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AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Up Over Last Week

“Since the fuel market has been stable, retailers are constantly adjusting prices to attract customers,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But once those prices fall below a profitable margin, stations raise them again, and the cycle repeats.”

Florida gas prices continue following a familiar pattern of rising and falling through the course of the week. Initially, the state average increased 18 cents per gallon. Through the second half of the week, Florida’s average gas price reversed course, declining by 9 cents per gallon by Sunday, according to AAA.

Sunday’s average across the state was $3.04 per gallon, but $2.80 in Escambia County. In Pensacola, a low of $2.59 was at a station on Airport Boulevard, while in North Escambia, the Sunday night’s low price was $2.67 at a couple of stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.

Since early September 2024, Florida’s average gas price has consistently bounced between $2.92/g and $3.23/g. The recurring pattern typically involves a gradual decline over 10 days, followed by a sharp rebound to previous levels.

“Since the fuel market has been stable, retailers are constantly adjusting prices to attract customers,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But once those prices fall below a profitable margin, stations raise them again, and the cycle repeats.”

Century Man Faces Meth Trafficking, Contraband Charges After Chase

A Century man with an active warrant saw his desperate attempt to evade the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office end abruptly after a chase, a crash into a tree, a rooftop hideout, and a final takedown by a deputy’s Taser.

The incident began when deputies spotted 35-year-old Terrell Lee Grice driving a silver Kia and recognized him as having an outstanding warrant after fleeing from a narcotics search warrant last week. When they attempted a traffic stop on Twin Oaks Drive, Grice reportedly refused to stop and sped away, leading to a a pursuit.

Grice’s flight ended violently when the Kia crashed into a tree behind an apartment complex off Prieto Drive. Undeterred by the wreck, Grice bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot, scaling a fence and ignoring deputies’ repeated commands to stop.

The ECSO deployed K-9 Gassman, who swiftly tracked the suspect to an unlikely hiding spot: the roof of a nearby building. Grice reportedly jumped off the roof and continued his run, darting into a second apartment complex off Twin Oaks Drive. His short-lived escape concluded there when a deputy spotted him and deployed a Taser.

Once secured, deputies discovered Grice was not only wanted for violation of probation, but his vehicle was also “full of narcotics,” according to the ECSO. The discoveries continued once Grice was booked into the jail, where detention deputies found him in possession of additional marijuana, leading to a charge of introduction of contraband.

In addition to serving the original warrant for violation of probation in a case for possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession of a controlled substance, Grice is now facing a significant list of new charges, including:

• Driving while license suspended
• Trafficking in Methamphetamine (189 grams)
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (cocaine)
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (fentanyl)
• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
• Failure to obey a law enforcement order to stop
• Obstruction without violence
• Introduction of contraband into a detention facility

“You can run, but you can’t hide—from our deputies, our K-9 partners, or justice,” the ECSO said in a statement.

FHP Arrets 110 Mph ‘Super Speeder’ For DUI On I-110

An Escambia County man was arrested on I-10 early Saturday morning for DUI and under Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law.

Zachary Michael Stevens, 28, was driving 110 mph in a 65 mph zone on I-110 in Escambia County around 3:50 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Once he stopped, the trooper noted the odor of alcohol coming from Stevens and observed several open containers in the vehicle.

After an investigation, Stevens was charged with DUI, operating a motor vehicle over 100 mph, and violation of a driver’s license restriction. He was also cited for an open container in the vehicle. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail and released Saturday night on an $1,800 bond.

The new “Super Speeder” law  targets those traveling more than 50 miles per hour over the posted limit or exceeding 100 miles per hour overall, with consequences ranging from hefty fines to potential jail time and license suspension.

Lipscomb Elementary Recognizes Special Area Champions

Lipscomb Elementary School recently recognized their September Special Area Champions. The students were recognized in special areas including, art, music, physical education, and the library. Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.

One Injured In Highway 95A Rollover Crash

At least one person was injured in a two vehicle crash on Highway 95A in Cantonment on Saturday.

The crash happened north of East Kingsfield Road, near The Happy Taco and involved a car and a pickup truck. The truck came to rest on its roof in a vacant lot adjacent to the restaurant parking lot.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating; troopers have not released the cause of the crash.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

I-10, I-110, 29, 99 — Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Spots

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:

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for drainage improvements and milling and paving operations.
• Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions, as crews perform drainage improvements:
  • An outside lane closure on the I-10 westbound ramp to access I-110 southbound (Exit 12).
  • Shoulder closures on the I-110 northbound on-ramp from Cervantes Street (U.S. 90), Sunday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 5, 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, Oct. 5, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road (C.R.) 292A east) 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 Patton Drive, with all lanes shifted south. Signage is in place to guide drivers safely through 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, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. 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, Oct. 5, 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. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C 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.
• S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing from U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) to Isaacs Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete work and shoulder stabilization operations.
• Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – The week of Monday, Oct. 6, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Interstate Circle at Eight Mile Creek, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for construction activities. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
• 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, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9, 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, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 10, 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 from Sunday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 10:
  • On U.S. 29, between Diamond Dairy Road and Broad Street, crews will be working intermittently in the median area of the roadway. Drivers are urged to use caution.
  • I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
  • I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
  • The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
  • 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 Resurfacing from East of Shoal River Bridge to West of S.R. 285 – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Thursday, Oct. 9 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for paving operations.

Santa Rosa County:

• S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 9, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
• U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:

o   Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.

o   Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 10.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms For Sunday

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Sunday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Argos Use Late 4th Quarter Drive To Stay Perfect On The Season

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – When the Argos needed to put together its best offensive drive of the game, it produced, leading to a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. UWF would hold that lead to earn a 31-24 win over Northeastern State and move to 5-0 on the season.

West Florida took control of the ball with just over eight minutes remaining in the game after Northeastern scored on a 77-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 24-24. The Argos proceeded to go on a seven play, 84-yard drive for a touchdown while also chewing up four minutes of play clock.

Quarterback Marcus Stokes completed back-to-back first down passes with one going 14 yards to Mikaiah Stephenson followed by a 12-yard pass to Corey Scott. TJ Lane then broke a 37-yard run to get the Argos into the redzone. Stokes capped off the important drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Stephenson.

Stokes finished the game going 26-of-37 for 332 yards and four touchdowns.

FIRST HALF

UWF scored all 17 of their first half points in the second quarter. Northeastern was the first to score late in the first quarter. On the first drive of the second quarter Stokes connected with Tyree Holloway on a 46-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. The Argo defense then forced a turnover on downs with two straight tackles for loss when the Riverhawks needed just a yard for the first down.

A key component to the win on Saturday was the UWF rush defense which allowed no rushing yards for the hosts. NSU had 17 rush attempts for 0 yards on the day.

After the fourth down stop the Argos used the positive field position to punch in another touchdown with tight end Jake Robinette catching a 10-yard pass for the TD.

The Riverhawks had the answer with a long touchdown pass to tight end Cam Woods to tie the game. Woods led the home team with three touchdowns.

Both teams in their final possessions of the half converted on a field goal to leave the game tied 17-17 heading into the halftime break.

SECOND HALF

With the teams going punch-for-punch it was the Argos special teams that made the big play early in the fourth quarter.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Riverhawks began the fourth quarter in UWF territory and lined up for a field goal to take a 20-17 lead. Chester Fearon was able to get a hand on the 43-yard kick giving the Argos the ball back at their own 26-yard line.

The UWF offense responded with a go-ahead touchdown on a 23-yard pass from Stokes to Holloway. It was his second receiving touchdown of the day.

Following the game-winning drive by the Argos the Riverhawks had just over four minutes to produce a tying drive. But it was Fearon who stepped up again with an interception at the goal line.

NSU forced a quick stop on the defense forcing UWF to punt with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Punter Michael Shine delivered a 54-yard punt to pin the Riverhawks back in their own territory. Walker Robinson gave the final blow with an interception to close out the game.

KEY PERFORMANCES

Marcus Stokes went 26-of-37 for 332 yards and 4 touchdowns
TJ Lane rushed for 88 yards on 14 attempts
Tyree Holloway had 5 receptions for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns
Corey Scott led the team with 9 catches (96 yards)
Ja’Kobe Clinton led the team with 10 tackles including 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also added a pass breakup.
Chester Fearon had a kick block and an interception
Walker Robinson made 5 tackles and had an interception
Brogan Woeber was 4-for-4 on XP and made a 21-yard kick
Tyler Patterson had 5-of-6 kickoffs for a touchback
Michael Shine had 3 punts for an average of 47 yards

UP NEXT

The 5-0 Argos will be back at home on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. for a homecoming game against Chowan.

Alton L. Killam

Alton L. Killam, 88, of Bratt, FL, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Pensacola, FL. He was born on June 11, 1937 in Century, FL, to Arthur Killam and Ruby Wasden Killam. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and retired from Monsanto. He also served our country in the Army and the Army National Guard. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 65 years, Lillie Brooks Killam, and his daughter, Tammy Ann Martin.

He is survived by his son, Tony Killam of Bratt, FL; grandchildren, David Hawkins, Kara Hawkins, Nikolaus Salter, Shana Killam; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Matt Brown officiating. Internment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.

William ‘Billy’ Alexander Arnold Sr.

William “Billy” Alexander Arnold Sr., 92, of Gonzalez, Florid,a passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Billy was born on April 19, 1933, in Gonzalez, Florida, to John Albert Arnold and Anna Mueller. Billy will be remembered most for his gentle heart, contagious smile, dedication to his trade, and devotion to his faith and family. Billy found joy in raising his boys, playing with his grandchildren, fishing, farming, and football. Billy graduated from Tate High School and attended Murray State University in Kentucky until he was drafted by the Army for the Korean War. After returning home from the war, Billy went to work for Westinghouse where he retired after 30 years. Billy spent his retirement doing all the things he loved with his family.

Billy leaves behind Vivian Arnold, his wife of 66 years; his two sons, Tommy (Kim) Arnold and Bill Arnold (Sommer Holt); as well as Lisa (Mike) Barnes; his grandchildren, Courtney Arnold (Branden Farmer), Blain (Rachel) Arnold, Emily Arnold (Trent Parker), Austin Holt (Makayla Thomas), and Kensly Holt; his great-grandchildren, Brantley Arnold and Haisley Holt, his brother, M.J. Arnold; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. Billy is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mueller; father, John Albert Arnold; and seven siblings.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Faith Chapel North in Gonzalez, Florida. Family and friends are invited to gather at 1 0pm for visitation, with services starting at 2 pm, followed by a committal service at Lathram Chapel. Serving as Pallbearers are Blain Arnold, Branden Farmer, Trent Parker, Austin Holt, Ronnie Williams, and Mike Barnes. Honorary Pallbearers are Brantley Arnold, Mike Camp, Randy Hensel, and Mike Glenn.

Billy has gone home to be with the Lord, and we find comfort knowing that he is now at peace in God’s hands until we meet again. Billy will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.

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