Scattered Afternoon Thurnderstorms And Summer Heat Over The Next Few Days
August 30, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Century Correctional Inmate Sentenced For Trafficking Meth Behind Bars
August 30, 2026
An inmate at Century Correctional Institution has been convicted and sentenced to additional time in prison following a routine search that uncovered a large cache of contraband hidden on his person, including a trafficking amount of methamphetamine.
An Escambia County jury found 45-year-old Shane DeWayne Hollis guilty of felony trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance upon the grounds of a state correctional institution. Following the verdict, he was sentenced to the minimum mandatory of seven years in state prison with credit for 601 days of time served.
According to court documents, the initial incident began during the afternoon of November 8, 2024. At approximately 4:20 p.m., a correctional officer sergeant was monitoring inmate movements outside the dormitories as prisoners were being moved for their evening meal.
The sergeant conducted a physical search of Hollis and discovered multiple packages concealed on his person. Inside the bundles, the officer uncovered approximately 118 grams of a white, crystalline substance, 59 grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoids, and 92 grams of suspected tobacco.
The white crystalline substance initially underwent a field test, which yielded a presumptive positive reaction for methamphetamine. Due to a lack of available presumptive testing kits at the facility, the suspected synthetic cannabinoids and tobacco could not be immediately field-tested. The items were seized and sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) laboratory for chemical analysis.
On December 30, 2024, a detective received the FDLE laboratory report regarding the analysis of the seized narcotics. Chemists tested two of the four seized bags containing the crystalline powder, confirming a weight of 55.49 grams of pure methamphetamine—well above the state’s legal threshold to trigger a mandatory trafficking charge.
A detective later conducted a post-Miranda interview with Hollis. Investigators noted that during the interview, Hollis openly admitted to possessing the contraband and identified the crystalline substance as methamphetamine.
Hollis was serving a one year plus one day sentence from Escambia County for methamphetamine possession. He remained in the Escambia County Jail awaiting transfer back to the state prison system.
Weekly Traffic Report: Slowdown Spots
August 30, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, August 30 through Thursday, September 3, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, August 30, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Median devices are in place near Patton Drive and Mills Avenue. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90A (West Nine Mile Road) Resurfacing, from Perdido River Bridge to S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) – The week of Sunday, August 30, drivers on U.S. 90A may encounter the following traffic impacts:
- An updated configuration at the intersection of U.S. 90A and Field Creek Drive. A new inside turn lane and directional median crossover is anticipated to open to traffic, permitting only U.S. 90A eastbound left turn movements to access Field Creek Drive northbound.
- Intermittent lane closures, between Western Way Drive and Tower Ridge Road, for paving operations.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – Drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street and D Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, August 30 through Thursday, September 3, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter the following traffic impacts Tuesday, September 1 through Thursday, September 3, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent outside lane closures, between mile marker 4 and just west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), for paving operations.
- Intermittent inside lane closures, near the Pine Forest Road interchange (Exit 7), for barrier wall and crash cushion installation.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, August 30 through Thursday, September 3, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, August 30 through Saturday, September 5, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound on-ramp, which will remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to the north near the U.S. 29 interchange. This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operation at Hanna’s Terrace – Motorists may encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures Sunday, August 30 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, August 30, through Saturday, September 5, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
FWC Hunter Safety Courses In September In Molino, Jay, Milton
August 30, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in Molino, Cantonment, Jay and Milton. Hunter safety courses are designed to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation.
Participants must take the online course before attending a class.
All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. Anyone under 18 must have a completed and signed parental release.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
The two-day events will be held as follows, and you must have completed an online hunter safety course and have a copy of the completion certificate or field day voucher prior to taking a Range Day (listed bottom).
ESCAMBIA COUNTY In Person Field Day Classes
- September 14, 6-10 p.m. — Molino Community Center
SANTA ROSA COUNTY In Person Field Day Classes
- September 21, 6-10 p.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
- September 28, 6-10 p.m. – Extension Office, Milton
RANGE DAY
- October 3, 9 a.m. – noon — Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton
Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes, or contact FWC safety coordinator Jeff Schumacher at (850) 767-3612 or via email.
Florida Government Weekly Roundup: Cutting Jabs
August 30, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
With students back in class, educators are looking for regulations on how college students use artificial intelligence while health officials have suggested a reduction in vaccines required to attend schools.
Meanwhile, the saga of the diversion of Medicaid settlement money into political committees in 2024 that supported Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda booked another chapter this week with the leak of a grand jury report that found no one to hold responsible for misappropriating $10 million.
VACCINES
The state is now in a 21-day public comment period on the Department of Health’s proposal to remove Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines from entry requirements for PreK-12 public schools.
American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Susan Kressly said the move will put children at risk of getting sick.
“The AAP believes every family should have access to immunizations to keep their community healthy,” Kressly said in a statement. “Schools are an important part of that community. For many kids, the best part of school is being with friends — sharing space, playing on the playground and trading germs. Close contact makes it easy for contagious diseases to spread quickly.”
Florida’s moves come as the White House has moved to reduce and space out recommended childhood vaccines, which most pediatricians have also decried as dangerous.
The proposed state agency rule expands religious vaccine exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs and lets parents and college students opt out of having their records included in the state vaccine database.
Florida currently allows religious exemptions “if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child’s parent or guardian,” according to DOH.
The rule change has been in play for almost a year after Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced his intent to eliminate all vaccine mandates in the state. Last month, Attorney General James Uthmeier warned private Catholic schools that they must allow religious exemptions from vaccine requirements or risk disqualification from scholarships and vouchers.
Meanwhile, the state’s childhood vaccination rate for kindergartners is already at 88 percent, well below the 95 percent threshold of herd immunity that prevents communicable diseases from spreading.
AI PAPERS
Education Commissioner Henry Mack approved a rule Monday that calls for all 28 institutions in the Florida College System to outline AI policies for students, staff and guests on campus, covering academic integrity and dishonesty, course assignments and grading.
“The purpose of this rule is to require Florida College System institutions to adopt policies that provide for the use and limitations of use of artificial intelligence tools in order to ensure quality of education for students, efficiency of operations, and a safe learning environment for the whole college community,” the proposed rule states.
The Department of Education is already directing all K-12 school districts to incorporate rules regarding AI in their internet safety guidelines as well.
The State Board of Education will consider the issue at its next meeting on Sept. 16 at Polk State College in Winter Haven.
REVIVING HOPE
Democrats on Thursday called for more investigations and resignations of top state officials after a leaked state grand jury report found Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration “misappropriated” Medicaid money in 2024 that ended up in political committees.
But since the grand jury did not find enough probable cause to pursue criminal charges against anyone, DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Tampa, responded to the grand jury findings as a “misrepresentation” of facts, a “hoax,” and an effort to “smear people.”
“As we’ve said from the beginning, this has been a politically motivated witch hunt driven by the Democrats and a far-left Democrat state attorney in Tallahassee,” Uthmeier said during an event in The Villages.
The report, though, shows that “allegations of fraud and abuse” made by Rep. Alex Andrade, a Pensacola Republican who led the House probe in the matter in 2025, led to the grand jury proceedings.
On Wednesday, CBS Miami obtained and published the Leon County grand jury report that found $10 million from a total $67 million settlement in 2024 between Florida and Centene Corp., a vendor for the state’s Medicaid program, was sent to the Hope Florida Foundation, the charity arm of an initiative helmed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The money was then split equally between two nonprofit groups — Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs.
From there, the money flowed to political committees opposing two measures on the November 2024 ballot. One would’ve installed a right to an abortion in the state constitution, the other would’ve legalized recreational marijuana. Both measures failed to get the 60 percent support required to pass.
David Jolly, a former Republican U.S. representative who is now the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said if elected he’d support renewing the investigation.
The Florida Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement Thursday calling for the resignations of Uthmeier and Moody. The Democrats pointed to the grand jury report finding Uthmeier “was in a position of authority over those involved in settling with Centene” and Moody, then Florida’s Attorney General, for having authorized her deputy to sign the settlement agreement.
CAMPAIGNING BY ASSOCIATION
Rounding out the major party tickets, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for governor, tapped state Sen. Bryan Avila of Miami Springs as his running mate.
Avila, 42, has been in the state Legislature since 2014, is a captain in the Florida National Guard and serves as dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College, a private school that opened in 2012.
“My parents fled communist Cuba and left behind their home and their business because they knew what happens when government takes over, when freedom despairs and when socialism turns an opportunity into misery,” Avila said.
In a sign of the campaign to come, Donalds contrasted Avila’s background with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate state Rep. Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville bookstore operator whose affiliations include being a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
The Democratic gubernatorial nominee, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, and former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, whom he picked as his running mate have both rejected the “socialist” label.
Jolly hinted he’ll highlight Donalds’ connection with President Donald Trump during the next 70 days before the general election Nov. 3.
“I congratulate former State Sen. Bryan Avila on his selection as the Republican Lieutenant Governor nominee. I wish him well,” Jolly posted on X. “But, let’s be honest: this race won’t come down to Byron Donalds’ relationship with Avila, it will come down to Byron’s relationship with Donald Trump.”
STORY OF THE WEEK:
CBS Miami publishes the grand jury report involving the divergence of $10 million in Medicaid settlement money for political purposes. The report was finished in January but had been kept hidden from the public.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“The only crime that was apparent was with whoever leaked the grand jury report.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday in Lake City while responding to questions on the grand jury report into money from a Medicaid settlement going to political committees.
by Jim, Turner, The News Service of Florida
Carol Rene Taylor
August 30, 2026
Carol Rene Taylor, 65, of Canoe, AL, passed away on August 27, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1961, to James Earl and Caroline Elizabeth Pitts.
Carol was a Manager at Subway, had worked at Canoe Service Station, and was an excellent homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, canning, fishing, and camping.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Holly Rodriguez and Lisa Gray.
Carol is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Richard Taylor; her son, Ricky (Brooke) Taylor of Excel, AL; a brother, George (Nancy) Pitts of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; and Debbie (Chris) Olsen of Chicago, IL.
She is also survived by three grandchildren, Wyatt, Ellison, and Beckley Taylor; two nieces, Tiffany Thomas and Lacy Huggins; and her brother-in-law, Ricky Gray.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Blue Wahoos Set Home Run Record In Win Over Biscuits, Move Closer To Division Title
August 30, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Montgomery Biscuits 5-2 on Saturday night, securing their third win in a row and lowering their magic number to clinch the South Division second half title to six.
Brandon Compton and Ethan O’Donnell each hit solo homers in the second inning to open the scoring against Biscuits starter Marcus Johnson (L, 0-2). Compton’s opposite-field blast was his 21st Double-A homer of the season, the fifth-highest single-season total in Blue Wahoos history and just three shy of tying Griffin Conine’s 24 homers in 2022 for the franchise record. O’Donnell’s held team importance, as it was the 164th hit by the Blue Wahoos this season to surpass the 2023 club for the most in franchise history.
The Blue Wahoos added on after the early homers thanks to a third-inning sacrifice fly from Aiva Arquette. Arquette delivered once again in the fifth against Biscuits reliever K.C. Hunt, lacing an RBI single to left field. Juan Matheus followed with a sacrifice fly for Pensacola’s fifth and final run of the night.
Jacob Kisting (W, 3-0) was sharp once again in his fourth start for the Blue Wahoos, working into the sixth inning for the first time since being acquired from the Rays organization in a deadline trade. The righty allowed two runs, one earned, over 5.0+ innings, with the only damage a Will Simpson solo homer in the fourth.
Gabe Bierman, Alex Williams and Jack Sellinger (S, 
combined for 4.0 hitless innings of relief to secure the win, Pensacola’s 17th in their past 20 games.
With the victory, the Blue Wahoos improved to 18-6 with one game remaining in the month of August. They’ve secured the best winning percentage in a full month in franchise history, surpassing their 19-10 July in the 2018 season.
Pensacola’s lead over the Columbus Clingstones in the second half South Division race remains at 8.5 games with 13 remaining in the regular season. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now down to six.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series with Montgomery on Sunday afternoon.
written by Erik Bremer
New West Roberts Road Closure Begins Today; Reopening Expected After Labor Day Weekend
August 29, 2026
A new closure is expected to begin today, August 29, on West Roberts Road between Tate Road and Highway 29 as crews continue roadway reconstruction for the $4.6 million West Roberts Road Roadway and Drainage Improvements Project.
West Roberts Road between Tate Road and Highway 29 is expected to reopen after Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Work will continue along West Roberts Road following the closure period. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026, weather and construction coordination permitting.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic 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 is temporarily blocked as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
The project will widen the roadway to two 12-foot-wide travel lanes with 5-foot-wide shoulders from Pine Forest Road to Highway 29. The roadway from the southern turn to Pine Forest Road will be resurfaced and striped.
The $4,635,298.30 project, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was awarded to contractor C.W. Roberts, Inc.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlare.
Two Century Council Members Named to Florida League of Cities Policy Committees
August 29, 2026
Two members of the Century Town Council have been appointed to serve on 2026–2027 Florida League of Cities (FLC) Legislative Policy Committees.
Councilwoman Shelisa McCall Abraham was appointed to the Development, Code Compliance, and Redevelopment Committee, while Councilmember Sparkie Harrison was named to the Finance and Taxation Committee.
Committee appointments were made by Florida League of Cities President Mark Franks, Mayor of Shalimar.
The panels are two of the League’s five Legislative Policy Committees. As committee members, Abraham and Harrison will help shape the League’s legislative platform by identifying key issues that impact daily municipal operations and local decision-making ahead of the upcoming state legislative session. Members also assist League staff in analyzing the practical impacts of proposed legislation and advocate on behalf of local governments throughout the legislative process.
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities serves as the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, representing cities, towns, and villages across the state while advocating for local home rule and municipal decision-making.
Pictured: Century council members Shelisa McCall Abraham (left) and Sparkie Harrison (right). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Scattered Showers Possible Saturday; More Likely Sunday And Monday
August 29, 2026
A few scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday and becoming more likely on Sunday into Monday
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 88. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A chance of thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: A slight chance of showers before 10am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.