Late Comeback Not Enough In 7-5 Wahoos Loss To Clingstones
July 9, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos nearly dug themselves out of an early hole, but couldn’t complete their comeback in a 7-5 loss to the Columbus Clingstones on Tuesday night.
The Clingstones broke a scoreless tie with a six-run fourth inning, capped by a grand slam from E.J. Exposito for his first Double-A home run.
That would be the only rough spot for Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 4-5), who set a career high with nine strikeouts over a season-high 6.0 innings despite the losing decision.
Clingstones starter Lucas Braun, staked to a 6-0 lead, was unable to qualify for the win as Tony Bullard lined a comebacker off his pitching arm in the fifth inning. Jose Cuas (W, 1-1) picked up the win in relief, allowing the first Pensacola run on a wild pitch but delivering 1.2 innings on short notice.
The Blue Wahoos mounted a rally in the eighth, as Nathan Martorella laced a solo homer to right field to trim the deficit to 7-2. Bullard lined a two-run double and Dalvy Rosario brought in a run with a groundout, drawing the score to 7-5. Elison Joseph (S, 3) entered with the tying run at the plate, recorded the final two outs in the eighth, and worked a spotless ninth to seal the 7-5 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Wednesday. First pitch from Synovus Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT (6:05 p.m. CDT).
State Warns That Subscription Scams Are On The Rise – Don’t Take The Bait
July 9, 2025
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning consumers to be on high alert for a growing wave of email subscription scams. Cybercriminals are targeting Floridians with phishing emails posing as legitimate streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and others, all in an attempt to steal personal information and credit card numbers.
“These scams look real — but they’re designed to trick you into taking the bait and handing over sensitive information,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “We want Floridians to recognize the red flags and protect themselves before they click.”
The fraudulent emails often mimic the branding of popular subscription services and will use scare tactics, such as claiming your account has been locked or payment has failed. The goal: get you to click a malicious link or share your financial information.
FDACS offers these tips to help spot a phishing scam before it’s too late:
- Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that look official but aren’t. If it doesn’t come from the service’s verified domain — like @netflix.com — don’t trust it.
- Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Reputable companies don’t send sloppy emails.
- Be cautious with links. If you receive an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or open the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.
- Beware of urgent language. Phrases like “Your account will be locked!” are designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking.
- Go straight to the source. When in doubt, open the app or type the website directly into your browser. Never click through an email you weren’t expecting.
Consumers who believe they’ve received a scam email or have been targeted by a phishing scheme can report it to the FDACS Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA
Escambia School Grades Released. See How Your Child’s School Scored.
July 8, 2025
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) released district and school grades on Monday, and Escambia County Public Schools maintained a grade of “B”.
In Escambia County, 86% of schools upheld or exceeded their performance last year. Warrington Prep, Navy Point and Global Learning Academy were “D” schools.
In the North Escambia area, Byrneville Elementary, Beulah Middle School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Northview High School each improved from a “C” to a “B”. Beulah Academy of Science and Ransom Middle School both improved from a “B” to an “A”.
Here are the school grades for Escambia County Public Schools. North Escambia area schools are listed first, and the entire list is in the graphic at the bottom of the story.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Beulah Elementary School — remained at B
- Bratt Elementary School — remained at B
- Byrneville Elementary School — improved from C to B
- Jim Allen Elementary School — fell from A to B
- Kingsfield Elementary School — remained an A
- Lipscomb Elementary School — remained at B
- McArthur Elementary School — fell from A to B
- Molino Park Elementary School — remained an A
- Pine Meadow Elementary School — remained an A
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Beulah Academy of Science — improved from B to an A
- Beulah Middle School — improved from C to B
- Ernest Ward Middle School — improved from C to B
- Ransom Middle School — improved from B to an A
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview High School — improved from C to B
- Tate High School — remained at B
- West Florida High School — remained an A
All Escambia County School grades:
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Escambia Commissioners, City Of Pensacola To Hold Joint Meeting On Bay Center’s Future
July 8, 2025
Escambia County and the City of Pensacola will hold a joint meeting later this week to discuss the future of the Pensacola Bay Center.
The meeting is set for 9 a.m. Thursday at the Bay Center.
County commissioners, city council members, and Mayor D.C. Reeves are expected to discuss establishing an Escambia County Bay Center and Environs Advisory Committee, and there will be an open discussion on the Bay Center.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Century’s Pediatrician Is Moving — But Only Across Town
July 8, 2025
Century pediatrician Dr. Marian Stewart will be moving soon — but only a few minutes down the road as she continues to remain a key part of pediatric health care in the area.
Beginning July 21, Dr. Stewart will see new and existing patients at Community Health Northwest Florida Century Adult and Family Care at 6021 Industrial Boulevard. Her practice’s phone number will remain the same at (850) 724-4054. The change moves Dr. Stewart just a short, 5-minute drive from her current location on Church Street to the west side of North Century Boulevard.
The move brings Community Health Northwest Florida’s adult and child care under a single roof in Century.
Stewart has practiced in North Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since early 1999 and joined Community Health Northwest Florida in 2017. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine after receiving her Bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida. She completed her residency locally, and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatrics.
Pictured top: Community Health Northwest Florida on Industrial Boulevard in Century. Pictured below: Dr. Marian Stewart’s previous office on Church Street. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Perdido Landfill Accepts Clean Concrete, Rock And Tile For Free
July 8, 2025
he Perdido Landfill in Escambia County accepts materials such as clean concrete, pavers, rock, and tile free of charge.
These materials are reused to create aggregate for building roads throughout Escambia County, preventing them from ending up in the landfill.
Materials can be dropped off at the Perdido Landfill, 13009 Beulah Road, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
File image.
FHP Continues Investigation After Man Claims Responsibility In Fatal Nine Mile Road Hit And Run
July 8, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate a fatal hit-and-run crash on June 20 on Nine Mile Road. However, no charges have been filed to date, despite the surrender of a man who claimed to be responsible.
The crash occurred around 4 a.m. on East Nine Mile Road at University Parkway.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that an unidentified man, later positively identified as a 41-year-old from Cocoa, Florida, was struck in a crosswalk while attempting to cross Nine Mile Road. He was hit by an unknown make and model white SUV traveling eastbound. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Baptist Hospital.
The white SUV fled the scene without stopping to render aid or report the crash, according to troopers. The 34-year-old male suspected hit-and-run driver was identified and turned himself in to the Florida Highway Patrol the same evening. The suspected hit-and-run vehicle was also located and is in the possession of FHP investigators.
“We are still in an open investigation,” FHP Captain Jason King told NorthEscambia.com on Monday afternoon. “We have to confirm or deny the man’s claims that he was the driver. We just have to be 1000% sure before we press charges.”
Driver’s License Driving Exams Available Saturday, July 12 During Special Event
July 8, 2025
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours on Saturday, July 12 for driver’s license driving exams for new drivers.
The exams will be offered at the Brentwood office at 5045 N Palafox Street.
Click here to request an appointment.
Appointments are for first time drivers who are residents of Escambia County and who are taking the test for the first time.
File photo.
FHP Identifies Driver in Double Fatal Perdido Key Crash As Off-Duty Deputy
July 7, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed Monday afternoon that an off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy struck and killed two pedestrians Saturday morning on Perdido Key.
“We can confirm the vehicle involved was an unmarked Escambia County Patrol Car with the law enforcement officer returning home from an off-duty job. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office employee was not actively patrolling nor on duty.,” FHP Captain Jason King said. “The Florida Highway Patrol remains diligent and focused on our investigation into this crash, as we are with all of the ones we unfortunately have to work.”
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Perdido Key Drive near River Road, when the unmarked law enforcement vehicle, driven by a 47-year-old Pensacola man, struck the pedestrians as they were crossing the roadway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pedestrians, a 20-year-old Hoover man and a 20-year-old Calera woman, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle driver was not injured.
No charges have been filed, as the the FHP investigation continues. FHP does not release names of those involved in traffic crashes.
Davisville And Gulf Beach Highway Convenience Store Burglaries Under Investigation
July 7, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two convenience store burglaries on opposite ends of the county that they believe may have been committed by the same suspect.
As employees arrived Monday morning to open the Marathon at Highway 97 and Nokomis Road in Davisville, they discovered an overnight burglary. The burglar smashed the front door of the business and took cigarettes and a bank bag, according to the ECSO.
The suspect was wearing dark clothing and a face covering.
The ECSO said the same suspect is believed to be responsible for another similar convenience store burglary over the weekend on Gulf Beach Highway.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.