Three Homers Not Enough As Blue Wahoos Fall Late To Biscuits
July 3, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos overcame an early deficit and hit three home runs, but saw a late lead slip away in the eighth inning in an 8-7 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday afternoon.
With two outs in the eighth inning, Heriberto Hernandez hit a game-tying RBI double off Eli Villalobos (L, 0-1) before Evan Edwards dealt the decisive blow with a go-ahead RBI single.
Luis Palacios was ambushed by Montgomery in the first, and the Blue Wahoos trailed 4-0 after four batters thanks to a pair of two-run homers from Junior Caminero and Logan Driscoll. The lefty settled down after that, however, and completed 6.0 innings for the third time at Double-A this season.
The Blue Wahoos wasted no time answering back in the second inning, scoring five runs off Sean Hunley to take a 5-4 lead. Norel González hit a two-run homer and José Devers added an RBI single before Troy Johnston hit his team-leading 14th home run to put Pensacola up a run.
After a Will Banfield homer in the fifth and a run-scoring double play off the bat of González in the sixth, the Blue Wahoos led 7-4. Mason Auer got the Biscuits back within a run at 7-6 on a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth.
Nelson Alvarez (W, 4-1) pitched a tidy top of the eighth before Montgomery’s rally against Villalobos in the bottom of the inning. Enmanuel Mejia (S, 3) pitched around a hit batsman in the ninth to earn the save.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series and road trip against the Biscuits on Monday.
written by Erik Bremer
FPL Rates Decrease Slightly In July, But You Might Not Notice
July 2, 2023
Florida Power & Light customers will see a rate reduction on their electric bills beginning in July due to lower than expected natural gas costs, but you may not notice.
Beginning with July, a FPL residential customer bill in Northwest Florida for a typical 1,000 kWh usage will decrease $3.95 from $158.86 to $154.91. But FPL said individual customers may see higher bills due to increased usage of air conditioning during the hot summertime.
Recently, the Florida Public Service Commission approved an additional $359 million reduction to FPL’s 2023 fuel costs.
A reduction of approximately $256 million will be applied to customer bills from July to December 2023. The remaining $103 million reduction will be applied to FPL’s 2024 fuel cost recovery factors.
Utilities do not earn a profit on fuel charges. The fuel and capacity cost component of customers’ bills is set for each calendar year, but mid-course corrections are used when a utility’s costs increase or decrease significantly in the interim.
ECFR Responds To Fire Alarm At Ernest Ward Middle School
July 2, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a fire alarm Saturday afternoon at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
A search found that there was no fire, but the alarm was possibly due to an alarm system fault.
Volunteers from the Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of ECFR responded about 4:15 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Century Man Claiming To Be Jesus And FBI Agent Charged With Battery On Security Guards
July 2, 2023
A Century man that “continuously” claimed to be “Jesus Christ” an a “FBI agent” is charged with the battery of two HCA Florida West Hospital security guards, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Zackery Wayne Armstrong, 37, was charged with two felony counts of battery on an officer or specified person.
Armstrong punched one security guard twice in the face and kicked another guard in the chest, an arrest report states. One guard said he “administered two complete cycles” with this taser.
“They then secured Armstrong to his bed and he went to sleep,” the report continues.
Armstrong remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning with bond set at $5,000.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Deer Depredation, Boating And Fishing Violations
July 2, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Allgood and Hahr were checking for permitted deer depredation. The officers arrived in the general area and observed a light shining in a field. They located two subjects hunting over a field that had not been planted. One of the subjects admitted he knew the field was not planted and that he could not hunt it. The officers located a spent .308 shell casing located in the field. The casing matched one of the guns possessed by the subjects. Deer Depredation Permits are issued to farmers when wildlife are damaging their crops. Since this field has not been planted, both subjects violated the rules pertaining to the Deer Depredation Permit and were issued citations for the violations.
Area officers worked a targeted enforcement action on Bayou Chico related to derelict vessels and vessels at risk of becoming derelict. This area is known to contain anchored vessels that are not maintained. This often leads to the vessel sinking and becoming a navigational and environmental hazard. Officers checked 23 anchored vessels and 21 violations were documented. These violations ranged from failure to transfer title, no registration or expired registration, at-risk vessel, and no navigation lights. In addition, an individual with an active warrant who was living on an at-risk vessel was arrested. Owners of several vessels are still being identified.
Officers Ramos, Allgood and Long were on patrol and observed an adult male carelessly operating a personal watercraft at high speeds in an idle speed zone with a small child on board. The officers conducted a boating safety inspection on the PWC and observed many signs of impairment coming from the operator. Officer Ramos asked the operator to perform standardized field sobriety tasks and the disoriented operator performed poorly. Officer Ramos placed the operator under arrest for boating under the influence. The subject was booked in the county jail for BUI and issued a citation for refusing to provide a breath sample. The State Attorney’s Office is investigating an additional charge of child neglect. Officers Allgood and Long ensured the child was safely reunited with another guardian during the suspect’s arrest.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Bower was on patrol and observed a vessel returning to the boat ramp late at night without navigation lights. During the inspection, bush hooking equipment (large weights, lines, large hooks) was observed on the vessel. A cooler on the vessel containing catfish and bream was located. The subjects denied partaking in bush hooking and said they used the rod and reel to catch the catfish. It is illegal to possess any bush hooking equipment while in possession of a freshwater game species. The subject was issued a notice to appear for the violation.
Officer Bower received information from a Wildlife Alert stating an angler was keeping over the bag limit of redfish. It was later determined the subject walked back to his condo with the cooler of fish. Officer Bower located the subject’s residence and heard noises coming from the garage. Officer Bower knocked on the garage door, but no one answered. Officer Bower waited nearby and observed several occupants entering the home. Officer Bower contacted them and asked if the subject was home. The subject came outside and admitted to having a cooler of fish. The subject was in possession of five redfish, four of them were undersized, and one flounder. The subject was issued a notice to appear for possession of over the bag limit of redfish, enhanced penalty, and possession of undersized redfish.
Officer Corbin was on patrol at a local boat ramp when he observed a vessel return at night. A vessel stop was conducted for a resource inspection. During the inspection, the subject was found in possession of six bass, one which was beheaded and gutted. The subject admitted to using the head of the bass as bait. The subject said he had begun fishing the day prior. The vessel did not have a hull identification number displayed. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for being in possession of gamefish not in whole condition.
Officer Bower received information that an oversized redfish was speared from underneath a local fishing pier. Officer Bower contacted the subject and the subject stated he saw the fish but was unsure what type and size of fish it was but decided to spear it anyway. The redfish measured 34 inches in length. The subject was issued notice to appear for spearfishing a redfish and being in possession of an oversized redfish. He was also issued a warning for spearfishing 100 yards from a public pier.
Officer Bower was on patrol and located a privately owned livery. The owner had been in business for two years renting his personally owned vessel. A livery inspection was conducted to ensure the subject had all required documents, permits and safety equipment. It was determined the subject did not have NASBLA-approved boater safety education, boating safety signage, FWC Livery Permit, or a FWC rental form and failed to do an on-the-water demonstration to ensure the subjects knew how to operate the vessel. Officer Bower educated the subject about how to become compliant with the livery laws. The subject was issued a notice to appear for not having a NASBLA-approved boater safety education and not having proper signage and issued warnings other violations.
Officer Bower was on patrol and observed a vessel in a wrecked condition. The vessel is grounded and unable to be moved under its own power and will need mechanical assistance to be removed from the shoreline. The owner was located and issued the Derelict Vessel Notification of Rights packet and notice to appear citations for storing a derelict vessel upon waters of the state. The subject was also issued a citation for expired registration over six months.
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.
Hostetler Homer Helps Blue Wahoos Beat Biscuits
July 2, 2023
Bennett Hostetler hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning to lead the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a wild 5-3 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night.
In the bottom of the first, Ronny Simon hit the first pitch of the evening from M.D. Johnson for a solo homer. The Blue Wahoos twice overcame early deficits to tie the game, thanks to a run-scoring sacrifice fly from J.D. Orr in the third and an RBI single from Griffin Conine in the fourth.
Simon again got the best of Johnson in the fifth with a go-ahead RBI single to put the Biscuits up 3-2. Johnson, in his first start since returning from the injured list, allowed three runs, two earned, over 5.0 innings in a no-decision.
In the seventh, Cody Morissette led off the inning for Pensacola with his second double of the night against John Doxakis (L, 4-3). Orr reached on an error, setting the stage for Hostetler’s mammoth blast off the left field videoboard to put the Blue Wahoos up 5-3.
Zach McCambley (W, 1-0) worked 2.0 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, highlighted by a nifty escape from a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh. Junior Caminero hit a flyout to right field that would have otherwise scored a run, but Simon made an ill-advised attempt to advance from first to second and Norel González threw him out with a savvy throw before the run crossed the plate for an inning-ending double play.
Jefry Yan (S, 7) got the final six outs to earn the save.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Sunday.
Written by Eric Bremer; File photo courtesy Blue Wahoos
What To Know About Florida’s New ‘Permitless Carry’ Law Effective Saturday
July 1, 2023
Beginning Saturday, July 1, you can carry a concealed firearm without a concealed weapons license (CWL) in Florida.
Here is some need-to-know information from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
- Although a CWL is not required in Florida beginning July 1, the weapon or firearm must remain concealed from the ordinary sight of another person.
- The minimum age to conceal carry in Florida is 21 years old.
- When conceal carrying a weapon or firearm, you must have a valid form of identification on you at all times.
- To be in possession of a concealed weapon or firearm, you must be a resident and citizen of the U.S. or a permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- A person who is carrying a concealed weapon or firearm cannot be a convicted felon or delinquent.
- A person who is carrying a concealed weapon or firearm cannot suffer from a physical infirmity, which prevents the safe handling of a firearm.
- A person who is carrying a concealed firearm is restricted from carrying the firearm in the same locations/events as a person carrying under a CWL.
- It’s important to be responsible and educated about gun safety.
- You cannot carry your firearm in places where it is unlawful – such as schools, government buildings, airports, and bars.
The Heat Sticks Around For The Weekend, And A Chance Of Rain Returns
July 1, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect with heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) expected to range from 108-112 degrees on Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 92. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Here’s The Schedule Of Area Fireworks Shows
July 1, 2023
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July fireworks shows and events across the North Escambia area
Jay — Tuesday, July 4
The Town of Jay will have fireworks at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 from inside Bray-Hendricks Park. Bring a lawn chair. Parking will be available in the fields on Higdon Drive and the Max Lane parking area.
Pensacola — Tuesday, July 4
The “largest fireworks show ever held over the bay” will be at 9 p.m. on July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display featuring a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, meticulously choreographed pyrotechnics, and awe-inspiring special effects. The night sky will come alive as the fireworks are expertly synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack provided by CatCountry 98.7. Renowned pyrotechnicians from PYRO Shows have been commissioned to design a show that surpasses all expectations, promising a truly enchanting atmosphere of wonder and awe.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, chairs, and radios and plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along Bayfront Parkway and fully immerse themselves in the festivities.The evening’s celebrations kick off with Symphony Sparks & Stars, a free Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium starting at 7:30 pm. Radios are highly encouraged to enjoy the synchronized music and avoid the delays that come with streaming apps. Additionally, an exciting lineup of local food trucks will be serving up fantastic eats in Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach — Tuesday, July 4
The Pensacola Beach fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on July 4 over Santa Rosa Sound. It will be simulcast on CatCountry 98.7 in conjunction with the downtown Pensacola show. The beach fireworks show is set to immediately follow the Bands on the Beach concert, featuring Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, from the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach.
Man Charged With Murder For Atmore Deadly Shooting
July 1, 2023
An Atmore man has been arrested in connection with a shooting death last month.
Eric DePaul Mitchell, 44, was charged with murder and discharging a firearm. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Mitchell allegedly shot Robert Starks of Atmore in the area of Carver Avenue and King Street about 2:15 a.m. on May 29. Starks later died from his injuries.
No motive has been released by the Atmore Police Department.