Heat Advisory In Effect For Today
July 21, 2025
There is a heat advisory in effect on Tuesday for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. Heat indexes up to 110 degrees are expected.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 88. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Florida Attorney General Charges Woman With Exploitation of Elderly Escambia Man
July 21, 2025
A Panama City woman faces charges of financially exploiting an elderly Escambia County man under her care.
The investigation alleges Lewis abused her role as the victim’s power of attorney, systematically withdrawing funds directly from the victim’s bank account.. Between August 9, 2022, and February 28, 2023, Lewis allegedly transferred approximately $46,788.60 to her accounts and made cash withdrawals. The Florida Attorney General’s Office states Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time.. Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
“We will not tolerate those who take advantage of vulnerable Floridians for personal gain,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Our office will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who abuse positions of trust and exploit the elderly.”
Lewis is charged with one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will prosecute the case through an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.
Learn How To Become Involved: Ransom Middle School PTSA To Meeting This Evening
July 21, 2025
Ransom Middle School’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) will host an important meeting on Monday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the school’s media center.
The PTSA is actively seeking dedicated individuals to volunteer for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The organization is also looking for a new PTSA President to lead their efforts.
All parents, teachers, students, and community members interested in contributing to the school’s success are encouraged to attend. Even those unsure about their involvement or what the PTSA entails are welcome to join, as the meeting will provide an opportunity for planning, collaboration, and questions.
Escambia and Santa Rosa Weekly Traffic Advisory
July 21, 2025
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.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Beulah Road is temporarily closed at the Beulah Church Road intersection for drainage construction. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, July 20 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete repair work and paving operations.
- 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 Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, July 20, through Friday, July 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fluctuate Over The Past Week
July 21, 2025
Florida gas prices continue to ebb and flow, though the overall trend shows relative stability within a 30-cent range throughout the year, according to AAA.
The state average for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped to $2.93 last week—the lowest daily average since May. From there, prices surged to $3.14 per gallon mid-week before sliding back down to $3.08 on Sunday.
This rebound marks a 14-cent increase from last week, though prices remain 6 cents lower than last month and 30 cents below this time last year. Despite the frequent ups and downs, the underlying market forces remain largely unchanged.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.92. In Pensacola, a low of $2.73 was at one station on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low of $2.79 was available at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Sunday.
“We’ve seen this pattern repeat itself for nearly a year: pump prices drop for about 10 days, then climb back up,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With minimal movement in the oil and gasoline futures markets, we expect prices at the pump to continue bouncing within the same range for now.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Snyder Lifts Wahoos To Walk-Off 4-3 Win
July 21, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
A Michael Snyder walk-off double capped a comeback 4-3 Pensacola Blue Wahoos victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday afternoon.
With 5.0 innings of perfect relief and a one-run lead heading into the ninth, it seemed inevitable that the Lookouts would come out on top over the Blue Wahoos. The Wahoos’ bats had fallen silent after a two-run third inning, but came back to life in the bottom of the ninth.
A leadoff walk from Cody Morissette and a bunt single from Shane Sasaki to begin the ninth inning quickly signaled that this game was far from over. Josh Zamora came off the bench to work a pinch-hit walk and set the stage for Snyder.
“Hitting’s hard,” Snyder said. “Sometimes it takes a couple walks and finding a way on base. One good swing can change the course of a game.”
One good swing did change the course of the game, as Snyder connected on the third pitch from right-hander Arij Fransen (L, 2-3) to lace a line drive just inside the left field line. Morissette crossed home to tie it, and Sasaki’s run won it to give the Wahoos their 12th win of the second half and grow their division lead to 1.5 games.
“I was looking for a pitch to drive, something middle of the zone,” Snyder said. “Pretty simple right there. Just put bat on ball and good things happen.”
The Wahoos’ first two runs were put on the board in the third inning. Sasaki sent a line drive to center, driving in Jared Serna from third. Sasaki then swiped second as part of a double steal with Morissette, who beat a throw home for the tenth steal of home in Blue Wahoos history. This was Morissette’s third run-scoring thievery as a Wahoo after doing it in both 2023 and 2024.
Chattanooga’s offense got on the board in the top of the first for the third time this series, as Cam Collier drove in Edwin Arroyo with an RBI single up the middle.
The Lookouts also scored two runs in the third as Leo Balcazar and Jay Allen picked up RBI in the inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller.
Miller made his 14th start of the season for the Wahoos, and his first daytime start. Across 4.2 innings of three-run ball, the righty struck out six Lookouts. Miller’s outing ended on a sharp groundball to second by Collier, which Morissette gloved and fired home to prevent Arroyo from scoring an additional Chattanooga run in the fifth.
Former Blue Wahoos reliever Zach Willeman made the start for Chattanooga. A member of the 2023 Blue Wahoos, Willeman worked 3.0 innings of two-run ball in his return to Pensacola.
Both teams’ bullpens were excellent on Sunday afternoon. The Pensacola trio of Justin King, Nigel Belgrave and Josh Ekness (W, 3-1) compiled 4.1 innings of shutout work, while Brandon Komar tossed 4.0 perfect innings in relief for Chattanooga prior to Fransen’s difficulty in the bottom of the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos will head to Knoxville, Tennessee, for a six-game set with the Knoxville Smokies for their first trip to Covenant Health Park, the new stadium of the Cubs’ affiliate.
“[We] have a long road trip to Knoxville tomorrow, so [we] get some rest,” Snyder said. “[We are looking to] carry the momentum into the next week and have another good one.”
The Wahoos took four of six from the Smokies in late April in the first series between the teams. Right-hander Alex Williams (3-0, 2.10 ERA) is scheduled to get the ball in game one of the series for Pensacola.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies.
WHEN: Tuesday Thru Sunday
WHERE: Knoxville, Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: This will be the Blue Wahoos’ first trip to the Smokies’ new ballpark in downtown Knoxville, located near the campus of the University of Tennessee. It opened in April, after the team formerly played in Kodak, Tennessee, located about 21 miles east. The team was known as the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate.
Woodrow Richardson Watters
July 21, 2025
Woodrow “Woody” Richardson Watters, 73, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Selma, Alabama, Woody lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Marshall Watters and Frances Richardson Watters, who raised him in the values of faith, family, and hard work—principles he carried with him all his life.
Woody is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Karen Brasier Watters of Cantonment, Florida; his children, Johnathan David (Amanda) Watters of Cantonment, Florida, Cynthia Grace (Ricky) Conner of Loxley, Alabama, and Regina Marie (Nathan) Parmely of Morganton, Georgia; and his brothers, Ruben (Beth) Watters and James “Jim” Watters, both of Sprott, Alabama.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to: Faith Elizabeth Watters of Century, Florida; Kelsey Conner (Reid) Kilborn of Loxley, Alabama; Savanah Hope Watters of Pensacola, Florida; Lane Dawson Conner of Loxley, Alabama; Zoie Marie Parmely of Blairsville, Georgia; Charity Ray Watters of Pensacola, Florida; and Abigail Grace Parmely of Morganton, Georgia. He also found immense joy in his great-grandchildren: Ella Wren Kilborn (2) of Loxley, Alabama; Liam Karson Watters (5 months) of Pensacola, Florida; and eagerly awaited the arrival of Cambree Marie Schuknecht, due to arrive on Sept 3, 2025. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Woody’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He lived out the Gospel through his actions—kindness in his words, gentleness in his spirit, humility in his work, and unconditional love for his family. His legacy is a testament to Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
He dedicated more than 40 plus years to the glass and glazing industry, where he served as the General Manager of Pensacola Glass Company. He was respected for his integrity, patience, and leadership. More than a boss, he was a mentor—someone who quietly poured wisdom into the lives of those around him.
Outside of work and family, Woody had one absolute favorite pastime — cheering on his Alabama Crimson Tide. Whether watching at home or talking football with friends, he bled crimson and white. Roll Tide!
He will be remembered for his warm smile, integrity, unconditional love, and the peace he carried in his presence. Though our hearts ache, his memories he created will remain in the hearts of the family as we rejoice in knowing he is now whole and at peace in his eternal home.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Pine Flat Baptist Church Cemetery in Selma, Alabama at 2:30 pm.
Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
July 20, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the next meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone. Bring your camera or smartphone and join fellow photography enthusiasts.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Felony Charges For Century Man Accused Of Eluding Atmore Police, Hiding In Bushes
July 20, 2025
A Century man is facing felony charges after allegedly attempting to elude law enforcement following an attempted traffic stop in Atmore on Tuesday afternoon.
Donnie Johnson, 53, taken into custody after a brief search that ended with officers finding him attempting to low crawl and hide in bushes.
The incident began around 1:35 p.m. when an Atmore Police officer attempted to pull over a motorcycle on Liberty Street that was not displaying a license plate. According to police, the operator, later identified as Johnson, accelerated to twice the posted speed limit as the officer attempted the stop. Due to the time of day and the reckless operation of the motorcycle, a pursuit was not initiated as Johnson approached Highway 21.
Johnson was last seen by the officer traveling north at a high rate of speed on Highway 21.
A few minutes later, a citizen reported a suspicious person who appeared to be hiding in the bushes at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Highway 21. Officers responded to the area, discovering the abandoned motorcycle in the bushes.
A subsequent search of a nearby field led officers to Johnson, who they said was attempting to low crawl away. He was then taken into custody.
Johnson was charged with felony attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving without a driver’s license and transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
NWE 12U All-Stars Finish Strong In Regional Tournament
July 20, 2025
Northwest Escambia 12U All-Star Baseball Team finished strong in the Cal Ripken Regional tournament on Saturday in Monroe, Louisiana.
Starting bracket play as the No. 3 seed, NWE placed fourth out of 14 teams, advancing further than any other NWE team in a regional tournament.
They fell just short of the semi-final game with an 11-8 loss to Daphne.
Team members are Hayden Batson, Hayden Hollingsworth, Parker Gilmore, Kayson Cooley, Jordan Ledkins, Nikko McAnally, Hendrix Ward, Walker Maughon, Cameron Gipson, Zach Hetrick, and Ridge Odom. Coaches are Matt Gilmore, Mike Cooley, and Wes Maughon.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.