Traffic Alert: Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
January 31, 2021
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 – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route. The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Traffic impacts for the week of Sunday, Jan. 31 include:
- The U.S. 29 median crossover at Hood Drive will be temporarily closed until 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1 to adjust the elevation of the median crossover at this location. Motorists approaching U.S. 29 from Hood Drive will be required to turn right onto U.S. 29. The signal will be placed in flash-mode and signage will be in place.
- Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent right turn lane closures beginning Monday, Feb. 1.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (State Road (S.R.) 297) to U.S. 29 -Drivers will experience intermittent traffic stoppages at the intersection of Nine Mile and Pine Forest roads from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 through Wednesday, Feb. 3 as crews pave the intersection. Traffic control officers will be on-site to direct traffic. Additionally, the Nine Mile Road westbound right turn lane to access Pine Forest Road will be closed during these same hours as crews reconstruct the turn lane.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities including utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements have begun. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities are anticipated to begin summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/Pensacola Bay.
- S.R. 87 Mardi Gras Parade From Stewart Street in Milton between Raymond Hobbs Street and Elva Street – Motorists will encounter lane closures Saturday, Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the Mardi Gras parade.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over Saltman Bayou – Motorists will encounter a westbound lane closure from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 for bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Pond Creek – Motorists will encounter a westbound lane closure from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 while crews perform bridge repair work.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Maintenance over East Bay River – Motorists will encounter a southbound lane closure from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 for bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over East Bay River – Motorists will encounter a northbound lane closure from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 while crews perform bridge repair work.
- U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) Turn Lane Construction for New Discount Tire Store – Motorists will encounter nighttime, intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Feb. 3 and continuing to Thursday, Feb. 18 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions through Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Approaching the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road as seen on Thursday. NorthEsambia.com photo.
NAS Pensacola, Whiting Field Conducting Anti-Terrorism Exercise
January 31, 2021
Naval Air Station Pensacola and Whiting Field will hold an annual force protection exercise February 1-12.
Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2021 will be conducted on Navy installations in the continental U.S. It is a regularly scheduled exercise and is not a response to any specific threat.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.
Photo: U.S. Navy.
ECSO K-9 Sadie Visits Molino Cub Scout Pack
January 31, 2021
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tommi Lyter, K-9 Sadie and Deputy Matthews recently visited Molino Cub Scout Pack 430 Tuesday evening at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
The visit allowed members of the pack to work towards their Hometown Heroes requirements, Safe and Smart belt loop and Building a Better World pin. K-9 Sadie also helped the pack earn their Critter Care requirements.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service: The Trials And Joys Of Trees
January 31, 2021
|submitted by the Florida Forest Service|
Trees often are low on priority lists – unless you had tree damage as a result of Hurricane Sally. However, you might be surprised to learn that trees played a beneficial, if somewhat behind the scenes, role for good this year and every year. And celebrating the good, while not ignoring potential problems, is important when making decisions involving trees.
Often trees are disparaged, especially after a severe storm. Many trees fell during Sally, causing costly clean up and often significant damage. Some trees were damaged: causing hazardous conditions, opportunities for the tree disease and insect infestation, or simply aesthetically unpleasant disfigurement. Even without storms, trees require care, can interfere with utilities and foundations, and require extra clean up certain times of year. Yet, healthy well-maintained trees might reduce wind speeds and damage for property underneath or on the leeward (downwind) side of trees. Trees also significantly reduce erosion and absorb stormwater.
Trees often give more than they take. Many studies have been done on the effects of green space on a person’s well-being, including lowering blood pressure, speeding up recovery times, and lessening depression and anxiety. Other social benefits include lowering crime rates, increasing property values, creating beauty and space for recreation and relaxation, and lowering cooling bills. They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. We haven’t even begun to mention the material benefits such as fruit, nuts, wood, and the 5,000 plus commercial products made from trees (wood, roots, leaves, and saps).
So, celebrate trees this year! Winter is a great time to improve existing trees and to plant new ones. Florida Arbor Day is celebrated the on the third Friday in January – January 15, 2021. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. While you might not be able to attend a public event, you still can get out and celebrate trees. Below are some ideas.
Existing Trees
- Care for storm damaged trees.
- Contact an arborist for evaluation of potential hazards
- Properly prune out broken limbs to create a smooth surface
- Some trees may not be able to be successfully treated and need removal
- o Most trees will recover, but might need time and/or multiple treatments
- Learn about proper pruning techniques to take care of smaller trees yourself
- When hiring a professional is required, hire a reputable company with a certified arborist on staff. Ensure the company has both Personal and Property Damage Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture can be found at http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx.
- Take care of tree roots. Don’t compact the soil by parking or piling things in the root zone. Use caution when applying any chemicals (fertilizer, herbicide, pesticides) to the soil or lawn. Read the label to ensure it will not harm your tree.
New Plantings
- • Decide what species of tree is right for you, considering the soil type, size of opening, climate, and eventual size of tree.
- • Plant the tree at the right depth, not too deep or too shallow.
- • Keep it simple. Soil amendments, fertilizers, and staking are usually unnecessary, especially for small native trees.
- • Mulch lightly over the root zone, but not against the trunk.
- • Water regularly until the tree is established. (Three gallons per inch of tree diameter weekly – applied slowly at the root ball)
Celebrate!
- Take a photo of your favorite tree to post on social media. Tag the Florida Forest Service!
- Take a hike in the woods or a nearby park.
- Have a picnic with friends or family by a tree.
- Be grateful for your tree and its benefits.
- Teach a child about trees. There are many activities that can be used. Check out Project Learning Tree Activities for Families – Project Learning Tree (plt.org) or the Arbor Day Foundation www.ArborDay.org for a few ideas.
- Plant a new tree.
For more information on the benefits of trees, visit healthytreeshealthylives.org or www.vibrantcitieslab.com.
Flomaton Man Violently Fights With Deputies And K-9 During Arrest, ECSO Says
January 30, 2021
A Flomaton man is accused of violently fighting with deputies and a K-9 after attempting to illegally enter an occupied vehicle and illegally enter an occupied home.
Eric Tyler Mathis, 25, was charged with attempted carjacking, attempted burglary of an occupied residence, three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and battery on a police dog.
A caller told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that a man, later identified as Mathis, was walking in and out of traffic in the area of North 50th Avenue and State Street and had attempted to grab their steering wheel.
A man returned to his home on State Street to find Mathis on his front porch and attempting to enter the home while his daughter was inside.
When deputies arrived moments later, they found Mathis sitting on the steps to a carport door and hiding behind a tarp. He refused to comply with multiple orders from deputies to get on the ground, according to an arrest report.
The report states Mathis then took steps toward deputies in an aggressive manner. He was taken to the ground but continued to resist commands and efforts to place him in handcuffs. He began to push off the ground with multiple deputies on top of him. Two deputies delivered multiple strikes to Mathis’s head and face, ultimately knocking him unconscious.
Mathis regained consciousness as four deputies attempted to place his hands behind his back, and he continued to fight with deputies. Deputies delivered several more strikes to his head and face, knocking Mathis unconscious a second time.
Mathis regained consciousness again and continued to fight back. Deputies tased him, but the taser was ineffective.
Deputies then deployed K-9 Zeek on Mathis, the report states. While Zeek was holding Mathis, Mathis grabbed Zeek around the neck. Deputies were able to regain control over both of Mathis’ hands and placed him in handcuffs after the dog was removed.
“We are glad the vehicle occupant was not harmed and we are glad the homeowner was not harmed,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “We are also glad neither the deputies or K-9 Zeek were seriously injured. A person cannot illegally enter another person’s occupied vehicle, cannot illegally enter another person’s occupied home, and cannot fight the efforts of law enforcement officers. Let’s not forget about the victims of these crimes and how terrifying it must have been for them. We value the lives and safety of our residents. I would rather our deputies not have to use any force. I also wish criminals did not put our citizens and deputies in harm’s way.”
Mathis was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment and then booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $136,000.
K-9 Zeek was uninjured.
Property Tax Discount Deadline Is Sunday, But You May Have Until Monday To Pay
January 30, 2021
An available two percent discount on the payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends Sunday, January 31, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
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To receive the two percent discount, payments must be:
- made online by midnight, February 1, 2021, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com;
- mailed with a January postmark; or
- left in a drop box available at all locations by close of business, February 1, 2021.
Since all offices are closed on January 31, customers who make their payment in person at any tax collector office on Monday, February 1, 2021, will receive the two percent discount.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit our virtual office at EscambiaTaxCollector.com to pay online 24 hours a day. Our online services allow customers to pay their taxes, search records, print receipts, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services.
Customers who decide to visit one of our four convenient offices can join the line online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com and manage their time their way. Citizens select an office location and type of service, receive a message with approximate service time and then continue their regular activities until the service time approaches.
To check the status of your taxes, pay online or print a receipt, visit our payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the tax collector’s office by email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com or by phone with any questions.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Announces Service Academy Nominations
January 30, 2021
Congressman Matt Gaetz has announced his 2021 service academy nominations for Florida’s First Congressional District.
Several North Escambia students are on the list, including Clayton Kittrell from Northview High School with nominations to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; David Lamb from Northview High to the U.S. Naval Academy; Dillon Conti from Tate High School and Pensacola State College to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Jacob Hutto from Tate High School to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; and Eva Miller from Tate High School to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point).
Gaetz nominated the following students to service academies:
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
- Brandon Anderson, University of Florida
- Ashley Beers, Navarre High School
- Mira Helms, Gulf Breeze High School
- Athena Hobbs, Niceville High School
- Matthew Hoffman, Marion Military Institute
- Kathe Nelson, Navarre High School
- Francesco Paone, Choctawhatchee High School
- Creanna Shaw, Matthew C. Perry High School
- Mya Trevino, Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY (WEST POINT)
- Ashley Beers, Navarre High School
- Jax Butterfield, Milton High School
- Steven Decesare, Gulf Breeze High School
- Joseph Del Valle – Figueroa, Crestview High School
- Rene Grisotto, Niceville High School
- Katherine Haerer, South Walton High School / NWFL State College
- William Hoffman, Marion Military Institute
- Samuel Houston, Wiesbaden High School
- Jacob Hutto, Tate High School
- Clayton Kittrell, Northview High School
- Eva Miller, Tate High School
- Michaela Waddy, Choctawhatchee High School
- Aidan Westerkom, Pace High School
- Sion Yu, Northwest Florida State College
- Caden Dale, Pace High School
- Mira Helms, Gulf Breeze High School
- Adelle Strickland, Freeport High School
- Justin Liaw, Pace High School
- Carlos Comas Arenas, Crestview High School
- Creanna Shaw, Matthew Perry High School
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
- Dillon Conti, Tate High School / Pensacola State College
- Abigail Driskell, Gulf Breeze High School
- Liam Gibson, Navarre High School
- David Lamb, Northview High School
- Justin Liaw, Pace High School
- ArieAnna Muro, Escambia County High School
- Richard Rudd, Pine Forest High School
- Adelle Strickland, Freeport High School
- Michaela Waddy, Choctawhatchee High School
- Chloe Wheeler, Pace High School
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
- Caden Dale, Pace High School
- Thomas Frosch, Marion Military Institute
- Jacob Hutto, Tate High School
- Clayton Kittrell, Northview High School
- Allan Merrill, Nile C. Kinnick High School
- Aidan Westerkom, Pace High School
- Josiah Wilmer, Trinitas Christian School
- Sion Yu, Northwest Florida State College
- Dillon Conti, Tate High School / Pensacola State College
The Virtual Academy Nomination Reveal may be viewed in full by clicking or tapping here.
Man Charged After Fentanyl, Meth, Spice Discovered In Escambia Home
January 30, 2021
An investigation that lasted several months ended with the arrest of an Escambia County man and a narcotics seizure.
With the assistance of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and High Intensity Patrol Unit, a search warrant was served at a home on the 10-block of New York Drive. Inside the home, deputies discovered four grams of fentanyl, 18 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of cocaine, 300 grams of synthetic cannabinoid spice, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and $2,155 dollars in cash.
Dillan Callaway, 25, was arrested and charged with trafficking in fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, trafficking in synthetic cannabinoid spice, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony and violation of probation.
Callaway’s bond was set at $161,000.
Escambia Commissioner Chair Bender Joins Escambia Fire Rescue For Training Exercise
January 30, 2021
Escambia County Commission chairman and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender participated in firefighter training with Escambia County Fire Rescue Friday to better understand requirements.
“It’s important for people to experience what we do in our profession,” said ECFR Capt. Craig Ammons. “We can sit in a meeting and tell you what we do and what is required, but I think the person has a better understanding of what’s involved if they can experience it themselves. We truly appreciate Commissioner Bender for coming out.”
The training exercise consisted of three evolutions; search and rescue, forced entry and fire hose handling.
Ammons stressed the importance of operational and practical training as a critical element of the service and capability that ECFR provides to the community. ECFR made a lifesaving effort at a residential structure fire in the 2500 block of Y Street on Thursday.
“Firefighting skills are improved through repetition,” he said. “The more that our personnel can do these tasks over and over, it becomes second nature for them. And that’s what we want them to do. We want them to be able to respond to emergencies instinctively.”
“I enjoyed this great opportunity to get a hands-on look into what our hardworking Escambia County Fire Rescue team does for our community every day,” said Bender.
The training took place at a building slated to be demolished to make way for the new Baptist Hospital near I-10 and Brent Lane.
Briana McCreary Named Escambia County’s Teacher Of The Year
January 30, 2021
Escambia County’s Teacher of the Year is Briana McCreary.
McCreary has been a teacher since 2013 and currently teaches third grade at Montclair Elementary School.
As a life-long learner, McCreary uses her knowledge to be a better teacher.
“During my studies and research into the school-wide performance, I identified a trend in the school FSA performance in which the percentage of proficient female students was 82% lower than the percentage of proficient male students in mathematics,” wrote McCreary in her application for Teacher of the Year. “This sparked my interest in creating an afterschool program, ‘She Counts’, which would increase the interest and skill level in mathematics for female students within the testing grades. Through this program the students are conducting novel studies of females who have advanced in math or science, participating in S.T.E.M. projects, and being tutored on essential math skills.”
McCreary has also been working to develop her leadership skills by mentoring new teachers and student interns and by leading the incorporation of new learning tools such as Thinking Maps within her school. She also worked to help teachers across the district with their social studies lesson planning.
“I reconstructed the 2nd grade social studies curriculum maps for the school district. In building the new color maps I integrated the social studies curriculum into the reading curriculum, embedded lesson plans, correlated stories and online learning tools which matched social studies topics,” she said.
“We are so thankful for the incredible job that you do, the learning that your boys and girls experience, the dedication that you give everyday, everything that you put into your students and the success that you have as you lead your students,” Superintendent Timothy Smith said.
“This superpower teachers possess allows us to look at each of our students and see the potential they have. It’s a mix between being able to see the future and X-ray vision. For instance it may come in the form of seeing a child who is argumentative and talking back, but we don’t see a troubled child, we see a defense attorney. Our role as educators is to identify that potential they have and then place a mirror in front of them to be able to recognize it for themselves.”
As the Escambia County School District’s Teacher of the Year, McCreary will now represent Escambia County at the state level where she will have opportunities to network with Florida’s top teachers and compete for possible selection as Florida’s Teacher of the Year. That top teacher in the state will be announced this summer.
Pictured: The Escambia County School District’s Teacher of the Year Briana McCreary.
