ECSO, Ascend Cares Volunteers Fill Care Packages For Service Members In Guam
January 3, 2026
Members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were joined by volunteers from the Ascend Cares Foundation to package care packages for service members deployed during the holidays.
Sheriff Chip Simmons, Lt. Tampary, and Deputy Mason Tampary worked alongside Ascend volunteers to fill dozens of care packages for U.S. service members stationed in Guam.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rail Yard Dawgs Top The Pensacola Ice Flyers 4-2 Friday Night
January 3, 2026
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs defeated the Pensacola Ice Flyers 4-2 on Friday night during Friends and Family Night at the Hangar in front of 5,803 fans.
The first period was evenly matched, but Roanoke’s Noah Finstrom broke through late in the frame to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw Andrew Poulias tie the game early with a short-handed goal. However, Roanoke quickly responded with goals from Travis Broughman and Jordan Rosenbaum to take a 3-1 lead into the third period.
The Ice Flyers fought back in the third period, with Zack Bross cutting the deficit to 3-2. Despite a valiant effort to complete the comeback, Roanoke’s Matt O’Dea sealed the 4-2 victory with an empty-net goal in the final seconds.
The Ice Flyers will look to bounce back tomorrow night for 850 Night in a rematch against the Rail Yard Dawgs.
Five Escape Injury In Crash At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino
January 2, 2026
Five people escaped injury in a two-vehicle crash Thursday night at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
The crash happened at 5:55 p.m. and involved a Toyota Tacoma and another vehicle.
All five people involved reportedly refused transport to the hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
Reader submitted photo by Kevin Enfinger for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library To Host Macramé Workshop Today
January 2, 2026
Residents looking to start 2026 with a new hobby can head to the Molino Branch Library today for a hands-on crafting workshop.
The library, located within the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A, is hosting “Macrame at Molino” from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this evening. The event is designed to help community members kick off the new year with a creative outlet, focusing on the art of decorative knotting.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn foundational macramé techniques while creating their own personalized wristlet. According to library staff, the workshop is tailored for all skill levels, welcoming both absolute beginners and more experienced crafters.
All necessary materials and guided instruction will be provided by the library.
Image for illustration only and may not represent the final design.
Chance Of Rain Friday Night Into Saturday
January 2, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 72. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Cantonment Man Charged After Crashing Reported Stolen Vehicle
January 2, 2026
The Florida Highway Patrol charged a Cantonment man after he wrecked a reported stolen vehicle in December.
Justin Michael Odom, 31, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license third or subsequent conviction.
On December 6, Odom crashed a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Tate Road. He was extracted and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS.
According to troopers, the vehicle had been reported stolen in Santa Rosa County. FHP said, Odom admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Troopers said that his license had been suspended due to multiple prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Odom remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond. He is set for arraignment on Friday, January 2.
State Offices Closed Today For Extra New Year’s Holiday
January 2, 2026
State offices across Florida are closed today, Friday, January 2, as workers receive a second consecutive day off following the New Year’s holiday
Governor Ron DeSantis previously announced that state offices would also be closed on Friday, December 26, 2025; and Friday, January 2, 2026 in celebration of the holidays.
“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.”
State workers also received an extra day off on Wednesday, November 26.
These dates were in addition to regular office closures on Thursday, November 27; Friday, November 28; Thursday, December 25; and Thursday, January 1.
Brandon Korinchak Named Northview High Teacher Of The Year
January 2, 2026
Brandon Korinchak was named the Northview High School Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kenneth Oresta Bryan
January 2, 2026
Kenneth Oresta Bryan passed away on December 30, 2025, after an extended struggle with poor health. Mr. Bryan was blessed with 92 years of life on Earth. He was born, at home, on October 23, 1933, to the late Clarence Oresta Bryan and Mamie Creamer Bryan.
Most of the early years of Kenneth’s life were spent in Poplar Dell, Florida. He attended Byrneville Elementary School and graduated from Century High School in 1951. Throughout his life, Kenneth was always an industrious worker and worked in many different capacities from an appliance repair technician to an instrumentation consultant. During the later years of his career, he was fortunate to be able to travel the world as a consultant.
On April 20, 1952, Kenneth married Marie Avritt. They were married an amazing 73 years and had four children. As a father, Kenneth taught his children a wide variety of things from how to wire a light to how to bait a fishing hook. He was always looked upon as a man who worked hard to provide for his family and as a loyal friend.
Since youth, he was a Christian who never wavered in his faith. Even on his last day of life, he remained faithful and never questioned God’s plan. Mr. Bryan was a long-time member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Marie Bryan, son Kenneth Bryan Jr (Susan), daughters Deborah Boyett (Lynn) and Tina Pynes (Terry), and son Richard Bryan (Rhonda), and sister Juanita Hubacker. His surviving grandchildren are Todd Bryan, Amy Wilson, Kaki Quarles, Aubrey Wright, Logan Boyett, and Madison Boyett. He had six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Kenneth also had a very special friend and helper, Jerry Paulsen.
Mr. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mamie Bryan, brothers W.A. Bryan and Preston Bryan, sisters Eloise Howell and Jeanette Hurst, a granddaughter Lisa Lee, and a grandson Kyle Bryan.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to two special caregivers and friends, Cynthia Edler and Jamie Woods. Their help and devotion during the last few months have been invaluable.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore, Alabama. The family will receive visitors at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Bryan, Aubrey Wright, Logan Boyett, Connor Aligood, Chris Wilson, and Dennis Harris. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Paulsen.
New Florida Animal Cruelty Offender Database Is Now Online
January 2, 2026
A new statewide animal cruelty offender database is now online in Florida.
It’s the latest phase of Dexter’s Law, which was named after a 4-year-old black and white bulldog mix that was adopted in Pinellas County and found brutally killed a few days later in a park.
The first part of the law went into effect back in July 2025, allowing judges to increase penalties in animal cruelty cases. The next part of the law went into effect January 1, 2026, requiring the state to create and maintain a database of animal abusers.
To access the database, click here.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis when he signed Dexter’s Law.
People who have either been found guilty, pleaded guilty**,** or no contest to animal cruelty charges will be listed in the database. The database is hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is designed to help shelters, pet rescues, and citizens who screen individuals before the adoption process is complete.
If a name is placed in the state database, it will remain for 10 years. The database is updated on the first day of each month.