Mack Homers Again As Wahoos Beat Barons in Fifth Straight Win
June 12, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
Joe Mack stayed hot, hitting his seventh homer in his past 12 days, and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos opened an important road series against the Birmingham Barons with a 3-1 win on Tuesday night.
Mack hit a two-run blast in the first inning against Jairo Iriarte (L, 2-4), setting the tone for a night in which the Blue Wahoos kept the high-powered Birmingham offense at bay. Luis Palacios (W, 3-4) led a strong Pensacola pitching effort with 6.0 innings, allowing just an unearned run.
Pending the results of a late game between the Biscuits and Lookouts in Chattanooga, the Blue Wahoos are tied with the Biscuits in the first half South Division race with 11 games to play.
Mack, who homered in four straight games last Wednesday through Saturday, handed the Blue Wahoos a lead they would carry the rest of the night with his ninth long ball of the season. After two Pensacola errors gave the Barons a run in the sixth, the Blue Wahoos got insurance in the seventh with a bases-loaded walk to take a 3-1 lead.
Patrick Murphy contributed 2.0 hitless innings of relief before Raffi Vizcaíno (S, 5) worked a perfect ninth for the save.
The five-game winning streak matches Pensacola’s longest of the season, and puts them at 32-25 to match their season-high at seven games above .500.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons with a matinee on Wednesday. First pitch from Regions Field is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Failed Urban Development Center Program Late With Unsecured Loan Payment To Century, Still Owes Nearly $11K
June 11, 2024
The CEO of the The Urban Development Center (UDC) says she wants more time to finish repaying what started as an unsecured $61,925 loan for the YouthFirst Century program that suffered a complete funding cut by the Escambia County Children’s Trust (ECT).
On June 1, UDC made an $11,000 payment, with CEO Dr. Jessica Griffen acknowledging that UDC still owes the town $10,925 of an original interest-free $61,925 loan.
“I was supposed to complete my final payment to the Town of Century by May 31st. I came down on Saturday (June 1) and delivered a check for $11,000 I’m paying toward my debt. That will leave me $10,925 more to pay,” she said, adding that she expected a “full payment” from the state soon.
The Century Town Council unanimously extended the next payment due date to July 8 (the Monday following the July 4th holiday).
Last year, Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) awarded a contract to the Pensacola non-profit Urban Development Center for “YouthFirst Century” to serve 750 youth ages 11-18 over a three-year period at a total cost of $1.2 million. In reality, they only reached 30 children in their targeted ages of 11-18. They requested to lower their target age group to just 5-years old, but that was also denied by ECT.
The Town of Century fronted an unsecured $61,925 loan to UDC to purchase items like computers and workbooks. The loan was to be repaid by December 31, 2023, but the town council previously approved an extension to March 31, 2024.
Griffen then requested another extension to pay until May 31, 2024, “citing continual slow financial receivables for delay”.
According to ECT documentation, ECT’s contract for the year period prior to March 1 was $397,556, of which $264,058.03 was paid as of February 29, and $133,497.97 was “surrendered” because it was part of the awarded but not spent by the contract end date.
“It was use it or lose it,” ECT Executive Director Lindsey Cannon told NorthEscambia.com regarding the surrendered funding. “It’s rolled back into (other) programs, because they (UDC) didn’t use it.”
Pictured top: A copy of an $11,000 loan payment from The Urban Development Center. The account numbers were redacted by NorthEscambia.com. Inset: The Urban Development Center’s Dr. Jessica Griffen introduces YouthFirst Century to a group at the Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church in Century in February 2023. NorthEscambia.com file photo. click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Awards And Recognitions
June 11, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue held their 2024 ECFR Awards Ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church on Saturday, June 8. Medals, citations and certificates were presented to several firefighters and citizens, along with the recognition of individual promotions.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Career Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Keith Chapman
Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Doug Sprissler
Career Firefighter of the Year
- FF Travis Litchfield
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
- FF Christianne Barry
Lieutenant Terrell Jackson Award
- Lt. Peter Welch
District Chief Dwain Bradshaw Award
- Chief Brandon Stevens
Medal of Courage
- FF Tyler Jackson
Promotions
The following individual was promoted to Fire Chief:
- Chief Adam Harrison
The following individual was promoted to Recruitment and Retention Chief:
- Chief Yoshimi Core
The following individual was promoted to the position of Battalion Chief:
- Battalion Chief Wesley Barnett
The following individuals were promoted to the position of Captain:
- Capt. Alex Torres
- Capt. Brian Diamond
The following individuals were promoted to the position of Lieutenant:
- Lt. Jason Crabbe
- Lt. Reiner Crabtree
- Lt. Dale Dirks
- Lt. Guy Meredith
- Lt. Baylen Payne
- Lt. JP Owens
- Lt. Chase Webb
- Lt. Peter Welch
The following individuals were promoted from cadet to firefighter:
- FF Joseph Thrower
- FF Allan Beasley
- FF Kenneth Devaughn
- FF Ty Morgan
- FF Chase Boydstun
- FF Benet Silveira
Distinguished Service Medal
- Lt. Jacob Meligan (Station 4)
- Performed lifesaving aid to a gunshot wound victim on Sept. 19, 2023
- Lt. Tad Bush, Lt. Charles Bailey, FF Michael Maddrey and FF Nick Pearson (Engine 6)
- Going above-and-beyond to provide food, comfort and compassion during a call on Nov. 1, 2023
- Lt. Keith Chapman (Station 17)
- Providing cancer education and assistance
- Ray Melton (Fire Prevention)
- For his years of service to fire and life safety education
Service Recognition Medal
- Shannon Hoffman (Station 11 Support)
- ECFR photographer
- Chief Jim Pokrandt (Logistics 1)
- Provides small engine repairs, maintains the storage warehouse and provides support during calls
- Scott Jillson
- Provides warehouse and supply support
- Chief Adam Harrison
- Assumed the role of Fire Chief
- Deputy Chief Paul Williams
- His dedication to ECFR both on and off-duty
- Chief Greg Campanella
- Providing over 15 years of service to ECFR; led change in his division leading to growth for ECFR; for his leadership on new projects; his push for advanced technology within the service
- Battalion Chief Curt Isakson
- For his love and passion for the fire service; his dedication to teaching fire service education and offering free admission to ECFR personnel to County Fire Tactics conferences
- Captain Matt “On-Call” Rus
- For over 15 years of service; assistance with Firefighter 1 class and interviews of new ECFR members
- Lt. Tom Schwartz
- For 15 years of service; his involvement in the ECFR Awards Committee, Peer Support teams and CIT; pilot of ECFR’s first drone
- FF Chris French
- For over 15 years of service; his love of teaching and sharing his expertise; his motivation of others
- Lt. John VanMatre
- For over 15 years of service; his decision to come out of retirement to help with Fleet Management; his work to organize the Fleet program and keep vehicles maintained; his work to keep ECFR moving forward
- David Coulter
- For over 15 years of service to the Fleet program; working with Chief Williams and Lt. VanMatre getting vehicles serviced and repaired
- Lt. Jim Allen
- For over 15 years of service; one of first three Training Lieutenants for ECFR; leader of the Peer Support team; his deep passion for his job, training, mental health support and his family
- Lt. Lynn Garrett
- For over 15 years of service; ECFR Bugler and his commitment to playing for any agency that requests his services
Company Citations
- 04/06/2023: Water Rescue with Multiple Patients in Cardiac Arrest
- Ladder 19 – Lt. Vowell, FF Clark, FF Williams
- Engine 8 – Lt. Bosso, FF Wilson, FF Stafford, FF/PM Fike
- Squad 14- Lt. Webb, FF Coulter, FF McGuffey
- Battalion Chief 2 – BC Boothe
- 04/16/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – 90 block of Moreno Court
- Engine 16 – Lt. Schwartz, FF King, FF Lemmon
- Battalion Chief 2 – Acting Battalion Chief Chapman
- 04/28/2023: Water Rescue – Pensacola Beach Walkover 25C
- Engine 13 – Lt. Meredith, FF Mauro, FF Huber
- Ladder 13 – Captain Barnett, FF Stivers, FF Chapman
- Battalion Chief 3 – BC Harrison
- Engine 17 – Lt. Chapman, FF Carballosa, FF Aceto
- 06/08/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – 16000 block of Perdido Key Drive
- Ladder 19 – Lt. Sumner, FF Pittman, FF Frage, FF Jobb
- Engine 8 – Lt. Marcum, FF McCleary, FF Stevenson, FF Reeves
- Civilian – Dr. Damon Darsey, Medical Director of the State of Mississippi Public Safety
- 06/16/2023: Flooding Conditions – Forest Creek Apartments
- Chief Williams
- Chief Campanella
- FF Beasley
- FF Rosa
- Squad 14 – Lt. Saxton, FF Govyadov, FF Aceto, FF Dray
- 08/12/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – 7100 block of Peninsula Drive
- Engine 11 – Lt. King, Lt. Rogers, FF Held
- 10/15/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – 3300 block of Marion Oaks Way
- Engine 16 – Lt. King, FF King, FF Jackson
- 10/31/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – Victory Assembly of God
- Engine 18 – Dan Floyd and Nick Walsh
- Engine 4 – Lt. Meligan, FF Fehl, FF Pizzo
- 11/13/2023: Motor Vehicle Crash with Extrication – Chemstrand Road
- Battalion Chief 3 – BC Barnett
- Engine 6 – Lt. Mills, FF Maddrey, FF Callahan, FF Fajardo
- Engine 7 – Lt. Hunsucker, FF Johnson, FF Muldoon, FF Boudreaux
- Engine 4 – Lt. Meligan, FF Fehl, FF Quina, FF Opielowski
- Squad 3 – Lt. Cloer, FF Hill, FF Darr, FF Neydlin
- Safety 4 – Lt. Allen
- 11/28/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – Along Blue Angel Parkway
- Squad 14 – Lt. Longsworth, FF Werner, FF Haymer
- Engine 8 – Lt. Marcum, FF Brandt, FF Stevenson, FF Kenny
- 12/11/2023: Cardiac Arrest Save – 7900 block of Kipling Street
- Engine 7 – Lt. Gradia, Lt. Payne, FF Vera, FF Brown
Civilian Awards
- Mr. and Mrs. Tony Hawthorne
- For locating a patient stuck in the mud for six days along the Perdido River; used their boat to rescue the patient.
- Dr. Damon Darsey
- Assisted ECFR with a cardiac arrest patient in Perdido Key. Dr. Darsey is the Medical Director of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Hurricane Idalia Deployment
- The following individuals deployed to Madison County following Hurricane Idalia as part of the Tactical Response Team – 104:
- BC Boothe
- Lt. Mills
- Lt. Gradia
- Lt. Crabbe
- Lt. Crabtree
- FF Carmichael
- FF Darr
- FF Walther
Final Alarm Recepients
- Chief Gregory Rodrique – Volunteer Firefighter Station 2
- Lt. Phyllis Kurcher – Volunteer Firefighter Station 2
Every Game Is A Tie; Everyone Wins: Welcome To The Miracle League
June 11, 2024
Every game ends in a tie. Every player hits; every player scores. There are no strikeouts, no errors. Everybody wins.
Welcome to the Miracle League.
The Miracle League of Pensacola recently wrapped up another successful season at the John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Complex on Nine Mile, providing an opportunity for players of all ages and skill levels to play t-ball, baseball and softball in a safe, fun environment.
The goal is to provide an accessible, non-competitive place for children and adults with physical and cognitive challenges to enjoy baseball.
About 275 players ranging from 3 years old to 60 years old participated in Miracle League this season, in addition to hundreds of volunteers or “buddies” who are paired up with a player every game. The Miracle League fields stand out from the others at the park, with a rubber surface replacing the usual clay and grass surface to ensure the field is accessible to all.
“We make it as much like baseball as we can make it,” said Miracle League of Pensacola President and Co-Founder Larry Thompson, who started the program in 2002. “We just want them to get the whole experience of what baseball is.”
With no paid staff, Miracle League relies on volunteers to keep the program going, along with support from community partners.
In addition to Escambia County donating the land at the park for the Miracle League to use, the Parks and Recreation Department supports the organization by providing park maintenance. Over the years, Parks and Recreation has also coordinated with Miracle League to provide sidewalks, bleachers, additional field safety netting and enhanced parking options.
“We are so proud to support Miracle League of Pensacola and their incredibly important mission in our community,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “When you see the excitement on the players’ faces when they reach a new milestone or just get a chance to experience the simple joy of playing baseball, it’s absolutely priceless.”
Thompson said he’s constantly amazed by the community’s generosity, with countless individuals, small businesses, and organizations donating their time and money over the years to support Miracle League. Escambia County’s continued partnership and support have also been a huge help for Miracle League, Thompson said.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, who served as Miracle League’s Treasurer for 15 years, said the county is honored to support Miracle League and the positive impact they continue to make in the community.
“Miracle League is a fantastic example of an organization that is changing lives for the better, by providing an opportunity for players of all abilities to feel included and have a place where they belong,” Commissioner Barry said. “I’d like to thank the many volunteers and buddies who have given thousands of dollars and countless hours of their time to support our players and Miracle League’s mission.”
While Escambia County Parks and Recreation is proud to play a role in Miracle League, Rhodes emphasized that the real credit belongs to the volunteers who work hard every day to keep the program going.
“The volunteers are such a key element to Miracle League’s mission and their continued success and growth,” Rhodes said. “We’re happy to provide the park and assist with improvements at the facility, but the volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Miracle League and the incredible opportunities they provide for their players.”
Commissioner Lumon May, who represents District 3 where the John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Complex is located, said Miracle League plays an essential role in ensuring youth sports are accessible to everyone in the Escambia County community.
“Youth sports are such a fundamental part of childhood, and nobody should be excluded from participating based on their ability,” Commissioner May said. “Miracle League of Pensacola provides an opportunity for all athletes to participate in the great game of baseball, which can be life-changing for those who might not have been able to play otherwise.”
Thompson said one of the most rewarding parts of Miracle League is getting to witness the smiles on the players’ faces and watching them overcome physical limitations to achieve things they may have once considered impossible.
“I just think it’s one of the greatest things you can do, to watch a kid hit a ball, run to second base and then get to run home,” Thompson said. “When we first started, we barely saw a home run – now it’s not uncommon to see them every game. Really and truly, Miracle League is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of.”
One of the greatest highlights this season was being able to take two players to the World Series in Arlington, Texas, which Thompson said was an unforgettable experience. Another favorite memory was seeing Abigail, a former Miracle League player, begin volunteering as a Miracle League buddy.
“She wore big heavy crutches, and you could just see the struggle to go to first base,” Thompson said. “Here she is running as hard as she can, and her buddy is walking next to her. Now she’s signed up as a buddy and she’s attending college. I just think those kinds of stories are what dreams are made of.”
To learn more about the Miracle League of Pensacola or how to become a volunteer, visit the Miracle League website or contact Larry Thompson at (850) 393-5043.
Photos courtesy Miracle League for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cutting Next Week For New Boat Ramp On Perdido Bay
June 11, 2024
The ribbon will be cut next week on Escambia County’s first large public access to Perdido Bay.
The new 40-acre Perdido Bay Boat Ramp facility is located on Heron Bayou and includes a two-lane boat ramp, 62 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers, 22 parking spaces for vehicles without trailers, and a stormwater treatment facility. In addition, a new channel measuring at 2,260 feet long by 40 feet wide and a depth of 5 feet has been dredged from the launching facility to Perdido Bay. Additional passive recreational opportunities include a landing area along the Perdido paddling trail with two campsites and 11 acres of wetlands placed into conservation.
“I am excited for all the citizens on Escambia’s west side to have such a fantastic community amenity,” Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “We have all worked very hard for a long time to bring this project to fruition, and I can’t wait to cut the ribbon on this and open it up next week for the boaters of our county.”
In 2013, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners funded the acquisition of the Perdido Boat Ramp property for $1.24 million through Local Option Sales Tax III. Project design was paid through a grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Vessel Registration Fees. Construction was funded through U.S. Treasury RESTORE Direct Component funds, American Rescue Plan Act funds and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Natural Resource Damage Assessment Coastal Protection Fund.
A ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday, June 18, at 11 a.m. at 10808 Lillian Highway.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Candidates That Qualified On Monday To Run In 2024
June 11, 2024
Candidate qualifying began at noon on Monday.
Candidates were able to bring the required paperwork to the Supervisor of Elections Office in the last two weeks, prior to the start of qualifying.
The following local candidates had qualified for the 2024 ballot in Escambia County as of close of business Monday:
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections – (Partisan)
- Robert Bender (REP)
Escambia County Tax Collector – (Partisan)
- Scott Lunsford (REP)
Escambia County Clerk of Court – (Partisan)
- Pam Childers (REP)
Escambia County Sheriff – (Partisan)
- Chip W. Simmons (REP)
Escambia County Commissioner – (Partisan)
- District 1 – Steven Stroberger (REP)
- District 1 – Jeff Bergosh (REP)
- District 4 – Ashlee Hofberger (REP)
- District 4 – Ron Helms (DEM)
- District 4 – Buck Mitchell (REP)
- District 5 – Steven Barry (REP)
Emerald Coast Utility Authority – (Partisan)
- District 1 – Vicki Campbell (REP)
- District 1 – Jim Faxlanger (REP)
- District 3 – Chase “Andy” Romagnano (DEM)
- District 3 – Larry Williams (DEM)
Escambia County School Board – (Nonpartisan)
- District 4 – Carissa Bergosh
- District 4 – Brian Ranelli
- District 5 – Thomas Harrell
- District 5 – Joshua Luther
- District 5 – Jim “Andy” Taylor
Pensacola City Council – (Nonpartisan)
- District 1 – Jennifer M. Brahier
- District 1 – Edward “Phil” Nickinson IV
- District 3 – Casey Jones
- District 7 – Delarian Wiggins
Florida Is Giving Playing Cards To Inmates To Solve Crimes. Here’s How.
June 11, 2024
Florida is launching Cold Case Cards to be distributed to prisoners across the state.
Each playing card features a photograph and information about an unsolved homicide or missing-person case. More than 5,000 decks will be distributed to Florida jails and prisons to generate new leads and insights from inmates to help solve longstanding criminal investigations.
The announcement was made Monday by Attorney General Ashley Moody, with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Department of Corrections, at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
More than 5,000 decks of cards will be printed and distributed to more than 60 county jails overseen by Florida Sheriffs’ offices, and 145 sites overseen by FDOC. Each of the cards will tell the story of a missing person or an unsolved homicide case, as well as information about how to report an anonymous tip through **TIPS (8477). Digital versions of the cards will also be available to view online.
Other states have seen success through similar programs. In Connecticut, similar decks have helped the state solve 20 cold cases, and in South Carolina, at least eight cases were solved.
Tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward of up to $9,500. Tipsters will remain anonymous.
In February, Attorney General Moody announced the new Florida Cold Case Investigations Unit, housed within the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. The unit is already producing results, helping investigate and prosecute the suspect of the 2010 murder of a 16-year-old Alachua County boy.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Dry Weather For Tuesday And Wednesday
June 11, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Century Mayor, Two Council Seats Up For Election In 2024. Here’s How To Run.
June 10, 2024
Mayor and two council seats in Century will be on the ballot this year, and this is qualifying week.
The office of mayor, currently held by Luis Gomez, Jr.; council seat one, currently held by Dynette Lewis; and council seat two, currently held by Henry Cunningham are all up for election in 2024.
Salary, Qualifying Fee
The salary for mayor is $10,131.96 annually. The qualifying fee is a 1% Election Assessment of $101.32 plus a $25.00 filing fee for a total of $126.32. To qualify, a candidate must be a registered voter in the Town of Century (Predict 22.1). A mayoral candidate must have also resided in the town for at least six months prior to the date on which he qualified to run for the office of mayor.
For a council seat, a candidate must be a registered voter in the Town of Century (Precinct 22.1). The annual salary is $3,714.96. The qualifying fee is a 1% Election Assessment or $37.15 plus a $12.85 filing fee for a total of $50.
The four-year terms for the mayor and both council seats will begin on Monday, January 6, 2025.
How And When To Qualify
Candidates must qualify with the Escambia County Supervisor of elections between noon on Monday, June 10 and noon on Friday, June 14. Qualification will be at the Supervisor of Elections Office a 221 Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. The office is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
A SOE staff member will be in council chambers at Century Town Hall on Tuesday, June 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Election Dates
For contests with three or more candidates, there will be a primary election on August 20, 2024. The runoff, if necessary, and contests with only two candidates, will be in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Free Lunch Available All Summer For Youth At Libraries In Escambia County
June 10, 2024
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Free summer lunches for youth are back this year at West Florida Public Libraries locations.
They will be serving free lunch for youth 18 years of age and younger at all library locations Monday through Friday from noon until 1 p.m. through a partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast. Disabled individuals are 19 and older who participate in a public or private non-profit program during the school year are also eligible to receive meals.
A special rural grab-and-go version of the program will be available at the Century and Molino library locations.
Cafeteria style lunch will be hosted at the Pensacola, Tryon, Westside, Southwest and Bellview libraries. Food at these locations must be consumed on-site.
The program will continue through Friday, August 2.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.