Hostetler’s Homers Lift Wahoos To 5-2 Championship Series Opening Win
September 20, 2023
Bennett Hostetler went 3-for-5 with a double and two home runs as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos opened up the Southern League Division Series with a 5-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday night.
The Blue Wahoos return to Pensacola needing just one more win to advance to the Southern League Championship Series in their pursuit of back-to-back league titles. The Blue Wahoos will host Game Two on Thursday, and if necessary will host Game Three on Friday.
Every Blue Wahoos run came on home runs in an offensive attack reminiscent of their regular season success. Jake Thompson opened up the scoring with a two-run blast off Montgomery starter Patrick Wicklander (L, 0-1) in the second inning, and Hostetler added a solo shot in the third for an early 3-0 lead.
Luis Palacios (W, 1-0) was his own worst enemy in the bottom of the third, committing a fielding error on the mound that opened the door for a Tanner Murray RBI double. The Pensacola starter then allowed a Kenny Piper solo homer in the fourth, trimming the lead to 3-2.
Hostetler delivered the final jolt of the night in the fifth, launching a two-run homer out to left field to put the momentum back in Pensacola’s favor. It marked the first multi-homer game in Blue Wahoos postseason history.
Palacios pitched into the sixth, handing the ball off to Zach Willeman to strand a runner at second base. Luarbert Arias dazzled with four strikeouts over 2.0 scoreless innings of relief, and Dylan Bice (S, 1) worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.
Needing just one more win to advance, the Blue Wahoos will have an off day on Wednesday before the best-of-three series turns back to Pensacola on Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
ECSO Colonel David Ingram Completes FBI National Academy
September 19, 2023
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Colonel David Ingram has completed the 287th session of the FBI National Academy.
Ingram completed an intensive 10-week program focusing on communication, leadership, and fitness training led by FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities.
Ingram joins Sheriff Chip W. Simmons, Chief Tommi Lyter, and Chief Andy Hobbs as graduates of this prestigious law enforcement executive program.
“We continuously look for opportunities to improve our service to the community. Training and professionalism are paramount to this mission. We are proud of Colonel Ingram and are certain the training he received will make him an even better public servant,” Simmons said.
Northview Chiefs Beat The Escambia Gators In Three Sets (With Gallery)
September 19, 2023
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Escambia Gators 3-2 in high school volleyball action Tuesday evening.
Northview won the match in Bratt in five sets, 13-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-12, 15-10.
With the win, Northview improves to 6-3.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Students From Tate’s Education Pathways Academy Address School Board
September 19, 2023
Students from Tate High School’s Education Pathways Academy made a presentation to the Escambia County School Board during a workshop session Monday morning.
“These kids in some way, shape or form want to work with kids one day,” academy instructor Nikki Gill told the board.
“There is no more rewarding career than working with our young people,” interim Superintendent Keith Leonard said.
It’s a four-year program that students complete in three years with the opportunity to earn national certification.
The program partners with Kingsfield Elementary School to work in the classrooms there.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bellview Library Celebrates First Year
September 19, 2023
The Bellview Library is now one year old.
A first birthday celebration was held Saturday at the library, along with a Touch-A-Truck event.
A ribbon cutting for the $3.8 million library was held September 16, 2022. At 12,000 square feet, the library is located on about four acres at 6425 Mobile Highway, near Bellview Elementary and Bellview Middle schools. About 2,000 square feet of the structure is a former bank; the remainder is a new addition.
The main portion of the library consists of a large open space that is divided into areas such as a lobby, a story time area, a youth area and an adult reading area. This large open space provides entrances to other support areas such as multiple study rooms, staff rooms, a computer area and a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) room. The development of the building’s façade was inspired by origami, the art of folding paper, which is why there are angles throughout the building.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Faces Multiple Charges After Highway 29 Traffic Stop
September 18, 2023
An Escambia County man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop on Highway 29.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Highway 29 and Kenmore Road. K-9 Ray alert on the vehicle, and a firearm and narcotics were located.
After a short foot pursuit, 36-year old Nathanyel Sean Lewis, 36 was taken into custody. He was charged with driving with license suspended, possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, dealing in stolen property, possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing and eluding, possession o a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a felony, resisting arrest and a probation violation. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning without bond.
The ECSO said additional charges are forthcoming.
Bonus Photos: Northview Band And Cheerleaders
September 18, 2023
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Lighthouse Private Christian Academy Stingrays 35-0 Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
Northview is off next Friday night for a bye week.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Work Spots To Watch This Week
September 18, 2023
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.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of October when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to east of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through September as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R.) 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers will encounter the following lane closures on Lillian Highway from Friday, Sept. 15 through Friday, Sept. 22:
- Daytime lane closures from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform drainage work.
- Nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform widening and driveway work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, Friday, Sept. 15 through Friday, Sept. 22 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform sidewalk work.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) - Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- S.R. 29 Turn Lane Construction North of West Roberts Road at the new Ronny’s Car Wash – Motorists will encounter northbound inside lane closure Monday, Sept. 18 through Friday, Sept. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane construction.
- Beulah Road Turn Lane Closure at U.S. 90 – Motorists will encounter northbound turn lane closure at U.S. 90 Sunday, Sept. 17 through Friday, Sept. 29 for utility work.
- S.R. 291 Routine Utility Maintenance from Johnson Avenue to Copter Road – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Sept. 17 through Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 22, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to east of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews receive delivery of construction materials. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gulf Breeze Parkway) Routine Undergrown Utility Maintenance at Pfeiffer Street – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Construction on Highway 29 in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Rise An Average Of Eight Cents
September 18, 2023
Florida gas prices increased last week, as anticipated. Sunday’s state average of $3.69 per gallon is eight cents more than the week before.
“Global fuel supplies continue to tighten, putting upward pressure on oil prices and subsequently, the price of gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
In Escambia County, the average was $3.49. A North Escambia low os $3.41 was available Sunday night on Highway 29 in Cantonment. A Escambia County low of $3.19 was available Sunday at a Nine Mile Road station.
Sunday’s state average remains 16 cents below this year’s high of $3.85 per gallon.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Tate High Cheerleaders Hold Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Camp
September 18, 2023
The Tate High School Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Clinic was held Saturday.
At the Friday, September 29, varsity football game, the Lil Aggie athletes will participate in the pregame runout and cheer the first quarter with the Tate Varsity Cheerleaders.
During Saturday’s clinic, athletes learned proper stretch techniques, Tate sideline cheers, proper jump techniques and motion placement, as well as stunting and tumbling skill building.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
