Escambia Master Deputy Christopher Echele Receives Sheriff’s Award
July 21, 2026
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Christopher Echele has received the Sheriff’s Medal Award from Sheriff Chip Simmons. the award recognizes his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Escambia County Sheriffs’ Office. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida’s Month-Long Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Began Monday
July 20, 2026
Florida’s month-long Back to School Sales Tax Holiday began on Monday.
The discount holiday, first offered as a seven-day period in 1998 when sales taxes were lifted on only certain clothing valued $50 or less, was firmly put into state statutes last year as a recurring event to run throughout August.
Previously, the discount period was annually approved at varying lengths from three to 14-days, and some years, most recently 2009, the holiday wasn’t offered.
For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through August 20.
The retail lobbying organization credits the change of dates with helping consumers facing affordability issues tie in the state holiday with annual back-to-school discounts offered by businesses.
During the upcoming holiday, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.
Legislative staff this year didn’t estimate the savings when the tax package was introduced in the regular session and later revived and approved in the special session in May.
In 2025, with the same discount benchmarks, legislative economists projected the savings would hit around $217 million.
The next tax holiday offered under the tax package (HB 7031E) is on hunting, fishing and camping equipment, beginning September 1 and continuing until the end of the year.
Legislative staff projected that discount period will cut revenue to the state by $31.2 million and local governments collectively by $8.8 million.
July 20-August 20 back-to-school “holiday” savings:
Exempt clothing valued at $100 or less:
- Aerobic and fitness clothing
- Aprons and clothing shields
- Athletic supporters
- Backpacks and book bags
- Bandanas
- Baseball cleats
- Bathing suits, caps, and cover-ups
- Belts
- Bibs
- Blouses
- Non-ski or fishing boots
- Bowling shoes
- Bras
- Cleated and spiked shoes
- Coats
- Coin purses
- Dresses
- Fanny packs
- Graduation caps and gowns
- Gym suits and uniforms
- Hosiery and pantyhose (including support hosiery)
- Hunting vests
- Jackets
- Jeans
- Lab coats
- Leggings, tights, and leg warmers
- Leotards
- Lingerie
- Martial arts attire
- Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos
- Scout uniforms
- Shoe inserts and insoles
- Shorts
- Ski suits (snow)
- Skirts
- Slippers
- Slips
- Socks
- Suits, slacks, and jackets
- Sweaters
Exempt computers and computer-related accessories valued $1,500 or less:
- Cables (for computers)
- Calculators
- Central processing units (CPU)
- Compact disk drives
- Computers for noncommercial home or personal use – Desktop – Laptop – Tablet
- Computer batteries
- Computer towers consisting of a central processing unit, random-access memory, and a storage drive
- Data storage
- Docking stations (for computers)
- Electronic book readers
- Hard drives
- Headphones (including “earbuds”)
- Ink cartridges (for computer printers)
- Keyboards (for computers)
- Mice (mouse devices)
- Microphones (for computers)
- Modems
- Monitors (except devices that include a television tuner)
- Motherboards
- Personal digital assistant devices (except cellular telephones)
- Port replicators
- Printer cartridges
- Printers (including “all-in-one” models)
- RAM (random access memory)
- Routers
- Scanners
- Software (nonrecreational) – Antivirus – Database – Educational – Financial – Word processing
- Speakers (for computers)
- Storage drives (for computers)
- Tablets
- Web camera
The “holiday” doesn’t cover:
- Briefcases, suitcases, or garment bags
- Watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs
- Skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates
- Clothing items with a sales price of more than $100
- Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50
- Books that are not otherwise exempt
- Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500
- Cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data
- Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes
- Rentals of any eligible items
- Repairs or alterations of any eligible items
- Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport
Source: Florida Department of Revenue.
written by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Look Back: Blue Angels, Pensacola Beach Airshow Photos
July 20, 2026
Thousands upon thousands of people were thrilled by the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show last week.
Here’s your chance to look back at the show, and the Blue Angels, from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in our photo galleries:
- For a photo gallery from Thursday and behind the scenes at the flight line at NAS Pensacola before the show, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Friday, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Saturday, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
July 20, 2026
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, July 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between the Perdido River Bridge and west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), Sunday July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 19 through Saturday, July 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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, July 19, through Saturday, July 25, from 7 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.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Tuesday
July 20, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution on Tuesday, July 21, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid form of identification, and there is a limit of three recipients per vehicle.
File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Drivers See Sharp Spike In Gas Prices
July 20, 2026
Florida drivers saw a sharp spike in gas prices last week as oil markets reacted to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and strong summer fuel demand. The state average jumped 19 cents per gallon early in the week before easing slightly through the weekend. Friday’s average price of $3.96 per gallon was the highest daily average since early June.
Sunday’s state average of $3.94 per gallon is 12 cents more than a week ago, 26 cents more than a month ago, and 84 cents more than last year.
In North Escambia, gas prices were as low as $3.66 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, a low of $3.49 was available at the warehouse clubs.
“Geopolitical tensions can create volatility in energy markets, and that’s exactly what drivers saw last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While prices eased slightly by the weekend, motorists are still paying significantly more than they were just a month ago. Drivers should expect prices to remain sensitive to developments overseas and fluctuations in the oil market.”
U.S. crude oil prices have surged nearly 20% over the past two weeks, including a 16% increase last week alone. Oil settled at $82.49 per barrel on Friday, up from $71.41 per barrel a week earlier.
Wahoos Drop Series To The Biloxi Shuckers
July 20, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped Sunday night’s series finale to the Biloxi Shuckers by a final score of 11-1.
Left-handed starter, Joey Volini (L, 0-1), made his Double-A debut and pitched 3.0 innings on 65 pitches. He gave up just one baserunner through the first two innings, but faltered in the third. The first two hitters reached on a single and a walk before Jesús Made ripped an opposite field three-run homer over the right field wall, his 10th of the year.
The Shuckers offense continued to apply pressure scoring two more in the 4th, three more in the 5th, and one more in the 6th, including a two-run single from former Wahoo Mark Coley II. When it was all said and done, the Shuckers had a 9-0 lead over Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos put a run on the board in the top of the 7th when Jay Beshears laced a double into the left field corner, scoring Payton Green all the way from first. The 9-1 score was short lived, as Josiah Ragsdale ripped a two-run homer to make it a 10 run deficit.
Shuckers starter Bishop Letson (W, 5-5) pitched 5.0 solid innings of shutout baseball and helped lead Biloxi to an 11-1 victory. The Shuckers improved to 48-38 overall and 13-8 in the second half while the Wahoos fell to 46-43 and 10-10.
The Blue Wahoos head home for a series against the Columbus Clingstones beginning Tuesday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Tropical Storm Watch In Effect For Northwest Florida
July 19, 2026
A tropical depression formed off the coast of Florida on Sunday morning .
Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm tonight or on Monday.
The next storm name will be named Bertha.
The depression is expected to gradually strengthen and could bring tropical storm conditions to portions of the Florida Panhandle, where a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued.
Interests in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas should monitor the progress of this system, as watches could be required for portions of that area over the next day or two.
Areas of flash flooding will be possible through Thursday along the eastern and central Gulf Coast from western Florida to southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Florida’s Jobless Rate Drops For The First Time Since 2024
July 19, 2026
For the first time since the end of 2024, Florida’s unemployment rate went down last month.
A report released Friday by the Department of Commerce shows the state’s jobless rate for June at 4.7 percent, a reduction from 4.8 percent the prior two months. The rate is still 0.5 percentage points higher than the national average.
The Escambia County unemployment rate stood at 5.0 percent, a slight increase from 4.9% one month ago. The net increase for the year stood at 700 jobs with.
Locally, the education and health services fields showed increases of three percent.
Even with the one-month decline, the state’s unemployment rate stands 0.9 percentage points higher than a year ago.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Northview Band Member Takes Part In Florida Bandmasters Association Nine Star Honor Band
July 19, 2026
Northview High School Tribal Beat band member Aubrey Flowers took part recently in the Florida Bandmasters Association Nine Star Honor Band in Orlando.
This ensemble consisted of 106 ninth-grade students representing 62 schools across 29 Florida school districts.
Over the course of two days, these students dedicated 14 hours of rehearsals to prepare eight musical selections under the direction of FBA Retired/Life Member, Jose Lopez.
Pictured top: Aubrey Flowers. Pictured below: Flowers with Northview band director Garsche Roble. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
