Florida Gas Prices Level Off After Three Week Decline
April 12, 2021
Florida gas prices have leveled off after a three week decline, according to AAA.
Florida’s average price for gasoline has declined for nearly three consecutive weeks. However, the state average inched up by a penny over the weekend to $2.84 per gallon.
Florida drivers are now paying 7 cents less than the highest price (so far) this year of $2.91 per gallon - recorded on March 21.
The lowest price in North Escambia Sunday night was $2.63 a gallon at three stations in Cantonment, while $2.59 could be found at a few stations in Pensacola.
“The downward trend at the pump appears to have stalled out for now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s possible that strong springtime gasoline demand is helping to keep a floor on falling prices. However, current fundamentals point toward additional declines in the near future. Retail prices have not fully adjusted to recent drops in the wholesale price of gasoline. Meanwhile, market speculators remain worried about global demand, amid reports of lockdowns in Europe and surging cases of COVID-19 in Brazil and India.”
Picture: Regular unleaded was $2.63 per gallon Sunday at this station on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Keeping The Power On – It’s National Lineman Appreciation Day
April 12, 2021
Today is Lineman Appreciation Day.
“Today, Escambia River Electric Cooperative honors the dedicated men and women who often work in challenging and dangerous conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all lineworkers for the services they perform
around the clock to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety,” said Escambia River Electric Cooperative spokesperson Sabrina Owens. “A career as a lineman is not for everyone. But most of those who have chosen this line
of work could not see themselves doing anything else. It’s hard work, requires commitment and sacrifice, but creates a brotherhood bond like no other.”
File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cypress Lakes Golf Club Damaged By High Winds, Closed For Repairs
April 11, 2021
The Cypress Lakes Golf Club in Cantonment was damaged as a line of storms moved through the area early Saturday morning.
High winds caused damage both inside and outside the clubhouse at the course on Old Chemstrand Road.
It’s not known yet how long Cypress Lakes will be closed for repairs.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Health Now Accepting Appointments For Vaccination Clinics Next Week
April 11, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida is scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccination clinics to be held this week.
Clinics will be held as follows:
Monday, April 12
Location: Brownsville Community Center – 3200 W. DeSoto Street, Pensacola
Vaccine: Moderna COVID-19 vaccine – First dose (of two)
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 14
Location: 6209 Highway 90 / Caroline Street (formerly Beall’s), Milton
Vaccine: Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) “One Shot” COVID-19 vaccine
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 16
Location: Brownsville Community Center – 3200 W. DeSoto Street, Pensacola
Vaccine: Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) “One Shot” COVID-19 Vaccine
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Appointments are required.
Florida residents age 18 and over who wish to participate in one of these events should call the Community Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment.
All participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine.
Escambia Commission Honors The Late Jimmy Cunningham Of Molino
April 11, 2021
The Escambia County Commission recently issued a proclamation in honor of the late James David “Jimmy” Cunningham of Molino who passed away earlier this year at age 83.
Cunningham joined 4-H when he was just nine years old and became a member of FFA at age 13. He remained active in both programs through his youth. After graduation from Tate High School and the University of Florida, he spent 43 years at Solutia before his retirement. In the meantime, he spent his life as a farmer and rancher and co-owner of Cunningham Farms. He spent over 35 years as a board member and president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation.
Cunningham worked tirelessly for local youth. He was a founding member of the Gulf Coast Agricultural & Natural Resources Youth Organization (GCA-NRYO) and the Northwest Florida Cattleman’s Association.
“He was very active in helping youth learn about agriculture and livestock and was a critical asset in helping 4-H members acquire facilities for a livestock center,” the proclamation reads.
“Dad fought really hard for the 4-H kids in this county, and the FFA kids,” Jimmy Cunningham’s son Scott Cunningham told the Escambia County Commission. “It was really nice for us to have really the best piece of property in the state of Florida for 4-H programs.”
To read the entire proclamation, click or tap here.
Pictured top: The family of the late Jimmy Cunningham accepts a proclamation in his honor from Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
April 11, 2021
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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- · North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement North and southbound traffic on Ninth Avenue will be shifted to the northbound travel lanes of the Carpenters Creek Bridge beginning Friday, April 16. The traffic shift will begin at approximately 7 a.m. and should conclude by 5 p.m. Drivers should anticipate the potential for travel delays during these times.
- · West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project- Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street, between Dominguez Street and A Street beginning Monday, March 29. The lane closures are required to perform median construction work. One lane in each direction will be maintained at all times. The median work and lane closures will begin on the west end of the project, near Dominguez Street, and will progress eastward until the end of the year. Also, be advised that the speed limit will be reduced to 30 m.p.h.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge –A 36-hour lane closure with pacing operations (slow-moving) will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, April 12. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle to allow crews to perform construction activities. Drivers will encounter nighttime, periodic lane closures Thursday, April 15 for guardrail and asphalt paving.
- · U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Utility Operations - Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures at 7251 North Century Boulevard, just south of S.R. 4, from 8 p.m. Monday, April 12 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 13 as utility crews install a power pole.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) the following operations will take place on the project the week of Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16 as crews perform paving operations:
o Intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the Cantonment area.
o Intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Neal Road, north of Cantonment, and north of S.R. 97 in Molino.
- · U.S. 98 (East Gregory Street) Driveway Construction at 9th Avenue – The left turn lane at 9th Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 14 as crews reconstruct the driveway to the Waffle House.
- · Beulah Road (S.R. 99) Underground Utility Operations Between Beulah Church Road and Mobile Highway – There will be intermittent southbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Sunday, April 11 to 5 a.m. Monday, April 12 as crews perform underground utility and paving operations.
- · I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Perdido River– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 13 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – For the latest information visit FDOT.gov/PensacolaBay.
- · S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Inspection over Coldwater Creek – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 14 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
Storms Down Trees, Damage At Least One Home In Gonzalez; Lightning Strikes Mobile Home
April 10, 2021
Storms downed trees in Gonzalez early Saturday morning, damaging at least one home, and lightning struck a mobile home south of Century.
A resident of Countri Lane said they “definitely had a wake up call with what we thought was a tornado” Saturday morning. A large tree branch from a neighboring yard crashing into the home, damaging the soffit and fascia on the roofline, and breaking a window.
The railroad crossing arms on Countri Lane were also damaged by the wind.
Lightning struck a mobile home in the 5000 block of Dawson Road about 8:30 a.m., sparking a small fire that was extinguished by the resident. Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Morning Storms Dump Hail Across North Escambia
April 10, 2021
Hail fell across the North Escambia area during storms early Saturday morning. Here are a few submitted photos, mostly from the Cantonment area.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Storms Leave Thousands Without Power In Escambia County; Some In Walnut Hill, Near Century Lose Water
April 10, 2021
Thousands of people in Escambia County were left without power by storms that moved through the area Saturday morning.
Gulf Power reported over 24,000 customers without power in Escambia County as of 8:15 a.m.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative had about 500 customers out in Escambia County after daybreak Saturday, most in an area from Walnut Hill to Enon. A majority had been restored by 8:15 a.m.
EREC customers in the Walnut Hill area also reported little or no water pressure. Click or tap here for complete details, including a boil water notice.
Water was also out for Central Water Works customers from West Highway 4 into into Alabama, but repairs were made by about 9 a.m. for almost all Central customers.
File photo.
Real Rural Tech Talk Focuses On Future Of North Escambia Broadband Internet Service
April 10, 2021
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry knows that some 20,000 people in North Escambia do not have access to the internet at speeds that are defined as broadband. Some do not have access at all.
And that’s something he’s looking to change.
Barry hosted a “A Real Rural Tech Talk” broadband roundtable at the Escambia County 4-H Center in Cantonment Friday. He was joined by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Charter Communications executive and leaders from the local educational, agricultural, business and health care fields.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“You realize how much we depend on good internet when you have a year like 2020 and how important it is to be able to communicate, to work, to educate,” Patronis said. “The ability to expand and access broadband networks in our rural parts of the state is critical.”
“The pandemic has highlighted the need for broadband availability and adoption and Charter is committed to bridging the digital divide to positively impact rural communities,” said Marva Johnson, senior vice president of State Government Affairs Charter Communications. “As Americans across the country increasingly rely on broadband to work, learn, access health care and stay in touch with family and loved ones, bringing broadband access to more unserved areas should be a priority for all stakeholders.”
Charter is targeting public-private partnerships to expand broadband access to rural areas across the state using the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
For North Escambia residents, that could mean affordable internet to their homes and businesses at gigabit speeds.
“With broadband not readily available, whether it is unreliable, not unlimited, or doesn’t have quite the high speed it does in town, we are not really able to use our equipment to its fullest potential,” said Oak Grove agricultural producer Scott Walker. He said sometimes he is forced to update his equipment and do work only by traveling to Whataburger to access their wi-fi.
“The mission of the Escambia County School District is to close that gap for all of our students,” said Steve Harrell, director of Workforce Education for the Escambia County School District. “You create a divide between that student that has that access and the student who does not have that access.”
“We made sure that we have internet access at all of our schools, very high speed. We have fiber lines going all the way up to the north end,” Harrell continued. “If you are inside one of our facilities, inside those four walls, that digital device you have works very well. But when you take that home and there is no broadband at your house, that student that has that broadband access has an advantage over the child that does not.”
“I think we (Escambia County and Charter) are actually going to be able to look at some numbers and maybe some potential timelines about what may be possible,” Barry told NorthEscambia.com. “I’m appreciative to my board, and they’ve matched my urgency. They’ve supported this as a high priority.”
Barry said that within a couple of months, but perhaps as soon as just a few weeks, there may be some timelines in place for what a rural broadband program might look like in Escambia County.
Patronis told NorthEscambia.com that high speed broadband in North Escambia could also mean economic opportunity.
“When we recruit businesses into this state, it’s critical that they have access to water and sewer. Large businesses need that type of level of infrastructure. This is no different. They had to have connectivity too. So you take areas that are maybe underserved, if you bring a job creator to that footprint then you’re bringing infrastructure there…so a rising tide lifts all boats — better quality of life, better quality of services, but also better jobs often follow with those type of investments when they’re made.”
Johnson said it’s often not financially feasible for a company like Charter to install infrastructure in a sparsely populated area, but the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will make that possible.
“That’s where these partnerships come through whether it be federal dollars or state dollars, or what we’ve got now in this particular dialogue is a contribution from charter where those dollars come together,” Partronis said. “For Charter, this is a long game play. Their return on investment is not today; it’s not tomorrow. But it could be 10 or 15 years from now because as you have that infrastructure available, then you have a manufacturer that may decide to come there.”
“We’re on a very attractive court for Interstate 10 where distribution really can take place here. This part of the state is the closest part to the Midwest in the whole state of Florida, but you can’t make it attractive and shovel ready unless you have the infrastructure in the ground to make a business want to build…putting the infrastructure in the ground here in Northwest Florida to me is hugely important to diversify our economy.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Participants in “A Real Rural Tech Talk” about broadband internet access Friday in Cantonment included Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (top), Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry (top inset) Director of Workforce Education for the Escambia County School District Steve Harrell (middle inset), North Escambia agricultural producer Scott Walker (bottom inset), Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs Charter Communications Marva Johnson (below), President Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola Dawn Rudolph (second below), and 4-H Escambia Council Treasurer Jessica Conti (third below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
