Lawson Aubrey Berry
February 8, 2026
Lawson Aubrey Berry, 85 years old, a long-time resident of Molino, Florida, passed away on Thursday, Feb 5, 2026, at his residence.
Lawson was born in Houston County, Alabama on March 31, 1940, and lived in the Kinsey and Dothan area growing up. He later moved to Pensacola, FL to work for Chemstrand where he met his wife, Nita (Hill) Berry. He was later employed by Beard Equipment as a mechanic and manager. His last job was for the Division of Forestry in Munson, FL as the equipment manager for the Northwest District including Blackwater State Forest, until his retirement.
Mr. Berry enjoyed playing and singing Gospel and older Western Cowboy Ballads with Jeff Perkins and Jim Rutherford. For 11 years they sang as the Sons of the Pines trio. Lawson was sought after for his deep troubleshooting knowledge of John Deere tractors and other equipment. He loved to farm part time. He was a man of great wisdom and upright character who loved Jesus with all his heart, serving multiple times as church deacon. He donated over 10 gallons of blood during his lifetime.
Mr. Berry was preceded in death by his parents, Thelbert and Stella Berry, his brothers, Joe and Wayne; and sister Ann Crowell.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Minnie Juanita “Nita” Berry; children, Gary Lynn (Terri) Berry and Audrey (Tom) Dickson; grandchildren, Holly (Christian) Morgan; and his sisters, Sybil Shumack and Glenda Kirkland.
Lawson was a charter member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society and was instrumental in establishing the Friday night music program, the wall of honor, and the scholarship program with countless volunteer hours.
Mr. Berry’s services will be held on Sunday, Feb 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church on 118 Morris Ave, Cantonment, FL with Dr. Will Stone Officiating. Family will receive friends at 2:00 PM.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the church building fund.
Rickey Lavon McGhee
February 8, 2026
Rickey Lavon McGhee, a lifelong resident of the Poarch Community and a proud Citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Born in Atmore, Alabama, on April 25, 1951, Rickey’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.
Rickey was preceded in death by his fathers, Grady McGhee, Mal McGhee, and Fay Jackson. He is survived by his mother, Martha Jane McGhee Jackson; his son, Rickey Lavon McGhee Jr. (Meagan); his sisters, Carolyn White (Don), Edna Parker, Cynthia Alvarez (Wesley), and MaryLou Challender; and his brother, Mal McGhee (Tami). He leaves behind a legacy of love through his six grandchildren: Brooke McGhee, Trey McGhee, Jadon McGhee, Bella McGhee, Sage Stewart, and Nash Ledkins; and his six great-grandchildren: Emerie, Kailen, Brynlee, Kynleigh, Hutson, and Kaycelyn. Special Friend Felicia Hadley.
Rickey was a builder at heart. He began his career as an ironworker, contributing to the construction of major manufacturing and nuclear plants before transitioning into residential home building. After several years working on offshore oil rigs, he brought his talents home to his Tribe’s manufacturing business. A versatile and reliable team member, Rickey excelled as a precision machine operator. However, his true professional joy came in the last decade of his life when he earned his CDL and took to the road. Driving trucks was his dream job, and he was widely considered the best at it.
In his younger years, Rickey loved racing cars, mud riding in his four-wheel-drive truck, spending days at the creek, and dancing. As time passed, his focus shifted toward his deep love for his family. He became a dedicated caretaker for his mother and a constant pillar of support for his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing a ballgame or a special event.
A faithful member of the Poarch Community Church, Rickey served on the Leadership Committee and in numerous other capacities. His church family knew him as a man of service whose presence and dedication will be deeply missed.
Service Information
• Pallbearers: Trey McGhee, Nicholas McGhee, Wade Fretwell, Blasé Fretwell, Joshua Martin, and Daryl Bryars.
• Honorary Pallbearers: Don Jackson, Jack Allen McGhee, Odell McGhee, Jerry Sells, Don White, Charles Wicker, William Vickey, Ricky Nelson, and Cookie Lassiter.
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Service Schedule
• Visitation: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Poarch Community Church.
• Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
• Interment: To follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Brush Fire Closes Hwy. 29 For Hours. Here’s How It Started. (With Gallery)
February 7, 2026
Nearly two miles of busy Highway 29 in Cantonment was closed for hours on Friday due to a large bush fire, and we now know how the fire started.
Highway 29 was closed in both directions from North Tate School Road to Kingsfield Road.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started as a small outside fire at a home in the 1800 block of Peach Terrace, just south of Tate School Road and parallel to Highway 29.
For a gallery showing the battle across the fire scene, click here.
The fire got out of control and spread rapidly.
Several Escambia County Fire Rescue stations responded with multiple units, including ladder trucks, to fight the fire. The Florida Forest Service also used at least two bulldozers to establish a firebreak around the blaze.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control and road closures.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Two Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Closed For A Few Days
February 7, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill are closed for a few days.
The crossing on South Highway 99, just east of the Highway 97A intersection in Bay Springs, about four miles north of Crabtree Church Road in Molino, is set to close on Saturday, February 7.
The private crossing on Deer Run Road, located west of South Highway 99 about seven miles south of Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, was to close on Friday, February 6.
Both crossings are expected to reopen on Tuesday, February 10.
Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway will be performing maintenance on the railroad tracks.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students of The Month
February 7, 2026
Byrneville Elementary School recently named its January Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Bryce Archer and Josiah Webb
- 1st Grade: Wiley McCurdy and Brylee-Paige Smith
- 2nd Grade: Evelyn Gould and Ellie Levins
- 3rd Grade: Bradley Linton and Patrick Alexis
- 4th Grade: Rickey Tedder and Derri’ashia Grice
- 5th Grade: Phoenix Lacy and Timothy Dees
- Music: William Maxwell
- PE: Conner Fowler
- Art: Devorah Freeman
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warming Trend: Highs Climb To The 70s By Monday
February 7, 2026
Expect a gradual warming trend through the middle of the week with temperatures reaching the mid-70s by Wednesday. While the early part of the week remains mostly clear aside from routine morning fog, rain chances return Wednesday afternoon and steadily increase toward the weekend, peaking at 50% by Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Patchy fog between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 72. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Florida Testing Shows High Levels Of Weed Killer In Popular Bread Brands
February 7, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo released results from state testing that showed high levels of glyphosate (found in week killers including Roundup).
The Florida Department of Health found glyphosate in six of eight bread products tested: Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right, Wonder Bread Classic White, Sara Lee Honey Wheat, and Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Whole Grain, the state said. Results are in the graphic above.
The state said the results are intended to give families additional insight into everyday foods and support informed decision-making.
“The Healthy Florida First initiative is taking proactive steps to strengthen food safety standards nationwide,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The results from the Florida Department of Health’s analysis of bread testing results show troubling levels of glyphosate. Consumers deserve to know what chemical contaminants are in their food so that they can make informed decisions.”
“Bread is a staple food for many Florida families, and they should be able to consume it without worrying about toxins,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Our testing found high levels of glyphosate in some popular bread brands. Chronic exposure to glyphosate is linked to harmful gut microbiome changes, liver inflammation, and adverse neurologic effects. Florida is taking action through transparency, continued testing, and a clear focus on reducing exposure to protect families.”
Reminder: Escambia Animal Shelter Now Open On Sundays
February 7, 2026
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is now open on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
Pictured above: Bisbee the dog, a mixed breed male, and Bella the cat, a 4-year-old domestic shorthair. Both were previously available for adoption at the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fall By One To Knoxville, Rematch Saturday Night
February 7, 2026
The Ice Flyers fell 1-0 to the Knoxville Ice Bears on Adult Jersey Giveaway Night at the Hangar.
The first period was evenly matched and remained scoreless, with the Ice Flyers outshooting the Ice Bears 13-9. Knoxville’s Stephan Mundinger and the Ice Flyers’ netminder Billy Gerard IV both made their fair share of saves in the opening frame.
The Ice Bears broke the scoreless deadlock in the second period when Jimmy Soper found the back of the net, giving Knoxville a 1-0 lead. They held that advantage for the remainder of the period.
Despite a late third-period powerplay opportunity, the Ice Flyers were unable to tie things up. The team will regroup for Saturday’s rematch against the Ice Bears.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Battle Cantonment Brush Fire; Highway 29 Closures Result
February 6, 2026
A portion of Highway 29 in Cantonment was closed in both directions on Friday due to a large brush fire. The fire is now contained.
Highway 29 was closed in both directions from North Tate School Road to Kingsfield Road. By 2:25 p.m., Highway 29 northbound was reopened, and southbound was reopened by about 2:10 p.m.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started as a small outside fire that got out of control at a nearby home.
Multiple fire stations and the Florida Forest Service responded. Forestry had multiple bulldozers to help contain the fire. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control and road closures.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
