Dangerous Heat Index Values With Afternoon Storm Chances Through Friday
August 19, 2026
Dangerously hot conditions and typical late-summer storm chances will dominate the North Escambia area over the next few days, with heat index values expected to peak between 106 and 110 degrees through Thursday before storm chances slightly ease heading into the weekend.
A heat advisory is in effect for Wednesday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 110. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Homeless Woman Wanted for Attempted Homicide After Cantonment Shed Shooting
August 18, 2026
A homeless woman is wanted for attempted homicide after a Sunday night shooting in Cantonment, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. at a residence on Woodbury Place, off Woodbury Circle.
According to the ECSO, the homeowner had allowed the woman to stay in a shed on his property. Sunday night, while standing outside, the woman fired a gun through the closed shed door, striking the man while he was inside. She then fled the scene.
Deputies searched the area using patrol units, a drone, and a K-9 team, but were unable to locate her.
The victim refused medical treatment from Escambia County EMS.
Deputies said the woman will face an attempted homicide charge. Her identity has not yet been released.
FDLE Arrests McDavid ManOn Multiple Felony Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
August 18, 2026
State authorities arrested a McDavid man on multiple felony child sexual exploitation charges on Monday
James Thomas McDuffie, 49, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on multiple Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges including two counts of creating, producing, or possessing computer-generated or altered child sexual abuse material, 20 counts of possessing, promoting, or distributing child sexual abuse material or child pornography, and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
He was booked into the Escambia County Jail at noon on Monday. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $301,000.
Complete details on the charges and allegations against McDuffie were not immediately available on Monday.
This story will be updates as more details are released.
It’s Primary Election Day: Here’s What You Need To Know
August 18, 2026
Today, August 18, is primary election day in Escambia County.
“Voting earlier is better,” Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender said. “The influx usually grows through the day and tapers off toward evening.”
NorthEscambia.com will have election results tonight on our Facebook page, beginning after polls close at 7 p.m. We will also have complete local and state results on our website and social media channels on Wednesday morning.
Here are the need-to-know tips for voting today in Escambia County:
- Polls are open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
- Check your registration status: escambiavotes.gov/am-i-registered , soe@escambiavotes.gov, or (850) 595-3900.
- Photo and signature ID required for all voters. If you do not present an approved ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
- Make only one selection per contest on your ballot.
- You can view your sample ballot online at EscambiaVotes.gov/sample-ballots.
- Study and mark your sample ballot and bring it with you to the polls.
- You may not return your voted absentee ballot to your precinct on Election Day. It must be received in the Elections Office by 7 p.m. Election Day.
- If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot but chose not to return it and wish to vote at your polling place instead, bring your ballot with you so it can be canceled.
- Registration books closed on July 20th – new registrations for this election may not be made at the polls.
- Early voting ended August 15th. If you have not yet voted or did not request an absentee ballot, you must go to your designated precinct on Election Day.
File photo.
Updated: School Street In Jay Closure Extended Through Friday For Well Repairs
August 18, 2026
An ongoing road closure at a key intersection in Jay has been extended through the end of the week to allow crews to complete municipal utility work.
The intersection of School Street at Alabama Street (Highway 89) will now remain closed through Friday, August 21, at 5 p.m. The closure originally began on Wednesday, August 12, to allow the Town of Jay to repair a water well located at the intersection.
School Street is closed from Highway 89 extending approximately 200 feet to the west.
Motorists will not be able to turn from Alabama Street onto School Street while work is underway. Drivers needing to access School Street are instructed to detour using Spring Street.
Residents with questions or seeking additional information can contact the Town of Jay directly at (850) 675-4556.
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.