Blue Wahoos Fall 9-4 To Mississippi Braves
June 3, 2021
A few days earlier, Mississippi Braves acclaimed catcher Shea Langeliers was named the Double-A South player of the week for past performance.
He followed Wednesday with a one-night show at the Blue Wahoos expense.
Langeliers, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 draft, flashed his Major League potential in a powerful way by going 4-for-5 and blasting three home runs in the M-Braves 9-4 win against Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Langeliers, who is considered among the top catchers in all levels of Minor League Baseball, helped the M-Braves race to a 4-0 lead after three innings. He then played a role as Mississippi answered a Blue Wahoos rally in the fourth with a combined five runs in the middle innings.
Most of the crowd of 4,109, however, stayed to enjoy the first Wednesday night fireworks show of the season.
That was part of the School’s Out Summer Bash, which included a lemonade and watermelon stand as fans entered the ballpark, then an inflatable obstacle challenge for kids in the right field party deck. It was part of a family style party night with other activities at the ballpark.
Before the game, the Blue Wahoos paid tribute to baseball icon Lou Gehrig with a video presentation on the first MLB Lou Gehrig Day.
The team also honored the memory of Jimmy Calhoun, a Cantonment native who passed away in 2018 with the same disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly know as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which claimed the life of the New York Yankees Hall of Famer in 1941 when he was 37-years-old.
Once the game began, Langeliers took charge, clubbing a two-out solo homer in the first inning. His next time up, the Keller, Texas native sent a rocket over the left-center wall to lead off the third inning. He is ranked the Braves’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline.com, following a star collegiate career at Baylor.
It was part of a tough night for Blue Wahoos starter Brandon Leibrandt, who gave up seven runs on 11 hits in four innings. After having two previous solid outings, this one became his roughest this season.
The Blue Wahoos (16-10) cut the M-Braves (13-13) lead in half on second baseman Riley Mahan’s two out, two run single in the fourth inning.
But in the fifth, the M-Braves chased Leibrandt with three consecutive hits to start the inning, including back-to-back doubles, as part of a three-run inning.
Trailing 9-2 in the ninth, the Blue Wahoos kept battling in the final at-bat, highlighted by Mahan’s 13-pitch at-bat when he fouled off eight pitches around a 3-2 count, then singled.
Tristan Pompey followed with a two-run triple before the M-Braves summoned Chris Nunn to end the game on two strikeouts.
The teams combined for 27 hits, but only three walks and neither team made an error.
The Blue Wahoos were led by Pompey, who went 3-for-4. Mahan, and JJ Bleday each had two hits. The series is tied at 1-1 heading into the final four games beginning Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
South Carolina Man Charged With Robbery Of Cantonment Dollar General
June 3, 2021
Matthew Allen Harvey, 36, of Timmonsville, South Carolina, was charged with one count of felony robbery with no weapon.
Harvey walked through the Dollar General on Pine Forest Road near Highway 297A and placed several items on the counter at the front register. He allegedly told the clerk to ring up the items before instructing exactly how to open the cash register, according to an arrest report.
The clerk said after she opened the register, Harvey place his hand in his pocket and told her to give him the money in the cash register, but not any $1 bills or change. He left with the money in a plastic bag but left the merchandise behind.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reporting finding two fingerprints from Harvey on a bottle of Gain dishwashing liquid he placed on the counter. Investigators also determined he had previous knowledge and experience operating a cash register during his former employment as the manager of a Best Way Grocery Store in Hemmingway, South Carolina, enabling him to tell the clerk exactly what to do.
The robbery took place April 25, 2019. Harvey was arrested Tuesday on an outstanding warrant and remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $10,000.
FDOH Reports Four Additional COVID-19 Deaths In Escambia County
June 3, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were four additional COVID-19 deaths and six new cases reported on Tuesday in Escambia County by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 36,639 (+6)
Non-Florida residents: 3,705
Recovered: 34,309*
Total deaths: 704 (+4)
Long-term care facility deaths: 287
Current hospitalizations: 17 (-)
Number of tests reported last day: 259
Percent positive reported last day: 1.5%
Percent positive reported last week: 4.0%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 27,474 (+4)
Cantonment: 3,295
Century: 1,186 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 497
McDavid: 218
Bellview: 60 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 58
Perdido Key: 22
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,62 (+6)
Non-Florida residents: 261
Total deaths: 291
Long-term care facility deaths: 82
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 919*
Number of tests reported last day: 350
Percent positive reported last day: 2.0%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,866 (+3)
Navarre: 3,822 (+3)
Gulf Breeze: 3,402 (+1)
Pace: 1,524
Jay: 561
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,327,989
Florida residents: 2,284,500
Deaths: 36,924
Hospitalizations: 95,438
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Elaine C. Tarkowski
June 3, 2021
Elaine C. Tarkowski resident of Pensacola, FL passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at the age of 81.
She was born on October 21, 1939 to the late Ernest Castro and Gladys Roche Castro.
Elaine was a longtime member of St. John Catholic Church and a proud Navy wife to retired Commander Ronald C. Tarkowski, Sr. for 35 years. She enjoyed bowling and bingo. Her Castro heritage was something she was very proud of as being one of the first ten families to settle in Pensacola, FL. Elaine enjoyed her grandchildren and was especially proud of each of them.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald C. Tarkowski, Sr.; her parents; and seven siblings.
Elaine is survived by her three children, Barbara Dosh (John), Ronald Tarkowski, Jr. and Matthew Tarkowski; three grandchildren, Mallory Tarkowski (Trey), Nicholas Dosh (Gabby) and Dylan Stamenkovich (Kyndall); three great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Soryn and Atlas; one sister, Mary Hellriegel (John); two sisters-in-law, Rose Castro and Shirley Castro; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with Father Dennis O’Brien officiating. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. prior to services.
In lieu of flowers family requests that donations be made to Covenant Hospice Care Center at Sacred Heart.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements.
Elton Ward Bowling
June 3, 2021
Elton Ward Bowling, 71, passed away June 1, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. He was born on March 4, 1950 to Vaughn and Lucy Bowling in Mobile, AL. Elton bravely served his country in the Army. He also owned and operated Elton Bowling Fiberglass for 35 years, where he was recognized as the best in his craft throughout the Southeast. Elton was an avid fisherman, enjoyed shooting at the range, and restoring old sports cars. He enjoyed all the pets and animals that he and Sheila had over their many years together. Elton will be remembered for his quick wit, as well as being a devoted husband, father and son.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Lucy Bowling.
Elton is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 44 years, Sheila J. Bowling, and his son, Casey Bowling (Monica).
Visitation will be Wednesday June 9, 2021, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Funeral Service will follow at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Jerry Vaughn will be officiating. Interment will be at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Tom Watson, Bob Sachlis, Jimmy Bragg, Kevin Laghan, Lon Withers, and Billy Cotton.
Escaped Inmate Steals Animal Control Truck, Hits Employee, Wrecks During Chase
June 2, 2021
An inmate is back in custody after stealing an animal control truck, striking an employee, and leading police on a chase that ended with a five-vehicle wreck.
The work release inmate was identified as 39-year old Candace Lane Garcia of Cantonment , who was arrested in April for a probation violation, resisting arrest, and fraud for giving a false identification to a law enforcement officer. She is expected to face additional charges for the escape and chase.
At about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Garcia took the animal control truck from the shelter on Fairfield Drive and hit an employee as she fled, according to authorities.
“An Animal Welfare employee was struck by the vehicle and is currently being assessed,” Escambia County spokesperson Laura Coale said.
The stolen animal control truck was pursued by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Department. Garcia wrecked at North Davis Highway and Brent Lane, with four other vehicles involved in the crash. One person was injured and transported to a local hospital.
Garcia was taken into custody following the crash.
A dog that was in the animal control truck is okay, Coale said, and was returned to the shelter.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Wanted For Violent Felonies Found Hiding Out In Cottage Hill Woods
June 2, 2021
A man wanted on several violent felony charges was found hiding out in a wooded area in Cottage Hill.
Ronald Howard Pinyan III, 33, was charged with felony aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, domestic battery by strangulation, felony battery, misdemeanor battery, simple assault criminal mischief with property damage, obstructing justice by preventing communication with a law enforcement officer, felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, providing a false name to a law enforcement officer, and violation of probation on a previous possession of a controlled substance charge.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Cottage Hill Road and Virecent Road where a man was seen walking into the woods with a fishing pole. After being ordered out of the woods, Pinyan, refused to provide his name but was later identified on scene. A small glass jar containing methamphetamine was found in his pocket, and a credit union debit card belonging to another person was found his wallet, according to an ECSO report.
Pinyan was wanted on outstanding warrants from three previous incidents:
In February 2020, Pinyan’s girlfriend of over a year reported he hit her in the face with a bat and choked her until she could not breathe, according to an arrest report. Deputies were unable to locate him at the time.
In June 2020, Pinyan’s girlfriend told deputies he woke up from a nap and “went nuts,” screaming and threatening to kill her before striking her repeatedly. He said he would take her behind a building, bash her head in and slit her throat, the report states. According to the victim’s statements to deputies, Pinyan said, he had nothing to lose and “told her til death do them part.”
By August 2020, Pinyan was living with a friend in a trailer park off Nine Mile Road. The two got into an argument, and Pinyan was asked to leave. Pinyan threatened violence against the victim, grabbing his phone and breaking it, preventing him from calling law enforcement, the report continues. Pinyan then struck the victim repeatedly over his face, back and neck.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning without bond.
Gulf Power: We Are Prepared For An Active Hurricane Season
June 2, 2021
June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, and Gulf Power says they are prepared.
As part of Florida Power & Light Company, preparing for hurricane season is a year-round process for Gulf Power, including an annual intensive weeklong drill involving thousands of employees throughout the state. The company also invests in continuously improving the energy grid to make it stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient, which results in better reliability for customers in both good weather and bad.
“As we saw last year during Hurricane Sally, a storm can change course at any time, and we must all be ready for whatever comes our way,” said Mike Spoor, vice president of Gulf Power. “That’s why we prepare throughout the year, leverage technology and learn from previous storms so that we can continue to make improvements. Every Gulf Power employee has a storm assignment and we work hard to make sure we are ready to be there for our customers when they need us most. We urge our customers to use this time to prepare as well.”
Between 2020-22, Gulf Power is investing nearly $250 million in storm hardening and reliability improvement efforts that help to reduce the frequency and duration of outages in good weather and bad: Long-term storm hardening efforts include replacing wooden transmission structures with concrete or steel; hardening the distribution main power lines to extreme wind loading criteria; and the undergrounding of certain lines, a process that will go beyond 2022.
Reliability improvements underway include the installation of automated lateral switches and other smart devices to create additional self-healing networks, assessing the condition of power lines and other infrastructure using drones, clearing vegetation and continuing to work with FPL to implement best practices to improve the customer experience.
4-Year Old Airlifted To Hospital After Near Drowning Near Walnut Hill
June 2, 2021
A 4-year old boy was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital after a near-drowning near Walnut Hill Tuesday evening.
The child was found in unresponsive in a pool at a home on Rockaway Creek Road just south of the state line about 6:40 p.m., according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Melanie Peterson. He was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital by MedStar Air Care 2. An update on his condition was not immediately available.
The ECSO is investigating.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Atmore Fire Department also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
It’s The Last Day Of School In Escambia County (And Here’s The Graduation Schedule)
June 2, 2021
Wednesday is the last day of school is Escambia County, and graduations will take place over the next several days.
Escambia County has opened all graduations with no capacity limits and no tickets needed.
The Pensacola Bay Center has increased arena capacity to 100% for graduations. Seating inside the Pensacola Bay Center arena is first come, first served, and no admission ticket is needed to enter for high school graduations.
CDC guidelines indicate that individuals who are immunized no longer need to wear a face covering. Those individuals who are not immunized are encouraged to wear face coverings, according to the school district.
The Escambia County School District graduation schedule is below.
The following graduations will be held at 6 p.m. June 3 at Pensacola High School:
- Escambia Virtual Academy
- George Stone Technical Center
- Success Academy
The following graduations will be held at the Pensacola Bay Center:
June 4
- Washington High School 9 a.m.
- Pensacola High School 12:30 p.m.
- Escambia High School 4 p.m.
June 7
- Tate High School, 9 a.m.
- Northview High School, 12:30 p.m.
- West Florida High School, 3:30 p.m.
- Pine Forest High School, 7 p.m.
The following graduations will be held at 6 p.m. June 3 at Pensacola High School:
- Escambia Virtual Academy
- George Stone Technical Center
- Success Academy
Additional graduations:
- District Extended Graduation, June 2, 9:30 a.m., Hall Center Room 160
- Westgate graduation was held May 21 (read more, photos)
Santa Rosa County has also opened all their graduations with capacity limits. For Santa Rosa County schools will outdoor venues, tickets may be provided in the event graduation must be moved indoors due to weather.