Florida Gas Prices Race Toward Record Highs
March 7, 2022
Florida gas prices skyrocketed last week to the highest levels in a decade. Prices at the pump rose an average of 44 cents per gallon in the last five days, reaching an average price of $3.97 on Sunday.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $3.98. To date, the highest ever average price in Escambia County was $4.03 in July 2008.
A North Escambia low of $3.99 could be found at two locations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Several North Escambia stations moved past $4 per gallon on Saturday.
“Unfortunately, more price hikes are on the way and drivers may soon begin to see record high prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices are being dragged higher by sky high oil prices, which are surging in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Sanctions and regulations against Russia has limited its ability to sell its oil on the global market, thus intensifying global supply concerns in what was already a very tight market due to the pandemic.”
The U.S. price of oil surged 26% last week, rising a little more than $24 per barrel. An increase of that magnitude translates to a 60 cent increase at the pump. So far, the state average has increased 44 cents since last week, which means another 10-15 cent hike is possible. If that happens, the state average would eventually surpass the previous all-time high, moving toward around $4.12 per gallon. The current record high price for regular unleaded gasoline in Florida is $4.08 per gallon, which was set on July 16, 2008.
On Sunday, the national average price for gasoline reached $4 a gallon for the first time since July 2008.
Beef Cattle & Forage Bootcamp Held In Molino
March 7, 2022
The fourth annual Escambia County Beef Cattle & Forage Bootcamp provided a hand-on learning opportunity for producers involved with cattle or forage management Saturday in Molino.
State and local professionals were present to discuss current research and production strategies. This year, the Northwest Florida Cattlemen’s Association partnered with UF/IFAS Extension to promote education relating to beef and forage best practices. Presenters provided current information on cattle reproduction, nutrition and management along with information focusing on increasing forage productivity.
The event was held at the Escambia County 4-H Ag & Outdoor Learning Center on Highway 99 in Molino.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Spots
March 7, 2022
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. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter the following temporary intermittent lane closures:
- Inside lane closures between Q and A streets as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- Outside intermittent lane closures will occur at various locations along West Cervantes, between Dominguez and A Streets, to allow crews to construct Americans with Disabilities Act compliant sidewalk ramps and traffic pole foundations.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road (C.R.) 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11, as crews place a watermain.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11, as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) Maintenance from West of Palafox Street to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, March 7 as crews perform concrete operations.
- U.S. 29 (Pensacola Boulevard) from Brent Lane to north of I-10 – Work will begin on a $6.3 million construction project the week of Monday, March 7 to mill and resurface a three-mile section of U.S. 29 (Pensacola Boulevard) from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to north of I-10. The project will also include curb, ramp and sidewalk improvements, new signage and pavement markings, and traffic signalization upgrades. During construction there will be periodic nighttime lane closures between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The project is estimated for completion in early 2023
- Saufley Field Road (S.R. 296) sidewalk improvement project: The eastbound right lane of Saufley Field Road between Mobile Highway and Denver Avenue will be closed beginning Sunday, March from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews construct sidewalk improvements. The closure will last approximately two weeks.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance near S.R. 295 – Westbound traffic can expect intermittent lane restrictions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 as crews perform utility work.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Utility Maintenance near East Fairfield Drive – Motorists can expect intermittent southbound outside lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10, as crews install equipment.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Driveway Installation near the AT&T and Urgent Care Building – Motorists can expect intermittent northbound outside lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11 as crews perform paving operations.
- West 9 Mile Road (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance from West Ashland Avenue to Ashland Avenue – Motorists can expect intermittent eastbound lane closures from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 7 as crews perform utility work.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to a six-lanes with a raised median, safety, and drainage upgrades, resurfacing S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- U.S. 90 Simpson River Bridge Project – Motorists can expect intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11 as crews install a barrier wall.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – The eastbound lane will remain reduced to one lane at the C.R. 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) until work associated with bridge approach construction is complete. Motorists can also expect intermittent lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the week of Monday, March 7 as crews perform construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Man Critically Injured In Molino Road Wreck
March 6, 2022
A 37-year old Pensacola man was critically injured in a wreck Saturday night on Molino Road.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was westbound on Molino Road approaching 95A when he lost control. His vehicle traveled through the intersection and along the north should of Molino Road. The vehicle went airborne, coming to rest upside down in a ditch.
The man was transported by Escambia County EMS as a trauma alert to Sacred Heart Hospital.
FHP has not released further information about the 7:13 p.m. crash.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Deploys Command Center To Bay County Wildfire
March 6, 2022
Escambia County has deployed the “THOR” mobile command center to assist in the battle against a 1,000 acre wildfire in Bay County.
“Escambia County is always ready to assist other counties whenever we are called upon,” said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore.
The THOR command post trailer expands to offer 1,000 square feet of interior working space. It is equipped with a 44-kilowatt generator with 72 hours of fuel onboard, and has dual 5-ton air conditioning units.
It allows for wireless communications, including cellular, satellite, VOIP phones and radio equipment. It has a 52-foot mast with antennas an high resolutions cameras, a video distribution system for off-air television, satellite television and computer system. There is a four-position communication room and office space with printers, scanners, office supplies, mini-fridge, microwave and a coffee maker.
North Escambia Gas Prices Top $4 A Gallon
March 6, 2022
Gas prices jumped over $4 a gallon Saturday afternoon at several stations in the North Escambia area.
At the Tom Thumb in Molino (pictured above), the price for a gallon of regular unleaded had moved to $4.09.
The price increased to $4.29 per gallon at the Marathon on Highway 97 in Davisville (pictured below).
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Firefighters From Alabama And Florida Battle Multiple Brush Fires Near Flomaton
March 6, 2022
Firefighters from Florida and Alabama battled brush fires across the area Saturday, including four fires near Flomaton.
One fire burned about eight acres and threatened several structures near Highway 31 east of Flomaton.
An individual on Old Fannie Road thought his trash fire was out, but it caught about 100 tires on fire, according to Flomaton Fire Chief Stanton. The fire entered a wooded area just over a mile north of Alabama-Florida state line and jumped over Highway 31 and Twin Bridges Road.
The fire sent flames 40 or more feet high through a wooded area, closing Highway 31.
“It burned right up to a barn, but no structures were damaged,” Stanton said. There were no injuries reported.
There were also fires in the Barnett Crossroads area, a 20 acre fire on Pineview Cemetery Road and a two acre fire on Old Atmore Road.
The Century, Walnut Hill, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue and the Jay Fire Department joined Alabama firefighters in battling the wildfires.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Donnie Nicholson Field’ Dedicated In Honor Of Longtime Molino Ballpark Coach
March 6, 2022
“Donnie Nicholson Field” was dedicated Saturday on Opening Day at the Molino Ballpark.
Longtime Molino Ballpark softball coach Donnie Nicholson passed away in April 2021 due to COVID-19. Coach Donnie and his wife Jackie were an integral part of softball at the Molino Ballpark and area travel ball for many years.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Air Force Identifies Airman Killed In Highway 29, Highway 97 Molino Wreck
March 6, 2022
The Air Force has identified an airman killed in wreck Thursday night in Molino.
Cannon (New Mexico) Air Force Base Airman 1st Class Ethan Lilleberg, an Air Traffic Controller apprentice of the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron passed away following the crash, according to the 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office.
Lilleberg, age 20 of Atwater, Minnesota, had just arrived in Pensacola and was traveling to Molino to attend a weekend wedding, according to friends.
“Ethan was a deeply loved member of the Wizard family,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Hardwick, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron commander. “He was a bright and funny person, known as the preeminent jokester, who lit up every room he entered. You can’t replace the joy Ethan brought to our organization. He will be profoundly missed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life within our Air Commando family,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Terence Taylor, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “Our hearts are with Ethan’s family and friends for this irreplaceable loss. Our focus now is to take care of Ethan’s family, friends and fellow Airmen, ensuring those affected by his loss are supported during this difficult time.”
The wreck happened about 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.
A 19-year old Molino man was driving a Ford F150 northbound on Highway 29 when he attempted to turn onto Highway 97. He “failed to maintain awareness of southbound traffic” and turned into the path of the semi driven by a 30-year old Pensacola man, troopers said.
Lilleberg, a passenger in the vehicle, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital where he passed away. The pickup driver and another passenger, a 23-year old from Glendale, Arizona, were both transported to the hospital in serious condition.
The semi-truck driver received minor injuries. After the collision, the truck jackknifed into the Tom Thumb parking lot and came to rest against the business’s sign.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of the others involved.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing, Endangered Man Found Safe
March 6, 2022
A missing and endangered Molino man has been safely located.
Saturday evening, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 69-year old Peter Frederick Schrier was last seen on Friday in the 6800 block of Sunshine Hill Road driving a 2021 Kia.
A short time later, ECSO reported that he had been found safe.