Escambia County Emergency Communications Chief Andrew Hamilton Retires
January 18, 2026
Escambia County Emergency Communications Chief Andrew Hamilton retired last month after over 30 years of service and dedication to the citizens of Escambia County. He was honored during a retirement ceremony, surrounded by his family and co-workers.
Hamilton’s public safety career began as a volunteer firefighter at age 17. He eventually became an EMT before transitioning to a career as a 911 dispatch operator. Since then, he remained with Escambia County Emergency Communications, holding positions such as emergency dispatcher, dispatch supervisor, operations manager, and, finally, emergency communications chief.
The Escambia County Commission honored him with a proclamation, stating, “His lifelong service embodies the very best of public service: dedication, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of others.”
Hamilton is a North Escambia resident.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Injuries Reported In Saturday Afternoon Three-Vehicle Crash On Highway 29
January 18, 2026
At least one person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The crash occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. just north of Neil Road.
A Mercury Mountaineer and a passenger car collided on Highway 29. The Mountaineer then left the roadway and collided with a parked Chevrolet van belonging to a local pilot escort company.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not yet released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
MLK Day Parades, Celebrations Planned For Monday; New Route For Pensacola Parade
January 18, 2026
Annual MLK Day parades and celebrations are planned across the Escambia County area for Monday. For the Pensacola parade, there is a new route due to the Reimagine Palafox construction project.
Cantonment MLK Parade The 19th Annual MLK Parade will be held Monday in Cantonment. Parade line-up begins at 3 p.m., and the parade will start at 4 p.m. from Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. There is no entry fee.
Century MLK Celebration and Parade An MLK Celebration program will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Ag Building at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard. Guest speakers will include Mayor Ben Boutwell, and there will be live music from area church choirs and children’s groups. Immediately after a meal provided by the Century-Flomaton Improvement Association, there will be a motorcade from the Ag Building to the Century Business Center on Pond Street.
Atmore MLK Parade The annual MLK Parade will roll at 10 a.m. from Houston Avery Park and end at the Emmanuel Faith Center at 710 E. Ridgeley Street with food, door prizes, a guest speaker, and entertainment.
Pensacola MLK Parade The Pensacola MLK Parade for 2026 is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, kicking off at 11 a.m. at Spring & Garden Streets downtown with the theme “With Unity, We Won’t Turn Back,” featuring Grand Marshal Lumon May. Due to construction on Palafox Street, there is a new route this year. Rather than traveling all the way down Palafox Street, the parade will detour one block east to Jefferson Street south of Garden Street (map above).
The parade route and float staging areas will close to vehicular traffic approximately three hours prior to the start of each event. Parking is prohibited along the parade route and in designated no-parking areas. Vehicles will be towed if found on the parade route or the additional “no parking” zones when road closures begin.
Street closures will extend to Tarragona Street, DeVilliers Street, and Main Street, consistent with closures implemented during the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and the Pensacola Christmas Parade. Heavy parade and float traffic is anticipated between Wright Street and Main Street, along with impacts to Garden Street, Palafox Street, and Spring Street.
Controlled Burn Escapes Lines Saturday Night Near Bratt
January 18, 2026
Firefighters responded to a controlled burn that grew out of control Saturday night near Bratt.
The fire in the 8000 block of Bratt Road, near Camp Road, was reported around 7:30 p.m. Firefighters from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue were able to contain the approximately one-acre fire, and the Florida Forest Service responded.
No structures were reported to be in danger from the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
January 18, 2026
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Jan. 18, 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 and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Jan. 18, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Jan. 18, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Beginning Monday, Jan. 19, a new temporary traffic configuration will be implemented on Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street. Garden Street travel lanes will be shifted to the south to provide a dedicated work zone on the north side of the street for construction activities. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Periodic 24-hour side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for ECUA water main upgrades. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- 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, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22, 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, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 23, 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 the week of Sunday, Jan. 18:
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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:
- S.R. 87 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade – Motorists will encounter a road closure from Elva Street to Raymond Hobbs Street Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.
- 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, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 23, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) –Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over East Bay - Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for construction operations.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Operations just west of Stewart Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Jan. 19 through Thursday, Jan. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for construct of left turn lane.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Ice Flyers Drop Wiener Dog Race Night Game To Evansville
January 18, 2026
The Pensacola Ice Flyers lost their second consecutive game to the reigning league champions Saturday night.
The Evansville Thunderbolts won 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 8,082 at the Hangar on Wiener Dog Race Night.
Evansville struck first with Derek Contessa scoring the lone goal of the first period. Tyrone Bronte tied things up early in the second period, hoping to shift the momentum in the Ice Flyers’ favor. However, Evansville’s Eelis Laaksonen reclaimed the lead later in the 2nd period.
Both teams struggled to find scoring opportunities in the third period, and Evansville left with a 2-1 victory over the Ice Flyers. Pensacola was coming off a 3-2 loss to Evansville on Friday night.
The Ice Flyers cap off the three-game weekend Saturday afternoon.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Terry Lynn Cumbie
January 18, 2026
Terry Lynn Cumbie, 61, of Little River, Alabama, was born in Atmore, Alabama, and lived life with laughter, speed, and a generous heart.
Terry was truly the life of the party—always quick with a joke, a story, or a grin that could light up a room. A natural daredevil, he loved to go fast and live boldly, never shying away from adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in the woods or on the water, hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden. One of his greatest joys was sharing the fruits of his labor, whether it was a fresh catch, a successful hunt, or vegetables from his garden—always making sure everyone else had plenty.
Above all, Terry loved his family. He is survived by his son, Colton Cumbie; his stepdaughter, Christina White; his step-grandson, Aiden White; his sister, Wanda Stanfield; his brother, Ricky Cumbie; and a plethora of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his laughter and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Sue Cumbie, his brother, Michael Cumbie, and his wife, Diane Cumbie.
Terry will be remembered for his big heart, his fearless spirit, and the laughter he brought into every room. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the stories shared, the land he loved, and the family he leaves behind.
Memorial services were held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Pastor C.P. Phillips officiating.
Mardi Gras At Ensley Sports On Sunday With Free Pin & Beads Festival
January 17, 2026
The spirit of Mardi Gras is coming to Ensley on Sunday as Ensley Sports partners with the Krewe of Blues to host the 15th Annual Pin & Beads Festival.
The celebration kicks off on Sunday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ensley Sports complex at 551 East Nine Mile Road.
Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to donate diapers for the Gulf Coast Kid’s House and Santa Rosa Kid’s House.
“This incredible festival is rich in tradition and deeply rooted in the heart of the Pensacola Mardi Gras community,” Ensley Hurricanes Youth Football shared.
Festival-goers can expect a day filled with:
- Krewe Wars: Krewes will face off in games to compete for a year’s worth of bragging rights.
- Annual Competitions: Judges will crown the “Pin of the Year,” “Bead of the Year,” and “Best Krewe Tent.”
- Family Fun: The event features numberous local food vendors, a live DJ, and vibrant displays from various Mardi Gras krewes.
The festival is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity for residents to meet local krewes while supporting a vital community cause.
Update: Chance Of Wintry Mix Early Sunday Morning
January 17, 2026
There is a small chance of a wintry mix or snow flurries across the North Escambia area early Sunday morning.
Confidence in this wintry mix occurring continues to remain low. If it does occur, accumulation should remain light, according to the National Weather Service.
“Right now the most likely scenario is that a light, cold rain should begin to spread across much of the local area late this evening and into the overnight hours. As rainfall slowly pushes eastward, a transition to a wintry mix/snow is possible during a brief window generally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday morning,” NWS Mobile forecasters said.
Any snow accumulations, if they occur look to remain less than one-half inch, mainly on elevated surfaces.
(As new forecast details become available during the day on Saturday, we will update this story.)
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of rain showers before 4am, then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Sunday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 42.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Century Council Cancels Next Week’s Meeting With Nothing On The Agenda
January 17, 2026
The regular Century Town Council meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, has been canceled.
The meeting was canceled due to a lack of actionable items for the agenda. The next regular council meeting will be held Tuesday, February 3, at 6:15 p.m. at Century Town Hall.
The council generally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:15 p.m., with three exceptions: the second meeting of August will be held on August 25, the first meeting of November will be November 10 due to election days; and a single meeting will be held in December on December 1.
Pictured: The January 6 meeting of the Century Town Council. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.