Nine Mile Road Reopens After Being Closed By Sinkhole
July 4, 2022
UPDATE 2:25 pm: The Florida Department of Transportation has made repairs and reopened all lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Nine Mile Road in Escambia County was closed earlier Monday between University Parkway and Scenic Highway due to a sinkhole, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The sinkhole developed in the westbound lanes of Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Officials Urge Awareness Of Bacteria Potentially In Local Waters
July 4, 2022
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Occurring naturally in the warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds, cuts, or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater or estuarine water. Also, Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.
There has been one confirmed case in Escambia County so far this year, according to FDOH.
Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering.
- In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe, life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
“It is important for people to be vigilant of these symptoms and seek immediate medical care,” said Marie Mott, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “Residents and visitors should also avoid consuming raw and undercooked shellfish as well as foods that have come into contact with raw seafood. Those with open wounds should not enter the water.”
Here Are Today’s Fireworks Shows In The North Escambia Area
July 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day! Here a schedule of the public fireworks shows in the North Escambia area today:
- Sertoma’s 4th of July Fireworks show and celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with live music and food trucks in Seville Square. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a fireworks show over the bay beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks show will be synchronized to music on Cat Country 98.7. (You’ll need an actual radio for correct timing. Any app will be delayed by several seconds.)
- Symphony Sparks & Stars is free at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hunter Amphitheater and will be live streamed on the stadium video board. The Sertoma fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Concessions available (no outside food). Bring a blanket.
- Pensacola Beach Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. along the boardwalk on the sound side.
- July 4th Riverfest on Willing Street from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Milton. This family-friendly event features the Firecracker Motorcycle Show, a car show, food vendors, retail vendors, a children’s activity area, live entertainment, and the Great Milltown Duck Race. The night will end with a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.
- Wind Creek Atmore fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Watch from the amphitheater or the surrounding area.
Note: There will be no fireworks show in Jay this year as Bray-Hendricks park closed July 1 for renovations and upgrades.
Man Struck And Killed By Disabled Vehicle Near Atmore
July 4, 2022
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a disabled vehicle early Sunday morning in Canoe, Alabama, east of Atmore.
A 2013 Dodge Ram pickup driven by 77-year old Jimmy E. Barnes of Panama City struck a vehicle that was broken down on the shoulder of Highway 31 near South Canoe Road.
Alabama State Troopers said the force of the collision pushed the disabled vehicle into 77-year old Ray L. Singleton of Fort Deposit, Alabama, as he stood nearby. Singleton was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was a former resident of Atmore.
A wrecker was in the process of removing the vehicle at the time of the 2:40 a.m. crash.
Troopers have not released further details.
Wahoos Fall 4-1 In Series Finale With Montgomery
July 4, 2022
Cody Mincey tossed five no-hit innings to open Sunday’s game and finished with a strong quality start, but Pensacola fell 4-1 in their series finale against Montgomery.
Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2022
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting. Here are some quick tips from the Escambia County Animal Shelter:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet becomes lost, search for lost pets at the Escambia County Animal Shelter or call (850) 595-3075.
Weekly Traffic Report: Those Troublesome Construction Slowdowns
July 4, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, on Tuesday, July 5 as crews install pedestrian fence.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform asphalt work.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Tuesday, July 5 for placement of watermain.
- I-10 Eastbound Routine Maintenance near U.S. 29 Exit 10A and 10B – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 5 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guardrail repairs.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary 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, Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 8 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 95A Rollover Crash
July 3, 2022
Everyone walked away from a vehicle crash with no serious injuries Saturday.
The wreck happened on Highway 95A near North Chipper Road. Three adults and a properly restrained toddler were not injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released their official report, but flooding conditions on the road were believed to have led to the two vehicle crash.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Fireworks Sales Brisk At Stand Near State Line
July 3, 2022
Business has been brisk this year at an Alabama roadside fireworks store on Highway 31 west of Atmore, less than a mile north of Florida line.
Just three years ago, it was illegal to set off many types of fireworks in Florida. But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that allows consumer fireworks of most any kind to be used on July 4, December 31 and January 1. Not just the sparklers, noisemakers and the like Floridians had been restricted to for years, but real fireworks that explode or shoot into the sky.
“Class ‘C’ consumer fireworks are legal for the Fourth,” Fireworks Distributors owner Greg Odom said. “That means anything in the store is legal in Florida for the Fourth of July.”
The law signed by DeSantis does not supersede any local regulations governing fireworks.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July
July 3, 2022
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations from the USDA:
When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Frozen food can also be used as a cold source.
- Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
When cooking on the grill:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
- Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures
- Beef, Pork, Lamb, & Veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 °F with a 3 minute rest time
- Ground meats: 160 °F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, & ground poultry: 165 °F
- Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
When serving food outdoors:
- Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140 °F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.