Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower On Average
April 5, 2021
Florida gas prices continue to drift lower, according to AAA’s weekly survey. The state average declined 3 cents last week, for a total discount of 6 cents in the past two weeks.
Pump prices have gradually declined since the state average reached the 2021 high of $2.91 per gallon on March 21. Drivers are now paying an average price of $2.85 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia COunty was also $2.85, down a penny in the last week. A low of $2.59 per gallon could be found Sunday night at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment and multiple locations in Pensacola.
“Florida drivers are getting a welcome break from rising prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices are declining now that refineries have mostly recovered from the power outages in mid-February, which resulted in reduced gasoline supplies. Crude oil prices also dropped in recent weeks, due to global concerns about rising cases of COVID-19 and lockdowns in Europe. Since retail prices have not yet fully adjusted to the oil and gasoline futures price drops, drivers should see pump prices slip even lower this week.”
COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available To Everyone 18+. Here’s How To Get Vaccinated In Escambia County.
April 5, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all Florida residents age 18 and over.
Here’s how to received the vaccine in Escambia County this week:
Florida Dept. Of Health Escambia
FDOH-Escambia is using the statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Escambia County residents can call (866 (201-1025 or preregister online at myvaccine.fl.gov.
Ascension Sacred Heart
Ascension Sacred Heart clinics will be held at Olive Baptist Church as follows:
- April 5 from 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
- April 8 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online appointments can be made at www.GetSacredHeartCare.com. The clinics will offer either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, which require two shots about 3-4 weeks apart.
Baptist Health Care
Baptist Health Care is offering appointments the week of April 5 at Baptist Medical Park — Nine Mile located at 9400 University Parkway in Pensacola.
Appointments can be made one of three ways:
- Visit EasySchedule.com. Click “procedure appointment” and complete the registration.
- Email name and contact information to BHCVaccine@bhcpns.org.
- For those who do not have email/internet access, call 850.908.SHOT (7468), Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Health Northwest Florida
All clinics April 5-9 are for individuals returning for the second dose. Appointments are already scheduled.
Retail Pharmacies
Appointments are also available at retail pharmacies including: CVS, Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn Dixie. See each retailer’s website for more details.
Worshipers Gather In Person For Easter Worship, Sunrise Services
April 4, 2021
Worshipers gathered in-person for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
At the start of the pandemic, Easter morning services were empty in 2020 as everything was virtual. At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty last year as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.
Easter morning 2021 was much different as services were open for in-person attendance, including sunrise services such as the Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured above and below: The 2021 Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing, Endangered Cantonment Man Found Safe
April 4, 2021
UPDATE; The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that this missing man has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is search for a missing and endangered man last seen in Cantonment.
John Frenkel, 61, was last seen about 2 p.m. on Monday, March 29 in the 1500 block of Silver Ridge Drive, off Country Road 97, the ECSO said late Saturday night.
He was driving a silver 2014 Chevy Silverado with a Florida tag Z54FQX. Hie is described as 6-foot, 2-inches, 200 pounds and is bald. He may be in need of medical attention.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos Show Work To Repair the Pensacola Bay Bridge During 2021
April 4, 2021
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is currently expected to open the week of May 31, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
When it reopens, about the first mile or so out of Pensacola will only be two lanes.
The bridge has been closed since it was struck and damaged by multiple Skanska barges.
Initially the state had targeted March 22 to reopen the bridge, but that date was pushed to May or the first week in June after initial damage was found to a trophy piece, one of the piers that supports the roadway spans.
For photos that show the work on the Pensacola Bay Bridge repairs so far in 2021, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service Warns About Wildfire Risk
April 3, 2021
As northwest Florida is starting to reach the peak of its year-round wildfire season, officials with the Florida Forest Service are asking residents to be careful if they choose to burn yard debris.
“This cold front has brought cooler temperatures and lower humidity into the area,” said David Smith, operations administrator for the Blackwater Forestry Center. “That combination can dry vegetation out very quickly and allow fire to spread despite the fact we have had rain recently.”
Spring often is a great time to get the yard in shape and that leads people to pile and burn limbs, brush and other materials. With cold, dry weather in place for the next several days, it could lead to a dangerous situation. Residents are asked to follow the required setbacks and be extra cautious as low humidity and higher winds can cause a fire to escape quickly. Always keep a charged water hose handy to douse any fire that might flare up, never turn your back on a fire, don’t go inside “just for a minute,” and be sure your fire is dead out before leaving it unattended. If your fire does escape, call 911 immediately so firefighters can respond quickly.”
SUV, Semi Collide On Highway 29
April 3, 2021
One person was injured in a collision involving an SUV and a semi-truck Friday afternoon in Cantonment.
The Kia reportedly collided with the tires on the semi trailer on Highway 29 near Tree Street, near International Paper.
The driver of the Kia was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Their injuries were not considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released further details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Beat The Laurel Hill Hoboes 13-1
April 3, 2021
Northview 13, Laurel Hill 1
The Northview Chief completed a two-game district sweep over the Laurel Hill Hoboes 13-1 Friday night in Bratt. Thursday night, the Chiefs beat Laurel Hill 18-2.
Jamarkus Jefferson earned the win for the Chiefs, allowing two hits and one run while striking out four in three innings. Cameron Patrick pitched two innings in relief, giving up no hits, not runs and striking out five.
Josh Landis led the Chiefs, going 3-4 with three runs and four stolen bases. Cody Thomas was 2-3 with two runs and three RBIs; and Wyatt Scruggs went 2-2 with a run and two RBIs. Kaden Odom, Luke Bridges and Ethan Collier added one run each.
Escambia 19-Year Old Gets 18 Years On Child Porn Charges
April 3, 2021
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to state prison on child pornography charges.
Donnie James Mclachlan, 19, was sentenced to 18 years and designated as a sexual offenders by Judge Jennie Kinsey.
Mclachlan entered a plea straight up to the court on 15 counts of possession of child pornography, one count of using a computer to solicit the sexual conduct of a child, and one count of transmission of harmful material to a minor.
The charges stemmed from an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigation. An Escambia resident contacted law enforcement after Mclachlan sent her minor child a nude photograph of himself over social media. After an investigation, a search warrant was served at Mclachlan’s residence. A large quantity of child pornography was found on various storage devices in Mclachlan’s possession. After being interviewed by law enforcement, Mclachlan
admitted to possessing the child pornography and sending the nude photo to the minor victim.
Fire Destroys Abandoned Mobile Home In Cantonment
April 2, 2021
Fire destroyed an abandoned mobile home Friday afternoon in Cantonment.
The fire was reported about 1:15 p.m. in the 500 block of Robinson Street, a dirt lane north of Taylor Street. The first fire units arriving on scene found the mobile home about 50% involved in fire. Two nearby vehicles also burned.
There were no reports of any injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal.
The Cantonment, Ensley, Beulah and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS were among those responding.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.