NEP Blue 8U Wins All-Star Tournament
June 25, 2019
NEP Blue won the 8U Coach Pitch All-Star Tournament this past weekend in Gulf Breeze. During tournament play, NEP Blue went a perfect 5-0 outscoring opponents 55-30.
Team members are Sean Smith, Coleman Godfrey, Parker White, Trenton Godwin, Nate Rieland ,mason Williams, Bryson Barberi, Carson Ohman, Grayson Mclellan, Grayson Miller , Tysen Faulkner, Talan Williams and Austin Land. Coaches are Allen Miller, Tim Land, Joe Barberi, Jack Ohman, Bobby Godfrey and Greg Mclellan.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Griffin Jax Throws Seven Scoreless Innings In Hard-Luck Wahoos Loss
June 25, 2019
With his teammates facing a major league starter Monday night, Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Griffin Jax knew he had to match on the mound.
The Air Force Academy grad performed even better.
Jax worked a season-best, seven shutout innings, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp rallied in the eighth inning against the Blue Wahoos’ bullpen for a 4-2 win in the deciding, series finale to start the second half schedule at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Miami Marlins lefthander Caleb Smith, pitching for Jacksonville on an injury rehab assignment, tied an all-time Southern League record with eight consecutive strikeouts as part of the 11 he recorded in 4.1 innings.
Even with that, the Blue Wahoos led 2-0 against Smith, who has pitched in 37 major league games, including 12 starts this season with the Marlins.
Smith won his first four starts this season against Philadelphia (twice), Washington and Cleveland before developing a left hip inflammation, which placed him on the injured list since June 7.
Monday night, his second pitch was blasted by Travis Blankenhorn over the right field wall for a lead off homer. It was Blankenhorn’s 13th homer this season, tied for the Southern League best, as he continues being the Blue Wahoos’ bright spot in the offense.
From that point, however, Smith was virtually unhittable. He struck out the next eight batters until Blankenhorn grounded out to end the third inning and end the strikeout streak.
In the fifth inning, Mark Contreras led off with a homer against Smith for a 2-0 lead.
The lead held up well behind Jax and his stellar performance. Jax retired the first 10 batters he faced in order.
Riley Mahan broke up the perfection with a fourth-inning single, then Brian Miller singled with one out. Jax pitched out of the jam by getting two flyouts – the latter with runners on second and third.
Jax then retired the Jumbo Shrimp in order the next three innings. He has allowed only 11 earned runs this season on 12 starts with the Blue Wahoos.
Unfortunately for Jax and the Blue Wahoos, the Jumbo Shrimp pounced on relievers Jeff Ames and Sam Clay for four runs in the eighth inning that decided the game.
The unraveling began when Stone Garrett led off the eighth with a single, then stole second base against Ames. Adrian Nieto walked. Anfernee Seymour lined a double to left, scoring Garrett.
After a mound visit, Blue Wahoos fill-in manager Steve Singleton, the team’s hitting coach, who worked the series as manager while Ramon Borrego took an extended vacation break, brought in left hander Sam Clay.
The first batter he faced, Corey Bird, tied the game with a single. With one out, Brian Miller hit a hard grounder that deflected off Clay’s glove, scoring the go-ahead run. Justin Twine’s two-out single scored Miller with the fourth run.
The Blue Wahoos, who managed only three hits in the game while striking out 15 times for a second consecutive day, were held scoreless by three Jumbo Shrimp relievers. The trio combined to allow no walks, one hit, four strikeouts in 4.2 innings.
Alex Kirilloff had the Blue Wahoos only other hit with his sixth-inning single.
The Blue Wahoos (40-35, 2-3 in second half) returned to Pensacola across Interstate-10, arriving early Tuesday and will begin a five-game series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Tuesday night.
The Shuckers, winners of the first half South Division crown, swept the Blue Wahoos in a defining, five-game series three weeks ago, prior to the Southern League All-Star game in Biloxi.
The Jumbo Shrimp (32-43), who finished tied for last in the first half, had lost 10 of 12 games against the Blue Wahoos before winning the final three games of this series.
Firefighters Extinguish Kitchen Fire, Saving Home And Several Pets
June 24, 2019
Quick work by Escambia County Fire Rescue saved not only a home, but also several family pets in Gonzalez Monday evening.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a kitchen fire in the home on Rachel Circle just before 7 p.m. They rescued cat and parakeet from the home, two dogs from the backyard and also had a second cat outside safe from the fire. There were no injuries to people or pets reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Large Hay Barn In Bratt (With Video)
June 24, 2019
Fire destroyed a large hay barn in Bratt Monday afternoon.
The blaze reportedly spread from a field to the barn, but the cause of the fire was not immediately available. The 2,250 square-foot barn was about 130 feet from the nearest structure; there were no other structures damaged.
The fire was reported about 4:20 p.m. behind a home in the 4500 block of West Highway 4, across the street from the Travis M. Nelson Park. The fire was declared under control by 6 p.m. The hay bales were expected to continue smoldering through the night.
The Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department responded.
There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Looks To Form Charter Review Committee
June 24, 2019
The Town of Century is accepting applicants for a Charter Review Committee.
Applicants must reside within the town limits and submit an application by 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.
If the town council goes forward, the committee will explore the town charter — the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The current Century charter has not been updated in almost 40 years.
The town council held a workshop in May with Lynn Tipton of the Florida League of Cities explained to the council that municipal governments in Florida often review and update their charters to meet the ever-changing landscape of government.
The Century town charter was adopted on November 27, 1979, and ratified by referendum on January 8, 1980. It has been unchanged since.
Tipton said the first step toward possible changes to Century’s charter would be the formation of a charter revision committee. The committee would hold several public forums and would work to involve local citizens every step of the way in a process that could easily take a year.
“The role of citizens in this process is crucial,” Tipton said.” Representation of the public, ability to weigh issues and to understand the charter’s importance of the city’s governing foundation.”
The number of council members, the length of their terms and how the mayor is selected could all be changed through an updated charter.
To download an application (PDF), click here.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Here Are This Week’s Road Work Slow Spots
June 24, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning at 9 a.m. CST Wednesday, July 3 and ending at 12:01 a.m. CST Monday, July 8.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Saturday, June 29.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new southbound bridge. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Traffic on Fairfield Drive from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place was shifted from its current alignment to the west Tuesday, June 18 to allow crews to complete the installation of the box culvert under the roadway. The north entrance to Usher Circle will also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drainage operation. Residents will utilize the south entrance of Usher Circle. The temporary lane shift and road closure is anticipated to take place for approximately three weeks.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) at Fairfield Drive- Motorists will encounter northbound lane restrictions between Fairfield Drive and the I-110 interchange from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform drainage repairs.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) at Texar Drive- The southbound, outside lane of Ninth Avenue in Pensacola will be closed at Texar Drive from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform maintenance activities.
- U.S. 29 Utility Operations between 9 1/2 Road and Ten Mile Road- There will be intermittent northbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 27 as crews perform utility maintenance work.
- County Road (C.R.) 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Activities associated with the bridge replacement project on C.R. 168 over Unnamed Branch, northwest of Century, continue. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic and noise disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Monday, June 24 as crews place asphalt for the new eastbound U.S. 98 travel lanes from the bridge to Hampton Inn. Flaggers will be on site to direct vehicles in and out of the three impacted driveways. Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 23 through Sunday, June 30:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) –The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, June 23:
- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews work to place final striping, rumble strips, and to finish work list items.
- I-10 over Blackwater Bay Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Blackwater Bay from 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 24 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- I-10 over Garcon Point Road Routine Bridge Maintenance- Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane restrictions on I-10 over Garcon Point Road, about five miles west of S.R. 87, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday, to Thursday, July 30 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road– All north and southbound travel lanes, between Hickory Hammock Road and two miles south of the Yellow River are now open and the speed limit is now 65 mph. Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete construction activities and the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph through the active work zones.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete striping operations. Work will take place at night during off peak hours.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
ECSO Searching For Suspect After Sunday Shooting Death
June 24, 2019
UPDATE — The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect after a Sunday shooting death.
The Sheriff’s Office first announced they were looking for Jredreck Vonshia Reese on charges of second degree homicide and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Several hours later, the Sheriff’s Office announced they had withdrawn the homicide warrant, but the weapon possession warrant was still active.
The ECSO responded to a shooting victim on Trenton Drive near Edison Drive about 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his neck and later died from his injuries.
Reese allegedly fled the scene on a bicycle.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reese is asked to Call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Gas Prices Likely To Rise This Week As Oil Spikes
June 24, 2019
Florida gas prices are currently the lowest in four months, but that could change soon. Crude oil prices surged nearly $5 per barrel last week, which means higher gas prices are likely on the way.
Crude oil and gasoline futures prices rebounded last week due to factors includng rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the downing of a U.S. drone on Thursday and a massive fire at a Philadelphia refinery – the largest refinery on the U.S. East Coast, which could require supplies to be redirected from other regions.
“Florida drivers could see gas prices rise 5-10 cents this week, due to both domestic and international issues that caused oil prices to spike,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, it’s unclear just how long this upward pressure will stick around, and whether things will worsen or get better this week. Even if the state average rises above $2.50, drivers would still be paying 20 cents per gallon less than this time last year.”
Florida drivers are paying an average price of $2.43 per gallon at the pump – the lowest daily average price since February
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon on Sunday for $2.41, down 3 cents from a week ago and 20 cents from one month ago. In Cantonment Sunday night, states were as low as $2.34 per gallon.
New Circle K Convenience Store Planned For Beulah
June 24, 2019
A new Circle K convenience store is planned for Beulah.
The 4,968 square foot store will be built at Nine Mile and Beulah roads, directly north of an existing Tom Thumb.
Circle K tells NorthEscambia.com that the store will be the most modern Circle K facility in Northwest Florida. At 4,968 square feet, along with 16 fueling positions, it will also be among the company’s largest locations in the area.
The Beulah location will include the standard Circle K beverage offers, hot prepared foods, a seating area and more.
Construction is expected to begin after the permitting process is complete.
Tate Offensive, Defensive Lines Place Second In USA’s Lineman’s Challenge
June 24, 2019
The Tate High School offensive and defensive lines brought home the second place trophy from the University of South Alabama Lineman’s Challenge. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.