Local Gas Prices Hold Steady For Holiday Travel
July 4, 2010
Travel for the Fourth of July weekend is hit the pocketbook about as hard as last year, but the overall number of travelers on the road was expected to be up.
Escambia County’s average gas price on Independence Day was $2.65 for a gallon of regular unleaded —slightly higher than $2.59 last year, but way down from $4.04 in 2008. Our local gas price average was better than the national average of $2.75.
A round trip from North Escambia to Atlanta would cost about $82.70 in fuel in a 2009 Chevrolet Impala this year. Fourth of July 2008, that trip would have cost $130.89 — almost $50 more.
In the Pensacola metro area, the cheapest gas was at the Lucky Penny on Blue Angel Parkway at $2.54 for regular unleaded.
(Previous story below)AAA projected the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday weekend will increase 17.1 percent from 2009, with approximately 34.9 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home. Last year, 29.8 million Americans traveled during the same period. The 2010 Fourth of July holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, July 1 to Monday, July 5.
“While financial markets continue to have volatility related to the European debt crisis, the landscape of the U.S. economy is in a much different place than it was one year ago,” said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. “It is encouraging to see such growth this summer as Americans take to the road to visit family, friends and great vacation destinations.”
As the Deepwater Horizon oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico continues most beaches remain open and while AAA offices have reported member inquiries regarding travel to the Gulf Coast, they have not experienced widespread cancellations. Additionally, travelers visit these communities for reasons other than boating and swimming including visiting family and friends, state and national parks, golfing, shopping, dining and nightlife. Therefore, AAA is projecting an increase in travel in states in the Gulf Coast region as well.
Trips by automobile are expected to increase in popularity with 90 percent of travelers, or 31.4 million people, reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 17.7 percent from last Fourth of July when 26.7 million travelers went by motor vehicle. AAA expects the national average price of self-serve regular gasoline to be between $2.70-$2.80 per gallon during this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Leisure air travel also is expected to grow slightly with 1.56 million holiday flyers expected. This would be an increase of 8.2 percent from one year ago when 1.44 million flew. Trips by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft, will be the dominant means of travel used by six percent of all travelers.
Pictured above: A gas delivery at a Century station. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Rain For Monday
July 4, 2010
Most of the area had a dry Fourth of July, but it looks like Monday will be wet across the area with an 80 percent chance of rain.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast.
- Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 72. East southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. East southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%
Pelicans Beat The Saltdogs
July 4, 2010
The Pensacola Pelicans (19-28) got a huge home run from Lou Palmisano and a great pitching from Dane Devalk and the bullpen to shutout the Lincoln Saltdogs (29-18) 2-0 Saturday. The win snaps a four game losing streak for Pensacola.
Pensacola got the game’s first run in the top of the fourth inning when Lou Palmisano lined a fastball over the left field wall to give the Pels a 1-0 lead. It was Palmisano’s eighth homerun of the year.
In the top of the sixth inning, Antoin Gray flipped a dead bird single down the right field line to score Leandro from third base to give Pensacola a 2-0 advantage.
Dane Devalk (4-4) gets the win as he pitches six shutout innings and gives up no runs off only three hits on the night. Devalk struck out six batters on the evening as well. Ron Hill pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth inning while Austin Chambliss tossed a perfect ninth for his first save in a Pelican jersey.
Tim Brown (6-4) takes the tough luck loss as he pitched eight innings and gave up only two runs off nine hits while striking out nine batters on the night.
Guide To Free, Family Friendly Fourth Fireworks And Fun
July 4, 2010
There are several free, family-friendly Fourth of July events and fireworks displays today in the North Escambia area:
Pensacola
For the 21st year, area Sertoma organizations are once again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay Sunday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m.
There will be activities throughout the day, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., at Seville Square to include a free children’s area with inflatables and pony rides, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and live entertainment on the gazebo stage beginning at 11:00 a.m.
At 7:30 p.m. there will be a FREE concert featuring Mass Kunfuzion. The festivities will culminate with the fireworks show over Pensacola Bay about 9 p.m. synchronized with music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7 FM. Details: www.PensacolaJuly4th.org.
Atmore/Poarch
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians will present a fireworks display Sunday, July 4 at 9 p.m. near the reservation’s rodeo arena. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. There will be no stage show or entertainment prior to the fireworks show.
Pensacola Beach
Fourth of July fireworks on Pensacola Beach: 9 p.m. Sunday. The fireworks show will be based off the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Free waterfront concerts will take place before the fireworks from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Quietwater Shell and Gulfside Pavilion.
Atmore/Unity Baptist
There will be a July 4 Bluegrass Concert at Unity Baptist Church on Highway 31 East of Atmore at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Featuring the Bush Family from McKenzie, Alabama. For more information, contact Kenny at (251) 296-1243.
Molino Cookout July 4
Molino First Assembly of God will host a cookout on Sunday, July 4 from beginning at 11 a.m. after a 9:30 a.m. service. Everyone is welcome.
Milton
On Sunday, July 4: The Firecracker Bike Show, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on South Willing Street and the Freedom Car Show from 10 a.m. until noon on North Willing Street. Treasure Island Children’s Activity Area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North River Riverwalk. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. entertainment at North Gazebo. 7 p.m. Celebration Boat Parade Carpenter’s Park Boat Ramp Area. Live entertainment all day at North Willing Stage. Fireworks display at dark.
McCullough, Alabama
Molino There will be a July 4th Family Fun Day at McCullough Christian Center. Water slides for the kids and adults at 4 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs and more at 6 p.m. Great music at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. Free. More info: www.purposemc.com
Deputies Seek Robbery Suspects
July 4, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two more suspects in connection with armed robberies in the county, including perhaps robberies in the north end.
Cheraina Cristle Campbell, 19, was arrested June 29 and charged with armed robbery with a firearm and public order crimes for wearing a mask or hood during the commission of a felony in connection with a robbery that occurred June 28 at the TQ Mini Mart located at 1112 East Olive Road.
During the course of the investigation, deputies developed information that led them to issue warrants for the arrest of Thomas Kellon Sledge, 20, on charges of armed robbery. Sledge (pictured in 2009 file jail photo) allegedly robbed the TQ Mini Mart one month earlier on May 28. Deputies said Sledge is the half-brother of Campbell.
Deputies are also looking for a third suspect which they have not named. Anyone with information on the robberies or the whereabouts of Sledge is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crimestoppers at (850) 433-7867.
During the June 28 robbery, deputies said Campbell entered the store wearing a mask and pointing a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. Deputies said she removed her mask as she fled the store and turned to look back at the store allowing the clerk to see the her face.A K-9 unit tracked the Campbell to a nearby abandoned trailer. There was no one inside the trailer, but a photo of Campbell was found inside. The store clerk positively identified Campbell from the photo as the person who robbed the store at gunpoint.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Campbell (pictured left) may be the suspect in several other robberies in the north end of the county, but declined to release further information due to their ongoing investigation. She remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The Way Of St. James: Century Resident Continues Hike
July 4, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she is filing dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com the new few days as we catch up on Terri’s journey and complete the series.
(Scroll down to read entries from three different days.)
June 19 2010
Start;Villar de Mazarife
Destination:Astorga
Breakfast was the usual, bread, jam, tea and coffee. John was feeling some better but decided not to hike today but rather catch a bus to our destination for the night. We went ahead and sent our packs ahead since we were doing 18 miles. There were a couple of nice climbs, nothing to stress about and not very much interesting to see until late in the day. We crossed one of the oldest and longest bridges in Spain, the Puente de Orbigo that dates from the 13th century.
Its arches carry you over across the Rio Orbigo via the path the passage of honor Paso honroso.It is here that a famous jousting tournament took place in the holy Year of 1434. A noble knight from Leon with the handsome name of Don Suero de Quinones was scorned by a beautiful lady. He threw down the gauntlet to any knight who dared to pass as he undertook to defend the bridge (and presumably his honor) against all counts. Knights from all over Europe took up the challenge. don Suero successfully defended the bridge for a month until the required 300 lances were broken. Together with his trusted comrades he then preceded to Santiago to offer thanks for his freedom from the bonds of love and for his honor now restored. There is nothing mentioned about the woman!
We checked into the hostel and soon found out we were in the wrong place, so back on my boots went and uphill to the correct hostel we went. We checked in to St. Javier hostel (after we rang some ladies doorbell and tried to stay with her).There are 110 beds in four rooms plus an attic. This is a lovely conversion of one of the oldest historic buildings in Astorga. I sign up for a 45 minute massage for 10 Euros. I figure I will drink water for the next week, but the massage was so worth it. I just wished I could have rolled into bed from the table. We had coupons for dinner at a 5 star restaurant for a discounted price. The food was great and very well presented. We sat around and talked until we almost missed the curfew!
Miles 18.7
June 20, 2010
Start: Astorga
Destination: Rabanal del Camino
(no journal entry for this date)
Miles 13.3
June 21, 2010
Start: Rabanal del Camino
Destination: Molinaseca
Lou and John were going to get an early start so they left at 6 this morning. I couldn’t figure the logic behind getting up early to get to the albueque early enough to take a siesta. But you have to hike your own hike. Mike and I opt for a later start. We are both night people . I fixed a nice fruit salad for my breakfast and had a couple slices of toast before heading out. We have a long day today.
Today the hike takes us through the pass of Irago to the highest point of our whole trail. The trail takes us through the mountains and along the ridge. This section is considered by many to be the prettiest part of the trail. I have to agree. It was my favorite hiking day thus far. I guess it is because the trail was so much like the Appalachian Trail except there was no shade at all today. You could walk between the rolling hills and for as far as you can see more rolling hills. The climbs were so gradual that you didn’t even know you were climbing. I took my time today and just slogged along. The smell of the woods burning under the noon sun was better than any perfume I have ever smelled. You could look around and believe that you were in a total wilderness. Just about the time you thought you were in a total wilderness, you would come around a corner and there would be a small village nestled among the hills.
Today’s selection of bars or cafes was pretty slim though and I was glad I had some snacks in my backpack. It is amazing to me how these little villages even continue to exist. There are no visible schools or industries. No stores or factories. Each village has a couple cars and plenty of rundown buildings and a couple of dogs and cats running loose through the streets. I came to a road crossing and there in a big shade tree was a swing. Just out in the middle of nowhere .There was also a pair of boots hanging on the road sign. Someone is going to be pretty upset when they realize they have lost their boots. Or maybe they just wanted to lighten their load! I got ahead of Mike at one point and took a long break.
I was not sure how he was for snacks since neither of us knew the first part of the trail was so long before coming to a village. I left him a note in the trail with half a banana and a tea cake just in case he was running low on energy. He got to the hostel just ahead of me and I found out he had taken the road instead of the trail. So somewhere out there some critter will eat well tonight! The hostel where we are tonight is a privately run one. That means it is cleaner, we are not packed in like sardines and it is very nice. There are two rooms with 4 bunks beds and one other room. Mike and I got the last two twin beds in the upper room. Yeah!!! No knocking my head on the bunk above me when I crawl in and out. There are only six beds in here anyway, so there will not be a stampede of hikers leaving at dawn in the morning. We all have decided to eat here tonight. For 8 Euros we get three courses and we don’t even have to walk but down the stairs.
Miles 16.4
June 22, 2010
Start: Molinaseca
Destination: Villafranca Del Bierzo
I wish I could say today’s hike was great. But it would not be true. Today’s hike was long, hot and for the most part boring. The trail was primarily walking along on hot asphalt through more small villages and fewer cafes. The only real pleasurable thing was going to the post office and shipping 6 pounds of stuff home that I have been carrying and have not used. Of course seeing all the wonderful vegetable gardens along the road only made me want to plant one when I get home.
Then there were the storks’ nests, this time a double condo and I could see the babies’ heads just peeking over the sides of the nest. Several times we passed under cherry trees, their fruit just beginning to ripen. We helped ourselves to a couple from trees along the roadway I hiked with Mike again today .I do not know how he hikes like he does. All he had was toast and jam for breakfast, then an apple for lunch, yet I had to struggle to keep up with him.
We are in another private hostel tonight. I miss hiking with Lou as he always points out the interesting things in each town that he gets from reading his guide book. This one is in an old building. Two floors stacked with bunk beds. The hot water for the showers is heated by solar panels. Trouble is there was no cold water to mix with the hot water. I managed to get a shower but ended up washing my hair in the sink in frigid cold water. We ate dinner here tonight. It was served family style and I sat across from the couple I met two weeks ago from Houston Texas.
I found out he had taken the road instead of the trail. So somewhere out there some critter will eat well tonight! The hostel where we are tonight is a privately run one. That means it is cleaner, we are not packed in like sardines and it is very nice. There are two rooms with 4 bunks beds and one other room. Mike and I got the last two twin beds in the upper room. Yeah!!! No knocking my head on the bunk above me when I crawl in and out. There are only six beds in here anyway, so there will not be a stampede of hikers leaving at dawn in the morning. We all have decided to eat here tonight. For 8 Euros we get three courses and we don’t even have to walk but down the stairs.
Miles 16.4
Road Construction Won’t Slow Holiday Travel
July 4, 2010
A little good news for motorists this Fourth of July weekend — those pesky road construction zones won’t slow you down.
To ease traffic congestion and insure safety along the roadways in northwest Florida, construction contractors working on state roads will cease operations during the Fourth of July weekend, according to Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions from Saturday, July 3 through Monday, July 5, she said. All major roads in northwest Florida will be open to normal traffic.
Hometown Recipe: Lemon Zest All-American Apple Pie
July 4, 2010
We get a lot of requests for recipes at NorthEscambia.com, so over the coming weeks, we are giving a chance to sample a few different recipe columns.
Today, we have the “Just a Pinch” column from Janet Tharpe. Janet features the best in hometown recipes from across the country. Today, its an All-American Apple Pie with Lemon Zest. You can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
If you like the idea of weekly recipes here on NorthEscambia.com please let us know. Email news@northescambia.com or enter a comment at the bottom of the page. Several people have expressed an interest in submitted local recipes for us to publish; if you would like to submit your own recipes, let us know that too
Escambia Extension Urges Smart Grilling For Food Safety
July 4, 2010
The Fourth of July means grilling — and a good cookout means proper food safety.
Safety is an important consideration when operating a grill. Improper use can cause a fire or explosion. Keep the area around a lighted grill clear of combustible materials, and never use a grill in an enclosed area such as a sheltered patio or a garage. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing that may catch fire. The cooking grids should be cleaned after every cookout. The last thing you want to do is cause someone to become ill due to improper cleaning or unsafe food preparation practices.
Wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before starting to prepare any foods, and wash your hands again if you do anything else—change a diaper, pet an animal, or blow your nose, for example. Cover any cuts or sores on your hands with a bandage, or use plastic gloves. If you sneeze or cough while preparing foods, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your face away, or cough into your sleeve. Always wash your hands afterwards.
Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Most food-borne illness-causing bacteria cannot grow well at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Never leave foods out at room temperature.
Keep everything that touches food clean. Bacteria can hitch rides around your kitchen on all sorts of things—plates and cutting boards, dirty utensils, dish rags and sponges, unwashed hands.
Never chop fresh vegetables or salad ingredients on a cutting board that was used for raw meat without properly cleaning it first. If possible, keep a separate cutting board just for the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and fish.
Wash cutting boards thoroughly with hot soapy water, and then sanitize with a solution of household bleach and water.
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices from coming into contact with other foods during preparation, especially foods that will not be cooked. Wash all utensils and your hands with hot soapy water after contact with raw meat.
Marinate meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator in a covered, non-metal container. Throw away any leftover marinade.
Grill food to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to assure correct doneness of the food being grilled.
Safe minimum internal temperatures:
- Poultry (whole, ground, and breasts): 165°F
- Hamburgers, beef: 160°F
- Beef, veal, and lamb (steaks, roasts and chops):
- Medium rare: 145°F
- Medium: 160°F.
- All cuts of pork: 160°F.
Hold meat at 140°F until served. Use a clean platter for transferring cooked meat from grill to serving table.
Summer is the time for getting together with friends and family and cooking outdoors. Make your outdoor grilling experience safe and enjoyable.
For further information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
Dorothy C. Lee, CFCS, is an Extension Agent II, Family & Consumer Sciences with the Escambia County Extension Service. Reference: Safe Food Handling Fact Sheet, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Series.
Birth Announcement: Jackson Keith Rolin
July 4, 2010
Randy Jonathan and Samantha (Martin) Rolin are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Jackson Keith Rolin. Jack was born May 10, 2010, at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Ala. He weighed 6 lbs. 8.75 oz., and was 20 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Keith and Rochel Martin. Paternal grandparents are Kathy Rolin and the late Randy Rolin.
Great grandparents are the late Frank Stewart Jr., Billy and Joyce Etheridge, Ken and Janette Beck, the late Henderson Robinson, Linda Harrelson, the late Pete Harrelson, Wilbert “Bud” and Joyce Rolin, and the late Voncile Rolin.
Jack was welcomed home by his big sister Lily Grace, 2.