Florida Gas Prices Slide Up A Few Cents On Average
July 24, 2023
Gas prices increased a few cents on average last week in Florida.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Florida was $3.47, up from $3.41 last week, according to AAA. In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $3.30.
In North Escambia, a low of $3.09 was available at one station on Highway in Cantonment. In Pensacola a low of $3.01 could be found on Nine Mile Road.
Sunday’s state average remained below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Johnston and Johnson Lead Pensacola To 7-2 Victory Over Trash Pandas
July 24, 2023
The score was tied, the bases were loaded and up stepped Troy Johnston in the eighth inning Sunday with Blue Wahoos Stadium abuzz with anticipation.
He delivered, of course, just like he’s so often done these two seasons in Pensacola.
Johnston laced a pitch down the right field line for a two-run double, which followed his run-scoring double in the sixth inning, to again become the offensive star of the Blue Wahoos’ 7-2 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, which put a bow on a memorable homestand at the bayfront ballpark.
“I didn’t think (the Trash Pandas) were going to give me much to hit,” said Johnston, who has surged his batting average to .296. “(They) actually gave me two pitches to hit. The first one (from reliever Kelvin Caceres) I fouled off… got a little big (with swing).
“Of course, me being me, I was trying to hit a home run. But the second one I really honed in, I was like, ‘Alright, I gotta get the bat on the ball,” and tried to make something happen. I squeaked it down the first base line and (became game-deciding) hit.”
The Blue Wahoos tacked on three more runs in the inning on RBI hits from José Devers and Cody Morissette, plus a pitcher’s balk in between that scored Johnston. The win was Pensacola’s fifth in the six-game series against Rocket City, the Los Angeles Angels affiliate, located in Madison, Alabama, near Huntsville.
It boosted the Blue Wahoos record to 53-36, by far the best in the Southern League, and 12-9 in the second half of the season.
Earlier Sunday, the game’s pivotal performance was delivered by Blue Wahoos right-hander M.D. Johnson. He rebounded from a rough outing in his previous start where he allowed 10 runs July 16 against Birmingham to now twirl his best game this season.
Johnson, 26, a Dallas, Texas native, made his 16th start a sweet one, allowing just two hits and no runs in six innings. He matched his season-high with nine strikeouts and walked just one batter.
Of his 85 pitches, 52 were strikes. After giving up a leadoff double, then hitting the next batter to start the game, Johnson struck out the next three batters in succession. He faced only two batters above the minimum the rest of the way and finished off his pitching gem by striking out four of the last six hitters he faced.
“He was our spark plug, ultimately,” Troy Johnston said. “M.D. kept us in the game all day long and really just pitched his butt off. I am really thankful I was on the other side of that, playing defense and not offense.”
When Johnson left, the Blue Wahoos led 2-0 after a sacrifice fly RBI from Morissette in the fifth inning and Johnston’s double in the sixth.
Rocket City tied the game off first reliever Josan Méndez in the seventh.
But in the eighth inning, Nasim Nuñez led off with a walk. Griffin Conine singled. Avisaíl García, the Miami Marlins outfielder on a rehab assignment, walked to load the bases. That set the stage for Johnston.
“Any way we can get a win, I’m excited, especially on a Sunday,” said Johnston, who went 12-for-26 in the series with 11 RBI.
The Blue Wahoos next begin a road series Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves in the final week of games before the Major League Baseball trade deadline on August 1. This is a point in the Minor League Baseball season where roster moves are made and the Blue Wahoos could have a different makeup in the next few days.
With his success, there’s always a possibility Johnston gets elevated.
“Ultimately, I am just like every other kid… like a 12-year-old who wants to be a big leaguer,” Johnston said. “So for me, this is a stepping stone and I hope I get the call sooner than later and I will try do my best in whatever place they put me in.”
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off before leaving on Tuesday for Pearl, Mississippi and a six-game road series against the M-Braves, the Atlanta Braves affiliate. It will be their second trip this season to Trustmark Park. The M-Braves will return to Pensacola for a third time on September 12-17 for the final homestand of the season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The first game of the upcoming series against the M-Braves will begin at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Escambia Man Charged With Homicide After Shooting In Lounge Parking Lot
July 24, 2023
A man has been charged with homicide following a shooting Friday night at an Escambia County lounge.
Michael Andrew Rodriguez, 39, was booked in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The shooting happened just before midnight Friday in the parking lot of Sam’s Lounge on North Old Corry Field Road. Rodriguez allegedly shot the victim before fleeing on foot.
There were no details on a motive released.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Boating Violations, Underage Alcohol
July 24, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Corbin were on patrol in the Pensacola pass and observed a vessel with a youth passenger under the age of six years old not wearing a life jacket. A vessel stop was conducted to perform a boating safety inspection. The operator showed signs of impairment and the officers determined it was not safe for the operator to navigate home. The officers placed the operator under arrest for boating under the influence. They also ensured the child was safely reunited with another guardian.
Officers Bower and Ramos were on patrol at Fort McCrae and observed several vessel occupants that appeared to be underage and drinking alcoholic beverages. When the occupants saw the patrol vessel, they began to hide the alcoholic beverages. A vessel stop was conducted to perform a boating safety inspection. The officers determined the three subjects were under the age of 21 and consuming alcoholic beverages. Throughout the stop the operator of the vessel showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for boating under the influence.
Officer Hahr initiated two derelict vessel cases in Bayou Chico. A man and woman took possession of two older sailboats and were unable to keep them operational. Both ended up sinking within a week of each other. The subjects were charged with allowing a vessel to become derelict on state waters.
Officer Hahr was on patrol and conducted a stop on a boat returning from the Gulf of Mexico to conduct a resource inspection. The vessel had a limit of red snapper on board and was on its way back to Alabama. He was issued a notice to appear for possession of red snapper during the closed season.
Officer Hahr responded to assist the Pensacola Police Department with a subject that was observed shooting a bird and then trying to hide it in a dumpster. Officer Hahr identified the bird as a yellow-crowned night heron. The man admitted to shooting his automatic BB gun near the bird but stated he wasn’t trying to kill it. The witnesses on scene stated the man deliberately aimed at the bird and kicked it into the water after it died. While the witnesses called 911, the man took the bird to the dumpster and threw it in behind a mound of trash. The man was charged with taking a protected migratory bird and willful and wanton waste of wildlife.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Long were on patrol and observed a vessel without proper navigation lights displayed. A vessel stop was conducted to address the violation and a resource inspection was performed. It was determined that Officer Bower stopped the same operator the week prior for the same violation. The operator did not have a valid Florida fishing license and was found to be in possession of an undersized seatrout. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for harvesting an undersized spotted seatrout.
Officer Bower was on patrol and conducted a stop on a vessel that was missing vessel registrations numbers. The following day the vessel was listed for rent by a privately owned livery. An investigation revealed the owner was renting his personally owned personal watercraft vessel. A safety inspection was conducted to ensure the subject had all the required documents, permits and safety equipment. It was determined the subject did not have NASBLA-approved boater safety education, boating safety signage, FWC livery permit or a FWC rental form and failed to do an on-the-water demonstration to ensure the subjects knew how to operate the vessel. Officer Bower and Officer Corbin educated the subject about how to become compliant with the livery laws. The subject was issued a notice to appear for not having a NASBLA-approved boater safety and issued warnings for the other violations.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
35,000 Pounds Of Food, 350 Backpacks Benefit Hundreds Of Families (With Photo Gallery)
July 23, 2023
Hundreds of families received a helping hand Saturday during a food and backpack distribution in Gonzalez.
A large group of volunteers distributed 30,000 pounds of food and 350 backpacks filled with supplies and socks in about an hour and a half at the Gonzalez Methodist Church.
Rep. Michelle Salzman, the Gonzalez Methodist Church and other community partners sponsored the event, which was open to all in need with no eligibility requirements.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Wanted In Florida Arrested In Atmore On Drug, Theft Charges After Shoplifting Report
July 23, 2023
A woman wanted in Escambia County, Florida, was arrested on multiple charges in Atmore after a shoplifting report.
The Atmore Police Department responded to a local store to investigate the shoplifting report, but they were unable to substantiate that anyone was shoplifting. But they found that 29-year old Christiane Tayler McCurry had an outstanding warrant for battery from the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Inside her vehicle, officers discovered two cigarettes containing marijuana and a glass pipe with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine, according to police. An officer found McMurray wearing a pair of shorts under her clothing that still had a price tag attached, and she confessed to the theft, Atmore Police said.
McMurray was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton on charges of criminal trespass third degree, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property fourth degree, possession of marijuana second degree, and fugitive from justice. She was held without bond awaiting extradition to Escambia County, Florida.
New Residential Development Planned For Highway 97 In Molino
July 23, 2023
A new residential development is being proposed for Highway 97 in Molino.
Bluewater Creek Estates would be a 33-lot single family residential community located on 185 acres in the 1400 block of Highway 97 just north of Sunshine Hill Road. Plans show the single family homes located on lots ranging in size from four to 12 acres.
The development would be served by Molino Utilities for potable water and private septic systems for wastewater because sewer is not available.
The development, as proposed by Hammond Engineering, is currently in the pre-application stage with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
Driver’s License Driving Tests Available Next Saturday During Special Event
July 23, 2023
UPDATE: There are no longer any appointments available.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours next Saturday for driver’s license driving tests.
The tests will be offered from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at the Marcus Pointe office located at 6451 North “W” Street.
New drivers who are under the age of 18 and who have held a permit for at least six months, may email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com to confirm eligibility and schedule an appointment. New drivers over the age of 18 may test at any time. Request an appointment at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. As of publication time of this story, afternoon appointments were available.
A safety inspection of the applicant’s vehicle will be performed to ensure that lights, signals, tires, and brakes are operational and in good repair. Applicants should be prepared to present valid proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle in which they wish to test. Rental cars may be used, but a rental agreement and proof of insurance must be presented.
Driving tests resulting from a medical review or multiple crashes will not be offered during the special Saturday events
Pictured: Driving tests for driver’s licenses were offered during a special event Saturday, July 22 at the ECTC Marcus Pointe office. About 80 people were served. Another event will be held Saturday, July 29. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extension, Research Center Hosting Corn And Soybean Field Day
July 23, 2023
UF/IFAS Extension Service and UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) will hold a corn and soybean field day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 at the WFREC, 4253 Experiment Road, Highway 182, in Jay.
UF/IFAS Extension and UF/IFAS WFREC will give local producers updates on corn and soybean varieties, pests, weeds, and diseases that affect the two crops, as well as a nematode update to educate on proper management strategies. They will also be applying for Florida Pesticide CEUs and educating on precision agriculture and ways of improving yields and management decisions to promote best management practices.
Lunch will be provided. To register, call Robin Vickers at (850) -983-7134 or email rvickers@ufl.edu.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
July 23, 2023
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. 29 (S.R. 95) Turn Lane Construction North of West Roberts – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 24 through Monday, July 31 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation (pictured above).
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The I-10 Welcome Center located on I-10 eastbound, (mile marker four) will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 as crews perform construction activities. In addition, the outside lane of I-10 eastbound near the Welcome Center and the on- and off-ramps to the Welcome Center will be closed. Drivers may use the I-10 eastbound rest area at mile marker 29 during these times. The Welcome Center, along with the front and middle parking lots, will remain open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., but the truck parking area will remain closed until work concludes at the Welcome Center this summer.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297) – Drivers may encounter lane closures between Beulah Road and Blue Angel Parkway Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- 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 Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road, Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.
- 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.
- I-10 Routine Utility Maintenance from Exit 5 (U.S. 90) to Exit 22 (Avalon Boulevard) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair overhead lights.
- Interstate 110 Routine Utility Maintenance from I-10 to Gregory Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair overhead lights.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Turn Lane Construction South of Nine Mile Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving operation.
- Beulah Road Turn Lane Construction at U.S. 90 Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform 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 Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, July 23, through Friday, July 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, July 23 and Thursday, July 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Turn lane construction on Highway 29 just north of West Roberts Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.