Cantonment Man Takes The Chess Challenge To Homeless Camp Under I-110
August 2, 2021
Rafael Lopez of Cantonment loves the game of chess, and he is passionate about sharing that love.
Sunday, he set up his oversized chess board in what might seem like a very unlikely place — a homeless camp under I-110 in Pensacola.
Lopez was met by a large group of men and women that call the tent city home. It was hot, almost noon, when Lopez arrived.
“You could see the mood change instantly when we pulled up. Curiously at first, then once they knew we were there for good, many of them assisted me with putting the board together,” he said.
He supplied the pizza, doughnuts and water. And he gave away about 20 chess boards to those who wanted to play in the future.
“They asked me if I was going to come back and it’s hard for me to turn down a game of chess with anyone, so I agreed to another Sunday at the end of the month,” he said.
“The Chess Challenge” is Lopez’s charity. He said it will help the community by teaching better decisions through chess. He wants to create a “chess culture” in Escambia County and will fund a competitive tournament that will award a scholarship, cash or prizes.
“We brought a bunch of strangers at a homeless encampment together, and they were united through chess,” Lopez said.
Anyone that wants to help Lopez or participate in his next event can contact Lopez at RILopez818@gmail.com or call (850) 208-1996.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UPDATE: Pensacola State College Reverses Course On Excused COVID-19 Absences For Unvaccinated, Rescinds Mask Mandate
August 2, 2021
Pensacola State College has rescinded a previously announced mask mandate that was set to begin Monday August 2, and the college has reversed course on not allowing excused abscesses related to COVID-19 for the unvaccinated.
The mask policy would have applied to vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, employees and visitors indoors on a PSC campus.
In an email to students on Sunday (pictured below), PSC President Ed Meadows rescinded that policy, announcing instead that mask are only recommended, especially for unvaccinated persons. He also announced that only those who are vaccinated or exempted for medical reasons will be excused for any absences due to COVID-19 infections or quarantines.
Late Monday afternoon, the college announced that COVID-19 absences will may excused for any student or employee (emails below).
“COVID related absences are now being treated as all other illness related absences. Excused absences for COVID-19 are not guaranteed and students should work with their instructors regarding the possibility of making up missed assignment,” Meadows said in an email.
Here is the full text of the email from Meadows on Sunday:
Here is the full text of emails sent to students and employees on Monday:
Florida Gas Prices Remain Steady
August 2, 2021
Florida gas prices have seen little change during the past week. The state average of $2.97 per gallon is the same as last week, according to AAA.
That’s four cents per gallon less than a month ago, but 43 cents more than one year ago.
The average price in Escambia County was $3.01. In North Escambia, a low of $2.89 could be found at three Cantonment stations. In Pensacola, the warehouse clubs were at $2.81.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
It’s Still Hurricane Season, And We Are Climbing Toward The Statistical Peak
August 2, 2021
Now that we are in August, we’ve started the climb toward the statistical peak of hurricane season.
So far, 2021 is already on its way to being an active year. We’ve seen five named storms, including one hurricane (Elsa). Normally by August 1, we would have seen just two named storms with none of them becoming a hurricane.
As we get further along into August and September, storm tracks into the Gulf of Mexico become more climatologically favored.
The National Weather Service says don’t wait to prepare for the rest of hurricane season. Review your plans now, check your disaster supplies and know what you will do if a storm threatens our area.
Above: Typical August hurricane tracks.
Above: Typical September hurricane tracks.
Blue Wahoos Breakout With Big Win On Jay High Day At The Ballpark
August 2, 2021
The Blue Wahoos touted tandem, outfielders J.J. Bleday and Griffin Conine, made sure Sunday was a fun day — Jay High Day at the ballpark.
And maybe a well-needed one, too.
After what had been a rough homestand, both with weather and team results, Bleday and Conine put a charge into the mood by producing two big hits apiece and six runs batted in, as the Blue Wahoos busted out with an 11-3 victory against the Mississippi Braves in the final game of their series.
While the M-Braves took four of the six games, what occurred Sunday among an energized crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium left a good mood to finish the weekend.
“We want to just keep building off (Sunday),” said Bleday, who went 2-for-5, scored three runs and scorched the ball in four plate appearances. “We have been struggling.. We have been letting some games affect us, but today we did a really good job.. We came out hot.”
That started with Bleday’s lead-off single in the first inning, followed an out later by Conine’s two-run blast off a 99-mph fastball. The moon shot exited his bat and carried 441 feet over right center wall, bounced on the concourse, then bounded out of the stadium.
It continued Conine’s lead as the top home run hitter (26) in Minor League Baseball.
“This series (M-Braves) did a really good job of fastballs up every at bat,” said Conine, who was elevated a week ago from the Beloit Snappers, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate where he hit 23 homers.
“(M-Braves pitchers) all throw 96 to 98 (mph) and that is tough to get on top off. So (Sunday) I really put emphasis in pregame work with fastball machine.
“Getting one (homer) in the first (inning) was awesome. It was a lot of fun out there today.”
The enjoyment carried through the stadium. It was Jay Day at the ballpark, complete with Jay High School’s band, their cheerleaders and their principal all part of pregame activities.
They started the festivities, then the Blue Wahoos followed with their performance.
Riley Mahan followed Conine’s homer with a solo shot in the first. The Blue Wahoos then knocked out M-Braves starter Victor Vodnik with a four-run second inning, highlighted by Bleday’s 2-run triple.
Vodnik was strong in Mississippi’s win Tuesday in the first game of the series, but faced only 12 batters Sunday when pulled with one out in the second on Jay High Day at the ballpark.
Seven of the nine batters in the Blue Wahoos lineup factored into the scoring. The big boost came from the bottom of the order with J.D. Orr, Connor Justus and Galli Cribbs Jr. combining for five hits, six runs scored and they reached base a combined 10 times in the game.
After the Blue Wahoos game Friday night was rained out, the team ended a seven-game losing streak by winning Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader and followed Sunday with one of the top performances this season.
“I think (postponement) allowed guys to get some rest and hit the reset button,” Bleday said. “These last two games we won were a good area where we want to be at.”
Will Stewart, as he’s so often done this season, delivered a quality start on the mound. He worked five innings, allowed just hits, one walk and struck out six to earn his fourth win.
Four relievers followed. The Blue Wahoos turned three double-plays and new catcher Santiago Chavez threw out the M-Braves’ Justin Dean trying to steal third in the first inning.
In all, the Blue Wahoos got 11 runs on 11 hits. They will now head to Biloxi for a week-long series against the Shuckers at MGM Park in Biloxi, Miss.
His first week in Pensacola left Conine with a good impression of the crowd setting at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“The ballpark is awesome,” said Conine, 24, the son of Jeff Conine, a 17-year Major League player, two-time All Star, who led the Marlins to both of their World Series titles.
“It is really fun,” he said. “The fans are really into it. I know Beloit is getting a new ballpark (opens Tuesday), but playing in the old one, I’m definitely not used to the fan electricity and the buzz at the ballpark like here.”
It was Jay Day in a big way at the ballpark. The Jay HS band entertained fans outside the stadium before the game with various songs. The band then performed the National Anthem.
The Jay High varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads also performed before the game.
New principal Benjie West, a Jay graduate who took over June 4, threw out the first pitch. In addition, the Jay 10-under girls softball team was honored before the game for winning a state tournament championship.
by Bill Vilona, Senior Writer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Reported Century Battery Victim Dies; His Brother Recently Died After Being Found Injured Outside Bar
August 1, 2021
An adult male found injured after an aggravated battery call in Century two weeks ago has died. And he’s the brother of the man that recently died after being found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an aggravated battery report on Hilltop Road at Alger Road at 11:18 a.m. on July 18.
“A male was found with head injuries and unresponsive,” said ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard. “We are still investigating.”
The man passed away on July 28, 10 days after he was injured.
Family members tell NorthEscambia.com the victim was Chris Hunter — the brother of Greg Hunter, the man that died days after he was found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard about 10 p.m. on June 19 to find 60-year old Greg Hunter down in the parking lot. At the time, investigators said it was a homicide, and that he had been seriously beaten and left unconscious. But the Medical Examiner’s Office now says Hunter died of natural causes (click for an earlier story).
Southard said as of right now, investigators do not think the two incidents were related.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Health Department Announce Location, Scheduled Change For COVID-19 Testing
August 1, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is announcing a change in location and hours of operation for specimen collection for COVID-19 testing for all persons with or without symptoms beginning the week of Monday, August 2.
Testing will be available at the FDOH-Escambia Downtown Center at 1300 West Gregory Street every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Testing is available to anyone with or without symptoms. Identification is required, and a cloth face covering is required to enter the building for testing.
For an appointment, call (850) 595-6554. For questions, call (850) 595-6500, option 6.
Three Reported Injured In Kingsfield Wreck
August 1, 2021
Multiple people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck late Saturday night on East Kingsfield Road.
The wreck occurred about 11:50 p.m. at East Kingsfield Road and Stallion Road, about a mile west of Highway 29. A total of three people were initially reported as injured; none of their injuries were considered life threatening.
The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released any additional information.
File photo.
Power Outage, Railroad Crossing Closure And Heat Make For Miserable Saturday Along Nine Mile Road
August 1, 2021
A power outage, a railroad crossing closure and really, really hot weather made for a downright miserable afternoon Saturday for residents, businesses and motorists along Nine Mile Road.
About 12:40 p.m., a power line was reported down across Nine Mile Road near the railroad tracks east of Highway 29, between Palafox Street and Old Chemstrand Road. Unconfirmed reader reports indicated the power line was snagged by a boat being hauled on a trailer.
The railroad crossing arms were stuck in the down position during the outage. That, along with power line repairs, closed Nine Mile Road until about 4:30 p.m.
Gulf Power reported at least 1,270 customers in the area lost power.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bay Bridge, Highway 29, Nine Mile And More: This Week’s Construction Slow Spots
August 1, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2, and Thursday, August 5. The lane restrictions will begin at the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze and extend for approximately 4,500-feet. Crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure that remains under construction. In addition, there will be eastbound intermittent right lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 as crews paint barrier wall and install pier lighting.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound remains closed at Bayfront Parkway. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, August 1 through Friday, August 6 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit on West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane closures and traffic shifts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Monday, July 26, as crews perform paving operations.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, August 2 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers can expect the following traffic impacts the week of Monday, August 2:
- Intermittent lane closures and shifts 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The on- and off-ramps at the U.S. 29/Nine Mile Road interchange may be reduced to a single lane during the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Signage will be in place and traffic flaggers will be on-site to direct motorists.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Maintenance Work on the Eastbound Flyover Ramp onto I-10 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the eastbound flyover ramp on to I-10, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2 through Thursday, August 4 as crews make repairs to the ramp.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance North of the Langley Avenue Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures near O ’Charley’s 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 as crews perform underground utility operations.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2, and Thursday, August 5. The lane restrictions will begin at the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze and extend for approximately 4,500-feet. Crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola). In addition, there will be eastbound intermittent right lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 as crews paint barrier wall and install pier lighting.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts currently.
- S.R. 87 Routine Roadway Maintenance South of Burton Circle in Navarre – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 4 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: The Pensacola Bay Bridge on Saturday, July 31. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.