Casey’s Updates Plans For New Convenience Store At Highway, Highway 97 In Molino
April 28, 2025
Updated plans have been filed for a new convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Costcorde, Inc. of Houston recently submitted the plans to the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC).
The updated plans show a 4,569 square foot convenience store, 12 gas fueling stations and two diesel fueling payments. According to the plans, there will only be right turn in and right turn out access on Highway 29 and a full access connection to Highway 97.
Casey’s is the third largest convenience store and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States. Last year, Casey’s announced the acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion for 198 stores.
The plans are undergoing DRC internal staff review and have not yet been set for a public meeting.
Plans were filed for a convenience store in the same location back in 2017 and 2019 by an Atmore company, but those projects were never finalized. The new store will be across Highway 97 from an existing Cumberland Farms store that is still operating under Tom Thumb branding.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
Meet Byrneville Elementary School Principal (For A Day) Tripp Fowler
April 28, 2025
Last Friday morning, Principal Tripp Fowler started his day early by welcoming every student as they arrived in the car rider line at Byrneville Elementary School.
The it was off to visit every classroom, where he denied teacher requests to take off early since it was Friday. If Principal Fowler was going to put in a full day, so was his staff.
For second grader Tripp Fowler, Friday was a really big day at the charter school — he was Byrneville Elementary School’s principal for a day. He won the opportunity by being the top seller in a recent fundraiser.
Principal Fowler took a few minutes out of his very busy day to speak with NorthEscambia.com just before lunch duty Friday. When we met up with him, he was behind “everyday” Principal Ashley Trawick’s desk, hard at work on project to prepare for an upcoming student visit from the Century Camp Fire USA Learning Center.
Friday was a good day to be principal for a day at Byrneville. Students earned movie time at lunch for good behavior, there was pizza for students that met their AR reading goals, and field day winners had ice cream to celebrate.
But the workday was not all fun and games — Principal Fowler was faced with an emergency with an overflowing toilet. He quickly radioed for help, bringin the challenging situation under control.
His favorite parts of being principal for the day? The walkie-talkie and his ID badge. And looking inside a closet with computer servers and security camera feeds was a pretty big deal.
We had to cut our interview with Mr. Fowler short so he could use the intercom to call a student to the office, a task he easily handled (as soon as someone found him a step stool). He then headed to the lunchroom, walkie-talkie in hand, where kindergarteners were having lunch as the movie “Ratatouille” played.
When asked if he would like to be an elementary principal when he gets a bit older, Mr. Fowler was quick with his answer.
“I want to drive a truck and be like my dad,” he said, just a principal for a day.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Sets Public Hearing To Discuss Grant Finding Application
April 28, 2025
The Century Town Council will a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss a grant funds application.
The town is preparing to apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Florida Commerce. The town is considering seeking funds for projects in several categories, including neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and economic development.
According to the town, these funds must be used for one of the following purposes, if approved:
To benefit low- and moderate-income persons;
To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or
To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency.
The town council will discuss additional information regarding the range of activities that could be funded at the public hearing on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at town hall.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Gas Prices Up About A Nickel Over The Last Week
April 28, 2025
Florida gas prices jumped by 13 cents early last week, then declined 8 cents through the weekend.
Sunday’s state average was $3.05 per gallon. That’s 5 cents more than a week ago. However, pump prices are averaging 10 cents less than a month ago, and 51 cents less than this time last year, according to AAA.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was a bit lower at $2.88. In Pensacola, prices around $2.65 were available at stations on East Nine Mile Road and Highway 29 in Gonzalez. In North Escambia, the lowest available price was $2.66 per gallon at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The price of crude oil – which directly influences about half of the price of gasoline – declined 3% last week. Friday’s closing price of $63.02 per barrel is $1.66/b less than the week before. Gasoline futures rose 12 cents through the past two weeks.
Rough Inning Sinks Wahoos In 7-4 Loss To Smokies
April 28, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
After four weeks and 20 previous games in April, the Blue Wahoos didn’t have one to forget.
That good fortune ran out Sunday.
In a rare defensive meltdown, the Blue Wahoos committed three errors and yielded seven runs in the third inning of an eventual 7-4 loss against the Knoxville Smokies, ending their homestand in a tough way at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Even trailing 7-0, however, the Blue Wahoos had the game-tying batter at the plate three times, including with two-on, no outs in the ninth inning. It also happened with less than two out in the sixth and eighth innings. But each time, the Blue Wahoos couldn’t get a game-changing hit.
Still, the week ended with the Pensacola (15-6) winning the series (4-2) and keeping their place with the best record across three Double-A leagues. The team will have an off-day Monday before embarking on consecutive road series in Birmingham and Biloxi.
A crowd of 4,011 watched a game unravel in one-half inning.
Blue Wahoos starter, lefthander Luis Palacios, had overcome two walks in the first inning and breezed through the second inning of a scoreless game.
He never lasted through another inning.
Palacios, who allowed just three earned runs in three previous starts, lost command of his five-pitch repertoire. He gave up a lead-off double to No. 9 hitter Corey Joyce. Pedro Ramirez singled and B.J. Murray Jr. walked to load the bases. A sacrifice fly scored the first run, followed by Ethan Hearn’s RBI single.
An RBI ground out made it 3-0 with two out. And then it got worse for Palacios. Hits and three consecutive errors followed.
Another single and fielding error by left fielder Dalvy Rosario allowed two runners in scoring position. Jordan Nwogu’s two-run single included a fielding error by Shane Sasaki, to put Nwogu on second. A ground ball was misplayed by second baseman Josh Zamora to allow another run to score.
After a wild pitch and a walk, Blue Wahoos manager Nelson Prada pulled Palacios. With Zach McCambley in relief, the Blue Wahoos pulled off a double steal for the seventh run.
From that point, the Smokies did not have another hit until the ninth inning as the Blue Wahoos bullpen again put up zeroes.
That enabled a comeback to begin. Catcher Spencer Bramwell drove in the first run with his fifth inning single, scoring Josh Zamora who led off with a single. Dalvy Rosario followed with a sacrifice fly to score the second run.
In the sixth, Tony Bullard had a two-run single. But with two runners on, reliever Zac Leigh, who wound up winning his third game, got Bramwell to ground out and struck out Rosario.
In the eighth, the Blue Wahoos had two runners on, none out, but two pop outs and a flyout ended that inning.
In the ninth, Shane Sasaki led off with a single. Jake Thompson walked. Smokies reliever Mitchell Tyranski earned his second save by striking out Kemp Alderman, getting Nathan Martorella to pop out and ending the game when Josh Zamora flew out to right.
The Blue Wahoos will travel Tuesday to Birmingham to begin a six-game series against the Barons.
Jim Allen Elementary Honors Volunteers
April 28, 2025
Jim Allen Elementary School recently held a luncheon to honor volunteers that support the school and provide lasting impact.
The school also named Volunteers of the Year:
- Ashlee Elliot – 300 volunteer hours
- Bobbie Wilson – 291 volunteer hours
Pictured: Jim Allen Elementary School Volunteers of the Year Ashee Elliot (above) and Bobbie Wilson (below). Pictured bottom: JAE volunteers were honored at a recent luncheon. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Holds 86th Annual Meeting (With Photo Gallery)
April 27, 2025
Escambia River Electric Cooperative members held their 86th annual meeting Saturday at Wallace Lake K-8 School in Pace.
Dozens of door prizes were awarded, most of them electric, and one lucky member won the grand prize of a $500 credit on their electric bill.
Members met in a business session after voting on trustees.
Colton Criswell from Northview High School and Braden Adams from Jay High School were recognized as winners of four-year Herman D. Johnson Scholarships; Ayden Attalah from Northview High School and Lael Peterson from Jay High School were recognized as winners of EREC Trade/Votech Scholarships.
EREC was formed in 1939 with 88 members in their first month. The cooperative now serves about 13,409 members in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with 1,823 miles of energized line and has 1,629 water meters in Escambia County.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
April 27, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the next meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Walnut Hill Rear-End Crash
April 27, 2025
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision Saturday morning in Walnut Hill.
The driver of a Subaru Outback rear-ended a Chevrolet Equinox around 10:35 a.m. on South Highway 99, approximately one mile north of Morgan Road near the entrance to Steve’s Farm.
Escambia County EMS transported two adults to a nearby hospital following the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
April 27, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, April 27 through Thursday, May 1, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, April 27, 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. Side streets intersecting Garden Street will not be closed for more than five consecutive days.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and J Street.
- Signage will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 27 through Thursday, May 1, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, April 27, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 27, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 8 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.
- 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, April 27 through Thursday, May 1, 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, April 27 through Friday, May 2, 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, April 27, 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, April 28 through Friday, May 2, 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.
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures, Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for crews to relocate construction equipment. Flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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.
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, April 27 through Thursday, May 1, 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, April 27 through Thursday, May 1, 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.
- 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, April 27, through Friday, May 2, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Beginning Sunday, April 27, 2025, U.S. 98 eastbound lanes from College Parkway to Country Club Drive will be shifted south to allow crews to complete median construction operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.