Downed power line closes portion of I-10 in Santa Rosa County

A section of Interstate 10 in Santa Rosa County is shut down Wednesday due to a downed power line, according to WKRG News 5. The closure is affecting traffic on the major thoroughfare that connects the Pensacola area to points east. Motorists traveling through Santa Rosa County should expect delays and consider alternate routes while crews work to clear the hazard and restore power to the affected area. Additional details about the extent of the closure and estimated repair time were not immediately available.

All I-10 lanes closed between Avalon and SR 87 due to downed power line

Interstate 10 is completely shut down in both directions between Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard and Exit 31 at State Road 87 following a downed power transmission line near Garcon Point Road in Bagdad, according to Santa Rosa County Communications.

The closure went into effect Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The duration of the shutdown remains unknown as utility crews work to address the downed lines. All lanes are affected in both directions.

Traffic is being diverted onto U.S. Highway 90 between Avalon Boulevard and State Road 87, where motorists should prepare for significant delays and increased congestion. Santa Rosa County urges drivers to use extra caution, allow additional travel time, and watch for emergency responders and utility crews in the area.

For real-time traffic updates, check the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles incident map at trafficincidents.flhsmv.gov or dial 511 on your phone.

Sen. Scott to speak at HHS Alzheimer's summit in Fort Lauderdale Thursday

U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Aging, will deliver remarks Thursday at the Department of Health and Human Services' first-ever Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Summit in Fort Lauderdale.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be a featured speaker at the event, which starts at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a quarterly meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services. Scott, a Florida Republican, will highlight the importance of advancing Alzheimer's research, improving diagnosis and treatment, and supporting patients, families and caregivers affected by the disease.

Other speakers and participants include Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner; and Michelle Branham, Florida's Secretary of Elder Affairs. Council members representing healthcare systems, neurology, veterans affairs, and Alzheimer's advocacy groups across Florida will also participate.