Ice Flyers Unable To Hold Off Bulls In Front Of Franchise Record Crowd
January 1, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
The Ice Flyers set a record crowd Saturday night and created an unprecedented holiday weekend setting.
What missed, however, was a celebratory outcome in the game.
The Birmingham Bulls scored a trio of power play goals, including twice with just two seconds remaining in the man advantage, and produced a 4-2 win that quieted a crowd of 7,159 at the Pensacola Bay Center. The win followed first place Birmingham’s 4-3 victory Friday on the Bulls home ice and brought a sweep of three games in five days this holiday week against the Ice Flyers.
The near-sellout crowd in the building was the Ice Flyers’ largest in their 15-year franchise history for a game that didn’t occur on the annual $5 ticket weekend. Saturday was Military Appreciation Night and it led into a special atmosphere.
“Excellent crowd. The crowd was unreal,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “Too bad they had to see us shoot ourselves in the foot countless times. That was disappointing.”
The Ice Flyers scored the game’s first goal when Garrett Milan tipped in a shot less than five minutes into the period. But once Birmingham tied the game less than two minutes later, the Bulls never trailed again.
Playing with only five defensemen due to injuries, the Ice Flyers were further challenged by having to try and kill six power play chances for the Bulls while committed eight infractions in the game.
“I thought we had a timely start, getting the first goal, which was good for our group,” Graham said. “We are dealing with some chemistry issues… little tired on the back end, guys have been battling and that has definitely been an issue for us as of late.
“But again, we have not had discipline issues all season and now they are starting to rear their ugly head. And that’s something I am not going to tolerate one bit.
“The carelessness of how we tried to execute on our game plan against a team that has been sitting atop of the league and to think we can do that type of stuff and have success is just mind numbing.”
Birmingham scored a go-ahead goal on a power play with 1:43 left in the first period on a wrist shot by Ryan Romeo from inside the blue line.
The Bulls went up 3-1 in the second period, after the Ice Flyers nearly killed off a 5 on 3 disadvantage situation. They played with two men down for 53 seconds, got that killed off, but the Bulls’ Carson Rose scored with 6:36 left and Malik Johnson ready to come out of the penalty box.
“We knew going in with five defensemen against best team in the league, here is a certain way you have to play to manage that type of environment,” Graham said. “And taking penalties and putting yourself shorthanded is the worst thing you can do for those defensemen. It just wears them down.”
The Ice Flyers energized the crowd when Ivan Bondarenko scored with 21.2 seconds left in the period by pouncing on a favorable bounce off the back boards and getting the puck past Birmingham goaltender Drennen Atherton.
That momentum carried into intermission and the Ice Flyers had a chance for a tying goal when Birmingham was whistled for a holding penalty with 11:17 left.
With 4:38 remaining Lucas Herrmann was called on a cross-checking penalty just before the Ice Flyers had killed off an earlier penalty. In this case, the Bulls Drake Glover scored 23 seconds later for a two-goal lead and the crowd began to exit.
“We just have a lot of guys underperforming right now. I think every team deals with it throughout a year. I think there has been some complacency that has been festering and we are starting to see it, ” said Graham.
“When you play the top team in the league three straight games you are either going to sink or you are going to swim and I think we are seeing what direction we are going.”
With their trio of wins in a week, Birmingham (17-4, 3 OT losses, 27 points) heads into the New Year with a two-point lead over Fayetteville atop the SPHL standings. The Ice Flyers (13-11) dropped into a fifth-place tie.
The Bulls now have a 5-3 lead in the season series.
Graham promised some hard practices and adjustments before the Ice Flyers next game on Jan. 4 at home against Peoria.
“There will be a lot of working going on behind the scenes, that’s for sure,” he said.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Peoria Rivermen vs. Ice Flyers
WHEN: Thursday (Jan. 4), 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center
2023 Ends With Century’s State-Required Financial Audit Not Posted
December 31, 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, Century’s state-required audit of the previous fiscal year is now six months overdue, leaving residents without a clear picture of the financial condition of their town.
The legal deadline for submitting the Annual Financial Report, often referred to simply as an audit, to the Florida Department of Financial Services is June 30 of each year.
As of December 30, Century’s 2021-22 fiscal year audit that was due June 30, 2023, had not been received and posted online by the Florida Auditor General.
Century has missed the state law mandated audit deadline every year for about a decade.
The late audit comes in a year that Florida State Sen. Doug Broxson warned interim Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. that the town may need to consider de-chartering and letting Escambia County take over.
Broxson’s comments came during a late October meeting of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation — Sen. Doug Broxson, State Rep. Alex Andrade and State Rep. Michelle Salzman — in Pensacola. Gomez had addressed the delegation, thanking them for millions in state funding that has gone to projects in Century, including a bridge replacement, wastewater treatment plant repairs and repairs to a failed water well serving the state prison.
‘I’ve been dealing with Century for 14 years,” Broxson told Gomez. “I know you’ve had tremendous challenges there. Your tax base is very low, and your needs are very great. I can tell you this delegation has doubled down on trying to help Century.”
“We are praying for you, we know you have a big challenge, we want you to do well,” Broxson continued. “But we know you are in tough circumstances. I would hope that at some point if things continue where it’s a challenge to meet your budget, that you would consider de-chartering Century so you could come under the umbrella of Escambia County and let them take their resources and help you with some of your major problems. I’ve watched it, I know you’ve tried, but we really need a bigger hand to help you get to where you need to be.”
The last audit with the state three months late for fiscal year 2020-21 found a deficit balance in the General Fund of $2.9 million and in the Natural Gas Fund of $1.8 million. A list of deficiencies and problems were also identified, many repeated from previous years.
A 2019 grand jury report that found gross mismanagement in the town, over a million dollars lost in utility operations, missing natural gas, about $3 million improperly borrowed from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and a state of financial emergency. The town has never worked to follow many of the grand jury recommendations.
Welcome 2024 With Fireworks At Midnight On Pensacola Beach
December 31, 2023
The largest public fireworks display in Escambia County will be the annual Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve Fireworks display at midnight Sunday, Dec. 31, along the sound side of Pensacola Beach.
At the stroke of midnight, a dazzling light display, sponsored by Escambia County, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Cassi Mcgee Named Pine Meadow Elementary Teacher of the Year
December 31, 2023
Cassi Mcgee is the Pine Meadow Elementary Teacher of the Year.
NorthEscambia.com is wrapping up 2023 by honoring the Teachers of the Year from North Escambia schools over the next several days. Escambia County’s overall Teacher of the Year will be named in February; McGee is a top five finalist.
Escambia Ends 2023 With Some Of The Cheapest Gas In Florida
December 31, 2023
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida jumped 14 cents during the past week, with demand growing from travel over the end-of-the-year holiday period.
AAA said Florida drivers paid an average of $3.12 on Wednesday, matching the national average for the first time since August. Florida’s average was $2.98 last week and $3.01 a month before.
Escambia area drivers enjoyed some of the state’s lowest prices at the pump at $2.85 on average while the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area paid an average of $3.30 a gallon. In North Escambia, drivers Saturdayday could find $2.75 at the Circle K on Highway 29 in Cantonment and $2.78 at the Quick Fill on Muscogee Road. In Pensacola, Cumberland Farms on Pine Forest Road was the lowest at $2.68, according to GasBuddy.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
One Killed In North Davis Highway Wreck Saturday Afternoon
December 30, 2023
A 45-year old man was killed in a head-on collision Saturday afternoon on Davis Highway just north of HCA Florida West Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a pickup truck driven by a 22-year old Escambia County woman traveled southbound into the northbound lanes of North Davis Highway near Abbie Lane about 2 p.m.. The pickup collided with a SUV driven by a 45-year old Pace man who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other people were critically injured and two suffered minor injuries.
Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, FHP said.
Florida’s Expanded ‘Move Over’ Law Takes Effect Monday
December 30, 2023
Beginning January 1, Florida’s Move Over law expands to require motorists to move over for all disabled vehicles with flashers on stopped on the side of the road.
Starting Monday, motorists will have to provide space when disabled vehicles are stopped along the road while people are visible or things like emergency flashers are on.
The Move Over Law already required drivers to get out of lanes closest to stopped vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and utility trucks.
Violations will carry a fine of up to $158 for a noncriminal traffic infraction.
Moving over benefits everyone,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Protect not only emergency, utility, and sanitation vehicles but also your family and loved ones by keeping your eyes on the road and moving over when you see a vehicle, including a disabled vehicle, on the side of the road. If you can’t move over, you should decrease your speed to 20 miles an hour and pass cautiously. Save a life and move over.”
Century Man Facing Multiple Drug, Other Charges After Fleeing From Deputies
December 30, 2023
A Century man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies.
Ladarrious Tamiraye Lett, 29, was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, fleeing and eluding a marked patrol vehicle, resisting arrest without violence, driving with a suspended license, and possession of marijuana.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy on patrol in Century observed Lett driving a Dodge Charger. The deputy lost sight of Lett near the Whataburger parking lot on North Century Boulevard before locating the Charger again at East Highway 4 and Old Flomaton Road. The deputy activated his lights and siren and followed the vehicle until Lett fled at a high rate of speed on Fannie Road, an arrest report states.
Lett lost control and hit a bridge guardrail, allowing the deputy to catch up as Lett exited the car and ran into a wooded area. A Flomaton Police Department K-9 responded. The K-9 located a “large bag” of marijuana on the ground, along with a “large bag” of methamphetamine, the report states. Due to constant rain, Lett was not immediately located by the K-9.
A warrant for Lett’s arrest was later issued by a judge.
Lett remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Illegally Baited Game Camera
December 30, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
(No report submitted for Escambia County).
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis located a game camera over an illegally baited area in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area. The officer seized the game camera and secured a warrant for the search of the camera. A subject captured on the game camera was identified via facial recognition software. The officer interviewed the subject, and the subject admitted to placing the bait around the game camera. The officer issued the subject a notice to appear citation for the violation.
Officer Bower was on patrol and located a subject fishing. The subject stated he had not caught any fish but was observed attempting to hide one undersized redfish and two undersized stone crab claws in his cooler. The subject was issued a notice to appear for the violations.
Officer Bower located a group of anglers and a cooler at the end of the Navarre Beach fishing pier. One of the subjects said the cooler was not theirs and stated they didn’t know who the cooler belonged to. In an attempt to locate the owner of the cooler, Officer Bower inspected the abandoned cooler and located an undersized flounder. After further investigation, it was determined the subject was the owner of the cooler and admitted to catching the flounder. The subject was cited accordingly for the violation.
Officer Bower located a sailboat on state waters without documentation or Florida registration displayed. Officer Bower located the hull identification number and determined the vessel was documented and the US Coast Guard assisted in identifying the owner of the vessel. The vessel’s registration expired in 2013. The current owner of the vessel purchased the sailboat in the spring of 2023 and failed to register the documented vessel. The owner was cited for the violation.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Century Trailer Fire, Two Other Fires Add Red Bulbs During ‘Keep the Wreath Green’
December 30, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed three more red bulbs on the county wreath following residential structure fires that occurred over the Christmas weekend, including one in Century, bringing the total of red bulbs on the wreath to 12.
At 2:28 p.m. on Christmas day, ECFR responded to a residential mobile home fire at the 130 block of West State Line Road. The first unit on scene discovered fire on one end of a mobile home. Upon investigation, firefighters located a fire in the living room, hallway and master bedroom. Due to the significance of the fire, assistance was requested from Santa Rosa County. Crews worked quickly to attack the fire, bringing it under control by 2:45 p.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is investigating the cause of the fire. Additional assistance was provided to the residents by the American Red Cross.
At 12:29 a.m. Christmas day, ECFR responded to a residential structure fire at the 1900 block of North “L” Street. Upon arrival, crews saw smoke showing from the attic. Due to a fast response with rapid water application, the fire was kept to the attic and brought under control by 12:55 a.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the cause of the fire to be the HVAC system, which spread through the home’s duct work. Assistance was provided by the American Red Cross.
At 1:17 a.m. Christmas day, ECFR responded to a residential structure fire at the 100 block of Alice Street. The first to arrive on scene found a single story home with heavy fire on the rear of the home. Despite heavy wind conditions, crews worked quickly to stop the fire and brought it under control by 1:35 a.m. One cat was found deceased due to the fire. Due to significant damage from the fire, the occupants were displaced. ECFR conducted the investigation and determined an accidental electrical issue caused the fire. Assistance was provided by the American Red Cross.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is a collaborative initiative with the City of Pensacola to promote fire safety during the month of December. During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 21 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building and Pensacola City Hall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in a residential home.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.