‘Ashes To Go’ Available On Ash Wednesday In Cantonment
February 17, 2026
Need to do Ash Wednesday in a hurry? Several churches are offering outdoor imposition of ashes to help people start Lent on Wednesday, without even leaving their cars.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Rev. Deacon Rachel Iversen says they will be set up at Cantonment Ace Hardware at 1560 Highway 29. The church team will be there from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m., offering ashes to observe Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent.
“This is for people on their way to work – it’s a window of opportunity,” Iversen said. “People can pull up, we’ll have a guided meditation, a prayer on a bulletin. They can read the prayer, prepare mentally and spiritually. If they want to pray, we’ll pray with them.”
The drive-through concept welcomes people who have never seen Ash Wednesday before. They do not have to be churchgoers, Iversen said. “There’s no stipulation – wherever you are in your spiritual journey,” she said. “If they’re curious, they can experience the ashes. It’s a spiritual experience. If people want a time of prayer, repentance and reflecting on their own mortality, we want to let them know that the call to turn and focus on God is present anywhere.”
“We make a shape of the cross with ashes on the forehead and say what the ancients said, ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.’ It is a wonderful reminder of our mortality, but the grace of it all too.”
Iversen said they will hand out sheets with answers to often-asked questions about Ash Wednesday, such as “Do I have to wear the ashes all day?” “Only if you want to,” Iversen said. The ashes are worn as a sign of penitence. The church is called to take the church out to the streets. “We are going to dress like clergy, so people know we are fulfilling that role,” Iversen said. “If I were out there in blue jeans, people wouldn’t know we were ministers.”
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day penitential period of Lent, leading up to the celebration of Easter, which will be observed April 5 in most churches.
Man Facing Drug Charges After Atmore Police Execute Search Warrant
February 17, 2026
An Atmore man was arrested on multiple charges after the Atmore Police Department executed a search warrant at 236 Wilson Avenue.
Larry Lyons was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance (synthetic spice), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
APD said the charges resulted from the search warrant and a previous investigation.
Lyons was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rosa Lee Seales White
February 17, 2026
Rosa Lee (Seales) White
August 18, 1933 – February 13, 2026
Celebrating a Life of Love and Legacy
At the age of 92, Rosa Lee White departed this world, leaving behind a legacy woven with kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. Her life was a testament to the power of love—a love that nurtured not only her children but also her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Through every chapter, she was the heart of her family, steadfast and caring, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement.
Her generosity knew no bounds. Whether sharing a meal, a story, or a gentle embrace, she touched the lives of all who knew her. Her stubborn spirit was matched only by her determination to see her family thrive, and her support was a constant source of strength through life’s joys and challenges.
She was the foundation upon which generations were built. Her home was a sanctuary, filled with laughter, warmth, and the wisdom of years well-lived. She taught us the value of compassion, the importance of perseverance, and the beauty of unconditional love.
As we gather to honor her memory, we celebrate not only the years she spent with us but the countless ways she shaped our lives. Her legacy lives on in every child she helped raise, every grandchild she cherished, and every great-great-grandchild who carries her spirit forward.
We are forever grateful for her presence, her guidance, and her love. Though she has left this earthly realm, her memory will remain a beacon of light for all who were blessed to know her.
Mrs. White is preceded in death by her loving husband – JW White; Parents – Emery and Roberta Seales; Son and Daughter in law – Joseph (Gene) and Stella Mae White; Great grandson – Blaze Johnson; Sisters – Ida Seales, Melease Seales, Cassie Smith, Leona Wainwright, Vernell Turner and Marilyn McPherson; Son in law – Charles (Chuck Frazier).
Mrs. White is survived by her Daughters – Dianne White of Flomaton and Debra (Wayne) Brown of Brewton; Granddaughters – Renee (Kevin) Merchant of Century and Katherine (Joey) Minga of Spanish Fort; Grandson – Josh (Alisha) Brown of Brewton; Great Granddaughters – Cheyanne (Ricky) McConathy of Flomaton, Kelli (Logan) Wise of Century and Valerie (Kevin) Pace; Great Grandsons – Tyler Merchant of Century, Hunter Brown of Brewton, Lincoln Minga of Spanish Fort and Tanner Hornbeak of Brewton; Great Great Grandsons – Ricky McConathy Jr of Flomaton and Wyatt Pace of Brewton; Great Great Granddaughters – Victoria McConathy of Flomaton and Julie-Ann Pace of Brewton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.
Mrs. Wanda Jean Massey
February 17, 2026
Mrs. Wanda Jean Massey, age 68, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. She was originally from Pensacola but had lived in Cantonment for many years. Wanda was a valued member of Farm Hill Holiness Church, where she found community and connection. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
She had a warm heart and cared deeply for her family. For many years, she worked as a server at Smokey’s BBQ, where she enjoyed serving delicious meals and chatting with customers. Her dog, JJ, was her loyal companion, always by her side. She found joy in going to church, where she connected with her community, and loved playing cards with friends and family, making each gathering full of laughter and fun.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Ruby Ardis Cooper; husband, David Massey; twin brother, Warren Cooper.
She is survived by her son, Andy Cooper, who lives in Pensacola, Florida. Her brother, Daniel, and his wife, Debra, also reside in Pensacola, along with another brother, Donny, and his wife, Dale, from Swannee, Georgia. Additionally, her sister, Pam Cooper, lives in Cantonment, Florida. These family members remember her fondly and hold onto the cherished memories they shared together.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC
Burial will follow at Presley Cemetery
Portwood, Sheffield Homer As Northview Beats Walton 13-2
February 17, 2026
Jase Portwood and Grayden Sheffield both homered Monday night in Bratt as the Northview Chiefs easily beat the Walton Braves 13-2. Portwood’s home run to left field scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Sheffield’s home run to left field came on an 0-2 count in the bottom of the sixth.
Jack Boutwell earned the win for Northview, surrendering no hits and two runs (none earned) in a complete-game six innings while striking out four and walking one. Jackson Bridges, Boutwell, Grayson Burns, and Portwood each had two hits for the Chiefs. Sheffield and Portwood each had three RBIs.
Next up, Northview will take on Freeport on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Northwest Florida State College.
It’s Been 10 Years Since An EF-3 Tornado Ravaged Century (With Photo Gallery)
February 16, 2026
Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of an EF-3 tornado that ripped through Century.
The tornado first touched down southwest of Lambert Bridge Road southwest of McDavid at 3:32 p.m. on February 15, 2016. The first EF-2 intensity damage was on Holland Road where a workshop was destroyed. As it moved into Century, the tornado reached peak intensity with widespread EF-2 damage with isolated EF-3 level damage from 152 mph winds that destroyed numerous homes and businesses, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado continued to track across the state line into Alabama with EF-2 damage on Old Fannie Road east of Flomaton. The tornado continued toward Pollard, AL, where it weakened and lifted at 3:55 p.m.
The EF-3 tornado was on the ground 16.5 miles with a path up to 300 yards wide.
The photos on this page and in the first gallery below were taken by NorthEscambia.com just minutes after the tornado touchdown in Century. In the top photo seen around the world, neighbors and first responders came together to rescue a woman who was trapped in her overturned mobile home.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The gallery includes NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos from February 15, 2016, along with additional damage photos, the Century United Methodist Church, and Gov. Rick Scott’s visit to Century.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Set To Consider Final Approval Of Stormwater Discharge Ordinance
February 16, 2026
On Tuesday, the Century Town Council is set to hold a second reading of an ordinance designed to strictly control how pollutants enter the town’s drainage systems. The ordinance aims to protect the local environment and ensure the town complies with state and federal clean water standards.
To read the complete ordinance, click here (pdf).
Key Takeaways for Residents and Businesses:
- Strict Discharge Rules: The law prohibits “illicit discharges”—essentially anything going into the storm drains that isn’t composed entirely of clean rainwater.
- Industrial & Construction Standards: Businesses and construction sites must manage their runoff on-site. They are also required to notify the Mayor’s office before connecting to the town’s drainage system.
- Mandatory Inspections: Town personnel must be granted access to facilities discharging or suspected of discharging into the system to inspect drainage systems and records to ensure compliance.
- Enforcement and Fines: Violations are treated as separate offenses for every day they continue. Property owners may be held liable for cleanup costs, sampling fees, and even legal expenses incurred by the town.
Common Activities Exempted:
The ordinance lists several “everyday” activities that are generally not considered violations, provided they don’t significantly harm the system:
- Individual residential car washing
- Lawn watering and landscape irrigation
- Air conditioning condensate
- Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges
- Emergency firefighting activities
Next Steps for the Town
The final reading and potential adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the February 17 Town Council meeting at 6:15 p.m.. If passed, the law becomes effective immediately upon adoption
Atkinson And George Inducted Into Tate High School Wrestling Hall Of Fame
February 16, 2026
Two men were inducted into The Stan Telatovich Tate High School Wrestling Hall of Fame this year.
Ben Atkinson, Class of 1997: Atkinson holds the school takedown record with 153 and a 30-0 regular season record. Both records still stand from 1987.
Ian George, Class of 1996: George had multiple tournament wins and defeated 10 state qualifiers, including the state runner-up and third-place state wrestlers. He originally held the takedown record prior to Atkinson.
Stan Telatovich was a legendary wrestling coach in Escambia County. He began his career in 1971 and ended up serving as the wrestling coach at Tate for decades, establishing and maintaining a top-tier program. He is credited with starting the wrestling programs at both Booker T. Washington and Tate High Schools.
Pictured: Ben Atkinson (top) and Ian George (below) were inducted into the Tate High School Hall of Fame during a ceremony (below) earlier this year at Tate School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Investigation Underway After Jeep Found Burning On Neal Road
February 16, 2026
A vehicle was discovered burning Sunday morning in Cantonment with the driver nowhere to be found.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo burned alongside Neal Road near Pine Top Lane shortly before 9:30 a.m.
While no one was found near the vehicle, the driver still could not be located at last report.
The State Fire Marshal was called to investigate. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Warming Trend: Near 70 Today, About 80 By Friday
February 16, 2026
The North Escambia area will enjoy a warming trend this week, with temperatures climbing from the upper 60s on Monday to near 80 degrees by Friday. While the first half of the week remains dry and partly sunny, rain chances return after midnight Wednesday. A series of disturbances will bring a persistent 40 to 50 percent chance of showers and occasional thunderstorms from Thursday night through next Sunday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Washington’s Birthday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.