FPL Strongly Opposes Advocacy Group’s Rate Counterproposal As ‘Illusory And Unenforceable’
August 31, 2025
Florida Power & Light is strongly opposing rate proposal made by consumer advocacy groups, calling a proposal by the Office of Public Counsel “illusory and unenforceable” and pushing the Florida Public Service Commission to reject it.
The Florida Office of Public Counsel, created by the legislature in 1974 to represent the people in utility matters, objected to a proposed FPL rate, asserting that would increase FPL’s revenues by an “unconscionable” amount.
As we previously reported , FPL and 10 key stakeholder groups filed a comprehensive four-year rate settlement agreement with state regulators . The proposed agreement reduces FPL’s original revenue request by nearly one-third.
Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler described the stakeholders that agreed to the settlement as a “minority coalition of very large customers” and said the “majority of FPL’s customers will see significantly increased” bills. FPL said the four-year settlement would result in increased revenues of $945 million in 2026 and $766 million in 2027, with additional amounts in 2028 for battery storage and solar projects.
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The Office of Public Counsel said in the letter that the proposal would cumulatively increase FPL revenues by $6.753 billion through 2029.
FPL was quick to file a response with the PSC.
“Simply put, what the movants (the Office of Public Counsel and the four groups) have filed is not a settlement at all,” FPL attorneys wrote in a 14-page response. “Calling the documents that the movants filed a settlement defies general common sense; walks dangerously close to a bad faith filing from a legal perspective; and, at best, is a ham-handed media stunt that attempts to turn this proceeding into a circus.”
The PSC is schedule to hear the rate case in October.
Local Students Receive Construction Career Days Scholarships
August 31, 2025
The Escambia County School Board recently honored students who received 2025 Northwest Florida Construction Career Days scholarships.
Over 1,300 high school students from across the area attended the event last April. Seniors who attended in-person or virtually were eligible to receive a portion of up to $50,000 in scholarship funds.
Escambia County recipients included:
Northview High School
- Jack Boutwell
- Tyler Gilmore
- Markavia Johnson
- Jaquan Richardson
- Jackson Simmons
Tate High School
- Alec Clarke
- Miller Richards
- Randy Williams
West Florida High School
- Randelaysia Grier
- Keith Washington
Students had the opportunity to operate heavy equipment and learn about bridge inspections, paving, concrete, traffic control, engineering, and more. Students were also introduced to the large number of career paths available in the transportation, structural, engineering, and building industries, and were able to interact with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), as well as various engineering firms, and contractors looking to hire in the Northwest Florida area.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Road Constructions Closures Through Labor Day. Here Are Closures For The Rest Of The Week.
August 31, 2025
During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads in Florida through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1.
For the remainder of the week, drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 98 – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside lane closures near the I-10/I-110 interchange Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Crews will be placing barrier wall from the I-10 westbound ramp to access I-110 southbound (Exit 12) to I-110 southbound at mile marker 6.
- Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent outside lane closures on Ninth Avenue, near Dunmire Street, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for signalization work.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Saturday, Sept. 6, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Saturday, Sept. 6, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – Beginning Tuesday, Sep. 2, drivers will encounter:
- Travel lanes between Mills Avenue and Patton Drive will be reduced from 12-foot to 10-foot in width and delineated by channelizing devices while crews perform drainage, curb and gutter work in the shoulder area.
- Nightly lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, between County Road (C.R.) 292A and Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, Aug. 31, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 5:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 5, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete work and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
o Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
o Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 5.
o A new traffic pattern will be in place beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, on U.S. 98 from Oriole Beach Road to Greenbriar Parkway. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the reduced speed limit when traveling through the construction area, to watch for construction equipment entering and leaving the roadway, and to use caution when driving through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
File Photo.
UWF Argos Use Quick Start to Dominate No. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne in Season Opener
August 31, 2025
It was a memorable start to the 2025 football season as No. 8 West Florida dominated No. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne in a top 25 opening game showdown with the Argos coming out on top 48-21.
FIRST HALF
It didn’t take long for UWF to gain possession of the ball and jump out on top after Ja’Kobe Clinton forced a fumble on the opening kickoff. The Argos gained possession at the Lenoir-Rhyne 26-yard line and took just over a minute to find the endzone when TJ Lane took a short pass from Marcus Stokes 11 yards for the first score of the game.
In the first half alone UWF scored on five of its six offensive possessions. The first three drives on offense resulted in touchdowns. With under a minute to go in the first half the Argos had taken a demanding 31-0 lead.
The longest play of the game came in first quarter and second drive for the Argos when Stokes hit junior wide receiver Tyree Holloway deep down the right sideline for a 71-yard touchdown pass.
Lenoir-Rhyne did find its way on the scoreboard with no time left in the first half following a touchdown catch by tight end Tate O’Bryan. The late quarter drive was setup originally from a 51-yard catch by Zion Agnew.
SECOND HALF
The Argos began the second half much like the first half; with a quick touchdown. Holloway snagged his second score of the night with a 33-yard touchdown catch, giving UWF a sizeable 38-7 lead.
But the Bears began to make things interesting as the visitors responded with 14 unanswered points, cutting the lead to 38-21. Lenoir-Rhyne forced a punt on the Argos next possession after cutting into the lead, but it was muffed and recoved by The Argos to set up a fresh set of downs in the redzone. The fumble was recovered by Jake Robinette at the LR 19 yard line. UWF added a field goal to create a 41-21 lead.
Stokes recorded the final score of the game a couple series later to put UWF up 48-21 after a 22-yard fake reverse handoff run to the endzone.
The Argo defense kept the Bears scoreless in the fourth quarter and held them to just 43 yards on offense. On Lenoir-Rhyne’s third possession of the fourth quarter the Argos came up with three sacks, getting one from Collin Shaw, Warren Coneway and Christian Ware-Terry.
UWF finished the game with 537 yards of total offense on just 61 plays. Lenoir-Rhyne totaled 372 yards. The Argos gave up only one sack to six sacks given up by the visitors.
KEY PERFORMANCES
- Corey Scott had a career high 172 yards receiving on nine receptions and a touchdown. His previous best was 139 yards receiving last season against Delta State. It’s just the second time Scott has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in a game at UWF.
- Marcus Stokes’ 353 yards passing was his highest mark as an Argo. Stokes also had four passing touchdowns (a career best) and two rushing touchdowns.
- Tyree Holloway had just two receptions, but both went for touchdowns. The junior totaled 104 receiving yards, including a 71-yard touchdown catch.
- Walker Robinson had nine tackles, including two tackles for loss. Robinson also produced two quarterback hurries.
- Michael Shine didn’t have to punt much, but the transfer senior made the most of his time. Shine put two punts inside the 20, including one that was downed at the two yard line.
COACH NOBLES
“The offense prepared really well. We took our lumps on offense last year with a lot of redshirt freshman. They’ve played in some tough games and have some experience now, so we expected them to play well. The reps they’ve gotten and chemistry they have, and our new offensive coordinator Donny Baker is doing a great job and called a good game tonight. I’m excited about the offense, but all three phases played well tonight.”
NEXT UP
Up next, UWF will head on the road to Owensboro, Kentucky to take on Kentucky Wesleyan. Kickoff is scheduled for Sat. Sept. 6 at noon in Steele Stadium.
White Delivers Flawless Gem In 7-4 Wahoos Win
August 31, 2025
Manager Nelson Prada leaped off the steps of the Blue Wahoos dugout in the fifth inning, embracing starting pitcher Thomas White for crafting his latest wowing effort.
If Saturday night was White’s second-to-final start at Blue Wahoos Stadium, then what a memory.
The 20-year-old wunderkind lefthander delivered his best home field outing with a five-inning, no-hit, 10-strikeout performance in the Blue Wahoos’ eventual 7-4 win against the Chattanooga Lookouts, thus delighting the customary capacity (5,038) on Fireworks Saturday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
White exited with a 2-0 lead, thus earning the Miami Marlins’ No. 1 prospect his first home win in his 10th overall start in Double-A.
“I’m seeing what we’ve been seeing a lot of times… a guy who is really good,” Prada said. “(Saturday) he was on it. He was attacking the hitters early, mixing all the pitches he has. And being Thomas White.”
The win evened the series at 3-3, heading into Sunday’s finale. An extra game was played this week due to a makeup of a rainout in Chattanooga.
Fenwick Trimble’s grand slam in the seventh inning blew open the game to a 7-0 lead, before the Lookouts got all of their runs in the ninth.
But White set the tone by silencing the Lookouts lineup after hitting the game’s leadoff batter Edwin Arroyo. White yielded four walks and another hitter reached on an error. Like he’s done in every Double-A level start, White made big pitches with runners on base, either with his fastball approaching 98-mph or array of sweeper pitches.
White, who has risen to No. 21 ranked among all MiLB prospects across all levels, lowered his Double-A earned run average to 1.59. It was the fifth time he’s struck out nine or more batters, highlighted by the record 14 he fanned in a July 26 road start against the Knoxville Smokies.
“On top of all this, he’s a great kid. I love this kid a lot,” Prada said. “I really enjoy seeing him out there, because he has a lot of confidence. I had him two years ago (at Class A Jupiter Hammerheads) when we won there (Florida State League champions). It’s a pleasure to see him pitch.”
White, a Massachusetts native, who has risen to No. 21 ranked among all MILB prospects across all levels, lowered his Double-A earned run average to 1.59. It was the fifth time he’s struck out nine or more batters, highlighted by the record 14 he fanned in a July 26 road start against the Knoxville Smokies.
After being a compensatory, first-round pick in 2023, the No. 35th player taken overall, his rise has been steady and filled with acclaim.
“He’s throwing a lot more strikes,” Prada said. “He was good there (Class A) but inconsistent. Now, he’s really more consistent in the strike zone. He’s developing his pitches better. He’s throwing harder. He’s getting better. He is really close to being where he wants to be (Major Leagues).”
Early game run support was provided by Emaarion Boyd, who led off the third inning with a double, stole third and scored on Dub Gleed’s sacrifice fly. In the fifth, Gleed scored on Michael Snyder’s double. Snyder then singled home another run before Trimble’s bases-loaded shot into the right field berm.
It was the team’s second grand slam hit this week. Even with the win, however, the Blue Wahoos lost ground to the Montgomery Biscuits who swept a doubleheader Saturday against Biloxi to expand their lead to 3.5 games in the second-half league division race.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Take The Molino Library Photo September Club Challenge
August 31, 2025
Are you up for a photo challenge? The Molino Photography Club has a September photo challenge, and you can participae.
Their September calendar has a different photo challenge for each day of the month. Simply take one photo each day as instructed on the calendar using your phone, DSLR or any camera. If you want, you can share your photoss with the club at their next meeting.
For a printable pdf of the calendar, click here.
The Molino Photography Club will meet on Monday, September 22 at 2 p.m. at the library. Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone regardless of skill level. Bring your camera or smartphone and join fellow photography enthusiasts.
Click image to enlarge.
County Says EMS Improvements Paid Off In Large Scale Response To Walnut Hill Crash Last Saturday
August 30, 2025
Escambia County says improvements in EMS staffing and the addition of new ambulances allowed for a large-scale response to afive vehicle crash last Saturday, August 23, in Walnut Hill.
The crash shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Highway 97 south of Ernest Ward Middle School led to multiple people needing immediate medical care, according to the county. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that eight victims were transported, with two of those going to the hospital by helicopter.
Escambia County said Friday that the emergency response demonstrated the significant strides Escambia County EMS has made in improving on-scene care for critically injured patients.
“Responding to a large-scale incident with multiple patients presents complex challenges, from coordinating resources and triaging patients to delivering rapid, life-saving interventions in a high-pressure environment,” Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said Friday. “I was incredibly proud of how our EMS crews performed under pressure — delivering advanced clinical care, working seamlessly with fire rescue, air medical, emergency communications and law enforcement partners, and ensuring that every patient received timely treatment and transport.”
Volunteers from the Walnut Hill Fire Station were on scene moments after the first 911 calls and took command of the scene.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Escambia County said EMS improvements allowed then to dispatch nine EMS units to the scene without impacting emergency calls in other areas of the county or requiring assistance from other ambulance services.
Three medical helicopters — two from AirCare and one from LifeFlight — also responded. The Walnut Hill, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department responded, along with numerous FHPl troopers, several Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission officer.
In addition to fire and EMS, Escambia County also noted the significant role played in the event by Emergency Communications.
Watts added that the EMS improvements have left the department better prepared for mass casualty-type events, in addition to day-to-day operations
“While we never hope for these types of emergencies, this response demonstrated exactly why we’ve invested in expanding our EMS fleet, increasing staff levels, and enhancing training. These resources directly impact our ability to respond effectively, improve outcomes, and maintain the trust our community places in us every day. Escambia County EMS stands ready 24/7, because when lives are on the line, we are prepared to meet the call,” Watts said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Fall 26-14 To Opp (With Gallery)
August 30, 2025
The Northview Chiefs dropped their season home opener 26-14 to the Opp Bobcats Friday night in Bratt.
It wasn’t the win first-year Northview head coach Doug Vickery wanted, but it was the improvement he wanted to see over last week’s 37-2 loss to Destin.
“In that debacle, we tried to play a game but we had so many mistakes,” he said. “I told them we are going to be a 100% team; we will love one another no matter what happens. They are taking ownership as they make a mistake. They are owning it.”
This Friday, against the 4A Opp Bobcats, Vickery said his team performed a lot better, often coming within inches of big plays like interceptions versus a team he said is one of the best they will face this season.
Chiefs senior Nate Duff scored both of Northview’s touchdowns Friday night.
For a photo gallery, click here.
*Look for fan, cheerleader and band photos by Tuesday on NorthEscambia.com.
It’s the team that improves the most between week one and week two that wins,” Vickery told the players in the post-game huddle.
“I think we’ve got to work on our play action pass game, and that takes time,” Vickery said about next week. “You can see the difference from week one to week two, but we don’t seem as crisp.”
The Northview Chiefs (0-2) will host Freeport (2-0) on Friday, September 5. Freeport is coming off a 34-14 win over Jay on Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Gulf Breeze 48-13
August 30, 2025
The Tate High School Aggies beat the visiting Gulf Breeze Dolphins 48-13 Friday night in Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Dolphins took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The Aggies then evened the score at 7-7 with a Miles Delarosa handoff to Tanner Clark.
After a big 60-yard touchdown run from Clark, the Aggies took a 14-7 lead. The Aggies expanded their advantage to 21-7 with a pass from sophomore QB Delarosa to Laquarius Bradford. With about a minute to go in the half, Clark was in for his third TD of the game to take a 28-7 lead at the half.
The Aggies (2-0) will be back in action Thursday night in their third game at home as they host the Pensacola High Tigers (0-2). PHS is coming off a 41-6 loss Friday night at the hands of the Milton Panthers.
Pictured: Tate quarterback Miles Delarosa hands off to Tanner Clark against Fort Walton Beach on August 22. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
High School Football Scoreboard
August 30, 2025
Here is a look at high school football scores from across the North Escambia area this week.
FLORIDA
- Tate 48, Gulf Breeze 13 [Read story...]
- Opp 26, Northview 14 [Read story, see photos...]
- Freeport 31, Jay 14
- Washington 28, West Florida 20
- Daphne (AL) 32, Pine Forest 12
- Pace 41, Pensacola Catholic 14
- Niceville 27, Escambia 6
- Milton 41, at Pensacola High 6
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 48, Chickasaw 13
- Escambia Academy 74, North River Christian 0
- Monroe County at Escambia County (Atmore)
- T.R. Miller at Straughn
- Excel at W.S. Neal
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat Fort Walton last Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.