Florida Gas Prices Continue Decline
February 12, 2024
Florida gas prices declined nine cents on avarege last week. The state average fell from $3.23 per gallon a week ago to $3.14 per gallon.
Florida’s average gas price is now on a 10-day streak of declines, falling a total of 13 cents per gallon since February 1.
The Pensacola area had one of the lowest metro averages in the state at $3.04 with a metro low of $2.95 on Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low of $2.99 was available Sunday night at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida gas prices have recently followed a cycle where they decline for about two weeks, then shoot back up again,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That trend, plus a recent uptick in futures prices, will likely lead to a jump at the pump, possibly as early as Monday afternoon.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Two Cantonment Churches Propose To Build New Worship Facilities
February 11, 2024
Two Cantonment churches are proposing to construct new worship facilities, according to recent plans filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
Allen Memorial Methodist Church
Allen Memorial Methodist Church proposes o construct a new 56,000 square foot worship facility on Highway 29 near Neal Road (the site of the church’s annual pumpkin patch).
The project is planned in four phases:
- Phase 1: 21,600 sq. ft. multi-purpose building with gymnasium with 250-400 seats
- Phase 2: 22,000 sq. ft. 500- seat sanctuary building
- Phase 3: 20,000 sq. ft. (2 story -10,000 sq. ft. each level) educational building
- Phase 4: 2400 sq. ft. chapel building
The facility is proposed on about 13.7 acres.
The master plan also indicates future tennis courts, badminton courts, picnic area, and a pavilion.
Allen Memorial Methodist Church is currently located on Pace Parkway in Cantonment.
The proposal is currently in the pre– application status with the Escambia County Development Review Committee and is set for a public hearing at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, February 14 at the Escambia County Central Complex Building at 3363 West Park Place.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment proposes to construct a 19,440 square foot worship facility on about eight acres directly west of the current church on Morris Avenue at Monroe Avenue. The entire block is currently open athletic fields. Plans show the worship facility and 131 parking spaces on the southern half of the block, with a current baseball field remaining on the north half of the lot.
The proposal is currently in the initial application status with the Escambia County Development Review Committee and is not yet set for a public meeting.
NorthEscambia.com graphics.
From Hello To Help, 211 Marks 20 Years Providing Local Assistance
February 11, 2024
February 11 marks 211 Day, and this year, 2024, marks 211 Northwest Florida’s 20th anniversary.
Since 2004, 211 Northwest Florida, formerly First Call for Help, has helped Northwest Florida residents connect to essential resources in their communities by dialing 211, texting their zip code to 898211, or visiting 211nwfl.org. From calls and texts, 211 Northwest Florida specialists have been able to connect individuals across Northwest Florida, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Last year, 211 Northwest Florida answered 37,138 calls and connected 65,622 individuals to local resources. The top four requests for resources were food, rent, utility, and healthcare. The agency received 14,146 requests for food assistance, 28,280 for rent assistance, 23,978 for utility assistance, and 10,429 for healthcare resources.
“211 is the heartbeat of our community, connecting individuals with vital resources and services, fostering a stronger, more resilient society for all”, remarked VP of Impact Services, Mary Zaledonis. “As we embark on our 20th-year milestone, 211 continues to stand as a beacon of hope, evolving with perseverance to empower our community, making a lasting impact for two decades and counting.
Northview FFA Horse Judging Team Advances To State Finals
February 11, 2024
The Northview High School Horse Judging team placed 11th this weekend in the 2024 Florida FFA High School Horse Judging CDE Qualifier in Tampa. The team will move forward with the top 15 teams to compete at the state finals in April.
The program encourages FFA members to explore the equine industry, through evaluating horses at halter and horsemanship through equitation, plus learning about breeds, coloring, markings and tack used in the industry.
Photo for NorthEscambaia.com, click to enlarge.
Birth Certificates Now Available From Tax Collector’s Marcus Pointe Office
February 11, 2024
Florida birth certificates can now be purchased at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Marcus Pointe Office.
Birth records are $17.25 for the first copy and $10 per additional copy within the same transaction.
The fillable application is available online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com/forms or by requesting one at reception at the Marcus Pointe Office
The Marcus Pointe Office is located at 6451 North “W” Street.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
February 11, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 City of Pensacola Krewe Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade – Motorists will encounter east and westbound lane closure between A Street and Tarragona Street Friday, Feb. 9 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Krewe Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from north of Interstate 10 (I-10) to Davis Highway – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter nighttime alternating lane closures, between I-10 and Davis Highway, Sunday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 15, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. A pilot vehicle will be guide drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R.) 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime lane closures and intermittent nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16 as crews perform concrete and striping work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers are reminded that the new traffic signal at the Mobile Highway-Klondike Road intersection will change from flash-mode to fully operational on Monday, Feb. 12. In addition, drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Intermittent lane closures near the North Palafox Street/Pace Boulevard/Massachusetts Avenue intersection nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Routine Maintenance from Mustang Street to Commander Harvey Lane – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, March 1 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for sidewalk operations.
- U.S. 90 (East Cervantes Street) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance from North Davis Highway to North 14th Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utility maintenance.
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, Feb. 11, through Friday, Feb. 16, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed nightly Monday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Feb. 15, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- I-10 Westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing – Next week, drivers will encounter a 36-hour I-10 westbound outside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (exit 28) to the Blackwater River Bridge eastern approach. The I-10 westbound outside lane will be closed beginning 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. and will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. The I-10 westbound inside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers will encounter intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (exit 28) to the Blackwater River Bridge eastern approach, Thursday, Feb. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement. Drivers are reminded the I-10 westbound travel lanes are currently shifted slightly toward the center of the roadway. The shift is expected to remain in place through the end of the month.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from North of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 (Spanish Trail) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
PNS Transforms Into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport
February 11, 2024
Pensacola International Airport has partnered with Pensacon for its annual transformation into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, assuming the temporary name and stellar decor to commemorate the 2024 Pensacon convention scheduled for Feb. 23-25.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the temporary change renaming the airport Pensacola Intergalactic Airport. The signage throughout the terminal highlights iconic comic and science fiction characters and welcome messages.
“Our relationship with the Pensacola Intergalactic Airport has been such a wonderful way to not only promote Pensacon, but also show travelers how great our city is in supporting events like ours. Each year, our celebrity guests are impressed when they come off the plane and feel like they are already immersed in Pensacon,” Pensacon CEO Mike Ensley said.
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. Economic impact numbers are provided by Visit Pensacola research.
Failed Urban Development Center YouthFirst Program Reports Another Payment Toward Unsecured Loan From Century
February 10, 2024
The CEO of the Urban Development Center says she had made another payment toward what started as an unsecured $61,925 loan for the YouthFirst Century program that suffered a complete funding cut by the Escambia County Children’s Trust (ECT).
This week, Jessca Griffen told the Century Town Council by phone that she had made a $20,000 payment to the town. Our public records request to the town for any proof of the payment (such as a copy of the check or deposit slip) remained ignored after two days.
Last year, Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) awarded a contract to the Pensacola non-profit Urban Development Center for “YouthFirst Century” to serve 750 youth ages 11-18 over a three-year period at a total cost of $1.2 million. In reality, they only reached 30 children in their targeted ages of 11-18. They requested to lower their target age group to just 5-years old, but that was also denied by ECT.
The Town of Century fronted an unsecured $61,925 loan to UDC to purchase items like computers and workbooks. Previously, Griffen stated another $20,000 was previously repaid to the town, according to audio from a council meeting. However, public records requests by both NorthEscambia.com and Rick’s Blog to the town produced no documentation of the payment.
Griffen had proposed that the remaining $41,295 be repaid by December 31, 2023, but that deadline was missed. She requested an extension to March 31, 2024.
UDC has been reimbursed $164,903.50 by ECT through October, according to records from the taxpayer funded Escambia Children’s Trust, but those funds were not used to fully repay the Town of Century.
UDC has requested a $189,256.70 reimbursement for their first year of operation, despite reaching just 56 children, with less than 30 of those in the target age range. That equals $6,308 per targeted child in the 11-18 age group.
“I look forward to our continued relationship we have with the Town of Century,” Griffen said this week.
“I do want to emphasize that we appreciate you and everything you do,” Town council President Dynette Lewis told Griffen.
Pictured: The Urban Development League’s Dr. Jessica Griffen introduces YouthFirst Century to a group at the Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church in Century in February 2023. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
10,000 Vote-By-Mail Ballots On The Way To Escambia County Voters
February 10, 2024
Friday, the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections delivered nearly 10,000 vote-by-mail ballots to the U.S. Postal Service for Escambia County voters who have requested them for the March Presidential Preference Primary. Voters should begin receiving their ballot packages next week.
Detailed instructions are included in each packet. After completing the ballot, the voter must sign and date the return envelope. Return it by mail, deliver it to the Supervisor of Elections office, or drop it off at an early voting site. Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail their ballots at least one week before the due date.
The Supervisor of Elections office will process new vote-by mail requests on a daily basis. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the Presidential Preference Primary Election is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. To request a vote-by-mail ballot or track the status of your ballot, visit EscambiaVotes.gov and click “Vote by Mail”, or contact the Supervisor of Elections office at (850) 595-3900.
The Presidential Preference Primary is only available to voters registered in the Republican party. Florida is a closed primary state, which means voters can only vote in the party in which they are registered for primary elections.
The deadline to register to vote and/or change party affiliation is Tuesday, February 20. Any eligible Floridian who is not a registered voter in Florida and wishes to vote in the upcoming election must register or their registration must be postmarked no later than February 20. There are multiple ways to register to vote, including the online registration portal at EscambiaVotes.gov.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
February 10, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their January Students of the Month. They are (L-R) Charina Godwin, Jessie McElhaney and Makinzi Roley. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambambia.com, click to enlarge.