Wahoos Find Diamond In the Rough In Blowout Loss to Shuckers
September 13, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 19-1 to the Biloxi Shuckers on Saturday night in their penultimate game of the regular season.
Blue Wahoos pitchers issued 12 walks and 15 hits, dropping a postseason tune-up in which several pitchers got low-leverage work and Ian Lewis Jr. became the club’s first position player to pitch in a game since 2019.
Despite the 18-run loss that now stands as the biggest blowout in team history, the 79-57 Blue Wahoos can still secure their best-ever regular season winning percentage with a victory in their Sunday afternoon finale.
In his Double-A debut, Emmett Olson (L, 0-1) struggled to find the strike zone. The lefty allowed a pair of runs in the first, issuing three walks, a bloop RBI single to Damon Keith, and a sacrifice fly to Eric Bitonti. He ultimately walked seven men over 3.1 innings despite allowing only one hit.
The Shuckers added on in the top of the fourth when Braylon Payne hit a three-run homer off reliever Justin Storm. It would be the first of two homers on the night for Payne, who also hit a solo homer in a five-run sixth against reliever Mason Vinyard.
The Pensacola offense couldn’t solve Shuckers starter Josh Knoth (W, 1-0), who worked 5.0 scoreless innings of four-hit ball to earn his first Double-A win.
Lewis Jr. took the mound in the eighth for his first professional pitching appearance with the score 13-0. He became just the sixth different position player to pitch in a game for the Blue Wahoos, and the first since outfielder Jordan Gore pitched in two games in 2019. The native infielder worked around two hit batsmen in a scoreless, hitless eighth, coaxing a ground ball double play from Dylan O’Rae to end the inning. In the ninth, he served up Andrew Fischer’s MiLB-leading 48th home run and then let in five unearned runs after an infield error extended the inning. Upon fanning Keith on an eephus for his first career strikeout, Lewis Jr. requested to keep the baseball.
The Blue Wahoos were spared from a shutout when Dylan Jasso hit an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth for a 19-1 final. Cristian Hernández was another offensive bright spot, going 2-for-3 with his 29th double of the season to tie a team franchise record set by Josh VanMeter in 2017.
The Blue Wahoos play their regular season finale on Sunday before they take on the Shuckers in the best-of-three Division Series on Tuesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Florida Government Weekly Roundup: ‘AI Is Only Going To Get More Advanced’
September 13, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
As political campaigns heat up after the Labor Day holiday pause, Florida leaders have upped their efforts against tech companies and terrorism.
SHORT CIRCUITS
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against the streaming service Netflix and announced a probe is underway into tech companies whose artificial intelligence products aid or abet crimes.
The lawsuit in St. Johns County, emulating a Texas lawsuit filed in May, comes after the Attorney General’s office the past few years has taken on OpenAI, Meta, Snapchat and TikTok. A lawsuit against Roblox, an online gaming platform, over its alleged failures to protect children from sexual predators, is also pending.
Regarding Netflix, Uthmeier on Wednesday claimed they violated state law by telling consumers it wouldn’t track and sell their data to advertisers, and that it’s keeping targeting children to keep them “tethered to the screen.”
A day earlier, Uthmeier, who is up for election, said he’ll push for new laws that put criminal penalties on artificial intelligence companies whose products abet in crimes.
Under his proposal, any company that owns, controls or distributes an AI product that participates in a crime is liable. Tech companies with “practical control” over the design, training, deployment and safety settings would be targeted, and face hefty fines, payment to victims, court-ordered monitorship and even suspension of activity in the state.
Uthmeier said he’s spoken with several lawmakers interested in the issue, but unless a special session is called, any legislation won’t be considered until the next regular legislative session begins in March.
He’s already investigating OpenAI for how the alleged gunman who killed two and wounded five at Florida State University last year used its ChatGPT product to plan the shooting.
TERRORISM
With little discussion, DeSantis and the Cabinet — Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson — quickly approved an emergency rule on Friday spelling out how Florida designates various groups as terrorist organizations.
“We’ve obviously been keen on this issue for a long time,” DeSantis said. “This provided an appropriate framework, where the state can take action appropriately to be able to defend the people of Florida against hostile actors and terrorists groups.”
The rule change, announced Thursday and approved in a teleconference call, establishes that the state’s Chief of Domestic Security, currently Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass, will notify the governor and Cabinet of plans to designate an organization as a domestic or foreign terrorist organization.
“I know there are imminent dangers to public health, safety, and welfare due to increasing risk from foreign and domestic terrorist groups and the emergency procedure under construction and consideration is fair in these circumstances because it is narrowly tailored and limited to addressing the identified danger,” Glass told DeSantis and the Cabinet.
The need for a process to impose the designation was part of 2026 legislation (HB 1471) signed by DeSantis.
On July 1, the first day the 2026 law took effect, DeSantis declared his intention to label the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the anti-fascism movement known as antifa as terrorist organizations.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee, contending DeSantis is violating the First Amendment and the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
TIKTOK NURSE FINED
An administrative law judge recommended the Florida Department of Health reprimand and fine a nurse who posted a TikTok disparaging former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
In January 2026, Lexie Lawler, a labor and delivery nurse employed at the time by Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, recorded a personal TikTok video in which she wished Leavitt, who was pregnant, a gruesome and difficult birth experience.
“As a labor and delivery nurse, it gives me great joy to wish Karoline Leavitt a fourth-degree tear,” Lawler said in her public video.
The video went viral after Chaya Raichik, a right-wing commentator who posts on social media under the moniker “Libs of TikTok,” disseminated it. Several Republican leaders also weighed in, including Uthmeier, who said: “The Florida Board of Nursing should yank this vile person’s license, immediately. She doesn’t belong anywhere near patients.”
Days later, DOH suspended her license with an emergency order for unprofessional conduct, which includes “using abusive, threatening or foul language in front of a patient or directing such language toward a patient.”
In his recommendation dated Sept. 1, Judge Robert Cohen with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings said the Board of Nursing should reprimand Lawler, fine her $250, undergo continuing education to include a course on social media use and, if available, pay back the costs of investigation and prosecution of the case.
Julie Gallagher, Lawler’s attorney, told the News Service of Florida she would be filing exceptions to the recommended order.
“We’re disappointed in the decision because the rule she was charged under required the foul language to be said in front of the patient or directed at a patient, and no one who was a patient saw it, and in our view they didn’t prove she said those comments directed to a patient or in front of a patient,” Gallagher said.
STORY OF THE WEEK:
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, as he campaigns for election, expands Florida crackdown on big tech companies over its accessibility and use by children.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“We’ve spent years working to help people buy homes. But buying the home is only half the challenge. We also need to make sure families can afford to keep the homes they worked so hard to purchase.” — Florida Realtors President Chuck Bonfiglio Jr., on his group putting $10 million into a political committee backing Amendment 3, which asks voters to increase the homestead property tax exemption.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
FDLE Arrests Cantonment Man On Multiple Felony Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
September 12, 2026
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested a Cantonment man on multiple felony child sexual exploitation charges.
Michael Anthony Hall, Jr. was charged with 11 second-degree felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, eight third-degree felony counts of obscene communication of child sexual abuse material, and one third-degree felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Complete details on the charges and allegations against Hall were not immediately available on Friday.
This story will be updated as more details are released.
Northview Chiefs Roll To 4-0 With Dominant 35-0 Win Over Port St. Joe
September 12, 2026
The Northview Chiefs made a resounding statement Friday night, proving their shift into Class 1A competition won’t slow down their dominant momentum.
Behind a relentless, multi-touchdown performance on the ground from sophomore Tyson Phifer, explosive downfield strikes from junior quarterback Caleb Levins, and a brick-wall defensive effort, the Chiefs blanked the visiting Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks 35-0 to remain undefeated on the season.
Northview set the tone midway through the opening quarter With 7:20 on tje clock, Phifer powered his way into the end zone to draw first blood and put the Chiefs up 7-0. The sophomore sensation wasn’t finished, showcasing his field vision and speed midway through the second quarter. At the 7:44 mark, Phifer reversed field from 45 yards out, weaving through defenders to wide open space for a highlight-reel touchdown to stretch the advantage to 14-0 heading into halftime.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
Look for a gallery with cheerleaders, Tribal Beat band, and fans by Monday.
While the Chiefs took a comfortable two-score lead into the break, they broke the game wide open midway through the third quarter. Levins dropped back and launched to senior wideout JJ Jacobs, who broke free for a 75-yard touchdown sprint at the 7:32 mark.
Up 21-0, the Chiefs refused to let off the gas. Just seconds into the final quarter, Phifer delivered the dagger, bursting through the defense for a 32-yard rushing touchdown at 11:52 to make it 28-0.
A little over three minutes later, Northview’s aerial attack struck again. Levins connected with Christian Fountain on a 32-yard touchdown strike with 8:35 remaining. The score triggered Florida’s continuous running clock under the 35-point mercy rule, sealing the shutout victory.
The win moves Northview to a pristine 4-0 on the year. Having jumped to the newly formatted Class 1A from the former rural division, the Chiefs have looked every bit like district frontrunners, outscoring their opponents by a combined total of 167-25 through the first month of action.
Northview will look to keep their perfect streak intact next week as they cross state lines into Monroe County, Alabama, to take on the winless Monroe County High Tigers (0-3). Kickoff in Monroeville is set for 7 p.m. Friday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Veterinary Academy Students, Mascot Sadie Visit School Board
September 12, 2026
Students and mascot Sadie from the Tate High School Veterinary Science Academy visited an Escambia County School Board workshop this week.
Teacher Rachel Veninga and four students highlighted the academy’s programs and accomplishments.
The Tate High School Veterinary Science Academy is a four-year career academy that gives students opportunities to explore veterinary and animal science careers while gaining hands-on experience each year as they build upon the skills learned previously.
Several former students are now veterinarians and veterinary assistants, or are working in animal science careers.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Parents Charged After 14-Month-Old Ingests Suspected Opioids
September 12, 2026
An Atmore couple faces felony child endangerment and drug charges after their 14-month-old child suffered an apparent opioid overdose last month, according to the Atmore Police Department.
Jonah Osborne and Amber Osborne, both age 32 of Atmore, were arrested this week following an investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Both parents are charged with chemical endangerment of a child, second-degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to police, officers responded on August 13 to a report that the toddler had ingested an illegal narcotic. The child was showing symptoms consistent with opioid effects and was transported for medical care. Following treatment, the child is currently reported to be doing well.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the family’s residence and established probable cause for the arrests. Police noted that while marijuana was discovered during the search, investigators do not believe it was the substance ingested by the child.
25th Anniversary Of 9/11 Observed At NAS Pensacola
September 12, 2026
Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, service members, local first responders, and community members gathered at Naval Air Station Pensacola on Friday to honor the victims and reflect on a quarter-century of vigilance.
The installation marked the milestone anniversary with multiple observances, bringing together both those who lived through the tragedy and a new generation of service members tasked with carrying its legacy forward.
At the Charles E. Taylor hangar, personnel from NAS Pensacola and the Naval Air Technical Training Command (NATTC) joined emergency personnel and civilian staff for a solemn ceremony featuring a reading of the timeline of the 2001 attacks and a moment of silence.
“For a quarter century, our nation has kept a solemn promise: we will never forget,” said Capt. Ronald Rumfelt Jr., commanding officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command, who served as guest speaker. “To never forget is not merely a slogan, it is an operational imperative. For 25 years, the men and women of our armed forces have answered the call born on that morning. Some of you may not have been born when our nation was attacked, yet stand here, entrusted with the task of bearing our heritage into the future, and keeping our solemn promise: we will never forget.”
Later in the day, the public gathered beneath the suspended aircraft of the National Naval Aviation Museum’s Blue Angels Atrium for a second observance featuring firsthand accounts from retired military officers whose lives were directly altered by the events of that day.
Retired Cmdr. Steve Scheibner, who was an American Airlines commercial pilot in 2001, shared the harrowing story of how close he came to being aboard the first plane used in the attacks. Scheibner was originally scheduled to pilot American Airlines Flight 11 before his schedule was changed on September 10, 2001. Flight 11 was hijacked the following morning and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
“I think all of us, if we’re old enough, remember exactly where we were on that terrible day,” Scheibner said. “That first television screen you saw is etched into your mind forever. It’s one of those moments where your brain takes a snapshot of exactly where you were.”
Attendees also heard from retired Vice Adm. John Totushek, former Chief of Naval Reserve and Commander of Naval Reserve Force, who was working inside his office at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building in Arlington, Virginia.
“God bless the brave people that fought fires and went into buildings and rescued people that day,” Totushek said. “God bless the military people and contractors who worked so hard to get the Pentagon back up and running in less than a year. And we’ll never forget. It’s up to us and our leadership to be ever watchful.”
The museum ceremony concluded with the presentation of a ceremonial wreath and the playing of “Taps.”
Photo by Ens. Anthony Aspenson/U.S. Navy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Aggies Rebound in Crestview, Roll to 28-7 District Win
September 12, 2026
The Tate Aggies improved to 3-1 with a strong 28-7 road win over the Crestview Bulldogs on Friday night.
The Aggies were coming off a low-scoring 6-3 home loss last week to the Escambia Gators.
The Bulldogs bit first to take a 7-0 lead, but you can’t keep the Aggies down for long.
Milton transfer Cade Pierce found Efidarius Bryant for the touchdown to tie it at 7. After a big interception from Kaden Poston, Pierce scrambled on a keeper for the TD to make it 14-7. Pierce then found Bryant in the end zone for another score to make it 21-7, putting Tate firmly in control on their way to a 28-7 Class 5A District 1 win.
Next week, it’s the annual “Summerford Bowl” as Coach Rhett Summerford’s Tate Aggies head across town to take on brother Wes Summerford’s West Florida Jaguars at 7 p.m. The Jaguars (1-3) are coming off a Thursday night loss to Bay, 54-20.
Pictured: Tate fell to Escambia last week NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
High School Football Scoreboard
September 12, 2026
Here is Friday night’s North Escambia area high school football schedule, along with a few scores from Thursday night games.
FLORIDA
Friday
- Tate 28, Crestview 4 [Recap story...]
- Northview 35, Port St. Joe 0 [Photos, recap story...]
- Choctawhatchee at Escambia (postponed until 10/1 – field conditions)
- Pensacola at South Walton 31, Pensacola High 12
- Pensacola Catholic 45, Carver Collegiate 0
- Pace 37, Wakulla 29
- Niceville 28, Navarre 23
- Fort Walton Beach 28, Milton, 0
- Jay – Open
- Central – Open
Thursday
- Washington 56, Gulf Breeze 0
- Bay 54, West Florida 19
- Williamson 19, Pine Forest 18
ALABAMA
- T.R. Miller 28, Flomaton 14
- Escambia County (Atmore) 52, Wilcox Central 6
- Escambia Academy 49, Munroe (Quincy, FL) 20
- W.S. Neal 61, Excel 24
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs beat the Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks on Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Whack 3 Homers, Arquette Extends Hitting Streak in 8-4 Win
September 12, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos kept their foot on the gas on Friday night with an 8-4 win over their future playoff opponent Biloxi Shuckers.
As was the case with the first two games of this series, the Shuckers loaded the bases and scored in the top of the first inning. Gabe Bierman got himself into trouble quickly, throwing 12 straight out of the zone to begin the game. Through a pop out and a couple of ground outs, Bierman was able to limit the damage to just the one run.
With two outs in the bottom of the first, Max Williams let the good times roll with a solo shot out to left field, his 6th bomb in 7 games. The 1-1 tie did not last long, however, as Biloxi regained the lead in the second with an RBI single from Dylan O’Rae.
The Wahoos opened up the bottom of the third with back-to-back doubles from Jay Beshears and Cristian Hernández, once again evening the score at 2-2. Hernández proceeded to steal third and eventually came home on a sac fly off the bat of Max Williams. The double from Hernández was his 28th of the season, tying him for second in the Southern League and putting him alone in second for doubles in a single season by a Blue Wahoo.
An inning later, Payton Green kept his hot-hitting ways going with an RBI knock, extending the lead to 4-2. Tristan Stevens took over for Bierman in the 4th inning and the Shuckers got to him in the 5th, with Damon Keith slamming a game-tying two-run job out to left field, his 6th against the Wahoos this season.
With Stiven Cruz (L, 4-3) on the mound for the Shuckers, Cristian Hernández hit a ball 112.1 mph 406 feet over the center field wall, putting Pensacola ahead 5-4. The seventh inning saw a two-run bomb from Colby Shade and the eighth bore witness to an RBI single from Aiva Arquette, who extended his hit streak to 12 games with the knock.
Following 1.2 scoreless innings from Jaydenn Estanista (W, 3-1), Jack Sellinger (S, 9) got the final 8 outs of the ballgame, wrapping up the 8-4 win for the ‘Hoos. They now sit at 79-56 overall and 43-23 in the second half. The 23 games above .500 is a season high for Pensacola. The Shuckers fell to 64-68 and 29-38.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Saturday night.
written by Charlie Hobert