Escambia EMS CORE Program Marks 600th Opioid Recovery Patient
April 13, 2026
Escambia County EMS has reach a milestone in in its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort program. The CORE program has successfully assisted its 600th patient in its mission to combat the opioid crisis and provide comprehensive care to individuals battling opioid addiction.
CORE is a state-funded addiction recovery program that expanded to Escambia County in late 2022, with the county accepting its first CORE patient in February 2023.
Since its inception, the CORE program has worked to offer personalized, non-judgmental support to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. This program focuses on providing immediate medical care, counseling, and long-term recovery support to help patients through the recovery process.
“When we started CORE in Escambia County, we could not have envisioned the incredible impact it would have on so many lives,” said Joey Kerman, supervisor of the Escambia County EMS CORE Program. “There was no roadmap, but our mission was clear from day one: To help people find recovery and to empower them to become the heroes of their own stories. We asked people in their darkest moments to take a chance on us, to believe that there was something more waiting for them beyond the pain. Over 600 patients said yes and placed their trust in us. In return, they’ve given us something far greater than we could have ever expected. They’ve given us purpose. They’ve given us hope. And they’ve inspired us every single day to keep going, to keep fighting, and to reach the next person who feels like they’re beyond saving. Today, we don’t just recognize a number. We celebrate lives changed. We celebrate courage. We celebrate resilience.”
The CORE program combines EMS response with community resources, including addiction counseling, mental health support, and recovery services, to give patients the tools and services they need to overcome addiction. By intervening at critical moments and connecting individuals with resources, CORE helps to break the cycle of addiction and offers a pathway to recovery.
“I am incredibly proud of our CORE team for reaching another significant milestone for the program,” Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said. “The data clearly demonstrates the profound impact this program is having, with measurable success in saving lives and improving outcomes for those affected by opioid use disorder. Every patient who makes it through this program represents not just a life changed, but a life potentially saved. Our CORE team truly cares about the patients we serve, and I am confident they will continue making a meaningful, life-saving difference as we work together to address the opioid crisis in our community.”
The CORE program is made possible by community partnerships including Community Health Northwest Florida and Lakeview Center.
For more information about the CORE program, please MyEscambia.com/CORE, or contact CORE at (850) 477-HELP or (850) 377-4965.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Decline 20 Cents, But Escambia County Trends Upward
April 13, 2026
The state average declined 20 cents per gallon over the past 10 days, according to AAA, but prices are still tending upward in Escambia County.
Sunday’s Florida average price of $4.03 per gallon is 17 cents less than a week ago, 32 cents more than a month ago, and 91 cents more than a year ago.
Escambia County’s average of $3.86 per gallon is four cents more than a week ago, 43 cents more than a month ago, and $1 more than one year ago. In North Escambia, a low of $3.79 was available over the weekend at station on Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
The recent average drop in pump prices follows sharp declines in oil and gasoline markets late last week.
On Friday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $96.57 per barrel, down about 13 percent, or $14 per barrel, from the previous week. Prices fell sharply midweek amid early optimism surrounding a U.S.–Iran ceasefire, which briefly eased fears of major supply disruptions.
However, AAA said the relief proved short-lived. Crude oil prices rebounded Sunday night as markets reassessed risks in the Middle East. As of press time, WTI was trading above $104 per barrel, supported by continued uncertainty around oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely restricted.
Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping traffic has yet to meaningfully return. That ongoing disruption continues to fuel volatility in oil and gasoline markets.
“This discount at the pump comes after price drops in both crude oil and gasoline futures last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But it’s unclear how long this downward trend can last. Continued uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is already pushing oil prices higher, which could put upward pressure on gas prices again.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots
April 13, 2026
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:
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- 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.
- S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from S.R. 274 (Creighton Road) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 12, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, April 12, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, April 12, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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 north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and guardrail installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 between mile markers 11 and 14.
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-10 ramps to access Interstate 110 (I-110) southbound (Exit 12) and Davis Highway (Exit 13).
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway lighting installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-110 ramps to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).
- Intermittent I-110 lane closures near the Creighton Road overpass.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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, Sunday, April 12 through Friday, April 17, 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.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, April 12, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line– Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17, from 7 A.M. – 5 P.M. for median improvements.
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, April 12 through Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weathe
Temporary Median Crossovers Under Construction At Highway 29 And Highway 97
April 12, 2026
Contractors are constructing temporary median crossovers on Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino.
It’s part of a $14 million project to resurface Highway 97 from Highway 29 in Molino to the Alabama state line at Atmore. The project also includes stormwater improvements at the Highway 29 intersection to alleviate historic flooding by installing an additional box culvert across the southern leg of the intersection and two additional cross drains on the northern leg of the intersection.
Drivers can expect intermittent lane and shoulder closures on Highway 29 at Highway 97 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphic, click to enlarge.
Eight Children, One Adult Displaced By Quintette Road Fire
April 12, 2026
One adult and eight children were reportedly displaced temporarily by a house fire in the Quintette community on Saturday.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to the fire in the 100 block of West Quintette Road around 4:50 p.m. The fire was reportedly contained mostly to one bedroom. There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
There were no injuries reported. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to those displaced by the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate High Beta Club Supports Domestic Violence Survivors
April 12, 2026
Tate High School’s Beta Club is making a powerful impact in the community through a donation drive supporting FavorHouse of Northwest Florida.
FavorHouse serves individuals and families affected by domestic violence, and Tate students are stepping up in a big way to help.
Through the initiative, Beta Club members are showing what it truly means to lead with compassion and serve with purpose. They are collecting essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food to support survivors who often have to leave their homes with very little. These donations provide comfort, stability, and dignity during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Nine Mile Costco Taking Applications as Construction Accelerates
April 12, 2026
As construction moves at a rapid pace, applications are being taken for a new Costco on West Nine Mile Road. Significant progress has been made on the building, parking lot, and outlying gas station, but an opening day has not yet been announced.
A variety of jobs are available at the Pensacola Costco, according to the company website. The jobs include tire installers, stockers, cashiers, pharmacy managers, cake decorators, deli clerks, food service, meat wrappers, and many more. Hourly employees begin at $20-$21 an hour, while some positions like pharmacy pay much more.
The nearest currently open Costco to Pensacola is in Mobile, Alabama.
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.
But construction won’t start until the existing building is demolished, sometime after Planet Fitness moves.
What do the plans show?
Plans approved by 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 was most recently the site of a now-demolished Planet Fitness and a former Kmart store. It’s several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
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.
Northview NJROTC Brings Home Multiple Medals from Gator Games
April 12, 2026
The Northview High School NROTC placed in several events on Saturday at the Gator Games at Escambia High School in Pensacola.
The Northview NJROTC placed first in sit-ups, second in push-ups, and third in the Australian trolley.
Australian trolley (pictured top), an official NJROTC athletic competition, is a team coordination exercise where cadets stand on two long wooden boards (the “trolley”) and must walk in unison using hand ropes.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Graduate Ethan McAnally Named Conference Baseball Player of the Week
April 12, 2026
Francis Marion University junior Ethan McAnally was recently named the Conference Carolinas Baseball Player of the Week.
McAnally, a Tate High graduate and native of Molino, posted a .500 batting average (8-for-16) with three extra-base hits, six runs batted in, five runs scored, and two stolen bases, as the Patriots posted a 3-1 mark. He registered a .813 slugging percentage and a .550 on-base percentage in 16 at-bats.
In a game last week, he finished 3-for-6 at the plate with one RBI, two runs scored, and one stolen base in a 14-10 comeback win over No. 1 Catawba College at a neutral site in Kannapolis, N.C.,
In a three-game series versus the University of Mount Olive, McAnally went 5-for-10 with a two-run homer, two doubles, five RBIs, three runs scored, three walks, and one stolen base, as Francis Marion took two of three games to take the series.
McAnally ranks seventh in NCAA Division II with 51 runs batted in, while sitting ninth overall with 49 runs scored and 101 total bases. He also ranks among the top 10 in the nation with 12 home runs this year.
McAnally is majoring in mechanical engineering.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Seek Win In Deciding Playoff Game Today At Evansville
April 12, 2026
The joyous chants and celebratory claps reverberated through the walls and hallway, leading to the Ice Flyers dressing room.
You could feel the scene just by hearing it.
In what became one of their most complete games, the Ice Flyers solved the Evansville riddle, producing in a 3-1 victory Friday night against the defending champion Thunderbolts at the Pensacola Bay Center in Game 2 of their SPHL quarterfinal round playoff series.
The win was the Ice Flyers first playoff game victory in four years. It forced a deciding game on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana where the Ice Flyers will seek their first playoff series win since 2021 when they won their fourth SPHL President’s Cup championship.
“Satisfying to win, that’s for sure,” said Ice Flyers coach Jeremy Gates, whose team lost four regular-season games against the Thunderbolts and the playoff opener April 8 at the Ford Center in Evansville. “(Ice Flyers players) played hard and in the right way. It was good.
“To have our team play the way they did shows we can do it. We can play with anybody in this league. And the good news is that we get to play again on Sunday and try to prove that all over again.”
Both teams left Pensacola on Friday night for the 600-mile bus trip to Evansville. For the Ice Flyers, the all-night journey was their third trip to southwestern Indiana in nine days.
They finished the regular-season last weekend in Evansville, returned to Pensacola, traveled back to Evansville on Tuesday, then back again Friday night.
But Sunday presents a chance to make it all enjoyable. Neither team had practice availability on Saturday due to an event at the Ford Center. Gates preferred his team get right back on the bus for the long ride, as opposed to leaving Saturday morning.
“What happens is after these games, it’s really hard for hockey players to fall asleep,” Gates said. “So sleep on the bus…. we’ll get some breakfast, we’ll get there, rest and get to bed early. This time of year, we need the rest.”
The Ice Flyers breakthrough playoff win Friday was embraced by a crowd of 4,772, which by far was the largest crowd of the four SPHL quarterfinal games that night.
It adds to the Ice Flyers setting another attendance record – their third year in a row – after drawing 168,493 fans in 29 home games this season. Attracting large crowds for a playoff game is difficult, because of an uncertain schedule and little time to sell group outings or advance sales.
But Gates sensed the enthusiasm earlier Friday afternoon when he went out for lunch.
“I had people I never met before in my life, saying they were coming to the game,” Gates said. “They recognized me and that’s impressive. Everyone is just so supportive. It just shows the passion here and this community has something to cheer for and support.
“Our front office does a heckuva job promoting it and I just want us to do our part as a team in putting the right guys on the ice and win a hockey game.”
With the crowd chanting, “Let’s Go Flyers!” moments after the opening faceoff, the Ice Flyers produced the game’s first goal, less than five minutes into the game, when Tyler Burnie got a pass from Tyler German and rifled home a wrist shot from inside faceoff circle.
After Evansville tied the game in the second period, Ice Flyers defenseman and enforcer Laudon Poellinger scored on a wrist shot with 45 seconds left in the period. Earlier in the period, he engaged with Evansville’s Cameron MacPhee in a mid-ice fight after the two instantly left the penalty box for roughing.
Poellinger had a huge night. Two scraps, a goal, an assist and chosen as the game’s No. 1 star.
“He had a Gordie Howe hat trick” said Gates, referring to the legendary Detroit Red Wings’ Hall of Famer known for his scoring and brawling. “He had a goal, an assist and a fight.
“(Poellinger) was involved all over the ice. Heckuva game by him. But everybody played well. The level of experience we’re gathering from this is just one step at a time. We got three more periods to play (on Sunday) and we’ll see what happens.”
The Ice Flyers got a pivotal final goal Friday when Matt Allen perfectly timed the carom off the back boards from a teammates and sent the puck into the net before Evansville’s talented goaltender Kristian Stead had time to react. Those are the kind of bounces you need in a playoff game.
Evansville coach Jeff Bes pulled Stead with four minutes remaining, following a timeout, to give the Thunderbolts an extra attacker. But Ice Flyers goaltender Christian Propp won his fourth game in seven starts by finishing an outstanding performance between the pipes.
It included stopping Evansville on a wide open breakaway in the first period. Propp is playing with his fifth different team this season after joining the Ice Flyers in late March.
“He was focused from the start,” Gates said. “He provides the type of leadership that has experience. He has played in big games before.”
Evansville has an 18-8 home record with three overtime losses. Gates knows it figures to be another hard-checking, hard-grinding type of game on Sunday for the chance to reach the semifinals.
No matter what happens, the Ice Flyers were able to re-establish themselves this season in the league with an upper-tier finish in the standings and getting a playoff win.
“We are a learning group that is just kinda chugging away at it,” Gates said. “Sometimes being naïve to things is great. It’s step by step. I’m proud, but not satisfied.
“We work our butts off, everyone in this organization to just keep inching away at it. Maturing, being professional every single day.. and giving our guys the best opportunity.
“(Evansville) have a lot of experience over there. They won last year and have a lot of guys who have come back and know how to do those little things. But we are a better hockey team when we play the game the right way.”
written by Bill Vilona