Florida Gas Prices Remain Steady
August 2, 2021
Florida gas prices have seen little change during the past week. The state average of $2.97 per gallon is the same as last week, according to AAA.
That’s four cents per gallon less than a month ago, but 43 cents more than one year ago.
The average price in Escambia County was $3.01. In North Escambia, a low of $2.89 could be found at three Cantonment stations. In Pensacola, the warehouse clubs were at $2.81.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
COVID Vaccines Available Tuesday In Century, Wednesday And Friday In Brownsville From Community Health
August 2, 2021
UPDATE: This story originally listed a vaccination clinic for Wednesday, August 4 in Century from a press release from Community Health Northwest Florida. CHNWF now says there will not be a vaccination clinic Wednesday in Century, but the Tuesday event will take place.
Community Health Northwest Florida is reopening their Brownsville vaccination clinic and will offer the vaccine this week in Century.
The clinic inside the Brownsville Community Center will be open to individuals age 18 and older every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Participants will have the choice of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Community Health will also hold vaccination clinics in Century Tuesday and Wednesday:
Tuesday, August 3
- CHNWF Century Pediatrics – 501 Church Street, Century
- Time: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Vaccine: Pfizer (age 12+) or Johnson & Johnson (age 18+).
Persons wishing to participate in any CHNWF vaccination clinic may call the Community Health Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment or simply walk in at their convenience during regular operating hours.
All participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine and should not enter clinic facility.
Pictured: Community Health Northwest Florida Century Pediatrics. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
It’s Still Hurricane Season, And We Are Climbing Toward The Statistical Peak
August 2, 2021
Now that we are in August, we’ve started the climb toward the statistical peak of hurricane season.
So far, 2021 is already on its way to being an active year. We’ve seen five named storms, including one hurricane (Elsa). Normally by August 1, we would have seen just two named storms with none of them becoming a hurricane.
As we get further along into August and September, storm tracks into the Gulf of Mexico become more climatologically favored.
The National Weather Service says don’t wait to prepare for the rest of hurricane season. Review your plans now, check your disaster supplies and know what you will do if a storm threatens our area.
Above: Typical August hurricane tracks.
Above: Typical September hurricane tracks.
Blue Wahoos Breakout With Big Win On Jay High Day At The Ballpark
August 2, 2021
The Blue Wahoos touted tandem, outfielders J.J. Bleday and Griffin Conine, made sure Sunday was a fun day — Jay High Day at the ballpark.
And maybe a well-needed one, too.
After what had been a rough homestand, both with weather and team results, Bleday and Conine put a charge into the mood by producing two big hits apiece and six runs batted in, as the Blue Wahoos busted out with an 11-3 victory against the Mississippi Braves in the final game of their series.
While the M-Braves took four of the six games, what occurred Sunday among an energized crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium left a good mood to finish the weekend.
“We want to just keep building off (Sunday),” said Bleday, who went 2-for-5, scored three runs and scorched the ball in four plate appearances. “We have been struggling.. We have been letting some games affect us, but today we did a really good job.. We came out hot.”
That started with Bleday’s lead-off single in the first inning, followed an out later by Conine’s two-run blast off a 99-mph fastball. The moon shot exited his bat and carried 441 feet over right center wall, bounced on the concourse, then bounded out of the stadium.
It continued Conine’s lead as the top home run hitter (26) in Minor League Baseball.
“This series (M-Braves) did a really good job of fastballs up every at bat,” said Conine, who was elevated a week ago from the Beloit Snappers, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate where he hit 23 homers.
“(M-Braves pitchers) all throw 96 to 98 (mph) and that is tough to get on top off. So (Sunday) I really put emphasis in pregame work with fastball machine.
“Getting one (homer) in the first (inning) was awesome. It was a lot of fun out there today.”
The enjoyment carried through the stadium. It was Jay Day at the ballpark, complete with Jay High School’s band, their cheerleaders and their principal all part of pregame activities.
They started the festivities, then the Blue Wahoos followed with their performance.
Riley Mahan followed Conine’s homer with a solo shot in the first. The Blue Wahoos then knocked out M-Braves starter Victor Vodnik with a four-run second inning, highlighted by Bleday’s 2-run triple.
Vodnik was strong in Mississippi’s win Tuesday in the first game of the series, but faced only 12 batters Sunday when pulled with one out in the second on Jay High Day at the ballpark.
Seven of the nine batters in the Blue Wahoos lineup factored into the scoring. The big boost came from the bottom of the order with J.D. Orr, Connor Justus and Galli Cribbs Jr. combining for five hits, six runs scored and they reached base a combined 10 times in the game.
After the Blue Wahoos game Friday night was rained out, the team ended a seven-game losing streak by winning Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader and followed Sunday with one of the top performances this season.
“I think (postponement) allowed guys to get some rest and hit the reset button,” Bleday said. “These last two games we won were a good area where we want to be at.”
Will Stewart, as he’s so often done this season, delivered a quality start on the mound. He worked five innings, allowed just hits, one walk and struck out six to earn his fourth win.
Four relievers followed. The Blue Wahoos turned three double-plays and new catcher Santiago Chavez threw out the M-Braves’ Justin Dean trying to steal third in the first inning.
In all, the Blue Wahoos got 11 runs on 11 hits. They will now head to Biloxi for a week-long series against the Shuckers at MGM Park in Biloxi, Miss.
His first week in Pensacola left Conine with a good impression of the crowd setting at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“The ballpark is awesome,” said Conine, 24, the son of Jeff Conine, a 17-year Major League player, two-time All Star, who led the Marlins to both of their World Series titles.
“It is really fun,” he said. “The fans are really into it. I know Beloit is getting a new ballpark (opens Tuesday), but playing in the old one, I’m definitely not used to the fan electricity and the buzz at the ballpark like here.”
It was Jay Day in a big way at the ballpark. The Jay HS band entertained fans outside the stadium before the game with various songs. The band then performed the National Anthem.
The Jay High varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads also performed before the game.
New principal Benjie West, a Jay graduate who took over June 4, threw out the first pitch. In addition, the Jay 10-under girls softball team was honored before the game for winning a state tournament championship.
by Bill Vilona, Senior Writer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Chance Of Rain Tonight
August 2, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Frankie Dale Scott
August 2, 2021
Frankie Dale Scott passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021 at his home in Century, Florida. He was the son of the late James G. Scott and Bernice Scott Daughtery. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Suzette Scott. His children Matthew Livingston of Century, Brandy Godwin (Josh) of Brewton and Jennifer Strength (Nick) of Navarre. The mother of his heart Florence Mosley Cofield. Step-Father Ed Daughtery (Irene). His brother Buddy Scott and Sister Ellen Scott Hawsey, along with his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
One of his greatest joy’s in life was his grandchildren; Chayton Livingston, Bailey and Callie Godwin, and Avery Strength. Dale was extremely proud of them. His next joy was fishing as much as possible with his son.
Dale worked at Campbell’s Sand and Gravel for 41 years. They became his second family. We would like to thank them and all our family and friends for their support and kindness during his illness.
His ashes will be spread along the Escambia River, one of the places he loved most. Family will provide information as to the date and time later on Facebook.
Reported Century Battery Victim Dies; His Brother Recently Died After Being Found Injured Outside Bar
August 1, 2021
An adult male found injured after an aggravated battery call in Century two weeks ago has died. And he’s the brother of the man that recently died after being found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an aggravated battery report on Hilltop Road at Alger Road at 11:18 a.m. on July 18.
“A male was found with head injuries and unresponsive,” said ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard. “We are still investigating.”
The man passed away on July 28, 10 days after he was injured.
Family members tell NorthEscambia.com the victim was Chris Hunter — the brother of Greg Hunter, the man that died days after he was found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard about 10 p.m. on June 19 to find 60-year old Greg Hunter down in the parking lot. At the time, investigators said it was a homicide, and that he had been seriously beaten and left unconscious. But the Medical Examiner’s Office now says Hunter died of natural causes (click for an earlier story).
Southard said as of right now, investigators do not think the two incidents were related.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Health Department Announce Location, Scheduled Change For COVID-19 Testing
August 1, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is announcing a change in location and hours of operation for specimen collection for COVID-19 testing for all persons with or without symptoms beginning the week of Monday, August 2.
Testing will be available at the FDOH-Escambia Downtown Center at 1300 West Gregory Street every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Testing is available to anyone with or without symptoms. Identification is required, and a cloth face covering is required to enter the building for testing.
For an appointment, call (850) 595-6554. For questions, call (850) 595-6500, option 6.
Three Reported Injured In Kingsfield Wreck
August 1, 2021
Multiple people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck late Saturday night on East Kingsfield Road.
The wreck occurred about 11:50 p.m. at East Kingsfield Road and Stallion Road, about a mile west of Highway 29. A total of three people were initially reported as injured; none of their injuries were considered life threatening.
The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released any additional information.
File photo.
Power Outage, Railroad Crossing Closure And Heat Make For Miserable Saturday Along Nine Mile Road
August 1, 2021
A power outage, a railroad crossing closure and really, really hot weather made for a downright miserable afternoon Saturday for residents, businesses and motorists along Nine Mile Road.
About 12:40 p.m., a power line was reported down across Nine Mile Road near the railroad tracks east of Highway 29, between Palafox Street and Old Chemstrand Road. Unconfirmed reader reports indicated the power line was snagged by a boat being hauled on a trailer.
The railroad crossing arms were stuck in the down position during the outage. That, along with power line repairs, closed Nine Mile Road until about 4:30 p.m.
Gulf Power reported at least 1,270 customers in the area lost power.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
