Tools Worth $3,000 Stolen From Habitat For Humanity Trucks
May 23, 2021
Tools valued at thousands of dollars were stolen from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity construction and landscaping trucks.
Habitat staff arrived to work Friday morning to find that several of their work trucks had been broken into and many tools that are used to build homes for local families were stolen.
The nonprofit organization is asking the community for assistance in recovering the stolen tools taken, valued at approximately $3,000. A majority of the heisted tools were purchased from the IMPACT 100 grant that Pensacola Habitat was recently awarded.
Included in the list of heisted tools is a Stihl chain saw, Husqvarna Chainsaw, Craftsman Trimmer, a pneumatic nailer, drills, gas cans, batteries, and other items.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is located on West Leonard Street, less than a half mile from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Being a nonprofit, when things like this happen, it not only affects us as an organization but our community as a whole. Losing these tools will impact our building process and the time that it will take for some of our partner families to move into their affordable homes.” explained Crystal Scott, director of Resource Development at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.
Authorities are investigating the break-in and following up on leads. Pensacola Habitat is asking the community to keep an eye out on places like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and at local pawnshops where stolen goods are often sold. Anyone with any information regarding the theft is being asked to contact the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP with any information.
Blue Wahoos Strike Out 19 In Win Over Rocket City
May 23, 2021
On this Saturday, the Blue Wahoos started the show well before the fireworks.
Playing before an overflow, energized sellout crowd of 5,038, the Blue Wahoos lit up the scoreboard with runs in each of the first four innings, then had a trio of pitchers pop a combined 19 strikeouts in a 6-2 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to clinch their weekend series.
It provided plenty of entertainment in a setting featuring the concourses crowded with fans and the outfield berm filled with families on every square foot of grass.
“I think anyone would tell you, when you are playing on that field, you feed off the crowd,” said Blue Wahoos hitting coach Scott Seabol. “The crowd was awesome.”
Eight of the nine hitters in the Blue Wahoos lineup factoring into the scoring.
One of those was cleanup batter Lazaro Alonso, who blasted an opposite field homer over the left field wall in the fourth for the Blue Wahoos final run and his first homer in this ballpark.
Like so often this season, there was scoring efficiency. The Blue Wahoos had six runs on six hits, including RBI from the bottom third of the lineup. Five of the runs were produced on two-out hits.
“I feel like to this point in the season, we have been taking great at-bats and hitting the ball hard, but we were just missing that big two out, two-run single.”
That changed in the first inning when Tristan Pompey smashed a two-out, two-run single.
After Rocket City scored a pair of runs in the third, the Blue Wahoos answered in the bottom of that inning with RBI hits from Connor Justus and Devin Hairston.
Those clutch hits neutralized the 15 strikeouts recorded by Trash Pandas’ pitchers. The teams totaled a combined 34 strikeouts, but Pensacola held a 6-2 lead through the final five innings.
“I felt like our pitching staff has been doing a great job keeping us in games and then allowing to come back late,” Seabol said. “So it was nice to help them out early and take the pressure off a little bit.”
The Blue Wahoos end a two-week, 12-game homestand with Sunday’s series finale against the Trash Pandas. They have taken four of the first five games in a first-ever series between the teams and return of Pensacola’s Jay Bell as Rocket City manager.
DeSantis Signs Three Sales Tax Holidays Into Law During Visit To Pensacola
May 22, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three tax holidays into law in Pensacola Friday.
The “Florida Tax Cut Package” includes sales tax holidays for hurricane preparation, back to school and a new “Freedom Week”.
“In Florida, we are providing more than $168 million in taxpayer savings for families and businesses,” Desantis said. “From sales tax holidays to permanent tax exemptions helping seniors live independently, I am committed to continuing to reduce the tax burden for all residents of our state.”
DeSantis signed the tax cut package bill into law Friday morning at the Home Depot on Davis Highway in Pensacola. The package includes:
“Disaster Preparedness” Tax Holiday from May 28 until June 6, 2021
This 10-day tax holiday allows Floridians to prepare for hurricane season while saving money on disaster preparedness items such as flashlights under $40, batteries less than $50, tarps under $100, generators less than $1,000, and more.
“Freedom Week” Tax Holiday from July 1 until July 7, 2021
The first ever “Freedom Week” provides seven days of sales tax savings on outdoor recreation purchases, such as the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses, the first $200 of the sales prices of tents, and the first $500 of the sales price of kayaks or canoes, as well as tickets for events, museums, the arts, and more.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday from July 31 until August 9, 2021
Spanning 10 days, Floridians will pay no sales tax for certain clothing of $60 or less per item, school supplies of $15 or less per item, and the first $1,000 of personal computers and related accessories.
Tax Cuts to Support Florida’s Seniors Living Independently
The bill signed Friday also creates Florida’s first permanent sales tax exemption for independent living items for seniors in our state. Items like bed transfer handles, bed rails, grab bars, and shower seats will be exempt from sales tax for individual purchases.
Ad Valorem Tax Breaks
The tax package doubles the ad valorem tax exemption for certain affordable housing properties from 50% to 100%. Additionally, the bill includes implementation language for a proposed constitutional amendment providing property tax relief for residential property improvements made for the purpose of flood mitigation. This property tax relief is subject to the approval by the voters on the 2022 General Election ballot.
BUSINESS TAX BREAKS
Strong Families Tax Credit Program
To help support the wellbeing of children in our state, HB 7061 creates the Strong Families Tax Credit Program for businesses that make monetary donations to certain eligible charitable organizations that provide services focused on child welfare.
Internship Tax Credit
The newly created Internship Tax Credit provides tax relief for Florida businesses that employ and retain student interns, encouraging companies to hire young Floridians attending college in our state.
Brownfields Tax Credit Program
The bill also provides a one-time increase in funding of $17.5 million for the Brownfields Tax Credit Program to fund a backlog of approved credits. This program, administered through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, incentivizes businesses to clean up and redevelop hazardous sites to protect our environment and economy.
Northview Chiefs Take On Flomaton In Spring Game (With Photo Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Northview Chiefs and Flomaton Hurricanes met in a spring game Friday night in Bratt.
In the first half varsity scrimmage, Flomaton defeated Northview 28-6. In the second half scrimmage, Northview beat Flomaton 7-0.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies, Escambia Gators Meet In Spring Game (With Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Tate Aggie and Escambia Gators met in a spring game Friday night at Escambia.
In the first half scrimmage, Escambia defeated Tate 7-3. In the second half varsity scrimmage, Escambia topped Tate 27-7.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Picture Perfect: Krul Lake Is Refilled And Open
May 22, 2021
Krul Lake in the Blackwater State Forest is now refilled and in pristine condition.
The lake was drained for repairs to the drain pipe system and retaining wall, as well as upgrades and basic maintenance. The process to refill the lake started last week.
Krul Lake is filled from springs located on the north end of the lake and is popular summer swimming area. The Krul Recreation area, located about a half mile east of Munson (click for map), also features restrooms and showers, hiking trails, a gristmill, a suspension bridge over Sweetwater Creek, and a picnic area.
Pictured above and below: Krul Lake this week. Pictured bottom two photos: Krul Lake while drained earlier this year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pitching, Defense Lead Blue Wahoos To 2-1 Win Over The Trash Pandas
May 22, 2021
The Blue Wahoos already won a couple games this week on walk-off hits.
Friday night, they got an edge-of-seat win with their pitchers thriving on a tight rope of pressure.
Despite yielding 11 hits, including a home run, the Blue Wahoos beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas 2-1, amid an energized, sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
They did it with continued clutch pitches at critical times. And fittingly, closer Colton Hock’s glove made a big save on a bullet up the middle that Hock snared and threw for the final out, generating a loud roar of happiness.
“Usually (game like Friday), there are some double plays involved, some big plays, scattering hits, and that’s what we did,” said Blue Wahoos pitching coach Tim Norton.
They did all of that, plus more, in a win unlike any other, so far this first season as a Miami Marlins affiliate. The series continues Saturday and Sunday before a 12-game homestand ends.
The Blue Wahoos (9-7) turned four double-plays – three of those to end innings with multiple baserunners. A trio of pitchers combined to strand seven Rocket City (8-8) runners in scoring position. They also got some terrific defense, led by left fielder Tristan Pompey’s running, sliding backhand catch in foul territory to end the third inning.
Meanwhile, the Blue Wahoos got just enough offense on five hits. One of those was a no-doubt, blast over left field by Peyton Burdick to lead off the eighth-inning. It was third home run this week.
And it became the decisive run. The Wahoos go their other run in the fifth when Chris Chinea was hit by a pitch, moved into scoring position on Pompey’s single and scored on Lorenzo Hampton’s single.
Less than three weeks into the season, the Blue Wahoos pitching staff has collectively been a clear strength, save for a couple rough nights against Birmingham last week.
“We have some elite stuff on this staff in our rotation and in the bullpen,” Norton said. “We have some pretty good octane out there in the bullpen, so it’s a combination of good stuff, throwing strikes, catchers understanding what (pitchers) are trying to do.
“A lot goes into each day preparing for nine innings.”
It showed again with starter Jeff Lindgren battling his way into another quality start.
He went six innings without a walk, striking out three and overcoming eight hits by continuing to get game-changing outs to end threats.
“He’s got a good 2-seamer (fastball),” Norton said. “He is willing and able to pitch in. Obviously, his pitch is his slider. Guys can’t seem to pick it up real good.
“He sprinkles enough change-ups to keep guys honest, but it’s his slider that has taken him over. No panic, he is really composed. He understands he’s one pitch away.
“He feels like he can punch anyone out with that slider, so there’s no panic. He’s been doing a great job. He has probably been in four tough innings in the last 13 innings and he has escaped all of them.”
All of his attributes occurred Friday, followed by stellar relief.
After Zach Leban got his second hold with 1.2 scoreless innings, Hock followed in the eighth inning with two out, two on, and delivered a strikeout pitch.
In the ninth, he gave up a one-out home run to Torii Hunter Jr., son of the former Minnesota Twins star, struck out the next batter and ended the game with his fielding play on the mound.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Escambia Westgate School Class of 2021 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Escambia Westgate School Class of 2021 graduated Friday night in a ceremony in the Washington High School auditorium.
Escambia Westgate school serves the needs of pre-K, elementary, middle and high school students with varying exceptionalities.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New 448 Area Code, Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Now In Effect
May 21, 2021
A second area code has been activated in Northwest Florida, and mandatory change in how you dial your phone is now in effect.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing will be effective for all calls, including local calls, for existing and new phone numbers in the 850 and the new 448 area codes. This includes landlines, cellphones and other devices.
“With Florida’s 850 area code running out of phone numbers, the 448 overlay plan and 10-digit dialing is necessary,” said PSC Chairman Gary Clark. “The good news is that Florida’s growing population and economy are driving this change. With today’s digital applications, programming 10-digit dialing into our contacts and devices is relatively easy.”
The PSC actually delayed mandatory 10-digit dialing implementation for three months—originally scheduled to begin in February—so that business customers in the overlay region had ample time to reprogram alarm systems and elevator operations.
Here are some other quick facts about the new 448 area code:
- Your current telephone number, including current 850 area code, will not change.
- You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. You can also dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511, where available.
- Telephone customers should remember to include their area code (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number) when giving their number to friends, family, business associates, and customers.
- Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 448 area code as a valid area code, and should continue to program 10-digit telephone numbers.
The 850/448 area code region consists of 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle, including the cities of Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Edmond Turns 103
May 21, 2021
Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment celebrated his 103rd birthday Friday. And he’s looking forward to reading your birthday wishes in the comment section below, or on our Facebook page.
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Emond, CWO4 USN (RET.), spent his naval career as a musician and band director. He was on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) getting ready to play morning “Colors” on his French horn when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Emond then walked to the conductor’s stand, picked up the baton and proceeded to direct the band in “Stars and Stripes”.
After seven years of playing horn, he became a Navy bandleader, retiring in 1968.
“I’m about the last one (Pearl Harbor survivor) left around here,” Emond said during a drive-by birthday party last year at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church.
He remained a music man; sometimes leading the music at Gonzalez Methodist and performing with the Pensacola Civic Band. The Guinness Book of World Records named him the “Oldest Musical Conductor” in the world after he participated in a 2019 Memorial Day concert.
Picture above, Emond is seen celebrating a few days ago and encouraging future Naval Aviator Eva Miller as she begins her time in the NROTC at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Miller, who is graduating this year from Tate High School, calls Emond “Uncle Frank” even there is no blood relation.
For photos from Emond’s 102 drive-by birthday event in 2020, click or tap here.
Pictured below: Scenes from Frank Emond’s 102nd drive-thru birthday party last year at Gonzalez United Methodist Church. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
