Blue Wahoos Fall to Braves; Magic Number Drops To Two
June 18, 2023
The Blue Wahoos changed names and uniform design for the second time Saturday as the Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok.
But they weren’t able to reverse fate.
A capacity crowd was immediately quieted, after the Mississippi Braves erupted for five runs in the first inning and carried that into a 6-3 victory to continue being a roadblock at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was Pensacola’s third consecutive loss, which matched a season high.
But the team continued getting help from the Montgomery Biscuits, who beat the Biloxi Shuckers for a third straight time Saturday, thus enabling the Blue Wahoos (37-25) to have a shot Sunday at clinching the first-half race in the Southern League South Division in the series finale.
The Biscuits and Shuckers are both six games back with seven to play. The Blue Wahoos, however, have a head-to-head tiebreaker edge against Montgomery, and would clinch the division with a win and a Biscuits victory over Biloxi on Sunday. The M-Braves (30-31) are 6.5 games back after one game this season was not made up due to weather.
Saturday’s game at Blue Wahoos Stadium started an hour late at 7:09 p.m. following more rain at the ballpark. The Blue Wahoos staff and grounds crew members worked quickly to pull the tarp and prepare the field.
The rest of the night became favorable, enabling the crowd of 5,038 to take in the post-game fireworks as the usual Saturday attraction. On this night, it was also designated part of Pensacola’s participation in the Copa de la Diversión program, designed to honor baseball’s Latin American heritage.
Pok-ta-Pok was a game that dates back 4,000 years and was the first ball sport in recorded history played in the Americas.
Pensacola lost its first game in the specialty series on May 5, also against the M-Braves.
This one took a similar narrative.
The M-Braves produced five runs in the first inning off Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios, all with two outs. It was the third consecutive inning – going back to Friday night – that Blue Wahoos pitchers had yielded five runs in an inning.
Palacios struggled with control and ran long counts in throwing 27 pitches to give up the runs.
M-Braves leadoff batter Cal Conley singled, then stole second to start the rally. With one out, Palacious hit Jesse Franklin in his batter’s helmet. With two outs, he walked Landon Stephens, which became a decisive point. Drew Campbell followed with a double that cleared the bases and included a error on left fielder Dalvy Rosario.
The next batter, Beau Philip, blasted a two-run homer before Palacios got out of the inning when facing the eight M-Braves batter. The M-Braves increased the lead to 6-0 on Stephens’ solo homer.
Pensacola’s lone jolt of offense occurred in the bottom of the sixth when Nasim Nuñez led off by reaching on an error. Troy Johnston singled, then José Devers hit a two run single and advanced to third on a throwing error. Griffin Conine drove in the third run with a ground out.
But from that point, the M-Braves bullpen shut down Pensacola on zero hits in the final three innings.
The Blue Wahoos will try to salvage a split in the series Sunday, after winning the first two games earlier this week.
Jake Walters will make his second start for the Blue Wahoos. He worked four innings on May 12 against Birmingham, allowing one run. The M-Braves will counter with Tanner Gordon (2-3, 3.98 ERA), who started Tuesday’s game.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
House, Grain Silo Destroyed; Trees Down, Thousands Lose Power In North Escambia
June 17, 2023
A powerful storm that rolled through North Escambia Friday morning left a destroyed house and grain silo, downed trees, and left thousands without power, many of them for the entire day and into Saturday morning.
On Highway 97 just south of Nokomis Road in Davisville, high winds destroyed a small wood frame home. No one has lived in the home for many years.
On Kansas Road, a large grain silo collapsed.
Trees were downed, including some across roads, across North Escambia.
Immediately after the storm, Escambia River Electric Cooperative had about 6,500 customers without power in North Escambia and northern Santa Rosa County. There were still about 1,100 customers without power late Friday night as another severe thunderstorm moved through the area, plunging hundreds of additional members back in the dark.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Health Department Urges Post-Storm Safety
June 17, 2023
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is encouraging residents and visitors to follow critical safety measures following severe storms.
With the recent storm activity that has affected our area, it is imperative for individuals and communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions and responses to ensure their well-being. Three areas of concern are proper generator use, flood water safety, and mosquito control.
Improper use of generators can lead to tragic consequences. Generators should be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows, doors, and vents. Carbon monoxide (CO) produced by generators is a silent killer. Never use a generator in a garage or enclosed space. Ensure generators are properly grounded to prevent electrocution and that they are not overloaded by exceeding the recommended wattage. Store fuel for generators in a safe and approved container away from living spaces.
Flood waters pose a serious health risk and should be approached with caution. Avoid walking or driving though floodwaters as they can be contaminated and hide dangerous debris or open manholes. Do not let children play in floodwaters. Thoroughly clean and disinfect affected areas after the flood waters recede to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful organisms.
Following a storm, stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which transmit diseases. Remove any standing water from containers, gutters, covers, and other objects around your property. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and be sure to follow label instructions carefully. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposed skin. Keep windows and doors screened to prevent mosquitos from entering living spaces.
“Following a storm of any kind, it is important for everyone to make safety a priority and be aware of the potential risks,” notes Marie Mott, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “We encourage everyone to follow these guidelines to prevent injuries, illnesses, spread of diseases, and other post-storm hazards. By following these guidelines, we can mitigate risks and promote a healthier and more secure environment for everyone.”
Yet Another Round Of Showers And Storms Possible For Saturday
June 17, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Juneteenth: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Three Suspects Wanted In Century Attempted Home Invasion
June 17, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three suspects in what they say appeared to be an attempted home invasion late Thursday night in Century.
About 11:10 p.m., a resident of Plum Street off Alger Road was away from home but noticed activity on security cameras.
Three males with their faces covered broke a window and attempted to enter the home as the resident watched the cameras from another location, according to Morgan Lewis, ECSO spokesperson. They failed to gain entry to the home before fleeing.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Permit Fees for Escambia County Severe Weather Damage Repairs Waived
June 17, 2023
Escambia County is waiving permitting fees for storm damage repairs to buildings and fences resulting from the severe weather occurrence in the region on June 15-16.
The grace period will last until close of business at 4:30 p.m. October 16, 2023. Applicants must provide documentation for storm caused damage to include photos, videos, or insurance claims with their permit application to obtain the waiver. For a permit application, click here.
Escambia County said storm damage repairs to secure structures for safety purposes can begin on essential building components without immediate permitting, however, an application must be submitted for the repairs to Escambia County Building Services by close of business June 26, 2023.
In addition, Building Services will have a permitting technician stationed at the Santa Rosa Island Authority beginning Tuesday, June 20, to assist Pensacola Beach citizens with their permitting needs.
For more information, please contact Building Services at (850) 595-3550.
Free Sand For Flood Prep Still Available In Escambia County
June 17, 2023
Escambia County has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas.
The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are usually available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand as seen Friday afternoon at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Lose Twice, But Magic Number Shrinks To Three
June 17, 2023
The weather changed from dangerous to welcoming. The ballpark was full again. And those Hawaiian shirts remain in demand.
These were wins in what became a double loss on the field Friday for the Blue Wahoos against the Mississippi Braves.
After the M-Braves first rallied for a 6-5 win in 10 innings in the resumption of Thursday’s suspended game, they kept hot bats rolling in clubbing 18 hits, including a pair of grand slams, plus a 3-run blast in their 15-3 win in Friday’s scheduled game.
Both outcomes dulled the mood among a capacity crowd (5,038) at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Giveaway Friday. The supply of ultra-popular Hawaiian shirts from sponsor Kona Brewing Company were distributed in less than 10 minutes. The first group of fans formed a line an hour and a half before the gates opened.
But despite twin defeats, the Blue Wahoos (37-24) actually gained closer to the finish of the first half division race. The Montgomery Biscuits swept a doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers, thus trimming the magic number to 3 in the Blue Wahoos’ quest to repeat as Southern League First Half South Division winners.
They maintain a six-game lead over Biloxi with eight games left in the schedule. The Biscuits (7 games back) and M-Braves (7.5) are close to elimination.
Veteran major-league pitcher Johnny Cueto made his second injury rehab start Friday on a path to return to the Miami Marlins. It did not go well.
Cueto gave up a trio of first-inning singles after one out. The next batter, M-Braves first baseman Cade Bunnell, blasted a Cueto pitch over the right-field berm for a grand slam.
Cueto finished the night working into the fourth inning, as planned, but allowed seven hits and five fly ball outs. He struck out one batter and threw 62 pitches.
Blue Wahoos fans provided an ovation as Cueto exited in the fourth inning and he acknowledged the crowd by tipping his hand and signaling his appreciation.
The Blue Wahoos pulled within 4-3 in the sixth inning on Griffin Conine’s two-run homer, his 11th HR this season.
From that point, however, the bullpen was rocked.
The M-Braves exploded for five runs in the seventh and eighth innings against relievers Jonathan Bermudez and Brady Puckett. They combined to yield 10 hits.
The suspended game resumed in the top of the seventh Friday tied at 3-3 and without fans when it began at 5 p.m. – an half hour before gates opened.
The game had been stopped at 8:22 p.m. Thursday night when the first band of severe storms struck and stayed through the night.
Blue Wahoos reliever Josan Méndez got the final out of the seventh and retired the M-Braves in the eighth. Conine hit a solo home run to provide a 4-3 lead in the seventh.
But in the ninth, the M-Braves’ Hudson Potts led off with a game-tying home run against Cristian Charle. It forced the extra inning and the M-Braves got a two-out, two-run homer from Luke Waddell.
The Blue Wahoos got an RBI sacrifice fly from Nasim Nuñez and had two runners on, but the M-Braves’ Alec Barger struck out Cody Morissette to end the game.
The Blue Wahoos will try to regain a series lead on Saturday in the fifth game of the series.
Luis Palacios (4-1, 4.55) will be on the mound against the M-Braves’ Domingo Robles (4-4, 3.68).
Thousands Left Without Power As EREC, FPL Crews Work Into The Night
June 16, 2023
Storms that moved through the area Friday morning left thousands without power.
Florida Power & Light reported 1,825 customers in Escambia County without power as of 9 p.m., down by several thousand from earlier in the day. FPL did have a restoration timeline available.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported over 6,500 customers without power in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties — approaching over half of their meters — after the morning storms.
By 9 p.m. EREC reported about 1,100 members without power as they continue to work around the clock. EREC said there are additional concerns as more storms move toward the area Friday night. Additional contract crews have arrived to help in the restoration process.
EREC explained how power is restored:
In order to restore power to the largest number of members as quickly and safely as possible…
- EREC crews assess damages to ensure sections of line are completely free of debris before determining how to proceed.
- Work is performed on substations and major feeder lines to maximize efficiency.
- Critical facilities such as hospitals, communication hubs, police and fire stations are restored.
- EREC crews rebuild and restore power lines and delivery equipment mile by mile until every member has access to power.
Pictured above and immediately below: Power poles and power lines on the EREC system hang just above the ground and very near Highway 97 near Pelt Road Friday morning. Pictured bottom: Many of the outages were also caused by downed lines like this one on Pine Forest Road near Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Killed When Tornado Downs Tree Onto Escambia Home
June 16, 2023
One person was killed in a tornado during Thursday night’s severe weather in Escambia County.
The fatality occurred at 8:38 p.m. in the 500 block of Coker Lane off West Jackson Street in West Pensacola.
Escambia County Public Safety said the fatality occurred at 8:38 p.m. when a tree fell on top of a residential structure due to a tornado in the area.
Public Safety said the victim was trapped beneath the tree inside the home. They were pronounced deceased at the scene. A name has not been released.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
