AAA: Fuel Markets React to Rising Tensions in the Middle East
June 23, 2025
Florida gas prices jumped 20 cents per gallon early last week before retreating slightly over the weekend. The state average fell to $2.95 per gallon on Wednesday—its lowest level since May 10—then climbed to $3.15 by Thursday, the highest price since May 2. By Sunday, the state average had edged four cents lower to $3.11 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.96, up about six cents over last week. A low price of $2.77 was available at a station on West Burgess Road. In North Escambia, the low price Sunday night was $2.84 at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
AAA said ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added uncertainty to global and domestic gasoline markets. U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s response prompted a modest rise in oil prices during early trading this week, though markets have since steadied.
Of particular concern is Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passageway for about 20% of global oil shipments.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local First Responders Going On Donut Strike For Manna
June 23, 2025
Local law enforcement and fire departments are running to the rescue once more teaming up again to fight hunger by going on strike lister this week.
These brave men and women are going on strike against donuts from Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, June 27 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food has been donated to the cause.
Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations. We will have a list of participating grocery stores later this week on NorthEscambia.com. Food donations and financial gifts to Manna may also be dropped off at their headquarters, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, any day during the week of the Strike, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Because the cost of food and other essentials is rising, Manna is experiencing even greater demand than is typical in the summer months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “At the same time, food donations are down, as everybody feels the pinch on their budgets. Every day, our first responders see children and families who are struggling — and we are so grateful for their efforts to impact change.”
File photo.
Glennie M. Daniel
June 23, 2025
Glennie M. Daniel, 89, of Cantonment, FL passed away on June 20, 2025. He was loved by so many. He was born in West Liberty, KY. He was married to Phyllis Yvonne Erickson Daniel. He came from a large family. His family and his work were his main joys in life. Glenn was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Papaw), and great-grandfather. He loved God Almighty, and he loved people.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Mintie Daniel; his first wife and mother of his children, Willetta Mae Bolin Daniel; brothers: Thirel Daniel, Bill Daniel, Joe Daniel, Danny Daniel; sister, Rachel Cantrell; and stepson, Chris Brumm.
He leaves behind his wife, Phyllis Daniel; his children: Glennia Alexander (John), Jeffery Daniel (Tina), Willetta “Dolly” Gales, John Daniel (Danese), Timothy Daniel (Teresa), Jennifer Daniel, Robin Musgrove (Greg), Earlene Wilson (Harry), Lisa Shoptaw (Roger), Tina Tedder (Rickey); his stepchildren: Linda Roth (Mark), Norman Brumm III, Nancy Brix (Jack); one sister, Sarah Deaton of Piqua, Ohio; and two brothers: Raymond Daniel (Phyllis) of Flat Gap, Kentucky and Donnie Daniel (Reta) of West Liberty, Kentucky; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, a private family visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. An open visitation for friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 W. Nine Mile Rd., Pensacola, FL 32534; Followed by a Private Family Funeral.
Carlton Murray Johnson
June 23, 2025
Carlton Murray Johnson, Sr., 86, of Atmore, AL, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, in his home with family by his side. Murray was born in Conecuh County, AL, on August 20, 1938. He was the son of John Calvin and Bertha Owens Johnson. In addition to his parents, Murray was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Johnson, and son-in-law, Jose Tomas Resa.
Murray is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jean Hanks Johnson; his son, Carlton Murray Johnson, Jr. (Kim), and his daughters, Susan Johnson Powell (Chris), and Sandy Johnson Resa; grandchildren, Kathryn Powell Turner (Jake), Carlton Murray Johnson, III, Caroline Jean Powell Davis (Jarrett), Nicolas Morales Resa, John Calvin Johnson (Taylor), Elizabeth Johnson Murray (Jackson), Christian Samuel Johnson; great grandchildren, Marlee Kate Turner, William Mason Turner, and Grayson Jack Murray.
Murray and Jean met during their junior year at Evergreen High School, where Murray was a proud member of the football team and Jean was a cheerleader. Their bond grew strong, and as seniors, they were voted “Cutest Couple” by their classmates. After graduating in May 1956, they married just a few months later on September 21, 1956, beginning a life of love that lasted a lifetime.
Murray attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, and graduated in March 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a member of Auburn’s first graduating class under its new name. Murray was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national professional business fraternity. An avid AUBURN TIGERS fan, Murray was a member of the FOY Society along with Tigers Unlimited. When he was unable to attend football games, he continued to enjoy providing this Saturday experience for his family.
After graduation, Murray began his professional career with Gulf Development in Mobile, Alabama. He was later recruited by Liberty National Life Insurance Company and moved back to Evergreen. In 1963, he was transferred to Atmore, Alabama, where he and Jean made their home. Murray worked for Liberty National until 1981, at which time he established his own private insurance practice, Murray Johnson Insurance. He managed the health and life insurance needs for the City of Atmore for decades until his passing.
Murray’s commitment to youth sports in Atmore was unmatched. In 1968, he co-founded the Atmore Pee Wee Football League and served as its president for many years. That same year, he became involved with the local baseball league, where he coached and mentored young athletes. In 1973, Murray became president of both the Atmore Cal Ripken League and the Atmore Babe Ruth League, serving in those roles until 2023. He held the position of Babe Ruth League District Commissioner for Area 10 for an incredible 52 years. Murray oversaw and organized numerous district and state baseball tournaments, creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among players, coaches, and families.
His civic contributions extended beyond sports. Murray was a past president of the Atmore High School Quarterback Club and served as Drive Chairman and board member of the Atmore United Fund. He was also a dedicated member of the Atmore Education Revenue Committee from 1971 to 2003. His passion for healthcare advocacy led him to serve as county co-chair for the Lurleen B. Wallace Cancer Center Hospital in Birmingham. In 2016, Murray received the Atmore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
Murray Johnson’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the young people whose lives he helped shape through sports and mentorship. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the lasting institutions he helped build.
A celebration of life for Murray Johnson will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 310 S. Main Street, Atmore, AL. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until service time at 3:00 PM. Johnson will be buried at Magnolia Cemetery, Magnolia Street, Evergreen, AL.
Pallbearers will be Carlton Murray Johnson, III, Nicolas Morales Resa, John Calvin Johnson, Christian Samuel Johnson, Jerry Wayne Harrelson, William Jake Turner, Jarrett Lance Davis, and Jackson Freeman Murray.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the City of Atmore Recreation Department, P. O. Drawer 1297, Atmore, AL 36504.
Wahoos Take First Half Finale In Win Over Biscuits
June 23, 2025
An explosive fifth inning and a 3-RBI day from Cody Morissette propelled the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a 6-3 victory on Sunday over the Montgomery Biscuits, ending the first half on a high note.
Morissette, who picked up two singles and scored a run to pair with his 3 RBIs, knocked in the winning run in the fifth to help put Pensacola back in the win column.
“[I was] just trying to execute the situation and get the job done to get a win today,” Morissette said. “It was good.”
After being held to just two hits through the first four innings by Montgomery’s Ty Johnson, the Blue Wahoos offense came to life in the fifth.
As soon as Montgomery turned to the bullpen, the bats woke up. With right-hander Ryan Shreve (L, 0-1) on the mound, right fielder Grant Richardson belted a 2-RBI double off the wall in right to tie things up at two to score Johnny Olmstead and Ryan Ignoffo, who reached on his first extra-base hit at the Double-A level.
Richardson later came around to score and take the lead as Morissette singled to right. Josh Zamora added one more run in the frame with a sacrifice fly, allowing Morrissette to score.
Morrissette added some insurance an inning later in the sixth, lining a two-out single to center to score two, extending the Pensacola lead to 6-2.
“Credit to the lineup and credit to our pitchers,” Morissette said. “The lineup put a lot of pressure on their pitchers, got on base, we just executed situations and the pitchers kept us in it.”
After four innings of two-run ball from starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, the Blue Wahoos’ pen took over in a big way.
The trio of Josh Ekness, Ricky DeVito (W, 1-0) and Jesse Bergin combined for five innings of one-run ball, successfully protecting the lead after Pensacola’s four and two-run frames in the fifth and sixth.
Montgomery picked up the first run of the game in the third, after Gregory Barrios drove in Cooper Kinney on a sacrifice fly to left. Shane Sasaki made a jumping catch-up against the wall in foul territory in deep left field, giving Kinney enough time to score on the tag-up.
The Biscuits added a run in the fourth, as centerfielder Homer Bush Jr. singled up the middle with the infield in, allowing Hunter Stovall to score.
Will Simpson added an RBI single in the ninth for the Biscuits, dumping a bloop single into right-center against Blue Wahoos closer Josh Ekness. This was the first run Ekness has given up in the month of June, ending a 7.1 IP scoreless streak.
The Blue Wahoos will travel to Chattanooga to begin the second half of the season, making their lone trip to AT&T Field to square off with the North Division first-half champion Lookouts. Jacob Miller (2-4, 3.05 ERA) is slated to start game one on Tuesday for Pensacola, while Chattanooga has yet to announce a starter.
GAME NOTABLES
— Famed baseball organist Nancy Faust, who became a historic pioneer in the industry when playing for 41 years (1970-2010) at Chicago White Sox games, made her third visit in the past four years to Blue Wahoos Stadium on Sunday, entertaining fans with a medley of music during pregame activities and in-game entertainment. Faust was set up with the same type of Hammond Organ that she played in Chicago, on loan from a local Pensacola church, on the concourse level behind home plate. She was underneath a tent and engaged with fans as she played music and walk-up songs throughout the game.
Aside from her White Sox history, Faust was also the organist at Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks games during the 1980s.
— Sunday’s game officially closed the first half of the Southern League schedule. The Blue Wahoos had 39 home games in the first half. The second half begins on Tuesday throughout the league, and the Blue Wahoos will have a 30-game home slate in the second half.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (June 29).
WHERE: AT&T Field, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: This series begins the second half of the Southern League season. Chattanooga clinched the first-half North Division title on Sunday, locking itself into a playoff spot. The divisional records will be reset, and a second-half winner will be decided in both divisions to determine playoff matchups. This will be the Blue Wahoos’ only trip to Chattanooga to face the Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate. However, the Lookouts will play in Pensacola on July 18-20 and again on August 26-31.
Mary Alice Hornsby
June 22, 2025
Mary Alice Hornsby Cleveland promoted to Heaven on Thursday evening, June 19,2025 at Lifecare Center of Pensacola. She was born July 19, 1928 in Laurel, MS to Russell and Vivian Crane.
Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband of 30 years, Charles Hornsby and her second husband of 36 years, Hugh Cleveland, two sons Larry Hornsby and Randy Hornsby and her brother, Russell (Buddy) Crane.
She was a long-time member of Plainview Baptist Church and a homemaker, business owner, insurance assistant among other things. She was affectionately known to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as Mother, Mammaw, and Grandma. She sincerely enjoyed spending time with them, enriching each one with her wisdom and love. She also enjoyed helping other people when she got the opportunity. She was a very giving person.
Mary Alice is survived by one son, Mickey Hornsby (Beverly) and daughter Cindy Cascone, seven grandchildren, Beau Hornsby, Alicia Thomas, Melissa Enfinger, Amanda Pierce, Joseph Cascone, Nick Cascone and Josh Hornsby, fourteen great grandchildren, Ethan Enfinger, Ethan Hornsby, Taryn Taylor, Dayton Cascone, Jack Hornsby, Cooper Cascone, Owen Pierce, Kathryn Taylor, Lauren Hornsby, Caleb Pierce, Liam Hornsby, Jameson Hornsby, Olivia Cascone and Kaylee Cascone, three sisters, Gaye Kerr, Pat Brock and Gwen Bower, one brother, James Crane.
Visitation service is Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with the Funeral service at noon. Interment will follow at Plainview Baptist Church cemetery on 9 Mile Road, Pensacola. Dr. Ted Traylor will be officiating.
Pall bearers and honorary pall bearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons.
Casey’s Plans For New Convenience Store At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino Set For Final Review
June 22, 2025
Final review is set for this week for a new convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Costcorde, Inc. of Houston submitted plans to the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC).
The updated plans show a 4,569 square foot convenience store, 12 gas fueling stations and two diesel fueling pups. According to the plans, there will only be right turn in and right turn out access on Highway 29 and a full access connection to Highway 97. Casey’s will be on the the northwest corner of the intersection, across Highway 97 from the existing Tom Thumb.
Casey’s is the third largest convenience store and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States. Last year, Casey’s announced the acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion for 198 stores.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee will consider final approval at a meeting on 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Escambia County Central Complex Building at 3363 West Park Place.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Those Afternoon Showers and Storm, High In the Low 90s
June 22, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Tate High Graduate Serves With The Next Generation Of U.S. Navy Elite Rescue Swimmers
June 22, 2025
Tate High School graduate Airman Ethan Harper is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) where the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are taught to execute life-or-death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Harper graduated from Tate in 2023.
“My dad was in the Navy and served as a rescue swimmer,” Harper said. “This gives me the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pensacola.
“Growing up, I learned to work hard even when there are challenges,” Harper said.
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, ARSS provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and international student aviators.
As part of the world’s most elite Special Operations force, AIRRs are a team dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Leaping from helicopters, swimming through raging seas and saving victims whose lives are on the line, AIRRs complete search and rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. The motto of an AIRR is, “so others may live.” It is a testament to not only the selflessness of this job but the honor, courage, and commitment it takes to do it well.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Harper serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Harper has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that I graduated boot camp,” Harper said. “It was something that required a lot of hard work and determination, so I was glad that I was able to complete it.”
Harper can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Doing something that most people may not want to do is an honor,” Harper said. “I get to save people’s lives as a rescue swimmer and serve my country as a sailor in the Navy.”
Harper is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and my dad for always being there when I needed someone to talk to and for always pushing me to keep going,” Harper added.
Written by Alvin Plexico, and photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach for NorthEscambia.com, click photo to enlarge.
NEP Gold Wins Gospel Projects World Series; NEP Blue Claims Second
June 22, 2025
Two NEP teams won big in the 2025 Gospel Projects Tee Ball World Series.
The NEP Gold All-Stars went undefeated on their way to winning the series, outscoring their opponents 29-47.
Reece Phelps knocked out three home runs over a four-game span.
Caleb Moore made history with an incredible 13 home runs in just four games — breaking the tournament record. His record-breaking homer also served as a walk-off to clinch the championship in the top of the sixth inning.
Moore was named the series Home Run Champion.
Also in the series, NEP Blue took second place and was presented the Sportsmanship Award.
Pictured: NEP Gold (top), NEP Blue (below) and Caleb Moore (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
