Wahoos Fall 7-3 To Lookouts
May 7, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 7-3, on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-18) had their winning streak snapped at four games by the Lookouts (13-18), who won just their second game over their last seven contests.
RHP Robert Stephenson made the start for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/0 ER in 5.0 innings pitched. Stephenson struck out nine batters, his highest strikeout total as a starter this season. RHP Drew Hayes pitched 1.0 inning in relief and struck out the side in the top of the ninth.
The Wahoos struggled to find runs in the game against Lookouts starting pitcher Tyson Brummett. Brummett retired 15 batters in a row from the end of the first inning into the sixth inning. Juan Silverio had a hit in his third straight game; he went 2-for-4 in the contest and scored a run. Catcher Ross Perez continued to swing the bat well and went 3-for-4 with three singles.
The Wahoos staged a comeback in the ninth inning off RHP Matt Shelton. Steve Selsky’s RBI groundout scored Ross Perez, and Devin Lohman’s RBI double scored recently added catcher Chris Berset. The comeback fell short in the ninth when Shelton shut the door with a strikeout and a groundout to finish the contest.
Brummett has been fantastic this season for the Lookouts and lowered his ERA to 0.49 after tonight’s start. He gave up five hits in 7.0 innings of work and surrendered just 1 R/0 ER.
The Lookouts continued to swing the bats well and had their second grand slam in as many nights. Daniel Mayora hit the grand slam in the seventh inning for the Lookouts and added a two-run double to his ledger. He finished with six RBI in the game, the second straight night a Lookouts player had a six-RBI game.
The Wahoos will send Jon Moscot (2-1, 1.93) to the bump on Wednesday night. Moscot has been fantastic over his last two starts; he’s 2-0 and has given up just five hits over 15.0 innings pitched. The Dodgers eighth best prospect, LHP Chris Reed (2-1, 2.19), will start for the Lookouts.
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-3 Tuesday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Residents Of Areas Still Under Water Seek Help
May 6, 2014
Residents of the north end of Holsberry Road are pleading for help as water still stands in their homes, almost a week after the area’s floods. Residents are blaming an overflowing holding pond at nearby McArthur Elementary School for their flooding, and they are hoping Escambia County will help.
On Monday, about a dozen residents on the northern end of Holsberry, just off East 10 Mile Road still had a few feet of murky standing water in their homes. A Mennonite Christian Disaster Team installed some piping and a pump on Monday to help alleviate the problem.
Commissioner Steven Barry, whose district includes the area, surveyed the situation on Monday. He said he learned late Monday afternoon that the county will be aided by the Florida Department of Transportation to redesign the hold pond and looking at other methods to help make sure the area does not flood in the future.
The deepest standing water in District 5 remains in the Ponderosa area north of Nine MileRoad , where water remains “at least waist high” in some homes, Barry said.
Escambia County has rented one 10,000 gallon gallon vacuum truck to supplement existing equipment to drain standing water in the area. “It’s making a difference,” according to the commissioner.
The county will look toward drainage improvements in that area.
“I don’t know what will be different, but the drainage won’t be what it was a week ago today,” Barry said. “We are going to find a way to improve it.”
Pictured: Water still stands on Holsberry Road and inside residences on the street. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Releases Name Of Flood Cleanup Worker Killed Monday
May 6, 2014
A flood cleanup worker was killed Monday afternoon when a car slammed into him and a parked car in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 51-year old William B. Akins of Milton was northbound on Tippin Avenue at an excessive rate of speed when he ran off the roadway, struck a utility pole, hit a building housing a storage facility, rear-ended a parked Toyota and struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, identified as 22-year old Dez Michael San Agustin of Jacksonville, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation. Troopers said charges are pending in the incident.
Escambia Estimates Over 3,300 Homes And Business Flood Damaged
May 6, 2014
Escambia County officials are estimating that over 3,300 homes and businesses were damaged in last week’s flooding, and Gov. Rick Scott is asking President Barack Obama to issue a major disaster declaration that would free up FEMA and other federal agencies to help local residents.
Escambia County estimates $20 million in damage to public infrastructure such as roads and drainage or storm water systems so far, but County engineers are continuing to assess damage and that figure is expected to rise.
In Escambia County, officials estimate:
- 1687 residential homes with major damage with 12 inches of water or more
- 1518 residential homes have received minor damaged with 12 inches or water or less
- 13 residential homes destroyed
- 117 commercial businesses have been majorly damaged with more than 12 inches of water
Is his letter to President Obama, Scott said economic losses could exceed $100 million in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that these families can get back on their feet, and this declaration would support those efforts. I look forward to going back to the Panhandle later this week to further assess the progress of recovery operations,” the governor said.
A state of emergency in Escambia County has been extended for another seven days.
All Escambia County operations are functioning normally during their regularly scheduled business hours, however the Escambia County Central Booking facility is closed indefinitely and the Extension Wind Mitigation Building is closed until further notice.
All Parks and Recreation facilities in the County have been reopened, except Myrtle Grove Athletic Fields remain closed for repairs.
Road Closures
Residents are advised to find alternate routes for the following roads in Escambia County that remain closed:
- Ashland Avenue – flooding from Ashland Avenue to Ponderosa Drive
- Ashland Avenue – flooding from Ponderosa Drive to Croquett Street
- Bauer Road – construction from Sorrento Road to Gulf Beach Highway
- Blue Springs Drive – washout – all directions
- Burning Tree Road – bridge – all directions
- Dog Track Road – washout from Dog Track Road North to Lillian Highway
- Fannie Road – bridge from Campbell Road to Carnley Road
- High Pointe Drive – washout at Constantine
- Interstate Circle – bridge – all directions
- Johnson Avenue – bridge from East Johnson Avenue to East Olive Road
- Lloyd Street East – washout at 20th Street
- Main Street – washout from A Street to Devilliers Street
- Massachusetts Avenue – flooding at Kelly Avenue
- Meadowbrook Drive – bridge from Meadowbrook Drive to Scenic Hills Drive
- Maxam Street – flooding – both north and south bound
- Morningside Drive – washout both east and west bound
- Oak Valley Drive – washout – all directions
- Old Corry Field Road – bridge from Navy Boulevard to Idlewood Drive
- Piedmont Road – washout from Tronjo Drive to Hallmark Drive
- Pineville Road – bridge – both north and south bound
- Ponderosa Drive – flooding – from Ashland Avenue to Bowman Avenue
- Ronda Street – washout from Daniel to Rufus
- Scenic Highway –washout from Whimbledon Drive to Scenic Highway Circle
- Scenic Highway – washout from Bayview Way to Logan Drive
- Scenic Highway – washout from just north of Olive Road to Nine Mile Road
- Stillbrooke Road – bridge – all directions
- Tarragona Street – washout from Gadsden Street to Jackson Street
- Tarragona Street – from Blount Street to Alcaniz Street
- Winthrop Avenue – washout – all directions
Assistance
The Citizens Information Center (CIC) remains open for calls 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (850) 471-6600.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
County Updates Status Of Jail Following Explosion
May 6, 2014
After last week’s explosion, Escambia County officials said the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention facility will be closed indefinitely.
The Escambia County Citizens Information Line has fielded more than 5,0oo phone calls about the status of inmates. The county is looking toward finding mid to long-term solutions for temporary housing of inmates. Officials said all inmates who were housed at Central Booking who asked for medical treatment have received care.
Booking of incoming inmates is being conducted at the Main Jail, 2935 North L Street, Pensacola; however video visitation is suspended until further notice.
A kiosk is available at the Main Jail so money can be deposited to inmate accounts and families may visit www.MyCarePack.com to purchase items for inmates including clothing, food items, phone cards and more by selecting “Florida” and “Escambia” on the home page.
Money orders may be sent to inmates at the Escambia County Road Camp, 601 Highway 297-A, Cantonment, and staff continues to work to establish commissary rights for those in the work release program and phone privileges.
For more information on the jail or the status of an inmate, call the Escambia County Citizens Information Line at (850) 471-6600 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Volunteer Meeting Tonight For Those That Seek To ‘Reimagine Century’
May 6, 2014
The Reimagine organization will hold a meeting tonight in order to continue plans on how to best meet the needs of Century.
Reimagine Century will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Showalter Park. A volunteer meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ag Building on West Highway 4 in Century.
Organizer Linda English said the group is on a mission to serve those less fortunate, bringing together churches, business, community groups and individuals.
Reimagine has held similar events in Brownsville, Warrrington, Thomaston, GA, Santa Rosa County and Peru. Events have included clothing giveaways, free haircuts, free food, free health checks and displays from community organizations.
For more information, contact Linda at (850) 454-5280.
Pictured: Scenes from Reimagine Warrington. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Royals Win Regionals, Headed To State
May 6, 2014
For the second time in three years, the Jay Lady Royals are headed back to the state softball tournament.
The Lady Royals beat Port St. Joe 6-5 Monday afternoon to claim the Region 2-1A championship.
Chassity McCranie pitched the win for Jay, allowing five runs, 10 hits, striking out seven and recording four errors in seven innings pitched.
For Jay (24-3) — Michaela Stewart 5-5, run, 2 RBIs, HR; Harley Taggert 2-4, RBI; Dana Blackmon 2-4, run; Emily Dodson 1-1, run, RBI; Taylor Moore 1-4, run, RBI, double. Stewart’s solo homer in teh third was over the fence — and through a truck’s back window.
The Lady Royals will play Bell in the state semifinals on Friday morning at 10:35 a.m. Eastern at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.
Pictured: The Jay Lady Royals celebrate their 6-5 win over Port St. Joe for the Region 2-1A championship Monday in Jay. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Fourth Straight
May 6, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 9-8, in the first game of the series on Monday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-17) won their fourth game in a row, their longest winning streak of the season. The Lookouts (12-18) staged a big comeback scoring five runs in the seventh, but couldn’t score on the Wahoos bullpen over the final two innings.
RHP Daniel Corcino pitched well in the series opener, giving up 3 R/ER in 6.0 innings. Corcino allowed just four hits and had two strikeouts on the evening. RHP Shane Dyer earned his third save of the season giving up just one hit in the ninth inning.
The Wahoos had a huge night offensively and were led by Juan Silverio. The third baseman went 3-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI. Silverio was just a triple shy of the cycle. Center fielder Beau Amaral drove in his second run at Double-A level and went 2-for-5 on the night. Rey Navarro hit the ball well all night and ended up going 1-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Tuesday at PapaJohns.com
Chattanooga’s Raydel Sanchez started his second game of the season and was chased from the game quickly by the Wahoos. The right-hander gave up 7 R/ER on six hits and made it just 3.2 innings. Nick Struck came on in relief in a Lookouts uniform for the first time this season and gave up 2 R/ER on five hits in 2.1 innings pitched.
O’Koyea Dickson led the charge and the comeback for the Lookouts; he hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and had a six-RBI night. Left fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker had a multi-hit night going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Minor League Baseball announced today that the Blue Wahoos were one of the top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2013. Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams combined for more than 55.4 million in retail sales last year.
The Wahoos will send RHP Robert Stephenson (2-2, 5.40) to the rubber for game two of the series on Tuesday. The Lookouts will counter with RHP Tyson Brummett (2-2, 0.61).
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 9-8 Monday. Photos by (Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Poll: Florida Voters Are Ready For Medical Marijuana
May 6, 2014
Florida appears ready for medical marijuana.
A poll released Monday shows that 88 percent of Florida voters support allowing adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes, bolstering the arguments of advocates who have placed a constitutional amendment on the November ballot seeking legalization.
The poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, indicates widespread support across political and demographic lines — Republicans and Democrats, men and women, young and old — for legal medical marijuana if it is prescribed by physicians. The constitutional amendment needs approval from 60 percent of voters to pass.
“If Vegas were giving odds on medical marijuana becoming legal in Florida, the bookies would be betting heavily,” Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll, said in a statement released with the results.
Support for the idea has grown slightly since a Quinnipiac poll in November 2013 indicated 82 percent of voters approved of legalization. Since that poll, a group spearheaded by prominent Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan finished gathering enough petition signatures to place the issue on this year’s general-election ballot and also received a sign-off from the Florida Supreme Court.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Republican legislative leaders wanted the Supreme Court to block the constitutional amendment, contending that the proposal was far broader than billed. For example, House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, described the proposal as being “about the Coloradofication of Florida, where the end game is a pot shop on every street corner.”
But the Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, allowed the amendment to move forward, finding that the wording of the ballot title and summary would not mislead voters.
Despite the criticism of the ballot proposal, the GOP-dominated Legislature last week approved a bill aimed at making available a strain of marijuana that supporters say will help children who have a form of epilepsy that causes severe seizures. The substance, known as “Charlotte’s Web,” is low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, so users do not get high.
The Quinnipiac poll found that legal use of medical marijuana was supported by 93 percent of Democrats, 89 percent of independents and 80 percent of Republicans. It was supported by 92 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 and 84 percent of voters ages 65 and older.
Connecticut-based Quinnipiac frequently conducts polls in Florida and other states. It surveyed 1,413 registered Florida voters from April 23 to April 28, and the poll’s margin of error was 2.6 percentage points.
by The News Service of Florida
Walker Awarded Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship
May 6, 2014
Northview High School senior Lauryn Walker has been awarded the Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship.
She will receive $500 upon enrollment in college. Applicants were required to fill out a brief application and write an essay explaining why the scholarship was important to them and how it would make it possible for them to continue their education.
Walker was awarded the scholarship recently during the annual Northview DCT banquet. The scholarship fund was established in memory of Tommy Weaver, DCT/Ag instructor and assistant coach who passed away in March 2012.
Pictured top: Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship Lauryn Walker with Northview Principal Gayle Weaver. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.