Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
January 4, 2021
Ransom Middle School recently named their December Students of the Month. They are CeCe Campbell and Tristan Whitson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com. click to enlarge.
AAA: 2020 Florida Gas Prices Were The Lowest In 16 Years
January 4, 2021
Florida gas prices are off to their lowest start to a new year since 2019. The state average is currently $2.19 per gallon. Last year began with drivers paying nearly $2.50 per gallon. In 2019, drivers started the year paying around $2.16.
The lowest price in North Escambia Sunday night was $2.15 at a station of Muscogee Road, while a low of $2.05 could be found at two Pensacola warehouse clubs.
“Florida drivers saw big swings at the pump last year, primarily because the pandemic caused lower fuel demand both nationwide and around the globe,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
- Florida’s highest daily average price in 2020 was $2.56 per gallon. That was 24 cents per gallon less than the highest price in 2019.
- Florida’s lowest daily average price in 2020 was $2.176 per gallon. That was 36 cents per gallon less than the lowest price in 2019.
Gas prices for the entire year of 2020 averaged $2.11 per gallon. That’s the lowest annual average price in 16 years. The annual average price in recent years was $2.49 in 2019, $2.65 in 2018, and $2.37 in 2017.
“Although the fuel market remains optimistic about the long term recovery of fuel demand, thanks to the coronavirus vaccine; the shot term future of prices at the pump will likely continue to be hampered by reports of rising cases of Covid-19,” Jenkins continued.
Florida gas prices have hovered around $2.20 per gallon for the past 20 days. Crude oil prices have held steady during that same period. The state average price for gasoline is 4 cents more than a month ago, yet 31 cents less than this time last year.
Photos: A Couple Of New Outdoor Spots To Enjoy A Good Book At The Century Library
January 4, 2021
Visitors to the Century Branch Library will soon have a couple of new spots to sit and enjoy a good book. A new bench and picnic table have been installed outside the library. There are also sidewalk improvements and an improved bicycle rack are on the way.
The Escambia County Commission approved the improvements last January.
Pictured: Improvements as seen outside the Century Branch Library on Sunday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes Into Mercedes Parked In Driveway Of Pine Forest Road Home
January 3, 2021
A driver crashed into a car parked just outside a Cantonment home early Sunday morning.
It happened on Pine Forest Road just north of West Roberts Road. The driver, described as an older female, crashed into a Mercedes 300 SD parked in the driveway of the home. Her injuries were not believed to be severe.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The house was not damaged. The Merecdes was for sale.
Reader submitted photo by Justyn DuLac for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Rate Falls 9.4% In Escambia County, FDLE Says
January 3, 2021
The overall crime index in Escambia County dropped 9.4% during the first six months of 2020 compared to the previous year, according to new data just released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
While the overall crime rate decreased, crimes such as murders, rapes, robberies and vehicle thefts increased. Aggravated assaults, burglaries and larcenies decreased.
The countywide report covers crimes investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department and other agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol, University of West Florida Police Department, and Pensacola State Police Department.
The number of reported murders during the period increased in Escambia County from 11 to 16, rapes from 91 to 94, robberies from 159 to 180, and motor vehicle thefts from 290 to 353. The number of aggravated assaults (including aggravated stalking) dropped from 625 to 552, burglaries decreased from 912 to 767 and larcenies dipped from 3,222 to 2,848.
During the first half of 2020, 35.6% of crimes in Escambia County were cleared, compare to 33.2% in 2019.
The report shows that crime is down across Florida, with crime volume dropping 11.7%, or 31,348 fewer reported index crimes, compared to the first six months of 2019.
Cantonment Man Facing Narcotics Charges After Running From Deputy
January 3, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing multiple narcotics charges after running from a deputy during an incident last year.
Roderick Vernell Lewis, 35, was recently arrested on outstanding warrants for resisting arrest without violence, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of heroin with the intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.
On June 7, 2019, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Ruberia Avenue where a woman said she found her vehicle and the man that failed to return it.
A deputy observed Lewis standing with a large chain. He followed orders to put down the chain, and then ran from the deputy, according to an arrest report. The deputy chased Lewis through several backyards before finding him lying face down under a bush. Lewis refused commands to show his hands, forcing the deputy to draw his service weapon. After multiple commands, Lewis complied.
According to the ECSO, Lewis was observed removing a plastic bag from his pocket and begin digging in the dirt.
After Lewis taken into custody, deputies recovered the plastic bag containing multiple types of narcotics that had been buried in the dirt. The narcotics in the bag tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and heroin.
Deputies determined no charges were warranted in connection with the original complaint involving a car that was not returned.
Roderick remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning with bond set at $26,500.
DeSantis Appoints Four To PSC Board Of Trustees
January 3, 2021
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Kevin Lacz, Marjorie Moore, Troy Tippett and Julian MacQueen to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
Kevin Lacz
Lacz, of Gulf Breeze, is a Physician’s Assistant with Regenesis and former Navy SEAL who served two tours of duty in Iraq, where his actions earned him a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He started Hunting for Healing and has served on the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees since 2015. Lacz earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Connecticut and his master of medical science from Wake Forest University.
Marjorie Moore
Moore, of Pensacola, is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. She has volunteered her time with Baptist Health Care, Manna Food Pantry, Favor House, Council on Aging of West Florida and the PACE Center for Girls. Moore earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia.
Troy Tippett
Dr. Tippett, of Pensacola, is a Neurosurgeon, Medical Director and Owner of The Neurosurgical Group. He served in and received Honorable Discharges from the United States Air Force and United States Army Reserve. Tippett has been involved with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgical Education and Research Foundation, Florida Medical Association and the Florida Neurosurgical Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and his doctor of medicine from the University of Tennessee.
Julian MacQueen
MacQueen, of Gulf Breeze, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innisfree Hotels. He has been recognized as the 2012 Business Leader of the Year by the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the Hotelier Hall of Fame by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. MacQueen has also volunteered his time with Take Stock in Children, Sacred Heart Hospital, Independence for the Blind of Northwest Florida and From the Ground Up Community Garden. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
After A Two-Week Break, Road Construction Delays Return On Monday
January 3, 2021
After a two-week break for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, traffic disruptions will resume Monday on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Tuesday, January 5.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – The contractor will resume daytime asphalt paving operations Tuesday, Jan. 05, on the north side of the project. Westbound traffic can expect intermittent right turn lane closures during the day.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until spring 2021.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Fire Marshal: It’s Time To Toss That Natural Christmas Tree. And Here’s How To Do That.
January 3, 2021
A top state official is warning it’s time to remove that natural Christmas from your home, and that’s an easy task if you are an Emerald Coast Utilities Authority customer.
State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said it’s important Christmas trees from your home quickly and safely this holiday season to avoid fire-related tragedies. More than 29 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January.
“A live Christmas tree can go up in flames in an instant, so it’s critical that you remove your tree and store your decorations quickly after the holidays. Make sure to safely remove lighting and check for any broken bulbs or wiring before storing them in a dry place. It’s important to keep your live trees and other disposable decorations away from your home while awaiting trash pickup. Always remember that dried wood and pine needles can be a fire hazard,” Patronis said.
ECUA Christmas Tree Collections
In Escambia County, ECUA will pick up Christmas trees from customers for free with the regular collection of yard waste.
“When it’s time to take down the Christmas decorations, place your real tree or natural wreaths out by the curb on your usual collection day for pick-up as part of your ECUA regular yard waste collection,” ECUA spokesperson Jim Roberts said.
Natural trees should be free of decoration and tinsel, and the tree stand should be removed. Trees should not be placed in he street.
The trees will be composted with other yard waste at the ECUA Biosolids Composting Facility.
The Florida Forest Service offers the following tips if you chose to burn your Christmas tree:
- Check local ordinances for requirements for outdoor burning.
- Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
- Never burn on dry or windy days.
- Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from natural areas, 25 feet from your home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
- Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
- Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
- Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials, such as leaf litter and pine straw.
- Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
- Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Increases On The Way To $15 An Hour
January 2, 2021
Florida’s minimum wage increase by a minimal amount on New Year’s Day.
The minimum wage for non-tipped workers increased from $8.56 an hour to $8.65 an hour, and the minimum for tipped workers increased to $5.63. The increases were due to a legislatively mandated cost of living increase.
During 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to eventually increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour passed with about 61% of the vote, greater than the 60% needed to pass.
On September 30, 2021, Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $10 an hour and then increase by another dollar each year on the way to $15 an hour in 2026.