Five Tate Cheerleaders Named All-American At UCF Camp

July 9, 2019

Five senior Tate High School cheerleaders were named UCA All-Americans during a recent camp at the University of Central Florida.

The full Tate varsity squad was awarded a trophy for Rally Routine – Best Incorporation of Transitions and Creativity as well as a trophy for Superior ratings all week.

The All-American cheerleaders are Bailey Carter, Shelby Fleming, Kensley Foley, Abi Manoso and Payton Simmons.

Pictured top: Tate High Schoo’s UCA All-American cheerleaders. Pictured below: The full Tate varsity squad. Pictured bottom: The 10 senior Tate cheerleaders at camp. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Blue Angels Watching The Tropics For the Pensacola Beach Air Show

July 9, 2019

It’s Red, White, and Blues Week with the annual Blue Angels air show at Pensacola Beach, but what about the expected tropical weather?

With a tropical weather system expected in the Gulf Of Mexico, the Blue say they will wait until the last minute to make any cancellation announcements.

“We are aware of the weather system forecast for this week, and are monitoring it. We will not make a decision to cancel or postpone a practice or performance until the last possible second,” the Blue said in a statement. “More than once this decision has been made after the pilots entered their aircraft and prepared to taxi.”

Here is the schedule, as it stand now, for the Blue Angels:

Wednesday: Breakfast with the Blues at 8 a.m., over Pensacola Beach. Watch circle and arrival maneuvers, which are performed at all show sites to familiarize the Blues with the performance area

Thursday: Practice over Pensacola Beach at 2 pm.

Friday: Practice over Pensacola Beach 2 p.m.

Saturday: Show time at 2 p.m.

Sunday: Weather make-up day only. Flight time TBD.

Tree Falls Across Power Line, ‘Smokes’ Lights In Home

July 9, 2019

A tree fell across a power line in Cantonment Monday night, “smoking” lights inside the home.

It happened about 8:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Archer Road. When the power line came down and shortened, it apparently led to smoke coming from interior lights.

Escambia Fire Rescue responded and secured power to home. There was no actual fire, an no interior damage reported.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Rain Chances Increase As Tropical System Expected In The Gulf

July 9, 2019

The National Hurricane Center is continuing to monitor a potential Gulf of Mexico system. A tropical depression is expected to form by the end of the week from a broad area of low pressure moving slowly westward over the northern Gulf. Regardless of the eventually track and intensity of the system, it has the potential to produce heavy rainfall later this week.

At this time, it is too soon to determine the magnitude and intensity of any potential wind or storm surge impacts along the Gulf Coast.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Northwest wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 107. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

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

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 88.

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

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.

Winds Down Large Tree At Cottage Hill Home

July 9, 2019

High winds in an afternoon storm downed a tree on Williams Ditch Road in Cottage Hill Monday afternoon. The tree flattened a trampoline, but no other major damage was reported. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Alcala Shines, But Blue Wahoos Endure Fourth Walkoff Loss To Barons

July 9, 2019

The Blue Wahoos right now can’t seem to shake heartbreak.

Or new ways to experience it.

The latest unfolded Monday night when Birmingham’s Damek Tomscha, a former Auburn Tigers player, led off the ninth inning with a home run on the first pitch, giving the Barons a 2-1 victory and their fourth walkoff win against the Blue Wahoos in this series at Regions Field in Birmingham.

It added into a fifth straight defeat, all against the Barons, and dropped the Blue Wahoos (9-10 second half) under .500 for the first time in two weeks. The Barons (14-5) have won each game in different ways.

The teams will conclude a six-game series Tuesday in Birmingham, then an off day ensues Wednesday that now seems especially well-timed for the Blue Wahoos. Birmingham won its ninth straight home game and 13 wins overall in the past 15 games.

What did go right Monday for the Blue Wahoos was the longest and arguably the best outing of the season from starting pitcher Jorge Alcala. The Minnesota Twins’ No. 19 rated prospect by MLB Pipeline was sensational in a six inning, four hit, shutout performance against the Barons.

Alcala had worked into the sixth inning just four other times, but never pitched six complete innings. It was only the third time he held an opponent scoreless and the first time he did it since May 13.

His performance included seven strikeouts, no walks. Of the 82 pitches he threw, 57 were for strikes.

Unfortunately for Alcala and his teammates, Birmingham starter Matt Tomshaw, a 30-year-old lefthander, who faced the Blue Wahoos 10 previous times the past seasons while with the Miami Marlins organization, was equally superb.

Tomshaw worked seven complete innings without allowing a run. He scattered six hits. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter.

The Blue Wahoos scored the game’s first run in the eighth inning against reliever Kodi Medeiros (3-8), who wound up as the winning pitcher.

Alex Kirilloff, who finished 3-for-4, led off with a triple in the centerfield gap. Brian Schales followed with a sacrifice fly to center fielder Luis Gonzalez, scoring Kirilloff.

But in the bottom of the eighth, Blue Wahoos reliever Jeff Ames gave up a leadoff single to Joel Booker, who then stole second base and went to third when catcher Brian Navarreto’s attempted put-out throw sailed into center field.

With one out, Luis Gonzalez hit a grounder that briefly handcuffed Kirilloff at first base, allowing Booker to score on the put out.

In the ninth, Joe Cronin drew a one-out walk. He stole second with two out. But Jordan Gore struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, reliever Anthony Vizcaya faced Tomscha as the leadoff batter. Tomscha, who was signed by the Chicago White Sox on June 28, jumped on Vizcaya’s first pitch and lined the ball over the left wall to cause another walkoff celebration by the Barons.

Kirilloff’s three hits in the game raised his batting average to .285. Mark Contreras, Brian Navarreto, Caleb Hamilton and Joe Cronin each had one hit .

Jeff Ames pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Alcala. He got out of a situation in the seventh, following a triple by leadoff batter Ti’Quan Forbes and Tomscha being hit by a pitch.

Ames retired the next three batters in a clutch relief effort.

Deadline Is Monday To Apply For $65K In International Paper Grants

July 9, 2019

International Paper Pensacola Mill will award $65,000 in foundation grants in 2019, and the deadline for grant applications is Monday, July 15.

The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where employees live and work.

Signature Causes include:

  • ·         Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
  • ·         Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
  • ·         Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
  • ·         Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.

Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Details on grant eligibility, guidelines and restrictions are available at www.ipgiving.com. Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com until Monday, July 15, 2019.

Pictured: Last year’s IP Giving award winners. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Weldie Elihue Donald

July 9, 2019

Lifetime resident of Atmore, Weldie Elihue Donald, went to join his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 6, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elihue and Hannas Donald; his sister, Virginia Miller; and grandson, Amon Mark Wietbrock. He attended Escambia County High School and graduated class of 1957. After high school he attended the University of Alabama. He worked in the 707 lab at Monsanto for 38 years. After retirement he became an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time on his back forty and with his hunting buddies and grandson at Broken Arrow hunting lodge where he was charter member. On off seasons he could be found at Patterson’s Lake looking for that big bass. He was an active member of the Carney Masonic Lodge for over 30 years.

Weldie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Loyce; his only child, a daughter, Tracie Donald of Naples, FL; one sister, Lorraine Donald May, husband Bill, of Dallas TX; one grandson, Matthew Wietbrock and wife Danyell; one granddaughter, Tessie Wietbrock and soon to be husband, Alex Breuer of St. Louis, MO; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Weldie was a “good man” who always had a smile and loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Davis officiating.

Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetery with Masonic Honors.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Wietbrock, Alex Breuer, Mark Wietbrock, Randy McKinley, Neil Baumann and Blaine Ford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Moore, Roy Bracken and Greg Napps.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2019, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Ann Haupert Schwartz

July 9, 2019

Mildred Ann Haupert Schwartz passed away on July 7, 2019. She was born in Barrineau Park, FL on November 11, 1929, at her Grandpa and Grandma May’s house. She resided in Barrineau Park until she met and married Paul F. Schwartz, Sr., a Navy lad. They rode a bus to Meridian, MS and were married there buy a Justice of the Peace on March 17, 1947. She worked at the Morrison’s Cafeteria in Pensacola for many years. When Paul got employed by Kenny’s Shoes as District Manager she moved with him throughout Florida and Georgia. They finally settle in Lake County, IN where Paul’s relatives resided. Mildred and Paul divorced in 1966 and she moved back to Barrineau Park and lived there until her death.
She enjoyed working in her yard, tending to her beautiful flowers and other plants. She cut her grass on a riding lawn mower until she reached the age of 87. She was a great lady, shy, caring and loving individual who will be missed by all her family and friends.

Mildred was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Barrineau Park.

She is preceded in death by her father, George Haupert; mother, Magdalena May Haupert; sisters, Gertrude Magdalena (James) Castleberry and Dorothy Julian (Herman) McDonald; and brother, Jerry Joseph (Sandra) Haupert.

Mildred is survived by her son, Paul W. (Charlotte) Schwartz, Jr.; granddaughters, Michelle Ann (Mike) McCampbell and Melissa Ann Victoria (Earl) Currin; great-grandchildren, Lillian, Collin, Harmony, Steven and Quinn.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Molino, FL with Father George Thekku officiating.

Burial will follow in Barrineau Park Colony Cemetery formerly known as St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Marty Lorenz, Eddie Goff, Jody Bonner, Bryan Craft, Frankie McDonald and Richard Goff.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Craft, Josh Craft and Dusty Craft.

The family request that donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.

Homer Edgar Neal

July 9, 2019

Homer Edgar Neal, age 84, died July 6, 2019, in his home in Cantonment, Florida surrounded by the family that loved him, cancer having taken him. “Eddie,” as he was known to most, was a beloved member of the lives of those blessed to know him, whether by professional relationship, as a helping hand or as family. Eddie proudly served America and her interests in the United States Army 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels” in the European theater and lived well the freedoms he bled to secure. Eddie lived his life generously ever treating others with the grace that he received from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he walked with in this life for over 77 years.

Eddie was born to Elmer Luther and Mattie Lee (Smith) Neal on May 17, 1935, in Cantonment. He married the love of his life, Mary Francis Lee Barlow on June 14, 1957, and together they built their home and reared a family.

Homer Edgar Neal is survived by his wife, Mary Francis Lee (Barlow) Neal; their children, Randall “Randy” Edgar Neal, his wife Brandi Alice (Burleson) Neal, Sheila Diane (Neal) Gibbs, her husband, James Robert “Bobby” Gibbs, Shirley Jane (Neal) Williams, her husband Jesse Williams, Shelby Jean (Neal) Douglas, her husband Michael Douglas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019, Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Henry Lewis officiating.

Burial will follow in Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.

Family request that no guests be received at home.

A reception will be held at Cantonment Masonic Lodge 322 immediately following the burial.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.

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