Rabid Fox Bites Atmore Woman Unloading Her Groceries
July 3, 2024
The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a public warning after a rabid fox bit a woman.
“An older Atmore resident was returning from grocery shopping and unloading her vehicle. While holding a loaf of bread in hand, seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health veterinarian, said.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories where it was confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated.
“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” Jones said. “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues poses and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers, officials said.
In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised by the health department to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures to rabies:
- Do not allow pets to run loose; confine within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
- Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
- Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
- Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
- Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Take Our Quick Four Question Fourth Of July Survey
July 3, 2024
How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? Who has the best local fireworks show?
Those are two of the four questions in the NorthEscambia.com Fourth of July Survey. Click here to take the survey, and look for the results in an upcoming story on NorthEscambia.com. The Google form will ask you to save in to save your progress, but it’s not necessary and we won’t share your contact info. It’s all anonymous.
(OK, there is one more optional question if to want to prep: What does the Fourth of July mean to you?)
The form will close Wednesday at 3 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Molino 15U Boys Win Tri-County Tournament
July 3, 2024
The Molino 15U boys won the championship in the recent Tri-County Tournament. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Get Behind Early, Struggle At Plate As Biscuits Tie Series
July 3, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
M.D. Johnson has been the Blue Wahoos’ consistent staple on the mound this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
That connection slipped on this night, setting a tone for an overall tough night in the Blue Wahoos’ 6-1 loss against the Montgomery Biscuits on a “Doggone Tuesday” at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Johnson (3-5), who had allowed just three runs in his last four home starts, sustained his shortest home start, lasting only three innings and giving up four runs from five walks, as the Biscuits jumped to a big lead. All three of his wins this year have been at home.
A crowd of 4,244, which included a big turnout of youth baseball players, who are in town participating in the United States Specialty Sports (USSSA) tournament at two local baseball field complexes, watched the Biscuits even the series on their pitching strength.
The Blue Wahoos did not have multiple baserunners until the ninth inning.
And even that part ended quietly.
After Jakob Marsee, Paul McIntosh and Joe Mack all reached on walks to load the bases with none out, Biscuits reliever Alfredo Zarraga struck out the next three batters in succession. He ended the game by getting Nathan Martorella to swing and miss on a high 3-2 fastball.
The Blue Wahoos got their only run in the fourth inning when Mack hit a one-out double, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Diego Infante’s RBI ground out.
The next Blue Wahoos hit was Harrison Spohn’s lead off double in the sixth inning. That was also the Blue Wahoos’ last of four hits in the game.
Montgomery made ballpark history in the top of the ninth when Matthew Dyer stole home – the first time in this ballpark’s 12-year history that any player had achieved a straight steal of home. It was followed by teammate Chandler Simpson scoring on a throwing error by reliever Tyler Eckberg.
The Blue Wahoos have a second chance to win the series in Wednesday’s deciding game of the three-game set at 6:05 p.m. Jeff Lindgren (0-0, 5.79), who first pitched for the Blue Wahoos in 2021 and rejoined the team last week from Triple-A Jacksonville, will be on the mound against Montgomery’s Trevor Martin (0-0, 3.60).
Lindgren began the season with the Blue Wahoos and pitched in five games.
This will be the Blue Wahoos’ Fourth of July themed game with a variety of activities planned, followed by the fireworks display to patriotic music. The two teams will then bus to Montgomery following the game to prepare to Thursday’s July 4 game at Riverwalk Stadium, which starts a three-game series there.
GAME NOTABLES
— More than 600 youth players, their parents and family attended Tuesday’s game on the first day of the USSSA Pensacola Beach Global World Series being held at the Santa Rosa Sportsplex in Pace and the NEP Sports Complex off Nine Mile Round.
The age division categories in the tournament which runs through Sunday are 13-under, 12-under and 10-under and the teams are from eight states – Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Indiana. The teams participated in an opening ceremony style parade before the game.
— Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos players met with Naval Air Station-Pensacola base commander Capt. Terrence Shashaty, who returned this year to present Navy “call signs” to the players – the military version of nicknames. The group met in the season-ticket lounge in early afternoon to have a fun moment selecting names.
— The Pensacola Roller Gurlz, a roller derby team, greeted fans on the concourse and had table display at the game.
— Even with the hot, humid conditions, many fans took advantage of the opportunity to bring their dogs to the game and there were water bowls placed throughout the concourse for the pups.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Hurricane Beryl Continues Across The Caribbean
July 3, 2024
Hurricane Beryl continues across the Caribbean, according to the National Weather Service, and will threaten Jamaica on Wednesday
The hurricane center forecasts that Beryl will weaken after reaching Jamaica but remain a strong hurricane.
Beryl will possibly bring increased swells, rip currents and dangerous conditions at beaches along the northern Gulf Coast by the weekend, but no other serious North Escambia area impacts are expected.
The latest information on Beryl is in the graphics from the National Hurricane Center on this page.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Archer Road Crash
July 2, 2024
There were no serious injuries reported in a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon at Archer Road and Highway 29 southbound.
The crash left one vehicle on its roof.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released details.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by James Chastang, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Involved In SWAT Standoff Had A Child In The Home, ECSO Says
July 2, 2024
We are learning more about what happened at a Walnut Hill home Sunday that led to a standoff and large law enforcement response, including the SWAT team and negotiators, as a man allegedly refused to exit the home or release a child.
John Edward McDowell, 48, was taken into custody after the four to five hour standoff. He eventually exited the home and was arrested without incident on Alabama warrants, including violation of probation and two warrants for failure to appear. He was booked into the Escambia County (FL) Jail in Pensacola to await extradition back to Alabama and charged with interfering with the custody of a minor.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call from McDowell’s ex-girlfriend, who said when she left the residence, McDowell would not let her take her son, according to an ECSO report. She also said the child had been staying with him for about a week.
The ex-girlfriend told deputies that McDowell was not the child’s biological father but was “wat trying to make things work because McDowell was like a father figure” to the child, the report states.
The report indicates the mother said McDowell has a firearm on him at time and is mentally unstable, and that is why she left without the child before calling for help.
Deputies arrived at the home on Highway 97 north of Wiggins Lake Road and gave loud verbal commands over a public address system for McDowell surrender. The ECSO said he refused to answer the door and would not release the child from the residence.
Because McDowell was barricaded inside the residence, the ECSO SWAT team responded, along with a command vehicle and other resources.
Hours later, he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. His arrest report does not indicate when the child was released of if he actually had a firearm during the incident.
There were no shots fired and no injuries reported, according to the sheriff’s office.
Pictured above and below: This home on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, seen on Monday, was the site of a law enforcement standoff and SWAT team response on Sunday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Dies After Being Found In The Bottom Of Gonzalez Pool
July 2, 2024
A man died after being found at the bottom of a pool near Gonzalez Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported drowning at about 8 p.m. Saturday during a pool party at a residence in the 000 block of Flemming Drive.
Deputies said an unknown age male fell into the pool and was still at the bottom when they arrived. They said he had a pulse after CPR but was transported to the hospital where he later died.
His name was not released.
ECSO said foul play is not suspected in the incident.
Celebrate Independence Day With Fireworks Shows, Other Events July 3-5
July 2, 2024
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area on July 3-5
Molino – July 3
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a 4th of July Celebration on July 3 with food, games, waterslides, music and fireworks. The event at 6240 Highway 95A will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Molino
Crossfaith Church in Molino will host third annual Fourth of July fireworks and celebration on Thursday, July 4. Events start at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dark. Parking is limited, so the public is advised to arrive early and bring a chair.
Jay Celebrations
Jay will begin their events will the 25th Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K race and One Mile Run at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Jay City Hall. Day of registration is $25. Call Matthew Dobson at (850) 2172693 for info. The annual Town of Jay fireworks show will begin about 9 p.m. at the center of the Bray-Hendricks Park property. The only parking on park property will be between the baseball field off Max Lane. A law chair or blanket is encouraged for attendees.
Pensacola Fireworks
The 2024 Pensacola’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront.
The show will feature a dazzling array of colors, expertly choreographed pyrotechnics, and special effects synchronized to music from CatCountry 98.7. Eventgoers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany the displays.
Pensacola residents and visitors are invited to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and radios to secure the best spots along Bayfront Parkway. The show can be viewed along Bayfront Parkway from the Veterans Memorial Park to Bartram Park. Boats are required to maintain a distance of at least 1,200 feet from the east side of the Pensacola port for safety purposes. Viewers are not permitted to bring their own fireworks, sparklers, or other pyrotechnics. Officials have also asked that viewers refrain from bringing their pets.
Symphony Sparks & Star Concert Pensacola
A free Symphony Sparks & Stars concert by the Pensacola Symphony will be held at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Local food trucks will be available at Veterans Memorial Park and Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sk.
Both firework shows will simulcast live on CatCountry 98.7. The 2024 July 4th Fireworks Show takes place sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
July 4th Riverfest Milton
The annual July 4th Riverfest will take place along the Milton Boardwalk. The annual Firecracker Bike Show will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. along South Willing Street, and the Freedom Car show will also be held along South Willing Street from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at dark.
Atmore
Wind Creek on Highway 21 in Atmore will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show – July 5
The annual Century-Flomaton July 4 Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5 at Showalter Park on Kelly Field Road. The event will include food trucks, a bounce house and more. Fireworks will begin at dark. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Did You Hear The One About The Deputy And The Kangaroo On The Blackwater?
July 2, 2024
Did You Hear The One About The Kangaroo On The Blackwater? No joke, for real.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Hendry took a photo with the kangaroo as he patrolled the Blackwater River over the weekend.
Mr. Bojangles is not wild and was seemingly happy to pose for the photo. He belongs to a local resident.
Photo courtesy Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.