Lipscomb Elementary Teachers Take Pies To The Face To Celebrate Student Success
January 26, 2026
Lipscomb Elementary School students hit their WIGS — Wildly Important Goals, — with increased scores and celebrated with pies in the face of their teachers.
“Our teachers were awesome sports, and our students had an absolute blast earning this reward. Way to go, team! We are so proud of all the hard work paying off,” the school posted.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Today’s Fashion: Dressing In Layers For Cold Weather
January 26, 2026
With our cold weather this week, it’s important to dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside, according to the National Weather Service office in Mobile.
Here’s how to dress for cold weather:
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
January 26, 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 the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers may encounter outside lane closures on I-10 westbound, near the Pine Forest Road interchange (Exit 7) Sunday, Jan. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
- 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. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 29, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Jan. 25, 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 placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Jan. 25, 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. 25, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for ECUA water main upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at B Street. 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. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 29, 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. 25 through Friday, Jan. 30, 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. 25:
- I-10 eastbound lane closures near mile marker 9, Sunday, Jan. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 29, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- 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.
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Coring Operations from Tedder Road to S.R. 4 – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Jan. 28 through Friday, Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for coring operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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. 25, through Friday, Jan. 30, 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. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 29, 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. 26 through Friday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for construction operations.
- S.R. 89 (Dogwood Road) Coring Operations from U.S. 90 (Caroline Street) to S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Jan. 27 through Thursday, Jan. 29 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Ease After Spike Last Week
January 26, 2026
Florida gas prices are moving lower again after a sharp increase at the pump last week, according to AAA. The state average jumped 14 cents to $2.89 per gallon on Thursday, the highest daily average since December 20th. Since then, prices have begun to ease, slipping 3 cents over the past three days.
AAA expects weekly fluctuations to continue as retailers adjust to both wholesale costs and competitive pricing patterns across the state.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.61. The low price in Escambia County on Sunday night. In North Escambia, a low of $2.54 was available Sunday night at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“These fluctuations are part of a price‑cycling trend we’ve been seeing for more than a year now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Retail prices tend to rise sharply over a short period, then gradually drift lower. Even with small movements in the oil market, this cycle continues to drive most of the day-to-day volatility at the pump.”
Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison Time For Firearms And Narcotics Offenses
January 26, 2026
An Escambia County has been sentenced to 17 years in federal on federal drug charges.
Malcolm Terrell Louis, 40, previously plead guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams of more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records, on December 17, 2024, law enforcement observed a parked vehicle outside a housing complex in Escambia County with the engine running and no one inside. Multiple bags of narcotics including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, cell phones, and a Glock handgun were observed inside the vehicle. The cell phone was later identified as belonging to Lousi and his fingerprints were on one of the bags of narcotics. The methamphetamine weighed over 50 grams. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence that was occupied by Louis and others. Investigators located multiple firearms, ammunition, and multiple bags of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The methamphetamine weighed over 25 grams. Louis is a multi-time convicted felon, who was released from state prison in 2024 after a five-year sentence.
Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to keep drugs and this dangerous criminal off our streets,” U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said.
Prison Employee Arrested On Contraband Charge
January 26, 2026
An Alabama Department of Corrections employee was arrested on a contraband charge at Fountain Prison in Atmore.
On Wednesday, the ADOC K-9 teams assigned to Fountain concuted vehicle checkpoints. ADOC said K-9 Gambler alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle of employee Donniquia Grace, and authorities said a “contraband package” were discovered on her person.
Grace was charged with attempting to promote prison contraband third degree and user of position for personal gain. She was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
“She has resigned her from her position with the ADOC,” the agency said in statement. “The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.”
Update: Extreme Cold Warning; Roads And Bridges; School Is In Session Monday
January 25, 2026
Updated: Sunday, 9:00 p.m.
EXTREME COLD
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from midnight Sunday until noon Monday for dangerous wind chills (“feels like”) into the single digits. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for Monday night.
Highs will struggle to reach 40 on Monday, with overnight lows below freezing every night this week.
For the detailed forecast, click here.
ROADS AND BRIDGES
Out of an abundance of caution, the Escambia County (FL) Road Department will sand roads and bridges from Molino Road north to the Alabama state line**.**
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, black ice is not expected.
“We are anticipating the dry northwesterly winds in the wake of the front to really aid in drying out the roads this evening. We do not expect black ice later tonight – the roads will be dry by then,” the forecaster wrote.
SCHOOLS
Escambia, FL: Escambia County (FL) Public Schools have not announced any closures or changes for Monday. Escambia Christian School in Pensacola will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Santa Rosa, FL: Santa Rosa County District Schools have confirmed that school will be in session on Monday.
Escambia, AL: The Escambia County (AL) School District has specifically announced that schools will be in session as scheduled on Monday with no plans to cancel or delay school. Students may wear school-appropriate winter coats or jackets to stay warm during arrival and dismissal. Escambia Academy will be closed on Monday. Coastal Alabama Community College campuses will have a delayed opening at 11 a.m.
Updated: Extreme Cold Warning Through Monday Morning
January 25, 2026
An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for the entire North Escambia area.
The Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from midnight Sunday to noon on Monday with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 degrees expected. An extreme cold watch is in effect for Monday night through Tuesday morning with wind chills as low as 8 degrees.
An extremely frigid week in ahead, with daytime highs from Monday through the end of the week only in the 30s and 40s, and overnight lows in the 20s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, raing ending, with a low around 24. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 19. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 15 and 25 early. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Friday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 21.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 47.
Cantonment Man Facing Domestic Battery and Weapons Charges
January 25, 2026
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges following a domestic disturbance.
Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony battery (domestic violence), tampering with physical evidence, and three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to an arrest report, deputies responded to a residence around 4:38 a.m. on January 21. A victim at the scene told deputies that Hudson had charged at her and knocked her to the ground during an argument. Deputies noted the victim had a laceration on her knee.
During the investigation, the victim reported that a rifle and a pistol were missing from the home. Although Hudson denied taking the weapons, deputies located a loaded rifle hidden inside a laundry basket in a trailer on the property. A loaded magazine was also found inside the residence in a basket Hudson claimed as his own, the report states.
Records checks confirmed Hudson is a convicted felon. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday with bond set $85,000.
Library Book Sale Today: $7 For A Paper Bag Of Books
January 25, 2026
Sunday is the final day of the Friends of the West Florida Public Library 2026 Winter Big Book Sale at the Downtown Library.
Today is the $7 bag sale — a paper grocery bag of books for just $7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The library is located at 2369 North Spring Street in Pensacola. The sale benefits Friends of the Library projects across Escambia County.
Pictured: Shoppers on Saturday morning at the Friends of the West Florida Public Library 2026 Winter Big Book Sale. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
