Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Return
March 2, 2026
The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards returned to their towers Saturday for the 2026 lifeguard season. Initially, Casino Beach will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. The lifeguards will shift their hours to 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. starting Sunday, March 8 to reflect Daylight Saving Time. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to cover up to eight towers, with increased staffing to begin Memorial Day weekend.
In preparation for the 2026 season, Pensacola Beach hired 10 new lifeguards and welcomed 65 returning lifeguards to a rigorous training program, including over 60 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more.
Last season, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards performed 359 rescues from drowning and assisted swimmers experiencing distress. They also attended to 130 major medical incidents and assisted in locating 48 missing persons. Lifeguards made contact with beachgoers 439,629 times during the 2025 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and several other safety tips.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Administrator Rejects Board Recommendation, To Name Christal Bell-Rivera Next Library Director
March 2, 2026
Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno will not accept the recommendation of the West Florida Library Board of Governance (BOG) for the next director of the West Florida Public Libraries.
As we reported last week, the committee recommended Bradley Vinson, current coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District, as its top choice to run the library system. The BOG’s second choice was Chris Hare, current division manager for WFPL.
According to the county, personnel decisions fall to Administrator Wes Moreno, but he is not bound by the WFPL BOG recommendation. The administrator’s choices for county department head positions such as the library director are approved by the Board of County Commissioners, which can vote them up or down.
On Thursday, Moreno will recommend Christal Bell-Rivera as the next library services director, according to a commission agenda. She is the current interim director, appointed by Moreno after the retirement of Todd Humble in November 2025.
If she is confirmed, Bell-Rivera’s annual salary will be $113,547.20 with a car allowance of $400 per month.
According to an Escambia County Commission agenda for Thursday, March 5:
“Bell-Rivera brings almost 20 years of general management and library operations experience in state and local government. She is highly skilled in budget administration; development and implementation of long and short-term plans, policies, and procedures; establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with outside partners, other County departments, and local leaders; and overall management of daily operations. Since beginning her employment with the County in June 2022, Mrs. Bell-Rivera has played a pivotal role in the improvement of the general operations of the West Florida Public Library (WFPL), which earned her a promotion to Deputy Director in March 2023 and subsequently to her appointment as Interim Director in August 2025. Mrs. Bell-Rivera has also become heavily involved in the library industry and has served as pre-conference facilitator and guest speaker for the Florida Library Association, is member of the of Florida Library Association’s Professional Development Committee and Leadership Subcommittee, and a recipient of the 2024 James Patterson Library Worker Bonus. Mrs. Bell-Rivera’s exceptional management skills and passion for librarianship make her the ideal candidate to continue leading WFPL and is hereby recommended for the role of Library Services Director for Escambia County, Florida.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students Of The Month
March 2, 2026
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their January Students and Employee of the Month.
Pictured (L-R) with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger, they are: Brantley Driver, sixth grade; Hadley Weaver, seventh grade; and McKenzie Norton, eighth grade.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tow Truck Driver Honored for Stopping Wrong-Way Driver on I-110
March 2, 2026
Last month, a routine night at work turned into a life-saving intervention for a tow truck driver in Escambia County.
At about 10:30 p.m. on February 18, an automated wrong way driver alert was received on I-110 and was verified using traffic cameras by the FDOT District 3 Regional Traffic Management Center. As operators monitored the vehicle traveling against traffic flow and alerted nearby law enforcement, a nearby tow truck operator made a decisive and courageous choice, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
James Barlow, a tow truck driver with Secon Recovery & Towing, positioned his service vehicle to physically block the wrong way driver from continuing northbound in the southbound lanes at Airport Boulevard. “What might have appeared to be a split-second reaction was, in reality, a deliberate act that likely prevented a catastrophic head-on collision,” FHP said.
After being stopped, the driver corrected course, only to turn around and begin traveling the wrong direction again. Without hesitation, James intervened a second time, using his truck to block the path of the vehicle once more. He then remained on scene, maintaining a protective position until FHP troopers took control of the situation.
“Wrong way driving incidents are among the most dangerous events encountered on our roadway system, often resulting in severe or fatal crashes due to high-speed, head-on impacts. James’ awareness, quick thinking, and willingness to place himself between danger and the traveling public exemplify the critical partnership between roadway responders and traffic operations personnel,” FHP said.
The FDOT Traffic Incident Management Team and FHP Troop A honored Barlow for his bravery, professionalism, and life-saving actions. “His commitment to public safety reflects the very best of those who serve on the front lines of roadway operations,” troopers said.
Cantonment’s ESA South Named A National Top-Performing Construction Company
March 2, 2026
Cantonment’s ESA South has been ranked 220 nationally on Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2026 Top Performers lists and 114 in the general contractors list. The annual publication, established in 2018, recognizes its contractor members’ outstanding achievements in health and safety, quality and project excellence, ranked by number of hours worked.
“Being recognized on ABC’s Top Performers list is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity our team brings to every project,” said CEO Sean P. Harmon. “We’re proud of this achievement, and we remain committed to raising the standard of excellence for our clients, our partners, and our industry.”
ESA South is a veteran-owned design-build firm headquartered in Cantonment, with a national presence and a reputation for excellence in federal, military, healthcare, and disaster relief construction. Founded in 1999 by two Marine Corps veterans, ESA South has completed more than 200 projects and continues to grow its footprint across the United States and the Caribbean. With a bonding capacity of up to $400 million and a commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency, ESA South delivers innovative solutions for complex construction challenges.
Oil Prices Rise in Overnight Trading; Florida Gas Prices Face Uncertainty
March 2, 2026
Florida gas prices face new uncertainty this week as crude oil markets surged when trading opened Sunday night. U.S. crude oil prices climbed quickly in overnight trading and, as of press time, exceeded $71 per barrel, the highest level since June 2025.
Oil prices are rising largely due to growing instability in a region that is essential to global energy markets, according to AAA. Although the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, the country remains a major producer, supplying nations such as China and India. Any potential disruption to Iranian oil infrastructure can influence global supply expectations.
Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to open waters, remains one of the world’s most important shipping lanes for crude. Even the possibility of reduced traffic through the strait can create ripple effects well beyond the Middle East, affecting countries regardless of how much oil they source from the region. Because oil is traded globally, a shortfall in one region can affect prices worldwide.
“AAA does not predict gas prices, and it is still too early to know how much of an impact rising oil prices will ultimately have at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, higher crude oil costs typically lead to higher gas prices, so we’ll be watching the market closely over the coming days.”
Seasonal Factors Also at Play
Even before the latest geopolitical developments, gas prices were already following familiar seasonal patterns. This time of year, refineries begin the switch to summer-blend gasoline, which includes more expensive additives to limit evaporation in warmer temperatures. Gas demand also tends to rise as spring break travel ramps up.
Last week, Florida gas prices followed a familiar pattern, rising early in the week before easing through the weekend. That movement was unrelated to international events and instead reflected typical price‑cycling trends seen across the state.
Florida and Local Averages
On Sunday, the average price for gasoline in Florida was $2.89 per gallon, which is one cent more than last week, two cents less than a month ago, and 20 cents less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia Count was $2.72. In Pensacola, a low of $2.49 was available Sunday night at stations on Olive Road and East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.59 on Sunday at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Pictured: A gallon of gas was $2.69 Friday evening in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
New Bank Proposed For Nine Mile At Milestone
March 1, 2026
A new bank with a drive-up ATM is being proposed on West Nine Mile Road, at Milestone in Cantonment.
The freestanding bank is planned for 0 Milestone Boulevard, which is on the corner of West Nine Mile Road and Milestone, next door to the Wendy’s restaurant. The 3,333-square-foot structure will be on a parcel that is just less than one acre.
The application for “Bank-Pine Forest” filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) does not specify the name of the bank. The proposal is not yet set for a public meeting before the DRC.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
March 1, 2026
Northview High School recently named its January Students of the Month. Pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill, they are James Smith and Grace Oliver. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Clarifies Waste Collection Rules; Announces Upcoming Bulk Pickup Dates
March 1, 2026
The Town of Century is reminding solid waste customers to use the proper can, and it has released upcoming bulk collection dates with new provider Waste Pro.
Proper Can Use
Yard waste is collected in a green cart with a black lid on Tuesdays, and garbage is collected in a green cart with a blue lid on Fridays.
Century Town Administrator Dave Murzin said there has been some confusion, with customers contaminating yard waste with household trash.
“It is important to keep the yard waste separate. It is used for mulch,” he said. “The cans will not be emptied if non-vegetative material is in the yard waste container.”
Bulk Waste Collection Schedule
Bulk waste will be collected on March 10 in the following areas:
And bulk waste will be collected in the following areas on April 14:
Click either map to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphics, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Sports Honors Local Athletes, From Tate Cheerleaders To Olympians
March 1, 2026
From the Tate High School cheerleaders to a state champion lifter from Jay High School to pro athletes and Olympians, Pensacola Sports honored local athletes this week at its annual banquet.
Special Achievement Winners
– West Fowler - World Trampoline Championship
– Drew Beroset – Gulf Breeze Track 3200m State Champ
– Arman Truitt – West Florida HS Track, Hurdles & Long Jump, State Champ
– Boy Pace Weightlifting Team – State Champions
– Girls Pace Weightlifting Team – State Champions
– Kollin Daniels – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Evan Beckham – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Grant Wise – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Layah Slaughter - Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Alyssa McMurtie - Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Shyann Donaldson – Milton Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Chase Dooley – Jay HS Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Hannah Demarcus – Pace HS Gatorade Softball Player of the Year
– Gulf Breeze Beach Volleyball – State Champions
– Tate High School Cheerleading – State Champions
– Taylor Clements – West Florida HS Swimming State Champion
– UWF Golf Team – National Champions
– Gianna Guerriero – UWF Softball
– Cooper Tendick – UWF Golf
– Adriana Mieses Sanchez – UWF Swim & Dive
– Olivia Nelson – UWF Swim & Dive
– Shannah Dillman – UWF Swim & Dive
– Alena Rozova – UWF Swim & Dive
– Ja’Kobe Clinton – UWF Football
– Mya Swinton – UWF Soccer
– PSC Men’s Basketball – FCSAA State Champions
– Pete Penna – Coach of State Championship Team
Amateur Athlete of the Year
Chris Rembert
Professional Athlete of the Year
Jeremy Reaves
Special Olympic Athlete of the Year
Samuel Johnson
Hall Of Fame Inductees
Justin Gatlin
Doug Baldwin
David Williams
Peter Dyson
Special Recognition
Devin Witherspoon
Pensacola Sports Volunteer of the Year
Paco Burrell
Sportsman of the year
Tim Bryant, 5 Flags Speedway
Excellence In Sports Tourism
Ray Palmer, who retires from Pensacola Sports this September after 25 years