Wahoos Fall To Barons On Brook’s Big Night
August 14, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third in a row with a 7-5 loss to the Birmingham Barons on Wednesday night.
In his third Double-A start, Blue Wahoos right-hander Jake Brooks (L, 0-2) tossed 7.0 innings to tie his professional career high. Brooks scattered five runs while punching out five Barons in the outing.
Birmingham picked up the first run of the night in the second inning on a solo home run to left by left fielder DJ Gladney.
The Barons added two more in the third with two RBI singles in the frame. Sam Antonacci drove in Jacob Burke on a softly hit single, and came around to score on a single from Wilfred Veras after stealing second base.
The Blue Wahoos offense made some noise in the fourth as they pushed two runs across against Birmingham starter Hagen Smith to draw the deficit to 3-2. Matthew Etzel knocked in the first run of the night for Pensacola, finishing a triple down the right field line by avoiding the tag of third baseman Mario Camilletti. Ryan Ignoffo then drove Etzel in to score with a double down the left field line.
Gladney added to the Barons’ lead in the sixth with an RBI double down the left field line, scoring Caden Connor and Braden Montgomery on the play for a 5-2 advantage.
Dub Gleed brought the Blue Wahoos within a run in the seventh, picking up his first Double-A hit and home run in the same swing with a two-run shot out to left against righty Adisyn Coffey.
The Barons gained two important insurance runs in the top of the ninth thanks to RBI singles from Connor and Montgomery. The Blue Wahoos got out of the ninth after a soft, humpback line drive was turned into a rare 3-2-6 double play and Ignoffo threw out his third would-be base stealer of the night.
Ignoffo hit his second Double-A home run of the year out to left-center for a solo home run against Birmingham’s closer, Garret Schoenle (S, 6), but it proved to be too little as the lefty sat down the next three Pensacola hitters to end the ball game.
After 4.0 innings from the starter Smith, Birmingham’s relief combination of Dalton Roach (W, 3-0), Coffey and Schoenle held the Blue Wahoos to three runs to hold on for the win.
With the loss tonight and a postponement for the second-place Montgomery Biscuits, the Blue Wahoos’ South Division lead has been cut to 2.0 games.
The Blue Wahoos will square off with the Barons for their third matchup of the week tomorrow night. Southpaw Dax Fulton (5-8, 4.77 ERA) will make his 18th start of the year for Pensacola, while right-hander Connor McCullough (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Birmingham. Following the conclusion of Thursday’s game, a drone show will take place over Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAME NOTABLES
— Prior to the game, the Blue Wahoos added reliever Luarbert Arias to the roster. Arias, 24, began the season with the Miami Marlins. He pitched for the Blue Wahoos during the 2023 season, making 14 appearances for a 1.69 ERA.
— Second baseman Yiddi Cappe made his home debut Wednesday night for the Blue Wahoos. Cappe, 22, born in Havana, Cuba, was last year ranked the Marlins’ #7 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Cappe joined the Blue Wahoos a week ago, on August 5, in Montgomery. He played in 53 games for the Beloit Sky Carp, the Marlins’ High-A affiliate, batting .278 with four homers.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Games on Thursday through Saturday night will start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game starts at 4:05 p.m.
Ann Staff
August 14, 2025
Mrs. Ann Staff passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama. She was born on September 5, 1938, in Cullman, Alabama, and spent the majority of her life in Atmore. A devoted member of Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, she was known for her passion for Alabama football, NASCAR, and her enjoyment of watching “Gunsmoke” with her beloved husband. Ann took pleasure in sewing and creating garments, and cherished moments spent at their beach house in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren, and many affectionately called her “Mama Ann.”
She served as the mayor’s secretary for the city of Atmore and later worked as the secretary for Ollie Strawbridge at First National Bank. Cooking and baking were among her delights, and she placed great importance on caring for those less fortunate.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Bill Staff, of Atmore, Alabama; two sons, Bill Staff Jr. and his wife Tina from Orange Beach, Alabama, and Speer Staff and his wife Cindi from Ocean Springs, Mississippi; two daughters, Suzanne McGill and her husband Mark from Atmore, Alabama, and Leslie Brand and her husband Doug from Senoia, Georgia; one sister, Helene Taylor from Fairhope, Alabama; along with nine grandchildren Shayna, Mandy, Ashleigh, Arielle, Anna Marie, Haden, Haleigh, Cayleigh, Christen, Ashley; eight great-grandchildren Will, Corbin, Thatcher, Norah, Evvie, Charlie, Nicholas, Ella.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John (Elizabeth Tekulve) Hoehn and one sister Babara Jean Mixon.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father Joji Chacko and Father Gordon Milstead officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Strawbridge, Will Strawbridge, Chris Hein, Tanner Webster, Peter Ramsey, Stewart Kremer, and Tommy Mixon.
Although flowers will be accepted, donations may be made to Smile Train or any Catholic charity of your choice.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
Kingsfield Road Fire Claims One Life, Injures Two Others
August 13, 2025
A house fire on Kingsfield Road claimed one life and injured two other people Tuesday evening.
A woman was declared deceased on scene, a second person was airlifted to the hospital, and a third person was transported by Escambia County EMS to the hospital. A fourth person was not seriously injured. One dog and two cats died in the blaze.
The fire was reported shortly after 6 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Kingsfield Road, on the corner of Cabot Street. The home was fully involved when the firefighters arrived on scene.
Preliminary information indicates the fire may have started in the kitchen from food that was cooking unattended.
The investigation is continuing. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Submitted (top) and NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge
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Escambia Tax Collector Bringing Mobile Services to Century On Thursday
August 13, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in North Escambia on Thursday.
MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, will be at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, August 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:
- Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
- Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
- Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
- Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
- Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
- Certified Driver Transcripts
Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.
This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
One Applicant Withdraws, Another Added To Interviews For Century Town Administrator
August 13, 2025
One applicant has withdrawn from consideration as the next Century town administrator, and another has been added to the interview process on Thursday.
Earlier this month, mayor and council members selected a list of five applicants for interviews from a list of 17. Since that time, the town says Lisa Rouse withdrew from the process.
Former Florida state representative Dave Murzin has now been added list of remaining applicants.
Virtual interviews have been set for a special council meeting on Thursday, August 14 at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4 as follows:
- 6:15pm – Peter Cavalli
- 6:30pm – Timothy Day
- 6:45pm – David Murzin
- 7:00pm – Charles Anderson
- 7:15pm – Brian Underwood
The council plans to choose their next administrator at their regular meeting on August 19.
According to the job description, the salary range for the position is $112,000 to $137,000, with the likely salary offer between the minimum of $112,000 and the midpoint of the range, or about $124,500.
Here is brief information on each of the finalists:
- Charles Anderson (Saint Petersburg, FL): Anderson is the former city manager for Treasure Island, Florida, where he led disaster recovery efforts and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. With decades of military and local government experience, he specializes in crisis management, infrastructure planning, and personnel leadership.
- Peter Cavalli (Tampa, FL): Cavalli is the founder of Tampa Bay Training, LLC, and a former town manager for Kenneth City, Florida. He has extensive experience in public works, emergency management, and workforce development, as well as training programs for municipalities and private sector clients.
- Timothy Day (Cape Coral, FL): A former district manager for multiple Community Development Districts in Florida, Day brings over 30 years of experience in city/town management, law enforcement, and public safety. He has managed utility modernization projects, FEMA disaster recovery efforts, and financial audits for municipalities. He also served as a City Council member in Cape Coral for nine years.
- David Murzin (Pensacola, FL): Murzin is currently the Director of First Place Partners, representing economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He is a former state representative for Florida. He has extensive experience in legislative leadership, economic development, and disaster recovery, having worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida.
- Brian Underwood (Fairhope, AL): Currently serving as grants director for Baldwin County Commission, Underwood has managed multimillion-dollar grant programs for infrastructure and disaster recovery. He previously served as executive director of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and has extensive experience in strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental coordination.
Editor’s note: Information for each applicant is a brief summary taken from more complete resumes, applications and/or cover letters submitted to the Town of Century. Applicant’s information and claims were not independently verified by NorthEscambia.com staff.
Fire Caused by Discarded Smoking Materials Destroys Pine Forest Road Apartment
August 13, 2025
Escambia County Fire Rescue has determined the cause of a Monday afternoon apartment fire on Pine Forest Road,
The fire was reported in a single-story quad-plex in the 3300 block of Pine Forest Road, near Amanda Lane, at about 11:30 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from one apartment and fire visible from one of the apartment windows. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes.
The ECFR investigation determined the fire originated from discarded smoking materials.
The affected apartment was deemed a total loss. One nearby unit experienced minor water damage while the other two units were able to be reoccupied.
There were no injuries reported, and one dog was safely rescued.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely Again Today
August 13, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
TSA Precheck Enrollment This Week At Pensacola Airport
August 13, 2025
TSA PreCheck enrollment is available this week at the Pensacola International Airport.
Travelers will be able to enroll or renew their membership at 2430 Airport Blvd., Suite 225 from 9 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m. daily through Friday, August 15. The TSA PreCheck Application Program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
The enrollment process is quick, convenient, and even faster when the application is completed online beforehand. During the in-person appointment, applicants are required to provide identity and citizenship documents, fingerprints and a photo will be captured, and then pay for the application fee. Provider IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program.
Following the in-person enrollment appointment, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about three to five days. The KTN number must be added to flight reservations to enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.
TSA PreCheck was created in October 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It’s a great option for travelers looking to save time. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide, and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with TSA and IDEMIA to bring convenient, on-site TSA PreCheck enrollment opportunities to our passengers,” said Matt Coughlin, Airport Executive Director at Pensacola International Airport. “Programs like this help us enhance the travel experience and make flying out of PNS even easier.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Habitual Offender Arrested On Drug Charges After Foot Chase
August 13, 2025
A Century man was arrested this week after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy recognized him as a habitual traffic offender and a brief foot chase ensued.
The suspect, Christopher Angelo Phifer, 53, was charged two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and crack cocaine), felony driving while being a habitual traffic offender, and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence. A records check confirmed his habitual traffic offender status from April 17, 2023.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a white Land Rover near the intersection of West Pond Street and Century Boulevard. The deputy recognized the driver, Phifer, from previous arrests and knew him to be a habitual traffic offender with a history of fleeing from law enforcement.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop, at which point Phifer allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The deputy gave verbal commands, calling Phifer by name, and after a short chase, was able to detain him without further incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle, prompted by the strong odor of burnt marijuana, led to the discovery of illegal narcotics, the report states. A clear plastic baggie containing a green powder that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and pills believed to be Ecstasy was found in plain view on the center console. Next to it was a beige rock that field-tested positive for cocaine.
Phifer was booked into the Escambia County Jail with no bond. Court records show his bond was revoked in an outstanding case from January in which he was charged with knowingly driving with a suspended license for the third or subsequent time and resisting arrest for allegedly fleeing on foot from a traffic stop in Century.
Blue Wahoos Ambushed by Barons In Series-Opening Loss
August 13, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
The Birmingham Barons started Tuesday’s game with five consecutive hits. All of those batters scored.
It only got worse from there for the Blue Wahoos.
The Barons pounded out 21 hits, matching the most allowed in Blue Wahoos franchise history, as part of Birmingham’s 13-2 victory to begin a six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams, who transitioned a month ago from reliever to starter on the Blue Wahoos pitching staff, had his toughest night in this role. After giving up five runs in the first inning, Williams exited after three innings trailing 7-0.
At that point, the Barons already had 10 hits. Williams’ first two outings at starter in July went very well with just one run allowed. But it has since gone the other way.
It was all part of a rough night for the Blue Wahoos, who sustained their sixth loss in the past seven games. The 13 runs were the most allowed this season.
The red-hot Barons (66-43 overall, 28-12 second half), who by far have the best overall record in the Southern League, are now 23-5 in a stretch that has catapulted them to an 8.5 game lead in the North Division second-half race.
As South Division leaders, the Blue Wahoos (56-52, 22-17) had their lead cut to two games over the Montgomery Biscuits, following the Biscuits’ rain-postponed game Tuesday in Chattanooga.
Williams’ night began with a leadoff infield single by William Bergolla, followed by a bunt single from Sam Antonacci. Those two combined for six hits, three walks and three RBI.
The next three batters made hard contact, including a two-run double by centerfielder Braden Montgomery, the Chicago White Sox No. 1 prospect and former first-round pick in 2024 by the Boston Red Sox.
Montgomery followed with another double to lead off the third inning as part of his best game since being elevated from High-A on July 29. He finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored.
It’s Montgomery’s third level reached this season, after the Red Sox traded him in December to the White Sox organization, along with three other prospects, in exchange for White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet.
Williams was met by Blue Wahoos manager Nelson Prada as he reached the dugout after the third inning. Prada extended a handshake and offered encouragement, as Williams seeks to overcome three consecutive rough starts, all short stints.
The Barons tacked on six runs against the Blue Wahoos bullpen.
Jared Serna drove in the Blue Wahoos’ first run with a third-inning double. In that same inning, newly-acquired outfielder Matthew Etzel, who always hit well in Blue Wahoos Stadium when playing for the Biscuits, continued his success with a run-scoring triple.
Those were part of the Blue Wahoos’ seven hits in the game. Cody Morissette went 2-for-4 as the team’s only multiple-hit batter.