First Baptist Bratt Celebrates Freedom; Burns Mortgage Note
July 14, 2014
The First Baptist Church of Bratt held a very special “Freedom Sunday” this weekend. The Freedom Choir presented the musical “It’s America: The Songs We Sing…The Land We Love”. There was also a special message on freedoms, and the church”burned the note” to celebrate paying off their Family Life Center. Photos by Marcella Wilson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Montgomery Tops Pensacola 12-2
July 14, 2014
At least two Pensacola Blue Wahoos players had a day to remember on the field Sunday – outfielder Jesse Winker and pitcher Robert Stephenson.
Playing in the 16th annual SiriusXM All-Star Futures game with the top 50 prospects in minor league baseball at Target Field in Minneapolis, Winker had the game’s first hit and first run, while Stephenson had the fastest recorded pitch in the game among all the pitchers at 98.1 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, the Blue Wahoos had a forgettable day against the Montgomery Biscuits at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, losing 12-2. The Wahoos are now 5-41 in games they trailed after seven innings.
But in Minnesota, Winker, the Cincinnati Reds No. 4 prospect, hit a double off the left field wall to lead off the third inning and later scored to give the U.S. Team a 1-0 lead over the World Team. He went 1-2 on the day.
Wahoos leftfielder Kyle Waldrop has known Winker the past two years and said all the players cheered in the dugout when his hit was announced to the stadium.
“He definitely deserves to be there,” Waldrop said. “We were all excited for him.”
Stephenson threw a scoreless 8th inning. In a matchup of the Reds’ top prospect versus the Chicago Cubs’ top prospect – shortstop Javier Baez – Stephenson came out on top striking Baez out on four pitches. Stephenson gave up one hit.
His roommate, Wahoos pitcher Jon Moscot, said Stephenson didn’t sleep the night before flying out to Sunday’s game.
“He was estatic about it and told me he wanted to see how hard he could throw it,” Moscot said. “We all know about Baez. That’s a great matchup for Stephenson.”
Back in Pensacola, the game unraveled for the Wahoos in the seventh inning when Montgomery first baseman Cameron Seitzer hit a grand slam and then the very next batter, third baseman Richie Shaffer, followed up with a solo homer over the left field wall. The Biscuits all of a sudden changed a 3-2 lead to an 8-2 game.
The good news in Lively’s bid for his first victory at the Double-A level, he struck out a season-high nine batters with the Wahoos in five innings of work. The bad news: the Biscuits Ryan Brett and Jeff Hager hit back-to-back solo shots over the leftfield wall to put Montgomery ahead, 3-1, in the fifth inning.
Lively, who took the loss and now is 0-3, did retake the lead in strikeouts in minor league baseball with 131 Ks. He surpassed Single-A Visalia Rawhide pitcher Aaron Blair, who has 125.
Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields said he hopes Winker and Stephenson and the other Pensacola ballplayers continue to improve after the games they played Sunday.
“I hope they benefit from their experiences and are better players next time around,” he said. “People’s expectations were a little higher than mine. I knew there would be ups and downs coming in.”
The finale of the five-game series with Tampa Bay Rays Double-A affiliate the Montgomery Biscuits gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Monday. RHP Mikey O’Brien (3-3, 3.86) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Biscuits RHP Jeremy Hellickson, who is rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow.
by Tommy Thrall
Military And Overseas Escambia County Ballots Hit The Mail
July 14, 2014
Ballots for military and overseas voters are now on the way.
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office began sending out the ballots on Friday to eligible military and overseas citizens. Voters will either receive their ballot by mail or electronically, depending on their chosen method of delivery. Absent military voters and those living overseas can request, mark and track their absentee ballots electronically.
Mail/absentee ballots for all eligible domestic voters will be mailed beginning on Tuesday, July 22. The deadline to request a mail/absentee ballot for the Primary Election is 5:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, August 20.
To request or track your absentee ballot for the Primary Election, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click “Vote by Mail”, or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 595-3900.
Atmore Area YMCA Closing In August; Cutbacks Begin Today
July 14, 2014
The Atmore YMCA is on track to close its door permanently late next month, and the process begins today.
According to an email last week from Paul Chason, CEO of the Atmore Area YMCA, the Y’s board of directors and staff have worked hard to pursue income opportunities above membership dues. The group has submitted grant requests, held fundraising events, submitted grant requests and solicited financial support from area businesses.
“Our country’s and, even closer to home, our state’s economic struggles have made it difficult to obtain financial contributions for the Atmore YMCA,” Chason wrote.
The Atmore YMCA has served Atmore and surrounding areas since June 1995.
“Our YMCA has provided a safe, welcoming environment for members from youth to senior citizens to improve their quality of life through health and wellness activities, educational opportunities, and relationship building. During this time, the YMCA has often struggled financially to remain open. The Atmore area business community has been instrumental in previous years in helping keep our YMCA open for our community through financial contributions and employee participation at the YMCA,” a news release stated.
The step in the closure comes today as the YMCA morning nursery will no longer be provided. On July 16, the YMCA will close on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. with no evening nursery, and the Y will be closed on Saturdays beginning July 19.
“Prior to closure, additional changes may be required to ensure we are able to meet our financial obligations. Barring a major miracle, and without fanfare, the YMCA will progressively reduce operations until closure on August 29,” the news release stated.
“We have heard from many in our community stating they do not want the YMCA to close; however, just talking about it does not sustain the YMCA. We understand the disappointment and emotion involved in this decision…We certainly would welcome an event that would sustain our YMCA financially moving forward which would allow us to remain open.”
There’s no word yet what may happen to the Atmore Area Chamber of Commere, which is located in the YMCA’s building. The facility was constructed in 1926 to house Escambia County High School. The building was acquired by the Atmore Lions Club in 1989 and later dedicated as the Atmore Lions Community Center in 1991. In 2004, the building was donated to the Atmore Area YMCA.
Pictured top: The Atmore Area YMCA building. Pictured inset: The building is the hub of the annual Williams Station Day each October. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Repairs Begin On Highway 97 Collapse In Walnut Hill
July 13, 2014
Repairs began Saturday to a collapsed road shoulder on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Back on May 15, the shoulder of Highway 97 about a mile south of Ernest Ward Middle School collapsed in an existing 50-foot deep gully. About a month later, the situation worsened, with part of the paved shoulder falling into the hole, prompting temporary repairs by the Florida Department of Transportation.
A FDOT spokesman was unable to provide a cost for the repair project or a completion date for the repairs that started Saturday due to the weekend.
On or about May 15, a large drainage pipe separated under the shoulder of the roadway, just beyond a guardrail, blew out and undermined the shoulder of the road.
Crews used sandbags to shore up the shoulder on temporary basis back on June 13.
Since the damage occurred after the flooding event that led to a presidential disaster declaration for Escambia County, repair costs for Highway 97 will not be reimbursed by FEMA.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Troopers Seek Info In Pedestrian Hit And Run
July 13, 2014
The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle that fled the scene after hitting a pedestrian Friday night in Escambia County.
About 9:30 p.m., 59-year old Roy Reasoonover of Pensacola was attempting to cross Mobile Highway south of Edison Drive when he was hit by an unknown vehicle in a northbound right turn lane. He was dragged under the vehicle for about 20 feet before the vehicle fled the scene, leaving him in the roadway.
Investigators believe the vehicle may be a sport utility vehicle of some type and may have traveled east on Edison Drive. The vehicle, according to the FHP, should have front end damage consistent with a pedestrian collision.
Anyone with information should contact Trooper Register at (850) 484-5000 ext. 329 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Reasoonover was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
Record Crowds Pack Pensacola Beach For The Blues (With Gallery)
July 13, 2014
About 100,000 people packed Pensacola Beach Saturday for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show featuring the Blue Angels.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 13, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the week ending July 10.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
FWC Officers responded to vessel incident that occurred in Escambia Bay. The incident occurred when four individuals launched their vessel at the 17th Avenue Boat Ramp and traveled to a predetermined fishing spot. When the operator slowed the vessel, he realized one of the passengers, sitting on a pedestal seat at the stern of the vessel, was missing. The officers assisted with searching the area. Just before dark, the passenger was found deceased. Investigator Goley is currently investigating the incident.
Officer Cushing and Lieutenant Berryman were on water patrol in Bayou Chico when they observed a woman swimming behind a boat in the middle of a very busy narrow channel. The woman boarded the boat as the officers pulled alongside to conduct a boating safety check and to determine why the vessel did not display any registration decal or numbers. During the initial contact, the operator of the vessel showed signs of impairment. The officers towed the vessel away from the congested area to a nearby marina and continued their investigation. It was determined that the subject was under the influence while operating a vessel. The subject was placed under arrest and asked to submit to a test of his breath to determine his blood alcohol content and he agreed to do so. The test of his breath revealed the subject’s breath alcohol content to be .259, three times over the legal limit.
The crew of the FinCat (patrol vessel) conducted 16 offshore fisheries inspections. During the inspections, several resource violations were discovered. One vessel had undersized red snapper and undersized gray triggerfish during the closed season. Another vessel had four greater amberjack during the closed season. When the captain was asked about the closed season, he stated that someone told him it had re-opened. Despite the claim of the season being opened, three of the greater amberjack were undersized. Appropriate citations were issued.
Officers Pineda and Clark were conducting fisheries inspections in the Pensacola Pass. During one of these inspections, the operator of the vessel stated that he had only caught vermilion snapper and nothing else. Further inspection revealed undersized red snapper hidden underneath the vermilion snapper. This subject was issued a citation for possession of undersized red snapper.
Officers Pineda and Clark responded to a call for help from a boater who had a female passenger go into a seizure on top of the steering tower in a congested water way. The officers assisted in getting her down from the tower and transported her to the boat ramp where they were met by EMS.
Officers Pineda and Manning were conducting fisheries inspections on Pensacola Beach. While checking fishermen, Officer Pineda observed two very small undersized red fish next to a fisherman on the Bob Sikes Fishing Pier. When asked about the two fish, the fisherman replied that he had bought them at Joe Patties; however, one of the red fish was still alive. This subject was issued a citation for possession of undersized red drum.
While on vessel patrol near the Pensacola Pass, Officers Cushing and Miller were conducting boating safety and fisheries inspections. One particular vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico was stopped and a fisheries inspection was conducted. During that inspection, it was discovered that the owner/operator was in possession of a 26.5‑inch greater amberjack. When asked if he knew the regulations for the species, he stated that he thought they had to be 27 inches in length. The individual was cited for possession of amberjack during the closed season.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Healthy Summer Series: Sun Safety Tips
July 13, 2014
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Follow these recommendations to help protect yourself and your family.
Shade
You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade.
Clothing
When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing certified under international standards comes with information on its ultraviolet protection factor.
If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well.
Hat
For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.
If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
Sunscreen
Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options to prevent UV damage.
How sunscreen works. Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.
SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Expiration date. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Cosmetics. Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they do not have at least SPF 15, don’t use them by themselves.
Sunday’s Forecast (With Walnut Hill Rainbow Pictures)
July 13, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Monday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Tuesday Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Wednesday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
- Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Friday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Friday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Pictured: A partial double rainbow over Walnut Hill Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.