Bedhead Ted Wins: Bratt Elementary Students Vote For Their Favorite Books
April 8, 2024
Bratt Elementary school students participated in the Sunshine State Young Reader Election late last week.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender and his team worked with librarian Shonna Gilmore on the election.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There were 122 students in third to fifth grade that voted on real election equipment.
Bedhead Ted was the first place book, followed by a second place tie between The Area 51 Files and The Curse on Spectacle Key.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Avoid The Slowdowns: This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
April 8, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) - Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on I-10 westbound near Exit 10 as crews perform clearing and grubbing work. In addition, the speed limit on I-10 has been reduced to 50 mph and will remain lowered through 2030.
- I-10 at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform construction activities:
- Alternating lane closures on Nine Mile Road from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road will be shifted to the inside and will be in place until summer 2024.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until spring 2025.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6 mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- 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 will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform earthwork, signalization, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, April 7 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound inside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound inside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 9. The I-10 westbound outside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound inside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge Tuesday, April 9 through Thursday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, April 7, through Friday, April 12, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and Hwy. 178, Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 8 through Thursday, April 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fell 12 Cents Last Week, But Upward Pressure Returns
April 8, 2024
Florida gas prices are on a 9-day streak of declines, falling a total of 15 cents. On Sunday, the state average was $3.47 per gallon, down 12 cents from a week ago.
The average per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $3.37, with a low of $3.12 available on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $3.25 at two Cantonment stations on Highway 29.
“Pump prices are once again below year-ago levels, but upward pressure has moved back into the market,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The U.S. price of oil surged to new 2024 highs last week, which could cause gas prices to move higher.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Beat M-Braves To Sweep Season-Opening Series
April 8, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hammered Mississippi Braves pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep on Sunday afternoon, coasting to a 9-1 victory to improve to 3-0 on the young season.
With a season-opening weekend sweep, the Blue Wahoos are one win shy of tying a record set in 2021 for their best start in team history.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early with three runs in the first, highlighted by a two-run single from Sean Roby that would have otherwise been a three-run homer if not for a cross-up on the basepaths.
Jacob Berry and Roby added RBI singles in the second inning to extend the lead to 5-0, and Diego Infante launched an opposite-field solo homer in the third. Harrison Spohn’s first Double-A hit added another run to the total, bouncing the Braves’ #2 pitching prospect with 11 hits allowed and a 7-0 lead.
That would be more than enough for Pensacola starter Paul Campbell, who pitched 5.1 innings of one-run ball in his first start in nearly two years. The righty fanned five in his comeback performance from 2022 elbow surgery, and was backed up with scoreless relief from Jeff Lindgren, Zach McCambley and Austin Roberts.
A sellout crowd of 5,038 – the third sellout in as many games – enjoyed a surprise flyover from the Blue Angels and support aircraft Fat Albert in the sixth inning as the ace flyers made their Sunday afternoon tour over downtown Pensacola.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos hit the road Tuesday for a six-game series in Montgomery against the Biscuits.
Western Gate Soccer Showdown Brings SEC Teams to North Escambia Area (With Gallery)
April 7, 2024
Escambia County residents had a chance to experience action Saturday between three top ranked Southeastern Conference schools as they competed in the Western Gate Soccer Showdown at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park off 10 Mile Road.
The inaugural Western Gate Collegiate Soccer Showdown featured matchups between the Florida Gators, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers with free admission.
Young soccer players and fans were thrilled to meet the soccer players during fan autograph sessions. The SEC players autographed team photos, jerseys, soccer balls and shoes as they interacted with fans.
For more photos, including the Mississippi State vs. LSU game, click here.
The 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will return to Escambia County November 3-10. The top 12 SEC women’s soccer teams will compete for their championship at the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 97 Davisville Crash
April 7, 2024
One person was injured when a Kia crashed in a culvert on Highway 97 in Davisville Saturday morning.
The crash happened south of the Piggly Wiggly and the Florida/Alabama state line at Atmore. The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.
FHP is continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Funeral Held For Escambia Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber
April 7, 2024
Funeral services were held Saturday at Pensacola Beach for Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber.
Kalber passed away peacefully on March 24, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with an illness.
He served the citizens of Escambia County since 2013, becoming the school resource officer at Tate High School in 2018.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Horse Judging Team Places Third In State
April 7, 2024
The Northview High School FFA Horse Evaluation Team placed third overall in the state Saturday at the Florida FFA State Horse Evaluation Finals in Gainesville.
Kailey Hawkins also placed third individually. Team members are Hawkins, Jordan Ford, Kyrie King, and Jack Boutwell.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here’s How Escambia Public Schools Will Handle The Eclipse On Monday
April 7, 2024
About 80% of the sun will be eclipsed Monday in Escambia County, and Escambia County Public Schools has announced how they will handle the event.
All outdoor activities not approved by school principals will be suspended during the time, and school personnel will review proper safety protocols with students during the eclipse. Approved activities will vary by school and teacher and can include viewing the eclipse through approved eyewear and/or viewing the eclipse indirectly using pinhole projection. Teachers have received training on these topics.
Blue Wahoos Get Wild Walkoff To Delight Sellout Crowd With Second Win
April 7, 2024
by Bill Violan, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Two games into the season, the Blue Wahoos already have a walkoff win.
On a Fireworks Saturday, no less, complete with a bizarre finish.
Pinch-runner Dalvy Rosario, who joined the team earlier in the day, scored on a wild pitch, after advancing on a wild pitch to give the Blue Wahoos a 7-6 victory against the Mississippi Braves, as another sellout crowd celebrated at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“It’s kind of something I’ve gotten used to,” said Blue Wahoos starting pitcher M.D. Johnson, who worked five solid innings in his outing. “It’s like once we do get to the bottom of the ninth, whether we’re down one, or we are tied, it’s like ‘Who is going to do it? Someone is going to do it.”
In this case, the Blue Wahoos built a 6-3 lead after five innings. But the M-Braves got a pair of runs in the eighth inning. In the top of the ninth, leadoff batter Cade Brunnel drew a walk from Blue Wahoos reliever Matt Pushard. A pinch-runner, Geraldo Quintero was inserted.
Quintero used his speed to steal second, then advanced to third on a fly ball to center. With two outs, two strikes, Yolbert Sanchez tied the game on a ground ball single through the hole between first and second. Pushard got the final out to head into the bottom of the ninth.
Paul McIntosh led off with a walk. Rosario was inserted as a pinch-runner. Jacob Berry swung and missed a third strike from reliever Jorge Juan, but the ball eluded catcher Tyler Tolve, allowing both runners to advance.
Another wild pitch sent Rosario to third and he scored on a wild pitch.
The joyous crowd of 5,038 then watched the season’s first fireworks display.
After playing games to quiet settings on back fields in the Miami Marlins spring training complex, Johnson said the setting the first two games of 2024 has been a welcome change.
“In spring training, everyone is just ready to get to the season,” he said. “You just want to get out of Jupiter. And here, with as much as fans as we have, you don’t have to build up to that energy level. It’s just there.
“The crowds here are amazing. I have been through four levels (of minor leagues) if you count short season in the Marlins system. But the crowds here in Pensacola are absolutely amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”
Earlier in the game, it was a another big night for left fielder Tanner Allen. The Mobile native and former Mississippi State star drove in a run in the first inning, went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored a run.
Shortstop Javier Sanoja had a big hit with a two-run double in the fifth inning.
GAME NOTABLES
The Tiger Point Sports Association celebrated its youth baseball organization with a parade of 200-plus kids on the field during pregame ceremonies.
ON DECK
WHAT: Blue Wahoos Season-Opening Weekend
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.