Florida Gas Prices Drop A Few Cents Over The Last Week
September 21, 2020
Florida drivers saw another round of discounts at the pump last week in areas across the state. The state average declined 4 cents per gallon, for a total discount of 7 cents in the past two weeks.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.14 among stations that had gas following Hurricane Sally.
The average price for gas prices in Florida is $2.13 per gallon, though prices are well below that in many cities. Sunday’s state average is 37 cents less than this time last year. It’s well below this year’s high of $2.56 per gallon (set in January), yet 37 cents more than this year’s lowest daily price of $1.76 per gallon (May).
“Gas prices have trickled lower since Labor Day weekend, which is traditionally the end of the summer driving season,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Florida drivers may see the state average slip below $2.10 this week. However, there are opposing forces affecting the market. While expectations of lower seasonal demand has helped pressure prices lower, gasoline supplies have also recently dipped, which led to strong gains in wholesale gas prices last week.”
Wrong Way Drunk Driver Crashes Into Semi Tanker Hauling Methanol Gas; Highway 90 Bridge Not Damaged
September 20, 2020
Contrary to rampant social media rumors, the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay was not heavily damaged early Sunday morning when a drunk driver crashed into a semi tanker truck hauling methanol gas.
The semi driver was eastbound on Highway 90 in the inside lane over the bridge over the north end of the bay. The semi was traveling in the inside lane because the outside lane was closed for repairs. The driver of a SUV was traveling the wrong way on the bridge when he hit the tanker-trailer. The driver was charged with DUI and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.
There was no fuel spillage due to the crash or injuries reported to either driver. The eastbound inside lane were closed for approximately 3.5 hours due to the crash.
The outside eastbound lane from Escambia County to Bass Hole Cove Bridge is closed for repairs due to erosion caused by Hurricane Sally.
Firefighters, Police Risk All To Rescue People From House Fire During Hurricane Sally
September 20, 2020
As Hurricane Sally made landfall and brought 100+ mph winds and torrential rainfall to the Pensacola area, Pensacola Fire Department dispatch received a desperate call for help in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 16.
A house was on fire, and two residents were standing on their porch in the middle of a hurricane to escape the flames. Another resident was still inside the home.
Like other first responders in the area, Pensacola Fire Department was temporarily not responding to calls due to unsafe conditions from Hurricane Sally – but they couldn’t let this one go.
“In our line of work, when something like that comes in, that’s when it’s go time for us,” Pensacola Fire Battalion Chief Charles Walters said. “We’re willing to risk everything, so we made the call to go ahead and send companies and respond. Because had we not responded, it might have been a horrible thing – so we risked everything in a storm.”
As Engine 1 and Engine 2 made their way through the horrendous weather conditions to get to the fire at a residence on Ninth Avenue, Pensacola Police Department Sgt. James Daniels heard the same call from dispatch while staging at Pensacola International Airport during the hurricane. Like Pensacola Fire Department, Sgt. Daniels made the decision to respond.
“We were told the same thing, that we were only responding for life or death, and it was going to be based on a hard call and a decision of the supervisors based on the conditions,” Sgt. Daniels said. “I made the call to have myself and my officer go out there…I would rather push through the weather and get to them than to not be able to help.”
The hurricane conditions presented many obstacles as PFD and PPD drove to the house fire, only able to drive about 25 mph at times due to low visibility and wind speeds.
“The wind was pushing you over, the rain was coming down sideways and the streets were flooded,” Pensacola Fire Captain Jarrod Gruber said. “Like you can imagine right in the middle of a hurricane, it was pitch black and the streets were covered in downed trees, power lines, you name it.”
Despite the dangerous conditions, Sgt. Daniels said all three PPD officers and two airport officers who were with him at the airport were eager to respond to the call.
“They literally all were ready and falling behind me, and I told them some of them had to stay,” Sgt. Daniels said. “Our C shift I’m assigned to, that group of officers and the city as a whole, we have a lot of young officers. Well you can tell they’re definitely doing this job and this career for the right reasons – and it shows there, because you have to hold them back and tell them not to go, they’re so eager to help.”
When first responders made it to the residence, flames and smoke were visible, and they were told one resident was still inside.
Firefighters were able to get the individual safely out of the home and extinguish the fire, keeping it contained in the garage where it started. Sgt. Daniels and PPD Officer Wayne Berthiaume transported the three residents to the Pensacola Bay Center shelter to take refuge from the storm.
Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Police Department both attributed the successful response to the great teamwork between everyone involved.
“It was definitely two city divisions coming to help out someone else,” Battalion Chief Walters said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Pensacola Fire Chief Ginny Cranor said she was incredibly impressed with the response by her team, along with PPD, who all put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others.
“I’m so proud of them,” Chief Cranor said. “Their training and preparation as firefighters – and sheer humanity – were on full display. These guys left their own families, not knowing what Sally was going to do, and saved others. It is truly inspiring.”
Pensacola Police Chief Tommi Lyter echoed Chief Cranor’s sentiments.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much I appreciate our officers and their willingness to risk their lives every day for people they’ve never met,” Chief Lyter said. “Stories like this are a testament to the dedication and selflessness of our first responders in the City of Pensacola, and I’m so proud of their dedication and willingness to make sacrifices every day to protect and serve our citizens.”
Mayor Grover Robinson agreed, also expressing his gratitude to everyone involved.
“Heroic stories like this happen every day in the City of Pensacola, but we don’t always get the opportunity to hear about them or recognize those who put their lives in danger to save others,” Mayor Robinson said. “I’m so proud of and thankful for the Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Police Department for their selfless actions during this call and many other calls like it where lives have been saved thanks to their dedication. I truly appreciate their service and commitment to keeping our city safe.”
Military And Overseas Ballots On The Way For General Election
September 20, 2020
While recovering from the effects of Hurricane Sally, the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office sent more than 6,500 vote-by-mail ballots on Friday and Saturday to eligible military and overseas citizens. Voters will either receive their ballot by mail or electronically, depending on their chosen method of delivery.
Vote-by-mail ballots for eligible civilian voters who have requested a ballot will start being mailed between Thursday, September 24 and Thursday, October 1. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed for the General Election is 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. The United States Postal service recommends that voters mail their completed ballot at least one week before Election Day. To request or track your vote-by-mail ballot, visit EscambiaVotes.gov and click “Vote by Mail”, or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 595-3900.
Lowe’s Bucket Brigade To Provide Free Supplies Monday At Local Stores
September 20, 2020
Lowe’s will hold drive-through bucket brigade events at Pensacola area stores on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. while supplies last. At each event, Lowe’s will pass out free Lowe’s buckets full of vendor-donated supplies such as:
- Gloves
- Flashlights
- Goggles
- DampRid moisture absorber
- Batteries
- Bug spray
- Trash bags
- Bottled water
Participating locations are:
- Lowe’s of Ensley, 777 West Nine Mile Road
- Lowe’s of Pensacola, 1201 Airport Blvd.
- Lowe’s of SW Pensacola, 4301 West Fairfield Drive
Over 1,500 Cases Of Water Distributed At Cantonment Church On Saturday
September 20, 2020
Over 1,500 cases of water were distributed Saturday at Pinewood Presbyterian Church in Cantonment. The water was provided by Michelle Salzman, Pinewoods Presbyterian and the Lewis Bear Company. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Loaded Sewage Tanker Truck Overturns Onto Car; At Least Two Injured
September 19, 2020
At least two people were injured after a loaded sewage truck overturned onto a car Saturday morning.
The injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
It happened at Old Chemstrand Road and New Haven Drive. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating and has not said what cause the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Noon Update: Gulf Power With 88,000 Still Without Power; EREC Down To 2,600
September 19, 2020
Here a midday update on power restoration progress from Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric Cooperative:
Gulf Power Company
Just over 90,000 Gulf Power customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were without power midday Saturay. The utility said based on initial assessments of the hardest-hit areas, they expect to restore 95% of customers who can receive power in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 22. Gulf said many customers will be restored before that date.
“We know it’s difficult to be without power, but please know that our team of more than 7,000 is dedicated to getting the lights back on will not stop working until all of our customers have power restored,” Gulf Power President Marlene Santos said.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative
Midday Saturday, Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported 2,607 members without power, with 1,727 in Escambia County and 880 in Santa Rosa County. That was down from 10,919 right after the Category 2 hurricane.
“Our storm team is working hard day and night to restore power to our membership,” said EREC CEO Ryan Campbell. “We know our members are eager to get their electricity restored, and our crews will not stop working until everyone has power. The support our members have shown us has been amazing. We’ve had deliveries of snacks, doughnuts and even a sign placed in front of the co-op thanking our linemen. It’s great to be part of such a supportive community.”
Pictured: Two of 13 employees from SECO Energy in Sumterville, Florida, help restore power Friday on the Escambia River Electric Cooperative distribution system. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
30,000 Pound Emergency Food Distribution Held In Century
September 19, 2020
About 30,000 pounds of food was distributed Friday morning during an emergency giveaway in Century.
The Farm Share food distribution was held in conjunction with Northwest Florida Community Outreach. The food was distributed in drive thru fashion in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Winn Dixie Distributed Free Ice And Water On Friday
September 19, 2020
Winn Dixie distributed about 2,000 bags of ice and 1,700 cases of water Friday morning at their store on Highway 29 in Cantonment (pictured) and North Ninth Avenue. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
