Florida Gas Prices Rise 40 Cents, Set New Four-Year High
May 4, 2026
Florida gas prices surged 40 cents per gallon last week, going from $3.94 gallon on Monday to $4.34 gallon on Sunday, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average is the highest daily average price since July 2022.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was the lowest in the state at $3.96, up from $3.67 one week ago, $3.89 a month ago and $2.80 a year ago.
In North Escambia on Sunday, drivers could find a low price of $3.85 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment, or a high of $4.15 in Century
“Big gains in oil and gasoline futures contributed to the jump at the pump last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The ongoing Iranian conflict and uncertainty tied to the closure of the Straight of Hormuz is keeping upward pressure on fuel prices with no clear indication of letting up.”
A 13% increase in crude oil prices and a 46-cent gain in gasoline futures triggered the latest round of rising gas prices. Based on additional moves in the futures market, another price hike could be on the way, but not quite as dramatic as a week ago. Last week, U.S. crude oil prices rose another 8%, while gasoline futures gained 13 cents.
Since the Iranian conflict, Florida’s average price rose $1.46 per gallon, going from $2.88 per gallon to $4.34/g. That adds $22 to the cost for an average-sized tank of gas.
Pictred: A gallon of regular unleaded gas $3.89 on Saturday in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Fifth In A Row As Manager Prada Reaches Milestone In Style
May 4, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their fifth game in a row on Sunday afternoon, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 9-4 and securing manager Nelson Prada’s 800th career victory.
Cristian Hernández launched his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom of the fifth inning, with Prada’s help. After umpires initially ruled the drive foul down the left field line, Prada successfully lobbied the crew to overturn the call in what proved to be the biggest momentum swing of the afternoon.
For the fifth game in a row, the Shuckers jumped ahead early in the top of the first inning as Damon Keith hit a two-run homer against Pensacola lefty Luis Palacios. It was the third home run of the series for Keith, and second in as many days.
The Blue Wahoos got a run back in the bottom of the first when Ryan Ignoffo grounded out with the bases loaded, but the Shuckers answered in turn in the top of the third when Jesús Made lined a solo home run off the left field foul pole.
Trailing 3-1, the Blue Wahoos chipped away with a Fenwick Trimble RBI single in the third and Gage Miller RBI double in the fourth to tie the game. After Stephen Jones and Mason Vinyard (W, 1-0) each contributed a scoreless inning of relief, Jay Beshears put Pensacola in front 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI double against Shuckers reliever Anthony Flores (L, 2-1). Hernández followed with a liner headed down the left field line into Pensacola Bay, initially ruled foul but overturned for a two-run homer and a 6-3 lead.
Another Biloxi homer, a solo shot from Darrien Miller in the top of the seventh, drew the score to 6-4. The Blue Wahoos added on insurance in their half of the inning, as Brendan Jones tripled, Ignoffo hit a sacrifice fly, Beshears hit a solo home run and Miller hit his second RBI double of the game. Gabe Bierman closed out the 9-4 win with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Blue Wahoos pulled into a tie for second place in the South Division standings, only 1.0 game behind first-place Montgomery.
written by Erik Bremer
Thaddeus Marion Morris
May 4, 2026
Thaddeus Marion Morris, 46, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on April 29, 2026.
Born on December 25, 1979, in Dayton, Ohio, Thaddeus lived a life defined by service, leadership, and devotion to his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 23 years as a Cryptologic Technician (Collection) (CTR). Enlisting as an E-3, he rose through the ranks through determination, technical excellence, and exceptional leadership, ultimately achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Thaddeus’ distinguished naval career spanned the globe and multiple critical commands. He began his service at Naval Security Group Activity, Rota, Spain from 1999 to 2001. He then served at Navy Information Operations Command San Diego, supporting Naval Special Warfare from 2001 to 2006. From 2006 to 2010, he was assigned to the Center for Information Dominance Detachment at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
He went on to serve as a proud plank owner aboard the USS Spruance (DDG-111) from 2010 to 2014, helping bring the ship to life and establish its operational foundation. He later completed a key assignment at Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola from 2014 to 2017, followed by service at the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) in Pensacola from 2017 to 2020.
His leadership culminated in his role as Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Information Operations Command Pensacola (NIOC Pensacola), where he mentored countless Sailors and shaped the next generation of Information Warfare professionals. He was widely respected for his steady leadership, deep technical knowledge, and genuine care for those under his charge.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Thaddeus had a passion for golf, fishing, woodworking, home improvement projects, and technology. He was known for his ability to build, fix, and improve anything he touched, and for always being willing to lend a hand.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kimberly Seedorf; his father, Earnest Morris; and his grandmother, Maxine Morris.
Thaddeus is survived by his loving wife, Kristie Morris; his two beautiful sons, Bryson Morris (3) and Jayce Morris (7 months); his sisters, Tarra Crompton (Ryan) and Jennifer Tydingco (Dan); and his stepmother, Linda Morris.
Thaddeus will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, and respected leader whose legacy of service, strength, and integrity will live on in all who knew him.
Fair winds and following seas, Master Chief. Your watch has ended, but your impact will endure.
Why Is Highway 29 One Lane In Each Direction For A Highway 97 Project?
May 3, 2026
Why is Highway 29 down to one lane in each direction for a Highway 97 project?
A week ago, northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 29 was shifted to a single lane in each direction at Highway 97 in Molino.
The work is a key component of a larger $14 million resurfacing and improvement project. The initiative covers approximately 22 miles of Highway 97, stretching from the Highway 29 intersection all the way to the Alabama state line at Atmore, Alabama.
One side of Highway 29, specifically the northbound lanes, is closed for stormwater drainage improvements to alleviate historic flooding at the intersection. An additional box culvert will be installed across the southern leg of the intersection, and two additional cross drains will be installed on the northern leg of the intersection.
For a photo trip through the intersection, click here.
The 22-mile project on Highway 97 will include milling and resurfacing the roadway, updated signs and pavement markings, and drainage improvements.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphics, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Perfect Sunday, High Around 75
May 3, 2026
The next few days will feature a beautiful stretch of warm, clear weather across the region as high pressure remains in control. Temperatures will steadily climb from the mid 70s on Sunday to the lower 80s by Tuesday. However, a shift arrives mid-week as moisture returns from the south, bringing a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon. The most significant chance for rain and storms is expected on Thursday as a front moves through the area.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Central Water Works Awarded $45K Federal Planning Grant
May 3, 2026
USDA Rural Development has awarded a $45,000 grant to Central Water Works.
Central was awarded the $45,000 predevelopment planning grant to assist with the initial phases of an infrastructure improvement project.
Central will use the grant to prepare a preliminary engineering report and an environmental report on several proposed system upgrades, including:
- New storage tank at the Central office on Byrneville Road to facilitate the use of Well 5 and minimize water disruptions during main breaks.
- Piping upgrades to eliminate dead ends and establish additional loops throughout the system.
- Pressure reducing valves to enable water supply from the north end to the south end during tank maintenance, addressing current elevation differences.
The Central Water Works grant was one of several totaling about $4.23 million announced recenthly. USDA Rural Development assists rural communities with the construction of water and waste facilities through the Water and Environmental Programs. These programs help rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Split With Chipley Tigers To Force Sunday Regional Decider
May 3, 2026
The Northview Chiefs dropped their first regional semifinal game to the Chipley Tigers 10-3 Saturday afternoon, but the Chiefs doubled down in a long nightcap, powering ahead to a 16-8 win. That tied the best-of-three series at 1-1, setting up a deciding game on Sunday afternoon.
GAME 1: Chipley 10, Northview 3
Saturday’s afternoon in the regional semis was the first game the Northview Chiefs had played in 15 days, since winning the district championship 2-1 over Jay back on April 17. And it showed, according to head coach Justin Raley.
Chipley set the tone in the first inning with a two-run homer to left field, and added a solo home run to left field in the third.
Grayson Burns opened on the mound for the Chiefs, surrendering two hits and three runs in two innings, striking out three and walking four. Gage Harrison threw four and one-third innings in relief for the Chiefs, giving up eight hits and seven runs (six earned), while striking out four and walking five.
At the plate, Grayden Sheffield went 2-4 for NHS. Burns, Luke Chavers, and Bryant Mason each had one run.
GAME 2: Northview 16, Chipley 8
The Chiefs found their rhythm in a nearly four-hour game two, doubling up on Chipley 16-8 on a chilly Saturday night with temperatures dropping into the middle 50s.
Northview took an early 7-0 lead by the top of the third but saw it eroded to an 8-8 tie in the fourth inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Bryant Mason went 4-6 with three RBIs at the plate for the Chiefs. Jase Portwood was 3-4 with two RBIs and Grayden Sheffield was 2-4 with one RBI.
Senior Jackson Bridges had his first career home run, a fly ball to center field, while Taylor Curtis and Grayson Burns also had a hit each.
Mason earned the win for the Chiefs, surrendering one hit and one unearned run in three and two-thirds innings, walking seven and striking out seven. Jack Boutwell opened on the hill for NHS, allowing four hits and seven runs (six earned) in two and one-third innings, striking out none and walking three. Portwood threw one inning of no-hit ball in relief, striking out two and walking none.
GAME 3
The final game in the best-of-three series will be 3 p.m. on Sunday. The winner will advance to take on the Holmes County Blue Devils on Friday. Holmes County took two from the Jay Royals on Saturday [Read more...]
Northview Softball Regional Rescheduled For Tuesday
May 3, 2026
Northview’s regional opener has been rescheduled from Thursday to Tuesday, due to a high chance of rain currently in the forecast for Thursday.
Ranked No. 1, Northview (18-5) will host No. 4 Holmes County (8-16) at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. The regional finals are still scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.
The state Rural semifinal is May 19, followed by the state championship on May 20, at Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Musicians Take Part In Northwest Florida Honor Band Performance
May 3, 2026
Several Northview High School band members took part in the Northwest Florida Small School Honor Band on Saturday afternoon at Milton High School.
The Northwest Florida Small School Honor Band was founded by the Baker, Central and Jay band directors who conceptualized a new honor band experience for small schools, with an inaugural performance in April 2024. This year, Baker, Central, and Jay were joined by Northview in the honor band performance.
Northview band members performing on Saturday were:
- Landon Brown
- Brynlie Shaw
- Elizabeth Coleman
- Olivia Doyle
- Amy Floyd
- Aubrey Flowers
- Ryan Martin
- Brandon Stinson
- Donovan Szuch
- Daivyd Wallace
The Northview band director is Garsche Roble.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Holmes County Takes Jay Out Of Regional Hunt
May 3, 2026
The Holmes County Blue Devils defeated the Jay Royals in two close contests on Saturday in the Rural regional semifinals.
Holmes County won 2-1 and 4-2 in the best-of-three series.
The Blue Devils advance to the regional finals on Friday, May 8 against the winner of Sunday’s game three between Northview and Chipley.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.