Blue Wahoos Get 10th Straight Win
May 18, 2023
The way Patrick Monteverde has produced superlatives in prior starts, it was fitting the team’s left-handed ace would deliver the Blue Wahoos a 10th consecutive win.
Monteverde, named the Southern League’s pitcher of April for his first four stellar outings, worked out of two innings Wednesday with baserunners, while upping his league-best record to 5-0 in the Blue Wahoos 7-4 victory against the Tennessee Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 3,678, which included middle school bands from Shoal River and Davidson schools in Crestview combining to perform the National Anthem, watched the Blue Wahoos catch a break from weather and power their way to a record-extending win total.
It was Pensacola’s 18th win in 19 games, continuing the best stretch of success in the team’s 11-year history.
One common element of the first two months this season has been Monteverde’s dominance on the mound.
The 25-year-old Pittsburgh native, who entered the 2023 season as the Miami Marlins’ No. 30 rated prospect, has now allowed just six runs in seven starts. His earned run average has dropped to 1.29. He allowed just one run on two hits and struck out eight in five innings. He’s now had 57 strikeouts and just 12 walks in 42 innings.
His night Wednesday had two pivotal moments. After allowing a walk and double to start the second inning, he got a line-out double play on a spectacular catch from third baseman Cody Morissette. In the third inning, he again allowed a double and a walk, but retired the next three batters on a pair of strikeouts and flyout.
That all proved decisive.
After Victor Mesa Jr. manufactured a second-inning run with a walk, moving over on a ground out and scoring on a throwing error while stealing third, the Blue Wahoos slugged their way to the other six runs in the game.
The biggest smash was Morissette’s 2-run homer into the right field berm in the fourth inning. José Devers led off the inning with a double and scored on Will Banfield’s single.
The Blue Wahoos tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning on Griffin Conine’s RBI sacrifice fly and Troy Johnston’s two-out single to make it 7-1.
The Smokies scored three runs in the ninth off reliever Austin Roberts before he ended the game on a force out.
Eight of the Blue Wahoos lineup reached base. Banfield had the team’s multi-hit night, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.
The game was delayed 27 minutes to get the field ready, following the off-and-on light rain all day. The Blue Wahoos kept the field tarp on from Tuesday night to ensure the game could get played.
Remarkably, the heavier rain which hit other parts of Pensacola, never materialized at the ballpark.
The series now heads into Thursday with Blue Wahoos newcomer Jonathan Bermudez, a lefthander, making his pitching debut with a new organization. He was released during spring training from the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate.
He was signed by the Miami Marlins on April 26 and spent the past couple weeks with the Florida Complex League (FCL) Marlins, the rookie league team. Tennessee will throw right-hander Kohl Franklin (0-1, 13.50 ERA).
The game is part of “Mullet Thursday” with the Blue Wahoos wearing their Pensacola Mullets uniforms.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Escambia Schools Over Book Bans
May 17, 2023
Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, and PEN America, a “free expression organization”, have filed a federal lawsuit against the Escambia County School District over the removal of books from school libraries.
The lawsuit alleges Escambia County schools have violated the First Amendment by setting out to remove or restrict access to books discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities, against the recommendations of the district review committee charged with evaluating book challenges.
“Books have the capacity to change lives for the better, and students in particular deserve equitable access to a wide range of perspectives. Censorship, in the form of book bans like those enacted by Escambia County, are a direct threat to democracy and our constitutional rights,” said Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House. “We stand by our authors, their books, and the teachers, librarians, and parents who champion free expression. We are proud to join forces with our longtime partner PEN America.”
PEN American and Penguin Random House are joined by several authors in the suit, including Ashley Hope Pérez. She is author of Out of Darkness, one of the books restricted by the school district after a challenge was filed by Northview High School language arts teacher Vicki Baggett. Baggett objected to the book due to “graphic depictions of abuse and sexual scenes”.
“Young readers in Escambia schools and across the nation deserve a complete and honest education, one that provides them with full access in libraries to a wide range of literature that reflects varied viewpoints and that explores the diversity of human experiences,” said Pérez. “As a former public high school English teacher, I know firsthand how important libraries are. For many young people, if a book isn’t in their school library, it might as well not exist.”
Escambia School Board Fires Superintendent Tim Smith
May 17, 2023
The Escambia County School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday night to terminate appointed Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith effective May 31 and named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Keith Leonard as interim superintendent.
The motion to terminate Smith was made by board chair Paul Festsko (pictured left) and seconded by Kevin Adams. Board member David Williams was the third vote in favor, while member Patty Hightower and District 5 member Bill Slayton were opposed to the termination.
Festko said administrators in the district do not feel as if they were being led by Smith. “It’s uncomfortable. I can’t believe the number of principals that we have lost…I care about this school district.”
“I voted for the superintendent when he came in. I do not believe it is in our best interest with him in that position going forward,” Festsko said.
“It’s just remarkable that you would throw the district into this kind of turmoil at this particular time,” Slayton (pictured left) told Fetsko before a pause. “We have a lot of experts that act like they know how to run a school district. You participated in the hiring, you participated in the research, to pick one, but the people sitting out here who work for us, that’s where the turmoil is going to be….I’ve been through nine superintendents; nothing has ever been smooth. Everytime we change, we have turmoil in the district.”
Slayton continued, “This is no time to be doing this. I’m sorry, this is wrong. It’s a surprise at the last minute. I’m very disappointed. I almost want to say this has been a Sunshine Law violation. There’s got to have been a discussion on this.”
“Our district is hurting,”Williams (pictured left) said. “If you would interview a lot of the administrators, they are hurting. Teachers are hurting…We are losing administrators; we are losing teachers. We are losing students. Anybody would be in a tough situation right now being superintendent. If we really care as a board, we do what we think is best. ”
“If you are accusing me of a Sunshine Law (violation), I don’t speak to any of you outside of this (the board) room, and I don’t talk to any of you outside of being in this room. Not my part,” Williams added, looking toward Slayton.
Fetsko also denied any Sunshine Law violations. He said he had told Smith that he would move to terminate the contract. Fetsko said he withheld two pages of notes that he did not include in his written superintendent evaluation as to not disparage him, but did say Smith’s communication is poor.
Smith began his comments criticizing Festsko and Adams.
“There’s something bad that exists here. There’s something toxic that exists here. You all want to fire me; I think the answer would be for the two of you to resign from your positions. What’s the difference, is it you or me, right? I guess you outnumber me. If you care about kids, as you said, we need to do things right. But to constantly undermine and constantly seek to get me out,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of toxic stuff going on. How much poison has dripped on that podium over the past six months? It’s been extensive. It’s been ridiculous, actually. We are about kids.”
“I will hold my head up high because I have invested…my wife has been an amazing loyal individual and sacrificed, gave up her dream job in Orlando to do this.,” Smith said. “At least I can put my head on the pillow that I put everything I could into it. I fear for the future of this district. ”
Smith gathered his things during the discussion. After the volte, he walked out before the last few minutes of the meeting.
In 2018, Escambia County voters narrowly approved a ballot referendum for an appointed superintendent, with 50.36 voting yes and 49.64 percent voting now. This was the sixth time voters had considered the idea of an appointed superintendent in the county; all of the other attempts failed.
The term of then superintendent Malcolm Thomas ended in 2020, and Dr. Tim Smith was appointed as the new school district boss.
NorthEscambia.com images, click to enlarge.
From This Day Forth: Tate Senior ‘Prank’ Was A Wedding?
May 17, 2023
From this day forth…the senior “prank” this year at Tate High School was a little bit different.
The Tate High School Senior Class of 2023 surprised the student body with a mock wedding in the school courtyard Tuesday.
Seniors, and student council members, Rilee Lowery and Adyson Illian took “vows” officiated by Principal Laura Touchstone.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The “vows” represented the beginning of a new chapter and signifying the bond of the members of the class of 2023. They even exchanged ring pops to symbolize the friendships made throughout the years.
Tyler Hurley objected to the marriage and went up for a battle. He lost the first round of rock, paper, scissors and gracefully surrendered.
The wedding party was:
Groom: Rilee Lowery
Bride: Adyson Illian
Bridesmaids:
McKenzie Alfred
Kaylen Brock
Ryleigh Maxwell
Paige McKinney
Groomsmen:
Drew Reeves
Frankie Randall
Cade Kelly
Landen George
Officiant: Principal Laura Touchstone
Honorary Guests: The senior class of 2023, faculty and staff.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Possible Tonight
May 17, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Atmore Man’s Truck Catches Fire After Crashing Into Tree In Santa Rosa County
May 17, 2023
An Atmore man was seriously injured after suffering a medical emergency and crashing into a tree Tuesday afternoon in Santa Rosa County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 59-year old man was driving west on East Bay Boulevard just west of Grand Bay Circle in Navarre when he suffered a medical emergency. His pickup truck left the roadway, struck a tree and caught fire, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The man was rescued from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital, troopers said.
Barth Cleaned Up Wednesday. What’s Next?
May 17, 2023
During an April town hall meeting held in Cantonment, Commissioner Steven Barry said he is looking for ways to help the small community of Barth after residents reached out.
Barth is a quiet little community between Highway 29 to the west and the Escambia River to the east, a couple of miles north of the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection.
During that meeting, Barry promised the first-ever community cleanup event. That took place Wednesday , with residents of Barth and a portion of Molino able to yard debris and other items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Some of the roads in Barth are dirt. And it’s dark, with no street lighting.. There’s no bus stop, no community center, and no playground. Children play basketball in the street with a goal next to Barth Lane.
“This is a small community, but we are still people. And we need the same concern and consideration,” resident Mary Nory recently said. She was born in Barth, moved away, and returned home about a decade ago. “No one seems to help Barth. They pass over Barth. They go to everywhere but Barth, and there is a whole community here.”
NorthEscambia.com reached back out to Barry this week to find out the status of street lights and perhaps even a park, as were discussed during the April meeting.
Escambia County has identified several locations around Barth for streetlights. Those are Highway 29 and Barth Road, Highway 29 and North Barth Road, Barth Road and Barth Heights, and Barth Road and Barth Lane. Barry said the county is now simply waiting for Florida Power & Light to install the lights.
In April, Franscine Mathis told Barry that she would love to see a community park in Barth, and that she has had contact with a Barth landowner with “a lot of land” that has expressed interest in allowing a park on their property. Barry replied that was doable, if they donate the land or lease it to the county for $1 a year.
I’m comfortable looking at something similar to what we did in the Walnut Hill community, a small community park that’s walking distance for a lot of residents that may not have transportation,” Barry said. He said a park in Barth could be located on any small parcels owned by the county. The Katie Mae Marshall Memorial Park open in July 2021 on North Cypress Street in Walnut Hill with a playground on a small parcel that escheated to the county.
This week, Barry said there has been no movement forward to date on a possible park. That’s because, he said, no landowner had made contact with a possible location. He said the county will search for any parcels in the area that are county property, perhaps that escheated to the county in a tax case.
Defending State Champions Jay Defeat Northview For Regional Title (With Gallery)
May 17, 2023
The defending 1A state champion Jay Royals are headed back to the final four.
The Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 8-3 Tuesday night in Jay.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Royals were first on the board with a solo homer from Ella Nelson, who went 3-3 to lead at bat.
Jenna Toups went seven innings for Jay, giving up three runs and nine hits while striking out three.
Jamison Gilman and Aubrey Stuckey threw three innings each for the Chiefs. Mary-Clayton Dawson went 3-4 to lead Northview at the plate.
Northview’s season (15-13) ended in the top eight in the state. The Royals ( 16-11) will move to the state semifinals at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont on May 22 against Liberty County (19-8).
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Elderly Van Driver Crashes Into Helicopter Outside Local Hospital
May 17, 2023
An elderly Escambia County driver crashed into a medical helicopter at a local hospital Tuesday afternoon.
The Shandscair 6 medical helicopter had just landed on the ground-level helipad at Sacred Heart Hospital. After shutting down the helicopter, the flight crew transferred their trauma patient into the hospital.
A short time later, an 82-year old man was attempting to find a parking space outside the hospital and drove onto the restricted helipad.
As he attempted to circle the helicopter, the driver’s van collided with the helicopter’s tail rotor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“The helicopter was inspected before further flight,” FHP said.
There were no injuries.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Myers, Mesa Pace Wahoos In Record Ninth Win In A Row
May 17, 2023
The most successful stretch in Blue Wahoos franchise history now has a special feat attached.
The Blue Wahoos blasted their way to a record ninth consecutive win, led by Victor Mesa Jr. hitting a three-run homer in the seventh inning to break a tie game in Pensacola’s eventual 9-3 victory Tuesday night against the Tennessee Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 3,337 on “Doggone Tuesday” where fans can bring their beloved dogs watched a continuation of the Blue Wahoos’ (23-11) scorching streak. This team has now won 17 of its last 18 games with possession of the best record in the Southern League.
“That’s the most impressive part,” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel on the three-week success. “I don’t think I’ve been a part of something like this, to be honest. We’ve had some good runs, but even last year, I don’t think we had anything close to this.”
The same components of the three-week stretch were on display. The Blue Wahoos got strong pitching, this time from M.D. Johnson’s longest start of the season, then Will Stewart and Sean Reynolds in scoreless relief. Reynolds struck out the game’s final batter with the bases loaded.
Johnson worked six complete innings, allowing three runs on a pair of homers, but also produced nine strikeouts and zero walks.
They peppered 14 hits against four Smokies pitchers. Dane Myers had five of those hits on a 5-for-5 night with two runs scored. Every Blue Wahoos batter reached base and eight had at least one hit.
And the Blue Wahoos played flawless defense.
“It’s a good core group of guys who are grinding every day. The lineup we roll out there is relentless,” Randel said. “If the pitching holds up we always have a chance. The guys did a great job with two strikes (Tuesday) and the goal is to just win every at-bat, win every pitch.
“We are on a nice little streak. The ‘Hoos are hot. But they’re fun to watch.”
After scoring their first two runs on errors, the Blue Wahoos tied the game on Will Banfield’s solo homer in the sixth inning.
In the decisive seventh inning, Troy Johnson led off with a single and Dane Myers singled. Mesa Jr. following by hitting a 92-mph cutter from Ryan Jensen over the right field wall. The ball just cleared a leaping attempt by right fielder Owen Caissie as the crowd roared.
Jose Devers followed with a single and later scored on Barrett Hostetier’s two-out single, finishing a 4-run rally.
Banfield drove in two more runs in the eighth inning with his single.
The game marked the first time the Blue Wahoos faced the Smokies, the Chicago Cubs affiliate, since Pensacola won the Southern League title on September 28 with a decisive Game 3 win in Tennessee.
Johnson’s previous three starts in recent weeks were all affected by rain. The past two outings, he was unable to pitch past the second inning. His last start in Birmingham was halted after one complete inning.
But the weather held Tuesday for him to work through six innings.
The teams will continue the series Wednesday night with the Blue Wahoos’ top pitcher, lefthander Patrick Monteverde (4-0, 1.22 ERA) going against the Smokies’ Walker Powell (2-0, 3.22).
written by Bill Vilona