Warming Trend: Highs Climb To The 70s By Monday
February 8, 2026
Conditions will remain dry and sunny through the weekend with a cool start on Saturday, but a warming trend takes hold by Monday. Highs will climb into the mid-70s by midweek as moisture returns, bringing a slight chance of showers starting late Tuesday night and persisting through Friday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Tate Aggies Finish Season as 6A District 1 Runner-Up
February 8, 2026
The Tate Aggies took the runner-up spot in 6A District 1 with a 72-55 loss to the Milton Panthers on Saturday night in Milton.
It was a season-ender for the Aggies, with a 16-11 recordnwhile the Panthers (24-3) advance to regionals.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ice Flyers Fall To Knoxville Ice Bears
February 8, 2026
The Ice Flyers fell 2-1 to the Knoxville Ice Bears in overtime on Saturday night at the Hangar in front of 6,253 fans.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both goaltenders keeping things tight. Knoxville broke through in the second period when Carson Vance scored to give the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead. The Ice Flyers battled back, and the deadlock finally broke in the final minutes of the third period when Sam Rhodes tied things up, rejuvenating the crowd and breathing some life into the home team.
The game would go on to overtime, where Cam Gaudette ended up with another costly penalty with a holding call that set up Knoxville’s Tim Kent for a powerplay goal, giving the Ice Bears a 2-1 victory.
The Ice Flyers now head to Knoxville for another set of games before coming home for Lilo and Stitch Night on Sunday, February 15.
Ray Corry Lowery
February 8, 2026
Mr. , age 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 1, 1950, in Monroeville, Alabama, and spent most of his life in Canoe, Alabama. Ray was a dedicated member and Deacon of Robinsonville Baptist Church, where he found community and support throughout the years.
He was a proud United States Army veteran, he worked hard over his lifetime as a mechanic at Hoyt Coon and King Pontiac, and as a welder at Gold Crown Camper. He finished his career as an expert alignment specialist at Rowland’s Tires. When he wasn’t working, he was an avid fisherman and eagerly shared his passion with anyone who would listen or go with him fishing. He enjoyed country western dancing, especially two-stepping, he enjoyed attending rodeos. Family meant everything to him; he adored his grandchildren and cherished the moments spent together. A great neighbor, he was always ready to lend a helping hand in the community, earning him the affectionate nickname of “Mayor of Canoe”. With a warm smile and a love for conversation, he found joy in socializing with others and often took time to sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful sunsets.
Mr. Lowery is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Clifford and Bessie Christine Nall Lowery; twin brother, Roy Lowery, brother Willie James Reeves; step-son, David Tillery Jr.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Freida Lowery, who he shared twenty-two wonderful years with in Atmore, Alabama. He leaves behind his stepson, Daniel, and his wife, Devin Tillery, from Loxley, Alabama, along with his stepdaughter, Karen McGhee, who resides in Atmore. He is also remembered by his brother, Bernard Ray and his wife, Rita Reeves, from Magnolia Springs, and his sister, Hazel, and her husband, Ed Johnson, from Demopolis. The family cherishes the time he spent with his five grandchildren: Jonah and his wife, Ansley Tillery, Jett Tillery, Chaz McGhee, Tyler McGhee, and Macie McGhee. Additionally, he is survived by two great-grandchildren, Wilder and Wrenley Tillery, who will carry on his legacy.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February, 11, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Dr. Tommy Smith officiating.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at Canoe Methodist Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be David Lambert, Dauphin Gohagin, Warren Mosley, Brandon Smith, Ryan Lambert and Tyler McGhee
Honorary Pallbearers will be David Smith and Louis Tharp
Lawson Aubrey Berry
February 8, 2026
Lawson Aubrey Berry, 85 years old, a long-time resident of Molino, Florida, passed away on Thursday, Feb 5, 2026, at his residence.
Lawson was born in Houston County, Alabama on March 31, 1940, and lived in the Kinsey and Dothan area growing up. He later moved to Pensacola, FL to work for Chemstrand where he met his wife, Nita (Hill) Berry. He was later employed by Beard Equipment as a mechanic and manager. His last job was for the Division of Forestry in Munson, FL as the equipment manager for the Northwest District including Blackwater State Forest, until his retirement.
Mr. Berry enjoyed playing and singing Gospel and older Western Cowboy Ballads with Jeff Perkins and Jim Rutherford. For 11 years they sang as the Sons of the Pines trio. Lawson was sought after for his deep troubleshooting knowledge of John Deere tractors and other equipment. He loved to farm part time. He was a man of great wisdom and upright character who loved Jesus with all his heart, serving multiple times as church deacon. He donated over 10 gallons of blood during his lifetime.
Mr. Berry was preceded in death by his parents, Thelbert and Stella Berry, his brothers, Joe and Wayne; and sister Ann Crowell.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Minnie Juanita “Nita” Berry; children, Gary Lynn (Terri) Berry and Audrey (Tom) Dickson; grandchildren, Holly (Christian) Morgan; and his sisters, Sybil Shumack and Glenda Kirkland.
Lawson was a charter member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society and was instrumental in establishing the Friday night music program, the wall of honor, and the scholarship program with countless volunteer hours.
Mr. Berry’s services will be held on Sunday, Feb 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church on 118 Morris Ave, Cantonment, FL with Dr. Will Stone Officiating. Family will receive friends at 2:00 PM.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the church building fund.
Rickey Lavon McGhee
February 8, 2026
Rickey Lavon McGhee, a lifelong resident of the Poarch Community and a proud Citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Born in Atmore, Alabama, on April 25, 1951, Rickey’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.
Rickey was preceded in death by his fathers, Grady McGhee, Mal McGhee, and Fay Jackson. He is survived by his mother, Martha Jane McGhee Jackson; his son, Rickey Lavon McGhee Jr. (Meagan); his sisters, Carolyn White (Don), Edna Parker, Cynthia Alvarez (Wesley), and MaryLou Challender; and his brother, Mal McGhee (Tami). He leaves behind a legacy of love through his six grandchildren: Brooke McGhee, Trey McGhee, Jadon McGhee, Bella McGhee, Sage Stewart, and Nash Ledkins; and his six great-grandchildren: Emerie, Kailen, Brynlee, Kynleigh, Hutson, and Kaycelyn. Special Friend Felicia Hadley.
Rickey was a builder at heart. He began his career as an ironworker, contributing to the construction of major manufacturing and nuclear plants before transitioning into residential home building. After several years working on offshore oil rigs, he brought his talents home to his Tribe’s manufacturing business. A versatile and reliable team member, Rickey excelled as a precision machine operator. However, his true professional joy came in the last decade of his life when he earned his CDL and took to the road. Driving trucks was his dream job, and he was widely considered the best at it.
In his younger years, Rickey loved racing cars, mud riding in his four-wheel-drive truck, spending days at the creek, and dancing. As time passed, his focus shifted toward his deep love for his family. He became a dedicated caretaker for his mother and a constant pillar of support for his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing a ballgame or a special event.
A faithful member of the Poarch Community Church, Rickey served on the Leadership Committee and in numerous other capacities. His church family knew him as a man of service whose presence and dedication will be deeply missed.
Service Information
• Pallbearers: Trey McGhee, Nicholas McGhee, Wade Fretwell, Blasé Fretwell, Joshua Martin, and Daryl Bryars.
• Honorary Pallbearers: Don Jackson, Jack Allen McGhee, Odell McGhee, Jerry Sells, Don White, Charles Wicker, William Vickey, Ricky Nelson, and Cookie Lassiter.
________________________________________
Service Schedule
• Visitation: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Poarch Community Church.
• Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
• Interment: To follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Brush Fire Closes Hwy. 29 For Hours. Here’s How It Started. (With Gallery)
February 7, 2026
Nearly two miles of busy Highway 29 in Cantonment was closed for hours on Friday due to a large bush fire, and we now know how the fire started.
Highway 29 was closed in both directions from North Tate School Road to Kingsfield Road.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started as a small outside fire at a home in the 1800 block of Peach Terrace, just south of Tate School Road and parallel to Highway 29.
For a gallery showing the battle across the fire scene, click here.
The fire got out of control and spread rapidly.
Several Escambia County Fire Rescue stations responded with multiple units, including ladder trucks, to fight the fire. The Florida Forest Service also used at least two bulldozers to establish a firebreak around the blaze.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control and road closures.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Two Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Closed For A Few Days
February 7, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill are closed for a few days.
The crossing on South Highway 99, just east of the Highway 97A intersection in Bay Springs, about four miles north of Crabtree Church Road in Molino, is set to close on Saturday, February 7.
The private crossing on Deer Run Road, located west of South Highway 99 about seven miles south of Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, was to close on Friday, February 6.
Both crossings are expected to reopen on Tuesday, February 10.
Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway will be performing maintenance on the railroad tracks.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students of The Month
February 7, 2026
Byrneville Elementary School recently named its January Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Bryce Archer and Josiah Webb
- 1st Grade: Wiley McCurdy and Brylee-Paige Smith
- 2nd Grade: Evelyn Gould and Ellie Levins
- 3rd Grade: Bradley Linton and Patrick Alexis
- 4th Grade: Rickey Tedder and Derri’ashia Grice
- 5th Grade: Phoenix Lacy and Timothy Dees
- Music: William Maxwell
- PE: Conner Fowler
- Art: Devorah Freeman
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warming Trend: Highs Climb To The 70s By Monday
February 7, 2026
Expect a gradual warming trend through the middle of the week with temperatures reaching the mid-70s by Wednesday. While the early part of the week remains mostly clear aside from routine morning fog, rain chances return Wednesday afternoon and steadily increase toward the weekend, peaking at 50% by Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Patchy fog between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 72. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.