Bluff Springs, Cotton Lake and Williams Lake Recreation Sites Have Reopened
June 4, 2022
The Northwest Florida Water Management District reopened three recreation sites in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area that had been closed due to flooding.
The Bluff Springs, Cotton Lake and Williams Lake sites are now open.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Get Walk-off 9-8 Win Over Biloxi
June 4, 2022
Troy Johnston stayed red-hot at the plate, hitting a game-tying homer in the seventh and a walk-off single in the ninth to lead the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a 9-8 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers on Friday night.
Johnston went 3-for-5 with three runs batted in, raising his average to .545 (24-for-44) through the first ten games of Pensacola’s homestand. He now has multi-hit efforts in 8 of his last 9 games.
Biloxi jumped ahead early with four first-inning runs against Bryan Mitchell, who was making his Blue Wahoos debut. A two-run double from Jakson Reetz and RBI single from Thomas Dillard highlighted the frame, which came to an abrupt end when center fielder Victor Victor Mesa threw out Tristen Lutz at the plate for the third out of the inning.
Pensacola chipped away at the deficit in the third against Victor Castañeda, as Griffin Conine hit an RBI single and Luis Aviles Jr. hit an RBI double. Mitchell also settled down, pitching hitless baseball through his final three innings to keep the game within reach.
Aviles doubled again in the fifth to shrink Biloxi’s lead to 4-3, but the Shuckers answered back in the sixth with a Cam Devanney homer against Josh Simpson. Johnston’s game-tying two-run homer in the seventh was just the start of a five-run frame that saw the Blue Wahoos take an 8-5 lead, as Conine doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly and J.D. Osborne launched a two-run homer of his own.
Dylan Bice worked a pair of scoreless innings in relief, but the Shuckers ambushed Eli Villalobos (W, 2-1) in the ninth. After a single and a hit batsman, Villalobos allowed a three-run homer to Lutz to tie the game 8-8.
Against J.T. Hintzen (L, 3-3) in the ninth, the Blue Wahoos coaxed back-to-back walks before Johnston lined a single into right center to score the winning run. It was Pensacola’s third walk-off of the season, and their second of the series after a 10-inning win on Tuesday.
With the win, Pensacola’s lead in the South Division has grown to 1.5 games over the Shuckers with 20 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their homestand against the Biloxi Shuckers on Saturday.
written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Update: Silver Alert Canceled; Missing Escambia Man Found Safe
June 3, 2022
UPDATE: This Silver Alert has been canceled. Jimmie Louis King, 78, has been safely located.
Previous story:
Jimmie Louis King, 78, was last seen about 6:30 p.m. Friday in the 8300 block of Russell Avenue. King was wearing gray sweatpants and a blue and gray jacket. He is six-feet tall and 160 pounds.
King may be driving a white, 2002 Chevy Tahoe with Florida tag Z067IR. Authorities said he may be driving to the Frisco City, Alabama, area.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or their local law enforcement agency.
Escambia Won’t Raise Sales Tax To Fund Fire Services This Year, But Will Explore Other Options
June 3, 2022
Escambia County won’t be raising the sales tax this year to fund fire services, but the county commission is still looking at just how they can increase revenue.
Last month, Commissioner Jeff Bergosh floated the idea of asking voters to boost the sales tax rate by a half-penny or three-quarters of a penny. But Thursday, he said that can’t happen this year because it won’t be possible to meet a 180 day notice requirement to place the proposal on the ballot.
“That pretty much kills the sales tax for this year,” Bergosh said. “The next time we would be able to do it would be the general election in 2024.”
Residential property owners in Escambia County pay a MSBU of $125. In May, the county’s budget office presented four options to pay for increased service costs in the form of varying the current fee property tax or a new fire tax based upon property value (MTSU) would make up the difference needed to create at least $6 million in additional revenue to provide necessary funding and reduce subsidies from the general fund.
Bergosh said Thursday that he still believes that ultimately the sales tax is the best route, and he won’t support any property tax increase.
“Everyone uses that service, but it’s the tax paying property owners that have to pay for it,” he said. “People that visit here, wreck their car on the freeway, come to the beach and need assistance — they are not paying. That’s why I really am supportive of the sales tax model.”
County Attorney Alison Rogers said it also too late to implement at MTSU.
“You are really basically out of time. That has to be done and completed by July 1. That has notice requirements,” Rogers told commissioners. But she said increasing the $125 MSBU could be done by a resolution, if the commission votes by it’s next regular meeting on June 16.
“I think it’s more prudent to take at looking at the MSBU, MSTU. That would be done for a short period of time with the intention of look at (the sales tax increase),” Commissioner Steven Barry said, rather than depending on the general fund. “To go back to being more reliant on the general fund, even for a couple of years with an idea of changing that in the future — so sometimes things change on the board and then you end up in a situation where maybe the maybe the current board at that time isn’t receptive to that idea.”
Commissioners decided to explore their options at a workshop meeting on June 9 to decide a direction prior to their June 16 meeting.
NAS Pensacola Open To The Public On Saturday For One Day Only
June 3, 2022
After months of planning and coordination, Naval Air Station Pensacola will allow a one-day public access to the installation on Saturday, June 4.
This one-time access was selected for June 4 to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Midway, a pivotal battle of World War II that occurred from June 4 – 7, 1942.
Public access to NAS Pensacola on June 4 will be available from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through the West Gate only on Blue Angel Parkway. All guests 18 and older must have a valid picture ID such as driver’s license or passport. Access will be available dependent on available parking at the museum and lighthouse. Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available. Temporary traffic control points will be located on base to prevent public access to other areas of the installation.
While on the installation, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Fort Barrancas will not be accessible to the public. Access to Barrancas National Cemetery is always available to anyone with family in the cemetery through the Visitor Control Center at the main gate.
The following restrictions will apply:
- No weapons (firearms/knives) allowed (to include concealed weapon permit holders)
- No backpacks/coolers allowed (diaper bags or medically required bags are acceptable and subject to search)
- No alcoholic beverages allowed
- No drones allowed (countermeasures will be taken)
- Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access
- All vehicles and visitors are subject to security searches and background checks
NAS Pensacola has been closed to the public since a terrorist attack on December 6, 2019.
Beulah Middle Teacher, Store Clerk And A Bagpipe Player Honored With Citizen Awards
June 3, 2022
Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons acknowledged commitment, care for fellow man, and heroism within the community Thursday at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Awards Ceremony. The ceremony honors those whose actions are deemed important or heroic and make the county a better place to live.
“We are here because there are those who act…those who want to make our world a better place,” Simmons said.
The awards were presented to:
Patrick Cornelius is a teacher at Beulah Middle School. In March, Cornelius took action, without hesitation, when he noticed a student was choking on their food in the lunchroom. Due to his actions, the student made a full recovery. Patrick was presented with the Sheriff’s Medal for life-saving.
Sarah Emerich is an employee of the Circle K store on W Street. In March, Emerich was working with her co-worker, Joie Hellmich, when a female entered the store, poured gasoline, and threw lit matches at Hellmich. These lit matches ultimately caught Hellmich on fire. Emerich tried valiantly to distinguish the fire. Emerich was presented with the Sheriff’s Medal for life-saving.
Michael Vazzana has volunteered his unique services playing the bagpipes to the ECSO during our annual Fallen Officer Memorial for many years. He was presented with the Sheriff’s Medal for his service to the memory of fallen heroes.
Pictured: Patrick Cornelius (top), Sarah Emerich (first below) and Michael Vazzana (bottom). Photos for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Take Stock in Children Awards $242,000 In Scholarships To Escambia Graduates
June 3, 2022
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded $242,000 in scholarships at a recent “Graduation & Unsung Hero Celebration”.
The event honored 19 graduating seniors who each received four-year tuition scholarships and a laptop computer. Also recognized were all of the volunteer mentors of our students and scholarship donors.
The 2022 Take Stock in Children graduates are:
Northview High
Miyhanna Davidson
Jonathan Gibbs
Paige Gibbs
Pensacola High
LaDarrien Kimble
Aidan Sidner-Palafox
Pine Forest High
Jakiah Henderson-Young
Jaydah Lett,
Makia Samuel
Washington High
Adrianna Blackmon
Abbie Brunson
Chelsea Hotopp
Rebecca KurauWilliam Ngo
West Florida High
Madison Hayes
Centyah Moye
Tho Pham
Matthew Setzer
Harley Walker
Okaloosa County transfer Malik Williams was also honored.
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. The program provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school, and comprehensive services continue through high school and include the students’ transition into college. Students receive college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, college readiness skills, and hope for a better life.
Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private fundraising model in which local scholarship donations are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased each year. Laptops were donated through a program founded by Nick & Nathan Gupta and currently coordinated by Aiden Hayward.
Pictured top: From Northview High School, Take Stock in Children mentor Craig Exner, and students Miyhanna Davidson, Jonathan Gibbs, and Paige Gibbs. Pictured below: Members of the Take Stock in Children Class of 2022. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Elementary Custodian Possessed Over 200 Child Porn Images And Videos, ECSO Says
June 3, 2022
A former Beulah Elementary School custodian was arrested for the alleged possession of more than 200 child pornography images after an investigation that lasted for months.
DeAntonio Dornell Jackson, 35, was charged with 20 counts of possession of 10 or more child pornography images.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that two child sexual abuse video files were uploaded to a pornography website and two child sexual abuse images were uploaded to Google Photos.
The uploading IP address was traced to Jackson and his residence at 5829 Last Big Tree Lane. A search warrant was executed at the residence, where at least one child pornography images was found on a memory card concealed in his bedroom.
Jackson was quested at Beulah Elementary School. He stated that he did view child sexual abuse materials one time, allegedly on accident. He told investigators that he viewed adult pornography daily, and also watched adult pornography while siting in his vehicle at the elementary school, his arrest report states.
An analysis of Jackson’s cellphone found over 200 child porn images, “some of which depicted infants, toddlers, and children under the age of five”, the report states.
Investigators said thumbnails on his Google Drive account showed adults engaged in sexual acts. Those images were uploaded from Beulah Elementary School.
Jackson remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $300,000.
The Escambia County School District said Jackson is no longer an employee.
Slight Chance Of Rain Tonight
June 3, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Shuckers Top Wahoos 10-7
June 3, 2022
Despite a strong offensive performance, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos couldn’t hold a pair of early leads in a 10-7 loss to the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
Troy Johnston went 4-for-5 with a homer and three runs batted in, improving his batting average to .538 (21-for-39) through the first nine games of Pensacola’s homestand. The first baseman now has multi-hit games in 7 of his last 8 games dating back to last Wednesday, and is batting .298 on the season.
Johnston homered in the bottom of the first to give the Blue Wahoos a 1-0 lead, but it didn’t last long as Biloxi’s Cam Devanney answered in the second against Zach McCambley (L, 2-4) with a solo homer of his own. A Terence Doston RBI single in the fourth gave the Shuckers a 2-1 lead.
Griffin Conine followed a Johnston single in the fifth with a two-run homer, his eighth of the year, giving the Blue Wahoos a 3-2 advantage. The Shuckers retaliated once again in the sixth with a four-run frame, as RBI singles from Yeison Coca and Doston were followed by a two-run double from Felix Valerio to give Biloxi the lead for good.
Shuckers starter T.J. Shook (W, 1-0) completed 6.0 innings for his longest Double-A start, and Pensacola’s bullpen struggles enabled Biloxi to extend their advantage. Noah Campbell hit an RBI triple in the seventh against George Soriano, and Thomas Dillard and Tristen Lutz hit back-to-back homers against Colton Hock in the eighth before Doston capped the scoring with an RBI double in the ninth.
Johnston added a two-run double in the eighth and Luis Aviles hit a two-run double in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough for the Blue Wahoos as they dropped their first game of the series.
With the loss, Pensacola’s lead in the South Division has shrunk to 0.5 games over the Shuckers with 21 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their homestand against the Biloxi Shuckers on Friday.
written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos