Florida Gas Prices Drift Lower After Reaching New 2024 High
February 26, 2024
Florida gas prices moved higher last week, but evened out by the weekend. Sunday’s state average of $3.31 per gallon was one cent more than the week before, according to AAA.
Two weeks ago, the state average jumped 21 cents per gallon. Then last week, the state average fell 5 cents before jumping another 8 cents. By mid-week, the state average reached a new 2024 high of $3.37 per gallon, before falling another 5 cents. Last year’s high was $3.85 per gallon.
Pensacola was still the cheapest metro area in the state with a $3.07 per gallon average. In North Escambia, a low of $2.94 could be found on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while a Pensacola low of $2.87 was available Sunday night on Nine Mile Road.
“The recent increases are attributed to rising oil prices, as refineries conduct seasonal maintenance,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Florida’s gas prices are likely to face continued upward pressure through the next month as the presence of winter residents and spring breakers contributes to strong fuel demand.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sold! Hundreds Attend 49th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction (With Photo Gallery)
February 25, 2024
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held their 48th annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year on the last Saturday of February.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more. Saturday, a record of over 800 lots were auctioned off.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle FFA Celebrates National FFA Week With Breakfast
February 25, 2024
During National FFA week, the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA celebrated with an appreciation breakfast.
Friday morning, the FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist, 26, Dead After Rear-Ending Pickup At High Speed
February 25, 2024
A 26-year old motorcyclist from Escambia County was killed when he collided with a pickup truck at a high rate of speed Friday night on I-110 in Pensacola.
The crash happened on I-110 northbound just north of Cervantes Street about 8:15 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle was traveling at “high rate of speed” when it rear-ended a pickup truck driven by a 48-year old Pensacola man. The pickup truck driver was not injured.
Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Worth Over $66,000 Sold On Highway 97 In Davisville
February 25, 2024
Someone is over $66,000 richer today after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Davisville.
The Quick Pick ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop at 11208 Highway 97 was one of two winning tickets in the February 24 evening drawing and is worth $66,372.08. The other winning ticket was sold in Clearwater.
The winning numbers were 3-6-22-26-28.
St. Monica’ Church Donates Treats To Jim Allen Elementary Staff
February 25, 2024
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment recently donated a basket of treats to the faculty and staff at Jim Allen Elementary School. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Pensacon 2024
February 25, 2024
Pensacon 2024 continues through Sunday at the Pensacola Bay Center.
There over 100 celebrity guests, including Vicki Lawrence, Lou Ferrigno and more.
For a photo gallery from Saturday at Pensacon, click or tap here.
Pensacon attracts tens of thousands of fans to downtown Pensacola each year. Pensacon had a more than $3.8 million in economic impact in 2023. Now entering its 11th year, Pensacon has had a cumulative economic impact of more than $28 million since its first convention in 2014, according to Visit Pensacola.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enalrge.
Walnut Hill Man Arrested On Drug, Stolen Gun Charges After Traffic Stop
February 24, 2024
A Walnut Hill man was arrested on drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Anthony Lamar Thames, 51 was charged with drug trafficking based upon the amount of ecstasy, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, receiving stolen property second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Atmore Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Thames’ vehicle for an expired tag. When they checked the status of his driver’s license, officers learned he had seven active misdemeanor arrest warrants with Atmore.
APD said his vehicle was searched after he consented, and officers located a handgun that had been reported stolen through the Daphne Police Department, 45 grams of ecstasy, 4.8 grams of a green leafy substance that field tested positive for marijuana, one gram of a white granular substance that field tested positive for crack cocaine, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia.
Thames was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
DeSantis Deploys More FHP Troopers, National Guard To Southern Border
February 24, 2024
Speaking in Pensacola Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis deployed more National Guardsmen and Florida Highway Patrol Troopers to Texas to assist Texas officials as they work to secure the southern border.
Fifty National Guardsmen departed Pensacola in this wave, alongside 76 Florida Highway Patrol Troopers.
“The Biden Border Crisis has made every state a border state, requiring the states to step up and defend our territorial sovereignty,” DeSantis said. “I want to extend my sincerest thanks to every law enforcement officer, National Guardsman and member of the State Guard who is serving in Texas.”
Since 2021, Florida has sent more than 2,400 law enforcement officers to assist Texas at the southern border. With those officers, the state has also sent more than 600 assets including boats, command buses and ATVs.
Pictured: Governor Ron DeSantis Friday morning at the FDLE Pensacola Operations Center. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cut On New Pen Air Credit Union In Beulah
February 24, 2024
A ribbon cutting was held this week at the new Pen Air Credit Union in Beulah.
The new location, in front of the Publix on West Nine Mile Road at Beulah Road, is 1,200 square feet. It features interactive kiosks and digital interfaces for streamlined transactions. It also has two drive-thru Live Interactive Video Experience (LIVE) machines offering services through direct two-way video chat.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
