Flags At Half Staff To Honor Legacy Of Greg Evers
August 29, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags to half staff today as a symbol of respect for the memory of former State Senator Greg Evers and his service to Florida.
Evers was killed in a vehicle crash into a creek near Baker last week. His funeral is today in Milton.
He represented District 2 in the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2016. He also represented District 1, parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa Counties, in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2010. During his 15 years representing North Florida, he advocated for criminal justice reform and higher pay for state employees.
Train Blocks Access To Molino Neighborhood For Hours
August 29, 2017
A stopped CSX train had residents of one Molino neighborhood stuck with no way out late Monday afternoon.
Residents said the Fairground and Daffin Road crossings were blocked for a couple of hours just after 4 p.m. Monday. Until the train moved again about 6:40, residents of Daffin Road, Fairground Road, River Bend Road and Yuhasz Road were unable to get out of the their neighborhood.
Reader submitted photo by Jamie Caston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Name Players Of The Week
August 29, 2017
Northview High School has named players of the week from their 14-7 win over the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs.
Trent Peebles (#25 above) was named Dominator of the Week. He broke six tackles and carried two defenders 14 yards on a game-clinching run.
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Lance McLaughlin (#52 above) was named Defensive Player of the Week with 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss and one sack.
Aunterio Minor (#1 above) was named the Offensive Player of the Week with 17 rushes for 121 yards.
Hunter Spence (above) was named Special Teams Player of the Week with three punts and zero return yards.
Also, Hunter Breedlove was named the Scout Team Player of the Week.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
State Files Complaint Over Pensacola Greyhound Track Card Games
August 29, 2017
State gambling regulators have filed filed complaints alleging that Pensacola Greyhound Racing failed to comply with requirements for “designated player games”.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed the administrative complaint.
The games, in which a player acts as the “bank,” were at the center of a legal battle between the state and the Seminole Tribe. The battle focused on whether the wildly popular — and lucrative — games violated the tribal casinos’ “exclusive” rights to offer banked card games such as blackjack.
Scott and the Seminoles reached an agreement this summer after U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled in favor of the tribe.
In the July agreement, the state agreed to drop its appeal of the federal court decision and to take “aggressive enforcement action” against pari-mutuels that might be violating state law in the way they conduct designated-player games. State law requires players to “play against each other,” as opposed to playing against the “house,” which operates as a “bank.”
The agreement with the tribe also freed up $200 million in payments to the state, something lawmakers were eager to tap into, even though the deal took legislative leaders by surprise.
The complaint alleges that the Pensacola cardroom is operating a casino-type game, in which players are playing against a bank instead of each other.
Barry Richard, a lawyer who represents the Seminoles, said he met with Department of Business and Professional Regulation officials last week to discuss the settlement agreement.
“They informed us that they wanted us to know that they’ve already begun to enforce the law as Judge Hinkle interpreted,” Richard said in a telephone interview. “We have a high level of confidence they appear to be conscientiously and in good faith abiding by the settlement agreement and by Judge Hinkle’s decision.”
The settlement agreement focused on a portion of a 20-year gambling deal, called a “compact,” that expired in 2015. That portion of the deal gave exclusive rights to tribal casinos to operate banked card games, such as blackjack.
Under the 2010 deal, the tribe guaranteed $1 billion in payments to the state for the exclusive rights to offer the banked card games for five years.
The tribe sued the state when the agreement expired, accusing state gambling officials of breaching the compact by allowing improper designated-player games at horse and dog tracks and jai alai frontons.
Under Florida law, a “banking game” is defined as one “in which the house is a participant in the game, taking on players, paying winners, and collecting from losers or in which the cardroom establishes a bank against which participants play.”
Lawyers for the state argued that a player acting as the bank does not establish a bank within the meaning of the statute.
But Hinkle rejected that, writing that the second part of the definition describes a game banked by anyone, including a player.
“The essential feature of a ‘banked’ game is this: The bank pays the winners and collects from the losers,” he wrote.
In the November order, Hinkle focused in part on one cardroom’s requirement that potential designated players pass a background check and post a cash bond of $100,000 to act as the bank.
“The assertion that this game was just players competing against one another, without a ‘bank’ established by the facility, should have been a nonstarter. But the department assured the cardroom in writing that the game was compliant with Florida law. The assurance provided a ’safe harbor,’ protecting the facility from prosecution for conducting an illegal banked game,” Hinkle wrote.
The recent complaints did not specifically outline how the Pensacola games were illegal, but indicated that the “designated player” did not change, something referenced in Hinkle’s ruling.
The Pensacola Greyhound Track is owned by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore. A similar complaint has been filed against the Sarasota Kennel Club.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida with contributions by NorthEscambia.com
Wahoos Earn 400th Franchise Win
August 29, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos appear to have found a new closer with seven games left in the regular season. It is right hander Tanner Rainey whose fastball often breaks 100 mph.
Rainey earned his first Double-A save for the Blue Wahoos with his last three pitches all in triple digits as Pensacola snapped a four-game losing streak with a, 3-2, win Monday over the Mississippi Braves in front of 4,001 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The 24-year-old Rainey in his last two relief appearances has struck out seven of the eight outs and walked one. For the Blue Wahoos he has 23 strikeouts in 14 innings over 11 appearances with a 1.93 ERA.
The former West Alabama first baseman, who holds that school’s home run record with 19, also singled in his first professional at bat.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly was asked after the game if Rainey, in his third professional season, would be the Blue Wahoo’s closer.
“I think so,” Kelly said. “I liked what I saw. That’s impressive. He throws the ball hard and can swing the bat.”
The game also marked Pensacola starter Austin Ross looking back in form in his fifth start since spending a month on the DL with tightness in his throwing shoulder. He was limited to 14.2 innings over four starts but Monday the 28-year-old right hander cut loose with 93 pitches in 5.2 innings. He gave up two runs on seven hits and two walks with no strikeouts.
Ross is now 8-0 with a Southern League-leading 1.89 ERA.
“I’ve never been shut down during the year,” Ross said. “It was frustrating but at the same time it was the right thing to do. I knew I would have a decent amount of pitches. I wish I had gone deeper (than 5.2 innings.)”
Kelly also liked having the old Ross back in the rotation, especially with the playoffs approaching Sept. 6.
“This is the first time since he’s come back that he looked like he was his old self,” Kelly said.
Ross’s eighth win on the season was also Pensacola’s 400th win since its inaugural season in 2012. The club has 426 losses, posting winning records in only its last two seasons.
The Blue Wahoos first victory in franchise history occurred on opening day April 5, 2012 when they defeated the Montgomery Biscuits, 3-1. Pensacola third baseman Henry Alejandro Rodriguez, who drove in all three Blue Wahoos runs, smashed a two-run home run in the eighth inning off Montgomery reliever Frank De Los Santos for the victory. Pensacola reliever Justin Freeman earned the win and closer Donnie Joseph picked up the save.
“That’s cool,” Ross said. “It’s always good to be a part of something like that, especially with a class organization like Pensacola.”
To make a bid for the Southern League championship, Kelly said he needs other players to return to health like second baseman Shed Long, who is expected to start Tuesday after playing his last game Aug. 3.
Also third baseman Nick Senzel, the Cincinnati Reds top prospect, left the game Thursday after one at bat because he felt dizzy but he has yet to be cleared to play. Senzel had 10 home runs, 34 RBIs and a .340 batting average in half a season in Double-A.
Mississippi catcher Alex Jackson hit a bomb, his third homer for the Braves, to left field in the second inning to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.
Pensacola went ahead, 2-1, in the fourth inning. The first run scored with the bases loaded and one out when shortstop Blake Trahan hit a chopper to Mississippi third baseman Connor Joe, who dropped the ball, allowing first baseman Gavin LaValley to score. LaValley led off the fourth with a double, crushing a fly ball over the head of Mississippi center fielder Keith Curcio.
The second run in the fourth inning scored when Pensacola starting pitcher Austin Ross came up with the bases loaded and knocked in his third RBI of his career when center fielder Jonathan Reynoso scored. Ross hit a chopper that Braves first baseman Joey Meneses dove and caught and threw to second to get Trahan at second base for the second out of the inning.
Pensacola left fielder Gabriel Guerrero scored in the fifth inning when Aristides Aquino grounded out into a double play with the bases loaded and no outs to go ahead, 3-1.
Mississippi came back in the sixth inning when Jackson singled up the middle to drive in shortstop Dylan Moore to trail Pensacola, 3-2.
That’s when the Blue Wahoos turned to their bullpen. Zack Weiss threw 1.2 scoreless innings and didn’t allow a hit with walking one and striking out two. Then Rainey finished up the game.
The Blue Wahoos are guaranteed to be in the Southern League playoffs after winning the first half and are currently in fourth place at 29-34. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are in first at 35-28 in the Southern Division, six games ahead of Pensacola.
Douglas Ray Franklin
August 29, 2017
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, Doug Franklin, 59, gloriously passed away while surfing with his son on Pensacola Beach and his wife on shore. The Lord graciously took him home while doing the thing he loved most. A native to Pensacola, he was a charter member and faithful leader at Pine Summit Baptist Church. Doug lived selflessly and found great joy in doing for others. He worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hilliard “Wilton” Franklin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Toni Franklin; his daughters, Angie (James) DeStafney, Kristen (Brian) Bates and Sara Franklin; his son, Daniel (Vickie) Franklin; his 11 grandchildren, Avery, Tanner, Ella and Asher DeStafney; Katy, Samuel and Caroline Bates; and Liliana, Sofia, Josephine and Jon Gabriel Franklin; his mother, Joyce Orr; stepfather, Frank Orr; brothers, Gary (Susi) Franklin, Rick (Lesa) Franklin, and Rob (Julie) Franklin; many nieces, nephews and faithful friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017, at 4 p.m. at Pine Summit Baptist Church.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of these organizations: Samaritan’s Purse, Pine Summit Baptist Missions or Genes of Joy. Checks made payable to “Genes of Joy” care of Pine Summit Church, 2920 Bellview Ave., Pensacola, Florida 32526.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Cantonment Man Arrested On Meth Charge
August 28, 2017
A Cantonment man was arrested on meth charges after a traffic stop .
An Escambia County deputy pulled over a Nissan Altima on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road due to an improper sunscreen at the top of the windshield.
A records checked showed that 26-year old Garrett Thomas Renfrow’s driver’s license had was suspended. A K-9 unit responded and search Renfroe’s vehicle. During the search, deputies reporting finding a small clear bag with a substance that field test positive for methamphetamine.
Renfrow was charged with possession of methamphetamine and cited for the windshield sunscreen and driving with a suspended license.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Working Nearly Complete On $1 Million Killam Road Paving Project
August 28, 2017
Work is nearing completion on a $1 million project to pave Killam Road near Century.
The project included the design and paving of Killam Road from Highway 4A to State Line Road at the Alabama/Florida state line and drainage upgrades to prevent roadway flooding. According to Escambia County, the project is 80 percent complete with an anticipate completion date of September by contractor Site and Utility.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Tribal Beat Band, NHS Cheerleaders
August 28, 2017
For a bonus photo gallery of the Northview High School cheerleaders and Tribal Beat Band from Friday night, click here.
For a photo gallery of football action as Northview beat Blacksher, click here.
For a game recap story, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Showers
August 28, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.