State Office Of Public Counsel Vows To Fight ‘Unconscionable’ FPL Rate Increase Settlement
August 25, 2025
The Florida Office of Public Counsel, created by the legislature in 1974 to represent the people in utility matters, has objected to a proposed Florida Power & Light rate settlement, asserting that would increase FPL’s revenues by an “unconscionable” amount.
The proposed settlement scales back the increase FPL sought in a proposal filed in February.
As we reported last week, Florida Power & Light Company and 10 key stakeholder groups filed a comprehensive four-year rate settlement agreement with state regulators . The proposed agreement reduces FPL’s original revenue request by nearly one-third.
FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel called the settlement agreement a win for FPL customers.f
In a letter filed with the Florida Public Service Commission, Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler described the stakeholders that agreed to the settlement as a “minority coalition of very large customers” and said the “majority of FPL’s customers will see significantly increased” bills. FPL said the four-year settlement would result in increased revenues of $945 million in 2026 and $766 million in 2027, with additional amounts in 2028 for battery storage and solar projects.
The Office of Public Counsel said in the letter that the proposal would cumulatively increase FPL revenues by $6.753 billion through 2029.
“This is unconscionable,” the letter stated. “The self-interested ‘settling parties’ that crafted FPL’s minority proposal do not represent the vast majority of FPL’s customers and cannot make them pay excessive rates for the majority of FPL’s energy sales.”
No Rain, Lower Daytime Humidity And Cooler Nights Ahead
August 25, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Bonus Photos: Tate Aggies Fans, Band, Cheerleaders
August 25, 2025
The Tate Aggies opened their season at home Friday night with a big 21-7 win over Fort Walton Beach.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band, fans, student section and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
The Tate Aggies will continue a three-game opening at home against Gulf Breeze on Friday, August 29 and against Pensacola High on Thursday, September 4.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Honors Northview Lady Chiefs Softball
August 25, 2025
The Escambia County School Board recently honored the Northview Lady Chiefs state runner-up softball team.
The Chiefs reached the FHSAA Rural Softball State Championship game for the first time in school history, bringing home the state runner-up trophy. The young team with just one senior also won the first regional title ever for the school as they went 22-7 under the leadership of head coach Amy Holland.
Many members of the team are multi-sport athletes and were unable to attend the school board meeting due to a volleyball game.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Decline About 10 Cents In 10 Days
August 25, 2025
Florida gas prices have declined 20 cents in the past 10 days, according to AAA. On Sunday, the state average was $2.93 per gallon.
The average price per gallon on Sunday night was $2.80 in Escambia County. A low of $2.60 was available at a station on West Nine Mile, while the North Escambia low price of $2.74 was available on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Gas prices are moving lower as the unofficial end of the summer travel season approaches,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, there’s no guarantee this decline will hold through the holiday weekend. For almost a year, Florida gas prices have followed a pattern of declining for about 10 days, then rebounding 10-20 cents. While that could happen this week, pump prices should remain lower than last year’s Labor Day levels.”
On Labor Day 2024, Florida gas prices averaged $3.30 per gallon. The state average hasn’t returned to that height ever since. During that time, oil prices were trading at around $70 per barrel. On Friday, the U.S. price for oil closed at $63.66 barrel.
File photo.
Wahoos Quieted By Columbus Pitching In Finale Defeat
August 25, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (60-59) ended their week and road series with a 8-1 defeat to the Columbus Clingstones (52-65).
Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning. Facing Columbus righthander Brett Sears (W, 6-4), Blue Wahoos second baseman Gage Miller hit a leadoff solo home run to left field. The long ball was Miller’s first career Double-A homer.
Despite the early offense, Pensacola mustered nothing more against Sears, who worked 5.2 effective innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. The Clingstones responded offensively in the bottom of the second inning, tying the game on an RBI groundout from second baseman Cal Conley.
Columbus broke the 1-1 tie in the bottom of the third inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller (L, 3-6). With a runner in scoring position and one out, an error in center field by Emaarion Boyd allowed Columbus shortstop Jim Jarvis to score from second base. Two batters later, first baseman E.J. Exposito singled home right fielder Ethan Workinger to give the Clingstones a 3-1 lead.
Columbus added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when designated hitter Geraldo Quintero and E.J. Exposito hit back-to-back RBI doubles. At the end of five innings, Columbus led 5-1.
The Clingstones tacked on additional scoring in the seventh and eighth innings. Columbus’ late offense and strong bullpen performance were more than enough to close out an 8-1 win and a 4-2 series victory over Pensacola.
With the defeat, Pensacola returns home 0.5 games ahead of the Clingstones and will be no more than 0.5 games ahead of Montgomery in the Southern League’s South Division after the conclusion of Sunday’s games. There are 19 games remaining in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, August 26 when they begin a seven-game series versus the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Lillian E. Coleman
August 25, 2025
Mrs. Lillian E. Coleman, age 104, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at a local nursing facility.
Mrs. Coleman was born in Chumuckla, Florida on September 21, 1920. She graduated from Allentown High School in 1938 and received her B.S. degree from Troy State University. She retired in 1988 as an educator after 40 years of teaching elementary education. She taught for 3 years at Cross Roads School in Brownsdale, Florida, 1 year in Jay, Florida, 6 years in Flomaton, Alabama and 30 years in Century, Florida. She worked in the United States Office of Censorship in New York City during World War II.
After retiring from teaching she joined her husband and son in business at Coleman Drugs.
She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Flomaton where she taught Sunday School for a long number of years, was a member of the choir, serving as choir director for a number of years. Mrs. Coleman is a member of the Florida Retired Education Association and a member of the Escambia County Florida Retired Educators Association.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years – Arthur Hemby “H” Coleman, Jr; her only son – Arthur Hemby “Hank” Coleman III; her father – Lewis Thompson Enfinger; her mother – Jessie Ora Steadham Enfinger; a sister – Ora Dean Bailey; Adrian Thompson Enfinger, a brother who was killed in action during World War II, as well as brothers – Alvin H. Enfinger and Floyd Q. Enfinger; her grandparents – Peter David and Margaret Elo “Maggie” Campbell Enfinger and B.J. “Bully” and Ruth Nobles Steadham.
Mrs. Coleman is survived by her two granddaughters – Jessica (Juan) Fuentes and Jennifer (Wesley) Sinor; a grandson – Arthur Hemby Coleman, IV; and two great grandchildren – Jackson Mark Davis and Jonah Lennon Lewis Coleman; and sister – Jean Enfinger Tatum; daughter in law – Gloria Coleman and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 25, 2025, at 12:00P.M. from the chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home with Rev. Matt Dobson officiating. Interment to follow in the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at the Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Pallbearers – Robert Bailey, David Enfinger, Neal Christopher Enfinger, Jerry Lee, Keith Pinckard, Arthur Hemby Coleman IV,, Jackson Davis and Kevin Pinckard.
Honorary Pallbearers – Floyd Quentin Enfinger Jr., Artie Lewis Enfinger, Joe Brantley, Speedy Brantley, and Wayne Stanton.
(Updated) Eight People Injured In Five-Vehicle Crash On Highway 97 In Walnut Hill
August 24, 2025
Eight people were reported to be injured in a five-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Three people were critically injured, including an 8-year-old and one were person that were airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after being ejected.
The crash occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Highway 97 south of Ernest Ward Middle School. Highway 97 was closed for five hours due to the crash, reopening about 9:30 p.m.
The crash was caused by the 18-year-old from Atmore that “failed to maintain safe control of this vehicle”, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a report released Sunday morning. The front left of his UV collided with a passenger van that was traveling south. His SUV then continued traveling northbound and colliding with three other southbound vehicles before overturning onto its side (pictured). The SUV driver was cited for careless driving.
The Injured
The SUV driver and his 17-year-old female passenger, also from Atmore, were both seriously injured. The 63-year year old van driver and 87-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries. A 33-year-old Atmore woman received minor injuries and her 8-year-old passenger was seriously injured. The driver of another car, a 30-year-old Uriah, Alabama, man, was also seriously injured. The FHP report does not list the age or injuries of a fifth driver.
The crash scene was spread out with debris stretching about 450 feet from two vehicles to the north and three vehicles to the south. One vehicle, a Ford Expedition, overturned in the crash, while the four other vehicles sustained extensive damage.
Emergency Response
The major crash prompted a large mass casualty response.
Three medical helicopters, at least five ambulances, and four other EMS units including supervisors were dispatched to the scene. The Walnut Hill, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department responded, along with numerous FHPl troopers, several Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission officer.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fentanyl Trafficking, Firearm Arrests Made In Walnut Hill
August 24, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said they were assisting state fire and arson investigators on Deer Lake Road in Walnut Hill when deputies arrested two people.
Deputies said 36-year-old, Natoshia Marie Ramer was arrested on an outstanding Alabama felony drug warrant. During the investigation, deputies located approximately 50 grams of liquid fentanyl in her possession, and she was charged with felony trafficking fentanyl.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded .32 caliber pistol and two boxes of ammunition beneath the driver’s seat. The seat was occupied by 52-year-old William Lindsey Brown, ECSO said. Brown, a convicted felon, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Both Deer Lake Road residents were booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Information on the state arson investigation was not available.
Archaeologists Turn Local Discoveries Into Children’s Book Series
August 24, 2025
Two University of West Florida archaeologists have transformed their passion for public outreach and historical storytelling into a new children’s book inspired by real archaeological discoveries made off the Florida coast. “Luna the Cat,” follows a feline protagonist on board a Spanish ship in the 1500s and is based on a real-life cat whose remains were uncovered at the site of the 1559 Emanuel Point shipwrecks excavated by UWF archaeologists.
Michael Thomin, assistant director of education and interpretation for the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and Nicole Grinnan, assistant director of the University of West Florida’s Archaeology Institute, decided to co-author the book after realizing that most archaeology books didn’t speak to the K-12 students in their children’s archaeology programs in the way they desired.
“Most titles were too focused on the archaeological process and lacked the heart of what makes a story engaging and relatable for kids,” Thomin said.
When Thomin and Grinnan learned of the discovery of cat bones found during excavations of the Emanuel Point I and Emanuel Point II shipwrecks — remnants of Tristán de Luna’s 1559 Spanish colonization attempt near present-day Pensacola – they knew they had a perfect new lens through which to write their own children’s book.
“By telling history through the eyes of an animal, we could connect with children in a way that felt emotionally compelling and accessible,” Grinnan said.
Although “Luna the Cat” is a fictional tale, its historical framework is grounded in real research from UWF’s Archaeology Institute and Department of Anthropology.
“All the major events in the book are based on real discoveries,” the authors explained. “This was only possible because of the extensive research conducted by faculty and students at the University of West Florida. The work of Dr. Roger Smith, Dr. John Worth and Dr. John Bratten, in particular, was instrumental in reconstructing the story of the 1559 settlement.”
Grinnan actually excavated portions of the shipwreck during her graduate work at UWF.
At its core, “Luna the Cat” introduces young readers to one of North America’s earliest colonial settlement attempts – decades before Jamestown in Virginia and years before St. Augustine on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
“This is more than just a story about a cat,” they said. “At its heart, the book is about overcoming fear, building resilience and discovering inner strength in the face of adversity. We hope it sparks curiosity about the past and shows kids that archaeology is not just about digging — it’s about discovering human and animal stories that still matter today.”
Released in July 2025, the book has already earned praise from educators, parents and young readers alike.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Thomin and Grinnan said. “Kids have really connected with Luna’s emotional journey, and we were thrilled to see it ranked No. 1 for New Releases in Children’s U.S. State and Local History Books on Amazon.”
Fans of “Luna the Cat” will be excited to know that this is just the first book in the “Tales from the Trowel” series. Each book will be told from the perspective of a different animal whose remains were found during excavations at archaeological sites across Florida. Inspired by real archaeological discoveries, every book is grounded in authentic research but brought to life through imaginative, character-driven storytelling.
While Luna’s story is complete for now, the second book in the series is already in development. Co-authored by Thomin and UWF alumna Katherine Sims, the next installment will follow a donkey who helps build the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine during the 1600s. That title is expected to be released later this year.
“Luna the Cat” is currently available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and Kindle formats. Plans are underway to distribute the book through museum stores, libraries and independent bookstores. The authors are also scheduling signings at local libraries, museums and bookstores, and they plan to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Pensacola Humane Society — a cause close to their hearts.
“We may have written the book, but it stands on the shoulders of years of dedicated research and discovery right here at UWF,” Thomin and Grinnan said. “Our hope is that books like ‘Luna the Cat’ will not only spark a passion for history and archaeology in young readers but also help inspire the next generation of heritage stewards.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.