FWC Schedules Virtual Meetings On Black Bear Hunting Proposals
March 24, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to gather feedback from residents on proposed regulations for black bear hunting in Florida. The feedback will be presented to Commissioners during a May meeting.
FWC previously consulted with stakeholder groups and the public in March to discuss potential hunting season options. The information gathered has been used to shape the current proposals.
The meeting dates and times are as follows:
- April 2 from 12-3 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 3 from 5-8 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
In December 2024, FWC provided a five-year update on the implementation of the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan. The presentation covered recent bear research and management efforts. Following the update, commissioners directed staff to return with options for a regulated bear hunt.
Century Basketball Association Hosts Annual Banquet, Celebrates Undefeated Teams
March 24, 2025
The Century Basketball Association held its annual banquet on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Century Community Center, drawing over 150 attendees, including Century Town Councilwoman Sandra McMurray-Jackson.
League President Tony Robinson led the evening’s program as master of ceremonies. The event featured a prayer by Elder Idainer W. Bradley, uplifting praise music performed by Mr. Kenneth Newton and his band, and a prayer delivered by Pastor and League Vice President Kris Chancery.
As the evening progressed, players received awards from their respective coaches in recognition of their hard work and achievements throughout the season. The coaches presenting awards included Pre-Training Coach Clay Hoffman, Training League Coach Charles Wesley, Junior Varsity Girls Coach Kris Chancery, Junior Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, Varsity Girls Coach Casey Price, Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, and Varsity Boys Assistant Coach Alex Bradley, who stood in for Coach Greg Bush.
This season marked an exceptional year for Century Basketball, with seven teams competing and four finishing with undefeated records. Championship rings were awarded to the Junior Varsity Girls (Chancery), Junior Varsity Boys (Robinson), Varsity Girls (Price), and Varsity Boys (Bush), celebrating their perfect seasons.
The evening concluded with a special dinner, planned and prepared by Coach Casey Price and her assistants, bringing the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
Looking ahead, the Century Basketball Association aims to expand its impact beyond sports. Plans are in motion to introduce a STEM program and a computer coding course, offering middle school students free access to valuable educational resources.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Hosting Plant Swap
March 24, 2025
The Molino Branch Library is hosting a March Plant Swap for the remainder of the month at the library.
The swap is open to both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to start their plant journey. In addition to exchanging plants, attendees can connect with fellow plant lovers, share gardening tips, and expand their collections.
It’s simple — just bring potted plants, cuttings or seeds that you’d like to share, and take home a new leafy friend during library hours.
Pictured: Just some of the plants available recently during the March Plants Swap at the Molino Library Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For This Week
March 24, 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:
- 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, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, March 23, 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.
- 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, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, 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.
- 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, Monday, March 24 through Thursday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28, 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, March 23, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to 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.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – The week of Sunday, March 23, drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and construction activities. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (North Davis Highway) – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures Monday, March 24 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 291 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Carpenter Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, March 25 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Bayou Texar – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures west of S.R. 289A Tuesday, March 25 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures east of U.S. 29 Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
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, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, 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, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, 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. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.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, March 23, through Friday, March 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- The existing designated right-turn lane leaving the Walmart parking lot at S.R. 281 and U.S. 98 will be closed for construction activities beginning Sunday, March 23. Motorists can continue to turn right from the adjacent lane.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures west of S.R 87 Wednesday, March 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
AAA: Florida’s Average Gas Price Dips Below $3
March 24, 2025
Florida’s gas price average dropped below $3 a gallon this week as Sunday’s state average fell to $2.97 a gallon, according to AAA. That’s 2 cents less than the 2024 low and the lowest daily average price since December 2023.
AAA said Sunday’s state average was 13 cents less than the week before, 13 cents less than a month ago, and 55 cents less than this time last year. The average cost to fill a 15-gallon gas tank is $44.55. That’s $8.25 less than what drivers paid a year ago.
The average per gallon price in Escambia County Sunday night was $2.89, up from $2.84 a week ago. In Pensacola, a low price of $2.75 at station on Pace Boulevard, East Nine Mile Road, and South HIghway 29. In North Escambia Sunday, the low price was $2.75 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Low oil prices and strong gasoline production numbers have helped push gas prices to lows not seen in more than a year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, it’s not clear how much lower prices will go. Springtime factors like refinery maintenance, strong demand, and the switch to summer gasoline typically keep upward pressure on prices at the pump.”
Rustic Rooster: Highway 97 Deli And Market Plans Set For Final Review
March 23, 2025
Plans are set for final review this week by the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) for a planned deli, market and shop in Davisville.
The Rustic Rooster will be located at 10251 Highway 97, near the Davisville Community Center. The building was previously used for retail and as a restaurant.
The Rustic Rooster will be opening as a deli, market and antique store, according to a an updated application filed March 13.
“We are rebranding what the previous use was and to bring back life to the beautiful building in the community,” a handwritten letter filed with an earlier application. “We have cleaned and updated the interior and exterior to beautify the property.”
The 4,243 square foot building is located on 1.83 acres. Application materials show parking in the front and rear of the building. There will be 19 parking spaces, including four handicap spaces in a front asphalt and an overflow lot with asphalt millings in the rear.
This week’s DRC meeting is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at the Escambia County Central Complex Building, 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola.
Pictured: The Rustic Rooster in Walnut Hill as seen Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Stacey Road Drainage Project Detour Begins Tuesday
March 23, 2025
Stacey Road between West Quintette and Coweta roads will be closed to through traffic starting Tuesday, March 25 while crews install a storm drain system and perform road improvements.
Traffic will be detoured along Highway 95A and Coweta Road. Motorists should use extra caution and follow posted signs when traveling along the detour. The road is expected to reopen by Tuesday, July 1.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
The $2.5 million project was awarded to Site And Utility, LLC last November. The purpose of this project is to replace the undersized drainage infrastructure from the northwest corner of Stacey Road and Quintette Road to the outfall approximately three quarters of a mile south on the east side of Stacey Road.
The project will replace the existing system with approximately 350 feet of 4-foot x 10-foot box culvert, and will include the installation of 100 feet of a 10-foot-wide paved concrete ditch upstream of the existing system,
reconstruction of three quarters of a mile of Stacey Road and the milling and resurfacing of the intersection of Stacey Road and Quintette Road, and the regrading of the existing downstream ditch.
The project is being funded by American Rescue Plan funding.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students, Employee Of The Month
March 23, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their employee and student of the month for February. (L-R) Pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger are students Connor Weekley, sixth grade; Sawyer Odom, seventh grade; and Shelby Riffenburg; and Kevin Knowles, science teacher and coach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All West Florida Library Book Drops Closed Until After Special Election
March 23, 2025
All West Florida Libraries book drops are closed until after the April special Congressional election.
Materials can be returned to the service desk at any WFPL library.
All WFPL book drops will reopen on April 2. according to the library system.
The Pensacola, Southwest, Tryon and Bellview libraries will be early voting locations through March 29. The main Pensacola and Bellview libraries are both early voting and election day polling locations; however, Southwest and Tryon are not a regular polling places. (There is also early voting near the Molino Library in the Molino Community Center, but not in the actual library.)
Pictured: The book drop outside the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Win J.U. Blacksher Invitational Tournament Championship
March 23, 2025
The Northview Chiefs claimed the championship in the J.U. Blacksher Invitational Tournament this weekend with a 6-4 win over T.R. Miller.
During the tournament, three Lady Chiefs slammed home runs. Daviona Randolph and Avery Stuckey each had a homer during the tournament at the Arrowhead Park in Poarch as Northview beat Thomasville 8-3.
Bailey Burkette had her first career home run against Elberta, scoring two runs with her homer to centerfield.
The Lady Chiefs will host West Florida on Monday and Pensacola Catholic on Tuesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bailey Burkette
Daviona Randolph
Avery Stuckey