Rocket City Rain Dampens Wahoos’ Bats In 4-1 Loss
July 4, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third game in a row on Friday night, enduring a long pregame rain delay before falling 4-1 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
The contest began at 8:01 after a 1-hour, 26-minute rain delay, and Rocket City immediately jumped ahead against Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 2-3) in the first inning. Nick Rodriguez singled, Raudi Rodriguez doubled, and Tucker Flint brought them both home with a two-run single. The Trash Pandas added two more in the third inning with a Flint RBI double and a Caleb Bartolero RBI triple for a 4-0 lead.
The Blue Wahoos couldn’t solve reigning Southern League Pitcher of the Week Nate Snead (W, 2-3), who worked 6.0 innings of three-hit ball. The only Pensacola run came on a solo homer from Connor Caskenette in the top of the fifth inning.
Ortiz-Mayr picked up the taxed Pensacola bullpen by completing 6.0 innings, and Luis Palacios contributed 2.0 scoreless innings of relief, but the Blue Wahoos bats couldn’t get anything going against the Rocket City relievers. Luke Murphy (S, 15) finished off a 4-1 final with a flawless ninth, earning his league-leading 15th save.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Saturday night.
Written by Erik Bremer
Fireworks, Food, and Fun During Americas 250 Celebration Friday Evening In Century
July 3, 2026
An America 250/Independence Day fireworks show will be held Friday in Century, following a late afternoon and evening of food and events, including a flyover.
The event, a joint celebration presented by the towns of Century and Flomaton, will be held at Anthony Pleasant Park and the adjacent Showalter Park. There will be food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks after dark.
The Commemorative Air Force will perform a vintage aircraft flyover at 5 p.m. with a Soviet-built Yak, a Beechcraft T-34, and possibly other aircraft.
The flyover and fireworks show will be visible from either Anthony Pleasant Park (enter off East Highway 4) or Showalter Park (enter off East Heacker Road). There is a small footbridge between the two parks.
Vendors and others scheduled to participate include:
Here is the list of vendors formatted for your newspaper story:
- 3D Eats (Food truck/Food Vendor) — “Awesome food”
- Bizzy B’s BBQ (Food truck/Food Vendor) — BBQ
- Blessed Berry Bowls (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Açaí bowls, smoothies, fresh fruit, and Dubai chocolate covered strawberries
- Fat Mommas Car Freshies (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Car freshies
- Heavenly Woven (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Jelly roll rugs and handmade items
- Jesse James’s Natural Products (Retail/Merchandise Vendor) — Organic, natural vitamins, skincare, and nutrition products
- Kiser Kreations (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Custom tumblers, clocks, wind spinners, and home accessories
- Knife Warrs (Retail/Merchandise Vendor) — Knives and swords of all kinds
- Kona Ice Pensacola North (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Shaved ice with flavors and toppings
- Lazy Dragon Studios (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Hand painted and hand sewn decorations, pottery, and jewelry
- Monster Cone Pensacola (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Soft-serve ice cream, shakes, floats, and snacks
- Nightshade Cauldron Goods & More (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Laser engraved wood plaques, 3D printed items, and leather goods
- Nouveau Catering LLC, Cafe Naughty&Nice (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Food truck and catering services
- Old 31 Designs (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — On-site pressed graphic t-shirts, tumblers, and custom mugs
- Paper Cuts & Stitches (Artisan/Craft Vendor) — Handmade notepads, stickers, faith-based journals, and tote bags
- Pucker Up Lemonade (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Lemonade and Dirty Alanis drinks
- Rolling Embers Brick Oven Pizza (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Brick oven pizza, meatball subs, and salads
- Smokin Tacos LLC (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Smoked shredded meat tacos, nachos, and quesadillas
- Southern Grace Bakery LLC (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Cupcakes, mini pound cakes, and small desserts
- Swamp Nuts N Thangs, LLC (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Boiled peanuts
- The Nerd Nook (Retail/Merchandise Vendor) — Pop culture plushies, squishies, pins, and fidget toys
- Troop 31G (Nonprofit/Community Organization) — Local youth community organization
- VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center (Nonprofit/Community Organization) — Support hub for veterans transitioning out of the military
- Xtreme Lemonades and Dirty Sodas (Food truck/Food Vendor) — Custom lemonades, dirty sodas, and specialty popcorn
NorthEscambia.com fireworks photo, click to enlarge.
Man Killed In Tractor Accident Near Century
July 3, 2026
A man was killed near Century midday on Thursday when he was crushed by a tractor, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The accident occurred at about noon at a residence on Bass Road, just off Highway 4A. Deputies said the man was near the tractor when it moved for an unknown reason and he was crushed. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Further details, including the man’s name, have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
2-Year-Old Airlifted In Critical Condition After Being Rescued From Apparent Septic Tank
July 3, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 2-year-old child was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition Thursday afternoon after being rescued from an apparent septic tank off East 10 Mile Road.
According to ECSO Sgt. Melony Peterson, the child had been reported missing to the ECSO shortly before being discovered. Deputies described the location as a septic tank, though officials noted it was not immediately clear if it was a traditional septic tank or another type of drainage structure, or how the child fell inside. ECSO investigators were still working Thursday afternoon to determine exactly what happened at the trailer park on Motley Court.
The toddler was flown to an area hospital aftering being rescued. An update on the child’s condition was not immediately available.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Heatwave Holds Strong for Independence Day Weekend, Rain Chance Rises On Sunday
July 3, 2026
Heat indices continue to be in the 100 to 107 range for the area into the weekend. Rain chances increase over the holiday weekend, especially for Sunday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Independence Day: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Local Fourth Of July Government Holiday Closures, Openings
July 3, 2026
Here are area planned closures (and openings) for area government offices and services for the Fourth of July holiday:
Escambia County
In observance of the 4th of July, the following Escambia County offices will be closed Friday, July 3:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)
- Escambia County Area Transit Administration
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Escambia County Waste Services Administration
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Tax Collector
All Escambia County offices will reopen with regular hours Monday, July 6 unless otherwise noted below:
Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare 4th of July Schedule:
- The Department of Animal Welfare and Animal Shelter will be open Friday, July 3 with regular hours.
- The Department of Animal Welfare and Animal Shelter will be closed Saturday, July 4. The shelter will reopen Sunday, July 5 with regular hours.
Perdido Landfill 4th of July Schedule:
- The Perdido Landfill will be open Friday, July 3 with regular hours.
- The landfill will be closed Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. The landfill will reopen Monday, July 6 with regular hours.
- The transfer station will be open Friday, July 3 with regular hours.
- The transfer station will be closed Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. The transfer station will reopen with regular hours Monday, July 6.
West Florida Public Libraries 4th of July Schedule:
- All WFPL locations will be closed on July 3 and 4. All libraries will reopen Monday, July 6 with regular hours.
ECAT 4th of July Schedule:
- Friday, July 3:
- ECAT Administrative Offices will be closed.
- ECAT Customer Service will be open.
- ECAT will run regular bus, UWF trolley, and FlexTransit service. All FlexTransit reservations for Monday, July 6 must be scheduled by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 3.
- Pensacola Beach Island Trolleys and the Seasonal Beach Jumper will run regular service.
- Saturday, July 4:
- ECAT Administrative Offices and Customer Service will be closed.
- ECAT will not run regular bus, UWF trolley, or FlexTransit service.
- Pensacola Beach Island Trolleys and the Seasonal Beach Jumper will run regular service.
Normal ECAT operations will resume Monday, July 6
Town of Century
All Town of Century offices will be closed on July 3 and 4. Town offices will reopen on Monday, July 6.
ECUA
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will close all business offices Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Residential and commercial sanitation collections will remain unchanged. ECUA offices will reopen Monday, July 6, at 8 a.m.
Escambia County Veterans Services Holds Outreach Event In Molino (Gallery)
July 3, 2026
The Escambia County Veterans Services Office held an outreach event in Molino on Thursday.
Veterans Services Office staff members were able to help veterans with reviewing VA benefits, filing a VA claim, and re-evaluating VA disability.
Other organizations offering assistance to veterans also took part in the outreach event at the Molino Community Center.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Tournament Fundraiser: NWE 13U Bagging Groceries Today At Piggly Wiggly
July 3, 2026
The NWE 13U Chiefs are bagging groceries today, July 3, for donations at the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 97 in Davisville.
The fundraiser will support team travel to Monroe, Louisiana, to represent NWE in the Southwest Regional Cal Ripken Tournament.
Pictured: The NWE 13U Chiefs also bagged groceries as a fundraiser on Wednesday, July 1. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Big Inning Downs Wahoos In 16-6 Loss To Rocket City
July 3, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas in a marathon game by a final score of 16-6 on Thursday night.
The Wahoos started off hot. Cam Cannarella, Cristian Hernández, and Fenwick Trimble all reached in the first inning to load the bases for new-comer Brandon Compton. And Compton delivered by crushing an opposite field grand slam to give Pensacola a quick 4-0 lead. It was the second grand slam of the season for the Blue Wahoos and the second grand slam of Compton’s career.
After the first inning was played, the game would go into a rain delay that would last one hour and 43 minutes before the game would resume again. Once the field was ready for action, Rocket City grabbed two of those runs back on an RBI single from David Calebrese and a run-scoring single from Nick Rodriguez. That made the score 4-2.
The Wahoos extended their lead in the 4th when Cristian Hernández hammered a 2-run homer, his second straight game with a longball, to bring the lead back to four and the score to 6-2. This would be the last of the Pensacola offense for the night.
The Trash Pandas grabbed a run in the 4th thanks to a sac-fly from Jake Munroe and then proceeded to unload an 8-run inning in the 6th, punctuated by a grand slam from former Blue Wahoo Jake Thompson. This blast made it an 11-6 ballgame at the time, but Rocket City wasn’t done. They would put two more up in the 7th and three more up in the 8th to bring the score to a merciful 16-6. Because of the rain delay, Eliazar Dishmey, Pensacola’s starter, did not return after the first inning, meaning all 16 runs were allowed by the Wahoo bullpen. Colby Martin (L, 2-4, BS, 2) took the loss while Lucas Mahlstedt (W, 2-0) grabbed the win.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Friday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Jimmy Phillips
July 3, 2026
Jimmy Phillips, 66, of Uriah, AL, passed away on July 1, 2026. He was born on November 3, 1959 to Charles Andrew “Drew” and Maggie Roberts Phillips.
Jimmy worked as a debarker with Swift Lumber. He also had experience as a tugboat worker and a log truck driver. He enjoyed sitting outside with his animals, and spending time with family, grandkids and great-grandkids.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolyn Conway Phillips; his brothers, Charles Wayne, Donald Ray “Duck” Franklin, William Andrew Murray; and two grandchildren, Sarah Grace and James Robert.
Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Crystal (Trevor) Borders of Blythe, GA, Maggie Nichole (James Robert) Turberville of Perdido, AL, Sarah Michelle (William) Sheets of Huxford, AL, his brother, Jerry (Faye) Phillips of Vinemont, AL; his sisters, Ernestine Roberts of Atmore, Judy (Jamie) Peak of Pine Grove, AL, Myrtle Daszczuk of Elberta, AL, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Richard Daniels officiating. Interment will follow at McCullough Cemetery in McCullough, AL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Robbie Turberville, Andrew Turberville, William Sheets, Little Joe Boutwell, Karalynn Turberville, Greg Phillips, and Benton Turberville.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist the family with funeral expenses.