Mississippi Outlasts Pensacola, 2-1
May 25, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos loaded the bases in the seventh inning with one out. But the team’s best chance to pull off a come-from-behind victory over the Mississippi Braves fell short.
Mississippi reliever Evan Phillips entered the game and forced left fielder Tyler Goeddel to line out to the shortstop and second baseman Alex Blandino to ground out to third base. The Braves went on to win, 2-1, Wednesday at Trustmark Park.
Pensacola fell to 8-9 in one-run games this season and is 25-21 on the season in a tie for first place with the Biloxi Shuckers in the Southern League South Division. Mississippi evened its record at 23-23 and is in third place.
Pensacola scored in the top of the first inning when first baseman Eric Jagielo hit a two-out single to center field that drove in Goeddel to put the Blue Wahoos ahead, 1-0. The ballclub earned two of its four hits in that inning with the other hit by Blandino, who hit a sharp grounder that deflected off the shortstop’s glove into left field.
But Mississippi came right back in the bottom of the first inning with back-to-back home runs by center fielder Ronald Acuna and third baseman Travis Demeritte off Pensacola ace Tyler Mahle. It was Acuna’s third homer with Mississippi and Demeritte’s seventh.
Neither team would score the rest of the way.
Mahle picked up his second consecutive loss, falling to 5-2, with a 1.72 ERA. The 22-year-old right-hander pitched six innings and gave up two runs on five hits, while walking one and striking out five.
Domingo Tapia relieved Mahle and threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, no walks and striking out three.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Mississippi starter Mike Soroka improved to 5-3 with a 2.96 ERA. The first-round pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 pitched 5.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits, walked two and struck out a career-high 10.
The Braves bullpen pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, allowed one hit, four walks and struck out three Pensacola batters. Pensacola hitters struck out 13 times in Wednesday’s game.
Pensacola, which leads the Southern League with a 2.70 ERA, added another arm to its pitching staff Wednesday when the Cincinnati Reds promoted High-A Daytona Tortugas righty Robert Stock. Blue Wahoos catcher Garrett Boulware was returned to Daytona.
Scott Vetoes Bill To Tear Down ‘Liquor Wall’
May 25, 2017
Pointing to concerns about preserving small-business jobs, Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday vetoed a heavily debated and lobbied measure that supporters said would repeal a relic of the nation’s emergence from Prohibition.
The so called “liquor wall” law, which requires hard spirits to be sold in separate facilities from most retail goods, will remain in place after Scott’s veto of the repeal bill. The veto was a victory for independent liquor-store owners, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Publix Super Markets, which fought the bill during the legislative session that ended May 8.
Scott’s decision on the proposal (SB 106) also ends for now the noisy legislative battles about the issue. Supporters of eliminating the law, including retailers Target, Costco and Walmart, argued that a repeal would promote free markets and customer convenience.
“We have made tremendous progress in the last four years, and there is a clear momentum in Florida for this common-sense approach to liquor sales,” said Michael Williams, a spokesman for the group Floridians for Fair Business Practices, which supported the repeal. “While Governor Scott ultimately chose to veto Senate Bill 106, we look forward to working with state leaders in the future to finally put an end to this outdated, Prohibition-era law.”
Scott, in a letter accompanying his first vetoed bill of the year, said the proposal’s impact on small businesses outweighed his desire to further cut regulations.
“I carefully reviewed this bill and I have met with stakeholders on both sides,” Scott said. “I listened closely to what they had to say and I understand that both positions have merit. Nevertheless, I have heard concerns as to how this bill could affect many small businesses across Florida. I was a small business owner and many locally owned businesses have told me how this bill will impact their families and their ability to create jobs.”
Opponents of the bill argued that a repeal would hurt small liquor stores, eliminate jobs, result in a greater ability for minors to get liquor and lead to more impulse-buying of alcohol.
“We applaud Governor Scott for saving hundreds of Florida small businesses that employ thousands of Floridians, while at the same time keeping safeguards in place for minors,” ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Chief Executive Officer and President Charles Bailes said in a prepared statement.
Along with the independent liquor stores, Publix has been involved because it operates stand-alone liquor stores in many of the same shopping centers as its grocery stores. Meanwhile, retailers such as Target and Walmart — battling online sales — have been looking to sell liquor in the same stores where shoppers pick up groceries and other goods.
The bill was highly controversial, passing the Senate in a 21-17 vote and the House by a 58-57 margin.
Members of the Florida Independent Spirits Association, which also opposed the repeal, mobilized after the bill received final legislative approval April 26.
“More than 1,000 letters and 3,000 petitions from around the state were delivered to the governor with the message that vetoing this bill would save our Florida small retailers and jobs that help our local economies,” Florida Independent Spirits Association President Rory Eggers said in a release thanking Scott.
In addition to repealing the Depression-era law, the bill would have prohibited new package stores from being licensed within 1,000 feet of schools; required small bottles, 6.8 ounces or less, to be displayed only behind the counter; and required that checkout clerks under the age of 18 be supervised by people 18 or older when alcohol is purchased.
To help Publix with its existing leases, the bill would have staggered the repeal, limiting the percentage of liquor that could have been stocked in chain stores over a four-year period.
Scott had until Wednesday to act on the bill. As the deadline approached, he offered little as to what he would do.
Scott on Tuesday scheduled a telephone call with Walmart President and CEO Greg Foran and a meeting at the Capitol with Bailes of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.
Bailes said after his meeting he had no indication how Scott would handle the bill.
“I think he’ll do the best thing for the state,” Bailes said. “He gave me the opportunity to state what our position is, which hasn’t changed, and he was very gracious about it.”
On Wednesday, Scott attended the summer board meeting for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, which was part of the coalition pushing to tear down the wall.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pictured: A separate liquor store next to the Publix in University Town Center on West Nine Mile Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Student Grows Giant Cabbage
May 25, 2017
Savannah Hudson, who just finished the third grade at Byrneville Elementary School, is participating in the Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program. Her cabbage weighs 17.5 pounds.
Bonnie Plants’ program originated to get more students interested in gardening. Bonnie Plants passes out cabbages to third graders with the students asked to grow and care for the plants. At harvest time, students can send a picture along with the weight to Bonnie Plants where they are entered into a $1,000 scholarship contest.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Michael John McKenzie
May 25, 2017
Michael John McKenzie, 29 of Atmore, AL, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Atmore. He was a warehouse worker with PCI. He was born in Mobile, AL, on September 25, 1987, to Troy Francis and Tammy Lynam McKenzie. He is preceded in death by his father, Troy Francis McKenzie; brother, William McKenzie; and cousin, Timothy “Gooley” Hayes, Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Jessica McIlwain McKenzie; mother, Tammy (Chris Burklund) McKenzie; grandmother, Bonnie Brown; step-father, Skeeter Crochet, Sr.; children, Shawn, Hunter, Hailey and Kailey McKenzie; brothers, Stephen (Dana) McKenzie, Nathan “Lil Shane” Powell and Skeeter “Bug” Crochet, Jr; one sister, Ashely McKenzie; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Services were held Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Malcom Harrelson and Bro. Keith Lisenby officiating.
Active pallbearers were Randall Morris, James Smith III, Sketter Crohett, Billy Griffis, Keith Brown, Rudy Lynam, Justin McGhee, and Lance Hodges.
Honorary pallbearers Shane Ward, Terall Boutwell and Jerry Smith.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Dennis Scott Perritt
May 25, 2017
Dennis Scott Perritt, 54, of McDavid, FL passed away May 19, 2017, in Pensacola, FL. He was born on March 7, 1963 in Milton, FL.
He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Etheleen and Thomas Weekley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth H. Perritt of McDavid, FL; two sons, Gregory (Danielle) Perritt of Molino, FL; Jason Perritt of McDavid, FL; one daughter, Sarah Perritt of McDavid, FL; one grandson, Scout Perritt; two brothers, Jeff (Elaine) Perritt of Jay, FL and Barry (Melanie) Perritt of Pace, FL; his father, Joe Perritt of Pace, FL. His Aunt Carol Perritt was particularly special to him, as was a host of nieces, nephews, and all of his extended family.
Scott was employed with Alabama Power Company as a Fleet Technician for many years, and was well known and respected throughout the company. He leaves behind a large work family who will miss his heart of service and his quick wit.
A memorial service was held Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Stephen Houser officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northview High Scott NJROTC, the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dottie Hayes Burdick
May 25, 2017
Dottie Hayes Burdick, 92 of Atmore, AL, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Atmore. She was a homemaker. She was born in Monroe County on July 7, 1924, to the late Riley and Grace David Hayes.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph Burdick; and one son, Donald Hadley; 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her daughter, Imogene Boyington of Atmore; one sister, Gracie Mae Keymon of TN; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great-grandchildren and four great-great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jimmie Boyington, J.D. Boyington, Dustin Boyington, Billy Jr. Davis, Ashley Salter and Joe Smith.
Honorary pallbearer was Logan Dale Reeve.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Margaret Ann Mayo Bryan
May 25, 2017
Mrs. Margaret Ann Mayo Bryan, 87, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Jay, Florida.
Mrs. Bryan was a native of Century, FL and has resided in Poplar Dell, FL for the past 68 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her son, Fred Bryan.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, W.A. Bryan of Poplar Dell, FL; one son, Bill (Jeri) Bryan of Cabot, AR; one daughter, Ann (Bill) Baker of Sarasota, FL; one sister, Claire Westmark of Pensacola, FL; two grandchildren, Greg Bryan and Meredith Baker; and three great-grandchildren, Chris, Haden and Caitlin.
Memorial services were held Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Mitch Herring officiating.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Molino Man Charged With Battery Of Pregnant Girlfriend
May 24, 2017
A Molino man has been accused battery on his pregnant girlfriend, who is the mother of his four other children.
Kendall Rashad Kennedy, 27, allegedly went to his girlfriend’s home and used his arm to hold her against a wall and choke her. The victim told deputies that the two began to argue over dinner when he pinned her against the wall and began slapping her in the face. The victim told deputies that Kennedy was fully aware that she was nine months pregnant.
The victim refused treatment by Escambia County EMS. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Amtrak’s Return To The Area In Jeopardy
May 24, 2017
President Donald Trump’s budget proposal released Tuesday would eliminate all Amtrak service in Florida and end ongoing efforts to restore service in Florida’s Panhandle and along the Gulf Coast. The proposal cuts funding for Amtrak’s long-distance routes, which includes all three routes in Florida.
“This just doesn’t make sense,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). “Eliminating Amtrak service in Florida not only affects the nearly one million Floridians who ride the train each year, it would have a real impact on our tourism-driven economy by making it harder for folks to come visit our state.”
The Gulf Coast Rail Service Working Group was established by the FAST Act in December 2015 to evaluate the restoration of rail passenger service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida. The previously-existing passenger rail service was stopped prior to Hurricane Katrina. Damage to the route has been repaired and freight service was restored, but the passenger rail service has not been restored.
In February 2016, a Amtrak inspection train across the Gulf Coast made stops at several location on the Gulf Coast, including Atmore and Pensacola. The train was packed with Amtrak officials, local officials and VIPs and the media to gauge the reaction to the possible return of rail service to the Gulf Coast.
Pictured top: An Amtrak inspection train rolls into Pensacola in February 2016. Pictured inset and below: The train also made a stop in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Clear, Cooler Tonight
May 24, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 62. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Memorial Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.