Wahoos Top Braves

July 15, 2017

Pensacola Blue Wahoos left fielder Tyler Goeddel smacked a double into the left field corner to score shortstop Blake Trahan for the first walk-off hit in his six-year professional career.

The run gave Pensacola a 2-1 victory Friday over the Mississippi Braves in front of 4,221 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The five-game series is tied, 1-1.

“That was nice,” Goeddel admitted, as his teammates mobbed him at second base. ”My previous at bat, he attacked me with a lot of fastballs. I wanted to be aggressive early in the count.”

Goeddel ripped the ball into the left field corner where Mississippi’s Tyler Neslony picked it up and rocketed it to the cutoff man who dropped the ball allowing Trahan to score from first base. It was the Blue Wahoos fourth walk-off this season.

Goeddel has been the batter Pensacola wants at the plate with the game on the line. He drilled a double to center field Tuesday against the Chattanooga Lookouts that propelled the Blue Wahoos to victory. The next day the 24-year-old smoked a line drive over the left field wall to tie the score, 3-3, to lead off the seventh inning. It was his fifth homer of the season.

He has seen his batting average plummet from a high of .292 to a low of .247 in the opener of the five-game series Thursday against Mississippi. Despite going 9-45 in July and 5-33 in his last 10 games, Goeddel said he feels comfortable at the plate. That would explain his two home runs and seven RBIs this month.

“This is the first slump in my life where I still feel good at the plate,” Goeddel said. “I’m just missing pitches. I hope to get a nice streak to finish (the season) off.”

Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said Goeddel was one of the best hitters in the Southern League two years ago when he played for the Montgomery Biscuits, hitting 12 homers, driving in 72 RBIs and batting .279. Last year, Goeddel played 92 games with the Philadelphia Phillies and hit .192 in 213 at bats.

“Tyler is a good hitter,” Kelly said. “He’s been going through a tough stretch…but got that big hit tonight.”

Pensacola right-hander Jesus Reyes also came through for the Blue Wahoos Friday in his first Double-A start. The 24-year-old Dominican worked five scoreless innings, allowed two hits, walked two and struck out five.

In 15 starts this season for the High-A Daytona Tortugas, he compiled a 6-5 record and 3.78 ERA. This month, Reyes was 0-2 for the Tortugas but posted a 2.13 ERA.

“I was really impressed,” Kelly said. “His first time out in Double-A, I thought he would be a little anxious and nervous. But he had a good three-pitch mix.”

Mississippi threatened to blow the game wide open in the eighth inning when it loaded the bases with no outs against Pensacola middle reliever Robert Stock. However, Stock got Braves third baseman Austin Riley to ground out into a double play. Mississippi center fielder Steven Gaylor, who lead off the inning with a ground ball past the second baseman into center field, scored to knot the game, 1-1. Stock then struck out first baseman Joey Meneses, who entered the game hitting .298, to end the inning.

“To get out with one run, that was super,” Kelly said.

Pensacola went ahead, 1-0, in the fifth inning when catcher Joe Hudson scored on third baseman Nick Senzel’s chopper to third base that didn’t draw a throw and was ruled a single. Senzel, that MLBPipeline.com ranks as the Cincinnati Reds top prospect, extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

Although Mississippi left-handed starter Tyler Pike walked seven batters, he had not allowed a base hit until Trahan laced a single to left field in the fifth inning. Pike walked a career-high eight in 2.1 innings against the Chattanooga Lookouts in his June 28 start.

Trahan went 3-4 in the game and scored the winning run. Kelly said Trahan has worked hard on his hitting with Cincinnati Reds roving instructors Hall of Famer Barry Larkin and Eric Davis. The 23-year-old is batting a career-low .218.

“Blake did a really good job,” Kelly said. “I’m pleased he took what he learned into the game.”

Pensacola evened its record at 11-11 in the second half. The South Division first half champions are 51-41 overall. Mississippi is 5-16 in the second half and 39-52 overall.

Found: Woman Mysteriously Disappears Near Century

July 14, 2017

UPDATE: A woman missing in the woods near Century was found Friday morning in “good” physical condition.

Tiffaney Brooke Daugherty suffered cuts and scrapes. She was found by searchers very near where she was last seen entering the wooded area, according to the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office. She was being transported to an Alabama hospital for evaluation.

There was no word on why she exited her vehicle and entered the heavily wooded area Thursday night;

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Authorities in two states are searching for a woman they say left her vehicle and ran into a wooded area and disappeared Thursday night near Century.

Tiffaney Brooke Daugherty, age 33 of Flomaton, jumped out of her vehicle, leaving behind her two small children, near the intersection of Fannie Road and Carnley Road Thursday night. That’s just northeast of Century in Florida, less than a half mile south of the Alabama/Florida State line.

She had pulled up at a pipeline construction site. A construction worker watched as she entered the wooded area and alerted authorities about 30 minutes later when he realized she had not returned.

Authorities from Alabama and Florida searched the area, described as heavily wooded and swampy, for hours Thursday night. They were still on scene at 1  a.m. Friday, with plans to break for a few hours and return after sunrise. The search included a K-9 Unit from the Century Correctional Institution and a helicopter equipped with a night-vision system. All of the searches were unsuccessful in locating anything but her flip-flops, according to Mike Lambert, chief deputy of the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office.

Daughtery is described as a white female, 5-foot 5-inches tall, about 115 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black shorts with a pink-flowered shirt and is believed to now be barefoot.

Lambert said there was no indication whey Daughtery would have acted in such a manner. He said she is popular hair stylist with no criminal history and no history of drug or substance abuse.

Anyone with any information on her whereabouts or any tip as why the incident might have occurred is asked to call their law enforcement agency, the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office at (251) 809-0741 or 911.

K-9 Catches Armed Robbery Suspect Red Handed

July 14, 2017

An armed robbery suspect was caught red-handed Wednesday by an Escambia County K-9.

According to investigators, 28-year old Nicholas Anthony Imperial walked into the Smart Fill convenience store  about 8:30 p.m. He was wearing a scarf around his face as he pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money. When deputies arrived on scene,  they used K-9 Django to help track the suspect.

The K-9 found Imperial hiding behind the Maxwell Apartments, they also found the gun he used and the stolen cash. Imperial was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapon, use or display of weapon during a felony, and wearing a mask or hood during an armed robbery. He was being held in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $55,000.

Chiefs End ‘Turbulent Thursday’ With Trip To NAS Museum

July 14, 2017

The Northview Chiefs capped off a great week of workouts with “Turbulent Thursday” with a trip to the Naval Air Museum. The players learned about the history of aviation and the military, the Blue Angels and more. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Pensacola Airport Shows Record Traffic

July 14, 2017

Pensacola International Airport had an all-time monthly record number of passengers in June, with a total of 162,618 individuals arriving and departing the facility.

“We appreciate the record number of travelers who made Pensacola International Airport their airport of choice last month,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “We continue to elevate the airport experience for our guests, with new routes, and exciting amenities,” Hayward said. “As a gateway that connects our diverse City to the rest of the world, Pensacola International is a powerful economic engine for our City and the region.”

June passenger totals for the past five years are as follows:

2017: 162,618
2016: 151,450
2015: 155,045
2014: 149,402
2013: 145,632
2012: 143,655

Plane Slows Cantonment Traffic

July 14, 2017

Sometimes you never know what will slow traffic in Cantonment. On Thursday, it was this movement of what we are told is the fuselage of a C-130 military transport aircraft seen on Highway 29 and on Muscogee Road. There was no word on the plane’s destination. Reader photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Committee Of The Whole Budget Workshop Rescheduled For Tuesday

July 14, 2017

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will continue its review of the 2017-2018 Proposed Fiscal Year Budget on Tuesday, July 18 at 9 a.m. This will take place during the regularly scheduled Agenda Review Meeting held in the Board Chambers at 221 Palafox Place. The agenda for the Committee of the Whole Budget Workshop can be found here.

Tuesday’s meeting replaces the previously scheduled meeting for Friday, July 14 at 9 a.m. It is a continuation of the meetings held July 11-14. Click here to view the agenda.

50 Percent Chance Of More Rain

July 14, 2017

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Triumph Gulf Coast Holds Organizational Meeting

July 14, 2017

Former House Speaker Allan Bense on Thursday kept the position of chairman of the non-profit organization Triumph Gulf Coast as it starts to oversee how BP oil-spill settlement money is spent across the Panhandle.

But in January, the Panama City Republican will be replaced in the chairmanship by former Senate President Don Gaetz, who was chosen Thursday as vice chairman of the board. The unanimous appointments for both were part of the organization’s first meeting since lawmakers approved funding for Triumph Gulf Coast in measures signed into law (HB 7077, HB 7079) by Gov. Rick Scott last month.

The board is in charge of determining how to use 75 percent of the $2 billion Florida will get from the settlement related to the impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The money going through Triumph Gulf Coast is for eight counties: Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla and Walton. The legislation set minimum amounts for how much each county will receive and expanded the Triumph Gulf Coast board from five to seven members, with the goal of providing more representation to less-populated counties.

Florida has already received $400 million and is slated to receive the rest in annual payments over the next 13 years. Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who oversaw the Legislature’s initial creation of Triumph Gulf Coast, was added to the board on June 30 by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes.

The organizational meeting Thursday at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition in Pensacola was held a day after Scott advised Bense to use the money in a “transparent” manner that has the best return on investment for Florida. Board members agreed to take public input on economic-development projects on August 16.

by The News Service of Florida

Vernon (Vern) Peters

July 14, 2017

Vernon (Vern) Peters was born to Francis and Anna Mininger Peters, on July 17, 1929, at home in the rural area near Ithaca, Michigan. He was the first of seven children in the family. He departed this life on July 12, 2017, in Atmore Nursing Center, Atmore, AL, reaching the age of nearly eighty- eight years. His death was the result of complications related to old age.

He received his formal education in the rural Smith Allen School in Gratiot County, Michigan.

At an early age, being energetic, he left   home   and worked   for area farmers. His interest   was to be independent   and self- employed, later   buying   a   gas station in Alma, Ml.

On July 20, 1949, he married our mother, Dolores Ruth Detwiler.

In December of 1953, he with our mother and children moved to Walnut Hill, FL. It was here they began to attend the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. During the winter revival they felt the call of God and surrendered their lives to the Lord and were baptized on January 22, 1954, by Min. Harry Wenger. The faith and church were precious to him and he embraced them to the end. He was very studious in the Bible and church doctrines and took a very active part in Sunday School. Many called him for interpretation of scriptures.

Vern tried different occupations to support his family such as poultry and farming. Finally, he started a machine shop. This turned out to be a very successful business. He was in this business over thirty years and it also provided work and education for his sons. This business was known as Vernz Fabrication and Welding.

Upon retirement, Dad and Mom started the Apple House and Bakery. He built his own cider  press and grinding mill. Many people from far and near enjoyed his fresh apple cider and their home baked goods. On April 7, 2010, his wife, Dolores, passed away, leaving him very lonely. He lived in his own house until the last months when his physical condition required more nursing skill. He appreciated the care given him and often thanked the nurses.

He loved his family and friends, often interceding for their salvation. He also reached out to those carrying a burden.

Those left to cherish fond memories are three sons and one daughter: Larry Bill and wife Wanda of Wrens, GA; Deborah and husband Jon Litwiller of Middleton, Ml; Randy and wife Cyndi Peters of Nyssa, OR; Erich Peters of Walnut Hill, FL. Our sister Lorinda Lumbert joined our family in 1996. There are two brothers and four sisters: Wilbert and Imo Peters of Walnut Hill, FL; Beatrice Riggs of Moundridge, KS; Verle and Vesta Peters of Walnut Hill, FL; Louise and Abe Ensz of Hillsboro, KS; Lois and Willie Eicher of Walnut Hill, FL; Kathleen and John Wenger of Walnut Hill, FL. Additionally, there are 16 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; two brothers and four sisters, a host of friends and acquaintances. Preceding him in death are his wife Dolores and one daughter in law.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 16, 2017, at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Rev. Doug Salsbury, Rev. Galen Harms and Rev. Maynard Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.

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