Blue Wahoos Drop Third Straight Against Shuckers
June 10, 2019
The Blue Wahoos were hoping to reverse course Sunday against Biloxi with an early lead and strong start on the mound.
Just the opposite occurred, however.
The Shuckers produced a four-run, first inning, chased out Blue Wahoos starter Jorge Alcala after three innings, then rolled to an 8-0 victory for Biloxi’s third consecutive win in this pivotal division series at MGM Park in Biloxi, Miss.
In clinching the series win Sunday before a crowd of 1,518, the Shuckers opened a two-game lead in the Southern League South Division first half chase. With two games remaining in Biloxi, seven total games in the first half schedule, the Blue Wahoos seek an immediate turnaround.
The Blue Wahoos were outscored 22-3 during the weekend games. Their pitching staff has yielded 31 hits in the three games.
Despite those numbers, the Blue Wahoos can still pull back even in the standings by winning the final two series games on Monday and Tuesday. The Blue Wahoos then begin a five-game homestand against the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs affiliate, on Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In order to change direction, the Blue Wahoos will need to get their bats going again.
Biloxi’s Trey Supak (8-2), named earlier last week to the Southern League All-Star team, was outstanding Sunday in becoming the league’s first pitcher to win eight games.
He worked seven complete innings, allowing just two hits, no walks and struck out eight Blue Wahoos batters. Reliever Cody Ponce worked the final two innings, allowing four hits with three strikeouts and no walks.
The Blue Wahoos had only four baserunners in scoring position. Two of those happened in the ninth when the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with one out on a pair of singles and a catcher’s interference call. But Ponce got Joe Cronin to hit into a game-ending double play to preserve the shutout.
No Blue Wahoos player had multiple hits. Jimmy Kerrigan had the team’s only extra-base hit with his first inning double.
Biloxi, meanwhile, got all the runs it needed in the bottom of the first. The Shuckers’ Luis Aviles Jr., one of the top prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers system, led off with a double. He then stole third and scored on Trent Grisham’s ground out.
The next two batters, Jake Gatewood and Patrick Leonard singled. Dillon Thomas followed with a two-out, three-run homer off Alcala (5-3) over the right center fence.
In the third inning, the Shuckers made it 5-0 after Alcala hit a pair of batters, gave up a single to load the bases, then walked Thomas with one out to force in a run.
The Blue Wahoos went to their bullpen to begin the fourth inning. It matched Alcala’s shortest start of the season, going back to April 26 when he worked only three innings against Jacksonville.
Andrew Viscaya worked 1.2 innings as the most effective reliever. The Shuckers got their sixth run off Williams Ramirez, then two more off Zach Weiss, who returned to the Blue Wahoos as a Twins’ organization player, following his prior time in Pensacola as a closer with the Reds organization.
Biloxi’s win continued their first-half surge. Since May 14, the Shuckers have compiled a 20-5 record. The Blue Wahoos have struggled since mid-May, losing four of five series’, including this one against Biloxi.
Top Names For The New Bay Bridge Released; Naming Committee To Meet
June 10, 2019
The public’s suggestions for the name of the new bridge across Pensacola Bay are in.
Topping the list overwhelmingly with 359 votes were variations of U.S. Air Force Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James, following by 65 votes for keeping the official name of former Florida Senate President Phillip D. Beall on the bridge.
Rounding out the top five were “Three Mile Bridge”, names related to the Blue Angels and “Bridgey McBridgeface” tied with names related to Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna.
Here’s the list of names received:
- “James”” variations — 359
- “Beall,” “current” and similar variations — 65
- “3 mile,” “Three mile” and similar iterations — 57
- “Blue” (i.e Blue Angels variations) — 37
- “Bridgey McBridgeface”and variations — 21
- “Luna” (i.e. DeLuna/De Luna variations) — 21
- Various notables (mostly local, some one-offs) — 60
- “Paradise” variations — 18
The names were received by the Pensacola Bay Bridge Naming Committee. There were 1,069 emails, with 265 removed from duplicate email addresses for a total of 804 submissions.
The public is invited to attend two upcoming meetings hosted by the Pensacola Bay Bridge Naming Committee regarding the new name for the Three-Mile Bridge. The committee will meet again on Tuesday, July 9 to discuss, review and select a name.
Tuesday, June 11, 5:30 p.m.
- Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers 1st Floor
Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze
The current bridge is named after former State Senate President Philip D. Beall Sr.
The county commission and city of Gulf Breeze adopted resolutions establishing the Pensacola Bay Bridge Naming Committee to assist in the naming of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge. The committee is composed of nine voting members – one Escambia County resident appointed by each of the five commissioners and four appointed by the city of Gulf Breeze.
Appeal Court Denies Century Man’s Motion In Rolling Meth Lab Case; Now He’s Wanted On A Probation Violation
June 9, 2019
The Florida First District Court of Appeal has denied a motion to suppress evidence in the case of a Century man convicted on multiple drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop three years ago. According to the state, he is also a wanted man on a probation violation.
William Burr Milliron, currently 47, filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained during a 2015 traffic stop that uncovered two “one pot” meth labs. The trial court denied the motion, finding the stop by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was legal.
Milliron later entered a negotiated plea and was convicted of the lesser offenses of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional counts were dismissed. He was sentenced to 408 days time served.
The incident began when patrol deputies conducted a traffic stop on an older model Ford F250 truck on Front Street at Highway 29 in Century about 3 p.m. on June 18. The traffic stop occurred after a deputy observed a refrigerator and other objects protruding from a pickup truck with no tailgate, and after the deputy observed the driver tossing cigarette butt from the truck’s window.
The deputies discovered two apparent “one pot” meth labs in a bag that was located in bed of the pickup. A .22 caliber revolver was also located.. Milliron, the passenger, ran from the area of the truck as deputies attempted to handcuff him about 30 minutes after the traffic stop.
Millron reportedly told deputies that he was not going back to prison before fleeing. He lunged at a deputy and was tased before being wrestled to the ground by a deputy that was later airlifted to a Pensacola hospital suffering from breathing difficulties. Milliron continued to wrestle and fight both deputies and was tased a second time. After he was taken into custody, deputies discovered ammunition for the firearm in his pocket, according to an arrest report.
Members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics responded to the scene. They were observed removing two plastic soft drink bottles containing the suspected meth labs from a camouflage bag. The bag also contained several items known to commonly be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, including drain cleaner.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response Unit responded with a hazardous materials team that neutralized the meth labs in buckets that were then filled with concrete. After being rendered inert, the buckets and concrete are later disposed of at the county landfill.
The driver of the vehicle received probation on a meth charge, and the deputy airlifted to the hospital recovered.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Dedicates New Special Ops Truck At Push-in Ceremony
June 9, 2019
Escambia County Fire Rescue celebrated the arrival of the new Squad 3 apparatus during a traditional push-in ceremony on Saturday. This truck was built to facilitate ECFR’S Special Operations response and fire suppression operations throughout Escambia County, along with operations across the region as needed.
At the ceremony, Station 3 firefighters continued the longstanding fire service tradition of pushing the apparatus into the station bay, commemorating the arrival of a new apparatus into service. Pastor Gordon Godfrey of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church provided the invocation, and the McGuire’s Pipe Band led a short procession behind the ECFR Honor Guard.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Squad 3 is a brand-new Pierce PUC built in Appleton, Wisconsin. Along with a four-person crew, it carries equipment needed to facilitate heavy rescue, extrication, entrapment, medical, high/low angle and fire suppression emergencies.
Squad 3 replaces an ECFR engine and rescue apparatus that both responded to a charter bus crash in March 2018 on Interstate 10, which involved a bus falling into a 50-foot ravine while transporting high school students. The crew used rope rescue techniques to evacuate several seriously injured students from the ravine and provided extrication expertise to rescue and remove trapped victims from the wreckage. This Technical Rescue Team is the only one of its sort between Mobile, and Tallahassee.
The old engine and rescue apparatus will be placed into reserve status to be utilized when front line equipment is down for maintenance or repairs.
Squad 3 is located at Escambia County Fire Rescue Station 3, the Brent station on North W Street.
Photos by Barbara Rigby and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Cheerleaders Win Top Awards At LSU Summer Camp
June 9, 2019
The Northview High School Cheerleaders took several top awards this weekend at the LSU Summer Camp on the campus of Louisiana State University. The Chiefs placed first place in cheer, first place overall, first place in sideline and second place in rally routine. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northwest Escambia 12U All-Stars Win District Championship
June 9, 2019
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars won the Cal Ripkin Baseball District 7 championship Saturday in Atmore.
NWE’s All-Stars will move on to the state championship in Sylacauga, Alabama, on June 20.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Driver’s License Change Aimed At Increased Security
June 9, 2019
Motorists in Florida will see new features aimed at increased security when they renew their driver’s licenses.
The Florida Department of Highway and Safety and Motor Vehicles is now issuing a Florida driver license and ID card with enhanced security features to customers. Modifications include the removal of the magnetic strip on the back of the credential, the addition of a tactile security feature and changes to the data and data layout.
The availability schedule at Escambia Tax Collector Offices is as follows:
- June 4 — Warrington, 4051 Barrancas Ave Suite A
- June 6 — Marcus Point, 6451 North “W” Street
- June 20 — Molino, 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A
- June 21 — Downtown 213 Palafox Place
By the end of August 2019, the modified credential will be available at all service centers throughout Florida and online.
“The release of this new credential is part of a continued effort to maintain the highest level of security for all Floridians,” said Terry L. Rhodes, executive director of the FLHSMV. “In cooperation with law enforcement and our stakeholders, we are committed to enhancing security, preventing fraud and best serving our customers.”
In 2017, the department began issuing a redesigned Florida driver license and ID card to provide enhanced security features for customers, better protecting against identity and driver license fraud. The security features ensure Floridians continue to receive the most secure over-the-counter driver license and ID card on the market today.
Individuals are not required to replace their current driver license or ID card during this time, unless their current credential has reached its expiration, or a required change is needed, such as a name or address change.
Previously issued driver license and ID cards will still be used until they are replaced or phased out. Any credentials with a magnetic strip and no tactile feature with an issue date after August 31, 2019, are fraudulent, according to the state.
Alabama Power Closing 40 Offices Including Two In Escambia County
June 9, 2019
Alabama Power announced plans Saturday to close almost half of its business offices, including two in Escambia County, Alabama.
The utility will close 40 of 86 offices. The offices in Flomaton and Brewton are on the closure list and are set to shut down by August 30. The Alabama Power office and appliance store on Church Street in Atmore will remain open.
Alabama Power customers will still be able to pay their bills online, by mail, by phone or in person at authorized payment locations at local retailers like Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General and Piggly Wiggly. Payment locations are available online at alabamapower.com/payinperson.
Pictured: The Alabama Power office in Atmore as seen on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Fall Out Of First Place After 5-2 Loss To Biloxi
June 9, 2019
For a second night against the Biloxi Shuckers, the Blue Wahoos had their bats quieted and for the first time this season, they are no longer in first place.
Shuckers starter Johan Belisario (6-0) worked five solid innings, then three relievers combined to allow just one hit, as Biloxi overtook the Blue Wahoos atop the Southern League South Division with a 5-2 victory Saturday night at MGM Park in Biloxi, Miss.
A crowd of 3,585 watched the Shuckers take a fifth-inning lead on a pair of walks, then produce a three-run eighth to pull away for the win.
After 62 games, the Blue Wahoos (36-26) will now play the role of chaser, trailing Biloxi (37-25) by one game, heading into the three remaining games of this pivotal series in the first half divisional race.
Jorge Alcala (5-2) is set to take the mound Sunday for the Blue Wahoos in a 2:35 p.m. game to try and get the divisional chase tied again. The teams will play again Monday and Tuesday. Each team has eight games left in the first half schedule.
The Blue Wahoos took an early lead Saturday when Jaylin Davis led off the fourth inning with a solo homer, his ninth of the season. Michael Davis and Brian Navarreto then followed with two out singles, but Belisario got Taylor Grzelakowski to ground out, ending the inning.
It became the third time in four innings the Blue Wahoos left a runner in scoring position.
Blue Wahoos starter Charlie Barnes (0-1), who absorbed his first loss since joining the team, was in a good flow through four innings until he struggled with control in the fifth inning. After giving up a leadoff double, then a walk, he was unable to throw out Luis Aviles Jr. on a bunt single which loaded the bases.
Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego went to the bullpen, bringing in Tom Hackimer, who walked the next two batters to give Biloxi a 2-1 lead with none out. But Hackimer then pitched out of the jam with a strikeout and double play ball to end the inning.
The offense wasn’t able to respond, going scoreless the next three innings. The Blue Wahoos best chance for a rally was in the top of the eighth when Ben Rortvedt and Davis reached on one-out walks. The Shuckers summoned reliever Luke Barker, who struck out Ryan Costello and Caleb Hamilton to end the inning en route to earning his eighth save.
In the bottom of eighth, Bilox touched up reliever Jeff Ames with three consecutive hits to start the inning. The third one, a double by Dillon Thomas, scored a run. Sam Clay replaced Ames and issued an intentional walk to C.J. Hinojosa. The Shuckers’ Max McDowell then smacked a two-run double to give the Shuckers a 5-1 lead.
With two outs in the ninth, Travis Blankenhorn hit an RBI double to score Grezelakowski, who had walked, for the Blue Wahoos second run.
After scoring 34 runs and winning four of five games against Jacksonville, the Blue Wahoos have scored just three runs against Biloxi and been unable to deliver a big two-out hit.
The season series between the teams, part of the Seafood Buffet Series, is now tied at 6-6. The Blue Wahoos will need to win two of the three remaining games to keep a tie-breaker edge should the teams end the first half tied in the standings.
ECSO Looking For Missing Man Last Seen Leaving The Hospital
June 8, 2019
UPDATE: Missing person Patrick Todd James has been located
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man last seen leaving a local hospital.
Patrick Todd James, 49, left West Florida Hospital about 2 p.m. on June 4. He is 5’9”, around 170 pounds with brownish/gray hair, and green eyes. James drives a red Acura MDX with a Florida State University speciality plate UD73L. If you see or know the location of Patrick James, call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.