Sunday And Warm Days Ahead
March 2, 2026
The North Escambia area is looking at a beautiful stretch of spring weather to start the week, with plenty of sunshine and high temperatures climbing toward the 80s. A gradual warming trend will continue through midweek before moisture returns from the Gulf, bringing a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms by Thursday afternoon. The unsettled pattern lingers into the weekend, with scattered showers possible each day, though temperatures will remain mild and consistent.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Cantonment’s ESA South Named A National Top-Performing Construction Company
March 2, 2026
Cantonment’s ESA South has been ranked 220 nationally on Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2026 Top Performers lists and 114 in the general contractors list. The annual publication, established in 2018, recognizes its contractor members’ outstanding achievements in health and safety, quality and project excellence, ranked by number of hours worked.
“Being recognized on ABC’s Top Performers list is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity our team brings to every project,” said CEO Sean P. Harmon. “We’re proud of this achievement, and we remain committed to raising the standard of excellence for our clients, our partners, and our industry.”
ESA South is a veteran-owned design-build firm headquartered in Cantonment, with a national presence and a reputation for excellence in federal, military, healthcare, and disaster relief construction. Founded in 1999 by two Marine Corps veterans, ESA South has completed more than 200 projects and continues to grow its footprint across the United States and the Caribbean. With a bonding capacity of up to $400 million and a commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency, ESA South delivers innovative solutions for complex construction challenges.
Oil Prices Rise in Overnight Trading; Florida Gas Prices Face Uncertainty
March 2, 2026
Florida gas prices face new uncertainty this week as crude oil markets surged when trading opened Sunday night. U.S. crude oil prices climbed quickly in overnight trading and, as of press time, exceeded $71 per barrel, the highest level since June 2025.
Oil prices are rising largely due to growing instability in a region that is essential to global energy markets, according to AAA. Although the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, the country remains a major producer, supplying nations such as China and India. Any potential disruption to Iranian oil infrastructure can influence global supply expectations.
Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to open waters, remains one of the world’s most important shipping lanes for crude. Even the possibility of reduced traffic through the strait can create ripple effects well beyond the Middle East, affecting countries regardless of how much oil they source from the region. Because oil is traded globally, a shortfall in one region can affect prices worldwide.
“AAA does not predict gas prices, and it is still too early to know how much of an impact rising oil prices will ultimately have at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, higher crude oil costs typically lead to higher gas prices, so we’ll be watching the market closely over the coming days.”
Seasonal Factors Also at Play
Even before the latest geopolitical developments, gas prices were already following familiar seasonal patterns. This time of year, refineries begin the switch to summer-blend gasoline, which includes more expensive additives to limit evaporation in warmer temperatures. Gas demand also tends to rise as spring break travel ramps up.
Last week, Florida gas prices followed a familiar pattern, rising early in the week before easing through the weekend. That movement was unrelated to international events and instead reflected typical price‑cycling trends seen across the state.
Florida and Local Averages
On Sunday, the average price for gasoline in Florida was $2.89 per gallon, which is one cent more than last week, two cents less than a month ago, and 20 cents less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia Count was $2.72. In Pensacola, a low of $2.49 was available Sunday night at stations on Olive Road and East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.59 on Sunday at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Pictured: A gallon of gas was $2.69 Friday evening in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Marilyn June Taylor Brown
March 2, 2026
Marilyn June Taylor Brown, 79, passed away on February 28, 2026, in Atmore, AL. She was born in Lottie, Alabama, to Kindle and Sena Mae (Hadley) Taylor. She attended local schools in McCullough until junior high, when she transferred to Escambia County High School in Atmore. There, she met and married her first husband, Carl Ladon Watford. They were married only a few years when “Donnie” was tragically killed in a car accident, leaving her a widow at just 21 years old with two daughters, Pamela Denise Hall and Christie Michelle Watford Shannon. Only a few years later, she was introduced to John William “Boots” Teal. They enjoyed several blessed years of marriage filled with family fun and dancing. Their son, Thomas Shannon Teal, was just three years old when “Boots” was killed in a head-on collision.
By the age of 28, June had been widowed twice and was raising three small children. Some people might have given up, but instead, she went to work. It was during this time that she met lifelong friend Mrs. Betty Raley at Barton Flower Shop. There, her natural talent for decorating and design began to flourish, and she built a wonderful work family. After several years of raising her children and working, June reconnected with an old friend, William Henry Brown. Their relationship lasted more than twenty years and brought her much happiness, along with one more son, Ryan Taylor Brown. Through all the years, her strength and love remained constant.
After “Pops” passed, her dedication to her family and work never faltered. Following a cancer diagnosis, she and her oldest granddaughter set a goal for her to reach her 80th birthday. Unfortunately, she passed away two weeks before that milestone. Her passing was peaceful at home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. With her final breath, she smiled as she joined the many loved ones who had gone before her. She will be deeply missed.
Marilyn June Taylor Watford Teal Brown is survived by her four children; nine grandchildren—Caitlin Hall, Taylor Shannon, Jonathon Shannon, Kyndall Hall, Leyton Teal, Abi Teal, Oliver Brown, Jennie Mae Brown, and Theodore Brown; and one great-grandchild, Lillie Rose Shannon.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Sardis Baptist Cemetery in Wawbeek, AL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
New Bank Proposed For Nine Mile At Milestone
March 1, 2026
A new bank with a drive-up ATM is being proposed on West Nine Mile Road, at Milestone in Cantonment.
The freestanding bank is planned for 0 Milestone Boulevard, which is on the corner of West Nine Mile Road and Milestone, next door to the Wendy’s restaurant. The 3,333-square-foot structure will be on a parcel that is just less than one acre.
The application for “Bank-Pine Forest” filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) does not specify the name of the bank. The proposal is not yet set for a public meeting before the DRC.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
March 1, 2026
Northview High School recently named its January Students of the Month. Pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill, they are James Smith and Grace Oliver. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Clarifies Waste Collection Rules; Announces Upcoming Bulk Pickup Dates
March 1, 2026
The Town of Century is reminding solid waste customers to use the proper can, and it has released upcoming bulk collection dates with new provider Waste Pro.
Proper Can Use
Yard waste is collected in a green cart with a black lid on Tuesdays, and garbage is collected in a green cart with a blue lid on Fridays.
Century Town Administrator Dave Murzin said there has been some confusion, with customers contaminating yard waste with household trash.
“It is important to keep the yard waste separate. It is used for mulch,” he said. “The cans will not be emptied if non-vegetative material is in the yard waste container.”
Bulk Waste Collection Schedule
Bulk waste will be collected on March 10 in the following areas:
And bulk waste will be collected in the following areas on April 14:
Click either map to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphics, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Sports Honors Local Athletes, From Tate Cheerleaders To Olympians
March 1, 2026
From the Tate High School cheerleaders to a state champion lifter from Jay High School to pro athletes and Olympians, Pensacola Sports honored local athletes this week at its annual banquet.
Special Achievement Winners
– West Fowler - World Trampoline Championship
– Drew Beroset – Gulf Breeze Track 3200m State Champ
– Arman Truitt – West Florida HS Track, Hurdles & Long Jump, State Champ
– Boy Pace Weightlifting Team – State Champions
– Girls Pace Weightlifting Team – State Champions
– Kollin Daniels – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Evan Beckham – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Grant Wise – Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Layah Slaughter - Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Alyssa McMurtie - Pace Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Shyann Donaldson – Milton Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Chase Dooley – Jay HS Weightlifting Individual State Champion
– Hannah Demarcus – Pace HS Gatorade Softball Player of the Year
– Gulf Breeze Beach Volleyball – State Champions
– Tate High School Cheerleading – State Champions
– Taylor Clements – West Florida HS Swimming State Champion
– UWF Golf Team – National Champions
– Gianna Guerriero – UWF Softball
– Cooper Tendick – UWF Golf
– Adriana Mieses Sanchez – UWF Swim & Dive
– Olivia Nelson – UWF Swim & Dive
– Shannah Dillman – UWF Swim & Dive
– Alena Rozova – UWF Swim & Dive
– Ja’Kobe Clinton – UWF Football
– Mya Swinton – UWF Soccer
– PSC Men’s Basketball – FCSAA State Champions
– Pete Penna – Coach of State Championship Team
Amateur Athlete of the Year
Chris Rembert
Professional Athlete of the Year
Jeremy Reaves
Special Olympic Athlete of the Year
Samuel Johnson
Hall Of Fame Inductees
Justin Gatlin
Doug Baldwin
David Williams
Peter Dyson
Special Recognition
Devin Witherspoon
Pensacola Sports Volunteer of the Year
Paco Burrell
Sportsman of the year
Tim Bryant, 5 Flags Speedway
Excellence In Sports Tourism
Ray Palmer, who retires from Pensacola Sports this September after 25 years
Tate High School Meats Evaluation Team Takes Third At Florida State Fair
March 1, 2026
The Tate High School FFA Meats Science Evaluation team earned third place at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.
Madison Wise earned an impressive fourth place overall in the state in the highly competitive field. Maegan Coleman, Luke Graham, and Louis Hartjen were also on the award-winning team, coached by Melissa Gibbs.
The Meats Science Evaluation contest is no small task. Identifying 40 retail cuts of beef, pork, and lamb requires intense study and attention to detail. In addition, correctly determining the species, identifying the wholesale cut, and selecting the appropriate cookery method for each retail cut demonstrates a high level of technical knowledge and practical understanding of the meat industry.
The team will advance to the state level final contest in April at the University of Florida Animal Science Meat laboratory. FFA members will be evaluating retail cut classes, beef and pork carcasses, wholesale cuts, and determine beef quality and yield grades, as well as identifying 40 more retail cuts. The contest will challenge each member’s skills and academic preparation as industry standards are implemented with precision and confidence.
Gibbs said the team “represented Tate FFA with professionalism, skill, and excellence at one of the most competitive events in the state. This achievement reflects countless hours of practice and a strong commitment to agricultural education.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny Days, Highs Nearing 80 Each Day
March 1, 2026
A steady warming trend will be pushing afternoon temperatures into the low 80s by next weekend. While sunshine dominates through Wednesday, moisture returns late in the week, bringing a gradual increase in rain chances starting Thursday afternoon.
Sunday looks to be the sunniest day of the stretch once early morning fog clears, while breezy conditions are expected to arrive by Tuesday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.