Average State Gas Price Declines, Local Price Rises
June 19, 2023
Florida gas prices are declining once again, according to AAA. After reaching a four-week high of $3.47 per gallon on Tuesday, the state average steadily declined a total of six cents by Sunday.
“Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $3.41 per gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Summertime fuel demand is off to a strong start, which will likely contribute to continued volatility in prices at the pump through the next several months.”
In Escambia County, the average Sunday night was $3.24, up from $3.20 last week. In North Escambia, a low of $3.15 was available at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while the warehouse clubs in Pensacola were at $2.99.
Donnie Fay Jackson
June 19, 2023
Mr. Donnie Fay Jackson, Sr; age 76, passed away, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Perdido, AL; surrounded by family at his bedside. He has resided most of his life in Atmore, AL. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and very proud of the work he did for the tribe.
Mr. Jackson enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a very simple man and a very stubborn one to, that loved his freedom and watching it rain. He enjoyed the outdoors, like traveling, riding his mowers, working in his shop, welding and building things. He enjoyed drinking a good cup of coffee, loved his maps, and his dogs.
Mr. Jackson is preceded in death by his father, Fay Jackson, mother, Ethel Mitchell Jackson, one sister, Ann Jackson, and second wife, Lisa Larrabee.
He is survived by his ex-wife and caregiver, Victoria Broadus, of Perdido, AL; one son, Donnie Jackson Roush, Jr; of Chattanooga, TN; two daughters, Ethel Lou Jackson (Scot) Hill, of Omaha, NE; Donna Faye Jackson (Robert) Koehrsen, of Perdido, AL; one brother, Pablo Melendez, of Colorado Springs, CO; two sisters, Judy Strickland, of Atmore, AL; Cynthia Jackson (Wes) Alvarez, of Pensacola, FL; eleven grandchildren, James Jackson, Felicia Jones Ellison, Nikolas Hill, Robert Todd Koehrsen, Jr; Angel Koehrsen, Rachelle Koehrsen, Cole Koehrsen, Calob Koehrsen, Kelsey Koehrsen, Austin Roush, Fiona Hill, seven great-grandchildren, Brayden Cox, Braxton Cox, Jaxon Ellison, Ava Ellison, Stone Jackson, Indigo Jackson, Ashton Koehrsen, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held, Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Wendell Hadley officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Blue Wahoos Fall In Finale With Biscuits
June 19, 2023
The Blue Wahoos stumbled to the end of their two-week homestand.
But they remained standing on the doorstep Sunday of clinching another half-season division win and securing a chance to defend their Southern League championship.
Trailing 7-1 in the eighth inning with only two hits in the game, the Blue Wahoos got a flyover from the Blue Angels, learned of Montgomery’s win, staged a five-run rally, then had the winning run at the plate in the ninth before the Mississippi Braves held on for a 7-6 victory.
A capacity crowd (5,038) – the third straight of the weekend at Blue Wahoos Stadium – went from silent to screaming in the final two innings. M-Braves’ top closer Victor Vodnik struck out the final two batters, Norel González and Griffin Conine, to strand tying runner Nasim Nuñez at first base and seal the win.
After winning the first two games of this series, the Blue Wahoos have lost four straight for the first time this season.
All was not lost, however.
The Blue Wahoos continued receiving help from the Montgomery Biscuits, who held off the Biloxi Shuckers 6-5 to win their series Sunday and set up a simple scenario.
There are six games left in the first half of the Southern League schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one road win against the Tennessee Smokies when that series begins Tuesday to clinch the first half. The other three teams in the division – Biloxi, Montgomery, Mississippi – would each have to go 6-0 in series against North Division teams to avoid elimination.
The Biscuits, now in second place, trail by five games. But the Blue Wahoos hold the tie breaker in this case. The Blue Wahoos lead Biloxi by six games – the Shuckers hold the tiebreaker – so it would take six losses and six Biloxi wins against the Chattanooga Lookouts to change the South Division standings.
Same with the M-Braves, who face Rocket City and trail by 5.5 games.
The North Division standings are much closer. The Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds affiliate, lead the Smokies by a half-game after Sunday’s results.
The M-Braves continued their winning formula Sunday against the Blue Wahoos. They jumped to a big lead on big blasts and put the Blue Wahoos in a deep mid-inning hole.
Four different M-Braves hitters smashed home runs against three different pitchers. That equated into 18 homers struck in the six games this week against Blue Wahoos pitchers.
Meanwhile, M-Braves starter Tanner Gordon, who was hit hard Tuesday, carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before J.D. Orr’s single.
In the seventh, Cody Morissette drove in the first run after González walked and advanced on a wild pitch.
Trailing 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Blue Wahoos produced five runs on one hit. Three M-Braves pitchers combined to give up six walks and a hit batter, leading into the rally. The Blue Wahoos finished with just three hits in the game.
But it took Vodnik fanning González, then getting Conine on a 100-mph fastball, to end the game and thwart the Blue Wahoos’ improbable comeback.
Blue Wahoos starter Jake Walters, making only his second start this season, struggled in four innings, allowing a pair of home runs to absorb the loss.
The Blue Wahoos will now begin another two-week road trip to conclude June, beginning on Tuesday against the Tennessee Smokies, who are battling for first-place against the Lookouts for the Southern League North Division first half title.
The Blue Wahoos will use Monday as a travel day for their longest road trip, an eight-hour bus ride to Kodak, Tennessee, located near Knoxville. They will finish the first half schedule with a six-game series against the Tennessee Smokies beginning Tuesday. The Smokies are the Chicago Cubs’ Double-A affiliate.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Carolyn Everette Nall
June 19, 2023
Carolyn Everette Nall, age 81, of Excel, AL passed away on June 18, 2023. She was born on May 31, 1942 to Joe Oliver Kizer and Audrey Kate Owens Kizer. She owned and operated Carolyn Everette Nall Daycare for over 50 years before retiring. She was a former member of Brooks Memorial and was a member of Excel Baptist Church. She loved to travel, go to the beach, and especially the river.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Stephen Everette and Richard Everette, her sister, Louise Arguilez, and her brother, Andy Kizer.
She is survived by her husband, Alfred Nall; her son, Scott Everette of Atmore, AL; her daughter, Denean (Mark) Sechrest of Mobile, AL; her brother, Foster Kizer of Atmore, AL; her sister, Frances (Delane) Hartzog of Prattville, AL; her grandchildren, Kerri (Justin) Boykin of Mobile, AL, Jessie (Jozie) Everette US Army stationed in Italy, Niki Everette of Atmore, AL, Stephanie (Wesley) Strickling of Jay, FL, Carson Barnett of Mobile, AL, Daryl (Grace) Leto of Aiken, SC and Cody Everette of Aiken, SC and her great grandchildren, Kyleigh Everette, Jayla Wilson, Hawk Everette, Ansleigh Gardner, Claire Kirby, Chloe Kirby, Westin Strickling, Rowan Leto and Rosie Leto.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, AL with Bro. Brian Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Canoe Freewill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Sechrest, Justin Boykin, Richard Arguilez, Rob Ellis, Madison Nall and Brandon Crutchfield.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Did Your Power Go Out? Let’s Talk About Your Fridge And Food Safety
June 18, 2023
Many North Escambia area residents lost power for many hours this past week, some for more than 24 hours, as the result of storms.
And that brings food safety to mind.
The bottom line? When in doubt, throw it out.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension Service says the clock starts ticking when the power goes out.
According to UF/IFAS:
Once the inside of your fridge goes above 40 degrees, the “danger zone,” you typically you have about four hours before food starts to spoil. Freezers take longer to reach the “danger zone”. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for 4 hours. A full freezer that is unopened will keep food frozen for 48 hours, about 24 hours for a freezer that is half full.
Perishable foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40° F for over 2 hours should be thrown out. Never taste food to determine its safety. If unsure of the length of time that your perishable food has been exposed to temperatures above 40° F use a food thermometer. If the internal temperature reads 40° F or above, discard the food item.
If the temperature of the refrigerator rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, you will need to discard the perishable foods listed below:
- meat, poultry, seafood
- cold cuts, hot dogs
- casseroles
- custards, pudding
- cream, sour cream
- soft cheeses, shredded cheeses, low-fat cheeses
- yogurt, milk
- eggs
- creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce
- cookie dough, refrigerator biscuits or rolls
- cooked pasta, rice, pasta salads
- pizza
- cut fresh fruits
- greens, cooked vegetables, opened vegetable juice
- baked or mashed potatoes, potato salad
Any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture also should be discarded. Never taste foods to determine their safety!
Foods that are safe, even if held at 40°F (4°C) or above for more than two hours, are:
- hard and processed cheeses that are properly wrapped
- grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses
- margarine that is properly wrapped
- canned or uncut fresh fruit and fruit juices (but discard if they look, feel, smell, or taste unusual)
- fresh vegetables, canned vegetables
- herbs, spices
- breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, bagels, pancakes, waffles
- peanut butter, jelly, relish, mustard, ketchup, olives
- taco, barbecue, and soy sauces
Opened jars of mayonnaise, tartar sauce, or horseradish (unless held at 50°F for more than eight hours)–then throw them away
Frozen foods that have partially or completely thawed can be refrozen if they contain ice crystals. If they have completely thawed but are still at a temperature of 40°F or below, they also can be refrozen. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Although partial thawing and refreezing of these foods will be safe, the quality of some foods, especially vegetables and fruits, may be reduced. Hard cheeses, breads, and fruits and vegetables and their juices–if they look and smell normal–can be refrozen even if they have been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
One way to ensure the safety of thawed meat products that have been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or less is to cook them immediately. Either serve the food immediately or refreeze the cooked item. Be sure to cook to the proper temperatures, checking internal temperatures with a thermometer. Refrigerate and use within two days or freeze the leftovers immediately.
Happy Father’s Day! Forecast Calls For Risk Of More Storms
June 18, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 89. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 84. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 84. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 88. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Flomaton Police Serve Search Warrant, Arrest Local Man For Burglary
June 18, 2023
A Flomaton man was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a local business.
The Flomaton Police Department executed a search warrant at Old Sardine Road. Police said they found 43-year old Adam Jameson Buckley in possession of “several thousands of dollars worth of items” that were taken during the burglary of S & S Construction on Pecan Leaf Lane in Flomaton with the last few weeks.
Buckley was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on charges of theft of property first degree and burglary second degree. Both charges are felonies.
He remained in jail without bond.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Tuesday In Cantonment
June 18, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, June 20 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Boating, Fishing And Iguana Violations
June 18, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Specialist Allgood was conducting safety and resource inspections at Wilson Robertson boat ramp. He observed a vessel returning to the dock around sunset. The officer noticed the vessel had a Florida decal but displayed out of state registration numbers. Officer Allgood conducted an inspection on the vessel and recognized the owner/operator of the vessel from two previous boating under the influence investigations last summer. The officer checked to see if the operator paid his $500 civil penalty for refusing to provide a breath sample. It was determined the operator had not paid the penalty; therefore could not legally operate a vessel on state waters. Officer Allgood issued the subject a notice to appear for operating a vessel on state waters without paying a previous refusal citation.
Senior Officer Hahr completed an investigation into a trespass complaint on property owned by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. A caretaker observed a man enter the property and drive through with a loaded rifle. The witness called Officer Allgood who was familiar with the subject. He contacted Officers Hahr and Senst who interviewed the suspect and witness. A .30-30 rifle was seized and a warrant was obtained charging the subject with armed trespass.
Officer Allgood was on patrol at a boat ramp and observed a vessel displaying dive gear. He conducted a resource inspection and discovered an undersized gray triggerfish. One of the individuals on the boat took responsibility for the undersized fish. Officer Allgood issued a resource citation for possessing an undersized gray triggerfish.
While on patrol at a boat ramp, Officer Allgood observed a vessel with fishing rods and conducted a resource inspection. During the inspection, he located an undersized scamp. Officer Allgood issued the appropriate citation for the illegal fish.
Officer Allgood was conducting resource inspections at the Pensacola Pass when he observed a vessel returning from fishing. He conducted a resource inspection on the vessel and determined several fish were undersized. He issued citations for undersized gray triggerfish and undersized Spanish mackerel.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Roberson was dispatched to a call regarding Santa Rosa County deputies traffic stop on the interstate. They needed help regarding iguanas in the back of an individual’s truck and wanted to know if a permit was needed for possession of the iguanas. Officer Roberson responded and spoke with Investigator Williams while on the way. Investigator Williams stated they needed a permit for green iguanas. Officer Roberson arrived on scene and determined the subjects were in possession of green iguanas. Officer Roberson interviewed the individual who was in possession, and it was determined there were no permits for the iguanas and there was a violation regarding their safe storage and transportation. Officer Roberson booked the individual into jail for no proper permits and violation of transporting/storing the iguanas properly.
Officer Bower received a complaint about an illegal species of fish being advertised for sale on social media. An inspection revealed invasive lionfish were being transported from California into Florida and sold to the public. It is illegal to possess and sell an invasive species imported from another state. Live coral was also found on the premises without proper documentation. The store owner was issued a notice to appear citation for importation and sale of lionfish.
Officer Bower was conducting resource inspections in the Santa Rosa Sound and observed two subjects fishing from the shore. Both subjects had valid fishing licenses. Officer Bower observed a line in the water tied to a rock, and asked the subjects if they had any luck catching any fish. The subjects explained they were catching spotted sea trout and showed the officer the fish. The trout were under the legal-size limit. One of the subjects admitted to harvesting the undersized spotted sea trout and was issued a notice to appear citation.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
NWE 8U Wins Cal Ripken District Tournament
June 18, 2023
Northwest Escambia defeated host team Poarch 13-4 Saturday to win the District 7 Cal Ripken Baseball Tournament at Arrowhead Park. Both teams will advance to the state tournament on June 30. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.