Lane Closures Through Thursday On Highway 29 Cantonment To Molino For Striping, Signal Work
July 6, 2021
The Florida Department of Transportation said drivers can expect possible delays Tuesday through Thursday on Highway 29 between Molino and Cantonment.
FDOT said motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures on Highway 29 front just south of Muscogee Road in Cantonment to Highway 97 in Molino. Contractors will be performing striping operations and signal work needed complete the project.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Looking north on Highway 29 just south of the Highway 97 intersection in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
District 5 Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Tomorrow
July 6, 2021
Residents of Quintette will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, July 7 during a District 5 neighborhood cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup (click map above to enlarge). Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of a residence by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Do not place piles under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes.
Items eligible for removal include:
Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive clean-up effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Florida Gas Prices Averaging About $3 A Gallon
July 6, 2021
Florida gas prices are now averaging $3.01 a gallon, the highest daily average since October 2014, according to AAA.
On average, Florida drivers are now paying seven cents per gallon more than a week ago and 15 cents less than this time last month. The state average is now 90 cents more than this time last year, when prices plummeted due to low demand because of the pandemic.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.99 Monday night. The lowest price to be found Monday night in North Escambia was $2.95 at a Cantonment station. In Pensacola, the two warehouse clubs were at $2.83.
“Florida drivers continue to feel the effects of rising crude oil prices, which have made it more expensive to produce gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices have surged nearly 60% this year, as global fuel demand outpaces the recovery in supplies. Unfortunately, these pump prices will likely hang around through the summer, unless fundamentals change. Tropical Storm Elsa is not expected to impact prices at the pump.”
Last year, during the pandemic, many fuel-producing countries reduced crude oil output, due to plummeting fuel demand. According to the EIA, the United States’ production levels dropped a total of 24% from January 2020 to August 2020. Although US production levels have bounced back from mid-2020 lows, they remain 15% below pre-pandemic levels. Reopening rigs can take time due to staffing and other logistics.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Hit And Run Crash In Molino
July 5, 2021
There were no injuries reported in a hit and run crash on Highway 29 in Molino Monday.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded just after noon to the crash on Highway 29 near Omega Drive. It was not known what time the wreck occurred.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the wreck was a hit and run. Further details were not provided.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Century Man Charged With Stealing The Cash Pot From Poker Game After He Went Broke
July 5, 2021
A Century man is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing the cash pot during a poker game.
Ronnie Lee Simpson, Jr., 39, was charged with robbery with a firearm, felony grand theft, two counts of petit theft, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Simpson was allegedly playing poker for money at a residence on Blackmon Street in Century when he pulled a gun and stole the pot. Other players said Simpson had “gone broke” and was upset.
One victim told deputies that he had $740 in the pot, and another said he was had $300. Both said they wished to pursue charges. A third victim told deputies he was in for $1,875 that was stolen but he said he wished to pursue the issue civilly.
Simpson was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $40,000 bond.
Ordinary Call Leads To Random Act Of Kindness For Escambia Firefighters
July 5, 2021
When a group of Escambia County firefighters were leaving an ordinary “lift assist” call recently, they stopped to perform a random act of kindness.
The crew of Escambia Fire Rescue Squad 3 saw a wheelchair bound homeowner cutting his grass with a push mower. It was a tough job that the man said would have taken an hour and a half.
Squad 3 took over and was able to complete the job is less than 20 minutes with Lt. John Van Matre, firefighter Allen Harrison, and firefighter Kyle Saxton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: What To Expect This Week Due To Road Construction
July 5, 2021
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:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - U.S. 98 eastbound drivers will encounter right lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, for crews to paint the barrier wall on the bridge.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction - 17th Avenue northbound is accessible for traffic exiting the bridge. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch is available from 17th Avenue northbound. Left turns remain temporarily prohibited from 14th Avenue to Bayfront Parkway eastbound. Instead, these drivers should travel south on Ninth Avenue, then east on Chase Street, and continue eastbound to Bayfront Parkway and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) - Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8 throughout the limits of the project for striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. The speed limit on West Cervantes Street between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8, as crews perform paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers can expect intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Nine Mile Road between Beulah Road and I-10 is expected to be open to four travel lanes the week of Monday, July 5. Beginning, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures between Beulah Road and the Eleven Mile Creek to allow crews to perform paving operations.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
- There will be intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8 as crews restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of low-profile barrier wall.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - U.S. 98 eastbound drivers will encounter right lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, for crews to paint the barrier wall on the bridge.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts at this time.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Road construction on Highway 29. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Walk-Off In Extras In Series Finale Against Biloxi
July 5, 2021
Riley Mahan broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 10th inning with a bases-loaded walk to give the Wahoos a thrilling 5-4 win at Blue Wahoos Stadium on the Fourth of July.
In the top of the 10th inning, the Shuckers capitalized on the extra-innings rule by scoring Luis Castro on a RBI single from Jesus Lujano. The Shucker left fielder finished the day 4-for-5, which was the third 4-hit game of his career.
Despite taking the lead, Andrew McInvale (W, 1-0) showed resiliency on the mound by retiring the next two batters without surrendering a run.
In the bottom of the 10th with Bleday on second, the Wahoos loaded the bases thanks to a hit-by-pitch and a walk. With the winning run at second and nobody out, Victor Victor Mesa hit a sac fly to right center that scored Bleday and moved Jerar Encarnacion to third. The Shuckers then intentionally walked Chris Chinea to reload the bases before Nick Lovullo hit into a fielder’s choice in which Biloxi shortstop Brice Turang got the force out at the plate.
With one out and the bases still loaded, Riley Mahan—who came off the bench in the bottom of the ninth—worked the count full against Robbie Hitt (L, 0-1) before drawing a game-winning walk.
For the Shuckers, the loss was their fifth in six days, and a disappointing way for the comeback bid to fall short.
After failing to score against Biloxi’s opener, Pensacola came out swinging against intended starter, Nick Bennett. In his first inning of work, the Wahoos scored three times. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third and only one out, JJ Bleday laced a double to the warning track in center to bring home two runs. Nick Fortes followed with an RBI single to put the Wahoos ahead 3-0.
The Shuckers had no answer for Pensacola said starter Max Meyer, who pitched five shutout innings while allowing four hits and striking out four. It was the second time Meyer has pitched against Biloxi this week and the fourth time this season. In his four combined outings, Meyer is 1-0 and has pitched 19.1 shutout innings against the Brewers Double-A affiliate. The next time Meyer takes the mound, he will be in Denver, pitching for the National League in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.
Biloxi’s offense came to life once Meyer departed. Luis Castro led off with a double off Zack Leban before Alexander Palma launched his fourth homer of the season to cut Pensacola’s lead down to 3-2. The Shuckers then tied the game in the seventh after Turang walked, stole second, and scored on the RBI single from Palma.
For a moment it appeared the Wahoos were poised to walk it off in regulation, as they had the winning run on second base with two outs in the bottom go the ninth. Bleday hit a line drive to center that was run down by Ryan Aguilar to send the game in extras.
Pensacola now has six walk-off wins this season, and are an impressive 15-7 in one-run games.
The Wahoos next face the Mississippi Braves in Pearl, MS beginning on Tuesday, July 6. As it stands, the M-Braves are one back of the Wahoos for the best record in the Double-A South. RHP Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.17) is expected to start the opener for Pensacola. He will be opposed by RHP Spencer Strider (0-1, 5.40).
Jay Enjoyed Fireworks Saturday Night. Here’s A Schedule Of Fireworks And Events Tonight For The Fourth.
July 4, 2021
Jay kicked off the Independence Day celebrations with a fireworks show Saturday night, and several other fireworks shows and events are planned for Sunday night.
Before the annual fireworks show in Jay, the Jay Elementary School Junior Beta Club added to the celebration with a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Activities included a bounce house, glow items, face painting, boiled peanuts, drinks and cotton candy.
Here’s the schedule for fireworks, concerts and other events Sunday night in the North Escambia area:
JULY 4
Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola
For the 32nd year, area Sertoma organizations are again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Sunday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
The festivities are going to be different this year. Organizers decided to focus on holding the largest fireworks show ever for the Fourth. The celebration will return to the full day of festivities for 2022.
There will be live music on the main stage on Bayfront Parkway at Bartram Park, with Not Quite Fab taking the stage at 4:30 with their Beatles show and Still Standing from 6:30 until 9 p.m. with a tribute to Elton John.
The fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at 9 p.m. will be synchronized with music on CatCountry 98.7. You’ll need an actual FM radio — there is too much of a delay when using a device or app.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Sparks & Stars Performance
There will be a free performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring your blanket to enjoy the show on the lawn. This orchestra concert will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 92.3 / AM 1620, on BLAB-TV and in Wahoos Stadium from 7:30 until 9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Fireworks show will be at 8:30 p.m. Sunday along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The best viewing spots are from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Downtown Milton Riverfest
Celebrate the 4th of July along Willing St. in Milton. in Historic Downtown Milton from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a family-friendly event featuring the Firecracker Bike Show, car show, food and retail vendors, live entertainment, and the Great Mill Town Duck Race. The night will end with a firework display over the Blackwater River at sundown.
Atmore
Fireworks at 9 p.m. at Wind Creek.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Escambia County’s Mobile Command Center To Remain At Condo Collapse Through July 30
July 4, 2021
Escambia County’s mobile command center will stay at the South Florida condo collapse longer than first anticipated.
The command center, nicknamed “THOR” was set to return from Surfside on Wednesday, but it will now remain through July 30.
The state requested use of the vehicle as a command post to use during the search and recovery efforts.
The THOR command post trailer expands to offer 1,000 square feet of interior working space. It is equipped with a 44-kilowatt generator with 72 hours of fuel onboard, and has dual 5-ton air conditioning units.
It allows for wireless communications, including cellular, satellite, VOIP phones and radio equipment. It has a 52-foot mast with antennas an high resolutions cameras, a video distribution system for off-air television, satellite television and computer system. There is a four-position communication room and office space with printers, scanners, office supplies, mini-fridge, microwave and a coffee maker.
Current plans call for THOR to be moved to the Miami Convention Center until Tropical Storm Elsa clears before it is returned to Surfside.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.