Wahoos Johnston, Monteverde, Yan Named Southern League All-Stars; Randel Named Manager of the Year
September 28, 2023
Three Pensacola Blue Wahoos players were recognized for their outstanding 2023 seasons , as Troy Johnston, Patrick Monteverde and Jefry Yan were named to the Southern League All-Star Team. Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel was recognized by his peers as the Southern League Manager of the Year.
Johnston, who was named a Southern League All-Star for Pensacola in 2022, returned to the Blue Wahoos for a second season and had an even more impressive offensive year in 2023. As an everyday first baseman for the Blue Wahoos, Johnston led the league in OPS at .963 and established a career-high mark in home runs with 18. His 83 RBI broke a Blue Wahoos single-season record, and he continued to hit after an August promotion to Triple-A Jacksonville. His 116 RBI across two levels were the most in all of Minor League Baseball in 2023.
Monteverde enjoyed a breakout campaign that saw him represent the Marlins in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in July. After a dominant start to the season that earned him Southern League Pitcher of the Month honors, the left-handed starter remained effective throughout 21 Double-A starts. He finished with a 10-5 record and a 3.32 ERA, striking out 114 batters in 114 innings and leading qualified Southern League pitchers in winning percentage.
Yan, back for his third season as a member of the Pensacola bullpen, was handed closer duties mid-season and ultimately picked up 13 saves in 14 tries. The lefty finished 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA with the Blue Wahoos, striking out an impressive 91 batters in 51.0 innings and holding opponents to a .201 average.
Randel becomes the first Pensacola manager ever to win Southern League Manager of the Year honors, and just the second Marlins Double-A manager to be recognized by his league (Carlos Tosca, Portland Sea Dogs, 1996). In his third year as Blue Wahoos manager, he led the club to its best winning percentage in franchise history (.581) and has followed up a championship season in 2022 with another appearance in the Southern League Championship Series. Despite balancing 63 different players who suited up for the Blue Wahoos in the regular season, Randel maintained a steady hand and saw the Blue Wahoos secure a winning record in all but one month.
The Blue Wahoos lost game two of the Southern League Championship Series Tuesday night, ending their season.
by Erick Bremer
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Drugs At Perdido Rec Area, Boating And Fishing Violations
September 28, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Waters and Hahr were patrolling at the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area when they observed a subject conceal himself behind the sandbar and begin to roll a cannabis blunt. The officers interrupted him and informed him that illegal drugs are a violation within the recreation area. He was issued a notice to appear for the violation.
Officers Waters and Hahr were patrolling at Heron Bayou when they observed a vessel return to the ramp without navigation lights. A resource inspection revealed he had an oversized redfish in the cooler. The man was charged with harvesting an oversized redfish.
Officers Waters, Hahr, and Allgood were on patrol and checking boats in Pensacola Bay when they observed a subject fishing alone on a vessel. Upon conducting a fisheries inspection, the subject stated he had some lane snapper. He opened his fish box to show the officers and they observed four juvenile red snappers. He was charged with undersized and over the bag limit of red snapper. Another man was found in possession of an undersized flounder and was charged accordingly.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Valdez and Mullins were on patrol conducting resource inspections at boat landings on Escambia River. They located two subjects recovering their vessel at Williams Landing. After contacting the subjects, the officers conducted a boating safety and resource inspection and discovered 16 largemouth bass in a cooler on the boat. The daily bag limit is five bass per person. Both subjects were charged with taking over the bag limit.
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.
Local Students Gather For ‘See You At The Pole’ Worship Events
September 27, 2023
Students across the area took part in the annual See You at the Pole event Wednesday.
Students gathered as school began to pray in the non-denominational event. See You at the Pole is a national student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. Students prayed for their school, friends, teachers, government and the nation.
At Tate High School, the SYATP is sponsored by First Priority and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: (top of page to bottom) See You at the Pole student-led events Wednesday morning at Tate High School, Northview High School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Byrneville Elementary School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Briefly Placed On Elevated Security Status
September 27, 2023
Jim Allen Elementary was placed on an elevated security status Wednesday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was called due to a suspicious person near campus.
The person was not armed and did not enter the campus, according to the ECSO; the security level was just a precautionary measure.
Century Rejects 280% Tax Increase, Can’t Approve A Budget
September 27, 2023
A nearly 300% property tax increase in Century failed Tuesday evening, leaving the town without a new budget. And what happens next was not immediately clear.
The town council had previously given unanimous tentative approval to a a property tax increase with a millage rate of .9204, which is 290.66% greater than the rolled-back rate of .2356 mills.
Because the tax increase is so high, the state required unanimous approval on a final vote Tuesday, but the millage rate failed on a 4-1 vote with council president Dynette Lewis dissenting.
“I’m just not in favor of an increase at all,” Lewis said. “That’s a 290% increase, and I’m just in not in favor.”
Without a tax rate, the council was unable to vote on an $8 million budget proposed by interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. The $8 million tentative budget is up more than $2 million (39%) over last year’s $5,8 million, mostly due to grant funds. It included a 3% raise for all employees, plus another $15,000 for the mayor to provide discretionary raises.
The town will head into the next fiscal year on October 1, but they will be able to spend funds under the tentative budget.
Town Clerk Leslie Howington attempted to call the town attorney by phone to find out what happens next on the millage rate but reached his voicemail.
It appears the town could be forced back to square one on a property tax rate with new advertising and new meetings.
Pictured top: Century Council president Dynette Lewis reviews the mayor’s budget Tuesday evening. Pictured below: A Century millage rate hearing. Pictured inset: No member of the public attended the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Defeates Blacksher 3-0
September 27, 2023
The Northview Chiefs defeated the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs 3-0 Tuesday evening.
Northview took straight sets on their home court, 25-13, 25-20, 25-23.
Northview (8-3, 1-2) will travel to Jay (8-4, 4-1) at 5 p.m. Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
FWC Seeks Contracted Nuisance Alligator Trapper For Escambia County
September 27, 2023
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is accepting applications for a contracted nuisance alligator trapper in Escambia County.
Applicants must pass a criminal history check, have no fish or wildlife law violations and possess a valid, working email address.
To learn more about becoming a contracted nuisance alligator trapper and to apply online, visit MyFWC.com/Alligator and click on “Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program.” Applications must be received by Monday, Octotber 2. For more information, email FWCGator@MyFWC.com.
Pictured:A nuisance alligator captured by a FWC contractor near Highway 4 in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
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Blue Wahoos’ Season Ends 10-3; Smokies Win Southern League Championship
September 27, 2023
The Blue Wahoos’ acclaim-filled 2023 season, which included several club records, ended Tuesday one last feat short of complete.
Unable to contain the Tennessee Smokies’ power-laden lineup, Pensacola’s quest to repeat as Southern League champions was dashed in the Smokies’ 10-3 win to sweep the short series at Blue Wahoos Stadium and claim their first league title in 45 years.
A year after the Blue Wahoos celebrated on the field at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee to produce their first outright championship, the Smokies got their turn in Pensacola.
After the Blue Wahoos’ Nasim Nuñez lined out for the final out Tuesday, a sensational leaping catch by Smokies second baseman Matt Shaw – the Chicago Cubs’ top pick of the 2023 Draft just three months ago – the players rushed from the visitors dugout.
They took a picture in front of the pitcher’s mound, then huddled in the dugout for simultaneous sprays of champagne before carrying the party into the visitors clubhouse.
Tennessee won the first game 8-4 Sunday with a similar hitting show. The Smokies’ bats stayed hot after the bus ride to the Gulf Coast. In both games in this best-of-three series, they jumped to an early inning lead and kept expanding it.
The last time Tennessee hoisted a championship trophy, the 1978 team was named the Knoxville Sox, the affiliation was with the Chicago White Sox and Tony La Russa was manager, before his Hall of Fame managerial career in Major League Baseball.
It was a long time coming for the Smokies and they lingered on the field to savor it.
But the Blue Wahoos had a season to remember as well.
Their 79-57 record in the regular season was the best winning percentage (.581) in the team’s 11-season history. It included a franchise record 10-game winning streak.
The team set club records in seven offensive categories, including batting average (.250) and home runs (163) — the seventh-most homers in league history.
But against the Smokies this year, the Blue Wahoos ran into a formidable foe.
The Smokies began the post-season with 14 of the Chicago Cubs’ top 30 prospects – many of whom were added in the final month of the season. That talent was reflected in how they swept two playoff series, outscoring Chattanooga and Pensacola by a combined 26-9.
Tuesday night, Smokies starting pitcher Cade Horton was as dominant as advertised. The Cubs’ No. 2 overall prospect, their top draft pick in the 2022 MLB Draft from the Oklahoma Sooners, twirled five strong innings to pick up his second postseason win.
The 22-year-old righthander, who started the 2022 season as the Sooners’ third baseman before leading Oklahoma to a runner-up finish as pitcher in the College World Series, continued his strong season.
He gave up just one hit and one run with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings. Horton is a finalist for the Minor League Baseball pitching prospect of the year.
After Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios retired the Smokies lineup in order in the first inning, he was hit hard the rest of way. It was reminiscent of Sunday’s first game, when Evan Fitterer struggled with location and the Smokies pounced for big hits and rallies for a quick knockout.
Palacios, who had been strong in the last several starts, including a playoff win last week against Montgomery, lasted only three innings, giving up six hits and four runs. The biggest blow was a 3-run homer in the third inning by B.J. Murray after the Blue Wahoos had tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Norel González in the second inning.
Murray’s homer left the bat looking like the a flyout, but with the wind blowing out to right field, the ball carried over the wall and the hit triggered more run production the next several innings.
Five Blue Wahoos relievers followed. The Smokies blew open the game in the sixth inning, getting four runs against Dylan Bice and from that point the outcome seemed a formality.
The Smokies had 13 hits, including five for extra bases. The Blue Wahoos had just four hits in the game.
Many of the fans stayed and clapped as the players left the dugout and began the off-season. The focus now shifts to spring training in February and the 2024 season, which begins at home on April 5 against the Mississippi Braves.
by Bill Vilona
SEC Soccer Championship Returning To Ashton Brosnaham; Tickets On Sale Now
September 27, 2023
Several nationally-ranked Southeastern Conference soccer teams will be competing for the SEC Championship title from Sunday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Nov. 5, at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex off East 10 Mile Road.
Tickets are on sale at secticketoffice.com All-tournament passes are $40. Individual session tickets for first-round, quarterfinals and semifinals are $12 for adults and $7 for students/military. Tickets for the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 5, are $17 for adults and $12 for students/military. Taxes and service fees are included in the listed ticket prices. Kids 12 and under wearing a soccer jersey get in free with a paying adult on Sunday, Oct. 29, and on Tuesday, Oct. 31. A clear bag policy is in effect for this event. Free admission for children 4 and under at all games. Tournament pass sales end at 11:59pm on Oct. 27.
Join in the fun on Championship game day, Nov. 5, at the free Fan Fest from 11 a.m. until halftime of the championship game. There will be music, food trucks and interactive activities for all ages to enjoy.
This is the second year that Escambia County will host the tournament, setting SEC records for attendance. Ashton Brosnaham is scheduled to host through 2024 with an option to extend the agreement through 2026.
“We are thankful to Escambia County and Pensacola Sports for providing a tremendous venue to conduct our SEC Soccer Championship,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Their commitment to this event promises to provide lasting memories for our student-athletes and an outstanding experience for SEC soccer fans from across the region.”
Over the last six years, the SEC has earned 44 NCAA Tournament bids – an average of more than seven per year – with all 14 member institutions making at least two appearances during that span. Eight different SEC teams have advanced to the Round of 16 since 2013 and the league has placed teams in the NCAA quarterfinals in each of the last nine seasons.
Pictured: SEC soccer championship action in 2022 as Ole Miss shut out LSU and Mississippi State beat Texas A&M. NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Man Brandishing Gun Arrested In The Middle Of Davis Highway
September 26, 2023
A man was arrested after allegedly brandishing a gun in the middle of Davis Highway Monday afternoon.
It happened on Davis Highway near Atwood Drive, just north of I-10, shortly after 5 p.m.
Erwin Morales-Perez, 32, was charged with improper exhibition of a firearm, disturbing the peace, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and using a firearm under the influence. He remained in jail with bond set at $8,000.
Someone reported that Morales-Perez ran out of a nearby wooded area while claiming that someone was chasing him, and they reported hearing shots fired.
An armed Morales-Perez was taken into custody by multiple Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the middle of Davis Highway without incident.
Pictured top: A man identified as Erwin Morales-Perez can be seen on the left in a white shirt with his hands up as deputies approach. Image courtesy Josh Torres for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.