida drivers are again paying $3.30 per gallon. That’s a half-cent less than the average price a week ago, and 28 cents less than this year’s high.
The average in Escambia County was $3.18. Sunday night, a low of $3.11 was at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Pensacola prices were as low as $2.94 at the warehouse clubs and a Nine Mile Road station.
“The slight jump at the pump last week was likely a delayed response to an oil price hike that occurred two weeks earlier,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The good news for motorists is that the arrow is once again pointing lower. Wholesale gasoline prices have declined a total of 15 cents during the past two weeks. Which should allow the state average to drift lower again this week.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Children’s Trust Funded ‘YouthFirst Century’ Introduced In Historic Church
February 26, 2023
“Home economics, ya’ll!”
Standing in the 126-year old Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church in Century Saturday, Dr. Jessica Griffen introduced her plan to educate area children for an evolving future.
The Escambia County Children’s Trust (ECT) recently awarded Griffen’s non-profit, The Urban Development Center, a $397,556 grant for the first year of a program called “YouthFirst Century”. The after-school and summer program will focus on everything from technology skills and workforce readiness to the more practical side of life with “Mental Health Mondays”, CPR certification, and, yes, home economics.
The programs will serve children ages 11-18 from Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview high schools.
“We want you to hear it from my mouth; that’s why I’m here,” Griffen told about three dozen people gathered in the historic church. “We need your help so we can have a successful program.”
“It takes a village. That adage is real,” she said. “I can’t be the only one. You can’t be the only one.”
“Our best way to prepare them (youth) is not wait until they get our age to try to prepare them,” said “Our best way to prepare them is to catch them while they are young so that when they get of age they can teach the ones coming behind them. So I believe, I believe God has sent us somebody, amen, from The Urban Development League who is the front runner and orchestrator, amen, of YouthFirst Century.”
Of the 19 grants totalling $5.1 million, YouthFirst Century was the fourth-highest scoring program.
A kick off day for YouthFirst Century is being planned for March.
For more photos’, click or tap here.
Pictured: The Urban Development League’s Dr. Jessica Griffen introduces YouthFirst Century to a group at the Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church in Century Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Person Dead After Attack By Three Pit Bulls In Escambia County, ESCO Says
February 26, 2023
One person died after being attacked by three pit bulls Friday night in Escambia County
It happened about 10:15 p.m. in the 400 block of Norris Avenue, off Massachusetts Avenue.
“A witness observed a male being attacked by three pit bulls. The witness managed to scare the dogs away and immediately called 911,” the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Unfortunately, due to the victim’s injuries sustained in the attack, he later died.”
Escambia County Animal Control was unable to locate the dogs Friday night. They returned with deputies at 8 a.m. Saturday.
“One pit bull was observed and attempted to avoid capture. The animal was still very aggressive and was shot by a deputy. The animal was captured and is receiving medical treatment,” ECSO said Saturday.
A second pit bull was later located and captured. At last report, the third dog had not been located.
The name of the victim was not released.
Byrneville Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
February 26, 2023
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their Students of the Month for January.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Liam Steadham and Gregory Williams
- 1st Grade: Baylee Gafford
- 2nd Grade: Blake Mathis and William Maxwell
- 3rd Grade: Connor Levins and Kaylee Marshall (not pictured)
- 4th Grade: Kayson Cooley and Michael Williams
- 5th Grade: Trusten Brown and Alydia Sutton
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sold! Hundreds Attend 48th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 26, 2023
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held their 48th annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year on the last Saturday of February.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Contractor Continues Survey Work For North Escambia Fiber Internet Buildout
February 26, 2023
A contractor is continuing a survey across the area ahead of a North Escambia fiber internet buildout.
Last month, the Escambia County Commission selected member-owned Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) with their partner firm Conexon Connect to provide high speed broadband in the area.
EREC contractor ICON Utility Services is currently surveying the utility pole network across the EREC footprint for future fiber optic network installation.
According to EREC, residents may see the ICON surveyors for the next several weeks in cars, on four-wheelers, or on foot.
The Connect, powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, network will span approximately 600 miles of fiber network in Escambia County reaching over 4,000 electric member locations. The first customers are expected to have service later this year..
Pictured: A contractor surveys a utility pole at the Travis Nelson Park in Bratt on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Offering ‘Basics Of Canning’ Class
February 26, 2023
Escambia County Extension will offer a class this month on the Basics of Canning on Saturday, March 25.
Participants can learn how to properly preserve fruits and vegetables.
The program will take place from 9-11 a.m. at the Extension office at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Register online and buy tickets in advance at Eventbrite for $17.85 (includes $2.85 fee) while available seats remain. The registration deadline is March 22. Call (850) 475-5230.