Braves Score Early And Often As Blue Wahoos Fall 8-1
August 19, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost their second in a row on Thursday night, falling 8-1 to the Mississippi Braves.
Zach McCambley (L, 6-8) walked a career-high six batters over 3.2 innings, allowing four runs in the first and three more in the second. Mississippi starter Alan Rangel (W, 5-6) took the early lead and ran with it, allowing only one run over 6.0 innings.
The Braves used a pair of RBI doubles from Drew Lugbauer and Cade Bunnell in the first to jump out to their early lead. Lugbauer’s two-bagger was lost in the twilight by left fielder Davis Bradshaw, setting the tone for a challenging night for Pensacola.
Third baseman Demetrius Sims committed an error in the second inning, setting the stage for a two-run single from Justyn-Henry Malloy. Leading 7-0 after two innings, Mississippi had more than enough run support for Rangel and the Braves bullpen.
Pensacola’s lone run came in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from J.D. Orr. In an offensive bright spot, catcher Will Banfield was 3-for-4 with a pair of singles.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Friday.
Driver Uninjured In Crash On Wet Highway 97
August 18, 2022
Up to about three inches of rain had fallen north of Molino by 7 a.m. Thursday morning, leading to the ponding of water on some roadways.
This driver lost control in the 2500 block of Highway 97, about a half mile south of Pilgrim Trail. The driver was not injured, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
The highest rainfall totals were north and west Walnut Hill. By 7 a.m., a weather station at Molino Park Elementary had recorded just over an inch of rain.
There is an 80% to 90% chance of more rain and thunderstorms through Friday.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Big Changes Proposed For Century’s Government In Draft Charter
August 18, 2022
Big changes have been proposed to how the Town of Century governs itself in a new draft charter.
The new roadmap for Century’s government was created by the Century Charter Review Committee — which started as 11-member committee that was cut to six people due to declining participation. With delays due to the pandemic, the committee worked with consultant Buz Eddy for three years to create the 18-page document.
The town charter — the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The current charter has not been updated in almost 40 years.
The draft charter has not been formally approved by a vote of the charter review committee. The town council must approve the final proposed charter and schedule it for a vote by the citizens. There’s no definitive timetable, but that could happen in early 2023 during a special election for what will then be two open council seats.
Here’s a look at some of the major changes and other highlights of the draft charter:
- Establishes a consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit for the mayor. A mayor that has reached the term limit may then seek election as a council member. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- A consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit is established for council members. A council that has reached the term limit may then seek election as mayor. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- The mayor and council members will not be paid if they miss a meeting, unless it’s due to an emergency. With two or more unexcused absences per quarter from consecutive meetings, the council can determine with a fourth-fifths vote that the council member or mayor has abandoned their seat.
- The town council shall conduct all meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.
- The town will create the position of town clerk/finance director, along with a public works director position that reports directly to the mayor. Both will be hired by the mayor with approval by the council. With the approval of the mayor — not the council — the town clerk/finance director and public works director will hire, fire and supervise the employees in their respective departments. (Currently, the council must approve all hires, from the highest to lowest positions in the town.)
- The charter establishes the right of the town clerk/finance director to take part in town council discussion. The clerk has no guaranteed right to take part in discussions under the current charter.
- The mayor will establish an agenda for all council meetings.
- The mayor will provide quarterly reports on finances, administrative activities, and actions of various departments. The mayor will also present an annual budget to the town council.
- The mayor will be able to authorize expenditures up to $5,000, or up to $10,000 in a declared emergency, without town council approval.
- The council will request and receive bids and award contracts for expenditures of $5,001 or more.
- To be eligible to seek election as a council member, one year residency in the town will be required. (There is currently no length of residency requirement for council members, and a 6-month requirement for the mayor.)
- Before being sworn in as mayor or town council member, the individual must agree to complete any state-mandated training or orientation, and complete Sunshine Law and public records law conducted by the town attorney.
Any portion of the draft charter, including the items listed above. could be altered or removed from a final charter. The town council also has the option to reject the charter or never place it on the ballot.
Pictured top: Century Charter Review Committee chairperson Mary Bourgeois speaks as consultant Buz Eddy listens in April 2022. Pictured below: Committee member Kathryn Fleming reviews a draft charter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Voter Turnout Nearing 10% In Escambia County; Early Voting Continues
August 18, 2022
Almost 7,000 people had voted early in Escambia County as of Wednesday.
According to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, 6,997 early votes were cast so far with three early voting days remaining. Voter turnout stood at 9.84% Wednesday night when including 14,745 vote-by-mail ballots received.
The busiest early voting location so far has been the Genealogy Branch Library on 9th Avenue with 1,580 early votes, followed by the Extension Office in Cantonment with 1,360 ballots cast. The slowest location has been the courthouse in Century, with 45 early voters.
Early voting for the 2022 Primary Election in Escambia County continues through Saturday, August 20 at 10 locations throughout the county.
Those locations open daily are:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Boulevard, Century (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, University Parkway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Voters may choose any one of the 10 locations, each of which is also equipped with a ballot marking device.
Molino Woman Charged With Burglary, Battery
August 18, 2022
A Cantonment woman allegedly forced her way into a local home after knocking on the door.
Christine Elizabeth Haynes, 42, is facing charges of first degree felony burglary with a battery and misdemeanor battery causing bodily harm.
Haynes allegedly knocked on a door, punched an adult female resident in the eye, and forced her way into the home. Haynes’ biological child resides in the home, but she does not have custody, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report said.
Deputies said Haynes attempted to open the child’s room door, but it was locked. The adult female retrieved a firearm, and Haynes left the residence.
The adult female suffered bruising and swelling on her right eye and also had scratches on her neck, chest and arms, deputies said.
Haynes was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $27,500 bond
Miracle League New Player Registration Is Saturday
August 18, 2022
The Miracle League of Pensacola will hold new player registration on Saturday.
The new player registration will take place from 9 a.m. until noon at the Miracle League Park on Nine Mile Road.
Those who registered for the spring of 2022 do not need to register for the fall.
In Pensacola, DeSantis Announces Veterans To Teachers Pathway
August 18, 2022
Speaking in Pensacola Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted proposals for the 2023 Legislative Session that he said will help support and grow Florida’s teaching workforce and leverage the talents of Florida’s retired veterans and first responders.
The governor announced that the Florida Department of Education will adopt military-friendly policies that will increase educational and employment opportunities for veterans and active service members. The action provides a pathway for them to obtain a temporary teaching certificate before receiving their bachelor’s degree and assist veterans in gaining college credit for military experience and coursework.
“In Florida, we are leading by example with innovative teacher recruitment initiatives and in our support of military and veteran families,” DeSantis said. “These proposals and actions will create new avenues for veterans, first responders and aspiring teachers to excel and continue to serve their communities while building meaningful careers. We are able to make these important actions because we understand that having great teachers in our classrooms will help us develop great students.”
“Today’s changes reaffirm Governor DeSantis’ commitment to supporting Florida’s military heroes,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “We are proud to have qualified and knowledgeable veterans in the classroom, which will increase the value of a student’s education.”
Military Veterans Certification Pathway
- Minimum of 48 months of military service with an honorable/medical discharge;
- Minimum of 60 college credits;
- Passing score on a Florida subject area examination;
- Employment in a Florida school district, including charter schools; and
- Cleared background screening.
Veterans who successfully obtain their 5-year temporary teaching certificate will be assigned a classroom mentor for a minimum of two years. They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the 5-year period and may not teach subject areas that require master’s degree. The temporary certificate cannot be renewed once it expires, nor does it apply to military spouses or families.
Articulation Between and Among Universities, Florida Colleges and School Districts
DOE also amended a rule to expand opportunities for veterans and military servicemembers to be awarded postsecondary credit for equivalent training and education acquired in the military. The board implemented a specific list of college credits and clock hours that will now be guaranteed to former and current military members beginning in the 2022-23 academic year at any Florida state college, university or district technical center.
Pictured: Governor Ron DeSantis at Cordova Park Elementary School in Pensacola on Wednesday.
Escambia Names Williams Emergency Coordinator
August 18, 2022
Escambia County has named Scottlin Williams as emergency coordinator. She succeeds Travis Tompkins who became emergency manager.
Williams previously worked as a broadcast meteorologist at a Jackson, Mississippi, television station.
“I am honored and grateful to begin my career with Escambia County,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with the Emergency Management team and others in the public safety sector while using my meteorological expertise to provide critical information to help our citizens be prepared for any hazard that could affect our community.”
“We’re very happy to have someone with Scottlin’s background on our team,” Tompkins added. “Having a meteorologist on staff brings our organization to a whole new level. I am confident we will see great things from her.”
Williams holds a bachelor of science degree in geosciences with a concentration in broadcast meteorology and an emphasis in communication from Mississippi State University.
Blue Wahoos Split Low-Scoring Doubleheader In Mississippi
August 18, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos split their doubleheader against the Mississippi Braves on Wednesday night, winning the first game 2-1 and falling in the nightcap by the same score.
In game one of the twin bill, a pair of RBI singles from Norel González provided all the offense that Pensacola would need. After the Braves took a 1-0 lead in the first on a Drew Lugbauer RBI single, the Pensacola bullpen cracked down and held Mississippi scoreless for the rest of the game. González’s first RBI single in the third tied the game 1-1, and his hit after a Paul McIntosh double in the sixth proved to be the game-winner.
Tyler Mitzel (W, 1-1), the third reliever in a scheduled bullpen game for Pensacola, earned the win with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief. Eli Villalobos (S, 
got the final five outs for the save. Allan Winans (L, 0-3) turned in a complete game in the loss for the Braves, allowing two runs, one earned, over 7.0 innings.
In game two, Mississippi’s only hit came on the first pitch they saw from Zach King (L, 1-4) in the first inning. Cody Milligan’s single didn’t lead to anything, but a string of four walks and a throwing error in the second netted Mississippi their two runs against the Pensacola starter.
Tanner Gordon (W, 7-4) pitched 5.0 clean innings for the Braves, allowing only three singles in the span of four batters to Davis Bradshaw, Demetrius Sims and J.D. Orr in the third inning. Neither team had a hit from the third inning on, and Justin Yeager (S, 3) pitched a quick seventh inning to earn the save.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Thursday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Escambia County’s Next Step Toward Broadband Internet Network Coming Soon
August 17, 2022
Escambia County will soon take their next big step toward a fiber network to provide true high speed broadband internet north of 10 Mile Road.
A request for proposals (“RFP”) is on the streets now seeking companies to bring broadband internet to residents, and their responses are due by September 6.
During a town hall meeting this week, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said he should have news soon on a recommend award for partners to take broadband to homes in the district. He expects the entire commission will be considering the proposals at their last meeting in late September or early October.
The commission previously divided the county broadband project into two areas — north and south of 10 Mile Road — and committed $10 million to the northern portion from a $22 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Escambia County will contribute $10 million, plus expected grant funds of several million dollars more, for the fiber backbone network across the area north of 10 Mile Road. The $12 million remaining will go toward the area south of 10 Mile in the future.
The county won’t provide internet all the way to the home. Instead, they issued that RFP from companies to be the internet service provider to the end user.
“High speed internet access is one of the issues that I’ve had comments and complaints about since taking office,” Barry told a group in Walnut Hill. He said that until now, he’s been able to offer few solutions for his constituents because the existing franchises are granted by the state, leaving the county with no jurisdiction. He added that Frontier Communications filed bankruptcy years ago; they are the DSL service provider as the local phone company in the Molino, Walnut Hill and Bratt areas.
Barry said high speed internet has become a necessity for school, working from home and telemedicine.
“If you don’t have decent internet at your house, you can’t do real education. You can’t do television,” he said. “High speed internet is becoming something that is an absolute need to be a productive member of society.”