Birmingham Beats The Blue Wahoos
May 17, 2021
The Blue Wahoos sustained a second hard-luck loss Sunday to end their first homestand of the season.
After holding a 5-4 lead in the ninth, the Birmingham Barons rallied with a pair of runs after loading the bases and held for a 6-5 win before a crowd of 4,102 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The comeback followed the Barons rally in the late innings Saturday to take that game.
The losses, however, were countered by a week where the Blue Wahoos (6-6) returned to their bayfront stadium for the first time in 20-plus months and played six games in sunset settings.
Sunday’s game began with the Blue Wahoos honoring the Pensacola Ice Flyers for their SPHL President’s Cup championship, complete with team captain Garrett Milan throwing out the first pitch.
The day ended with kids of families at the game running the bases amid perfect weather.
The bright sunlight Sunday created havoc for any fly balls in the outfield. That benefited both teams in scoring runs.
Trailing 4-0 in the fourth inning, Blue Wahoos third baseman Nick Lovello hit a fly ball that eluded Barons left fielder Craig Dedelow for what became a 3-run double.
Lovello then followed with a flare in the sixth inning that hit inside the right field line for a 2-run triple, giving him 5 RBI for the game.
The Blue Wahoos carried a 5-4 lead into the ninth with top closer Anthony Maldonado in to finish the game.
The Barons (9-3) tied the game on an RBI single from Ian Dawkins. On the third pitch Maldonado threw against cleanup hitter Micker Aldofo, he winced in pain with an arm injury.
He immediately left the game, forcing Tanner Andrews to rapidly warm up when called from the bullpen. Andrews, the sixth pitcher the Blue Wahoos used Sunday, threw a wild pitch that allowed the winning run to score.
In the Wahoos’ ninth, leadoff batter Connor Justus laced a pitch that reliever Andrew Perez snared. JJ Bleday followed by following off several two-strike pitches before striking out. Perez then ended the game on the next batter to record his first save.
In addition to Lovello, Jerar Encarnacion and Riley Mahan each had two hits.
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off, along with all minor league teams, before facing the Rocket City Trash Pandas – one of newest minor league teams – for six games at Blue Wahoos Stadium beginning Tuesday.
The Trash Pandas, a franchise formed after formerly being the Mobile BayBears, are managed by Jay Bell, a Tate High graduate, who went on to a lengthy, distinguished career in Major League Baseball.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos Senior Writer
Woman Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Nine Mile Road
May 16, 2021
A Pace woman is charged with DUI manslaughter after hitting a pedestrian on Nine Mile Road.
Brittany Nicole Clark was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Clark was eastbound on Nine Mile Road west of Airway Drive, near the John. R. Johns Ballpark, when she ran off the roadway onto the south shoulder. She collided with the 42-year old male pedestrian and two bicycles that were on the shoulder of the road.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. Clark was not injured.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 97, Highway 4 Crash
May 16, 2021
There were no series in a crash Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway in Davisville.
One person reportedly went to the hospital in a private vehicle.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated. Escambia County and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Fall In Extra Innings To Birmingham
May 16, 2021
The Blue Wahoos recreated a Saturday night experience devoid a year ago.
Absolute perfect weather. Overflow crowd. Festive mood. Post-game fireworks.
All this checklist lacked was a win.
After the Blue Wahoos carried a 3-0 lead into the seventh inning, the Birmingham Barons rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning, then scored six runs in the 10th for a 9-3 victory.
The crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium filled both ends of the stands, the party decks and the grass berm behind the outfield.
The night also included Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith getting his COVID-19 vaccine on top of the visitors’ dugout during the seventh inning stretch.
And he led the crowd in “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” while doing it, as part of a free vaccination opportunity provided by the Department of Health in Escambia County.
The Blue Wahoos will conclude their first homestand of 2021 with an afternoon game (4:05 p.m.) against the Barons.
The night began well on the field. Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Will Stewart was outstanding, pitching six scoreless innings and leaving with a 3-0 lead.
After retiring the Barons in order in the first inning, Stewart pitched with runners on base in the next five innings without allowing a run.
In throwing 85 pitches, he gave up only four hits, two walks and struck out three strikeouts. He made big pitches to end innings in the second, fifth and sixth.
It was a turnaround performance from his first start last week at Mississippi. That night he gave up seven hits and five earned runs in five innings.
Unfortunately for him, it became a no-decision.
The Blue Wahoos had a 3-0 lead in the seventh. Centerfielder Peyton Burdick led off the first inning with a walk, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on two groundouts.
In the sixth, Jerar Encarnacion tripled to score JJ Bleday and Nick Fortes followed with an RBI single.
But with two outs and two runners on in the seventh inning, the Barons’ Xavier Fernandez hit a fly ball off reliever Brien McKenna that seemed to cross up two Blue Wahoos outfielders.
Center fielder Peyton Burdick’s diving attempt had the ball pop out of his glove, scoring two runs.
In the eighth, second reliever Tyler Stevens gave up a bases-loaded walk on a 3-2 pitch to tie the game.
After the Blue Wahoos were retired in the ninth, the Barons exploded for six runs in the 10th inning to blow open the game.
Weekly Traffic Trouble Spots
May 16, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Drivers will encounter brief, intermittent lane closures to allow crews to mobilize materials and equipment. The brief, intermittent lane closures and traffic configuration will continue through the end of the year. Traffic flaggers will be on-site to safely direct drivers through the construction zone.
- Pile driving work is also slated to begin next week. Crews will be driving piles during the daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Monday, May 17 as crews perform paving operations.
- · U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures between Morris Avenue and north of Cantonment and north of S.R. 97 in Molino 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 17 through Friday, May 21, as crews perform paving operations.
- West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project –The following will take place the week of Monday, May 17.
- The speed limit between Dominguez Street and A Street will be permanently reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph.
- Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between Dominguez Street and Kirk Street as crews perform median improvement work. One lane in each direction will be always maintained. The median work and lane closures will progress eastward on Cervantes Street until the end of the year.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, May 16 on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass. Traffic impacts will include:
- The U.S. 29 median crossover at Hope Drive will be temporarily closed as crews construct the new median configuration at this location. The temporary closure is expected to last two weeks. Once reopened, Hope Drive will be right turn only at U.S. 29, while U.S. 29 northbound drivers will continue to have left turn access to Hope Drive via a median turn lane.
- This week, motorists can expect nighttime intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will experience intermittent lane closures at the Nine Mile Road and Fowler Road intersection 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, May 17 as crews to preform paving operations.
- S.R. 292 (Sorrento Road) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)– Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews to restripe and install temporary asphalt in preparation for installing low profile barrier wall the week of Sunday, May 23.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) at Village Oaks Shopping Center Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter lane closures near Village Oaks Shopping Center 8 p.m. Monday, May 17 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 18 as crews perform underground utility work.
- U.S. 98 at the North Palafox Street Intersection Underground Utility Maintenance – Motorists will encounter lane closures on U.S. 98 (Chase Street/Garden Street) the week of Monday, May 17 as crews perform routine underground utility maintenance operations at the following locations:
- U.S. 98 (Chase Street) at the North Palafox Street Intersection, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 19.
- U.S. 98 (W. Garden Street) between Palafox Place and South Baylen Street, 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 19.
- U.S. 98 (E. Garden Street) at the North Tarragona Street intersection, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 19 to 5 a.m. Thursday, May 20.
- U.S. 98 (E. Garden Street) at the Brue Street intersection 8 p.m. Thursday, May 20 to 5 a.m. Friday, May 21.
- U.S. 90 (Caroline Street) Underground Utility Maintenance at Mary Street – Motorists will encounter lane closures at the Mary Street intersection 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 19 as crews place fiber underground.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- The bridge remains closed.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities have begun to prepare for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained.
Missing, Endangered Juvenile Safely Located
May 15, 2021
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said late Saturday night that this missing juvenile has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing and endangered juvenile last seen in Walnut Hill late Saturday afternoon.
Skyla Renae Boutwell, 15, was last seen in the area of South Highway 99 and Beasley Road, about two miles south of Highway 97, about 5:45 p.m.
She is 5-feet, 6-inches tall, 114 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing white shorts, white tennis shoes, and a maroon t-shirt.
Deputies said she was a white male in a 2007 orange Chevrolet HHR with Florida tag NXVF35, possibly headed to the Pensacola area.
Anyone with information is asked call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Crash North Of Atmore Claims Life Of Teen
May 15, 2021
A traffic crash Friday night claimed the life of an Atmore teen.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the 17-year old was driving a 2007 Ford Fusion that left the roadway and struck a tree on Atmosphere Road north of Atmore. He was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 7:23 p.m. crash.
Troopers have not released any additional details as their investigation continues.
Fire Destroys Vehicle In Barrineau Park
May 15, 2021
Fire destroyed a vehicle in Barrineau Park Saturday morning.
The vehicle fire was reported about 10:30 a.m. at a residence at the end Blueberry Lane. There were no structures immediately threatened and no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Graduations Now Open At 100% Capacity, No Tickets Needed
May 15, 2021
Escambia County has opened all graduations with no capacity limits and no tickets needed.
The Pensacola Bay Center has increased arena capacity to 100% for graduations. Seating inside the Pensacola Bay Center arena is first come, first served, and no admission ticket is needed to enter for high school graduations.
CDC guidelines indicate that individuals who are immunized no longer need to wear a face covering. Those individuals who are not immunized are encouraged to wear face coverings, according to the school district.
“We are very grateful not only to our high school administrations for their continued hard work during this process, but we also thank the Pensacola Bay Center for their constant communication and keeping us informed each step of the way. We look forward to celebrating with seniors, families and friends,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith said.
The Escambia County School District graduation schedule is below.
The following graduations will be held at 6 p.m. June 3 at Pensacola High School:
- Escambia Virtual Academy
- George Stone Technical Center
- Success Academy
The following graduations will be held at the Pensacola Bay Center:
June 4
- Washington High School 9 a.m.
- Pensacola High School 12:30 p.m.
- Escambia High School 4 p.m.
June 7
- Tate High School, 9 a.m.
- Northview High School, 12:30 p.m.
- West Florida High School, 3:30 p.m.
- Pine Forest High School, 7 p.m.
The following graduations will be held at 6 p.m. June 3 at Pensacola High School:
- Escambia Virtual Academy
- George Stone Technical Center
- Success Academy
Additional graduations will be held:
- District Extended Graduation, June 2, 9:30 a.m., Hall Center Room 160
- Westgate, May 21, 6 p.m. at Booker T. Washington Auditorium
Santa Rosa County has also opened all their graduations with capacity limits. For Santa Rosa County schools will outdoor venues, tickets may be provided in the event graduation must be moved indoors due to weather.
‘Animal’ Beats 71-Year Old Woman With Wooden Club, Sheriff Simmons Says
May 15, 2021
A man Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons called an “animal” is charged with attempted murder after beating a 71-year old woman with a wooden club.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Circle K on the 2700-block of Gulf Beach Highway in reference to an unconscious woman who had been hit with a bat.
“What the surveillance video showed was shocking. You can see 30-year-old Michael Coggeshall enter into the store, take his backpack off and aimlessly walk around. A short time later, the 71-year old victim enters the building and walks up the service counter, minding her own business. The suspect grabs a wooden club from his backpack, walks up behind the victim and viciously attacks her, hitting her in the head with the club,” the ECSO said in a statement.
“I hope this is not a sign of the time,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “Watching this animal pace around behind the victim, contemplating his action is chilling. If you are not angered by this kind of behavior, I question your humanity. Rarely if ever in my law enforcement career I have I seen something so random and something so down right evil. I was disgusted watching the video of the event unfold. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim. We are charging him with attempted murder because that is the most we can charge him with at this time. I hope justice finds Michael Coggeshall and judges him accordingly.”
Deputy Jerimiah Meeks and Investigator Joshua Timo worked the case. Timo was in the area of the Circle K looking for Coggeshall when he spotted him on a bicycle and tried to make an apprehension. The suspect fled and was later apprehended by Deputy Matt Watkins’ K — 9 Bady. Coggeshell was bitten by the K-9 and treated at a local hospital before being to the Escambia County Jail.
The 71-year old woman remains hospitalized.