Gas Prices: Memorial Day Travel Not Too Hard On The Wallet
May 26, 2013
Memorial Day weekend travel is about the same on the wallet this year as compared to 2012.
According to the AAA Fuel Gage Report, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in Escambia County was $3.40 Saturday, up four cents over a month ago. Last year, a gallon of unleaded gas averaged $3.39 per gallon on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
In Molino, the gallon of gas was $3.39 at Highway 29 and Highway 97, while a gallon of gas was $3.35 at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Gas was at about $3.36 a gallon Saturday in Atmore.
AAA Travel projects 34.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 0.9 percent decrease from the 35.1 million people who traveled last year. The anticipated decline in holiday travel is predominately due to a decline in air travel of eight percent, fee fatigue among travelers and a waffling economy. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.
“AAA is forecasting Memorial Day travel to be slightly lower this year due to an to an up and down economy, the impact of the end of the payroll tax holiday on working families and a 30-year low in the percentage of working age people in the workforce,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Additionally, economic growth in the first quarter was strong, but the impact of the sequester is now beginning to be felt resulting in reduced economic growth expectations. These and other variables are expected to result in few travelers this holiday. ”
Approximately 31.2 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 0.25 percent from the 31.1 million who drove last year. Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (89 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend, keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominant mode of holiday travel transportation.
A survey of intended travelers found that gasoline prices would have no impact on plans for 62 percent of travelers. Of the remaining 38 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, 27 percent plan to economize in other areas. Eight percent are planning to take a shorter trip and three percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation.
Since national gas prices peaked at the end of February, motorists nationwide have felt welcome relief at the pump. However, current gas prices are in line with this time last year and not expected to have an effect on travel plans.
Northview Baccalaureate Service Scheduled For Sunday
May 26, 2013
The Northview High School Class of 2013 will hold their Baccalaureate program at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
The student-led and organized program will include scripture, prayer and original instrumental and vocal music provided by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble and students. Guest Speaker will be Bro. Glenn Webber, with music led by senior Ashton Gibbs.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
Pictured: The Northview High School Class of 2012 Baccalaureate Program. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sunny Weekend Continues
May 26, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. South winds around 5 mph in the evening becoming light.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. East winds around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph in the evening becoming light.
- Memorial Day: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. Highs around 90.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Pictured top: Saturday evening’s sunset as seen from the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 164 in Oak Grove. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wildfire Evacuations, Road Closures Lifted
May 25, 2013
Latest Update From Escambia County on the wildfire situation in Escambia County:
ALL MANDATORY EVACUATIONS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FOR RESIDENTS OF AILERON AVENUE, RUDDER LANE, FOSTER MILLS LANE AND RUSTIC ROAD HAVE NOW BEEN LIFTED. RESIDENTS MAY RETURN HOME. HOWEVER, RESIDENTS ARE STILL BEING ASKED TO BE VIGILANT. FIRE RISKS ARE STILL HIGH. The shelter for evacuees – Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, located at 13660 Innerarity Point Road – has now been closed.
The wildfires still encompass 80 acres on the both sides of Blue Angel Parkway and are 60% contained. The fires began early this morning on the east side of Blue Angel. Dry conditions and high heat caused the embers to jump the roadway and spread the fire areas. All roads have reopened.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Perfect Weekend Weather: Lows In 50’s
May 25, 2013
Here is official North Escambia area forecast:
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Cottage Hill Water Works Issues Precautionary Boil Water Notice
May 24, 2013
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works System customers in the following area:
1759- 1999 Hwy 95A , of if f you experienced low water pressure on these streets — Williams Ditch Road, Clymil Dr, Gainey Ln, Glenna Ln, Elna Rd, McKenzie Rd, Chavers Rd , Parker Rd, Hollow Point, Cottage Park, Handy Rd, Smyers Rd, Stacey Rd, BuckHead Trace, Elna Rd, Eastman, Danielle Lane, Heathrow Dr. and Wendy Drive.
This notice is being issued following a water main break. Residents are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 6 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Bacteriological sampling is underway and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible.
Crews have repaired the main and is flushing out the lines. Residents are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the break and flushing, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes.
If you have questions, contact the Cottage Hill Water Works office at (850) 968-5485.
On Stage: Hope 4 Halee Cabaret To Benefit Tate Senior
May 24, 2013
A Hope 4 Halee Charity Cabaret will be held this Saturday at the Pensacola Little Theatre to benefit Tate High School senior Halee Boyd, who is fighting a rare form of cancer. Many Pensacola youth favorites will be performing, and all profits go to the Hope 4 Halee charity.
The event is being hosted by Tori Patton, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Pensacola High School as her community service project. Patton and Boyd have been friends for years, both members of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.
“We had our first rehearsal last Tuesday, and we have had multiple rehearsals since. I am completely amazed at the talented youth we have here in Pensacola. It is going to be an incredible performance, for an extremely worthy cause,” Patton said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the talented peers and friends of Halee’s (current and former members of the Pensacola Childrens’ Chorus), many of whom are actually majoring in Musical Theatre, and to give back to a very sweet girl who needs the donations.”
Performances scheduled include a set from B.E.T.A. (Broadening Education Thru Arts) Theatre and select performances by Savannah Green, Haylee Grace, Tori Patton, Cameron Gonzales, Sara Goff, Janah Brown, Kendall Parrett, Elliot Friedman, Michael Frazier, Brianca Wright, Kourtney Jones, Lindsay Riddle, Mary Tempesta, Gabe Friedman, Riana Lonquist, Teya Lonquist, Jocelyn Lonquist and Nigel Walden.
General admission is $15, priority seating is $25 for the Hope 4 Halee Charity Cabaret. Tickets are available by phone at (850) 434-0257, online at www.pensacolalittletheatre.com or at the box office. Doors will open at 6:30 Saturday at the Pensacola Little Theatre at 400 South Jefferson Street, with the performance at 7:00.
Pictured top: Performers in the Hope 4 Halee Charity Cabaret. Pictured below: The BETA Theatre Company. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Seniors In Tonight’s Subway All-Star Softball, Baseball Games
May 23, 2013
Today, the Subway High School All-Star Baseball and Softball games will be played at the University of West Florida.
Starting with a Home Run Derby at 5:00, the softball game will begin at 6:00 p.m and the baseball will start at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $7, or just $5 with a canned good donation to Manna Food Bank.
Numerous North Escambia players (highlighted below in bold) will participate. The Softball West Team will be coached by Amy Holland of Northview.
SOFTBALL WEST TEAM
Coach: Amy Holland, Northview
- Reagan Andrews, Pace
- Jordan Barnette, Tate
- Jessica Briggs, West Florida
- Mallory Carpenter, Pace
- Peihden Courtney, Escambia
- Misty Doran, Northview
- Sarah Goolsby, East Hill
- Ariel Holland, Northview
- Kaitlin Johnson, West Florida
- Shaquanna Jones, Northview
- Carlene Langlois, Escambia
- Jamika Lee, West Florida
- Joi McCants, West Florida
- Ashley Mooney, Northview
- Shelley Mothershed, Northview
- Kellie Payne, Pine Forest
- Morgan Payne, Northview
- Amber Peebles, West Florida
- Heather Thomason, Tate
- Taylor Wade, Pace
- Amy Waters, Tate
- Brooke White, Tate
- Aleecia Ybarra, Pine Forest
SOFTBALL EAST TEAM
Coach: Grant Keen, Choctaw
- Nicole Bailey, Laurel Hill
- Taylor Campbell, Choctaw
- Kaylan Davis, Niceville
- Rachael Dehlinger, Fort Walton Beach
- Lauren Donaldson, Niceville
- Camille Driver, Jay
- Brittany Gilman, Jay
- Kaitlan Godwin, Baker
- Devan Hines, Niceville
- Jacquelyn Kahler, Milton
- Ashleigh Keys, Gulf Breeze
- Ciarra Melvin, Milton
- Rachel Mosley, Rocky Bayou
- Brooke Murphy, Navarre
- Brooke Reynolds, Gulf Breeze
- Amanda Somerset, Milton
- Sara Spillers, Gulf Breeze
- Audrey Thomas, Navarre
- Gaberille Thomas, Crestview
- Kristen Vaughan, Milton
- Macie Wilde, Baker
- Paige Wooley, Choctaw
- Olivia Wright, Jay
BASEBALL WEST TEAM
Coach: Nate Epsy, Washington
- Reise Bell, West Florida
- Jonathan Bennett, Pensacola
- Logan Bennett, Escambia
- Ja’Quan Brown, Pensacola
- Jon-Jon Burkett, Catholic
- Greg Cianqiotto, Catholic
- Noah Frary, Pensacola Christian
- Avery Geyer, Catholic
- JT Granat, Tate
- Tanner Halstead, Catholic
- Nick Helton, Catholic
- Riley Hodge, Tate
- Brock Jones, Pensacola
- Cooper Jones, Catholic
- Drew LaBounty, Catholic
- Austin Lee, Pensacola
- Andrew Mack, Tate
- Willie Mangram, Pine Forest
- AJ McMillion, West Florida
- Bradley Mercer, West Florida
- David Moorhead, Tate
- Blake Norwood, Pensacola
- Stephen Penrose, West Florida
- Hunter Rigby, Washington
- Joe Tegenkamp, Washington
- Jordan Williams, Pine Forest
BASEBALL EAST TEAM
Coach: Scott Johnson, Baker
- Bryan Baker, Choctaw
- Connor Baker, Pace
- Taylor Baynes, Gulf Breeze
- TJ Beasley, Central
- Dustin Berrong, Choctaw
- Davis Champion, Crestview
- Wendall Cooley, Central
- Adam Crowson, Baker
- Dakota Dean, Crestview
- Roman Donofro, Crestview
- Taylor Fought, Choctaw
- Cody Heintzleman, Niceville
- Tyler Henderson, Crestview
- Thomas Huston, Pace
- Nick Junger, Niceville
- Cody Kilpatrick, Ft. Walton Beach
- Tyler Kinard, Niceville
- Robbie Miller, Navarre
- Pat Patterson, Central
- Boomer Simons, Laurel Hill
- Troy Smith, Milton
- Tate Sweatt , Crestview
- Seth Thomason, Crestview
- Hunter Vaughn, Jay
- Nick Waters, Central
- Tanner Zant, Niceville
A Few Showers Tonight
May 22, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7pm and 1am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Civil War Children’s Program Today At Molino Library
May 20, 2013
The West Florida Public Library will present a Civil War program for children age 7 and older this afternoon in Molino.
The children’s program will include activities ranging from how to write with a quill pen to the questionably tasty experience of hardtack. The free program will begin at 4 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library on Highway 95A.
The program is made possible in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and is supported by a grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities.