Looking For Your Escambia County Sample Ballot? Here’s How To Find It.

August 12, 2024

Are you looking for your Escambia County sample ballot?

Many readers reached out to us reporting that they did not receive a sample ballot in the mail this year.

For your specific sample ballot, customized by party for races in your district, click here to visit the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections website. You can also check your registration status, precinct location and more.

Early voting will continue daily through Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 10 locations. Click here for a list and more info.

AAA: Florida Gas Prices Dropped 13 Cents Last Week

August 12, 2024

Florida gas prices dropped 13 cents per gallon last week, according to AAA.

Sunday’s state average was $3.33 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since June 19th.

The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.08, one of the lowest metro area costs in the state. In North Escambia, a low of $2.92 was available Sunday night at two stations on South Highway 29 in Cantonment. The lowest price in Pensacola was $2.86 at station on Pensacola Boulevard and East Nine Mile Road.

“Drivers got some relief at the pump last week, thanks to big drops in the price of crude and gasoline futures,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Fuel prices had fallen under downward pressure amid concerns of a global recession. However, futures prices regained some ground last week, on renewed economic optimism, which could lead to a slight bump at the pump.”

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Blue Wahoos Toppled In Road Finale By Pair Of Big Innings

August 12, 2024

written by Erik Bremer

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (60-46) fell Sunday in the finale of their two-week road trip by a score of 10-1 against the Mississippi Braves (49-58).

With a series win already in hand, the Wahoos turned to veteran righthander Jeff Lindgren (L, 1-4) to close out a fifth win in six days. At first, both Lindgren and his mound opponent David Fletcher (W, 2-4) matched one another pitch for pitch. The game remained scoreless through the first three innings before the Wahoos dented the scoreboard first.

In the top of the fourth inning, Pensacola shortstop Jared Serna doubled to right field. The extra-base hit extended Serna’s Double-A hitting streak to 11 games. After a lineout moved Serna to third, first baseman Nathan Martorella’s groundout drove in Serna to give Pensacola a 1-0 lead.

However, the advantage proved to be short-lived. The M-Braves responded with a five-run barrage in the bottom of the fifth inning, which put them ahead for good. Working against Lindgren, Mississippi loaded the bases with one out for designated hitter David McCabe, who singled to score two runs and give the Braves a 2-1 lead. Second baseman Yolbert Sanchez then brought home another run with a sacrifice fly before first baseman Bryson Horne doubled off of Wahoos lefthander Chandler Jozwiak to drive home two additional runs and put the Braves ahead 5-1.

The five-run outburst proved to be more than enough for Mississippi, who put up a second five-run inning in the bottom of the seventh to go ahead 10-1. The game marked the first time the Wahoos had given up double-digit runs since June 5 – also against Mississippi. Despite the defeat, Pensacola returns home having won eight of 11 games during its two-week road trip.

The Wahoos saw several recent additions perform well during the two-week road trip. Shortstop Jared Serna hit .444 with 10 doubles in his first 11 Double-A games, while lefthander Robby Snelling impressed through his first two Pensacola starts (combined 10.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 14 K).

The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday to begin a series versus the Montgomery Biscuits. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT

Dwight Lamar Peake

August 12, 2024

Dwight Lamar Peake, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home Aug. 11, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on Jan. 19, 1947, in Pensacola, Fla., Dwight was a barber by trade and a former deacon in his church, Calvary Baptist Church on Pine Forest Road.

Dwight was a loving father, grandfather and husband and has been married to his wife for 51 years.

Dwight is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Peake, and his brother, Gerald Peake. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Yvonne Peake; son Joshua (Jessica) Peake; daughter Jennifer (Derrick) Mink; grandsons Roman Peake and James Romans; granddaughter Kailyn Mink; brother Bruce (Cindy) Peake, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 16, 2024, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, followed with a funeral service at 2 p.m. No graveside service, as Dwight was a simple man and only wanted one service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Calvary Baptist Church on Pine Forest Road in Dwight’s name.

Lloyd Henry Brazwell

August 12, 2024

Lloyd Henry Brazwell, 95, of Jay, Florida, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024 in Milton, Florida.

Lloyd was born on November 29th, 1928 in Pensacola, Florida. He worked as a tug boat captain for Brown Manie for over 30 years.

He loved his dogs like children. He enjoyed telling stories of his youth to his family.

Lloyd is survived by his daughter, Karen Brazwell and son, Ronnie and wife Beth Castner, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and the 3rd great great grandchild due soon.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 49 years, Clara Brazwell, his children Lloyd A. Brazwell, James Brazwell and Alice Custner.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home beginning at 10:00am with services immediately to follow at 11:00am.

Lewis Arnold Hilburn

August 12, 2024

Lewis Arnold Hilburn of Cantonment, FL entered into rest on Thursday, August 1st, 2024.

Lewis was born on August 21, 1956. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Geraldine Hilburn.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his 2 sons, Jeffery (Candice) and Jason (Nicole), his brother Terry (Rhonda), his grandchildren Ava, Destiny, Autumn, Aubree, and Asher, his aunt Joyce, his uncles Robert and David, and numerous cousins.

Lewis was loved by many and will be greatly missed, but the family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace in the loving arms of his Savior.

A visitation will be held Monday, August 5th from 5:00-7:00 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.

The funeral service will be held the following day Tuesday, August 6th at 11:00 also at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.

A special thank you to Hospice, especially Mr. David, for making this difficult time more bearable. Thank you for doing such an amazing job and taking such good care of Lewis.

Last Chance: Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Ends Today

August 11, 2024

Florida’s two-week back to school sales tax holiday ends today, August 11.

Many school supplies (including laptops and tablets) and clothing are exempt from Florida’s usual 6% sales tax rate.

Shoppers can save on most items under a certain dollar amount. For instance, clothing must cost $100 or less per item, school supplies must cost $50 or less, personal computers and tablets $1,500 or less, and learning aids and jigsaw puzzles $30 or less.

There are many school supplies you can purchase tax-free in the state during the sales tax holiday, but here are a few highlights:

  • Hats, shoes, shorts, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, and raincoats
  • Backpacks, book bags, handbags, purses, and lunch boxes
  • Cleated and spiked shoes and swimsuits
  • Notebooks, scissors, pens, pencils, and calculators
  • Printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, and routers
  • Electronic books, flashcards, puzzle books, and matching games
  • Hair accessories, wallets, and belts

For a details list of what does, and does not, qualify, click or tap here.

Do Online Purchases Qualify?

Online purchases can qualify, but delivery to a Florida address is required.

What Is Not Included?

While many eligible items are included in the two-week tax holiday, there are a few exceptions.

  • Accessories like jewelry and watches are not tax-free nor are many types of gloves. A few additional exclusions apply.
  • Clothing. Umbrellas and protective masks are taxable, as are roller skates, rented formal clothing, and non-prescription sunglasses and goggles.
  • School supplies. Taxable items include printer or computer paper, and books not otherwise exempt.
  • Electronics. Many electronics are taxable, including computer bags, CDs and DVDs, computers for recreational use, regular batteries (e.g. not for medical use), smartphones, surge protectors, tablet covers, game controllers, and digital cameras.
  • Miscellaneous items. Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items are taxable and excluded from the tax-free holiday.

The sales tax holiday does not apply to:

  • Any item of clothing with a sales price of more than $100
  • Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50
  • Books that are not otherwise exempt
  • Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500
  • Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes
  • Rentals of any eligible items
  • Repairs or alterations of any eligible items
  • Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment,
  • or airports

Back To School Reminder: Highway 4 Bridge Remains Closed

August 11, 2024

A reminder as students head back to school on Monday — The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek remains closed.

The estimated completion date for the nearly $4 million bridge is now September 1, according to Escambia County.

Highway 4 is a common travel route across the northern part of Escambia County, including travel to and from schools like Northview High, Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary and to Ernest Ward Middle.

The bridge has been closed since July 10, 2023. Originally slated to reopen in June 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation says the project has been delayed by weather.

Traffic remains detoured along Pine Barren and Bratt roads during construction.

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Tate High Cheerleaders Receive State Championship Rings

August 11, 2024

The Tate High School cheerleaders received their state championship rings Friday evening at the Crimson and Gray game.

The Tate cheerleaders won the FHSAA State Championship back in February, their third in six years. They also placed fifth in the nation.

Members of the team and their coaches were:

  • Lillian Abner
  • Brooke Alvare
  • Kaylenia Bailey
  • Alyssa Bello
  • Layla Briese
  • Taylee Edwards
  • Taylor Fitzgerald
  • Sidney Forst
  • Isabella Gonzalez
  • Ava Goodwin
  • Alexis Hudson
  • Hailey Jenkins
  • Ryleigh Jerkins
  • Kristopher Kelley
  • Claire Kersey
  • KayLee Ramey
  • Brooklyn Ray
  • Alyssa Roye
  • Morgan Salmon
  • Chloe Throckmorton
  • Morgan Wartenbe
  • Head coach: Morgan Norwood
  • Assistant Coach: Melissa Culbertson
  • Assistant Coach: Stacy Guy
  • Assistant Coach: Lauren Freeman

Northescambia.com and courtesy (top) photos, click to enlarge.

Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services Tuesday In Walnut Hill, Next Week Century

August 11, 2024

Mark your calendar…driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Walnut Hill this week and in Century next week.

The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:

  • Walnut Hill Community Center on Tuesday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, August 22, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.

The Walnut Hill Community Center, also known as the “Ruritan Building”, is at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the fire department. The Billy G. Courthouse is at 7500 North Century Boulevard.

Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center on June 11. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

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