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Here’s An Update On K-9 Streeter, The ECSO K-9 That Chased Suspect Off Bridge

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Streeter is continuing to recover from injuries he received when he jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over the Escambia River in pursuit of a suspect Monday evening. “Streeter is doing very well! He had some rib bruising and other minor injuries from the impact of his jump, but he is excited to let everyone know he will be cleared soon and back to chasing the bad guys,” the ECSO said Wednesday. K-9 Streeter and his handler Deputy Stimmel stopped by the ECSO to see Sheriff Chip Simmons Wednesday. Three suspects and a Streeter jumped from the bridge following a drive-by shooting and subsequent police chase. One of the suspects was killed, one remains at unaccounted for, and 19-year-old Jaquarius Trayquan Etheridge, has been charged with murder while engaged in a crime for the death of the suspect, attempted murder for the drive-by shooting, fleeing and eluding, and a weapons offense. He is jailed without bond. For more details on the incident, click here. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Tate Graduate Matthew Johnson Commissioned

Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School was commissioned as a U.S. Navy ensign Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He was commissioned by his mother, Lt. Kendra Smith, U. S. Navy Nurse Corps. His father, retired U. S. Navy Master Chief Neal Johnson and his grandfather, U. S. Army veteran Ken Moore placed his ensign shoulder boards during the commissioning ceremony. Matthew Johnson will serve as a Merchant Marine officer with the Military Sealift Command at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia. Pictured: Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School. was commissioned  Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Here’s Where To Donate Food Today In Donut Strike For Manna

The 2024 Donut Strike for Manna that continues today Local law enforcement and fire departments are teaming up again to fight hunger for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna. Donation locations for Thursday and Friday are in the graphics below. strong>Pictured top: Donations were collected in 2023 for Manna at the Winn Dixie on Highway 29 in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Escambia Man Sentenced To 150 Months In Federal Prison For Drug Possession

An Escambia County aman was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison on drug possession charges. Darnell Devaughn Burnett, 40, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. On June 13, 2023, a state search warrant was executed at Burnett’s residence in Escambia County. During the search of the residence, law enforcement located and seized 829 grams of methamphetamine, 137.9 grams of heroin, small quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, a digital scale and bags used for drug distribution. Evidence introduced at the sentencing hearing established that at the time the search warrant was executed at his residence, Burnett was on state probation for drug distribution charges. “Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through their efforts, this defendant – a prior offender currently serving a probationary sentence – will face the significant consequences of his continued criminal conduct. We will continue to support our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals distributing drugs in North Florida.” Burnett’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.  Read More →

Molino 12U All-Star Softball Wins State Championship

Molino 12U All-Star softball are state champions . Up next, they are headed to the World Series in Gardendale, Alabama, July 10-14. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Wahoos Piece Together Wild 7-6 Win over Shuckers

written by Erik Bremer The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got back in the win column on Wednesday night, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 7-6 in a game full of unexpected turns. Starting pitcher M.D. Johnson was hit in the arm by a comebacker from his second batter faced, and left after 0.2 innings. Four different Pensacola pitchers got the final 25 outs, with Dale Stanavich (W, 1-0) earning his first Double-A win and Austin Roberts (S, 12) earning a six-out save in a tense team effort. The Blue Wahoos got on the board immediately in the first, as leadoff batter Jakob Marsee drew a 10-pitch walk against starter Bradley Blalock, stole second, and scored on an RBI single from Joe Mack. The Shuckers countered with a two-out, two-run double from Eric Brown Jr., taking a 2-1 lead. Cody Morissette tied the game 2-2 with an RBI triple in the second, and came in on a Sean Roby sacrifice fly to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 3-2. A three-run third, highlighted by a Diego Infante RBI single, gave the Blue Wahoos a 6-2 edge. The Shuckers chipped away with two-run homers from Brock Wilken and Lamar Sparks in the middle innings to tie the game 6-6. After surrendering the game-tying homer, Stanavich buckled down with 2.0 scoreless innings to allow the Pensacola offense to reclaim the lead. Jacob Berry delivered the eventual game-winning hit, an RBI single off Adam Seminaris (L, 0-3) in the sixth inning. Matt Pushard escaped a jam in a scoreless seventh, and Roberts earned his league-leading 12th save with a perfect last two frames. The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.  Read More →

First Responders Donut Strike For Manna Begins Today. Here’s Where To Donate Food.

Local law enforcement and fire departments are running to the rescue once more, teaming up again to fight hunger for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna that begins today. Local law enforcement and fire departments are going on strike later this month — once again teaming up again to fight hunger for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna. The brave men and women are going on strike against the doughnuts from Wednesday, June 26 through Friday, June 28 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food have been donated to the cause. Donation locations are in the graphics below. Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations. Food donations and financial gifts to Manna may also be dropped off at their headquarters, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, any day during the week of the Strike, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Because the cost of food and other essentials is rising, Manna is experiencing even greater demand than is typical in the summer months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “At the same time, food donations are down, as everybody feels the pinch on their budgets. Every day, our first responders see children and families who are struggling — and we are so grateful for their efforts to impact change.” This is the seventh year of the Donut Strike and so far, the pastry protest has raised more than 160,000 healthy meals to help fight hunger in our communities. Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department. Pictured top: Donations were collected in 2023 for Manna at the Winn Dixie on Highway 29 in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Worth Over $55,000 Sold On Highway 97 In Davisville

Someone is over $55,000 richer today after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Davisville. The Quick Pick ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop at 11208 Highway 97 was one of two winning tickets in the June 25 evening drawing and is worth $55,099.86. The other winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Wilton Manors in the Miami metro. The winning numbers were 2-9-27-28-30.  Read More →

Show Stoppers Stop The Show With Undefeated USSSA Summer Classic Win

The Show Stoppers 2030 ladies stole the show recently in Tiger Point as they went a perfect 6-0 in the USSSA Summer Classic for the championship. They are now preparing for the national championships in Gulf Shores in a few weeks. The Show Stoppers finished the season ranked No. 4 in Florida and No. 18 in the country in USSSA amongst 12uB class teams. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Boil Water Notice Issued For Cottage Hill Water Works Customers On And Near Cedar Tree Lane

THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS RESCINDED ON JUNE 26. A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Cedar Tree Lane. The utility said a system upgrade took place Monday to tie-in the connecting streets of Cedar Tree Lane to a newly upgraded main. The affected area includes Cedar Tree Lanen, Cedar Park Drive, Cedar Point Road, Phalrose Lane, and Cooley Road The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. This story will be updated with the boil water notice is rescinded.  Read More →

Wahoos Rally Falls Short In 5-4 Loss To Shuckers

written by Erik Bremer The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their second half opener on Tuesday night, falling 5-4 to the Biloxi Shuckers despite a spirited ninth-inning rally. Down to their final strike in the ninth, Harrison Spohn hit a three-run homer to draw the Blue Wahoos to within a run before Jakob Marsee struck out on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. The Shuckers manufactured an early run against Pensacola starter Adam Laskey (L, 3-2), turning a hit-by-pitch of Darrien Miller in the second inning into a 1-0 lead thanks to an Adam Hall sacrifice fly. That would be the only blemish for Laskey, who completed a season-high 5.0 innings and struck out six. Biloxi starter Jacob Misiorowski (W, 2-2) was even better, turning in 5.2 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in an encore performance after earning Southern League Pitcher of the Week honors on Monday. The Shuckers extended their lead to 2-0 without a hit in the sixth, as Carlos Rodriguez drew a walk against Chandler Jozwiak and stole two bases before scoring on a throwing error from catcher Joe Mack. Three more unearned runs scored in the seventh, as a Jacob Berry throwing error at third base opened the door for RBI singles from Dylan O’Rae and Rodriguez. The Blue Wahoos got on the board in the seventh with an RBI double from Cody Morissette, but even the Spohn homer in the ninth was not enough as Pensacola dropped just their third game out of 12 against the Shuckers this season. The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Wednesday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.  Read More →

Escambia Man Gets 25 Year For Shooting Ex In Front Of Two Kids

An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for shooting his ex-girlfriend in front of two children, one of which was his son. Michael Jerome Henderson Jr., 28, was convicted of attempted manslaughter and armed burglary of a dwelling with a firearm. The shooting happened on October 13, 2023, at an apartment complex on North Hayne Street. Prosecutors said Henderson drove to the apartment complex over a domestic issue and shot the victim at point blank range. Henderson fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was apprehended by law enforcement the same day. The woman survived the shooting.  Read More →

Register Now For Tate Cheerleaders’ Lil Aggies Summer Camp

Deadline is Thursday for the Lil Aggies Summer 2024 Cheer Camp. The camp will be held in the Tate High School Fryman Gym July 15-17 from 8 a.m. until noon each day. il Aggies will learn proper stretch techniques, jump techniques, stunts, tumbling, sideline cheers, extreme routine, motion placements, and much more! All Lil Aggies will receive an exclusive Lil Aggies t-shirt and a daily snack and drink. Dress up days are as follows: Monday – Neon Day Tuesday – Outer Space Day Wednesday – Aggie Spirit Day For a printable registration form and more information, click here. The deadline to register ins July 27. Late registrations will not be accepted. Pictured: The 2023 Lil Aggies Summer Cheer Camp. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Roy Jones Jr. Releases Statement Following Son’s Suicide

Roy Jones, Jr. is confirming that his son DeAndre committed suicide on Saturday. Jones, a member of the boxing hall of fame, released the following statement Monday afternoon: “Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday. I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family. I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away. Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss. Thank you for the love and support.” Authorities have not confirmed any details surrounding DeAndre Jones’ death.  Read More →

Lawsuit Filed Over Escambia County Supervisor Of Elections Candidate Disqualification

Vowing “that this is not over”, attorney Bruce Childers has filed a lawsuit against Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender. Last Thursday, the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office disqualified GOP candidate Bruce Childers, who was running for Supervisor of Elections, according to a statement from that office. “Mr. Bruce Childers did not qualify as a candidate for the position of supervisor of elections.,” a statement from the Supervisor of Elections Office aid. “Mr. Childers’ full and public financial disclosure was not provided by close of qualifying, and Florida Statute §99.061(7)(a), requires a candidate qualifying for Constitutional office to provide a copy of the full and public financial disclosure Form 6 by the close of qualifying.  The requirement is pursuant to the Florida Constitution and Florida’s election and ethics laws.” “On Thursday, June 20, I received an email from the qualifying officer, not even from Robert Bender himself, that I was disqualified because I “failed to provide a copy of the full and complete financial disclosure Form 6,’” Childers wrote.in a social media post. He has now filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency declaration from a judge to put him back on the ballot as a qualified candidate for supervisor of elections. Childers said he wasn’t notified until Thursday that he was disqualified because he “failed to provide a copy of the full and complete financial disclosure form 6″. Childers said he never received a call about any issues, which is something he claims should have been done, according to the Florida statute that states a qualifying officer shall make every reasonable effort to notify the candidate of missing or incomplete items. “For those who know the history between Robert Bender and my wife over his 58% pension, you have probably read between the lines. I will leave it at that,” he said in his post. Childer’s is the husband of Escambia County Comptroller and Clerk of the Court Pam Childers. After she filed suit, a judge ruled that a local retirement plan used by three Escambia County commissioners, including Bender, was unlawful. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Molino 9U Wins Escambia Annual All-Star Tournament Championship

The Molino 9U All-star team won the championship in the Escambia County Parks and Recreation 3rd Annual All-Star Tournament held at the NEP Bark. The undefeated Molino 9U team defeated NEP Gold for the title. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

International Paper Donates More Than 500 Feminine Care Kits To The Community

Employee volunteers at International Paper Pensacola recently assembled more than 500 feminine care kits to help end “period poverty”. This is the third year International Paper has packed feminine hygiene kits for the community. The kits include feminine products and a personalized note in a discrete bag. The kits were distributed to the Health and Hope Clinic, Pace Center for Girls, United Way of West Florida, and Ascension Sacred Heart Women’s Care Center. “Our recent volunteer event, International Paper team members assembling care packages is just one way we’re contributing to this vital cause,” said Maggie VanHusan, International Paper financial analyst. “It’s a privilege to collaborate with local nonprofits and provide assistance to those in need.” For more photos, click here. Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health supplies and education. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame, according to organizers. International Paper’s fluff pulp goes into more than 100 billion menstrual care pads each year. The event is part of International Paper’s commitment to addressing a critical need in the communities where IP employees live and work by mobilizing people, products, and resources. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. Escambia County: Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle is closed at the bridge over Eight Mile Creek through mid-2025 as crews replace the Eight Mile Creek bridge. Signage is in place to direct drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road. Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews place barrier wall and perform utility work: Intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange Sunday, June 23 through Thursday, June 27 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Lane closure on North Palafox Street between Hope Drive and the bridge over I-10, beginning Tuesday, June 25 at 8 a.m. and lasting approximately six hours. In this configuration, north and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers to direct drivers safely through the work zone I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform paving operations, barrier wall installation and bridge demolition activities: Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Inside lane closures and minor traffic shifts on Nine Mile Road between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, June 23 through Thursday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through June as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone. County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4. State Road (S.R.) 297 (Pine Forest Road) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near Bush Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, June 26 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for manhole repairs. S.R. 291 (North Davis Street) Routine Maintenance from East Jordan Street to East Lee Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent northbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs. S.R. 291 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) Routine Maintenance from East Jordan Street to East Lee Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs. West Cervantes Street Routine Maintenance at North Baylen Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs. I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Florida Georgia and Alabama Railroad Overpass – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of U.S. 90 Sunday, June 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance. Santa Rosa County: S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28 as crews perform shoulder grading and sodding operations. U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts: Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive. Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, June 23, through Friday, June 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations. Beginning the week of June 23, motorists traveling westbound along U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa County will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Ramblewood Drive to west of Bayshore Road as lanes will be shifted north to allow the contractor to perform roadway widening operations in the median. I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures west of S.R. 87 Monday, June 24 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance. I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 281 – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of the east Santa Rosa County line Wednesday, June 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance. U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Florida Georgia and Alabama Railroad – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of S.R. 87 Thursday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance. U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Marquis Bayou – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of C.R. 191 Friday, June 28 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather  Read More →

Florida Gas Prices Rise Average Of 15 Cents Over Last Week

Florida gas prices have rebounded after sinking to multi-month lows. The Pensacola area’s lowest price Sunday night was $2.88 The state average rose 15 cents last week, then declined two pennies over the weekend. Sunday’s state average was $3.35 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than a week ago. The price hike ended a 26-day streak of declines, which delivered a 33 cent discount. The state average eventually fell to $3.23 per gallon on Tuesday – which was the lowest daily average price since mid-February. The average cost per gallon in Escambia County was $3.11 on Sunday. In Pensacola, the low price Sunday night was $2.88 at stations on Pensacola Boulevard, East Nine Mile Road and Airport Boulevard. In North Escambia, a low of $2.88 ws available at one Highway 29 station in Cantonment “Oil and gasoline futures prices rose the past two consecutive weeks, which raised the cost of producing gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Futures prices reportedly increased on data that fuel demand is outpacing fuel inventories. Price fluctuations like this is very common during the summer travel season.” The U.S. price for crude was back above $80 per barrel, after trading in the mid to low 70s during the past few weeks. Friday’s closing price of $80.73 per barrel is 7% more expensive than two weeks ago. NorthEscambai.com photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Blue Wahoos Drop Series Finale To Chattanooga As Montgomery Clinches Division

written by Bill Vilona Sometime in the top of the sixth inning Sunday, it became official from afar that the Montgomery Biscuits had clinched the Southern League’s first half South Division crown. Coincidentally, the Blue Wahoos had their game lead evaporate and never reclaimed as the Chattanooga Lookouts took a 6-4 win in the series finale that left a quiet mood among a crowd of 4,488 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola’s bid for a third straight First Half divisional win in the league, and accompanying playoff qualifying spot, came up 1.5 games behind Montgomery in the standings as the season now resets for the second half. But the week still ended full of impact. The Blue Wahoos twice wore jerseys this week, including Sunday, to honor the Pensacola Seagulls and their impact during a segregated era. Sunday’s game was part of Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” to recognize the number Jackie Robinson wore during his Minor League career before breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947. The Blue Wahoos’ (38-30) second-place finish came with a seventh winning record in the past eight half-seasons with three different affiliations. And this year’s edition stayed in contention until the Biscuits scored an eighth-inning run and held off the Birmingham Barons 5-4 in their final first half game. Sunday started just fine for the Blue Wahoos. They took a 4-0 lead after two innings. Three of the first four batters in the first inning reached base. Zach Zubia hit a two-run double and Nathan Martorella followed with a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead. Cody Morissette blasted a solo homer in the second inning on a ball that traveled 455 feet and hit the top of a table umbrella on the Coors Light Cold Zone in right field. Paul Mcintosh led off the third inning with a double, but was stranded. It became one of the Blue Wahoos’ last scoring opportunities. The Lookouts (20-49), the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate, who struggled to finish with the worst record in all minor league levels, concluded their final first half with a series split in Pensacola. They got a two-run homer from Ivan Johnson off Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez in the third inning, then a solo blast from No. 9 hitter Jose Torres in the fifth inning. In the eventful sixth, the Lookouts loaded the bases, got an RBI groundout by Torres, then a two-run double by Johnson off reliever Dale Stanavich that became the game-winner. Two Chattanooga relievers to shut out the Blue Wahoos in the final four innings. The Blue Wahoos will now take Monday off, recharge, then begin the second half of the schedule on Tuesday in Biloxi against the Biloxi Shuckers. WHAT’s NEXT? WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (June 30). WHERE: Keesler Federal Park, Biloxi, Miss.  Read More →

Local Hams Take To The Airwaves For Amateur Radio Field Day, Practicing Emergency Communications

Local ham radio operators at two locations in Escambia County took part in the 2024 American Radio Relay League Field Day this weekend. ARRL Field Day was an opportunity for about 40,000 amateur radio enthusiasts throughout the U.S. and Canada to set up temporary communications stations and make contact with like-minded people. Licensed radio operators, often called “hams,” spent the weekend practicing community outreach, emergency preparedness and technical skills. The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association operated continuously from 1 p.m. Saturday  until 1 p.m. Sunday at Ashton Brosnaham Park off East 10 Mile Road. Amateur radio operator Gene Bannon, call sign KB4HAH, said amateur radio operators were the only ones communication for 36 hours after Hurricane Ivan. He said sheriff’s deputies could not talk to each other and the fire departments couldn’t talk to each other. He added that amateurs were the communications source for the first 36 hours before the arrival of   satellite trucks and other equipment arrived. Bannon said that’s the reason amateur radio exists. For a photo gallery from both field day sites, click here. Club members set up their amateur radio equipment — ranging from old 1980s radios to modern digital gear and satellite communications. With a generator and portable antennas, including a wire antenna spanning half a soccer field, they were soon communicating with ham operators across the United States and Canada. The goal was to reach other ham operators in as many Canadian provinces and U.S. states as possible, including Alaska and Hawaii. The Southern Amateur Radio Union (SARU) participated from Travis Nelson Park on West Highway 4 in Bratt, near Northview High School. Club members from both Escambia counties (Alabama and Florida) participated from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday.  Operators would carefully tune radios, repeat their call sign and see who would answer from where. The amateur radio operators have their own equipment inside the Escambia County Operations Center, ready to provide needed communications during local emergencies. That room was named for Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, a ham operator that passed away in May 2021. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

There’s No Lt. James Perry: Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Phone Scam

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is warning of an ongoing phone scam. ECSO said they have been notified that several citizens are receiving phone calls from someone who is identifying themselves as “Lt. James Perry of the ECSO Civil Division”. They are asking citizens to call or report to the Sheriff’s Office. ECOS said there is no ““Lt. James Perry” employed at the Sheriff’s Office and the call is a scam.  Read More →

Man Found Deceased In Vehicle Alongside I-10

An investigation is underway after a man was found dead in a vehicle along I-10 in Santa Rosa County Saturday. At 11:10 a.m., a road ranger saw a Dodge Ram pickup truck parked on the I-10 0 eastbound shoulder in the area of the 20 mile marker. When the road ranger arrived, he observed a single occupant slumped over inside the vehicle. When they were unable to gain the attention of the occupant, he notified EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol. A Florida State Trooper arrived on scene and gained access to the vehicle by breaking a window. The male occupant was pronounced deceased by a Santa Rosa County paramedic.  FHP is the lead investigating agency for the case and received assistance received from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Rosa County EMS Additional details have not been released.  Read More →

Undefeated Century 10U Lady Legends Win rewton YMCA All-Star Tourney

The Century Baseball Association 10U Lady Legends went undefeated in the Brewton YMCA All-Star tournament to claim the championship Saturday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Blue Wahoos Hold Off Lookouts To Provide Chance At First Half Division Crown

written by Bill Vilona The Blue Wahoos will now play the final game of their first half schedule on Sunday with another playoff berth at stake. They can thank Diego Infante’s slide and Jakob Marsee’s triple for helping make it happen. Infante avoided being tagged on an sixth-inning steal attempt, then scored on a Marsee triple in Pensacola’s 5-4 victory Saturday night on a Copa initiative game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. Taking on their alternate identity Saturday as the Pensacola Pok Ta Pok, honoring the first ballgame of the Americas centuries ago as part of the Minor League Baseball Copa de la Diversión series, the Blue Wahoos got the win and got some help to make Sunday a dramatic finale to the first half schedule. That’s because the Birmingham Barons knocked off the Montgomery Biscuits 4-1 in 10 innings, enabling the Blue Wahoos to move to within a half-game of the Biscuits in the league’s South Division. The Biscuits at home have a half-hour head start Sunday before Pensacola’s 4:05 p.m. weekend finale against Chattanooga. Half of the Southern League will end the first half in playoff contention Sunday. The Tennessee Smokies had a walk-off win Saturday against the Mississippi Braves to pull within a half-game of Birmingham, so it’s the same scenario in the North Division. After the Lookouts (19-49), who wore their own Copa de la Diversión uniforms, rallied in the middle innings from a 4-0 deficit to tie Saturday’s game, the Blue Wahoos (38-28) answered with a decisive run. Infante led off the sixth inning by reaching base on a wild pitch from a swinging strikeout. With two out and Marsee at the plate, Infante took off on a steal attempt. The throw beat him to the bag, but his deft move on the slide avoided the tag and he was ruled safe. Two pitches later, Marsee connected to send a ball into the left-center gap, easily scoring Infante for the go-ahead run on an eventual triple. That became the game-winning run. Relievers Anderson Pilar (4th hold), Matt Pushard (7th hold) and closer Austin Roberts with his league-best 11th save, combined to shut down the Barons lineup to seal the win. The trio allowed just two hits, one walk and five strikeouts. Roberts struck out the side in the ninth and reacted with natural emotion as the Blue Wahoos knew they will now play a potential decisive game Sunday to determine the South Division first half winner. The Blue Wahoos have won the first half the past two seasons and reached the league championship series both times – winning the title in 2022. Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios, who struggled in both starts last year against Chattanooga, allowing eight earned runs in 11 innings, fared much better Saturday. He carried a shutout into the fifth when the Lookouts scored two runs off fielding errors. But Palacios made a big pitch to end a bases-loaded situation in that inning. In the top of the sixth, Austin Hendrick tied the game with a one out homer run that just cleared a leaping attempt by Infante in right field. Seven different Blue Wahoos players each had one hit. WANT TO GO? WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium  Read More →

Jay Woman Found Incompetent To Stand Trial For Allegedly Threatening To Kill Three FHP Troopers

A Jay woman has been found incompetent to currently stand trial for allegedly threatening to murder Florida Highway Patrol troopers during an interaction back in February. FHP responded to I-10 on Sunday, February 4, 2024, after receiving reports of someone lying down on the interstate. Troopers arrived to find 38-year old Brooke Amer Phillips walking west on the shoulder of I-10 near Pensacola Boulevard. The trooper informed her she could not walk and he would transport her to the next exit. Phillips told the trooper that she was going to continue to walk, ignoring multiple commands to stop, according to an arrest report. Phillips ignored additional commands and stated that the trooper would have to “kill her” to make her stop, the report continues. The trooper gained physical control over Phillips and “assisted” her to the ground. Phillips then threatened to “murder” three troopers that were now on scene, according to FHP. Phillips was charged with failure to obey law enforcement, resisting, and threatening death or serious bodily harm to a law enforcement officer. She is scheduled to go before Judge Barry Dickson, Jr. for another hearing on December 2.  Read More →

Early Morning Wreck Claims Life Of Off-Duty Firefighter

An off-duty firefighter was killed in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning. The Florida Highway Patrol said the 27-year-old man was traveling south on a Highway 87 approaching the intersection with County Road 87A when his 2016 Ford F-150 let the roadway for an unknown reason just after 2:30 a.m.. The pickup truck then collided with a drainage ditch and a utility pole. There were no other vehicles involved. The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim’s name has not been released. He was a career firefighter for Escambia County Fire-Rescue and a volunteer for the Jay Volunteer Fire Department. File photo.  Read More →

Saturday Morning Fire Damages Molino Home

Fire damaged a home in Molino Saturday morning. The fire in the 5700 block of Cedartown Road, just off Highway 95A, was reported about 7 a.m. Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the single-story concrete block home. There were no serious injuries reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. For additional photos, click here. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Century Woman Charged With Providing False Info During Traffic Stop

A Century woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly providing false information to deputies following a traffic stop near Walnut Hill. An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled 28-year-old Jami Makala Owens over on Lambert Bridge Road near Velor Road. Owens provided the deputy with a false name, date of birth, driver’s license number and social security number, according to an arrest report. The traffic stop was conducted when a deputy pulled over two vehicles that appeared to be traveling together. One was driven by a man that had an outstand warrant for his arrest. The sheriff’s office said Owens’ actual driver’s license was suspended in 2020, but the name and driver’s license number she provided came back at the time as being valid from Alabama. She was charged with knowingly driving with a suspended license, obstruction of justice for providing a false name. The incident occurred May 19 and Owens was arrested this week on an outstanding warrant. She remained in the Escambia County Jail Saturday morning with bond set at $6,500.  Read More →

FWC Law Enforcement Report: Taking An Alligator Without A Permit

The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity: ESCAMBIA COUNTY Officer Hahr responded to an anonymous complaint regarding an alligator that was shot near Perdido Bay. The officer investigated and determined a homeowner in the area was unhappy with the presence of alligators around his dock and used a 22-magnum rifle to shoot an approximately five-foot alligator and retrieve it from the water. He was charged with taking alligators without a permit/license. Officer Lugg and Waters and Lieutenant Corbin conducted a fisheries inspection on a vessel returning from offshore. The operator was found to possess over the bag limit of vermillion snapper. The operator was cited for the violations. Officers Lugg and Waters and Lieutenant Corbin received a Wildlife Alert tip about an individual harvesting an oversized red drum at Bob Sikes Fishing Pier. Upon arriving, they located the individual who possessed a red drum that was 36 inches long. Additionally, the subject did not have a valid fishing license. The individual was cited accordingly. Officer Waters responded to a call near Palafox Pier regarding a sinking pontoon boat that was a livery vessel. Upon conducting a livery inspection, the owner of the vessel was found to be operating a livery business without a FWC livery permit or boating safety signage. Other livery violations were found. The owner was cited accordingly. Lieutenant Corbin was conducting boating safety and resource inspections at the 17th Ave. boat ramp. A vessel with fishing gear returned to the boat ramp without proper navigational lights. A resource inspection revealed an oversized red drum was located in a cooler on the vessel. The operator of the vessel claimed responsibility for harvesting the red drum. Another subject on the vessel did not have a valid saltwater fishing license. Both subjects were cited accordingly. SANTA ROSA COUNTY No report was submitted from Santa Rosa County. This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC. NorthEscambia.com photo.  Read More →

Jay Office Of Santa Rosa Tax Collector’s Office Closed Until Further Notice

The Jay Office of the Santa Rosa Tax Collector’s Office at5259 Booker Lane in Jay will be closed until further notice due to the ongoing construction at the Jay Community Center. The Milton, Midway and Pace offices are still accepting customers during regular business hours by appointment. There is currently no estimated time to reopen the Jay office. Office locations and hours are outlined below: Milton Office – 6495 Caroline Street (Highway 90), Suite E in Milton Midway Office – 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway (Highway 98), Suite B in Gulf Breeze Pace Office – 4487 Chumuckla Highway in Pace All offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for services such as tags, taxes, hunting and fishing. Driver license services are available until 3:30 p.m. (cut-off time subject to change if capacity has been reached).  Read More →