Heat And Humidity: High Near 95, Chance Of Afternoon Rain
August 18, 2026
A heat advisory is once again in effect on Tuesday with a heat index reaching near 110 today.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 109. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, then clearing toward daybreak, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 108. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Gerald Clark Boeckner
August 18, 2026
Gerald Clark Boeckner was born to Aaron and Gertrude (Holdeman) Boeckner on September 14, 1938 in Newton, Kansas. He peacefully passed away with his family surrounding him, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis, on August 15, 2026, in his home at Oakwood, reaching the age of 87 years.
His schooling was received at the French School in rural Moundridge, Kansas. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Frank Wenger on December 18, 1949, at Hesston, Kansas and stayed true to the faith. He had a positive outlook on life and taught us by example that “in acceptance there is peace”. His last encouragement to us all was to be faithful to the end.
In 1960 Dad went to Roseburg, Oregon for 1W Service. Dad was married to our mom, Thelma Harms, on December 29, 1963 in Walnut Hill, Florida, by her father, Minister Harry Harms. They lived at Hesston, Kansas until they went to the mission in Mexico for two special years. Upon returning they spent a short time in Leland, Mississippi before moving to Walnut Hill, Florida. There they raised their four children on the family farm. In their later years they treasured the eight summers spent helping their family in Alaska. In March of 2025 they moved to Brooksville, Mississippi to an apartment at Oakwood. He loved and appreciated the friendship and wonderful care he experienced there. A heartfelt thank you to the Family and Staff of Oakwood.
Dad was known for his sense of humor and teasing ways. We can all recite his standard greetings and quotes and he never seemed to run out of interesting replies. He didn’t know a stranger and his genuine interest in each person endeared him to many. He was generous to everyone with his time.
Dad’s mechanical ingenuity at times seemed limitless and his talent for fixing things was known far and wide. We’re thankful he passed down this gift to his family. His grandchildren had complete faith that Grandpa could fix anything and many broken toys found their way to his shop to be mended. Many phone calls were made for help in making something work.
Dad wasn’t perfect but had strong convictions and lived a steady, quiet life. We didn’t question where he stood and there was security in that. Dad truly listened and we all went to him for advice. He didn’t always have answers, but had a way of helping us see the whole picture.
Those left to cherish precious memories are his wife Thelma, children Kerry and Kristine Boeckner, Harrisburg, AR; Teresa and Arlen Mininger, Grant, AL; Amy and Cliff Dejax, Soldotna, AK; Sara and Sheldon Schneider, Davisville, FL; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Four sisters: Vada Schmidt, JoAnn Powell, Rose and Paul Toews, Lois and Fred Decker; two brothers: Weldon and Lois, Dennis & Eileen; one brother-in-law, Ken Litwiller; William and Margaret Brandt; one sister-in-law, Ruth Benner and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Those gone before are twin grandsons, Lance and Lane; his parents and parents-in-law, one brother, four sisters, twelve brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church in Walnut Hill, FL at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ben Koehn, Rev. Galen Harms and Rev. Rodney Harms officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church .
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Northview FFA President Grace Oliver Selected As Florida National FFA Delegate
August 18, 2026
Grace Oliver of the Northview High School FFA Chapter has been selected by Florida FFA to represent the state as a national delegate at the National FFA Convention and Expo in late October.
Oliver joins a select group of 26 past and current state FFA officers and district officers chosen to represent Florida in the national delegation process. As delegates, they will collaborate to create, debate, and vote on national policy representing an organization of over 1 million student members across the country.
Selection as a national delegate is a rare distinction for the local area, with only two other area students chosen in recent years: Isabelle Jenkins of the Florida Virtual School FFA Chapter and Ona Spinks of the Northview FFA Chapter.
Oliver has been an active FFA member since the eighth grade at Ernest Ward Middle School and has served on the Northview FFA Chapter executive committee for four years. She currently serves as both the District 1 FFA President and the Northview FFA President. Most recently, she represented her chapter and district at the state level, competing in Parliamentary Procedure and Livestock Evaluation.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Shelley Ward Turner
August 18, 2026
Shelley Ward Turner, 54, of Atmore, AL. passed away on August 14, 2026. She was born on November 11, 1971 to Wayne Ward and Linda Blackburn.
Shelley was a nurse for 33 years and an avid seamstress. She was a mother to three beautiful, intelligent women, and “Mia” to two gorgeous girls and two handsome boys.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Linda Blackburn.
Shelley is survived by her daughters, Dezerae Tharpe, Emily Turner, Chelsea Reaves; a sister, Stacey Guyton of Opelika, AL; and four grandchildren, Tate Bradford, Hudson
Hammonds, Grayson Reaves, and Ellison Tharpe.
No arrangements have been made at this time.
Former Inmate Arrested In Fountain Prison Contraband Investigation
August 18, 2026
An ongoing investigation into illegal contraband intended for Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore has led to the arrest of a former inmate and the seizure of drugs and cash in Montgomery.
According to the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Montgomery. The operation was part of an active probe stemming from an arrest made several weeks ago involving contraband believed to be destined for the Fountain facility.
Intelligence and evidence gathered during that initial case led investigators directly to the Montgomery home. During the search, agents seized approximately 19 pounds of marijuana and $30,000 in cash.
Former inmate Patrick O’Neal Perry, identified as the occupant of the home, was taken into custody without incident. Perry was charged with Trafficking Marijuana and booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility.
The search warrant was executed by agents with the ADOC Narcotics Unit, K-9 Division, and Law Enforcement Services Division, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) SWAT Team.
Register Teams Now For The Tate Aggies Softball 11th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot
August 18, 2026
The Tate Aggies softball program will host its 11th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace.
Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by a safety briefing at 8:30 a.m. Shooting begins at 9:00 a.m.
Both breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with door prizes. Awards will be presented for top team, top shooter, top female shooter, and worst shooter.
Entry and sponsorship packages include:
- Showbird ($500): Four shooters.
- 410 Gauge ($800): Four shooters, station sign, and eight raffle tickets.
- 20 Gauge ($1,200): Four shooters, station sign, and 12 raffle tickets.
- 12 Gauge ($1,600): Four shooters, station sign, and 16 raffle tickets.
The deadline to register is September 5, 2026. Click here to register online.
The Santa Rosa Shooting Center is located at 6950 Quintette Road in Pace. For questions or additional information, contact Bryan Walker at (850) 712-3159 or email tatesoftballboosters@gmail.com.
Pictured: Scenes from the 2025 Tate Softball Sporting Clay Shoot. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Child Abuse After Allegedly Striking Juvenile With Stick
August 17, 2026
A Cantonment man was arrested after allegedly striking a juvenile with a wooden stick and violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence involving his ex-wife.
Gemal Fathygebri Floyd Sr., 40, was charged with felony child abuse without great bodily harm (domestic violence) and misdemeanor violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence.
According to an arrest report from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on the night of August 12, following reports of an altercation at a residence in Cottage Hill.
An investigation revealed that Floyd arrived at the home to confront a juvenile about why the youth’s phone location had been turned off. During an argument in the front yard, Floyd reportedly grabbed a wooden stick from the bed of his truck, stated “Let me show you something,” and struck the victim in the leg and left forearm, leaving a visible red welt. Multiple witnesses at the residence reported seeing the altercation and hearing the strikes.
Deputies also determined that Floyd violated an active, permanent domestic violence injunction held by his ex-wife. The order, originally served in 2023, strictly limited contact to civil text messages regarding their child. Investigators noted that Floyd violated the order by placing multiple calls and sending rude, threatening text messages to his ex-wife, telling her she would not have a job when he was through with her.
When interviewed by deputies, Floyd admitted to traveling to the Cottage Hill address after noticing the youth’s location was off, admitting he struck the juvenile with a stick before driving away and calling back to apologize. He also admitted to calling and texting his ex-wife, claiming he believed the injunction had been dismissed.
Floyd was taken into custody at a residence on Pine Street in Cantonment and booked into the Escambia County Jail, where he was held without bond. The incident was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Floyd remained in the Escambia County Jail on MOnday morning with bond set at $3,500.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Voters Will Decide On Tuesday’s Ballot
August 17, 2026
Should Escambia County have an elected or appointed superintendent? That will be decided by Escambia County voters in Tuesday’s primary vote.
The exact question on the primary election ballot is:
“Shall the superintendent of schools of Escambia County, Florida, be elected by the majority of the qualified electors of Escambia County, Florida? Yes or No.”
The referendum question is on all ballots, regardless of a voter’s party or district.
If it passes, Escambia voters will elect a school superintendent during the November 2028 general election. If it fails, the superintendent will remain appointed by the Escambia County School Board.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted by a narrow margin to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent.
The Escambia County School Board voted 3-2 on February 18, 2025, to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said at a February board meeting. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
Pictured: Current Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard was appointed by the school board.
Another Day, Another Heat Advisory With A Few Afternoons Showers Possible
August 17, 2026
Another day, another heat advisory in effect for Monday with a heat index as high as 108 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 108. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
August 17, 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, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Aug. 16, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Median devices are in place near Patton Drive and Mills Avenue. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90A (West Nine Mile Road) Resurfacing, from Perdido River Bridge to S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) – The week of Sunday, Aug. 16, drivers on U.S. 90A will encounter the following construction-related traffic impacts:
- Intermittent eastbound lane closures near the U.S. 90 weigh station. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Inside lane closures, between Western Way Drive and Tower Ridge Road.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – Garden Street drivers will encounter a temporary westbound lane closure near the North D Street intersection on Monday, Aug. 17, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for stormwater drainage work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to guide drivers safely through the work zone. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North 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 C Street and D Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A 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, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, 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 lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 22, between 8 p.m. and 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 on-ramp, which will remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers are reminded that the I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to the north near the U.S. 29 interchange. This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026. Additionally, ongoing traffic impacts include the following:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- 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, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 21, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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, Aug. 16, through Saturday, Aug. 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, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Yellow River – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures, Monday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.