Business Alliance Calls For Escambia County To Deed Part of OLF-8 For Light Industrial Use
November 12, 2024
The Business Alliance of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is calling for Escambia County to follow the master plan for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road and deed a portion on of the property to another public entity for light industrial use.
The Business Alliance, a group of local business owners, wants the Escambia County Commission to deed light industrial acreages to the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC), which was established by the Florida Legislature in 1989 to actively seek new industry for the area, and expansion of existing industries.
Membership of the alliance approved the following positions:
- From the beginning, the OLF-8 land swap was intended to protect a valuable community asset by preserving and supporting the operations of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, specifically its activities related to OLF-8.
- Another benefit of the land swap, from its inception, was the potential for OLF-8 to serve as an asset for economic development and growth, particularly in terms of job creation.
- Escambia County has limited land resources zoned adequately to support ongoing efforts to attract new companies (and jobs) to the area, as well as retain growing industries that require expansion space.
- To remain competitive with neighboring regions, such as Alabama and Mississippi, it is imperative that Escambia County retain public ownership over its industrial-zoned real estate inventory and further develop it to a shovel ready condition.
- Transferring the “commerce park” portion of the DPZ Master Plan to the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC) will ensure public ownership and provide the local economic development organization with the inventory needed to achieve its objectives of recruiting and retaining businesses, thereby promoting job and economic growth for the citizens of Escambia County.
- Additionally, ownership of the “commerce park” by PEDC will lead to a more financially stable economic development effort, allowing the organization to retain tangible assets and generate future revenue from leasing various parcels throughout the park.
- While the Business Alliance supports the commissioners’ efforts to address the needs of residents near OLF-8 through the Master Development Plan—particularly the mixed-use aspects of the property—the Business Alliance believes that an independent appraiser’s current market valuation is necessary to adequately market and negotiate the sale of the mixed-use portion to private developers.
Members of the Business Alliance of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties are:
- Achieve Escambia
- Another Broken Egg
- Ascension Sacred Heart
- Baptist Health Care
- Baskerville Donovan
- Cat Country/ADX Communications
- Clear Title
- Cox Communications
- Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon
- Escambia Co. Schools Foundation
- Florida Blue
- Florida Power & Light
- Florida West EDA
- Florida’s Great Northwest
- FSU Credit Union
- Gibson & Associates
- Gilmore
- Grace Hebert Curtis Architects
- Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
- Greika Realty
- Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce
- Gulf Coast Kids House
- Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
- Hancock Whitney
- HCA Florida West Hospital
- Institute for Human & Machine Cognition
- LandrumHR
- LIfeView Group
- MidSouth Bank
- Moorhead Law Group
- Nemours
- NW Florida Defense Coalition
- PenAir Credit Union
- Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
- Pensacola State College
- Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce
- Saltmarsh, Cleveland, & Gund, CPA
- ServisFirst Bank
- The Lewis Bear Company
- University of West Florida
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Tax Collector Marcus Pointe Office Moving To New Location; Driving Test Location Changing
November 12, 2024
The Escambia County Tax Collector Marcus Pointe Office on W Street is closing permanently at noon on November 14.
A new Brentwood office will open its doors at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19 at 5045 North Palafox Street. Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said the Brentwood office will provide the same services as the Marcus Pointe office, with significant enhancements and modernized facilities designed to improve efficiency and customer experience.
During the transition, driving skills tests will be offered at the Warrington office at 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A, from Tuesday, November 12 through Friday, November 15 to Escambia County residents by appointment only. Driving tests will resume at the new Brentwood office on Tuesday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m. and will be available by appointment only through Wednesday, November 20. Driving tests will be offered on a walk-in basis only beginning Thursday, November 21, 2024
Appointments for this transition period may be made by visiting EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Pictured: The new Escambia County Tax Collector Brentwood office that will open on November 19. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New 332 Lot Subdivision Planned For Devine Farm Road In Cantonment
November 12, 2024
A new 332 lot subdivision is proposed for Devine Farm Road in Cantonment.
According to an application filed by Hammond Engineering, The Colonies is a proposed 332 lot single family subdivision bordered by Devin Farms Road to the north, I-10 to the south and Bristol Creek to the east. The total project area is 87 acres with density of 3.82 lots per acre.
Plans indicate the entire project would be constructed in a single phase.
The project has not yet been set for formal review by the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
November 12, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads amd projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter westbound inside lane closures on Gregory Street, from 14th Avenue to 11th Avenue Tuesday, Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 14, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Nov. 10, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations, traffic signalization and concrete work.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – Drivers may encounter outside lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, Tuesday, Nov. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 16, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 14, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary traffic shift.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Nov. 10:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Tuesday, Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 14, the left lane of I-10 Eastbound will be closed intermittently near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform guardrail work.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Routine Maintenance near Wilmar Avenue – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for manhole repairs.
- U.S. 90 (West Nine Mile) Routine Maintenance near Beulah Fire Station – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Nov. 12 and Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 14 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter lane closures on the Simpson River Bridge Monday, Nov. 11 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
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- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Monday, Nov. 11, through Friday, Nov. 15, 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.
Northview High’s Calloway Named Winner In VFW Essay Contest
November 12, 2024
Northview High School student Madelyn Calloway was named the winner of the Atmore Post #7016 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Her essay will now advance to the state level. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Trend Lower After 15 Cent Hike, AAA Says
November 12, 2024
Florida’s average gas price nearly dropped near the $3 a gallon threshold last week. The state average sank to $3.01 per gallon last Monday. From there, gas prices rose an average of 14 cents. The state average peaked mid-week at $3.15 per gallon, then moved lower through the weekend.
“Sunday’s state average was $3.11 per gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers are now paying 9 cents more than this time last week.”
Escambia County’s average Monday night was $2.90, with a low of $2.63 on Pine Forest Road. In North Escambia, prices were as low Monday at $2.89 at several stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Crude oil prices were relatively flat last week. The price for U.S. crude oil settled at $70.38 per barrel, which is 89 cents more than a week ago.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Traffic Back To All Four Lanes In $4.7 Million Highway 29 Reconstruction In Century
November 12, 2024
All four lanes of Highway 29 in Century are open for the first time since January 2023.
The Florida Department of Transportation last week shifted traffic back to four lanes between Rudolph Street and Green Streets. However, the project is not complete. FDOT said rivers on North Century Boulevard, between Highway 4 and the Alabama state line, may still encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations.
This project is estimated for completion in late 2024.
The $4.7 million safety project began in January 2023 to reconstruct, resurface, and realign Highway 29. The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: All four lanes of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) were open on a rainy Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Cantonment Boy Dies
November 11, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested an Alabama man for DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with an I-10 crash November 6 that injured six Cantonment residents, including a 14-year-old boy that suffered critical injuries and has now passed away.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 14-year-old was the passenger in a van along with five other Cantonment residents ranging in age from 12 to 50 that suffered minor injuries.
FHP said the van and a pickup truck were involved in the crash, and at least one vehicle rolled over.
Troopers originally charged the driver of the pickup, 49-year-old Shawn Reynolds Wilber of Daphne, Alabama, with DUI with serious bodily injury. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on bond. He was arrested again Sunday and charged with both DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. on I-10 westbound, just west of the Highway 29 exit.
Texas Longhorns Take SEC Soccer Title; Officials Say Escambia County Wins Big
November 11, 2024
The Texas Longhorns won the SEC Womens Soccer Championship Sunday at Escambia County Ashton Brosnaham Park, and officials say the tournament was a big win for Escambia County.
Mia Justus made seven saves and Carly Montgomery scored the game-deciding goal in the 80th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over South Carolina for the Texas Longhorns’ first-ever SEC title.
Thousands of fans attended the tournament at the park off 10-Mile Road, including a huge crowd that filled the stands for Sunday’s final, despite rain.
The even was preceded by a free Fan Fest with games, music and other activities for soccer fans before the championship game.
This marked the third consecutive year that Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park has served as the location for the tournament, generating millions of dollars in local economic impact, according to local officials.
For soccer championship action photos, click here.
For Fan Fest photos, click here.
“We are incredibly proud to once again host the SEC tournament, and we hope the teams and fans enjoy their time in Escambia County,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “This is an exciting event not only for District 5 and Escambia County, but for all of Northwest Florida. I appreciate the continued partnership with Pensacola Sports and the SEC, along with the countless staff members and volunteers who work behind the scenes to make an event like this possible.”
Escambia County Parks and Recreation has completed significant improvements to continue to make the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park a first-rate sports complex, including a new multi-use facility that opened just in time for the 2023 SEC Tournament. The new facility serves as additional locker room space for the SEC Soccer Tournament, along with other sporting events including local youth, high school and college soccer. Parks and Recreation staff also repaved the parking lot and completed significant upgrades to the field turf at Ashton Brosnaham.
Pensacola Sports President and CEO Ray Palmer lauded the strong partnership between Pensacola Sports, Escambia County Parks and Recreation, and the SEC, also highlighting the positive impact that a tournament like this creates for Escambia County and the greater Pensacola area.
“Every year, we get a little better at it,” Palmer said. “We just keep raising the bar, because we want to show the SEC that we want them here. And for these players, they’re going to be deciding where they live after they graduate, where they may start their families, where they’ll come and go to work or start their own businesses, or where they’ll vacation for years and years. It gives our community a chance to show up and show off. It’s just such a golden opportunity, and the economic impact just the week they’re here is significant.”
For soccer championship action photos, click here.
For Fan Fest photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High School JROTC Honors Veterans
November 11, 2024
The Northview High School NJROTC held a special program for Veterans Day last week. The program included a special flag folding ceremony. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
