Chance Of Severe Thunderstorms Today
December 29, 2021
There is chance of isolated severe storms through Wednesday evening. There is a chance of localized strong to damaging wind gusts of 40-60 mph. Isolated tornadoes are also possible.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a chance of showers between 9am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 10 mph.
New Year’s Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58.
Two Charged With Human Smuggling After I-10 Traffic Stop
December 29, 2021
A traffic stop in Escambia County Tuesday led to human smuggling arrests.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop about 9 a.m. on I -10 near the eastbound weigh station in Escambia County.
An investigation revealed there were 11 individuals within the vehicle that were in the country illegally.
“Further investigation determined that the occupants were being transported to multiple locations along the east coast. It was discovered that the driver and front seat passenger were being paid to smuggle them into the United States for work,” FHP said in a release.
Troopers arrested 23-year old Omar Alberto Lemus-De Leon (pictured left) and 27-year old Jose Toribio Morales-Orozco. Both were charged with felony human smuggling. Lemus-De Leon was also cited for driving with no driver’s license.
One of the smuggling victims was a juvenile, and the Department of Children and Families was notified.
Peanut Butter Challenge Nets 3,455 Jars For Local Food Pantries
December 29, 2021
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge in Escambia County collected 3,455 jars of peanut butter for area food banks.
There were 1,569 individual jars of peanut butter donated by the community during the annual Peanut Butter Challenge.
Donations from groups included 391 jars from Perdido Bay United Methodist, 206 from Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and 122 jars from Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
The Florida Peanut Producers Association boosted the donation with another 1,886 jars.
Escambia County placed second statewide in the Peanut Butter Challenge; Jefferson County placed first with 2,237 loose jars.
The premise of the event was simple — from October 1 until the day before Thanksgiving, participating counties collected jars of peanut butter, often with plenty of help from the local community and organizations. At the end of the event, the collections are tallied, bragging rights earned, and the jars were distributed to local food pantries to feed neighbors in need during the holiday season.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mary Rackard Named Bratt Elementary School Teacher Of The Year
December 29, 2021
Mary Rackard was named the Bratt Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Rackard is pictured center. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Still Hospitalized After Their Vehicle Hit By Man Fleeing From Atmore Police Last Week
December 29, 2021
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK OR TAP HERE.
Two Flomaton residents are continuing to recover in a Pensacola hospital nearly a week after their vehicle was hit by a man fleeing from police in Atmore.
Atmore Police attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by a man allegedly involved in a theft at Walmart. Officers pursued the white Chevrolet Avalanche south on Main Street but terminated the pursuit at Howard Street.
The suspect, later identified as 33-year old Joseph A. Weese — continued south on Main Street for about half a mile to Church Street where he collided with a Ford Ranger occupied by 62-year old Andy Moye and his wife, 48-year old Donna Theresa Moye, both of Flomaton. Both Moyes were airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Weese fled on a foot but was captured a short distance away.
Weese was charged with felony first degree assault. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton Wednesday where he was being held without bond.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Some Officials Want New Christmas Lights For Century; One Says Town Can’t Afford It Now
December 28, 2021
The mayor of Century and several council members want to update Century’s aging Christmas decorations, while one council member says there needs to be focus on other priorities first.
Century’s focal light display is at the Nadine McCaw Park, formerly known as Roadside Park, on North Century Boulevard at Hecker Road. The town added a new Christmas tree that stands 20 feet tall back in 2013. The remainder of the big decorations were donated to Century by the City of Pensacola some number of years ago. Many of those decorations have failed due to age and are no longer displayed.
There were also about two dozen Christmas wreaths on utility poles scattered along Highway 29 this year.
Council member Dynette Lewis said she wants the council to talk about redoing Christmas decorations.
“I would really, like for us to get together on that,” she told the council at a recent meeting.
“I agree with you so we’ll definitely get that going way before budget season,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said. “I’d like for us to discuss this and get some options. And then when we make that decision of what route we want to go, and then we could add it to the budget.”
Council President Luis Gomez said he prefers decorations like lighted wire Christmas trees or snowflakes that he’s seen in several other towns.
“It’s just LEDs. It’s easy on budget,” Gomez said. “It’s just a one-time expense. It’s just something about the lights and night that just makes everything Christmas.”
But council member James Smith wants the town to explore other priorities before buying Christmas decorations that can cost many thousands of dollars.
“It’ll be great to have the city lit up and looking beautiful,” Smith said. “But we don’t need to be spending a lot of money on that. There’s way too much in Century that needs to be fixed up…getting more businesses in the town, and as the town continues to grow, then we can have the finances to make the town look good. What’s the point in making it lit up when there’s not a whole lot around to be seen?”
“We’ve got to make sure we get our priorities straight,” Smith added. “It would be good to buy a few wreaths here and there when the budget allows that. I don’t think that we need to go crazy on spending money unnecessarily.”
Pictured top: Century’s Christmas light display at Nadine McCaw Park as een through a windshield in the rain. Pictured inset and below: The other major decorations in the park are old, donated by the City of Pensacola years ago. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Now 17 Red Bulbs On Fire Safety Wreath For December Residential Fires
December 28, 2021
After several residential structure fires over the long Christmas weekend, there are now 17 red bulbs on the wreath in Escambia County’s Keep the Wreath Green fire safety campaign.
Two of those fires were in North Escambia.
The fire on Wild Turkey Road off River Annex Road was reported about 11:40 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and firefighters worked well into Christmas morning to fully extinguish the fire. The fire, sparked by an electrical issue, caused major damage, and the mobile home is a total loss. There were no injuries.
There were no injuries in a Christmas Day mobile home fire in the 6000 block of Jahaza Street, just off Molino Road. The home was a total loss.
Other residential fires were reported on Bloodworth Lane, Forest Pines Drive, Nine Mile Road and Lagoon Drive.
Pictured above: A Christmas Day fire on Jahaza Street. Pictured below: A Christmas Eve fire on Wild Turkey Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dispose Of Household Hazardous Waste For Free January 22 In Molino
December 28, 2021
Mark you calendars — the next Escambia County Regional Roundup will be held Saturday, January 22 at Molino Park Elementary School.
Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste and up to four tires per vehicle, all free of charge. Proof of Escambia County residency is required to participate in Regional Roundup, such as a driver’s license, power bill or voter registration card. This is a residential drop-off program only; no commercial waste accepted. Simply drive up and materials will be unloaded for you – no need to get out of your vehicle.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. until noon in the school parking lot at 899 Highway 97.
Items accepted include:
- Computers (monitors, terminals, keyboards and mice)
- Printers and copiers
- TVs and remotes
- DVD players
- Gaming systems
- Fax machines
- Stereo systems
- Cell phones and telephones
- Paint (up to 20 gallons)
- Fuel (up to 10 gallons)
- Waste oil (up to five gallons)
- Fluorescent lights (up to 10 lights)
- Tires (up to four per vehicle)
- Antifreeze
- Oil filters
- Lubricants and greases
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Batteries (rechargeable, lithium, computer, cell phone, etc.)
- Auto, marine and motorcycle batteries
- Propane bottles
- Pool cleaners
- Household cleaners
Items NOT accepted include:
- Commercial waste
- Electronics that have been gutted
- Appliances, including fans and air conditioners
- Household garbage
- Yard debris or limbs
- Scrap metal
- Medical waste
- Medications
- Furniture and mattresses
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
Amanda Robar Is Jim Allen Elementary Teacher Of The Year
December 28, 2021
Jim Allen Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year is Amanda Robar. She teaches art to all levels from Pre-K through fifth grade. Photos for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Become Likely By Tonight; Isolated Severe Storms On Wednesday
December 28, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
New Year’s Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.