It’s Turning Really Cold Next Week. But Will There Be Snow Or Ice?
January 16, 2025
Could we have snow or winter weather in North Escambia next week? Some models say yes, others say no. But the forecast does say it will be bitterly cold.
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, which creates the “official” weather forecast for North Escambia, we are still too far out in time to discuss for-sure specifics. But, we will have to carefully monitor the potential for winter weather for next Tuesday into Wednesday.
Keep in mind: This story, and the forecasts we publish on NorthEscambia.com are for the North Escambia area. And generally, the closer north you go toward the Alabama state line, the colder it is. And the closer you get the the beach, the warmer it is.
This is what we know for certain:
- It will turn very cold Sunday through the middle of next week as an arctic air mass builds into the area. High may not rise out of the 30s with lows in the 20s.
- We will need to keep an eye on the potential for winter weather early next week.
This is what is uncertain:
- The extent of the winter weather threat. There are two scenarios (pictured above) that we will be watching:
- *Scenario #1* Low pressure develops over the central Gulf and tracks east. Precipitation develops well to the north of the low, resulting in a wintry mix across that could bring impacts to the entire area.
- *Scenario #2* Low pressure doesn’t develop or develops across the far southern Gulf. This would keep conditions dry, but temperatures would still be bitterly cold.
“We know that’s a broad range of solutions, but that is the winter weather reality in the deep south this far out in time,” NWS said. “In the days ahead, we will gain confidence on one of these scenarios. Both are very much in play at this point.”
What should you do now?
- Monitor the forecast closely over the next several days from a trusted source of information. Be cautious of anybody sharing accumulation graphics this far out in time. As soon we can share more specifics, we will.
- Be prepared for very cold weather because it will happen in either scenario. Protect people, plants, pets, and pipes.
For the detailed forecast, click here.
Applications Accepted Until Noon Friday For Century Town Council Seat Appointment
January 16, 2025
Noon Friday is the deadline for interested Century residents to apply for appointment to a vacant seat on the town council.
Last week, Luis Gomez, Jr. resigned as mayor for medical reasons effective Friday, January 10, just as his new four-year term was beginning. After volunteering for the position, Seat 4 town council member Alicia John was appointed interim mayor. She will serve until a special election is held. and she has indicated that she will run for the seat.
Johnson’s interim move into the mayor’s office opened her seat on the town council. The town is accepting applications from citizens looking for an interim appointment to the town council to serve until a special election is held. Applications are due to noon, Friday, January 17.
The town announced Friday, January 10, that applications should be hand submitted or mailed to the Town Clerk’s Office, 7995 North Century Boulevard, Century, FL 32535 or hand-delivered between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to the same address. Applications can also be emailed to mwalker@centuryflorida.us.
Click here to download the application.
The town council is expected to review the applications and make a decision on an interim member on January 21.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Today Is Deadline To Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot For Congressional Special Primary
January 16, 2025
Today is the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2025 Special Primary Election to fill a congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz.
Voters wishing to request a vote-by-mail ballot can do so by visiting https://escambiavotes.gov/vote-by-mail, or by calling (850) 595-3900. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, January 16, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Voters can also track a vote-by-mail ballot by signing up for notifications at https://escambiavotes.gov/track-my-ballot. Voters will be able to see when a ballot was received and accepted for tabulation.
The 2025 Special Primary Election is for Republican voters only. The State of Florida holds closed primary elections, meaning only registered Republicans will be eligible for the 2025 Special Primary Election There is only one Democratic candidate, so there is no Democratic primary.
Early voting will open Saturday, January 18 and continue through Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Northview High Students Receive Required CPR Training
January 16, 2025
Juniors at Northview high school received required hand-on CRP and AED training Wednesday, led by cardiologist Dr. Bevin Weeks from Nemours Children’s Health.
Florida statute requires students in 9th and 11th grade to participate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Students gathered in the gym to learn how to properly perform chest compressions on CPR manikins. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside of a hospital setting each year, bystander intervention plays a crucial role in patient outcome.
By the end of the school year, more than 2,000 students across seven Escambia County high schools will have received training on how to effectively administer CPR, as well as instruction on how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain By Friday Night And Saturday
January 16, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Calm wind.
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Showers, mainly after midnight. Temperature falling to near 52 by 9pm, then rising to around 60 during the remainder of the night. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: A chance of freezing rain and sleet before noon, then a chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
George Stone Technical College Names Student Of The Month
January 16, 2025
George Stone Technical College recently named their Student of the Month for November. He is William Stanhope who is learning pipe welding in an advance welding class.
“He has proven that he has a desire to be the best of the best in this profession and for that he deserves to be the student of the month,” the college said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gulf Coast Kid’s House Hosting Abuse Recovery Group
January 16, 2025
Gulf Coast Kid’s House is hosting another 12-week therapy series – Adult Sexual Abuse Recovery Group.
Every Tuesday beginning January 28th from 5:30-7:15 p.m., the group will come together to heal unresolved trauma from childhood led by several highly skilled licensed therapists. This group is free to the community with childcare provided.
To register for the group, contact Margot Dutel, LCSW at counselor@gckh.org. Space is limited.
Tate High Beta Club Shines At State Convention
January 16, 2025
Tate High School’s National Beta Club chapter attended the National Beta’s state convention last weekend in Orlando.
With an outstanding performance, Gabby Handy (pictured below) won first place in the Solo Vocals competition. She earned a “Golden Ticket” to the National Convention in June 2025. The Beta Club members enjoyed participating in the convention scavenger hunt and won third place.
“It was an exciting and successful weekend for the chapter,” said Tate Beta sponsor Stacye Litton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Meets Lead And Copper Water Standards, State Reduces Monitoring Requirements
January 15, 2025
In 2022, Century failed to test drinking water for lead and copper for an entire year as required by the state.
Fast forward to the present. Now, the town has stepped up its monitoring efforts, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is allowing reduced monitoring requirements for lead and copper.
The town applied for and received the reduced monitoring requirement after not exceeding acceptable parameters for the previous two monitoring periods, according to Interim Mayor Alicia Johnson. That means the town will monitor for lead and copper every three years rather than twice per year under an FDEP rule.
“This saves the town money on lab fees and personnel cost, as lead copper sampling it is quite expensive and time-consuming,” Johnson said. “It is a positive for our water system because it demonstrates that our water quality parameters set forth by FDEP are being met.”
Florida Ag Commissioner Launches Concealed Weapons License Replacement Services In Escambia County
January 15, 2025
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced on Tuesday the launch of concealed weapon license replacement services at Tax Collector Offices in Escambia and 36 other counties across Florida. These expanded services are a result of legislation proposed by Commissioner Wilton Simpson during the 2024 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 1084, signed into law in 2024, expands the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) collaboration with local Tax Collectors to further streamline concealed weapon license services.
“We are committed to ensuring that Floridians have access to convenient, efficient, and secure concealed weapon license services,” said Simpson. “By expanding the services available at local Tax Collectors, we are strengthening our dedication to customer service while upholding the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Since 2014, and as a result of legislation proposed by Commissioner Simpson when serving in the Florida Senate, Florida tax cpllectors have provided essential services to concealed weapon license holders, including initial applications, fingerprinting, and renewals. The addition of replacement services will further simplify the process for Floridians, allowing them to access all major concealed weapon license services locally.
Santa Rosa Country is not offering concealed weapon license replacement services are: Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Jackson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okaloosa, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, Volusia, Walton, and Washington.