Jeff Miller Receives Friend Of Farm Bureau Award
September 7, 2015
Congressman Jeff Miller received the Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau’s Friend of the Farm Bureau award at their annual meeting attended by over 250 people in Jay last week.
“Northwest Florida has a long and proud agricultural tradition that contributes significantly to our local economy. I thank the Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau for their hard work on behalf of our county’s farmers and farm families, and I look forward to our continued work together in support of the entire Northwest Florida agricultural community,” Miller said.
Jeff Miller Receives Friend Of Farm Bureau Award
Pictured: Santa Rosa Farm Bureau President Jerry Davis, Congressman Jeff Miller and Okaloosa Farm Bureau President Keith Free. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Make The Playoffs
September 7, 2015
The Blue Wahoos celebrated its first postseason appearance since the franchise began in 2012 on Sunday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium by jumping up and down and spraying champagne and beer all over each other and their coaches.
Pensacola did its part by eliminating the Mobile BayBears, 15-2, Sunday in front of 4,949 fans. The team then came out of the locker room and watched the ninth inning between the Mississippi Braves and Jacksonville Suns on the field on the ballpark’s giant video board in center field. The Suns defeated the Braves, 7-3, to eliminate Mississippi on the next to last day of the 2015 season.
The Blue Wahoos, who are 38-31 and the South Division second half champs, ended the longest drought of missing the playoffs by a Southern League Major League affiliate. The Cincinnati Reds last Double-A team to make the playoffs was Chattanooga in 2006.
The playoff appearance is extra special to Pensacola utility player Ray Chang, who hit .375 in May and .329 in June to help propel the Blue Wahoos in the second half. In Sunday’s game, Chang was 3-4 with a run scored and two RBIs and hit a check swing blooper to centerfield to score Pensacola third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean to put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 6-2, after five innings.
“It’s amazing,” said a drenched Chang, who joined the team in 2013. “I’ve never gotten the chance before. It’s unbelievable. It’s everything they said it would be.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly ran out of the dugout into the center of his players, who were chanting “PK” and lavished him with beer. They did that to all their coaches and athletic trainer, celebrating each time with just as much energy.
Kelly said this playoff appearance is one of his most cherished in his more than three decades of managerial experience. He could hardly contain his excitement about the Blue Wahoos being one of the few teams in Southern League history to go from last place in the first half to first place in the second half.
Last year, last place Chattanooga went 26-44 and then 35-33 in the North Division to make the playoffs. This year, Pensacola was 25-43 in the first half.
“I think so when you consider how far we’ve come,” Kelly said. “We basically had the same guys. We didn’t have a big turnover at the half. We just seemed to find a way.”
Pensacola starter Cody Reed was celebrating a division victory for the third time. He played on first half winners in the Kansas City Royals organization with both High-A Wilmington and Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
On Sunday, Reed settled down after giving up two unearned runs to Mobile in the first inning. Reed, who was part of Cincinnati’s trade with the Kansas City Royals for ace Johnny Cueto, retired the final 13 batters he faced and 14 of 15, including five strikeouts. In six innings of work, Reed allowed three hits, gave up two unearned runs, walked two and struck out nine. He improved to 6-2 with a 2.17 ERA this year.
“I looked at Pensacola’s record and was like, ‘Man, we got to win some games,’” said Reed, who pitched in front of his family and his girlfriend’s family Sunday. “This is the third time I’m celebrating. That’s awesome!”
One of the biggest reasons for the Blue Wahoos turn around in the second half was outfielder Jesse Winker, the Cincinnati Reds top prospect.
Pensacola right fielder Jesse Winker went 3-4 with two walks and two runs scored to lift his average to .282 and now has 400 career minor league hits.
Winker ranks fourth in the Southern League with a .316 average since the All-Star break. He has got on base in 57 of 63 games in the second half and leads the league with a .426 on-base percentage. He also leads the Blue Wahoos in almost every major statistical category, including home runs (13), runs-batted in (55) and batting average (.282).
Winker said every player on the Blue Wahoos wanted to extend the team’s season into the playoffs. Winker played on the High-A Bakersfield Blaze team last season that won the first half.
“We want to get in, that’s for sure,” Winker said. “It’s been a tale of two halves. I know that’s a cliché statement. But that’s why everyone gets to come back after the break. Seventy games is a lot of games.”
Pensacola plays the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday and Friday at MGM Park. Biloxi then moves to Pensacola for Saturday and, if needed, will play Sunday and Monday at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The Shuckers, which won the first half despite playing its first 54 games on the road.
The winner of the South Division then plays either the Twins Double-A affiliate Chattanooga Lookouts or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays affiliate the Montgomery Biscuits.
In Sunday’s game, the Blue Wahoos scored a season-high eight runs on six hits in the eighth inning, including a grand slam by catcher Yovan Gonzalez. It also set a season season-high with 15 runs.
In addition, Pensacola surpassed 300,000 fans for the fourth straight season. It now has a total attendance of 300,861 with one game left to play on Labor Day.
Kelly could hardly contain his excitement about the Blue Wahoos knocking out Mobile.
“It’s terrific for me since we knocked Mobile out,” Kelly said. “The second half has been so much fun. I kept thinking this was going to come together.”
The game didn’t start well for Pensacola. Mobile jumped in front, 2-0, in the first inning when BayBears right fielder Gabriel Guerrero smashed a single up the middle to score center fielder Evan Marzilli and shortstop Jack Reinheimer.
But then, it was all Pensacola, which scored the next 15 runs.
Mobile starter Braden Shipley, the Arizona Diamondbacks No. 2 prospect, seemed to get rattled when Cincinnati Reds and National League steals leader Billy Hamilton led off the bottom of the first inning with a line drive single to center field. Shipley made four pick off attempts on Hamilton.
Hamilton, who is in Pensacola to recover from injuring his right shoulder, went 2-4, walked twice, scored three times and stole a base — his 52nd career steal in Double-A. He last played for Pensacola in 2012 when he set the minor league stolen base record with 155.
In that first inning, Pensacola left fielder Phillip Ervin then lined a two-run, game-tying double to left field that skipped by Mobile’s Socrates Brito. Blue Wahoos third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean then laced a line drive down the right field line to score Ervin and put Pensacola ahead, 3-2. Pensacola would never trail in the game again.
“This is good for (Hamilton),” Kelly said. “He’s had a tough year in Cincinnati. It’s probably a relief for him to come and actually have some meaningful games. He got on base seven times in two days and got a chance to show what he can do.”
Kelly added that Earvin’s two-run double was the turning point in the game.
“To come back and score three right away was huge,” Kelly said. “If we don’t score there, it might be a different story after that.”
Murder Suspect Arrested After Standoff With Deputies
September 7, 2015
A suspect in an August murder was arrested Sunday after an eight hour standoff with deputies near Ferry Pass Elementary School.
Charles Boutwell, 23, was charged with homicide in the death of Dewayne Nason Silason. At approximately 9 a.m. on August 11th, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a shots fired disturbance at Hansel Street and Hollywood Avenue. Silas was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds.
About 9:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities caught up with Boutwell in the 2200 block of Forsyth Avenue. He ran inside a residence and refused to come out until the SWAT team arrived. Boutwell surrendered about 5:30 a.m. Sunday without incident and was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Gerial Martell Deloach, 22, was previously arrested and charged with homicide in the case.
Carlton Anderson Smith
September 7, 2015
Carlton Anderson Smith, 78, of Canoe, passed away September 5, 2015, at his residence. He was born on December 22, 1937, in Megargel, AL to the late Albert M. Smith and Lottie Chaudron Smith. He was a retired Airman Second Class from the United States Air Force. He is preceded in death by parents; siblings, James Marlon Smith, Albert Smith, Jr., Gracie Mae Smith and infant sisters, Linda Annette Smith, Alice Jeanette Smith; and his special pet, Little John. Carlton expressed his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ every day.
He is survived by his brothers, Jacob O. (Voncile) Smith, Sr. of Pensacola, Gary Smith of Atmore and Carl (Peggy) Smith of Uriah; sisters, Luverne Smith Evans of Brewton, Doris Lowery of Milton, Carolyn Smith (Justin D. Sr.) Garrettt of Canoe, Marie Smith Lyles of Bay Minette, and Ruby Smith Wilson of Perdido; numerous nieces, nephews and numerous family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 10, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Grindle officiating.
Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Julius C. Johnson-Rich
September 7, 2015
Julius C. Johnson-Rich, 23, of Cantonment, was called home to be with the Lord on August 31 2015.
Julius “Jay” is survived by his mother, Simone Rich; father, Julius “Caruso” Rich; brother, Justin Johnson-Rich; grandparents, Kathleen McKenzie, Lewis D. (Lana) Stainrod, Charles (Charlene) Ball and John (Loretta) Johnson; and god parents, Clinton (Carla) Floyd.
He was loved by many, all whom are heartbroken by this loss.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, September 5, 2015, at Ward’s Temple in Cantonment. Bishop Donice Brown, Sr. officiated the ceremony.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Fatal Drive-By Shooting Under Investigation
September 6, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal drive-by shooting Saturday night.
Deputies responded to the 2900 block of Michael Drive where they found a shooting victim, identified as 31-year old Shaun Flanagan. . Witnesses stated that the victim was outside in the yard when an unknown vehicle drove by and fired a weapon.
Flanagan was transported to a local area hospital and was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office said no suspects are in custody at this time. Further details are not being released.
World Renowned Organist’s Career Began At Molino Church
September 6, 2015
When Tom Helms, Jr. was a boy growing up in the Molino Methodist Church, he had dreams of the sounds of a pipe organ filling the sanctuary. That dream, and his love for pipe organ music, eventually took Helms around the globe where he is respected as one of top organ designers and organ players.
His musical resume is no less impressive than the resounding tones of the organ. He’s played venues across the globe, written ballets such as “Dracula”, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Little Mermaid”, and been featured on regional and national television.
But it all goes back to a very musical family in Molino.
“We were the the Von Trapps of Molino,” he said, referring to the family in The Sound of Music. “All of my siblings, the entire family, loved to sing and loved music.”
Helms grew up in the Molino Methodist Church and and was presented at the inception of Aldersgate United Methodist in 1965. During his teen years he played for the church and developed the music program for the church.
And, when visiting other large churches, heard and fell in love with the pipe organ.
“I could not get of the sound of the organ,” he said. He eventually taught himself how to play the grand instrument.
He went on to attend the University of Alabama studying and playing the organ. And playing Denny Chimes, the famous bell tower symbol of the University of Alabama. He then moved to Texas Christian University to continue his studies, and continuing to play.
Along the way, he began to design and build organs, completing four of the largest pipe organs built in the United States in the last 60 years…including one at Pensacola Christian College. He also restored the grand organ at Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre.
Helms never forgot his dream of an organ at Aldersgate in Molino, with his installation taking place in late 1991. His dream was realized when the organ was first played during morning worship on January 26, 1992. Dedicating the organ to Mrs. Hazel Matthews (member and long-time organist at Molino/Aldersgate Church) and William E. Helms, Sr. (his parental grandfather) Helms presented a recital on the new organ on February 16, 1992.
The Aldersgate organ may not be the grandest of them all, but it holds a special place in Helms’ heart. The electric console was built in 1949 and was being discarded by a church in Cleveland, OH. Helms acquired and reworked the console, which is constructed of solid walnut wood. The racks of pipes, the bellows and all the hundreds of parts that make it all work were a combination of parts built by Helms and vintage spares.
“It’s really quite simple,” he quipped as he sat down at the console. It’s just a bunch of keys and switches, but it’s not that hard to get something out that sounds good, instead of something that sounds like a bunch of cats fighting.” Those keys and switches and pedals all control the flow of air through hundreds of pipes. And in the case of the Aldersgate organ, many of those pipes are in room separated from the sanctuary by large shutters, allowing volume control.
As he played, the sounds ranged from a soft and subtle tone to a deep base that could rattle the pews.
“It is really one of the most thrilling and majestic musical instruments. The sound comes from all around. You hear it, you feel it.”
Helms presented a free recital Saturday night on the Aldersgate organ, a program he said was designed to inspire audience members to sing.
“If I inspire the audience, I’ve done my job,” he said.
Pictured top and top inset: Organist Tom Helms at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. Pictured bottom inset and below: Some of the hundreds of pipes that make up the organ that Helms built. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 6, 2015
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending September 3 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing and Land were on patrol aboard the offshore vessel Fincat. During one of the boardings, Officer Land discovered two undersized greater amberjack. After interviewing the subjects onboard, two individuals took responsibility for the fish. The violations were documented and turned over to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Tolbert and Jones responded to a citizen complaint of suspicious persons on the Eglin Reservation near Navarre. Officers found an adult male and an adult female who were camping on the reservation in a prohibited area. Officer Tolbert issued citations to both for no Eglin permits and for camping in an unauthorized area. Eglin Range Patrol issued written notices prohibiting them from returning to the reservation.
Officers Barnard and Hutchinson teamed up after receiving a complaint about a large buck in velvet that had been killed in the Milton area. They located a suspect and his girlfriend at their home and conducted interviews. Although reluctant to tell the truth initially, both suspects confessed to taking the buck illegally. They told the officers that they were returning home from fishing and had the girlfriend’s high-powered rifle with them. They observed two large bucks in a ditch alongside a clear-cut. The larger buck ran off out of sight, but the smaller one stopped within range of a small head lamp. The male subject shot the buck in the clear-cut and his girlfriend helped him pick it up and clean it. They turned over the head and cape of the 10‑point buck. Charges for taking deer at night with a gun and light and discharging a firearm from a public road were filed against the shooter.
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.
All Road Construction Remains On Hold Through Monday
September 6, 2015
Normal road construction activities in Florida will remain suspended for the Labor Day holiday through Monday on DOT) is suspending normal road construction activities on all major roads in Northwest Florida. There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions; all major roads will be open to normal traffic.
If an emergency situation occurs during the upcoming holiday weekend requires a lane closure, repairs will continue until that lane is reopened to the traveling public and all safety issues related to the traveling public have been addressed.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Pictured: Recent work to widen the I-10 exit ramps at Scenic Highway. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Youth Sports Hall Of Fame Members Inducted
September 6, 2015
The Cantonment Cowboys held an induction ceremony Saturday afternoon for their new Hall of Fame wall at the Cantonment Sportsplex on Well Line Road.
Gene Atkins, Morgan Fowler, Shaquille Purifoy, and Bud Norton were inducted onto the Hall of Fame.
Gene Atkins had a passion for coaching youth football and baseball. Atkins coached in both Atmore and Pensacola for over 45 years. He was widely known for his time working with youth in the 1960’s through 1980’s during his nearly 25 years living in Atmore.
Morgan Fowler was a cheerleader whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 12 from leukemia.
Shaquille Purifoy was known by his family, friends, coaches, teammates and others as the life of the party, the clown in the classroom, and the playmaker on the field. Shaq’s personality was larger than life. Many in the community considered him one of their own. He was a role model; one who set the example through his walk with the Lord which was evident in his everyday life. Shaq’s life was tragically cut short when he was shot while visiting his parents when home from college on June 14, 2014.
Bud Norton was a coach in the Escambia County area. He was a part of the Cantonment park in some capacity for more than 30 years, be it park president to having grand kids playing there. Bud is one reason why the park is still around today.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
