Wahoos Top The M-Braves 3-2

July 26, 2023

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos did the little things right on Tuesday night, scratching out just enough offense to beat the Mississippi Braves 3-2 in their series opener at Trustmark Park.

Of the five runs scored in the game, only one came in on a run-scoring hit. After a José Devers RBI single in the third, Pensacola’s pivotal runs came in the middle innings on RBI groundouts from Will Banfield and Griffin Conine.

Evan Fitterer was sharp through three innings in his start for the Blue Wahoos, but ran into trouble in the fourth and departed with the bases loaded in a 1-1 tie. Austin Roberts (W, 3-1) needed only one pitch to strand all three runners, and ultimately retired all 10 batters he faced in his first appearance back from Triple-A Jacksonville.

Banfield put Pensacola ahead in the fifth with an RBI groundout, and Conine provided insurance in the sixth with an RBI groundout of his own. Domingo Robles (L, 5-7) was the tough-luck loser, turning in a quality start for the Braves on a night when Mississippi managed only two hits.

Eli Villalobos gave a run back in the eighth thanks to a pair of walks and a groundout, but Jefry Yan (S, 9) struck out the side in order in the ninth to lock down the win.

In his Double-A debut, 2022 first round pick Jacob Berry was 1-for-3 with a single, walk and stolen base.

The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Wednesday.

by Erik Bremer

Martha Diane Dortch Ganey

July 26, 2023

Martha Diane Dortch Ganey, age 72, of Monroeville, AL passed away on July 25, 2023.

She was born on March 25, 1951 in Walnut Hill, FL to Jamie and Mable Phillips Dortch.

She was a member of Megargel Church of God. She worked for Vanity Fair Corporation and later retired from Englewood Health Care Center. She is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Jamie (Phillip) Presley of Uriah, AL; her brother, Dennis (Doris) Dortch of Moses Lake, WA; her sisters, Gail (Mark) Berube of Monroe, GA and Kay Dortch of Kennewick, WA; her grandchild, Stephen Metts (Kaitlyn Halford) of Frisco City, AL and her special fur baby, Little One.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.

Male Driver Found Fatally Shot In Atmore

July 25, 2023

A fatal shooting in Atmore Tuesday is under investigation.

The Atmore police and fire departments were dispatched to a reported vehicle crash on Brooks Lane near King Street just after 5 p.m.

“When the officers arrived, they discovered the driver had been shot,” Sgt. Darrell McMann said.

The victim was transported to Atmore Community Hospital where he died from injuries.

“Investigators are working to identify the victim’s family and identify a suspect,” McMann said. Additional details were not released.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Cantonment Man Charged With Fleeing Deputies At Over 100 MPH

July 25, 2023

A Cantonment man is facing multiple charges after an alleged battery and fleeing from deputies at speeds topping 100 mph.

Everett Lamont Norman, Sr., 51, was charged with felony fleeing and eluding, battery and criminal mischief with property damage. Due to a probation violation charge, he remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Department were attempting to located a reported rolling disturbance in a vehicle described as dark colored SUV with no license plate, a missing rear window and a flag hanging from the rear.

Deputies initiated a felony takedown on the driver and vehicle  near the intersection of W Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Norman complied at first, but stopped obeying commands and drove away, according to an arrest report.

The vehicle reached speeds over 100 miles per hour on W Street before deputies called off the pursuit near Airport Boulevard. A few minutes later, the vehicle was found wrecked and rolled over in a curve on W Street near Marcus Pointe Boulevard.

Norman attempted to walk away from the crash, but was ordered to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.

Tate Aggie Day Is Thursday, Orientation Set (With New Date)

July 25, 2023

Aggie Day and the freshmen/new student orientation events are set for Tate High School with a new date for the orientation.

Aggie Day is Thursday, July 27 from 9-11:30 a.m. It is a chance for incoming freshmen and new transfer students to get to know the school. Students will meet in the cafeteria to be placed into groups led by Aggie student leaders. They will then rotate from class to class to hear about different topics and get a tour of the school. Parents should plan to drop off and pick up their student(s) in front of the Tate building for this event. Parents are asked not to participate in the groups as this is an event led by and for students.

Students need to be prepared to walk the campus and bring a bottle of water RSVP for Aggie Day on the Tate High School webpage. Schedules will not be available at this event, nor will teachers, staff members, or guidance counselors be there to answer questions since this is a student-led event.

Freshman and new student orientation is Monday, August 7 from 9-11 a.m. (This is a date change.) Orientation is for both parents and students.

NorthEscambia.com photo.

Florida’s Two-Week Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Is Underway

July 25, 2023

Florida’s two-week back to school sales tax holiday is underway through August 6.

Items exempt from sales tax include:

  • Most school supplies selling for $50 or less
  • Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less
  • Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use)
  • Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less

“Getting ready for the new school year can be an expensive time for Floridians, and that is why I’m encouraging Florida families to take full advantage of the back-to-school sales tax holiday. This tax break will help families ensure their children have all the supplies they need to reach their full academic potential this school year,” said Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.

For the complete, detailed list, click here.

SRSO Seeks Suspect In Jay Utility Trailer Theft

July 25, 2023

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify a man in the theft of a utility trailer from Highway 89 in Jay.

The black 2021 6’ x 14’ black utility trailer with a spare tire on the front and an Alabama tag was stolen on July 12. The trailer VIN is 7NR101411LF003389.

According to authorities, the man drove a white pickup truck, possibly a Ford. He has dark hair and a beard, and was wearing dark shorts, light colored shirt, and flip-flops.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers anonymously at (850) 437-STOP. A reward up to $3,000 is offered.

Escambia County Armed Fentanyl Trafficker Gets 35 Years

July 25, 2023

An Escambia armed fentanyl trafficker has been sentenced to 35 years in federal  prison on fentanyl charges

Marcus D. Flintroy, 32, was found guilty by a federal jury on two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

“Hundreds of individuals are killed every day in communities throughout our country due to thedistribution of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Each of these deaths is a tragedy, robbingindividuals of their promise and rippling families left behind with unimaginable grief. Weremain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressivelyprosecute those who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence erves as asignificant deterrent to drug traffickers and demonstrates our resolve to hold them accountable.”

Between December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023, Flintroy distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 200 grams of fentanyl in Escambia County, according to prosecutors.

The evidence against Flintroy culminated with a traffic stop conducted by law enforcement, during which Flintroy tried to evade the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit by ramming his vehicle into multiple undercover law enforcement vehicles near Lowes and Home Depot on Nine Mile Road.

Flintroy then ran on foot when his vehicle became disabled, but he was caught by law enforcement officers. In his vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, a loaded assault rifle, a loaded pistol, and over 180 rounds of ammunition.

Flintroy has prior state felony convictions for offenses ranging from fleeing and eluding law enforcement, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft auto, and sell, manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance. Flintroy had just been released from state prison in late 2021 before engaging in the new federal offenses.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the DEA, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Pensacola Police Department, and ATF.

Sunny And Dry Weather Continues For Tuesday, High Around 95

July 25, 2023

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 95. North wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

8U Panhandle Dream Takes Second In USSSA Road To Beach Tourney

July 25, 2023

The 8U Panhandle Dream took second place in the USSSA Road to the Beach Championship in Fort Walton Beach as a Class C travel team. They finished the season ranked No. 1 in the state in the USSSA power rankings. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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