Showers And Snowflakes Possible Saturday Night
January 16, 2026
A mix of late-night showers and a potential winter peek highlight the weekend ahead. Rain chances arrive after 3 a.m. tonight and persist through Saturday, followed by a slight chance of rain and snow showers Saturday night into Sunday morning. While no accumulation is expected, a significant cold snap will bring widespread frost Sunday and Monday nights as temperatures dip into the 20s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A chance of rain showers before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Sunday: A chance of sprinkles and flurries before 9am, then a chance of sprinkles between 9am and noon. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Widespread frost after midnight. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
M.L.King Day: Widespread frost before 7am. Otherwise, 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 around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of sprinkles with a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Florida (Yes, Florida) Has Snowplows At The Ready
January 16, 2026
The Florida Department of Transportation has snowplows and bridge deck anti-icing sprayers for use in Northwest Florida. On Thursday, FDOT crews took the time of access the winter weather equipment — just in case.
With possible freezing temperatures and precipitation in the forecast for the weekend across the district’s 16-county territory from Escambia to Jefferson County, the department wanted equipment and crews to be ready.
Crews will be on standby and actively monitor conditions to deploy the bridge deck sprayers to apply anti-icing products on bridges and overpasses if needed. FDOT’s winter weather plan is designed to keep Florida’s highway system safe and operational in all types of weather conditions.
Accumulation is not yet in the forecast for Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
In January 2025, FDOT’s winter weather response plan went into full force to remove snow and ice from I-10 and other critical corridors to get them open as quickly as possible. I-10 was closed across Northwest Florida.
Pictured above and below, FDOT crews clear snow and ice from I-10 in January 2025. Pictured bottom: Crews check FDOT equipment on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Final Regulatory Approval Granted For Verizon’s Purchase Of Frontier Communications
January 16, 2026
Verizon Communications and Frontier Communications announced Thursday that the companies have received all regulatory approvals and expect to close the Verizon $20 billion acquisition of Frontier on January 20, 2026.
NorthEscambia.com first reported the sale in September 2024.
In the North Escambia area, Frontier is local telephone company that still provides traditional landline service and DSL in Walnut Hill, Molino, Bratt and Atmore. The company does not currently offer fiber in the North Escambia area.
Over approximately four years, Frontier in other areas of the nation has invested $4.1 billion upgrading and expanding its fiber network, and now derives more than half of its revenue from fiber products at 7.2 million fiber locations. Frontier s committed to its plan to build out an additional 2.8 million fiber locations by the end of 2026.
Frontier has not announced any specific plans for their local markets.
According to the companies, Frontier customers as a whole will have has access to Verizon premium offerings and experience for Frontier’s consumer and small business customers, and Frontier’s premium broadband offering will unite with Verizon’s premium mobile offering.
“The path to closing the Frontier acquisition marks a significant milestone in Verizon’s evolution and is a bold step forward in Verizon’s transformation to regain market leadership,” said Verizon CEO Dan Schulman. “Upon closing, we will be uniquely positioned to offer our customers the best combined mobility and fiber experience for mobile, home internet, and other essential services across a significantly expanded footprint. Verizon is wholly focused on serving and delighting our customers and earning their trust and loyalty. After the transaction closes next week, our greatly expanded footprint will enable us to provide more value to more households and businesses in more regions, driving our growth and benefitting our customers and our shareholders.”
New offers for Frontier and Verizon customers are slated to launch after closing.
Following the closing of the transaction, the common stock of Frontier will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The last day of trading for the common stock of Frontier is expected to be January 16, 2026.
Pictured: The Frontier Communications switching central office near Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Deputies Searching For Missing, Endangered 1-Year-Old Last Seen With Her Parents
January 15, 2026
UPDATE: Anastasia Mason has been safely located in Uriah, Alabama, and has been released to the Department of Children and Families. Jami Owens was also located and arrested.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is trying to locate a missing and endangered 1-year-old girl who was last seen over a month ago.
Anastasia Grace Mason was last seen December 2 in the 6900 block of Pensacola Boulevard. She was last seen with her father, 36-year-old Thomas Zachariah Mason, and mother, 30-year-old Jami Makala Owens. The sheriff’s office said Owens has two active outstanding warrants, but did not disclose the nature of the warrants.
The sheriff’s office did not specify why they believe the child is in danger.
If you see the child or the parents, or have any information on their whereabouts, you are asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Traffic Alert: Utility Work Tonight At Highway 29 At Muscogee Road
January 15, 2026
Utility works is planned for Thursday night and early Friday morning on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
FDOT said motorists may encounter intermittent turn lane closures Thursday from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday for underground utility maintenance.
New Escambia Sheriff’s Office Badge Honors 250 Years Of America
January 15, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a new badge commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Every element of the badge tells a story. It features the 13-star flag alongside today’s 50-star American flag, the Sheriff’s star, and the years 1776–2026, united by the image of a Minuteman, a symbol of the courage, resolve, and vigilance that have defined our country since its founding.
The meaningful tribute was made possible through a partnership between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation, whose support helped bring the commemorative badge to life.
“As we reflect on 250 years of liberty, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that built this nation: service, integrity, and dedication to the communities we protect,” the ECSO said
Cold Day With High In The 40s, Low In The 20s; Maybe A Few Snowflakes Saturday Night
January 15, 2026
A frigid Thursday will give way to a brief warm-up on Friday before another cold front sweeps through the North Escambia area. Residents should prepare for widespread frost and sub-freezing temperatures tonight and Thursday night, with a slight chance of a rain-snow mix entering the picture late Saturday. Early next week looks clear and cool as we honor M.L. King Day.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Widespread frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 64. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of rain showers before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow showers between midnight and 3am, then a chance of snow showers after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 24. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
Nurse Practitioners Would Gain Recognition With Salzman Bill On Doctor Titles
January 15, 2026
Legislation filed by State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola) passed the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee today, its first stop in the 2026 legislative session. HB 237 would allow Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who have earned doctoral degrees to use the “Doctor” title in clinical practice, aligning Florida with national standards and recognizing the advanced training of these essential healthcare professionals.
The bill permits doctoral-prepared NPs – those with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D.- to use the title when clearly identifying their professional role. Salzman’s legislation requires that NPs using “Dr.” also state their professional designation to maintain transparency for patients.
“If you’ve earned a doctorate in the medical field, you deserve to say so, just like in any other profession,” Salzman said. “This bill ensures patients understand the training behind their care while offering fairness and recognition to our Nurse Practitioners.”
Other states allow doctoral-level professionals, including pharmacists, physical therapists, audiologists, and psychologists, to use the “Doctor” title in clinical practice when properly identified. HB 237 brings Florida in line with that practice.
The bill promotes patient trust, recognizes rigorous education, and helps recruit and retain highly trained NPs, a growing part of Florida’s healthcare workforce amid physician shortages.
File image.
Renew Your Vehicle Registration Or Driver’s License, Pay Taxes, And More In Century Today
January 15, 2026
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in Century on January 15 and February 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse.
MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:
- Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
- Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
- Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
- Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
- Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
- Certified Driver Transcripts
Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.
This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Suspect Now Charged In Scooter, E-bike Thefts On UWF Campus
January 15, 2026
A suspect has now been charged in connection with stealing e-bikes and scooters over a two-month period from the University of West Florida campus.
Blaine Earl Cunningham, 42, was charged with dealing and trafficking in stolen property. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on the felony charge.
UWF Police said the case was solved with the help of surveillance video that showed a vehicle being used to transport the stolen e-bikes. Investigators tracked down the vehicle at a home, and that’s where they found the stolen property on Tuesday morning.
Police said over 20 e-bikes and scooters were recovered.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the University of West Florida Police Department and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
