Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 12, 2021
Wednesday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
For a gallery of parent submitted photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Catalytic Converter Thefts
August 12, 2021
UPDATE: This suspect has been arrested and released from jail on an $11,000 bond.
Authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with the thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the Pensacola Area.
Westley David Dyal, also known as Westley Ryal, age 31, is is wanted for burglary, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
He may be driving a 2005 silver Dodge Durango pictured below.
Anyone having information Dyal’s whereabouts should call Pensacola Police at (850) 435-1901, or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Wahoos Hit Five Homers; Trounce Biscuits 7-2
August 12, 2021
On a record setting night in more ways than one, the Blue Wahoos clubbed five home runs against the Biscuits while donning their much-anticipated “Crabzilla” uniforms in their 7-2 win on Wednesday.
The game was meant to be a pitching showcase as Max Meyer (W, 6-1), one of the Marlins top pitching prospects, went head-to-head with Brendan McKay (L, 0-2), a former first-round pick who is working himself back to full strength after tearing his labrum in 2020.
Instead, Meyer shined while McKay struggled.
Pensacola’s starter went six innings and allowed two runs on four hits. What stood out from his performance, however, was his command. The right-hander struck out nine Biscuits while issuing zero walks. It’s the first time in his career he did not issue a walk. His nine strikeouts tie his career high, which he has achieved for the third time this year.
McKay was ambushed in his second rehab outing with Montgomery. The Blue Wahoos smashed three home runs in the bottom of the first, one from Griffin Conine, another from Lazaro Alonso, and a third from Peyton Burdick, which tied Aristides Aquino’s 20 homers back in 2018. Leading 3-0 in the bottom of the third, JJ Bleday crushed his 10th home run of the season to make it 4-0.
Mckay finished his night having allowed four runs (all earned) in 2.2 innings. He finished his outing having thrown 44 pitches (22 strikes).
Pensacola erupted for another big inning in the bottom of the sixth. Jerar Encarnacion led off the frame with a solo home run off Mikey York to make it 5-2. It was Encarnacion’s first since returning to the lineup after sustaining an injury on July 7th and his eighth of the season. After another single from Alonso, Brian Navarreto and Demetrius Sims hit back-to-back RBI doubles to put the Wahoos ahead 7-2.
The bullpen responded admirably after a difficult showing yesterday. Two Wahoo relievers pitched the final three innings in scoreless fashion, including a perfect ninth inning from Dylan Bice to close out the game.
Two Injured In Fire At Adult Assisted Care Facility
August 11, 2021
Two people were injured in a fire Wednesday morning at the Northview Community Center.
Flames and smoke were visible when firefighters arrived at the adult assisted care center at 10050 Hillview Drive, near the University of West Florida. Staff reported everyone had evacuated, and Escambia County Fire Rescue did not find any victims inside the facility during two searches.
Two people were transported to area hospitals suffering from possible smoke inhalation.
“Quick actions by first arriving fire crews as well as a working sprinkler system contained the fire to the room of origin,” ECFR said in a statement. Alarms also functioned inside the single-story, 41-year old wood frame facility. Damage to the building was considered minor.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Aiding Escape, Weapons Offenses
August 11, 2021
A Cantonment woman has been charged for allegedly helping a man escape from deputies in the Wedgewood area.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to Wagner Road due to multiple reports of reckless four-wheelers and dirt bikes in the area. The deputy observed a man push start a Honda four wheeler that matched the description of one that had fled from deputies multiple times in the past. The deputy attempted to stop the four wheeler on the a public right of way with emergency lights and sirens activated, but the man jumped off and started to flee, an arrest report states.
That’s when deputies say Lacashia Monique Moultrie handed off a dirt bike to him, allowing him to escape. Moultrie told deputies that the man meant “nothing to her.”
A search following the arrest revealed a 9 mm Ruger pistol with six rounds in the magazine inside Moultrie’s backpack, according to the ECSO.
Moultrie was charged with aiding escape, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession of a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
An arrest report notes the incident was captured by the video system in the deputy’s vehicle.
DeSantis Passes Out $1,000 Bonuses To Escambia County Deputies
August 11, 2021
Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented $1,000 bonus checks to deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the pandemic.
DeSantis joined Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons in presentig the one-time bonuses through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.
“Florida’s first responder relief checks allow us to show our appreciation to the law enforcement officers who have remained on the front lines, continuing to keep our neighborhoods safe,” DeSantis said during the afternoon press conference at the ECSO. “Over the course of the past year and a half, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has protected and served us all, no matter the circumstance.”
The initiative is to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 as an appreciation of the many selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When law enforcement takes the oath to serve and protect our communities it means we stand at the front line of disasters, whether it’s a hurricane or global pandemic,” said Simmons. “The men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office didn’t get the option to stay home. We still had to protect and serve even though our families may have been battling the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of law enforcement and all first responders. He has maintained his support in word and deed, and it matters to the frontline heroes. In these difficult times, it is good to know that we have the support of our community and support from the highest levels of state government.”
The Department of Economic Opportunity was allocated approximately $208 million to distribute one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to over 193,000 first responders, including more than 49,000 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,000 EMTs, 35,000 firefighters and 33,000 paramedics across the state. Payments will be issued and mailed to employee mailing addresses provided by the employer.
“Law enforcement officers in our state make countless sacrifices as they serve our communities,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said during the presentation. “It is an honor to support Governor DeSantis in his mission to provide relief checks to our first responders in Florida.”
Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons handed out one-time $1,000 bonus checks to deputies Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County 4-H Honors Members At Annual Awards Banquet
August 11, 2021
Escambia County 4-h celebrated at its annual banquet recently at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.
Over 70 guests participated in the celebration and recognition of Escambia County 4-H achievements in a fiesta theme setting.
Many awards were given out at the banquet to recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members. County council members and honored guests presented certificates, pins and awards.
Graduating seniors were recognized, and Jessica Conti, 2020-2021 County Council president, gave her retiring address. Escambia County 4-H also honored the members that made up the 2020-2021 County Council and inducted a new group of council officers for 2021-2022.
The new council officers are as follows: Taylor Anderson and Chloe B. as district delegates, Raimi Joseph as motivational leader, A.T. Bridgers as sergeant-at-arms, Madelyn Goss as parliamentarian, Alan B. as reporter, Tucker Padgett as treasurer, Kailee Dunlap as secretary, Ava Chauvette as vice president, and Gracie Meredith as president.
According to Brian Estevez, Escambia County 4-H Agent, the new officers were inducted in a lighting of the candle ceremony and were told that “good officers pledge their hands to the service of their 4-H council, its members, and the clubs they represent.”
There were 249 youth in Escambia County that were enrolled in one of 16 4-H Clubs. Six Escambia County 4-H members placed first in their respective divisions at state competitive events; and two judging teams won their respective state contests. More than 1,000 youth from Escambia County schools participated in at least 6 hours of 4-H programming.
“Escambia County 4-H would like to say thank you to all of the 4-H members, parents, sponsors, and guests that attended the 2021 4-H Awards Banquet,” said Estevez.
“The 4-H Awards Banquet was made possible with the donations from our many sponsors. Escambia County 4-H thanks you for your donations of money, time and effort to make the banquet possible,” said Aly Schortinghouse, Escambia County 4-H/Livestock Agent.
A Big Lead Evaporates, Rain Suspends Blue Wahoos And Biscuits
August 11, 2021
The game was rolling smoothing in the Blue Wahoos favor Tuesday against the Montgomery Biscuits.
But the night ended badly.
Leading 7-2 in the ninth inning, the Blue Wahoos surrendered five runs, then were unable to answer with a quick turn at the plate before a massive thunderstorm struck Blue Wahoos Stadium, turning the field into a mess and postponing completion of the game until Wednesday.
The game will be resumed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, tied 7-7 and Montgomery batting in the top of the 10th with a runner on second base. The scheduled game Wednesday will be played 30-45 minutes following completion of the suspended game and will be the designated “Festival of Crabzilla” night with the Blue Wahoos changing into orange-colored uniforms.
But Tuesday seemed a formality after the Blue Wahoos led 6-0 in the sixth, 7-2 through eight innings.
They exploded with a six-run rally in the fifth inning and received strong pitching from starter Kyle Nicolas.
But the bullpen and fielders could not hold it.
The Biscuits got runs in the sixth and seventh. In the ninth, reliever Andrew McInvale, the fourth reliever Pensacola used, was unable to close the game. He gave up a leadoff single, a walk, then an RBI single for the first Biscuits run. Then a ground ball was botched by second baseman Zack Kone to load the bases.
On a 3-2 pitch, McInvale gave up a two-run single to Austin Shenton. The Blue Wahoos then summoned Colton Hock, who was formerly their top closer. He gave up a sacrifice fly to score another run, then a two-run double to tie the game.
With lightning popping nearby and the wind howling, the umpires made a decision to play the bottom of the night. Montgomery got three quick outs when the skies unloaded at 10:10 to halt the game.
It became another no-decision for Nicolas despite throwing five shutout innings.
Making his third Double-A start for the Blue Wahoos, Nicolas allowed just one hit – a bloop single – by Jake Palomaki to lead off the fifth inning. But he struck out the final two batters to end the inning to complete his stellar night.
Nicolas has allowed just two earned runs since being promoted July 27 from the Beloit Snappers, the Miami Marlins High-A affiliate in Beloit, Wisconsin. He entered the season ranked as the Marlins’ No. 17 prospect by Baseball America.
J.J. Bleday reached base all five time at the plate on four walks and a single. He drove in a run on bases-load walk in the sixth and later scored in that inning.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
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Inmate Captured Shortly After Escape From Work Detail At Ashton Brosnaham Park
August 10, 2021
An Escambia County Jail inmate that escaped early Tuesday afternoon from a work detail at Ashton Brosnaham Park is back behind bars.
Lance Allen Chatman, 36, escaped while working at the park on Ashton Brosnaham Drive, just north of 10 Mile Road, according to Escambia County. He was captured within 21 minutes by an Escambia County Corrections K-9 team.
Chatman was being held on charges of burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and damage to property. He is now facing an additional felony charge of escape.
ECSO Seeks ‘Armed And Dangerous’ Bank Robbery Suspect
August 10, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the man that robbed a bank on the south end of the county Tuesday morning.
About 11 a.m. the ECSO responded to an armed robbery at the Warrington Bank on Sorrento Road.
The suspect was described as possibly a Hispanic male, wearing a shoulder length wig. He walked into the bank and struck an employee with a firearm. The suspect then took an undisclosed amount of cash and left the scene on foot.
Photos on this page show the suspect without the wig he was described as wearing at the time of the robbery. The ECSO said the suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the robbery is asked to call the ECSO at 850-436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP.
Pictured: The scene at Warrington Bank on Sorrento Road shortly after a robbery late Tuesday morning. Pictured inset and below: The suspect who should be considered armed and dangerous (ECSO). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
