The Noiseguy Is Coming To Your Local Library This Week
July 11, 2017
Charlie Williams, “The Noiseguy” will be featured during the summer reading program this week at West Florida Library locations.
Williams is the Noiseguy, lord of the microphone. He adds a sonic character to reading, stories and animation. His sounds have been used for radio ads, TV commercials, cartoons and video games. He speaks fluent onomatopoeia and teaches kids to read out loud.
The Noiseguy will appear as follows:
- Wednesday, July 12, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, July 12, 3 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, July 13, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, July 13, 3 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Friday, July 14, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library (program at Big Lagoon Amphitheater)
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Top Chattanooga
July 11, 2017
In his fourth game with Pensacola, Nick Longhi knocked a high, deep game-winning three-run home run in the sixth inning that gave the Pensacola Blue Wahoos a, 3-2, victory Monday over the Chattanooga Lookouts in front of 3,689 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Te first baseman was happy to beat the Blue Wahoos nemesis. Pensacola, the first half South Division champions, are now 2-10 against Chattanooga, the first half North Division champions.
“I thought if it doesn’t get out, something’s wrong,” Longhi said. “I’m pretty excited about it. It feels great to do that in a new environment.”
Longhi came over from the Red Sox Double-A affiliate the Portland Sea Dogs where he had six homers, 33 RBIs and was hitting .262. He was ranked as the Red Sox’s ninth best prospect according to MLBPipeline.com. For Double-A Pensacola, he has one home run six RBIs and is batting .273.
Blue Wahoos manager Pat Kelly is excited about the Reds picking up Longhi, who he said is fitting in. Longhi admitted, too, that his new teammates have welcomed him. Kelly said he knew Longhi would be a good addition, after hearing about him play in high school in Venice.
“Nick is athletic enough he can play both left or right field,” Kelly said. “What a beautiful swing he’s got. He has always been a really good hitter.”
Besides Longhi’s clutch homer, Pensacola’s bullpen came through Monday. Blue Wahoos relievers Robert Stock, Carlos Gonzalez and Zack Weiss combined for five scoreless innings and didn’t allow a hit to Chattanooga, putting just two Lookouts on base on walks. The trio struck out five.
Stock pitched three innings, allowing one walk and striking out four, and improved to 5-1 with a 2.79 ERA this season for Pensacola.
“To me the key to the game was Robert Stock,” Kelly said, who also credited Gonzalez and Weiss. “That’s a nice one-two punch.”
Chattanooga threatened to tie the game in the eighth when shortstop Ryan Walker earned a leadoff walk, stole second base and reached third on a wild pitch with two outs. But Gonzalez struck out Andy Wilkins for his second K of the inning.
Pensacola started Rookie Davis, who made his second start for the Blue Wahoos after injuring his back and not playing for 47 days. The 24-year-old right hander, who started the season in the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation, didn’t allow a hit to Chattanooga through the first three innings.
However, Lookouts first baseman Andy Wilkins ripped a line drive to right field for a double to lead off the fourth inning. Chattanooga third baseman T.J. White came up next and ended a 4-30 slump with a long home run to left center, his fifth of the year, giving the Lookouts a 2-0 lead.
Davis worked four innings, gave up two runs on two hits, walked three and struck out two, and threw 71 pitches. He is 0-0 with a 5.00 ERA for Pensacola.
“I thought he struggled a little bit,” Kelly said of Davis, who is limited to 75 pitches by the organization. “He was battling himself which is part of the process of coming back.”
Davis admitted he was happy to be back playing in Pensacola, but was more critical of his performance than Kelly.
“I felt like I was fighting myself the whole game,” he said. “I know it’s only my second game back and I have to be patient with myself. I’m more critical on myself than I should be but to get back to where I want to be, I have to be hard on myself.”
For the Reds, Davis posted a 1-2 record with a 7.58 ERA in five starts and was sent down to the Triple-A Louisville Bats where he made two more starts before getting injured.
Amir Garrett, Sal Romano, Jackson Stephenson and Davis have all made their Major League debuts with the Reds this year after they all pitched in the Blue Wahoos starting rotation last year.
That comes as no surprise to Davis, who reported the 2016 Blue Wahoos rotation, including Nick Travieso, are good friends.
“It wasn’t surprising at all,” Davis said. “We knew it was just a matter of who would get there first. It was something we all knew was going to happen. A few of us thought it would happen last year. All camp, we were determined to make the club.”
Meanwhile, Chattanooga starting pitcher Dereck Rodriguez earned his first loss in five starts in Double-A, falling to 3-1 on the year with a 3.77 ERA. Rodriguez is the son of former Major League catcher Ivan Rodriguez, who was elected to the Hall of Fame this year.
Pensacola improved to 9-9 in the second half in the South Division and 49-39 overall. The Lookouts fell to 14-4 in the second half in the North Division and 56-32 on the season.
With 97 Percent Of Funding From Escambia County, Century Chamber Watching Budget Cuts
July 10, 2017
When 97 percent of your operating income is on the line, talk of Escambia County Commission budget cuts can be worrisome.
For months, board members of the Century Area Chamber of Commerce have pondered how to increase chamber income — for instance, gaining more paid memberships — and how they might react in the event their funding from the Escambia County Commission should be cut.
During the current fiscal year that ends September 30, the county provided a $55,000 allocation to the chamber, up from $40,000. The chamber anticipated just under $3,000 in additional income this year for a total budget income of $56,585.02, according to county documents. That’s just over 97 percent of funding from the county and just less than three percent otherwise.
With word from commissioners that outside agencies may be on the budget chopping block, there’s obvious concern at the Century Chamber.
So what exactly did tax payers get for their $55,000 this year? According to the chamber, their accomplishments included:
- 6-7 new chamber memberships
- Annual employment increased from 39 to 45 percent
- 4-10 business inquired about startups
- Graduation levels were increases 9 percent
- A 10 percent increase in the previous year’s 35 Century Welcome Center visitors.
- There were five job openings last year, until the announcement of 20 part-time jobs at a new bingo hall.
- There were four housing starts, until the EF-3 tornado destroyed a large number of homes, leasing to over 50 new housing starts
Last year’s $55,000 from Escambia County was used by the Century Chamber for an economic development coordinator, an office coordinator and attendance at economic development symposiums. The balance of the current fiscal year’s funds will used for marketing, website management and other professional services.
If funded again for the next fiscal year, the chamber plans to continue using the money for economic development and coordination efforts, to expand the attraction and retention of small businesses, enhance training opportunities and work with other economic development organizations to develop partnerships and opportunities.
The Century Chamber is planning a two-day, seven hour workshop weekend later this month to discuss how to grow the chamber and its future direction.
The Escambia County Commission will begin budget hearings on Tuesday, including a look at outside agencies.
Work To Begin Soon On Highway 168 Bridge Closed After Failed Inspection
July 10, 2017
Work should begin soon on a Highway 168 bridge that was closed in May 18 after failing an inspection.
Gulf Marine was the successful bidder on the project at $101,677. Once project paperwork is completed, work will likely start and completed in about 60 days. But a specific schedule from the contractor won’t be set until a purchase order is complete.
Meanwhile, the bridge over Reedy Creek on Highway 168 near Wawbeek Road remains closed. Drivers are detoured on Highway 4 via Raines Road to the east and North Highway 99 to the west.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Master Gardeners Assist Local Programs
July 10, 2017
The UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County Master Gardeners recently donated 435 plants totaling $2,175 to the local ARC Gateway Nursery Program. The Escambia County Master Gardener program is a volunteer-staffed, educational outreach of the Escambia County/University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. The program, specializing in home horticulture, supports local community development through educational presentations, demonstrations and clinics.
This donation will help the ARC Gateway Nursery provide quality plants while reducing a portion of its overall expenses. Both organizations share a common element to their respective missions, to improve the quality of life for those that they serve. The ARC Gateway Nursery provides life skills and independence training to disabled adults.
For more information on the Master Gardener program, or to request information on arranging a speaking engagement or demonstration garden tour, contact the Extension Center Master Gardener office at 850-475-5230.
More Showers And Thunderstorms
July 10, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87.
Cantonment Cowboys Football Registration Each Monday Evening
July 10, 2017
Cantonment Cowboys football is holding registration every Monday at the Cantonment Ballpark, 651 Well Line Road, from 5:30 until 7 p.m. The registration fee is $135 for ages 5-14. For more information, contact the Cantonment Cowboys on Facebook. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Waste Services Tech Named Safety Professional Of Year
July 10, 2017
Escambia County Waste Services Safety Technician Stanley Gray, OHST CET COSS, was selected as the “Safety Professional of the Year” by the Pensacola Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. The award is conveyed annually to recognize a safety professional who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the safety field.
Nominations Needed For Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
July 10, 2017
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the class of 2018. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to Florida agriculture. More information, nomination forms and a list of past inductees are available at FloridaAgHallofFame.org. Nominations must be submitted by September 1, 2017.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partners with the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation each year to recognize outstanding individuals nominated by Florida’s agricultural community. Inductees will be honored at the annual banquet during the Florida State Fair in February.
Nominations should be mailed to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame at 100 South Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, Fla. 33594; Phone 813-230-1918.
Blue Wahoos Drop to Chattanooga, 5-1
July 10, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to 1-10 this season against its nemesis, the Chattanooga Lookouts, which has the best record in the Southern League.
Chattanooga padded its lead in the eighth inning with two runs on a bases-loaded walk and bases-loaded wild pitch to continue its domination of Pensacola, winning, 5-1, in the opener of the four-game series Sunday in front of 3,778 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Lookouts improved to 14-3 in the second half in the North Division and 56-31 on the season, both of which lead the Southern League.
Pensacola dropped to 8-9 in the second half in the South Division and 48-39 overall.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Deck McGuire’s scoreless inning streak ended at 23.1 innings when Chattanooga first baseman Andy Wilkins doubled over the head of Blue Wahoos left fielder Tyler Goeddel in the third inning to drive in center fielder LaMonte Wade. The Lookouts took a 2-0 lead when third baseman T.J. White grounded out to shortstop, allowing DH Jonathan Rodriguez to score from third base.
Blue Wahoos McGuire gave up a double on a one hopper off the right field wall to Wade and a sizzling line drive single to center field to Rodriguez in the fifth inning. But the 6-foot-6 righty then got a strikeout and two fly outs to leave the Chattanooga runners stranded at second and third.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he liked that McGuire kept Chattanooga from scoring.
“I thought he battled,” Kelly said. “He didn’t have his best stuff. He gave up a lot of extra-base hits. But he kept them off the board and gave us a chance.”
McGuire earned the loss and is 8-6 this season with a 2.78 ERA. He gave up two runs on nine hits, including four doubles, and walked one.
Pensacola second baseman Shed Long drilled a line drive down the right field line for a triple that drove in DH Nick Longhi to cut Chattanooga’s lead to, 2-1, in the fifth inning.
But Chattanooga scored two runs in the eighth inning to go ahead, 4-1. The Lookouts White scored when Pensacola reliever Alex Powers walked No. 9 hitter, catcher Dan Rohlfing. The second run scored when Pensacola reliever Brennan Bernardino struck out shortstop Ryan Walker for the third out but the strikeout pitch skirted by Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Hudson, who had no play, allowing right fielder Max Murphy to score.
Kelly said that Chattanooga has just given Pensacola fits, sweeping them in the first five-game series.
“They are a really good team,” he said. “They have strong pitching, speed, power in the middle of the lineup. They got about everything you could want.”
Chattanooga Kohl Stewart, the Minnesota Twins first round selection in 2013, has not had a losing decision since April 24. He worked six innings Sunday, giving up one run on three hits and a walk and striking out six. At one point, he retired 10 Blue Wahoos in a row.
“He had good stuff,” Kelly said of the Minnesota Twins eighth ranked prospect. “He had late action on his fastball. We weren’t getting good swings on him.”