After Record Rain Delay, Matheus Lifts Wahoos To Late-Night Win
June 21, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons waited nearly four hours to play their Saturday game at Blue Wahoos Stadium, getting started past ten o’clock and dueling for seven innings in a 4-0 Blue Wahoos win to keep Pensacola’s first half playoff hopes alive.
Prior to this week, the longest rain delay in Blue Wahoos Stadium history had been 2 hours and 55 minutes. A seventh-inning rain delay on Thursday night lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, sending the game to a 1 a.m. curfew and a shortened eight-inning game. Saturday’s pregame delay lasted even longer, pushing back a scheduled start time of 6:05 to 10:04, by far the latest first pitch in the stadium’s history as well as the longest weather delay.
Despite the unprecedented wait, hundreds of fans from what was initially a sellout crowd stuck around. Fireworks, intended to be shot off postgame, lit up the tarp-covered field around 8:30. Because the game had playoff implications, with the Biloxi Shuckers poised to clinch a first half South Division title upon a Blue Wahoos loss, the umpire crew went to unprecedented lengths to get the game in.
Luis Palacios made the start for the Blue Wahoos in his first appearance since being named Southern League Pitcher of the Week on Monday. The lefty endured shaky command, allowing only one hit but walking four batters over 3.1 innings. Kade Bragg (W, 4-2) inherited a pair of runners in the top of the fourth, coaxing a lineout from Colby Shelton and striking out Jeral Perez to escape the jam.
Barons starter Dylan Cumming (L, 1-5) was perfect through three innings, but the Blue Wahoos built a rally in the fourth. Cam Cannarella dropped down a bunt single, Aiva Arquette reached on a fielding error that could have been a double play grounder, and Juan Matheus launched a three-run homer to right field to put Pensacola ahead 3-0.
Bragg walked the bases loaded in the fifth, but struck out three Birmingham batters to keep the lead intact. Cannarella added insurance with a solo homer, his first at Double-A, in the sixth inning. Colby Martin (S, 3) earned a four-out save to finish off a combined three-hit shutout.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos’ first half playoff hopes remain alive. On Sunday, they would need the Biloxi Shuckers to play – no sure thing, given that they have only been able to play two of their scheduled games this week at Keesler Federal Park due to heavy rain and unplayable field conditions – and lose twice to the Columbus Clingstones. The Shuckers and Clingstones will complete a suspended seven-inning game from Friday, tied 1-1 in the third inning, and play another seven-inning contest. The Blue Wahoos would also need to win their series finale against the Barons.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series, and the first half schedule against the Barons, on Sunday afternoon.
written by Erik Bremer
Located: Silver Alert Issued For Pace Man That May Have Been Traveling West
June 20, 2026
UPDATED: This missing man has been located and is safe.
A Florida Silver Alert has been issued for an 87-year-old man last seen in Pace.
Terence Wiley was last seen on Saturday in the 5000 block of Dove Drive in Pace. He was wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans, and black and red tennis shoes. He may also be wearing a black dive watch.
Wiley is 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighs 192 pounds, with gray hair and hazel eyes. He has a Wile E. Coyote tattoo on his right outer bicep and a “Sharon” tattoo on his right knee.
Investigators believe he may have been westbound through Escambia County on his way toward the Alabama/Mississippi line in a 2011 white Ford F-150 with Florida tag LA251E. The vehicle had a handicap placard hanging from the rearview mirror and a crack on the right taillight.
Anyone who sees him is asked to call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (850) 983-1190 or 911.
Atmore Man Arrested For Downtown Pensacola Battery
June 20, 2026
An Atmore, man was arrested recently for a physical altercation in downtown Pensacola last month.
Jovon Brown, 19, was booked into the Escambia County Jail charge of battery.
The arrest stems from a May 29, 2026, incident on South Jefferson Street. According to Pensacola Police Department reports, passengers in a vehicle began yelling comments at two individuals walking in the area. The verbal exchange escalated when occupants exited the vehicle and physically assaulted a victim, striking her multiple times in the face and body.
Investigators utilized surveillance footage and witness statements to identify Brown as one of the individuals who exited the vehicle and engaged in the physical confrontation, according to the report.
Brown was released from jail on a $2,500 bond.
Heavy Rain Washed Away Portion Of Road In McDavid
June 20, 2026
Heavy rain over the past few days washed away a portion of a dirt road near McDavid.
A small portion of Railroad Street collapsed just south of Main Street, and a resident was forced to navigate part of the washed-out road on foot. To make matters worse, a small tree came down across the road.
Railroad Street is a seldom-traveled road between Main Street in McDavid and Mystic Springs Road. There is just one residence on Railroad Street.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
More Weekend Rain Before Early Week Sunshine
June 20, 2026
A soggy weekend is in store as heavy showers and thunderstorms dominate both Saturday and Sunday, though a brief window of mostly sunny skies and hot temperatures near 92°F will offer some relief early next week before storm chances ramp right back up by Wednesday afternoon.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Flood Warnings Continued For Escambia And Perdido Rivers
June 20, 2026
Flood warnings continue for the Escambia and Perdido rivers in North Escambia.
Escambia River at Century
The flood warning continues for the Escambia River until further notice
At 8 p.m. Friday, the Escambia River at Century was at 17.7 feet. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 22.7 feet on Sunday morning.
At 23.3 feet, there is widespread flooding of pasture and farm land. Water begins to reach Mystic Springs Road, Worley Road, Bamer Holley Lane, and River Bend Road. About five houses become isolated in McDavid and Molino. Public boat ramps at Mystic Springs and Fairground Road are submerged.
Perdido River at Barrineau Park
A flood warning is in effect for the Perdido River until Monday afternoon. At 8 p.m. Friday, the Perdido River at Barrineau Park stage was 14.4 feet. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 15.1 feet
early Sunday morning. It will then fall below flood stage late Monday morning.
At 14.0 feet, water begins to flood the bridge roadway and Florida side of bridge. The Barrineau Park Road (Highway 196) bridge is closed on the Florida side at South Highway 99 and closed on the Alabama side at Highway 112.
Pictured: The Escambia River at the Highway 4 bridge near Century Saturday evening. Photo by Skyler Mitchell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Create A Free Card For Dad Today At The Century Library
June 20, 2026
Children and families looking to create a special handmade gift for Father’s Day can do so today the library.
The Century Library will host a “Make a Father’s Day Card” event on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The craft event will run all day during regular library hours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
All necessary card-making supplies will be provided free of charge by the library. No prior registration is required to participate.
The Century Library is located at 7991 N Century Boulevard.
Escambia Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge
June 20, 2026
An Escambia County felon has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm offense.
Michael Stephen Johnson, 59, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at a residence on July 16, 2025. Deputies detained Johnson and transported him to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview.
During the interview, Johnson admitted to possessing a firearm, which he described as a .22-caliber assault rifle, and stated that he purchased the firearm from the victim within the past few months for approximately $150.
Investigators obtained a residential search warrant for the residence and found a black Mossberg Intl Model 702 Plinkster, semi-automatic .22 LR caliber rifle with a magazine inside one of the bedrooms. At the time of the arrest, Johnson was a convicted felon and could not legally possess a firearm based upon his multiple prior convictions for aggravated assault and bank robbery.
Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Blue Wahoos Bounce Back, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With 9-2 Win
June 20, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Birmingham Barons by a final score of 9-2 on Friday night behind a mixture of pitching prowess and offensive firepower.
After a loss followed the longest weather delay in stadium history a night prior, the Blue Wahoos (34-33) evened the series at 2-2 against the Barons (26-41) with the victory tonight as the pennant race for the South Division of the Southern League continues. With two games remaining in the first half, the Blue Wahoos’ elimination number is two as they battle against the first-place Biloxi Shuckers. Any combination of two Shuckers wins or two Pensacola losses would hand the first half title to Biloxi.
Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (W, 1-2) put on a show from the mound to earn his first win of the year. He struck out a season-high eight batters while allowing just four hits and a pair of free bases, keeping the Barons off the board through 5.2 innings of work.
Birmingham’s Connor McCullough (L, 0-4) suffered his fourth loss, relenting the game-winning run in the second inning and a total of four earned runs to Pensacola through five innings pitched.
Pensacola plated their nine runs on 14 hits and drew three walks. Five different Blue Wahoos registered multiple hits, led by Cristian Hernández’s 3-for-4 night that saw him both drive in and plate two runs.
Other notable performances included Brendan Jones, Connor Caskenette and Ryan Ignoffo, who recorded two hits each. Cam Cannarella posted a 2-for-4 night, leading the team with three RBI. The combined pitching staff of Ortiz-Mayr, Jack Sellinger and Livan Reinoso struck out 11 Birmingham bats.
After returning from injury just this week, Jones has found his groove: in his first at bat, he’d blast a triple to the warning track in right-center field in the bottom of the second. A subsequent Ignoffo single through the left side would bring him home to give the Blue Wahoos the immediate edge.
Jones’ triple puts him at six on the season, tying Chattanooga’s Shane Sasaki for the Southern League lead. He also tied his own career high for triples in a single season at the Double-A level, doing so a year ago with the Somerset Patriots (AA – New York Yankees).
It would be Jones to score again in the fourth inning, as Hernandez ripped a double down the left field line to score him from third. Two more came across after a line drive from Payton Green avoided the diving glove of Samuel Zavala in center, extending the Pensacola lead to 4-0.
Cannarella kept up his recent consistency at the plate, knocking in another pair of runs in the sixth with a ground ball up the middle that scored Hernandez and Green. Cannarella extended his hitting streak to five games, also having reached base in each of the last six.
The Pensacola bats stayed hot going into the seventh. A string of three hits saw a double from Jones followed by singles from Ignoffo and Hernandez, with Hernandez’s third hit of the night scoring Jones to pad the lead at 7-0.
The Barons answered back with one in the top of the eighth, scoring after Aiva Arquette pulled off a diving play at shortstop for a force out at second base.
Not to be deterred, the Blue Wahoos kept their foot on the gas and responded with two more in the bottom of the frame, spraying contact to all fields. Cannarella fired a single into left to score Caskenette from second base, while Dillon Lewis punched a single into right to score the latter.
Though a home run was relented in the top of the ninth, Pensacola shut down any inkling of momentum from the Barons to secure the 9-2 victory.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Saturday night.
written by Maddy Branning
Lori Kay Mosley
June 20, 2026
Lori Kay Mosley, 64, of Pensacola, FL passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning June 14, 2026. She is at peace, reunited in paradise with her parents and best friend Beth.
She was born May 11, 1962, in Nashville, TN to most Loving parents, Randall and Joyce Johnson. The family moved to Pensacola in 1963.
Lori worked at Emergency Medical Services as an administrative assistant for 30 years, then moved to the County Road Department for an additional 5 years before retiring.
After retirement Lori enjoyed dog/house sitting for several close friends. She was also an avid reader spending countless hours immersed in her romance books. But the thing that brought her the most joy and happiness was “My Boy” her nephew Owen Henderson, known by him as “LaLa,” and the time they spent together! She was also pretty fond of her brother-in-law “Normie” her part-time handyman and master fish fryer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Joyce Johnson, and her beloved pets Marshmellow and Ciara Marie.
Lori is survived by her sister, Julie (Norman) Cotten; Nephew Owen (Naeomi) Henderson; aunts, an uncle and cousins. Having a very special bond with her “favorite cousin” Amanda Johnson Young.
While Lori had many friends, she had a special friendship with Robin Wilkes for over 45 years, who was just like a sister to her. She also had two amazing neighbors, Melody and Lisa, that were a big comfort to her over these last few years.
Lori was a bright light until the hard knocks of her life got the best of her, and it became just too hard for her body to go on. But the light that was Lori Kay, only seen by those closest to her, could not go out and not be acknowledged.
So, we will have a remembrance get together, Saturday, June 27th, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 5031 Regalo Drive to share memories and laughter. I loved my only sister with all my heart and wished every day I could heal her pain.
I miss her so!