Skipworth Homers Again As The Wahoos Fall To The Barons
July 17, 2015
Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Kyle Skipworth keeps tagging the baseball out of the park, hitting an almost unbelievable five home runs in five games.
The 24-year-old also tied the Pensacola record by striking his sixth dinger in a month. Still, the Blue Wahoos lost, 4-2, Thursday to the Birmingham Barons at Region Field.
Pensacola third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean started a two-out rally in the sixth inning with a single to center. Skipworth followed his single by smashing a line drive over the center field wall to cut Birmingham’s lead, 3-2.
Skipworth now has six homers in eight games to lead Pensacola with eight homers this season and has 18 RBIs.
Barons designated hitter Brian Fletcher hit a solo homer in the eighth off of Pensacola closer Zack Weiss to pad Birmingham’s lead, 4-2.
Birmingham had gone ahead, 3-0, in the fourth when left fielder Marcus Lemon drove in two runs on a line drive single to centerfield.
Birmingham scored first in the third inning when third baseman Nick Delimonico singled to right field to score center fielder Keenyn Walker, who also singled.
In addition, Pensacola shortstop Zach Vincej went 2-4 and drove in a run to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. He is batting 15-36 or .417 during his streak.
Pensacola is now 11-9 in the second half of the Southern League season and is tied for first place in the South Division with the Mobile BayBears. The last time the Blue Wahoos were in first place this late in the season was July 22, 2012.
The Barons improved to 16-3 in the second half and lead the North Division by 6.5 games over the Montgomery Biscuits.
The Blue Wahoos return home to play the Jacksonville Suns July 20-21 and the Biloxi Shuckers July 22-26.
Rabid Fox Attacks North Escambia Resident; Health Officials Urge Caution
July 16, 2015
A rabid fox recently attacked a North Escambia resident, and that has health officials warning local residents to be on high alert.
The fox attacked the individual during the daylight hours in the Century area, and the individual killed the fox. The victim did undergo a series of rabies shots, according to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. Environmental health specialists collected tissue samples from the fox which were used by the state laboratory to confirm the presence of the rabies virus.
The health department won’t disclose exactly where the incident occurred, instead pointing out the entire area should take precautions.
“Since rabies can spread easily among wild animal populations, the risk of exposure cannot be confined to a single neighborhood or street. All residents should take every possible precaution to avoid contact with wild animals,” said Dr. John Lanza, the FDOH-Escambia director.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system. Without proper treatment, rabies can cause brain infection and death. Rabies is transmitted by a rabid animal by a bite, a scratch, or by contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. A series of “rabies shots” can protect a bite victim from developing the rabies infection, if given soon after the bite occurs.
“Rabies is a fatal infection but is preventable,” Lanza said. “It is important to not feed or pet wild and stray animals, to avoid animals that appear to be acting strangely, and to keep pets vaccinated against rabies. Persons who are bitten by a wild animal or an animal who has not been vaccinated against rabies should seek immediate medical care. Proper medical treatment of an animal bite can be life-saving.”
In Florida, raccoons, foxes, bats, and cats are the animals most frequently diagnosed with rabies. Other animals that are at high risk for rabies include dogs, bobcats, skunks, and otters. Because of their proximity to people, stray and unvaccinated cats and dogs pose a special risk.
- Individuals cannot always tell if an animal has rabies by looking at it. To against rabies, the health department recommends residents follow these steps:
- Teach your children not to go near wild and stray animals, and never keep them as pets.
- Vaccinate your dog, cat, ferret, or horse to protect against rabies. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.
- Do not feed your pets outside. The food may attract wild animals.
- Make sure your garbage is securely covered. Open garbage attracts wild and stray animals.
- Spay or neuter your pet to reduce its tendency to roam or fight.
- Do not let your pets roam freely or allow them to interact with wild or stray animals. Keep them in a fenced yard or on a leash at all times.
- Call Escambia County Animal Control, at (850) 595-0097, to remove stray animals from your neighborhood.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come into contact with people and pets.
- If your pet is bitten by another animal, immediately seek veterinary assistance for the animal and contact Escambia County Animal Control.
- If you are bitten by a wild animal, or by any animal that is acting strangely, seek medical care as soon as possible so that a physician can evaluate your risk of rabies infection and administer the rabies vaccine if appropriate.
DOH-Escambia’s Environmental Health division investigates animal bite reports, tests animals for rabies through the state laboratory, and orders animal quarantine as necessary. For more information, or to report an animal bite, contact the FDOH-Escambia Environmental Health office at (850) 595-6700 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.
Child Abuse Suspect Arrest
July 16, 2015
Pensacola Police have arrested a local man for lewd and lascivious behavior with a child.
The suspect – Albert Bramlet, 21 – was booked into the Escambia County Jail Thursday afternoon without bond.
(This updates a previous story in which Pensacola Police were searching for Bramlet and asking for the public’s help.)
High Heat Indexes Continue Into Weekend
July 16, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94.
Traffic: Pavement Testing On Highway 90 At Beulah Road
July 16, 2015
Drivers may encounter lane closures on U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) at the intersection of County Road 99 (Beulah Road) in Escambia County Thursday, July 16. Lane restrictions will be in effect from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. as crews perform pavement testing. Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling through the work zone.
Planned activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Town Of Century Holding Final Planned Budget Workshop Today
July 16, 2015
The Town of Century has one final planned budget workshop today to finish hammering out their 2015-2016 budget.
Their special council workshop meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Century Town Hall at 7995 North Century Boulevard.
Final approval for the budget will come in September, with Century’s 2015-2016 fiscal year beginning October 1. The Town of Century’s budget for the current fiscal year is $5.1 million.
Pictured: Century Street Department Director Larry Murphy (blue shirt) discusses his budget with council members (L-R) Ann Brooks, Sandra McMurray Jackson and Ben Boutwell, and (right) accountant Robert Hudson during a previous budget workshop. NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Clean Sweep Today In 9½ Mile Road Area
July 16, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Clean Sweep in the 9½ Mile Road area this morning.
The Clean Sweep will begin at the the Milestone Baptist Church at 3800 Pine Forest Road at 8:00. Volunteers are welcome.
The focus of “Operation Clean Sweep” is to work with Neighborhood Watch groups, residents, churches and business owners to control and prevent the damaging effects of criminal activity, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A traffic checkpoint will be conducted and the mounted unit, as always will be on hand to assist.
Gulf Power Crews Head To Birmingham To Restore Power Following Storms
July 16, 2015
A storm team of nearly 80 crew and support staff from Gulf Power along with 15 distribution line contractors departed Wednesday to help sister company Alabama Power restore power in the Birmingham. Alabama Power reported that 35,500 customers were without power in the state, including 23,700 in the Birmingham metro area.
Power has been restored to 60 percent of customers experiencing outages following severe storms that swept through the area Tuesday night around 8:00.
The Gulf Power crews will deploy from various company locations including Pensacola, Crestview and Chipley this afternoon.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by these storms in the Birmingham area,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We make every effort to respond as quickly as possible to unforeseen weather events. But this is what our crews do — restoring power and hope, whether right here at home or for our neighbors.”
Pictured: Gulf Power crews roll out of Pensacola on their way to Birmingham Wednesday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gymnastics Team Performs At The Library; Summer Reading Series Continues
July 16, 2015
The Pensacola State College youth gymnastics team flipped, tumbled and entertained during a display Wednesday at the Century Branch Library and Thursday morning at the Molino Branch Library.
The Summer Reading Series at the West Florida Library will continue as follows:
Magic with Russell Davis
This humorous magician uses tricks and comedy to encourage a love of reading.
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 23, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Superhero Wrap Up Party
Celebrate a super summer with crafts, face painting, snacks and prizes.
- Tuesday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 30, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
All programs are free for children of all ages.
Pictured: The Pensacola State College youth gymnastics team at the Century Branch Library Wednesday morning. Reader submitted photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera Running For U.S. Senate
July 16, 2015
Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera will retain his current office as he runs for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by presidential candidate and fellow South Florida Republican Marco Rubio.
Standing with his family, Lopez-Cantera formally announced his national aspirations Wednesday during a rally at All American Containers, a Miami company that has close ties to the Republican Party.
“As a family, we have decided that I’m running for the United States Senate,” Lopez-Cantera said to cheers of “Carlos” from supporters. “I’m running so that they can live in the kind of country that gave my Cuban immigrant family the blessings of liberty and freedom that only the United States of America offers.”
The long-awaited decision by Lopez-Cantera, a former state House majority leader from Coral Gables, has him joining Northeast Florida Congressman Ron DeSantis and Orlando businessman Todd Wilcox in the Republican primary.
Tampa Bay-area Congressman David Jolly and Northwest Florida Congressman Jeff Miller are reportedly also mulling the GOP primary contest.
Congressmen Patrick Murphy of Jupiter and Alan Grayson of Orlando are among those running for the seat on the Democratic side.
At this stage, the race doesn’t appear to have a clear front-runner. A Quinnipiac University poll last month showed that most Florida voters knew little about Grayson, Murphy, DeSantis and Lopez-Cantera.
Democrats were quick to try to paint Lopez-Cantera as a professional politician who has amassed personal wealth in various offices and who has done little since leaving the Miami-Dade County property appraisers office to become lieutenant governor in early 2014. Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant attacked his record in the Legislature.
“Lopez-Cantera supported cutting over a billion dollars from public schools and universities while hiking tuition,” Tant said in a prepared statement. “He voted to allow near-shore oil drilling and sponsored massive taxpayer handouts to some of Florida’s biggest corporations — including $3.2 billion Duke Energy fleeced from ratepayers. He whipped votes to pass a mandatory ultrasound bill, and even voiced enthusiastic support for bringing an Arizona-style immigration law to Florida, calling the measure ‘common sense.’ ”
Meanwhile, Lopez-Cantera also might have to overcome criticism from the far-right that he may not be conservative enough.
Ken Cuccinelli II, president of the Senate Conservatives Fund, sent out a release Monday declaring Lopez-Cantera a “liberal” Republican.
“Lopez-Cantera’s record includes supporting wasteful spending at the state level, in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, and former governor Charlie Crist’s budget that raised taxes by $2.2 billion,” Cuccinelli wrote to members in a “RINO alert” memo.
Lopez-Cantera said the Democratic attacks are a sign of concern about his candidacy. During a conference call with reporters Wednesday, he also defended his conservative record as an eight-year legislator and as lieutenant governor.
“I can actually print out legislation that I’ve passed that cuts taxes. I can actually print out legislation that I’ve passed that reduces the impact of government on people’s lives,” Lopez-Cantera said. “And these are conservative accomplishments.”
For good measure, Lopez-Cantera called Crist, the former Republican governor who unsuccessfully ran last year for the office as a Democrat, “a horrible governor.”
Lopez-Cantera also said that the campaign won’t interfere with his duties as lieutenant governor.
“Are you going to ask the congressmen who are running for this office the same question?” Lopez-Cantera asked.
When asked for a comment about Lopez-Cantera’s announcement Wednesday, John Tupps, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Scott, said in an email that “the Lt. Governor helps provide valuable insight on many important issues facing the state.”
Lopez-Cantera, who was born in Spain but is of Cuban descent, was tapped by Scott in January 2014 to fill what had grown into a 10-month void in the lieutenant governor’s office after the resignation of Jennifer Carroll.
Scott, who attended a ceremonial bill signing Wednesday in Jacksonville as Lopez-Cantera was on the South Florida stage announcing his senatorial plans, told reporters last week that any decision about remaining in the office was up to the lieutenant governor.
“That’s a decision he’ll make,” Scott told reporters.
Lopez-Cantera said he’s talked with his friend Rubio, but not brought up an endorsement.
“He’s kind of got a lot of his plate right now,” Lopez-Cantera said.
Lopez-Cantera begins the campaign with nearly $900,000 already in the bank through his Reform Washington super-PAC now being run by former state House speaker and Tallahassee lobbyist Dean Cannon and through a separate leadership PAC.
DeSantis, who is expected to receive support from national conservative groups such as the Club for Growth, the Senate Conservatives Fund and FreedomWorks, has nearly $1.1 million in his campaign account, according to the Federal Election Commission website.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida