Wahoos Keep Rolling With 4-3 Win Over Smokies
August 23, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos squeaked one out against the Knoxville Smokies, winning 4-3 behind two home runs on Saturday night.
Jacob Kisting got the start on Saturday night, making his third career start at Double-A. Knoxville utilized some small ball off of Kisting in the top of the first, with Kane Kepley drawing a leadoff walk, stealing second, and advancing to third on a groundout to the right side. With Miguel Useche batting, Kisting spiked a breaking ball that skipped just far enough away from Connor Caskenette to allow Kepley to score from third, giving the Smokies a 1-0 lead.
Kisting, though allowing a base runner in each inning he pitched in, threw the following 3.0 innings scoreless, striking out four in the process. Pensacola knotted things up in the bottom of the fourth when, with Brandon Compton running on first, Dillon Lewis poked one down the right field line and into the corner, scoring Compton on Lewis’ fourth triple of the year.
After a scoreless fifth from Gabe Bierman (W, 5-2), the Wahoos found their power stroke. Ethan O’Donnell led off the inning by taking Smokies starter Brooks Caple (L, 4-4) deep to dead center, his third big fly of the year. Two batters later, Fenwick Trimble sent a solo shot out to left, his 15th of the season and his second since coming off the injured list last week.
But, the rally wasn’t finished. With two outs, Juan Matheus sent a double deep into left-center field and eventually came around to score thanks to a Brandon Compton single that gave the Wahoos a 4-1 lead.
After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Bierman was able to retire the following two hitters. However, Edgar Alvarez tagged him for a two-run bomb to right field, bringing the Smokies to within a run of Pensacola.
After that, Holt Jones was able to lock down innings seven and eight, working around a walk and a single along the way. That left the ninth for Jack Sellinger (S, 7), who pitched a flawless 1-2-3 inning to lock down his seventh save of 2026 and secure the 4-3 win for the ‘Hoos.
Juan Matheus extended his hitting streak to 10 games, a season high for him, while Brandon Compton brought his hitting streak to 13 games, the longest streak for a Wahoo this season. The win brought Pensacola to a 68-50 record overall and a 32-17 record in the second half. The Smokies dropped to 64-54 and 26-23. Pensacola is now a season high 18 games over .500 and hold a 5.5 game lead over both the Columbus Clingstones and Montgomery Biscuits. The Blue Wahoos magic number to clinch a playoff spot now sits at 15 with 19 games to play.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Sunday after noon.
written by Charlie Hobert
16-Year-Old Century Showalter Park Murder Suspect In Custody After Surrendering To Deputies
August 22, 2026
A 16-year-old wanted for a fatal shooting at a Century park is now in custody after turning himself in Friday night.
Keyunta Ewing, known locally as “Baby K,” surrendered to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Friday night. Sheriff Chip Simmons had announced earlier in the day that an active warrant for first-degree murder had been issued for Ewing in connection with the August 13 shooting at Showalter Park that left one man dead and another injured. Additional details regarding his surrender were not immediately available.
“Seven or eight people had gathered around for a fist fight, and after that fight someone left from the crowd and they pulled a gun and just fired several times into our victim, ultimately killing him and injuring another,” Simmons said.
Adarius Da’Shun Odom, 20s, known as “Daily,” was found with gunshot wounds in a parking area between a ball field and a playground. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim, Da’Quan “Money” Johnson, also in his 20s, arrived later at Jay Hospital with a through-and-through gunshot wound to the leg. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, according to Sgt. Melony Peterson. Both Odom and Johnson were members of the 2018 state championship Flomaton High School Hurricanes football team.
While there were no organized activities at Showalter Park at the time, youth football and cheerleading practices were underway nearby at Anthony Pleasant Park. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting coaches and organizers to halt practice and clear the park out of an abundance of caution, according to Century Blackcats Youth Football and Cheerleading. A wooded trail and footbridge connect the two parks.
“It’s certainly tragic that an individual would be killed, and it’s certainly concerning the individual that is involved felt the need to take this type of action and not have any concern about the safety of the other individual that was shot in the leg or anyone that might be nearby. We as a community should say that’s unacceptable,” Simmons stated.
Deputies also responded to a second shots-fired incident around 8 p.m. that same evening on Mayo Street, a few blocks from the park, where multiple bullet holes were discovered in a residence. Simmons indicated investigators believe the home has a connection to the shooter and that the gunfire was retaliatory.
Funeral services for Odom will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Flomaton High School Auditorium, preceded by a 10 a.m. visitation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Left Turn Lane Opens From Mobile Highway To West Nine Mile Road
August 22, 2026
A new turn lane has opened from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to West Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A).
The Florida Department of Transportation reminds drivers that inside lane closures may occur on U.S. 90A between Western Way Drive and Tower Ridge Road as crews construct an inside turn lane and directional median crossover at Field Creek Drive.
This work is part of a $2.8 million resurfacing project on West Nine Mile Road from the Perdido River Bridge to Beulah Road. Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
Click graphic to enlarge.
Mostly Sunny And Hot, Middle 90s For The Weekend
August 22, 2026
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Aggies Overpower Marianna 40-13 (With Photo Gallery)
August 22, 2026
The Tate Aggies dominated the Marianna Bulldogs 40-13 Friday night at home on Carl Madison Field, rolling to victory in the first meeting between the two programs in nearly six decades.
Following a 30-minute lightning delay, the Aggie offense ignited immediately. Just three minutes into the opening frame, senior quarterback Cade Pierce—a transfer from Milton—connected with Efidarius Bryant to put Tate on the big video board. The Pierce-to-Bryant combination struck again minutes later on a long scoring strike to stretch the lead to 14-0. Tate kept its foot on the gas as Pierce found Brayden Allen for another aerial touchdown, building a commanding 21-0 cushion before the first quarter even wrapped up.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
Look for galleries with cheerleaders, Lil’ Aggies cheerleaders, the Showband of the South, student section and fans by Monday.
Marianna answered before the break with a short goal-line plunge to cut the deficit to 21-6 at halftime, but the Bulldogs could not halt Tate’s momentum as the Aggies pulled away to secure the 40-13 win.
Next Friday night, Tate (1-0) hits the road for a matchup against the Milton Panthers (0-1). Milton enters the contest looking to rebound after suffering a 20-0 shutout loss at the hands of Pensacola Catholic on Friday night.
Pictured above and first below: Brayden Allen with a reception and touchdown for the Aggies. Pictured second below: QB Cade Pierce with a pass. Pictured bottom: A Marianna interception at the goal line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Celebration Of Life Service Held For Century Murder Victim
August 22, 2026
A celebration of life service was held Saturday for Adarius Da’Shun Odom, the man shot and killed August 13 at Showalter Park in Century.
Many friends and family members dressed in Flomaton Hurricane Green to honor Odom, nicknamed “Daily,” during a the funeral service in the Flomaton High Auditorium.
Odom was a member of the 2018 Flomaton Hurricanes team that beat Piedmont 23-12 to win the Class 3A state championship in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, the first trip to a state championship game in nearly 100 years.
Friday night, the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office arrested a 16-year-old in connection with the murder.
Pictured: Adarius Da’Shun Odom with receptions for Flomaton as the Hurricanes won the 2018 Class 3A state championship in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
U.S. Attorney, Sheriff Host Internet Safety Event On Nine Mile Road
August 22, 2026
United States Attorney John P. Heekin hosted a community outreach event on internet safety on Thursday evening at the Hadji Shriners Temple on Nine Mile Road. The presentation focused on raising awareness
about the dangers children face online and providing parents and guardians with actionable steps to help protect their families.
Heekin was joined by Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, along with representatives from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Gulf Coast Kids’ House, and more.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
August 22, 2026
Here are this week’s high school football scores from across the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
Friday, August 21
- Tate 40, Marianna 13 [Story, photos...]
- Jay 35, Baker 6
- Walton 52, West Florida 7
- South Walton 50, Gulf Breeze 0
- Washington 27, Pine Forest 26
- Fort Walton Beach 41, Pensacola 6
- Central 37, Graceville 6
- Pace 41, Fairhope 0
- Florida High 37, Navarre 13
Thursday, August 20
- Northview 40, Rocky Bayou 6 [Story, photos...]
- Pensacola Catholic 20, Milton 0
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 30 Sweetwater 0
- Escambia County (Atmore) 60, Elberta 0
- Orange Beach 24, T.R. Miller 14
- Bullock County 27, W.S. Neal, 10
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat Marianna 40-13 on Friday night at Tate. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Four-Run Fifth Lifts Wahoos To Electric Win Over Knoxville
August 22, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos waited out another two-hour weather delay on Friday night, but rewarded their patient fans with a 6-3 victory over the Knoxville Smokies for their 11th win in their past 13 games.
After enduring a suspended game on Tuesday, a rainout on Wednesday, and a two-hour delay on Thursday, weather got in the way once again. This time, the threat of lightning pushed the start time from 6:05 to 8:00.
Once the game began, the Smokies jumped ahead 1-0 right away in the first against Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (W, 3-4) thanks to a leadoff walk and a bloop RBI single from Arial Armas. They scored two more in the fourth on an Edgar Alvarez RBI single and Carter Trice RBI double.
The Blue Wahoos began their comeback in the bottom of the fourth with a Juan Matheus solo homer, and pounced on reliever Grayson Moore (L, 1-2) in the fifth. Colby Shade doubled, stole third, and scored on an Adrian Santana RBI infield single. After an Aiva Arquette single and a double steal, Brandon Compton put the Blue Wahoos ahead with a two-out, two-run double. Ethan O’Donnell then brought home Compton with an RBI single for a 5-3 lead.
For Compton, the double marked his 11th in 17 August games, becoming just the fifth Blue Wahoos player in franchise history to hit that many two-baggers in a month and the first since Troy Johnston in July 2023. The hit also extended his hitting streak to 12 games, tying him with Cam Cannarella for the longest streak for the club this season.
In the seventh, Santana reached on an error and scored on a well-placed safety squeeze bunt single from Matheus for a 6-3 lead.
The Pensacola bullpen took things from there, with Logan Whitaker contributing 1.2 scoreless innings and Nigel Belgrave (S, 
getting the final seven outs to earn his team-leading eighth save.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos remained 4.5 games ahead of the Montgomery Biscuits with 20 games remaining in the regular season as they pursue a second half South Division title and a date with the reeling Shuckers in the playoffs.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Saturday night.
written by Erik Bremer
State Awards Century $75,000 Grant To Map, Analyze Town Water System
August 21, 2026
The Town of Century has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to create a comprehensive hydraulic model of its municipal drinking water system.
The funding is part of nearly $8.8 million in infrastructure and planning grants awarded on Thursday by Governor Ron DeSantis to small and rural communities across Northwest Florida. Century’s award comes through the state’s Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program, administered by FloridaCommerce.
A hydraulic model serves as a computerized mathematical simulation—essentially a digital twin—of the town’s entire water network, including pipes, pumps, storage tanks, and valves.
The digital model will allow engineers and town officials to simulate how water moves throughout the underground system under various everyday demands and extreme conditions, identifying potential pressure issues or capacity limits without having to experiment directly on the town’s physical infrastructure.
The Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program assists local governments in developing strategic plans, addressing local infrastructure needs, and improving community resiliency.
Pictured top: Century Mayor Ben Boutwell (right) with a DeSantis staff member Thursday morning in Bonifay. Pictured below: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a grant announcement Thursday in Bonifay, where he awarded nearly $8.8 million to Northwest Florida rural communities. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
