Florida Gas Prices Headed Up
June 8, 2020
Florida gas prices are rising. The state average is $1.90 per gallon – the most expensive in 9 weeks. While the average price increased only two cents last week, even larger increases are possible in the coming days, according to AAA.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $1.89, up nine cents from a week ago and 27 cents from one month ago. The lowest price to be found in North Escambia Sunday night was $1.93 at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road, but in Pensacola gas was at $1.71 at a warehouse club.
The $1.90 per gallon state average is still 70 cents lower than this time last year.
It’s Qualifying Week In Escambia County; We’ll Know By Friday Who Is Running For Office
June 8, 2020
It is qualification week for candidates that wish to appear on the 2020 ballot in Escambia County, the Town of Century and the City of Pensacola. Friday at noon is the deadline for candidates to qualify for the 2020 General Election.
Local offices up for election this year are:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Tax Collector
- Property Appraiser
- Sheriff
- Supervisor of Elections
- County Commission Districts 1
- County Commission District 3
- County Commission District 5
- School Board District 4
- School Board District 5
SPECIAL DISTRICT
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 1
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 3
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 5
- Santa Rosa Island Authority
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 1
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 3
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 5
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Mayor
- City Council Seat 1
- City Council Seat 2
CITY OF PENSACOLA
- City Council District 1
- City Council District 3
- City Council District 5
- City Council District 7
The primary election will be held on August 18, and the general election will be November 3.
Here’s A List Of The Road Construction Delay Spots For This Week
June 8, 2020
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:
- · 9th Avenue, Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291), Alcaniz Street (S.R. 289) , Wright Street (U.S. 98) Underground Sewer Line Videography- Traffic may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, June 30 as crews inspect sanitary sewer lines.
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 7:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- · S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29 – Side streets and driveways on Nine Mile Road between Pine Forest Road and Ashland Avenue will experience intermittent closures beginning the week of Monday, June 8, as crews pave the westbound lanes. The intermittent closures will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Traffic flaggers will be on hand to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to alternate routes.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Drainage Improvements at the intersection of Perry Avenue- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of Perry Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 8 through Friday, July 10.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- Crews are performing signalization work during daytime hours. Drivers will encounter lane closures from 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11 to 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 12 as crew perform paving operations.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating lane restriction from 8 pm. to 6 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent nighttime lane closures on Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90), between the Eleven Mile Creek and I-10 from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12. One lane in each direction will remain in place. The lane closures will allow crews to place asphalt. In addition, a portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 7:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay – There will be temporary shoulder and lane closures throughout the project limits.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Paving operations are underway throughout the project limits. Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter nighttime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Fountain Correctional Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
June 8, 2020
A staff member at the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Alabama Department of Corrections was informed of the positive test through self-reporting. The individual promptly self-quarantined under the direction of their health care provider.
The ADOC’s Office of Health Services (OHS) has initiated an investigation to determine which, if any, ADOC inmates or employees may have had direct, prolonged exposure to the staff member. Upon completing the appropriate follow-up interviews and due diligence, OHS will advise any exposed staff members to contact their health care providers and self-quarantine for the recommended 14-day period, or as advised by their health care providers.
Love Thy Neighbor: Peaceful March Held In Atmore
June 7, 2020
“Can’t breathe. Can’t breathe.”
The chants from a peaceful march echoed off the old hardware on Main Street in downtown Atmore Saturday morning.
Dozens of people marched in unity just under a mile from the Atmore City Hall to Heritage Park.
The group includes individuals of different races and backgrounds. They didn’t have a permit for the event, but that did not matter. The police chief, mayor and city council members joined in the march, along with several religious leaders from across the town.
“No justice; no peace. No justice; no peace.” The chants continued as they held signs and many wore shirts or held signs that said “Black Lives Matter”.
And then there was the t-shirt wore by a local pastor.
“Love Thy Neighbor.”
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gaetz Announces Florida’s First District Congressional Art Competition Winners
June 7, 2020
Congressman Matt Gaetz has announced the winners of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Students from across the First Congressional District of Florida submitted artwork for the competition pertaining to the theme “Scenes of Northwest Florida.”
Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. High school students from across Florida’s First Congressional District submitted their artwork for the competition, and a panel of local art professionals judged the pieces. The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the exhibit in Washington will also include artwork from participating districts across the country.
The winners of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition were:
1st Place: Gabriella Lanza, South Walton High School, “Ocean Layer”
2nd Place: Rhianna Cooley, Pensacola Catholic High School, “The Great Sea Witch”
3rd Place: Brooke Rorer, Pace High School, “Dimitri the Pensacola Fisherman”
Runner Up Winners:
1st Runner Up: Mary Claire Brown, South Walton High School, “Sunrise Trees”
2nd Runner Up: Jamie Harrison, Jay High School, “Equestrian Elegance”
3rd Runner Up: Rayne Henry, Gulf Breeze High School, “Thank You For Your Service”
Pictured top: “Ocean Layer” by Gabriella Lanza of South Walton High School, winner of Florida’s First District Congressional Art Competition. Pictured below: “Equestrian Elegance” by Jamie Harrison of Jay High School, second runner-up in the competition. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola: The Future Home Of U.S. Space Command?
June 7, 2020
Pensacola is already the Cradle of Naval Aviation. So why not the home of U.S. Space Command?
U.S. Space Command is currently based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but the Department of Defense is seeking a permanent home.
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson has submitted letter expressing Pensacola’s interest in becoming the command’s home. Pensacola meets the minimum criteria as announced to date for possible selection.
The Department of the Air Force is providing communities who meet the screening criteria an opportunity to nominate themselves as potential candidate locations by following the process outlined in a letter from the Department of the Air Force to the nation’s governors which includes a nomination form and screening and evaluation criteria.
A preferred U.S. Space Command headquarters location is expected to be selected in early 2021. It is expected to take about six years to construct the necessary facilities.
Pictured: Downtown Pensacola, with an added U.S. Space Command logo. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Program Provides Free Books, Activities To Help Local Kids Ages 4-5 Learn To Read
June 7, 2020
Every Child a Reader in Escambia (ECARE) is launching a new summer program for families of four and five year old children who are just learning to read.
Participating families will receive free books, activities and support over the summer to enhance their child’s kindergarten readiness. All participants will be entered to win a $50 gift card.
Sign up online by clicking or tapping here or by texting “READ” to 833-636-0537.
Florida Shutdown: Leisure, Hospitality Industries Lost The Most Jobs Locally. Here’s How Other Industries Fared.
June 7, 2020
The unemployment rate in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties jumped to 12% in April, 9.1% higher than the region’s year ago rate of 2.9%.
As expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Florida’s state at home orders, the leisure and hospitality industries were the hardest hit, losing 5,300 jobs. That was followed by 2,500 jobs lost in retail trade industries.
The chart above detail job losses over the past year by sector in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia Courts Resume In Person Hearings This Week; Civil Cases Reset (With Schedule)
June 7, 2020
The First Judicial Circuit has set staggered hearing times for plea day this week and has reset small claim hearings.
The courts are moving to resume certain limited in-person hearings, appearance times will be staggered to allow for proper social distancing. Out-of-custody individuals with county court criminal hearings scheduled before Judge Kerra Smith (Division 2) on Tuesday, June 9 in Escambia County at the M.C. Blanchard Building should report according to the following schedule:
Those with scheduled hearings should report to the courthouse at least 15 minutes prior to their hearing times to allow for adequate screening. All persons entering the courthouse will undergo a temperature check and will be asked COVID-19 screening questions. A face covering is required at all times while in the court facility.
Small Claims Pre-Trial Conferences set for Wednesday, June 10 Have Been Reset
All small claims cases in Escambia County are presently being conducted by video conference or teleconference. Those persons with a small claims pre-trial conference previously scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, should not appear in person at the M.C. Blanchard Building. The parties have been sent a reset summons with information regarding appearing by Zoom. For questions regarding new dates, call (850) 595-4173 or (850) 595-4424.
File photo.