Concrete Pours Completed On The Last Two Spans Needed To Open Pensacola Bay Bridge
May 7, 2021
Work is continuing on repairs to the Pensacola Bay Bridge, and the Florida Department of Transportation says they are still on track to open two lanes of traffic on the bridge the week of May 31.
Overnight concrete pours are completed on the last two spans before the bridge can open.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Take Two On The Road Over Mississippi
May 7, 2021
The Blue Wahoos swept a doubleheader over the Mississippi Braves Thursday. The Wahoos won the first game 5-1 and shut out the Braves 6-0 in the second. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Names New Fire Chief
May 6, 2021
Escambia County has named a new fire chief.
Jason Catrambone will join Escambia County on June 14 with more than 25 years of experience as an accomplished chief fire officer, including more than 18 years of command-level experience.
As the Escambia County fire chief, Catrambone’s duties will include supervising fire rescue staff, providing oversight and directing the implementation of internal operations, managing expenditures to the approved annual budget, developing goals and objectives and ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Escambia County’s last fire chief, Rusty Nail, was hired in April 2018 and resigned in April 2019.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to join the Escambia County Fire Rescue team and Escambia County community,” said Catrambone. “I’m looking forward to working with this motivated group of men and women to continue to serve the residents and visitors of Escambia County dutifully and honorably.”
He currently serves as the fire chief for the City of Williston, N.D. and has certifications as a hazardous materials incident commander and strike team task force leader. He earned an associate degree from Columbia Southern University and has continued coursework there toward a Bachelor of Science in fire service administration with an expected graduation date this year. He received an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
“Chief Catrambone brings the wealth of knowledge and a breadth of experience to this position that we were looking for,” said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”
“We look forward to Chief Catrambone leading ECFR with his vast understanding and knowledge of firefighter personnel management,” said County Administrator Janice Gilley. “His 25 years of experience tell a story of dedicated and unceasing commitment to excellence and public service and we welcome him to the team.”
“I am very happy a new fire chief has been selected,” said Chairman and District 4 County Commissioner Robert Bender. “This is the first step in elevating Escambia County’s fire service. There is still a lot of work to do, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Catrambone is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and previously served on the board of directors. He recently accepted the role of International Association of Fire Chiefs international director.
Catrambone was selected from a pool of 108 cumulative applicants for the Escambia County fire chief position after a thorough review process. The selection process included phone and in-person interviews, a tour of Escambia County Public Safety and a meet and greet with staff.
Century Council Rejects Mayor’s New Hires — For The Second Time
May 6, 2021
The Century Town Council has once again rejected the hiring of two employees recommended by the mayor.
In March, the council refused to approve the employees hired by the mayor because he violated the town’s charter. The charter states that the mayor will present his employee selections to the town council to be approved or denied. The council can only vote yes or no on the mayor’s choice; the charter does not give the council any authority to hire anyone not recommended by the mayor.
At a March meeting, the council turned down the employees because Boutwell had already hired them without their permission and voted to re-advertise the entry-level service worker and citizen services clerk jobs.
This week, Boutwell brought the same two employee choices back to the council, but a motion to hire them failed due to the lack of a second.
Council president Luis Gomez expressed concern that the clerk applicant had actually submitted her resume and application in November, months before the positions were advertised.
Gomez said he had personally contacted the references listed by the service worker applicant and had found he was terminated for just cause and was not eligible for rehired by a former employer. Gomez made additional disparaging comments about the individual.
The council provided no next step for the hiring process. Under the town charter, Boutwell can continue to come back to the council for approval of his choices, whether they be the same or different individuals.
The service worker the mayor hired has nine years experience as millwright at a lumber mill, five years in maintenance at a chemical plant, and six years in home construction. The office worker selected by Boutwell has almost 20 years experience at an area bank as a bookkeeper, loan assistance, teller and accounts payable clerk, and holds an associate degree from Pensacola Junior College.
Pictured: Century Mayor Ben Boutwell (above) and council president Luis Gomez (below) debate the hiring of two new employees. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Highway 297A Fully Reopened After Repairs
May 6, 2021
Highway 297A near Highway 97 in Cantonment fully reopened about 1:30 Thursday afternoon after being closed for repairs.
The northbound lane of Highway 297A just north of the intersection was closed about 7 a.m. Thursday.
Temporary repairs were made Wednesday after an existing depression in the roadway worsened about daybreak.
Pictured: Work Wednesday morning on Highway 297A. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Proclamation Honors Town’s Clerks During Municipal Clerks Week
May 6, 2021
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell has issued a proclamation recognizing the town’s clerks during Municipal Clerks Week. Pictured are (left to right) Town Clerk Kim Godwin, Boutwell, Billing Clerk Toni Simmons and Administrative Clerk Emily Easterling. Also honored was Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Wood (not pictured.) Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview And Jay Athletes Headed To State Track And Field Finals
May 6, 2021
Athletes from both Northview and Jay High schools will compete in the state track and field finals.
Jay will complete on Friday in Class 1A, and Northview will compete in Class 2A on Saturday. Both finals are at the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.
From Northview:
- Sarius Davis will complete the 100 meter and the 400 meter sprints (pictured top left).
- John Michael Ward will complete in the shot put (pictured top right)
From Jay:
- Jillian Thornton, ranked first in the state, will complete in the high jump. She also set a new school record at regionals (pictured below left).
- Issac Black will compete in pole vault (pictured below middle).
- Landry Cato will compete in pole vault (pictured below right).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 250 Escambia Students Compete In Annual Battle Of The Books
May 6, 2021
A virtual version of the Escambia County School District’s Battle of the Books was held last Saturday as 256 students on 55 teams from 22 schools competed.
Each team was tested on their knowledge of books from the Sunshine State Young Readers book lists. Each team completed virtually from their school with four rounds of 10 questions, plus a tie breaking lightning round if needed.
The 2020-2021 Battle of the Books winners for ECSD were:
Third Grade
- 1st Place: Beulah Elementary School’s “The 5 Booketeers”
- Coaches: Brooke Ferrara, Denise Williamson and Sara Smith
- Students: Mason Gibson, Kyleigh Dunning, Lucas Duarte, Devyn McCarron, and Forrest Hoxworth
- 2nd Place: Bratt Elementary School’s “Third Grade Team”
- Coaches: Shonna Gilmore and Sherri Carter
- Students: Riverly Heathcock, Ella Grace Diller, Zoe Jantz, Rylan Johnson, and Jonah Carter
- 3rd Place: Pleasant Grove Elementary School’s “Titans of Text”
- Coaches: Kristi Suarez, Kaylin Roy, and Cheyanne Forbes
- Students: Raeylin Richardson, Sullivan Bell, Dylan Roy and Lailah Harris
Fourth Grade
- 1st Place: Blue Angels Elementary School’s “The Book Crew”
- Coach: Angela Kriner
- Students: Olivia Wood, Derek Chen, Destiny Donaldson, Layla Emory, and Mackenzie Kanzelmar
- 2nd Place: A.K. Suter Elementary School’s “Suter 1”
- Coach: Paula Stillman
- Students: Violet Barnett, Theo Perry, Maida Wells, Jonah Alonzo, and Lucas Ramos
- 3rd Place: Cordova Park Elementary School’s “Cordova Colts 4”
- Coach: Lori Hahn
- Students: Piper Johnson, Olivia King, Lyra Kuykindall, Haven Parker, and Abigail Peterson
Fifth Grade
- 1st Place: Cordova Park Elementary School’s “Cordova Colts 5”
- Coach: Lori Hahn
- Students: Piper Johnson, Olivia King, Lyra Kuykindall, Haven Parker, and Abigail Peterson
- 2nd Place: McArthur Elementary School’s “Books for Life”
- Coach: Jennifer Beal
- Students: Addisyn Butler, Hadley Krantz, Chloe Murray, Adyson Payton, and Scottie Pennewell
- 3rd Place: Ferry Pass Elementary School’s “Beauty and the Books”
- Coaches: Heather Horn, Madelyn Cognevich, and Jenna Gunter
- Students: Jenna Khalaf, Alexia Granados, Claire Maddox
Middle School – 6-8th Grades
- 1st Place: Bellview Middle School’s “Team B”
- Coach: Michelle Lingo
- Students: Landon Beard, Ricky McGregor and Heather Wells
- 2nd Place: Bellview Middle School’s “Team A”
- Coach: Michelle Lingo
- Students: Gaven Carter, Andy Pham, and Cara Schmitt
- 3rd Place: Jim Bailey Middle School’s “Bulldogs Rock”
- Coach: Roberta Wetzel
- Students: Kaylin Honeycuttt, Lin Xi Niedbala, Alexis Speegle and Cody Thompson
Pictured: Beulah Elementary School’s first place third grade Battle of the Books team. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Max Meyer Dazzles In Pro Debut To Lead Blue Wahoos To Season-Opening Win Over Mississippi
May 6, 2021
Max Meyer was sensational for the Blue Wahoos in his much-anticipated professional debut as one of the baseball’s top prospects.
The relievers who followed were nearly as good.
It meshed perfectly into a 2-1 victory Wednesday night in Pearl, Miss. against the Mississippi Braves in a season-opener unlike any other. This one followed 605 days from the last Blue Wahoos’ game, following the 2020 shutdown from the coronavirus pandemic.
The opener also began Pensacola’s new era as the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate.
Meyer, a Minnesota native, who became the third overall pick by the Marlins in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft, showed no sign of nerves or rustiness in his near flawless performance.
He yielded just one hit in five innings and two baserunners, while recording five strikeouts. He dazzled in front of a crowd of 2,307 at Trustmark Park, which included his parents, who traveled from Minnesota to see the special moment.
“Obviously, the standout performance was Max going five (innings),” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel. “He was very efficient with his pitches and seemed to get better as the game went along as well.
“I think it’s just his persona. It’s like he knows where he needs to be… and he knows where he’s going, most importantly. He never pitched in the Florida State League (High-A) or Low-A. It’s just the minor leagues to him and he feels he needs to be in the big leagues, he’s got the best stuff and that’s just how he pitches and we saw it (Wednesday).”
He was followed by three Blue Wahoos relievers – Sean Guenther, Anthony Maldonado and Colton Hock, who combined to allow just four hits, one walk and five strikeouts.
In the ninth, Hock earned the save with the M-Braves potential, game-winning run on first base. Hock, a fourth-round pick by the Marlins in 2017 out of Stanford, gave up a two out single and walk to get into trouble. But he then recorded the final out when getting next batter CJ Alexander to ground out, ending the game.
Meyer, meanwhile, was pitching in his first game that counted in 424 days – all the way back to March 6, 2020 as a junior at the University of Minnesota when he pitched what became his final collegiate game against Utah before the COVID-19 shutdown.
After waiting an extra day, following Tuesday’s rainout, Meyer flashed why he entered as the No. 23-rated overall prospect in all minor league levels by MLBPipeline.com.
The only hit Meyer allowed was a single in the fifth inning. He yielded just one walk and faced one batter above the minimum, leaving a memorable first impression. Both his slider and fastball were spot on. He kept hitting the corners with his fastball and the slider was curve-dropping into an unhittable pitch.
“The first two innings were nice, he’s was getting some swing and miss on his slider, but they weren’t really landing in the (strike) zone when he wanted to,” Randel said. “But about the third inning, he started landing some more breaking balls and he just got better as the game went along.”
The Blue Wahoos got their two runs in the first two innings. JJ Bleday, the Marlins No. 1 pick in 2019 out of Vanderbilt, drove in Victor Victor Mesa, who led off the game with a triple on the second pitch.
In the second inning, Lazaro Alonso laced a one-out single to score catcher Nick Fortes, who led off the inning with a double. The Blue Wahoos had four hits in the first two innings, but the M-Braves pitched check Pensacola on four hits the rest of the way.
“I think right away, right of the bat, just the offense getting going,” Randel said. “First time competition, underneath the lights, in however many days and we put up some good at bats early.”
The teams will play five more games before the Blue Wahoos return to make their home debut on May 11 against the Birmingham Barons.
by Bill Villona, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO: No Charges Will Be Filed In Stand Your Ground Shooting (With Video)
May 5, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says charges won’t be filed against the person that shot and killed an intruder inside an Ensley home Tuesday afternoon.
Just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 8400-block of James Taylor Lane in reference to a disturbance complaint where someone had been shot.
Once on scene, deputies found a 54-year old male deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The residents inside the home told investigators the man kicked in the front door, once inside he armed himself with a knife, yelling he was there to harm his children’s mother.
Still armed with a knife, he went room to room searching and threatening the occupants who had retreated to a bedroom in the rear of the house. He then confronted a female in the rear bedroom, who, fearing for her life, shot the man twice, according to the ECSO.
Video from outside the home is below. It contains extremely graphic language and violence. It may be disturbing to some readers.
At the time of the incident, the suspect, had an active domestic violence injunction filed on him. Investigators said he was also reportedly on his way to anger management treatment when the incident took place.
“Florida State Statute allows people to take reasonable steps to protect themselves from harm. You can see from the video; his demeanor and intent were clear,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will defend a person’s right to reasonably protect themselves against harm, even with the use of deadly force. We do not intend to bring charges against the occupant of the home.”
No names have been released in the incident.