Century Reopens Town Hall; Masks Required
October 21, 2020
The Century Town Hall has reopened on a restricted basis after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to the small lobby of the building is limited to two people at a time, and masks are required. Masks are available at no charge for anyone that does not have one.
“No Mask, No Service, No Exceptions,” a sign on the door of the building reads, while another sign tells maskless individuals to use the drive- thru window.
The drive-thru is open to anyone for utility payments and other town business.
Pictured: The Century Town Hall Tuesday afternoon, the first day in months that the building lobby has been open to the public. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Stadium Airbnb Rentals To Be Featured On NBC’s Today Show
October 21, 2020
The children led the way, toting bright-colored luggage while beaming with excitement, as they entered the Blue Wahoos home team clubhouse.
They traveled cross-country from Salt Lake City and Dallas with their fathers, who were brothers and sports fans living their own dream with the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb experience.
The eight-member group – two dads and six children ages 3 to 13 — planned the trip in June.
Inside, a veteran production duo from NBC News in New York had a camera and audio rolling. A perfectly kind of made-for-television moment.
The cameras captured the kids’ joyous shrieks. Showed the excitement among cousins who likely never imagined what they would find in a clubhouse area set up for a team’s next game. A Christmas morning type reaction.
“Oh my gosh, this is the best. It’s awesome,” said Michael Hutchings, a Verizon president from Dallas, who was joined by his brother Steven from Draper, Utah, where both men grew up in a community near Salt Lake City. “I mean, look at the kids. They love it.”
So did NBC.
The segment on the Hutchings’ family stay at the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb is expected to be shown this Saturday (Oct. 24) during a time slot from 6 a.m. (CST) and 8 a.m. on Weekend Today program. The NBC production duo of Bill Angelucci and Anthony McGowan filmed hours of video in two days last week during the guests’ stay.
They were joined by veteran NBC news correspondent Catie Beck, who interviewed the brothers and met with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer.
“It takes something special for a story to make it to this level and the fact this did is pretty remarkable,” said Beck, who pitched the story to NBC executive producers, after reading about the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb setup earlier in the summer. The Weekend Today program allows longer video feature segments.
“It just had all the right elements,” she said. “And it is sometimes really hard to strike that perfect balance like this has.”
Beck kept pushing for the story after various circumstances caused NBC’s team in the summer to cancel previous trips to Pensacola to film.
The Blue Wahoos made history when launching their Airbnb in late May as the first Airbnb at a sports venue in America. Since then, there have been 52 different guest stays at Blue Wahoos Stadium representing 23 different states.
The Blue Wahoos recently won Minor League Baseball’s Golden Bobblehead Award for Best Overall Promotion and Best Non-Gameday Experience during the 10th annual MILB Innovators Summit.
It occurred during a year when all of minor league baseball had 2020 seasons cancelled and operations shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Blue Wahoos were among the few in minor league baseball not to furlough or lay off staff. Instead, co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer decided to utilize the year to pivot into being an events company with the Airbnb as part of that portfolio.
“I think it just signifies how hard our team has worked to receive this kind of recognition,” said Bailie Tate, the Blue Wahoos group sales manager, who transitioned to manage the Airbnb experience since its launch.
“I hope it also brings more awareness to Pensacola and what the Blue Wahoos do for the community here,” Tate said. “The (Hutchings) families really exemplify the whole aspect of this.
“It’s the fun, family experience that we seek to provide whether we are doing it at a Blue Wahoos baseball game or with the Airbnb. The mission is the same.”
Tate worked with NBC’s Katie Primm throughout the summer to help ensure the visit could happen. After Hurricane Sally struck Pensacola on Sept. 16, the Blue Wahoos staff worked to restore the field and clean up the stadium area for events and potential Airbnb stays.
The Hutchings brothers learned of the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb through the national attention it received when launched in May.
“I heard of it on ESPN’s show, ‘Around the Horn.’ At the end of the show, they mentioned the Blue Wahoos Double-A team in Pensacola was renting out their stadium,” said Michael Hutchings.
“We have a group chat with others where we are always talking sports, so we threw it up there. And I thought this would be really cool,” said Steve Hutchings. “We had planned to go to Orlando during the kids’ fall break (Utah schools) this weekend (Oct. 15-18) so we added this stay to the trip.”
While at the stadium, the families were treated to a dinner from Blue Wahoos executive chef Travis Wilson. The kids played ping pong and the X-Box setup in the clubhouse.
They explored the playground area behind the stadium at the Community Maritime Park.
The next morning, the group enjoyed a catered breakfast on the field.
“It’s amazing,” said Michael Hutchings, describing their stay. “The way I had looked at this experience is that you will never get time back with your kids, so go for it. This is cool.”
It was the kind of experience that attracted NBC programming decision-makers to agree when Beck and Primm continually pitched the idea of traveling to Pensacola.
“No one has ever seen a family sleeping in a baseball stadium. So, if you have not seen it on TV before, it’s likely to get bought,” Beck said. “(NBC production executives) love a visual story, but this one also has an underlayer of hard news with the COVID pandemic, which is why you guys (Blue Wahoos) had to close (baseball season cancelled).
“It’s about being innovative as a business, but also you’ve got this warm and fuzzy part with the Airbnb and kids. So, it kind of has everything you look for.”
The Blue Wahoos will continue operating their Airbnb, which includes the option of the visitors’ clubhouse for larger groups, through the rest of this year and beyond.
The success has led to deciding how to maintain the Airbnb around the baseball schedule.
“It’s been a great challenge for us and a great opportunity to showcase what Pensacola has to offer,” Bailie Tate said. “What this Airbnb has done is shown you can still have baseball when there is no baseball. You can run out on the field and feel like a kid again. All in one place.”
by Bill Vilona, senior writer for the Blue Wahoos.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month For September And October
October 21, 2020
Northview High School has named Students of the Month for September and October.
They are Ava Gurganus and Cameron Patrick for September, and Kailyn Page Watson and William Anthony (Tony) Antrim for October.
Tate High School Names Varsity And JV Soccer Teams
October 21, 2020
Tate High School named their 2020-2021 varsity and junior varsity soccer teams Tuesday night.
Aggie Soccer team members are:
VARSITY
Calen Arnevik — Senior #6
Nathan Bailey — Senior #10
Owen Jacobs — Senior #2
Caleb Thompson — Senior #1
Logan Tyree — Senior #7
Zac Clary — Junior
Sam Megginson — Junior
Chase Mills — Junior
Cody Raiter — Junior
Joe Thrower — Junior
Alex Barrera — Sophomore
Javaun Bolden — Sophomore
Kyle Cagle — Sophomore
Riley Coleman — Sophomore
Jace Fryman — Sophomore
Doanh Le — Sophomore
Levi Penfold — Sophomore
Caleb Wise — Sophomore
JUNIOR VARSITY
Cooper McKinney — Junior
Gianlucca Valpara — Junior
Thuan Vo — Junior
Brayden Clarke — Sophomore
Sean Jensen — Sophomore
Jonathan Levin — Sophomore
Jaiden Odom — Sophomore
Levi Penfold — Sophomore
Jaxon Reedy — Sophomore
Ethan Sanz — Sophomore
Gavin Buris — Freshman
Kadin Macks — Freshman
Cole Menkhoff — Freshman
Micah Schelling — Freshman
Dal Songput — Freshman
Gavin Spiekermann — Freshman
Thong Vo — Freshman
Pictured: Last season’s Tate High School soccer team. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Names New CEO
October 21, 2020
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has a new CEO.
Sam Young came to Pensacola Habitat from Tilton Fitness in New Jersey, where he oversaw eight fitness clubs’ operations as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, Tilton Fitness was recognized by Club Industry Magazine as one of the top 100 health and fitness facility companies in the United States.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to join this amazing and critically important organization,” said Young, “Providing families a hand up in their quest for homeownership is a noble mission and one in which I am completely committed.”
Young served the Atlantic City community in New Jersey as the board chair of both the National Aviation Research & Technology Park and the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Young also served as a captain in the Navy.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry whose purpose is to improve communities through sustainable partnerships. Pensacola Habitat has served over 1,400 families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties since 19981 with the support of local sponsorships, donations, and volunteers.
Deadly Escambia County Deputy Involved Shooting Under Investigation
October 20, 2020
A deadly duty involved shooting on Perdido Key by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is under investigation.
The ECSO responded to an adult male threatening suicide on the beach in the 1300 block of Sandy Key Drive about 12:30 p.m. Deputies arrived to find the man with a firearm.
“Deputies attempted to talk to the male, at which time he opened fire on the deputies who returned fire striking the male,” the ECSO said.
There were no injuries to deputies. The man died.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded as is standard procedure in officer involved shootings.
Escambia County Collects 2.1 Million Cubic Yards Of Hurricane Sally Debris So Far
October 20, 2020
In the month since Hurricane Sally, Escambia County has collected over 2.1 million cubic yards of debris – enough to cover 337 football fields with debris stacked three feet high.
Contractors will make multiple debris collection passes over the next couple of months, and the final collection dates will be announced in advance.
Debris that was generated by Hurricane Sally should be placed and sorted on the area immediately adjoining the road in front of your home. The county has divided its jurisdiction into three zones and contracted with three separate companies to accomplish the debris removal in 90 days.
Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:
- Vegetative Debris (whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material)
- Construction and Demolition Debris (damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings and fixtures)
- Appliances and White Goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters)
- Electronic Waste (computers, televisions, office electronic equipment, etc.)
- Household Hazardous Waste (materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc.)
- Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right of way. Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines.
Do not place debris within four feet of:
- Mailboxes
- Water meters
- Fire hydrants, or any other above-ground utility
- Only debris placed on the public right of way will be eligible for collection until further notice.
In addition to curbside removal of debris for residents, drop off sites in Escambia County are accepting trees, branches and other vegetative debris.
Drop off locations are available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice for vegetative debris only:
- Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway
- John R. Jones Athletic Complex at 555 East Nine Mile Road
- Oak Grove Convenience Center at 745 North Highway 99
- Baars Field at 13020 Sorrento Road
- Lexington Terrace at 900 S Old Corry Field Road
- Park East at 1233-1235 at Fort Pickens Road
These are free sites for Escambia County residents with identification or proof of residency. These locations are only for private residential use only; no commercial debris will be accepted.
If residents would like to drop off construction and demolition debris, they can do so at the following locations:
- Perdido Landfill (Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Oak Grove Convenience Center (Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Pictured; Hurricane Sally debris curbside in North Escambia. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rapid COVID-19 Testing In Escambia Results In 10.7% Positive. Here’s How To Get Tested.
October 20, 2020
Partnering with Escambia County on rapid COVID-19 testing, Community Health Northwest Florida and Ascension Sacred Heart have now provided accelerated testing to Escambia County residents for two weeks.
In the first 24 days of rapid test administration, a total of 662 rapid tests were performed, with 71 positive for COVID-19, a positivity rate of 10.7%.
“On behalf of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, we are very pleased that we could assist our partners in bringing rapid testing to the residents of Escambia County,” said Steven Barry, Chairman and District 5 Commissioner. “Rapid testing is extremely beneficial because it gives someone infected with COVID-19 the information they need to start isolating and prevent community spread almost immediately instead of having to wait days for the information.”
Currently, rapid testing is available to Escambia County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals wishing to be tested are required to be prescreened by calling the Ascension Sacred Heart COVID-19 Call Center at 850-746-2684. Call Center personnel then schedule appointments at the most convenient testing site for the patient.
The test is available to residents of Escambia County who are three months of age or older. Testing is provided at no cost to the patient, thanks in part to a grant provided by Escambia County to its partners as part of the CARES Act. The Abbott rapid test is a molecular nasal swab that detects COVID-19 in 15 minutes or less.
Rapid testing is available at three drive-through sites in Escambia County from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Community Health Northwest Florida operates sites at Brownsville Community Center at 3200 W. Desoto St. and Cantonment Pediatrics, 470 S. Highway 29 in Cantonment. Ascension Sacred Heart provides rapid testing at their drive-through COVID-19 testing site at 5192 Bayou Blvd.
Community Health Northwest Florida and Ascension Sacred Heart are planning to expand the rapid test program to include longer testing hours per day and to initiate weekend testing. Community Health Northwest Florida and Ascension Sacred Heart are also planning to expand the program to allow individuals who have not been prescreened the opportunity to test.
Spin-Tacular Basketball Show – As Seen On America’s Got Talent – Coming To Molino Wednesday
October 20, 2020
Champion basketball handler Bruce Crevier and his family will bring their Champions Forever Spin-Tacular Basketball Show to Molino Wednesday night.
The free show for all ages will be at Highland Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Attendees are encourage to bring a lawn chair of blanket, and Kona Ice and the Chick-fil-A food truck will be there.
The Creviers are a family of 12 that were finalists on America’s Got Talent. They have traveled all over the world to 35 countries performing and sharing a message of hope. Featured in Sports Illustrated, Bruce is four-time Guinness World Record holder for basketball spinning, having spun as many as 21 basketballs at one time. he also holds the endurance world record for spinning one basketball for the longest time without a break — 22 hours and 12 minutes.
They have performed for NBA halftime shows and appeared on numerous television shows. Bruce and his wife Diane has 12 children that take part in the show.
DEA: Major Source Of Cocaine Supply To Pensacola Is ‘Knocked Out’
October 20, 2020
A major source of the cocaine supply into Pensacola and Northwest Florida has been “knocked out”, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Gustavo Adolfo Pareja, 26, of Cali, Colombia, was extradited to Pensacola by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida after an extensive DEA investigation.
Pareja is charged with two federal drug trafficking conspiracy charges involving large amounts of cocaine that are alleged to have been imported into northern Florida.
“An apparent source of supply for cocaine into Pensacola has been knocked out,” said DEA Miami Field Division’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. “Pareja is alleged to have participated in a highly brazen criminal scheme to open a pipeline into Northern Florida for illicit distribution that was shut down. Now, like others he conspired with, he will face serious federal narcotics trafficking charges as a result of his actions.”
Allegedly between January and August 2018, in both Northwest Florida and Colombia, former Master Sergeant Daniel Gould of the United States Army and Henry Royer, formerly of the United States Army and Army National Guard, conspired to distribute large amounts of cocaine.
Pareja is alleged to be the source of supply of the cocaine in Bogota, Colombia.
The conspiracy is alleged to have begun in early 2018 when Gould and Royer initially imported 10 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Royer traveled to Colombia with U.S. currency to use as payment. Gould placed the cocaine in a gutted punching bag and had the package transported to Bogota to be placed on a United States military aircraft. A few days later, the cocaine-filled punching bag arrived at Duke Field, which is an auxiliary airfield of Eglin Air Force Base. Gould and Royer distributed the 10 kilograms of cocaine in Northwest Florida.
Gould and Royer then reinvested the money from the first load of cocaine into a second load of 40 kilograms of cocaine. Gould placed approximately $65,000 in cash on a United States military cargo aircraft destined for Colombia as funds for the next purchase. In early August 2018, Gould and Royer returned to Colombia and provided money for the 40 kilograms to Pareja, their alleged cocaine supplier.
Gould and Royer received the cocaine, loaded the 40 kilograms into two gutted punching bags, and coordinated transport to the embassy before flying back to the United States. Suspicion was aroused at the embassy when packages were x-rayed, revealing cocaine within gutted out punching bags.
On August 13, 2018, when the cocaine was seized at the embassy, Gould had already returned home and was awaiting its arrival. The 40 kilograms of cocaine would have an estimated value in excess of $1 million in the Northern District of Florida. Gould and Royer have pled guilty to their involvement in the criminal activity and are serving sentences in federal prison.
If convicted, Pareja faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in federal prison. A trial date will be set before Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson in Pensacola.