Wahoos Rebound From Friday’s Loss With Shutout Win Over Biloxi
August 8, 2021
Behind a brilliant performance from Will Stewart (W, 5-5) the Blue Wahoos shut out the Shuckers 4-0 on Saturday night at MGM Park.
Stewart, who entered play today in sensational form—needed just 70 pitches to hurl six shutout innings against the Shuckers. He did so while surrendering only three hits and one walk while striking out three. The only blemishes on his night were a pair of errors, which ultimately had no impact on the game.
The first came in the top of the third when he failed to pick up a David Hamilton bunt attempt with his glove. However, Stewart struck out the next two batters to end the inning. In the fifth, his throw to first on a swinging bunt was low and skipped past Lazaro Alonso for a two-base throwing error. In that inning—and Biloxi’s best chance at scoring—the Shuckers literally ran themselves out of the inning with a bizarre double play.
With runners at second and third, Stewart fielded a comebacker to the mound that caused Cam Devanney to be in a rundown between third and home. The Wahoos ran Devanney back to third; however, the runner who started at second (Hamilton) was on third base as Devanney approached the bag. Devanney gave himself up as Santiago Chavez tagged him out; but at that same moment, Hamilton retreated to second base. The Wahoos then had Hamilton in a rundown and ultimately, he was tagged out to end the inning.
Since July 1st, Stewart has an ERA has a 2.43 ERA, which is the lowest in the Double-A South. He is also 1-0 over his previous two starts against Biloxi, with 12 shutout innings and only five hits allowed against the Brewers’s Double-A affiliate.
After Stewart’s six innings, Pensacola’s bullpen retired all nine batters they faced to end the game.
Offensively, Peyton Burdick led the way with a 2-for-3 night that included his 19th home run of the season. Tied at 0-0, Burdick turned the first pitch he saw from Carlos Luna (L, 1-2) around and drilled it to left to put Pensacola ahead 1-0. He later singled in the fifth and added two walks giving him 63 on the year (most in Double-A).
Pensacola doubled their lead in the top of the fifth when Griffin Conine knocked a two-out RBI single to right that scored Chavez. In the seventh, JJ Bleday snapped a 0-for-19 skid with a two-out two-run double to put the Wahoos ahead 4-0.
Pensacola looks to close out the series with a win in Sunday’s finale
Blue Angels License Plates Are Released And Now On The Road In Escambia County
August 8, 2021
The first Blue Angels license plates are now on the streets of Escambia County.
One Saturday, Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford held a distribution event, serving about 500 people that had preordered a voucher for the specialty plate. All total, 625 Blue Angels license plates were issued.
Lunsford told NorthEscambia.com that 1,767 Blue Angels license plates were sold to Escambia County residents.
Another distribution event will be held Saturday, August 14. To schedule an appointment, click or tap here on or after Monday, August 9. Attendees should bring proof of insurance and the tag number they are replacing.
Vouchers can also be redeemed or the plate can be purchased in-person beginning Monday. Anyone that purchased a voucher and wishes to have the plate mailed can also contact the tax collector’s office.
“Escambia County is blessed to be the home of the world-class Naval Aviation Museum and National Flight Academy,” stated Escambia County Tax Collector, Scott Lunsford. “We are proud to partner with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation to promote this plate and honor all naval aviators on whose shoulders both institutions were built. The purchase of a Blue Angels specialty plate is an investment in our community and our children.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate the release of the Blue Angels specialty license plate. We appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support from the community for this license plate and the Naval Aviation Museum,” Rep. Michelle Salzman said.
Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad, President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation noted, “The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation would like to thank Senator Doug Broxson, the entire Northwest Florida Legislative Delegation, and Escambia County Tax Collector, Scott Lunsford, for their extraordinary efforts in making the Blue Angels specialty plate a reality.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia School District Will Not Require Masks; Full List Of COVID-19 Protocols Released
August 7, 2021
There will not be a mask mandate for the Escambia County School District during the upcoming year. That was just one of the COVID-19 policies announced late Friday by the school district.
“Students may wear masks or facial coverings as a mitigation measure; however, the school must allow for a parent or guardian of the student to opt-out the student from wearing a face covering mask,” the policy states.
Students opted out of wearing masks cannot be subjected to any harassment or discrimination. Specifically, schools are forbidden from relegating the non-mask wearing students to certain physical locations, isolating them during school activities and fron excluding them from any school sponsored event or activity.
Routine cleaning of classrooms and high traffic areas will be encouraged under the plan, and Students will be encouraged to practice routine hand-washing throughout the day.
The Escambia County School District plans to allow for normal school activities such as field trips. Athletic events and extracurricular activities such as band and choral concerts will occur without seating capacity limits.
Volunteers will be allowed back on school campuses this year, and they will be allowed to chaperone field trips. Volunteers are subject to the normal pre-pandemic application process.
There will be no remote learning option this year, but the Escambia Virtual Academy is still available for grades K-12. Registration ends August 31.
To read the complete policy, including guidelines for COVID-19 positive or exposed students, click or tap here (pdf).
The first day of school in Escambia County is Wednesday, August 11.
Pictured: A classroom at Lipscomb Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Concealed Weapon Offense After Traffic Stop
August 7, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop.
Samuel Cooler, Jr., 29, was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of a concealed firearm without a license, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Numerous deputies were in the area of Olive Road and Old Spanish Trail Road after a man reported that he was robbed by several people and one or more of them fled in a gray Dodge Charger. An ECSO investigator spotted a vehicle that matched the description that headed east on Olive Road at up to 80 mph.
Deputies stopped the vehicle in front of an apartment complex on Olive Road. Deputies approached they vehicle and were able to see a large clear bag containing marijuana on the rear passenger seat and the handle of a gun between the center console and the driver’s seat, according to an arrest report.
Cooler, the only occupant, was ordered out of the vehicle and deputies located a “large amount” of currency in his front left shorts pocket. A search of the vehicle located two large bags of marijuana, a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun, two cellphones and a backpack that contained a bag of about 36 grams crack cocaine, about 13 grams of cocaine powder, another large bag of marijuana, a digital scale and a box of empty sandwich bags, the arrest report states. The report notes Cooler is not a convicted felon and does not hold a concealed weapons permit.
Portions of Cooler’s statements to deputies were redacted from the arrest report, but the report states Cooler said the marijuana was in the vehicle but the cocaine was not his. He also said the approximate $2,300 in currency found in his pocket was obtained from his job at a security company.
Cooler’s vehicle and cell phones were seized.
Slight Chance Of Afternoon Showers And Thunderstorms This Weekend
August 7, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Escambia Reports 1,944 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week; Hospitalizations Increase
August 7, 2021
There were 1,944 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 268 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Friday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 38,193 (+1,944)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 25%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 21,319 (+1,118)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 29.5%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,725,450 (+134,506)
Case positivity rate: 18.5%
Deaths: 39,695 (+175)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Continues
August 7, 2021
Florida’s 10-day back to school sales tax holiday continues through Monday August 9.
During the sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For complete details from the Florida Department of Revenue, click or tap here.
Here Are The School Supply Lists For Escambia County Schools
August 7, 2021
Here are the school supply lists for Escambia County.
Florida’s sales tax holiday is continuing through August 9. Most school supplies and clothing are tax exempt, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a printable elementary school list, click here.
For a printable middle school list, click here.
All elementary and middle schools in Escambia County have the same core supply list, including some optional items. Additional wish list items may listed on individual school or PTA sites, including social media. High schools do not have a general supply list.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Headphones are not required, however, they are recommended for all grade levels.
Kindergarten
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 12
- Glue — 2 (4-ounce bottles)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 (solid colors)
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 2
- Yellow wooden pencils — 24 (No. 2, sharpened)
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Colored markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Quart or gallon Ziplock bags (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
First grade
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 with pockets and prongs
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 2 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Eraser caps — 1 package
- Pink erasers — 4
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Washable markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Second grade
- Crayons — 3 packs (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 4 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Notebook paper — 1 pack wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 4
- Eraser caps — 2 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 count No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Third grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-county packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 5 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box or zippered pouch — 1
- Composition notebooks — 2
- Notebook paper — 2 packs wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams white
- Pink erasers — 2
- Eraser caps — 3 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fourth grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-count packs)
- Colored pencils — 1 (12-count pack)
- Glue sticks — 4
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 1 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, purple, orange and with pockets and prongs
- Composition notebooks — 4
- Notebook paper — 2 wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- White copy paper (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fifth grade
- Colored pencils — 1 pack
- Glue — 2 bottles (4 ounces) or glue sticks — 4
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Duo-Tang folders — 2 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange with pockets and prongs
- Zippered pouch — 1 or plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3
- Notebook paper — 4 packs wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- 1½ – 2 inch binder (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(All grades)
- No. 2 pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide ruled notebook paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Earbuds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Heavy Hitters Go Quiet In 4-0 Shutout Loss
August 7, 2021
Noah Zavolas (W, 4-6) pitched seven shutout innings as Pensacola came up short in a 4-0 loss to Biloxi Friday night at MGM Park.
Zavolas turned in one of his best outings of the year scattering five hits and three walks across his start while also striking out seven.
The Wahoos best chance to score may have come early in the game. In the top of the first the Wahoos loaded the bases via three Zavolas walks; however, Demetrius Sims flew out to right field with two outs to end the threat.
In an abbreviated outing for Pensacola, Jake Eder (L, 3-5) was handed a tough-luck loss as he yielded one unearned run in three innings of work. After Eder retired the leadoff hitter to begin the bottom of the first, Sims and Marcos Rivera botched back-to-back grounders to set up the Shuckers with first and second and only one out. Alexander Palma followed with an RBI single to put the Shuckers ahead 1-0. Eder remained composed and forced David Fry into an inning-ending double play to end the threat.
Eder finished the night having surrendered one hit and picked up three strikeouts in his three innings on Friday,
In the second inning, Santiago Chavez led off the road half of the inning with a lead-off double for the Wahoos. Zavolas, unphased, retired the next three batters to end the potential threat.
Pensacola’s top four hitters in the lineup (JJ Bleday, Peyton Burdick, Griffin Conine and Brian Navarreto) struggled against Biloxi’s starter. The four hitters finished the night a combined 0-for-14 with two walks and four strikeouts.
Most of Biloxi’s damage came late in the game. Eight of the Shuckers 10 hits came in the final three innings of the game. After Alberto Guerrero allowed a run in his 2.1 innings of work, Dylan Bice was tagged for a pair of runs, courtesy of a David Hamilton two-run homer in the seventh.
Trailing 4-0, Colton Hock made his return to the Blue Wahoos. He worked a scoreless eighth inning in his first appearance since July 4th, which was also against the Shuckers.
ECSO Update: Woman Will Not Face Charges Of Kidnapping Her Grandchildren
August 6, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office now says the 50-year old Escambia County woman originally accused of kidnapping her grandchildren will not face charges.
The ECSO said Thursday that Amy Patterson Cannon was arrested and her grandchildren were found safe, a day after stating she was wanted for two counts of kidnapping minors under the age of 13.
After further investigation, it was determined that Cannon will not face an charges, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Friday morning.