Florida Gas Prices Fall 15 Cents On Average Last Week, AAA Says
February 3, 2025
Pump prices continue to pinball, this time falling in Floridians’ favor. Florida gas prices declined 15 cents last week, falling from $3.22 per gallon to $3.07 per gallon by Sunday, according to AAA.
“The discount at the pump came as a result of a decline in the price of crude oil,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Earlier this month, oil price rose to multi-month highs due to frigid temps in the southern U.S. and sanctions on Russian crude. Now, oil prices are back down to where they were to start the year, allowing gas prices to fall too.”
So far this year, pump prices have ranged from a high of $3.23 per gallon (1/16) to a low of $3.06 per gallon (1/8). Meanwhile, the price for U.S. crude has ranged from $72-$78 per barrel. After trading at $78/b in mid-January, the U.S. price for a barrel of oil settled at $72.53 on Friday.
The Escambia County average stood at $2.90 on Sunday. Sunday night, pump prices were as low as $2.69 at a station on Pine Forest Road. The North Escambia low price was $2.76 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Six More Weeks Of Winter? North Escambia Weather Ducks See Shadow
February 2, 2025
Six more weeks of winter? It’s not what we want to here in Florida after our once-in-a lifetime 7-10 inches of January snow.
But on this Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, the world famous groundhog, and the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks have both predicted six more weeks of winter.
Folklore says that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, it means six more weeks of winter. We did not have a groundhog handy for a photo, but we did have the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks (pictured above). And just like their more famous Pennsylvania weather buddy, our weather ducks also saw their shadow this morning here in North Escambia.
The NorthEscambia.com weather ducks have been doing this for 15 years, and they’ve been more right that wrong. Like when they predicted six more weeks of winter in 2010. That’s pictured below.
However, in the near-term, our forecast is for sunshine and highs near 80 by the end of this week.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Five Injured In Century Highway 29 Hit And Run Crash
February 2, 2025
UPDATE: The Florida Highway Patrol says there has been an arrest in this crash, but the suspect’s name was not immediately available.
Five people, including children, were injured in a hit and run crash Saturday night in Century.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck had slowed to make a right-hand turn onto Salter’s Lake Road. That’s when a northbound SUV approached at a high rate of speed and struck the pickup truck, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned, coming to rest off the roadway just north of Salter’s Lake Road. The SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
According to witnesses, the driver of the SUV fled on foot, and someone later returned to the SUV in a white pickup truck, removed items from the vehicle and left before law enforcement arrived. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the area were unable to locate the driver.
The occupants of the pickup were transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life threatening.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Cheerleaders Win Runner-up At State, Heading To Nationals
February 2, 2025
The defending state champion Tate Aggies cheerleaders took the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading state runner-up spot on Saturday.
The Aggie cheerleaders will compete in nationals this week. They will depart Wednesday and being competition on Friday in Orlando. Both the junior varsity and varsity squads will complete n traditional and gameday at nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed Crossing Nine Mile Road
February 2, 2025
A pedestrian was struck and killed late Friday night on Nine Mile Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 29-year-old man crossed the roadway into the path of a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old Gulf Breeze girl about 10:47 p.m. at Nine Mile road near Holsberry Road. Troopers said the girl was unable to avoid colliding with the pedestrian.
The FHP investigating is continuing.
Escambia Children’s Trust Seeks Applicants For Micro Grants
February 2, 2025
The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) has announced the launch of the Community, Access, Resilience, and Empowerment (CARE) micro grants designed to to build resilience, access, and empowerment in the community.
The CARE micro grants program will award up to $50,000 in one-time funding for existing programs toward advocacy efforts, training initiatives, and community engagement activities.
The project period runs up to 12 months, starting on or after May 1, 2025, and ending no later than April 30, 2026.
ECT invites established, fiscally responsible local providers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality services to apply. Programs should align with ECT’s mission to serve at-risk youth and address critical areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. For more information and the application, click here.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
Escambia (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson Named Alabama Sheriff Of The Year
February 2, 2025
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson has received the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award.
Jackson was nominated for his heroic actions that occurred in 2023 when Sheriff Jackson rescued four people that had become stranded on Burnt Corn Creek in rising flood waters. The children were found clinging to tree limbs, and Jackson rescued them with the aid of a jet ski.
Jackson was also recognized for his leadership and service as the Escambia County Sheriff. A graduate of T.R Miller High School, he was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Jackson previously served with the Brewton Police Department, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
He is a graduate of the National Sheriffs’ Institute and the FBI National Academy and an FBI-LEDDA Trilogy Award winner. In 2024, Jackson was awarded the Medal of Valor Award by the National Sheriffs’ Association. He is also a member of the Brewton Rotary Club where he serves as past president. He currently serves as second vice president for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.
“Sheriff Jackson not only serves his county but is always eager to assist other Alabama Sheriffs when called upon,” Huey Hoss Mack, executive director of the Sheriff’s Association, said.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson (right) was awarded the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award. The award was presented by Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, president of the Sheriffs
Association, at the annual winter meeting in Hoover, AL. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Bounce Back For Saturday Night Win
February 2, 2025
Despite facing a 3-1 deficit heading into the final frame, the Ice Flyers mounted an impressive comeback to force overtime, though ultimately fell short in a 9-round shootout Friday night.
Alex Wilkins opened the scoring for Fayetteville, but the Ice Flyers evened the score when Matt Wiesner benefited from an unusual bounce in the first period.
Marksmen forwards Khristian Acosta and Dalton Hunter propelled Fayetteville to a 3-1 lead with back-to-back goals, scored just 12 seconds apart, to end the second period.
Jake Hamilton gave the Ice Flyers a boost with his sixth goal of the season, cutting the deficit. Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira tied the game 3-3 with a power-play goal to close out regulation.
Neither team managed to break through in the overtime period, sending the game to a shootout that would ultimately require nine rounds to determine a winner.
The shootout remained scoreless through six rounds until Ice Flyers forward Doug Elgstam finally broke through, sneaking one past Marksmen goaltender Ryan Kenney. However, the celebration was short-lived as Ryan Nolan quickly responded for Fayetteville to even things up. The marathon shootout finally came to an end in the ninth round when John Moncovich secured the victory for the Marksmen.
The Ice Flyers will host the Fayetteville Marksmen on Saturday for game two of their three-game series.
Scoring Summary
First Period
FAY 1, PEN 0
10:11 Alex Wilkins (1) – Unassisted – PP
Fayetteville capitalized on a power play to score the game’s first goal.
FAY 1, PEN 1
17:14 Matt Wiesner (6) – Cayden Cahill
A shot by Matt Wiesner ricocheted off the glass and bounced off the back of the Marksmen’s goalie, Ryan Kenney, to tie things up.
Shots on goal: FAY 11, PEN 18
Second Period
FAY 2, PEN 1
17:48 Khristian Acosta (3) – Alex Ambrosio, John Moncovich
Fayetteville took the lead with Khristian Acosta’s shot on a 2-on-1 rush.
FAY 3, PEN 1
18:00 Dalton Hunter (14) – Unassisted
12 seconds after Acosta’s goal, Dalton Hunter weaved around the Ice Flyers defense and sent a shot past Brody Claeys to extend the Marksmen’s lead to two.
Shots on Goal: FAY 10, PEN 15
3rd Period
FAY 3, PEN 2
13:05 Jake Hamilton (6) – Cayden Cahill
Jake Hamilton’s well-placed shot found its way through traffic and into the back of the net, giving the Ice Flyers the momentum boost they needed for their third period comeback.
FAY 3, PEN 3
15:05 Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira (5) – Nick Pryce
The Ice Flyers tied things up with Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira getting a much needed goal on a powerplay opportunity.
Shots on Goal: FAY 3, PEN 14
Overtime
None
Shootout
Ice Flyers – Doug Elgstam
Marksmen – Ryan Nolan
Marksmen – John Moncovich
Total Shots: FAY 30, PEN 52
Escambia County Teacher Of The Year Named
February 1, 2025
Friday night, Global Learning Academy kindergarten teacher Kelly Reed was nas named this year’s Escambia County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Reed will now be in the running for the state teacher of the year award.
The other finalist were:
- Beulah Elementary – Brooke Ferrara
- Beulah Middle – LeAnne Jenkins
- Ransom Middle – Stacey Hammer
- Tate High School – Kristin Maum0
Other Teacher of the Year, by school, were:
- Jim Allen Elementary – Jacey Taylor
- Bellview Elementary – Natalie Hardeman
- Blue Angels Elementary – Christina Cardenas
- Bratt Elementary – Sherri Carter
- Brentwood Elementary – Jill Stewart
- Hellen Caro Elementary – Erin Quinlan
- N. B. Cook Elementary – Kheri Murphy
- Cordova Park Elementary – Margaret Fox-McClellan
- Ensley Elementary – Mary Springer-Alonzo
- Ferry Pass Elementary – Jina Bradley
- Global Learning Academy – Kelly Reed
- Holm Elementary – Lynette Chandler
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Laura Wiggins
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Janie Hayes
- Lipscomb Elementary – Aurora Paul
- Longleaf Elementary – Christine Dunson
- McArthur Elementary – Jodie Langford
- Molino Park Elementary – Heidi Robar
- Montclair Elementary – Maxine Mathis
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Carrie Lawson
- Navy Point Elementary – Tanya DeGruccio
- Oakcrest Elementary – Deja Ramsey
- Pine Meadow Elementary – Kristen Whiddon
- Pleasant Grove Elementary – Theresa Restifo
- Scenic Heights Elementary – Amanda Byers
- O.J. Semmes Elementary – April Scott
- Sherwood Elementary – Patrice Majewski
- A. K. Suter Elementary – Tracy Eiser
- Warrington Elementary – Sylvia Harvey-Thomas
- C. A. Weis Elementary – Brianna English
- West Pensacola Elementary – Brittany Langlois
- Bailey Middle School – Clif (William) Cone
- Bellview Middle – Vicki Davis
- Brown Barge Middle – Nora Guy
- Ernest Ward Middle – Maria Willis
- Ferry Pass Middle – Kristen Amerson
- Workman Middle – Cynethia Gosse
- Escambia High School – Alicia Gifford
- Northview High School – Obreonne Parker
- Pensacola High School – Justin Aultman
- Pine Forest High School – Jonetta Moody
- Booker T. Washington High School – Karen Privett
- West Florida High School – Tiffany Odom
- Alternative Education – Christopher Baker
- Beulah Academy of Science – Kara List
- Achieve Academy – Jayla King
- Success Academy – Pam Carter
- Escambia Virtual – Kimberly Rayburn
- Escambia Westgate – Terri Michelle Price
- ESE – Kirsten Kappler-Bennett
- Hope Horizon – Heather Turner
- George Stone Technical College – Garry Ellison
- Pensacola Beach Charter – Heather Gagnet
Funeral Services Held For Mother And Daughter Killed In Highway 97 Crash
February 1, 2025
Funeral services where held Saturday for the mother and daughter that were tragically killed in a three-vehicle crash January 23 on Highway 97 Walnut Hill.
Valerie Lynn Bullock Hicks, 66, of Molino, and Charity Lynn Hicks, 30, of Pensacola, passed away when their Mazda struck a large fence post after being hit by a pickup truck driven by a man that the Florida Highway Patrol says “failed to maintain his lane of travel “.
Valerie Hicks was a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, and business owner. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor’s degree and taught at Atmore Baptist Temple.
Charity Hicke was homeschooled by her mother and later graduated from Pensacola Christian College. She worked at Temple Christian Academy before becoming a realtor at Flynn Built Custom Home Builders.
“Both ladies will be missed and forever in our hearts. They were perfect examples of love, kindness, faith, and hope. We mourn their death today but look forward to the day we meet them again in heaven. Both ladies lived a beautiful life that deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please pray for her husband and all family members at this critical time,” Temple Christian Academy said in a statement.
“Charity was a remarkable soul — a force of nature whose boundless kindness, love, and generosity touched everyone she met,” Flynn Built said. “She was an extraordinary achiever, always bringing her radiant smile and vibrant energy to every room she entered. Charity’s light was truly one of a kind, and her memory will forever shine in our hearts.”
For the complete obituary, click here.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Smyrna Baptist Church in Pensacola with burial following at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their crash investigation.