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.
Florida Testing Shows High Levels Of Weed Killer In Popular Bread Brands
February 7, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo released results from state testing that showed high levels of glyphosate (found in week killers including Roundup).
The Florida Department of Health found glyphosate in six of eight bread products tested: Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right, Wonder Bread Classic White, Sara Lee Honey Wheat, and Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Whole Grain, the state said. Results are in the graphic above.
The state said the results are intended to give families additional insight into everyday foods and support informed decision-making.
“The Healthy Florida First initiative is taking proactive steps to strengthen food safety standards nationwide,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The results from the Florida Department of Health’s analysis of bread testing results show troubling levels of glyphosate. Consumers deserve to know what chemical contaminants are in their food so that they can make informed decisions.”
“Bread is a staple food for many Florida families, and they should be able to consume it without worrying about toxins,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Our testing found high levels of glyphosate in some popular bread brands. Chronic exposure to glyphosate is linked to harmful gut microbiome changes, liver inflammation, and adverse neurologic effects. Florida is taking action through transparency, continued testing, and a clear focus on reducing exposure to protect families.”
Reminder: Escambia Animal Shelter Now Open On Sundays
February 7, 2026
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is now open on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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 previously available for adoption at the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fall By One To Knoxville, Rematch Saturday Night
February 7, 2026
The Ice Flyers fell 1-0 to the Knoxville Ice Bears on Adult Jersey Giveaway Night at the Hangar.
The first period was evenly matched and remained scoreless, with the Ice Flyers outshooting the Ice Bears 13-9. Knoxville’s Stephan Mundinger and the Ice Flyers’ netminder Billy Gerard IV both made their fair share of saves in the opening frame.
The Ice Bears broke the scoreless deadlock in the second period when Jimmy Soper found the back of the net, giving Knoxville a 1-0 lead. They held that advantage for the remainder of the period.
Despite a late third-period powerplay opportunity, the Ice Flyers were unable to tie things up. The team will regroup for Saturday’s rematch against the Ice Bears.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Battle Cantonment Brush Fire; Highway 29 Closures Result
February 6, 2026
A portion of Highway 29 in Cantonment was closed in both directions on Friday due to a large brush fire. The fire is now contained.
Highway 29 was closed in both directions from North Tate School Road to Kingsfield Road. By 2:25 p.m., Highway 29 northbound was reopened, and southbound was reopened by about 2:10 p.m.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started as a small outside fire that got out of control at a nearby home.
Multiple fire stations and the Florida Forest Service responded. Forestry had multiple bulldozers to help contain the fire. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control and road closures.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mother Arrested For Homicide After 5-Year Old’s Body Recovered In Trash Bag
February 6, 2026
The body of a 5-year-old boy was recovered in a trash bag on Friday morning in Escambia County, and the child’s mother is charged with homicide.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies took 36-year-old Jalynda Smith into custody Friday afternoon.
The young boy’s body was recovered from the water in the 9500 block of Lillian Highway near San Sebastian Circle. Additional details have not been provided.
Anyone with information of the incident is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (850) 436-9620. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Cantonment WWII Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Celebrates 109th Birthday
February 6, 2026
A Cantonment man celebrated his 109th birthday on Thursday at the Sodalis Senior Living Facility
Army veteran Duane Brewton was born February 5, 1917. He was married for 78 years and has four children and a multitude of grandchildren.
Brewton has told facility staff that the secret to a long life is putting God first and taking care of your health.
He served in Europe during World War II. While serving in the Army infantry, Brewton was awarded the Purple Heart after an artillery shell exploded near him and caused critical injuries from multiple shrapnel wounds.
Brewton had a big birthday cake and celebrated the momentous occasion with family and friends.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FHP Searching For Nine Mile Road Hit And Run Driver
February 6, 2026
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a driver involved in a hit and run on Wednesday.
The crash happened about 2 p.m. on East Nine Mile Road at Airway Drive.
Anyone with information about the crash or vehicle is asked to contact Trooper Boothe at *FHP (*347) in reference to case number FHP26ON0053712.
Troopers have not released any details about the wreck or said if there were any injuries.
Photo FHP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.