AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Slightly Higher Than A Week Ago
June 2, 2025
Florida gas prices are slightly more expensive than last week, according to AAA. The state average on Sunday was $3.09 per gallon. A week ago, it was $3.075 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County on Sunday night was $2.83. A North Escambia low price of $2.75 was available at two stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Oil prices have remained stable for the past two weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This should enable Florida gas prices to remain within the same 20-cent range they’ve cycled in for the better part of the past year.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Free Summer Lunch Program For Youth Begins Today At The Library
June 2, 2025
The free summer lunch program program for youth at West Florida Public Libraries began June 2 at all locations.
West Florida Public Libraries will be serving free lunch for youth 18 years of age and younger at all library locations Monday through Friday from noon until 1 p.m. A special rural grab-and-go version of the program will be available at the Century and Molino library locations during the same time period.
Disabled individuals 19 years of age and older who participate in a public or private non-profit program during the school year are also eligible to receive meals. This program is sponsored by Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Congratulations Class Of 2025! Celebrate With A Look Back At Hundreds Of Photos
June 1, 2025
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
As we celebrate your successes, let’s look back at all the great photos.
NorthEscambia.com attended the graduation ceremonies for the three high schools located in North Escambia, publishing photo galleries with hundreds of photos and posting complete graduate lists for each of the schools.
Escambia Westgate School
The Escambia Westgate School Class of 2025 graduated May 19, and “you are champions” was the message from Escambia County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Shenna Payne.
Tate High School
Over 500 members of the Tate High School Class of 2025 graduated on May 27 at the Pensacola Bay Center as valedictorian Talia Bethany Smith encouraged her classmates to “to truly embrace what is ahead, not with fear but with courage and curiosity”
- For the list of Tate High School graduates, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Tate graduation, click here.
- For a second photo gallery from Tate, click here.
Northview High School
Northview High School Class of 2025 valedictorian told his 106 fellow classmates that “time is limited in this world; enjoy the time you get.; but most importantly, do something good with it.”
- For a list of Northview High School graduates, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Northview graduation, click here.
- For a second photo gallery from Northview, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
June 1, 2025
Jim Allen Elementary School named their May Students of the Month. They are Lyla Rae Bradley (pictured left) and Penelope Clyburn. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
It’s The First Day Of Hurricane Season. Here’s The List Of 2025 Storm Names.
June 1, 2025
June 1 was the first day of hurricane season, and Escambia County is urging residents to remain prepared before, during and after a storm during hurricane season by stocking up on seven days’ worth of supplies, otherwise known as being “One Week Ready.”
“Each hurricane season, we stress the importance of being ‘one week ready,’ meaning it’s important to have seven days’ worth of supplies to get you and your family through the aftermath of a hurricane,” said Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins. “Items should include bottled water, non-perishable food, spare batteries, flashlights, a hand-crank radio and other essential items.”
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
Here’s a list of the 2025 Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names
Escambia Man, 69, Charged With Molesting Two Santa Rosa Girls
June 1, 2025
A 69-year old Escambia County man is facing charges for allegedly molesting two underage girls in Santa Rosa County.
James Philmore Phillips, age 69 of Waterford Lane, was arrested May 23 in Escambia County before being transferred to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Phillips is charged with two counts of molestation or a victim less than 12 years of age.
Phillips was observed on a living room security camera molesting two girls, according to an arrest report. The report notes that Phillips was regularly providing childcare for the girls. Investigators said the girls told deputies about other similar incidents in the past.
The report states Phillips denied the allegations, but deputies said his statement was “contradicted by the video.”
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
June 1, 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 1, 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 1, 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 1 through Thursday, June 5, 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 1 through Friday, June 6, 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 1, 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 2 through Thursday, June 5, 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.
- I-10 Resurfacing from East of Shoal River Bridge to West of S.R. 285 – Drivers will encounter alternating nighttime lane closures west and eastbound between mile markers 59 and 70, Sunday, June 1 through Thursday, June 5 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be paving the roadway.
- 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 1, 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 1 through Thursday, June 5, 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 1 through Thursday, June 5, 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 2 through Friday, June 6, 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 2 through Friday, June 6 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 1, through Friday, June 6, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing Eastbound near Exit 31 (S.R. 87) – Motorists will encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures between Miller Bluff overpass and Garnier’s Landing overpass on I-10 Sunday, June 1 through Thursday, June 5 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Tate Lady Aggies Name Summer Softball Teams
June 1, 2025
The Tate High School Lady Aggies have named their summer softball teams.
They are:
Team 1
- Kayleigh Burt
- Kaylie Mitchell
- Jordyn Banks
- Aubree Gorum
- Madison Smillie
- Mykamia Padgett
- Keirstyn Phillips
- Taylor Robinson
- Gracyn Campbell
- Ke’anna Smith
- Sarah Mitchell
- Brelynn Morris
Team 2
- Berkley Anderson
- Mikala Foster
- Faith Middleton
- McKynleigh Montano
- Melanie Ramirez
- Alaina Ritchey
- Aubri Romero
- Paisley Smith
- Kaitlyn Stefanko
- Khloe Gibson
- Emorie Nelson
- Bailey Parden
- Kaylyn Relstab
A schedule has not yet been made available.
Win Again Remains Elusive For Blue Wahoos
June 1, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored four runs, their highest total in almost two weeks, but surrendered a five-run fourth inning that proved to be costly in a 6-4 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night.
The Blue Wahoos took their first lead since last Sunday in the second inning, as Sam Praytor laced an RBI single against Biscuits starter Duncan Davitt (W, 4-2) to jump ahead 1-0.
Dax Fulton (L, 2-4) breezed through his first three innings, but walks and errors stacked up in a fourth inning that put the Biscuits ahead for good. Colton Ledbetter tripled, and three straight Fulton walks forced him in to tie the game 1-1. Fulton then committed a throwing error on a comebacker that let in another run before another bases-loaded walk and fielding error made it a five-run inning and a 5-1 Biscuits lead.
The fourth inning ended on an interesting note, as the Biscuits tried unsuccessfully to steal a run with a first-and-third double steal. Praytor’s throw to second baseman Cody Morissette retired Hunter Stovall, and Morissette’s return throw home was in time to tag out Ryan Spikes for an unusual 2-4-2 double play without a ball in play.
The Blue Wahoos fought back, as Luis Palacios steadied the game with 2.2 innings of effective relief and back-to-back singles from Kemp Alderman and Nathan Martorella started the sixth inning. Josh Zamora then hit a grounder to shortstop for a potential double play, but an errant throw scored both runners and put Zamora at third base. Johnny Olmstead’s sacrifice fly capped a three-run inning, cutting the deficit to 6-4.
Jesse Bergin and Nigel Belgrave each contributed a scoreless inning of relief for the Blue Wahoos, but JJ Goss (S, 7) got the final six outs for Montgomery to secure a 6-4 final.
With the defeat, the Blue Wahoos have lost 11 games in a row to extend their longest losing streak in team history.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 3:33 p.m.
Molino Man Charged With Trafficking Meth After Traffic Stop
May 31, 2025
A Molino man was arrested this week after a traffic stop escalated into a drug trafficking investigation.
Jeffery Gene Brown, 44, was charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine. He was later released from jail on a $30,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Brown’s vehicle was observed traveling northbound on Pensacola Boulevard with inoperable tag lights. A traffic stop was initiated in the parking lot of a Circle K at the corner of Pensacola Boulevard and Broad Street.
During the stop, a clear plastic baggie, consistent with narcotics transportation, was observed protruding from underneath the armrest, according to an arrest report. Brown was asked to exit the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted.
Deputies said the baggie was found to contain a white crystalline substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Behind the driver’s seat where Brown had been sitting, deputies reported finding a black bag containing a large quantity of methamphetamine, a plastic bag containing large “shards” of meth and a large digital scale. They also located a “multicolored smoking device” a box of clear sandwich gags and a pair of brass knuckles, the arrest report states.