Does FHP Have America’s Best Looking Cruiser? Cast Your Vote Here.
July 20, 2023
Does the Florida Highway Patrol have the best looking trooper cruiser in the nation?
The American Association of State Troopers is conducting their 10th annual “Best Looking Cruiser” contest through July 31.
This year’s submission, photographed by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost in Orlando, features a 2019 Dodge Charger in FHP’s traditional colors of black and tan.
“Entering ‘America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest’ is an opportunity for FHP and the community we protect to stand proudly behind our public safety mission and Florida’s reputation as a law-and-order state,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The FHP Black and Tan, as it’s known, is widely recognized as a symbol of our core values: Courtesy, Service Protection. When people see a Florida State Trooper, they know that they are there for protection and can expect professional and competent service. A vote for FHP is a vote for Florida.”
“The iconic Florida Highway Patrol Black & Tan is recognized nationwide,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “Show your support for your Troopers by voting for Florida in the 2023 ‘America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest’ hosted by the American Association of State Troopers.”
The winner will be presented with the “Best Looking Cruiser Award” and featured on the cover of the AAST’s “America’s Best Looking Cruisers 2024 Wall Calendar”.
The survey link can also be accessed from he official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
Palacios Twirls Gem In 4-2 Wahoos Win
July 20, 2023
Luis Palacios made his 10th start this season with the Blue Wahoos a near-perfect one.
He was then backed by Zach McCambley’s first save of his pro career.
The dynamic delivery on Wednesday equated into Pensacola’s 4-2 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, pushing the Blue Wahoos to their 50th win in 85 games.
After the Blue Wahoos knocked out Trash Pandas starting pitcher John Swanda with a four-run first inning, Palacios painted the strike zone throughout his best performance. It made for a crisp, 2-hour, 15-minute game on “Winning Wednesday’ that included baseball bingo and was capped by a mid-week fireworks show provided by game sponsor Covenant Care.
Palacios, a 23-year-old lefty from Venezuela, allowed just four hits, matching the fewest he allowed this year. He struck out five without walking a batter, and improved to 6-3 in a smooth, seven-inning outing that matched his longest of the season.
It was the first time he threw up seven zeroes on the scoreboard. He continually stayed ahead of hitters and consistently threw strikes – 64 strikes in 85 pitches. It was the first time in his Double-A career he did not allow a walk.
McCambley, 24, a righthander, who has shifted to a reliever role that will further enhance his own future, worked a clean ninth inning. He ended the game on a called strikeout with a fastball on the outside part of the plate.
As things turned out, the game was decided in the first inning. Nasim Nuñez and Miami Marlins outfielder Avisail Garcia, continuing his injury rehab assignment, started the rally with walks. Nunez advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch.
With two outs, Will Banfield laced an RBI single to left, José Devers singled and Cody Morissette followed with a two-run double to complete the rally. Banfield and Norel González both went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos pounded out eight total hits.
Rocket City, the Los Angeles Angels affiliate, got its runs on a pair of solo homers off Pensacola reliever Eli Villalobos in the eighth inning. After the second blast, pitching coach Dave Eiland met on the mound and Villalobos retired the next two batters to end the frame.
Following the game, specialty jerseys worn by the Blue Wahoos in pregame Wednesday and decorated in sponsor Covenant Care design, were delivered to auction-bidding fans by Blue Wahoos players in front of the home team dugout. The auction began in the sixth inning.
The series continues Thursday on Mullet Thursday as the Blue Wahoos become the Pensacola Mullets.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Robert Michael Phillips
July 20, 2023
Robert Michael Phillips, 43, of Molino, Florida, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Robert was born March 10, 1980, in Pensacola, Florida. Robert was a Financial Advisor for Navy Federal Credit Union for 13 years. He was of the Baptist faith. Robert enjoyed cooking and video games.
Robert is preceded in death by his grandparents, stepmother, aunts and uncles.
Robert is survived by his father, Robert Westley Phillips; mother, Mary Estelle Phillips; sister, Mary Lorraine Phillips; brother, Jerry Westley Phillips; brother, Joshua Warren; and special puppies, Nemo and Hope.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10 a.m. Reverend Jimmy Cook will be officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dorris Eugene Vaughn, Sr.
July 20, 2023
Dorris Eugene Vaughn, Sr., age 90, of Seminole, AL gained his heavenly reward on July 20, 2023. Dorris was born on February 15, 1933, in Franklin, TN to parents, Howard and Pauline Vaughn.
Dorris wed Teenie Vaughn on June 30, 1951. They built a wonderful life together, including raising ten children. He was a good provider for his family. Dorris was an expert machinist and tool and die maker and was a perfectionist in his work. He was also an excellent mechanic. During his lifetime, he built several homes and even a built a boat. He always loved aviation and his lifelong dream was to learn to fly. So much so, that after retirement he got his pilot's license, purchased a plane and built an airstrip on his property so that he could fly whenever he wanted. He was a dedicated employee and volunteer at NAS Pensacola for many years. Most importantly, He loved the Lord fervently. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather that has left an enduring Godly heritage.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Pauline Vaughn; brother, Kenneth Vaughn; son, John Vaughn and son-in-law, Chris Hawkins, Sr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Teenie Vaughn; daughters, Debra (Avon) Fowler, Connie Hawkins, Paula (George) Bechtold, Pam (Jerry) Hahn, and Carol (Joel) Coberly; sons, Eugene Vaughn, Douglas Vaughn, James (Wendy) Vaughn and Glenn (Shellie) Vaughn; daughter-in-law, Pam Vaughn, 23 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren, and sisters, Velma Fillingim and Norma (Clarke) Danzey; and his sister-in-law, Wanda Vaughn.
The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Victory Assembly of God. Funeral Services will begin at 3:00 pm at Victory Assembly of God, 1895 Victory Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 with Rev. Jeff McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Vaughn Family Cemetery at 19756 Vaughn Road, Seminole, AL. Music by son, Rev. Glenn Vaughn.
Active Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Active Pallbearers: Chris Hawkins, Jr., Kenny Wayne McDonald, David Hawkins. Brandon Vaughn, Joey Coberly, Tyler Vaughn, Lowell Vaughn, Travis Vaughn. Honorary Pallbearers: Daniel Hahn, Zachary Hahn, Nathan Vaughn, Weston Vaughn.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Molino Food Pantry
July 20, 2023
The Tate High School Alumni group recently made a donation to the community food pantry ministry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Silver Alert Canceled For Missing, Endangered Escambia County Man
July 19, 2023
UPDATE: This individual has been located.
A Florida Silver Alert has been issued for a missing endangered Escambia County man.
Arthur Gregory Stiers, 76, was last seen about noon Wednesday in the 5000 block of Port St. Joe Street off Blue Angel Parkway. He was driving a white Volkswagen Golf, Florida tag #Y71RAM. The vehicle has a roof rack.
He is 6-foot, 1-inch tall, 185 pounds, and last seen wearing an off-white short sleeved button-down shirt, white shorts, and tan boat shoes
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Rabies Alert For Escambia County Expires After No New Cases Reported
July 19, 2023
A Rabies Alert for Escambia County has now expired.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH-Escambia) issued the alert in May after three people were exposed to one rabid fox and one person was exposed to a rabid bat.
No additional cases have been reported as of Tuesday, the health department said. The alert was allowed to expire Tuesday after being in effect for two months.
NorthEscambia.com reported in May that the rabid fox bit or otherwise made physical contact with three individuals at locations in the area near Northview High School and Travis Nelson Park in Bratt.
Tate Aggies Baseball Head Coach Karl Jernigan Has Resigned
July 19, 2023
Tate High School head baseball coach Karl Jernigan has resigned.
“Coach Jernigan resigned to spend more time with and focus on his family,” Principal Laura Touchstone told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “Coach Jernigan has been very transparent with me through this process, and I support his decision. Most importantly I support the Tate baseball program and will continue to do so. We are actively searching for a coach to fulfill the position and uphold the legacy of Tate baseball.”
Jernigan was hired as Tate’s head coach during the summer of 2017.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Century Postpones Action On Payment Plan For Past Due Utility Customers
July 19, 2023
The Century Town Council Tuesday has postponed action on a payment plan agreement for utility customers with past due accounts.
The proposed standardized policy for water, wastewater, and/or natural gas customers would allow customers to pay one-half of their balance over a period of up to six months. Under the plan, one-half of the balance would be due immediately in order to qualify. The remaining half of the outstanding bill would be due alongside regular bills.
Tuesday night, the council opted to hold a workshop on some of the plan details before a final vote.
Under the plan, as proposed:
Customers would be limited to two payment plan requests in a 24 month period.
If not paid by the due date of the 24th of each, the agreement would be voided, services would be disconnected, and the full balance would be due before reconnection.
We reached out to two other public utilities in Escambia County to see how they handle customers unable to pay their full balance.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority said they will “work with” customers unable to pay their full balance due. ECUA offers water, wastewater and sanitation services in most of Escambia County.
“Pensacola Energy does not have a delayed payment option. If a customer doesn’t make their payment and they have a good payment history, we will let them go a week late, but then they must pay their bill in full,” City of Pensacola Public Information Officer Kaycee Lagarde said. Pensacola Energy provides natural gas across a wide area of the county.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Live Fire Training With Mock Plane Taking Place At Pensacola Airport
July 19, 2023
Live fire training will take place at the Pensacola airport through Friday, and visitors may see a mock plane and flames.
The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola International Airport are conducting their annual live fire training drill. Anyone near airport property or flying through the airport may see a mock aircraft with flames coming from the simulator and on the ground nearby. There will also be firefighters in gear and fire trucks spraying the fire during the drill. The training will take place all morning through early afternoon daily through Friday near the east-west runway.
The annual drill is required by the FAA.