Gas Prices Remain Low As Two Tropical Systems Target The Gulf Coast
August 24, 2020
Florida gas prices continue to drift lower, even as two tropical systems move toward the Gulf Coast. The state average price for gasoline was $2.07 per gallon, yet drivers in some Florida cities are finding prices below $2 a gallon.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.08 Sunday night in Escambia County. Two warehouse clubs were the lowest in the Pensacola area at $1.92, while the best price in North Escambia was $2.08 at a station on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
Nearly half of the refining capacity in the United States is located along the Gulf of Mexico, predominantly along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Marco and Laura are both forecast to make landfall in Louisiana in the coming days. Nearly a dozen oil refineries near New Orleans are in the hurricane warning area.
“The potential for a price hike is always there, when a hurricane threatens the gulf coast refinery region,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So far, oil and gasoline futures prices have remained low, likely because Marco and Laura are not forecast to reach major hurricane status. Either way, incremental increases are possible if these storms cause damage resulting in long-term impacts to oil rigs, refineries or the fuel supply chain as a whole.”
Escambia High Students Win NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge
August 23, 2020
A team from Escambia High School won the high school division for the best design in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.
While NASA is preparing to send the first woman and next man to the surface of the Moon in 2024 with the Artemis program, the next generation of explorers, engineers, scientists, and spaceflight professionals are sharpening their skills to help the agency establish a permanent presence on the Moon and send the first humans to Mars.
The agency announced the winners of the 2020 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge during a virtual awards ceremony.
The Human Exploration Rover Challenge team from Escambia High School won the high school division AIAA Neil Armstrong Best Design Award, which recognizes the team that best designed their rover to take on the punishing Rover Challenge course, making maximum use of resources and ingenuity. The award is presented in the name of the late NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong.
“This year, we had 111 teams from 27 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 11 other countries,” said Julie Clift, program manager for the challenge at Marshall. “The teams pushed the limits this year, designing and building truly innovative rovers to take on the challenging course. Although we are disappointed we had to cancel the on-site activities, we are thrilled we are able to recognize and celebrate the teams’ hard work and creativity.”
The competition is one of seven NASA Artemis Student Challenges the agency hosts to engage and inspire the Artemis Generation. It is sponsored by NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate and Office of STEM Engagement Next Gen STEM in Washington; and managed by Marshall’s Office of STEM Engagement.
The challenge was launched in 1994 as the NASA Great Moonbuggy Race to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Just six college teams participated that first year. Expanded in 1996 to include high school teams, the race evolved again in 2014 into the Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Since the challenge’s inception, more than 12,000 students have participated.
Photo: Escambia High School for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Young Man Drowned Saturday Afternoon At Fillingim Landing
August 23, 2020
A young man drowned at Fillingim Landing near Barrineau Park Saturday afternoon.
Nathan Barnes, 22, reportedly dove into the Perdido River in the area of a rope swing and did not resurface. First responders later located him on the Alabama side of the river and brought him back across to Florida for medical treatment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The death investigation was conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia Search & Rescue, Florida Fish & Wildlife and LifeFlight were among the responding agencies.
Fillingim Landing is a Northwest Florida Water Management recreation site located on the Pedido River off the 2800 block of Jacks Branch Road, just north of Lathram Chapel Methodist Church.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Feeding Program At West Florida Libraries Comes To A Close
August 23, 2020
The summer meals program at West Florida Libraries came to a close Saturday in advance of the first day of school on Monday, August 24.
Thousands of meals were served to youth at seven library locations across the county over the last several months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program started early on March 23.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
August 23, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. In observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures on state roads from 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 to 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. These lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Aug 23:
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and pavement operations.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (State Road (S.R.) 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road
(S.R. 295) – Construction activities continue. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Aug 23:
- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews perform paving operations.
- · S.R. 89 Pavement Coring Operations from North of S.R. 87N to South of C.R. 178 – Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures Monday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 28 as crews perform asphalt coring operations.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line- Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
- · U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Whispering Pines Boulevard to Palo Alto – The eastbound, outside lane will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24 through Thursday, Aug. 27 as utility crews upgrade distribution lines.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Three New COVID-19 Deaths Reported In Escambia County, Alabama
August 23, 2020
Three additional COVID-19 deaths were reported Saturday in Escambia County, Alabama.
There have now been 20 reported deaths in the county with 1,169 total confirmed cases, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. There were 93 cases confirmed in the past two weeks, and there are 143 more probable cases.
As of Friday, the Escambia County Healthcare Authority said they have recorded 499 positive COVID-19 tests at Atmore Community Hospital and 226 at DW McMillan Hospital in Brewton.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Video Explains COVID-19 School Bus Precautions In Escambia County
August 23, 2020
When students return to traditional school on Monday, numerous protections will be place to protect them on those big yellow buses.
The Escambia County School District Transportation Department has created a video explaining COVID-19 precautions.
The video and other information are available at www.escambiayellow.com.
“Our buses transport precious cargo, your children, and transporting them safely is our top priority,” said Darlene Hart, ECSD’s Director of Transportation. “Parents can help us by watching the video with their children and talking about their expectations for behavior on the bus. This year is different in so many ways, hearing a consistent message at home, in school and on the bus will help all of us work together. Please stress the importance of wearing their masks, using hand sanitizer, and wearing their seatbelts in their assigned seats.”
Buses will be stocked with sanitation spray and wipes and drivers will thoroughly disinfected at least twice a day while students are not on the bus. The mist they will use is safe to be used in environments where students will be present.
Hand sanitizer will be provided as students enter and exit the bus.
All drivers will be masked and parents are asked to be sure students arrive at the bus stop with a mask and to help reinforce with their children the importance of wearing it properly and staying in their assigned seats with their seat belts on. If a student forgets their mask, drivers will have child and adult sized masks to give students.
“Assigned seats are more important this year on the buses and in classrooms,” added Hart. “Again, consistent messages are important and we are asking parents to help.”
Escambia County Printing Business Owner Sentenced On Federal Charges For Fake Invoices
August 22, 2020
An Escambia County printing company owner has been sentenced on federal charges.
United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida, said business owner Gerald Mandel, 52, was sentenced to three years’ probation on federal charges of theft of government money and submitting false claims for overpayment to the United States. Mandel, owner and operator of DLUX Printing, in Pensacola, filed approximately nine fraudulent invoices to the Government Publishing Office (GPO), resulting in over $47,000 of fraudulent payments. In addition to probation Mandel was ordered to pay full restitution as well as a $25,000 fine, for a total of $72,255.48.
“Gerald Mandel took advantage of the control he had over the direct mail services process to steal almost 50,000 taxpayer dollars from the federal government,” said Keefe. “His sentencing today sends a message that we expect, and demand, our government employees and contractors act with integrity and follow the law. Greed will not go unchecked in the Northern District of Florida.”
Mandel submitted approximately 115 invoices to GPO for payment between January 1, 2013, and May 15, 2018. According to the GPO’s Office of Inspector General, 33 of those invoices were submitted for direct mail services. Contracts for direct mail services require the contractor to print items for a government agency and then mail the majority of those items directly to individual consumers. Mandel schemed to receive overpayment for direct mail contracts by printing only about half the number of items ordered by the consumer. Mandel then falsified shipping documents to reflect that the orders were actually complete so that he would receive full payment from the GPO. Investigators identified 11 shipments containing falsified mailing documents which Mandel used to file nine fraudulent invoices.
“The Government Publishing Office, Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of GPO contracts and financial expenditures,” said Inspector General Michael P. Leary. “We take allegations of false claims, overbilling and theft of government funds very seriously and will aggressively investigate these matters to ensure efficiency and effectiveness throughout GPO programs. We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing these allegations and will continue our collaboration with the DOJ to investigative those who seek to defraud agency programs.”
Escambia County Distance Learners Can Pick Up Meals At These School Locations Each Day
August 22, 2020
Escambia County students enrolled in distance learning can receive meals through curbside service each school morning beginning Monday.
Families may pick up one breakfast and lunch per student each day school is in session at any location of their choice, regardless of the student’s assigned school. The meals for distance learners are designed to be carried away and consumed off campus (cafeteria/dining rooms remain closed for distance learners). Food items should be consumed when received or quickly refrigerated for consumption at a later time.
Distribution sites and times are listed below.
When parents arrive to pick up meals they will be asked for their students’ names and school ID numbers. Families with students that pay full or reduced price for meals, should put money on their student’s account online at myschoolbucks.com to cover the cost of the breakfast and lunch.
“Based on the feedback we received from families, we created a list of the most frequently selected locations and times,” explained ECSD School Food Services Director, Jaleena Davis. “We are now asking parents to check this list and find the site most convenient for them. All pick-up times are before school to avoid an interruption in the middle of the distance learning school day.”
From 6:15 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Jim Allen Elementary School, 1051 Hwy. 95A North
- Kingsfield Elementary School, 900 West Kingsfield Rd.
From 6:30 – 7:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Bellview Elementary School, 4425 Bellview Ave.
- Bratt Elementary School, 5721 North Hwy. 99
- Brentwood Elementary School, 4820 N. Palafox St. (Hwy 29)
- Ensley Elementary School, 501 E. Johnson Ave.
- Ferry Pass Elementary School, 8310 N. Davis Hwy.
- Global Learning Academy, 100 North P St..
- Lipscomb Elementary School, 10200 Ashton Brosnaham Road
- L.D. McArthur Elementary School, 330 East Ten Mile Rd.,
- Molino Park Elementary School, 899 Highway 97
- Montclair Elementary School, 820 Massachusetts Ave.
- Myrtle Grove Elementary School, 6115 Lillian Hwy.
- Navy Point Elementary School, 1321 Patton Dr.
- Oakcrest Elementary School, 1820 N. Hollywood Blvd.
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School, 3000 Owen Bell Lane,
- Scenic Heights Elementary School, 3801 Cherry Laurel Dr
- O.J. Semmes Elementary School, 1250 E. Texar Dr.
- Sherwood Elementary School, 501 Cherokee Trail
- Warrington Elementary School, 220 N. Navy Blvd.
- C.A. Weis Elementary School, 2701 North Q St.
- West Pensacola Elementary School, 801 North 49th Ave.
From 6:45 – 7:30 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Escambia High School, 1310 N. 65th Ave.
- Pensacola High School, 500 W. Maxwell Street
- Pine Forest High School, 2500 Longleaf Dr.
- Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Pkwy.
From 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Northview High School, 4100 West Highway 4
From 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School, 4110 Bauer Rd.
- Bellview Middle School, 6201 Mobile Hwy.
- Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Rd.
- Ferry Pass Middle School, 8355 Yancey Ave.
- Warrington Middle School, 459 South Old Corry Field Rd.
- Workman Middle School, 6299 Lanier Dr.
From 7:30– 8:00 a.m. meals may be picked up at:
- Ernest Ward Middle School, 7650 Hwy. 97
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate On The Upswing
August 22, 2020
The local unemployment rate locally in Escambia County declined in June but increased in July, according to data released Friday.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 9.2% in July, up from 7.9% in June. That represents 13,167 people out of work out of a county workforce of 142,520. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was just 3.5%, or 5,126 people.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the Pensacola area private-sector employment decreased by 7,100 jobs (-4.5%) over the year. The industry losing the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality (-3,100 jobs). Construction was the only major industry that gained jobs over the year in July 2020 (+100 jobs).
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11.3 percent in July 2020, up 1.0 percentage point from the revised June 2020 rate, and up 8.2 percentage points from a year ago. There were 1,125,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,975,000.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in July.