Festive 4th For The Wahoos, But Hostetler’s Homer Not Enough
July 5, 2023
Specialty uniforms and a holiday-dressed, capacity crowd became the brightest sparkle for the Blue Wahoos on the Fourth of July.
The game itself went the other way.
In their first trip this season into Blue Wahoos Stadium, the Biloxi Shuckers jumped to a big, early-inning lead, then held off Pensacola’s comeback attempts for an 8-5 victory in Tuesday’s sun-splashed start to a six-game series between the Gulf Coast neighbors.
The Blue Wahoos were playing their first home game in 16 days and the first since winning the first half Southern League South Division. This was just the second time in the past 10 years the Blue Wahoos played at home on July 4.
The game time (4:05 p.m.) was designed to allow fans to exit and have an opportunity to take in the Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind center field, as well as the annual downtown fireworks show that occurred on a waterfront setup across from Bayfront Parkway.
The Blue Wahoos wore specialty Independence Day designed jerseys, which were auctioned during the game to fans with proceeds donated to Folds of Honor. There was also a pie-eating contest at the end of the first inning.
The Blue Wahoos also honored a long-time usher, who is a decorated military veteran, as a new salute sponsored by Vannoy’s Tires during the grounds crew redressing the infield in the fifth inning.
By then, however, the Shuckers had gained control of the game.
Six of the runs came against Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer, who has been among the team’s most effective in the rotation this season.
On this day, however, Fitterer (4-3, 4.34 ERA) struggled with his fastball and the Shuckers took full advantage. Fitterer allowed a season-high six runs, all of them in the first three innings.
The Shuckers batted around in a five-run third inning that featured four singles and a double, all part of the Shuckers’ 11 hits. In both of the innings Fitterer allowed runs, the frame began with a four-pitch walk.
In the third, leadoff batter Lamar Sparks reached and scored on a fielding error. He then scored again on a bases-loaded walk. In between, Biloxi had five consecutive batters reach base. It led to an early exit for Fitterer, who worked four innings and gave up seven hits – his second-most this season.
The Blue Wahoos got a pair of runs in the sixth on Troy Johnston’s run-scoring double and Griffin Conine’s RBI single. Johnston had another big day at the plate, going 3-for-3 and reaching base all five times with a pair of walks to raise his batting average to .272.
Bennett Hostetler followed in the ninth with a three-run homer with one out. Johnston drew a two-out walk before José Devers flied out to end the game.
The loss evened the Blue Wahoos’ home record at 17-17 and continued the team’s misfortune at their ballpark. On the road, the Blue Wahoos are 27-14, which is how they became the first half Southern League South Division winners.
The second game of the week-long series against the Shuckers is Wednesday night with the Blue Wahoos’ Jake Eder pitching in his first game at Blue Wahoos Stadium since the 2021 season. Eder, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, who is rated the Marlins’ No. 4 overall prospect, dazzled two years ago with a 1.77 ERA with the Blue Wahoos and appearance in the 2021 Futures Game.
The lefthander then had Tommy John surgery in 2021 and started on the recovery road in 2022 when suffering a foot injury that sidelined him until recently. After pitching twice in the past two weeks on the road, Wednesday will be Eder’s much-anticipated return to Blue Wahoos Stadium.
by Bill Vilona, photos Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Man Airlifted From Century After Accidentally Shooting Himself
July 4, 2023
An adult male was flown to the hospital from Century Monday evening after accidentally shooting himself in the leg.
The man was a passenger in an automobile when he located a firearm in the glovebox. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said he handled the weapon improperly, causing it to go off. The driver continued about a mile to the Whataburger on North Century Boulevard where deputies, the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
The man was airlifted from a nearby parking lot by Medstar Air Care helicopter.
Deputies said the incident was completely an accident. The vehicle’s driver was not injured.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weather Looks Good For Fireworks
July 4, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 91. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 90. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 90. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 91. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 91. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Here Are Tonight’s Fireworks Shows In The North Escambia Area
July 4, 2023
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July fireworks shows and events across the North Escambia area.
Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 North Highway 29 in Molino will host a fireworks show along with food trucks, vendors and family fun activities beginning at 7 p.m. on July 4.
Oak Grove
Oak Grove Baptist Church at 2600 North Highway 99 will have a fireworks show Tuesday night at dusk. Arrive beginning at 7:30 p.m., bring a lawn chair.
Jay
The Town of Jay will have fireworks at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 from inside Bray-Hendricks Park. Bring a lawn chair. Parking will be available in the fields on Higdon Drive and the Max Lane parking area.
Pensacola
The “largest fireworks show ever held over the bay” will be at 9 p.m. on July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display featuring a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, meticulously choreographed pyrotechnics, and awe-inspiring special effects. The night sky will come alive as the fireworks are expertly synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack provided by CatCountry 98.7. Renowned pyrotechnicians from PYRO Shows have been commissioned to design a show that surpasses all expectations, promising a truly enchanting atmosphere of wonder and awe.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, chairs, and radios and plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along Bayfront Parkway and fully immerse themselves in the festivities.The evening’s celebrations kick off with Symphony Sparks & Stars, a free Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium starting at 7:30 pm. Radios are highly encouraged to enjoy the synchronized music and avoid the delays that come with streaming apps. Additionally, an exciting lineup of local food trucks will be serving up fantastic eats in Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach
The Pensacola Beach fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on July 4 over Santa Rosa Sound. It will be simulcast on CatCountry 98.7 in conjunction with the downtown Pensacola show. The beach fireworks show is set to immediately follow the Bands on the Beach concert, featuring Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, from the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach.
Atmore
Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Wind Creek Atmore amphitheater.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2023
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting.
Here are some quick tips from the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
“Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration,” said Animal Welfare Director John Robinson. “As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for some pets. We encourage you to also contact your veterinarian for additional solutions to pet anxiety. Following these tips will help keep your pets safe during the holiday.”
If your pet runs away, please check 24PetConnect.com under the “I Lost A Pet” section. The Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost of 4th Of July Cookout Down Slightly From 10-Year High, Farm Bureau Says
July 4, 2023
Celebrating the Fourth of July with a cookout will cost significantly more than two years ago, although prices have fallen slightly from record highs in 2022. Families will pay $67.73 to host an Independence Day cookout with 10 family members or friends, based on the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.
The $67.73 grocery bill is down 3% from 2022, but still approximately 14% higher than prices were just two years ago. Last year set a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013, and 2023 comes in as the second-highest cost. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.
The marketbasket survey shows a year-to-year increase in the cost of hamburger buns, beef and potato salad, while there are drops in the cost of chicken breasts, lemonade and cookies.
The retail price for a package of eight hamburger buns increased 17% to $2.26. Homemade potato salad will cost $3.44, up 5% from 2022. The cost of 2 pounds of ground beef rose 4% to $11.54.
Our survey found one exception to the increased price of processed foods. A package of cookies will cost 10% less than 2022. The price of chicken breasts and eggs, which had reached record-high prices in 2022, are both lower. This is good news as the number of avian influenza cases has fallen, which has allowed chicken populations to recover. Lemonade is 16% less expensive, at $3.73, due to a drop in the cost of lemons.
Although historically high, the cost of the cookout breaks down to less than $7 per person. When put in a global context, Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than any other country.
Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from different stores in every state and Puerto Rico. The purchased were made prior to any Fourth of July week grocery sales.
Individual Prices, AFBF 2023 Summer Cookout
- 2 pounds of ground beef, $11.54 (+4%)
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $8.14 (-9%)
- 3 pounds of pork chops, $14.37 (-6%)
- 1 pound of cheese, $3.53 (no change)
- 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.26 (+17%)
- 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.44 (+5%)
- 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.44 (-3%)
- 16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.53 (-4%)
- 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $3.90 (-10%)
- ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.29 (+3%)
- 2 pints of strawberries, $4.56 (+3%)
- 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $3.73 (-16%)
North End Elite 8U Wins Stars, Stripes & Softball Tournament
July 4, 2023
The North End Elite 8U team took first place in the USFA Stars, Stripes & Softball tournament. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Fourth Of July Weekend Road Trips Expected To Be At Record Levels
July 4, 2023
AAA forecasted that Floridians will travel in record numbers for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
AAA anticipated that more than 2.8 million Floridians will take at least one trip of 50 miles or more, between Friday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 4. That’s 87,000 more holiday travelers than the previous record high, set last year.
Nearly 85% of all travelers will take a road trip, AAA predicts, with 43.2 million Americans driving to their destinations. That’s a little over one million more people on the road than last year. In Florida, more than 2.4 million were forecast to take a holiday road trip. That’s 37,000 more than last year.
“Independence Day weekend appears to be the continuation of what has already been a very strong summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although airfares and hotel rates are more expensive than last year, Americans are still eager to travel. So, expect to see congested roads, busy hotels, and long lines at airports and attractions.”
Bermudez, Blue Wahoos Blank Biscuits In Road Trip Finale
July 4, 2023
Three Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitchers combined for a two-hit shutout in the finale of their two-week road trip on Monday night, beating the Montgomery Biscuits by a score of 9-0.
Jonathan Bermudez (W, 2-2) tied a career high with 10 strikeouts over 6.0 scoreless, two-hit innings before Matt Pushard and Josan Méndez finished the job with hitless relief. The Blue Wahoos earned a split of their series in Montgomery and finished their road trip with a 7-4 record.
After going hitless in their first four innings against Victor Muñoz (L, 6-5), the Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the fifth. Griffin Conine led off the inning with a solo homer, and Jan Mercado followed with an RBI single to put Pensacola ahead 2-0.
Troy Johnston added to his league-leading RBI total in the next two innings, hitting a solo homer in the sixth and a two-run single in the seventh. Johnston’s homer was his 15th of the season, tying him for the Southern League lead.
Cobie Fletcher-Vance added an RBI single in the eighth before Nasim Nuñez put the game on ice with a three-run double later in the inning.
The Blue Wahoos return home to Pensacola for a Fourth of July matinee on Tuesday.
written by Erik Bremer
State Visits Century To Evaluate $12.8 Million Grant Applications For Shelter, Bridges Repair
July 3, 2023
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity recently made a site visit to Century as part of the town’s applications for $12.8 million in total grant applications for a hurricane shelter and repairs to three bridges.
The grants, if awarded, would be from Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DOE) Small Cities Hurricane Sally Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.
Gym/Hurricane Shelter
Century is seeking a $10 million grant to turn the old Century High School gym property into a multipurpose facility that could also serve as a hurricane or other disaster shelter. The town does not own the old gym, which was constructed in 1960; it belongs to Pensacola State College.
Town consultant Robin Phillips, who is managing the grant submissions, said the gym is laden with asbestos and lead. It has been essentially abandoned for years, and is in poor condition. For those reasons, Phillips said an architect is recommending that the building be demolished and rebuilt.
If the grant is awarded to Century, the town plans to accept the funds only if PSC will transfer ownership to the town.
Bridge Repairs
Century is also seeking a seperate $2,862,137 grant to replace a failed bridge on Freedom Road that has been closed for three years, and make drainage improvements to two other bridges that suffered embankment erosion during Hurricane Sally.
The state budget recently signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis includes $1.257 million for the Freedom Road bridge. This funding would be in addition to any other DOE funds that might be awarded.
The bridge and drainage grant will not be impacted by the continuation or withdrawal of the gym application.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
