Slight Chance Of Showers Tonight; Low Rain Chance For Friday
August 7, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 86. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Century Man Charged With Battery Of Escambia County Deputy
August 7, 2025
A Century man is facing felony charges, including the battery of a deputy, after a reported burglary.
Zackery Wayne Armstrong, 39, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest after the incident in the 100 block of East Highway 4.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported burglary in progress around 5:30 a.m. on July 28. A resident reported that someone, later identified as Armstrong, was walking outside the house in the dark and attempting to get inside.
Deputies arrived to find Armstrong wearing only a towel and tennis shoes. He was ordered to place his hands behind his back.
“Armstrong stated that he was not going to be detained and that he was not going to allow me to arrest him,” the ECSO deputy wrote in an arrest report, saying that Armstrong refused additional orders and continued to resist.
“As I attempted to restrain Armstrong he began to physically resist my efforts to detain him. He began to push against me and attempt to pull away from me. I utilized a technical leg sweep to sweep Armstrong to the ground,” the deputy wrote, adding that Armstrong was actively fighting and resisting.
“Armstrong continued to fight me, he grabbed my face, bit at his hands, and grabbed my duty belt in an attempt to get away from my control. While he was grabbing my duty belt it felt as if he was searching for the area of my firearm or any other item of opportunity to inflict harm to my person. Coupled with his statements of wanting to ‘kill me’ and ‘f*** me up’ it did place me in a well founded fear that my life was potentially in danger,” the deputy stated.
The deputy stated that Armstrong made multiple death threats and resisting, forcing the deputy to deliver several strikes with his head and elbow to Armstrong’s face and place him in a rear choke hold.
Additional deputies arrived on scene and assisted in taking Armstrong into custody.
During the struggle, Armstrong stated that he was using meth and was high on narcotics, according to the arrest report.
The report states Armstrong never made entry into the home or caused any damage.
Armstrong was transported to Baptist Hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Escambia County Jail where he remained Thursday morning with bond set at $10,000.
Wahoos Fall 11-5 To The Montgomery Biscuits
August 7, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos welcomed a host of new arrivals to their roster on Wednesday, but saw their five-game winning streak come to an end with an 11-5 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits.
After six players were added to Pensacola’s roster on Tuesday in advance of a game that was postponed, four made their Double-A debuts in the series opener. Eric Rataczak was 1-for-3 with an RBI double, Payton Green was 1-for-3 with a stolen base, Colby Shade was 1-for-4 with a double, and Colby Martin struck out a pair in a 1-2-3 debut relief inning.
The Biscuits jumped ahead 3-0 in the first, bringing home Colton Ledbetter on a catcher throwing error and scoring two more on a Tatem Levins double.
The Blue Wahoos chipped away at the deficit, scoring a run in the third inning on Rataczak’s RBI double and another in the top of the fourth when Fenwick Trimble doubled and scored on an errant throw on Green’s steal of second.
Pensacola starter Alex Williams (L, 3-2) ran into trouble in the fourth, facing five batters without recording an out before being lifted. Two-run singles from Homer Bush Jr. and Jadher Areinamo were followed by a Will Simpson two-run double, adding up to a six-run inning and a 9-2 Biscuits lead.
That would be more than enough for Montgomery starter Ty Cummings (W, 5-2), who worked 6.2 innings of three-run ball. Michael Snyder laced an RBI single, his third hit of the game, to give the Blue Wahoos a run back in the seventh, but a promising rally in the eighth yielded only two runs as the Biscuits bullpen successfully protected the comfortable lead for an 11-5 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Thursday with a doubleheader, making up Tuesday’s rainout with a pair of seven-inning games.
Century Greenlights $165K For Loan Payment, Emergency Sewer Repair And HVAC Replacement
August 7, 2025
The Century Town Council has approved transferring $165,498 from Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to make a loan payment, pay for emergency sewer work, and replace the entire HVAC system at town hall.
The transfer includes $36,998 to make a payment due by September 1 to the Florida Department of Transportation on a $554,964 promissory note for a 2024, utility relocation project.
They will also use $63,500 to pay the Talcon Group for emergency sewer work along Highway 29.
Up to $65,000 will be used for a full HVAC system replacement at town hall, which will include new HVAC units and ductwork. The current units at town hall are over 15 years old, and one has completely failed.
Pictured: A box fan blows air from the cooler lobby into town council chambers on July 22 in Century. The HVAC unit for the council chambers has completely failed. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Betty Jean Weeks Thomley
August 7, 2025
Betty Jean Weeks Thomley, age 82, of Perdido, AL went to her Heavenly Home to be with her husband and son on August 2, 2025 in Bay Minette, AL. Betty was born on February 6, 1943 to Burl Weeks and Louise Brock in Robertsdale, AL. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Braxton Thomley, Sr; her son, William Timothy Burl Thomley; her parents; and her siblings, Frances Weeks, June Townson, Bobby Weeks, and Robert Weeks.
Betty is survived by her children, Joey (Sherry) Thomley of Perdido, AL, and Donna (Randy) Carpenter of Perdido, AL; her grandchildren, Hayley, Adam, Alex, Danielle and Donyel; eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; her sisters, Glenda Godwin of Oak Grove, FL, and Wanda (Johnny) Mosley of Andalusia, AL; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Splinter Hill Holiness Church in Perdido, AL, with Bro. David Baggett officiating. Interment will follow in Bryars-McGill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Joey Thomley, Hayley Thomley, Adam Thomley, Camron Ganey, Brandon Rolin, and Hayden Thompson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Grantlee Thomley and Hunter Ganey.
Services were held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Splinter Hill Holiness Church in Perdido, AL.
Karyn Ann Turner
August 7, 2025
Kayrn Ann “Kay” Turner, age 75, of Pace, FL, passed away on July 26,2025, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born on March 28, 1950, to the late Rev. J. R. and Nell Turner in Montgomery, AL, and was raised in Atmore. A 1968 graduate of Escambia County High School, Kay attended Orlando College Medical Education Center, majoring in the Medical Assistant Program. She retired from Covenant Hospice, Pensacola, FL in 2007.
An avid reader, Kay enjoyed cross-stitching, watching English movies and series, and loving her dogs and cats. She was a member of Pensacola United Methodist Church.
Kay is survived by her two sons, William Turner McMurphy, Pace, FL, and Justin Tate McMurphy, Niceville, FL, sisters, Sheila Broughton (Dan), Opelika, AL, and Janice T. Smith (Mike), Canoe, AL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lauren and Luke McMurphy of Santa Rosa Beach, FL., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL with Bro. Paul LaSala officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the charity of your choice or The Florida Australian Cattle Dog Rescue @ australiancattledog.rescueme.org/florida.
The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Granny Nannies for the kindness shown to Kay and her family.
Thomas Taylor
August 7, 2025
Thomas Taylor, 57, of Pensacola, passed away on August 07, 2025. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 20, 1968, to Tony and Barbara Taylor. He was married to Mary Taylor for 35 years. Thomas had a career in utilities for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. He had a passion for racing and spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Taylor; son, John (Toni) Taylor; daughter, Jennifer (George) Bower; granddaughter, Amelia Bower; sister, Lynita Taylor; mother-in-law, Pat Warren; father-in-law, Tommy Warren; and lots of other friends and family.
Services will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
High Speed FHP Chase Ends With Crash Near Jim Allen Elementary
August 6, 2025
A high speed chase Wednesday afternoon ended with the suspect crashing into a wooded area near Jim Allen Elementary School on Highway 95A.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper observed a sedan traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 29 near Nine Mile Road and attempted a traffic stop. FHP said the driver started to slow before accelerating away from the trooper, reaching speeds of 96 mph on northbound Highway 29.
The driver veered onto Highway 95A before losing control while attempting to pass another vehicle, crashing through a fence and into a wooded area where the vehicle overturned.
The driver attempted to flee on foot and was tased by the trooper, according to FHP, and was tased a second time when he again tried to flee.
FHP said the driver received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS for evaluation. The trooper was not injured.
The release of the 29-year-old male driver’s name and charges are pending his release from the hospital and booking into the Escambia County Jail.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice For Portion Of East Kingsfield, Majestic, Peaches Area
August 6, 2025
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has issued a precautionary boil water notice is in effect for a portion of the Kingsfield Road area.
The boil water notice is in effect for :
- 2065-2160 East Kingsfield Road
- All of Peaches Lane
- All of Majestic Drive
- All of Majestic Court
This notice was issued after repairs were made to a broken 12-inch water main. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Residents located in the specified area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours.
ECUA crews completed the repairs to the main and have flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Escambia County Considers $200,000 Settlement In Century Woman’s Jail Death
August 6, 2025
Escambia County will decide Thursday if it will approve a $200,000 settlement in the death of a Century woman with special needs who died in the county jail in 2021.
The medical malpractice lawsuit was filed against Escambia County, which operates the jail, and West Florida Hospital. West Florida Hospital has already reached a confidential settlement.
Alia Wardell’s mother, Melania Smith, filed the lawsuit in January 2024 on behalf of her deceased daughter for allegedly failing to provide the life-saving medications needed to control Wardell’s diabetes and other serious medical conditions.
“Defendant West Florida Hospital’s nurse knew she was discharging Ms. Wardell in an unsafe manner, charting that she knew this patient would not do well because she needed constant monitoring hemodynamically and can get worse quickly,” the lawsuit states. “The nurse heard the patient say: ‘I can’t go to jail; I’ll die there.’”
The suit states the hospital discharged Wardell “in an unsafe manner and failed to ensure that the receiving facility was aware of her health needs, medications, and doses, specifically the life-threatening danger to Ms. Wardell for failing to take Desmopressin.” It further claims the hospital did not ensure that the Escambia County Jail was aware of the medications she was taking and the danger if she did not receive them.
The lawsuit states that a county EMT at the jail assessed Wardell and charted that she “does not have nor has been treated for diabetes…(and) failed to discover Ms. Wardell had prescriptions for the life-saving medications Desmopressin and Hydrocortisone.”
After a confrontation with another inmate, Wardell was assessed by an LPN who stated that she “had no preexisting conditions and not currently on any medications,” according to the suit, which further alleges that the jail failed to provide the medications.
The lawsuit claims the jail and hospital caused Wardell “to suffer severe physical and mental injuries, and death, as a direct result of their deliberate indifference.”
Wardell’s Hospitalization and Arrest
Wardell was seen in the West Florida Hospital emergency room on November 16, 2021, after being discharged with an altered mental status, adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis and other complaints. While in the emergency room, she asked to go to the bathroom, and a nurse discovered about five minutes later that she had fallen asleep in the bathroom on the floor, the lawsuit states. While the nurse was waking her, she allegedly became combative and was admitted under the Baker Act. She was discharged into the custody of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies on November 22, 2021, and taken to the Escambia County Jail.
She was charged with a November 17, 2021, incident in which she allegedly attacked nurses at West Florida Hospital. She was charged with five felony counts of battery for assaulting staff at the emergency room.
On November 28, 2021, she was found cyanotic and unresponsive in her cell and was not breathing when she was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
The Proposed Settlement
Escambia County’s insurance carrier has recommended a settlement payout from insurance of $200,000 to settle all present and future claims and in exchange for a release and hold harmless agreement. The county has already paid a portion of the deductible and will be responsible for payment of the balance.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will consider the settlement recommendation from the County Attorney’s Office. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at 221 Palafox Place, in Pensacola. The settlement is one of the final items on the agenda and is expected to be considered very near the end of the meeting.