Century, Cottage Hill, And Molino Utilities Staff Complete Infrastructure Mapping Training
May 22, 2026
The Town of Century hosted regional Diamond Maps training on Friday.
Diamond Maps is a simple, cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS) designed specifically for municipalities, rural utilities, and first-time GIS users. It is built to help small towns and utility districts map their infrastructure and track system maintenance without needing extensive technical training.
Utility staff from the Town of Century, Cottage Hill Water Works, and Molino Utilities was among those who attended the training.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain And Thunderstorms Continue Through Monday
May 22, 2026
A unsettled weather pattern will bring high rain chances to the North Escambia area for the next several days, with daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through late next week. High temperatures will generally hover in the lower to mid 80s, while overnight lows remain muggy in the around 70.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Patchy fog after 3:00 AM. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1:00 PM. Patchy fog before 9:00 AM. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7:00 PM, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1:00 PM. High near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7:00 PM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Memorial Day: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1:00 AM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1:00 PM. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 83. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Atmore Man Charged With Three Counts Of Attempted Murder In Brewton
May 22, 2026
An Atmore man is behind bars facing multiple attempted murder charges following an investigation by the Brewton Police Department into a pair of shootings from late last year.
Brewton Police said Devon Shavers was charge with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.
According to police, the charges stem from two separate shooting incidents that took place in Brewton on December 13 and December 16, 2024.
Police revealed that these December shootings are directly linked to the subsequent murder of Rickel Samuel, which occurred in February 2025.
While Shavers has been charged in connection with the December incidents, the Brewton Police Department noted that the investigation into the murder of Rickel Samuel remains active and ongoing. Officials indicated that further developments in the case may result in additional arrests.
Shavers remains in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton with bond set at $250,000.
Non-Profit To Hold Horse Tack Sale on Saturday
May 22, 2026
The non-profit horse rescue group Panhandle Equine Rescue will hold a tack sale on Saturday, May 23.
The sale will take place at 3099 East Chipper Road in Cantonment from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Both new and used tack will be fore sale.
The indoor sale will take place rain or shine.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Holds 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
May 22, 2026
Thursday morning, Ernest Ward Middle School held a promotion ceremony for eighth grade students.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season
May 22, 2026
Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
“With the most advanced forecast modeling and hurricane tracking technologies, NOAA and the National Weather Service are prepared to deliver real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “Our experts are integrating cutting-edge tools to ensure communities in the path of storms receive the earliest, most accurate information possible.”
“NOAA’s rapid integration of advanced technology, including AI-based weather models, drones, and next-generation satellite data will deliver actionable science to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” said NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, Ph.D. “These new capabilities, combined with the unmatched expertise of our National Weather Service forecasters, will produce the most accurate forecasts possible to protect communities in harm’s way.”
The Atlantic season is expected to be below-normal due to competing factors. El Niño is expected to develop and intensify during the hurricane season, while ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are expected to be slightly warmer than normal and trade winds are likely weaker than average. El Niño conditions tend to support less tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity based on large-scale weather and climate patterns. It does not indicate where or when any storms may affect land as that is determined by short-term and variable weather patterns. The outlook is not a landfall forecast.
UWF Announces First Division 1 Season Schedule
May 22, 2026
University of West Florida football has released its 2026 schedule with a slate of five home games and six away games in the first season as NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision members. In anticipation of the new era of Argo football as members of the United Athletic Conference, season ticket renewals are now available for current ticket holders.
“This new era of Argonaut Athletics reflects the momentum and vision that continues to elevate UWF, and we look forward to seeing Argo Nation rally behind our team throughout this inaugural FCS season,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr.
The schedule combines established FCS programs, conference matchups and longtime regional opponents as UWF prepares for its first season at the DI level.
“We are looking forward to the 2026 UWF Football Season which will bring new opponents at the Division I level both on campus and on the road,” said head coach Kaleb Nobles. “We really wanted to give our team an opportunity to play a near full schedule of DI opponents during our first FCS season and we feel that this gives our entire program an opportunity to showcase the work that we put in to play great football each week. With our transition to the DI level, we spoke with a large number of teams across the country to set up what we feel like is a great schedule this year. We look forward to a great season in our first year in the UAC and on the DI level.”
SCHEDULE BRINGS IN NEW OPPONENTS AND REIGNITES OLD RIVALRIES
The Argos will open the season with a headliner matchup against Southern Illinois on Aug. 27 at Pen Air Field. The visiting Salukis went 7-5 in the 2025 season including a win over No. 11 ranked Illinois State to close out the regular season. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT for the Thursday night opener.
UWF will then hit the road for its first-ever UAC game on Sept. 5 against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Following a bye week, the Argos return home to host UAC member Austin Peay on Sept. 19 during Family Weekend at UWF. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
UWF will then have two straight weeks on the road with games against Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 26 and Abilene Christian on Oct. 3. UAC co-champion Abilene Christian was 7-1 in the conference last year and made a run into the FCS playoffs where they defeated Lamar in the first round before falling to Stephen F. Austin. Gametime for Southeast Missouri State is to be determined, while kickoff against ACU is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
The Argos return home for two consecutive games against familiar NCAA Division II opponents Northeastern State on Oct. 10, and West Alabama during UWF’s Homecoming on Oct. 17. UWF played both opponents in the 2025 season picking up wins against each team on the road. The Argos defeated Northeastern 31-24 and West Alabama 23-16.
The Argos will travel to Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 24 with gametime still to be determined followed by North Alabama on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. CT. UWF and North Alabama have faced off three times in program history with the Argos holding a 2-1 record against the Lions.
On Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. CT, UWF will close its home schedule with FCS powerhouse Tarleton State. The Texans finished 12-2 in 2025, including a double overtime win over FBS Army, and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs before losing to Villanova.
In the final game of the season, UWF will look to reignite its past rivalry with former Gulf South Conference team West Georgia. The Argos will travel to Carrollton, Georgia, on Nov. 21 for the 2 p.m. CT game. The teams have played eight times in program history with the Argos holding a 5-3 advantage in the series.
As part of the NCAA Division I three-year reclassification process, UWF will be eligible to compete for a UAC Championship, but will not be eligible for FCS playoffs until the University completes the transition requirements and achieves active DI membership status in Fall 2029.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE INAUGURAL FCS SEASON
Current season ticket holders can begin renewing season tickets beginning May 21 and have through July 10 to complete the renewal process. Ticket holders will receive an email from HomeTown Ticketing with step-by-step instructions and a unique renewal code.Emails will be sent from the University of West Florida Box Office at fansupport@hometownticketing.com.
New season ticket sales will begin on June 1. If you are interested in purchasing season tickets, fill out the Season Ticket Interest Form. Single game tickets will go on sale Aug. 1.
Due to the ongoing construction of Darrell Gooden Stadium, all seating for the 2026 season will be located on the east side of Pen Air Field.
Fans will also experience the addition of a new state-of-the-art video board located near the north endzone, further enhancing the gameday atmosphere for the Argos’ inaugural FCS season.
Wahoos Drop Back And Forth Contest 4-3
May 22, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos would drop a topsy-turvy game to the Columbus Clingstones by a final score of 4-3.
Brendan Jones would draw a leadoff walk to begin the game and would quickly steal his team leading 20th base to get into scoring position. With two outs, Dillon Lewis would lob a single into left field to give Pensacola a 1-0 lead.
Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr would get some help defensively in the top of the third when third baseman Dylan Jasso would make an impressive backhanded stab and throw fading toward the third base dugout to retire Ethan Workinger. Workinger, however, would get his revenge in a big way in the bottom of the third. Leading the inning off, Sam Praytor would send a ball over the wall in left field, but Workinger would track it the whole way, leap, and snatch it back to rob Praytor of his second homer of the year.
That play kept the score at 1-0 until the top of the fourth. An opposite field single from David McCabe and a double from Luke Waddell would put runners at second and third with only one out. Jordan Groshans would follow those hits up with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring McCabe and tying the game at 1-1. The Wahoos would grab the lead back in the bottom of the fifth when Payton Green would snap an 0-10 rut with his fourth home run of the season and bring the score to 2-1. This is where the back and forth affair began.
The top of the sixth saw two Clingstone runs cross, Patrick Clohisy would lead off with a walk and steal of second to get into scoring position. Lizandro Espinoza would single him home a batter later to tie things up at 2-2. This would be the end of Ortiz-Mayr’s day, as Mason Vinyard (L, 1-1) would come in to relieve him. Espinoza would proceed to steal second and third before Luke Waddell would bring him in on a sacrifice fly to right field to put Columbus in front. Both runs were charged to Ortiz-Mayr. That lead would only last half an inning, thanks to a double from Cristian Hernández and an RBI single from Fenwick Trimble to tie things up once again, this time at 3-3. Blayne Enlow (W, 1-1) would shut things down after that.
The top of the seventh would yield the final run of the game when Ethan Workinger, who robbed Praytor’s homer earlier in the game, would bang one over the left field wall with room to spare, giving his team a 4-3 lead that would prove to be the deciding difference. Pensacola would load the bases in the bottom of the ninth off of closer Tyler LaPorte (S, 2), but after an intentional walk to Payton Green to load the bases, LaPorte would induce a 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Dylan Jasso to sink the Wahoos.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Friday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Jim Allen Elementary Holds Fifth Grade Banquet, Promotion Ceremony
May 21, 2026
Jim Allen Elementary School held a banquet and promotion ceremony this week for fifth graders.
The event was a special time to recognize the students’ achievements, growth, and all the memories made along the way.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
$2.8 Million Highway 90A Overhaul Set to Begin From State Line To Beulah Road
May 21, 2026
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is preparing to begin a $2.8 million milling and resurfacing project on Highway 90A from the Perdido River Bridge to Beulah Road in Escambia County.
The project features intersection improvements at West Nine Mile Road and Mobile Highway, as well as drainage enhancements, paved ditches, and the addition of curbs and gutters. New signage and pavement markings will also be installed throughout the zone.
During construction, drivers and pedestrians may encounter periodic lane closures and minor traffic shifts. Lane closures will only occur between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
This project is estimated for completion in early 2027.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.