Chosen 12u Wins Brewton YMCA All-Star Tournament
June 28, 2024
The Chosen 12u softball team recently went undefeated to claim the Brewton Area YMCA All-Star Tournament. The victories included an eight inning 9-8 victory in the championship game against Monroeville’s all-stars.
The Chosen 12U softball team is home-based in Century with players from Century, Northwest Escambia and the surrounding area.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP To Award $57,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits. Here’s How To Apply.
June 28, 2024
The International Paper Pensacola Mill will award a total of $57,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2024.
International Paper Pensacola Mill recognizes the vital role non-profit organizations play in addressing critical needs within our communities. Through these grants, organizations will be able to fund new projects and programs that align with our signature causes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
To apply for these grants, non-profit organizations are invited to submit their applications until Monday, July 15. Interested parties can access the application form at www.ipgiving.com.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “We are committed to supporting organizations that share our vision of creating positive change and improving the lives of individuals.”
The International Paper Foundation focuses on making sustainable investments that address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Grants are awarded based on signature causes.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact.
Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com until July 15, 2023.
If you have questions about the grant guidelines, contact Whitney Fike, regional communications manager, at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Warren’s One-Man Show Sends Wahoos To 3-2 Defeat
June 28, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 3-2 to the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night in a game dominated by Shuckers first baseman Zavier Warren.
Warren, who had just been activated off Biloxi’s development list earlier in the day, hit an RBI single in the second inning and the eventual game-winning two-run triple in the fourth off Cade Gibson (L, 0-1) to account for all three Shuckers runs.
The Blue Wahoos went 1-for-11 with men in scoring position on the night, squandering an early opportunity with the bases loaded and nobody out in the second inning and finding little success later in the game. Biloxi starter Brett Wichrowski danced around trouble for 3.0 scoreless innings before a 29-minute rain delay in the bottom of the third hastened his departure.
Paul McIntosh got Pensacola on the board with a solo homer, his sixth of the year, in the fourth. TJ Shook (W, 4-7) also allowed an RBI triple in the seventh to Jacob Berry as the Wahoos drew to within a run, but Craig Yoho escaped the jam with the potential tying run in scoring position to end Pensacola’s final threat of the night.
Both teams’ bullpens performed well in the late innings, as Pensacola’s Zach McCambley and Patrick Murphy combined for 4.0 scoreless frames and Blake Holub (S, 6) sealed the one-run Biloxi victory.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Friday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Community Mourns Passing Of Firefighter Clay Brown In Vehicle Crash
June 27, 2024
The community is mourning the passing of firefighter Clay Brown, Jr., 27, who passed away Saturday, June 22 in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning. on Highway 87 north of Jay.
He was a career firefighter for Escambia County Fire-Rescue and a volunteer for the Jay Volunteer Fire Department.
Brown was born in Pensacola on Sept. 18, 1996, to James “Moo” and Jeanne Brown. He graduated from Jay High School in 2015 where he was a proud Jay Royal on the football and weightlifting teams. There, he made many lasting bonds of friendship on the field, in the weight room and the classroom.
While in high school, Brown discovered his calling to the fire service and, at age 16, joined the Jay Volunteer Fire Department as a junior volunteer firefighter.
Following his desire for service, Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 1, 2016. He was stationed in Bremerton, Wash., and spent time in Everett, Wash. and San Diego, Calif. for the four years he served.
Brown was assigned to the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Nimitz. He had one deployment during his enlistment for seven months to the Persian Gulf, which placed his ship in position to conduct anti-ISIS strikes in Syria and Iraq. Following his time on the U.S.S Nimitz, Brown served as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS3) as an F4 for the remainder of this service.
Upon returning to his hometown of Jay, Brown enrolled in the Fire Academy to once again serve his community. He attended Northwest Florida State College for Firefighter I/II training, where he formed many bonds of friendship with soon-to-be firefighters.
Once his training was completed, Brown was hired on at Pace Fire Rescue District. From there, he moved to the Holley-Navarre Fire District – Station #41, and then found his permanent home with Escambia County Fire Rescue, serving at Station #1 in Bellview and finally at Station #7 in Ferry Pass.
Brown was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted and fished as often as possible. He was a usual participant during the Duck, Deer and Turkey seasons. Brown was a proud member of the Travis Road Hunting Club, where he enjoyed time at the “Hunting Camp” with his father and many of his father’s lifelong friends and their sons and daughters. Along with hunting, Brown also enjoyed hiking, spending much time in Idaho, which he considered his second home. His love of the outdoors extended to farming as he always looked forward to the planting and harvest seasons, always lending a helping hand to his farming friends.
Brown will always be remembered by his family, friends, and fellow firefighters as a happy and big personality who brought love and light into every room he entered. He was a member of the Full Gospel Community Church in Dixonville, Ala. where he accepted Jesus into his heart and his life, and received love and guidance from a special lifelong friend and pastor, Brother Bill Thompson.
lay Brown is survived by his mother and father, Moo and Jeanne Brown, of Jay, his sister, Kasey Yalch, special nephews, Jayce Clay Stokes and Jameson Haveard, and niece, Sawyer Haveard. He is also survived by Uncles John “Cliff” Cory Brown of Jay, Don McNabb of Levittown, Penn., Michael McNabb of Waveland, Miss., and Rick Sexton of Winchester, Calif.; Aunts, Vicki Dixon of Pace, Jeannie Johnson of Urbana, Iowa; Great Uncles Harry Hawthorne, Ray Daugette and Bruce Daugette of Milton, and numerous cousins on both sides of his family.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Claude and Mary Nan Brown and William and Bertha (Boots) Sexton, all of Jay. Clay is also predeceased by his uncles, William Sexton, Jr. of St. Augustine, Fla., Mickey McNabb of Jemison, Ala., Wendell (Mac) McNabb of Jefferson, La., and Susan McNabb of Marianna, Fla.
Funeral Arrangements
The family of Clay Brown invites the public to the visitation, funeral and burial services.
Visitation Service: Thursday, June 27
- Location: True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 SR-87, Jay
- Time: 5-8 p.m.
- Additional Information: Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged
Funeral: Friday, June 28
- Location: True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 SR-29, Jay
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Additional Information: Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged
Burial: Friday, June 28
- Location: Full Gospel Community Church, 9851 Travis Rd., Brewton, Ala.
- Time: Immediately following the funeral service
Here’s An Update On K-9 Streeter, The ECSO K-9 That Chased Suspect Off Bridge
June 27, 2024
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Streeter is continuing to recover from injuries he received when he jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over the Escambia River in pursuit of a suspect Monday evening.
“Streeter is doing very well! He had some rib bruising and other minor injuries from the impact of his jump, but he is excited to let everyone know he will be cleared soon and back to chasing the bad guys,” the ECSO said Wednesday.
K-9 Streeter and his handler Deputy Stimmel stopped by the ECSO to see Sheriff Chip Simmons Wednesday.
Three suspects and a Streeter jumped from the bridge following a drive-by shooting and subsequent police chase.
One of the suspects was killed, one remains unaccounted for, and 19-year-old Jaquarius Trayquan Etheridge, has been charged with murder while engaged in a crime for the death of the suspect, attempted murder for the drive-by shooting, fleeing and eluding, and a weapons offense. He is jailed without bond.
For more details on the incident, click here.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Graduate Matthew Johnson Commissioned
June 27, 2024
Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School was commissioned as a U.S. Navy ensign Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York
Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He was commissioned by his mother, Lt. Kendra Smith, U. S. Navy Nurse Corps.
His father, retired U. S. Navy Master Chief Neal Johnson and his grandfather, U. S. Army veteran Ken Moore placed his ensign shoulder boards during the commissioning ceremony.
Matthew Johnson will serve as a Merchant Marine officer with the Military Sealift Command at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Pictured: Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School. was commissioned Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To 150 Months In Federal Prison For Drug Possession
June 27, 2024
An Escambia County aman was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison on drug possession charges.
Darnell Devaughn Burnett, 40, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine.
On June 13, 2023, a state search warrant was executed at Burnett’s residence in Escambia County. During the search of the residence, law enforcement located and seized 829 grams of methamphetamine, 137.9 grams of heroin, small quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, a digital scale and bags used for drug distribution. Evidence introduced at the sentencing hearing established that at the time the search warrant was executed at his residence, Burnett was on state probation for drug distribution charges.
“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through their efforts, this defendant – a prior offender currently serving a probationary sentence – will face the significant consequences of his continued criminal conduct. We will continue to support our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals distributing drugs in North Florida.”
Burnett’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
Molino 12U All-Star Softball Wins State Championship
June 27, 2024
Molino 12U All-Star softball are state champions . Up next, they are headed to the World Series in Gardendale, Alabama, July 10-14. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Piece Together Wild 7-6 Win over Shuckers
June 27, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got back in the win column on Wednesday night, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 7-6 in a game full of unexpected turns.
Starting pitcher M.D. Johnson was hit in the arm by a comebacker from his second batter faced, and left after 0.2 innings. Four different Pensacola pitchers got the final 25 outs, with Dale Stanavich (W, 1-0) earning his first Double-A win and Austin Roberts (S, 12) earning a six-out save in a tense team effort.
The Blue Wahoos got on the board immediately in the first, as leadoff batter Jakob Marsee drew a 10-pitch walk against starter Bradley Blalock, stole second, and scored on an RBI single from Joe Mack. The Shuckers countered with a two-out, two-run double from Eric Brown Jr., taking a 2-1 lead.
Cody Morissette tied the game 2-2 with an RBI triple in the second, and came in on a Sean Roby sacrifice fly to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 3-2. A three-run third, highlighted by a Diego Infante RBI single, gave the Blue Wahoos a 6-2 edge.
The Shuckers chipped away with two-run homers from Brock Wilken and Lamar Sparks in the middle innings to tie the game 6-6. After surrendering the game-tying homer, Stanavich buckled down with 2.0 scoreless innings to allow the Pensacola offense to reclaim the lead.
Jacob Berry delivered the eventual game-winning hit, an RBI single off Adam Seminaris (L, 0-3) in the sixth inning. Matt Pushard escaped a jam in a scoreless seventh, and Roberts earned his league-leading 12th save with a perfect last two frames.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Here’s Where To Donate Food Today In Donut Strike For Manna
June 27, 2024
The 2024 Donut Strike for Manna that continues today
Local law enforcement and fire departments are teaming up again to fight hunger for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna.
Donation locations for Thursday and Friday are in the graphics below.
strong>Pictured top: Donations were collected in 2023 for Manna at the Winn Dixie on Highway 29 in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
