Clutch Plays Gets Wahoos To 4th Straight Win
August 24, 2026
They say timing is everything, and that was ever present on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. A well timed home run, a big time double play, and a home run robbery at just the right time were all ingredients in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 4-3 win over the Knoxville Smokies.
The scoring got started in the bottom of the second. After Brandon Compton extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a leadoff double to begin the frame, Ethan O’Donell took Dawson Netz (L, 6-4) deep for his fourth bomb of the year over the left field wall, his second homer in as many days. And while that was happening, Joey Volini (W, 2-2) was cruising, setting down the Smokies down in order in each of the first three innings.
The Wahoos had a major threat in the bottom of the third, loading the bases with nobody out and the meat of their order coming up. Juan Matheus struck out on a ball in the dirt. Brandon Compton was able to bring home a run on a groundout to the pitcher, but Dillon Lewis went down swinging after. Though they were only able to scrape across one run, Pensacola was in a good place leading 3-0.
After retiring the first two batters in the fourth, Voilini blinked for the first time, giving up a solo home run to Miguel Useche, ending his perfect game and shutout. Two innings later, the Smokies would tack on one more with Andy Garriola bringing home a run on a groundout to third and cutting the score to 3-2. Jaydenn Estanista took over after that and ending the 6th inning with the tying run on third.
The bottom of the sixth brought on a very welcome sight, as Brandon Compton led off the inning with his team leading 19th homer of the year, putting the Wahoos up 4-2. The seventh inning, however, brought pressure. After retiring the first batter of the inning, Estanista allowed a first pitch single. He then proceeded to throw 12 straight pitches out of the zone to walk the bases full and eventually walk in a run, making it a 4-3 game. With the bases loaded, only one out, and the go-ahead run standing on second base, Nelson Prada called for Mason Vinyard out of the bullpen (S, 1).
Vinyard had spent his last 22 games at High-A Jacksonville and was making his first appearance for the Wahoos since late May. With no room for error, he got Useche to ground into a 5-4-3 double play, ending the threat and maintaining the lead.
The top of the eighth saw another threat from the Smokies. Andy Garriola led off with a single, which immediately brought the go-ahead run to the plate. Edgar Alvarez, who homered the night before, crushed a fly ball to right that died at the warning track. With one down, Ariel Armas dug in. And Armas hit his ball just a bit further. A ball with home run distance, bound for Pensacola Bay. And then Ethan O’Donnell rose up and snagged it out of the sky, robbing a home run that would’ve put the Smokies up by a run, receiving an ovation from every fan in the stands and every Wahoo on the field. Vinyard then struck Drew Bowser out looking to end the inning.
In the ninth, the tying run got as far as third base, but Alex Ramirez grounded out to third, closing the game out in dramatic fashion. The 4-3 win was the Wahoos fourth straight win, and their 13th win in 15 games. They now sit at a 69-50 overall and 33-17 in the second half while the Smokies fell to 64-55 and 26-24. The magic number to clinch a playoff spot dropped to 14.
The Blue Wahoos have a day off on Monday before heading to Montgomery for their final series against the Biscuits.
Hot, Humid And Scattered Storms This Week
August 24, 2026
A hot day is on tap for Monday, with increasing rain and storm chances aas we head into the workweek. Any storms that develop will have the potential to produce strong wind gusts.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 89. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Herman ‘Buck’ Lee Stewart
August 24, 2026
Herman, better known as “Buck” to all of his family and friends, was born to Augusta and Earnestine Stewart on March 13, 1945 in Molino, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Augusta Stewart and Earnestine Stewart Dykes; paternal grandparents, Elvis and Eliza Stewart; maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Ard; two sisters, Carol Stewart and Sandy Madden; three brothers, Carl Stewart, Tim Jordan (Donald Ray), Tom Bunn (Thomas Earl).
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bessie Stewart; three sons, Charles Stewart, Chester (Tina) Stewart, all of Quinteet, Lee (Laurie) Stewart of Molino; two granddaughters, Whitney and Sabra; brother, Joey (Denise) Jordan; seven sisters, Jerlain (David) Folk of Earhart, South Carolina, Catherine Lowery of Molino, Florida, Rosie (Glen) Johnson of Georgia, Ann (Tracey) Ford of Cantonment, Florida, Alice Smith, Betty “Kay” Smith, and Linda (Greg) Baurer, all of Pensacola, Florida.
Buck was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ August 23, 2026 at the age of 81 years old. He was loved and respected by everyone he came in contact with.
He retired from Apec Construction 12-13 years ago, but he never stopped working. He always had something he had to do around the house, or if a friend called needing help with something, he was always there. Buck loved his animals! He had donkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and dogs.
Buck is going to be missed by everyone, especially Kay. He was always there to give her a helping hand when she needed it. He loved all of his family and worried about all of them.
A service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Ken Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated.
FDLE Warrant Details Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges Against McDavid Man
August 23, 2026
Newly obtained court records outline the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation leading to the recent arrest of a McDavid man on multiple child sexual abuse material charges.
James Thomas McDuffie, 49, of Highway 97A in McDavid, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on an FDLE arrest warrant charging him with 20 second-degree felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, two third-degree felony counts of possession of computer-generated child sexual abuse material, and one third-degree felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to the arrest affidavit, the investigation began in September 2025 after the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Investigators said Yahoo! reported that an email account associated with McDuffie’s phone number had uploaded multiple files of illicit content.
According to court documents, detectives tracked the account’s login history to an IP address assigned to a residence in the 10000 block of Highway 97A in McDavid. Because the activity was determined to have occurred in Escambia County, the case was officially transferred to the FDLE in May 2026.
An FDLE special agent stated in the warrant that a forensic digital analysis of McDuffie’s seized smartphone uncovered approximately 55 files depicting sexual battery and exploitation of both boys and girls, with victims ranging in age from one year old to teenagers. In addition to the real imagery, the report notes investigators found two computer-generated or manipulated files. The affidavit also states investigators found email correspondence linked to the suspect account discussing the material with other users.
During an interview with law enforcement, McDuffie acknowledged viewing and receiving illicit files through email and links from an overseas image platform, according to the report. Investigators said McDuffie claimed people sent him the images after he posted online about his own past personal trauma. The affidavit notes that McDuffie denied ever harming or molesting any children.
McDuffie remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $230,000.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate Holds Nearly Steady At 5.1%
August 23, 2026
The latest data released on Friday by the Florida Department of Commerce shows the Escambia County unemployment rate nearly steady over the previous month.
The Escambia County unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, a slight increase from 5.0% one month ago. The net increase for the year stood at 700 jobs.
The labor force was 241,625, down 1,808 (-0.7 percent) over the year. There were 12,276 unemployed residents in the region.
The professional and business services (+1.2%); other services (+1.1%); and trade, transportation, and utilities (+0.3%) industries grew as fast or faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.
Florida’s statewide unemployment stood at 4.6%. This reflects a 0.1% drop, with an estimated 515,000 out-of-work Floridians out of a labor force numbering 11.1 million.
Middle 90s Today, A Few Isolated Showers
August 23, 2026
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Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind.
Sunday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Monday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Increasing clouds, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 89. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Bonus Gallery: Tate Cheerleaders, Lil’ Aggies, Showband, Fans, And More
August 23, 2026
High school football Week 1 was a big one Friday night at Tate High’s Pete Gindl Stadium with the cheerleaders, Lil’ Aggies cheerleaders, the Showband of the South, student section, fans and more.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
High School Open Houses Monday; Middle Schools On Thursday
August 23, 2026
Open house events will be held this week for all middle and high schools in Escambia County.
Open house for all high schools will be held on Monday, August 24, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Open house for all middle schools will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Information from Escambia County Public Schools.
Bonus Photos: Northview, Cheerleaders, Band, Fans, And More
August 23, 2026
Thursday night was the season opener at home for the Northview Chiefs.
- For a gallery with the band, cheerleaders, fans, and more, click here.
- For the game recap and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekly Roundup: Florida Voters Look For ‘Something Different’
August 23, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
There were few surprises from the voters out of the primary in Florida on Tuesday, but one stood out nationally and immediately put a new narrative on the midterms.
Heads were scratched over Florida’s emergency management director’s 24-hour foray into politics which ended with a new emergency management director.
Even more stunning, a one-time Capitol ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis was arrested and removed from office following his arrest on alleged sexual abuse charges.
CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE
As most expected, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds fended off challenges from 10 other Republicans in Tuesday’s primary to carry his party’s nomination for governor into the general election, while former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, the former Republican, easily defeated five other Democrats.
That wasn’t the case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, where Alexander Vindman, who gained national prominence as the National Security Council official who served as a key witness in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, spent the campaign looking towards incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Tampa.
Instead, Democratic voters were more attuned to affordability message from state Rep. Angie Nixon, a Democratic socialist from Jacksonville, who landed a double-digit victory after being outspent by a roughly 10-to-1 margin.
“They are ready for something different, and they all want the same thing,” Nixon said Wednesday during an appearance on News4JAX. “They want someone to cut through the noise, someone who is going to put forth a platform that can actually improve their quality of life.”
Republicans quickly set out to paint every Democrat as a fellow traveler with the progressive Nixon, highlighting her taking to the House floor with a bullhorn this spring to decry the mid-decade redistricting of Congressional lines to help the GOP retain the U.S. House.
State Sen. Joe Gruters, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, put out a statement calling Nixon “an unhinged nut job who shouldn’t be anywhere near a position of power.”
And while Jolly already has a running mate, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, the GOP has already started labeling their opposition ticket ‘Jolly-Nixon.’
INCUMBENTS MOSTLY RULE
At the state legislative and Congressional levels, the primary was a good night for Florida incumbents on the ballot.
There was one notable exception: Republicans in District 7 ousted U.S. Rep. Cory Mills of New Smyrna Beach, who had a string of scandals, and elevated Ryan Elijah, a former TV newscaster.
Trump posted on his Truth Social on Wednesday that he “told Congressman Cory Mills of Florida, a friend of mine, to get out of the Race, but he wouldn’t listen.”
Discarding Mills is expected to ease concerns that the GOP could lose the seat in November.
In South Florida, Democrats sent U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Jared Moskowitz into the general election. Wasserman-Schultz overcame challenges from four Black opponents, all of whom decried her move to the newly drawn District 20.
Moskowitz defeated Oliver Larkin, a progressive challenger who hoped to build off insurgent campaign victories against establishment favorites in other states.
RUNNING MATE TO HOOSIER
Kevin Guthrie, who had been the director of emergency management since early 2021, was announced as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins’ running mate on Monday, a decision made apparently without DeSantis’ consent.
Before the results were in that the Collins-Guthrie ticket would finish second to Donalds by nearly 23 percentage points, Guthrie was out of a job.
“If people want to choose politics, more power to them,” DeSantis said at an event in Sarasota.
DeSantis said he accepted Guthrie’s resignation, adding that he “probably would have advised him (Guthrie) to maybe handle it a little bit differently.”
In a group text shared with members of the division, Guthrie acknowledged things didn’t go as planned.
“I knew my choice was a gamble and even a long shot. But I never imagined that I would lose my job for being added,” Guthrie wrote. “Regardless, no one can change the past. My only regret is that I didn’t get to see the people.”
Guthrie added that he already had a job lined up in Indiana. “So personally, I will be ok,” Guthrie wrote.
DeSantis said Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue would become the Division of Emergency Management director while retaining his FDOT duties.
LAWMAKER TO INMATE
One year after being appointed by DeSantis as Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court and comptroller, former state Rep. Mike Caruso was suspended from the job by the governor after being arrested Tuesday on five felony counts tied to alleged sexual abuse of a involving a child under 12 multiple times between November 2024 and August 2025.
Entering a not guilty plea, Caruso said little during a brief hearing Thursday in an Orange County courtroom where he was denied bond.
During an event in Sarasota on Tuesday, DeSantis noted that Florida has passed a law to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles.
“I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children,” DeSantis said.
“If he is convicted, he’s going to be in for a world of hurt,” DeSantis added.
Prior to the appointment, Caruso, a Republican from Delray Beach, was a vocal supporter of DeSantis during clashes between the governor and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, on issues such as immigration enforcement.
STORY OF THE WEEK:
Pumping life into the U.S. Senate general election contest, state Rep. Angie Nixon, a Democratic socialist from Jacksonville, upset the heavily financed campaign of Alex Vindman.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Well, I’m definitely going to be doing state policy all the way till we turn the lights out.” — Gov Ron DeSantis, when asked Wednesday if he will campaign with candidates such as Republican gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds or continue to focus on state policy.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida