Cantonment Woman Charged With DUI After Eden Lane Crash
January 3, 2026
A Cantonment woman was arrested for DUI after her vehicle veered off the road and struck several objects in a residential area. Troopers said he alcohol level was over twice the legal limit.
Wanda Ann Wingfield, 64, was found behind the wheel of a grey Chevy Colorado with the engine of her Chevrolet Colorado still running after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded to a single-vehicle crash on Eden Lane, according to an arrest report. FHP said that her vehicle had collided with a mailbox, a telephone pole, and a water meter.
When questioned about the December 20 crash, Wingfield reportedly told the trooper that she had “missed her turn”.
According to the arrest report, she failed field sobriety exercises, and she provided breath samples of 0.187 and 0.189. The legal limit in Florida is 0.08.
Rain Ending Later Tonight, Low Near 50
January 3, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy with rain early evening and a low around 49. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 65.
Tara Garic Named Pine Meadow Elementary Teacher Of The Year
January 3, 2026
Tara Garic was named the Pine Meadow Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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.