Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward
March 29, 2021
Florida gas prices are showing signs of weakness for the first time this year, according to AAA.
The state average declined a couple of cents last week as domestic gasoline supplies strengthen and global fuel demand-concerns creep back into the fuel market. That downward trend could continue, especially if the Suez Canal is cleared soon.
The average price of gasoline in Florida is $2.88 per gallon, the lowest in 10 days.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County is $2.86, but a low of $2.56 could be found at Pensacola Boulevard station. The lowest price in North Escambia was $2.57 Sunday night on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
Last week’s oil price decline was enough to potentially send gas prices back below $2.70 per gallon. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed (for now) when a massive cargo ship ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking the major artery for fuel shipments. For now, the interruption has not caused crude prices to skyrocket. Domestic crude oil settled the week where it started, at around $61 per barrel.
“The blockage in the Suez Canal appears to be the only thing keeping upward pressure on prices at the moment,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Wholesale gasoline prices are still down 20 cents from two weeks ago. So drivers could see gas prices slip even lower, unless the blockage at the canal raises supply concerns and the price of oil.”
UPDATE: Missing Juvenile From Cantonment Found Safe
March 28, 2021
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday night that this missing juvenile has been found found safe.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing juvenile from Cantonment.
Ashlyn Elizabeth Tidwell, 14, was last seen about 10:30 Saturday night in the 1000 block of Pine Top Lane, just off Neal Road. She was wearing a gray t-shirt and gray pants. She is 5-foot, four-inches, 130 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes.
ECSO said she might be in the area of Michigan Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Tate Aggies Beat Fort Walton Beach 7-4 Saturday Night At Blue Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 28, 2021
The Tate Aggies left Blue Wahoos Stadium with a 7-4 win over Fort Walton Beach Saturday night.
Tucker Griffin pitched the win for the Aggies, allowing no hit, no runs and striking out one. Tanner Rouchon, Colton Swiers and Jackson Penton took to the mound in relief, and Jadon Frymon earned the save with the last three outs for Tate.
Zak Licastro led the Aggies at the plate, going 3-3 with a couple of RBIs. Dylan Godwin, Drew Reaves and Fryman had a couple of hits each for Tate, as Penton recorded one.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Laura Glodfelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offense After Hotel Search Warrant
March 28, 2021
A Molino man is facing multiple drug and weapons charges, including drug trafficking, after a search warrant was executed at a Pensacola hotel, and a Pensacola woman is also facing charges.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office served the search warrant at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in the 3900 block of Barrancas Avenue. Two people, Damion Tobias Bryant of Molino 32-year old Kiersten Marie Heusohn of Pensacola, were inside the room at the time, an arrest report states.
According to investigators, Bryant possessed approximately 267.8 grams of methamphetamine, 37.37 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, 12.1 grams of synthetic marijuana, 22 grams of marijuana, 265 whole and 37 partial Alprazolam pills and two oxycodone pills.
In addition, deputies reported finding $1,475 in cash in the room and a .45 caliber pistol in a pool.
Bryant was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, destruction of evidence, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $240,000 bond.
Heusohn was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and destruction of evidence. She was released from jail on a $102,500 bond.
Bryant has eight prior felony convictions, according to his arrest report.
Deadline Is Wednesday To Pay Escambia Real Estate, Tangible Property Taxes
March 28, 2021
It’s time to pay those county taxes.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said 2020 unpaid real estate and tangible property taxes become delinquent April 1. Penalties of 3 percent for real estate taxes and 1.5 percent for tangible taxes will be assessed. Over $24.5 million remains unpaid, representing approximately 8 percent of the tax roll.
To avoid a penalty, payment must be made by March 31.
Payment can be made:
- online by midnight March 31, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com;
- mailed with a March postmark;
- left by midnight, March 31, in a 24-hour drop box available at all locations; or
- by phone at (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252 by close of business March 31.
Online services at EscambiaTaxCollector.com allow customers to check the status of property taxes, pay online, print a receipt, search records, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services. Current taxes may be paid by eCheck for no additional fee.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Photos: Oh Those Glorious Southern Azaleas Put On A Show
March 28, 2021
Azaleas are in full bloom across North Escambia with many bushes absolutely solid in beautiful color.
We took our cameras and found a group of heritage azalea bushes believed to be over 50 years old.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots
March 28, 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:
- Between Beulah Church Road and Mobile Highway (State Road (S.R.) 10A) – Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures Sunday, March 28 to Monday, March 29 for paving operations.
- S.R. 10 (US 90A) E 9 Mile Rd from N Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28 through Friday, April 2 for paving operations.
- 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 on 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- 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.
- · 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 – Motorists will encounter lane closures and pacing operations beginning Monday, March 29 at 6 a.m.. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle during construction activities.
- · S.R. 95 (U.S.29) from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures on both Northbound and Southbound U.S. 29 in the Cantonment area next week, for pavement milling and resurfacing. This will include work in the Muscogee and Becks Lake Roads and Morris Avenue intersections, as well as the CSX Railroad crossing. Lane closures will occur Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · U.S. 90 (Scenic Hwy) Tree Trimming South of Deverux Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside, southbound lane closures Tuesday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
- · Routine Bridge Maintained U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) over Davis Hwy (S.R. 291) – Motorists will encounter lane closures Monday, March 29 form 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- · Overhead Lighting Maintenance on I-10 (S.R. 90) – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures on I-10 (S.R. 90) at mile marker 5 through 19 Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Maritime Duathlon Run Bayfront Parkway (S.R. 196) – Portions of Bayfront Parkway will be temporarily closed for the duration of the duathlon. A traffic detour will be in place during the closures.
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.
- North side of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) between Santa Rosa Drive and Summerdale Drive – Motorists will encounter westbound lane closures on the outside lane of U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) for paving maintenance on Sunday, March 28 through Monday, March 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured:
Helping Hand: Food Giveaway Held Saturday In Century
March 28, 2021
Northwest Florida Community Outreach held a food distribution Saturday in Century. The drive-thru event was held at the Century Business Center on Pond Street. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cutting Monday For New $142 Million Escambia County Correctional Facility
March 27, 2021
A ribbon cutting will be held Monday for the new $142 million Escambia County Correctional Facility.
The new 304,067 square foot, four story structure facility replaces the Central Booking and Detention Center that was destroyed by an explosion in 2014.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 29, outside the new facility entrance at 3080 North Pace Boulevard.
The new Escambia County Correctional Facility will not replace the current jail, which was constructed in the 1980s. The two buildings are connected by an enclosed corridor. Inmates will be divided between the two buildings based up on their security classification. Main services such as food and laundry will be in the new building.
The first inmates are expected to be moved into the new facility in early April.
Tate Aggies Shut Out Choctaw In Blue Wahoos Stadium (With Photo Gallery); Tate Softball Strikes Out Cancer With Win Over WFHS
March 27, 2021
BASEBALL
Tate 12, Choctaw 0
The Tate Aggies shut out Choctaw 12-0 Friday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Josiah Glodfelter earned the win for Tate Tate Aggies, with no runs on two hits while striking out 10 over in five innings. Ethan McAnally and Jadon Fryman closed out the game in relief. Fryan went one inning, giving up no runs and striking out two. McAnally allowed one hit and no runs while striking out one.
At the plate, Frankie Randall led the Aggies going 3-3 with two runs and one RBI. Fryman, Zak Licastro and Dalton Bowen had two hits each for Tate. Dylan Godwin and Bray Touchstone added one hit each.
The Tate Aggies will be back in action at Blue Wahoos Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday against Fort Walton Beach. Cox Sports Television will air the game live on channel 319/1319.
For a photo gallery, click here.
SOFTBALL
Tate 8, West Florida 1
The Tate Lady Aggies beat the West Florida Lady Jaguars 8-1 Friday night in the annual Strike Out Cancer game to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Abbie Burks pitched a complete game win for the Lady Aggies, allowing one run on two hits and striking out four. Hannah Halfacre and Madison Holland led Tate at the plate with two hits each.
Photos by Laura Glodfelter and Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
