Traffic Shift Planned For Highway 29 In Century
July 9, 2024
Highway 29 traffic in Century will be shifted to newly constructed southbound travel lanes beginning Monday, July 15.
One travel lane in each direction will be open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction will be open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes.
The traffic shift is expected to remain in place throughout the summer.
The complete $4.7 million Florida Department of Transportation project includes upgraded traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans Outreach Event Wednesday In Molino
July 9, 2024
The Escambia County Veterans Service Office will hold a public meeting Wednesday in Molino to give veterans a chance to discuss benefits with an accredited veterans services officer.
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. No appointment is required.
The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A in Molino.
Escambia County Veterans Services Office staff members will be available to help with topics including reviewing VA benefits, filing a VA claim, and reevaluating VA disability.
For more information, contact the Veterans Services Office at (850) 595-2409 or email VSO@myescambia.com. Learn more about Escambia County’s Veterans Services Office at MyEscambia.com/veterans-services.
Previous outreach events were held April 5 in Byrneville and June 6 in Davisville.
TSA Precheck Enrollment This Week At Pensacola Airport
July 9, 2024
The popular Transportation Security Administration PreCheck expedited screening program at a TSA PreCheck Temporary Enrollment Center is at the Pensacola International Airport through Friday. An appointment is required.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and more efficient screening experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. TSA PreCheck is currently available at more than 200 airports with over 85 participating airlines nationwide.
The Temporary Enrollment Center at the Pensacola airport will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m daily through Friday, July 12. It is located in the airport administration office on the second floor of Pensacola International Airport at 2430 Airport Boulevard.
Travelers must apply online and make an appointment for the TSA PreCheck Temporary Enrollment Center at Pensacola International Airport.
Follow these steps to enroll:
- Click here to access the application page
- Click “Apply Now”
- Fill out the steps and choose “Next” at the bottom of each screen
- Type in your location in the zip code/City/Airport Code box
- Choose location “Pop Up: PNS, 7/8-7/12” and click “Next”
Select your desired appointment time (Please be sure to make note of your appointment time; no reminders will be sent out).
Once all online appointment slots are filled, TSA will accept a limited number of walk-ins until capacity is reached.
To complete the application process, you will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver’s license). If you have a valid U.S. passport, that is all you need for ID. The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Proper documentation must be provided.
The application process is completed on-site, where TSA captures fingerprints for a background check and collects the $78 application for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, company check or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
To learn more about TSA PreCheck and review a list of documents to bring to the Enrollment Center, visit the TSA website.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Rep. Salzman To Host Constituent Services Day Tuesday With Multiple Officials, Agencies
July 8, 2024
The office of Florida House Representative Michelle Salzman, in partnership with local, state, and federal officials will host in-person mobile office hours on Tuesday, July 9 to assist constituents with casework issues. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of the district offices a more convenient way to receive county, state, and federal casework assistance.
In addition to elected offices, the event will include representatives from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Pensacola Vet center, and VA services from the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.
“I am excited to host this upcoming community outreach event. It gives elected officials the opportunity to reach out to our constituents and help with their government related issues,” Salzman said.
The Constituent Services Day event will take place from 2-4 p.m. at “The Table” located at 275 West Airport Blvd, Unit B in Pensacola.
Pictured: Rep. Michelle Salzman hosted a Constituent Services Day last June at Beulah Freewill Baptist Church. File photos.
‘Hurry Back To The Free State Of Florida’ Signs Installed At State Lines
July 8, 2024
New signs have been installed at state lines across Florida encouraging drivers to “hurry back” as they cross into Alabama or Georgia.
“Hurry Back to the Free State of Florida The Sunshine State” signs were installed as of July 1 by the Florida Department of Transportation.
“FDOT has installed ‘Hurry Back’ signage at state lines,” FDOT Deputy Communications Director Michael Williams told NorthEscambia.com. “These were placed in a similar fashion to the ‘Welcome to’ signs but are placed as visitors leave the state as opposed to coming into the state. Many states offer a friendly message to visitors as they leave their state like this, and Florida is happy to share a similar message to travelers.”
Pictured: A new “Hurry Back to the Free State of Florida The Sunshine State” sign on Highway 97 in Davisville as motorists hear north into Atmore, Alabama. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 2,300 Ballots for Military and Overseas Voters on the Way
July 8, 2024
The first vote-by-mail ballots for the August 20 Primary Election were have been mailed to military and overseas voters, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender.
The mailing of domestic civilian ballots will begin this week to those who have vote-by-mail request. Federal and state laws require military and overseas ballots be sent no later than 45 days prior to an election. Florida law establishes a window for mailing civilian ballots between 40 and 33 days prior to election day.
However, not all registered voters in Escambia County are eligible to receive a ballot in the primary election, as a result of Florida’s closed primary system and Escambia County’s single-member districts. This impacts nearly 9,500 of Escambia County’s 206,000 registered voters in the primary election.
All registered Republican and Democratic voters are eligible in at least one contest due to the primary for U.S. Senate. Registered No Party Affiliation voters, and minor party voters in some but not all precincts are eligible to vote, depending on the district in which they are registered.
Voters in the following County Commission District 2 precincts with No Party Affiliation or registered in a minor party do not have any contests in which they are eligible to vote in the primary, and as a result will not be issued a ballot:
- 1, 3, 15, 24, 32, 54, 61, 67, 71, 75, 77, 80, 82, 83, 99, and 104
Any Florida voter can choose to vote by mail. Due to a change in Florida law, you must renew your vote-by-mail request each elections cycle. If you have not already made a request and wish to receive your ballot in the mail, visit EscambiaVotes.com/vote-by-mail or call us at (850) 595-3900. The request deadline is August 8.
The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation before the August 20 Primary Election is July 22. Visit EscambiaVotes.com/register-to-vote for more information. A sample ballot will be mailed to all registered voters who have not requested a vote-by-mail ballot prior to the start of early voting and will be posted at EscambiaVotes.com. Voters with questions about their eligibility should call (850) 595-3900 or visit EscambiaVotes.com/am-i-registered for more information.
Early Voting will begin on August 10 and run through August 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at 10 area locations.
Pictured: Over 2,300 Escambia County vote-by-mail ballots for the August 20 Primary Election were mailed Wednesday to military and overseas voters. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Through July 31
July 8, 2024
The animal shelter in Escambia County has free cat and dog adoptions through the end of July.
Adoptions are free for cats and dogs one year or older through Wednesday, July 31. Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are so excited to participate in the Bissell adoption event again,” said Escambia County Director for the Department of Animal Welfare John Robinson. “These events provide us with an opportunity to allow our community to see all of the wonderful dogs and cats that we currently have available at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. We encourage you to come visit us over these next three weeks and meet our amazing animals who are ready to be part of a family.”
Robinson emphasized that while Bissell’s event makes adoptions even more affordable for families, it also raises awareness for pets that are sometimes overlooked in the shelter.
“We have over 200 pets available for adoption, and our team understands it can be overwhelming to walk through the kennels if you don’t know what you’re looking for,” said Robinson. “We’re here to help with the entire process. Let us make it easy for you to complete your family by helping you find the perfect pet.”
View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Police Chase That Started At Atmore Prison Ends In Mobile County
July 8, 2024
Three suspects were arrested after leading police on a chase from an Atmore prison and crashing about 50 miles away in Mobile County.
About 8:30 a.m. Friday, an Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division (LESD) K-9 officer observed a suspicious vehicle and an individual attempting to introduce contraband into Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore.
The LESD officer initiated lights and sirens before the suspect reentered the car and fled in the vehicle. The officer then pursued the fleeing vehicle south onto I-65 before the suspect’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed near the Chickasaw exit.
Officials said the individual attempting to introduce contraband was apprehended after a short foot chase and later identified as Justin Duckworth.
Other LESD officers responded to the scene, and the driver of the vehicle, identified as Jajuan Williams, and rear passenger, identified as Amber Shields, were taken into custody at the scene. All three suspects were transported to the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton. All three remained jailed Sunday morning without bond.
Duckworth was charged with promoting prison contraband first degree, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, possession of marijuana first degree, certain person forbidden to possess firearm, and receiving stolen property second degree, prohibited activities.
Williams was charged with promoting prison contraband first degree, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, felony attempting to elude, criminal mischief first degree, possession of marijuana first degree, and prohibited activities.
Shields was charged with promoting prison contraband first degree, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, possession of marijuana first degree, and prohibited activities.
Thd Poarch Creek Indians Police Department, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency assisted in the chase and apprehension.
The LESD investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Jumped 18 Cents Last Week
July 8, 2024
Florida gas prices increased 18 cents per gallon in the final days leading up to Independence Day, last week. Florida drivers wound up paying an average price of $3.53 per gallon on July 4th. That was 27 cents per gallon more than what drivers paid on Independence Day last year, yet still much less than the average price in 2022 of $4.54 a gallon.
The Pensacola metro was the cheapest in the state with an average of $3.22. Pensacola prices were as low as $3.01 Sunday night on East Nine Mile Road. A low price of $3.06 could be found in North Escambia Sunday at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers are now paying the most expensive gas prices in nearly two months,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Fuel prices face continued upward pressure on concerns about Tropical Storm Beryl, and economic data suggesting that the U.S. Federal Reserve could lower interest rates to boost growth.”
The Gulf Coast is home to nearly half of the fuel refining capacity in the United States. The majority of Florida’s gasoline supply sails into the state from this region, which includes Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Initial reports are that Beryl is not expected to cause significant disruptions to U.S. offshore oil-and-gas production. The full extent of the storm’s impact on fuel prices will likely not be known until several days after it passes.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Tern Eggs, Fishing Violations
July 8, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Bower and Officer Mullins responded to information about least tern eggs being removed from a nest at Opal Beach. An investigation revealed a subject had collected 19 least tern eggs from several nests, wrapped them in a t-shirt, and brought them to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center on Navarre Beach. The subject stated she was familiar with the shorebird nesting season and was also familiar with the signage there to protect the shorebirds and their nests. An FWC shorebird biologist confirmed the eggs were from least terns. The subject was charged with taking and possessing a threatened species.
Officer Bower and Lieutenant Corbin located a derelict vessel on waters of the state. The vessel was in approximately 2 to 3 feet of water, listing to its starboard side and was about 40 percent submerged with water going into the cabin. The vessel had no outboard motor attached and no sails and was unable to be moved under its own power. The vessel owner was issued a notice to appear citation for storing a derelict vessel upon waters of the state.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Lieutenant Berryman and Officer Roberson were on patrol in East Bay conducting resource inspections near the Garcon Point Bridge. They contacted two individuals fishing who said they had fish. Officer Roberson asked who caught the fish, only one individual said it was theirs. Officer Roberson inspected the fish and found four spotted seatrout, which is one over the bag limit. Officer Roberson issued a notice to appear for the violation.
Officers Brown and Bower were on patrol when they observed a vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico with fishing equipment. The officers conducted a resource inspection and located two undersized greater amberjack. Two of the vessel admitted to spearing the undersized amberjack and keeping them. The subjects were cited appropriately.
Officer Brown responded to a call about multiple subjects taking oysters. The officers located the subjects matching the description and observed them exit the water with a cooler. Officer Brown conducted a resource inspection and located six whole stone crabs out of season. It is a violation to have whole stone crabs intact. One of the subjects admitted to catching and keeping all six stone crabs. Upon further inspection, the officer located 11 undersized stone crab claws. The subject was cited appropriately.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.