Florida Gas Prices Jump Into Summer Season Up A Dime
June 12, 2023
Florida gas prices jumped an average of 10 cents per gallon last week, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average of $3.46 per gallon is the most expensive daily average price since mid-May.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $3.20. In North Escambia, a low of $3.14 could be found at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, prices were as low as $2.97 at the warehouse clubs.
Summer hasn’t officially begun, but the driving season is off to a roaring start,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gasoline demand figures from the past few weeks have been stronger than what we saw during this same time last year. That has contributed to volatility at the gas pump, which is perfectly normal this time of year. The good news for drivers is that oil prices remain low. As long as that’s the case, the state average should remain below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
NWE All Stars Win Cal Ripken 10U Championship, Flomaton Takes Second
June 12, 2023
The Northwest Escambia 10U All Stars won the Cal Ripken District 7 10U All Star Tournament this past weekend in Flomaton. The Flomaton Hurricanes took the runner-up spot after falling 4-1 to NWE. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino 16U All Stars Win Take First Place In Navarre Tourney
June 12, 2023
Molino Force 16U took first place in a weekend all-stars tournament in Navarre, defeating NEP, Tiger Point, Pace, Perdido, and Navarre. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Class Underway For ECSO’s New Law Enforcement Training Academy
June 12, 2023
The first class is underway for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Training Academy.
In February, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission voted unanimously to authorize the training academy following a presentation by Sheriff Chip Simmons and Commander Andrew Hobbs in Lake Mary, Florida. The ECSO became one of only six law enforcement agencies in Florida to gain commission approval to operate their own law enforcement academy to train recruits and offer other specialized training.
Now, 21 future deputies are engaging in state-of-the-art coursework, physical training, firearms training, and other aspects of professional law enforcement.
The ECSO said their training school will allow the agency to immerse recruits in our culture, standards, and policies from day one.Historically, local law enforcement agencies have only utilized Pensacola Junior College or George Stone Vocational.
Biscuits Rally Late, Send Blue Wahoos To 9-7 Loss
June 12, 2023
The Blue Wahoos missed on a prime chance Sunday to complete the week and set up the next one.
They led 7-0 into the sixth inning, but on an afternoon where the bay wind was a factor, the Montgomery Biscuits answered with three home runs against three different pitchers for a 9-7 victory, quieting a capacity crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The loudest cheer in the final part of the game was the Blue Angels performing an unexpected flyover during their return home from an air show in Tennessee.
The Blue Wahoos won the week’s series against Montgomery 4-2, but a win Sunday, after staking such a big lead, could have put them in a strong position to clinch the first half Southern League division race at home with the next series that begins Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves.
Pensacola’s lead is now six games over the Biloxi Shuckers, seven games up on Montgomery and 7.5 against the M-Braves.
Everything started so well on Family Sunday for the Blue Wahoos.
In an injury rehab start, Johnny Cueto survived a bases-load situation in the first inning and pitched into the third. It was another step forward for the 37-year-old Cueto in an effort to return to the Miami Marlins. It was only his third time on the mound this season.
In the bottom of the first, first baseman Troy Johnston staked a 3-0 lead with a two-out, 3-run, wind-aided homer over the left-center fence to instantly energize the crowd. That hit was a part of Johnston’s huge day at the plate, going 4-for-5 to raise his average to .264.
But it also became an indicator of what kind of day this would be on pitchers. The teams combined for 26 hits and 18 runners left on base. For the Blue Wahoos, Cody Morissette went 3-for-4 as the team’s other big hitter.
In the fifth inning, catcher Jan Mercado blasted a grand slam and suddenly the Blue Wahoos were up 7-0, seemingly on their way to a perfect weekend of wins.
Everything then went the other way. The Biscuits scored two runs off Luis Palacios in the sixth, beginning with a solo homer from Junior Caminero. They plated two more against Luis Palacios in the seventh inning.
And then a disastrous eighth inning hit.
Dylan Bice gave up a leadoff home run to Diego Infante. He then loaded the bases on a walk, an error he made when dropping a slow grounder, then a single.
Austin Roberts entered with a one-out, bases full situation and gave up a grand slam against Austin Shenton to flip the lead and silence the mood.
The Blue Wahoos did not get a hit against the Biscuits bullpen in the final three innings.
Cueto, 37, two time MLB All-Star and 2015 World Series champion with the Kansas City Royals, pitched in his first game since an injury rehab start May 6 in Jacksonville.
Cueto has made only one start for the Marlins after getting signed in January, and that was back on April 3 when he gave up four runs in the first inning and didn’t pitch again with a bicep issue until the game in Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off while staying in Pensacola. They will begin the second half of their extended homestand on Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves, the Atlanta Braves’ Double-A affiliate.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Seven Hospitalized After Incident At Japanese Steak House In Pace
June 11, 2023
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating after an incident at Nikko’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Pace which sent at least seven people to the hospital on Saturday.
Sheriff Bob Johnson told our news partners at NewsRadio 92.3 that the patrons were poisoned by some type of narcotic, but it was not immediately known if it was accidental or intentional. Johnson did not specify the type of narcotic involved, and he said a suspect has been identified.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has joined the SRSO investigation. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has launched their own independent investigation.
Deputies said at least seven people were receiving treatment at local hospital on Saturday and were expected to fully recover.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jillian Durkin said. No further details have been released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man With Long Criminal History Gets 15 Years On Firearm Charge
June 11, 2023
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on a firearm charge.
James Darnell Shoemo, III, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 44 years of age.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fire disturbance at the Oakwood Terrace Apartments where they found multiple shell casings in and around the apartments. Deputies located Shoemo, who fled on foot and threw a pistol into a wooded area. An ECSO K-9 located the firearm.
Shoemo, who is just 20 years old, has committed over 20 burglaries and 15 other misdemeanor offenses, according to prosecutors.
“The defendant’s criminal conduct has increased in seriousness and poses a danger to our citizens. A maximum punishment of 15 years in prison is necessary to protect our community,” prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire argued at the sentencing hearing.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
June 11, 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 may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 11 through Saturday, June 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work. On Tuesday, June 13, 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 through the end of 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 and intermittent turn lane closures Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place thermoplastic pavement markings on the roadway and perform final work list items.
- 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 and lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be milling and paving and completing drainage improvements.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Navy Boulevard, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, June 9 to Friday, June 16 as crews mill and resurface the roadway, adjust utility manholes, and perform striping work.
- 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 June. 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 may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Innerarity Point Road and Bauer Road, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15 as crews place friction course on the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 11 through Saturday, June 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work. On Tuesday, June 13, 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. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures on U.S. 90 eastbound near the Simpson River Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 as crews perform asphalt work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through 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, June 11, through Friday, June 16, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- The closure at the east entrance of Fordham Parkway will remain closed. This temporary closure will allow crews to install new drainage structures. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Fordham Parkway via College Parkway. Detour signs will be in place. Businesses may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- 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, June 12 through Friday, June 16 for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Speed Limit Lowered On Schaag, Green Hills Roads; New Weight Limit On Schaag
June 11, 2023
Escambia County has lowered the speed limits on Green Hills Road in Cantonment and Schaag Road in Molino , and imposed a new weight restriction on Schaag.
On the entirety of Schaag Road, the speed limit has been reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph.
A truck weight restriction of 10,500 pounds was also implemented on Schaag Road from Highway 196 to Highway 95A. There is an exception for trucks servicing or having business in the area.
The speed limit was also lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph on Green Hills Road between Pine Forest Road and Stefani Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Michelle Mobley Names Escambia Employee Of The Month
June 11, 2023
Michelle Mobley has been named the Escambia County June 2023 Employee of the Month. She is an administrative claims specialist in the Human Resources department.
Mobley began her career with Escambia County in August 2000. Her duties as an administrative claims specialist include adjusting general and auto liability claims by initiating investigations, determining liability, and responding to claimants on the status of their requests. Michele is also responsible for preparing denial letters, coordinating repairs, rentals, processing claim payments, settlements, and preparing and obtaining releases. In addition, she recovers funds due to the county when county-owned property is damaged and regularly works with other departments to process claims or renew policies.
“Michele is a model employee who represents the county in a positive manner,” said Mark Bartlett, Risk Management Division manager. “She has compassion and care with professionalism and integrity. She is very detailed in her duties and completes tasks prior to the deadline. Her level of detail and professionalism is unmatched! We are so proud of her dedication to our mission and the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of her role with Escambia County, Michele is an active member at her church, where she regularly volunteers and teaches classes.