AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hold Near Steady Over Last Week
June 9, 2025
Florida gas prices increased 10 cents last week and then declined 3 cents through the weekend. On Sunday, the state average was $3.09 per gallon. That’s the same price as last week.
“Florida gas prices remain in the same 30-cent range that Florida gas prices have fluctuated within since September,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
In Escambia County, the average price was $2.86. In Pensacola, a low of $2.69 was available Sunday night at the warehouse clubs. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.75 per gallon at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos End Homestand With Three Homers, Blowout Win Over Clingstones
June 9, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
An offensive explosion carried by three home runs combined with stellar pitching helped put the Blue Wahoos on top Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Columbus Clingstones 9-2 for their largest margin of victory this season.
With home runs from Johnny Olmstead, Grant Richardson and Nathan Martorella adding up to seven of the team’s nine runs, it was a high-flying day for the Blue Wahoos offense as they have pushed their winning streak to four.
“The boys are feeling good,” reliever Alex Williams said. “We’re swinging the bats well, we’re pitching well. Hopefully, we can continue this streak and make a little noise here at the end of this first half.”
Williams, who was awarded the win to improve to 2-0 on the season with Pensacola, provided three innings of shutout pitching, while moving to a streak of 11 scoreless innings.
“Trusting the defense, and filling it up (the strike zone),” Williams said. “I know we’ve got a lot of guys behind me that are working hard and getting better every day. Just filling it up and giving my guys the best chance to win and continue what the starter’s doing.”
That was something Williams was certainly able to do on Sunday. After four innings of two-run ball from Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, Williams bridged the gap in the fifth, sixth and seventh, while Ricky DeVito cleaned things up with a scoreless eighth and ninth to secure the Wahoos’ win.
“Learning from a lot of the other guys that have been here and trying to continue what’s been going well all year, the bullpen’s been great,” Williams said. “The starters have been great, and just trusting the process and keep going.”
The Blue Wahoos’ bats got going early, putting up two runs in the first inning. The first baseman Martorella picked up an RBI with a single to right, scoring Cody Morrissette, while Richardson drove in a runner as he beat out a groundball to second to break up a potential double play, allowing Kemp Alderman to score.
These were the first runs given up by Columbus starter Brett Sears at the Double-A level, after dealing ten innings of shutout pitching in his first two starts in the Southern League.
Richards was unable to continue the success he had found in his first two starts, as his final line consisted of 5.0+ innings while allowing seven earned runs.
A three-run home run from Olmstead in the fourth, along with a two-run home run from Richardson, were catalysts in driving Richards out of the game. Olmstead’s was a team-leading seventh of the year, while Richards hit his second in as many days.
Martorella added insurance in the seventh with a two-run home run of his own, pulling one out to right field against Amos Willingham.
Columbus’s lone two runs of the day both came off solo home runs from Designated Hitter David McCabe. His first two at-bats in the second and fourth against Ortiz-Mayr provided runs for the Clingstones, but were the extent of the offense for the Braves affiliate.
After winning five of six at home to get back above .500, including four in a row, the Blue Wahoos will take their lone trip of the season to Madison, Alabama, to take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas for six.
GAME NOTABLES
— With the conclusion of Sunday’s game, there are now just two series and 12 games left in the first half schedule. The Biloxi Shuckers hold a commanding lead in the Southern League South Division race with a 34-22 record prior to Sunday’s game. The Blue Wahoos entered Sunday six games back in the division standings in third place. The Montgomery Biscuits (29-27) are in second place, trailing by five games before Sunday. The second half schedule along with a new divisional race, will begin June 24.
— Injuries and roster moves had the Blue Wahoos scrambling for additional players. The team added infielder Jesus Hernandez, 21, a third baseman from the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Miami Marlins’ Class-A affiliate. He joined the team on Saturday.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos at Rocket City Trash Pandas.
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday, June 15.
GAMETIMES: The games on Tuesday through Saturday all start at 6:35 p.m. The game on Sunday, June 15, is a 2:35 p.m. start time.
WHERE: Madison, Alabama.
4-H’s Jereme Johnson Is Escambia County’s Employee Of The Month
June 8, 2025
Jereme Johnson, 4-H Program Assistant with UF/IFAS Escambia Extension Services, was recognized by the county commission as the June 2025 Escambia County Employee of the Month.
Johnson began his career with Escambia County in 2017, where he joined Extension services as the 4-H Program Assistant after working as a staff member at Florida 4-H camps Cherry Lake and Timpoochee. Over the last eight years, Johnson has successfully increased club involvement, expanded opportunities for youths, and developed significant impacts in the lives of the youth he works with. He has established eight new 4-H clubs throughout the county, secured over $72,000 in grant funding for the 4-H program, and developed successful day camps and after-school programs. He is recognized by his peers as a leader in Escambia County 4-H and has earned a reputation for his unending enthusiasm and commitment to 4-H.
When he was hired in 2017, Johnson was tasked with reestablishing and providing leadership for a large military 4-H club contingency, along with increasing the reach of the Escambia County 4-H program in county schools and community centers. He faced the challenges of gaining military 4-H volunteer and community trust, modifying longstanding traditions for better results, and working with youth center staff to plan and execute programs throughout the school year and summer. Johnson got right to work, collaborating with teachers and community center directors to establish 4-H programming throughout the county. He became a 4-H ambassador to Escambia County 4-H military clubs, local schools, and community centers, introducing the program to hundreds of youths who may not have heard of 4-H.
“I’m extremely proud of Jereme for his selection and we’re excited to recognize him as the Employee of the Month,” Extension Services Director Nick Simmons said. “Jereme is highly valuable to UF/IFAS Extension and Escambia County. His passion for youth development is evident in his work as the 4-H Program Assistant, where he shows commitment each day to improving the lives of youth in his community. He works tirelessly each day to make Escambia County’s 4-H program the best it can be, going above and beyond to help those around him.”
Outside of work, Johnson is active in his community, serving as a volunteer club leader for two 4-H clubs. He also volunteers with the Sea Turtle Baby Shower Program and Waterfront Mission food distribution.
“I have loved working with the 4-H Program and Extension Services for the past eight years,” Johnson said. “I have gotten to see growth in not only the program but myself. Working with youth has always been my passion and through this program I am truly able to make the best better.”
Large Crowd Attends Annual Sawmill Day Festival And Car Show (With Gallery)
June 8, 2025
A large crowd attended the annual Sawmill Day Festival and Car Show in Century on Saturday.
The day included entertainment, free history museum tours, grilled hamburger meals, crafts, free exhibits, a car show and more.
For a large photo gallery from the car show and the festival, click here.
NorthEscambia.comp photos, click to enlarge.
Double Trouble: Cantonment Woman Faces Felony Drug Charges After Two Traffic Stops in Five Days
June 8, 2025
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony charges after two traffic stops just five days apart.
Amber Nicole Victor, 35, was charged with felony possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and felony possession of a controlled substance (Spice). She remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday with bond set at $5,000.
On May 22, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a red Ford Focus driven by Victor turn from Vaughn Road onto West Highway 4 with a tag that was obscured by red clay. The deputy stopped the vehicle at Highway 4 and Pine Barren Road.
An Atmore Police Department K-9 was requested and alerted on the vehicle. Deputies reported finding synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “Spice,” in the vehicle under the driver’s seat.
An ECSO report stated she was not arrested at the time due to manpower issues. She was given a verbal warning for driving with an unreadable tag, and a warrant affidavit was submitted and a warrant issued for her arrest.
On May 27, a deputy stopped Victor’s Ford Focus on North Highway 99 near Highway 168 due to an outstanding warrant from the May 22 traffic stop.
An Atmore Police Department K-9 was requested and alerted on the vehicle. Deputies reported finding 5.8 grams of synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as “Spice,” in the vehicle. She was arrested on the new felony possession charge and the earlier controlled substance warrant was served. She was also cited for no valid license.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
June 8, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- Signage will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- Michigan Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, June 8 through Friday, June 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- The U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp will be temporarily shortened Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reduced turn-lane length is required for daytime construction activities and will reopen nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures and periodic detours on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers around the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for milling and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, June 8, through Friday, June 13, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Tax Collector Bringing Mobile Services To Walnut Hill This Week
June 8, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in Walnut Hill this week, and an upcoming stop in Century has been annonced.
MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, will be at the Walnut Hill Community Center, on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community center, also known as the Ruritan Building, is located at 7850 Highway 97, just north of the fire department and Ernest Ward Middle School.
MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:
- Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
- Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
- Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
- Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
- Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
- Certified Driver Transcripts
Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.
This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Future MILO Dates in Century:
- July 17, 2025: Billy G. Ward Courthouse
Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Newcomer Richardson Shines Again, Bullpen Seals Third Consecutive Wahoos Win
June 8, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos turned another game into a battle of the bullpens.
That scenario has worked well for them.
After twice tying the game from 2-run deficits, the Blue Wahoos manufactured an eighth-inning run and had dominant closer Josh Ekness finish the night for a 5-4 victory against the Columbus Clingstones, delighting the usual capacity crowd (5,038) on a Fireworks Saturday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In a game where each team’s pitching staff struck out 13 batters, the difference was Pensacola’s three relievers tossing scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, two baserunners and seven strikeouts in the final four innings.
The other difference-maker was new Blue Wahoos outfielder Grant Richardson. His two-run homer tied the game in the fifth inning and his eighth-inning single set up Mark Coley II producing a go-ahead single for the winning run.
Richardson, 25, began the season in the New York Yankees organization before getting released. He was back home in Fishers, Indiana this week when the Miami Marlins called to sign Friday to a free agent contract.
Richardson, a former 17th round draft pick by the Yankees from Indiana University, then drove from Indiana to Pensacola and was called into play Friday night when Blue Wahoos left fielder Shane Sasaki got injured when leaping for a ball against the left field wall.
After producing a pair of hits Friday, he was in the starting lineup Saturday and helped change the game. He now has four hits in two days.
“It’s awesome to be part of this,” he said during the on-field, post-game interview. “These guys have welcomed me in with open arms since I got here and being around the clubhouse and all the guys, I’m very blessed to be able to be here and be with all the fans and be so welcomed by everyone.”
While in the Yankees organization, he was managed in 2022 by Rachel Balkovec, now the Marlins director of player personnel, who became the first woman in history to manage an affiliated minor league team connected to Major League Baseball.
“It’s an opportunity and I am going to try and capitalize on every opportunity I get,” Richardson said. “And I’m very thankful the Marlins are giving me this opportunity, so it is an unreal feeling.”
The win became the Blue Wahoos’ third consecutive victory – the first time that has happened since April 25 – clinched the series. It got the Blue Wahoos back to a .500 overall record (28-28) following their 11-game losing streak last week.
Columbus scored the game’s first run off Blue Wahoos starter Dax Fulton in the second inning. The Clingstones, the new Atlanta Braves affiliate from Columbus, Ga., made it 2-0 in the fifth after a leadoff walk and run-scoring double by right fielder Stephen Paolini.
But in the bottom of the inning, Johnny Olmstead drew a one-out walk and Richardson blasted a pitch from starter JR Ritchie over the left-center wall. It was the Blue Wahoos first hit in the game.
After Columbus got two more runs off Fulton in the sixth, reliever Jesse Bergin was summoned with two outs and the bases loaded. He struck out Cody Milligan to end that inning in what became a pivotal moment.
In the seventh, the Blue Wahoos tied the game with a pair of walks, two stolen bases, an RBI groundout by Jared Serna and a two-out single by Cody Morissette.
Olmstead’s two-out walk in the eighth began the winning sequence. He moved to second on Richardson’s single, then scored on Coley’s single to center.
Ekness retired the Clingstones in order in the ninth to earn his sixth save and create a jubilant mood for the fireworks show.
The Blue Wahoos are now 5-1 on Fireworks Saturday games.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Columbus Clingstones vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday. 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Former Beulah Middle Teacher Convicted Of Sex Crimes With Student
June 7, 2025
A former Beulah Middle School teacher was convicted this week on sex crimes involving a student.
A jury found 63-year-old Winston Hezekiah Foster guilty of two counts of lewd and lascivious battery and two counts of unlawful activity with certain minors. When he is sentenced in August, he faces up to 60 years in prison.
The State Attorney’s Office received a complaint from the victim who alleged Foster, her former middle school art teacher, had a sexual relationship with her from October of 2017 when she was 15 years old until September 2019 when she was 17 years old. She said Foster was her art teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth grade while she attended Woodham Middle School.
She told investigators that it was not uncommon for art students to visit Foster before school. She said Foster “started to be more forward with her and made comments that she thought were ‘weird’ for him to say,” according to an arrest warrant, before inviting her to do things outside of school. She said he invited her for sushi, and they went back to his house to eat. She said he kissed her, but that was it. In 2017, he allegedly took her to see a movie in about October 2017 before taking her to his house and having sex, the warrant obtained by NorthEscambia.com states.
“During the summer months, when Foster was off and his wife was at work, he would pick her up from her home and take her back to his house,” according to the warrant. The victim also alleged they had sex in a supply closet in his classroom at Woodham Middle School in 2017 and then at Beulah Middle School in 2018 and 2019. She also stated they had “virtual sex” through an app while Foster was in Houston visiting his very ill daughter.
According to school district documents, Foster was an art teacher at Beulah Middle School and previously at Woodham Middle School. His employment was later terminated.
Foster remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond as he awaits sentencing.
Escambia EMS Hiring 10 Paramedics To Meet Growing Demand
June 7, 2025
Escambia County EMS is hiring 10 new paramedics and one supervisor to meet current call volume and demand, and to prepare for expansion of services due to an increasing population in the County and increasing demand for EMS services.
The Escambia County Commissioner this week approved the new hires.
The cost for the remainder of this fiscal year includes regular salaries and fringe benefits projected at $376,174. The ongoing fiscal impact is estimated at $1,148,164 annually. The country said there are sufficient funds in EMS reserves to meet the budgetary requirements.
As of Friday, Escambia EMS has been dispatched to nearly 41,000 calls this year. Just last week, EMS transported almost 1,100 patients to the hospital, went on-scene with 45 cardiac or respiratory arrests, responded to 87 motor vehicle accidents, and 36 overdoses.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.