Florida Gas Prices Sink to 2-Year Lows
December 18, 2023
Florida gas prices have plummeted to 2-year lows. Sunday’s state average was $2.86 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since June 2021.
Florida gas prices have been on a free fall, declining 31 cents in the past 17 days. As of Sunday, 88% of Florida gas stations have pump prices below $3 a gallon. Thirty-three percent of Florida filling stations have pumps below $2.75/gallon.
In Escambia County, the average fell to $2.73, with one Pensacola station as low as $2.51 on Mobile Highway. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.65 was available Sunday night at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Pump prices are falling at the perfect time, as more than 6 million Floridians prepare to take a road trip for the year-end holidays,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Strong domestic gasoline supplies and low oil prices have contributed to the downward pressure on prices at the pump. Oil prices regained some strength last week, so a modest increase is possible at the pump, but AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Culinary Arts Brings Home A First Place Prize In Studer Gingerbread House Competition
December 18, 2023
The Northview High School Culinary Arts program took home a first place prize in Studer Community Institute’s Christmas Gingerbread House Competition in Pensacola.
The theme was holiday movies, and Northview submitted two entries.
One was the Polar Express from the movie Polar Express. They created the Polar Express train with a mountain backdrop and huge Christmas tree and the iconic golden ticket that said “Believe”.
The second was Mr. Duncan’s Toy Chest from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. This was a large toy store that opens and closes with lots of modeling chocolate toys and the characters Kevin, Harry, and Marv. The Culinary Arts program took home first place with their Mr. Duncan’s Toy Chest entry.
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Escambia County Employees Give Back For The Holidays
December 18, 2023
Escambia County employees from several county departments have teamed up to give back to the community in the spirit of the holiday season, working together to collect donations and toys for local children and families in need.
More than 400 toys were collected through the annual Toys for Tots softball tournament at the county’s John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Complex, hosted by Toys for Tots in partnership with Escambia County Parks and Recreation. Over 40 teams participated in the tournament Dec. 8 and 9, with divisions for seniors, men’s, women’s, and coed teams.
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To participate in the tournament, each player brings a toy to donate to Toys for Tots of Escambia and Santa Rosa County, which collects and distributes thousands of toys each year to children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season. Last year, Toys for Tots distributed 19,682 toys to more than 11,200 children in the Escambia County area.
“This tournament is always a great opportunity for softball players to enjoy some friendly competition while supporting Toys for Tots and their mission,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “Parks and Recreation is proud to help facilitate this tournament each year, which has collected thousands of toys for children in our community over many years.”
Escambia County Corrections also collected donations for Toys for Tots, which has become an annual tradition for the department. Corrections staff collected over 340 toys this year for local children.
We love any opportunity to give back, especially when it comes to helping children in our community have a brighter holiday season,” Corrections Director Chief William “Rich” Powell said. “I’m proud to say that Corrections staff really showed up this year, using money out of their own pockets to purchase toys. Our team is always incredibly generous, and we hope these toys will bring smiles to children in our community this Christmas.”
The county’s Engineering Department opted to become “Elf Sponsors” for foster children through the Northwest Florida Health Network. Staff banded together to fulfill a foster child’s Christmas wish list, which not only included toys, but also basic necessities such as bedding and clothing.
For the second year in a row, they also supported a survivor rescued from a human trafficking situation through the Secret Place Home, whose mission is to ensure a safe space for survivors to heal and be equipped with the necessary tools to build a new future. Engineering staff donated enough items to fulfill the survivor’s Christmas wish list, along with purchasing some extra items and treats to fill a stocking for both donation recipients.
“Our team went above and beyond to make sure both of these individuals had their Christmas wish lists fulfilled, and I’m so proud of their strong teamwork and generosity,” Engineering Director Joy Blackmon said. “It’s humbling to see a child ask for items as simple as bedding and clothes for Christmas, and I’m glad we were able to do our part to help brighten their holiday season.”
Additionally, Escambia County Area Transit collected toys and donations for FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, the certified domestic violence center for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This is the second year ECAT has supported FavorHouse during the holidays.
ECAT staff also gathered much-needed items for FavorHouse’s holiday market on Dec. 16 for families supported by their agency, collecting items such as hygiene products, clothing, wrapping paper, gift boxes, and gifts for middle and high school students.
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Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Receives $66K Grant To Make Renovations For Older Adults
December 18, 2023
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has received a $66,000 grant to help renovate six homes for older adults in the Greater Pensacola Area.
With the support of this grant, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity will be able to perform renovations for six older adults in the community who would otherwise be unable to afford to repay project costs. To assist older adults in making their homes more accessible and comfortable, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity installs walk-in tubs, handrails, wheelchair ramps, and more! These projects are a part of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s
Community Development Program, designed to help homeowners live and stay safely in their owned homes. Not only does these projects prevent older adults from having to relocate, but it helps promote independence and dignity within their familiar surroundings.
To meet qualifications for these renovations, clients must be 65+, own their home, and must be within 0-80% of the area median income (AMI). A two-part Housing Plus Aging in Place (AIP) assessment takes place with a health or human service professional meeting with the homeowner regarding instrumental daily living activities. A complete home repair evaluation is then completed by Pensacola Habitat construction staff to assess problem areas of the home that could interfere with the homeowner’s ability to remain safe and independent in the home.
“We are delighted to partner with Lowe’s in their commitment to community development, particularly in supporting our aging population,” said Sam Young, Pensacola Habitat’s President and CEO. “This grant will empower us to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for seniors, enabling them to age in place with grace and security. This grant is one of many initiatives aimed at creating lasting change and fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community.
On Nov. 11 Lowe’s associates from several local Lowe’s branches joined the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity crew to build a wheelchair ramp for an older adult in the community.
William E “Billy” Johnson
December 18, 2023
was a native Pensacola resident who gracefully passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, due to an acute illness.
After serving his country in the Air Force, he returned to Pensacola where he and Wonda Johnson married and established Johnson’s Septic Tank. Together they provided more than 50 years of service to Pensacola, FL and surrounding areas. He quickly became a pillar in his community through his passion of providing to others; whether it was a professional service, coaching tee ball, or introducing new youth to the great outdoors. His charismatic personality led him to spread his everlasting imprint outside the community of Pensacola where he and his three sons together found his momentous passion, Kansas whitetail hunting. This discovery, fueled by his passion for the outdoors, led to more than just hunting. It evolved into a lifetime of memories created year after year, creating a family foundation that would soon become the pinnacle of Billy’s life. This passion will not only survive, but will continue to flourish for years to come commemorating Billy…always.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents William “Rat” and Sadie Johnson, as well as his brother David Johnson and sister, Pam Holland. He is survived by his sons, William Ernie Johnson, wife Heather, Walter Erin Johnson, and Wesley Evan Johnson, companion Ellen Penton; sister, Tina Johnson; grandchildren, Landon Johnson, Braelynn Johnson, Allie Penton, and Evan Penton. Billy’s last two years were graced by the unwavering companionship of Cindy Summers. Her selfless devotion and sacrifice enabled Billy to live his last years completely fulfilled with love, compassion, grace, and overflowing joy. Her love and dedication will survive alongside his memory as we celebrate his eternal life.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
One Injured In Highway 29, Muscogee Road Crash
December 17, 2023
One person was reportedly injured in a multiple vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Cantonment.
The wrecck was reported about 3:15 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road.
The injury was not considered life-threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
New Minor Subdivision Planned For Cotton Lake Road Near Molino
December 17, 2023
A new minor subdivision is planned for Cotton Lake Road in Molino.
Pine Barren Creek Estates, LLC, is proposing the 23 lot subdivision on 309 acres east of Highway 29. Parcels will range from 15.8 to 30.75 aces each, according to the plans submitted to the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
The plans have been submitted for internal review by the Development Review Committee but have not yet been set for review at a formal meeting. Additional steps are required before the project can reach the building permit stage.
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Over 29,000 Wreaths Placed At Barrancas During Wreaths Across America Program
December 17, 2023
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Over 29,000 wreaths were placed Saturday at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola as part of the national Wreaths Across America initiative.
Youth-centric organizations, religious groups and citizens across the country volunteer to place wreaths on the gravesites of individuals interred at national cemeteries across the nation, including the 100 acres at Barrancas.
For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used to symbolize honor and a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.
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Tate Lady Aggies Softball Holds Winter Camp (With Gallery)
December 17, 2023
Tate Lady Aggies Softball held their annual Winter Camp Saturday.
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In addiition to learning new softball skills, participants enjoyed “Pizza with the Players” and receivd a shirt.
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Escambia Public Works Holds Year End Holiday Party
December 17, 2023
The Escambia County Public Works Department recently held their annual year-end holiday luncheon.
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District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender and County Administrator Wes Moreno, joined staff for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship.
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