Wahoos Rally Late In Comeback Win Over Chattanooga
May 15, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos rallied for an impressive comeback win over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Thursday night, scoring four times in the eighth inning after letting an early lead slip away.
The Lookouts took a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to an infield single, stolen base, throwing error and wild pitch from Pensacola starting pitcher Orlando Ortiz-Mayr. The Blue Wahoos answered back in the second, capitalizing on a missed catch error from Lookouts left fielder Shane Sasaki to score three runs on a Michael Snyder sacrifice fly, Dylan Jasso RBI double and Brendan Jones sacrifice fly.
Jasso extended the Pensacola lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning with an opposite-field solo homer, his second of the season. The Lookouts tied it up in the bottom of the fifth, as Ortiz-Mayr started the frame by issuing a walk and a pair of singles before Christian MacLeod entered to make his Blue Wahoos debut. A run-scoring balk and Leo Balcazar RBI single followed to bring the score to 4-4.
The Lookouts took a 6-4 lead in the sixth on a Dominic Pitelli two-run homer. After the Blue Wahoos got a run back in the seventh on a Jones RBI single, reliever Luis Moreno (W, 1-2) surrendered a two-run homer to Cade Hunter to stretch the Chattanooga lead to 8-5.
Down to their final six outs, the Blue Wahoos mounted a rally in the eighth by drawing three walks against reliever Irvin Machuca. Snyder laced a two-run double into the left field corner against Thomas Farr (L, 1-2), Jasso tied the game with a sacrifice fly, and Gage Miller capped the comeback with a go-ahead RBI single for a 9-8 lead.
Colby Martin (S, 1) earned his first Double-A save, getting the final six outs while allowing only a walk and a single.
The Blue Wahoos went 6-for-9 with men in scoring position, and tied a franchise record last set in 2017 with three sacrifice flies in the same game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Friday
written by Erik Bremer
Century Plays It Safe With $1.2 Million Housing Grant Application For Seven Homes
May 14, 2026
Facing a deadline next week, the Century Town Council reached a consensus Tuesday evening to prioritize financial safety over competitive points in an application for a $1.2 million state housing grant.
During a workshop follow-up to last week’s regular meeting, council members weighed two distinct paths for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program: promise more homes to increase their chances of winning or promise fewer homes to ensure the town can actually afford the work.
Ultimately, the council directed grant consultant Robin Phillips to submit an application requesting $1.2 million to rehabilitate or replace seven homes.
The decision comes after the council punted the issue on May 5, citing concerns over the town’s potential liability. Under CDBG rules, if a municipality fails to complete the exact number of homes promised in its application, it may be forced to pay back the entire grant—money local officials say the town does not have.
“What I don’t want to see is us having to give money back and pay money out that we don’t have,”council member Henry Cunningham said. “If we shoot lower, then we may not have to pay back money and still have the opportunity to rehab some more houses.”
To maximize competitive scoring, the town originally considered a plan to rehabilitate 16 or 17 homes at a cost of roughly $62,000 each. However, council members argued that $62,000 is no longer a realistic figure for a “total rehab” in 2026 because every house rehabilitated much meet all aspects of code. A roofing rehabilitation, for instance, might require a complete electrical upgrade under CDBG guidelines.
Current estimates for a full demolition and reconstruction are closer to $140,000 to $150,000 per unit. Additionally, the grant must cover significant “soft costs,” including $180,000 for administrative and inspection fees and roughly $30,000 for temporary relocation of residents during construction.
By committing to only seven homes, the council effectively accepted a 100-point scoring penalty in the state’s competitive ranking. However, the strategy provides a much higher per-unit budget. This ensures that even if all seven selected properties require full replacement, the town will have sufficient funds to meet its contractual obligations.
The council noted that if the grant is awarded and construction costs for the first seven homes come in under budget, the town can always “pull” additional applicants from their waiting list to help more families.
The formal application is due to the state next week. It will be several weeks, or even months, before the town knows if it has been awarded the grant.
In 2018, the town received a similar $700,000 CDBG grant for up to 10 families. That followed $1.3 million tornado recover housing grants in 2016.
File photo.
Near Perfect Spring Weather, Sunny And Dry
May 14, 2026
North Escambia residents can look forward to a stretch of picture-perfect spring weather as a dry high-pressure system dominates the region. Expect clear, sunny days with afternoon highs climbing steadily from the upper 70s on Thursday to the mid-80s by the start of next week. Nighttime conditions will remain comfortable and clear, though a gradual increase in moisture will lead to more cloud cover by Sunday night. The first real chance of rain doesn’t enter the picture until mid-week, with a few scattered showers possible by next Wednesday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Final Four Bound: Northview Lady Chiefs Seek Financial Support For State Trip
May 14, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs are asking for financial assistance to make the trip to the Rural Division Final Four next week.
The team will travel to Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood (Orlando metro) for the state semifinals on May 19 with the state championship to follow on May 20. The team must fund transportation, lodging, and food.
Donations can be made on Venmo or by check made payable to Northview Diamond Club at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Fleeing Deputies On Motorcycle, Possessing Drugs In Dollar Bill
May 14, 2026
A Molino man was arrested recenthly after allegedly fleeing law enforcement on his motorcycle at a high rate of speed and discarding narcotics while attempting to hide in a constructio
Spencer Ray Stokes, 34, was charged with fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with lights and sirens active and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, both felonies.
According to an arrest report, a deputy was patrolling the area of East Nine Mile Road when he observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed. When the deputy attempted to catch up, the rider—later identified as Stokes—performed a U-turn and eventually sped through a red light at the intersection of Guidy Lane.
The deputy briefly lost sight of the motorcycle after it made evasive maneuvers through several intersections, leading the officer to deactivate emergency lights and sirens for safety, the report states. While continuing to search the area, the deputy discovered the unoccupied motorcycle parked behind a house under construction near Cain Avenue.
Stokes was located by responding units as he walked away from the scene. He reportedly admitted to parking the bike and walking behind the under-construction houses.
A K-9 unit searched the path Stokes had taken and alerted to several discarded items, including the motorcycle’s keys and a $1 bill. Inside the folded bill, deputies found two green pills identified as oxycodone.
Stokes was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle Bands Present Joint Spring Concert
May 14, 2026
The Northview High School and Ernest Ward Middle School bands held their joint Spring Concert this week at Northview.
The Ernest Ward Advanced Band performed American Spirit March and Chorale and Mystic Chant.
Northview Jazz Ensemble performances included American Patrol and My Funny Valentine. The Northview Concert Band performed selections including Golden and Rising From The Earth.
The bands are all under the direction of Garsche Roble.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
30,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Saturday
May 14, 2026
State Representative Michelle Salzman, in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast and a dedicated coalition of community organizations, will host a large-scale food distribution event this Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until supplies are exhausted, this event will provide approximately 30,000 pounds of food—including fresh produce—to families across our community. To ensure a smooth process, vehicles are permitted to begin lining up as early as 6:00 a.m. Distribution is available to the first 300 families.
Residents are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as demand is expected to be high and supplies are limited.
Each participating household will receive a box of fresh food, providing vital support to individuals and families navigating food insecurity within Escambia County.
“This event reflects the power of partnerships and our shared commitment to serving the community,” said Salzman. “We are proud to come together to ensure families have access to essential resources.”
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church is located at 6205 North W Street in Pensacola.
Lewis Homers Twice, But Bullpen Falters In Road Loss To Lookouts
May 14, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hit three homers and held a comfortable lead through the middle innings, but the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied late for an 8-7 victory on Wednesday afternoon.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carlos Jorge lifted a go-ahead, three-run homer to complete a six-run comeback for the Lookouts and even up the series at one game apiece.
Fenwick Trimble and Dillon Lewis hit back-to-back homers right away in the first inning to put Pensacola ahead 3-0. It marked the first back-to-back homers for the Blue Wahoos since their last trip to Chattanooga in June of 2025.
Leo Balcazar got two runs back for the Lookouts with a two-run homer in the third inning against Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams, but Cristian Hernández stretched the Pensacola lead back to 5-2 in the top of the fourth by hitting an RBI double and scoring on a Dylan Jasso sacrifice fly.
Lewis tacked on two more runs with a homer in the fifth, marking his second homer of the afternoon and team-leading eighth of the season.
Williams allowed two runs in the sixth, but Jack Sellinger prevented further trouble to preserve a 7-4 lead until the bottom of the eighth. The Blue Wahoos, who made five outs on the basepaths throughout the game, were unable to capitalize on threats against Chattanooga reliever Taylor Floyd (W, 1-0) in both the seventh and eighth innings, and paid the price when Jorge hit his three-run homer against Nigel Belgrave (L, 1-3) to give the Lookouts their first lead of the afternoon.
Hunter Parks (S, 3) narrowly avoided blowing a save of his own in the top of the ninth as Brendan Jones lifted a deep drive just foul down the right field line, but converted a 1-2-3 frame to lock down the save and a comeback win for the Lookouts.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 14, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
Federal Jury Convicts Escambia County Felon on Firearms and Ammunition Charges
May 14, 2026
An Escambia County felon has been convicted on federal firearm charges.
James Michael Olshefskie, 55, was found guilty by a federal jury in Pensacola following a two-day trial for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of two unregistered firearm silencers.
On September 11, 2025, United States Probation Officers visited Olshefskie at his Escambia County residence as part of his federal post-conviction supervision. He was on federal supervised release for a 2024 federal felony conviction, and as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During their visit, probation officers found ammunition and unregistered firearm silencers in his bedroom.
Olshefskie faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 25, 2026.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).