FDOT: 2 Of 3 Barges Removed From Under Pensacola Bay Bridge, Reopening Targeted For March 2021
October 16, 2020
The Florida Department of Transportation says the Pensacola Bay Bridge repairs could be complete by March 2021.
Progress at the bridge continues and one damaged span of the bridge has been removed while crews continue to carefully remove damaged portions from additional spans in order to minimize impacts to the existing structure. Two of the three barges under the bridge have also been removed, accelerating demolition efforts. As of Thursday, 15 of the 27 barges have been removed from the area.
Three bridge contractors are on site, increasing equipment resources to include:
- 50 additional personnel to expedite demolition.
- Additional dive teams have been deployed, bringing the total to eight, to assist with the final inspection.
- Five barge mounted cranes, including two 300-ton cranes, have been brought in to replace existing cranes that were damaged or lost to assist in the process.
- A specialty barge designed to take large damaged sections away from the bridge for demolition or to be delivered to an artificial reef site. This will allow repair work to proceed without having to wait for deck demolition to be complete.
FDOT has been continuously working to improve the traffic flow along the Pensacola Bay Bridge detour routes. To date, FDOT has
- Installed a new temporary traffic signal at the I-10 westbound ramps at State Road (S.R.) 281
- Delineators have been installed to provide a free flow southbound movement from the I-10 eastbound ramp onto southbound S.R. 281
- Additional temporary traffic cameras have been installed that have significantly improved travel time.
- The Road Ranger service that was previously on the Pensacola Bay Bridge has been relocated to the Garcon Point Bridge to help with minor incidents and to keep traffic flowing as much as possible.
- Developing plans to temporarily widen 2,000 feet of northbound and southbound S.R. 281 south of the I-10 interchange.
- Developing plans to temporarily widening the eastbound I-10 off ramp at eastbound S.R. 281 off ramp to two lanes to better facilitate traffic movement leaving the interstate.
FDOT continues to develop and improve alternative transportation solutions to move people and goods safely and efficiently through the region while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired. Examples include:
- Exploring all funding avenues available to implement a ferry service between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola.
- Funding Escambia County Area Transit’s (ECAT) temporary bus route to help transport passengers between the Pensacola Bay Center Park in Escambia County and the Tiger Point Community Center City in Gulf Breeze.
- Gathering information such as potential ridership, times of operation, and duration of service as well as reviewing existing facilities that would be necessary for the safe operation of a ferry or additional bus routes.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge has a targeted re-opening date of early March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open with no load restrictions and at the same condition as expected for new construction. As each repair method is developed, FDOT will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is hitting all milestones in the established schedule.
The design is underway for the permanent repairs and reestablishment of four lanes of traffic on the bridge with a focus on substructure repairs which includes the piers. Durability, and ensuring there is absolutely no reduction in the bridge’s strength as a result of the repairs, remains paramount in the design plans.
FDOT is assessing the final total number of the spans/piers that will ultimately need to be replaced. The contractor has already fabricated 25 beams and the piers needed to begin repairs. The contractor has also begun constructing more replacement beams and piers at its offsite yard and has reached out to other facilities to assist in production. This aggressive effort will allow the installation of these items to commence as soon as demolition of the damaged items are complete.
Further preliminary inspection findings include:
- To date, FDOT divers have inspected 202 underwater footings while top side inspection teams have assessed 105 spans, 202 piers and 525 beams.
- The number of spans requiring full replacement remains at five and FDOT has identified an additional two that will require partial replacement.
- A minimum of twelve pedestrian spans have been identified for replacement.
- FDOT will have to replace a number of beams and is still determining the specific number needing replacement.
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a 500-yard buffer zone for all Pensacola Bay Bridge construction activities. Vessels may use only low or idle speeds within the buffer zone. Due to the potential for underwater hazards, boaters are advised to use caution near the bridge. The navigational channel has been inspected and is free of hazards. For this reason, crossing beneath the bridge should be done only at the navigational channel.
Motorists should continue to use all available detour routes, which include the Garcon Point Bridge and State Road 87. At this time, tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge have been suspended through 6 a.m., Friday, October 23.
Woman Arrested In Connection With 2007 Escambia County Cold Case Murder
October 15, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with a cold case murder from 2007.
Cheryl Burgett (pictured right), 54, is charged with accessory after the fact. She is being held on a $276,000 bond.
On July 27, 2007, the body of 42-year old Carolyn Whitney Antrim (pictured left) was found in a wooded area on Lola Lane, not far from Gulf Beach Highway and Patton Drive.
Carolyn’s mother had reported her daughter missing to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day. She told deputies that Carolyn had not been seen since July 20, 2007. The van Carolyn was traveling in had been towed from the same area on July 21 as an abandoned vehicle. When the family retrieved the van on July 27, they noticed blood inside.
Years went by, with no arrest in the murder.
During an annual review of this case, ECSO investigator James Lee re-interviewed several people, but it was new interviews he conducted that led to Burgett’s arrest.
Anyone with information about the homicide of Carolyn Antrim is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
17-Year Old Charged With Attempted Murder For Escambia Shooting
October 15, 2020
An 17-year old was arrested Thursday for a shooting a man Tuesday night.
Asontae Mason is charged with attempted homicide for the shooting in the 4400 block of Whisper Drive, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim walked into a convenience store on Creighton Road at Spanish Trail just before midnigh Tuesday. He had a gunshot wound to his neck and was transported to the hospital.
An update on the victim’s condition has not been made available.
How Many COVID-19 Cases Have Been Reported At Your Child’s School? Here Are The Numbers.
October 15, 2020
New data from the Florida Department of Health details the number of COVID-19 cases by school across the state.
Pensacola Christian Academy has recorded the most cases in Escambia County at seven during the period September 6 to October 10. The highest number of cases in Santa Rosa County is 45 total at Pace High School, which is also the highest number at a single school in Florida.
The table at the bottom page details the number of cases per school in Escambia and Santa Rosa County September 6 through October 10 and also details the numbers by totals, students and staff for the time period.. Schools not listed have reported zero cases through October 10.
Parents may have received phone calls about COVID-19 at other schools not on the list. Officials say that’s due to contact tracing where students or staff had contact with a known case that’s outside the school, such as a family member.
Escambia County schools with one current case each as of October 10 are:
- Cordova Park Elementary
- East Hill Christian
- Escambia High
- George Stone Technical College
- Jim C. Bailey Middle
- Longleaf Elementary
Santa Rosa County school with at least one current case each as of October 10 are:
- Bagdad Elementary (2)
- Central School
- Gulf Breeze High
- Gulf Breeze Middle
- Jay Elementary
- King Middle
- Martin Luther King Middle
- Navarre High (2)
- Pace High (8)
- Pea Ridge Elementary
- S.S. Dixon Primary (6)
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Northview High School FFA Names Officer Team
October 15, 2020
The Northview High School FFA has named their officer team for this year.
“This year is shaping up to be a great one for Northview FFA. We have a fantastic group of officers that are ready and willing to serve not only their chapter, but their community as well,” said Brandon Korinchak, Northview agriscience teacher.
The officers are:
- President: Amber Gilman
- Vice President: Meredith McGhee
- Secretary: Paige Gibbs
- 2nd Vice President: Leah Wood
- Sentinel: Briar Weaver
- Chaplain: Caleb Hassebrock
- Treasurer: Riley Dawson
- Reporter: Sky Williams
- Parliamentarian: Samantha Kimmons
- Historian: Judson Lee
- Public Relations: Ryan Andrews
- Photographer: Audrey Goetter
Pictured are: (front, L-R) Audrey Goetter, Paige Gibbs, Meredith McGhee, Sky Williams, Riley Dawson, (back, L-R) advisor Brandon Korinchak, Caleb Hassebrock, Briar Weaver, Judson Lee, Amber Gilman, Ryan Andrews, Samantha Kimmons, and Leah Wood. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Second Lady Karen Pence Visits Pensacola, Addresses Military Spouses
October 15, 2020
Second Lady Karen Pence met with military spouses Wednesday in Escambia County and watched a Blue Angels demonstration at NAS Pensacola.
At the Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park,Pence delivered remarks to military spouses thanking them for their important contributions to the United States Armed Forces.
She recognized the many sacrifices they make through their families’ service to our country, including the challenges they face in finding and sustaining a meaningful job. Military spouses face unique barriers to employment opportunities due to their frequent moves and varying occupational licensing state requirements, she said.
During her remarks, Pence outlined the Trump Administration’s efforts to create employment solutions for military spouses. The accomplishments include increased funding for a transition assistance curriculum for military spouses, a doubled relicensing reimbursement amount for spouses who relocate due to PCS orders, and meetings with governors to address occupational licensing reforms on a statewide level.
At NAS Pensacola, she participated in a senior leadership briefing and received an overview of the mental health and military spouse programs. Representatives of the mental health and military spouse programs gave an overview of NAS Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Support Center.
Following the briefing, Pence visited the Blue Angels practice area and viewed a flight demonstration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Angels had to cancel their public appearances and airshows. Earlier this year, they teamed up with the Air Force Thunderbirds to fly over communities including Pensacola to salute healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential workers. Pence thanked them for these special flyovers and for providing encouragement throughout the pandemic. The Blue Angels pilots met with Pence and talked about their team, their new aircraft, and how they’ve been modifying their season due to the pandemic.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Arrests Escambia County Man On 25 Child Porn Counts
October 15, 2020
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested an Escambia County man on child pornography charges Wednesday.
Stacy Paul Wilson, 51, was charged with twenty-five counts of obscene material possession depicting child sexual conduct.
FDLE agents served a search warrant Wednesday morning at Wilson’s residence and found a desktop computer that contained the child pornography. The images and videos depicted children as young as four years old engaged in sex acts.
Wilson’s mugshot was not immediately made available by the Escambia County Jail.
Hurricane Sally Damage? Escambia County Says You Can Apply For SBA Loan
October 15, 2020
After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to Escambia County:
If you are referred to SBA, you should submit an SBA disaster loan application.
If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan but failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and other expenses.
SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. In planning your recovery, give yourself the widest possible set of options. Submitting the application makes it possible for homeowners and renters to be considered for additional FEMA grants, and if you qualify for a loan you will have that resource available for disaster repair needs.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or they may email FOCE-Help@SBA.gov for more information on SBA’s disaster assistance program.
For businesses, SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; and Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Business owners can meet with SBA representatives and get help applying for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Dec. 1, 2020. The deadline to return working capital applications is July 2, 2021.
County To Lease Old Ransom Property For Cantonment Community Center; Barry To Seek Half Million For Construction
October 14, 2020
A new community center in Cantonment could soon be a reality on the site of the old Ransom Middle School.
At their Thursday meeting, the Escambia County Commission is expected to approve a lease for two acres of the 12.1 acre former school property on Muscogee Road. And District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry told NorthEscambia.com that he will soon seek a half million in funding to build the community center.
“Within the next few meetings, I will be bringing to our board a request to allocate $500,000 towards a community center on the property from our BP Restore fund,” Barry said. “These are the first steps to bring a fantastic resource to a deserving community, and I’m happy to play a part in their success.”
The county will pay the school board $10 per year to lease the property for an initial term of 30 years, with an option for two additional renewal terms of 30 years each. Under the lease terms, the county would need to allocate funding and begin construction of a community center within 7.5 years. The county will also provide the school board with infrastructure for the remainder of the parcel, including high speed wireless internet, security fencing and gates, stormwater retention pond, parking lot, security lighting and driveway extensions.
The Escambia County School Board recently approved signing the lease.
“I’m so excited to bring this to the board on Thursday and so appreciative of the support of the school board earlier this month,” Barry added. I want to thank my friends, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, District 5 Representative Bill Slayton, and current Workforce Education Director, but former Transportation Director, Steve Harrell for working with me over a period of several months to make this happen for the entire Cantonment community.”
In 2015, Escambia County made improvements to Carver Park on Webb Street, located a short distance from the old Ransom Middle School. Those improvements include a renovated community resource center — a former school portable building that’s less than 800 square feet.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee has managed the small resource center at Carver Park, faithfully holding programs and providing services as space has allowed. And they have advocated for a larger facility at the former Ransom property for years.
“I also want to specifically recognize and thank the Cantonment Improvement Committee for their dedication and persistent advocacy for their community,” Barry said.
Pictured: The former Ransom Middle School, which was also the site of the Sid Nelson Center, was demolished in 2014. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Receive A Letter From FEMA? Here’s How To Understand It. And How To Appeal.
October 14, 2020
Florida residents who applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage from Hurricane Sally will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.
Escambia County is offering the following tips on how to understand the letter, and how to file an appeal.
The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
Applicants may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process an application.
- Examples of missing documentation may include:
- Proof of insurance coverage Settlement of insurance claims
- Proof of identity
- Proof of occupancy
- Proof of ownership
- Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster
If you have questions about your letter go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and functional. Currently, such inspections are being conducted remotely, by telephone, following COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.
FEMA considers the following factors when determining whether an applicant may be eligible for assistance:
- The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
- The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
- The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
- The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
- There is safe access to and from the home. FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance.
FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.
Appealing FEMA’s Decision
Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.
Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:
- Applicant’s full name
- Disaster number (4564 in Florida)
- Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
- Applicant’s current phone number and address
- The FEMA registration number on all documents
If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.
By mail:
FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA