FPL Rate Settlement Reduces Request By Nearly A Third, Keeping Northwest Florida Bills Almost Flat
August 21, 2025
Florida Power & Light Company and 10 key stakeholder groups filed a comprehensive four-year rate settlement agreement with state regulators on Wednesday. The agreement reduces FPL’s original revenue request by nearly one-third.
The agreement, which is subject to Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approval, cuts FPL’s four-year revenue request by approximately 30%, keeping Northwest Florida rates nearly flat for a couple of years.
“This settlement agreement is a win for all FPL customers and a win for Florida. It supports our ongoing commitment to meet the resiliency and reliability needs of our fast-growing state, while keeping customer bills well below the national average. We expect the typical 1,000-kWh Northwest Florida residential customer bill will remain relatively flat for the next two years. Even with the proposed increase, FPL customers would be paying lower bills next year than they were 20 years prior, when adjusted for inflation,” FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel said.
The settlement significantly scales back FPL’s initial rate request:
- 2026: Base rate revenue request reduced by 39%, from $1.545 billion to $945 million
- 2027: Base rate revenue request reduced by 17%, from $927 million to $766 million
- Total savings: Base rate revenues about $2.9 billion less than originally requested over the four-year period
Beginning in 2027, FPL customers in NorthWest Florida will pay the same rates as the remainder of the state.
*Pending PSC approval of estimated solar and battery projects in January 2027, bill will move to $143.25.*
Escambia EMS Gets New Lifesaving Equipment
August 21, 2025
Escambia County EMS has taken a forward in prehospital care by equipping every paramedic unit with state-of-the-art video laryngoscopes.
The new video laryngoscopes represent a significant advancement in airway management, giving paramedics enhanced visualization during intubation—especially in difficult or high-risk situations. This technology is expected to improve patient outcomes, increase procedural success rates, and enhance training opportunities for EMS personnel.
“Paramedics in Escambia County already operate at a high clinical level,” Escambia County Medical Director Dr. Benjamin Abo said. “By adding video laryngoscopy, we’re giving them the tools to be even more effective, especially in complex airway emergencies.”
The devices are now fully deployed across frontline EMS units and are already in use on critical calls throughout the county. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize EMS equipment and elevate the standard of care for residents and visitors. This week, EMS has added more lifesaving medications such as antibiotics to treat life-threatening infections where every minute counts.
Molino Park Elementary Wins $1,000 In Wellness Challenge; Northview And Ernest Ward Also Place
August 21, 2025
Molino Park Elementary School claimed the top spot in the Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent’s Choose Wellness Challenge, and North Escambia schools were also tops in the middle and high school categories.
The challenge is to see which school or major department can achieve the highest percentage of employee participation and also the highest percentage of improvement from one school year to the next in the Superintendent’s Choose Wellness challenge.
The 2024-25 Superintendent’s Wellness Challenge overall winner, and repeating champion, is Molino Park Elementary at 74% participation. Molino Park received a $1,000 top prize at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.
The highest percentage participation at the middle school level and $250 went to Ernest Ward Middle School at 47%.
A $250 prize and the highest percentage participation at the high school level went to Northview High School at 46%.
Other awards were presented to Success Academy for most improved with a participation rate of 19%, and the highest percentage participation at a major department level was awarded to Spencer Bibbs at 73%.
The district said the decision to create a district wellness center and program was made to promote employee wellness because a healthy workforce has fewer medical costs and fewer lost work hours which helps to create a more productive and higher achieving workforce and results in higher student achievement.
Pictured: ECPS Superintendent’s Choose Wellness Challenge winners Molino Park Elementary (top), Ernest Ward Middle School (first below) and Northview High School (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Felon Charged With Running From Traffic Stop, Ammo Possession
August 21, 2025
A Walnut Hill man was arrested this week after allegedly fleeing from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies earlier this month and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On August 8, a deputy on routine patrol in the area of Pine Forest Road and Garrett Road observed a Nissan Frontier driven by a male he recognized as 43-year-old Shadrach Jones, and the deputy initiated a traffic stop. As the deputy attempted to handcuff Jones, he broke free and ran, according to an arrest report.
The deputy gave chase but lost Jones in the woods. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.
Jones was charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license and resisting arrest.
He was also charged with felony possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon for a May 14 incident. Deputies stopped his vehicle near the intersection of Pine Forest Road and Deer Lake Road. According to an arrest report, he had three rounds of 9mm ammunition in his vehicle.
He was transported to the hospital after an unknown medical emergency. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.
Jones remained in the Escambia County Jail on Thursday with bond set at $10,000.
Volunteers Needed For Health Facilities Authority
August 21, 2025
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority. Appointees serve without compensation.
The Escambia County Health Facilities Authority was established in accordance with Florida statutes. The authority’s duties are to assist health facilities in acquisition, construction, financing and refinancing of projects. Knowledge of finance and/or health care administration is required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.
Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority are asked to submit a resume by the close of business Wednesday, Aug. 27. Resumes should be submitted to Jose Gochez, County Administration Operations Manager, Board of County Commissioners, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 420, Pensacola, FL 32502 or emailed to boardapply@myescambia.com.
Wahoos Rally Late To Beat Clingstones 5-4
August 21, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored three runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Columbus Clingstones 5-4 for their second win in a row on Wednesday night.
Trailing 4-2 down to their final five outs, the Blue Wahoos got a double from Tony Bullard before Mark Coley II laced a two-run homer over the left field wall to tie the game. It was the fourth homer in five games for Coley, giving him five on the season.
After the dramatic Coley homer, Gage Miller drew an 11-pitch walk to force Clingstones reliever Amos Willingham (L, 1-1) from the game. Rolddy Muñoz got a strikeout for the second out of the inning, but allowed a Dub Gleed double to left-center that gave Pensacola a 5-4 edge and proved to be the game-winner.
The late rally helped Jake Brooks (W, 1-2) earn his first Double-A win. The Pensacola righty matched a career high with 7.0 innings, allowing four runs but keeping the Blue Wahoos within striking distance throughout the night.
Kemp Alderman gave the Blue Wahoos a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning, hitting his team-leading 13th home run on his 23rd birthday against Columbus starter Lucas Braun. The Clingstones tied the game in their half of the first inning on an Adam Zebrowski RBI single, and took a 3-1 lead on a Patrick Clohisy two-run homer in the second inning.
The Blue Wahoos got a run back in the fifth on a Fenwick Trimble RBI single, but Columbus stretched their lead back to 4-2 on a David Fletcher RBI single in the bottom of the sixth.
After Pensacola’s eighth-inning rally, Colby Martin and Nigel Belgrave (S, 4) protected the 5-4 Blue Wahoos lead with scoreless relief to lock down the win.
With the victory, the Blue Wahoos maintained their 2.5-game lead over the second-place Montgomery Biscuits, who won their game 4-1 over Knoxville. There are 23 games remaining in the regular season as the Blue Wahoos aim to secure their eighth playoff berth in 10 seasons.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Thursday night.
Costco Gets Final County Approval For Nine Mile Road Store
August 20, 2025
The Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) on Wednesday afternoon granted approval for a new Costco store on Nine Mile Road.
The first conceptual plans were filed back in June 2024 for a Costco at 225 East Nine Mile Road, the site of a Planet Fitness that will be moving soon and a previous Kmart store.
Since that time, additional plans have been filed in response to DRC feedback, with approval finally granted Tuesday afternoon.
How long does it take to build a Costco?
The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store.
“Costco Wholesale has set the bar by creating and maintaining the platinum standard in optimized rollouts: It takes just 110 days from the time construction begins to the moment doors open to their members” MG2 said. That means a new Pensacola Costco, if approved, could potentially open by the end of the year if construction beings soon.
But construction won’t start until the existing building is demolished, sometime after Planet Fitness moves.
What do the latest plans show?
The latest plans filed with Escambia County show the 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 830 parking spaces at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. That’s the site of the current Planet Fitness and a former Kmart store. It’s several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
The plans show the existing Dairy Queen, Sam’s Seafood Restaurant and Wells Fargo to remain, with a Costco gas station constructed between Sam’s Seafood and Wells Fargo in an area that is currently a parking area for the old shopping center. The current Planet Fitness building will be demolished to make room for the new Costco if it’s approved.
What happens to Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness and the rest of the old shopping center will be demolished. As we previously reported on July 1, a new Planet Fitness is under construction at 312 East Nine Mile Road, next door to Aldi. It is in the remainder of a former Winn Dixie grocery store space that was converted into an Aldi with a smaller footprint, which opened in March.
At last report, the fitness center is planning an early September opening.
What is currently the nearest Costco to Pensacola?
The nearest currently open Costco to Pensacola is in Mobile, Alabama.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Pictured top: The Costco in Montgomery, Alabama, earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Former Legislator Dave Murzin Selected As Century Town Administrator
August 20, 2025
The Century Town Council voted Tuesday night to hire former state representative Dave Murzin of Cantonment as the town’s next full-time administrator.
The council voted 3-1 to approve Mayor Ben Boutwell’s recommendation of Murzin, with Shelisa Abraham absent and council president Dynette Lewis casting the dissenting vote without making additional comment.
The vote authorized Boutwell to negotiate an employment agreement with Murzin for final council approval at their next regular meeting on September 2nd.
Murzin is currently the director of First Place Partners, representing economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He is a former state representative. He has extensive experience in legislative leadership, economic development, and disaster recovery, having worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida.
“I have worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida to address critical infrastructure needs, secure funding, improve constituent services, and grow resilient economies. I’ve successfully managed multimillion-
dollar initiatives, built strong intergovernmental partnerships, and led emergency recovery efforts in coordination with local agencies and stakeholders.,” Murzin wrote in his application letter. “I understand the challenges small towns face and have a deep appreciation for the importance of strong leadership, operational integrity, and responsive governance.”
Sparkie Harrison Sworn In To The Century Town Council
August 20, 2025
Sparkie Harrison was sworn in Tuesday night to Seat 5 on Century Town Council.
Harrison was elected to the position without opposition. She has served on the council on a temporary appointed basis for the past few weeks.
She fills the seat left vacant when council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson resigned in early May.
Harrison’s term will expire in January 2027.
Pictured above: Century Mayor Ben Boutwell holds the Bible as Sparkie Harrison is sworn in Tuesday night. Pictured below: Harrison is congratulated by Judge Scott Ritchie. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview JV Beats PHS, Varsity Slips To The Tigers
August 20, 2025
In a night of mixed results, the Northview and Pensacola High volleyball teams split their matches on Tuesday, with Northview’s JV squad claiming a victory while the Tigers’ varsity team swept the Northview varsity.
Northview JV 2, PHS 1
The Northview High School JV volleyball team clinched a hard-fought victory Tuesday night against the Pensacola High Tigers JV in a captivating match that went down to the wire.
Northview started strong, dominating the first set with a decisive 25-15 win.
However, the Tigers roared back in the second set, taking it 25-21 and evening the score, setting up a deciding set. In a nail-biting finish, Northview held their nerve, securing the third set 16-14 to claim the overall match.
PHS 3, Northview 0
The Pensacola High School Tigers’ varsity volleyball team defeated the Northview Chiefs in three straight sets Tuesday night in Bratt.
PHS won the first set 25-22, setting the tone for the match.
They continued to play strong in the second and third sets, winning 25-21 and 25-10 respectively to secure a decisive victory.
For a varsity photo gallery from the third set, click here.
Up next, Northview will host Flomaton on Monday, August 25.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
