Wahoos Snap Three-Game Win Streak With Loss To Jacksonville
May 12, 2015
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (11-20) are at an early disadvantage in the race for the Golden Skillet as they dropped the first game of the series against Jacksonville (14-16) 5-4 . The defeat also snapped a three-game winning streak for the Wahoos, their longest of the season.
Pensacola starter Keyvius Sampson (1-1) pitched 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out seven. Jacksonville starter Austin Brice (1-3) earned his first win of the season in 5.0 innings while giving up two runs, two hits and six walks. Sean Donatello earned the save for the Suns, his ninth of the season.
Beau Amaral and Kyle Waldrop each added two hits and an RBI, with Amaral hitting his first home run of the season in the ninth. Ryan Wright made an impact at the plate for the Blue Wahoos, reaching safely on four of his five plate appearances with a hit and three walks to go along with a stolen base. Ray Chang extended his hit streak to eight games on a pinch-hit single in the seventh.
The Wahoos got things started with a run in the top of the first. Second baseman Ryan Wright was able to score from second on an infield single from outfielder Kyle Waldrop as the Wahoos managed a pair of hits and a walk in the inning.
The Suns struck back in the bottom half, first with a ground-rule double from Matt Juengel with runners on first and second. The RBI double left runners at second and third, which allowed Viosergy Rosa to drive in another run on a groundout to give Jacksonville a 2-1 lead.
Jacksonville’s Kenny Wilson opened the bottom of the third with a stand-up triple to the right field corner, but Sampson was able to fan three consecutive batters to leave him stranded.
Rosa was able to add to the Jacksonville lead with a solo shot to right to make the score 3-1 in the fourth. The Suns looked to inflict further damage after a pair of singles to put runners at the corners with nobody out, but Sampson was able to strand both of them with two groundouts and a strikeout.
In the fifth, a pair of walks and a wild pitch put Wright and outfielder Beau Amaral at second and third, respectively. First baseman Marquez Smith was able to send Amaral home on a sac-fly to center, bringing the Wahoos within a run.
Zack Cox sent the second solo shot of the game for Jacksonville to right field with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, his third home run of the season.
The Wahoos managed a pair of singles from Kyle Waldrop and catcher Kyle Skipworth, putting runners at the corners with one out in the top of the eighth. Waldrop was able to reach home on a sacrifice fly from infielder Juan Perez to bring the Wahoos back within a run at 4-3.
The Suns pushed their lead back to two on a pair of doubles from David Adams and Sharif Othman, with Othman’s resulting in an RBI.
Amaral made things interesting with a solo home run to right field in the top of the ninth to make it 5-4, but a fielder’s choice and a fly-out to center ended the game.
Scott Names Hospital Panel Without Hospital Executives
May 12, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott on Monday appointed nine people — none of them hospital executives, and only one of whom appears to have significant medical experience — to a commission meant to examine the economics of health care and hospitals in Florida.
The appointments to Scott’s Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding came as industry officials are still digesting the governor’s call to have hospitals share profits like Major League Baseball teams if federal officials decide not to extend a $2.2 billion program that helps pay for the care of uninsured patients.
The nine people named to the panel, which is aimed at making recommendations for a special legislative session scheduled to begin June 1, are Carlos Beruff, president of Medallion homes, who will be the chairman; former SunTrust Bank executive Tom Kuntz; retired Brig. Gen. Chip Diehl; attorney Marili Cancio Johnson; former Gadsden County Commissioner Eugene Lamb Jr.; Jason Rosenburg, a physician and former chairman of the Florida Board of Medicine; Ken Smith, owner of Integrated Beef Consultants; former Destin Mayor Sam Seevers; and Robert Spottswood, president and director of Spottswood Companies, which has interests that include real estate and hospitality.
Scott, a former hospital chief executive officer, put together the commission after lawmakers ended the 2015 legislative session without a budget due to a complicated stalemate over health-care funding.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department hasn’t ruled on the state’s application to extend the Low Income Pool, or LIP, program beyond a scheduled expiration date of June 30. The program mostly sends money to hospitals and other medical providers that care for large numbers of low-income patients. But the agency said last week that, at first blush, the state’s application “falls short of key principles” that federal officials will consider when weighing the program’s future.
Tony Carvalho, president of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, said Monday that the members of the commission looked to be “very competent people” despite the lack of health-care executives.
“We are disappointed that there were no hospital CEOs or financial experts on the commission,” he said.
Lawmakers who had asked to serve on the commission were also turned aside by Scott’s decision.
Funding for LIP is part of a complex health-care logjam that has left legislative leaders unable to reach agreement on a spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1. Hoping to encourage federal officials to approve the state’s LIP proposal, the Senate offered a $2.8 billion initiative that would use Medicaid expansion funding to help low-income Floridians purchase private insurance.
But Scott and the House have fiercely opposed the expansion alternative, and the governor has sued the Obama administration in an effort to prevent federal officials from linking the LIP decision to Medicaid expansion.
The naming of the panel came after Scott on Friday proposed revenue sharing among Florida hospitals if LIP is not extended for another year.
“Your assistance in suggesting fair profit sharing to replace federal LIP funds at those institutions that rely on them most, like Shands Jacksonville, will be critical to keeping them up and running,” he wrote in a letter to the president of the Florida Hospital Association. “This would be similar to how large market baseball teams share revenues with small market baseball teams.”
Scott said he wanted the hospitals to submit three models by May 22, so that his Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding could consider them on May 26.
So far, industry groups have been cautious about the governor’s initiative.
“We received the letter and will be issuing a response to Governor Scott this week,” said Monica Corbett, a spokeswoman for the FHA.
The Florida Association of Children’s Hospitals has a conference call scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the suggestion.
Carvalho didn’t foreclose the possibility of some form of revenue sharing, but said the commission first needs to consider how much hospitals already contribute, including the hundreds of millions of dollars they pay in taxes.
“I think people will realize that hospitals are doing enormous amounts already,” he said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
James Thomas “Tommy” Fears
May 12, 2015
James Thomas “Tommy” Fears, 63, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2015, in Atmore.
As a child Tommy attended Bethel Baptist Church in Flomaton. He was truly a musician at heart and marched to the beat of his own drum. Tommy loved the outdoors including fishing, hunting, camping and he had an unending love for Native American history and culture. He always said, “Being Native American was not just the color of your skin, it is a condition of the heart.”
He is survived by his daughter, Kayla Marie Fears of Atmore; son, James Daryl Fears of Pensacola; sister, Brenda (Donald) Sales of Century; brother, Charles (Betty) Fears of Monroeville; former wife of 20 years, Juanita Fears; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Friendship Holiness Church in Atmore.
Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory in Daphne, AL.
Henry Eugene O’Farrell
May 12, 2015
Henry Eugene O’Farrell, 87 of Davisville, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2015, in Pensacola. He was retired after 32 years as an instrument tech with Monsanto. He was born in Bratt on April 8, 1928, to the late John Henry and Lily Belle Wiggins O’Farrell. He served in the United States Army, and was a Korean War veteran. He was a lifetime member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ. He was also a member of the Walnut Hill Rutian Club and the Atmore VFW Post # 7016.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Esther McKinley O’Farrell; sisters, Estelle Hanks and Ethlene Gibson.
Survivors include one son, Kenneth G.( Dana) O’Farrell of Orange Beach, AL; two daughters, Cynthia O. Freeman of Walnut Hill and Barbara O. (Billy) Powell of LaPlace, LA; three brothers, Ellis (Julia Nell) O’Farrell of Bratt, Everette (Janice) O’Farrell of Oak Grove and Lamar (Joan) O’Farrell of Bratt; three sisters, Carolyn (Dalton) Morgan, Rita (Col. Charles) Lowery and Patricia O’Farrell, all of Bratt; four granddaughters, Kimberly O. Myers, Stephanie Rauch, Melanie Powell-St.John and Vickie Gage; one grandson, Nicholas O’Farrell; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brad Sullivan officiating.
Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery with military honors.
Family will receive friends, Friday evening May 15, 2015, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Nancy Edward Gauthier
May 12, 2015
Nancy Edward Gauthier, 81 of Pensacola, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015.
Nancy was born on September 5, 1933, in Flomaton, to the late James M. and Frances Edwards.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gauthier; and her parents.
Nancy is survived by her children, Eddie Birch, Mary Birch (Larry) Palmer, Kathy Birch (Donnie) Wilkinson, James Birch, and Angie Gauthier (John) LaButti; grandchildren, Shon Simpson, Dana Cop, Laura Simpson, and Chris Palmer; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Simpson, Justin Hinson, Elliott Copp, and Chance Mayne; brother, James Edwards; and sister, Peggy Bowman.
A gather of friends will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Melba Barry
May 12, 2015
Melba Barry, 86, a Pensacola native, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, May 8, 2015. Melba was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Barry; and her parents, Mamie and Ernest McLain; and brothers, John and Ernest, Jr.
Melba is survived by her five children, Robert Barry and wife, Betty of Ocala, FL, Delores and husband, Richard Simmons of Pensacola, Penny and husband, John Covotta of Pensacola, Michael Barry and wife, Laurie of Houston, TX, and Judy and husband, Roger Wade of Durham, NC.; four grandchildren, Michael Earl and wife, Tamara Barry, Kelly and husband, Eddie McLane, Kristyn Covotta; and Joshua Barry; six great-grandchildren, Meghan and Riley McLane, Emily, Ryan, Cameron and Aiden Barry; and her nephew, Donald and wife, Berniece McLain. Melba also leaves behind her loving dog, Karma, who enjoys potato chips as much as she did. Melba loved flower design, which she shared with her daughters. She was a member of Pensacola Garden Club as well as several neighborhood garden associations. Many of her arrangements were awarded ribbons of distinction.
As a member of Credit Professionals International, she held both state and local offices. She retired from Gayfers in January of 1992, after 27 years of service. She attended Little Flower Catholic Church in Myrtle Grove, St. Michael Catholic Church in Pensacola a d St. Mary Catholic Church in Brent. Melba was the instrumental guidance in sponsoring the development of the Memorial Rose Garden located beside Little Flower Church. She dedicated the initial first rose bush to her beloved husband, Bill, in remembrance of their 46 years of marriage. Melba especially enjoyed participating in St. Mary’s Joyful Noise Group and the Women’s Study Group. She was very active in each church community. Melba leaves not only a loving family but many friends. Her legacy to everyone is the sheer idea of never giving up on anyone (including one’s self) and to always love each other. She was truly loved in life and that love will continue in our hearts.
Family and friends alike were very aware of her attraction to “everything butterflies”. She once explained this as a life journey living in a cocoon and at death we are freed in the form of a butterfly to fly to our heavenly Father.
Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pensacola with Reverend Father Eugene Pathe as celebrant.
Burial was at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Robert Wilson Odom
May 12, 2015
Robert Wilson Odom, 68, of Jay, passed away on April 22, 2015, in Pensacola. Robert was born to Woodrow W. and Mary Alice (Elderidge) Odom.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Mary Alice Odom and two brothers.
He leaves behind a daughter, Erin DeRouin; son, Logan Odom; and four grandchildren. Robert also leaves behind life long best friends, Jerry and Judy Lacy; and cousin, Janice Weaver Miller; along with two brothers, Jimmy and Johnny Odom; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Wynona Wagner
May 12, 2015
Wynona Wagner, 89, of Pensacola, passed away May 7, 2015. She was born November 19, 1925, in Tonkawa, OK to Frank and Mildred Wilson. Because her father worked for an oil drilling company and followed the “oil booms”, she moved with her family eight times throughout Texas and New Mexico during her school years. Having acquired the lifelong skill of making friends, she truly never met a stranger and enjoyed a life filled with loving friendships.
She was an educator for 30 years in Odessa, Texas. In 2002, she moved to Pensacola to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Dan and Leslie Lovelace. She was also an avid crafter, painter, seamstress, quilter and ardent do-it-yourselfer. Her well remembered words, “I can make that” live on in her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, laughter, and generosity. She was an active member of the First Baptist Churches in Odessa and in Pensacola.
She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Willemin (Dan) Lovelace; granddaughter, Holly (Houston) Foster of Houston; grandson, Nathan (Candace) Lovelace of Mobile and five precious great-grandchildren, Helen, Heidi, and Harper Foster and Colt and Jake Lovelace.
Funeral services were held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Monday, May 11, 2015, with Brother Clain Roberts of Immanuel Baptist Church in Pace will be officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Billy Ray Lowery
May 12, 2015
Mr. Billy Ray Lowery, 75, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2015, in Monroeville, AL.
Mr. Lowery was a native of Milton, former resident of Bratt, and had resided in Jackson, AL, for the past 21 years. He was of the Protestant faith. His first wife, Louise Lowery and son, John Lowery, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, June Lowery of Jackson, AL; two sons, Barney (Renee) Lowery of Jackson and Jeremy (Leslie) Lowery of Pensacola; one step-son, Steve Farrell of LeRoy, AL; one step-daughter, Linda (Bubba) Smith of Mobile; one brother, Charles A. (Reita) Lowery of Bratt; one sister, Louise (Sonny) Fore of Flomaton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Burial was in the Godwin Cemetery.
Pallbearers were James Robinson, Alan Lowery, DeWayne Brown, Doug Williams, John (Big John) Davis and John (Little John) Davis.
Honorary pallbearers were Carl Madison, Vince Milstead, Todd Parker, Sammy Day and Darrell Fore.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Melba Satterwhite Anderson
May 12, 2015
Melba Satterwhite Anderson, age 81, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2015. Melba was born on November 28, 1933, in Mobile, to Hugh and Lucille Satterwhite. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Melba was a devoted wife of 56 years to Melvin Anderson. They enjoyed living a life on the river fishing, gardening and spending time with friends and family. Melba also loved reading, sun-bathing, and playing cards and board games with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her beauty, style and grace.
She is preceded in death by her son, Hugh Anderson.
She is survived by her son, Terry Anderson (Cathy); daughters, Laurie Funderburk (Rick) and Kimberly Flynn (Russell); grandchildren, Ricky Funderburk (Christin), Rachel Madril (Bryan), Terry Anderson Jr. (Jamie), Heather Madai (Alex), Ryan Funderburk (Carole), Kerrie Anderson, and Jenny Ard; great-grandchildren, Payton, Aidan, Jaylen, Kalli, Ali Grace, Berkley and Madylin; and special long time friends, Gary and Mel Turner, Allison, Danielle and Kait.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Health Center of Pensacola.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with Pastor Drayton Smith will officiating.
Burial was at Mobile Memorial Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is in charge of arrangements.