Tropical Storm Arthur Development Odds Increase To 50%
June 15, 2026
The National Hurricane Center has increased the development chances to 50% for a Gulf system.
“A trough of low pressure located over northeastern Mexico is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Development is not expected during the next day or so while the trough remains inland. However, the system could re-emerge over the northwestern Gulf late Tuesday or Wednesday, and environmental conditions there are marginally conducive for the formation of a short-lived tropical storm on Wednesday into Thursday,” the NHC said Monday afternoon.
If a storm forms, it will be named Tropical Storm Arthur.
Regardless of development, the system will produce periods of intense rainfall affecting interests across southern and eastern Texas and portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.
“Gusty winds and coastal flooding are also possible along portions of the northwestern Gulf Coast, and Tropical Storm watches or warnings could be required on Tuesday,” NHC said.
A moderate risk of rip currents will continue the first half of the week for coastal Alabama and northwest Florida beaches, becoming a high risk on Wednesday.
Periods of showers and storms will affect the area through the week with an increasing risk of flooding issues as the Gulf system merges with an advancing front. Moderate to strong winds may create hazardous conditions for small craft from Wednesday night through Thursday night.
RELATED: Showers And Storms, Heavy Rainfall Possible Through Midweek
Sen. Don Gaetz Explains Why He Backed Florida Homestead Property Tax Relief Measure
June 15, 2026
Earlier this month the Senate and the House voted to approve putting lower homestead property taxes on the November ballot.
The measure, a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, passed the House 75-26 and moved through the Senate on a 30-9 vote. Rep. Michelle Salzman, Rep. Alex Andrade and Sen. Don Gaetz all voted in favor.
In November, at least 60% of voters must approve the amendment.
In his most recent newsletter, Gaetz said, “I agree with the Governor that you shouldn’t have to pay to rent your homestead from the government. I also agree that local governments provide critical services all of us depend on. Those services require revenue.”
“The problem with property taxes as a revenue source is that property taxes are based on property values. Even local governments that have not raised their millage rates have still benefited from the boom in real estate values. However, most local governments have raised millage rates, meaning higher property values are multiplied by still higher millage rates to result in taxes that far exceed population growth and inflation. Property tax revenues collected by Florida local governments have increased by 70 percent in the last five years. Floridians on Social Security have seen their benefits increase approximately 23 percent while their property tax bills have gone up nearly three times higher. Northwest Florida cities and counties have almost always been good stewards of tax dollars. But they have had more tax dollars to spend than inflation and population growth required.”
“If the plan passes, cities and counties that rely on ad valorem property taxes will have to make budget cuts. Budget cuts mean tough, sometimes painful decisions,” he wrote. “Last year the Legislature cut spending by $3 billion compared to the prior year. This year the Senate and House cut the budget by another $4 billion less than last year. I voted for those budget cuts because I had to. Less income means there has to be less outgo to balance the budget. Families face hard choices as gas prices, utility rates, insurance and housing costs and, yes, property taxes combine to make Florida less affordable. Many families are spending less on wants in order to meet needs. Now it’s local governments’ turn to squeeze the dollars.”
He encouraged voters to talk to their local mayors, city council members and county commissioners and ask questions.
“Make your voice heard about what spending is less important and what services must be maintained,” Gaetz said.
Pictured: Sen. Don Gaetz during an Escambia County Legislative Delegation meeting in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Showers And Storms, Heavy Rainfall Possible Through Midweek
June 15, 2026
We have rainy days continuing with multiple rounds of heavy rainfall forecasted through the week. Welcome relief from the heat extends through tomorrow with highs in the mid to upper 70s with the
exception of areas along the coast. Heat will return with heat indices in the upper 90s to low 100s to end the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 4am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 79. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. High near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 85. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Juneteenth: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Two Injured In Cantonment Highway 29 Crash
June 15, 2026
Two people were injured in a single-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Cantonment.
The crash occurred on Highway 29 near Archer Road just before 7:30 p.m. when a sedan driven by a 19-year-old Dothan woman left the roadway, traveled into a wooded area, and struck a tree.
The woman and her 22-year-old passenger, also from Dothan, were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS as “trauma alerts”. FHP said on Monday that the injuries were minor.
The Cantonment station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded to the scene.
File photo.
Tate High Graduate Evan Taylor Commits To Wallace Selma
June 15, 2026
Tate High School 2026 graduate Evan Taylor has committed to continue his baseball and academic career at Wallace Community College Selma. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Conducts Annual Hurricane Exercise
June 15, 2026
Escambia County Emergency Management hosted its annual hurricane exercise recently at the Emergency Operations Center to test local readiness ahead of the peak of the Gulf Coast hurricane season.
This year’s drill simulated the complex recovery phase immediately following a major hurricane landfall. Participants from various local agencies and emergency support functions were forced to respond to rapidly evolving, real-world scenarios, including widespread power outages, structural damage, and heavy debris blocking critical roadways.
Officials said that the exercise is vital for ensuring seamless communication and coordination between county staff and community partners when a real disaster strikes.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
June 15, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (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, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 295 Resurfacing from S.R. 292 (Barrancas Avenue) to S.R. 727 (West Fairfield Drive) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 295, between S.R. 292 (Barrancas Avenue) and S.R. 727 (West Fairfield Drive), Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, June 14, 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 through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, June 14, 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 for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at I Street and J 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, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures, between the Perdido River Bridge and mile marker 1, Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for guardrail installation.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, 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, June 14 through Saturday, June 20, 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 – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures on Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.:
- I-10 westbound traffic will be reduced to one travel lane and shifted south near mile marker 10.
- Intermittent outside lane closures on eastbound I-10, near mile marker 9.
- Intermittent outside lane closures on U.S. 29 northbound, between Diamond Dairy Road and Broad Street.
Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
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- Intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- 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.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, 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, June 15 through Friday, June 19, 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, June 14 through Saturday, June 20, 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 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, 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.
West Florida Libraries Resume Fine And Fee Payments Today
June 15, 2026
After system upgrades, fine and fee payments will resume today, June 15, and all West Florida Public Libraries branches.
Library staff will resume requesting payment for outstanding balances during transactions and account assistance. Library loan periods and finds are in the chart below.
WFPL said additional improvements and updates are still underway during the software migration.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Florida Gas Prices Decline, AAA Says
June 15, 2026
Florida gas prices are moving lower after rising 17 cents early last week. The state average then declined 12 cents through the weekend.
Sunday’s state average of $3.83 per gallon is 3 cents more than a week ago, 56 cents less than a month ago, and 88 cents more than this time last year.
The Pensacola metro had the lowest average price in the state at $3.52. In Pensacola, a low of $3.09 was available on Sunday at the warehouse clubs and several other stations around town. In North Escambia, a low of $3.37 was available Sunday at stations of Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Crude prices dropped overnight after the United States and Iran announced an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This is an encouraging sign for drivers, as lower oil prices typically lead to lower prices at the pump. However, this remains a fluid situation, and it’s unclear how quickly or how much gas prices may fall.”
Sunday night, crude oil traded around $80 per barrel, down about 5% from Friday’s closing price of $84.88.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Clinch Series With 8-4 Win Over Clingstones
June 15, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos wrapped up their weeklong road series against the Columbus Clingstones with an 8-4 win on Sunday afternoon.
Juan Matheus, Jay Beshears, Garret Forrester and Dillon Lewis each went deep, helping the Blue Wahoos secure a series win and apply pressure in the first half South Division playoff race. With one week remaining, they are 1.0 game behind first-place Montgomery pending the results of the Biscuits’ Sunday contest.
Luis Moreno (W, 2-3) allowed a first-inning solo homer to David McCabe, the Columbus slugger’s league-leading 15th of the season, but turned in another effective start with 5.0+ innings of two-run ball.
The Blue Wahoos got on the board against Clingstones starter Ian Mejia (L, 0-4) in the second inning, using speed and small ball to score a pair of runs. Cristian Hernández was hit by a pitch, stole two bases, and scored when Ian Lewis Jr. stole second and prompted an errant throw to the outfield. Cam Cannarella then laced an RBI single to right field, scoring Lewis Jr. to put Pensacola ahead 2-1.
Matheus hit a two-run homer in the third and Beshears added a solo shot in the fourth, extending the Blue Wahoos lead to 5-1.
The Clingstones chipped away, as Luke Waddell delivered an RBI single in the fifth and sacrifice fly in the seventh, but relievers Kade Bragg and Nigel Belgrave worked out of trouble to preserve the lead. Late homers from Forrester in the eighth and Lewis in the ninth created a four-run cushion for Colby Martin to close out the 8-4 final.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos wrap up the first half with a six-game home series against the Birmingham Barons on Tuesday.
written by Erik Bremer