Tanner Ray Bailey
May 19, 2026
Tanner Ray Bailey, 22, of Barrineau Park, Florida, passed away suddenly on May 9, 2026, as the result of a car accident. He was taken far too soon, leaving behind a community of people whose lives were made richer simply by knowing him.
Tanner was born on December 20, 2003, in Barrineau Park. It was in this community that Tanner grew into the young man he was – grounded, warm-hearted, and always close to the people he loved. He attended school locally, where he built the friendships that would remain dear to him throughout his life.
Tanner had a simple and genuine way about him. He could be found fishing, riding ATVs with his friends at Boggs and Boulders, spending time with the people he loved, or lending a hand to his grandparents whenever they needed him. He took pride in showing up for the people he cared about.
He is survived by his mother, Michelle Voorhees; his father, Dan Bailey; his grandparents, Kenneth and Regina Voorhees; his uncle and aunt, Corey and Sarah Voorhees; his cousins; his beloved son, Kason, who will carry Tanner’s spirit forward; and a wide circle of friends who will miss him deeply.
The honorary pallbearers are Dathan Church, Hunter Cain, Zachary Stanton, Chandler Rogers, Cole Caldwell, and Kaleb Pace.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel North, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come celebrate his life and offer their support for those who loved him most.
Tanner Ray Bailey – gone too young, but never forgotten.
Missing 86-Year-Old Atmore Man Found Safe
May 18, 2026
UPDATE; THIS MISSING MAN HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has issued a missing person alert for an 86-year-old Atmore man.
Atmore Police said Billy Joe Lambert is believed to be living with a condition that may impair his judgment. He was last seen Friday, May 15 at approximately 4:15 p.m. in the area of Point Escambia Circle in Atmore, and was last seen wearing a gray or blue baseball cap, a white button-up shirt, blue jeans, and gray slip-on shoes.
Lambert is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He may be in a 2014 gray Jeep Compass with Alabama tag 30A28TN.
Anyone who may have any information regarding the whereabouts of Billy Joe Lambert is asked to contact the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141 or call 911.
Lady Chiefs At State: Northview Chasing Championship Ring This Week
May 18, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs hit the road early Sunday morning on their way to the FHSAA Rural Division Final Four near Orlando.
On Tuesday, the No. 2 seeded Chiefs (20-5) will take on the No. 3 Liberty County Bulldogs (23-5) at 2 p.m. Central time at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood. The winner will advance to the state championship on Wednesday against either Trenton (23-3) or Madison County (19-3).
Trenton was Northview’s nemesis last year, when the Tigers defeated the Lady Chiefs 11-1 for the state championship.
For more photos from Friday’s Lady Chiefs practice, click here.
“They want another shot at Trenton. They want another shot at that ring,” Northview head coach Amy Holland said on Friday afternoon as the team wrapped up a final practice at Northview. “They’re excited; they want this really bad this year.”
In cooperation with the FHSAA, the NFHS network will stream the games on Tuesday and Wednesday (click here). There are no other video streams; any other service is a scam.
The NFHS network is $13.99 per month with immediate access. The subscription can be canceled prior to the end of the monthly period. Fans can also use the code UPGRADEANNUAL26 for $39.99 annual access and have live game streams next season across many Northview sports, including softball, baseball, football, and basketball.
Pictured top (submitted): The Northview Lady Chiefs left for Orlando early Sunday morning. Pictured inset and below: A final practice at Northview on Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Shot After Early Sunday Morning Altercation At Atmore Bar
May 18, 2026
A woman was shot early Sunday morning following a confrontation at an Atmore bar.
According to the Atmore Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 3:18 a.m. on Sunday.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident began as a physical or verbal altercation at The Tavern, a local bar on Highway 31. The dispute reportedly continued after the involved individuals left the business, eventually migrating onto the roadway. The situation turned violent in the area of Highway 31 and Rockaway Creek Road, where the female victim was shot.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been formally released, is a resident of Monroe County, Alabama. Authorities confirmed she sustained injuries during the gunfire and was transported to an area hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment.
Following the shooting, local law enforcement completely closed the roadway at Highway 31 and Rockaway Creek Road. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes for several hours.
Atmore Police said on Sunday afternoon that all parties involved in the altercation and subsequent shooting have been successfully identified, and that the suspected offender is also a resident of Monroe County. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the case.
The Atmore Police Department said the case will be presented to the Office of the 21st Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review and presentation to a grand jury to determine any formal charges.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
All West Florida Public Libraries Are Temporarily Closed On Monday
May 18, 2026
All West Florida Public Libraries locations will be closed on Monday, May 18 for staff training. All programs and events for May 18 have been canceled.
All WFPL locations will reopen with regular hours and programming on Tuesday, May 19.
Interlibrary loan services are temporarily unavailable while WFPL transitions to the new search catalog. Services will resume on Tuesday, May 19.
WFPL is launching a new and improved library search catalog, with features aimed at enhancing the user experience for library patrons. In addition to library closures on Monday, May 18, the library search catalog will be temporarily unavailable on May 18 as part of the software migration process.
The improved catalog will be available on the West Florida Public Libraries website on mobile and desktop beginning on Tuesday, May 19.
Several improvements to the catalog were implemented based on feedback from library patrons, with new features including:
- A user-friendly and reliable catalog experience
- Easy access to borrowing and returning materials
- Streamlined account and service features.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Train Collides With Semi-Trailer Loaded With Hot Dogs
May 18, 2026
A CSX freight train collided with a semi-trailer of hot dogs on Sunday evening in Canoe, Alabama, just north of the Florida–Alabama state line.
The crash happened just after 6 p.m. on Tumbling Lane at Highway 31 east of Atmore.
There were no injuries reported to the truck driver or train crew.
The semi and trailer had reportedly become stuck on the tracks, and the truck was separated from the trailer prior to the collision. The cargo — lower fat Chuck Wagon Chicken Franks — was scattered along the tracks.
Photos by Virginia Harley-Johns for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
May 18, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects n Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- State Road (S.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Mobile Highway to Isaacs Road, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete flatwork and striping operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, May 17, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road 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 Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, May 17, 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 E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at E 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-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, 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, May 17 through Friday, May 22, 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.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, May 17, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent inside lane closures, between mile markers 6 and 8, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for access management improvements and installation of high-tension cable barrier in the median.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- North and southbound drivers will encounter a temporary traffic shift to one lane at S.R. 97 and S.R. 95.
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
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, May 17 through Friday, May 22, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Drainage work on Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino, part of an overall resurfacing project on Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Week Begins Mostly Sunny, Slight Rain Chances Late Week
May 18, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night: Patchy dense fog after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening.
Tuesday: Patchy dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Trend Downward Just A Bit
May 18, 2026
AAA said Florida gas prices are moving slightly lower a week ahead of Memorial Day weekend as nearly 2.6 million Floridians prepare to travel.
Over the last week, Florida gas prices declined 20 cents per gallon. The state average fell from $4.43 a gallon to $4.23 a gallon on Sunday. The average price travelers paid on Memorial Day 2025 was $3.06 per gallon.
The least expensive metro market on Sunday was Pensacola at $4.07 a gallon. In North Escambia, a low of $3.83 was available on Sunday night on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Memorial Day travelers will pay about $17 more than last year to fill an average sized tank of gas,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Global supply concerns regarding the conflict with Iran has kept upward pressure on fuel prices. This could continue through the summer months unless a resolution is reached.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Tuesday
May 18, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution on Tuesday, May 19, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid form of identification, and there is a limit of three recipients per vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
