Triple-Digit Heat Indices Continue With Scattered Afternoon Thunderstorms
August 16, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 109. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Voter Turnout Near 14% So Far In Escambia County Aug. 18 Primary Election
August 16, 2026
Voter turnout stood at 13.93% by the end of early voting on Saturday for the August 18 primary election.
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office reported 14,793 mail ballots received. During early voting, there were 14,793 ballots cast. Of those ballots, 15,635 were Republican, 10,033 were Democratic, 2,432 were No Party Affiliation and 356 were “other”.
The busiest early voting site was Asbury Place at Cokesbury Church on College Boulevard, and least busy was the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. Early voters were able to choose from any of 10 locations.
The final early voting numbers were:
- Asbury Place: 2,896
- Bellview Branch Library: 2,647
- Escambia County Extension Office: 2,523
- Southwest Branch Library: 2,242
- Downtown Main Library: 1,937
- Molino Community Center: 832
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office: 651
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts: 548
- Brownsville Community Center: 440
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse: 93
Polls will be open on primary election day, Tuesday, August 18 rom 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Lathram Chapel UMC Donates School Supplies To Molino Park Elementary School
August 16, 2026
Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church on Jacks Branch Road recently donated school supplies for teachers, students, and bus drivers at Molino Park Elementary School. Pictured are Pastor Hugo Gardner and LCUMC members Bonnie and Craig Exner. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Election Official Warns Voters Against Florida Governor Race Overvotes
August 16, 2026
One race on primary ballots across the state is causing some confusion among voters.
Both the Democratic and Republican ballots say “Governor and Lieutenant Governor (Vote for One).”
Some voters are marking two choices, perhaps thinking one is for governor and the second is for lieutenant governor.
On the Democratic ballot, only David Jolly has picked a running mate for lieutenant governor, with Gwen Graham indented and listed under Jolly’s name. On the Republican ballot, there are no candidates named and listed for lieutenant governor.
If voters choose two on either ballot, it’s an “overvote,” and voting machines will alert on the error. Voters will be able to fill out a new ballot, or let it stand in which case the double vote for governor will not be counted but other races on the ballot will.
“We had about one or two per early voting site on the first day,” Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender said. Those voters were able to choose a replacement ballot. “The problem lies with the vote-by-mail ballots that will be marked as an overvote.”
Bender said voters should be aware that only one vote should be cast for the races labeled “Governor and Lieutenant Governor (Vote for One).” And he said that he does not believe it will be a big problem.
Sample ballot image.
It’s Not Yet Election Day, But Three Century Town Council Races Are Already Decided
August 16, 2026
Primary election day is not until Tuesday, but three Century Town Council members have already won reelection.
When qualifying for candidates for the municipal election cycle ended in June 2026, three incumbents were the only ones to qualify for three seats.
With no opposition, three Century Town Council members were automatically deemed elected to the nonpartisan seats.
- Seat 3: Incumbent Shelisa Abraham. She was first appointed as an interim council member in January 2023 and elected during a 2023 special election.
- Seat 4: Incumbent John Bass. He first won the election for a term that began in January 2025 after Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor.
- Seat 5: Incumbent Sparkie Harrison. She was first elected without opposition in June 2025 to fill a seat left vacant after the resignation of Sandra McMurray-Jackson.
All three will be sworn in for their new four-year terms in January 2027.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Joseph Kelley Bellew
August 16, 2026
Joseph Kelley Bellew age 98 passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his home in Walnut Hill, FL. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Annette Bellew, and family.
Joe was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia Ellen Bellew of 38 years; his parents John Tyrie Bellew and Allie Bertie Bellew; his brothers Max Tyrie Bellew and “Pat” Fayette Edward Bellew.
Joe is survived by his wife Annette Bellew; his sister Mary Henslee; brothers-in-law BC Hall (Mary), and Robert Hall (Mary); his sons “Ted” Theodore Toop and David Bellew (Susan); his stepsons Edward Giddins and “Johnny” John Giddins; his grandchildren Gary Toop Sr. (Pam), Richie Toop (Lorretta), Chandra Toop, Scarlett Hommerbocker (Preston), “Beth” Elizabeth Cantrell (Adam), “Katy” Kathryn Rush (Josh), “Cristy” Cristin Bellew, Carmen Gindl (Stephen), Chad Giddins, and John-Dereck Giddins; great-grandchildren Gary Toop Jr., Krystale Toop, Amber McCraney, Marcus Toop, Brian Toop, Dannah Knight, Chelsey Abbott, Blessing Masciale, Breanna Hommerbocker, Addison Cantrell, Morgan Cantrell, Alexander Rush, Madison Rush, Isaiah Hughes, Benjamin Latham, Caleb Gindl, Lacie Gindl, Adam Gindl, Brayden Gindl, CJ Gindl, Izabelle Gindl, Blaise Gindl, Connor Giddins, and Cameron Giddins; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Joe was born February 1,1928, in Oneonta, Alabama, to John Tyrie Bellew and Allie Bertie Bellew. He moved to Michigan for work in 1950 where he met and married “Pat” Patricia Ellen McDonald and where their son David was born. In 1955, Joe moved his young family to Barwick, Georgia, to help his family on a farm after his brother Max’s tragic accident. After learning the farm was being sold, he met a traveling veterinarian who told him about a job in Florida where they needed a “good cow man.”
Joe began work for La Forest Perdida in 1960 as a Cattle Foreman. He was a true Cattle-Roping Cowboy. If he wasn’t working with the cows and horses, planting trees, baling hay or mowing grass, he was chasing hunters off the company property. Joe was a hard worker who had to be moving. He always preferred to be outdoors. He continued doing the work he loved for over half a century until he was made to retire at the age of 82, or as he put it, “I was fired.”
The most important event of his life happened in 1962 when, in answer to his mother’s faithful and fervent prayers, he became a new man, saved by Christ. On that day Joseph Kelley Bellew changed from dark to light. Leaving his old life behind, he was now focused on reading his Bible every day, praying and attempting to win souls for Christ. He would not be in a conversation with someone long before asking if they were a Christian or if they knew the Lord. No matter what you called him: Joe, Dad, Papaw, Brother Joe, or Deacon, he has left us all with a legacy of faith and service. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family, by his church, by his community, by the many men who came to see him as a father figure, and by the children who knew him as “The Candy Man” at Enon Baptist Church.
Funeral services for Joseph (Joe) Bellew will be held at Enon Baptist Church, 7121 CR-97A McDavid, FL, on Tuesday, August 18. Family visitation at 10 a.m., open visitation 10:30-11:30 a.m. Service to follow immediately after conclusion of visitation, followed by a grave side service at adjacent Enon cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Roy Thomas, Bill Jacoby, Robert Hall, David Chaver, Michael Chaver, and Jason Lamb.
Earl Howard Halfacre Jr
August 16, 2026
Earl Howard Halfacre Jr. met our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face and entered the gates of Heaven on August 13, 2026, surrounded by love and leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.
Earl Howard was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age, and throughout his life, the fruits of the Spirit could be seen in the way he loved, served, encouraged, and cared for those God placed in his path.
Born and raised in Cantonment, Florida, Earl Howard spent his childhood running the roads of “the Village” alongside his favorite cousins and best friends and playing just about every sport available to him. He was a naturally gifted athlete, and during his years at Tate High School, he competed in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field, earning an impressive eleven varsity letters. One of the highlights of Earl Howard’s young athletic career came in 1959, when he and his best friend, David Patrick, were chosen to play in the Colt Baseball World Series. His team went on to win the championship, and in a moment that surely stayed with him for a lifetime, Earl Howard—playing second base—caught the final out that sealed the victory
After graduating from Tate, Earl Howard attended Pensacola Junior College on a baseball scholarship. After a year of college, he chose to enter the workforce and married his high school sweetheart. Together, they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Karen and Linda.
Years later, Earl Howard’s life took an unexpected and beautiful new turn when he met and married Bobbie Hudson-Halfacre, the love of his life. His daughters were grown, and Earl Howard might have thought his days of raising young children were behind him. Instead, life gave him the opportunity to begin again.
When Earl Howard came into their lives, Amanda was five and Mark was three. He opened his heart to them, helped raise them, and loved and treated them as his own. What could have seemed like starting over became one of the great chapters of his life. He embraced it wholeheartedly.
Earl Howard’s heart extended far beyond his own family. Throughout his life, he spent countless hours coaching, teaching, encouraging, and mentoring young athletes. For him, coaching was never only about winning games. It was an opportunity to invest in young people, to teach them discipline and perseverance, to encourage them, and to help them become better both on and off the field.
Over the years, Earl Howard had the privilege of coaching football, basketball, and baseball, from Little League through the high school level. He served as an assistant varsity football and baseball coach at Vernon High School, an assistant varsity football coach at Ridge Community High School, and an assistant varsity basketball coach at The Vanguard School. Wherever he coached, Earl Howard brought with him his love of sports, his competitive spirit, and, most importantly, his genuine love for the young people entrusted with his care.
If you knew Earl Howard, you knew there were three things especially close to his heart: God, family, and the Florida Gators. His faith came first, his family was his greatest earthly treasure, and somewhere not too far behind were his beloved Gators.
If there was a Florida Gators sporting event on television, chances were Earl Howard was watching. It didn’t matter if it was football, baseball, basketball, or even girls’ softball—if the Gators were playing, he was cheering them on.
Softball, however, held a particularly special place in his heart. Long before girls’ athletics had many of the opportunities they have today, Earl Howard, along with Sonny Wise, established and coached the first girls’ softball league in Cantonment, Florida. It was another reflection of who he was. When he saw an opportunity for young people to play, grow, compete, and belong, he didn’t simply stand on the sidelines—he stepped forward and helped make it happen.
That was Earl Howard. Whether it was his family, an athlete he was coaching, or a young person who simply needed someone to believe in them, he gave his time, his encouragement, and his heart. The scoreboard may have mattered while the game was being played, but the lives he touched mattered far more.
Earl Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Howard Halfacre Sr. and Beatrice Halfacre; his dearly loved brother, Eddie Halfacre; his niece, Becky Halfacre; and several of his closest friends and lifelong buddies who went before him. We can only imagine the joyful reunion that awaited him in Heaven.
Left to cherish his memory and carry forward the love, faith, laughter, and lessons he gave so freely are his beloved wife of 40 years, Bobbie Hudson-Halfacre; his children, Karen Hatcher (Larry), and Linda Tatum (Andy), Amanda Rogers (Russ), Mark Barraclough (Hannah) and special nephew he loved like a son, Donald Troy (Chania). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Hatcher (Lindsey), Kaitlyn Smith (Austin), Jarred Tatum, Brandon Tatum, Kayla Tatum, Tripp Barraclough, Aryn Rogers, Cheyenne Barraclough, and Roman Barraclough; and his bonus grandchildren, Gunter Rogers (Rachel) and Garrett Rogers (Sabrina).
Earl Howard’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, his extended family, his beloved cousins, the countless athletes he coached and mentored over the years, and the many friends whose lives were made better simply because Earl Howard was a part of them.
While those who loved him will deeply feel his absence, there is comfort in knowing that Earl Howard’s story did not end here. The faith he carried throughout his life became sight as he entered the presence of the Savior. And the greatest pieces of the man he was—his faith, his love for family, his generosity, his lessons, and his love for the Florida Gators—will live on in all of us who were blessed enough to call him husband, Dad, Pearl, Paw Paw, The Mess, Earlvis, family, coach, and friend.
The Halfacre family would like to recognize and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and care teams who provided such loving care and support to Earl Howard.
A special thank you to his nephew, Marshall Nance, who has devoted so much of his time over the past year to helping care for Earl Howard. Your love, dedication, and support have meant more to our family than words can express.
We would also like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for being an incredible source of comfort, guidance, and support during this difficult time. Your compassion and kindness brought reassurance when it was needed most.
Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to the Baptist care team, who went above and beyond to ensure Earl Howard was cared for with dignity, compassion, and tenderness. Your dedication helped provide him with peace and comfort, while giving our family the certainty of knowing he was in caring hands.
Weekly Roundup: Primary Home Stretch
August 16, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
Candidates in Tuesday’s primary elections spent the final week getting out their message, as many voters have already cast their ballots.
Nearly 1.5 million Floridians have voted by mail or through in-person early voting.
CLOSING ARGUMENTS
It’s no surprise Republican voters, with nearly a 1.6 million registration advantage over the Democrats, have been more active in the primary, at least when it comes to those already filling out ballots.
There are scrambles for Congressional districts that were rewritten by the Legislature to bolster the number of Republican-held seats, primaries on both sides of the aisle for U.S. Senate and the Cabinet offices of agriculture commissioner and chief financial officer.
At least 16 state House incumbents are facing primary challengers. The focus of the state Senate primaries has been Senate District 16 between House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, and Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, where the winner takes the seat.
The big-ticket item for Tuesday’s contest is the Republican gubernatorial primary, which long ago was tilted by President Donald Trump towards U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples.
The endorsement didn’t deter the other 10 Republicans on the ballot, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former state House Speaker Paul Renner and conservative activist James Fishback.
But it has helped Donalds’ campaign account collect more than $11.5 million, while Renner, Collins and Fishback are all under $600,000.
Term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis hasn’t made an endorsement, but recently said Renner could “be really good” as governor.
DeSantis had previously said Renner’s entry into the contest was “ill-advised.”
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, the former governor who hasn’t been on the best terms with DeSantis, campaigned with Donalds in Wauchula on Thursday, retorting that when he ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate DeSantis “didn’t endorse me and I did fine in ‘24.”
On the Democratic side in the gubernatorial race, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a converted Democrat, is the frontrunner in a field of six that includes state Rep. Dotie Joseph of Miami. Joseph jumped into the contest after former Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings dropped out on the eve of qualifying due to health concerns.
The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate sees state Rep. Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville progressive, taking on retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who became a national figure as a key witness in Trump’s first impeachment. Most of his messaging has been directed as U.S. Ashley Moody, the Tampa Republican appointed to the office last year by DeSantis, who has three primary challengers.
CREATING AIR TRAFFIC
DeSantis announced that testing on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft will be underway by the end of the year at the SunTrax test facility in Polk County.
“We believe that you’re going to see major breakthroughs in this technology in the coming years,” DeSantis said.
Earlier this year, DeSantis signed legislation (HB 1093) allowing the Florida Department of Transportation to fund 100 percent of the project costs for a public vertiport if federal funds are unavailable. If federal funds are available, FDOT may fund up to 80 percent of the nonfederal share.
Vertiports are expected to serve as hubs for short aerial commutes by the battery-powered aircraft that have characteristics of airplanes and helicopters.
DeSantis also signed a wide-ranging transportation package in 2025 requiring the transportation department to develop a plan for advanced air mobility with the Department of Commerce. The law also required advances in aviation technology to be included in the annual transportation work program.
STORY OF THE WEEK:
With nearly 1.5 million Floridians already participating, the 2026 primary cycle reaches its final days.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“I have not endorsed Cory Mills and I do not support Cory Mills.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis when asked Friday about Florida’s Congressional District 7 contest that involved incumbent U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican from New Smyrna Beach who is subject to an active House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance breaches.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Mary Dean Stokes
August 16, 2026
Mary Dean Stokes, 96, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2026.
She was born in Sterrett, Alabama, on May 12, 1930 to Gordie and Pearl Hartsfield. She married James Melvin Stokes, Jr., and their love story lasted 48 years until his passing. Mary had a 30-year career with Chemstrand-Monsanto as a draw twist operator. She was a faithful member of Smyrna Baptist Church, growing in grace with her church community. Her hobbies were cooking and gardening, growing a beautiful array of both flowers and vegetables.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gordie and Pearl Hartsfield; husband, J. R. Stokes; daughter, Connie Stokes Reynolds; and sisters, Gordalee Gill, Erma Jean Wallis, Billie Earle Brasher, Verina Anne Ball; and brother, Harold L. Hartsfield.
She is survived by her sister, Sara Nell Weldon; daughter, Suzanne Stokes; grandchildren, Holly DeAnn Reynolds, Heather Lane (John) Nicholls; son-in-law, Ronnie Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Zoey DeAnn Milstead, Zachary Michael Milstead, Connie Noel Nicholls, Houston Grey Nicholls; and many special nieces and nephews.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Ronnie Reynolds, Rusty Burrell, Derek Weldon, John Nicholls, Drew Weldon, Zachary Milstead, and Houston Nicholls.
A funeral service will be held at Smyrna Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mary will be dearly remembered by the friends and family that she cared for so much.
Wahoos Win Fifth Straight Over Biloxi
August 16, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos stayed hot on Saturday night, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 7-3 for their fifth win in a row.
Jacob Kisting (W, 2-0) continued to impress on the mound, allowing just one earned run over 5.0 solid innings to earn his second win in as many starts since joining the Blue Wahoos at the trade deadline.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Blue Wahoos struck back in the second inning against Biloxi’s Bishop Letson (L, 5-6) thanks to three hits and a pair of errors. Connor Caskenette tied the game with an RBI single, and then scored from first when Colby Shade’s RBI single was misplayed by Shuckers right fielder Damon Keith.
Another Biloxi error from shortstop Jesús Made netted a Pensacola run in the third inning, and the Blue Wahoos created more distance in the fifth inning against reliever Travis Smith. Brandon Compton hit an RBI double to score Juan Matheus from first base, and Fenwick Trimble launched a two-run homer to extend the lead to 7-2. Trimble was 2-for-4 in his first game since missing nearly a month to injury.
Effective relief from Logan Whitaker, Gabe Bierman and Nigel Belgrave sealed a 7-3 win, tying Pensacola’s longest winning streak of the season at five games. It also marked a low point for the Shuckers, who have now lost 10 games in a row dating back to August 5.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos gained ground in the race for the second half South Division title and are now 4.0 games ahead of the Montgomery Biscuits with 25 games remaining in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Shuckers on Sunday, searching for their first six-game series sweep since September 2023.
written by Erik Bremer