After Game 1 Loss, Blue Wahoos Seek To Repeat Past In Championship Series
September 26, 2023
After Sunday’s opening-game loss, the Blue Wahoos now hope to repeat their comeback from a year ago in the Southern League Championship Series.
But it’s going to take another impressive turnaround.
The Tennessee Smokies produced a quick knockout in Game One, scoring eight runs in the first three innings, including a 5-run third inning, powering their way to an 8-4 win at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee, located near Knoxville.
It’s now a do-or-die scenario for the Blue Wahoos when the second game occurs Tuesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. A third game, if necessary, in the short series will be Wednesday in Pensacola. The Blue Wahoos traveled all night Sunday back to Pensacola and the series has an off-day Monday.
This is a rematch of the 2022 SLCS and the Blue Wahoos do have history and home field on their side. The Blue Wahoos dropped the first game in Pensacola last year, then won twice on the road against the Smokies to claim their first outright Southern League title.
The Smokies, the Chicago Cubs affiliate, are seeking their first outright championship in 45 years as a minor league franchise. They shared the 2004 Southern League title with the Mobile BayBears when the playoffs were cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan.
When the Smokies won in 1978, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa was the Tennessee skipper and the team was called the Knoxville Sox as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
The Blue Wahoos, who went 7-4 in the regular-season matchups against Tennessee, are trying to become only the seventh team in Southern League history to win back-to-back titles.
That quest got off to a rocky start Sunday. Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer struggled from the outset. He allowed leadoff batters to reach in the three innings he worked and couldn’t find a groove with his pitch command, which is something that has hurt him in recent starts.
He plunked Smokies’ leadoff batter Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ No. 1 draft pick in July, to start his outing. He then gave up a run-scoring double to BJ Murray, followed by a single to the third batter, Owen Caissie.
Fitterer then got a double-play ball that scored Tennessee’s second run, but helped him out of the inning. The scenario repeated in the second inning with a leadoff walk allowed, followed by a run scoring double by Ezequiel Pagan.
The Blue Wahoos bullpen was warming up in the third inning when Fitterer gave up another leadoff walk, a single and an RBI double by Haydn McGeary. Reliever Breidy Encarnacion was summoned with one out in the inning and he struggled as well.
After a walk to load the bases, Encarnacion hit the next batter to force home a run, then yielded consecutive RBI on a sacrifice fly and two singles to complete the explosive rally.
From that point, the Blue Wahoos relief corps of Jonathan Bermudez, Matt Pushard, Chandler Jozwiak and Caleb Wurster combined on five shutout innings.
Blue Wahoos shortstop Nasim Nunez drove in the team’s first run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly. He also played sensational defense, including a spectacular play in the seventh when he fielded a ball behind second, turned and threw across his body to first baseman Bennett Hostetler, who make leg split to record the out from a sitting position.
That play had the Smokies crowd of 3,382 applauding in appreciation. Nunez also scored the team’s second run in the top of the eighth when he walked, went to third on a single by Jose Mesa Jr. and scored on Paul McIntosh’s sacrifice fly.
The Blue Wahoos managed six hits – two from second baseman Cody Morissette – who temporarily spoiled the crowd celebration by hitting a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning.
The Smokies, who now have 14 of the Chicago Cubs’ Top 30 rated prospects, have won their past seven games and nine of their last 10, including a two-game sweep of the Chattanooga Lookouts – the Cincinnati Reds affiliate – in the Southern League North Division series.
They will send one of those top-rated players, righthander Cade Horton, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2022, on the mound Tuesday night against the Blue Wahoos’ Luis Palacios, who was superb in his last start to beat the Montgomery Biscuits in the first game of the South Division playoffs last week.
Horton, 22, was a former star at Oklahoma and was elevated to Double-A in August. He is a finalist for the Minor League Baseball pitching prospect of the year. He has risen to the No. 2 best prospect in the Cubs organization.
The game on Tuesday will start at 6:05 p.m., a half-hour earlier than the Blue Wahoos regular-season, weekday starting times. The ceremonial first pitches will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by the actual first pitch of the game at 6:05.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
FDC Announces New Prison Hiring Bonuses, Including $1K At Century, $6K At Santa Rosa
September 26, 2023
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced hiring bonuses of $1,000 at select prisons, including Century, and $6,000 retention pay at other prisons including the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton.
FDC correctional officers will start their careers at $22 an hour, or $48,620 annually. They will receive paid training, special high-risk retirement, and various opportunities for career advancement.
Selected institutions identified as “hard to fill” locations across the state offer $6,000 Retention Payments to certified correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains. This comes in the form of a three-installment pay plan upon certification at the following institutions:
- Apalachee Correctional Institution (Sneads)
- Columbia Correctional Institution (Lake City)
- Florida State Prison (Raiford)
- Franklin Correctional Institution (Carrabelle)
- Gulf Correctional Institution (Wewahitchka)
- Hamilton Correctional Institution (Jasper)
- Jackson Correctional Institution (Malone)
- Mayo Correctional Institution (Mayo)
- Northwest Florida Reception Center (Chipley)
- Reception and Medical Center (Lake Butler)
- Santa Rosa Correctional Institution (Milton)
- Suwannee Correctional Institution (Live Oak)
- Taylor Correctional Institution (Perry)
- Union Correctional Institution (Starke)
- Wakulla Correctional Institution (Crawfordville)
Certified new hires are eligible to receive a $1,000 bonus at the following institutions:
- Calhoun Correctional Institution (Blountstown)
- Century Correctional Institution (Century)
- Charlotte Correctional Institution (Punta Gorda)
- Dade Correctional Institution (Florida City)
- Everglades Correctional Institution (Miami)
- Hardee Correctional Institution (Bowling Green)
- Holmes Correctional Institution (Bonifay)
- Liberty Correctional Institution (Bristol)
- Lowell Correctional Institution (Ocala)
- Madison Correctional Institution (Madison)
- Martin Correctional Institution (Indiantown)
- Okeechobee Correctional Institution (Okeechobee)
- Tomoka Correctional Institution (Daytona Beach)
- Walton Correctional Institution (DeFuniak Springs)
“There has been no better time than now to be a part of the Florida Department of Corrections,” said FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon. “I express my sincere gratitude to our Governor and the Florida legislature for recognizing that an investment in corrections is an investment in public safety. I am thrilled to observe the favorable outcomes of these extraordinary incentives and retention measures, enabling us to attract and retain the best correctional professionals nationwide.”
Marian ‘Bobbie’ R. Hinote
September 26, 2023
Marian “Bobbie” R. Hinote, 95, of Pensacola went to be with The Lord on Monday, September 25, 2023. She was born in Pensacola and lived in the area for 76 years. Bobbie was the matriarch of the entire family! She was a woman of few words but when she had something to say to you, she said it and then she was done with it! She lived a full life at the ripe age of 95. She was a member of Scenic Hills Church of Christ. Bobbie was the Godliest woman we know and we are proud to call her mom and grandma.
Bobbie is preceded in death by her father, Theodore Roosevelt Mixon; mother, Clarice Louise Gates Mixon; brother, Tracy Roland Mixon and his wife Illene Stoddard Mixon; brother, Nelson Webster Mixon and his wife Sonja Mixon; and husband Fletcher B. Hinote.
Left to treasure her memory are her daughter, Janet Thornhill; son, Andy Hinote; son, Robin Hinote; son, Paul Hinote; daughter, Becky Rhodes; 11 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all who have supported them through prayers, thoughts, food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bobbie’s honor to Scenic Hills Church of Christ.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:00am- 10:00am Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Scenic Hills Church of Christ and the funeral service to follow at 10:00am. There will be a procession from the church to Pensacola Memorial Gardens after church services for the committal portion of the funeral service.
Cottage Hill Water Works Rescinds Boil Water Notice For Handy Road
September 25, 2023
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS RESCINDED ON SEPTEMBER 27.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Handy Rod.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break Monday due to construction work.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break.
This story will be updated when the advisory has been lifted.
Cantonment Man Charged With Meth Trafficking, Destroying Evidence, Fleeing
September 25, 2023
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop Sunday.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 53, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, destroying evidence, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding, and driving with a suspended license third or subsequent offense.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop near Durand Avenue and Elliot Street. Deputies said the driver of the vehicle threw a clear plastic bag containing a “large quantity” of methamphetamine out of the driver’s side window and continued driving until eventually stopping.
Deputies located more methamphetamine in the driver’s floorboard area, the driver’s seat, and on the driver’s door of the vehicle, the ECSO said. Deputies also located marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Davis was identified as the driver of the vehicle and taken into custody. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $59,000.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
September 25, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of October when the Welcome Center improvements are scheduled to be complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to east of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through October as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R.) 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers will encounter the following lane closures on Lillian Highway from Friday, Sept. 22 through Friday, Sept. 29:
- Daytime lane closures from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform drainage work.
- Nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, as crews perform widening and driveway work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, Friday, Sept. 22 through Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform sidewalk work.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway.
- S.R. 29 Turn Lane Construction North of West Roberts Road at the new Ronny’s Car Wash – Motorists will encounter northbound inside lane closure Monday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane construction.
- S.R. 29 Turn Lane Construction North of Pinoak Road – Motorists will encounter northbound inside lane closure Wednesday, Sept. 27 and Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane construction.
- Beulah Road Turn Lane Closure at U.S. 90 – Motorists will encounter northbound turn lane closure at U.S. 90 Sunday, Sept. 24 through Friday, Sept. 29 for utility work.
- S.R. 291 Routine Utility Maintenance from Johnson Avenue to Copter Road – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for utility maintenance.
- S.R. 291 Routine Utility Maintenance from Olive Road to Johnson Avenue – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for utility maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Coring Operations from Alabama State Line to west of Beulah Road – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures Monday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- S.R. 297 Coring Operations from S.R. 173 to North of I-10 – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closures Monday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Sept. 24, through Friday, Sept. 29, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews receive delivery of construction materials. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Rain Chance Builds Into Midweek
September 25, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
New 134 Lot Subdivision Planned For Highway 29 Near Pinoak Lane
September 25, 2023
A new 134 lot subdivision is proposed for Highway 29 near Cantonment.
“Turtle Creek” would be located on 31.45 acres east and northeast of Highway 29 near Pinoak Lane, across from the produce stand.
The development is being proposed by Garden Street Communities Southeast of Pensacola for single family homes, according to Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) documents.
The proposal is in the initial staff internal review phase of the DRC process and has not yet been set for a public meeting.
NorthEscambia.com graphics.
One Injured In ATV Rollover Crash
September 25, 2023
One person was injured in an ATV rollover Sunday morning near Walnut Hill.
The crash happened on Deer Lake Road about 8:15 a.m. An adult male was transported to an area hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mark Randall Boyington
September 25, 2023
Mr. Mark Randall Boyington, age 48, passed away, Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Mobile, AL; surrounded by his loving family. He was a member of Flomaton Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was employed with Wind Creek Casino for 13 years, and the past 4 years with the Poarch Creek Indian Gaming Commission.
Mr. Boyington’s life was filled with family, faith and love, he especially enjoyed spending time with his children and family. He was a very avid Alabama Football Fan “Roll Tide”. He liked going fishing, shopping, going to yard sales and the Thrift Stores. He was a mama’s boy and her nickname for him was “Rudy”.
He is preceded in death by his father, O’Neal Boyington, one brother, Danny Boyington, one sister, Racheal Reeves, grandfather, Roil Hadley, grandmother, Dottie Burdick, grandmother, Pearl (Hayward) Boyington, and grandparent’s in-law, Charles (Claudeen) Kimmons.
He is survived by his mother, Imogene Boyington, of Atmore, AL; his loving wife of 6 years, Britney Boyington, of Atmore, AL; one son, Dustin Boyington, of Atmore, AL; three daughters, Alyssa Gordon, of Atmore, AL; Stormi Boyington, of Bay Minette, AL; Kathleen Boyington, of Atmore, AL; two brothers, Rodney (Becky) of Lottie, AL; Jimmie (Michelle) Boyington, of Atmore, AL; three sisters, Ester (Doug) Smith, of Atmore, AL; Linda (Dewayne) Salter, of Atmore, AL; Lisa Garrick, of Atmore, AL; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Flomaton Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Al Bethea and Rev. Kathy Chavers officiating.
Burial will follow at Lottie New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 25, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jimmie Boyington, Dustin Boyington, Joe Smith, Ashley Salter, Chris Burch, and Chris Marion.
Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Burch, Daniel Zylstra, Skyler McDaniel, Tyler McDaniel, JD Boyington, and Joshua Ramer.