Timely Hits Elude Blue Wahoos In 2-1 Opening Night Loss To Biscuits
April 4, 2026
The Blue Wahoos got a balmy night, a filled ballpark and superlative pitching and defense in their 2026 season-opener.
The lacking element, however, was timely hits.
In a game where the Blue Wahoos produced 10 hits, the Montgomery Biscuits took advantage of an eighth-inning opportunity for a 2-1 victory before a crowd of 5,038 Friday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The difference was the Blue Wahoos left a runner on third base in three innings and stranded four others in scoring position.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Karson Milbrandt, the team’s highest-rated prospect at No. 10, displayed the same array of quality pitches he showed in two starts last year in Pensacola. He finished 4.2 innings with six strikeouts, two walks and four hits.
He left trailing 1-0, but the Blue Wahoos tied the score in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Jay Beshears led off with a double and scored on a Brendan Jones single. It was part of a big night for Jones, who had three hits and two stolen bases, showing off the same speed that made him the stolen base leader in the New York Yankees minor league system last year.
Jones and Blue Wahoos centerfielder Dillon Lewis, who had a hit in his Double-A debut, were part of the four players the Miami Marlins gained from the Yankees in an off-season trade for Marlins starter Ryan Weathers.
Catcher Ryan Ignoffo had a one-out triple for the Blue Wahoos in the sixth inning, but was thrown out at the plate on a grounder to second. That play became a defining one.
The Biscuits’ Austin Overn led off the eighth with an infield single, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice and scored on a two-out single.
Montgomery’s bullpen had three relievers combine for four scoreless innings and no walks.
The teams will play the second game of this opening weekend series on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. in the first fireworks night of the season.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Blue Wahoos had a pair of highlight plays in the first two innings that will stand for the season. Shortstop Christian Hernandez made a spectacular throw deep in the hole on a first-inning grounder for an out. In the second inning, right fielder Fenwick Trimble robbed Biscuits third baseman Brayden Taylor of a home run with his leaping catch over the wall.
— The first 1,000 fans through the gates Friday received a Blue Wahoos 2026 magnetic schedule.
— The opening game also brought the first night of fans being able to ride the Blue Wahoos train around the stadium. The train in team colors was acquired in December for the Blue Wahoos’ Christmas lights show and will now be used each home game to provide free rides to ticketed fans.
— The loss dropped the Blue Wahoos to 9-5 all time in openers. It was their fifth straight season-opener at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Blue Wahoos Season-Opening Homestand
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.; Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Slight Chance Of Saturday Showers; Rain Likely For Easter Sunday
April 4, 2026
Cloudy skies and high rain chances highlight the weekend, but a clearer, pleasant week lies ahead for the North Escambia area. Expect showers and storms to move in late Saturday and Sunday, followed by a gradual clearing trend starting Tuesday with highs settling comfortably in the 70s
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Century Partners With Northview Students And Businesses To Install New Bat Houses
April 3, 2026
The Town of Century is installing bat houses throughout the town to provide a safe habitat for local bats, which have been causing issues and risking damage to municipal equipment.
Earlier this year, students in the Northview High School Building Construction Academy constructed 30 bat boxes for the town.
On Thursday, Gibbs Equipment of Cantonment installed donated poles for the bat houses across the town at no cost. One of the bat houses was also installed at the Century Business Center, with the remainder to be placed on poles next week.
The bat houses will not only provide a safe habitat for bats damaging equipment, but the bats will also help keep parks and other public areas free of mosquitos and other pests.
“It’s great to see our community come together on a project like this,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said. “From our students to our partners, this effort shows what we can accomplish when we work together to make Century a better place to live.”
The bat houses will be located at the Century Town Hall, Showalter Park, Nadine McCaw Park, McMurray Park, Century Business Center, and the Century Wastewater Treatment plant.
NorthEscambia.com photos and (first below) photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ascend Park, Disc Golf Will Be Closed Saturday Morning
April 3, 2026
The Ascend Community Park and disc golf course will be closed the morning of Saturday, April 4 for a company event. The park will reopen to the public at noon.
Since it opened in December, more than 500 people have recorded a round at the Ascend disc golf course. With the exception of this Saturday’s event, the disc golf course and park are open to the public from dawn until dusk at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road in Cantonment.
File photos.
Tate Softball’s Strike Out Cancer Game Is Tonight
April 3, 2026
Tate Aggies softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer Game will be this Friday as they raise money for for the fight against cancer.
The Lady Aggies will host the West Florida Jaguars at 5 p.m. for junior varsity with the varsity game beginning about 7 p.m. There are no advance ticket sales; admission is donations only at the gate. There will also be auction items, fish fry, concession, and a cake auction.
All gate fees, concessions and donations will benefit Rally Gulf Coast, the Keeping Abreast Foundation and the Baptist Healthcare Foundation.
Last year’s Strike Out Cancer Game raised $28,989.
The game has now raised over $200,000 for cancer awareness and research in 15 years.
For a photo gallery from 2025, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Pleads Guilty In Federal Murder Case For Killing Reservist Just Behind Nine Mile Kohl’s
April 3, 2026
An Alabama man has been pleaded guilty to federal charges for fatally shooting and running over a woman January 2, 2025, near an apartment complex behind Kohl’s on Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the area of an apartment complex on Baldridge Drive about 8:30 p.m. to find that 30-year-old Starmichael L. Tucker, a U.S. Air Force reservist, had been shot several times. She later died at the hospital.
Charles Jerome Carson-Dowdy, 31, pleaded guilty in federal court for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm
Carson-Dowdy faces up to life imprisonment at his sentencing, which is scheduled for August 25 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
“Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution by my office, this offender will be held accountable for the anguish he has inflicted on the victim’s family through his vicious, deadly, and cowardly violence that stole an innocent life. This case underscores the deadly threats posed by dating and domestic violence, and it is more important than ever to obtain justice for the victims, like Ms. Tucker, to ensure this can never happen again,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
Court documents state that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, and Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellphones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate Tucker. At the end of December 2024, Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had a series of escalating arguments by text message.
On January 1, 2025, as Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy. In response, Carson-Dowdy, who was at his residence in Mobile used his phone to call an Uber and traveled to the Tucker’s residence in Pensacola to confront her. Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.
Carson-Dowdy entered Tucker’s home without her permission, and she returned home to find him in her apartment. At approximately 8 on January 2, 2025, Carson-Dowdy followed Ms. Tucker as she left her apartment and he fired an initial volley of approximately four shots at her using his handgun. The victim was struck from behind by the bullets and collapsed in the apartment parking lot. Carson-Dowdy walked over to Ms. Tucker, who was lying on the ground, and shot her approximately ten more times. Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately ran over Tucker with the car, reversing the vehicle over her body, and then driving forward, running over her again. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.
Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.
The case is being investigated jointly by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the initial investigation.
Easter Egg Hunts, Festivals And Special Services Planned. Here’s A Big List.
April 3, 2026
Here are Easter weekend events scheduled in the North Escambia area:
Palm Sunday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold and outdoor Easter celebration on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday and Sedar Meal and Foot Washing at Gonzalez Methodist Church will be Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Good Friday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a special Good Friday worship service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Good Friday Services
Good Friday services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 3. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Beulah Dash 5K and Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Beulah’s annual Beulah Dash and Family Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 4 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway. click here to register for the 7:30 a.m. 5K Color Run. The egg hunt starts for children fifth grade and below starts at 11 a.m. for walkers through age 4 and special needs; noon for K5 through fifth grade.
Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church – Molino’s annual Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino for walkers through fifth grade, including a special needs hunt.
Egg Drop – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold an Egg Drop on Saturday, April 4 at 3 p.m.
Canoe Church Easter Celebration and Services
Canoe Church will host an egg hunt with games and lunch on Saturday, April 4, at 12 p.m. Easter Sunrise services will be held at 6 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with breakfast to follow. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 171 South Canoe Rd, Atmore.
Cora Baptist Easter Egg-stravaganza — Jay
Cora Baptist Church at 12953 Chumuckla Highway, Jay, will host and Easter Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Food, fun, bounce house, and fellowship for all. The Easter Story will be shared.
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service will be held at the Blue Wahoos Stadium on Sunday, April 5, at 6 a.m. Admission is free.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Easter Services
Easter Sunrise service will be Sunday, April 5, at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 7:45 a.m. A traditional service and cantata will be held at 8:30 a.m. with a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise Service
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise service will be held at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, with a potluck breakfast to follow in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 6730 Highway 4 in Jay.
Easter Service — Bratt
First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold an Easter Worship Service on Sunday morning, April 5 at 10:15 a.m. following Sunday School at 9 a.m.
CrossFaith Church Easter – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold Easter Sunday services, April 5, at 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Highland Baptist Easter – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold an Easter Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. on April 5, following Connect Groups at 9:30 a.m.
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter Service
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter service will be Sunday, April 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The children’s ministry will hold an Easter egg hunt following service. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 181 Neal Road in Cantonment.
Today Is Application Deadline For EREC Student Lineman Camp
April 3, 2026
Friday is the final day to register for the Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman Camp.
The camp is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in the electrical utility industry.
The one day camp provides hands on training and an inside look at the skills required to become a lineman. Participants will rotate through instructional stations covering safety practices, underground and above ground electrical systems, transformers, and power pole climbing, along with demonstrations using bucket trucks. The camp is designed to give students practical experience while introducing them to the responsibilities and opportunities within the electric cooperative industry.
File photos.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Chance Of Rain Saturday Into Sunday
April 3, 2026
Foggy patches will develop late tonight under mostly cloudy skies, leading into a Saturday that features afternoon storm chances. A more significant weather system arrives on Sunday, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms with a high chance of rain. Clouds will linger through Monday as cooler air settles in, though conditions will gradually brighten as we head into the middle of the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Areas of fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 73. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Northview Falls To West Florida; Tate To Gulf Breeze
April 3, 2026
West Florida 7, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs fell to the West Florida Jaguars 7-1 on Thursday night in Bratt.
Harrison Vernier led things on the mound first for West Florida, giving up four hits and one run in seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Jackson Bridges opened for Northview, giving up six hits and six runs (four earned) in four innings, striking out three and walking three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Keelan Boyd and Hayden Huntsinger had two hits each for the Jags, including a home run over the centerfield Wall for Huntsinger. Bryant Mason went 2-3 at bat for the Chiefs with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning.
This wrapped the home season for Northview; the Chiefs will travel to Baker on April 6 and Pensacola Catholic on April 9. West Florida will be at home on April 7 against Washington.
Gulf Breeze 5, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies out-hit the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 8 to 4, but they still fell to the Dolphins 5-3 on Thursday night.
Connor Dethlefs had two hits for the Aggies. Kaden Posta, Evan Taylor, Griffin Cook, Kannon Ham, Cal Foxworth, and Brody White each added one hit.
Lance Brady took the loss on the mound for Tate, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out seven and walking three over three and two-thirds innings.
Next up, Tate will host Robertsdale on Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
