Afternoon And Evening Rain Possible On Friday; Soggy Saturday Ahead
January 9, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 74. South wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.
Global Engineering, Manufacturing Firm Selects Escambia County For U.S. Headquarters
January 9, 2026
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday night approved support for a tax exemption for a global aerospace company that will set up their United States headquarters in Escambia County. The Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) is for up to 10 years.
Field International Group, a global engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in the United Kingdom, has selected Escambia Count for its new American headquarters and manufacturing operation. Formerly referred to confidentially as “Project Britain”, the company will invest $8 million in capital expenditures and create 50 new jobs with an average annual wage of $80,000. A second phase of expansion is under consideration that it could
generate an additional $12 million and 50 jobs at similar wage levels, according to the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance.
Field International provides precision engineering, tooling and ground support equipment for the aerospace, transport, energy and medical industries. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1995, the company has built a global footprint delivering design, manufacture, and onsite services for aerospace original equipment manufacturers, maintenance repair and overhaul operators, and related industrial clients. Field International’s capabilities include engineering design, precision machining, fabrication, tooling assembly and maintenance services. The company has operations in the United Kingdom, India, China and Singapore.
“Following a competitive evaluation of multiple regions, Field International selected Escambia County for its first U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation,” said Mark Booker, Group CEO of Field International Group. “The county’s strategic location, business climate, corporate assets, and skilled workforce align well with our growth objectives in the North American market. The level of coordination and support provided by the local community and economic development partners has been world-class and was very instrumental to our decision.”
A relationship with the company was initiated by Florida’s Great Northwest, which played a central role in positioning the region as a competitive location to do business. FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance partnered closely with Florida’s Great Northwest to advance the project locally, with Escambia County ultimately prevailing against competing locations throughout the United States.
“Field International’s decision to establish operations in Escambia County reflects our competitiveness in attracting high wage, advanced manufacturing jobs and strengthening the community’s aerospace cluster,” stated Ashlee Hofberger, chair of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. “The Board of County Commissioners is honored to support this project and approved a Resolution of Support for an EDATE to help secure these jobs and
associated capital investment for our community.”
The first phase of Field International’s operation will focus on core engineering and manufacturing activities supporting aerospace tooling and ground support equipment. The company’s presence in Escambia County is expected to enhance the local manufacturing base and employment opportunities in precision engineering.
“FloridaWest congratulates Field International on its decision to locate in Escambia County,” said Chris Platé, chief executive officer of FloridaWest. “This project reinforces the county’s value proposition for global precision manufacturers seeking access to U.S. markets and reflects the effectiveness of coordinated regional business attraction. Successful outcomes like this are the result of strong public and private sector collaboration.”
“Field International’s investment marks a victory for regional collaboration and foreign direct investment,” said Jennifer Conoley, president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. “This is the culmination of years of marketing Northwest Florida as a premier business hub worldwide, made possible only through strong local partnerships.”
$2.36 Million Highway 4A Safety Improvement Project Is Now Underway
January 9, 2026
A $2.36 million, Escambia County Highway 4A safety improvement project is now underway near Century.
The 4.8 miles of roadway safety improvements are taking place on Highway 4A from Highway 4 at the light in Byrneville to State Line Road, and include pavement reconstruction at the State Line Road intersection. The project’s total cost will be $2,362,863.20.
The planned roadway improvements include widening and overlaying the existing lanes. The project also includes the relocation of mailboxes and the reinstallation of traffic signs to county specifications. The guardrails within the project limits will be upgraded to current Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards.
The project also includes minor drainage modifications to accommodate road widening.
Pictured: Work on Thursday afternoon on a safety improvement project on Highway 4A. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Manny Diaz Jr. Selected By UWF Board of Trustees As The University’s Next President
January 9, 2026
The University of West Florida Board of Trustees selected Manny Diaz Jr. to serve as the University’s seventh president during a special board meeting on Thursday. Diaz, UWF’s interim president since July, was announced as the sole finalist on Nov. 22, 2025, following a comprehensive national search. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
“On behalf of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, I congratulate Manny Diaz Jr. on his selection as UWF’s seventh president,” said UWF Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews, who also shared an extended message to the University community. “During his past six months as interim president, Diaz has demonstrated that he is exceptionally suited for this role through his engagement with students, faculty, staff, and the community. We are confident that his leadership will be a catalyst for the University of West Florida to continue to succeed, grow and deepen its impact on the Northwest Florida region and beyond.”
Prior to coming to UWF, Diaz served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, where he oversaw statewide policy, academic standards and student success initiatives across the K–20 system. His career experience includes work as a classroom teacher, administrator and policymaker.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust UWF and the Board of Trustees has placed in me,” Diaz said. “UWF is a dynamic institution with extraordinary momentum, and I am excited to work alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to build upon that success. Together, we will continue to elevate UWF’s impact, strengthen opportunities for students, and advance our mission of excellence for the region and beyond.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Barricades Himself In Escambia Home, Shoots Fireworks At Deputies
January 9, 2026
A man is facing multiple charges following a standoff at a home just north of Nine Mile Road.
Phillip Preston Resmondo, 37, was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief with property damage under $200, and criminal mischief with property damage between $200 and $1,000. Resmondo, who was on federal probation, remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond on a hold placed by the U.S. Marshals.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a criminal mischief complaint in the area of Le Ruth Drive, about two blocks north of Nine Mile Road near Copter Road, for a man that was hitting stop signs with a baseball bat.
When deputies arrived, he made threats and got into a truck and revved the engine “as if he was going to run over deputies,” and then locked himself in a house and refused to come out, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said he then started shooting fireworks out of the home’s windows.
After SWAT arrived on the scene, Resmondo was taken into custody.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Save The Eagles Day Program Is Saturday At The Molino Library
January 9, 2026
The Molino Library will host “Save the Eagles Day” on Saturday. Staff from the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida will present a special program about eagles.
Attendees will hear incredible stories about the sanctuary’s work in rescue and rehabilitation, learn how they can help protect eagles and keep them thriving in their natural habitat, and enjoy a fun craft for the little ones.
The Wildlife Sanctuary does not currently have an eagle in its sanctuary that is “glove ready” and able to make public appearances. Instead, staff will bring a hawk to the Molino Library, another raptor that is similar to eagles.
The program will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Molino Library, located in the Molino Community Center at 6450A Highway 95A.
Charlotte Weaver Toop
January 9, 2026
Charlotte Weaver Toop, age 78, of Molino, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2025, at her home in Molino, lovingly surrounded by her family and her husband of 53 years.
Charlotte was born in McDavid, Florida, at her family home, to Charlie Weaver and Thelma Jane Weaver. She was the youngest of twelve children. From an early age, her life was grounded in faith, family, and a love for others.
She was known for her faithfulness to Christ, our Lord and Savior, and for the deep love she had for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Charlotte found great joy in tending to her garden, crochet, sewing, always offering a kind word to a stranger, and sharing an infectious laugh and smile that could light up any room. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and cherished visiting friends and family all over the world.
Charlotte is survived by her husband, Ted Toop; her children, Gary Toop Sr. (Pam), Richie Toop and his wife Loretta, Chandra Toop, Scarlett Hommerbocker and her husband Preston.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gary Toop Jr. and his wife Kylie, Amber McCraney (Chris), Dannah Knight and her husband Lucas, Marcus Toop, Chelsey Abbott and her husband Alex, Brian Toop and his wife Montana, Krystale Toop, Blessing Masciale and her husband Isaiah, and Breanna Hommerbocker.
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Skylar Wood; Adalynn and Dallas Toop; Ayden, Caleb, Chance, and Kaisen McCraney; Ethan Shelley; Kayla, Talan, Hadley, and Annika Knight; Savannah Workman; Atlas Abbott; Landyn and Gracelyn Toop; and Colby Wayne and Lila-Mae Toop.
She is further survived by her honorary grandchildren, Katie-John and Prosser Crow, as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Weaver and Thelma Jane Weaver; her brothers and sisters, Lucille Weaver Luongo, Mildred Weaver Bell, Beulah Weaver Nall, Hurtis Weaver, Curtis Alfred Weaver, Orley Kirby “Bill” Weaver, James Julius Roy Weaver, Henry “Hank Buddy” Weaver, Willie Lee Davis, Carlton Weaver, and James C. Weaver; and her beloved granddaughter, Kaylan Reshea Hommerbocker.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel North. A viewing will be held the evening prior on Tuesday, January 13th, at 5:00 p.m. Charlotte will be laid to rest at Enon Baptist Church in McDavid, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Enon Baptist Church for mission work in Charlotte’s memory.
Charlotte Weaver Toop will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and boundless love.
Failed Attempt To Pass Ends With Serious Injuries In Quintette Road Crash
January 8, 2026
Two people were seriously injured when a driver attempted to pass on Quintette Road Thursday afternoon and instead crashed over a guardrail.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 50-year-old Pensacola man attempted to pass another vehicle in his pickup truck and ran off Quintette Road near Rocky Branch Road. The vehicle then traveled over a guardrail and struck two trees.
The driver and his passenger, a 51-year-old female also from Pensacola, were extricated by Escambia County Fire Rescue and transported in serious condition to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man In Custody After Standoff With Escambia County Deputies
January 8, 2026
A suspect was taken into custody Thursday afternoon following a standoff at a home just north of Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a criminal mischief complaint in the area of Le Ruth Drive, about two blocks north of Nine Mile Road near Copter Road, for a man that was reportedly hitting stop signs with a baseball bat.
When deputies arrived, he made threats, locked himself in a house, and refused to come out, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said he then started shooting fireworks out of the home’s windows.
After SWAT arrived on the scene, the man was taken into custody. His name has not been released.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Winn Dixie Closing Mid-March For Aldi Conversion
January 8, 2026
The Winn-Dixie in Cantonment will close in mid-March to begin its conversion to an Aldi store.
Southeastern Grocers, (SEG) confirmed the closure to NorthEscambia.com.
“All associates at this location received advance notice, and Southeastern Grocers is working closely with Aldi to support a smooth transition,” SEG said in the statement. “Associates will have the first opportunity to apply for roles at the new Aldi store or may continue their careers with Winn-Dixie at another location.”
There’s no word how long the Winn Dixie to Aldi conversion will take at the Cantonment store, located at 1550 South Highway 29.
The Winn-Dixie at 312 East Nine Mile Road closed in September 2024 and reopened an Aldi in March 2025.
Aldi acquired SEG in 2024. Later, a consortium of private investors acquired SEG— and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands — from Aldi. Aldi then announced it would continue with plans to convert its remaining 220 Winn Dixie and Harveys locations into the Aldi format by 2027, including the Cantonment Winn-Dixie.
