The Way We Worked: From Can’t See to Can’t See
April 27, 2016
Up before dawn and home after dark describes Teniadé Broughton’s talk on African American work experiences in rural Escambia County. Along with the presentation, “The Change Gang” choir will perform historical work songs.
The event, hosted by the West Florida Public Libraries and the Molino Mid-County Historical Society will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library in the Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A.
In conjunction with this event, be sure to check out “The Way We Worked,” a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, which celebrates the history of our nation’s diverse workers and industries. The exhibition is on display until April 30 at the Lillian F. King Museum located in the Molino Community Complex. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly, closed Sundays, and open April 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. during Broughton’s talk.
Jackson Wins Finale 5-3 Over The Blue Wahoos
April 27, 2016
Coming off Tommy John surgery, Cincinnati Reds starter Homer Bailey consistently threw his fastball in the 93-95 mph range in his second rehab start in the minor leagues against the Jackson Generals.
Jackson, though, ended Pensacola’s three game winning streak by taking the final game of the series, 5-3, in front of 3,317 at Admiral Fetterman Field at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The Blue Wahoos won the third of four series to start this year. Pensacola won the series, 3-2, with its win Monday night.
Bailey’s first pitch was 94 mph. But he did give up a first inning run when Jackson center fielder Guillermo Heredia, who was hit in the back of his shoulder on a 93 mph fastball, scored on left-handed hitting Leon Landry’s single to left field where the shortstop normally plays but the Blue Wahoos had shifted right, expecting Landry to pull the ball.
It would be Jackson’s only earned run in the first three innings.
The normally error-proof Pensacola defense, the best in the Southern League, made five errors in the second and third innings to make four of Jackson’s five runs unearned. The defensive meltdown happened behind Bailey’s second rehab pitching assignment and led to three unearned runs in the third and one unearned run in the second inning, putting Jackson on top, 5-2.
Bailey didn’t blame the Blue Wahoos defense, though, whose previous high was two errors this season in a game against Jackson. They had nine errors total coming into the final game of the series.
“I would say this one was a bit uglier,” said Bailey. “I wouldn’t say it was a smooth four innings. We had some obstacles we had to overcome.”
Bailey gave up six hits, five runs, one earned, walked two and struck out three in his four innings of work. Bailey, who hasn’t pitched a Major League game in almost a year, threw 78 pitches total.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly shrugged off his young defense’s uncharacteristic showing.
“Those things happen,” Kelly said. “We really put (Bailey) in a bad spot having to throw so many additional pitches.”
Bailey, who has a career 58-51 record in nine major league seasons with two no-hitters, said he looks forward to returning to the Cincinnati starting rotation and picking up where he left off before two seasons of injuries. He got two starts last season and then was out in September 2014 after a torn flexor tendon.
“It’s been a long road that we could talk about for an hour,” Bailey said about his recovery. “I’m just trying to build up my endurance and trying to stay sharp. I’m looking forward to getting back to Great American Ballpark and being with guys I’ve played with the last five or six years. We’re holding our own and doing a lot better than people thought we would this season.”
Bailey was the second Reds pitcher to get a start in the series against Jackson. On Sunday, Anthony DeSclafini started his first rehab game, as he recovers from an oblique strain suffered in Spring Training. Bailey threw in Louisville April 21 and expects to throw one more game in the minors before returning to the Reds rotation.
Kelly said Bailey and DeSclafini may pay off for his strong pitching that leads the Southern League with a 2.24 ERA. But he would have liked to stick with his rotation.
“It probably pays off at the end of the season with all that time off,” he said. “I have five major league pitchers playing for me already, as far as I’m concerned. I’ll take my five and go to the big leagues tomorrow. You can’t beat what they’ve done.”
This series it was the Blue Wahoos hitting that carried the day. It hit .189 in its 5-game losing streak and averaged 1.4 runs per game, including losing back-to-back 1-0 games to the Biloxi Shuckers and Jackson Generals.
But the Blue Wahoos hit 32-102 or .314 during its three-game winning streak over Jackson, and scored 8.3 runs per game. For the series, it hit .287 against Jackson pitching.
Habitat Related Nonprofit May Provide Housing For Tornado Victims
April 26, 2016
Tornado victims in Century and Pensacola may get housing assistance from a group closely affiliated with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.
The Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation has asked Century and Escambia County to sign off on their plan to potentially provide housing for those left homeless following by the February EF3 tornadoes.
Specifically, Century and Escambia County will become a tax credit sponsor for the nonprofit under the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP) funding through the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. To submit an application to become a tax credit sponsor, the corporation must have a resolution from the local government stating that the proposed project is consistent with local plans and regulations, including comprehensive plans.
The CCTCP provides a financial incentive (up to 50 percent tax credit or sales tax refund) to encourage Florida businesses to make donations toward community development and housing projects for low-income persons.
The corporation will partner with local businesses for contributions and volunteers to rebuild homes affected by the February tornadoes, and the tax credit or refund will be passed back to those businesses for their donations.
Century has already approved the plan. Escambia County will consider their resolution on May 5. The county was set to review the proposal on April 21, but that meeting was canceled due to the lack of a quorum.
The Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation was founded in 2014 by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, but has its own nonprofit status, its own board, and is legally separate from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The Northwest Florida CHDC board consist partly of current Pensacola Habitat board, partly of Pensacola Habitat staff, and partly of community members eligible for services.
Northwest Florida CHDC was created to allow the capacity that Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has created to be utilized in other areas that serve the community, but outside of Habitat’s specific mission. Specifically in the case of tornado victims, Northwest Florida CHDC may offer housing that does not require homeowner repayment, whereas Habitat homeowners must make payments and contribute volunteer hours.
FHP Seeks Witnesses To Nine Mile Road Accident
April 26, 2016
Two people were seriously injured in a Monday afternoon wreck on Nine Mile Road.
Justin Allan Archer, 26, was westbound on Nine Mile Road in a Volkswagon Jetta about 3:20 p.m. approaching the intersection with Sunnehanna Boulevard. The driver of a Honda CRV, 50-year old John Eugene Worth, was southbound on Sunnehanna Boulevard and attempted to make a left turn at the intersection when the vehicles collided.
Worth was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serous condition. His passenger, 23-year old Christopher Worth, was transported to Sacred Heart in critical condition. Archer received minor injuries.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, it has not yet been determined who had the green traffic signal. Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact Trooper Sebastian Yo at (850) 484-5000.
Sunny And Warm Today
April 26, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Murder Suspect Arrested In State Line Shooting Death
April 26, 2016
A suspect has been arrested in the state line shooting death of a young Flomaton man last week.
Devonte DeShawn Rollins, age 20 of Atmore, was taken into custody Monday afternoon for the April 19 shooting death of 18-year old Kenneth Harris, Jr. of Flomaton.
Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis said Rollins shot Harris in the back of his head. Davis would not elaborate on any possible motive for the shooting.
Last Friday agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Flomaton Police Department executed the search warrant at a home on Lender Street, an area directly on the Alabama-Florida state line off Alley 5 in Century.
About 12:45 p.m. last Tuesday, the Flomaton Police Department received a 911 call that a person had been shot. Officers from the Flomaton Police Department and the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office responded, with the the Flomaton Police Department taking the lead role in the investigation.
More details will be posted as they become available.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia District Academic Teams Takes Second In Challenge Event
April 26, 2016
The Escambia County All-Star Academic Team fought their way into the finals of the 31st Commissioner’s Academic Challenge in Orlando before falling in the finals to Manatee County.
The All-Star Academic Team is composed of the top six high-school “quiz bowl” players in the Escambia School District. The students compete in rigorous academic competitions that focus on such subject areas as math, science, language arts, social studies, fine arts, and foreign language.
This year’s All-Star Academic Team consisted of the following players: Bryce Coots (senior – Tate), Meghan Kapur (junior – PHS), Lia Davis (junior – PHS), Samantha Brown (junior – Tate), Abby Lyons (sophomore- PHS), Lucas Liseth (sophomore – PHS), Ally Shah (sophomore – PHS), and Connor Zameska (freshman – PHS).
scambia County has earned six state titles, more than any other district in Division 1, which includes the 20 largest school districts in Florida.
Deputies Honored For DUI Enforcement
April 26, 2016
Three Escambia County deputies were recently honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Northwest Florida Affiliate.
Deputies Mitchell Stevens, Sam Shelley and Chad Roop where honored at MADD’s “Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance & Hope and Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony” as the top three deputies in DUI arrests at the ECSO during 2015.
Deputy Stevens has served with the ECSO since 2013, after prior service with another agency. He has served in various assignments within the patrol division and recently became a field training officer. Stevens made 20 DUI arrests in 2015 and issued 423 uniform traffic citations.
Deputy Shelley has served with the ECSO since 2006. He has served in various assignments within the patrol division. Shelley made 19 DUI arrests in 2015 and Issued 130 uniform traffic citations.
Deputy Roop has served with the ECSO since 2010. He has served in various assignments within the patrol division and was assigned to Traffic/DUI on in September 2015. Roop made 36 DUI arrests in 2015 and issued 118 uniform traffic citations.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Hots Shots 12U Softball Teams Wins Tiger Point Championship
April 26, 2016
The Molino Hot Shots 12U girls softball team recently won the 12U B Tiger Point Mid Season Tournament championship. The team is sponsored by the Molino Volunteer Fire Department. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Take Series Over Generals
April 26, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos finally gave Amir Garrett his first Double-A victory by knocking three dingers and scoring nine runs Monday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Garrett left the game to a standing ovation from the crowd of 3,512, as he retired the last 12 batters he faced in the Blue Wahoos third straight victory over the Jackson Generals, 9-3.
“I didn’t even know what to do,” Garrett said sheepishly. “Do I throw my hands up and wave to the crowd? The Blue Wahoos fans really love baseball and they really love the Blue Wahoos. I appreciate that.”
Garrett, who is 1-2 in four starts with a 1.46 ERA, finally got some run support from his teammates this season. The southpaw, who is the Cincinnati Reds No. 3 prospect, has allowed four earned runs in 24.2 innings pitched but the Blue Wahoos have backed him up with just three runs until Monday’s outburst.
“It’s a big thing to get that first win in Double-A,” said Garrett, who had season-highs of 6.2 innings pitched and nine strikeouts. He allowed just two hits. “I’m really happy. When we get on the board first, I’m very confident I can win the ballgame. These guys will come around most of the time for me. I’ll bet on that.”
The floodgates opened Monday with Pensacola winning its third straight game by having its first multiple home run game of the season. They blasted three with center fielder Tony Renda, right fielder Phillip Ervin and left fielder Sebastian Elizalde all knocking it out on a windy night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he’s confident with the team’s strong starting rotation that the Blue Wahoos can’t lose, if they hit like they have this series. The Blue Wahoos clinched the five-game series with Jackson by going up, 3-1, after breaking out with 32 hits in 102 at bats for a .314 batting average the past three games. That comes after hitting .167 in its last series against the Biloxi Shuckers on the road.
“With our pitching we just need a few runs,” Kelly said. “(Garrett) was super. He got stronger as the game went along.”
One of Garrett’s biggest strikeouts came in the fifth inning when he showed some emotion after striking out Jackson catcher Steve Baron after five foul balls and eight pitches. His career-high is 12 strikeouts, which he did last year with the High-A Daytona Tortugas and for the first time in 2013 with the Low-A Dayton Dragons.
“I threw everything at him but the kitchen sink,” Garrett said. “He was pushing my pitch count up. He’s a great hitter. These guys are more advanced. They don’t swing at too many pitches.”
Elizalde, who went 2-4 with a double, home run and four RBIs, said he was happy that the offense came through for Garrett. Elizalde, who hit his second home run this series, extended his hitting streak to a team-high nine games this season and is now 9-22, batting .409 during his streak.
“(Garrett) was really aggressive early in the count and was in a good groove,” said Elizalde, who extended his hitting streak to nine games. “I’m definitely happy we could help him get that first win.”
Pensacola right fielder Phillip Ervin started a two-out two run rally in the bottom of the first inning when he lined a stand up double to left field. Third baseman Eric Jagielo followed with a walk. That’s when left fielder Elizalde crushed a fly ball over Jackson center fielder Guillermo Heredia head that he chased down at the warning track, allowing both Ervin and Jagielo to score and put the Blue Wahoos up, 2-0.
Again in the second inning the Blue Wahoos scored two runs with two outs. Pensacola shortstop Calten Daal, playing in his first game after suffering a concussion in the season opener when a pitch hit him in the head, singled to center field. Center fielder Tony Renda then sent the ball over the left field wall for a two-out, two-run homer putting Pensacola up, 4-0.
Pensacola’s Ervin generated a run in the third inning when he walked to lead off the third inning, stole second base, went to third on a Jagielo sacrifice fly ball to right field, and scored when Elizalde hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, giving the Blue Wahoos a 5-0 lead.