Florida Gas Prices Drop A Dime On Average Over The Fourth Weekend
July 6, 2022
Florida gas prices declined a dime over the Independence Day holiday weekend, according to AAA.
The average price for gasoline in Florida was $4.54 per gallon on Tuesday. The state average has declined a total of 35 cents through the past three weeks.
In Escambia County, the average gallon of gas was $4.44. A low of $4.26 could be found in North Escambia Tuesday night at a station of Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, at least three stations were at $4.10.
“Gas prices are being dragged lower by falling crude oil prices, which suffered steep losses Tuesday, on worries of a global economic slowdown,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If these futures price drops hold, drivers could see Florida gas prices drift back below $4.10 per gallon. However, this is still an extremely volatile fuel market, and we’ve seen oil prices rebound so many times in the past several months.”
On Tuesday, the price for U.S. crude oil plummeted, falling below $100 a barrel for the fist time in eight weeks. Tuesday’s closing price of $99.50 per barrel is nearly $9 (16%) less than the week before, and the lowest daily settlement since April 25, 2022.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
As Fireworks Boomed, Volunteers Read Books To Animal Shelter Cats And Dogs
July 6, 2022
While the fireworks were booming across Escambia County for Independence Day, the canines and felines at the Escambia County Animal Shelter were enjoying the company of volunteers and a good book.
The 2022 Tales for Tails event saw volunteers spend Monday night reading or just chatting with the dogs and puppies and cats and kittens who were comforted by a good story. Or just hearing someone that took the night to talk to them, show them that they care.
They were not alone as the sky booms echoed. They were not afraid. They were brave, thanks to their friends.
The words didn’t necessarily matter, but a “good boy” or “good girl”…wow, that means the world to a shelter resident.
Tails wagged in the doggie kennel, and there were more than a few purrs in the shelter’s Catnip Café. It was good for the animals, whether they were of the cat, dog or human species. You could tell by the smiles; it was a great way for animal lovers to celebrate the night of the Fourth. If you looked, you could see the smiles on doggie and kitty faces too.
And then there was Mallory McIver. She captured the night with her drawings of sweet resident pups.
Drawings that may become the cover of the next storybook as the shelter animals become part of someone’s family. It’s next chapter in this tale for tails that all hope to hear.
Photos courtesy Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
William Amos “Bill” Spear
July 6, 2022
William Amos “Bill” Spear, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Bill was born on May 7, 1926 in Bainbridge, Georgia to Amos Allen Spear and Christine Lunday Spear.
He lived in Pensacola for most of his life. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He was onboard ships in the Pacific as a gunner’s mate throughout the war. He was part of The Greatest Generation. Bill retired after 20 years in the Navy. He was stationed onboard aircraft carriers for most of his service as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He also spent 3 years working for the Department of Defense in Vietnam during that conflict. He was most proud of obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was honored in 2015 by the upcoming CPO class at NAS Pensacola at a special ceremony where they presented him with a Navy Working Uniform. Bill was a hard working man who loved to build things. He built homes and businesses all over Pensacola and the Southeast.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was still gardening in his 90’s at his assisted living facility.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Christine Spear, his sister Eunice Brisch (John), brother Perry Allen Spear, and son David Allen Spear. He is survived by two sons: Billy Spear (Gail) and Scott Spear (Kahly); two daughters, Susan Rawls (Don) and Christie Harris, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, John Gavin.
Visitation will be on Monday July 11 at 10:30 am at Faith Chapel (South) with the service following at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Toys for Tots.
Woman Held Vehicle Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint After He Stole $2 Lighter, ECSO Says
July 5, 2022
A Molino man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a $2 lighter from a vehicle at a Cantonment home.
Devin Brandon Swicegood, 25, was charged with felony vehicle burglary and misdemeanor petit theft .
Swicegood allegedly took a cigarette lighter from an unlocked vehicle parked at home in a rural area of Highway 29 in Cantonment. As he rummaged through the vehicle, a woman at the residence was alerted by her dogs and held Swicegood at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to an arrest report.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy noted in his report that Swicegood “appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance based upon his movements and manner of speech”.
The $2 lighter was recovered by deputies and returned to the victim.
Swicegood remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Tate Lady Aggies Hosting Annual Softball Camp On July 12
July 5, 2022
The Tate High School Lady Aggies will host their annual Summer Softball Skills Clinic on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $50. For more information or to register, click or tap here.
Pictured: The 2021 Tate High School Summer Softball Skills Clinic. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Same Weather Routine: More Showers And Storms For Tuesday
July 5, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Marbled Mugs, MESS Hall, Chess Club And Lego Night: This Week At North Escambia Libraries
July 5, 2022
Here are events scheduled this week at the North Escambia library locations in Molino and Century:
Nail polish isn’t just for painting nails. Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library, patrons can make their own unique marbled coffee mug. All materials will be provided. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Family story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Molino Branch Library and simultaneously at the Century Branch Library with stories, songs and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers but open to everyone. At the Century Library, local state park rangers will present a special story time.
The MESS Hall will be at the Molino Library on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Patrons can join representatives from Pensacola’s MESS Hall to explore the math, engineering, and science of the oceans. They can also embrace curiosity at interactive exploration stations. All ages are welcome.
Thursday will be Lego night at the Century Branch Library at 5 p.m. There will be a variety of Lego bricks and challenges. Duplo bricks will be available for little builders.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network will present a program about underwater archaeology in your community and an interactive activity on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Century Branch Library. All ages are welcome.
Chess Club at the Century Library will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Learn how to play chess, improve your skills, or challenge yourself with a friendly against a new opponent. The library will provide all chess boards and pieces.
Rev. David Merle Taylor
July 5, 2022
Rev. David Merle Taylor, 92 of Atmore, AL. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on July 1, 2022in Atmore. He was born in Brewton, AL. to the late James Lewis Taylor and Annie Lou Bell Taylor. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired machine maintenance worker at Vanity Fair. He was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and served many years as an ordained minister with the Southern Baptist Association. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Marilyn Peebles and Helen Campbell.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Doris Ruth Peacock Taylor of Atmore, AL. One daughter Karen (Tony) Thomas of Stanley Crossroads, AL; grandson David (Rheanna) Thomas and one great grandson William Thomas.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Tim Tew and Bro. Jerry Peebles officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Rick Warren, Gary Hare, Hugh Long, Allen Sharpless, Jeremy Jones and Tyler Roley.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 1 PM until service time at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Brooks Memorial Baptist Church or Gideons International.
Blue Wahoos, M-Braves Rained Out On Independence Day
July 5, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Mississippi Braves saw their series opener postponed due to rain at Trustmark Park on Monday night.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, with game one of the twin bill scheduled to begin at 5:35.
The Blue Wahoos and Braves return to play on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
ICYMI: Century Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks, Food Trucks (Photo Gallery)
July 5, 2022
In case you missed it over the holiday weekend, here’s a look back as fireworks lit up the night Friday with an early Fourth of July celebration in Century.
Hundreds of people gathered in Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods Friday night. Several food trucks offered everything from po’boys to loaded fries and ice cream, while vendors offered their wares before fireworks lit up the night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.