Easter Day Fire Destroys Camper, Damages Home Near Jay
April 21, 2025
An Easter day camper fire damaged a residence near Jay midday Sunday.
The fire was initially reported at 12:13 p.m. as only a vehicle fire in the 13000 block of Highway 89, just south of Jay High School. Additional information was received that a camper trailer was on fire and threatening an adjacent home.
The first units on scene reported that the camper was fully involved with fire spreading to the home. The fire was brought under control with some smoke and fire damage to the residence. The camper trailer was a total loss.
The Jay, Allentown, and Berrydale fire department responded, along with the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
There was no word on the cause of the fire, and no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Chance Of Showers Tuesday
April 21, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: Patchy dense fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Widespread dense fog, mainly between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
ECUA Reports 3,100 Gallon Sewage Spill Off Kingsfield In Gonzalez
April 21, 2025
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority reported a 3,100 gallon sewage leak on Hamilton Crossing Drive on Saturday.
At 10:36 Saturday morning, crews responded to a leaking sewer force main located near the sidewalk at 2026 Hamilton Crossing Drive, in the Hamilton Crossing subdivision off East Kingsfield Road. The flow entered a nearby storm drain, which travels to the north and behind the houses.
ECUA estimated the spill to be about 3,100 gallons, of which 400 gallons was recovered. ECUA initiated their clean procedures.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Advisories
April 21, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management. enhancements. Side streets intersecting Garden Street will not be closed for more than five consecutive days.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and J Street.
- Signage will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 20 through Thursday, April 247, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- 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. Signs are 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 will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Monday, April 21 through Thursday, April 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- The U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp will be temporarily shortened Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reduced turn-lane length is required for daytime construction activities and will reopen nightly from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- A temporary shoulder closure adjacent to the outside U.S. 29 southbound on-ramp access to I-10 eastbound will occur on Thursday, April 24 between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. for guardrail repair work. Law enforcement will be on site.
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- 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.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures west of U.S. 29 Monday, April 21 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia River – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures east of U.S. 29 Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 292 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Bayou Chico – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures south of U.S. 98 Thursday, April 24 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
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, April 20 through Thursday, April 24 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, April 20 through Thursday, April 24, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, April 20, through Friday, April 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Decline 11 Cents On Average
April 21, 2025
Florida gas prices declined 11 cents last week. The state average was $3.00 per gallon on Sunday. That’s the lowest daily average price since March 24.
Sunday’s state average is two cents less than a month ago, and 59 cents less than this time last year.
The average Sunday in Escambia County was $2.78, down a dime from a month ago. The lowest price Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.56 at stations on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.66 was available Sunday at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“An 11-cent drop may not turn heads, but every little bit adds up for drivers navigating the road and their budgets,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately, the downward trend may not continue much longer. Oil prices moved higher last week after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Iranian oil.”
Late Comeback Seals Road Series Win For Wahoos
April 21, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (11-4) clinched their third consecutive series win to open the 2025 season with a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Clingstones (6-8) on Sunday.
The Wahoos jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. A one-out Joe Mack single and a groundout placed a runner in scoring position for first baseman Nathan Martorella, who drove home Mack with a two-out hit to put Pensacola ahead 1-0.
The Clingstones answered back in each of their next two innings. Facing Wahoo starter Luis Palacios (ND), Columbus tied the game in the second inning when third baseman Keshawn Ogans drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk. Palacios escaped the jam without further trouble, but yielded another run in the third inning when Columbus right fielder Ethan Workinger singled home shortstop Cal Conley. After three innings of play, the Clingstones led 2-1.
Pensacola failed to answer in the middle innings against Columbus starter Blake Burkhalter (ND), who did not allow a baserunner over his final three innings. The Clingstones’ bullpen continued to keep the Wahoos in check into the seventh inning, when catcher Sam Praytor’s two-out walk snapped a streak of 17 consecutive batters retired by the Columbus pitching staff.
Trailing 2-1 in the eighth inning, the Blue Wahoo bats finally came to life. Facing righthander Jorge Juan (L, 0-1), center fielder Mark Coley II and Joe Mack each drew walks to put two aboard with nobody out. Second baseman Jared Serna then hit a 3-0 pitch into right field, scoring Coley from second before Ethan Workinger’s error allowed Mack to score from first. After a pitching change, Pensacola tacked on another run when Serna’s steal attempt of second provoked an errant throw by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski. The second Clingstones’ error of the inning allowed Serna to score and give the Wahoos a 4-2 lead heading to the bottom of the eighth.
In the bottom of the eighth, Columbus pulled closer when first baseman Drew Compton doubled home Cal Conley against Pensacola righthander Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (W, 1-0). The Wahoos responded with an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Mark Coley’s RBI single scored left fielder Dalvy Rosario from second. Righthander Josh Ekness (SV, 2) entered for the bottom of the ninth and closed out a 5-3 Pensacola victory.
The series win marks the first-ever series victory for Pensacola over Columbus and the first road series win for the Blue Wahoos in 2025.
The Blue Wahoos return to Pensacola on Tuesday, April 22 to begin a six-game series with the Knoxville Smokies. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is schedule for 6:05 p.m.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Low In The Middle 60s
April 20, 2025
Happy Easter! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
The week starts with some clouds and fog, brings a chance of rain mid-week (mainly Tuesday), and transitions to mostly sunny and warmer conditions towards the weekend, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 80s and lows generally staying in the mid-60s
Tonight: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of showers after 4pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Aggie Cheerleaders ‘Egg’ Yards Across North Escambia For Easter
April 20, 2025
Kids across North Escambia found eggs hidden in their yards Easter morning with the help of the Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders.
Tate Cheer held an “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. For donations starting at $20, the cheerleaders hid pre-filled eggs Saturday night in yards north of Nine Mile Road. Proceeds will benefit the Tate cheer program.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Kristin Maum Places Second In Quarterfinals For ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’
April 20, 2025
A Tate High School teacher paced second in the quarterfinals of the “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest by the national magazine Reader’s Digest.
We first told you about Kristin Maum last week.
On other Escambia County teacher, Emerald Barton, advanced to the semi-finals. She is a kindergarten teacher at Navy Pointe Elementary.
About Kristin Maum
Maum admits she was a terrible student back when she was in school.
“I didn’t do my homework, I slept through class, but I was never disrespectful to my teachers—I just found school to be boring,” she said. “I decided to become a teacher so that no other students felt the way I did. I want students to love learning so much that they become lifelong learners. What inspires me most as an educator is the belief that every child can learn and deserves to feel known, valued, and inspired.”
“I love getting to work with kids on a daily basis—helping them fall in love with learning. In my class, we do whatever it takes to learn,” she said.
The Reader’s Digest contest will award the winner $25,000 and a trip to Hawaii. And if had won, Tate High would have received a school assembly from Bill Nye the Science Guy.
She had planned to use the $25,000 to pay off about $18,000 in medical debt that accumulated after she was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 and began treatment. The remainder of the money she hoped would to go toward her son’s college tuition. He will be a freshman in the fall.
Driver Collides With A Bathtub And A Tree In Cottage Hill Wreck
April 20, 2025
A pickup truck driver collided with a tree and a bathtub in a single vehicle wreck late Saturday night in Cottage Hill.
The pickup truck driver left the roadway in the 700 block of William Ditch Road, hit an old claw foot bathtub that was being used as a decorative planter in a front yard, hit a tree and came to rest in a ditch several houses away.
Initial information from the scene indicated that the driver may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the 11:28 p.m. crash. He was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS for evaluation and treatment.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
