Tate High Class Of 2021 Graduates (With Complete Graduate List)

June 7, 2021

The nearly 500 members of the Tate High School Class of 2021 graduated Monday at the Pensacola Bay Center.

Valedictorian Katelyn Loudon achieved the highest GPA in the school’s history with a final GPA of 5.725, and co-salutatorians Maggie Brown and Michael Dixon tied to the exact decimal GPA of 5.55. The top 20 graduates all had a GPA over 5.0, and 27% of the class graduated with summa cum laude honors with a GPA greater than 4.0.

“God has given a joy that nothing can take away,” Valedictorian Katelyn Loudon said. “I verily believe that if you take ahold of the joy of the Lord and hold it your heart that life my get difficult, but you can find strength and encouragement in Him.”

“I am so excited to see what the future holds for each of you and the accomplished things that you will do,” Loudon told her fellow classmates. “Wherever life takes you, I pray you will be successful, and I will be cheering you on in whatever awaits in the future. You are all phenomenal, and I am so incredibly proud to call you my class. Go on and do great things, and if you every need any encouragement, remember there are people that care about you and wish you the best in the world. I bless you all in Jesus name. Good luck.”

For a photo gallery, click here.

Co-salutatorian Michael Dixon reflected on the struggles of the Class of 2021.

“We battled, we’ve struggled, we have triumphed, and we’ve earned the celebration that we have today. This is our day, and we all deserve this celebration, this day to rejoice in the product of our hard work,” Dixon said.

“Whatever you choose to do in your post-high school life, know that every lesson learned and every challenge overcome has prepared us for the new battles that we face as we go forward,” said Co-salutatorian Maggie Brown. “It our job to persevere through these obstacles so that we can each have our own little happily ever after.”

A moment of silence was held for class member Sean Banks, who passed away in a wreck at age 15 during his sophomore year.

Here is the complete list of the Tate High School Class of 2021.

Honors graduates are noted as follows:

* With Honors
** With High Honors
**** With Highest Honors

Tristan Lee Abshire
Courtney Ryan Adams ****
Ronald Grant Adams
Laura Elizabeth Alexander ****
Ashtyn Allen ****
Winfred Anthony Allgyer *
Amaya Yvonne Allison
Landry Caleb Amos
Abigail Taylor Anders
Morgan Kelly Anderson ****
Sydney-Paige Juliette Andrulot
Jace William Anthony
Calen Jacob Arnevik ****
Logan Kaspar Arnold
Jaylyn Zhyer Avant
Alexander Nicholas Ayala **
Nathan Balaban Bailey ****
Alonah Brianne Baird
Bryson Alexander Baird
William Theodore Baker
Caleb Ellis Banks
Wesley Keith Bass
Brandon Thomas Bates ****
Cristian Alexander Bates ****
Dillon Andrew Baxter
Brody Allen Beal
Taijah Zanai Beasley
Lindsey Madison Beck
Tristin Saige Bedsole ****
William Douglas Beggs
Madison Danielle Behrends ****
Logan Ray Bell
Janiya Nicole Belyeu *
Laura Conley Benauer
Kayla Michele Bennett
Maxim Benjamin Berke
Ahmad El Bey *
Bobby Ray Black
Ja’terrius Le’quenton Blackmon
Kendall Jordyn Blackmon ****
Devin Allan Blanchard
Laticia Nicole Blanton
Savanna Leigh Blanton *
Alyssa Lynn Booska *
Dalton Layne Bowen
Tramarcus John Boyd **
Micheala Sasha Bragg *
Abigail J Brazwell
Aubrey Renee Brewer ****
Tayler Lynn Bridges ****
Kalynn Grace Brigham ****
Micah Thomas Brojanac
Amaya Marj’ae Brown
Maggie Ruth Brown ****
Mia M Brown ****
Nicholas Edward Brown
Devin Lee Bryant ****
Skyler Chase Bryant **
Abbie Elizabeth Burks ****
Maggie Grace Busbee ****
Christopher Douglas Butemeyer
Tristan Bret Butemeyer
Jainay Iyanne Butler
Khalia Kn’cole Bynum
Zayn Kennedy Cage
Daniel Hunter Cain
Elijah Brett Cain
James Cole Caldwell
Devin Rakel Campbell
Evelyn Faith Campbell ****
Deitrick L Cannon
Bryson Lane Caro
Courtney Lynn Carter
Peyton Edward Caslow
Rio Jeremiah Orila Castillo
Kathryn Alta Chaapel *
Sonyae Diavion Chambers
Jackson Cecil Chatwood ****
Jacob Lawson Chatwood ****
Adriana Jolee Chavez
Jonathan Evan Chisolm ****
Te’a Brianne Clark **
Brenden Scott Clay
Madison Anna Clay **
Preston Mitchell Coleman **
Jason Lane Comalander
Mackenzie Jae Como *
Jessica Jean Conti ****
Jaylen Tre’velle Cook
Nina Christine Coolidge
Kailanie Mialie Cotton *
Isaac Amadeus Cox
Korben Dean Creel
Brandon Connor Crisco ****
Jasmine Angelina Crossley
Prosser Todd Crow ****
Carson John Culbertson
Chanler Michael Curl
Nathan Edward Danforth **
Joshua Lawrence Daniels
Ines Dasilva ****
Taniyaja Princess Davenport-Dukes
Nicholas James David
Tanner Lee Davidson
Dahlia Ariana Davis
Kaitlyn Michelle Davis
Olivia Marie Davis ****
Dylan Matthew Daw
Haleigh Isabelle Dean ****
Brianna Marie Deason ****
Marybeth Thalia Debord **
Carson Carlo Deferrari *
Ernesto Del Sol
Michael Robert Dixon ****
Maddison D’Rea Dorion ****
Paige Maddison Douglas *
Haleigh Victoria Dove ****
Karah Leigh Durio **
Zamir Ameen Dyer
Ashley Breann Early
William Allen Early ****
Logan Connor Edmondson
Cody Matthew Edwards
Hailey Grace Edwards
Jalani Alia El-Amin
De’asia Marie English
Devin William English **
Tamirica Monique Epting ****
Lacey Renae Evans *
Shia JaMarques Evans
Brett Michael Faison
Julia Rachel Farina ****
Taylor William Faurie
Zoey Erin Fechter *
Benjamin Frank Feliciano Rodriguez ****
Elizabeth Grace Ferris
Jackson Thomas Finley *
Justin William Flannigan
Isabella LaNae Floyd
Rian Paige Floyd **
Brianna Alexis Folmar **
Nolan Theodore Forney
Kenzie Ann Forsyth
Grant Steven Foss ****
Dylan Chess Foster
Michael Laquan Fountain *
Anabelle Elaine Franklin *
Lauren Aaliyah Freeman
Jonathan David French ****
Taylor Nicole French ****
Austin Tyler Fridie
Naomi Michelle Friedl
Clayton Nathaniel Fritsch
Farrah Anniston Fromm ****
Jadon Daniel Fryman **
Angel Nichol Gaines
Jaqueline Michelle Gaines
Brentley Marie Garrett ****
Jaysen Charlie Garske *
Gabriel Scott Gaulden ****
Kaydaice Foy Gay
Aaron Dayle Geinert *
Isabella Savoy Ghiorso
Breanna Leigh Giannotti *
Elijah Emanuel Gibbs *
Jillian Tyne Gibson
Bryce James Gilmore ****
Dylan Thomas Godwin ****
Catherine Ann Gomes
Amaya Isabella Gomez *
Kiera Jolie Goodyear ****
Charles Carlton Gordon **
Jayson Alexander Goude
Alexander Bryce Grace ****
Alyssa Nicole Gray ****
Taylor Marie Greene
Jacob Heath Greeson ****
Tristian Henry Griffin
Jocelyn Elizabeth Grzywa
Samantha Ashley Guerrier ****
Alexis Paige Guillory
Damen Oz Hadder
James Timothy Hadder
Savannah Julia Hale
Jamie Lynn Haley *
Hannah Michelle Halfacre
Jayden Hall
Ta’Nahijah LaMia Hampton
Seydou Mounir Hanne **
Sadie Isabelle Hardy ****
Richard Alan Harrah *
Donald Ray Harris
Judith Lynn Harris
Maddison Elizabeth Harte ****
Chandler Gray Hastings ****
Kristen Danielle Hawkins
Peyton Elise Hedgepeth ****
Hagyn Leigh Helton **
Kelsey Brianne Hemmerle
Aarion Jabari Henderson
Emmi Danelle Henderson ****
Evan Michael Hered **
Skylar Allen Hester
Jenna Rose Bauer Hillman **
Freedom Lynn Hinkson
Madison Grace Holland ****
Samantha Cheyenne Hopkins *
Janaiya Latifa Hudson
Jane Lynn Hudson ****
Armonie Michele Hughes Nettles ****
Alexis Marie Hurd *
Jacob Ryan Hutto ****
Tyler Orion Isaak **
Dannica Jane Jablonski
Christian Reyse Jacobs *
Owen Kolts Jacobs *
Allison Taylor James ****
Jordan Tyler Jarman ****
Allison Suzanne Jefferis ****
Andrea Renee’ Jenkins
Bailey Nicole Jenkins ****
Joanna Jiang ****
Michael Johns *
Brooklyn Harley Johnson ****
Emily Rene’ Johnson ****
Jasper Quentin Johnson
Jonas Andrew Johnson *
Adalynn Lena Joiner ****
Davia Chanel Jones
Desiree Nicole Jones
Hunter Wade Jones
Aundrea Dominque Jordan
Devynn Cheyanne Jordan
Reese Lindsey Jordan ****
Halle Olivia Joyner ****
Bristol Denae Kelley ****
Thomas Wyatt Kemp
Corbyn Patrick King ****
Rayni LaRae Kirklin
Brandon Miguel Knieja *
David Anthony Kretzer ****
Brody Oliver Kuehn ****
Amahnyah-Dion Alexandra Nicole Lashley **
Morgan Leighann Lassiter **
Christopher Jacob LeDuc ****
Adam Cooper Lee ****
Jaylen Amariae’ Lee
Garrett Lee Leggett
Ta’niya Ashuna Lewis
Taylor Lee Lewis
Zakry Joseph Licastro
Shelby Nicole Lollie *
Katelyn Michelle Loudon ****
Nevaeh Martina Lowery
Medricks Jay Regala Lozano
Matthew William Luebke ****
Juan Lugo
Brandi Marie Lurie
Makayla Denise Mackin ****
Raegan Brooke Maddax
Oceanna Victoria Madison
Christopher Russell Malena
Madison Nicole Mann
Kallan Laurel Martin
Sydney Arin Martin *
Brooke Nicole Martinez
Madelyne Julia Massey
Branden Scott Massie
Myka Chrishelle Massie
Janiya Latrese Mathis
Tylen Avery Mayes
Haley Marie Rose Mazzanoble
Destany Marie McArthur
Molly Ann McArthur **
Jacob Judson McBride **
Phillip Jerome McDaniel
Bryant Manning McDonald *
Jonathon Brett McGallagher
Gabriel Maximus McKinley
Ty O’Neal McLean
Emily Elizabeth McNair ****
Ethan Conner McNair **
Connor Michael McQuaid
Stefani Eve McVay
Destiny Meister
Kobi Seth Menser ****
Ashton Nicole Meredith **
Ethan Daniel Middleton ****
Eva Marie Miller ****
Kaden Thomas Miller
Amanda Paige Mills ****
Crystal Marie Mills ****
Kasen Lane Millwood
Mia Victoria Morehouse ****
Lindsey Carole Morris ****
Cody Brandon Moyers
Ashton Evans Mulwee
Joshua Allen Murphy
Aaron Stephen Neshem ****
Ashlyn Michelle Nesmith ****
Tarrance Corneil Nichols
Alexander Joseph Nicholson
Zackary Thomas Nickell
T’kyia Nahkeria Nickerson
Madison Emilee Noble *
Preston Michael Nolan
Harlie Elizabeth Odom *
Dylan Heath Oestricher
Jaeden Ojeda
Annarose Marie Oliver
Nathan Wilson O’Neal **
Sean Walden O’Neil
Spencer Ryan Orem
Christopher L O’Steen
Jayden Albert Owens
Neyssa Marie Parker
Kellie Savanha Parsons **
Shaylee Ann Patroni *
Erykah Nicole Payne *
Elan Nolan Petuchov
Tucker Wayne Philley ****
Delarian Boyetta Pogue *
Alana Lyn Polk **
Joshua Michael Pollock *
Alyssa Morgan Pope ****
Derek Wyatt Porsche
Maliya Mae Porter *
Kameron Alan Poston
Jesse Trenten Powell
Gabriella Monique Poyser **
Joseph Alossandro Pusateri ****
Jeffery Aaron Randolph
Faith Alexa Ranes
Blake Dylan Rasmussen
Timothy Tyrin Rease
Michaela Nicole Redfearn
Abigail Grace Redman ****
Kayla Jaye Reeves *
Macey Nicole Rendell **
Kira Noel Repine *
Carnell Duante Richard
Da’Sire Briana Richardson ****
Lacey Ann Riebe
Hailey Alivia Riggan
Kimberly Nicole Ring
Rebecca Rios
Ainsley Alaire Roberts ****
Cameron William Roberts
Titanyia Tranese Robertson
Christopher Andrew Roemer ****
Hailey Josephine Roller *
Liliana Ruth Rollins ****
Kharma Jayde Romano-Cantara
Jade Alexandria Ronca ****
Caden Markus Ronnlof
Paige Marie Ross ****
Tanner George Rouchon *
D’mari Allen Rowland
Timothy Peter Rudkovskiy
Ana Josephine Sanchez-Morales ****
Connor Thomas Sanders ****
Sophia Elizabeth Sarikaya ****
Staci Marie Saucier ****
Malaycia D’Cota Ang Savage
Edward August Scheper
Shaun William Schiewe **
Jessica Rose Schimmel
Christopher Cole Schoelzel
Ayden McCoy-Kenn Schrader ****
Layah Denae Seals ****
John Thomas Semple ****
Brandon Christopher Serwack
Alyssa Mackenzie Settle
Haley Elise Shaw *
Caleb Everett Shelby *
Jacob Jordan Shell **
Stephen Dylan Shelton
Tara Nichole Shoemaker
Payten Jade Showalter
Jacori Treyvione Simpkins
Brynlee Faith Skelton
Haleigh Nicole Sluder ****
Alissa Ann Smith *
Jihra Leann Smith
Jonah Daequan Smith *
Kourtney Danielle Smith
Peri Alane Joy Smith
Rylie Marie Smith
Titus Marcell Smith
Jade Smithson
Nathan Allen Snyder
Madison Brooke Solliday *
Tyler Lawrence Sominski *
Sterling Isaac Soucie
Seth Anthony Spaargaren
Linzy Eleanor Spence
Kiona Christine Spinner
Zachary Tyler Stanton
Jannon Lowe Starratt **
Jonathan Dalton Steele ****
Joseph Virginia Steen **
Chance Gunter Stephens *
Averie McKenzie Stimmell ****
David Henry Stinnett *
Sidney Claire Stojak ****
Ashley Tera Strength *
Caleb DuWayne Strickland
Natalee Ann Stuart ****
Mason Randy Sullivan
Beverly Madison Summerford
Briana Denae Summerlin *
Devine David Sutton
Jillian Ann Suveges
Reese Elizabeth Swanson ****
Tyler Reid Swauger
Gavan Asher Talpas
Angelena Marie Tamoria ****
Jack Elliot Tanner
Caleb David Teachey
Isiah Osiris Theus
Brandon Caleb Thompson
Raven Taylor Thompson
Anthony Scott Thorn
Ethan Riley Thorne
Hannah Elizabeth Thorne ****
Chase Russell Throckmorton
Ciara Kathleen Toole
Lauren Danielle Torrez ****
Tristian Cade Townes
Phuong Nhu Tran ****
Tatyana Samantha Tucker ****
Patricia Rachel Tunstall **
Teaun Stephanie Turner ****
Maxwell Stone Tyms ****
Logan Ryan Tyree *
Colten Lachota Vance
Kevin Thomas Vannice ****
Nathaniel Garrett Vaughn
Logan Jean Vessey ****
Marcus Dion Virgin
Quang Tam Vo ****
Haley Grace Vranich ****
Benjamin Thomas Walker
Jasmin Sally Ann Walker
Joshua S Walling
Nicholas Chase Walsh ****
Gwenivier Elise Ward ****
Loryn Elizabeth Ward ****
Tryston Seanderrick Warren
Morgan Marie Warrington ****
Blakely Morgan Wartman *
Brelynn Skye Wartman
Dylan Matthew Watson
Liliana Nicole Watson ****
Savell Quentin Watson
Caleb Lee Weinman *
Andrew Weller
Abigail Breanne West ****
Devin W West-Copeland
Trevor John Westerfield
Jacob David Whetsel
Joshua Philip Whetsel **
Carlos Lenard White
Christopher James White
Chanell Damoni Whiting
Chesney Walton Whitson
Jadon Jakim Wiley
Jordan Reysean Williams
Margaret Sue Williams ****
Riley Danyel Williamson
Gracie Nicole Willis *
Charlie Devon Wine ****
Elise Nichole Winters ****
Tucker Joshua Wiseman
Mary Patricia Wissing
Destiny Veneece Wolfe *
Cameron Faith Wolfenden
Madison Lynn Wood
Adam Scott Wooten **
Ariyana Nichole Wyatt *
Abigail McKenzie Wynne ****
Emma Jean Wynne
Logan Thomas Young ****
Nicholas Peter Young
Shadonavon Markell Wanya Young
Dakota Ethan Zellers

Molino Man Charged With Shattering Man’s Jaw At Dollar Tree

June 7, 2021

A Molino man allegedly shattered a man’s jaw at the Pensacola Boulevard Dollar Tree because of an “urge to do it”.

Samuel Thomas Bradley, 18, was charged with felony aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office found the victim bleeding inside the entrance of the Dollar Tree on Pensacola Boulevard in Ensley. He was reportedly conscious, but was unable to speak clearly.

According to Escambia County EMS, the victim’s jaw line was shattered.

Deputies found Bradley standing at Walmart with blood on his hands. He stated that “he struck a white male because he was drinking and had an urge to do it,” the arrest report states.

Bradley remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $15,000.

ECUA: Collection Routes Have Changed, So Have Your Cans Out Early

June 7, 2021

Have your trash and recycling cans out early — that’s the word from the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.

There has a been a change in the sanitation routes followed by ECUA. While this does not mean a change in customer pick-up days, the time that trucks arrive will likely change.

Some collections may be made earlier than normal while others might be later in the day. To minimize the chance of a missed pick-up, customers should place their cans at the curb by 5:30 a.m.  on their regular collection day.

Customers are asked to give drivers a chance to complete their new routes and wait until the next morning before calling (850) 476-0480 to report a missed collection.

Escambia School Bus Driver Claims $1 Million Top Prize In Scratch-Off Lottery Game

June 7, 2021

A school bus driver from Escambia County has claimed a $1 million top prize from “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ Florida Lottery scratch-off game.

Gregory Thomas, 52, chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $790,000.

Thomas, who has driven school buses for 30 years, claimed his prize a mere hours after discovering he had a the winning ticket in the $30 game.

“I almost didn’t believe it when I saw $1,000,000 printed on the ticket, but after the initial shock, I came straight to Tallahassee to claim my prize,” he said.  Thomas shared that he has no immediate plans of retiring or giving up his daily bus route, but he is planning to use some of his winnings to give back to his parents.

Thomas purchased his winning ticket from Circle K, located at 5661 Quintette Road in Pace. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.

Pictured: Gregory Thomas (right) poses with Florida Lottery Chief of Staff Reggie Dixon (left) and an oversized check after claiming a $1 million top prize in a $30 scratch-off game. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Century To Consider EREC Franchise Fee Increase, Weeks After Gulf Power Fee Hike

June 7, 2021

The Century Town Council will vote Monday night on increasing the franchise see they charge Escambia River Electric Cooperative, weeks after raising their fee on Gulf Power.

In 1994, the franchise fees for both utilities were increased from 3% to 5%. A recent vote raised it to 6% on Gulf Power, and EREC is next after a Monday night public hearing.

While the franchise fee is paid to the town by the utility, both Gulf Power and EREC told NorthEscambia.com that they pass the full cost of the fee on to their customers.

Gulf Power customers with an average 1,000 kwh monthly usage pay about $140 a month, according to Florida Public Service Commission documents. The franchise fee increase will cost customers in the Century town limits about $1.40 per month. According to EREC, their average customers pays about $146 for 1,000 kwh, equating a franchise fee increase of $1.46.

Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms Continues

June 7, 2021

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely during the evening. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.

Constance Marie Korn

June 7, 2021

Constance Marie Korn Age 66, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on June 6, 2021.

She was born to loving parents Donald and Helen Korn in Japan Jan. 2, 1955.

She was a loving mother with 3 Children.  Melissa (David) Watson, John Gerdine, and Scott (Karen) Gerdine.  Grandchildren Jonathan and Sarah Watson.

She loved all her family and 5 siblings.  Sherry (Gary) Barnes, Ken (Micki) Korn, David (Terri) Korn, Teresa (Rick) Easterling, and Bob (Karen) Korn. Constance Marie Korn was a talented singer and loved to write songs.  Her faith in the Lord was number one in her life.  She loved to teach the Bible to people who wanted to know more about Him. Constance Marie Korn always loved to laugh and converse with friends and family members when they came to visit her.  Constance Marie Korn’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday June 27, 2021 at Noon in Her Residence with family and friends singing her favorite hymns.

Boil Water Notice Issued For Part Of Century After Truck Breaks Fire Hydrant

June 7, 2021

The Town of Century has issued a precautionary boil water notice after a truck broke a fire hydrant at the Food Giant Friday night. Crews worked throughout the night making repairs and flushing the water lines.

The notice is in effect for Backwoods Road, Shady Lane, Stateline Road, Bass Road, Benauer Road and Green Street.

Residents are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes.

The precautionary boil water notice will be rescinded once bacteriological sampling has been performed and clearance obtained.

AAA: Florida Gas Prices Face Upward Outlook This Week

June 7, 2021

Florida gas prices face upward pressure this week, after optimism about rising global fuel demand sent crude oil prices to multi-year highs, according to AAA.

Over the weekend, Florida gas prices averaged $2.85 per gallon. The state average is nearly 2 cents less than a week ago, and 3 cents less than this time last month.

The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.96, the same as a month ago. The lowest price per gallon Sunday night in North Escambia was $2.87 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. The lowest price in Pensacola was $2.72.

The price of crude rose five percent last week. The price for US crude (WTI) settled at $69.62 per barrel on Friday, the highest daily settlement since October 2018. Gasoline futures also increased three percent.

“Rising crude oil and gasoline futures could drag retail gasoline prices higher this week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Based on the shift in wholesale gasoline prices, Florida’s state average may rise a minimum of 5-10 cents this week.”

Wahoos Fall In Series Finale With Mississippi

June 7, 2021

Jake Eder was dialed in Sunday during a masterful second outing this week for the Blue Wahoos.

“Honestly, I was locked in and it was kind of a blur,” he said after the game.

The former Vanderbilt star reliever tossed five perfect innings in his sixth professional start, facing the minimum 15 batters while recording eight strikeouts. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Wahoos bullpen followed with a rare lapse and it resulted in a 4-3 loss against the Mississippi Braves.

The teams split their six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium that was highlighted by quality pitching. Eder helped provide the Blue Wahoos a 4-3 win five days earlier in the series-opener when he worked 4.2 innings, allowing one run with eight strikeouts.

“The only thing we changed is that we didn’t throw a bullpen in between, but other than that everything was the same,” said Eder, a fourth round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2020, after making two starts in the same series.

When Eder left after five innings Sunday, he looked like a pitcher seeking to rapidly wrap up a game before rain clouds opened.

The Wahoos had a 1-0 lead.  Eder had not allowed a ball out of the infield in his 63-pitch day. It was as great of performance as one might imagine.

“Guys were asking me some specific things after I came out and I was like, ‘I don’t know man, I don’t really remember.’ I was just locked in, and in a good rhythm,” said Eder, who has an 0.73 earned run average in 30 innings pitched – the second best ERA in all levels of Minor League Baseball.

“I evaluate right after I come out of the game every time, then take what I learn from it and put it backyard and move on to the next one pretty swiftly,” said Eder.

“The only thing I am thinking about is inning 31 (his next start).”

The weekend ended with Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng watching two of Miami’s most touted prospects shine on the mound in Pensacola.

Saturday night, the Marlins’ No. 1 draft pick in 2020, Max Meyer, dazzled his way to a third win as the Blue Wahoos won 4-1 in front of sellout crowd with Ng watching from the press box.

“I think I saw her (Saturday) but it didn’t change anything as far as going into (Sunday),” Eder said. “For me, it is like stretching a rubber band and piece them to get one right after the other.

“Once one is over it’s on to the next one.”

The next one will happen later this upcoming week when the Blue Wahoos travel to face the Chattanooga Lookouts — the Cincinnati Reds affiliate –  who boast two top pitching prospects of their own.

Sunday’s game and the crowd energy changed when the M-Braves touched up the Blue Wahoos first reliever, Jose Mesa Jr. for three runs in the sixth inning, then got an unearned run off Andrew Bellatti in the eighth. That one proved decisive.

Mesa began the inning by walking leadoff batter Drew Lugbauer, then giving up the first hit when Jalen Miller singled. After Mesa tossed a wild pitch to move both runners, Riley Unroe’s ground out tied the game. Mesa then gave up a triple and a double, followed by a hit batter, before being pulled.

The Blue Wahoos tied the game in the seventh on a RBI single from Bubba Hollins and slow rolling groundout by Devin Hairston.

In the ninth, the Blue Wahoos had two on, none out, after a pair of walks. They had runners on second and third after a wild pitch. But M-Braves closer Brandon White struck out Hairston and got Peyton Burdick to ground out to end the game.

Burdick hit a solo home run into the wind in the first inning.

by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer

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