Florida Gas Prices Are The Highest Since June 2018, AAA Says
March 15, 2021
Florida gas prices surged again early last week, jumping another 15 cents per gallon, according to AAA.
The state average is now $2.87 per gallon – the highest daily average price since June 2018. Florida’s average price has increased 67 cents per gallon since starting the year at $2.20. The main reason for that increase has been the price of crude oil, which increased nearly 40% since January 1, AAA said.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.80, the lowest metro average in the state. A low of $2.67 could be found in North Escambia Sunday night at a couple of stations in Cantonment.
“Global and domestic supply and demand continues to be the story behind rising prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although gas prices normally increase in the spring, the price hike is especially pronounced this year, as global crude supplies tighten and domestic refinery issues lead to reduced gasoline supplies. Unfortunately, the pain at the pump may get a little worse before it gets better. Gasoline futures and wholesale prices rose another 10 cents late last week. The increase is said to be based on optimism that gasoline demand will continue to grow. It’s possible that increase could cause gas prices to rise again this week, dragging the state average even closer to $3 a gallon.”
Single Vehicle Wreck Near Century Claims One Life
March 14, 2021
A single vehicle crash Saturday night claimed the life of an adult male about three miles west of Century.
The 53-year old man was westbound on Highway 4A approaching Broomes Road when he lost control in a curve and left the roadway. His vehicle struck a culvert and went airborne over a driveway in the wreck that was discovered about 10:45 p.m.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no passengers in the vehicle.
The roadway was closed at least two hours by the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pilot Club Donation To Provide Shade For Escambia Westgate Students
March 14, 2021
The Pilot Club of Pensacola presented a $10,500 donation to Escambia Westgate School to purchase canopies and shade sails to protect students from the sun.
They will be installed over the new Escambia Westgate playground to make it safer to the students to play outside on sunny days. Nearly 200 students ages 3-22 with developmental disabilities attend Escambia Westgate.
The grant included matching funds from the Pilot International Founders Fund.
Pilot Club of Pensacola members Sue Levin Linda Petty and Shirley Jacques presented the check to Escambia Westgate Principal Joanna Sellers and Assistant Principal Karen Robinson.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Dept. Of Corrections Relaxes Some COVID-19 Visitation Restrictions
March 14, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections has relaxed some of their COVID-19 visitation restrictions.
Here are the changes announced Tuesday by the FDC:
- FDC will be allowing visitation on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can apply for 1 or 2 days. Approval is subject to availability.
- Vending machines will be open. No food sharing is allowed and only one visitor at a time at the vending machine. Canteens will remain closed.
- The outside visitation area will be open. No changes to the number of visitors allowed per session and all current social distancing and safety measures will remain in place in both interior and exterior visitation park.
- No limit on the number or age of children
- Biological and/or legal children of the inmate only s
- Parent, legal guardian, or authorized non-parental adult of the visiting children must be in attendance (counted in the allowable 3 adults that can visit)
- Children 6 years of age and older will be required to wear masks
- Visitors and/or children who become unmanageable, disrupting the overall visitation operations will result in termination of their visit
- Brief embrace at beginning and end of visit (with masks in place)
- Social distancing will be maintained
- Social distancing will require visitors to remain seated at their designated table unless utilizing the restroom
- Physical barriers will remain in place on tables
- Play areas and toys will remain unavailable
- Canteen remains closed
- Sanitation protocols will continue between each visitation session
Pedestrian Struck And Killed Saturday Night
March 14, 2021
A pedestrian was struck and killed Saturday night in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 37-year old Pensacola woman attempted to cross North Pace Boulevard approaching West Gonzalez Street when she was struck by a Nissan Maxima driven by a 36-year old Pensacola man.
The female pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Nissan was not injured.
The FHP no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
File photo.
Traffic Alerts: Here’s What Drivers Can Expect This Week
March 14, 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:
- Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) Road Repairs at the intersection of Beulah Road- There will be intermittent lane restrictions at the intersection from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 14 and Monday, March 15 as crews mill and resurface the southbound, left turn lane and eastbound travel lane.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remains 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. The bridge remains closed.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) –Motorists can expect nighttime 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- The north and southbound left lanes of Ninth Avenue over Carpenters Creek will be closed as bridge replacement work begins. The right lanes will remain open. Traffic is expected to continue in this configuration through late April.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 (Dogwood Drive) Utility Operations at Sanders Street in Milton- Intermittent lane restrictions 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. continue through Wednesday, March 31 as crews replace utility poles.
- 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 – The bridge remains closed.
- U.S. 98 Tree Trimming from Gulf Breeze to the beginning of National Seashore and to the beginning of Bob Sikes Bridge – Motorists will continue to encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, March 26 as crews trim trees over the roadways and in medians. Operations will begin on the east end working westward toward Gulf Breeze.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction West of Bell Lane in Pace– Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 19 as crews construct an east and westbound turn lane for the New Discount Tire Store.
- S.R. 89 North, S.R. 87 North, and S.R. 89 Bypass Roadway Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions through Sunday, April 25 as crews perform roadway maintenance activities along the corridors. Off-duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Reports Of Armed Gunman At NAS Pensacola Were False Alarm
March 13, 2021
911 calls about a suspected armed gunman aboard NAS Pensacola Saturday afternoon were a false alarm.
Authorities said the person was holding what appeared to be a rifle, but it actually was a wooden rifle being used in honor guard practice.
After the 911 call, there was a large response from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County EMS to the base. Navy Security Forces also responded.
Both gates to the base were also closed during the incident. They have now been reopened.
Local Governments To Share In Millions From American Rescue Plan
March 13, 2021
Local governments in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will receive funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The money will be distributed as follows:
- Escambia County — $61.7 million
- Pensacola — $19.1 million
- Century — $780,000
- Santa Rosa County — $35.7 million
- Milton — $4.4 millon
- Gulf Breeze — $2.9 million
- Jay $270,000
According to the the bill, the funds can be used:
- to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;
- to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers of the State, territory, or Tribal government that are performing such essential work, or by providing grants to eligible employers that have eligible workers who perform essential work;
- for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such State, territory, or Tribal government due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the State, territory, or Tribal government prior to the emergency; or
- to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.
Each local government will receive half of the funds this year and the other half within a year of their first payment. The deadline to spend the money won’t be until 2024.
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law Thursday, providing $1.9 trillion in COVID-19 stimulus money.
Rubio, Scott Want To Keep U.S. On Daylight Savings Time
March 13, 2021
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott from Florida have joined six others to reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country.
The bill reflects the Florida legislature’s 2018 enactment of year-round daylight time; however, for Florida’s change to apply, a change in the federal statute is required. Fifteen other states — Arkansas, Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming — have passed similar laws, resolutions or voter initiatives.
The legislation, if enacted, would apply to those states who currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. Standard Time, from November to March, is only observed for four months out of the year. The bill would simply negate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent could benefit the economy and the country.
“The call to end the antiquated practice of clock changing is gaining momentum throughout the nation,” Rubio said. “Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is why the Florida legislature voted to make it permanent in 2018. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, and give our nation’s families more stability throughout the year.”
“As Governor of Florida, I was proud to sign legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent and I am continuing this effort in the Senate with my colleague, Senator Rubio. Americans could use a little more sunshine after a long winter and an entire year of staying indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic,” Scott said. “As our state works to fully reopen and bring visitors back safely, this legislation will give families more time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer.”
Year-round DST would reduce car crashes, reduce crime, improve physical fitness, reduce energy use and benefit agriculture, according to the bill sponsors.
Escambia Man Gets 10 Years For Burglaries, Vehicle Thefts
March 13, 2021
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to a decade in prison for auto theft and burglary.
Circuit Judge Coleman Robinson sentenced 20-year old Kody Allen Gresh to 10 years in state prison.
Gresh was sentenced following a plea of no contest in seven cases. He pleaded to grand theft auto, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, and petit theft.
“These cases arose from a pattern of criminal conduct Gresh committed during October 2019, in which Gresh and his co-defendants went to residential areas to steal and burglarize multiple vehicles,” State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden said.
Between October 7, 2019, and October 24, 2019, Gresh stole four vehicles and burglarized three, according to the State Attorney’s Office.