Summer Sun And Showers Today
August 24, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Northview High Seeks School Advisory Council Members
August 24, 2017
Northview High School is seeking volunteers for their 2017-2018 School Advisory Council. The council meets four times each year after school. Any interested parents and community members are asked to call (850) 327-6681 ext. 221 and let the school know of your interest to serve.
Quintette Pedestrian Accident Claims One Life; FHP Seeks Clues To Man’s Identity
August 24, 2017
CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY
A pedestrian accident early Thursday morning in the Quintette area has claimed one life., and the Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the victim’s identify.
The accident happened on East Quintette Road just off Highway 95A about 2 a.m.
According to FHP, a 2007 Toyota Cruiser driven by Trenton Rhodes was traveling west on Quintette Road when he struck a white male pedestrian that for an unknown reason was in the west bound lane. The pedestrian was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he later passed away.
The victim’s identity is unknown, and he FHP is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man.
The victim was walking on Quintette Road at 2 a.m. and is described as a white male between the ages of 25-30. He had black hair and was wearing black jeans and tan work boots. He had white cell phone and white ear phones. Anyone that might know his identity is asked to call the FHP at (850) 484-5000 or email davidtodd@flhsmv.gov.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
Reader Catches Wednesday Funnel Cloud Photos
August 24, 2017
A NorthEscambia.com reader submitted these photos showing an apparent funnel cloud near Butler Street and I-65 northeast of Atmore Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Mobile said radar showed no indication of rotation in the storms that were in that area at the time and that Wednesday’s environment was not conducive for tornadoes.
But based upon the photo and a detailed description from Mike Myrick, the photographer, the National Weather Service determined that this was likely a brief funnel cloud.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by Mike Myrick, click to enlarge.
What Do You Think? How Could Oil Spill Money Be Spent To Help Century?
August 24, 2017
The Town of Century is working on five project ideas to submit for possible funding from oil spill money through Triumph Gulf Coast…and they want to hear your ideas.
If you can’t make a planned meeting tonight, NorthEscambia.com is accepting ideas that we will present on your behalf. Email your ideas to news@northescambia.com or submit in the comment section below. It’s our effort to involve those in the governmental process that otherwise can’t attend the meeting.
The Century Town Council decided Monday night to hold a joint workshop with the Century Area Chamber of Commerce at 6:00 tonight to received project ideas from the chamber and the public. The council will then hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. to vote on five projects to submit to the county for possible funding.
Activities eligible for funding include ad valorem tax rate reductions, workforce skill development, local funding match requirements, public infrastructure projects, equipment and personnel for local disaster action plans, promotion of tourism and workforce and educational career development programs.
Editor’s note: Only serious ideas meeting basic criteria will be presented by NorthEscambia.com during the council’s public comment period. We can’t guarantee that every submitted idea will be presented, as our time may be limited by the council. The meetings are open to the public, and any member of the public may attend the meeting and present their ideas subject to council rules.
Escambia Fire Offering Free Smoke Detector Sign Ups At Elementary Open Houses
August 24, 2017
Escambia County Fire Rescue is partnering with the Escambia County School District to attend open house events for 12 local elementary schools, with a goal of promoting fire safety and the county’s free smoke detector program. ECFR firefighters and staff will be distributing information about the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to have a free smoke detector installed in their home.
Escambia County Fire Rescue will be attending open house events on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the following Escambia County schools:
- Blue Angels Elementary — K-2nd 5:00- 6:00 PM 3rd-5th 6:15 -7:15 PM
- C.A. Weis Elementary– 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- Ferry Pass Elementary — K-2nd 5:30-6:30 3rd-5th 6:00-6:30
- Jim Allen Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
- Longleaf Elementary — 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Montclair Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Oakcrest Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — K-2nd 5:30 – 6:15 3rd-5th 6:30 – 7:15
- Warrington Elementary — 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- West Pensacola Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
And on Thursday, September 15:
- Molino Park Elementary — 6:00-7:00 PM (general assembly begins at 5:30)
Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke detector cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
For more information, contact Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-475-5530 or fire@myescambia.com. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
Two Receive Minor Injuries In ATV Rollover Accident
August 24, 2017
Two people received minor injuries in an ATV rollover accident on Highway 4 in Century Wednesday afternoon. They were transported by private vehicle to an Atmore hospital. The 4 p.m. accident on West Highway 4 near Pleasant Hill Road is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Senator Wants To Legalize Fireworks In Florida
August 24, 2017
Sen. Greg Steube is again trying to light the fuse on a proposal to legalize fireworks sales to the general public in Florida. The Sarasota Republican’s proposal would end a decades-old prohibition on fireworks sales.
Many people have gotten around the ban by using loopholes that allow the purchase of fireworks for such things as frightening birds for agriculture-related reasons. Lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed to end the prohibition for years.
Steube filed the bill for the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January. He proposed an identical measure during the 2017 session, but it was not heard in committee.
by The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Take Series Lead Over The Generals
August 24, 2017
Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson admittedly has struggled at the plate this season but drilled a two-out, two-run double to left field to help the Blue Wahoos rally for a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning.
Hudson’s clutch hit and the Pensacola bullpen led the Blue Wahoos to a 9-3 victory Wednesday over the Jackson Generals at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola leads the series, 2-1.
Hudson knows hitting .177 is not what he wanted to do this season. But the 26-year-old catcher is 5-for-11, or .455, against the Generals pitching this year.
“Getting a hit is a blessing for a guy like me,” Hudson said. “Taking care of the pitchers is the main take away for me.”
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said Hudson’s average is deceiving.
“Joe has had some big hits for us,” he said. “He’s hit very well against Jackson.”
Jackson starter Frank Duncan was three outs shy of a nine-inning no-hitter in his last game against the Biloxi Shuckers. The big right hander then had a perfect game for 3.1 innings Wednesday against Pensacola.
“I was just hoping we didn’t get no-hit,” Kelly said.
That’s when the Blue Wahoos, trailing Jackson, 3-0, rallied for four runs in the fourth inning.
Pensacola center fielder broke up Duncan’s perfect game with a hard-hit line drive to center field. With the bases loaded and one out, first baseman Gavin LaValley smoked a grounder that bounced off the third base umpire, scoring Guerrero with Pensacola’s first run.
Blue Wahoos right fielder Aristides Aquino hit a bouncer to Jackson shortstop Galli Cribbs who tagged left fielder Josh VanMeter for the second out of the inning and fired to first but Aquino beat the throw. Senzel scored on the play and Pensacola trailed Jackson, 3-2.
With runners on first and second, Hudson doubled in both LaValley and Aquino to complete the comeback, giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead.
Jackson had jumped on Pensacola starter Austin Ross in the second inning, scoring three runs to go ahead, 3-0. It seemed like an insurmountable lead with Pensacola averaging 1.75 runs in its previous four games.
Ross is slowly returning to form after spending a month on the disabled list for shoulder tightness. In four starts the right hander has pitched 14.2 innings, allowed six earned runs, walked two for a 3.68 ERA and earned the win Wednesday. On the season, the 28-year-old improved to 8-0 with a 1.81 ERA, which leads the Southern League.
The franchise record is Tony Cingrani’s 2.12 ERA in Pensacola’s first season in 2012.
Kelly said he is still treating Ross as a rehab pitcher.
“We were concerned in that second inning about overextending him,” Kelly said. “His experience really helped out. He was one out away from finishing the fifth and getting the win.”
The first three Jackson batters reached base in the second inning when right fielder Kelly Dugan lined a single to center field. Jackson second baseman Vladimir Frias doubled off the wall in right center. And then, Generals shortstop Galli Cribbs, hitting 8th in the batting order and batting .197 on the season, doubled into the left field corner to score both Dugan and Frias. Cribbs then scored the third run for Jackson on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Emilio Bonifacio.
But relievers Robert Stock, Nefi Ogando and Andrew McKirahan combined to toss 4.1 scoreless innings on threeX hits, no walks and oneX strikeout.
Also leading Pensacola’s nine-run parade was Gavin LaValley, who had his first four-RBI game in Double-A, going 3-4 with a double and scoring a run. LaValley has three other four-RBI games in and a career high five RBIs on Sept. 4, 2016.
Additionally, Blue Wahoos center fielder Gabriel Guerrero increased his franchise record for hits to 131, going 2-5 with a double, run scored and RBI. Ryan LaMarre owned the record with 127 in 2012.
Hudson, who played for Pensacola last season, really wants another crack at playing in the playoffs.
“We’ve established a precedent of winning here in Pensacola,” Hudson said. “It’s hard playing regular season games when we know already we’re in the playoffs. Last year was a sour ending. I thought we were better than that Mississippi (Braves) team.”
Pensacola tied the Tennessee Smokies for the Southern League record of winning four straight halves. Tennessee did it from 2009 to 2011. The Blue Wahoos are in the hunt this season to win the Southern Division a fifth straight time at 28-30 and just 3.5 games behind the front-runner Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Kelly is already resting up his everyday players and arranging his rotation so Deck McGuire, Jose Lopez and Ross can pitch the first three games of the Southern Division playoffs.
“We’ve had a big turnover player wise, but we’ve had good pitching and play good defense. We haven’t been an offensive juggernaut any of the past three years.”
Boston Murder Suspect Arrested In Atmore
August 24, 2017
A man wanted for murder in Boston has been arrested in Atmore.
Andre Henderson, 34, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force as a fugitive from justice. Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit traveled to Atmore to take custody of Henderson. He was arrested on Bragg Street.
He was transported back to Boston where he will face arraignment in Dorchester District Court for murder.
Henderson was believed to have been in Atmore for a couple of months.
On Monday June 26, at about 6:27 p.m., officers from the Boston Police Department responded to a call for a person shot in the area of 1357 Blue Hill Avenue. When they arrived, officers located a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Jorrell Browne, 29, of Boston, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
“I want to commend my officers and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts which led to this arrest. This suspect thought he could avoid facing justice by hiding out of state – but you can’t escape the reach of the U.S. Marshals or the Boston Police Department,” Boston Police Commisioner