Florida Gas Prices Begin Slow Decline
January 13, 2020
Pump prices in Florida are retreating after logging the most expensive start to a new year since 2014. Florida gas prices reached an average price of nearly $2.53 per gallon last Tuesday, but have since declined a total of 4 cents to $2.49 per gallon.
The average price per gallon was a bit higher in Escambia County at $2.52 Sunday night, while one station in Cantonment was at $2.45.
Rising crude prices dragged gas prices higher in recent weeks. However, oil prices quickly sank as tensions between the US and Iran began to ease. Last week, the price for a barrel of WTI crude dropped nearly $5; going from $64/b on Monday to $59/b on Friday.
“Drivers normally see some of the lowest gas prices of the year in January, but prices have remained elevated compared to recent months, due to the rising price of crude,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Cooling geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran has alleviated some of the upward pressure on gasoline, and now drivers are beginning to see lower prices at the pump. The state average could dip another few pennies this week. Seasonal factors like low gasoline demand and growing supplies should allow gas prices to slip even lower this month. However, seasonal factors will be at play again in the spring. Gas prices are forecast to bounce 20-30 cents higher in the coming months as refineries conduct maintenance and switch to summer gasoline.”
Pedestrian Killed While Crossing Davis Highway
January 13, 2020
A pedestrian was struck and kill on Davis Highway near West Florida Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 17-year old Mason Rivkin of Pensacola was traveling north about 6 p.m. on Davis Highway in a 2012 Toyota Camry when a pedestrian wearing black clothing crossed the roadway outside a crosswalk. Rivkin was unable to see 61-year old Verlinda Jackson in time to stop the vehicle.
Jackson was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Rivkin and his 15-year old passenger were not injured.
No charges were filed.
Correctional Officers In Century Assaulted In Three Separate Incidents
January 13, 2020
Correctional officers in Century were recently assaulted by inmates in three separate incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
On January 2, Century Work Camp inmate Phillip Reynolds assaulted officers by kicking them in the jaw and striking them in the arm.
On January 3, Century Correctional Institution inmate Gage Eastburn assaulted an officer by biting their left hand. Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries.
Then on January 6, Century CI inmate Tyller Heyen assaulted an officer by pinning his hand between a door and door jamb.
In all three cases, FDC said staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade Set For Monday, January 20
January 13, 2020
The 14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade will roll at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 20.
“This parade is held in regards to the kids and the adults that are unable to attend the Pensacola MLK parade as well as the joy it bring to the entire community,” founder and coordinator Mary Floyd said. “I will need your help in making this a successful MLK parade for the Cantonment and surrounding communities.”
There are no entry fees required, but it is required that entries have plenty of candy or trinkets for children, and organizers are asking that each car or float display a symbol or picture that pertains to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Participants are asked to line up beginning at 3 p.m. at the Carver Park at 208 Webb Street. Floats, cars, horses and motorcycles are welcome.
For more information, call Floyd at (850) 390-1912.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New 448 Area Code Coming To The 850. Here’s When It Happens.
January 12, 2020
A schedule to roll out the new 448 area code for Northwest Florida has been announced.
The current 850 area code will run out of available phone numbers in early 2022, and state regulators late last year approved the addition of the 448 area code to alleviate the number crunch. The new area code would cover the same area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.
Phone companies will begin network preparation and customer education about the new area code on February 22, 2020.
During a permissive dialing period beginning August 22, 2020, phone subscribers may dial local calls within the overlay area on either a 7-digit or 10-digit basis, but will be encouraged to dial 10-digits. After the permissive period ends on February 20, 2021, all calls must be dialed using 10-digits.
The earliest date someone may receive a number with the new 448 area code will be March 20, 2021.
All existing customers will retain the 850 area code and would not have to change their telephone numbers, according to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Cantonment Woman Facing Multiple Drug Charges After Window Tint Violation Traffic Stop
January 12, 2020
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony drug charges after a traffic stop for illegal window tint.
Angel Diane Maroone, 22, was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (Xanax), possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Davis Highway and University Parkway on a vehicle that appeared to have window tint that was too dark.
The deputy tested the window tint, which allowed on a 12% light transmission, darker than the legal limit of 28%. The deputy observed Maroone to be nervous, smoking two cigarettes in six minutes.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy located a pink bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine, a “very large chunk” of methamphetamine, and a clear plastic bag containing Xanax. When Maroone was booked into the Escambia County Jail, corrections staff found a a plastic bag containing cocaine inside a body cavity, according to an arrest report.
Maroone remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
High Winds Damage Agricultural Shed Near Walnut Hill
January 12, 2020
High winds Saturday afternoon damaged an agricultural shed on Highway 97 near Pelt Road near Walnut Hill. There was a wind advisory and severe thunderstorm warning in effect at the time. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Continues Mountain Dulcimer Classes
January 12, 2020
The Molino Branch Library is continuing weekly classes were you can learn to play the mountain dulcimer.
The “Molino Melodies” class is held at 6 p.m. each Thursday at the library. The class is free, and no experience or materials are required. Dulcimers are provided for class use.
Pictured: A mountain dulcimer class at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Man Found Shot To Death In Escambia County
January 12, 2020
A man was found shot to death Saturday in Escambia County.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2200 block of Hernandez Street near P Street about 4 p.m..
Deputies were searching for a silver Chevy Silverado in connection with the shooting. Further details have not been released.
Roof Ripped From Bratt Mobile Home During Thunderstorm
January 12, 2020
Wind ripped a tin roof from a mobile home in Bratt during a thunderstorm Saturday afternoon.
There were no injuries reported at the mobile home on North Highway 99.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect at the time advising of possible 60 mph wind gusts.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
