Baseball Hall Of Famer Don Sutton, Formerly Of Molino, Has Passed Away
January 19, 2021
Hall of Fame pitcher and former Molino resident Don Sutton has died at age 75.
“My dad passed away in his sleep last night,” Don Sutton’s son Daron Sutton said Tuesday afternoon on Twitter. “He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect…and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace.”
Sutton attended Tate High School where played basketball, football and led the Aggies baseball teams to two state championship games, one ending with a win. He was the Tate High Class of 1963’s “Most Likely to Succeed”.
During his career as a right-handed pitcher, he won 324 games, including 58 shutouts and earned the seventh place spot on baseball’s all-time strikeout list with 3,574. Sutton played over a decade with the LA Dodgers, and also played for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A’s and California Angels before returning for one last season with the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
“My mother used to worry about my imaginary friends ‘cause I would be out in the yard playing ball,” Don Sutton said in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1998. “She worried because she didn’t know a Mickey, or a Whitey, or a Yogi, or a Moose, or an Elston, but I played with them every day.”
Sutton also had a successful broadcasting career, working for major networks including TBS and NBC, along with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.
The Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino is named in his honor, and a portion of Highway 29 in Molino is known as the Don Sutton Highway. There is also a display devoted to Sutton in the Molino Museum in the Molino Community Complex.
“My heart is broken, hearing of Don Sutton’s passing,” longtime WEAR 3 sportscaster Dan Shugart posted on Titter. “Our first Hall-of-Famer, but so much more. I’ve never met anyone more gracious with his time nor more generous with his praise for that young sportscaster way back when. I have few heroes. I lost one today.”
Sutton was born April 2, 1945, in Clio, Alabama.
Pictured below: The display devoted to Don Sutton in Molino Museum and photos of Don Sutton will his son Daron Sutton. Photos by NorthEscambia.com and others, click to enlarge.
Local Publix Stores Offering COVID-19 Vaccines Beginning Thursday; Register Online Wednesday
January 19, 2021
Publix stores in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will begin taking appointments early Wednesday morning for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Starting Wednesday, January 20 after 6 a.m., eligible residents can access COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability beginning Thursday, January 21. Vaccination appointments are scheduled online only. Appointments cannot be made by calling Publix or the Publix Pharmacy.
CLICK OR TAP HERE TO REGISTER.
The following persons are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, by appointment only:
- healthcare personnel with direct patient contact
- residents and staff of longterm care facilities, and
- adults aged 65 years and older
A limited number of vaccines are available at the following local Publix stores:
Escambia County
- 13390 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola
- 5055 North 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 9251 University Parkway, Pensacola
- 5998 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- 2180 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- 1100 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola
Santa Rosa County
- 852 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze
- 1430 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
- 8244 Navarre Parkway, Navarre
- 4739 Highway 90, Pace
- 5580 Woodbine Road, Pace
Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.
You cannot make or confirm an appointment by making a comment on this story. You must follow the link above.
Pictured: The Public store at 2180 West Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
U.S. Marshals In Texas Nab Atmore Man Wanted For Teen’s Murder
January 19, 2021
A man wanted for the shooting death of a teen last November in Atmore has been arrested by U.S. Marshals in Austin, Texas.
Rodarious Tyrig Dailey, 22, is awaiting extradition back to Alabama to face a murder charge.
Just before 4:30 p.m. on November 27, 2020, , the Atmore Police Department received a 911 call reporting that one person had been shot at 163 Harris Street. Atmore officers arrived to find the 17-year old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body area, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks.
The teen was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital where he later died.
Witnesses told police that the Atmore teen was sitting in the back seat of a vehicle parked at the residence when a lone suspect entered the property. Police were told the gunman then fired into the car, striking the victim.
The shooting happened less than two months after Dailey was released on bond from the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center after being charged with five counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, six counts of theft of property third degree and give counts of theft of property fourth degree. Those charges stemmed from citizen complaints after personal items were taken during vehicle burglaries July 24, July 25 and August 4, 2020.
Heads Up – Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
January 19, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues for the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center remains accessible from 17th Avenue. In addition, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route. The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)- Crews continue road widening and drainage improvements.
- Motorists can expect nighttime intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Beginning Sunday, Jan. 17 crews will be working in the median. Lane restrictions will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- · Interstate Circle Pavement Soil Testing for Bridge Replacement over Eight Mile Creek- Drivers will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 22.
- · I-10 Routine Maintenance Operations between Mile Marker 5 (U.S. 90A) and Mile Marker 16 (west of U.S. 90/Scenic Highway)- Motorists will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 22.
- · Fairfield Drive (S.R. 295) Turn Lane Construction near N S Street- The eastbound, inside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 to 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22 for construction of a turn lane.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are slated to begin January 25, 2021. There will be no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until March 2021.
- U.S. 98 Utility Work from Palo Alto to Whispering Pines Boulevard – The eastbound, outside lane will be closed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, Jan. 29 as utility crews perform operations.
- State Road (S.R.) 89 North, S.R. 87 North and S.R. 89 Bypass Maintenance Operations- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions as crews perform construction activities along the corridors. Off duty law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Give The Gift Of Life: It’s National Blood Donor Month
January 19, 2021
The Escambia County has proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month to encourage residents to give the gift of life.
“OneBlood has served as the sole blood supplier for every local hospital in the Pensacola area, and the Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize OneBlood for their great work in the community,” said District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry. ”I encourage residents to give blood to help others in need.”
“When we teamed up with OneBlood this summer to encourage everyone to make a pledge, they were in dire straits,” Florida Senator Doug Broxson said. “People don’t realize they get most of their donations from students at universities. Universities being shut down basically throughout Florida really impacted them. What OneBlood developed was convalescent plasma, which we know has saved people’s lives in this area. My fear is that I’ll be standing here next year making a similar plea for OneBlood. We’ve got to stand together to do everything we can as citizens, as Americans.”
To find a OneBlood donor center or blood drive, click or tap here.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Remain Around 10-Month Highs
January 19, 2021
Florida gas prices are still hovering around 10-month highs, according to AAA.
The state average of $2.30 per gallon is slightly higher than last week and 10 cents more than a month ago. Despite that, drivers are paying 23 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon Monday in Escambia County was $2.34, up 17 cents from a month ago. The lowest price to be found in North Escambia Monday night was $2.33 at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers are still paying less money at the pump than they did this time last year, but pump prices have certainly climbed in recent weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The price hikes reflect the gains made in crude oil prices, which have been propped up by optimism that Covid-19 vaccines will eventually lead to more global fuel consumption.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Century Considers Approval For 300 Foot Cell Tower Next To The Library Or Showalter Park
January 18, 2021
Century is considering which of two locations to lease for a 300-foot tall cell tower — one directly next to the library and the other near Showalter Park.
According to the town, the tower will be used for AT&T cellular service, and other companies might lease space from Diamond Towers.
The two parcels owned by the town under consideration for the tower site are:
- A 0.698 acre lot directly south of the Century Branch Library. The tower would be located less than 50 feet from the library property, which is owned by Escambia County.
- A 0.68 acre area located on the northeast corner of the town’s maintenance building property on Alger Road, just across the railroad tracks from the playground at Showalter Park.
Diamond Towers is requesting a variance to the required 200 foot setback requirement for the tower.
At 300 feet, the tower would be about the equivalent of a 30 story building, according to interim City Manager Vernon Prather.
The town council is expected to vote on the tower location at their regular council meeting Tuesday night.
If approved, Diamond Towers will lease one of the two properties at $1,000 total for one year with an optional extension for one more year at $1,000. Once a tower is constructed, Diamond’s lease will increase to $1,500 per month for at least five years, with another $500 per month due for additional cellular providers collocated on the tower.
Pictured: This lot next to the Century Branch Library is one of two locations under consideration for a 300-foot tall cell tower. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
County Seeking Applications for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
January 18, 2021
The Escambia County Commission is seeking one representative to the Escambia-Pensacola Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to fill a member’s unexpired term through September 30, 2021.
The committee was established for the purpose of reviewing affordable housing incentives available within the county and to make recommendations concerning those incentives to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Pensacola City Council.
The board is seeking to fill ONE slot from one of the following specializations:
- One citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing;
- One citizen who is a representative of a not for profit provider of affordable housing;
- One citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing; OR
- One citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan
The committee meets quarterly with more frequent meetings while reviewing the Local Housing Assistance Plan and affordable housing incentives. Positions will be recommended to the board for approval in February.
Citizens interested in serving should complete an application available online here, or request a form via email at NED@myescambia.com. Completed applications should be forwarded to Neighborhood Enterprise Division/AHAC, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 200, Pensacola, FL,32502. All applications must be received no later than January 22 for consideration.
Community Health Announces New COVID-19 Testing Schedule
January 18, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida is changing their COVID-19 mobile testing schedule effective Tuesday.
Testing will be available as follows:
Cantonment Pediatrics – PCR (molecular) Send Off and Rapid Testing.
- Weekdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., drive thru.
- No prescreen required for send-off test.
- Prescreening and an appointment is required for rapid test. Contact the Ascension Sacred Heart call center at (850) 746-2684.
Brownsville Community Center – Rapid Testing Only
- Weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., drive thru.
- Contact the Ascension Sacred Heart call center at (850) 746-2684.
Community Health, 2315 West Jackson Street – PCR (molecular) Send Off Testing Only
- Weekdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., drive thru.
- No prescreening or appointment required.
For more information, call Community Health Northwest Florida at (850) 436-4630.
College Baseball Returns To Blue Wahoos Stadium On January 30
January 18, 2021
Blue Wahoos Stadium will host its first baseball games of the new year on Saturday, January 30 as Pensacola State College, nationally-ranked Northwest Florida State College, and Coastal Alabama Community College compete in a three-game day-long tournament.
“This is something special for each program, each team,” Pensacola State coach Brian Lewallyn said. “We’re all happy to be back on the field playing again. We’re so appreciative of this opportunity to play at Blue Wahoos Stadium. I know our players are super excited about it.”
The three-game slate will begin at 11 a.m. with Pensacola State facing Coastal Alabama. Game two will feature Northwest Florida State College against Coastal Alabama. The day of baseball will conclude with Pensacola State taking on Northwest Florida in game three.
Games two and three will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the preceding game. Each game will be seven innings.
Tickets are available now at BlueWahoos.com. General admission tickets are $10 and include admission to all three games. Active duty and veteran military members, seniors (65+), and children (5-12) receive discounted $7 admission. Admission for children under the age of five is free.
Face masks are required at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Guests may remove their face mask when seated to enjoy the games with proper physical distancing from other guests, but masks must remain on when moving about the stadium, when on the concourse, and when entering and exiting the facility.