Casey’s Replacing 10 Area CEFCOs. But What About The Planned Molino Store?
March 30, 2026
en CEFCO convenience store locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are being converted into Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., but the future of a planned location in Molino remains unclear.
he Pensacola and Pace stores are scheduled to be converted within the next two weeks, with other store locations to follow:
- 205 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32505
- 7306 U.S. 98, Pensacola, FL 32506
- 610 E. 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514
- 5801 N. W St., Pensacola, FL 32505
- 2840 W. Michigan Ave., Pensacola, FL 32526
- 4155 Hwy. 90, Pace, FL 32571
- 10020 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566
- 2452 Hwy. 87 S., Navarre, FL 32566
- 6027 Gulf Breeze Blvd., Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
- 5330 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
In June 2025, the Escambia County Development Review Committee gave final approval to plans for a new Casey’s convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
“We do not have an update on the Molino site,” Chase Russell, communications manager for Casey’s, told NorthEscambia.com by email last week.
Casey’s received approval for a 4,569 square foot convenience store, a dozen fueling stations, and 14 parking spaces on the 8.13 acre parcel. According to the plans, there will only be right turn in and right turn out access on Highway 29 and a full access connection to Highway 97 with a turn lane. Casey’s will be on the northwest corner of the intersection, across Highway 97 from the existing Tom Thumb, which is being converted into a Cumberland Farms store.
Property records show Casey’s Marketing Company of Iowa purchased the property in July 2025 for about $1.9 million from the DGS Holding Limited Partnership in Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
New Traffic Pattern For I-10 Westbound At Nine Mile Road
March 30, 2026
Beginning Tuesday, drivers traveling on I‑10 westbound will encounter a new traffic pattern at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5).
As part of interchange construction, I-10 westbound travel lanes will shift onto the new structure over Nine Mile Road. This temporary traffic pattern will remain in place through early 2027.
Additionally, the I‑10 westbound ramps will be temporarily reconfigured through mid-2026.
This work is part of a $55 million interchange improvement project, which includes replacing the existing I-10 bridge over Nine Mile Road to increase vertical clearance and to accommodate future improvements of I-10 and Nine Mile Road. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2028.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Molino Man Arrested On Pensacola Beach Following Alleged Battery
March 30, 2026
A Molino man was arrested following an alleged physical disturbance in a parking lot on Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 33-year-old Ryan Jameson Simmons after a witness reported seeing him strike a woman in the face. According to the arrest report, the witness observed Simmons exit a black Honda sedan and slap the victim with an open hand.
During the investigation, deputies discovered Simmons was in possession of marijuana. Although Simmons claimed to have a medical marijuana card, officials noted the substance was not kept in the legally required prescription container but was instead in a cigar wrap.
Simmons faces charges of felony battery domestic violence with a prior conviction and possession of marijuana. Records indicate he has a previous battery conviction from February 2023. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,500 bond.
IMPACT 100 Sets Record, To Award Over $1.3 Million To Local Nonprofits
March 30, 2026
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has concluded its 2026 membership drive with a record-setting total of 1,313 members. On October 11, IMPACT 100 will give back $1,313,000 to the community by awarding 13 significant project grants of $101,000 each to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
Over the past 22 years, IMPACT 100 has awarded 177 grants totaling over $18.7 million to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Pensacola Bay Area. After awarding the 2026 grants in October, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area will have funded grants totaling more than $20 million.
“It is an incredible honor to stand alongside our record-breaking 1,313 members and award 13 grants totaling $1,313,000 in 2026,” said Martha Holden, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. “Each membership represents a woman who believes in the power of collective giving and the transformational impact it can have on our community. Together, we are not just writing checks. We are fueling bold ideas, strengthening local nonprofits, and investing in initiatives that will serve families across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for years to come. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to award 13 grants in October for the first time ever.”
IMPACT 100 will host a free nonprofit workshop on Thursday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center for nonprofit organizations considering applying for a grant. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Judy Bense, president emeritus and professor at the University of West Florida. Nonprofit leaders are urged to visit www.impact100pensacola.org/nonprofit-workshop for details and registration.
Bratt Elementary Names Students, Leaders Of The Month
March 30, 2026
Before spring break, Bratt Elementary School honored its February Leaders of the Month and Students of the Month.
February Students of the Month are Zion Lynn and Parker Freeman.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Senior Bryton Mclellan Signs With Wallace
March 30, 2026
Tate High School senior Bryton Mclellan has signed to play baseball and continue his education with Wallace Community College is Selma, Alabama.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Up $1.06 In The Past Month
March 30, 2026
Florida gas prices remain at their highest level in four years as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to disrupt the global oil supply chain and send crude oil prices on a volatile ride, according to AAA.
The state average price of $3.96 per gallon is $1.06 more than last month and 84 cents less than this time last year.
The average for a gallon in Escambia County was slightly better Sunday night at $3.67, one of the cheapest areas in the state. The lowest-priced in North Escambia was $3.65 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while $3.43 could be found in Pensacola on Pine Forest Road.
Escambia Elections Office Warns Residents About Unofficial Mailed Voter Letters
March 29, 2026
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender has a cautionary note this week, alerting residents to a wave of voter registration mailings from a non-governmental group.
Approximately 2,825 residents are expected to receive letters from the “Voter Participation Center” over the next several days. While the mailings include official-looking registration applications and return envelopes addressed to the local Elections Office, Bender clarified that the organization has no affiliation with his office or staff.
The warning comes after reports from other Florida counties described a series of clerical errors associated with such third-party campaigns. In some instances, registration forms were addressed to deceased relatives, minor children, and even household pets.
“I want to assure Escambia County voters we are continually updating our voter rolls with information we receive from multiple sources,” Bender said in a statement, noting that his office follows strict statutory guidelines to maintain accuracy.
Of particular concern is the potential for the mailers to confuse individuals who may have lost their voting rights due to felony convictions, potentially misleading them into believing their eligibility has been automatically restored.
““I would encourage anyone who receives this mailing to contact our office before completing a voter registration application,” Bender said.
Voters can check their official registration on our website at escambiavotes.gov/am-i-registered or by calling the Elections Office. Escambia County residents who wish to register and current voters who need to update their registration can visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, Florida’s official online voter registration system.
Residents wishing to be removed from the Voter Participation Center’s mailing list should contact the group directly at (757) 793-2671.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Livestock Show, Car Show Held Saturday In Molino (With Gallery)
March 29, 2026
Hundreds of people attended the annual Northview High School FFA Blue Jacket Jamboree in Molino on Saturday.
There was a big Easter Egg Hunt, including an egg drop from an EREC bucket truck. The event also included arts and crafts vendors, a car show and more.
All proceeds from the Blue Jacket Jamboree benefit Northview High School FFA students and their scholarship fund.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree was held in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Century Egg The Park Egg Hunt
March 29, 2026
Kid enjoyed the Century Area Chamber of Commerce’s Egg the Park Egg Hunt on Saturday at Showalter Park.
Children of all ages found hundreds of eggs, and had a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
