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Escambia Fire Rescue Shares Winter Weather Heating Safety Tips

With the arrival of cold weather, Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater and carbon monoxide safety.

Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.

Home Heating Tips

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Close all bedroom doors before going to bed. Remember this phrase: Close before you doze!

Portable Electric Heaters

• Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
• Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
• Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Inspect for loose connections or cracked, damaged, or broken plugs, and replace before using.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil and methane burn incompletely, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Exposure to carbon monoxide can have fatal results. Due to being invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide has been known as the “invisible killer.”

Safety Tips

• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations of the home, including outside each sleeping area and every level of the home.
• Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly. If the alarm sound is low, replace the batteries.
• If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, immediately move to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1.
• Make sure all vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear.
• If a vehicle is located inside a garage, make sure the garage door is open before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Only use gas or charcoal grills outdoors.
• Use generators outdoors, as they produce carbon monoxide.
• Never use a gas stove to warm a home, as it can produce carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sleepiness
• Loss of muscle control
• Loss of consciousness

Those experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately get into fresh air and seek medical attention.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Escambia County Fire Rescue is available to provide and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge for residents. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376).

Photos: Third Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade

The third annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade was held Sunday afternoon, complete with a visit from Santa and the Grinch.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Proceeds from entry fees were donated to a local family in need.

Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Low In The 20s Again Monday Night

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. East wind around 5 mph

Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.

ECUA: Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures

With freezing temperatures in the forecast, it’s important to take steps now to protect your home’s plumbing, according to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.

ECUA offered a few simple tips to avoid costly repairs:

• Insulate Pipes and Faucets: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (garage, attic, crawl space) with insulation to prevent freezing.
• Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses: Remove hoses from faucets and let them drain to prevent frozen pipes.
• Run a Trickle of Water: Let a small stream of water run from the faucet furthest from your water line to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Protect Backflow Preventers: If you have a backflow preventer on your property (for irrigation, pools, etc.), wrap it with insulation or shut off and drain the water supply.

ECUA said taking these steps now can help prevent freezing pipes and costly damage later.

I-10 To Be Resurfaced From State Line To Near Highway 29 In $19.8 Million Project

The Florida Department of Transportation will soon begin a $19.8 million resurfacing project early next year  on I-10, from the Perdido River Bridge at the state line to west of the Highway 29 (Exit 10).

The project also includes:

• Installation of an intelligent transportation system (ITS) wrong-way detection system, along with eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp extensions at the I-10/Pine Forest Road (State Road 297) interchange (Exit 7).
• Installation of high-tension cable barriers from the Perdido River Bridge to Beulah Road, and from Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) to west of U.S. 29 (Exit 10).
• Median crossover installation for emergency vehicles.
• Guardrail replacement.
• Expansion joint rehabilitation on the westbound approach slab of the Perdido River Bridge.

During construction, traffic shifts may be required for travel lanes, ramps and shoulders. Lane closures may also occur Sunday through Thursday, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Escambia County:

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.)) 291 – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
• Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
• S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
• S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Dec. 14 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
• S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Dec. 14, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with east and westbound travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone.
• U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for manhole adjustments and placement of thermoplastic striping. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
• Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Dec. 14, 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, for stormwater management upgrades. Currently, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street and G Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
  • On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
• 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, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 19, 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 – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • I-10 westbound traffic will be reduced to one travel lane and shifted south near mile marker 10, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
  • Intermittent lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
  • I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
  • I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
  • The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
  • 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 Bridge Rehabilitation over Escambia Bay Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.

Santa Rosa County:

• 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, Dec. 14, through Friday, Dec. 19, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
• U.S. 90 Resurfacing, from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from the Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Tuesday, Dec. 16 through Thursday, Dec. 18, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
• S.R. 87 Resurfacing from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18:
  • Intermittent lane closures between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for construction activities.
  • Intermittent lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for placement of thermoplastic striping.
• S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 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 Move Lower, AAA Says

Florida gas prices are moving lower as millions of Americans finalize their year-end holiday travel plans. Of the 7.5 million Floridians that AAA expects to take a trip, 6.7 million are forecast to drive.

“Florida gas prices have declined for three consecutive weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If current trends continue, holiday travelers will find the lowest gas prices in years.”

Sunday’s Florida average of $2.81 is 11 cents less than a week ago, 14 cents less than a month ago, 26 cents less than this time last year, and the lowest daily average price since May 2021.

The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.69 per gallon. In Pensacola, a low of $2.42 was available at stations on Pine Forest Road and West Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, Sunday’s low price was $2.52 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.

NorthEscambia.com photo.

Norma Joan (Miller) Ropp

Norma Joan (Miller) Ropp, age 95, of Atmore, Alabama, went to be with Jesus peacefully on December 13, 2025, in her home in Atmore. The cause of death was from what she often referred to as “old-timers.”

Born June 14, 1930, in Midland, Michigan, Norma was the daughter of Menno and Ina Miller. She received her education through the 10th grade in Midland. While attending Fairview Bible School, she attracted the attention of Morris Ropp of an Iowa “dear” hunter, and the two were married on August 6, 1954. Together they built a family and a home filled with faith, laughter, and hospitality.

Norma’s lifelong calling was a homemaker, a role she embraced with devotion and commitment. Sundays often found her welcoming guests for lunch, and her kitchen was always alive with the aroma of home cooking and baking. Raising six children, she became known for her weekly bread baking, her resourcefulness with rhubarb, and her abundant garden and clean windows. Each summer, canning was a yearly ritual, reflecting her thrift and care for her household. Beyond her home, she faithfully visited the elderly, affectionately calling them “her people.” In later years she quipped, “I used to visit my old people, and now I ‘are’ one.”

Her wit and humor were ever-present, delighting family and friends with dry jokes and hearty laughter. Norma collected thousands of meaningful sayings and quotes, alphabetized and filed, which she posted throughout her home. She was also fiercely competitive in games, especially Scrabble. When her children were grown, she continued playing solo, humorously naming the players “Me” and “Me too.” In her senior years, she enjoyed weekly Scrabble matches with friends up until the very week she passed away.

Music was woven deeply into Norma’s life. As a young girl, she sang heartily with her sister, and her love for singing endured throughout her years. She encouraged her children to sing together, with singing being an important part of family reunions. Even as her mobility declined, she could be seen tapping her cane, fingers, or toes in rhythm with music sung by any group.

Norma also gave generously of her time, volunteering at the local school Economy Shop. Her desire to serve Jesus was evident day to day. An excerpt from her diary at 93 yrs old shows this. “I may as well call it quits. I do nothing all day. That is a challenge. I guess I’m an old lady! I’m working on making this phase of life special as well. My last phase! God is good to me and is with me during this last phase as He always has been.”

Though not naturally outgoing, she ministered faithfully to those in her circle. She enjoyed hours on the phone chatting with her good friends. In her later years, her Bible was often open on her lap, a testimony to her steadfast faith and devotion.

She is survived by her brother, Arnold (Carol) Miller of Sarasota, FL; her children: Debora Ropp of Kenora, Ontario; Dale (Joyce) Ropp of Bemidji, MN; Donna (Ellis) Beery of Mt. Crawford, VA; Judith (Dale) Huber of Atmore, AL; Joann (Nevin) Nisly of Partridge, KS; and Sanford (Wamessa) Ropp of Oriental, NC; along with 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruby, her brother Roger, and two daughters-in-law, Fayetta (Schrock) Ropp and Carmen (Kulzer) Ropp.

Services

Visitation will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Mennonite Christian Fellowship. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., also at Mennonite Christian Fellowship. A livestream will be available on the Mennonite Christian Fellowship YouTube Channel with Bro. Anthony Swartzendruber and Pastor Blaine Copenhaver officiating.  Interment will follow in Freemanville Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nyandengoh! Sierra Leone, Africa. Contributions can be made out to Mennonite Christian Fellowship, earmarked “You Are Beautiful” – Nyandengoh!

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and Southern Care Hospice, who lovingly supported Norma in her final days.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hundreds Attend Annual Molino Christmas Parade (With Gallery)

Hundreds of people lined Crabtree Church Road for the annual Molino Christmas Parade on a beautiful Saturday morning, after the parade was rescheduled last week due to rain.

All proceeds from the parade, which was coordinated by Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Molino campus, will benefit families in need in the North Escambia area.

For a photo gallery, click here.

The parade was followed by a family fun event at the Don Sutton Ballpark, featuring activities, inflatables, food trucks and pictures with Santa.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning About Warrant, Bond, And Ticket Scams

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is once again warning residents about ongoing phone scams from individuals pretending to be ECSO employees, deputies, or supervisors.

These scams are expected increase during the holiday season, and scammers may claim people owe money for a bond, ticket, or active warrant and will attempt to collect payment over the phone.

ECOS said:

• The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for or accept any payment over the phone.
• It does not collect money to remove a warrant, pay a fine, or secure a bond.
• Any call requesting payment in gift cards, cash apps, or wire transfers is 100% fraudulent.

Anyone that receives such a call is advised to hang up immediately.

The identity of any ECSO employee can be verified call calling (850) 436-9630.

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