State Gas Prices Surge Due To Historic South Florida Flooding
April 24, 2023
Florida gas prices shot up across most of the state last week, as historic flooding in South Florida caused widespread gasoline outages, necessitating the reallocation of fuel supplies from other regions. Those outages have largely been resolved.
To further demonstrate the isolated nature of this price increase, the national average price for gasoline is unchanged from last week. Meanwhile, Florida’s state average jumped 15 cents per gallon. On Friday, the state average hit $3.72 per gallon, which was a new 2023 high and the most expensive daily average price since August 2022.
The average price per gallon in Pensacola was among the lowest in the state at $3.39 per gallon. In North Escambia, a low of $3.35 could be in Cantonment on Highway 29. In Pensacola, a low of $3.18 could be found at the warehouse clubs and on Nine Mile Road.
The problem began more than a week ago when flooding prevented fuel trucks from accessing the gasoline terminals at Port Everglades. This was a major problem, since that port is a hub for the majority of gasoline for filling stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. To offset the shortage, gasoline was brought in from other states and driven down from hubs in Tampa, Orlando, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonville. Gas prices rose double digits in these metro areas, likely due to having less supply than anticipated.
“There is reason to be optimistic that gas prices won’t hang around these highs for long,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices dropped to a 3-week low and gas prices began drifting lower through the weekend. There’s hope that the upward pressure on pump prices will begin to ease as supplies stabilize around the state.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Five People Reportedly Injured In Highway 29 Crash
April 23, 2023
Five people were reportedly injured in a two vehicle crash Saturday night near McDavid.
The crash happened about 10:40 p.m. on Highway 29 near South Pine Barren Road.
An adult female was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital, and the remaining victims were transported by Escambia County EMS.
At one point, both northbound and southbound Highway 29 were closed to traffic due to the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional information.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Sunshine Monday, Rain Chance By Midweek
April 23, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. East wind around 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Emergency Telecommunicators Honored By Escambia County Commission
April 23, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners recently honored county emergency telecommunicators with a proclamation to acknowledge their dedication and hard work.
“The men and women of Emergency Communications are truly the first voice on-scene,” said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “To be an emergency dispatcher takes patience, a calm demeanor, clear communication skills and a dedication to help your fellow resident. I am thankful for our team for their dedication and professionalism to Escambia County.”
Pictured top: Escambia County Communications Training Chief Mark Carter and Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wrong Way Driver Dies After I-110 Crash, Woman Seriously Injured
April 23, 2023
UPDATE: FHP Says New Evidence Indicates Different Wrong-Way Driver Caused Fatal I-110 Crash
A wrong way driver died after a crash on I-110 early Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 38-year old Escambia County man was driving his car northbound in the southbound lanes of the elevated portion of I-110 near Garden Street at 4:03 a.m.. His vehicle collided with another car driven south by a 24-year old Pace woman.
The 24-year old woman was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. The 38-year old man was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
FHP traffic homicide investigators are continuing their investigation and have not released names or other information.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
April 23, 2023
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 on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, April 23 through Saturday, April 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform paving operations. On Tuesday, April 25, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- · Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 23 through Thursday, April 27 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter shoulder closures and daytime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 to Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be performing drainage and shoulder construction.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures and pedestrian detours on Navy Boulevard northbound from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews construct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on Navy Boulevard.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century - Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through May. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures between Innerarity Point Road and Bauer Road from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 23 through Thursday, April 27. Crews will be performing paving operations.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance near Pine Forest Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, April 24 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guardrail repairs.
- S.R. 95 (North Palafox Street) Routine Maintenance near West Loretta Street – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Wednesday, April 26 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 291 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Airport Boulevard Intersection – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, April 25 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for underground utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, April 23 through Saturday, April 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform paving operations. On Tuesday, April 25, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street – Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 (Navarre Beach Causeway) and Calle De Palencia, will encounter alternating lane closures Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. In addition, the inside left turn lane onto U.S. 98 eastbound from the Navarre Beach Causeway will be intermittently closed during this time.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The newly widened westbound bridge over Simpson River is expected to be completed the week of Monday, April 24. Once finished, the structure will support two westbound and two eastbound travel lanes, as well as dedicated bike lanes. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- 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 Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, April 23, through Friday, April 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28 for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Corridor Improvement near Navarre Beach Causeway – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 for construction activities.
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Routine Utility Maintenance at Kennington Circle – Motorists will encounter lane closures Tuesday, April 25 through Friday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
One More Day Of Public Access At NAS Pensacola
April 23, 2023
Naval Air Station Pensacola is open to the public again on Sunday, April 23.
Entry from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on Blue Angel Parkway. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must have a Real ID or passport.
While on the installation, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Access to Barrancas National Cemetery is always available through the Visitor Control Center to individuals with family interred at the cemetery.
Foreign nationals will not be allowed access. Guests with boat trailers will not be allowed to enter. Access will be dependent on available parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse. Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available. Temporary traffic control points will be located on base to prevent public access to other areas of the installation.
The following restrictions will apply to visitors during public access:
- No weapons (firearms/knives) allowed (to include concealed weapon permit holders)
- No backpacks/coolers allowed (diaper bags or medically required bags are acceptable and subject to search)
- No alcoholic beverages allowed
- No drones allowed (countermeasures will be taken)
- Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access
- All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches and background checks
- No visitors with boats or boat trailers.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Navy require any identification card used for base access to be compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005. Real ID compliant identification cards are marked by a star on the upper right of the card.
The base was last open to the public March 25-26 and again on Saturday.
Late Wahoos Rally Falls Short In 3-2 Loss To Birmingham
April 23, 2023
he Blue Wahoos had set a ninth-inning stage Saturday to create their first walk-off win.
But they were unable to complete it.
Birmingham reliever Caleb Freeman threw a trio of wicked curve balls to strike out José Devers with the bases-loaded, preserving the Barons 3-2 victory before an overflow, sellout crowd on a fireworks night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Nearly all of the fans remained in the ninth when the Blue Wahoos got a one-out single by Dane Myers, then had Norel González reach on a walk. After J.D. Orr struck out, catcher José Estrada in his Blue Wahoos debut walked to load the bases and keep the crowd energized.
Devers, however, was unable to make contact with any of Freeman’s breaking pitches.
This night became the Blue Wahoos’ third consecutive capacity crowd on a perfectly clear night at the bayfront ballpark.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher M.D. Johnson had one blemish Saturday on his otherwise solid start. He did not allow a hit in the first four innings.
But the Barons (5-9) punched through against Johnson in the top of the fifth, after it looked like he might pitch out of a jam.
He gave up a lead-off single, then a walk, then a bunt single to load the bases. Duke Ellis hit a flyout to left, but not deep enough to score a run. Taylor Snyder hit a ground out that Blue Wahoos third baseman Myers turned into a force out at the plate.
Moises Castillo followed and delivered a bases-clearing double into the outfield gap for the 3-2 lead, which held up for the finish. From this point, both teams’ bullpens took over and did not allow another run.
The game began well for the Blue Wahoos (6-8).
Johnson issued four walks in the first four innings, but picked off one runner in the third inning, then Estrada threw out another runner on a steal attempt in the fourth inning.
Estrada produced the Blue Wahoos’ first run when hitting a one-out double in the third inning. He then scored on a two-out single by second baseman Nasim Nuñez.
In the fourth inning, Troy Johnston led off with a triple. Victor Mesa Jr. followed with an RBI single. Dane Myers then singled. But with none out, the Blue Wahoos missed the opportunity for a big inning and it proved costly.
Barons starter Christian Mena battled back to retire the next three batters without allowing a ball out of the infield. He struck out Norel Gonzalez and retired Orr and Estrada on ground outs.
Blue Wahoos relievers Brady Puckett and Austin Roberts each had two shutout innings to keep the game in reach. Barons relievers Gil Luna and Freeman combined to pitch three shutout innings.
The Blue Wahoos will close out the homestand with the Barons on Sunday with Zach King (0-1, 4.26) making his second start this week against the Barons’ Chase Solesky (0-0, 2.57) in the final meeting of these teams in Pensacola this season.
written by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
NAS Pensacola Open To The Public This Weekend
April 22, 2023
Naval Air Station Pensacola is open to the public again this weekend.
NAS Pensacola will open to the public Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on Blue Angel Parkway. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must have a Real ID or passport.
While on the installation, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Access to Barrancas National Cemetery is always available through the Visitor Control Center to individuals with family interred at the cemetery.
Foreign nationals will not be allowed access. Guests with boat trailers will not be allowed to enter. Access will be dependent on available parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse. Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available. Temporary traffic control points will be located on base to prevent public access to other areas of the installation.
The following restrictions will apply to visitors during public access:
- No weapons (firearms/knives) allowed (to include concealed weapon permit holders)
- No backpacks/coolers allowed (diaper bags or medically required bags are acceptable and subject to search)
- No alcoholic beverages allowed
- No drones allowed (countermeasures will be taken)
- Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access
- All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches and background checks
- No visitors with boats or boat trailers.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Navy require any identification card used for base access to be compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005. Real ID compliant identification cards are marked by a star on the upper right of the card.
The base was last open to the public March 25-26.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For Sexual Abuse Of Three Children
April 22, 2023
An Escambia County man found guilty of molesting three children in his care has been sentenced to life in prison.
James Randall Moehle, 65, was convicted on six counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim between 12 and 16 years old.
“During the trial, it was revealed that James Moehle had been sexually abusing three minor children over several years,” the State Attorney’s Office said.