EREC Crew Members Continue To Help Restore Power In North Mississippi
February 1, 2026
The crews from the Escambia River Electric Cooperative are continuing to work in North Mississippi to help restore power after an ice storm over a week ago.
EREC is among the cooperatives providing mutual aid to other electric cooperatives in the area. Crews have been working in temperatures in the teens and subzero wind chills.
For additional photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Bounce Back To Beat Marksmen (With Gallery)
February 1, 2026
The Ice Flyers bounced back in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, defeating the Fayetteville Marksmen 4-3 in front of a roaring crowd of 7,090 at the Hangar for Mardi Gras Night.
The Marksmen struck first when former Ice Flyer Sam Dabrowski opened the scoring. Captain Ethan Price responded midway through the first period, tying the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission. Marcus Fechko gave Fayetteville the lead with the lone goal of the second period, putting the Ice Flyers in a 2-1 hole entering the final frame.
The third period belonged to Pensacola. Mike Moran, Zack Bross, and Tim Faulkner each found the back of the net, propelling the Ice Flyers to a 4-2 lead. Trey Fechko brought the Marksmen within one at 4-3, but the Ice Flyers held strong to secure the victory and avenge Friday night’s loss.
The Ice Flyers return to action next week for Adult Jersey Giveaway Night.
Thomas Elton ‘Buddy’ Byrd
February 1, 2026
Mr. Thomas Elton “Buddy” Byrd, who was 80 years old, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Atmore, Alabama, the town where he was born on December 14, 1945. He spent his entire life in Atmore and Davisville, Florida. He was a devoted member of Atmore Baptist Temple. Buddy will be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his family and community.
He had a true passion for old cars, enjoying the challenge of restoring them and perfecting their paint and bodywork. He cherished spending time with his family, especially taking his grandchildren for rides on the golf cart. He dedicated countless hours to judging car shows and coaching youth baseball, sharing his love for the game with young players. A proud member of Cruisers’ Unlimited, he looked forward to events like Cruising the Coast, where he spent many happy hours at car shows, earning various awards throughout the years for his impressive vehicles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Talton and Velma Morrow Byrd; sister, Bobby Freeman.
Mr. Byrd is survived by his devoted wife of forty-four years, Gayle Byrd, residing in Davisville, Florida. He leaves behind three sons: Ken Milstead and his wife Sandra, of Bay Minette, Alabama; Scott Milstead and his wife Debbie of Mobile, Alabama; and Trent Milstead and partner Karen Metts of Robinsonville, Alabama. Mr. Byrd’s legacy is further enriched by the presence of eight grandchildren: Amiee Milstead, Kyndall Crane (Clayton Crane), Caitlin Cook (Bradley Cook), Erica Dillard (Temple Dillard), Scotty Milstead, Hannah Milstead, Preston Milstead, and Jaden Gregson (Austin Gregson), as well as nineteen great-grandchildren: Haylin Milstead, Ethan Thomas, Aubrey Thomas, Caston Crane, Cale Crane, Tully Crane, Noah Lins, Bristol Cook, Aiden Dillard, Liam Dillard, Brynna Dillard, Sadie Milstead, Emberly Milstead, James Milstead, Adalynn Milstead, Malachi Carroll, Kamreigh Milstead, Paxton Milstead, and Wren Gregson, all of whom will cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC, with Reverend Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Sharpless, Steve Johnson, Mark Dorriety, Butch McDaniels, Danny Brooks, and Brian Shivers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Shepherd and Billy Franklin
The Byrd Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice and the Atmore Community Hospital ER staff as well as to the dedicated nurses on the 2nd floor. Your compassionate care made a world of difference during this time. We also appreciate the support from Atmore Baptist Temple, our wonderful neighbors, and the entire community. Your kindness and generosity have brought comfort to our family, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being there for us.
Howard L. Nal
February 1, 2026
Howard L. Nall, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida. Born on May 24, 1943, in the same city, Howard’s life was a testament to dedication, love, and service. Howard’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his family, his work, and his faith. He shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife, Glinda Nall, who, along with their son Steve Nall, grandsons Fisher Nall and River Dempsey, and great-granddaughter Willow Dempsey, survives him. Howard’s legacy of love and leadership will continue to live on through them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard E. Nall, his mother, Bessie Ruth Nall, his brothers Thomas Raymond Nall and W.C. Nall, and his sister Faye Kliensmith. Professionally, Howard was a captain on an oil ship, working for Edison Chouest Offshore. Howard’s love for the outdoors was unparalleled. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. His passion for country music often served as the soundtrack for his outdoor adventures and family gatherings, creating a legacy of cherished memories.
As a proud member of the Cantonment Masonic Lodge No. 322, Howard exemplified the values of brotherhood, truth, and charity. His involvement in the lodge was not just a pastime but a significant part of his life’s work, contributing to various community initiatives and fostering bonds that would last a lifetime.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Howard’s strength and character will be honored by his pallbearers: Steve Nall, Fisher Nall, River Dempsey, and Brad Lowe. Together, they will carry Howard to his final resting place, just as he carried them through life’s challenges and joys. Howard’s life story is one of unwavering commitment to the things he held dear. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever. As we say goodbye to Howard L. Nall, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed, and a soul that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on this world.
Visitation will take place from 11 a.m until noon at Faith Chapel Funeral Home-North, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Funeral services will begin at noon. Interment will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Molino.
Barbara Ann Creel
February 1, 2026
Ms. Barbara Ann Creel, age 77, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
Ms. Creel was born in Robertsdale, AL and resided in Cantonment, FL for most of her life. She was well traveled and had moved around the country and the world. She was a proud mother and Nana, always happy to make a new friend. She had worked various jobs in customer service and always treated any stranger as if they were a friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Sadie Barlow; brother, Edward Barlow; and two sisters, Eloise Carlton and Eva Loyce Kersey; and grandson Joshua Huckaba.
She is survived by her three sons, Stephen Huckaba of Defuniak Springs, FL, Sherman (Christy) Huckaba of Paxton, and Johnnie (Melissa) Creel of Cantonment, FL; two daughters, Stephanie White of Crestview, FL, Jodie (Shawn) Pritchard of Lake Stevens, WA and two brothers Charles (Noreen) Barlow of Cantonment, FL and Robert (Lisa) Barlow of Ponce De Leon, Florida; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 1545 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, Fl. 32504 (cancer.org) or your favorite charity.
Molino Man Arrested For DUI On I-110, Cocaine Possession
January 31, 2026
A Molino man was arrested by a state trooper on multiple charges after a traffic stop on I-110 in Pensacola.
Stephen Raye Simonds, 36, was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), refusal to submit to DUI testing, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later released on a $6,000 bond.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper observed a 1993 Chevrolet pickup truck on I-110 that was traveling at about 40 mph, failing to maintain a single lane, and sometimes stopping on the interstate.
Simonds failed DUI field exercises and was taken into custody before providing two breath samples of 0.037 alcohol levels, according to an arrest report. He then refused to provide a urine sample for controlled substance testing.
The trooper reported finding baggies with one gram of cocaine and 7.5 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.
The incident occurred on Christmas Day, but the arrest report was just released. Simonds has since entered a not guilty plea and is set to appear in court in March.
Extreme Cold Warning: Low Dipping To Around 20 Tonight
January 31, 2026
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect through 11 a.m. on Sunday, and a Wind Advisory is in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.
Dangerous single digit wind chills are possible with gusty winds.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 49.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Escambia Animal Shelter Now Open On Sundays; Free Adoptions This Sunday
January 31, 2026
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center will open on Sundays, beginning this Sunday, February 1. Sunday hours will be 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
To celebrate the new expanded hours, adoption fees will be waived on all cats and dogs at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center this Sunday, February 1. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
Adoption fees will also be waived during the Pensacola Paw-di Gras event, taking place Sunday, February 1 from noon to 4 p.m. on Garden Street in Downtown Pensacola. The event features pet adoptions, a pet parade and costume contest, food trucks, vendors, and more.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
Pictured above: Bisbee the dog, a mixed breed male, and Bella the cat, a 4-year-old domestic shorthair. Both were available for adoption as of Saturday morning at the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Rescue Shares Winter Weather Heating Safety Tips
January 31, 2026
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater and carbon monoxide safety.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
Home Heating Tips
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Close all bedroom doors before going to bed. Remember this phrase: Close before you doze!
Portable Electric Heaters
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Inspect for loose connections or cracked, damaged, or broken plugs, and replace before using.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil and methane burn incompletely, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Exposure to carbon monoxide can have fatal results. Due to being invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide has been known as the “invisible killer.”
Safety Tips
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations of the home, including outside each sleeping area and every level of the home.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly. If the alarm sound is low, replace the batteries.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, immediately move to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1.
- Make sure all vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear.
- If a vehicle is located inside a garage, make sure the garage door is open before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Only use gas or charcoal grills outdoors.
- Use generators outdoors, as they produce carbon monoxide.
- Never use a gas stove to warm a home, as it can produce carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sleepiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
Those experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately get into fresh air and seek medical attention.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives
Escambia County Fire Rescue is available to provide and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge for residents. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376).
Florida Driver’s License Exams Will Soon Only Be In English
January 31, 2026
Beginning late next week, all driver’s licenses exams in Florida will only be in English.
Friday, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced that, beginning Friday, February 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally.
Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish. Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English.
To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide. Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.