High School Football Scoreboard
August 31, 2024
Here are this week’s North Escambia area football scores from Thursday and Friday night action.
FLORIDA
- Tate 41, Gulf Breeze 0 [Game recap]
- Opp 34, Northview 7 [Photos, story]
- West Florida 34 Washington 33 (OT)
- Niceville 42, Escambia 21
- Pensacola Catholic 34, Pace 20
- J.U. Blacksher 44. Central 6
- Daphne 34 Pine Forest 7
- Choctaw 35, Navarre 0
- Jay 34, Freeport 6 (Thursday)
- Pensacola 16, Milton 7 (Thursday)
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 43,Chickasaw 0
- T.R. Miller 40, Straughn 7
- Excel 29, W.S. Neal 28 (Thursday)
- Jackson Academy 27, Escambia Academy 20
- Escambia County 33, Monroe County 8
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Miss On Chances As M-Braves Even Series
August 31, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
A night after a memorable comeback win, the Blue Wahoos again had a sixth-inning chance at a go-ahead rally.
This time it fizzled. And then loomed large the rest of the way.
The Mississippi Braves broke through with a pair of late-inning, solo homers and their bullpen – led by former Pensacola State College star Patrick Halligan – did the rest in a 4-2 win Friday to even the series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 4,089 watched a battle of the bullpens in the final four innings.
With the game tied in the bottom of the sixth, the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with one out. M-Braves lefthanded reliever Drew Parrish dug in.
Parrish, a Merritt Island native who pitched at Florida State, located a 3-2 fastball that froze Graham Pauley on a called strikeout. He then threw a cutter to strike out Joe Mack swinging to end the inning. The Blue Wahoos finished the game 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
From that point, the Blue Wahoos only managed one hit. Halligan pitched in the seventh and eighth innings, giving up one hit, a walk and three strikeouts to earn his sixth win. He is now 5-1 with a 2.16 earned run average and has allowed just two runs in his last nine appearances.
Halligan, 24, a Vienna, Virginia native, was drafted out of PSC in 2021 as a 13th round pick by the Kansas City Royals. He was acquired by the Atlanta Braves as a minor league free agent before the 2023 season. Halligan earned a hold in the M-Braves’ win Wednesday against the Blue Wahoos.
Pauley drove in the Blue Wahoos’ first run in the first inning on a single that scored Nathan Martorella, who had hit a one-out double.
The M-Braves took a 2-1 lead on Cody Milligan’s two-run single against Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller in the fifth inning. Miller had another strong start. He did not allow a hit in the first four innings and finished with two hits allowed and three strikeouts in five innings pitched.
The Blue Wahoos tied the game in their half of the fifth. Paul McIntosh’s two-out single scored Pauley, who had reached on a single.
The M-Braves’ Cal Conley hit a two-out homer off Justin King in the eighth. Yolbert Sanchez homered off Dale Stanavich in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos will try to take a lead in the series with Saturday’s game in the second-to-final fireworks night of the season. Robby Snelling will be on the mound for the Blue Wahoos against the M-Braves’ Lucas Braun.
$90 Million Proposed For Indoor Sports Facility At Ashton Brosnaham Park And Bay Center Upgrades
August 30, 2024
An indoor sports facility costing up to $60 million could be coming to Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and the Pensacola Bay Center could see a $30 million upgrade funding with tourism tax dollars.
Those ideas were pitched to the Tourist Development Council Thursday afternoon, but decisive action was not taken on either item.
Ashton Brosnaham Indoor Sports Facility
A proposal for an indoor sports facility at the county-owned Ashton Brosnaham Park calls for a building that’s 100,000 square foot, including 73,000 square feet of open floor space that would be large enough to host eight basketball courts that could be converted into 16 volleyball courts with support space, or it could be used as large exhibition hall for other types of events.
Other key takeaways on the proposed facility:
- 14 acres of the park is flat, open, undeveloped and already zone for recreation
- 700+ paved parking spaces in the current design
- Primary support for hardwood sports and related events
- Open common areas would include meeting spaces, viewing areas, vendor space, concessions, retail space
- Second floor walking track and viewing area
- Open to the public for recreation, will also host tournaments and events
- Collaboration with Escambia County Public Schools on access and utilization
- Community use of facility on non-tournament dates
- Projected operating deficit offset by ~$37 million in economic impact per year
- Projected new tax revenues of ~$2.7 million per year
- Total project cost range: $48 – $61 million
“It’s a tried and proven location; it doesn’t get any better than the SEC,” Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said The Park has hosted the 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament and will host it again this year on November 3-10. “We are willing to grow that, and we want to grow that and make that (Ashton Brosnaham Park) the true sports destination in Escambia County. Which we feel it’s already one its way.”
Rhodes said the school district has expressed a willingness to provide property for second roadway into the facility that would also benefit current soccer programs that have 700-800 youth players annually.
“It’s in a growing area in our community,” Rhodes added as he touted Ashton Brosnaham of 10 Mile Road as the perfect location. “This project can be a win-win for everybody…and this is something that will stand the test of time.”
A feasibility study funded by Pensacola Sports came in at 155 pages, but TDC members only saw a 12-page presentation Thursday.
Pensacola Bay Center
A plan to spend $43 million, with $30 million coming from a bond issue by the TDT, was also presented.
The upgrades would modernize the aging facility and add more seating for events like concerts.
What’s next?
TDC member Jim Reeves made motion to approve a $90 million bond issue for the sports facility and Bay Center, but no vote was taken. A substitute motion by council members Mitesh Patel called for special meeting on both proposals.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council makes recommendations for final decisions by the Board of County Commissioners.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional Inmate Gets Life For 2021 Fatal Stabbing Of Another Inmate
August 30, 2024
A Century Correctional Institution inmate has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing another inmate in 2021.
Alex Vega, 26, was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury on Thursday. Circuit Court Judge Coleman Robinson subsequently imposed the life sentence.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2021, when Vega used a homemade weapon to attack and kill a fellow inmate at the correctional facility. At the time, Vega was already serving a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges stemming from a 2018 Miami-Dade conviction in a 2015 case.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation, and Assistant State Attorney Alvin “Trey” Myers prosecuted the case on behalf of State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Ascend Volunteers Pitch In to Clean Up At Roy Hyatt
August 30, 2024
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center (RHEC) recently received a helping hand from a group of dedicated volunteers from Ascend Performance Materials’ Pensacola Plant. Over two days, these volunteers tackled a variety of tasks, contributing to the overall health and beauty of the Escambia County School District educational center in Cantonment.
The volunteers cleared 120 acres of trails, trimmed gallberry holly from pitcher plant areas, and pressure washed various structures, including pavilions, sidewalks, and the entryway. Additionally, they weeded the butterfly garden, blazed a new trail, and assisted with troubleshooting pond pump issues.
RHEC officials expressed their deep gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work and dedication. “Their continued support is invaluable to our mission of preserving and protecting our local environment,” RHEC said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Cadets Explore Coast Guard Sector Mobile
August 30, 2024
Cadets from the Northview High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) on Thursday had the opportunity to explore the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile.
The field trip provided the cadets with a firsthand look at the diverse operations of the Coast Guard, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, navigation, and port security.
During the tour, the cadets were able to board the Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin and explore other parts of the facility.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mack’s Blast Ignites Blue Wahoos Rally, Comeback Win
August 30, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
It’s been a while since the Blue Wahoos had an inning, or a home rally, quite like they staged Thursday.
And it’s only fitting that catcher Joe Mack was the centerpiece of the production.
Mack attacked the first pitch he saw in the sixth inning from knuckleball thrower David Fletcher, blasting a 3-run homer that tied the game, lit up the crowd, energized the home dugout and led to Pensacola’s 8-7 victory Thursday against the Mississippi Braves at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“He’s got the knuckleball and that’s pretty much the only pitch he’s going to throw,” said Mack, who has now hit 22 homers this season, second-most in the Southern League.
“So, I was just trying to put myself in a good spot to hit that pitch and hit (the ball) on the barrel and whatever happens, happens.
“And I was ready for it. And (the pitch) looked good for me and I just went and I ended up tying the game. Going around those bases it was awesome hearing the crowd cheer and I wanted to help my team win as much as possible and do anything I could.”
Pensacola trailed 5-1 entering the sixth inning. The M-Braves had built their lead against starter Evan Fitterer, who yielded nine hits and four earned runs in five innings.
The mood was glum.
And then more Mullet Magic happened.
This comeback win when taking on the team’s alternate identity on Thursdays as the Pensacola Mullets pushed the team’s record to 9-2 when wearing the Mullet uniforms. It’s the difference in the Blue Wahoos having a winning record at home, now 32-28.
The latest one kept the Blue Wahoos (64-57 overall, 26-27 in second half) continuing a push in the three-team battle for the second-half playoff spot in the Southern League’s South Division. They’re now 3.0 games behind Biloxi, who lost to Montgomery, with 15 games to play.
“This win is big and finishing this week and the upcoming week… these games are very important and we’ve got to do our best to put ourselves in a spot to succeed,” Mack said.
Nathan Martorella led off the sixth inning with a power shot over the right-center wall to cut the score to 5-2. Graham Pauley singled and Jared Serna walked with none out to set the table for Mack.
After his homer, Johnny Olmstead hit a two-out single to keep the inning alive. Cody Morissette followed with a run-scoring double.
The Blue Wahoos then tacked on two more runs in the seventh on Serna’s RBI double and a bases-loaded walk to Olmstead.
“I am really proud of these guys for not giving in during these games and just going with their best,” Mack said. “We did a great job hanging in there, locking in and getting the job done,” he said.
The M-Braves got a run back in the eighth inning, then had the tying run on second base when Blue Wahoos reliever Woo-Suk Go got a ground out against Geraldo Quintero to end the game.
It was Go’s second solid appearance this week and continued his own comeback. He lost a three-run lead and the game in a previous homestand against Montgomery, but has found success in the last two weeks.
“Woo is a great pitcher and he just needed to find some things that would give him a little cue here or there,” said Mack, who was behind the plate when the game ended. “He’s got really, really good stuff and we got with him and started working with him more and more and developed a plan for him that we use to help him do his absolute best.”
Blue Wahoos reliever Adam Laskey, who followed Fitterer, picked up the win with two scoreless innings. Tyler Eckberg got his first hold.
The series continues Friday with the Blue Wahoos sending righthander Jacob Miller on the mound against the M-Braves’ Ian Mejia.
One Injured In Highway 95A Crash
August 29, 2024
One person was seriously injured in a crash on Highway 95A in Cantonment late Thursday morning when the driver of a Nissan Versa apparently collided with a rear wheel on a box truck on Highway 95A north of Gateway Lane, in front of McGee Tire.
The Versa then overturned in the grass area between Highway 95A and the northbound lanes of Highway 29.
An adult female from the Nissan was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital as trauma alert.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not issued information.
Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded to the crash that caused traffic delays on both Highway 29 northbound and Highway 95A.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Eight Charged With Trying To Meet 14-Year-Old Girl For Sex In Santa Rosa County
August 29, 2024
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with state and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested eight people in a targeted undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals attempting to exploit children online.
From August 20-23, undercover officers posing as minors on popular social media platforms and chat applications engaged with individuals who made explicit requests for illegal activity. Sheriff Bob Johnson said these suspects, believing they were communicating with a 14-year-old, sent sexually suggestive messages, photos, or videos.
As a result of the operation, eight individuals were arrested upon arriving at a pre-arranged meeting location. An additional eleven suspects are under investigation for various felony offenses related to their online communications with minors.
The suspects were identified as:
- Matthew John Short, 27, of Pensacola — obscene communication (two counts), obscene material distribution, public order crimes — released on $25,000 bond
- Deevon Keeshawn Henry, 20, of Pensacola– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $20,000 bond
- Andrew Scott Roach, 31, of Bay Minette– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $25,000 bond
- Cameron Neely-Dane, 25, of Pace –obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes
- Aiden Christopher Harris, 19, of Milton –obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes
- Lloyd Ashley Resurreccion, 60, of Fort Walton Beach– obscene communication (two counts), public order crimes — released on $20,000 bond
- Shawn Michael Reinhard, 60, of Shalimar– obscene communication (two counts), weapon offense, public order crimes — released on $30,000 bond
- Kam’ron Pierre Walker, 26, of Crestview — obscene communication (two counts), weapon offense, marijuana possession, drug equipment possession — released on $47,000 bond
Johnson said 11 other suspects remain under investigation and could be charged in the case.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the operation with the assistance of FDLE, FBI, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, NCIS, and Air Force Office of Special Operations (Air Force OSI).
Pictured: (Top L-R) Harris, Walker, Short, Reinhard; (Bottom L-R) Resurreccion, Neely-Dane, Roach, Henry.
State Terminates Over $15 Million In Grants With Century, But Many Projects Will Continue
August 29, 2024
Millions of dollars in state grants to the Town of Century have been terminated, and a NorthEscambia.com investigation has uncovered what has actually happened and why.
“This council is transparent: I’m transparent,” Gomez said after announcing that he would explain to citizens and the town council “what’s really happening in the Town of Century…So I’m telling you exactly what happened.”
Gomez went on to explain that grants totaling about $15.6 million had been pulled from the town and would not even be administered by the county on behalf of the town…saying that the money and projects were simply gone. Gomez and consultant grant writer Robin Phillips said they really did not know who made the decision or exactly why.
The grants with the town were terminated by FloridaCommerce, but NorthEscambia.com has found that a majority of the grant money remains allocated through the county and most of the projects will continue, with the exception of a community center.
First, what were the grants?
A $3.255 million community center
In April 2023. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century for economic development. The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant was to renovate two community centers — $1.985 million was to renovate the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 Jefferson Avenue and $850,000 was allocated for the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard to bring it up to current building code and make improvements.
Due to termites, significant rot and lead paint, a decision was made to demolish and replace the community center on Jefferson Avenue, and shift all of the $3.255 million to that project. An architect’s design was approved by the council in March 2024.
$12.8 million hurricane shelter, multi-purpose building and two bridges
A Florida Department of Commerce’s Rebuild Florida program for Hurricane Sally impacts grant for just over $12.8 million was awarded to Century in July 2023.
The $12,877,137 in grant funds were to be used to demolish the old Century High School gym on Hecker Road and build a shelter that can also be used as a multi-purpose facility and to make drainage and road improvements at Jefferson Avenue, Freedom Road Bridge and Alger Road Bridge, which were damaged during Hurricane Sally.
A $10 million grant was to turn the old Century High School gym property into a multipurpose facility that could also serve as a hurricane or other disaster shelter. The town did not own the old gym, which was constructed in 1960; it belonged to Pensacola State College. The town was working to have PSC deed the gym property to Century.
The grant also included $2,862,137 to make drainage improvements to bridges on Jefferson Avenue and Alger Road that suffered embankment erosion during Hurricane Sally.
Freedom Road Bridge Appropriation
Florida’s Legislative appropriated $1.257 million to replace a Town of Century bridge on Freedom Road. That appropriation was included in the budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July 2023. In October 2023, Century executed the funding agreement with the state, establishing a preliminary timetable would see the bridge completed by June 2026.
According to the Legislative funding request by Rep. Michelle Salzman, replacing the bridge would improve emergency vehicle access, provide a shorter and more direct route to the nearest hospital in Jay for some residents, and provide better access for residents in the area.
The bridge has been closed since January 29, 2020, due to extreme deterioration.
What money is gone, and what remains?
The $1.257 million to replace the Freedom Road bridge remains; it is part of the State of Florida’s annual budget. And by all accounts, the project is nearly on the original completion schedule in 2026. (Behind the scenes design and environmental work are ongoing; no physical work has started.)
The $12.8 million grant has been terminated with the town for two other bridges and a hurricane shelter that will double as a community center multi-purpose building. However, the funds have been awarded to Escambia County and the projects will continue.
Escambia County has received the $12,877,137 grant for the community center/shelter and for Jefferson Avenue and the Alger Road bridges. According to Escambia County, the status of those projects is as follow:
- Community Center: This project is currently in the early stages and is being managed by our facilities department. The land was transferred from Pensacola State College to Escambia County at no cost to the county, under the conditions that it must remain a community center/shelter. Phase I will include an environmental study. From there, they will bid for design and move forward with the process. Approximately $10 million was awarded for this project.
- Jefferson Avenue/Alger Road Bridge: This project will be a rehabilitation of a pipe culvert along Jefferson Avenue and a bridge replacement on Alger Road. Freedom Road was initially included in the scope, but it was later revised out as Century had secured a separate grant to replace that structure. The Escambia County engineering department is overseeing this project and currently awaiting FloridaCommerce to approve the proposed request for proposals for Environmental Review. Once that is approved, the project will be sent out to bid. The agreement was fully executed on Aug. 13, 2024, in the amount of $2,862,137.
The $3.255 million grant for the community center on Jefferson Avenue is essentially gone. The town council approved an amendment making the original grant just a simple planning grant, removing all construction and cutting funding from $3.255 million to $514,650. The just over a half million dollars will pay for the work completed to date by the engineer, architect, and the grant administrator. Under the agreement with FloridaCommere accepted by the council, there is no money whatsoever for construction of the community center on Jefferson Avenue. The funds were taken back by the state and no part of the money awarded to Escambia County.
Why was millions taken back?
Gomez just recently informed his council and citizens around the grant takebacks. He was first notified that the town was losing the $12.8 million “due to financial and fiscal solvency issues the Town is facing”. The notification was in a FloridaCommerce letter dated May 15, 204 from a bureau chief in the Office of Long-Term Resiliency at FloridaCommerce.
“Commerce acknowledges the tremendous need for this recovery activity and is committed to serving your community in this endeavor, Lecia Behenna of FloridaCommerce wrote. “Therefore, the allocation for this project will be transferred to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, who will complete this project in its entirety on behalf your citizens. This decision has been made to ensure these funds are entirely utilized to support unmet recovery in your community on your behalf. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has been made aware of Commerce’s decision to terminate this agreement and are willing to continue these projects on your behalf.”
How did Century attempt to retain the grants?
A return letter from Gomez states, “The Town of Century has never been in a state of financial emergency, as defined in the Florida Statutes. Furthermore, any findings in prior audits have been addressed positively and most significant findings have been isolated instances.” He also noted that seven months of historical data showed the town was on target to meet or exceed the current operating budget.
An additional letter signed by Gomez and emailed to the state on July 25 makes a case for Century to keep the grant for the Carver Community Center, calling concerns by state unsubstantiated, and explaining that the architectural design is complete and would be ready to go out for bids in September or October of 2024.
“Carver Community Center has always been a vital part of the community, serving as the central location for after school and senior activities as well as a center for community resources such as utility and financial assistance programs,” Gomez pleaded with the state. “Our residents have been eagerly anticipating this project since funding was announced and are very concerned that this project is now in jeopardy. Due to the deterioration of the original Carver building, these critical services have been indefinitely suspended. Without this grant, these services are likely never to return to our community.”
On July 26, interim Century Town Manager Howard Brown emailed several people at FloridaCommerce including the assistant deputy secretary asking for an update and if the state agency had checked with Escambia County about completing the project. An additional email from Brown to Deputy Secretary Kate Doyle indicates that Brown and Gomez met with her “a couple of weeks” prior to July 9.
“If Escambia County could move forward, this project would serve low to moderate-income individuals in a rural community and benefit not only Town of Century residents but also Escambia County residents,” Brown wrote. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Florida Commerce on this important initiative. We would be happy to report to the citizens that the project will still take place but will be administered by Escambia County.”
The final answer
In a brief email on August 9, Doyle responded, apologizing for a delayed reply due to recent travel.
“We are not going to be able to extend the grant agreement or have Escambia County take over the grant,” Doyle responded as the state’s position, denying construction funding for the community center on Jefferson Avenue..
NorthEscambia.com photos, images, click to enlarge.