Air Show Fans Get Show Of Nature; Blue Angels Still Fly (With Photo Gallery)
July 15, 2012
Mother nature stole the opening acts of the Pensacola Beach Air Show Saturday afternoon, but the Blue Angel show went on with a bit of delay.
The civilian portion of the show was canceled due to bad weather, including waterspouts over Santa Rosa Sound (pictured above). It wasn’t just the weather at the beach that canceled the civilian show; bad weather over the Pensacola airport prevented the plans from taking off.
“Ernie”, the C-130 filling in for Fat Albert that was out for a paint job, took to the skies about 2:00, but a delay for the Blue Angels was announced at 2:10 p.m. due to weather at Pensacola NAS preventing the world famous flight demonstration team from taking off.
By 2:35, the Blue Angels were in the air, performing a shortened lower ceiling show.
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s show, click here. Photos by Terry Emmons.
Pictured above and inset: A waterspout over Santa Rosa Sound Saturday afternoon. Pictured below: The Blues performed an abbreviated show due to weather. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Critically Injured In Navarre Wreck
July 15, 2012
A Cantonment man was critically injured when he collided with a tow truck at a red light in Navarre.
The Florida Patrol said Rickey Endsley, 41 was driving southbound on the Navarre Beach Causeway approaching Highway98 in a 2008 Nissan Titan about 2:50 Saturday morning when he hit an eastbound 2008 Hino tow truck driven by Billy Eugene Turner, 52, of Mary Ester.
Endsley, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported by Baptist Hospital where remained in critical condition late Saturday. Turner and his 11-year old passenger were not injured.
Charges are pending in the crash, according the FHP, but it was not immediately known which vehicle ran the red light at the intersection.
Rain Chances Continue
July 15, 2012
There’s a slight chance of more scattered showers and thunderstorms for this week; however, they are not forecast to be as widespread as Saturday’s rains.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the morning.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Pictured top: Dark clouds roll across Gobbler Road in Walnut Hill Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Feds Allow Florida To Use Citizen Database For Voter Purge
July 15, 2012
Secretary of State Ken Detzner said Saturday that the state has received access to a federal database that could allow it to move forward with a voter purge aimed at removing suspected non-citizens from the rolls.
The announcement is likely to reignite a battle over the initiative, which the state says will sweep ineligible voters off the rolls but critics charge could inadvertently cost some citizens their right to vote.
“I am very pleased that the federal government has committed to giving us the access necessary to identify noncitizens on the voter rolls and make sure these ineligible voters cannot cast a ballot,” Detzner said in a statement released Saturday. “Florida voters are counting on their state and federal governments to cooperate in a way that ensures elections are fair, beginning with ensuring the voter rolls are current and accurate.”
Detzner almost immediately sent a letter to elections supervisors, many of whom have so far resisted the purge, suggesting that access to the federal database would allow the program to resume. The state had stopped sending names beyond a random sample to the supervisors after many complained it was riddled with inaccuracies.
In the letter, Detzner says the state and the federal government plan to sign an agreement allowing the state use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database “very soon.”
“The first set of names we intend to review using the SAVE database will be the names provided to supervisors this past April,” Detzner wrote. “The results will be provided to you for additional actions in accordance with applicable laws.”
Detzner also reiterated the state’s argument that the initial sample turned up examples of noncitizens who were registered to vote, some of whom had cast ballots.
“These ineligible voters must be removed to ensure the integrity of our elections,” Detzner said.
A federal court in June rejected a request by the U.S. Department of Justice to bar the state from taking any more steps toward carrying out its purge program, saying that concerns that eligible voters could be removed from the list were significant.
“But having an ineligible voter on the list is not a solution,” U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle said.
At the same time, Hinkle said the ruling was driven in part by assurances from the state that it would not forward any more names to county elections supervisors based on a list of potentially ineligible voters that even the state concedes is inaccurate. That list is drawn from driver’s license and voter-registration records.
Detzner said in his letter that the state-generated list “should be considered obsolete.”
Overall, Hinkle’s ruling that the state could pursue the removal of non-citizens within 90 days of a federal election seemed to pave the way for some version of the scrubbing to continue, especially if the state gained access to SAVE and could prove the effort isn’t discriminatory.
The state and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have battled over the SAVE database for months, with the state saying it has the right to access the list and DHS saying Florida hasn’t provided all the necessary information to use it. The state eventually sued the department for access to SAVE.
Florida officials said in recent weeks it now has sent the information the federal agency was looking for, apparently clearing the way for Saturday’s announcement.
By The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Fall To The Suns 6-1; Hamilton Steals No. 109
July 15, 2012
Blue Wahoos shortstop Billy Hamilton stole his 109th base of the season, while Jacksonville starter Bryan Evans combined with relievers Jordan Conley and Joshua Schmidt to hold Pensacola to just one run as the Suns topped the Fish 6-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 5,038 on Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The loss dropped Pensacola to a 14-9 record in the second half, while Jacksonville improved to a 10-13 mark since the league’s All-Star Break. The capacity crowd hosted by the club was the 31st of the year in their 46th home opening of the 2012 campaign. Before the game Gulf Breeze High School graduate and current Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin threw out a ceremonial first pitch, while the Blue Wahoos also sported special jerseys that were auctioned off during the game to help benefit Autism research.
Evans (5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) earned the win to improve to 3-6 after yielding the lone earned run on six hits in his 5.1 innings, while Conley (2.2 IP, 1 H, 4 SO) and Schmidt (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO) teamed up to allow just two hits in the final 3.2 scoreless frames. Blue Wahoos starter Kyle Lotzkar (4.0 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO) suffered the defeat after allowing five runs, four of which were earned, on two hits in four innings.
The Suns struck first in the opening frame, using just one hit to plate three tallies. LF Jake Smolinski was hit by a pitch and SS Chris Gutierrez drew a free pass before a double steal moved both into scoring position. Smolinski would come home when 1B Curt Smith reached on a fielding miscue, while Gutierrez and Smith came plateward thanks to C Kyle Skipworth’s two-run double to center to make it 3-0.
Pensacola would then bring home their only score of the contest in the third. Hamilton began the frame with a walk, stole second and reached third on an error prior to LF Josh Fellhauer’s run-scoring single up the middle. The swiped bag was the fifth for Hamilton since being promoted to the Blue Wahoos from High-A Bakersfield, and his 109thh overall this year. The speedster now ranks ninth all-time in a single season in Minor League baseball history as he continues to chase Vince Coleman’s record of 145 in 1983 while he was with Macon.
Jacksonville would follow with a pair of runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to add to their margin. 2B Paul Gran singled, advanced to second when Smith was hit by a pitch and third on a fielder’s choice before he was sent home on RF Kyle Jensen’s single, while Smith would come across on an RBI groundout. The Suns got their additional insurance run in the following frame when Smolinski scored on a double play.
Wahoos CF Bryson Smith (2-4) and 2B Miguel Rojas (2-4) each collected two hits in the contest for Pensacola, while no Suns batters recorded a multi-hit effort. Skipworth (1-2, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB) however, did reach base three times thanks to a pair of base-on-balls in addition to his two-run double.
The two teams will meet again Sunday afternoon, with first pitch set for 4:00 p.m. from the bayfront stadium. Pensacola is expected to send RHP Daniel Corcino to the hill, while Jacksonville is slated to give the nod to LHP Jose Alvarez for the second game of the series.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Miguel Rojas recorded two hits in the Wahoos’ 6-1 loss Saturday night. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
List: Vacation Bible Schools
July 15, 2012
Vacation Bible Schools will continue for the remainder of this month at churches in the North Escambia area.
To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com
First Baptist Cottage Hill VBS
First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will hold VBS July 16-20 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. for ages four years through fifth grade.
Oak Grove Baptist VBS
Oak Grove Baptist Church will hold “Get on Board the Sonlight Express, Jesus & Me” VBS July 16-20 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for ages four years through fifth grade. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in the “Dining Car” nightly. (850) 327-4961
Allen Memorial UMC VBS – Cantonment
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church “Operation Overboard” VBS will be held July 16-20 from 9 a.m. until noon for children kindergarten through fifth grade. 206 Pace Pkwy in Cantonment. (850) 968-6213.
Faith Bible Baptist VBS
Faith Bible Baptist Church “Sonlight Express: Jesus & Me” VBS will take place July 16-20 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for ages 5-12. The church is located at 5801 North. Century Blvd. For more information or transportation
Little Escambia Baptist VBS – Flomaton
Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton will host VBS July 16-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon, for ages four years through sixth grade. For more information call (251) 296-2777.
Mt Carmel VBS – Jay
Mt Carmel UMC, located on Mt Carmel Church Road in Jay will have VBS July 16-21 from 5 pm until 8 pm.
Ray’s Chapel VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church “IncrediWorld Amazement Park” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 6 until 8:30 pm for kids Kindergarten through fifth grade. A kickoff/registration party will be held Saturday, July 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 170 W. Bogia Road in McDavid. For more information call (850) 256-3422.
Family Worship Center VBS
Family Worship Center’s “Quest for Truth” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 9 a.m. until noon for kids ages five through 12. Family Worship Center is located at 1251 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. (850) 723-2644.
Charity Baptist VBS – Cantonment
Charity Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold VBS June 25-29 from 6 until 8 p.m. with Fun Day on Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until noon. Visit www.charitybaptistchurch.org for info.
Century Church of Christ VBS
The Century Church of Christ will hold “All Aboard the Kingdom Express – Staying on the Right Track in a Troubled World” VBS, Saturday, July 28th from 9a.m. – 2 p.m. for children ages two years through sixth grade. Pizza lunch will be provided for the children. (850) 256-2588
Aldersgate UMC Molino VBS
“Operation Overboard” Vacation Bible School at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, July 30-August 3. Daily activities 5:30-8:30 p.m. for ages 3 to rising fifth graders. Preregister now at www.aumcmolino.org. For more info, contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489.
Wagner, Cook To Wed
July 15, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Wagner of Bedford, Indiana, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelsey Ann to Timothy Jordan Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Cook of Davisville.
Kelsey is a 2012 graduate of Harding University with a major in speech pathology. Kelsey will pursue her Masters in speech pathology at the University of South Alabama in the fall.
Jordan is a 2010 graduate of Harding University with a Major in kinesiology/athletic training and a 2011 graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe with a Masters in exercise science. He is currently employed by The Andrew’s Institute in Gulf Breeze.
A July 2012 wedding is planned.
Photo Gallery: Fly Along With The Blue Angels
July 15, 2012
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly with the Blue Angels during their air show over Pensacola Beach?
Today, NorthEscambia.com takes you along for a ride during a Blue Angel practice. Fasten your seat belt, hang on, and then…
Click here for the photo gallery.
Pictured: The Blue Angels, as seen from inside on of the planes, fly over Pensacola Beach. Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Birth: Emma Faith Hassebrock
July 15, 2012
John Hassebrock and Sarah Tipton of Cantonment are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Emma Faith Hassebrock.
Emma was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola on June 19, 2012, at 5:58 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 2.4 ounces and was 20½ inches long.
Proud grandparents are Pete and Teresa Tipton of Cantonment, and Bennie and Gay Hassebrock of Molino. Big sister and brothers are Hannah and Caleb Hassebrock and Zachary Tipton!
Birth: Gentry Brienne Winingar
July 15, 2012
Kevin and Kelly Winingar of Pensacola are blessed to announce the birth of their daughter Gentry Brienne Winingar.
She was born June 26, 2012, at 2:47 p.m. at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Her proud grandparents are Mel and Cindy Rogers of Pensacola, Terri Sanders of McDavid and Donald Winingar of McDavid.
Gentry has two uncles and two aunts; Brian Winingar of Dothan, Steve Rogers of Marietta,GA, Cathie Hightshoe of Kissimmee FL, and Carrie Fisher of Pace.