Wahoos Head Into All-Star Break In First Place
July 14, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
After splitting the six game set in Columbus, the Wahoos head into the All-Star break in first place in the Southern League South division at 10-7 in the second half, and 44-42 overall.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Columbus Clingstones 4-1 in their final game before the four-day All-Star break on Sunday afternoon.
Dax Fulton (L, 4-7) made his 14th start of the year for the Blue Wahoos, and was tagged for four runs over 3.2 innings. The southpaw picked up seven strikeouts, totaling seven or more for the third time in 2025.
Columbus picked up a run in each of their first two trips to the plate, as David McCabe started the scoring with an RBI single up the middle in the first. Kobe Kato followed up in the second inning, sending a double out to right to bring home Cal Conley for the game’s second run.
The Clingstones picked up two more in the fourth inning, as Conley scored from third after Kevin Kilpatrick collided with Blue Wahoos shortstop Johnny Olmstead on a stolen base. Kilpatrick later scored on a single from Drew Compton to extend the Columbus lead to 4-0.
Cody Morissette knocked in the Blue Wahoos’ lone run of the afternoon in the seventh, serving a fly ball to shallow left field for a single to score Nathan Martorella.
Columbus starter Lucas Braun worked 3.0 perfect innings on four days’ rest before departing. Ian Mejia (W, 9-1) carried the load against the Wahoos on Sunday with three shutout innings in relief, while Brian Moran (S, 1) tossed two scoreless innings to finish the series.
The Pensacola bullpen hurled 4.1 innings of shutout work, as Orlando Ortiz-Mayr and Josh Ekness combined to give up only two total hits in relief.
Following the All-Star break, the Blue Wahoos will return to Pensacola for a three game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts starting Friday, July 18t
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hit Two-Month Low, Rise A Few Cents Locally
July 14, 2025
On average, AAA says Florida drivers are paying the lowest gas prices in two months. The state average has declined for the past 10 consecutive days, falling a total of 19 cents per gallon.
On Sunday, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $2.94 per gallon. That’s down 14 cents from last week, 2 cents below last month, and 58 cents less than this time last year.
In Escambia County the average per gallon price Sunday was $2.90, which is a couple of center higher than a month ago, but 43 cents lower than a year ago.
A low price of $2.72 was available Sunday at the warehouse clubs In North Escambia, Sunday’s low price was $2.79 at several stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers may feel some relief from the recent downturn at the pump, but that break may not last much longer,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices in Florida often follow a pattern of falling for about 10 days, then spiking by as much as 20 cents. With oil and gasoline futures climbing again, it’s likely we’ll see upward pressure on retail prices in the coming days.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Orbin Burgas Albritton
July 14, 2025
Orbin Burgas Albritton
Born September 18, 1973 in Austell Georgia
Died July 5, 2025 in Pensacola Florida
Orbin Albritton was a Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend. He served the state for 25 years as a corrections officer in Century, Florida. He grew up on his parent’s farm in Molino, FL, taking care of livestock, mending fences, and growing crops. He had his first car and job when he was 13 years old working for a farmer down the road picking produce in the fields for a few dollars an hour. He graduated from Tate High School in 1992. Out of high school, he started laying carpet and tile. Then, with his certificate in welding, he received a job with Better Built. In 1999, he started working as a corrections officer and worked there until he retired in 2024 as a Sergeant. He enjoyed the people he worked with and spoke highly of them.
Orbin’s witty personality and humor was always there. You would be hard pressed to find a person he had met or talked to that he didn’t make laugh at least once. No one knows this better than his friends and family. Some of his favorite times were cooking with his mother, Linda Albritton, taking his children to the fair, Blue Angels show, the river, the rodeo, or any place or event that he knew they would have a good time. He was the proudest of his children, Wyatt and Erin Albritton, and the people he raised them to be. His joy later in life came from his Granddaughter, Scarlett Albritton, and spending time with her every chance he could.
After Orbin’s parents had passed, he found new family and love with the Sweetings. He enjoyed every second and minute with his love, Nichole Sweeting. Nichole and Orbin would travel, go to concerts, and enjoy time together. Orbin thought of her son, Brody Ragsdale, as his own and was proud to watch him turn into a fine young man. Orbin and Brody shared a love of football and bonded over sports. Nichole’s parents, Charlie and Joyce Sweeting, loved Orbin like a son. Many holidays were spent together at their house enjoying food and football.
Orbin was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Linda Albritton. Orbin is survived by his love, Nichole Sweeting; children and daughter-in-law, Wyatt (Sara) Albritton, Erin Albritton and Brody Ragsdale; his granddaughter, Scarlett Albritton; siblings, Rhonda (Sean) Fillingim, Sandra (Dick) Whiteside, Michael (Laura) Albritton, and Steve (Susan) Albritton; nieces, Destiny and Shawna Fillingim; and in-laws, Charlie and Joyce Sweeting.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory North. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Michael Albritton, Wyatt Albritton, Matt Ramsey, Jason Sims, Brody Ragsdale, and Nolan Lorenzana.
Jason Peter Wallington
July 14, 2025
Jason Peter Wallington, 65 of Atmore, Alabama passed away June 24th, 2025. Jason was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 27th, 1960 to David and Nancy Wallington. In 2020, he married his wife of 5 years, Denise Wallington. Jason was a proud Michigan State Graduate and forever fan of his favorite Spartans. He worked in Sales for Postema Appliance Warehouse in Grandville, Michigan for numerous years. After leaving Postema, he owned the Channel Stop Marina in Coldwater, Michigan until his retirement. Jason had a passion for sports and enjoyed umpiring softball and baseball for many years. Jason’s love of adventure brought immense joy to him that included numerous cruises, beach trips and casino visits with his wife Denise. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his beloved children and grandchildren.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, David Wallington: mother, Nancy Premo Wallington; and beloved uncle, Dr. Daniel Premo.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Wallington; son, Jason (Aryelle) Wallington II; daughter, Marjorie (Tyler) Cole; son, Jonathan (Katarina) Wallington; stepson, Gavin (Kari) Garner; stepdaughter, Rachel (Dustin) Thames; and stepson, Justin Garner; 5 grandchildren, Cameron Cole, Annalyn Wallington, Cora Dunigan, Kayleigh Thames and Philip Thames; sister, Joy (Ken) Markowicz; brother, Jeff (Sally) Wallington; special mother-in-law (Mom), Mollie McLeod; aunt, Rita Premo; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jason also leaves behind his beloved companion dog, Gracie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2025 at the East Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 1005 Giddings Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. A fellowship with family and friends will be held immediately following the service at Schnitz Ada Grill in Ada, Michigan from 2:30-4:30 p.m. An open house reception with family and friends will also be held on August 2nd, 2025 at Jason and Denise’s home, 114 Stokley Court in Atmore, Alabama from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made on his behalf to either the American Heart Association or the Humane Society.
Thousands Attend Saturday Blue Angels Air Show (With Gallery)
July 13, 2025
Tens of thousands of people attended Saturday’s official Pensacola Beach Air Show.
The show featured demonstration aircraft and our very own Blue Angels.
For a photo gallery from Saturday, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click here.
Woman Charged With A Felony After Alleged Altercation With Escambia Deputy In Cantonment
July 13, 2025
A woman was charged with this week with an altercation with an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy in Cantonment.
Savannah Hale, 21, was arrested at her mother’s residence on Winners Circle in Cantonment after the altercation with law enforcement. The incident began when Hale called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report an unrelated matter but escalated into a physical confrontation with a deputy.
She was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer and later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
According to the arrest report, the deputy arrived at the scene and approached Hale, who was sitting in a white Hyundai Elantra. Upon rolling down the window, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol. The report states Hale exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech, unsteady movements, and glossy eyes. Concerned that she might attempt to drive, Deputy Hernandez asked her to step out of the vehicle and called for backup.
While waiting for additional units,Hale reportedly became argumentative and physically confrontational. She scratched the deputy’s left wrist and punctured his right cheek with a ring on her hand, the arrest report states. The deputy restrained Hale by forcing her to the ground, and she was subsequently handcuffed by another responding deputy.
Deputies said the vehicle Hale was in contained several empty alcohol containers, including Beatbox and Four Loko beverages.
Century Council Meeting Rescheduled
July 13, 2025
The next Century Town Council meeting has been delayed by a week.
The meeting was set for this Tuesday, but it will be held on July 22 because Town Clerk Carrie Moore will be at a conference.
The council normally meets twice a month — on the first and third Tuesdays — but the July 1 meeting was canceled with little to no business set for the agenda.
NWE 12U All-Stars Bag Groceries for Regional Tournament Trip
July 13, 2025
The Northwest Escambia 12U All-Star Baseball team bagged groceries at the Davisville Piggly Wiggly for about eight hours Saturday
They worked to raise funds for a trip later this week to the Southwest Cal Ripken Regional Tournament in West Monroe, Louisiana.
The NWE athletes could still use help with travel expenses; donations are also being accepted via Venmo @NWEbaseball.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Wins America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest For The Third Year
July 13, 2025
For the third consecutive year, the Florida Highway Patrol has won the 2025 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) “Best Looking Cruiser” competition.
“This year’s photo captures the beauty of a Miami skyline sunset and showcases the strength of Florida law enforcement through our new Corvette, seized from a convicted drug trafficker as part of a joint FHP-DEA criminal investigation,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner.
The FHP submission this year was taken during an iconic Miami sunset with the Florida Highway Patrol’s very own black and tan Corvette. The Corvette was seized in a joint criminal investigation into a nationwide drug trafficking organization with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is currently being used at various outreach events to help bring attention to various traffic safety campaigns to reduce crashes on Florida’s roadways.
Scattered Afternoon Showers And Storms For The Week
July 13, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 88. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.