Homer Happy Wahoos Trounce Shuckers In 12-4 Victory
April 30, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos broke things open early and never looked back, building a commanding lead through seven innings leading to a 12-4 win against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday night.
The Shuckers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a 2-RBI single from Damon Ketih in the top of the first. But Brendan Jones got the offense going in the bottom of the first, ripping a lead-off ground-rule double to dead center field. After Fenwick Trimble reached first on a fielding error by Biloxi shortstop Jesús Made, Ryan Ignoffo followed with a base hit to right-center, bringing Trimble home and giving the Blue Wahoos an early advantage. One balk from Biloxi starter Tyson Hardin (L, 0-2) later, and Pensacola had tied the game at 2-2.
Emaarion Boyd kept the runs coming in the bottom of the second with his first home run of the season to left field, putting Pensacola up 3-2. The Wahoos continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning when Ian Lewis Jr. swiped second base and later came around to score on an RBI single from Gage Miller, extending the lead to 4-2.
Pensacola blew the game open in the fifth when Trimble delivered the biggest swing of the night, launching his first dinger of the year, a towering three-run home run over the wall in left field to stretch the lead to 7-3.
On a rainy night, Pensacola poured it on, adding another four runs in the seventh inning on an Ignoffo RBI double and a Gage Miller three-run home run to left field, giving him a 4-RBI night and pushing the Blue Wahoos’ lead to 12-3.
With the game firmly out of reach, relievers Stephen Jones (W, 2-1), Luis Moreno, Livan Reinoso, and Nigel Belgrave pitched the final five innings, only giving up two runs and cementing a final score of 12-4.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday.
Huston Anthony ‘Tony’ Cozart
April 30, 2026
Huston Anthony “Tony” Cozart was born in Century, Florida, on February 26, 1952, to Huston and Lillian Cozart. Tony traveled to heaven on April 28, 2026.
Tony lived much of his life in Jay, Florida, growing up the oldest to 3 brothers Joe, John and Stephen (Amy) Cozart, and 2 sisters Linda (Terry) Peterson and Nora Walker.
Tony was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and Paw Paw. He was always there to help his beloved family, special friends, dear nieces and nephews, close neighbors or a stranger with anything he could help them with.
Tony graduated from Jay High School and was employed by Santa Rosa County for many years. He was a member of Pine Level Baptist Church. Tony was a volunteer fireman for many years with Station 27 in Jay, Florida.
He loved hunting, fishing, listening to music, restoring classic cars, and riding his golf cart with his granddaughter and dog.
He is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Nelda Acree Cozart; and was blessed with 2 sons, Anthony Dewayne Cozart and Adam Joseph Cozart; one granddaughter, Kylie Cozart; and 2 great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Services will be held at Pine Level Baptist Church Saturday May 2, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. with Reverend Chad Diamond officiating.
Pearl Juanita Polk
April 30, 2026
Pearl Juanita Polk, age 82, was born on September 28, 1943, to her parents, Hillary and Genevieve Moore, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 28, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Roy Polk; her siblings, WC Moore, Edgar Moore, John Moore, and Nancy Davidson; her children, Dewayne Polk and Renee Dortch; and her grandchildren, Jeremy Lollie and Buddy Polk.
Pearl is survived by her children, Danny Polk (Julie), Lisa Carnley (Kevin), and Donnie Polk (Debbie). She was a proud grandmother to Brian Smith (Karen), Shannon Poole (Nick), Darren Polk (Isabella), Brianna Lollie, Justin Lollie (Meagan), Savannah Lollie, Jeremy Carnley, Shelby Miller (Robert), Donnie Lee Polk, and Latisha Kite, as well as Carla Dortch and her nineteen great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.
Her loving spirit lives on through her siblings, Ann Cole, Richard Moore (Sandy), Mark Moore (Pally), and Bobo Moore (Roxanne).
Pearl, who was born in Pensacola, Florida, dedicated her life to her beloved family. As a warm-hearted wife, nurturing mother, and adoring grandmother, she had a unique gift for making everyone feel part of her family. With open arms and a loving spirit, she embraced all who crossed her path, offering her unwavering care and support. Pearl’s nurturing heart and boundless compassion will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral will be held at Faith Chapel North on Monday, May 4. Family visitation is scheduled for 9:30 AM, followed by open visitation at 10 AM. The service will begin at 11 AM and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Johnson, with burial to follow at Jordan Cemetery.
Patricia Ann Leblanc
April 30, 2026
Patricia Ann Leblanc 81, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of April 26, 2026. She dedicated her life to caring for others as an oncology and hospice nurse. Nursing was not her profession; it was her calling. She touched countless lives while she dedicated decades to healing others. She was also a devoted wife, a nurturing mother and a doting Nana. She lived to care for those she loved.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bob; her children and their spouses, Melanie Morgan (Brent), Michelle Flaherty and Tharon Leblanc; her sisters Maureen Chapman (David) and Mary Ann Hankin; her grandchildren Samantha Flaherty, Katelyn Tyler (Johnny), and Taylor Swafford (Gage). She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Joan Ballard and grandson Ryan Flaherty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida with Reverend Father George Thekku officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM preceding the funeral Mass. A reception in the parish hall will be held following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Saint Jude Ladies Society, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Mary Joan Linam
April 30, 2026
Mary Joan Linam, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born in Salina, Kansas, on August 25, 1939, where her loving grandmother, Mary
Crouthers, raised her.
“Joanie” met the love of her life, Ray, in Salina, KS, while he was serving in the United States Air Force. She traveled with him, working in the commissary and raising 3 growing boys. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.
She is preceded in death by her Grandmother and her sister, Jeanie Sawyer.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Joseph Ray Linam; her sons, Kevin Linam, Todd and Rhonda Linam, Joel and Lana Linam; her sister, Janet Moore; nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held to celebrate Joan’s life at Lottie Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
No Tag Light Leads To State Prison On Drug Charge For Molino Man
April 29, 2026
A Molino man has been sentenced to 20 months in state prison after a traffic stop escalated into a drug trafficking charge.
Jeffery Gene Brown, 44, was initially charged with first-degree felony trafficking in methamphetamine, and later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 months in state prison, and his driver’s license will be revoked for six months after his release.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Brown’s vehicle was observed traveling northbound on Pensacola Boulevard with inoperable tag lights on May 27, 2025. A traffic stop was initiated in the parking lot of a Circle K at the corner of Pensacola Boulevard and Broad Street.
During the stop, a clear plastic baggie, consistent with narcotics transportation, was observed protruding from underneath the armrest, according to an arrest report. Brown was asked to exit the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted.
Deputies said the baggie was found to contain a white crystalline substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Behind the driver’s seat where Brown had been sitting, deputies reported finding a black bag containing a large quantity of methamphetamine, a plastic bag containing large “shards” of meth and a large digital scale. They also located a “multicolored smoking device,” a box of clear sandwich bags and a pair of brass knuckles, the arrest report states.
Local Schools Say ‘Thanks’ On National Bus Driver Day
April 29, 2026
Tuesday was National Bus Driver Appreciation Day, with local schools taking the time to thank those who safely transport students to and from school each day.
At Ransom Middle School, the PTSA honored school bus drivers with breakfast from Wawa, and Lipscomb Elementary School welcomed bus drivers to school with a large banner.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Midweek Scattered Showers Give Way to Heavier Rain Friday Night
April 29, 2026
Wednesday will see a mix of sun and clouds before potential storms move in later today. An active weather pattern settles in for the second half of the week, bringing high rain chances and cooler temperatures through Saturday. Expect a significant clearing trend by Sunday, leading into a bright and warming start to the workweek.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7am and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then showers likely between 1pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Escambia River Dropping Closer To Historic Low
April 29, 2026
Rivers in the North Escambia area are dropping closer to historic lows as the area is currently in an extreme drought.
At Century, the Escambia River was at 2.69 feet and falling at 11 p.m. Tuesday; the all-time record low level was 1.30 feet in 1954. The Perdido River at Barrineau Park was at 1.34 feet Tuesday night. Low water records for the Perdido River are not available.
During a 50-to-100-year drought in July 2011, the Escambia and Perdido rivers were at 2.90 and 1.30 feet, respectively.
Rain chances into the weekend, especially upstream in Southern Alabama, may bring the river levels up.
Pictured: The Escambia River at Century on Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Prison Inmate Convicted Of Writing Letter Threatening Pensacola Federal Judge
April 29, 2026
Christopher Summers, 58-year-old Florida Department of Corrections inmate, has been convicted of mailing threatening communications to a federal judge in Pensacola.
Court documents and evidence presented at trial revealed that in October 2024, Summers sent a handwritten letter addressed to a Federal District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the Federal Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. In the letter, Summers wrote in part:
“I am writing this letter to you in hopes that you will know what it feels like to be helpless when you know for fact that you’re going to either be beaten so badly you’ll never function like a normal person again, or be killed. I’m very driven to have you killed, even if I’ve got to do it myself when I get out and back to Pensacola. I thought I’d have to wait until I got out, but now that I’ve thought about it I realize that I can have it done now. As soon as I leave this prison and get back to my perminet [sic] camp I’ll get on one of the many cell-phones there and green light a hit on you … Hell if I have to I’d shoot your head off as you pull in to that gate at the Court house, I can do it from that park next door. I don’t care if I get more time or even killed. As long as I get you first. So how dose [sic] it feel to know who is going to be responsible [sic] for your life, yet not be able to stop it or do anything about it?”
“When threatening statements exceed the legal bounds of constitutional Free Speech, my office will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute those criminal threats to ensure they do not have the opportunity to ripen into acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. “Criminal threats directed at public officials are becoming alarmingly more common, and this must stop now. We have zero-tolerance for such criminality in the Northern District of Florida and will seek maximum punishments to keep our public officials safe”
At trial, counsel for Summers claimed that Summers wrote the letter as part of his mental health therapy, and that Summers never intended to mail the letter. However, the Government’s case revealed that mental health therapy did not include threatening letters; that the prison takes steps to ensure that inmates do not inadvertently send letters to the courts; and that Summers told another inmate his desire to have the Judge killed. The jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict.
Summers faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, in Pensacola.
Click images to enlarge.