Elaine McKinley
August 30, 2024
Elaine McKinley, 67, of Atmore, passed away on August 14, 2024, in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born on February 21, 1957, to the Late Reuben F. McKinley and Lois Overstreet Morris. She was a member of First Assembly of God church in Atmore, AL and her life was a testament to the power of her faith and her dedication to serving the Lord and others.
Elaine graduated from Escambia County High School in 1975 and began her career as a nurse. She cared for countless patients actively listening to their plight, providing a gentle touch, and an unwavering commitment to their well-being. Her natural ability to offer comfort facilitated healing and made her a cherished figure within her community.
Elaine later shifted her focus to education with the same compassion and attention to detail she brought to her nursing career, continuing a legacy of helping others. As an educator, she inspired young minds, dedicating herself to the growth and development of her students. She became a beloved mentor and guide in the classroom. Following her career in education, Elaine maintained a heart of service, and volunteered her time to serve as the Chaplain to Veterans and families at Billie Glenn Rushing American Legion Post 90, Atmore, AL.
Elaine was preceded in death by her father Reuben F. McKinley of Perdido, AL., Mother Lois Overstreet Morris of Atmore, AL, sister Rita Fay James of Atmore, AL., and brother Steve Morris of Atmore, AL.
Elaine is survived by her son, Matthew McGill, his wife Danielle, her grandson Levi, and granddaughter Chloe; all of whom she cherished deeply and were her pride and joy. She is further survived by her sister Patti McKinley Prater of Atmore, AL, sister-in-law Kristina (Steve) Morris of Atmore, AL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elaine’s nurturing spirit shone brightly in her professions and her passions, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. A celebration of her life will be held at Atmore First Assembly of God on October 6 th , 2024, at 2:00pm. The family has established a St. Jude’s memorial fund in her name and requests donations in lieu of flowers.
One Injured In Highway 95A Crash
August 29, 2024
One person was seriously injured in a crash on Highway 95A in Cantonment late Thursday morning when the driver of a Nissan Versa apparently collided with a rear wheel on a box truck on Highway 95A north of Gateway Lane, in front of McGee Tire.
The Versa then overturned in the grass area between Highway 95A and the northbound lanes of Highway 29.
An adult female from the Nissan was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital as trauma alert.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not issued information.
Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded to the crash that caused traffic delays on both Highway 29 northbound and Highway 95A.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Eight Charged With Trying To Meet 14-Year-Old Girl For Sex In Santa Rosa County
August 29, 2024
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with state and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested eight people in a targeted undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals attempting to exploit children online.
From August 20-23, undercover officers posing as minors on popular social media platforms and chat applications engaged with individuals who made explicit requests for illegal activity. Sheriff Bob Johnson said these suspects, believing they were communicating with a 14-year-old, sent sexually suggestive messages, photos, or videos.
As a result of the operation, eight individuals were arrested upon arriving at a pre-arranged meeting location. An additional eleven suspects are under investigation for various felony offenses related to their online communications with minors.
The suspects were identified as:
- Matthew John Short, 27, of Pensacola — obscene communication (two counts), obscene material distribution, public order crimes — released on $25,000 bond
- Deevon Keeshawn Henry, 20, of Pensacola– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $20,000 bond
- Andrew Scott Roach, 31, of Bay Minette– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $25,000 bond
- Cameron Neely-Dane, 25, of Pace –obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes
- Aiden Christopher Harris, 19, of Milton –obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes
- Lloyd Ashley Resurreccion, 60, of Fort Walton Beach– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $20,000 bond
- Shawn Michael Reinhard, 60, of Shalimar– obscene communication (two counts), weapon offense, public order crimes — released on $30,000 bond
- Kam’ron Pierre Walker, 26, of Crestview — obscene communication (two counts), weapon offense, marijuana possession, drug equipment possession — released on $47,000 bond
Johnson said 11 other suspects remain under investigation and could be charged in the case.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the operation with the assistance of FDLE, FBI, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, NCIS, and Air Force Office of Special Operations (Air Force OSI).
Pictured: (Top L-R) Harris, Walker, Short, Reinhard; (Bottom L-R) Resurreccion, Neely-Dane, Roach, Henry.
State Terminates Over $15 Million In Grants With Century, But Many Projects Will Continue
August 29, 2024
Millions of dollars in state grants to the Town of Century have been terminated, and a NorthEscambia.com investigation has uncovered what has actually happened and why.
“This council is transparent: I’m transparent,” Gomez said after announcing that he would explain to citizens and the town council “what’s really happening in the Town of Century…So I’m telling you exactly what happened.”
Gomez went on to explain that grants totaling about $15.6 million had been pulled from the town and would not even be administered by the county on behalf of the town…saying that the money and projects were simply gone. Gomez and consultant grant writer Robin Phillips said they really did not know who made the decision or exactly why.
The grants with the town were terminated by FloridaCommerce, but NorthEscambia.com has found that a majority of the grant money remains allocated through the county and most of the projects will continue, with the exception of a community center.
First, what were the grants?
A $3.255 million community center
In April 2023. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century for economic development. The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant was to renovate two community centers — $1.985 million was to renovate the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 Jefferson Avenue and $850,000 was allocated for the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard to bring it up to current building code and make improvements.
Due to termites, significant rot and lead paint, a decision was made to demolish and replace the community center on Jefferson Avenue, and shift all of the $3.255 million to that project. An architect’s design was approved by the council in March 2024.
$12.8 million hurricane shelter, multi-purpose building and two bridges
A Florida Department of Commerce’s Rebuild Florida program for Hurricane Sally impacts grant for just over $12.8 million was awarded to Century in July 2023.
The $12,877,137 in grant funds were to be used to demolish the old Century High School gym on Hecker Road and build a shelter that can also be used as a multi-purpose facility and to make drainage and road improvements at Jefferson Avenue, Freedom Road Bridge and Alger Road Bridge, which were damaged during Hurricane Sally.
A $10 million grant was to turn the old Century High School gym property into a multipurpose facility that could also serve as a hurricane or other disaster shelter. The town did not own the old gym, which was constructed in 1960; it belonged to Pensacola State College. The town was working to have PSC deed the gym property to Century.
The grant also included $2,862,137 to make drainage improvements to bridges on Jefferson Avenue and Alger Road that suffered embankment erosion during Hurricane Sally.
Freedom Road Bridge Appropriation
Florida’s Legislative appropriated $1.257 million to replace a Town of Century bridge on Freedom Road. That appropriation was included in the budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July 2023. In October 2023, Century executed the funding agreement with the state, establishing a preliminary timetable would see the bridge completed by June 2026.
According to the Legislative funding request by Rep. Michelle Salzman, replacing the bridge would improve emergency vehicle access, provide a shorter and more direct route to the nearest hospital in Jay for some residents, and provide better access for residents in the area.
The bridge has been closed since January 29, 2020, due to extreme deterioration.
What money is gone, and what remains?
The $1.257 million to replace the Freedom Road bridge remains; it is part of the State of Florida’s annual budget. And by all accounts, the project is nearly on the original completion schedule in 2026. (Behind the scenes design and environmental work are ongoing; no physical work has started.)
The $12.8 million grant has been terminated with the town for two other bridges and a hurricane shelter that will double as a community center multi-purpose building. However, the funds have been awarded to Escambia County and the projects will continue.
Escambia County has received the $12,877,137 grant for the community center/shelter and for Jefferson Avenue and the Alger Road bridges. According to Escambia County, the status of those projects is as follow:
- Community Center: This project is currently in the early stages and is being managed by our facilities department. The land was transferred from Pensacola State College to Escambia County at no cost to the county, under the conditions that it must remain a community center/shelter. Phase I will include an environmental study. From there, they will bid for design and move forward with the process. Approximately $10 million was awarded for this project.
- Jefferson Avenue/Alger Road Bridge: This project will be a rehabilitation of a pipe culvert along Jefferson Avenue and a bridge replacement on Alger Road. Freedom Road was initially included in the scope, but it was later revised out as Century had secured a separate grant to replace that structure. The Escambia County engineering department is overseeing this project and currently awaiting FloridaCommerce to approve the proposed request for proposals for Environmental Review. Once that is approved, the project will be sent out to bid. The agreement was fully executed on Aug. 13, 2024, in the amount of $2,862,137.
The $3.255 million grant for the community center on Jefferson Avenue is essentially gone. The town council approved an amendment making the original grant just a simple planning grant, removing all construction and cutting funding from $3.255 million to $514,650. The just over a half million dollars will pay for the work completed to date by the engineer, architect, and the grant administrator. Under the agreement with FloridaCommere accepted by the council, there is no money whatsoever for construction of the community center on Jefferson Avenue. The funds were taken back by the state and no part of the money awarded to Escambia County.
Why was millions taken back?
Gomez just recently informed his council and citizens around the grant takebacks. He was first notified that the town was losing the $12.8 million “due to financial and fiscal solvency issues the Town is facing”. The notification was in a FloridaCommerce letter dated May 15, 204 from a bureau chief in the Office of Long-Term Resiliency at FloridaCommerce.
“Commerce acknowledges the tremendous need for this recovery activity and is committed to serving your community in this endeavor, Lecia Behenna of FloridaCommerce wrote. “Therefore, the allocation for this project will be transferred to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, who will complete this project in its entirety on behalf your citizens. This decision has been made to ensure these funds are entirely utilized to support unmet recovery in your community on your behalf. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has been made aware of Commerce’s decision to terminate this agreement and are willing to continue these projects on your behalf.”
How did Century attempt to retain the grants?
A return letter from Gomez states, “The Town of Century has never been in a state of financial emergency, as defined in the Florida Statutes. Furthermore, any findings in prior audits have been addressed positively and most significant findings have been isolated instances.” He also noted that seven months of historical data showed the town was on target to meet or exceed the current operating budget.
An additional letter signed by Gomez and emailed to the state on July 25 makes a case for Century to keep the grant for the Carver Community Center, calling concerns by state unsubstantiated, and explaining that the architectural design is complete and would be ready to go out for bids in September or October of 2024.
“Carver Community Center has always been a vital part of the community, serving as the central location for after school and senior activities as well as a center for community resources such as utility and financial assistance programs,” Gomez pleaded with the state. “Our residents have been eagerly anticipating this project since funding was announced and are very concerned that this project is now in jeopardy. Due to the deterioration of the original Carver building, these critical services have been indefinitely suspended. Without this grant, these services are likely never to return to our community.”
On July 26, interim Century Town Manager Howard Brown emailed several people at FloridaCommerce including the assistant deputy secretary asking for an update and if the state agency had checked with Escambia County about completing the project. An additional email from Brown to Deputy Secretary Kate Doyle indicates that Brown and Gomez met with her “a couple of weeks” prior to July 9.
“If Escambia County could move forward, this project would serve low to moderate-income individuals in a rural community and benefit not only Town of Century residents but also Escambia County residents,” Brown wrote. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Florida Commerce on this important initiative. We would be happy to report to the citizens that the project will still take place but will be administered by Escambia County.”
The final answer
In a brief email on August 9, Doyle responded, apologizing for a delayed reply due to recent travel.
“We are not going to be able to extend the grant agreement or have Escambia County take over the grant,” Doyle responded as the state’s position, denying construction funding for the community center on Jefferson Avenue..
NorthEscambia.com photos, images, click to enlarge.
New $4 Million Highway 4 Bridge Is Now Open (With Gallery)
August 29, 2024
The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek reopened Wednesday afternoon.
The estimated completion date for the nearly $4 million bridge had been delayed by weather until September 1. Contractors were able to finish construction in August, but the opening was then delayed by paint problems.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The new bridge replaces an 81-year-old structure that hat was closed on July 10, 2023, with traffic between Bratt and Century detoured.
Editor’s note: The photos here and in the gallery were taken a couple of weeks ago before paint issues were fixed. We were unable to take new photos after the opening Wednesday afternoon due to a strong thunderstorm, heavy downpours and lightning.
Pictured: The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek on Friday afternoon, August 16. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Why Were Millions In Grants Pulled From Century? This Is What Our Investigation Found.
August 29, 2024
Millions of dollars in state grants to the Town of Century have been terminated, and a NorthEscambia.com investigation has uncovered what has actually happened and why.
FloridaCommerce pulled $12,877,137 in grant funds from Century for a hurricane shelter/community center and bridges and awarded the money instead to Escambia County. The state also terminated $2,740,350 in grants for community center construction on Jefferson Avenue, ending that project in its tracks. (Read more...)
Why does the mayor believe the state terminates the grants with Century?
Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. told his council and local citizens that the grants had been taken away from the town by FloridaCommerce, which is the Florida Department of Commerce.
“They took that and said that the Town of Century has financial woes. It had nothing to do with these five people sitting up here (the town council) nor myself. They based their findings on the last three or four years of financial audits, meaning that whoever was in charge three to four years ago, the audit that they did.”
Gomez was first elected to the town council seven years ago in 2017. He was voted council vice president in January 2020, and council president in January 2021. Gomez was appointed interim mayor in August 2023, later to be elected mayor.
A Century audit filed late with the state in 2024 showed a “deteriorating financial condition” and over $4.5 million in fund deficits. Earlier audits during Gomez’s tenure showed signs of a financial emergency in Century and multi-million dollar deficits. Also during Gomez’s term on the council, a 2019 grand jury investigation found the Town of Century lost over $1 million in utility accounts in just two years, could not account for over 40 percent of their natural gas, made loans not revealed on audits for 14 years, improperly borrowed about $3 million from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and a state of financial emergency.
Of the current council members: Sandra McMurray Jackson has been on the council since 2010; Dynette Lewis took office in January 2021. Henry Cunningham, Alicia Johnson, and Shelisa McCall Abraham first joined the council as an interim members in 2023, later winning elections to their current seats.
What does FloridaCommerce say?
In a May letter, the state agency said they were taking back $12.8 million for a hurricane shelter/community center and bridges ”due to financial and fiscal solvency issues the Town is facing”. In additional emails provided by the town, the agency provided little additional reasoning.
Gomez and consultant grant writer Robin Phillips said they were never really told why and did not know who made the decision, with Phillips adding that her contacts at the state said the decisions were made by someone higher up.
NorthEscambia.com emailed and called the Office of Communications and External Affairs at FloridaCommerce on August 22. The agency did not respond to our requests.
State representative says she was ultimately responsible based on the town’s actions
In an exclusive interview, State Rep. Michelle Salzman told NorthEscambia.com that she started a process that ultimately led to the state terminating the grants with Century. Salzman said she went to the Florida Auditor General to look at everything involving grants to Century and look for any concerns or red flags.
“I just have concerns that they are throwing money away and do of the constituents,” she said. “I have concerns when the mayor comes in and pays this new guy and he makes more than I do.”
Salzman was referring to Howard Brown, principal of Local Government Consulting Group (LGCG) of West Palm Beach. He also serves as interim town manager.
Moments after being sworn in interim mayor in August 2023, Gomez said he needed help to make sure he could properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council before introducing a consultant. That individual was not hired.
In the months that followed, the town hired a South Florida company to manage many of the town’s operations.
In December 2023, the town signed a contract with LGCG of West Palm Beach for $7,500 per month. That amount was later increased in June 2024 to $8,000 per month. The council also approved paying an additional $3,000 per month for grant writing services and $175 per hour for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Consulting Services.
LGCG also serves as “Coordinator of Ongoing Projects Services” for $40 per hour. LGCG representatives Howard W. Brown Jr., Erin Connelly, and Cheryl Harrison-Lee were to provide the various services.
Under the agreement, the town should pay the group $11,000 per month, plus additional hourly and consulting fees. As state representative Salzman is paid $29,697 per year, according to a Florida House database.
Salzman said she told Gomez during “a not very nice conversation” in March that she was making the request to the Florida Auditor General for the inquiry.
“I told him them if you are doing what you are supposed to do and doing your audits, your money is good to go with the county being in charge and your projects are going to be done. But when you are not complying with general Florida government requirements, and you want more? The citizens of Century need to be taken care of by their local government.”
“I pushed really hard for years to build that town up, and now they back pedal Salzman said,” citing millions of dollars of other state grants still in place for other Century projects including help for failing or failed water wells, water meters, the wastewater treatment plan, wastewater lift stations and more. She also obtained a rural designation for Century. The designation makes Century eligible to have matching fund requirements waived for state programs and grants.
“If Century wants to continue operating the way they have been operating, they will have to live with it,” Salzman added. “I will not provide additional grants or funding until they get their ducks in a row.”
Pictured top: Century resident Gary Bradley stands in front of a monitor at a recent Century Town Council meeting. Bradley pointed at interim Town Manager Howard Brown (lower left on the monitor) and asked why Brown was attending the meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams rather than in person. Pictured below: Another citizen listens during the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
College Football Week 1: Here’s How To Watch All The Games
August 29, 2024
Here is this week’s college football schedule and where to watch the games.
All times are Central.
Week 1
Thursday, Aug. 29
Howard at Rutgers | 5 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Youngstown State at Villanova | 5 p.m. | FloSports
Central State (Ohio) at Morehead State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Reinhardt at Carson-Newman | 5 p.m. | FloSports
Minnesota Duluth at Northern Michigan | 5 p.m. | FloSports
North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest | 6 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
New Hampshire at UCF | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Western Carolina at No. 24 NC State | 6 p.m. | ACC Network
Jackson State at UL Monroe | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Lafayette at Buffalo | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Fordham at Bowling Green | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Central Connecticut at Central Michigan | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Bryant at Delaware | 6 p.m. | FloSports
VMI at William & Mary | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Presbyterian at Mercer | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Wofford at Gardner-Webb | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Delta State at Mars Hill | 6 p.m. | FloSports
West Texas A&M at Sul Ross State | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Arkansas | 7 p.m. | ESPNU
Duquesne at Toledo | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Quincy at Drake | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
North Carolina at Minnesota | 7 p.m. | FOX
Murray State at No. 11 Missouri | 7 p.m. | SEC Network
North Dakota State at Colorado | 7 p.m. | ESPN
No. 22 Kansas vs. Lindenwood (in Kansas City, Kansas) | 7 p.m. | Big 12/ESPN+
Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State | 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Alcorn State at UAB | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
SE Louisiana at Tulane | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Northwestern State at Tulsa | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Northern State at South Dakota | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
North American University at Stephen F. Austin | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Colorado Mesa at Texas A&M-Kingsville | 7 p.m. | LSC Digital Network
Missouri Southern State at Midwestern State | 7 p.m. | FloSports/LSC Digital Network
Southern Utah at No. 12 Utah | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Illinois at Illinois | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Monmouth at Eastern Washington | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Sacramento State at San Jose State | 9 p.m. | truTV
Friday, Aug. 30
Lehigh at Army | 5 p.m. | CBSSN
Temple at No. 16 Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPN
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State | 6 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Colgate at Maine | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Elon at Duke | 7 p.m. | ACC Network
Western Michigan at Wisconsin | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
TCU at Stanford | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Saturday, Aug. 31
No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia (in Atlanta, Georgia) | 11 a.m. | ABC
Virginia Tech vs. Vanderbilt (in Nashville, Tennessee) | 11 a.m. | ESPN
Illinois State at No. 25 Iowa | 11 a.m. | Big Ten Network
Austin Peay at Louisville | 11 a.m. | ACC Network
Indiana State at Purdue | 11 a.m. | Big Ten Network
Kent State at Pitt | 11 a.m. | ESPNU
Bucknell at Navy | 11 a.m. | CBSSN
UConn at Maryland | 11 a.m. | FS1
No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia | 11 a.m. | FOX
Davidson at Georgetown | 12:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Chattanooga at No. 15 Tennessee | 12:45 p.m. | SEC Network
Upper Iowa at Butler | 12 p.m. | FloSports
Glenville State at Emory & Henry College | 12 p.m. | FloSports
South Dakota State at No. 17 Oklahoma State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Towson at Cincinnati | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Portland State at Washington State | 2 p.m. | CW Network
Edward Waters at Morehouse College | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
No. 19 Miami (Fla.) at Florida | 2:30 p.m. | ABC
Colorado State at No. 4 Texas | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
Eastern Michigan at UMass | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida International at Indiana | 2:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
East Tennessee State at Appalachian State | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
North Dakota at Iowa State | 2:30 p.m. | FS1
Ohio at Syracuse | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network
Kennesaw State at UTSA | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Merrimack at Air Force | 2:30 p.m. | CBSSN
UTEP at Nebraska | 2:30 p.m. | FOX
Western Illinois at Northern Illinois | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Akron at No. 2 Ohio State | 2:30 p.m. | CBS
Miami (Ohio) at Northwestern | 2:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Boise State at Georgia Southern | 3 p.m. | ESPNU
Lincoln (CA) at Northern Arizona | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Old Dominion at South Carolina | 3:15 p.m. | SEC Network
Stony Brook at Marshall | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
UC Davis at Cal | 4 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
North Texas at South Alabama | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Valparaiso at UNI | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
Campbell at Liberty | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Richmond at Virginia | 5 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
Norfolk State at East Carolina | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Samford at West Georgia | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
South Carolina State at Florida A&M | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Delaware State at Sacred Heart | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Mississippi Valley State at Tennessee State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
The Citadel at Charleston Southern | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Ave Maria University at Stetson | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Idaho State at Oregon State | 5:30 p.m. | CW Network
Western Kentucky at No. 5 Alabama | 6 p.m. | ESPN
Furman at No. 6 Ole Miss | 6 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
Central Arkansas at Arkansas State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Bethune-Cookman at South Florida | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Tarleton State at Baylor | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
UNLV at Houston | 6 p.m. | FS1
UT Martin at No. 18 Kansas State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee Tech at Middle Tennessee | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Sam Houston at Rice | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Nevada at Troy | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
North Alabama at Memphis | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Holy Cross at Rhode Island | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Northern Colorado at UIW | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Western New Mexico at UT Permian Basin | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Alabama A&M at Auburn | 7 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M | 7 p.m. | ABC
Fresno State at No. 9 Michigan | 7 p.m. | NBC
Idaho at No. 3 Oregon | 7 p.m. | Big Ten Network
UCLA at Hawai’i | 7 p.m. | CBS
Abilene Christian at Texas Tech | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Southern Miss at Kentucky | 6:45 p.m. | SEC Network
Southern Illinois at BYU | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Georgia State at Georgia Tech | 7 p.m. | ACC Network
Houston Christian at SMU | 7 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
Grambling at Louisiana | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Nicholls at Louisiana Tech | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
James Madison at Charlotte | 7 p.m. | ESPNU
Lamar at Texas State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Texas A&M-Commerce at San Diego State | 7 p.m. | truTV
Southern at McNeese | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Southeast Missouri State at New Mexico State | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Missouri State at Montana | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
New Mexico at No. 21 Arizona | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Montana State at Utah Tech | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
Wyoming at Arizona State | 9:30 p.m. | FS1
Weber State at Washington | 10 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Sunday, September 1
North Carolina Central vs. Alabama State (in Miami Gardens, Fla.) | 2 p.m. | ESPN
Benedict College vs. Virginia State (in Canton, Ohio) | 3 p.m. | NFL Network
Tuskegee vs. Johnson C Smith (in Montgomery, Alabama) | 6 p.m. | ESPNU
No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU (in Las Vegas, Nevada) | 6:30 p.m. | ABC
Monday, September 2
Boston College at No. 10 Florida State | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN
Heat And Scattered Storms Expected Today
August 29, 2024
The heat will continue in this week, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and heat index values approaching 105. There is a 50-50 chance of rain today.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Labor Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
M-Braves Take 2-1 Win Over Blue Wahoos
August 29, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Led by Luis Palacios, who produced his best start in a month, the Blue Wahoos wove together another strong performance on Wednesday from their pitching staff.
But this time, scoring one run wasn’t enough.
The Mississippi Braves produced two fifth-inning runs on four singles, all after two outs, then made that stand for a 2-1 victory against the Blue Wahoos to even the series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Palacios followed Tuesday’s masterful outing by Blue Wahoos starter Patrick Monteverde with a strong one of his own. In six innings pitched, he didn’t allow a walk and faced just one batter above the minimum in the first four innings. The fifth inning was heading that same direction until four consecutive M-Braves batters produced two-out singles.
That became the difference in a game that had 15 hits, but only two of those for extra bases. Palacios (8-7) had given up a combined 22 hits and 16 runs in three prior August starts, which had raised his earned run average to 4.81 coming into Wednesday’s game.
He found a good rhythm Tuesday and had the Blue Wahoos in good position to take a lead.
That appeared to be the path in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jared Serna led off with a single and Nathan Martorella and Graham Pauley both followed with singles that scored the Blue Wahoos’ lone run.
But with runners on the corners with one out, M-Braves reliever Rolddy Muñoz struck out Joe Mack and Andrew Pintar to end the inning in a game-decisive sequence.
The Blue Wahoos didn’t get two runners on base the rest of the game. Three M-Braves relievers followed with shutout innings, including former Pensacola State College star Patrick Halligan, who earned his sixth hold by pitching a hitless eighth inning.
Serna finished 2-for-4 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multi-hit batter in their lineup. In the ninth, M-Braves closer Elison Joseph made quick work of three batters to end the game.
The third game of the series will be Thursday at 6:05 p.m. with the Blue Wahoos’ Evan Fitterer (6-5, 4.06) going against M-Braves converted knuckleball pitcher David Fletcher (3-5, 5.85), who was formerly a Los Angeles Angels starting infielder.
Fletcher is trying to make a career comeback and become a two-way player like his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
The Wahoos will take on the Mississippi Graves at 6:05 p.m.Thursday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Final Phase Of Highway 164 Widening Project Underway
August 29, 2024
The third and final phase of Escambia County’s ongoing project to widen portions of Highway 164 is underway.
The $1.25 million project, funded by Local Option Sales Tax, aims to improve safety along the dangerously narrow roadway by widening 2.16 miles. The first two phases were completed ahead of schedule, widening Highway 164 from Highway 97 to Green Village Road and from Green Village Road toward North Highway 29.
The current phase involves widening the stretch near North Pine Barren Road, which was not originally scheduled to start until September. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during construction. The entire project is expected to be completed by September 20.
According to county engineering data, the sections being widened experienced a high concentration of accidents between May 2018 and May 2023.
Pictured above and below: Work on Highway 164 near Pine Barren Road Wednesday afternoon. Pictured below: The first phase completed on Highway 164 near Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com potos, click to enlarge.
