AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Up Slightly Over Last Week
July 28, 2025
Despite a week of price swings, Florida gas prices continually reflect a long-running trend of relative stability. According to AAA, the state average dropped 8 cents early last week, surged by 13 cents midweek, and then slipped another 3 cents through the weekend.
By Sunday, the state average stood at $3.10 per gallon, marking a slight 2-cent increase from the week before. Prices remain 10 cents higher than a month ago but are still 31 cents lower than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $2.89. In Pensacola, prices were as low as $2.71 at the warehouse clubs. In North Escambia, a low of $2.72 was available Sunday at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Since September, Florida pump prices have consistently moved within a 31-cent window, ranging from $2.92 to a peak of $3.23. This yearlong pattern parallels trends in the oil market, which has traded within a steady range for the past five weeks.
“While gas prices may shift from week to week, overall they tend to follow a relatively steady pattern,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As long as oil prices remain stable, drivers can expect pump prices to stay within their current range.”
Escambia (AL) Sheriff Attends Halt Fentanyl Act Bill Signing At The White House
July 28, 2025
Escambia County (Alabama) Sheriff Heath Jackson was one of four sheriffs from across the nation that attended the Halt Fentanyl Act bill signing at the White House recently.
“It was an honor to watch the president sign the bill, which will strengthen the penalties for those who distribute this poison in America,” Jackson said. “It was also an honor to represent Escambia County and the great State of Alabama.”
The legislation, according to Trump, is “delivering another defeat for the savage drug smugglers and criminals, and the cartels”—and is just one of the many historic actions the Trump Administration has taken to end the carnage wrought by foreign drug cartels in our communities.”
Other sheriffs invited to attend the ceremony were from South Dakota, New Jersey, and Ohio.
Pictured: Escambia County (Alabama) Sheriff Heath Jackson attended the Halt Fentanyl Act bill signing. In the top photo, Jackson is seen in the front row just to the right of Trump, third from the right in the photo below, and in the far left in the front row of the third photo below. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Despite Furious Comeback Effort, Wahoos Fall In Series Finale
July 28, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (50-45) dropped their series and regular season finale against the Knoxville Smokies (44-51) by a final score of 6-5.
On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, the Wahoos fell behind early. Knoxville plated a run in the first inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller when second baseman Reivaj Garcia singled home shortstop Jefferson Rojas with two outs.
After the Wahoos failed to answer in the top of the second, Knoxville burst out with a four-run bottom of the second inning. The first five Smokies of the inning reached base on three walks and two hits. Jefferson Rojas’ bases-clearing double and third baseman Pedro Ramirez’s RBI single capped the scoring for the Smokies, who led 5-0 after two innings of play.
The early lead held behind Knoxville starter Antonio Santos and a slew of bullpen arms. Pensacola scored its first run in the sixth inning when right fielder Kemp Alderman hit a solo home run against lefthander Chase Watkins, but the Wahoos trailed 5-1 heading into the seventh inning.
In the seventh inning, the Wahoos mounted another late-inning rally against the Knoxville bullpen. Righthander A.J. Puckett entered and promptly loaded the bases with one out before departing. New righthander Zac Leigh then walked three of the next four hitters with the bases loaded to cut the deficit to 5-4. With two outs, the bases loaded, and a 3-0 count on designated hitter Cody Morissette, Leigh stepped off the rubber and caught Jared Serna moving too far off third base. The 1-2 pickoff and caught stealing ended the inning and kept the Smokies in front 5-4.
In the eighth, Pensacola bounced back to tie the game. Shortstop Johnny Olmstead doubled with one out and later came in to score on a two-out RBI infield hit from catcher Spencer Bramwell.
Following a 1-2-3 top of the ninth worked by Smokies righthander Brad Deppermann (W, 4-2), Knoxville mounted its game-winning rally. Following a hit and an intentional walk against Pensacola righthander Jesse Bergin (L, 2-2), the Wahoos inserted closer Josh Ekness to escape the jam. However, Ekness walked right fielder Andy Garriola to load the bases before a run-scoring walk-off wild pitch ended the game and the series one batter later.
With the defeat, Pensacola heads home with a 4-2 series win despite a pair of losses to end the week. The Wahoos also found a pair of bright spots in the form of two newcomers – righthander Natanael Polanco worked three scoreless innings of relief in his Double-A debut, while catcher Nestor Rios collected his first career Double-A hit in the seventh inning.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, July 29 when they begin a six-game series versus the Biloxi Shuckers.
Cantonment Man Charged With Kidnapping And Burglary
July 27, 2025
A Cantonment man was arrested following an incident on Candy Lane that involved an uninvited entry into a home, a stolen weed eater, shots fired, and allegations of false imprisonment.
Kaleb Blaine Jernigan, a 23-year-old resident of Candy Lane, was charged with kidnapping false imprisonment, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and petit theft.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 900 block of Candy Lane for a shots fired disturbance call. A caller reported that neighbors had a male on the ground who had entered their house. Dispatchers were told that one shot was fired into the air and the male was “having a manic episode.”
Deputies arrived to find Jernigan in handcuffs, acting erratically, according to an arrest report. Witnesses told deputies they believed Jernigan was under the influence of drugs and experiencing a manic episode, stating he had been “acting crazy all day.” Jernigan was cleared by EMS and did not require medical attention.
The incident escalated when Jernigan allegedly approached a neighbor’s yard and allegedly took a string trimmer. The neighbor retrieved the trimmer from Jernigan and told him to leave, according to an ECSO report, but Jernigan continued to wander around his property.
Moments later, a neighbor and his wife heard yelling from inside their home. The neighbor found his front door locked and saw Jernigan standing between his wife and the door, preventing her exit. She recounted that Jernigan entered her house uninvited while she was in the kitchen, stood next to her, and then blocked her path to the door when she tried to leave. Jernigan eventually unlocked the door and walked outside, the report states. The woman was not injured.
Jernigan remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond on Sunday.
Tech Help Monday: Microsoft Office At The Molino Library
July 27, 2025
The Molino Library will host a tech help session on Microsoft Office on Monday morning.
Attendees will learn how to unlock the full potential of Microsoft Office using free online tools available through the library. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to navigate Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, whether for work, school, or personal projects.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 28 at the Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center.
New 7Brew Coffee Shop Planned For Corner Of Nine Mile And University
July 27, 2025
A new 7 Brew coffee is proposed for the corner of East Nine Mile Road and University Parkway, according to plans filed with Escambia County.
The 540 square foot coffee shop, a 230 square foot remote cooler, associated drive-thru, and parking would be located on 1.14 acres on the southwest corner near existing shopping center with Publix and Target.
The proposed 7 Brew is set for a pre-application meeting on Wednesday, July 30 with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
Pictured: The latest 7Brew in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties opened on July 23 in Gulf Breeze. Photo for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: A 7 Brew planned for Nine Mile and University. NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Here Are This Week’s Traffic Slow Down Construction Spots
July 27, 2025
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:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Beulah Road is temporarily closed at the Beulah Church Road intersection for drainage construction. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 27, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Beginning Monday, July 28, the Scenic Highway southbound right-turn lane will be temporarily closed at the Hyde Park Road intersection for a period of three days, as crews perform stormwater drainage work. Drivers may utilize the Scenic Highway southbound travel lane to access Hyde Park Road.
- Intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31, 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, Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31 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 Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, July 27, 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.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, July 27 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- 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, Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31, 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, July 27 through Friday, Aug. 1, 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 Sunday, July 27 through Friday, Aug. 1:
- 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.
- S.R. 291 (Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive) Routine Utility Maintenance north of East Texar Drive – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to install new power poles.
- S.R. 95 (North Palafox Street) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance from West Lloyd Street to West Gonzalea Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for routine underground utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations near Mohawk Trail – Motorists may encounter intermittent outside eastbound lane closures Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to construct a new turn lane.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete repair work and paving operations.
- 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, July 27, through Friday, Aug. 1 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Photos: Incoming Northview Seniors Paint Their Parking Spaces
July 27, 2025
Members of the Northview High School Class of 2026 had a chance to paint and personalize their parking spaces on Saturday morning.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
White Fans 14 In Historic Performance For Blue Wahoos
July 27, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
Thomas White put together one of the most dominant performances in Minor League Baseball history Saturday night, striking out a career-high 14 batters over 5.0 scoreless innings as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 4-2 to the Knoxville Smokies.
White, 20, the top prospect in the Miami Marlins organization, struck out 14 of the 17 men he faced in the most commanding start of his career. Scattering two singles without walking a batter, White tied a modern Southern League record by striking out eight consecutive batters from the final out of the first inning to the first out of the fourth inning. His 14 strikeouts were the most in a Minor League Baseball game this season, and second only to Tony Cingrani’s 15 strikeouts over 8.0 innings in 2012 for the most in by a single pitcher in Blue Wahoos history.
White struck out 13 of the final 14 batters he faced, a feat that has not been accomplished in Major League Baseball in the Expansion Era (since 1961).
The game was a low-scoring affair, with Knoxville starter Ryan Gallagher matching White’s zeroes and pitching into the seventh inning in a scoreless game. Johnny Olmstead broke the deadlock with a two-run homer in the seventh against Frankie Scalzo Jr. (W, 4-3), his 10th of the year to tie for the team lead.
The Blue Wahoos had gone 37-0 when leading after seven innings, but the Smokies put together a two-out rally in the bottom of the eighth inning to turn the tables. Jaylen Palmer beat out an infield single before Jefferson Rojas hit an RBI double off the left field wall. Pedro Ramirez walked, putting two runners aboard for BJ Murray Jr., Knoxville’s most potent power threat. The switch-hitting first baseman blasted a three-run shot off Nigel Belgrave (L, 4-1), ending a streak of 11 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run for the Blue Wahoos righty and giving the Smokies a 4-2 lead.
Tyler Santana (S, 3) worked a spotless ninth to end Pensacola’s five-game winning streak and Knoxville’s seven-game losing streak.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Smokies on Sunday afternoon.
FDLE: He Thought He Was Meeting A 14-Year Old Girl At the Movies, But He Was Busted
July 26, 2025
He thought he was meeting a 14-year old girl at the movies, an the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said he thought he had been grooming her for 10 months.
When he we meant to meet the girls at a local theater, he was met by an undercover state agent.
“No popcorn, no previews—just a one-way ticket to jail, five felony charges and no chance at a sequel,” FDLE said.
FDLE said 32-year-old Chad Anthony Forster, a resident of Allison Lane just behind Whataburger on Nine Mile Road, was charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, soliciting a minor to engage in sexual activity and promoting the sexual performance of a child and two felony counts for sending harmful material to a minor.
The investigation began in September 2024 when Forster began communicating with an undercover agent, who was disguised as a juvenile girl, according to investigators. Throughout the course of the communication, Forster solicited the child persona to engage in sexual activity, including requesting child sexual abuse material and sending explicit images of himself.
Through continued investigative communication, the undercover agent agreed to meet at a local movie theater on Thursday, July 24. Once he arrived, FDLE agents arrested Forster.
He was transported to the Escambia County Jail and booked with bond set at $80,000.
FDLE said the arrest is a result of the agency’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals soliciting children online for a sexual relationship online and sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
