Power Failure Leads To Chemical Release At Ascend, FDEP Says
February 17, 2026
A power failure led to the release of nitrogen oxides on Tuesday morning from Ascend Performance Materials on Old Chemstrand Road, according to a report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The “plant suffered power failure and nitrogen oxides (NOx) was released from the Adipic Acid Unit. The total quantity is unknown at this time but operators are restarting the unit to normal operation,” the FDEP initial report released Tuesday afternoon stated. The report stated the incident began at 10 a.m. but did not indicate an end time.
“At approximately 10:00 a.m. today, Ascend sustained a power failure at the Pensacola, Florida site, Based on information currently available, no impacts or chemical spills to the environment occurred as a result of this power outage. Following our standard procedures, the appropriate notifications were made, out of an abundance of caution. The plant is currently in the process of restarting operations,” Ascend said in a stetement.
The incident was reported to FDEP by an Ascend Environmental manager. A release quantity was not immediately reported.
In a report to the National Response Center, Ascend stated that its engineers believed the release was not above the required reportable quantity, but they wanted to make the report out of an abundance of caution.
File photo.
Walnut Hill Post Office Box Delivery Resumes, But Other Services Still Limited
February 17, 2026
Over six months after the building reopened, mail is once again being delivered to boxes at the Walnut Hill post office, but other postal services remain limited.
The Walnut Hill post office is officially known as a Contract Postal Unit, a small office shared with the electric utility on Highway 99A across from Ernest Ward Middle School. It previously provided the Walnut Hill community with post office boxes, package pickup and shipping, and standard postal services like mailing and stamps.
The building was closed by EREC in August 2024, due to mold, and post office box customers were able to collect their mail from the U.S. Post Office on Main Street in McDavid. Post office box mail that was uncollected in McDavid was boxed in Walnut Hill on July 29, 2025, and EREC announced the reopening of its office and the post office. But no more mail was delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Now, the USPS is delivering mail that is being boxed at the Walnut Hill post office. However, the Walnut Hill location is not able to accept packages or provide services that require the use of a postal scanner — it is still waiting on the USPS to get the scanner operational. Any mail that requires a signature will need to be picked up at the McDavid Post Office on Main Street because that requires the use of a scanner.
EREC CEO Ryan Campbell said the member-owned cooperative is looking forward to returning full service to the Walnut Hill post office.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Warming Weather, 70s Today, Around 80 By Thursday
February 17, 2026
A stretch of unseasonably warm weather is on tap for the region, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 70s and lower 80s through Friday. However, the warmth comes with a persistent chance of rain as multiple systems move through. Showers become more likely by Thursday night, with a mix of rain and possible thunderstorms continuing through the weekend before a cooler, sunnier Monday arrives.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 59.
Painting With Puppies Benefits Escambia County Animal Shelter
February 17, 2026
Painting With Puppies was held on Valentine’s Day at the Langley Bell 4-H Center with puppies from the Escambia County animal shelter.
“All of the dogs had a great time on their trip outside the shelter and loved the attention they got from event attendees,” Northview 4-H President Carly Gray said of the event that featured puppies Sheila, Sissy, Gelato and Hollie.
A 4-H Community Pride grant covered all of the event costs, allowing the shelter to collect donated supplies along with proceeds from event tickets and donations.
“No dogs were adopted on Saturday, but we’re considering giving it another go in the next few months, “bigger and better,” Gray said. “Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope to see you volunteer with the shelter and keep your eyes peeled for a possible second Painting with Puppies event.”
The event was made possible by volunteers from the Escambia County Animal Shelter, Northview 4-H, Ransom Middle School National Junior Honor Society, and Tate High School National Art Honor Society.
To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
Photos by Cinci Poole for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Portion Of Fannie Road Near Century To Close For Paving On Wednesday
February 17, 2026
A portion of Fannie Road between Old Flomaton Road and Campbell Road in Century will be temporarily closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday, February 18, while crews pave one-third of a mile of the road.
There will be a short detour in place along Old Flomaton Road and Campbell Road. The road is expected to reopen by Thursday, February 19, weather permitting.
Residents, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market Wednesday In Molino
February 17, 2026
The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino on Wednesday, February 18, with a variety of fresh produce.
Millie will be at the Molino Community Center (Molino Library) at 6450 North Highway 95A from 10 a.m. until noon.
During the Molino visit, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices. Items available will include apples, cabbage, cucumbers, oranges, sweet potatoes, onions and more. The selection varies each visit and is based upon availability. This week’s menu is below.
Millie travels routes throughout Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Florida service area, addressing pockets of low food access (food deserts) where supermarkets are scarce, to provide community members the opportunity to buy affordable fresh produce and other nutritious foods at a significantly discounted rate. Feeding the Gulf Coast collaborates with local farmers to purchase produce when available specifically for the Millie Mobile Market.
Only debit or credit cards (including tap-to-pay) are accepted at Millie; no cash.
Pictured: A previous Millie Mobile Market visit at the Molino Library. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Ashes To Go’ Available On Ash Wednesday In Cantonment
February 17, 2026
Need to do Ash Wednesday in a hurry? Several churches are offering outdoor imposition of ashes to help people start Lent on Wednesday, without even leaving their cars.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Rev. Deacon Rachel Iversen says they will be set up at Cantonment Ace Hardware at 1560 Highway 29. The church team will be there from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m., offering ashes to observe Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent.
“This is for people on their way to work – it’s a window of opportunity,” Iversen said. “People can pull up, we’ll have a guided meditation, a prayer on a bulletin. They can read the prayer, prepare mentally and spiritually. If they want to pray, we’ll pray with them.”
The drive-through concept welcomes people who have never seen Ash Wednesday before. They do not have to be churchgoers, Iversen said. “There’s no stipulation – wherever you are in your spiritual journey,” she said. “If they’re curious, they can experience the ashes. It’s a spiritual experience. If people want a time of prayer, repentance and reflecting on their own mortality, we want to let them know that the call to turn and focus on God is present anywhere.”
“We make a shape of the cross with ashes on the forehead and say what the ancients said, ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.’ It is a wonderful reminder of our mortality, but the grace of it all too.”
Iversen said they will hand out sheets with answers to often-asked questions about Ash Wednesday, such as “Do I have to wear the ashes all day?” “Only if you want to,” Iversen said. The ashes are worn as a sign of penitence. The church is called to take the church out to the streets. “We are going to dress like clergy, so people know we are fulfilling that role,” Iversen said. “If I were out there in blue jeans, people wouldn’t know we were ministers.”
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day penitential period of Lent, leading up to the celebration of Easter, which will be observed April 5 in most churches.
Man Facing Drug Charges After Atmore Police Execute Search Warrant
February 17, 2026
An Atmore man was arrested on multiple charges after the Atmore Police Department executed a search warrant at 236 Wilson Avenue.
Larry Lyons was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance (synthetic spice), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
APD said the charges resulted from the search warrant and a previous investigation.
Lyons was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rosa Lee Seales White
February 17, 2026
Rosa Lee (Seales) White
August 18, 1933 – February 13, 2026
Celebrating a Life of Love and Legacy
At the age of 92, Rosa Lee White departed this world, leaving behind a legacy woven with kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. Her life was a testament to the power of love—a love that nurtured not only her children but also her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Through every chapter, she was the heart of her family, steadfast and caring, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement.
Her generosity knew no bounds. Whether sharing a meal, a story, or a gentle embrace, she touched the lives of all who knew her. Her stubborn spirit was matched only by her determination to see her family thrive, and her support was a constant source of strength through life’s joys and challenges.
She was the foundation upon which generations were built. Her home was a sanctuary, filled with laughter, warmth, and the wisdom of years well-lived. She taught us the value of compassion, the importance of perseverance, and the beauty of unconditional love.
As we gather to honor her memory, we celebrate not only the years she spent with us but the countless ways she shaped our lives. Her legacy lives on in every child she helped raise, every grandchild she cherished, and every great-great-grandchild who carries her spirit forward.
We are forever grateful for her presence, her guidance, and her love. Though she has left this earthly realm, her memory will remain a beacon of light for all who were blessed to know her.
Mrs. White is preceded in death by her loving husband – JW White; Parents – Emery and Roberta Seales; Son and Daughter in law – Joseph (Gene) and Stella Mae White; Great grandson – Blaze Johnson; Sisters – Ida Seales, Melease Seales, Cassie Smith, Leona Wainwright, Vernell Turner and Marilyn McPherson; Son in law – Charles (Chuck Frazier).
Mrs. White is survived by her Daughters – Dianne White of Flomaton and Debra (Wayne) Brown of Brewton; Granddaughters – Renee (Kevin) Merchant of Century and Katherine (Joey) Minga of Spanish Fort; Grandson – Josh (Alisha) Brown of Brewton; Great Granddaughters – Cheyanne (Ricky) McConathy of Flomaton, Kelli (Logan) Wise of Century and Valerie (Kevin) Pace; Great Grandsons – Tyler Merchant of Century, Hunter Brown of Brewton, Lincoln Minga of Spanish Fort and Tanner Hornbeak of Brewton; Great Great Grandsons – Ricky McConathy Jr of Flomaton and Wyatt Pace of Brewton; Great Great Granddaughters – Victoria McConathy of Flomaton and Julie-Ann Pace of Brewton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.
Mrs. Wanda Jean Massey
February 17, 2026
Mrs. Wanda Jean Massey, age 68, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. She was originally from Pensacola but had lived in Cantonment for many years. Wanda was a valued member of Farm Hill Holiness Church, where she found community and connection. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
She had a warm heart and cared deeply for her family. For many years, she worked as a server at Smokey’s BBQ, where she enjoyed serving delicious meals and chatting with customers. Her dog, JJ, was her loyal companion, always by her side. She found joy in going to church, where she connected with her community, and loved playing cards with friends and family, making each gathering full of laughter and fun.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Ruby Ardis Cooper; husband, David Massey; twin brother, Warren Cooper.
She is survived by her son, Andy Cooper, who lives in Pensacola, Florida. Her brother, Daniel, and his wife, Debra, also reside in Pensacola, along with another brother, Donny, and his wife, Dale, from Swannee, Georgia. Additionally, her sister, Pam Cooper, lives in Cantonment, Florida. These family members remember her fondly and hold onto the cherished memories they shared together.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC
Burial will follow at Presley Cemetery