Florida Gas Prices Rise; Escambia County Has The State’s Cheapest Gas
November 17, 2025
Florida gas prices are declining again after abruptly rising 12 cents early last week.
The state average went from $2.84 per gallon last Monday, up to $2.96/g on Wednesday. By Sunday, the state average was back down to $2.92 per gallon, which is: 6.5 cents more than a week ago, 5 cents less than last month, and 21 cents less than this time last year.
The Escambia County metro had the lowest average gas price in Florida at $2.73 per gallon. The low price in Pensacola Sunday night was $2.47 on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.60 was available Sunday night on Highway 29 and on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Florida gas prices continue fluctuating on a weekly basis,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Last week, the state average rebounded after dropping 13 cents in 9 days. Fortunately, pump prices remain on the low end of what drivers have paid this year.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Bonus Photo Gallery: Tate Cheerleaders, Fans And More
November 17, 2025
The Tate Aggies beat First Coast 35-14 Thursday night to advance to the regional finals of Florida Invitational Tournament (FIT).
For a bonus gallery with cheerleaders, AJROTC, fans and more, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Argos Earn No. 2 Seed For NCAA Playoffs In Super Region 2
November 17, 2025
The University of West Florida football team has earned a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs receiving the No. 2 seed in Super Region Two which was announced during the selection show on Sunday.
UWF (9-1) will host North Greenville at PenAir Field on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. for the first round of the playoffs. The Trailblazers are the No. 7 team in the region and finished the year with a 7-4 overall record including winning the Conference Carolinas title on Saturday with a 34-20 win over UNC Pembroke.
The Argos and North Greenville already faced off once this season when UWF made the trip to South Carolina back on Sept. 20. The Argos walked away with a 25-17 win over the Trailblazers in a tightly contested game that came down a late defensive stop in the redzone by UWF.
The Argos were the No.1 team in the region leading up to the final home game of the regular season before dropping the regular season finale to Valdosta, 47-44 in overtime. Despite the loss, UWF and Valdosta share the Gulf South Conference title due to a loss being credited to the Blazers after using an ineligible player in a previous GSC contest.
Evacuated Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Personnel Head Home From NAS Pensacola
November 17, 2025
After nearly three weeks at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola during late October’s Hurricane Melissa and the subsequent recovery phase of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay from the storm, non-mission essential personnel temporarily relocated to the air station are returning to Cuba.
The nearly 900 Naval Station Guantanamo Bay non-mission essential personnel temporarily relocated to NAS Pensacola have been residing in installation accommodations and – as eligible beneficiaries – have been able to use air station resources such as the Jet Port Café; Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and services; and Navy Inn offerings.
“The dedicated and professional team at NAS Pensacola went above and beyond to ensure that these members of our Navy family were afforded every convenience we could provide,” said Capt. Chandra ‘Mamasan’ Newman. “The support of our air station and tenant command service members, civilian employees and other volunteers has been amazing during our increased operational tempo with our Guantanamo Bay guests, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team during what has been a challenging evolution.”
Newman said the activation of the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC), a temporarily activated entity in response to an event causing relocation, was critical to the success of the nearly three-week operation. Controlled by NAS Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), several installation departments and community mutual aid partnerships such as the Pensacola-area American Red Cross and the United Services Organization (USO) were involved in the ongoing evolution.
“Our FFSC personnel have manned the EFAC since we began this almost three weeks ago,” she said. “Their dedication, perseverance and resilience speak volumes of just how engaged and willing NAS Pensacola and our tenant commands are in ensuring we take care of our Navy family.”
Along with NAS Pensacola’s Unaccompanied Housing employees, staff from the Navy Lodge; Navy Inn; the Navy Exchange (NEX); MWR’s Child and Youth Programs; NAS Pensacola Religious Ministries and Public Works and the U.S. Army Pensacola Veterinary Readiness Activity Fort Eisenhower Pensacola Branch were integral parts of the EFAC. Additionally, organizations including the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) and USO as well as off-installation organizations such as the American Red Cross played a pivotal role in ensuring eligible beneficiaries were aware of available resources.
Newman added that the community support for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay non-mission essential personnel was overwhelming, referring to the significant donations of pet supplies, suggested outings and community engagements.
“Being part of a community which has embraced its service members and their families for nearly two centuries is awe-inspiring,” she said. “So many community organizations have reached out to provide assistance, to offer the opportunity to attend events, to just let these individuals displaced during a difficult time know that they care. The City of Pensacola and the surrounding communities are so much a part of our Navy, and we appreciate all they do.”
The non-mission essential personnel movement allowed Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to minimize operations during Hurricane Melissa and expedited recovery operations. An estimated 5,500 personnel and families live and work onboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
NAS Pensacola, the only Navy installation in the Gulf with both a deep-water port and active airfield, previously received non-mission essential personnel during 2016’s Hurricane Michael, and also serves as a safe harbor for numerous U.S. Coast Guard and USNS ships during extreme weather situations.
story by Lt.j.g. Jonathan Pitts and Lt.j.g. Jonathan Merced
Photo by Bruce Cummins for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Names Hall Of Fame Members
November 16, 2025
Tate High School has announced its Hall of Fame for 2025-2026.
These distinguished seniors exemplify the highest standards of character, leadership, and dedication to the Tate Aggie community.
The 20 students named to the Tate High School Hall of Fame are:
- Lauren Armstrong
- Willow Beachner
- Kinzlee Biggs
- Conner Bignell
- Aiden Bramblett
- Edwin Ciesla
- Maegan Coleman
- Garrett Groff
- Carter Hayden
- Carson Hindsman
- Brooke Holland
- Ava Jacobi
- Lawson Killingsworth
- Anna Lippitt
- Lena Litton
- Kaven Powell
- Emma Touchstone
- Linh Tran
- Tre Wells
- Rubing (Ruby) Wu
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle Digital Discoveries Academy Students Make School Board Presentation
November 16, 2025
Students from Beulah Middle School’s Digital Discoveries Academy highlighted their program for the Escambia County School Board.
The young professionals shared their programs and the many opportunities for growth: academic, professional, and personal. These students utilize numerous digital tools to learn real-life skills.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Commissioner Proposes Efficiency Study to Cut Tax Burden, Streamline County Operations
November 16, 2025
Escambia County District Four Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger has introduced a proposal aimed at addressing fiscal accountability and operational effectiveness across county departments. The initiative calls for a comprehensive organizational efficiency study, with the ultimate goal of reducing the tax burden on residents.
The District 4 commissioner’s proposal is scheduled for consideration at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. If approved, it would direct county staff to solicit proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct the in-depth review.
The selected firm would evaluate all county departments, engaging directly with managers and employees to identify opportunities for reorganization, resource optimization, and improved service delivery.
“This initiative is about making government work smarter for the people it serves,” she said. “My goal is to create a clear roadmap that ensures Escambia County operates efficiently and responsibly. Some departments are stretched too thin, while others may not be achieving the impact our taxpayers expect. Across-the-board cuts don’t work — critical areas like roads, infrastructure, and public safety need strategic investment, not reduction. The key is to reallocate resources where they make the greatest difference for our residents.”
She said the proposal follows strong community advocacy for adopting the property tax rollback rate and reflects growing public demand for more efficient government spending.
“If this evaluation had been conducted last year, the county could have saved an estimated $11 million,” she stated. “An independent, third-party review will bring transparency and objectivity to the process — free from internal bias or favoritism — so we can make data-driven decisions that truly benefit taxpayers.”
The BOCC will hear Hofberger vision during a regular meeting on Monday, November 17 at 9 a.m.
“No one has ever emailed me asking to raise their property taxes,” Hofberger added. “Our residents expect us to do everything possible to reduce the tax burden while maintaining essential public services. This study is a step toward that goal.”
Winning $3.75 Million Florida Lotto Ticket Sold On Nine Mile Road
November 16, 2025
The $3.75 million winning ticket in Saturday night’s Florida Lotto game was sold on Nine Mile Road.
The quick pick ticket was sold at the Circle K at 3225 West Nine Mile Road at I-10. It was the only winning sold in the state.
The winning numbers Saturday night were 2-14-27-29-45-53.
Northview Tribal Beat Members Take Part In UWF’s Band Day
November 16, 2025
Members of the Northview High School Tribal Beat Band took part in the UWF Arto Marching Band’s Band Day 2025 on Saturday at UWF’s PenAir Field.
The high school band member that took part from schools across the area had a chance to experience the action and excitement of a UWF gameday
Olivia Doyle, Daivyd Wallace, Elizabeth Coleman, Brynlie Shaw, Donavan Szuch, Chloe Edwards, Felicity St. Louis, and Kayleigh Young were the participating Tribal Beat members.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: First Baptist Church Of Bratt Holds Fall Festival
November 16, 2025
The First Baptist Church of Bratt held its Fall Festival on Saturday.
Festivities included a chili lunch, bounce house, games and more.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
