Crestview Beats Northview (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2016
Playing up multiple classes proved to be difficult for the the 1A Northview Chiefs Friday night as they lost 70-0 on the road to the 6A Crestview Bulldogs.
Crestview jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 9:54 to go in the first quarter. And they scored again in the first with 7:22 to go, again in the first with 3:53 on the clock and ended the first quarter with a 28-0 lead. And while the first quarter was ugly, it only got uglier from there for the Northview Chiefs.
By halftime, the Chiefs were down 49-0.
Crestview cruised a little slower as the clock ran faster on the Mercy Rule in the second half. In the third Crestview had just two touchdowns and one in the forth for the 70-0 final.
Northview will be looking for a much better outcome next Friday night as the Escambia Academy Cougars head south from Canoe, AL, to take on the Chiefs in Bratt.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Amerson, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison As ‘Armed Career Criminal’
August 27, 2016
An Escambia County man is headed to prison on federal firearms charges.
Robert Lamar Gerald, 37, was sentenced Friday to 210 months in federal prison, after pleading guilty in April 2016 to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
In June 2015, an Escambia Country Sherriff’s deputy on patrol stopped the vehicle Gerald was driving. After the traffic stop, Gerald fled on foot and was apprehended after a brief chase. The search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9 millimeter pistol.
The indictment lists 14 prior state felony convictions for Gerald. As a previously convicted felon, Gerald is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Because his prior criminal record includes several violent felonies and drug offenses, Gerald qualifies for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.
This case resulted from investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gun Crime Response Team.
Santa Rosa Man Gets Federal Prison For Facebook Child Porn
August 27, 2016
A Santa Rosa County man was sentenced Friday on federal child pornography charges.
Winston D. Foster, 40, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, after pleading guilty in April 2016 to production and distribution of child pornography.
In January 2016, law enforcement agents became aware that Foster was communicating via Facebook with a 12-year-old child. These communications included Foster requesting the child perform and photograph sexually explicit acts and then send him the images. Foster also sent many sexually explicit images of himself to the child. In February 2016, a search warrant was executed at Foster’s residence, and agents seized his computers and cellular telephone. A forensic review of Foster’s electronic media revealed approximately 46 images of child pornography, of which approximately 33 were of the victim.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Wahoos Take Home Series Over Mobile With 3-2 Win
August 27, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos bats sprung back to life at just the right time in the bottom of the ninth inning.
After scoring one run on three hits in the first inning, Pensacola got just one more hit and trailed, 2-1, in their last at bat of the game.
But with two outs Blue Wahoos left fielder Phillip Ervin blistered a ground ball down the third base line to drive in Jeff Gelalich with the second run of the ninth inning for a 3-2 victory Friday over the Mobile BayBears in front of 4,299 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola extended its franchise record to 11 walk-offs this season.
Pensacola tied the game, 2-2, when Pensacola center fielder Jeff Gelalich hit a grounder to second base that forced out Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson at second for the second out. But Gelalich hustled to first and beat the throw and allowed Taylor Sparks to score the tying run.
With two out, it was Pensacola second baseman Alex Blandino, who extended the inning with a bloop single to left field, allowing Ervin to be the hero Friday.
“I was just trying to keep it going and give us a chance,” Blandino said. “We battled back today and all year we’ve shown resilience, which is a lot of fun for the fans and a lot of fun for us.”
The victory was a big one for Pensacola with just 10 games left in the season. Not only did they win the series to improve to 11-2 in series at home this season, but they remained just three games behind Southern League South Division leader Mississippi Braves, which has lost 10 of its last 14 games.
The Braves are 33-25, while Pensacola, the first half champions, are 31-29. The BayBears dropped to 30-29.
“That’s the way we played all year,” said Pensacola manager Pat Kelly. “We’re very gritty down to the last out and we’ve gotten clutch hits.”
Going into the end of the season, all of the players at the top of the Pensacola order are on a tear.
Blandino, the leadoff hitter, is hitting .316 in August after struggling all year. Ervin is hitting .294 over the last 10 games with a homer and three RBIs. No. 3 hitter and right fielder Sebastian Elizalde has a 12-game hit streak and is hitting .442 (23-52). Center fielder Brandon Dixon, hitting in the cleanup spot, has his own six game hit streak and is batting .459 in the last 10 games with six RBIs. And finally shortstop Zach Vincej has been one of the hottest hitters in the Southern League in the second half, hitting .370 in July and .285 since the All-Star break.
“We’re solid one through five every day,” Kelly said. “We have to just keep playing and giving someone a day off every day.”
Blandino said the team is taking a positive approach to the final two series of the season.
“We’re already in the playoffs but it definitely would have been a blow to lost that game and lose that series.”
Pensacola scored first when Vincej stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning and lifted a fly ball to short right field. But the speedy Ervin snuck past the catcher and threw his left hand back to touch home plate for the 1-0 Blue Wahoos lead.
John Omahen made his first start for Mobile since June 30 after spending July and August with Triple-A Reno. He gave up three hits and a run in the first and then retired 11 of the next 12 through the fourth inning and did not give up another hit or run.
The BayBears righty worked five innings and did walk three batters and strike out five in his outing.
The Mobile bullpen then kept Pensacola off the bases until the ninth.
Meanwhile, Nick Travieso worked five innings, too, as Pensacola’s starting pitcher. He gave up two runs in the fifth inning that put Mobile ahead, 2-1, when BayBears shortstop Domingo Leyba clobbered a two-run homer into the Hill-Kelly Dodge Hill also bringing home center fielder Evan Marzilli who leadoff with a walk. Travieso ended up giving two hits, four walks and striking out four.
The homer by Leyba gave Mobile its 100th home run of the season, which leads the Southern League.
Kenneth D. “Kenny” Sibbach
August 27, 2016
Kenneth D. “Kenny” Sibbach, age 52, of Pensacola, was called home August 26, 2016. He was born to the late George and Doris Sibbach, on August 23, 1964, in his hometown of Pensacola, FL. Kenny is fondly remembered as a devoted husband and family man. He was known as an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, camping, and especially boating. Kenny never knew a stranger and was a friend to many. He loved his trucking job and his truck, regardless of make or model. Kenny’s care and pride in his home, and work were shown in his relentless pursuit of order and cleanliness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Shirley Beaumont; and brother Samuel Earl Sibbach. Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Mary Catherine “Cathy” Sibbach; daughter, Cameron (Micaela) Eirby, of Fort Lewis, WA; son, Alex (Hannah) Sibbach, of Jacksonville, FL; grandson, Connor Green; granddaughter, Camdyn Green, both of Fort Lewis, WA; siblings Edward (Wanda) Sibbach, of Phoenix, AZ, Barbara (Mildred) Baker, Tommy Sibbach, Roger Sibbach, Dorothy (the late Tom) Pemberton, and Billy Sibbach; many nieces, nephews and close friends; and his cherished canine companion “Cocoa.”
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, from 12:00n, until the memorial service begins at 2:00pm. A private cremation is entrusted to Faith Chapel Crematory. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Kenny’s name to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, 15 South Franklin Street New Ulm, MN 56073.
Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Hedges, Tracie Hedges, Gregory Hedges, Bradley Hedges, Ronnie Olsen, and Mike Massey.
Ruth “Marie” Caro
August 27, 2016
Ruth “Marie” Caro, age 96, of Molino, was called home August 26, 2016. She was born July 25, 1920, to the late Charlie and Nora Denham, in Molino, FL. Marie was a long time member of Highland Baptist Church, and the Molino Historical Society. She was known for her love of travel and making friends all over the country.
Marie was a proud homemaker, American Red Cross and Sacred Heart Hospital volunteer.
She was predeceased by her cherished husband Albert; her brothers Bill Denham, Gail Denham, and her sister Betty Denham. Marie is survived by her daughters Annie (Lamar) Allen, of Pace, FL, and Linda (the late Albert) Rudd of Molino, FL; grandchildren Kay (Doug) Lisenbee, of Pace, FL, Keith (Wendy) Allen, of Pace, FL, Amy (Jason) Picheo, of Molino, FL, and Bryan Rudd also of Molino; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; her siblings Magariet Smith, June Weaver, Mary Ann Patrick, and Jimmie Denham; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be Monday, August 29, 2016, from 10:00am until the service begins at 11:00am, at Highland Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Highland Baptist Church Cemetery, in Molino. Rev. Brian Calhoun will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Keith Allen, Bryan Rudd, Jason Lisenbee, Douglas Lisenbee, Justin Hall and Seth Picheo.
Century Resident Jailed After Threatening To Kill Man With A Toy Gun
August 26, 2016
A Century man was jailed after allegedly threatening to kill another man with toy gun.
James Mitchell, 68, was charged with aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on bond.
The victim told deputies he was walking on Jefferson Avenue in front of Mitchell’s residence when Mitchell confronted him, pointed a black handgun and told the victim that he would kill him, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
When deputies made contact with Mitchell at his residence, they reported finding an empty firearm magazine in his pocket. Mitchell then became upset and accused the victim of stealing his air compressor. Mitchell told deputies that a firearm was in his residence “but anybody could have put it there”, an arrest report states.
Mitchell gave deputies consent to search his residence, which was condemned by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office after a January fire. A toy replica handgun was located in a bedroom dresser drawer.
Pictured above: James Mitchell. Pictured below: Mitchell’s residence was condemned after a January fire. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Scott Plans DC Trip To Urge Zika Funding
August 26, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott will travel to Washington, D.C. in early September, when Congress returns from its summer recess, to seek funding to fight the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
“During Congress’ vacation, we have identified 43 cases of locally acquired Zika in four Florida counties,” Scott said in a prepared statement Thursday. “The Zika virus demands immediate federal action and I will impress upon our congressional members the urgency to protect our residents and visitors.”
Scott intends to meet Sept. 6 with members of Congress, which is in a seven-week recess.
President Barack Obama early this year proposed spending $1.9 billion to address the Zika issue, but Congress could not agree on funding.
The Florida Department of Health on Thursday reported that in addition to the locally transmitted cases, there are 534 travel-related cases of Zika in the state. Travel-related cases stem from people bringing the disease into the state after being infected elsewhere. The state reported 11 new travel-related cases Thursday, with three in Miami-Dade County, two in Alachua County, two in Orange County, and one each in Duval, Monroe, Osceola and Polk counties.
Florida also has a total of 70 cases involving pregnant women. The virus is particularly dangerous to pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects. Much of the state’s focus on local transmissions have been on Miami’s Wynwood area and on an area in Miami Beach. However, this week cases of locally transmitted Zika were reported in Pinellas and Palm Beach counties.
by The News Service of Florida
Thursday Night Football Scores; Friday Night Lights Schedule
August 26, 2016
Here’s a look at Thursday night football scores and Friday night’s football schedule.
For live updates from select games tonight, follow @northescambia on Twitter, or like the NorthEscambia.com Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northescambia/.
And if you have football photos from any of the games, email news@northescambia.com on send on the social media pages above.
THURSDAY NIGHT
West Florida 28, Escambia 27
Baker 20, Northview 6 (JV)
Jay 34, Ernest Ward Middle School 8
FRIDAY NIGHT:
Northview at Crestview, 7 p.m.
Flomaton at Jay, 7 p.m.
Tate at Biloxi, 7 p.m.
Pensacola at Pine Forest, 7:30 p.m.
Milton at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
Escambia County (Atmore) at Wilcox Central, 7 p.m.
Escambia Academy (off week)
Opp at T.R. Miller
W.S. Neal at Tallassee (AL)
File photo.
Putting It On The Line – Lineworker Appreciation Day
August 26, 2016
Friday, Gulf Power and the State of Florida recognized the contributions and dedication of lineworkers during Lineworker Appreciation Day, a day set-aside by the state Legislature in 2012.
Gulf Power paid special tribute to almost 200 employees that work on the company’s 9,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines between Pensacola and Panama City, which serves more than 450,000 customers.
Over the past few years, the Pensacola area has endured an ice storm, a 500-year flood and most recently, severely damaging tornados. While most people seek shelter during these storms, Gulf Power lineworkers venture out into the dangerous elements, putting it all on the line to restore power, and hope.
Despite numerous safety precautions, these workers face dangerous conditions on a daily basis. It’s a job that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is one of the deadliest and most dangerous in the United States.
Yet, with all the known hazards of working with electricity, lineworkers are committed to keeping the energy flowing safely to homes and businesses no matter the conditions or weather.
One of those lineworkers, Demetric Washington, has worked seven years at Gulf Power as a distribution service and line technician.
Washington started working at Gulf Power in 2009 after having worked for Solutia for 10 years as a carpet operator. His first position with the energy company was working as a utility person.
After seven long years of training and preparation, he completed the apprentice phase in May and is now working as a journeyman.
Washington points out how seriously safety is taken in his line of work.
“In the work that we do everyday, it’s very necessary to be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” Washington said. “You could easily have an accident. I don’t ever want that on my conscious.”
In this extremely hazardous line of work, a family-oriented atmosphere seems to come with the job. It’s common to hear most lineworkers talk fondly about their teammates.
“I love the people I work with. Sometimes you’re working with them for 12 hours straight, and we have to travel together to help other utilities with major outages,” he said. “They become like extended family.”
Gulf Power crews have traveled more than 30 times since 2008 to help other utilities restore power to their customers.
Washington says he enjoys getting the call to help people, though. “When I’ve traveled to other areas in the country where people have been experiencing longer outages, and you can see on their faces how stressed out and miserable they are. I get to help those people.”
The worst damage Washington remembers seeing was the 2011 tornado in Tuscaloosa. “It basically looked like a scene out of a movie. I can remember booming up in the bucket and actually seeing the path that the tornado took. It was something I’ve never seen before in my life.”
Despite all the dangers and hardships, Washington says he wants to do this for a long time.
“The dangers of my job are always in the back of my mind, but the training I have been through the past seven years prepares me for what obstacles I may come across,” he said.
Washington’s wife Amanda, and their four children look forward to him returning home safely each and every day.