Northview Chiefs Take On Flomaton In Spring Game (With Photo Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Northview Chiefs and Flomaton Hurricanes met in a spring game Friday night in Bratt.
In the first half varsity scrimmage, Flomaton defeated Northview 28-6. In the second half scrimmage, Northview beat Flomaton 7-0.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies, Escambia Gators Meet In Spring Game (With Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Tate Aggie and Escambia Gators met in a spring game Friday night at Escambia.
In the first half scrimmage, Escambia defeated Tate 7-3. In the second half varsity scrimmage, Escambia topped Tate 27-7.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Picture Perfect: Krul Lake Is Refilled And Open
May 22, 2021
Krul Lake in the Blackwater State Forest is now refilled and in pristine condition.
The lake was drained for repairs to the drain pipe system and retaining wall, as well as upgrades and basic maintenance. The process to refill the lake started last week.
Krul Lake is filled from springs located on the north end of the lake and is popular summer swimming area. The Krul Recreation area, located about a half mile east of Munson (click for map), also features restrooms and showers, hiking trails, a gristmill, a suspension bridge over Sweetwater Creek, and a picnic area.
Pictured above and below: Krul Lake this week. Pictured bottom two photos: Krul Lake while drained earlier this year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pitching, Defense Lead Blue Wahoos To 2-1 Win Over The Trash Pandas
May 22, 2021
The Blue Wahoos already won a couple games this week on walk-off hits.
Friday night, they got an edge-of-seat win with their pitchers thriving on a tight rope of pressure.
Despite yielding 11 hits, including a home run, the Blue Wahoos beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas 2-1, amid an energized, sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
They did it with continued clutch pitches at critical times. And fittingly, closer Colton Hock’s glove made a big save on a bullet up the middle that Hock snared and threw for the final out, generating a loud roar of happiness.
“Usually (game like Friday), there are some double plays involved, some big plays, scattering hits, and that’s what we did,” said Blue Wahoos pitching coach Tim Norton.
They did all of that, plus more, in a win unlike any other, so far this first season as a Miami Marlins affiliate. The series continues Saturday and Sunday before a 12-game homestand ends.
The Blue Wahoos (9-7) turned four double-plays – three of those to end innings with multiple baserunners. A trio of pitchers combined to strand seven Rocket City (8-8) runners in scoring position. They also got some terrific defense, led by left fielder Tristan Pompey’s running, sliding backhand catch in foul territory to end the third inning.
Meanwhile, the Blue Wahoos got just enough offense on five hits. One of those was a no-doubt, blast over left field by Peyton Burdick to lead off the eighth-inning. It was third home run this week.
And it became the decisive run. The Wahoos go their other run in the fifth when Chris Chinea was hit by a pitch, moved into scoring position on Pompey’s single and scored on Lorenzo Hampton’s single.
Less than three weeks into the season, the Blue Wahoos pitching staff has collectively been a clear strength, save for a couple rough nights against Birmingham last week.
“We have some elite stuff on this staff in our rotation and in the bullpen,” Norton said. “We have some pretty good octane out there in the bullpen, so it’s a combination of good stuff, throwing strikes, catchers understanding what (pitchers) are trying to do.
“A lot goes into each day preparing for nine innings.”
It showed again with starter Jeff Lindgren battling his way into another quality start.
He went six innings without a walk, striking out three and overcoming eight hits by continuing to get game-changing outs to end threats.
“He’s got a good 2-seamer (fastball),” Norton said. “He is willing and able to pitch in. Obviously, his pitch is his slider. Guys can’t seem to pick it up real good.
“He sprinkles enough change-ups to keep guys honest, but it’s his slider that has taken him over. No panic, he is really composed. He understands he’s one pitch away.
“He feels like he can punch anyone out with that slider, so there’s no panic. He’s been doing a great job. He has probably been in four tough innings in the last 13 innings and he has escaped all of them.”
All of his attributes occurred Friday, followed by stellar relief.
After Zach Leban got his second hold with 1.2 scoreless innings, Hock followed in the eighth inning with two out, two on, and delivered a strikeout pitch.
In the ninth, he gave up a one-out home run to Torii Hunter Jr., son of the former Minnesota Twins star, struck out the next batter and ended the game with his fielding play on the mound.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Escambia Westgate School Class of 2021 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)
May 22, 2021
The Escambia Westgate School Class of 2021 graduated Friday night in a ceremony in the Washington High School auditorium.
Escambia Westgate school serves the needs of pre-K, elementary, middle and high school students with varying exceptionalities.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New 448 Area Code, Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Now In Effect
May 21, 2021
A second area code has been activated in Northwest Florida, and mandatory change in how you dial your phone is now in effect.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing will be effective for all calls, including local calls, for existing and new phone numbers in the 850 and the new 448 area codes. This includes landlines, cellphones and other devices.
“With Florida’s 850 area code running out of phone numbers, the 448 overlay plan and 10-digit dialing is necessary,” said PSC Chairman Gary Clark. “The good news is that Florida’s growing population and economy are driving this change. With today’s digital applications, programming 10-digit dialing into our contacts and devices is relatively easy.”
The PSC actually delayed mandatory 10-digit dialing implementation for three months—originally scheduled to begin in February—so that business customers in the overlay region had ample time to reprogram alarm systems and elevator operations.
Here are some other quick facts about the new 448 area code:
- Your current telephone number, including current 850 area code, will not change.
- You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. You can also dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511, where available.
- Telephone customers should remember to include their area code (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number) when giving their number to friends, family, business associates, and customers.
- Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 448 area code as a valid area code, and should continue to program 10-digit telephone numbers.
The 850/448 area code region consists of 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle, including the cities of Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Edmond Turns 103
May 21, 2021
Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment celebrated his 103rd birthday Friday. And he’s looking forward to reading your birthday wishes in the comment section below, or on our Facebook page.
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Emond, CWO4 USN (RET.), spent his naval career as a musician and band director. He was on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) getting ready to play morning “Colors” on his French horn when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Emond then walked to the conductor’s stand, picked up the baton and proceeded to direct the band in “Stars and Stripes”.
After seven years of playing horn, he became a Navy bandleader, retiring in 1968.
“I’m about the last one (Pearl Harbor survivor) left around here,” Emond said during a drive-by birthday party last year at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church.
He remained a music man; sometimes leading the music at Gonzalez Methodist and performing with the Pensacola Civic Band. The Guinness Book of World Records named him the “Oldest Musical Conductor” in the world after he participated in a 2019 Memorial Day concert.
Picture above, Emond is seen celebrating a few days ago and encouraging future Naval Aviator Eva Miller as she begins her time in the NROTC at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Miller, who is graduating this year from Tate High School, calls Emond “Uncle Frank” even there is no blood relation.
For photos from Emond’s 102 drive-by birthday event in 2020, click or tap here.
Pictured below: Scenes from Frank Emond’s 102nd drive-thru birthday party last year at Gonzalez United Methodist Church. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Armed Carjacking In Century
May 21, 2021
A Panama City man has been charged in connection with a carjacking in Century.
Daniel Jerod Brocklehurst, 31, was charged with carjacking with a weapon. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $100,000.
A resident reported an attempted carjacking in the 8000 block of Jefferson Avenue. She told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that an armed white male had approached her, demanded one of her vehicles and asked to go inside her residence. When she refused, the alleged suspect put on a black motorcycle helmet and fled the scene in a black Volkswagen.
As they were responding to the to the area, deputies saw Brocklehurst wearing a black motorcycle helmet standing in the front yard of a residence in the 800 block of Hecker Road. He resisted deputies and was taken to the ground, according to an arrest report.
Deputies determined that Brocklehurst had committed a carjacking at the home on Hecker Road. The victim said she was sitting in her vehicle when she saw Brocklehurst approach her from across Jefferson Avenue. She said he pulled a handgun from his waist area, pointed at her and demanded her 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis.
The victim exited the car and Brocklehurst entered, placing the gun on the passenger seat. He started to back out of the driveway, but pulled back in and exited the vehicle, the report continues. Brocklehurst then tried to explain his actions to the victim and her father.
A Ruger semi-automatic handgun with a live 9 mm round in the chamber was recovered from the front seat of the vehicle.
Brocklehurst was not charged with the incident on Jefferson Avenue.
NOAA Predicts Above Average Hurricane Season, But Not 2020 Kind Of Busy
May 21, 2021
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.
For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30.
“Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver lifesaving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms.”
An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which 7 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.
“Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. “The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the lifesaving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season.”
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Blue Wahoos Get Walk-Off Win Over Trash Pandas
May 21, 2021
His last time with walk-off heroics was Nick Lovullo’s freshman year in high school.
So you can imagine how good he felt Thursday night, after the Blue Wahoos second baseman hit a two-strike pitch in the right center gap, scoring Devin Hairston all the way from first base in the Wahoos’ entralling 4-3 comeback win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
It was Pensacola’s second walk-off win in three nights. Wow, indeed.
“It has been 12 years,” said Lovullo, remembering his prior walk-off thrill. “And it definitely felt great. Anytime we win it’s awesome, but especially when you come from behind like we did (Thursday) night.
Most of the crowd of 4,114 had stayed around when the Blue Wahoos entered the bottom of the ninth, trailing 3-1, and with only five hits to that point.
And then, drama happened.
Lazaro Alonso led off with a walk. Lorenzo Hampton followed with a single. Connor Justus, who nearly had a game-tying home run in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss, smashed the first pitch he saw down the third base line to tie the game with a double.
Hairston followed with a sacrifice bunt, which led to an errant throw that deflected off first baseman Ibandel Isabel’s glove.
In the split-second Justus had to make a decision, as he rounded third, he made a dash for the plate, but the Isabel recovered fast enough and his throw home was perfect to get Justus out
Up stepped Lovullo.
“Great at-bats by Alonzo, Hamps and Justus and good job by Dev. Everybody up front executed,” Lovullo said. “And for me, I was seeing the ball pretty well. He threw an 0-1 fastball, I put a good swing on it and I just missed it.
“And then he threw pretty much the same pitch and I was able to get a barrel on it and put it in the right spot and it was a pretty fun celebration afterwards.”
The win put the Blue Wahoos back above .500 at 8-7. The Trash Pandas have the same record. The teams will complete the full week series with games Friday through Sunday.
The game began with the Tate High baseball team part of the groups attending and Tate High grad Jay Bell, now Trash Pandas manager, greeting friends prior to the first pitch.
The Trash Pandas scored all their runs in the second inning. It was the only rough patch for Blue Wahoos starter Brandon Leibrandt, who had his best outing.
Leibrandt finished with four hits allowed, just one walk and four strikeouts in five inning. The Blue Wahoos bullpen trio of Jose Mesa Jr., Zach Wolf and newcomer Dylan Brice combined on shutout innings.
That set the stage for the Blue Wahoos ninth.
“It was a crazy ninth inning. Last couple nights has been a crazy end to our games. Great at-bats by Alonzo, Hamps and Justus and good job by Des. Everybody up front executed.
“There is so much talent in our lineup and so much talent on the pitching mound. Everyone believes in one another. Just because the results aren’t what we wanted early in the game, doesn’t mean that we are not going to get it later in the game.}
They did just that Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos Senior Writer
